Yan Qing frowned slightly.
Having overseen the women's academy for decades, she commanded a measure of respect even in the presence of the Empress Dowager. Yet now, she found herself being questioned by a Princess who had only recently been retrieved after living in obscurity.
Yan Qing's expression darkened.
"Princess, merely answering the questions correctly does not necessarily signify excellence," Yan Qing said sternly. "Handwriting and the manner of response are also taken into account. The current results reflect the combined judgment of myself and the other instructors."
Song Shihuan laughed in response.
"‘To carry forward the wisdom of past sages’—that was the impression I had of the academy’s headmistress and instructors before I enrolled."
"Headmistress Yan, as you said, handwriting and the manner of response are considered. Yet you were well aware that this was my first day at the academy, that I had never attended a single lecture. Why, then, did you insist on making me participate in this test in front of everyone?"
Song Shihuan pressed forward relentlessly, entirely unshaken by Yan Qing’s words.
"Am I to understand that the headmistress is deliberately targeting me?" Song Shihuan sneered, curling her lips. "After all, the academy has never before made a newcomer take part in such a test."
"You—!"
Yan Qing was furious but could muster no rebuttal.
"If Headmistress Yan cannot provide me with a satisfactory explanation, I shall take this test to my Imperial Grandmother and demand justice," Song Shihuan said coldly. "If I had lost fairly, I would accept it. But I refuse to tolerate such humiliation."
With that, Song Shihuan turned and strode toward the academy gates.
"Wait!"
Yan Qing couldn’t help but call out. She knew full well that if Song Shihuan walked out now, her own future would be ruined.
"Sister, why make such a fuss over a simple test? It hardly matters in the grand scheme of things," Song Xiyan interjected insincerely, chiding Song Shihuan for taking things too seriously.
"You’re mistaken, sister. If one isn’t meticulous in their studies, how can they ever master anything?"
Song Shihuan stood firm at the center of the crowd, leaving Yan Qing at a loss.
Finally, Yan Qing relented:
"It seems we were indeed inconsiderate. Upon reevaluating the papers, all four examinees have scored equally."
As she spoke, Yan Qing even led a round of applause. "The Princess is exceptionally gifted. Starting today, she may choose her own class."
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Song Shihuan walked over to Gu Mingzhu.
"I choose Class C."
Yan Qing’s eyes widened in shock.
She had assumed Song Shihuan would eagerly pick Class A, where she had planned for the Princess of Fuyun to "instruct" the Princess of Fuan properly.
"Your Highness may also select Class A," Yan Qing added.
"Headmistress Yan, I question the necessity of this test," Song Shihuan said bluntly, showing no regard for Yan Qing’s dignity. Since Yan Qing was aligned with the Eastern Palace, peaceful coexistence was impossible.
"I do not recognize the validity of this test. Therefore, I shall follow the academy’s true rules—new students begin in Class C."
Yan Qing was left speechless.
......
As the crowd dispersed, Gu Mingzhu gazed at Song Shihuan with starry eyes.
"Your Highness, you were just... incredible."
Song Shihuan smirked. "They wanted to put me in my place. That won’t do."
"Exactly!" Gu Mingzhu grew animated. "You have no idea how many students here have been bullied by... well, her." She discreetly pointed in Song Xiyan’s direction.
After venting, Gu Mingzhu sighed. "But the academy’s hierarchy is rigid. If Class A students pick on those in Class B or C, the instructors turn a blind eye. We in Class C are at the very bottom."
Song Shihuan tilted her head slightly.
She hadn’t realized the academy was such a cesspool of corruption.
"If it’s always been this way, has no one dared to resist?"
"Of course not. Headmistress Yan has even taken tea with the Empress Dowager. Who would dare oppose her?" Gu Mingzhu glanced at Song Shihuan. "You’re the only one bold enough to stand up to her today."
Once, she had merely rebutted Yan Qing once, and her father had chased her around with a whip all afternoon.
"Don’t worry. Things will change, little by little."
Song Shihuan strode confidently toward Class C.
If this was a den of wolves, then she would charge right in.
......
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
Song Yu lounged arrogantly in the Ministry of Revenue’s office while the other officials huddled nervously in a corner, not daring to speak.
After waiting endlessly with no sign of Sun You, Song Yu picked at his ear. "Where is Sun You?"
"Your Highness, Minister Sun has been on leave these past few days."
"A court official can’t just take leave whenever he pleases. What nonsense!" Song Yu snorted. "Sanxi, go to the Sun Residence at once. As long as he’s still breathing, drag him here to work."
Then, he turned to the cowering officials.
"I don’t bite. Come here and explain what duties the Ministry of Revenue handles."
For the entire morning, Song Yu listened to their rambling explanations.
"So, the national treasury is empty?"
Song Yu straightened in his seat. "As I recall, we haven’t fought a war in over a decade. The people live in peace—how can the treasury not be overflowing?"
In his mind, the treasury should be so wealthy that they could toss silver at refugees without a second thought.
"Your Highness... the reality is simply... as we’ve described..."
At this, Song Yu shot to his feet and slammed his palm on the desk. "Someone must have embezzled Great Qi’s silver! Just like those shameless rats who seized my shops! I’m going to see His Majesty at once!"
Without waiting for Sun You, Song Yu stormed off toward the Hall of Purple Radiance.
"Father! Disaster looms!"
His voice arrived before he did. Emperor Yuanyou sighed in advance.
"What now? If I recall correctly, you should be at the Ministry of Revenue."
Song Yu nodded vigorously. "Father, I believe someone has stolen from the national treasury."
"Stolen?" The Emperor’s voice rose sharply.
"No—embezzled! Someone has embezzled the treasury’s silver!"
After hearing Song Yu’s reasoning, Emperor Yuanyou found it alarmingly plausible. The treasury’s persistent shortages had long fueled his own suspicions.
Yet whenever the matter arose, the Crown Prince, Prince Chu, and Prince Qi would evade the topic, refusing to investigate thoroughly.
"Very well. I entrust this matter to you."
The Emperor pondered further. "I’ll also assign some Imperial Guards to assist you."
"Rest assured, Father. If I could reclaim my shops, I can reclaim the treasury’s silver too."
With his head held high, Song Yu left the palace and returned to his estate, where he discussed strategies with Shen Qingping.
"Your Highness, you’ve got nerve. You’ve only just entered the Ministry of Revenue and already dare to stir this murky pot."
Song Yu smirked. "I’ve thought it through. With no allies at court, this is the perfect opportunity to establish my footing. Besides, none of this will trace back to my own people."
Shen Qingping paused.
Devious. Absolutely devious.
