A beauty shedding tears while softly voicing her grievances made every man’s heart melt with compassion.
An unprecedented sense of righteousness rose among the crowd, who once again cast dissatisfied glances at Princess Linghui.
Even the Crown Prince furrowed his brow.
Prince Rui asked sternly, “Linghui, don’t bully others just because of your status.”
“Exactly! Cousin, the young Lady Gu has just arrived in Jing City and is still young. If she showed any disrespect, you should be more tolerant. Look how frightened she is.”
The Junior Prince had completely forgotten how formidable Song Shiyue’s martial arts skills were and how powerful she could be.
Princess Linghui and the noble ladies behind her found it hard to believe that this delicate woman before them was the same sharp-tongued lady? The one who showed no fear and was arrogant in front of the princess?
Her fragile appearance made even them feel that their earlier cooperation with the princess had gone too far.
Song Shiyue observed everyone’s reactions, thinking her act of playing weak to gain sympathy wasn’t in vain. Though she despised such white lotus behavior, the effect was truly remarkable.
Gu Yu Chen comforted Song Shiyue, “Yue’er, don’t be afraid! Your husband can seek the Emperor to uphold justice for you.”
Yue’er, Yue’er—could he stop calling her that? It made her feel extremely uncomfortable.
Song Shiyue bit her lip to endure the discomfort, which in Gu Yu Chen’s eyes appeared as her enduring grievance.
If he couldn’t protect her right at the start of their cooperation, how could she feel secure in working with him?
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, I must seek justice for my delicate wife. When we face the Emperor, I ask everyone to speak the truth.”
“Yu Chen, there’s no need to trouble Father Emperor.”
The Crown Prince finally spoke, “It’s all Linghui’s fault. She acted improperly.”
Princess Linghui’s pupils dilated in shock—her brother the Crown Prince wasn’t supporting her.
She glared sharply at Song Shiyue, “What kind of demon are you, confusing people’s minds here?”
“Princess, watch your words!”
Gu Yu Chen’s face darkened. Song Shiyue straightened up, lifting her chest, “I think the Princess has lost her mind, daring to say anything.”
“Linghui has had too much to drink.”
Seeing the situation turning sour, Prince Chu quickly stepped forward to smooth things over, “Xiuhe, the palace gates are about to be locked. Hurry and take your mistress back to the palace.”
They hadn’t yet discussed important matters today and couldn’t let Gu Yu Chen find an excuse to leave.
The maid named Xiuhe, seeing the Crown Prince and several princes signaling with their eyes, ignored Princess Linghui’s struggles and stubbornness and pulled her away.
A group of noble ladies quickly followed and left.
The Crown Prince said magnanimously, “Linghui was in the wrong. I’ll have someone send a pair of Yu Ruyi tomorrow to apologize to the young lady and calm her nerves.”
Hmph! Just a pair of Yu Ruyi—who cared!
“No need.Gu Yu Chen refused on Song Shiyue’s behalf, “My wife has been repeatedly questioned and made things difficult for today. I feel ashamed that I couldn’t stand up for her and seek justice. Let’s end here for today. I’ll take my wife and leave first.”
Prince Chu grew anxious, “Don’t! This prince will apologize on Linghui’s behalf. The young Lady Gu can visit my mansion tomorrow and pick anything she wants from the treasury.”
“Prince Chu is generous, but my wife is tired. I…”
“Yu Chen, if the young lady is tired, let the guards escort her back first. But you can’t leave. No one leaves until we’ve thoroughly enjoyed ourselves today.”
Prince Chu held onto Gu Yu Chen, refusing to let go.
Seeing that they couldn’t leave, Song Shiyue had no choice but to say, “Husband, I’m fine. You and His Highness can chat freely. I’ll stay with you.”
“Alright then! Since my wife still has the mood, your husband will keep you company. I just hope there won’t be any more incidents from now on.”
Gu Yu Chen agreed to stay, causing several people to secretly sigh in relief.
She gained a new understanding of Song Shiyue’s weight in Gu Yu Chen’s heart.
She also began to regard Song Shiyue seriously—this woman was no ordinary person.
As everyone entered the cabin and wine was served anew, amid the clinking of glasses, the intentions of the princes became apparent.
They simply wanted the Gu family’s support. Whether for the throne or to cultivate their own influence, vast financial resources were essential.
The Gu family was the most coveted ally in their eyes, not only for their wealth but also for their standing in Emperor Jingren’s heart and their position in the Da Chu Kingdom.
Interestingly, the royal brothers made no attempt to conceal their intentions, negotiating with Gu Yu Chen simultaneously without fear of failure.
What kind of maneuver was this? Shouldn’t such discussions be held privately?
Unable to decipher the underlying strategy, Song Shiyue turned her gaze to the lake.
She wondered if Emperor Jingren had anticipated that, after his severe illness, all manner of demons and monsters would emerge.
The calm surface of the lake rippled, and it was uncertain how large the waves would grow.
She somewhat regretted agreeing to the collaboration. The Gu family was, after all, at the very center of the vortex of power.
She feared it would be difficult to extricate herself in the future.
Amidst her swirling thoughts, Song Shiyue’s eyes swept over the dock.
Princess Linghui and her companions were disembarking from a small boat. Just as Linghui set one foot on the dock, an accident occurred.
Linghui slipped and fell into the lake.
“Ah…”
Screams and cries for help echoed.
Yet, the people in the cabin continued their loud discussions, either unaware due to the noise or deliberately ignoring the commotion.
Song Shiyue did not turn around, merely watching as Linghui was rescued, wrapped hastily in a cloak, and hurried away.
Then, her gaze met Yuan Sufang’s.
Thanks to the lantern light on the lake, she had clearly seen that Linghui’s fall was caused by stepping on a bead.
And that bead had been tossed by Yuan Sufang.
With Princess Linghui gone and her friends departed, no one noticed the solitary Yuan Sufang.
She bent down gracefully, picking up something as if by chance.
As she straightened up, she looked toward the You Fang at the center of the lake.
Song Shiyue saw the corner of her lips curl into a smirk, tinged with provocation and disdain, without a trace of fear at being observed.
Heh! How deeply concealed her true nature was!
Yuan Sufang performed a slight bow and turned away.
Her maid approached and asked, “Miss, who were you bowing to?”
“That Lady Gu.”
“She’s merely a merchant’s wife. You are the legitimate daughter of a general’s household, of noble status. How could you bow to her?”
“That Lady Gu is no ordinary person.”
Previously unaware and ignorant of the Gu family’s standing in the imperial city, she had embarrassed herself.
But this Lady Gu had also only recently arrived in Jing City, yet she handled the nobility with composure, neither subservient nor arrogant.
She showed no fear of Princess Linghui, maintaining perfect control.
Moreover, she knew how to leverage others’ soft-heartedness and reservations, indicating she had done her homework beforehand.
Knowing oneself and the enemy ensures victory in every battle.
That lady had prepared well; such a person would not be easy to deal with.
“Zhuque, from now on, when you see Lady Gu, only show goodwill. Do not antagonize her.”
“Yes, I understand, miss.”
“After we return, help me find the relationship chart of the prominent families in Jing City.”
“That’s easy. Madam has one.”
Yuan Sufang frowned. Her mother was muddle-headed—she had such a document but never showed it to her.
A wave of resentment rose in her heart, and her steps became unsteady.
Song Shiyue wondered what she had discussed with her maid, losing her earlier calm composure.
It was merely curiosity. That Yuan Sufang dared to harm even a princess and showed no fear of being exposed.
He’s a formidable character. Best to steer clear of him in the future to avoid trouble.
Though both shared the same view of each other, they had different plans in mind.
Song Shiyue withdrew her gaze, missing the figure standing at the highest level of the Star Plucking Tower.
Unaware that while she watched the commotion by the lake, someone unknown watched her from above.
…
Finally, the music ended and the crowd dispersed. Gu Yu Chen, utterly drunk, was carried onto the carriage by Liu Si.
After they had traveled some distance, Gu Yu Chen opened his eyes.
Seeing the clarity in his gaze, Song Shiyue laughed, “I thought you were so drunk you wouldn’t even know if you sold yourself.”
“How could that be? My wine was diluted with water, and I took an anti-drunkenness pill beforehand.”
So he had come prepared after all.
“In that case, did they fail to reach an agreement with you?”
A sly smile appeared on Gu Yu Chen’s face. “They did, but I said it required your approval.”
Puzzled, Song Shiyue was about to ask for details when Liu Si’s warning came from outside, “Young Master, Madam, be careful! Something’s wrong ahead.”