At this point, Song Xiyan had no choice but to hastily finish playing the piece, making several mistakes along the way, with little to no artistic charm remaining.
Even Teacher Qin’s expression darkened. "Is Your Highness feeling unwell today?"
This was clearly an attempt to give Song Xiyan an excuse to save face. After all, when she had volunteered to play earlier, there had been no sign of any discomfort.
"Yes, I... I suddenly don’t feel well."
Song Xiyan’s voice trembled, and her gaze toward Song Shihuan was filled with resentment.
Song Shihuan had undoubtedly done it on purpose—distracting her at the critical moment.
Song Shihuan met her glare head-on and even provocatively led the applause. "My sister played wonderfully."
The room erupted in thunderous clapping, but Song Xiyan’s eyes burned with fury. "Since my elder sister was taught by Third Master Shen, surely she must be skilled as well. Why not give us a performance?"
In her rage, Song Xiyan had completely forgotten why Sun Hu had ended up behind bars.
"Third Master Shen?" Teacher Qin’s face paled instantly. "Shen Qingping?"
"Indeed, Teacher."
Song Xiyan’s gaze toward Song Shihuan was full of malice. The name Shen Qingping was like a plague to those who revered the art of guqin.
"Your Highness, I must regretfully decline to teach you."
Teacher Qin stood abruptly, her expression icy. "Shen Qingping is a disgrace to the elegance of guqin. He and I walk different paths."
"Teacher, my sister didn’t know about Shen Qingping’s reputation before," Song Xiyan said, covering her mouth with a handkerchief. "But now that she’s enrolled in the academy, you can’t refuse to teach her."
Teacher Qin’s expression shifted repeatedly. "If Your Highness publicly severs ties with Shen Qingping in front of me, I will continue your lessons."
At the mention of Shen Qingping’s name, murmurs broke out among the students.
Yet Song Shihuan remained unfazed.
"In that case, I won’t trouble you for lessons anymore."
Song Shihuan’s dismissive tone made Teacher Qin feel utterly insignificant in her eyes.
She would rather choose that good-for-nothing Shen Qingping over her!
"You—!" Teacher Qin’s chest heaved with anger.
"Once a disciple accepts a master, it’s not for them to scorn their teacher," Song Shihuan said with a faint smile. "My sister’s playing was already divine. As her instructor, you must be even more skilled. It’s my loss for not having the fortune to learn from you."
For a moment, Teacher Qin felt as though she and Princess Fuyun were being mocked for their lack of skill.
"Your Highness, the cross-class examinations will test music, chess, calligraphy, and painting," Teacher Qin said stiffly.
"I’m aware."
Song Shihuan looked at her. "My guqin skills won’t be your concern."
Sever ties with her master?
Not a chance.
......
Purple Dawn Palace.
"Your Majesty, here is Prince Qin’s recent activity report."
Shen Xiao, the commander of the Imperial Guards, presented several letters to Emperor Yuanyou. The emperor set down his vermilion brush and skimmed through them.
"He has the audacity to act without regard for the intricate web of interests behind these families," Emperor Yuanyou murmured, his eyes darkening as he burned the letters over a candle flame.
Shen Xiao knelt silently in the grand hall, awaiting further orders.
As the commander of the Imperial Guards, he was the sharpest blade in the emperor’s hand.
After a long pause, Emperor Yuanyou finally spoke again. "Ensure Prince Qin and Princess Fu'an’s safety. If anyone interferes covertly, the Imperial Guards must assist Prince Qin in completing this mission."
"As you command."
Beside them, Wu Qi’s mind reeled. The emperor was handing the entire credit to Prince Qin without reservation.
With this alone, Prince Qin could solidify his standing in the imperial court of Da Qi.
And if things progressed further...
Wu Qi didn’t dare dwell on it.
"I’ve waited so long for someone bold enough to take action," Emperor Yuanyou said, his piercing gaze radiating imperial authority. "Since he’s stepped forward, I’ll lend him my support."
He was well aware that the Eastern Palace coveted control of the Ministry of Revenue, yet they lacked the courage to act. Every time he brought up the treasury, the Crown Prince would evade the topic.
With such cowardice, how could he entrust them with the ministry?
"Wu Qi, today is Ah Huan’s second day at the academy, isn’t it?" The emperor’s tone shifted abruptly.
Wu Qi, who had been feigning ignorance, quickly responded, "Indeed, Your Majesty."
At the thought of his granddaughter, the emperor’s stern expression softened. "Prepare my casual attire. I wish to visit the academy. It’s been some time since I last went."
Wu Qi froze. Some time?
Your Majesty hadn’t set foot in the academy for decades!
Emperor Yuanyou ordered absolute secrecy, bringing only Wu Qi and Shen Xiao with him. Even Yan Qing and her associates were left in the dark.
Meanwhile, at the academy...
Yan Qing frowned at the indifferent Song Shihuan. "Your Highness, this academy upholds refinement. We cannot be associated with someone like Shen Qingping."
Song Shihuan’s lips curled into a mocking smile. "Dean Yan, are you also here to demand I sever ties with my master?"
"If word spreads that a student of this academy acknowledges a vulgar wastrel as her teacher, where does that leave our century-old reputation?" Yan Qing lectured. "I’m only concerned for Your Highness’s standing and the academy’s dignity."
She intended to use this opportunity to discipline the unruly princess.
Seeing Yan Qing and Song Xiyan standing together, Song Shihuan understood everything.
"And if I refuse?"
"Then I’ll have no choice but to expel you from the academy."
Though she knew Yan Qing was bluffing, Song Xiyan couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction.
If Song Shihuan were truly expelled, it would be a blessing.
"Does Dean Yan wield such authority?" Song Shihuan showed no fear. "Expelling a royal princess—can you bear the consequences?"
Yan Qing’s heart skipped a beat. Instead of cowering or obediently agreeing to cut ties with Shen Qingping, Song Shihuan only grew more defiant.
"Very well. I won’t return tomorrow."
Song Shihuan laughed coldly.
"Your Highness, regardless of your status, all students here are equal. As the dean, I will not tolerate such disrespect." Yan Qing’s eyes flashed with anger.
She was accustomed to commanding respect from every student. Even Princess Xiling had to defer to her—only Princess Xiyan was an exception.
Before Song Shihuan could retort, a voice heavy with authority rang out.
"Dean of the academy? What impressive authority you wield, daring to expel my granddaughter!"
