"Master, have you been under too much pressure lately, or is there something worrying you, that you dragged Father into drinking last night?"
Early the next morning, Song Shihuan stood before Shen Qingping, who had just returned from court, her face full of concern.
Recently, the court might seem calm on the surface, but that was entirely because Shen Qingping was there holding things steady. Song Shihuan was afraid he would fall seriously ill again like he did a few years ago after letting up.
Shen Qingping lifted his eyes, the usual coolness in them replaced by confusion.
He dragged His Highness into drinking?
"This prince thinks he's just under too much pressure." Seeing Shen Qingping about to open his mouth to defend himself, Song Yu, standing nearby, quickly spoke up. As he talked, he threw an arm around Shen Qingping's neck in a buddy-buddy manner, his large hand resting on Shen Qingping's shoulder.
"Last night, he kept talking to me while drinking about all those restless people in the court lately, his tone full of grievance and sorrow. I really couldn't bear to leave him alone at the Shen residence, which is why I missed the time I promised Ah Huan."
Song Yu had crafted a perfect excuse to clear his own name, and he didn't forget to pinch Shen Qingping.
The hint was extremely obvious.
Shen Qingping caught on.
But he hadn't touched a drop!
Not a single drop!
After a few moments, Shen Qingping's expression shifted from astonishment to one of grievance, his eyes downcast:
"Yes, Princess, I've been under too much pressure lately."
Last night, before His Highness left, he even said he would give me that glazed inkstone from his study.
Song Yu's eyes widened.
That was a rare treasure he had hunted down from the Great Yue palace!
"Only right." Song Shihuan nodded repeatedly.
"His Highness also said he would give me two of the royal estates near the capital, so I can go relax often."
Song Yu's teeth began to chatter.
"Father is being very thoughtful this time." Song Shihuan looked at Song Yu, her eyes full of approval.
Look at her father, how generous!
"His Highness also said..."
"Shen the Third, are you thirsty?"
Song Yu was getting anxious.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I drank too much wine last night, I'm not thirsty."
Shen Qingping took a step forward, causing Song Yu's arm to fall away.
Song Yu looked up to see Shen Qingping raising a brow slightly, looking at him with a faint, knowing smile.
The curses he wanted to utter rolled around in his mouth several times before finally transforming into:
"Good that you're not thirsty."
......
"I want to rest properly these next few days. His Highness will handle all the court affairs well, right?"
By the time Song Yu heard these words, his eyes were already glazed over, his face blank with stupor.
He was starting to regret pinning the blame on Shen the Third.
And so, Song Yu was buried under the weight of court duties, unable to leave his study all day.
Cheng Guang, Zheng Fang, Ling Ming... all were affected, each one dragged to the Eastern Palace to serve as labor.
"Hold on, isn't Young Master Shen, the esteemed Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, just lounging at home? Is that appropriate?"
Cheng Guang stole a moment from his busy work to catch his breath.
The Qing Shan Sect Leader's health improving was supposed to be a cause for celebration, but could someone tell him why they were so swamped?
Song Yu shot Cheng Guang a look.
"Your Highness, my wife has just been found to be with child. I..."
Zheng Fang's voice sounded. Song Yu put down his brush. "That's wonderful news. Then you should return to your residence first and accompany your wife properly."
Zheng Fang left, expressing a thousand thanks, leaving behind an even more despairing group of people.
That night.
A group of people shuffled out of the Eastern Palace like zombies, their eyes barely moving.
This state lasted a full seven days. Finally, Song Yu couldn't take it anymore.
Carrying fine wine, he arrived at the Shen residence.
Before him, Shen Qingping looked completely at ease, leisurely arranging the white tea on the table.
"I'll give you two more royal estates."
Shen Qingping lowered his head to savor the tea.
"Four royal estates."
Shen Qingping remained silent.
"Six?"
"Shen the Third, if you don't step down from this high horse, this prince will publicly reveal your real purpose for causing that scene at the Spring Welcome Pavilion back then..."
Before Song Yu could finish, Shen Qingping sprang to his feet.
"Six royal estates. Deal."
Song Yu snorted proudly. He had plenty of ways to handle Shen the Third.
......
Night gradually fell. The two men, dressed in plain clothes, walked along the capital's streets.
Feeling the bustle and liveliness around them, Song Yu felt more relaxed than ever before.
"When does Your Highness plan to ascend the throne?"
This sudden question nearly made Song Yu twist his ankle.
"My father asks me in every possible way, every day. My ears are getting calluses." Shen Qingping's lips curved slightly.
"Emperor? Even a dog wouldn't want the job."
Song Yu flicked his sleeves. Now that he had a daughter, he was completely content and in no hurry to ascend the throne.
Shen Qingping didn't press further, just led Song Yu forward.
"This dilapidated temple used to house many refugees. After Your Highness found out, you issued several decrees. Now there are fewer and fewer refugees, the temple has been repaired, and incense offerings have resumed."
"And over there in the north, that's the second girls' school built with funds you provided. I remember you saying then that clever little girls like the Princess shouldn't be denied an education."
"And also..."
Shen Qingping seemed to have an intimate knowledge of every place that had undergone great change due to Song Yu's efforts.
His gaze held exceptionally solemn respect as he looked at Song Yu.
Song Yu's heart trembled slightly.
"Shen the Third, you still have the better memory."
He had somewhat forgotten many of these things.
Shen Qingping chuckled softly. "As an official of the Eastern Palace and the future Prime Minister, it is only natural to commit every one of Your Highness's achievements to memory, regardless of their scale."
"The common people are all grateful for Your Highness's benevolence."
Shen Qingping stopped walking.
Under the night sky, two similarly tall and slender figures stood facing each other, one in dark purple with gold accents, the other in plain, cool white.
"This subject merely wishes to say that, whether Your Highness is willing to ascend the throne or not, you have already begun to carry yourself as a sovereign should."
He and His Highness had grown up together since childhood. No one understood better than he what His Highness needed most.
It was affirmation.
Someone called a wastrel for over twenty years needed affirmation most of all.
Song Yu's eyes shone brightly for a moment, then quickly returned to normal. His whole demeanor still held a bit of a roguish, carefree air, utterly pleased with himself:
"Naturally."
"This prince was molded from the best traits of my father and mother. With a daughter like Ah Huan and a good brother like you, I am bound to be a wise ruler in the future."
Song Yu strode forward, waving for Shen Qingping to follow.
Shen Qingping smiled until his eyes curved, quickly catching up.
A quarter of an hour later, the two stopped before the Spring Welcome Pavilion.
Ever since Song Yu forbade officials from entering the Spring Welcome Pavilion, its business had declined sharply. It had now begun to transform, offering only song performances without the sale of flesh.
Suddenly, Song Yu's eyes widened.
A familiar yet somewhat changed figure appeared by the railing on the second floor of the Spring Welcome Pavilion. It was Mei'er, clearly with a large belly, who had bought her freedom several years earlier.
Song Yu patted Shen Qingping, putting on an expression of pity for his good friend:
"Shen the Third, your old flame is with child. Pity the child isn't yours."
A vein twitched on Shen Qingping's forehead.
Back then, he just liked listening to Mei'er sing! That's all!
