Emperor Yuanyou gave a faint smile and spoke to Song Shihuan, "Child, you've suffered."
As he said this, the emperor glanced at Song Yu kneeling on the ground, feeling a pang of sorrow in his heart.
So even this scoundrel didn’t have everything his way.
But Song Yu paid no attention to the implied meaning in the emperor’s words. He slowly rose to his feet. "A-Huan, let’s go."
The words Song Shihuan had spoken earlier had struck a painful chord in his heart.
"It’s so late. Why not rest in the side palace for the night?" Emperor Yuanyou couldn’t help but suggest.
"No need. I’m taking A-Huan back to the Qin Prince’s Mansion."
With that, Song Yu took Song Shihuan’s hand and left the Zichen Hall.
Inside the hall, the Crown Prince felt the atmosphere grow awkward.
"Father, if there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave as well." He needed to report to the empress immediately—the turn of events was completely contrary to their initial expectations.
"Crown Prince."
Emperor Yuanyou spoke slowly, "Do you know why I summoned you today?"
The Crown Prince hesitated, momentarily at a loss for words. "Father wished to remind me to uphold brotherly harmony and set an example."
Though he said this, inwardly, he scoffed. What brotherly affection could exist in the imperial family?
Emperor Yuanyou nodded. "As long as you understand my intentions. You are the Crown Prince. When you ascend the throne, you must be able to tolerate your brothers."
At the mention of ascending the throne, a flash of fervor crossed the Crown Prince’s eyes.
Emperor Yuanyou’s longevity and overwhelming authority had suffocated him for years.
Now, the empress was already arranging marriage prospects for Yan Zheng. In a few years, he might even have grandchildren, yet he remained trapped as the Crown Prince.
He dreamed of nothing more than becoming emperor.
"I will treat my brothers with kindness."
"Go now." Emperor Yuanyou said no more, but he spent the night tossing and turning, replaying the evening’s events in his mind.
......
Meanwhile.
Song Yu led Song Shihuan out of the palace, where Shen Qingping had been waiting at the gates for some time.
"How did it go?" Shen Qingping wiped the sweat from his brow.
"Master Shen, we’re fine. His Majesty is wise and just—of course he wouldn’t blame me or Father." Song Shihuan had barely finished speaking when Song Yu flicked her forehead without mercy.
"Father, why are you bullying me?"
"Get in the carriage first." Song Yu’s expression was even darker now than it had been in the Zichen Hall.
Inside the carriage, Song Shihuan tilted her head, studying Song Yu’s face.
"A-Huan, what you did today was far too reckless." Song Yu met her gaze. "If the day comes when I can no longer protect you, you must prioritize your own safety."
Uncle Zhang’s warning echoed in Song Yu’s mind like a curse.
"What’s the point of just saving myself? Father struck someone today because of me—of course I had to clear your name!"
Seeing that neither would back down, Shen Qingping sighed.
"Today’s trouble was all because of me."
His reputation was so tarnished that it had dragged the young princess into disgrace.
"Master, your musical talent is extraordinary. I couldn’t be happier to have you as my teacher." Song Shihuan pouted. "Third Uncle and Fourth Uncle had it coming—they deserved those beatings for their foul mouths."
"They were caned?" Shen Qingping’s eyebrows shot up. "Now that’s good news."
"Good news, my foot."
Song Yu shot him a glare. Just thinking about Song Shihuan’s bold actions still sent a chill down his spine.
"Father, everything I said in the Zichen Hall was for His Majesty’s ears. It’s not that I don’t want to stay with you." Song Shihuan grinned slyly. "Life in the Qin Prince’s Mansion is comfortable—I have you to care for me and Master Shen to teach me. I wouldn’t trade it for a thousand pieces of gold."
But Song Yu remained stubborn. "Yet everything you said was the truth."
The truth was that in just two months, Song Shihuan had already endured so much scheming and hardship.
"Because it’s the truth, His Majesty needed to hear it."
Song Shihuan’s eyes sparkled. "Before, His Majesty only knew Father as reckless and indifferent. He didn’t realize the Qin Prince’s Mansion was constantly under others’ plots. Now that he knows, if he cares, he’ll protect us."
Just like... sending guards to the mansion.
Song Yu looked at his precocious daughter, his resolve hardening.
Only by becoming stronger could he truly shield her.
"At dawn, I’ll personally go to the Sun Residence to apologize." Song Yu spoke stiffly.
"Sun Hu was the one at fault—why should we apologize?" Song Shihuan grumbled.
"I’m apologizing for your trespassing into their residence."
Song Shihuan’s eyes lit up, exchanging a glance with Shen Qingping.
This move was downright devious—flawless in both logic and sentiment, while also rubbing salt in the Sun family’s wounds.
Was this really Father/His Highness’s idea?
......
The next morning, Song Yu, still bearing his injuries, arrived at the Sun Residence with lavish gifts in tow.
News of the previous day’s events had spread like wildfire. Thanks to Shen Qingping’s efforts, everyone knew of Emperor Yuanyou’s final verdict.
Prince Chu and Prince Qi had both been caned.
Rumor had it their consorts had fainted from weeping.
So when people saw Song Yu heading toward the Sun Residence, they followed, expecting another confrontation.
Seizing the opportunity, Liuxi slowed his steps.
"His Highness is here to apologize. Though the young princess acted out of filial devotion yesterday, she did trespass into the Sun Residence. His Highness wishes to make amends on her behalf."
The crowd was stunned.
The notoriously arrogant Prince of Qin—apologizing? Unthinkable!
Liuxi feigned concern. "Once His Majesty uncovered the truth, His Highness and the young princess were exonerated. But the princess is only ten. Last night, she was so frightened she had nightmares and cried herself to sleep—it was heartbreaking."
Indeed, she was just a child of ten, driven by desperation to save her father.
And the whole mess had started because of Sun Hu. The prince had been wronged too.
Liuxi’s words swayed the onlookers, stirring sympathy for Song Shihuan.
Meanwhile, at the morning court session.
Censor Geng, who had gone to bed early the night before and missed the developments, stepped forward confidently.
"Your Majesty," he declared, "I accuse Prince Qin of unfilial and unbrotherly conduct, openly assaulting two other princes."
He waited expectantly for others to chime in.
But silence followed.
Emperor Yuanyou chuckled. "I, too, find Prince Qin’s actions improper. After much deliberation, I’ve decided on his punishment."
"I will assign him to the Ministry of Revenue for training. Since Sun You serves as Minister of Revenue, Prince Qin shall learn the duties of the ministry under his guidance."
The court erupted in murmurs.
The Ministry of Revenue—a coveted position the princes had fought over for years—had fallen into Prince Qin’s lap?
After yesterday’s clash with Sun You, the emperor’s decision was a blatant show of support for Prince Qin. Sun You’s position as Minister of Revenue might not last much longer.
Oblivious to the gravity of the situation, Censor Geng frowned. "Your Majesty, this is unacceptable! Prince Qin is an uneducated wastrel—he has no place in court!"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanyou's aura shifted abruptly.
