"Imperial Father, why did you agree to become my father back then?"
After drinking, Song Shihuan became quite the chatterbox, her mouth moving non-stop. She insisted on following Song Yu along the palace path.
Their figures, one in front of the other, overlapped under the moonlight, creating a warm and serene scene.
"Because Song Ling and I are natural-born rivals. As long as he's unhappy, I'm happy."
Song Yu's thin lips parted slightly, the corners of his mouth curling up uncontrollably.
"Was that the only reason?" Song Shihuan tilted her head. "Wasn't it also because you thought I was pitiful?"
"You were indeed quite pitiful."
Song Yu recalled the first time he saw the little girl—dirty, so thin a gust of wind might blow her away, and she had just been pushed by Lady Chang.
"Were there any other reasons?"
Song Yu's steps suddenly halted. Song Shihuan, carried by momentum, bumped into his back and couldn't help but rub her nose.
Is Imperial Father's back made of a city wall? It hurts so much to bump into.
"I lost my mother since I was young. You, yours might as well not exist. So we are both motherless children. Since they didn't want you, I will."
Song Yu spoke the truest reason hidden in his heart, born from the empathy of shared suffering.
"So, I gained a father who dotes on me, and Imperial Father gained a father who dotes on you too, right?"
Song Shihuan's eyes were filled with scattered starlight. Song Yu was taken aback for a moment, then grinned widely:
"Yes, Ahuan is absolutely right."
"This time, it was me who spoke up and chose you as my Imperial Father. Next time, remember to speak up first and choose me, Imperial Father."
......
Zichen Palace.
Song Shihuan's eyes scanned the room but found no trace of any gift.
Just as Song Shihuan was puzzling over it, Song Yu walked directly to the desk and picked up a bright yellow imperial edict.
"Imperial Father's coming-of-age gift for me... is an imperial edict?" Song Shihuan was somewhat confused, her mind not catching up due to the lingering effects of the wine.
"That's right."
Song Yu simply unrolled it and read it aloud for Song Shihuan.
"It is heard that Heaven shows no partiality, but aids only the virtuous. I, having received the Mandate of Heaven, rule over all lands, diligent day and night, never daring to forget the weight of the state. The Eldest Imperial Princess, Song Shihuan, is gifted with innate wisdom, her bright virtue is fragrant. Even the wise rulers of antiquity, how could they surpass her?"
The drunkenness in Song Shihuan's eyes gradually dissipated, and she even held her breath slightly.
She only heard Song Yu continue reading:
"In the past, there was Mulan who joined the army in her father's place. Now, my princess, capable of bringing peace to the nation through civil means and securing the state through martial prowess, her virtue matches heaven and earth, her talent spans ancient and modern times. She is truly a treasure bestowed by Heaven upon Great Qi."
"Though a woman, she yields not to men, fully capable of inheriting the great succession, to serve the ancestral temple."
"Hereby, humbly complying with public sentiment and consulting ancient institutions, I bestow upon her the precious register, establishing her as the Crown Princess, granting her the position in the Eastern Palace. All officials shall memorialize to her as befits the heir apparent."
After finishing the recitation, Song Yu smiled and handed the edict to Song Shihuan.
"Imperial Father, this... this is against convention."
"I am the Emperor. My words are the convention."
Song Yu looked at Song Shihuan before him. "This edict bears the imperial seal. It is my gift to Ahuan for her coming-of-age."
"Ahuan need not be alarmed by this. Whether this edict is made public, and when it is made public, is entirely up to Ahuan's own will."
Now the Son of Heaven, Song Yu only wished to give everything he possessed to his daughter.
"If Ahuan's aspirations lie with the common people of the world, when the time is ripe, Ahuan can present this edict. As for the civil and military officials, I will handle them for Ahuan."
"If Ahuan only wishes for carefree freedom, then this edict can be sealed away forever. I will protect Ahuan's freedom for all time."
"Ahuan, your father only wishes for your happiness."
Thus, Song Yu placed the power of choice in the hands of his Ahuan.
Song Shihuan's lips quivered, and tears fell like pearls.
What Song Yu could least bear to see were the tears of the young girl before him.
"What's wrong? Did this edict frighten Ahuan?" Song Yu, flustered, picked up a handkerchief and carefully wiped Song Shihuan's tears. "Don't be afraid, Ahuan. This is the best thing I can give you."
He simply felt that his Ahuan was worthy of both the title of Crown Princess and of being the carefree, unfettered Eldest Princess.
In short, his Ahuan was the best.
"That's not it."
Song Shihuan's eyes were as red as a little rabbit's. "Imperial Father's love for me is the best thing."
Song Yu slowly knelt down, meeting Song Shihuan at eye level.
"Ahuan, to me, is also the best."
"Thank you, Ahuan, for choosing me to be your father."
From that moment on, a little girl's name was appended after his in the clan registry.
Even someone as seemingly heedless as him had thanked the heavens countless times for this.
Without Song Shihuan, there would be no Song Yu as he is today.
"Let the mountains and rivers bear witness, the sun and moon shine together. Ahuan and I are father and daughter by destiny."
—End of Main Text.
The main text ends here. Next, I will write some extras covering plot points not fully expanded in the main text. Currently, I plan to write an alternate timeline where A-Yu (Song Yu) is reborn with his memories. In this storyline, the premise is A-Yu firmly choosing Huanhuan (Song Shihuan), together exposing and punishing the villains. I will also add more about Tutor Shen's story. Others are still being conceived.
This book has been updated over eight months. I am deeply grateful for everyone's support and companionship. I am delighted by your act of opening this book, grateful for your love for the characters, and I secretly like and browse your creations in the book community, often marveling at how I have gained such amazing readers (bows in thanks).
The characters in this book are the best characterizations I have written to date. Every time I put pen to paper, I am deeply captivated by these characters. Seeing that your affection isn't limited to just Huanhuan and A-Yu truly excites me, because I love every character in this book—Huanhuan, A-Yu, Emperor Yuanyou, Tutor Shen, Little Mingzhu, Grand Tutor Shen, General Gu... too many to list. I did my utmost to shape each character into someone vivid and lifelike.
Fortunately, these characters have been seen and loved by you all.
When I realized A-Yu was about to ascend the throne, I knew the main text should conclude. Writing to this point, I am also particularly reluctant, always feeling the characters in the book will have even more splendid futures. Let's leave that to everyone's imagination. If possible, you can post your thoughts in the book community, allowing me to return as a reader to see them again.
Thank you, my dear reader friends. I truly adore all you lovely people.
October 21, 2025.
