Prince Chu's Mansion.
After Song Shihuan left, the atmosphere in the room grew so oppressive it was terrifying. Madam Sun had been carried back, while the Princess of Chu and Song Xiling sat in silence.
Prince Chu shot an angry glance at Song Xiling.
"You're only a year younger than her, so how can the gap between you two be so vast?"
Startled by Prince Chu's sharp tone, Song Xiling shrank behind the Princess of Chu.
"All you know is how to hide when trouble comes. No wonder your imperial grandfather doesn’t favor you," Prince Chu stood up, his voice dripping with disdain. "You’re even worse than your half-sisters. What use are you to me?"
Song Xiling’s eyes reddened as she watched Prince Chu storm out of the room with Song Yanhong in tow.
"Mother, I... I didn’t do well enough today."
The Princess of Chu burst into tears and pulled Song Xiling into her arms. "Don’t listen to your father. You’re still young—there’s plenty of time for you to grow."
Song Xiling inhaled her mother’s familiar scent, her expression distant. "Mother, she has her uncle’s backing. I have no one."
The Princess of Chu’s tears fell like broken strings. The inner courtyard of Prince Chu's Mansion was filled with beautiful concubines, and if not for giving birth to Yanhong, she and Xiling would be in an even more precarious position.
Yet for some reason...
Yanhong had always been distant from her and Xiling...
And so, Prince Chu grew increasingly displeased with them.
Holding Song Xiling tighter, the Princess of Chu recalled her brother’s words—only the Sun family could become their true support.
She would have to find a way to resolve her nephew’s situation.
Meanwhile, at the Qin Prince's Mansion.
Song Shihuan recounted everything that had happened at Prince Chu's Mansion in detail. The moment Song Yu heard it, he was ready to march over and settle the score.
"Just as I expected—that third brother of mine could never keep his malice bottled up for long."
"Father, let’s just leave it at that," Song Shihuan said, her eyes bright. "Tomorrow, we’ll send someone to the Sun family to collect what’s owed. This trip has already brought us plenty of gains—more than enough to make up for it."
After all, who would ever complain about having too much silver?
"Hmph!" Song Yu snorted. "In my eyes, your peace of mind during a meal is worth far more than any of those things. No, I won’t let you suffer this injustice."
"Father, I didn’t suffer any injustice."
Song Shihuan stood and twirled in front of Song Yu, her skirts fluttering like a delicate butterfly.
"If you’re still upset, why not visit Sun Hu when you go to the imperial prison in a few days? The tutor mentioned it earlier."
Their eyes met, and Song Yu immediately understood, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You’re right. I should personally deliver this ‘good news’ to Sun Hu."
And let him experience the full extent of Song Yu’s "concern."
Song Shihuan grinned slyly. The Sun family had dared to scheme against her—letting them shed a little blood was far from enough.
The next day.
The moment Song Shihuan arrived at the girls’ academy, Gu Mingzhu bounded over, waggling her eyebrows. "Princess, how was your visit to Prince Chu's Mansion yesterday?"
"Not bad," Song Shihuan replied with a faint smile. "What, is Miss Gu also inviting me to dine at your estate?"
She had meant it as a joke, but Gu Mingzhu’s eyes widened in shock. "Princess... how did you know?"
After returning home yesterday, she had stewed in frustration—she was the closest to the princess in the entire academy!
Yet the princess had visited Prince Chu's Mansion first.
Why?
So she had pestered her father for a full hour until he finally agreed to extend the invitation.
"Would the princess honor us with her presence tomorrow? It’s a day of rest—we could chat at our humble home."
Seeing Gu Mingzhu’s rare nervousness, Song Shihuan’s eyes curved with amusement. "Since Miss Gu is so sincere, then... I’d be delighted to accept!"
"Wonderful!"
Gu Mingzhu nearly jumped for joy. "After class, I’ll have my father inform His Highness. Also, what does the princess like to eat? I’ll have the kitchen prepare it in advance."
"I won’t tell you. I want to see what Mingzhu prefers."
The two shared a laugh, and Gu Mingzhu clung to Song Shihuan’s side.
"Princess, until tomorrow at the Gu estate!"
"Yingchun, don’t forget the osmanthus cakes—we’ll have Mingzhu try them later."
"And those blooming flowerpots, make sure to bring them too."
Watching Song Shihuan bustle about, Song Yu’s lips puckered in exaggerated displeasure.
"It’s just a meal at the Gu family. Do you really need to bring so much?" he grumbled, dragging out his words. "Poor me, left to eat cold leftovers all alone in the mansion today."
Song Shihuan arched a brow.
Who would dare serve the mighty Prince of Qin scraps?
"Well then... why not come with me, Father?" she offered casually.
But Song Yu immediately straightened up. "Prepare the horses—I’m going with Shihuan."
As if afraid she might change her mind, he was already seated in the carriage before Song Shihuan could react.
Gu Estate.
When Gu Mingzhu spotted Song Yu, her grin froze mid-beam. "Your Highness, Prince of Qin."
Song Yu nodded with feigned solemnity. "You and Shihuan go enjoy yourselves. I’ll discuss court affairs with General Gu."
Gu Mingzhu scratched her temple awkwardly. "For some reason, the Eldest Imperial Grandson is also here today. He’s in Father’s study right now."
"Song Yanzheng is here too?"
Both Song Yu and Song Shihuan’s expressions darkened. Song Shihuan’s demeanor turned serious. "In that case, Father, you should go see what’s happening."
Song Yanzheng wasn’t the type to pay casual visits without reason.
As Song Yu strode away, Song Shihuan felt an uneasy premonition settle in her chest.
"Greetings to Princess Fu'an."
A soft, melodious voice rang out. Song Shihuan turned to see a graceful young woman approaching.
With willow-leaf brows and almond-shaped eyes, she wore a pale purple ruqun, her waist slender enough to be encircled by one’s hands. A single pearl hairpin adorned her hair, exuding elegance.
"Princess, this is my elder sister."
"I’ve heard so much about you from my younger sister. Now that we’ve met, you truly live up to your reputation. Mingliu pays her respects to the princess." The woman curtsied with practiced ease.
"Please rise, Sister Gu."
Studying Gu Mingliu, Song Shihuan felt a flicker of realization. "Sister Gu, how old are you this year?"
"I’m five years older than Mingzhu—seventeen."
In an instant, Song Shihuan’s pupils constricted. Had Song Yanzheng come to the Gu estate to...
Propose a marriage alliance?
But in her past life, Song Yanzheng had married the second daughter of the Chang family.
Meanwhile.
Before Song Yu even stepped into the study, he heard Gu Zheng’s cold, firm voice. "My wife passed early, and Mingliu is not yet eighteen. I intend to keep her by my side for a few more years."
Song Yu immediately understood—Song Yanzheng, that little brat, was eyeing the Gu family!
BANG—
The study door swung open as Song Yu barged in, his face the picture of exaggerated cheer. "What are we discussing? Mind if I join?"
Song Yanzheng’s heart lurched. Why was his uncle here at the Gu estate?
And of all times—right when he had come to visit.
