"Yan Zheng."
The Crown Princess's voice rang out again, and Song Yanzheng halted his steps with visible impatience.
Yet the Crown Princess stepped forward, reaching out to gently caress Song Yanzheng's face.
"If you are unwilling, this mother will not force you," she said, her tone now tender, like a doting mother. "Miss Gu will be arriving shortly."
"Thank you for your understanding, Mother."
Hearing her words, Song Yanzheng's expression softened slightly.
A light breeze swept by, carrying with it a faint trace of white powder hidden beneath the Crown Princess's fingernails.
......
Inside Qiangwu Palace.
The Crown Prince drowned himself in wine, hoping to numb his frustrations.
After just a month of confinement, his position as the heir apparent had nearly crumbled.
His gaze swept over the court officials below—nearly half now avoided his eyes. These were the same men who had once groveled at his feet, eager to prove their loyalty.
All of this was Song Yu's fault!
The thought made him stagger to his feet. He approached Song Yu, raising his cup. "Come, Eldest Brother, let me toast you."
"I should indeed drink with you," Song Yu replied, lifting his own cup. "If not for your generosity, how could I have gained such a treasure as Ah Huan?"
As he spoke, his eyes flickered toward Emperor Yuanyou and Song Shihuan at the head of the hall.
Song Shihuan had said something that sent the emperor into hearty laughter, his head thrown back in delight.
The sight made the Crown Prince's throat tighten. "Father is quite fond of Ah Huan."
After all... she was the spitting image of the late empress.
Had he known earlier, he would never have let her slip into the Qin Prince's Mansion.
His grip on the wine cup tightened as his gaze landed on the neglected Song Xiyan.
"Indeed, Ah Huan is my lucky star," Song Yu remarked casually.
The words sent a tremor through the Crown Prince’s heart. His eyes darted between Song Shihuan and Song Xiyan, his head pounding.
An absurd thought flickered in his mind—
But he dismissed it instantly. Impossible.
Xiyan was the true lucky star.
After several rounds of drinks, Gu Mingliu’s robes were accidentally stained by a clumsy attendant.
"Forgive this lowly servant," the maid pleaded in panic. "Allow me to escort you to change."
"Very well."
Gu Mingliu’s eyes gleamed as she glanced toward Song Shihuan.
Noticing her look, Song Shihuan curled her lips. The show was about to begin.
......
Elsewhere.
The Crown Princess returned to the banquet as if nothing had happened. When the time felt right, she smiled and spoke. "Today is Her Majesty’s birthday celebration. This daughter-in-law has indulged too much in wine and wishes to take a stroll to clear my head."
"Now that you mention it, this one also feels like a walk," the Successor Empress said, rising slowly with the support of her attendants.
Several noblewomen followed suit, and soon, a group of seven or eight stepped out of Qiangwu Palace.
"Ah Huan wants some fresh air too!" Song Shihuan chirped, her cheeks flushed from the warmth of the hall.
"It’s dark outside. Let your father accompany you," Emperor Yuanyou said, unknowingly playing into Song Yu’s hands.
The prince eagerly escorted Song Shihuan out, their departure sending a jolt of unease through the Crown Prince.
Not long after they left, Gu Mingliu emerged from behind a rockery. "Your Highness, Princess."
"Did Sister Gu change your robes?" Song Shihuan asked, her eyes crinkling with amusement.
"The attendant leading me disappeared," Gu Mingliu replied smoothly. "But it was only a small stain—nothing serious."
The three exchanged knowing glances before heading toward the lake.
Meanwhile.
Near the lakeside, the Successor Empress and her entourage heard strange noises. As women who had borne children, they recognized the sounds instantly.
The Successor Empress’s fingers trembled.
She had planned for Yan Zheng to play the hero and rescue the maiden—how had it come to this?
This would ruin his reputation!
Panicking, she steadied herself. "No doubt some shameless servants. Chen Chi, deal with them discreetly. Let us not allow such vulgar matters to spoil the evening. Accompany me back to Qiangwu Palace."
She still believed the figures by the lake were Song Yanzheng and Gu Mingliu—a scandal she could later use to manipulate the Gu family.
The group turned to leave but collided with Song Shihuan’s trio.
The moment the Successor Empress saw Gu Mingliu, her eyes widened in shock.
How was she here?!
Beside her, the Crown Princess trembled with barely concealed excitement.
"Grandmother, are you returning already?" Song Shihuan grinned, her little fangs on display. To the Successor Empress, she looked like a demon descending upon her.
"Yes, this one is weary," the Successor Empress replied, her palms damp with sweat.
"Hmm? There’s noise by the lake!" Song Shihuan made to dart forward, but Song Yu grabbed her by the scruff like a kitten.
"I’ll investigate," he declared.
No way would he let Ah Huan witness such filth.
"Prince Qin!" the Successor Empress cried urgently. "Servants’ indecencies are not worth our attention. Let us not ruin the evening."
Song Yu turned slowly, his smile laced with mockery.
"Mother, you weren’t so composed back in the day."
The noblewomen didn’t understand, but the Successor Empress did. Her vision darkened as she realized the situation had spiraled beyond her control.
"Eldest Brother, must you be so confrontational?" the Crown Princess interjected halfheartedly, though inwardly she longed to push Song Yu forward.
He gave the Successor Empress one last piercing look before striding toward the lake.
"Lixian, escort the ladies back first," the Successor Empress ordered, gripping the Crown Princess’s hand. "This disgrace is my failure. I must handle it personally."
Feigning distress, the Crown Princess nodded.
But then—
"Song Yanzheng! How could it be you?!" Song Yu’s booming voice echoed across the lake.
The Successor Empress paled.
Everyone heard it.
"Eldest Brother?" Song Shihuan struggled against Gu Mingliu’s grip. "Is he being harmed? But I heard a woman crying!"
Her innocent words made the noblewomen flush with embarrassment.
Then Song Yu shouted again:
"Ah Huan, fetch your grandfather! Tell him your eldest brother’s virtue has been defiled!"
