Gu Mingzhu thus followed Song Shihuan day in and day out. Some people whispered behind her back about her being a social climber, but when such talk reached Gu Mingzhu's ears, she would only roll her eyes dramatically. This kind of "blessing" wasn't something just anyone could have.
Nowadays, few dared to criticize her to her face. Even the powerful and noble families in the capital showed her a degree of respect. Gu Mingzhu couldn't care less about what people muttered behind her back.
She knew better than anyone how everything she had now came to be.
If Young Master Shen could serve the Crown Prince to the point of risking his life, then she, Gu Mingzhu, could also risk her life for the Princess.
As days passed, Gu Mingzhu had become an unshakable fly in Song Yu's eyes. Gu Mingzhu didn't mind; she just wanted to stick close to the Princess.
On the day Lady Chang died, Gu Mingzhu defied Gu Mingliu's wishes for the first time.
"Mingzhu, Lady Chang was the Princess's birth mother. At a time like this, only having His Highness the Crown Prince by her side can deepen their father-daughter bond," Gu Mingliu held Gu Mingzhu's hand. "His Highness will take good care of the Princess. Please, just stay at the residence, alright?"
Gu Mingliu was prudent and didn't want to jeopardize the father-daughter relationship between Song Shihuan and Song Yu in the slightest.
But Gu Mingzhu shook her head. "Eldest Sister, I'll just wait in the Eastern Palace. If the Princess doesn't need me, I won't disturb His Highness and the Princess."
With that, she pulled her hand free from Gu Mingliu's grasp and headed for the Eastern Palace.
A child without a mother suffers the most. At such a time, she just wanted to be somewhere the Princess could see her the moment she opened a door.
That day, when Song Yu saw Gu Mingzhu, his eyes lit up as if seeing a savior.
So even His Highness the Crown Prince could be at a loss sometimes.
"Mingzhu, A'huan isn't crying or making a fuss. She's acting just like usual."
Song Yu, full of comforting words he couldn't utter, was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
Just then, the door was pushed open again. Song Shihuan looked up and saw Gu Mingzhu grinning at her.
"Mingzhu, what are you doing here?"
"My stomach is hungry. I want to eat the pastries from the Eastern Palace's small kitchen," Gu Mingzhu walked up to Song Shihuan in a few strides. "I also want to hear the Princess play the zither, and drink tea brewed by the Princess herself, and also..."
"Gu Mingzhu, are you trying to reach for the heavens?" Song Yu couldn't help but interject.
Pfft—
Song Shihuan laughed.
She took Gu Mingzhu's hand and pulled her towards the small kitchen. "Father, you're not allowed to be mean to Mingzhu."
Gu Mingzhu turned her head and blinked at Song Yu.
Song Yu chuckled softly. With this little lady from the Gu family, A'huan was truly fortunate.
That was the first time Gu Mingzhu successfully spent the night in the Eastern Palace without being thrown out by Song Yu.
"Mingzhu, I know you came to the Eastern Palace because you were afraid I'd be sad."
At night, a voice made Gu Mingzhu, who was pretending to sleep, jolt.
"Thank you. I'm not as sad now."
Gu Mingzhu pressed her lips together. After all, it was her birth mother; how could she not be sad?
Thank goodness, thank goodness she came.
...
A few more years passed. Song Yu ascended the throne, and Song Shihuan was enfeoffed as the Eldest Princess, receiving immense favor.
Gu Mingzhu's status rose accordingly. Noble young ladies in the capital all greeted her with smiles and affectionate chatter, calling her 'sister' this and 'younger sister' that.
Even families with sons of marriageable age began to set their sights on Gu Mingzhu.
That was the first time Song Shihuan flew into a rage after being enfeoffed as the Eldest Princess.
"Tell them that Mingzhu's marriage will be personally arranged by His Majesty!" Song Shihuan was clearly furious. "The Second Young Lady of the Gu family, this Princess's dearest friend—how could she be married off just because someone harbors ulterior motives?"
Gu Mingzhu simply kept her head down, sipping her tea nearby. Only when the teacup was empty did she look up:
"Princess, I don't want to get married."
"I want to be a female general."
Upon hearing this, Song Shihuan immediately turned to Baoxia and said, "Add another line: This Princess wishes for Mingzhu to keep me company a while longer. Mingzhu need not marry so early."
Song Shihuan had never denied any of Gu Mingzhu's requests.
This fact greatly bothered Emperor Yuanyou and Song Yu, who felt Gu Mingzhu was threatening their place in Song Shihuan's heart.
Hearing this, Gu Mingzhu broke into a wide smile. It was wonderful. Every time she mentioned wanting to be a female general, the Princess had never objected.
She must truly believe, deep down, that she could do it, right?
Gu Mingzhu's martial skills grew increasingly refined. When her strength fell short, she would use clever techniques to win. After once again successfully defeating Yu Fan, Gu Mingzhu went to the military camp, took down several soldiers, and made a name for herself in one fight.
By then, Song Shihuan had gradually begun to handle court affairs.
"Princess, I wish to accompany His Majesty on his tours to observe the people's conditions, as part of his guard."
In the Zichen Hall, Song Shihuan looked at Gu Mingzhu before her, dressed in dashing riding attire, and nodded as always. "Alright."
"The Princess agrees without even asking why?" A flicker of gloom passed through Gu Mingzhu's eyes. If so, she would have to part from the Princess.
"Then why does Mingzhu wish to do this?"
"By following His Majesty, first, I can protect him for the Princess. Second, I can observe the livelihood of the people in different regions and uphold justice for the wronged commoners." Gu Mingzhu's voice was uncharacteristically steady. "I believe for the currently peaceful Great Qi, a female general should be like this."
She should truly serve the people, not just wait for war to earn military merit. If one could only become a female general through wartime achievements, she would rather not be one, and instead wish for eternal peace under heaven.
"Go ahead."
Song Shihuan walked up to Gu Mingzhu and affectionately took her hands. These hands bore many calluses and were much rougher than those of ordinary women.
"Be careful, and remember to write often."
...
Gu Mingzhu left the capital with Song Yu, proving her capability with her fists time and again amidst constant underestimation.
Over several years, Gu Mingzhu remained outside, helping Song Yu uncover the dirty deeds many officials conducted in secret, and restoring fairness and justice to many commoners.
Gradually, the people began to call Gu Mingzhu "Lady Gu the Knight-errant."
"Well, if it isn't our Lady Gu the Knight-errant, back again."
On a rare return to the capital, Gu Mingzhu headed straight for the palace without a word.
Song Shihuan was also overjoyed, looking Gu Mingzhu up and down. But when she saw the scar on the back of Gu Mingzhu's hand, all traces of teasing vanished from her face.
"A minor injury," Gu Mingzhu said with a smile. "This little wound saved the lives of a few children. Well worth it."
She didn't mention a word about how dangerous it had been.
"Baoxia, check how many scars she has on her body."
A quarter of an hour later, Baoxia reported back, her voice choked. "There are five scars in total. The one on her back... was nearly fatal."
Song Shihuan's eyes reddened. "Now the world sings your praises, Mingzhu. But I feel the carefree you from back then was better, at least you wouldn't get hurt."
But Gu Mingzhu laughed.
She hadn't been carefree back then at all.
"Princess, don't cry. For the Gu family, scars are medals of honor."
"Now, being able to protect the people of Great Qi and protect the Princess, I am truly happy."
