The figure outside the window drifted past once more.
Song Xiyan was so terrified that she collapsed onto the floor.
"Empress Yuan... I didn’t mean to disrespect you." Song Xiyan’s hair was disheveled, her voice trembling with fear. "It was the Imperial Grandmother—she said Song Shihuan looked too much like you, that she would steal all of Imperial Grandfather’s favor and threaten the Eastern Palace."
Song Yanchao and Song Yanming nodded frantically in agreement.
"Empress Yuan, we... we only wanted to ruin Song Shihuan’s face. We never meant to disrespect you."
Listening to the trio’s pitiful pleas from inside the room, Song Shihuan curled her lips into a faint smile.
Beside her stood Emperor Yuanyou and Song Yu.
"Father, the Eastern Palace has truly failed in disciplining its children," Song Yu remarked, his eyes darkening. "It seems the bond between the Successor Empress and my mother wasn’t as sisterly as they claimed."
For years, whenever Kunning Palace faced trouble, they had used "sisterly affection" as a shield to evade responsibility.
Now that this pretense had been stripped away, what else could Kunning Palace rely on as their final trump card?
Emperor Yuanyou’s expression was grim. Just as he was about to kick the door open, Song Yu stopped him.
"Father, as long as you’re aware of these matters, there’s no need to take it out on the children."
The emperor frowned. "Have you lost your mind?"
Under normal circumstances, Song Yu would have been the first to storm in.
"Not at all," Song Yu grinned. "But I’d like Your Majesty to keep this debt in mind for me."
When the Successor Empress’s birthday banquet arrived, he would settle this score—along with the old slander about his alleged affair with a palace maid.
That would be truly satisfying.
"Very well."
Emperor Yuanyou studied Song Yu for a long moment before finally turning and heading toward the Zichen Hall.
......
As the Successor Empress’s birthday banquet drew nearer, the capital grew livelier.
Noble ladies across the city racked their brains to prepare performances, each hoping to make a dazzling impression at the celebration.
At Prince Chu’s Mansion—
"Since Song Xiyan excels at the qin, you must perfect your dance," the Princess of Chu declared, wielding a ruler as Song Xiling practiced tirelessly, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Your mother only wants what’s best for you. Song Xiyan has lost her title—she’s no more noble than you now." The princess’s gaze sharpened. "And Song Shihuan, who’s only just been found, surely lacks refinement in music and poetry. This is your chance to shine."
"Mother, I can’t dance anymore."
She had been practicing since breakfast—two full hours already.
"No. A few more rounds."
The thought of Prince Chu spending yet another night in another woman’s quarters made the princess tighten her grip on the ruler. "Your movements must be softer. And your expression—don’t keep that stiff face."
After what felt like an eternity, Song Xiling finally collapsed from exhaustion.
The Princess of Chu coldly ordered the servants to carry her daughter back to her quarters. As they departed, Song Xiling mustered the courage to ask:
"Mother, why must I always outdo everyone else? Don’t I have any strengths of my own?"
"Take her away!"
Watching her daughter’s retreating figure, the princess dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.
"I only want Xiling to stand out. Is that so wrong?"
The maidservant beside her lowered her head. The princess wasn’t wrong—but neither was the young mistress.
Meanwhile, at Qin Prince’s Mansion—
Shen Qingping gazed at Song Shihuan with sparkling eyes. "Would the young mistress consider playing the qin at the banquet?"
The spectacle would be unforgettable!
"Thanks to your guidance, I’ve practiced for months. It’s time to show my progress." Song Shihuan smiled warmly. "I want everyone to know that my teacher’s skill is unparalleled—not the disgrace they assume."
She would clear his name once and for all.
The world dismissed Shen Qingping as a wastrel, his qin artistry fit only to accompany courtesans. The so-called refined scholars scorned him like a plague.
How foolish.
Shen Qingping straightened with pride, tossing the stack of documents on the table toward Song Yu before presenting his most treasured music score to Song Shihuan.
"Which piece would the young mistress prefer?"
Song Yu struggled upright from beneath the paperwork, grinding his teeth. "Shen Qingping, have I been too lenient with you lately?"
"Your Highness, with the banquet approaching, shouldn’t we focus on ensuring our young mistress outshines Second Mistress Song Xiyan this year?"
Song Yu nearly laughed at his shameless reasoning.
"Fine. I’ll wait to see Ah Huan claim the top honor."
It was only a few days away.
For her sake, he’d endure.
Shen Qingping watched Song Shihuan like she was a divine sword, his excitement making his eyebrows nearly leap off his forehead at the thought of her triumph.
Song Yu rolled his eyes. "Liuxi, look at him—utterly undignified."
Liuxi bit back a smile.
His Highness wasn’t exactly the picture of dignity around the young mistress either.
After reviewing the score, Song Shihuan’s finger settled on one page.
"This one."
......
At the same time, the Crown Princess arrived at Kunning Palace.
The sound of Song Xiyan’s qin playing greeted her at the gates.
Once, this would have filled her with pride—after all, she had poured years of effort into her daughter’s musical training.
But now...
Recalling the performance she’d overheard at Qin Prince’s Mansion, the Crown Princess smirked.
The difference was like heaven and earth.
"Mother, I’ve finalized the banquet menu." The Crown Princess bowed deferentially. "Please review it."
The Successor Empress skimmed the list and nodded. "I trust your judgment."
"With so many noble ladies attending, if any prove exceptional, I hope Mother might consider them for Yan Zheng’s future bride."
The Successor Empress’s eyes gleamed. "Despite the Chang family’s downfall, you still think of Yan Zheng’s marriage. How dutiful."
"Without the Changs, Yan Zheng is my only support." The Crown Princess feigned maternal concern. "I only wish for him to marry into a powerful family."
"I’ve taken notice of Gu Mingliu of the Gu clan."
Dismissing the attendants, the Successor Empress took the Crown Princess’s hand. "But given the Eastern Palace’s... history with Gu Zheng, we may need unconventional methods to secure this match."
"Whatever Mother requires, I’ll do it." The Crown Princess spoke softly. "For Yan Zheng, I’ll sacrifice anything."
The Successor Empress’s smile widened.
