The Metropolitan Governor had practically rolled his way over at breakneck speed.
"Young Master Shen, those officers were utterly ignorant and disturbed you and the Princess. This official deserves the gravest punishment."
The Metropolitan Governor felt he had suffered an undeserved calamity.
He had been happily accompanying his wife and children to the lantern festival when he was ordered to roll his way to Young Master Shen.
Rolling all the way... he had been utterly humiliated...
"According to the laws of Da Qi, how should those who harm others without cause be punished?"
Without his heavy cloak, Shen Qingping looked rather pale, his voice laced with a chilling edge.
"If the injury is minor, fifty public lashes."
"If the injury is severe or results in death, the punishment is more severe."
The Metropolitan Governor had the laws of Da Qi memorized by heart.
Yet the next moment, Shen Qingping smiled—a smile that sent shivers down one's spine.
"So just because of a marriage contract, beating someone becomes legal?"
Shen Qingping found it utterly ridiculous.
"Today, the woman who was beaten said she had reported it to the authorities, yet I see the man hasn’t faced the slightest punishment. How... do the laws of Da Qi mean nothing to you?"
"This official wouldn’t dare!" With such a heavy accusation weighing on him, the Metropolitan Governor felt his head might as well be unsteady.
"It was this official’s oversight. In the future, such cases will be dealt with strictly."
The Metropolitan Governor’s declaration reached the ears of the surrounding commoners, stirring their hearts.
"A marriage contract is one thing, the law is another. Unless Da Qi no longer needs women, the two must never be conflated." Shen Qingping’s words rang out far and wide. "If I see this happen again, I’ll take your official hat and give it to a dog to wear."
"As for the officers who handled that woman’s report, administer a hundred lashes in public."
A hundred lashes... that would be the death of those officers.
But the Metropolitan Governor couldn’t spare a thought for them, merely nodding frantically in agreement.
Only after Shen Qingping had left did the Metropolitan Governor dare raise his head.
"Your Excellency, are you alright?"
"I am not alright!" The Metropolitan Governor wobbled as he stood. "How could they neglect their duties like this? Someone was beaten to such a state, and they did nothing?"
"Your Excellency, they probably assumed it was just a marital dispute... that they’d reconcile by nightfall..."
The Metropolitan Governor jabbed a furious finger at his subordinate. "Drag those men out for the flogging immediately. Never let this happen again."
......
Qin Prince's Mansion.
"Who dared upset my precious Princess?"
Song Yu looked at Song Shihuan’s visibly downcast expression, a shadow flickering in his eyes, though his smile remained gentle.
Song Shihuan pouted and recounted the entire incident to Song Yu.
She wanted to tattle too!
Song Yu tugged playfully at the girl’s hair ribbon before pinching her cheek affectionately.
"Tomorrow, I’ll have Liuxi spread the word far and wide—let all of Da Qi see the consequences of striking one’s wife. With such a deterrent, if any woman is beaten again, the punishment will be severe." Song Yu’s voice was tender as could be.
Song Shihuan nodded.
So this was how good it felt to complain.
No wonder Father always went to the palace to tattle to the Emperor.
"Father, you didn’t go to the lantern festival tonight."
Song Shihuan glanced at the books on Song Yu’s desk, her heart aching. She had been out enjoying herself, yet Father still had to patiently comfort her upon her return.
"With such dashing looks, if I went out, wouldn’t I enchant every woman in sight?"
Song Shihuan couldn’t help but laugh.
On the way back to her courtyard, the old matron chuckled.
"Princess, this old servant has served His Highness for decades, yet this is the first time I’ve seen him so patient in comforting someone."
He wouldn’t tolerate the slightest grievance for the Princess.
......
Prince Qi's Mansion.
The main courtyard’s door was kicked open by Prince Qi, startling the Princess of Qi into rigidity. "Your Highness is here."
"I’m staying here tonight."
Prince Qi, reeking of alcohol, dismissed all the servants with a slurred command.
"I know you resent me, but as long as you hold the title of Princess of Qi, you must fulfill your duty." Prince Qi’s words were thick with intoxication. "Bear me a legitimate heir, and we’ll coexist peacefully. When I ascend the throne, you’ll still be Empress."
"Your Highness should visit the other courtyards instead."
Slap!
A sharp blow landed on the Princess of Qi’s face, leaving a vivid handprint.
"Don’t push your luck. I will have a legitimate heir."
Prince Qi’s rage flared. "If you refuse, then petition His Majesty to strip you of your title. But remember—if you do, Xiyao will only ever be a bastard. The choice is yours."
The wooden bed creaked incessantly.
Prince Qi, as if possessed, took the Princess of Qi again and again.
Gazing at her tear-streaked face, he gripped her chin. "Now, the fate of Xiyao and me rests in your womb."
The next morning, Prince Qi strode away without a backward glance.
"Mother!"
Song Xiyao stared at the ashen-faced Princess of Qi, her voice trembling with fear.
"Don’t be afraid, Xiyao."
The Princess of Qi pulled her daughter into an embrace. "Mother will protect you."
"Will Mother give Xiyao a little brother?" The girl’s eyes held confusion. "But why doesn’t Uncle give Cousin a little brother?"
The Princess of Qi’s lips curled in silent mockery.
Because those truly favored by the Emperor need not fret over an heir.
The Ping Prince's Mansion had even produced His Majesty’s first great-grandson—and where were they now?
Gone without a whisper.
Meanwhile, in Prince Qi’s study...
"Your Highness spent the night in the Princess’s courtyard." Gou Wu smiled. "Let us hope for good news soon."
"Advisor, I think we must seek out a secret remedy for conceiving a son." Prince Qi was impatient—if the Princess bore another daughter, it would mean wasting over a year.
"Your Highness is wise. This humble servant will begin the search at once."
No sooner had Gou Wu left than word of Prince Qi’s quest for fertility potions reached Song Yu.
"Has Prince Qi’s brain been clogged with lard?"
Song Yu’s disbelief was palpable. "If this gets out, Father and I will lose all face because of that fool."
A prince of the realm, scouring the land for folk remedies to beget an heir?
"Your Highness, have you considered turning this to our advantage?"
Shen Qingping’s amused interjection drew Song Shihuan’s curious gaze.
"How so?"
"We could... help Prince Qi with a few ‘remedies.’" Shen Qingping’s eyes sparkled—this was the perfect chance to toy with him.
Song Yu understood.
Playing pranks was something he and Shen San excelled at.
"Ah, fertility potions! I’m an expert. I’ll ensure Prince Qi follows the instructions to the letter and definitely gets a son."
A mischievous grin spread across Song Yu’s face as he called out to Liuxi:
"Liuxi, fetch me fresh paper. As his elder brother, I must personally... assist my dear younger sibling."
