Chapter 223: Should Act Early

Prince Ning's family looked at Tuan Tuan in surprise.

Gongsun Yue's heart sank; Tuan Tuan, you too?

Song Jingxian looked at Tuan Tuan, his face showing scrutiny.

Zhou Jing'an was first startled, then smiled and said, "Princess, you flatter me, but……"

Tuan Tuan stood up, pattering over to him, raised her little face, and loudly said:

"Zhou Jing'an, you know so much! But you got it wrong! When I was in Da Xia, I personally saw their most effective 'blessing dance'—it's definitely not jumping on beans."

She paused: "You have to be barefoot, jumping on burning coals to work! The longer you jump, the more effective! Xiao Yueyue is too young; she definitely can't do it."

Xiao Ningxun and his second brother exchanged a glance, both puzzled: "Little sister, when did you see that? When we were in Da Xia, we were clearly together the whole time!"

Tuan Tuan continued: "But you're this old now; you definitely can!"

"Today is my initiation feast; since you sincerely want to make me happy and also pray for the Fierce Kingdom, would you come and dance this coal‑fire blessing dance for everyone?"

"It's simple—I'll teach you now; you'll learn it in a snap!"

Zhou Jing'an's smile froze instantly, his face turning pale: "Don't spout nonsense! Da Xia has no such dance!"

Tuan Tuan pursed her lips, righteous and confident: "I've been to Da Xia, of course I know! You haven't gone—how do you know there isn't one? Do you understand more than I, an Immortal Envoy?"

"You!" Zhou Jing'an was left speechless by her retort, his lips trembling, unable to utter a word.

"Pfft—" someone couldn't hold back a laugh.

Gradually, murmured laughter spread among the guests.

Song Jingxian lowered his head and smiled.

Gongsun Yue's little face lit up with brilliance—Tuan Tuan!

The Prince Ning family glanced at each other, unable to suppress soft laughter.

Cheng Ru'an shook his head, this child!

Xiao Yuanhang wore a proud look, "No wonder she's my daughter!" In just a few words he resolved Gongsun Yue's predicament, even turning the other's own methods against them.

Xiao Ningxun and Xiao Ningchen couldn't help shaking their heads: "Tuan Tuan, you're really something—just open your mouth and you come up with this."

Tuan Tuan stopped paying attention to Zhou Jing'an, pattering over to Gu Chengxiao's front.

Gu Chengxiao's heart jolted—what is this little girl up to?

Tuan Tuan looked up at him, giggling: "I know your secret!"

Gu Chengxiao's heart skipped—does she really know?

He quickly steadied himself; she must be bluffing! How could she possibly know!

He solemnly declared: "I, Gu Chengxiao, am open and aboveboard—I have no secrets that cannot be spoken!"

Tuan Tuan laughed, deep dimples showing: "That's what you said!"

"You haven't loved wearing pretty girls' skirts since childhood, have you? After your father found out, he smacked your palms many times, yet you couldn't change!"

The crowd instantly erupted in an uproar.

"The Minister Gu's son actually wears women's clothing in private?"

"Does Lord Gu even know about this?"

"Good heavens, no way—a proper seven‑foot man, how could he have such a fetish?"

Countless gazes stabbed at Gu Chengxiao like needles.

His face turned ashen, cold sweat dripping: "You're spouting nonsense! Talking through your hat!"

Tuan Tuan didn't even acknowledge his retort, continuing: "The maidservants in your household all know! You even secretly gave each of them ten taels of silver to keep them from speaking out!"

"Wow! This seems true."

"Yeah, even the servants in the household know!"

Gu Chengxiao felt the world spin, his blood turning cold throughout his body.

He pointed at Tuan Tuan, forcing out a shriek: "Slander! All of this is slander! If you've got the guts, produce evidence!"

Tuan Tuan lifted her chin: "You want evidence? Sure! You're wearing a red embroidered butterfly bellyband right now!"

"Just lift your clothes and let everyone see—then you'll know!"

At this, the hall exploded completely.

Everyone's eyes were locked on Gu Chengxiao's chest, as if trying to see through his outer robe to that red bellyband.

Gu Chengxiao let out a strange "ah" cry, his face full of horror, looking at Tuan Tuan as if seeing a ghost.

His face was ashen as death; he instinctively raised his hand, clutching his chest tightly.

"Looks like it really is!"

"Good heavens, he actually came out wearing a woman's bellyband!"

"Minister Gu's old face—he's lost it completely!"

Gu Chengxiao's eyes rolled back, he fell flat backward with a "bang," hitting the ground and passing out.

Song Jingxian stood up: "Someone, Master Gu has drunk too much—take him back to the Gu residence."

"Yes!"

Tuan Tuan walked over to Gongsun Yue, took his hand: "Come, sit with me!"

Gongsun Yue only then recovered from his shock, following her to the side of the main table.

Tuan Tuan looked at Song Jingxian: "Teacher, he's my study companion; may he sit with me? I'm afraid someone will bully him elsewhere."

Song Jingxian smiled and nodded.

The servants brought a cushioned stool, placed it beside Tuan Tuan, and Gongsun Yue sat upon it.

He tugged Tuan Tuan's hand, his eyes shining: "Thank you, Tuan Tuan."

Tuan Tuan laughed, stuffing a piece of osmanthus candy into his hand.

The initiation banquet ended, and Gongsun Yue returned to his residence.

Only a lone lamp sat on the desk, its tiny flame flickering unsteadily, casting writhing, swaying shadows on the wall.

The fragrant beauties of the Song residence, the lively bustle that was just moments ago, now felt as distant as a dream.

He stood alone in the center of the room, his small silhouette stretched and shortened by the dim candlelight.

A eunuch entered, and Gongsun Yue turned his head: "Gonggong Yu, brush and ink."

Gonggong Yu turned and left; shortly after, the four treasures of the study were spread across the desk.

Gongsun Yue sat at the desk's edge: "Grind the ink."

"Yes."

Gongsun Yue lifted his brush, dipped it in ink, and began to draw on a sheet of paper.

Soon, a diagram marked with many names leapt onto the paper—kitchen, stables, flower hall…

Jinglan Garden, Yangzheng Pavilion, Xun Yu Study…

The final stroke fell; he blew on it, and after a moment the ink dried.

He carefully folded the paper, slipped it into an envelope, and handed it to Gonggong Yu: "Deliver this to the Father Emperor."

Gonggong Yu reached to take it, but Gongsun Yue pinched the other end and would not let go.

Gonggong Yu startled, looked up, and saw Gongsun Yue staring at him with an expressionless face.

"The miscellaneous household is muddle‑headed." He reached into his sleeve, produced a small porcelain bottle, and passed it over: "His Majesty worries for the Prince; this medicine was sent long ago."

Gongsun Yue took it, then released his grip on the letter.

Gonggong Yu put the letter away: "The miscellaneous household will only annoy you further; now the Prince has earned the trust and protection of the Ning Prince's household—you ought to act soon."

Gongsun Yue gave him a cold glance: "The Father Emperor ordered me to approach the Princess and learn everything about the Ning Prince's mansion; I haven't even set foot in the study yet—how could I act hastily?"

"What to do—I have my own plan."

Gonggong Yu smiled faintly: "The Prince naturally knows what's in his heart. Consort Yun's health has always been poor; she's been longing for the Prince's return."