"Your Majesty, this subject believes that given Prince Qin's character, he would never intentionally mix plague-infected horse meat into the porridge." A clear, resolute voice rang out as Gu Zheng stood tall, his back straight.
"In this subject's opinion, Prince Qin may have been framed."
Emperor Yuanyou looked at Gu Zheng, a flicker of deeper meaning in his eyes.
"Has Lord Gu investigated this matter?" Chang Qing tensed inwardly—this stubborn Gu Zheng again. "Yesterday, it seemed Lord Gu did not leave the military camp."
Gu Zheng, a third-rank Cavalry General, was also the father of Gu Mingzhu.
"What? Has Lord Chang investigated it himself?" Gu Zheng glared at Chang Qing. "Prince Qin is the legitimate son of Empress Yuan, upright and kind-hearted. How could he possibly do something so self-destructive? It’s obvious he’s been set up by villains."
"Lord Gu remains as self-righteous as ever," one of Chang Qing’s followers sneered.
Ignoring the jab, Gu Zheng turned to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, this subject requests full authority to investigate this matter."
"Father, the situation has already stirred unrest among the people. Their resentment toward Eldest Brother has begun to tarnish the entire imperial family." The Crown Prince wore a troubled expression. "If we do not act swiftly, it may shake the people’s trust."
The trust of the people—since ancient times, no ruler could afford to disregard it.
Emperor Yuanyou turned to the Crown Prince, his gaze inscrutable. "What solution does the Crown Prince propose?"
"Let Eldest Brother remain in the imperial prison for now, so the people may see Your Majesty’s stance." The Crown Prince was determined to have Song Yu imprisoned. "Once Lord Gu uncovers the truth, Eldest Brother’s innocence will be proven."
Once inside the prison, it would be all too easy to arrange an "accident" for Song Yu.
"Unacceptable." Gu Zheng’s voice cut through again. The Crown Prince’s brow furrowed imperceptibly.
What was wrong with Gu Zheng today? Why was he so adamant about protecting Song Yu?
"Your Majesty, grant this subject seven days. If I fail to uncover the truth by then, I will willingly join Prince Qin in the imperial prison." Gu Zheng radiated unwavering resolve. "I beg Your Majesty’s permission."
"Granted."
Emperor Yuanyou rose slowly, his patience exhausted by the courtiers’ bickering, and strode toward the Zichen Hall.
---
Zichen Hall
Hearing movement, Song Yu sprang to his feet. "Father, what’s the verdict?"
Emperor Yuanyou responded by delivering a sharp kick to Song Yu’s backside. "After barely a few days of peace, you drop this disaster on me? Can’t you be more careful? How could you let yourself be tricked so easily?"
Listening to the Emperor’s exasperated tone, Wu Qi stiffened slightly.
So, His Majesty had never doubted Prince Qin at all.
Then the Crown Prince and the officials who had spoken against him earlier were...
Wu Qi’s back bent even lower at the realization.
"Has anyone else fallen ill?" Song Yu’s eyes reddened with urgency. "This is all my fault. I meant well but caused harm—two people already died yesterday from eating it."
Seeing his distress, the Emperor’s tone softened. "Don’t torment yourself. Stay in the Zichen Hall for now. Gu Zheng will find the truth for you."
"But Ahuan is waiting for me at the mansion."
When Song Yu insisted on returning, Emperor Yuanyou’s eyes darkened. "Wu Qi, recount every detail of this morning’s court session to Prince Qin."
An incense stick’s time later, Song Yu stood dazed, speechless.
For the first time, he truly grasped the ruthlessness of court politics—one misstep, and he could be crushed to dust.
---
Qin Prince’s Mansion
The mansion was besieged by an angry mob demanding answers. Guards held the gates firm, protecting Song Shihuan inside.
"Princess, please... please don’t fret. Our prince is blessed—he’ll surely be fine." Baoxia’s voice trembled as she looked at Song Shihuan, who hadn’t slept all night.
Yet Song Shihuan sat calmly at her desk, brush flying across paper as if oblivious to the chaos outside.
By her estimate, court had adjourned at least an hour ago.
Her brush moved faster.
Another hour passed before noise erupted outside. Yingchun hurried out to investigate and returned at once. "Princess, Lady Gu is here."
Lady Gu?
Song Shihuan’s mind raced—only one person fit that title.
When she saw Gu Mingzhu disguised as a maid, she froze. "Mingzhu, why are you here?"
Gu Mingzhu brushed rotten vegetables from her hair. "Princess, my father asked me to relay a message. The Emperor has tasked him with investigating this matter. He will clear Prince Qin’s name."
Song Shihuan exhaled in relief. "My thanks to General Gu."
She handed Gu Mingzhu the folded paper she’d been writing on. "Mingzhu, this lists everyone who might have framed my father—especially the Chang Family. Investigate them first."
After a night of deliberation, the Changs were the likeliest culprits.
Gu Mingzhu nodded. "Don’t worry, Princess. I’ll deliver it."
Noticing the shadows under Song Shihuan’s eyes, Gu Mingzhu clasped her hands. "Princess, my grandfather fought alongside the Emperor. Empress Yuan once saved his life. The Gu Family will protect Prince Qin with everything we have."
Her father had said: if Prince Qin fell, they’d kneel before their ancestors in shame.
Song Shihuan’s lashes fluttered. "So there’s such a history..."
In her past life, her father had been executed after the Crown Prince’s ascension.
The Gu Family’s fate... must have been equally tragic.
"With the Emperor shielding him in the Zichen Hall, Prince Qin is safe for now." Gu Mingzhu relayed the court proceedings, and Song Shihuan suddenly gripped her hands.
"Mingzhu, I must speak with General Gu in person."
Seven days was too short. She needed to share certain insights face-to-face.
"Princess?" Gu Mingzhu was taken aback.
"I’ll disguise myself as your maid and go to the Gu Family." Song Shihuan’s gaze burned with determination. "If you got in, I can get out."
---
Disguised, Song Shihuan slipped out undetected.
Gu Zheng paled at the sight of the young princess. "Princess, your safety is paramount at a time like this."
Song Shihuan shook her head.
"General Gu risked himself to buy seven days for my father. I won’t sit idle." She motioned for Gu Mingzhu to present the paper. "General, I came to explain recent events at the Qin Prince’s Mansion myself."
Half an hour later, Gu Zheng’s expression shifted.
"If you trust me, start with the Chang Family."
The certainty in her voice swayed him. "I believe you, Princess."
Sunlight bathed Song Shihuan, radiant and divine.
