Gu Qingzhao had been Princess Consort Cheng for five years, mastering the art of hiding her emotions so deeply it had become second nature. Yet at Qin Jingming’s words, her hands trembled uncontrollably. Anger surged in her chest.
Marry them both? That would still require her consent to marry at all.
But Gu Qingzhao knew this was not the moment to clash openly with Qin Jingming. If she provoked him into refusing to dissolve the betrothal, matters would only grow more complicated. She drew a deep breath, forced down her fury, and ordered the servant at the door to announce her.
Moments later, the door opened, and she was invited inside.
Lifting her skirts, Gu Qingzhao entered the hall with calm composure. Though the room held several people, her gaze fell instantly upon Qin Jingming.
At that single glance, her hand clenched beneath her sleeve, nails biting into her palm until pain restored her clarity. The last time she had seen Qin Jingming was three days before her death. He had come bearing her uncle’s severed head—eyes wide, unclosed even in death.
Memories of their five years together flashed through her mind, a nightmare she could neither escape nor awaken from.
“Your servant greets His Highness,” she said, voice steady, tone flawless.
Qin Jingming, dressed in pale moon-colored brocade, smiled warmly. “Third Young Lady, no need for such formality. Rise and speak.”
The entire court believed the third prince, Prince Cheng, to be the least ambitious of the emperor’s sons. But Gu Qingzhao knew the truth: the dog that bites does not bark. His mind and ambition were fathomless.
She did not rise. Remaining kneeling, she spoke after a pause: “Since Your Highness holds deep affection for my fourth sister, it is only right you dissolve the betrothal and marry her instead. I do not wish to intrude upon the bond between you and my sister. I beg Your Highness to grant me release. You are praised throughout the realm as a virtuous prince—surely you would not force a marriage upon me?”
Her words stunned those present. Gu Yuande frowned, about to speak, but the Old Madam silenced him with a glance. The words were spoken; better to see how Prince Cheng would respond.
Gu Qingzhao’s tone carried no resentment toward Qin Jingming or Gu Qingjin—only a plea to withdraw. She lowered her gaze, waiting for him to choose between reputation and power. Even if she could guess his answer, she had to gamble.
Qin Jingming looked at her, momentarily taken aback. He had expected tears, anger, perhaps even demands that he cast Gu Qingjin aside. But he had not expected such calm insistence on breaking the betrothal. Just days ago, her eyes had been full of adoration. How had she changed so suddenly?
He cursed Gu Qingjin inwardly—how foolish to let her pregnancy be exposed.
“Third Young Lady, do you blame me? My feelings for you have never wavered, and I will not dissolve the betrothal. So long as I can wed you, even if I earn the name of a man who forces marriage—what of it?”
Qin Jingming gazed at her with feigned devotion, his voice firm, his expression resolute, as though his love were unshakable.
Gu Qingzhao knew Qin Jingming was putting on a show, but his words revealed his true choice.
Just as she expected—he cared more about the Xiao family’s military power than his reputation. No, she had overthought it. A man caught in such a scandal would only be called “youthfully passionate.” His reputation would hardly suffer at all. Since that was the case, she did not need to keep kneeling.
Gu Qingzhao rose to her feet and said coldly: “Your Highness, my fourth sister may be shameless, but I—and the Gu family—still have our honor. I am the legitimate daughter of Duke Ying, granddaughter of Prince Liao. To humiliate me like this, to force marriage upon me—does His Majesty know? Those who know will say you are deeply devoted to me. Those who don’t will think you are scheming to win over generals, plotting treachery.”
Her words had barely fallen when Gu Yuande barked, “Zhaozhao, silence!”
But Qin Jingming’s face had already changed. What she said was exactly what lay hidden in his heart. If such talk reached the palace, it might well arouse the emperor’s suspicion.
He studied Gu Qingzhao—did she truly know something, or was she only speaking this way to escape the betrothal? After a moment’s thought, he decided she could not know. But she was clever. Using the Xiao family’s military power as leverage to break the engagement showed her wit.
Qin Jingming suddenly realized: the famed beauty of the Gu family’s Third Young Lady was not only pretty—she had a sharp mind. At the very least, far sharper than that fool Gu Qingjin.
“Duke Gu,” Qin Jingming declared firmly, “My intentions are clear. I will only marry the Third Young Lady as my principal consort. I ask you to grant this.”
Gu Yuande bowed slightly and replied, “My daughter spoke in anger. A betrothal once set cannot be undone. Your Highness need not worry—the wedding date will not change. The Gu family is not hers to decide. To say Your Highness forces marriage is nonsense. This union is decreed by parents, arranged by matchmakers, and sanctioned by His Majesty’s edict. How can it be called coercion? If the sisters marry together, they can look after one another.”
The Old Madam frowned at his words, displeased. Even after such disgrace, Gu Yuande still spoke with obsequious eagerness. Did the Gu family have no dignity left?
She was about to speak when a servant announced from outside: “Old Madam, Duke, Imperial Uncle requests an audience.”
“Invite him in.” At the news of Song Chu’s arrival, Gu Yuande felt his head swell with dread, but he had no choice but to give the order.
Qin Jingming, hearing Song Chu had come, rose at once to leave. As he stood, he said to Gu Yuande, “I shall instruct the Imperial Household Department to send betrothal gifts. The wedding will be set before year’s end. With new members joining the royal family, His Majesty will be pleased.”
Gu Yuande smiled and replied, “Everything is at Your Highness’s discretion.”
Gu Qingzhao fixed her cold gaze on Qin Jingming. “And if I refuse to marry? What then, Your Highness?”
Qin Jingming halted mid-step, his smile carrying hidden meaning. “Do you think anyone but me would dare take you? If you won’t marry, then go shave your head and become a nun. Do it now, and I’ll cancel the betrothal immediately.”
Of course, Gu Qingzhao would never consign herself to a convent. As long as the marriage wasn’t sealed, there was still room to maneuver.
“Rest assured, Your Highness,” she answered through clenched teeth, “I will see myself married.”
But she knew in her heart: if Prince Cheng spread such words, no one in the capital would dare propose to her.
Just then, a servant ushered Song Chu inside.
Song Chu wore a dark brocade robe, his face cold as frost.
Qin Jingming stepped forward, bowed with familial courtesy, and greeted him: “Uncle.”
Though Song Chu was the Empress’s younger brother, Qin Jingming was still a prince. By rights, Song Chu should have stepped aside and declined the bow. But he did not move, accepting it openly.
For the emperor had once decreed at a family banquet: his sons must not flaunt their princely status before Song Chu, but treat him as an elder uncle.
Song Chu gave a curt “Mm,” then stared at Qin Jingming for a long moment before speaking with a face like ice: “Your Highness’s hand reaches too far. At best, it is illicit dalliance. At worst—does this not count as incest? She is, after all, your betrothed aunt. When you did such things, did you forget I was her uncle? I will report this to His Majesty. If a son is not taught, the fault lies with the father. He owes me an explanation.”
Qin Jingming froze at the words. Song Chu’s tone today was far harsher than usual. He was about to reply, but Song Chu had already seated himself, turning to Gu Yuande: “Yesterday I said the Gu family must give me an account. Today I’ve come to demand it. The marriage with the Gu family will proceed. But instead—let it be with the Third Young Lady.”
His gaze swept the room and settled firmly on Gu Qingzhao.