Volume One, Chapter 18: "Go and tell the princess that tonight I will sleep in her courtyard."

“Your Highness, isn’t this too incredible?” Qin Yu found it absurd; none of them believed in ghosts or the supernatural.

“My subordinate visited the village where the princess lived. She was taken in by a local shaman woman, who, though somewhat renowned, never married due to her status. After finding the princess, she raised her, hoping the girl would care for her in old age.”

“Because of this, the princess was bullied by other children in the village when she was young. As for the rumors of her having the ‘yin-yang eye,’ that was said by the shaman herself. Some villagers claimed the princess could see impurities and often talked to the air; others believed the shaman said this deliberately for business reasons. No one knows the truth.”

“And what about the shaman?”

“The Song family feared people would find out the princess was raised by the shaman, so they paid her a large sum to leave. My subordinate is still trying to trace her.”

Xie Liwei pondered for a moment. “No need to look for her.”

Knowing the decisive nature of Grand Tutor Song, she probably has already drunk the potion of reincarnation and moved on.

He rubbed his brow and looked through the documents again, but found no useful information.

It couldn’t be that Song Yaozhu saw her sister’s spirit at night and was incited to seek revenge, right?

That was utterly ridiculous!

“Is there anyone suspicious in the village?”

“No, I’ve investigated everyone in the village. They’re all locals, well known and familiar. Even the shaman was from a long line.”

Xie Liwei tapped the table lightly, unable to understand why, if no one taught her, she resembled her sister so closely.

He simply did not believe in ghosts.

Only Song Yaozhu could unravel this mystery for him.

“Go tell the princess that I will sleep in her courtyard tonight.”

Qin Yu exclaimed, then widened her eyes and immediately responded, dashing out.

Ah, finally their prince, who was not interested in women, was going to stay in the backyard overnight. Could this mean the young heir would soon be born?

Meanwhile, inside the palace, Yuwen Wuji returned to manage affairs at the Qian Kun Hall after a perfunctory appearance.

Opening the memorial, his mind was filled with the image of Song Yaozhu’s tear-streaked face.

Her stunning beauty and delicate, yielding nature perfectly matched the image he had of Xie Wanqing.

He had loved Xie Wanqing—beautiful, learned, and talented. But her strong-willed nature made him feel suffocated, as if she dominated him completely.

Who among men with great ambitions could tolerate being overshadowed by a woman?

So, in the end, he resolved to deal with Xie Wanqing.

Her death faded the unpleasant memories, leaving only the beautiful moments they shared.

Yuwen Wuji found himself reminiscing again.

Song Yaozhu’s appearance felt like a dream come true—a face like Xie Wanqing’s, but fragile and dependent on a man for survival.

She was like a dodder vine, delicate and pitiful, unable to live without him.

Unlike Xie Wanqing, who seemed perfectly capable of thriving without anyone.

What a pity he hadn’t known of her existence sooner, or else that young Xie Liwei would not have had such an advantage.

Yuwen Wuji sighed, and Li Wei brought over some calming tea just in time.

“Your Majesty, the Noble Consort sent someone to ask if you will attend the luncheon?”

The emperor sipped the tea. “No, tell the Noble Consort to entertain well, and pick a good match for the third prince.”

“Yes.”

Li Wei replied to the High Eunuch and sighed inwardly.

What’s all this fuss about? If it were up to him, he’d have killed Song Yaozhu outright to settle things!

The Noble Consort was also in a bad mood, but with so many consorts around, she had to keep up appearances and muster her spirit.

“Your Highness, have some ginseng tea,” Mo Yu said sympathetically.

Alone, the Noble Consort’s face showed fatigue and annoyance. “Mo Yu, did you see His Majesty’s expression when he saw Miss Song San today?”

Mo Yu’s face tightened; she had indeed seen it.

His Majesty looked at her so tenderly, as if gazing upon his beloved.

“Your Highness, that is Miss Song San, the Princess of Xiaoyao!”

The Noble Consort closed her eyes and sighed deeply, relieved that Miss Song San was already married. Otherwise, if she entered the palace, who knew what turmoil she might stir?

“Miss Song Si looks innocent, but I see she’s quite clever. If she were truly as refined as rumored, she wouldn’t have let her sister marry in her place upon returning home.”

“Hmph, I never took her seriously.”

At the luncheon, the Noble Consort specially awarded Song Wenyue a dish, an honor no one else received, causing many young ladies’ eyes to turn red with envy.

Song Wenyue was secretly delighted, certain the Noble Consort favored her.

When leaving the palace and boarding the carriage, Madam Song held Song Wenyue’s hand seriously.

“Yue’er, tell your mother, do you want to marry the third prince?”

Song Wenyue grew anxious at Madam Song’s serious tone.

“You know, your grandfather doesn’t want us involved in political factions. Even though the carefree prince has no official position, your grandfather chose to sacrifice your sister, who had no affections. If you want to marry the third prince now, all your grandfather’s efforts will be in vain!”

Song Wenyue felt deeply ashamed; she understood her grandfather’s intentions but could not help feeling reluctant.

“Mother, families like ours cannot avoid these things! If Grandfather truly wished to stay out of politics, why would he serve as the Grand Tutor to the princes? Wouldn’t resigning be easier to avoid trouble?”

Madam Song was at a loss for words.

“Mother, you know our family situation best. Grandfather and father’s stipends are mere trifles; this large family depends entirely on your dowry. Our family is just a pretty shell—without power, we have no voice; without a voice, no money or prestige!”

“Remember how glamorous Third Sister’s return home was, with the whole family bowing to her? Mother, do you want your daughter to bow humbly to Third Sister when she sees her in the future?”

Song Wenyue wept softly, her tone full of grievance.

“We are all your children; don’t you feel any sympathy for your daughter? She only wants to marry like Third Sister, so she can help support the family someday.”

Madam Song was touched by her words and hurriedly embraced her, soothing her.

“Good daughter, it’s your father’s fault for being useless; otherwise, you wouldn’t have to worry about this family!”

“Mother, you understand me, right?”

“I know you. You’ve always been filial and obedient. It’s just your grandfather…” She sighed. “I’ll ask him again later.”

Song Wenyue was overjoyed; as long as Madam Song agreed, Song Chengzhang’s prospects would be secure.

“Oh, mother, today sister suffered unfair treatment from her husband. Shall we visit her at the prince’s residence tomorrow?”

Madam Song thought for a moment. If she wanted to help Song Wenyue and the third prince, Song Yaozhu could assist—she was now a princess and could deliver petitions to the palace.

“Alright, tomorrow we will visit your sister.”