The atmosphere in the hall instantly froze. All eyes shifted between Song Shiyue and the girl, carrying mockery and the excitement of spectators watching a drama unfold.
Song Shiyue immediately recognized the girl as the one who had been staring blankly outside the Gu Mansion for a long time on the day she entered the capital.
“Your admirer is here.”
Gu Yu Chen’s expression darkened slightly. “She is the Empress’s daughter, the Crown Prince’s younger sister, Princess Linghui of Da Chu—anything but an admirer.”
“Whatever she is, it doesn’t change the fact that she likes you.”
The princess’s gaze toward Gu Yu Chen was utterly unguarded, filled with blatant adoration, as if declaring her ownership to everyone present.
Gu Yu Chen didn’t even spare a glance for Princess Linghui. Instead, he fixed his eyes intently on Song Shiyue. “Madam, someone is coveting your husband. Shouldn’t you be angry?”
Hah! Only then did Song Shiyue remember her current identity.
“Beauty truly leads one astray!”
Was she saying she had been captivated by a beauty? Gu Yu Chen didn’t turn his head, still staring at Song Shiyue. “Is this beauty you speak of male or female?”
“Is there a difference between male and female?”
Song Shiyue raised an eyebrow at him. Gu Yu Chen chuckled softly. “Among the men here, none are more handsome than your husband. Among the women, none are more beautiful than you.”
“Hahaha!”
The two were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn’t notice they were being eavesdropped on.
The Junior Prince unceremoniously repeated Gu Yu Chen’s words loudly, eliciting roars of laughter from the crowd.
Princess Linghui, who was walking to her seat, and those behind her, turned to look.
A long-faced girl following Linghui furrowed her brows at Song Shiyue and scolded disdainfully, “Shameless!”
The entire hall fell into silence once more. Song Shiyue exclaimed in surprise, “Are dogs allowed in here?”
“It’s been a long time since I last visited. I’m not quite sure, my dear husband.”
Gu Yu Chen finally turned his head, his gaze icy as he looked at the girl who had spoken, his tone unfriendly. “And a female dog at that.”
“Gu Yu Chen, how dare you!”
The long-faced girl shouted sharply. “Princess Linghui has arrived, and you and that enchantress dare not rise to greet her. Instead, you engage in flirtatious banter here—utterly shameless.”
“Hahaha!”
Song Shiyue laughed until tears nearly streamed from her eyes. “Crown Prince, esteemed princes and lords, she’s insulting all of you!”
The Junior Prince was puzzled. “Sister-in-law, she’s scolding you and your husband. How is that an insult to us?”
“You just said we’re a married couple. Isn’t it normal for a couple to chat and laugh together?”
Song Shiyue looked at the Junior Prince. “But you eavesdropped on our conversation and repeated it to everyone, causing this uproar. That behavior is what’s truly shameless.”
“Madam is right. Those who eavesdrop are the ones without shame.”
Gu Yu Chen glared fiercely at the Junior Prince, showing him no mercy.
The Junior Prince, knowing he was in the wrong and that his actions had provoked the girl’s insults, immediately turned to the long-faced girl and scolded, “Where did this ugly creature come from, ruining everyone’s mood?”
“Prince, you…”
“Silence!”
Princess Linghui coldly and angrily stopped the girl, casting a deep glance at Song Shiyue. “She was impolite. Please, young lady, be magnanimous and let it go.”
“Hmph! Your Highness, you are mistaken.”
Gu Yu Chen sneered. “She wasn’t impolite; she was rude. Some stray dog barged in and started biting people. Your Highness, as a noble princess, you should be cautious in choosing your friends.”
The woman with the long face was someone Gu Yu Chen had never seen before. Since she could accompany the princess, she was likely a relative of some official who had recently returned to the capital to report on their duties.
However, being able to stay by the princess’s side so soon after arriving in the capital must have been arranged by the Crown Prince.
So what? Even though he and Song Shiyue were only temporary spouses, he couldn’t let anyone bully his temporary wife.
He took Song Shiyue’s hand, and they both stood up. “Your Highness, this is my newlywed wife. The entire Jing City knows about it by now, and Your Highness must have heard as well. From now on, please address her as Gu Fu Ren.”
He only asked the princess to mind her address but did not demand that Song Shiyue pay respects to the princess.
Princess Linghui felt utterly humiliated. The long-faced woman beside her was both shocked and furious, but she didn’t dare speak out of turn again.
The spacious hall was filled with nobles, yet not a single person stepped in to mediate. Even the Crown Prince merely watched with a darkened expression. What was going on?
The next moment, Princess Linghui’s actions left her even more horrified.
“So it’s true that Young Master Gu has married. I thought it was just a rumor.”
Princess Linghui curled her lips into a faint smile and nodded slightly at Song Shiyue. “Gu Fu Ren, I apologize on behalf of my friend’s rudeness.”
“Your Highness and she must share a deep bond. I am moved by your friendship and will overlook her rudeness. However, she insulted everyone here earlier. For me alone to forgive her would hardly be appropriate.”
“Gu Fu Ren speaks wisely. This Junior Prince is still upset!”
The Crown Prince shot a cold glare at the Junior Prince. “Rong Zeyu, don’t push your luck.”
Prince Rui pulled back the Junior Prince, who was about to argue further, while Prince Chu stepped forward to smooth things over.
“Today is a rare opportunity to see Young Master Gu and his wife. Let’s all enjoy ourselves to the fullest.”
Prince Chu gestured to the seat beside him. “Since my royal sister is here, she might as well join the fun. We should also thank Young Master Gu. If he hadn’t brought his wife, none of you would have had the chance to experience the Star Plucking Tower’s song and dance troupe.”
Princess Linghui clenched her fists secretly and chuckled lightly. “So we were able to come up to the fifth floor thanks to Young Master Gu’s wife. We mustn’t miss this rare opportunity.”
“Didn’t Your Highness rush here after hearing the news?”
Song Shiyue saw through the situation clearly but feigned surprise. “Or did Your Highness try to sneak in under the pretext?”
Princess Linghui had never felt so embarrassed. She looked to her royal brother, the Crown Prince, but only received a scornful glare.
At that moment, she deeply regretted letting herself be provoked and losing her composure, only to come here and suffer such humiliation.
She never expected that Gu Yu Chen, already unruly by nature, would marry such a formidable woman.
Prince Rui could no longer stand by. Though Princess Linghui was not his full sister, they shared the same father. Since their elder brother refused to intervene, he had to step in.
“Gu Fu Ren, the food at the Star Plucking Tower is exquisite. You must try every dish.”
Prince Rui smiled warmly, personally pouring wine for Gu Yu Chen and recommending fruit wine to Song Shiyue.
When his eyes met Gu Yu Chen’s, they held both a warning and a plea.
Gu Yu Chen gave a slight smile. “My wife, you must try the fruit wine Prince Rui mentioned.”
“Of course!”
Song Shiyue politely raised her glass, and those around them secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Prince Chu quickly pulled Princess Linghui to the seat beside him, while her companions quietly took seats in the back row.
Music and dance resumed as if nothing had happened.
The Junior Prince pouted and leaned over. “Let this younger brother propose a toast to my sister-in-law.”
Song Shiyue raised her glass in return. This Junior Prince was quite interesting—disregarding his status to side with her and Gu Yu Chen. She must show him full respect.
Seizing the opportunity, Gu Yu Chen asked him, “Who is that troublemaking woman?”
“The garrison general’s legitimate daughter from Bei Yan Zhou, Yuan Gang’s child. Not long after you left the capital, she returned with Madam Yuan to visit relatives, mainly to find a husband for their daughter.”
It was just that her appearance wasn’t particularly outstanding in Jing City, so no suitable match had been found yet.
The Junior Prince leaned close to Gu Yu Chen’s ear. “There’s news that the Crown Prince intends to take her into the Eastern Palace.”
Gu Yu Chen’s hand, which had been twirling the wine cup, paused briefly.