Gu Zheng saw it was Song Yu and subtly let out a relieved breath.
"Uncle, I came today to seek General Gu's advice on military strategy," Song Yanzheng quickly composed himself. "Why has Uncle come as well?"
"What a coincidence."
Song Yu sat down directly, his gaze filled with meaning. "The Second Miss Gu invited Ah Huan to visit the Gu Family, so I decided to tag along."
"Military strategy? Then I must listen as well."
Seeing that Song Yu showed no intention of leaving, Song Yanzheng could only swallow the words he had been about to say.
Gu Zheng smoothly began discussing military tactics.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Perhaps because Song Shihuan's gaze was too intense, Gu Mingliu couldn't help but speak up. "Your Highness, is there something on my face?"
Song Shihuan shook her head. "I just think Sister Gu is the most beautiful woman in the capital. I can't help but stare."
Gu Mingliu's cheeks immediately flushed pink.
Such a lovely woman must not be ruined by that scoundrel Song Yanzheng.
With this thought, Song Shihuan made up her mind.
At the dining table.
Gu Mingliu attentively catered to Song Shihuan's preferences, ensuring her plate was never empty.
Song Yu observed everything with a keen eye. "General Gu, your eldest daughter is gentle and virtuous. You must be careful not to let certain scheming individuals set their sights on her."
Song Yanzheng paused mid-action at these words.
He couldn't help feeling this was directed at him.
"Your Highness, Mingliu lost her mother early, and I am often away leading troops. She has managed the household affairs single-handedly. I owe her much as a father," Gu Zheng said, his tone shifting. "If anyone dares mistreat her, the Gu Family will spare no effort to make them pay."
"Well said!"
Song Yu slapped his thigh, as if he had found a kindred spirit.
If anyone harmed Ah Huan, he would risk his life to make them suffer.
"Every daughter is raised with care—who would willingly let them fall into a trap?" Song Yu glanced sideways at Song Yanzheng. "Yanzheng, don’t you agree?"
"Of course..."
Song Yanzheng forced a smile. "The eldest Miss Gu is the jewel of the capital. I wonder who will be fortunate enough to marry such a lady."
Behind the folding screen.
The smile on Gu Mingliu's face faded slightly.
"Father, are you trying to send me away?" she said softly. "You promised me that my marriage would be my own choice—that you would arrange a match only when I am ready."
"Have I ever broken my word to you?"
Gu Zheng's wrinkles deepened with his smile as he raised his cup to Song Yanzheng. "My daughter speaks out of turn. Forgive her impropriety, Your Highness."
As he drained his cup, Song Yanzheng realized this matter was more complicated than he had anticipated.
"Arranging a marriage?"
Song Shihuan tilted her head. "Last time, I heard Grandfather mention he was selecting a bride for the Eldest Imperial Grandson?"
"Has a suitable candidate been found? My father could offer his opinion." She glanced toward the other side of the screen. "Father, don’t you think so?"
"Indeed, Yanzheng, tell us—which family has Her Majesty the Empress Dowager chosen for you?"
Song Yu adopted the air of an elder, then sighed after noticing Gu Zheng's silence. "General Gu, Her Majesty has high standards. The eldest Miss Gu... having lost her mother, may not meet her expectations."
"The Gu Family is simply not blessed with such fortune."
Gu Zheng also feigned regret, shaking his head in disappointment.
Before Song Yanzheng could explain that the Empress Dowager had already chosen Gu Mingliu, Song Yu and Song Shihuan's well-rehearsed act cut him off.
Just as he tried to salvage the situation, Song Shihuan took Gu Mingliu's hand. "Sister Gu, don’t be disheartened. You’ll surely find a better match—just like in the storybooks."
Gu Mingliu looked at the ten-year-old Song Shihuan, feeling an inexplicable astonishment.
When the Eldest Imperial Grandson mentioned marriage arrangements, she had sensed something amiss.
Yet, with just a few words, the princess and the prince had effortlessly severed any potential ties between her and Song Yanzheng...
Noticing Gu Mingliu's silence, Song Shihuan blinked at her.
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I know my blessings are meager—I never dreamed of marrying into nobility. I only wish to find a true companion for life."
This was an unmistakable rejection.
Song Yanzheng's face darkened. After sitting stiffly for a while longer, he excused himself and left the Gu residence.
He needed to consult his grandmother again.
......
After Song Yanzheng departed, Gu Zheng stood and bowed to Song Yu.
"Today’s matter... I thank Your Highness and the princess for aiding the Gu Family."
The screen was removed, and Gu Mingliu also stepped forward to curtsy. "This humble girl thanks Your Highness and the princess."
Only Gu Mingzhu looked around in confusion, still unaware of what had transpired.
"General Gu, knowing the Eldest Imperial Grandson’s temperament, this matter won’t end here," Song Shihuan said softly. "You must prepare early."
The Eastern Palace clearly coveted the Gu Family’s influence—they wouldn’t give up so easily.
"If you need assistance, do not hesitate to ask," Song Yu said solemnly. "As fathers of daughters, we must stand together."
Gu Zheng was momentarily stunned.
He knelt with Gu Mingliu and Gu Mingzhu. "Your Highness’s great kindness can only be repaid with the Gu Family’s unwavering loyalty. From this day forth, the Gu Family will serve you without question."
Song Yu took a step back in surprise.
He had merely disliked seeing Song Yanzheng scheme against Gu Mingliu.
Why was Gu Zheng acting as if he was ready to pledge his life?
Song Shihuan tugged at his sleeve. "Father, does this mean I can visit Mingzhu more often?"
The Gu Family was a formidable ally.
"General Gu, please rise. Ah Huan will surely trouble your household frequently from now on." Song Yu swallowed and personally helped Gu Zheng up.
"The princess is brilliant beyond her years. Her visits are an honor to our family."
Gu Zheng spoke from the heart.
After the meal, Song Shihuan and Gu Mingzhu played in the training grounds for two full hours.
Both were drenched in sweat, their hair disheveled.
Gu Mingliu gently combed Song Shihuan’s hair into twin buns, her eyes brimming with warmth. "Your Highness strikes with remarkable strength—you have a natural talent for martial arts."
"Our family’s study holds many military texts. Later, you may take some to read at your leisure."
Song Shihuan’s expression shifted slightly.
Including her past life, it had been years since she last heard the words "military texts."
Apart from her master and grandmother, no one in the Great Qi knew she had once studied every strategy book, memorized every battle formation, and mastered the art of war.
But then her master vanished, and her grandmother passed away.
She became truly adrift.
"Very well."
The sunlight outside was too bright, forcing her to squint.
If she read those texts again... would her master reappear before her?
