When the golden wind met the jade dew, the entire East Lake buzzed with excitement.
"Eldest Brother."
Prince Chu and Prince Qin spotted Song Yu and strode toward him. "It's been ages since we last saw you. What a coincidence to meet here today."
"Indeed, what a coincidence."
Song Yu remained expressionless. To hell with coincidences.
Shen Qingping's smile had stiffened from forced politeness. Had he known these two would show up, he wouldn’t have dragged the prince along.
Among the emperor’s sons, aside from Prince Qin, the other three were downright scheming—black-hearted to the core.
Especially with Sun Hu, Princess of Chu’s nephew and a notorious troublemaker, trailing behind Prince Chu.
The five men gathered around a table, drawing the attention of everyone present.
"We’re here today just to join in the fun. No need for formalities—let’s all enjoy ourselves," Prince Chu declared, effortlessly assuming the role of host.
Not to be outdone, Prince Qi chimed in, "Indeed! For today’s poetry contest, the winner shall receive a masterpiece from my own collection."
The crowd erupted in excitement. Scholars eagerly flexed their talents, while ladies cast longing glances toward the opposite shore of the lake.
A melodious flute melody rose, and Mei'er’s graceful figure appeared atop the arched bridge, dancing in sync with the music.
Veiled and enchanting, every movement she made exuded allure.
Amidst this lively atmosphere, the guests took turns reciting verses, with the losers downing their cups of wine in defeat.
"Quite the spectacle," Prince Chu remarked, glancing at Song Yu. "I hear Eldest Brother is a favored guest of Mei'er. Many would kill just to catch a glimpse of her face."
"Those people just lack silver."
Song Yu chuckled dryly. "No silver, yet they crave beautiful women? The world doesn’t work that way."
The crudeness of his words left Prince Chu and Prince Qi momentarily speechless.
Prince Qi raised his cup in a toast. "Eldest Brother truly lives freely. Unlike Third Brother and me—we had to beg our wives just to step out tonight. A tyrant at home, indeed."
Prince Chu nodded in agreement.
Their words dripped with mockery, implying Song Yu couldn’t even secure a wife.
"True. I drink when I please, visit beauties when I wish. Quite the comfortable life."
"Cough—!" Shen Qingping choked on his wine, his face flushing red.
When the prince actually uses his brain, his comebacks are... satisfying.
......
At the prince’s mansion.
"Princess, the palace has sent over the academy robes for the women’s school," Nanny announced, holding up the garment.
Song Shihuan’s interest piqued. "Let’s take a look, Nanny. I’m curious about the design."
The robe was a muted gray, exuding solemnity and restraint.
"Father mentioned the academy forbids elaborate hairstyles and jingling accessories like waist pendants." Having lived two lifetimes, Song Shihuan had never attended the women’s school.
For a place revered by all women of Daqi, she was determined to make the most of it.
"Princess, why not try it on?" Baoxia teased. "That way, Yingchun can plan your hairstyle in advance."
Song Shihuan’s eyes curved into crescents. Yingchun, quick as ever, reached for the robe to help her change.
"My hands are sticky from the pastries. Yingchun, stretch the sleeves open so I don’t dirty the robe," Song Shihuan instructed lightly.
"Of course! I’ll be careful."
Yingchun carefully slid her hand into the sleeve—only to freeze midway. Tears welled in her eyes instantly.
"Yingchun, what’s wrong?"
Alarmed, Song Shihuan’s smile vanished.
"Princess... there are hidden needles inside." Yingchun’s voice trembled. "Baoxia, get the princess away from this robe!"
"Nanny, summon the House Physician!"
Song Shihuan’s face turned icy.
"Princess, the needles are concealed midway in the sleeve—nearly impossible to detect," the House Physician reported after extracting them. Yingchun’s hand was already bleeding. "She must avoid writing or wetting this hand for half a month."
"What a vicious scheme!" Baoxia seethed.
Song Shihuan fell silent. Had she not been handling pastries, she would have worn the robe herself.
Those needles were meant for me.
"Knowing the princess is about to enter the academy, they target her hand. If successful, she wouldn’t be able to write for weeks!" Nanny flung the robe onto the table. "Monstrous!"
"This robe was sent by Kunning Palace."
Song Shihuan’s voice was steel. "But after passing through so many hands, it’s become a tangled mess."
Impossible to trace.
"Princess, I’m alright," Yingchun forced a smile.
"Yingchun, this debt won’t go unpaid."
......
Back at East Lake, the guests grew increasingly tipsy. The musicians’ melodies pushed the revelry to its peak.
Seizing the moment, Prince Chu shot Sun Hu a look.
"Your Highness," Sun Hu began loudly, "I heard Princess Fu'an is learning the qin under Master Shen?"
Drunk and emboldened, Prince Chu slung an arm around Song Yu’s shoulder.
Song Yu’s gaze sharpened as he turned to Shen Qingping.
Shen Qingping stiffened. How does Sun Hu know this?
"Ah, Sun Hu merely speculated, but Eldest Brother’s reaction confirms it!" Prince Chu smirked. "He spotted Master Shen carrying a qin to Qin Prince’s Mansion the other day."
"You’re overstepping," Song Yu growled.
"Eldest Brother, hear me out. Master Shen’s skill is unmatched. With such a teacher, Shihuan will surely play melodies worthy of Mei'er’s dances." Prince Chu’s tone oozed sarcasm. "Unlike our Xiling—her tutor insists the qin must remain ‘elegant’ and ‘untainted.’"
"Indeed. After all, Master Shen specializes in playing for courtesans," Prince Qi jeered. "Now Shihuan can carry on the legacy. A fine arrangement."
The two princes traded barbs, egged on by Sun Hu. Song Yu’s fists clenched, his aura turning glacial.
Behind him, Liuxi broke into a cold sweat. Such insults to the princess—how could His Highness tolerate this?
After a pause, Song Yu let out a soft laugh. "How... noisy."
Shen Qingping’s heart plummeted. This is bad.
That laugh always preceded fury.
Sure enough, Song Yu shot up from his seat and swung his fist at Prince Chu and Prince Qi.
Caught off guard, both princes took two solid hits before retaliating.
Within moments, the three royals were brawling like street thugs.
The crowd scattered in panic, Sun Hu included, fleeing the scene.
Liuxi gritted his teeth and sprinted toward the mansion—the princess must be warned.
