A few days later, the Crown Princess used Song Xiyan’s need to focus on practicing the zither as an excuse to prevent Shen Hua'er from visiting Kunning Palace again. At the same time, citing the palace’s busy preparations for both the birthday banquet and ceremonial rites, she directly had Consort Mei send Shen Hua'er back to the Shen family.
Consort Mei could hardly swallow this humiliation. She immediately went to Kunning Palace to vent her grievances.
"This old consort has only this one grandniece to keep me company and talk with," Consort Mei said. Though she was advanced in years, traces of her former beauty were still evident. "Yet the Crown Princess insists on sending Hua'er out of the palace. What harm is there in letting her stay?"
"Consort Mei, we are both old now," the Successor Empress said, cutting off her complaints with a single sentence. "The palace will soon be managed by the younger generation. The Crown Princess has been so busy lately she barely has time to rest. Shouldn’t we elders show her some consideration?"
Consort Mei’s expression twisted instantly. If Hua'er were sent away, all their schemes would come to nothing!
"Your Majesty—"
"Enough. This old consort actually finds the Crown Princess’s handling of the matter quite appropriate," the Successor Empress said, her tone heavy as she fixed Consort Mei with a piercing gaze. "This year’s birthday banquet is also an opportunity for my Yan Zheng to select a consort. We cannot afford even the slightest carelessness."
Consort Mei’s breath hitched. The Successor Empress’s words made her feel as though all her schemes had been laid bare.
"Hua'er is a good girl. She will surely marry well in the future," the Successor Empress added lightly, her words a veiled warning. "Consort Mei, forced fruits are never sweet."
Dazed, Consort Mei left Kunning Palace, a flash of resentment flickering in her eyes.
For so many years, she had been overshadowed by the woman in Kunning Palace.
If not for the deceased former empress, how could this woman have secured the position of empress at all?
......
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace.
"Mei Xin, deliver a bowl of ginseng soup to the Grand Imperial Grandson on this consort’s behalf," the Crown Princess said, rubbing her sore wrists after reviewing account books for too long.
"Your Highness, Mei Xin is handling procurement matters. This servant can deliver it instead," another maid offered eagerly.
Hearing this, the Crown Princess glanced at the eager Mei Xiang and smiled meaningfully. "In that case, we’ll wait for Mei Xin to return and have her go."
Mei Xiang lowered her head, suppressing her frustration as she retreated from the room.
"Your Highness, this old servant has noticed Mei Xiang growing increasingly restless lately, always sneaking into the Grand Imperial Grandson’s courtyard," the nanny said worriedly. "Why not deal with her outright to avoid trouble for our Li Garden?"
"This consort has greater use for her."
A shrewd glint flashed in the Crown Princess’s eyes as she recalled Song Shihuan’s words.
"Keep a close watch on Mei Xiang these days. Do not allow her any contact with Yan Zheng," the Crown Princess said, her mind suddenly sharp. "Only then can we ensure that during the birthday banquet... she acts on impulse."
"Understood, Your Highness."
By the eve of the birthday banquet, the entire palace was enveloped in an eerie calm.
While Kunning Palace stood on high alert, the Qin Prince’s Mansion remained leisurely and carefree.
"Your Highness, how do you feel now that the truth is about to come to light?" Shen Qingping asked idly, watching Song Yu review memorials. He almost wished the banquet could be delayed a few more days—just so the prince could suffer through more paperwork.
"This prince’s feeling is—if you have nothing better to do, come help me with these memorials."
Song Yu’s expression was deadpan. Endless paperwork was pure torment!
"The young mistress is practicing the zither. I must go supervise her shortly," Shen Qingping quickly declined, then smirked. "But surely, deep down, Your Highness is pleased?"
"After all these years bearing the blame—enduring beatings, shouldering curses, carrying this black mark—this prince only grew so tall thanks to Mother Empress’s protection."
Song Yu’s words were as sharp as poison.
Shen Qingping couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
......
On the day of the banquet, Song Shihuan was roused early by Yingchun and seated before a bronze mirror as her maids dressed and adorned her.
The nanny brought out a pre-prepared red gown, and soon Song Shihuan was transformed into a radiant vision, her hair styled in two floral buns.
"Our young mistress is so beautiful. She will surely outshine everyone today," Baoxia praised.
Song Shihuan smiled faintly. "Did you pack the zither?"
"Rest assured, young mistress. It was placed in the carriage at dawn."
The carriage departed the Qin Prince’s Mansion and arrived at the palace gates, where many others had already gathered.
The banquet was held in Qiangwu Palace.
When Song Yu and Song Shihuan—one tall, one small—appeared in the hall, the atmosphere quieted momentarily as guests discreetly observed the father-daughter pair so favored by the emperor.
The Successor Empress, dressed in festive attire, sat at the head of the hall like a matriarch celebrating her birthday in an ordinary household.
"Ah, A’Huan has arrived. Take your seats."
Song Shihuan glanced at the Crown Prince’s sour expression and the empty dragon throne. "Why hasn’t Grandfather arrived yet?"
"His Majesty is discussing matters with his ministers. Let us enjoy the music and dances first," the Successor Empress said warmly, though her demeanor made Song Shihuan inwardly shudder.
Still...
The fact that the emperor no longer summoned the Crown Prince for discussions was a good sign.
About an incense stick’s time later, Emperor Yuanyou entered Qiangwu Palace, and the hall buzzed with lively energy. After a few rounds of wine, it was time for the noble ladies’ talent performances.
This year, with Song Yanzheng of marriageable age, the young ladies spared no effort to impress.
The Successor Empress had originally intended for Song Xiyan to perform last among the noblewomen, but seeing the others’ dazzling displays, Song Xiyan abruptly stood up.
"This granddaughter wishes to play a piece in celebration of Grandmother Empress’s birthday."
As soon as Song Xiyan sat before the zither, Song Yu’s teasing voice rang out.
"Song Xiyan has always taken first place in previous years. But last night, this prince consulted the heavens—this year’s winner will be someone else."
"Elder Brother, must you bully a young girl like Xiyan?" the Crown Prince snapped, his face dark.
"Tsk, is Second Brother hard of hearing?" Song Yu retorted shamelessly. "This prince clearly said it was divined through celestial observation."
"Since when does Elder Brother know astrology?" the Crown Prince spat.
"If Second Brother doubts me, let’s make a wager. If someone else wins this year, you’ll bring the Crown Prince’s seal to the Qin Prince’s Mansion for this prince to use as a paperweight. How about that?"
"Preposterous!" Emperor Yuanyou shot Song Yu a reproachful look. "The Crown Prince’s seal is not a plaything."
Not once did he suspect Song Yu of coveting the throne.
The guests exchanged meaningful glances.
Song Yu pouted. If Song Xiyan won again this year, he’d walk on his hands around the hall.
Emperor Yuanyou turned to Song Xiyan. "Begin your performance, Xiyan."
By now, Song Xiyan’s hands trembled slightly, her composure shaken by Song Yu’s provocation.
