Chapter 14: Does He Like Song Shiwei?

Though Song Shiwei was covered in dirt from head to toe, her noble bearing was unmistakable, and a steady calmness radiated from her very bones. Perhaps there was a reason why Lord Song held her in such high regard.

"Miss Song, there is no need to overthink this."

But Song Shiwei could not help but ponder. A once frivolous and unloved prince suddenly appeared at her family’s time of crisis, clearly with an agenda.

"May I ask what Prince Ding’s ultimate goal is?"

Bai Bohan’s dark, inscrutable eyes revealed no hint of his thoughts. "Hasn’t Miss Song already guessed?"

Her breath grew heavier, confirming her suspicion: Prince Ding’s aim was the Dragon Throne itself.

"Prince Ding, my family no longer wishes to take risks. We only desire a peaceful life."

Bai Bohan smiled with a trace of irony. "Miss Song, does the Song family ever know peace?"

Song Shiwei found no words to respond. Given her family’s current predicament, tranquility was a distant dream.

Bai Bohan continued, "With Lord Song and Miss Song’s integrity, I am certain that justice will be restored to the Song family."

"Instead of seeking others, wouldn’t it be better to cooperate with me, Miss Song?"

Her gaze darkened as her fingers clenched slowly. This Prince Ding was no ordinary man. He had seen through the Song family’s innermost thoughts and plans. This spoke volumes about the clandestine actions he had taken and how he maintained the appearance of a carefree playboy.

Such a person was the most dangerous — to be avoided and kept at a distance.

"Prince Ding, I will discuss this matter with my father," Song Shiwei replied.

Bai Bohan said, "Please convey this to Lord Song: if he does not make a decision soon, he will witness with his own eyes how you meet a tragic end before him."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Song Mingting’s furious voice rang out, "Prince Ding, are you cursing my dear sister?"

Bai Bohan shook his head. "Second Young Master Song, I fear you do not know how much Princess Anning hates Song Shiwei."

"It is precisely because of her hatred that she used Cui Jing to frame the Song family for treason."

Song Mingting was truly unaware of these details. He looked toward Song Shiwei. "Shiwei—"

She raised her hand to stop him.

Her eyes shifted as she studied Bai Bohan, her caution deepening. This Prince Ding had uncovered every secret of her family, yet she still did not understand why it had to be her family caught in this web. It defied all reason.

---

"Prince Ding, I will deliver your message," she said calmly. "As for whether my family will cooperate with you, I cannot promise."

Bai Bohan nodded.

From his sleeve, he produced a token and placed it before Song Shiwei. "Miss Song, take this token. You will have protection along your journey."

She lowered her gaze to the token—a seemingly ordinary piece carved simply with the character for ‘command.’

After a moment’s contemplation, she accepted it. "The Song family acknowledges Prince Ding’s favor."

Even if she had refused it, Prince Ding would have sent people to shadow her family, securing his influence regardless. It was better to accept and maintain control of the situation.

Bai Bohan rose, his smile gentle and refined. "Miss Song, you need not worry. No one will leak the nature of our dealings."

"I shall take my leave now."

With that, he departed with his entourage.

Barely had he left when Song Mingting eagerly asked his sister, "Why did you accept his favor?"

"Clearly, this man harbors ill intentions."

Had this been the old Song Mingting, he would have struck Prince Ding down without hesitation, refusing to tolerate such arrogance.

Song Shiwei slipped the token into her sleeve, truly storing it within a hidden space.

She sighed softly. "Second Brother, at least he was upfront about his intentions."

"Besides, given our current situation, having an ally would be far better."

"Would you let pride and stubbornness put our family in danger?"

Song Mingting opened his mouth but found no words.

He could not bring himself to risk the lives of his family just for dignity.

Song Shiwei raised her teacup and drained it, her tone grave. "Second Brother, we are already in such dire straits. How much worse can things get?"

"Moreover, Prince Ding sought us out first. His troubles and dangers far outweigh ours."

Still, Song Mingting’s concern mingled with anger. "If it weren’t for Princess Anning and her cohorts, our family would not be suffering like this."

Song Shiwei regarded him with a look of bitter disappointment. "Second Brother, do you really think that Princess Anning and her allies alone could bring down a powerful Prime Minister’s household?"

Song Mingting retorted, "Isn’t that so?"

---

"Princess Anning is the Emperor’s most favored daughter; the Emperor always grants her every request."

Song Shiwei exhaled deeply. "Second Brother, no matter how much the Emperor adores Princess Anning, he is not foolish enough to destroy a Prime Minister’s household for the sake of one favored daughter."

"The Emperor knows better than anyone how difficult it is to cultivate a trustworthy and capable Prime Minister, especially with all the families and interests involved."

She added, "No matter how supreme the Emperor is, he cannot simply do whatever he wishes."

Having listened, Song Mingting began to understand. "So, you mean this appears to be the doing of Princess Anning and her faction, but in truth, the Emperor is using her to deal with our family?"

"But why?"

"Doesn’t the Emperor cherish Father greatly?"

At that moment, Song Shiwei finally comprehended why their father had long harbored so much dissatisfaction with Second Brother.

Second Brother had only seen the family’s outward glory, blind to the undercurrents and complexities, and lacking keen insight.

"Second Brother, I won’t tell you why just yet. Think carefully."

She gestured for Song Mingting to carry her on his back. "Let’s go buy shoes and other things, then head back to the inn early to avoid trouble."

Song Mingting carried her out of the teahouse toward the shoe shop.

---

Elsewhere.

Inside a carriage.

Bai Bohan held a letter, reading it intently, while his attendant Yang Hu brewed tea.

"Your Highness, will the Song family agree to cooperate?" Yang Hu placed the freshly brewed tea before him.

He wore a puzzled expression. "I do not understand. You clearly have better options—why choose the Song family?"

Bai Bohan set the letter down and leisurely sipped his tea. "Because the Song family will never betray me."

"Other families, when given sufficient incentive or harboring certain ambitions, might betray me. But the Song family has only this one path."

If the Song family tried another route, regardless of success, the risks alone would make it unworthy of their gamble.

Yang Hu still did not fully grasp, but knew to obey. "Your Highness, we shall proceed with the plan."

Bai Bohan’s eyes were as cold as a deep pool; his voice was icy. "Not so fast. Wait and see what the Song family does."

"Also, Princess Anning seems too idle—go find her something to occupy her time."

Yang Hu nodded and then asked cautiously, "Your Highness, you wouldn’t happen to have feelings for Miss Song, would you?"