The Eastern Palace.
Upon receiving the news, Song Yanzheng nearly twisted his nose in fury. "That Song Shihuan keeps ruining my plans!"
"Brother, should we still send gifts to the Gu Family?" Song Yanchao couldn't help but ask, his brows furrowed with irritation from being confined. "I never expected that wild girl to be so cunning. She's truly hard to deal with."
"Of course we'll send them," Song Yanzheng replied darkly. "Not only will we send them, but I'll deliver them personally."
If he didn’t put on a show of caring for Gu Mingliu, his grandmother wouldn’t speak to the Emperor on his behalf.
"Brother... the items in the treasury now are all things Xi Yan likes..." Song Yanchao frowned. "And they’ll just fall into that wild girl’s hands for nothing."
"I know what’s important," Song Yanzheng shot him a glance. "Grandmother said that once Xi Yan’s confinement ends, she’ll have her stay at her palace for a while to teach her properly."
"Xi Yan has always been afraid of Grandmother. Brother, couldn’t you—"
"Yanchao, Grandmother means no harm to Xi Yan."
After some reflection, he realized the Eastern Palace’s situation was precarious. Xi Yan could no longer afford to act as willfully as before.
Cultivating a calmer temperament would bring more blessings to the Eastern Palace.
Seeing Song Yanzheng’s resolve, Song Yanchao could only lower his head.
He dreaded the tantrum Xi Yan would throw later.
......
Meanwhile, at the Qin Prince's Mansion.
Song Shihuan was deep in thought over Song Yu’s words, both shocked and intrigued by the idea.
But where could they find a woman willing to cooperate with them?
While Song Yu and Shen Qingping continued discussing court affairs, Song Shihuan sat in her chair, racking her brain.
"I’ve got it!"
She leaped up, startling Song Yu and Shen Qingping.
Her face zoomed in front of Song Yu. "Father, didn’t you forget to summon Imperial Physician Mei for the Child of the Chang family?"
"The Chang family was involved in framing me back then. I won’t lift a finger for them."
Song Yu snorted. If he hadn’t slaughtered the entire Chang family on the spot, even the Buddha would praise his mercy.
Song Shihuan tugged at his sleeve, swaying it until his anger melted away.
"Father, which of the Chang family’s two young ladies was closer to Song Yanzheng?" She grinned, eyes sparkling. "We could have her take the Child of the Chang family to the palace to see Imperial Physician Mei. Along the way, she might just run into Song Yanzheng."
Especially Second Miss Chang—in her past life, she had been Song Yanzheng’s consort.
Shen Qingping’s eyes lit up.
"Second Miss Chang seemed quite determined to marry Song Yanzheng."
"Perfect!" Song Shihuan clapped her hands. "Second Miss Chang is stuck in the imperial prison now, surely frightened and heartbroken. If she sees Song Yanzheng, it’s only natural she’d get emotional."
Song Yu’s gaze toward her shifted.
"Ah Huan, you’re my lucky star!"
Song Shihuan smirked, her eyes darting mischievously. "Why not have Grandmother host a lotus-viewing banquet in the imperial garden? The lotuses are in full bloom now, fragrant and lovely."
......
The next day, Song Yu casually mentioned the lotuses in front of Emperor Yuanyou, prompting the Emperor to praise the imperial garden’s blossoms when visiting Kunning Palace.
The Successor Empress, already scheming to match Song Yanzheng with Gu Mingliu, seized the opportunity.
"Your Majesty is right. I was just thinking of hosting a lotus-viewing banquet for noble maidens of marriageable age. Let Yanzheng take a look and see if any catch his eye."
She smiled gently. "In a few years, Your Majesty may even have a great-grandson."
"This old man will indulge you. Let Yanzheng choose for himself."
With the Emperor’s approval, invitations to the banquet soon arrived at the Gu residence. Gu Mingliu stared at hers in hesitation.
"Father, should I go or not?"
If she didn’t attend, she’d have to feign illness.
"Perhaps we should ask the Princess?" Gu Zheng suggested weakly, embarrassed that a grown man like him would defer to a ten-year-old.
Gu Mingliu nodded, sending Gu Mingzhu to the Qin Prince's Mansion.
Upon returning, Gu Mingzhu mimicked Song Shihuan’s mannerisms, clearing her throat.
"Go, of course! The lotuses are gorgeous. Sister Gu should enjoy the view—and maybe even a good show."
Gu Mingliu burst into laughter.
Three days later, at the lotus-viewing banquet.
Noble maidens, radiant as flowers, filled the garden. Gu Mingliu stood out subtly in her pale green dress, exuding quiet elegance.
The Successor Empress observed her with growing approval.
A steady, unassuming temperament—perfect for Yanzheng.
She signaled Chen Chi, who immediately headed toward the Eastern Palace.
Meanwhile...
A disheveled woman cradling an unconscious child stepped out of the imperial prison.
After days in darkness, Chang Ling'er squinted against the sunlight, her heart trembling.
Had her cousin Yanzheng missed her as much as she had missed him?
"Second Miss Chang, hurry. Young Master Chang’s condition won’t wait," urged Liuxi.
Chang Ling'er snapped out of her thoughts and followed quickly.
Inside the palace, Song Shihuan was already waiting with Imperial Physician Mei.
Once Mei Zhilin took the child inside, only Song Shihuan and Chang Ling'er remained in the courtyard.
"Imperial Physician Mei is highly skilled. He’ll surely cure Young Master Chang."
Song Shihuan fidgeted with her handkerchief, feigning shyness. "Today, my elder brother is choosing his consort. I’d like to see the noble ladies in the imperial garden, so I must go now."
"Elder brother?"
"The Grand Imperial Grandson." Song Shihuan beamed. "There are so many beautiful sisters there. I want to see which one he likes best!"
With that, she dashed off.
Left behind, Chang Ling'er panicked. Without another thought, she abandoned the child and sprinted toward the imperial garden.
Once sure Chang Ling'er was gone, Song Shihuan emerged leisurely from behind a rock.
Wow!
She couldn’t miss this drama.
Imperial Garden.
Song Yanzheng’s gaze clung to Gu Mingliu. Noticing this, the Successor Empress called Gu Mingliu forward warmly.
"You’re the eldest daughter of the Gu family?"
"This humble subject, Gu Mingliu, greets the Successor Empress and the Grand Imperial Grandson."
"Such grace and beauty." The Empress glanced at Song Yanzheng. "Yanzheng, what do you think?"
"Meeting Lady Gu today, I find her lovelier than the flowers."
His noble demeanor made the other maidens burn with envy. Why hadn’t the Empress called them instead?
All eyes were on Gu Mingliu when a hoarse, desperate voice cut through the air—filled with longing and sorrow:
"Cousin... have you abandoned me?"
