Lunch dragged on amidst waves of tension until lanterns began illuminating the evening.
The entire Star Plucking Tower was brilliantly lit with a lively atmosphere, while the rear lake buzzed with even more boisterous activity.
Countless ornate lanterns illuminated the entire lake surface, making the ripples shimmer.
Pleasure boats and painted barges departed from the docks one after another, rowing toward the distance.
The alternating melodies of music and bursts of laughter showcased the extravagance flourishing in this prosperous era.
The Junior Prince suggested boarding a pleasure boat, arguing they could both enjoy the lake scenery and engage in refined activities.
Everyone agreed. Surprisingly, the Crown Prince and his entourage didn’t take the opportunity to leave but instead led the way onto the boat.
Song Shiyue truly admired their persistence—clearly displeased, yet stubbornly remaining.
Observing Princess Linghui and several noble young ladies, she noted they were visibly exhausted but still forcing themselves to stay spirited and accompany the party.
Song Shiyue tugged at Gu Yu Chen’s sleeve,
“What does the Crown Prince want? If the conversation doesn’t flow, he should just leave. Why insist on staying here with a sour face?”
Having already suffered indigestion at noon, she dreaded dealing with more tension in the evening. She’d rather the gathering ended.
Gu Yu Chen noticed her impatient expression. “Are you tired?”
Song Shiyue shook her head. “Just terribly bored.”
“He probably wants to speak with me but hasn’t found the right opportunity,” Gu Yu Chen said helplessly.
It wasn’t just the Crown Prince. Among all the guests today, those genuinely celebrating with him could be counted on one hand without using all five fingers.
Most came to watch the spectacle or, like the Crown Prince and Prince Chu, arrived with ulterior motives.
The others were tolerable and not particularly annoying, but the Crown Prince was truly insufferable.
“During the day, he suffered setbacks but didn’t leave. He must have unfulfilled objectives,” Gu Yu Chen remarked.
He glanced around cautiously and whispered to Song Shiyue, “Once we’re on the boat, stay alert.”
“Why?”
“Nothing major happens in daylight. Darkness favors covert actions.”
The night would facilitate many deeds, such as…
Song Shiyue’s eyes sparkled: An assassination attempt?
Gu Yu Chen facepalmed: Can’t you think of anything else?
Song Shiyue’s gaze shifted mischievously: Will there be framed accusations?
Gu Yu Chen shook his head then nodded: Stop guessing. Whatever happens, it won’t be good.
The Junior Prince and Prince Chu, already aboard, turned back and smiled at the pair.
“Cousin, Gu Da Shao seems quite satisfied with his wife.”
“Hard to say. Didn’t Young Master Gu mention she saved his life?”
“Are you suggesting he offered himself in marriage to repay the debt?”
The Junior Prince blinked. “Surely not?”
“Perhaps he was coerced. Didn’t you see that woman’s formidable skills?”
The porcelain wine cup embedded perfectly into the thick pillar without shattering—proof of profound Inner Force.
Such a woman would struggle to find a husband.
“Gu Yu Chen appears to lack martial skills, and he’s always been flamboyant. She probably targeted his family wealth,” Prince Chu concluded, believing Gu Yu Chen had been forcibly compelled.
Gu Yu Chen internally scoffed: Heh! Prince Chu, you guessed right—his master aims not just for wealth but for the person too.
Yet given current circumstances, they had no choice but to remain bound together.
Once everyone boarded, the pleasure boat rowed toward the lake’s center.
Gu Yu Chen had to attend to the Crown Prince and princes, leaving Song Shiyue to wander freely.
The pleasure boat had two decks: the solid lower level and an open upper level structured like a pavilion with windows on all sides.
Song Shiyue stood by the window, gazing at the lake scenery.
Footsteps sounded behind her. She turned alertly to find Princess Linghui and her followers already positioned behind her.
Princess Linghui was closely flanked by Miss Li and Miss Xue, with several other noble young ladies behind them.
Yuan Sufang stood at the very back, her shifted position clearly indicating she had been marginalized by Princess Linghui.
How ruthless—the moment she made a mistake, she was immediately cast aside.
Song Shiyue gave a slight curtsy in greeting. After all, the other party was a princess, and proper etiquette had to be observed.
“Are you Song Shiyue? Truly an orphan?”
Princess Linghui spoke coldly, her tone flat and devoid of any discernible emotion.
Yet, Song Shiyue could still sense her unwillingness and disbelief.
“Your Highness has already investigated thoroughly. Indeed, Song Shiyue is my maiden name, but I am now a married woman, and my husband’s family name is Gu.”
She was reminding the princess that she was the young madam of the Gu family.
“Whether you can be called the young madam of the Gu family will only be confirmed after Master Gu returns to Jing City.”
The implication was clear: unless Master Gu declared it, they would not acknowledge her.
Song Shiyue smiled faintly. “Your Highness, my family’s master would not disregard the laws of Da Chu.”
Only Uncle Da knew about her private agreement with Gu Yu Chen. Everyone else was aware that their marriage certificate was officially registered at the Yamen.
Their marriage was an established fact, not something that could be easily erased.
Princess Linghui seethed with anger. Was this wild girl mocking her for ignoring the law or for not understanding it?
“Without Master Gu’s approval, your marriage to the young master of the Gu family is invalid. Moreover, those who elope are nothing but concubines. You are unworthy of the title of young madam.”
“Is Your Highness implying that the position belongs to you?”
Exposed, Princess Linghui felt only a moment of embarrassment before her expression turned composed.
“I am the daughter of the Empress, the legitimate princess of Da Chu. Be it status or talent, I am of the highest caliber. How dare you compare yourself to me?”
“Heh! Because Yu Chen and I are deeply in love, our marriage was properly arranged, and we have a marriage certificate.”
Deeply in love?
Princess Linghui felt dizzy. She had pursued Gu Yu Chen for years, dreaming of marrying him since she came of age.
Alas, while she was willing, he was not.
She had wanted her mother, the Empress, to pressure him with authority, but she was reprimanded instead. Her father, the Emperor, had granted the Gu family autonomy and would not interfere in Gu Yu Chen’s marriage.
On her own, Gu Yu Chen never spared her a second glance.
Just as she was exhausting all means, this rustic girl from the mountains had snatched him right from under her nose.
All the emotions Linghui had suppressed throughout the day erupted at this moment. “You are shameless! Devoid of any sense of decency!”
“Isn’t it you, Princess, who is shameless? Indecently pining after a man, and a married one at that. Do you still have any dignity as a princess?”
Song Shiyue retorted without holding back.
“How dare you! How dare you disrespect the Princess? You deserve punishment!”
The princess’s maid suddenly shouted, drawing attention from downstairs.
Gu Yu Chen was the first to rush up. “Yue’er, what happened?”
“Yu Chen, the Princess wants to steal my husband, and her maid even wants to punish me. There’s no justice in this world.”
As she spoke, Song Shiyue’s eyes reddened, tears welling up but not falling, looking utterly wronged.
To those who followed Gu Yu Chen upstairs, she appeared pitiable and delicate. They instinctively turned their accusatory gazes toward Princess Linghui.
Prince Rui noticed that the Crown Prince showed no intention of mediating and instead seemed to relish the chaos. He sighed inwardly.
“Imperial Sister, your affection for Yu Chen is known to all in Jing City, but the two of you are not fated to be.”
“Third Imperial Brother, it was she who disrespected me.”
As soon as Princess Linghui finished speaking, the noble ladies behind her nodded in agreement—all except Yuan Sufang.
She seemed frightened and made no reaction.
But to others, it appeared as though the princess’s words were true, making it difficult to discern what was real and what was not.
Song Shiyue spoke at this moment, “Everyone here belongs to the princess. If you wish to distort right and wrong, I am powerless to refute it.”
She looked at Gu Yu Chen, a tear sliding down her cheek. “Does my husband believe me?”
“I do!”
Gu Yu Chen answered resolutely, though he was a bit stunned. Was she really crying?! Had she truly been wronged?
As he pondered how to help the girl reclaim her dignity, Song Shiyue turned to face the crowd with tear-streaked cheeks.
“Aside from us husband and wife, everyone here holds high status, yet is there no one who can distinguish right from wrong and uphold justice?”