That evening, Emperor Yuanyou held a grand victory banquet in the palace.
Lady Chang and Song Xiyan were supposed to return to confinement in the Ping Prince's mansion, but Song Yu spoke up softly:
"After all, Yan Zheng has brought great honor to Da Qi this time, Father. Perhaps the ban on the Ping Prince's mansion could be lifted?"
Emperor Yuanyou looked at Song Yu several times. Had this scoundrel been possessed?
He usually gnashed his teeth at the mention of the Ping Prince's mansion, so why was he pleading for them today?
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince speaks reason. The matter of the Eldest Imperial Grandson is known to the people. Compensating the Ping Prince's mansion in this way is also fitting."
Shen Mingwen also voiced his agreement. Seeing this, the assembled ministers also began to plead for the Ping Prince's mansion.
Only one princess of a principality (junzhu) remains; she poses no threat.
"If that is the case, then let the ban on the Ping Prince's mansion be lifted."
Hearing Emperor Yuanyou's words, Song Xiyan finally looked up in disbelief, her eyes filled with joy.
Seeing this, Shen Qingping curled the corner of his mouth slightly. Still joyful? The next target for His Highness will be this last remaining junzhu.
How can you beat a dog if you don't let it out?
At the palace banquet, Song Yu and Song Shihuan were clearly the center of attention.
Song Shihuan was directly summoned by Emperor Yuanyou to sit beside him, where he inquired in detail about the situation on the battlefield.
Seeing this, King Heng raised his wine cup and walked up to Song Yu. "Elder Brother, let me offer you a toast."
This gave Song Yu a chance to scrutinize King Heng carefully before him.
After a few moments, Song Yu parted his thin lips. "My... younger brother?"
"Unfortunately, my younger brothers usually don't come to good ends."
Instantly, the smile on King Heng's face nearly faltered.
"Elder Brother, what are you saying? Having just returned to the royal family, there are many matters I am not yet familiar with. Once I am accustomed, I can help share Elder Brother's burdens." Song Heng wore an obedient and honest expression. "Whenever Elder Brother has need, just give the order."
"You are somewhat better than the Chu and Qi Princes."
Song Yu's gaze was inscrutable as he drained his cup.
"Liu'er, come quickly and greet your Eldest Uncle." King Heng called out to Song Liu, who immediately stepped before Song Yu. The spirited youth was already up to Song Yu's shoulder in height and acted particularly affectionate towards him.
"Liu'er pays his respects to Eldest Uncle."
"Could Eldest Uncle tell Liu'er about the battles? Liu'er has dreamed since childhood of becoming a great general, but our family was poor and couldn't afford a martial arts tutor."
"Gu Zheng knows more about battlefield matters than I do. Go ask him."
Song Yu felt he truly was still annoyed by children, just not by A'Huan.
Seeing he was refused, Song Liu wasn't angered. Instead, he clung to Song Yu's side, asking all sorts of questions.
The court officials watched this scene of "harmony between uncle and nephew," each with their own thoughts.
The Crown Prince is now of age to marry.
How can it be acceptable for him to have only a princess at his knee?
...
"Xiyan younger sister, may I call you that?"
Song Xiyan looked up dazedly at Song Hui, who was showing her kindness, and gave a slight tug at the corner of her mouth. "They all avoid me like the plague. Why have you come?"
"You are a royal junzhu, and also my younger sister. No matter what, I cannot stand by and watch you be isolated and bullied."
A warm current flowed through Song Xiyan's heart, and she actually felt an impulse to cry.
"If you don't mind, you may call me A'Hui."
"A'Hui elder sister."
Seeing Song Xiyan's expression soften, Song Hui patted the back of her hand. "We are Da Qi's junzhu. Do not fear the gazes of others."
She had heard many stories about this Xiyan Junzhu in the women's academy. If used properly, she could be a sharp weapon.
Unaware that she had already become a chess piece on someone else's board, Song Xiyan was still greedily clinging to the warmth Song Hui doled out.
"If only A'Hui elder sister were my blood sister."
"But we are already sisters connected by blood."
Song Hui blinked at Song Xiyan.
Unbeknownst to them, it all fell into Song Yu's sight. He raised his wine cup, a smile curling at his lips.
If Song Hui was wicked, it would coincidentally allow Song Xiyan to taste the feeling of betrayal by a blood relative. A fortunate accident.
At the victory banquet, all parties were satisfied.
After Emperor Yuanyou returned to the Zichen Hall, everyone rose to leave.
Song Liu walked up to Song Shihuan. "A'Huan younger sister, let me escort you back to the Eastern Palace."
A big question mark popped up in Song Shihuan's mind.
"I'll go back with Father."
Did she need an escort?
"I didn't get a chance to speak with you tonight, A'Huan younger sister." Song Liu put on an elder brother's demeanor. "If you ever need help in the future, A'Huan, just tell me. Feel free to order me around like a real older brother."
An official nearby, seeing this, couldn't help but nod, whispering to his colleague, "King Heng's heir and the Yalle Junzhu both seem kind-hearted, especially the heir. He seems more like the princess's elder brother than the previous few."
As the surrounding officials nodded in agreement, Shen Mingwen sensed something was amiss.
Shen Residence.
"Could King Heng be planning to take advantage of His Highness having no sons, aiming to push his heir onto His Highness as a son?"
Having said this, before Shen Qingping could speak, Shen Mingwen negated his own words. "No, His Highness is in his prime. Once he marries a Crown Princess, he won't lack for legitimate heirs. I must be overthinking."
But Shen Qingping's expression did not improve as he slowly said,
"What if His Highness is unwilling to marry, or if, after marrying, the Crown Princess fails to produce a legitimate heir for a long time?"
If King Heng truly harbored such intentions, then it would indeed... be quite troublesome.
At least for now, King Heng's household conducted itself cautiously and properly. Coupled with the auspicious blessing of the dragon-phoenix twins, they had won considerable praise from the court officials.
"Earlier, I noticed the Yalle Junzhu was constantly speaking with the Second Junzhu... oh no, the Third Junzhu. Perhaps we are overthinking." Shen Mingwen sighed, but his heart remained heavy.
To be honest, even Shen Mingwen himself didn't believe he was overthinking.
"Nian'an, dispatch people to keep a close watch on King Heng's mansion."
Shen Qingping's face was full of cold intent. He had said it all along—King Heng's family was not honest.
As if remembering something, Shen Qingping strode out of the residence.
"Where are you going so late?"
Shen Mingwen's anxious voice followed from behind.
...
King Heng's Mansion.
"Liu'er did very well today."
King Heng patted Song Liu's shoulder in approval.
"Hui'er as well."
"Father has said that as a male of the royal house, I must be especially mindful of my reputation." Song Liu spoke slowly. "Your son keeps Father's teachings in mind at all times, advancing step by step with steady footing, not daring to take a single wrong step."
"Your daughter does the same."
King Heng looked at his son and daughter, feeling even more resentment towards his father for deliberately concealing their identities. If not for that, why would the children have to be so cautious now?
"Only strike when you are sure of a single, fatal blow. At all other times, remain calm and lie in wait." King Heng's eyes flashed with immense ambition. Being a leisurely, idle prince was certainly good.
But the Crown Prince had no sons. He could also strive for it.
"Have the loose ends at the pastry shop been dealt with?"
"Father, they have been taken care of."
Song Hui lowered her head slightly, hiding the dark glint in her eyes.
