Dugu Yu wore an outer robe of Guanhuang Yunjin Duan embroidered with dark dragon patterns along the edges. His hair was tied high in a ponytail with a jade hairpin, a few silver strands adding a sickly pallor.
Every detail of his attire reflected the prestige reserved for the imperial heir, showcasing the noble bearing of a young prince.
The palace attendants serving the banquet swiftly arranged the freshest dishes, with all utensils made of pure silver to guard against poison. A golden-threaded brocade cushion and a soft cloud-goose-down backrest were provided, while a silver charcoal warmer burned beneath the seat.
The Empress beckoned, “Yu’er, why are you so reckless again?”
Dugu Yu glanced at Song Yunying. “I just fished a fish out of the water. It was amusing, so I lingered for a while.”
“Always so playful,” the Empress said with a gentle smile. “You must have met the third daughter of the Song family. This is the fourth daughter.”
Song Yaoxian hurriedly rose to bow. “Your humble servant, Song Yaoxian, pays respects to the Ninth Prince.”
“Noisy.”
Dugu Yu ignored her and took his seat directly.
Song Yaoxian was left embarrassed but dared not show her displeasure, sitting back down with a sullen expression.
The Empress ordered a seat to be specially arranged beside her for Song Yunying.
During the banquet, Dugu Yu was waited on hand and foot, paying no heed to anyone else’s words.
Spoiled rotten.
In her past life, she had assumed he was simply pampered because he was the imperial heir. It wasn’t until Song Yaoxian ran back to her family in tears, claiming the Ninth Prince was a madman who babbled nonsense whenever he fell ill, that the entire family regretted their decision.
Previously, Song Yunying had felt some sympathy for this ninth brother. Now, knowing the truth, she could only marvel at his exceptional acting skills.
The Empress patted her. “Yunying, why are you trembling? Are you cold?”
Of course she was!
Thrown into the pond by your precious son, soaked to the bone in freezing weather—how could she not be cold?
Yet all her grievances dissolved into a single sentence: “Your humble servant is not cold. It is merely awe and timidity upon seeing Your Majesty.”
“Don’t be afraid. With Bengong here, no one dares to bully you.”
Dugu Yu’s eyes crinkled slightly at the corners.
Clearly, he was gloating.
The Empress ordered an attendant to bring a cloak and drape it over her. “The fourth daughter mentioned you enjoy traveling far and wide, Yunying. Why not tell Bengong about any interesting experiences you’ve had?”
Song Yunying knew that to win her future mother-in-law’s favor, she had to tell stories with tact.
Neither too mundane nor too dramatic would do. The best choice was something both interesting and capable of enhancing her personal charm.
So she recounted an incident where she went to Fuxi Shan to gather herbs, encountered a sick patient, and administered medicine to save them.
The Empress listened with great interest, praising her repeatedly. “Yunying, your compassion as a healer far surpasses those girls who spend their days powdering their faces in their boudoirs.”
“Any family that marries you as a daughter-in-law would truly be blessed.”
With the Empress praising her at every turn, Song Yunying felt somewhat embarrassed.
“Yu’er, don’t you agree?”
Dugu Yu still had a cherry dangling from his lips. “Do I?”
“Look at you, so unserious. Answer properly.”
Dugu Yu straightened up slightly.
“Do you like the third daughter of the Song family?”
“Does Mother like her?”
The Empress smiled. “Yu’er, this is about choosing your principal consort. How can it be enough if only Mother likes her?”
He beamed brightly. “If Mother likes her, then I do too.”
That expression, that demeanor, that tone—where was the ferocious wolf from earlier?
He was clearly a warm-hearted little white rabbit.
Yet, with his youthful vigor, such affectation didn’t seem out of place.
The Empress was overjoyed by his repeated calls of “Mother.”
Dugu Yu, oh Dugu Yu, you’re ruthless enough to deceive even your own mother.
“Yunying, from now on, Bengong entrusts Yu’er to you. Are you willing?”
Song Yunying took a moment to calm herself and steady her mind.
Though the path had been winding, it ultimately led to the same destination.
In this lifetime, she was determined to live freely and fully.
Protect the fragile Ninth Prince, bring down her heartless former husband, and secure the position of Donggong for herself…
Song Yunying nodded. "This humble girl is willing."
The Empress beamed with joy. "Bengong is truly delighted today. Come, let us share this cup."
Listening nearby, Song Yaoxian seethed with jealousy—what was so impressive about spending all day mixing with dirty herbs? What future could that possibly hold? Yet the Empress treated her like a treasure.
No matter how close they seemed now, once they became mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, chaos was sure to follow.
She would simply sit back and watch the drama unfold.
Song Yaoxian offered her congratulations. "The Ninth Prince and my sister are a match made in heaven. I wish you harmony and a lifetime together."
Dugu Yu simply dug at his ear. "Noisy."
Though embarrassed, Song Yaoxian could only force a smile.
This fool couldn’t even string a proper sentence together in his past life—all he knew was throwing tantrums and ordering people around.
In this life, it would be best if he kicked the bucket early, sparing everyone the annoyance.
Dugu Kan chimed in, "Ninth Brother, Third Miss Song, congratulations."
That familiar voice.
A chill ran down Song Yunying’s spine.
There was a time when Dugu Kan had addressed her just like that.
Back then, Yunying was young and naive. She thought that since she had lost her mother early and his own mother was of lowly status, their unhappy childhoods would make them kindred spirits.
She had been too simple-minded.
Now, hearing Dugu Kan’s voice again felt like a lifetime had passed, leaving only disgust in its wake.
"Congratulations to you as well, Second Prince." Song Yunying concealed her emotions and drained her cup.
Dugu Kan couldn’t help but glance at her a few more times.
Though she was only a concubine-born daughter, she was exceptionally beautiful.
Fortunately, she was just a concubine-born daughter—otherwise, Ninth Brother would have had it too good.
Ninth Brother had always done as he pleased, acting recklessly.
Call him foolish, yet with a sweep of his brush, he could paint a masterpiece of a thousand-mile landscape.
Call him not foolish, yet when his illness flared up, he became utterly deranged, and no one could restrain him.
But perhaps this was for the best. Since the Crown Prince’s passing, the position of heir had remained vacant.
The more foolish and mad Ninth Brother became, the brighter Dugu Kan’s own prospects shone.
A little annoyance like this was worth enduring.
Seizing an opportunity during the banquet, Dugu Kan approached Song Yunying to strike up a conversation.
"Third Miss Song, thank you for sending the Jinchuang Yao a few days ago. My knife wound has fully healed."
Only then did Song Yunying remember—back when Dugu Kan was injured, thinking they would soon be family, she hadn’t hesitated to have Nainai deliver the finest Jinchuang Yao to him.
Looking back now, she regretted it. She should have let that scoundrel’s flesh rot down to the bone.
Song Yunying replied, "You’re too kind, Second Prince. It was just a dose of medicine. As a physician, I see no difference between you and those mad cows or sick pigs."
Dugu Kan found her words unsettling. "Third Miss, you do love to jest. I know the matter of the marriage swap has wronged you. In the end, fate simply wasn’t on our side."
Was he actually feeling regretful?
Song Yunying was speechless. "I am not wronged. You worry too much, Second Prince."
Dugu Kan was puzzled. Why was she acting so distant?
Before, when she heard he was injured, she had sent her maid with medicine and, it was said, even shed tears for him.
Now, her cold demeanor only fueled his desire to win her over.
"As a physician, you must see the signs. With Ninth Brother as he is, I fear you’ll have a hard road ahead."
"Where the rooster goes, the hen follows. I am willing and do not require your concern, Second Prince."
Dugu Kan stepped forward. "You're truly naive, unaware of the treacherous nature of people. The affairs of the palace are complex. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, feel free to come to me."
"No need."
He took another step closer. "Now you're being distant."
"Stop."
"?"
Song Yunying halted his approach. "I told you to stop. Stay away from me."
If she didn't know his character, if not for the hatred from her past life, she might truly have been deceived by his sweet words.
"Yunying, you've done me a kindness. That's why I want to help you. I have no other intentions."
"If I encounter trouble, my husband will support me. What does that have to do with you, Second Highness?" Song Yunying brushed the fallen snow from her cloak with her fair hand.