Jingren Palace.
"Mother Empress, that child has now been registered under Prince Qin's name," the Crown Princess twisted her handkerchief, her expression conflicted.
"Foolish!"
The Empress Dowager took a sip of tea. "Do you truly believe Ling'er was beaten with the rod simply for forming factions?"
The Crown Princess seemed to realize something, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"If it were truly about forming factions, do you think a mere beating would suffice as punishment?"
Hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Song Yanzheng's expression darkened. "His Majesty is venting his anger, isn't he? He’s doing this for Uncle and Song Shihuan, right?"
Song Xiyan could no longer conceal her jealousy. Seeing this, the Empress Dowager sighed deeply.
Her granddaughter was exceptional in every way, yet for some reason, she had never caught the Emperor's favor. Neither Xiyan nor Yanzheng received any special treatment—they were treated the same as the other imperial grandchildren.
Only Song Shihuan was different.
"She’s a child who has suffered," the Empress Dowager patted the Crown Princess’s hand. "His Majesty also endured hardship in his youth. Seeing her, he naturally feels a deeper compassion."
"Sometimes, just a sliver of that compassion can make all the difference."
"This daughter-in-law understands."
The Crown Princess recalled the scene where Song Shihuan had thrown herself in front of Song Yu to shield him from the rod and pursed her lips.
"But Prince Qin treats her exceedingly well. She may not be willing to return."
"She is flesh of your flesh. Speak gently to her, show her kindness—how could she hold a grudge against you?" The Empress Dowager smiled faintly. "You need only treat her half as well as you treat Xiyan."
The Crown Princess agreed and left Jingren Palace with her two children.
The Empress Dowager leaned wearily against the bedside.
"Your Highness, this servant noticed that the Crown Princess and the imperial grandchildren began coaxing Princess Fuyun the moment they stepped out," Chen Chi lit incense for the Empress Dowager as he spoke softly.
"How she comforts Xiyan is none of my concern," the Empress Dowager closed her eyes to rest. "But Song Shihuan must be re-registered under Ling'er’s name. Chen Chi, tell me—how does that child compare to Xiyan?"
Chen Chi hesitated, unsure how to respond.
"In just a few days, Song Yu has become a different person, discarding all those vulgar habits. Whether this child is clever or dull, she cannot remain in Prince Qin’s household any longer."
......
Side Hall, Zichen Palace.
"Ahuan, you really don’t enjoy reading romantic novels?"
Song Yu watched Song Shihuan flipping through a history book, his expression one of utter disbelief. How could there be someone who didn’t like romantic novels?
How rare.
"His Majesty said that studying history brings wisdom. I never had the chance to read such books before," Song Shihuan didn’t even blink as she read. "But there are parts I don’t understand. Father, what does this passage mean?"
Song Yu’s smile froze.
He had hated studying since childhood—how would he know what it meant?
How he regretted not paying attention in his youth!
"Ahem..." He scratched his head. "I wouldn’t want to explain it incorrectly. How about this—I’ll hire a tutor just for you."
Just as Song Yu and Song Shihuan stared at each other in silence, a voice interrupted:
"Elder Sister, if there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask Mother."
Seeing it was Song Xiyan, both Song Yu and Song Shihuan stiffened momentarily.
"Mother was renowned as the most talented lady in the capital. There’s no need for Elder Sister to hire a separate tutor," Song Xiyan forced a smile as she took Song Shihuan’s hand, pushing Song Yu aside.
The Crown Princess appeared somewhat reserved. "How is your health? His Highness specifically instructed me to bring you a thousand-year ginseng to nourish your body."
Seeing Song Shihuan reading history, the Crown Princess felt a pang of tenderness.
At that age, she too had loved reading history.
"History can be obscure—it’s normal not to understand at first," the Crown Princess studied Song Shihuan carefully. Though the girl bore little resemblance to her or the Crown Prince, she was still her child—there had to be similarities somewhere.
And now, with the Emperor’s favor...
"If you’re willing, you could move to the Eastern Palace. I’ll explain anything you don’t understand."
Song Shihuan’s eyes curved slightly as she pointed at Song Yu, who had turned to stone beside her. "My father can explain it too. Right, Father?"
"Huh?"
Song Yu snapped out of his daze and glared at the Crown Princess. Was she trying to steal his daughter?
Ugh.
Shameless.
"Of course," Song Yu declared firmly, quickly skimming the page. "Ahuan, I’ll go heat some milk for you first."
Then, suppressing his pain, he hurried toward the main hall. "Wu Qi, quickly—I need to see His Majesty!"
Emperor Yuanyou, who had been miserably reviewing memorials inside, barely took a few steps before Song Yu barreled into him. "Father, I have a question—it’s urgent!"
After hearing Song Yu’s request, the Emperor’s lips twitched.
"Have you lost your mind? You’ve complained of headaches at the mere sight of books since childhood, and now you’re asking me about history?" Emperor Yuanyou reached out to check Song Yu’s temperature.
Song Yu paced anxiously. "Father, if we delay any longer, my daughter will be stolen away!"
"Who dares?!"
Song Yu swore it was the most beautiful thing he’d ever heard the old man say.
......
Song Yu repeated Emperor Yuanyou’s explanation to Song Shihuan, who nodded repeatedly.
"So that’s what it means! Father is truly amazing!"
Song Yu puffed up with pride and shot the Crown Princess a sidelong glance. "Naturally. I’m well-versed in all matters under heaven. Ahuang, there’s no need to consult outsiders."
Emperor Yuanyou, who had just arrived at the door, turned on his heel. He couldn’t bear to watch.
His granddaughter’s judgment seemed questionable—how could she see that good-for-nothing in such a glowing light?
Those explanations had come from him!
"Ahuan is my daughter now. If she has any questions, I’ll resolve them myself. There’s no need for Second Sister-in-Law to trouble herself."
Hearing Song Yu’s blunt refusal, the Crown Princess’s smile faltered.
"In that case, Ahuang, your sister and I will visit again tomorrow."
With that, she hastily departed.
Song Shihuan blinked and returned to her history book. In a corner Song Yu couldn’t see, the corners of her lips curled up slightly.
Unbeknownst to Song Yu, he had just dug himself an enormous pit.
Half an hour later.
Song Shihuan pointed at another passage. "Father, what does this part mean?"
Song Yu nearly choked on his tea before rushing off to seek Emperor Yuanyou’s help once more.
After several rounds of this, Song Yu’s gaze grew vacant, his spirit drained.
Meanwhile, Song Shihuan clutched her swollen stomach. "Father, I really can’t drink any more milk. I’ve had three cups already."
Another incense stick’s time later, Song Yu stood before Emperor Yuanyou again. This time, the Emperor didn’t even look up. "What don’t you understand now?"
Song Yu’s reply was startling:
"Find me a tutor well-versed in history."
With a clatter, Emperor Yuanyou’s vermilion brush hit the floor.
