Purple Palace Hall.
"What?"
Emperor Yuanyou stared at Song Yu in disbelief. "You’re saying you not only want the Ministry of Revenue but also the Ministry of War?"
"That’s right."
Song Yu’s expression remained unchanged. "Right now, my second brother is still under house arrest. He can’t manage the affairs of the Ministry of War, and besides, I’m doing this for his own good."
"Then tell me, how exactly is this for his own good?" Emperor Yuanyou simply wanted to hear what nonsense would come out of his mouth this time.
"At the moment, what Second Brother needs most is to clean up his own mess."
Song Yu scratched his head. "What was that saying again?"
Damn it, the words were on the tip of his tongue, but he’d forgotten.
"One who cannot manage his own household cannot govern the world," Song Shihuan quietly supplied from the side.
"Exactly!" Song Yu clapped his hands and laughed. "If he can’t even raise his own children properly, how can he manage the Ministry of War? And if we let him keep control of the ministry, it’ll only lead to disaster."
The mention of "disaster" made Emperor Yuanyou’s eyes narrow imperceptibly.
"Father, have you forgotten the incident where the Eastern Palace tried to kill Gu Zheng?" Song Yu glanced at the emperor. "I refuse to believe that simply confining Second Brother to his residence is enough to settle the matter."
"General Gu is a hero who defends the borders of Da Qi. A mere house arrest is hardly enough—I fear it will chill the hearts of our loyal subjects."
Listening to Song Yu’s well-reasoned argument, Song Shihuan swallowed nervously.
Who said her father was a good-for-nothing?
Turns out, when she chose him in the palace that day, she had an eye for talent.
She had picked the best of them all.
"This is no small matter. I need more time to consider it," Emperor Yuanyou said before lowering his head to continue reviewing memorials, clearly unwilling to discuss it further.
"Take your time."
Song Yu waved a hand dismissively. "In any case, I’ve been in close contact with Gu Zheng lately. If you don’t give me the Ministry of War, Second Brother’s petty nature will make sure Gu Zheng has no place in court."
"And if you give it to Third or Fourth Brother—well, with their spineless temperaments, they’d never be able to control the demons in the Ministry of War." As he spoke, Song Yu shot Emperor Yuanyou a meaningful look. "Seems like none of your sons turned out well."
"Get out!" Emperor Yuanyou felt like every conversation with this scoundrel took months off his life.
"I’ll take my leave, then. Think it over carefully, Father."
With that, he swaggered out of the Purple Palace Hall.
Inside the hall, Emperor Yuanyou set down his vermilion brush and sighed heavily.
The scoundrel’s words echoed the very thoughts that had kept him awake at night.
The Ministry of War could no longer remain under the Eastern Palace’s control.
Outside the hall.
Song Yu looked at Song Shihuan’s admiring gaze and barely suppressed a smug grin. "Ah-Huan, see? Sometimes, speaking bluntly is the best approach."
"Father is truly wise," Song Shihuan praised sincerely.
Song Yu was so delighted he nearly flipped on the spot. Ah-Huan’s words were sweeter than honey.
"Your grandfather says he needs to think it over, but in the end, he’ll definitely give the Ministry of War to me." Song Yu was confident in his ability to read Emperor Yuanyou’s mind. "While Song Ling is still under house arrest, we need to seize every advantage we can."
Strike while the iron is hot!
Shen Qingping had said that to pull Song Ling down from the crown prince’s position, they first had to cut off his support in court.
Taking the Ministry of War was just the beginning.
Song Shihuan nodded eagerly. "Yes, we must strike hard!"
......
Meanwhile, the Eastern Palace remained blissfully unaware of the impending disaster.
Jianjia Palace.
"Hua’er, you should go to Kunning Palace later and keep the Second Princess company."
Consort Mei looked at her graceful niece and spoke slowly.
Shen Hua’er obediently nodded. "I’ll bring some pastries as well, to comfort the Second Princess."
Seeing Shen Hua’er’s understanding, Consort Mei sighed.
"It’s a shame Prince Qi has no grandsons, only Princess Xiyao." This was a lingering regret for Consort Mei. If not for this, she wouldn’t have to push Hua’er into the Eastern Palace.
"Visit Kunning Palace frequently these next few days. You might run into the Grand Imperial Prince, and it would be good for you two to speak." Consort Mei patted Shen Hua’er’s hand. "You are a daughter of the Shen family—you are more than worthy of being an imperial consort."
"Aunt, I understand."
After Shen Hua’er left, Consort Mei gazed out the window, lost in thought.
If Hua’er married into the Eastern Palace, even if Prince Qi’s household never produced a grandson, her presence would ensure the Eastern Palace would look favorably upon them in the future.
But if Prince Qi’s household did have a grandson...
With the Eastern Palace embroiled in scandals, Prince Qi’s household might yet have a chance. If that happened, she would make it up to Hua’er.
With this in mind, Consort Mei felt somewhat at ease.
Shen Hua’er walked along the palace path toward Kunning Palace, her heart pounding.
She had been in the palace for some time now, but she had only visited Kunning Palace once—on the day she arrived. As for the Second Princess, they had never interacted.
Fifteen minutes later.
The Successor Empress studied Shen Hua’er. She seemed docile enough.
"Your Majesty, my aunt thought the Second Princess might be lonely in Kunning Palace, so she sent me to keep her company." Shen Hua’er spoke softly. "To help pass the time."
"Consort Mei is thoughtful."
The Successor Empress nodded. "Xiyan has been in the side hall. You may go and speak with her."
Side Hall.
"Who are you?" Song Xiyan eyed Shen Hua’er warily.
"Your Highness, I am Shen Hua’er, Consort Mei’s grandniece. I’ve been staying at Jianjia Palace to attend to her. My aunt sent me to keep Your Highness company."
After scrutinizing Shen Hua’er for a moment, Song Xiyan gestured for her to sit.
"What can you do? Do you play the zither?"
"I’ve long heard of Your Highness’s mastery of the zither. Might I have the honor of hearing you play?"
Shen Hua’er’s sweet words gradually coaxed a smile out of Song Xiyan.
Hearing the music drift from the side hall, the Successor Empress finally relaxed.
"This Miss Shen is quite impressive."
Shen Hua’er stayed in Kunning Palace until sunset before rising. "Your Highness, it’s getting late. I must return to serve my aunt her evening meal. I’ll come again tomorrow."
Song Xiyan seemed reluctant to let her go. Shen Hua’er’s words were far more pleasing than anyone else’s in the palace.
She made her sound like a celestial maiden descended from the heavens.
"Very well. I’ll expect you tomorrow, then."
Just as Shen Hua’er turned to leave, a eunuch’s voice rang out from outside—
"His Highness the Grand Imperial Prince has arrived!"
Shen Hua’er froze, her palms instantly damp with sweat.
Behind her, Song Xiyan had already rushed out. "Eldest Brother is here?"
After exchanging a few words with Song Xiyan, Song Yanzheng finally noticed Shen Hua’er’s presence and frowned. "And who might this young lady be?"
