After the Empress's birthday celebration, the citizens of the Capital City witnessed three notable events, listed here in chronological order without ranking:
First was the case concerning the youngest daughter of the Emperor and Empress.
Initially, all the girls who had once flocked around her saw their fathers, brothers, and grandfathers demoted without exception. Then, after being detained in the palace for two days, the Fifth Princess was finally allowed to leave. However, upon returning to her princess manor, she was immediately terrified by the sight before her—fifteen or sixteen corpses with familiar faces, some hanging from high beams, others neatly arranged in the hall. Despite her usual extravagance and indulgence, the Fifth Princess had never encountered such a shocking scene before. She collapsed on the spot, her skirt soaked in fear.
Those handsome young men who had once surrounded her, flattering and coaxing her into seizing lands and concealing households, had now turned into cold, stiff corpses with bluish-purple complexions. All her former stewards and maidservants were gone, replaced by a group of stern, unfamiliar guards as rigid as wooden statues.
The Emperor issued an edict: henceforth, unless he or the Empress gave permission, the Fifth Princess was forbidden from leaving her manor for leisure. Moreover, she was to study virtues and cultivate her character under the supervision of specially appointed palace matrons—in short, she was confined to her princess manor.
Only then did the Fifth Princess grow truly afraid. She begged the guards to relay her pleas to the Empress, confessing that she had realized her wrongdoing. But the Empress, just as she had once told Shao Shang, no longer wished to see someone she had truly been disappointed in.
It was the Emperor who sent Cen Anzhi to deliver two messages. First, all the fiefs with tax revenue previously bestowed upon the princess were to be revoked, as she no longer had any use for wealth. Second, if she wished to leave, it was simple—she need only marry.
But the Fifth Princess had once protested her betrothal so vehemently—weeping, making scenes, and even threatening suicide—that the Empress had postponed her wedding until after she turned twenty. Now, she would have to endure several more years of confinement. Unless the Marquis of Yue and his wife personally requested an earlier wedding date, there was no hope. Yet she had offended her future parents-in-law too often for them to help her—it would be easier to expect the sun to rise in the west.
In an instant, the tables had turned. The Fifth Princess, who had once dreaded marriage, now burned with desperation to wed.
Shao Shang could imagine the torment the Fifth Princess would endure in the coming days, gnawed by regret day and night. She couldn’t help but feel a deep respect for the Emperor’s methods—a self-made founding emperor possessed not only the wisdom and boldness to expand territories but also the cunning to manipulate hearts. The Emperor had never used such tactics on his family, not because he couldn’t, but because he chose not to.
While the Fifth Princess was desperate to marry, the Liang family, whose son held the rank of Colonel of the Long River, moved their wedding date forward by half a month. The citizens of the Capital City watched as several Liang brothers escorted their sister’s bridal procession, a long line of lavish dowry stretching for miles. When they reached the outskirts, Luo Jitong, clad in a crimson robe, stepped down from the carriage and took Shao Shang’s hand in hers, her voice filled with remorse. “…Chuntiao’s body was found in a secluded garden within the palace.”
Shao Shang had long prepared herself for this news and remained silent, her head bowed.
From his carriage behind them, Ling Buyi watched the two girls through the window, his gaze shifting between them.
Luo Jitong wiped her tears. “I’ve been such a useless companion. I always thought I could share some of the Empress’s burdens. But now I see it was she who indulged me all along. Shao Shang, please take good care of the Empress from now on. Everyone says Her Majesty prefers quiet, but I know she fears loneliness… Please stay by her side.”Ling Buyi stretched his hand out the window and felt the rising wind outside. He promptly pulled his betrothed, who still wanted to say a few more words, into the carriage. In the end, it was Luo Jitong who watched them depart first.
Finally came Shao Shang's hair-pinning ceremony.
Half a month after the tenth day of October, the Empress hosted a Winter Plum Banquet with even more enthusiasm than she had for her own birthday. Before the gathered noblewomen of half the city, she personally pinned the hairpin for Shao Shang. Among the crowd stood Madam Xiao, her expression complicated. Only Cheng Shi truly understood his wife's feelings—since the first half of the year, Madam Xiao had secretly been preparing for her daughter's coming-of-age ceremony, only to find none of her preparations were needed.
For the first time in her life, Madam Xiao found it difficult to view a situation purely from a practical standpoint. While it was an immense honor for her daughter to have the Empress preside over the ceremony, seeing Shao Shang and the Empress interact with such affectionate familiarity made her feel as though something had been taken from her.
"This time when Niao Niao came home, it was different from before," Madam Xiao confided to her husband in private. "In the past, when she returned from the palace, it was like an official finishing his duties and heading to a tavern—utterly carefree and relaxed. But this time, she didn’t seem to mind whether she could come home every day. Staying in the palace seemed just as natural to her."
Cheng Shi thought for a moment and realized it was indeed so. He chuckled. "That’s understandable. After all, she stayed in the palace for nearly half a month straight this time. Her Majesty favors her, and helping with the birthday banquet was only proper etiquette."
Seeing his wife’s wistful expression, he comforted her, "Before, Niao Niao would count the hours when entering and leaving the palace, treating it like a chore. Do you think His Majesty didn’t notice? But this time, not only is the Empress obviously fond of her, but even His Majesty seems more satisfied with her than before—otherwise, why would gifts from the palace arrive every few days? We’re blessed with a daughter. Look, in the entire Capital City, which young lady is as accomplished and sensible as our Niao Niao? Not only does her marriage require no worry from us, but she also constantly brings honor to the family. From the Lou Family in the past to now being favored by the Emperor’s adopted son, we’ve reaped nothing but benefits from her. Otherwise, just look at those thoughtless young ladies around the Fifth Princess—they caused trouble at Her Majesty’s birthday banquet, and their fathers and brothers suffered the consequences." As he spoke, he clicked his tongue and shook his head.
Madam Xiao seemed convinced and sighed. "You’re right."
...
Cheng and Xiao’s speculations were correct—Shao Shang was indeed growing more at ease in the palace, and the Emperor was gradually warming to her. Instead of reprimanding her every few days, he now occasionally mixed in a word of praise amid three scoldings.
The Emperor, by nature cheerful and bold, loved lively gatherings and would host banquets almost every ten days with his most trusted ministers, laughing and discussing past and present affairs. On this day, the Emperor held another banquet and summoned the Empress to join, with Shao Shang accompanying them.
It was still early, and the guests had not yet arrived. The Empress was urging the Emperor to take care of his health and drink less, but the Emperor sighed. "Ah, two more military campaigns are about to begin. Many of my old comrades will face danger—let us gather while we can."
Ling Buyi, seated below, had been signaling Shao Shang with his eyes to come sit beside him. But the mischievous girl pretended not to notice, smiling as she knelt beside the Empress. Ling Buyi turned away.
The Empress frowned. "Two campaigns? I thought we were only waiting to reclaim Shu. Where did another one come from?" Having once handled state affairs, she had some understanding of military matters.The Emperor gave a slight smile and said, "Shouchun is a prosperous and populous place. Peng Zhen has been managing it for several years, and I turned a blind eye to his activities. Yet, he developed treacherous ambitions. Since this May, he has secretly been recruiting soldiers and buying horses, plotting rebellion. Hmph, such a petty villain is hardly worth mentioning."
Hearing it was Shouchun, the Empress relaxed and smiled. "Shouchun is a fine place, but it's exposed on all sides with no natural barriers. Though wealthy, it's hardly suitable for gathering troops and starting a rebellion. This Peng Zhen must be out of his mind. I congratulate Your Majesty in advance on a swift and victorious campaign."
The Emperor chuckled. "I plan to dispatch troops to Shouchun by the end of the month—a warm-up before the campaign against Shu." Noticing Shao Shang's eyes darting around beside the Empress, he feigned sternness. "Speak your mind."
Shao Shang quickly replied, "Since Your Majesty is mobilizing against Shouchun, will my father be going too?"
"Indeed. It seems many have guessed as much," the Emperor said with amusement.
Shao Shang sighed. "I thought so. Father drilled troops all summer and came back so tanned only his teeth and half his eyeballs were still white. Summer for training, autumn for preparations, early winter for battle... Your Majesty, don’t glare at me—it’s not that I don’t care about Lord Ling and didn’t ask. It’s just that when Your Majesty said 'warm-up,' for seasoned veterans, going to battle is more familiar than returning home. What’s there to warm up? Ah, I see—Your Majesty intends to send Lord Ling to Shouchun as well."
The Emperor shot her an amused look. "Clever girl. But Zisheng is also accustomed to the battlefield... Why are you sighing again?"
Shao Shang sighed. "Your Majesty, could you please not send Lord Ling? His arm injury from last time has only just healed. Besides, weapons have no eyes—what if he gets hurt again?"
The Emperor glared. "The battlefield is where men prove their mettle—a golden opportunity to distinguish themselves. What do you know? Hmph, fine. At least you’ve learned to care for Zisheng. That’s progress..."
Shao Shang cursed inwardly. So caring for Ling Buyi counted as progress? If she ever pleased him properly, would she be enshrined in the Hall of Merit?
"...But don’t worry. This time, I’m sending Cui You along. Zisheng might not even need to dismount. More importantly, with him going, I’ll have grounds to grant him additional fiefs with tax revenue." The Emperor lowered his voice for the latter part.
The Empress, understanding her husband’s intentions, hid a smile behind her sleeve.
Shao Shang kowtowed in thanks, then hesitantly added, "Your Majesty’s thoughtfulness toward Lord Ling fills me with gratitude. But I won’t be extravagant—I’ll live within my means." She believed no amount of wealth was worth risking lives. There were plenty of ways to earn money—why gamble with one’s life?
The Emperor scolded, "Is this about money? You foolish girl..." Just as he was about to berate her for missing the point, a mischievous idea struck him. "Shao Shang, let me ask you this: if you had to choose between your father or Zisheng going to Shouchun, whom would you pick?"
Shao Shang gaped. Here she was, finally showing concern for Ling Buyi, only to be hit with this absurd "mother-or-wife drowning" dilemma. Uncle Emperor, your heart is as black as squid ink!
After a moment’s thought, she pretended to struggle. "Your Majesty, how about keeping both my father and Lord Ling in the Capital City... and sending me to Shouchun instead?"
The Emperor burst into laughter at this, while the Empress and Ling Buyi exchanged amused glances.Amid the Emperor's hearty laughter, the invited ministers, along with the Crown Prince and his consort, the Second Prince and his consort, and the Third and Fourth Princes, arrived one after another. In such gatherings, it was usually Consort Yue who accompanied the Emperor. However, since the Empress was present today and this banquet wasn’t a ‘necessary occasion,’ she naturally chose not to attend.
As the ministers and princes paid their respects to the Emperor and Empress, Shao Shang cleverly slipped to Ling Buyi’s side and sat down, eagerly scanning the assembled officials and asking Ling Buyi to introduce them. To her surprise, Ling Buyi was being difficult and flatly refused.
“I just got scolded by His Majesty for you, and now you’re turning your back on me? Do you even have a conscience?” Shao Shang lamented dramatically.
Ling Buyi replied bluntly, “No.”
Furious, Shao Shang punched him.
Ling Buyi said, “You’re asking for my help, yet you’re this aggressive. Is this how you plead?”
“If you keep blabbering, I’ll go stand next to Cen Anzhi. He’ll answer all my questions!” Shao Shang wasn’t one to be trifled with.
Ling Buyi grabbed her small hand and countered, “If you dare go over, I’ll go too.”
She could stand beside Cen Anzhi and pretend to serve him, but if Ling Buyi joined her, wouldn’t that make things awkward again? Shao Shang widened her eyes and whispered pitifully, “You always say you’ll treat me well, yet you’re the one who keeps bullying me. I have no one else in this palace—you’re my only support. These past two days, Her Majesty hasn’t been well, so I haven’t had time for you, but I’ve missed you terribly. You can’t be angry with me…”
No one else? The Empress treated her exceedingly well, and everyone in the Everlasting Autumn Palace saw her as their pillar of strength. So… see, being meek and gentle wasn’t hard at all. The so-called ‘capable can do anything’—Shao Shang was now brimming with confidence in her learning abilities.
Ling Buyi’s heart softened. He said gently, “You’re neither a palace maid nor an Imperial Physician. Attending to Her Majesty’s health should be done in moderation. What if you exhaust yourself day and night?”
Shao Shang replied, “If you fell ill, I’d take care of you day and night too, even if it wore me out.”
The donkey was soothed, the world was harmonious, and Ling Buyi was no longer being difficult. Holding her hand under the dining table, he began pointing out the more than twenty ministers present.
Aside from those she already knew—Yuhou, Cui Hou, and General Wu—Shao Shang finally met Consort Yue’s three brothers: the Marquis of Da Yue, the Marquis Zhongyue, and the Marquis of Yue. The first two resembled Consort Yue, with long eyebrows, phoenix eyes, and bright, handsome features. Only the Marquis of Yue—the future father-in-law of the Fifth Princess—had sharper, more delicate and somewhat effeminate features.
Originally, Cui Hou had intended to approach Ling Buyi and Shao Shang, but General Wu dragged him before the Emperor to discuss something. The three Yue brothers, unsurprisingly, were chatting with their two nephews, the princes.
Unexpectedly, Lou Taipu was also present today. He spotted Shao Shang and smiled at her from afar before heading toward the Crown Prince’s seat. Along the way, he seemed to want to invite Yuhou to join him, but the latter politely declined. Instead, Yuhou pulled the Marquis of Da Yue away from the Third and Fourth Princes and whispered with him at his own seat.
“…Lou Taipu once tutored the Crown Prince in his early studies,” Ling Buyi said, watching Lou Taipu laugh and chat with the Crown Prince. Then he glanced elsewhere and added, “The Yu and Yue families have intermarried for generations. Yuhou and the Marquis of Da Yue were even classmates in their youth.”
Shao Shang’s heart grew heavy.As the saying goes, "Father and son go to war together, brothers hunt tigers side by side." All warlords who rose during chaotic times initially relied on support from their hometowns, and Royal Uncle was no exception. He grew up in Jingsheng County within Sizhou, so the current court officials could roughly be divided into two categories: those originally from Jingsheng County, and those not.
Since the Emperor hailed from Feng County within Jingsheng, while Consort Yue came from neighboring Rao County, these two counties contributed the most manpower and resources during the initial uprising and remained the most loyal followers. Thus, those from these two counties were known as the "Feng-Rao Meritorious Officials."
Shao Shang mentally sorted through the information—
Figures like Yuhou, Yue, Wu, and Cui belonged to the "Feng-Rao Meritorious Officials." Those like Yin Xu'e's father, Yin Zhi, were part of the "Jingsheng Officials" but not the Feng-Rao group. Families like Yuan, Lou, Wan, and Cheng, though they pledged allegiance at different times, contributed varying degrees of effort, and held differing levels of influence, did not belong to either of these two factions.
Take Yuan Shen's father, for example. He once rallied his entire family to aid the Emperor during a critical moment, earning outstanding merit and deep imperial favor. Yet, old habits die hard—the Jingsheng officials still felt more kinship with their fellow locals.
"...So doesn’t that mean the court is entirely under their control?" Shao Shang asked, alarmed.
Ling Buyi smiled faintly. "Not necessarily. His Majesty intends to balance the factions. High-ranking positions aren’t exclusively reserved for those from his hometown."
Shao Shang understood—while officials might prefer sticking together, the Emperor might not be pleased with such cliques.
Of course, if one were to scrutinize further, even among those from Feng and Rao Counties, there were differences. Some, like Yuhou and the Yue brothers, came from prestigious families; others, like General Wu, rose from poverty; and then there were those like Cui Hou, who came from humble merchant backgrounds.
Similarly, among those who pledged allegiance later, there were influential clans like the Yuans and Lous, who had long been powerful in their own right, as well as local magnates like the Wans, and even those like Shao Shang’s own father, who started as a commoner with mud on his feet.
Shao Shang tilted her head to study Ling Buyi.
His maternal clan, the Huos, had been the very core of the meritorious faction—unfortunately, they had been completely wiped out. His paternal clan, though outsiders who later settled in Feng County, had joined the Emperor’s cause early on, making them half-"insiders." Yet, they were out of imperial favor and weren’t even invited to today’s banquet.
No wonder Yuhou wanted Ling Buyi as a son-in-law—Shao Shang mused silently.
Among these twenty-odd officials of varying demeanors, one elderly scholar in Confucian robes, with graying temples, stood out particularly. Though advanced in years, he was tall and upright, his features still bearing traces of the striking handsomeness of his youth, his bearing exuding a natural nobility and grace. In terms of dignified elegance, no one else in the hall could compare.
"This elder must have an extraordinary background. Just look at his presence..." Shao Shang murmured softly.
Only Royal Uncle’s imperial majesty could rival him—though the Emperor’s aura was forged through years of conquest and dominion, this elder’s grace seemed innate.
Ling Buyi said, "You have a good eye. This is the head of the Hedong Liang Clan, Liang Wuji. Currently a provincial governor, he recently came to the Capital City to report to His Majesty."
Shao Shang thought for a moment, then asked doubtfully, "Hedong? Isn’t the Lou Family also a prominent Hedong clan? Third Aunt told me the Lous are the wealthiest family in Hedong."
Ling Buyi scoffed. "The Lous may be the most powerful family in Pengcheng, Hedong, but the Liang Clan is the foremost family in all of Hedong. In the previous dynasty, they ranked among the top five aristocratic families in the entire realm."He didn't finish his sentence, but Shao Shang understood his implication perfectly. With the dynastic transition, aristocratic families were undergoing realignment, and if the Liang family wanted to maintain its standing, they would need to put in more effort.
As the two whispered, Old Man Liang seemed to glance their way intentionally or not. While Shao Shang hesitated, Ling Buyi already spoke up openly: "May I ask Governor Liang if Zisheng has done anything improper?"
Liang Wuji shook his head with a smile. "This old man was being presumptuous. Eleventh Master, please don't take offense. I was merely thinking that if any of my family's younger generation had even half of Zisheng's talent, I'd willingly shorten my lifespan by twenty years."
A nearby official overheard and joked, "Old Liang, Old Liang! You're nearly fifty already. Shorten it by twenty more years, and your family should start preparing your coffin!"
Liang Wuji shook his head. "I'm already old and useless. If it benefits the younger generation of our clan, what does my death matter?"
Ling Buyi smiled faintly and advised, "Governor Liang flatters me too much. You're still in your prime—why speak like this?"
Liang Wuji waved his hand and shook his head again.
Noticing everyone had arrived, the Emperor ordered the banquet to begin. Soon, cups clinked and laughter filled the air. After three rounds of drinks, the Emperor formally announced to the assembly that his adopted son Ling Buyi and Shao Shang's wedding would be held next March. The ministers immediately offered their congratulations to Ling Buyi.
General Wu boomed bluntly, "Why wait until next March? Zisheng isn't getting any younger—have the wedding this year and start making babies right away!"
Shao Shang: MMP.
Marquis Zhongyue elbowed him, laughing. "His Majesty is being considerate. With this freezing weather, how could a wedding be lively now? Of course we must wait for spring!"
Cui You chirped merrily, "This is good, this is good..."
"...You lot." The Emperor pointed at Yuhou's group and laughed heartily. "When preparing wedding gifts, think of Elder Brother Huo Chong and consider carefully how much you should give!"
Marquis Zhongyue egged him on: "Your Majesty, this is outright solicitation of bribes!"
"And if it is, what will you do about it?" The Emperor played the rogue, making the ministers roar with laughter.
Cui You continued happily, "This is proper, this is proper..."
"Proper your head!" General Wu clapped Cui You's shoulder with a bear-like paw. "If I can't afford the gift, you'll have to lend me the money!"
This provoked more laughter, with someone calling out, "Old Wu, that's not fair! When have you ever repaid money borrowed from Cui A Yuan? You loved running tabs back then, and now as a general, you're even worse!"
Marquis Zhongyue joined in: "I say, Wu the Jar, did you ever pay back all those debts?"
"Scram! None of your business!" General Wu waved his arms as if shooing flies. "A Yuan and I will be in-laws someday—what's mine is his!"
"Your daughter is bigger than both of A Yuan's sons combined! Have mercy on Cui A Yuan!"
The hall erupted in laughter, some spraying their wine.
Cui You chuckled. "Old Wu, don't bother with money. Why not give that sword of yours that cuts iron like mud as a gift instead?"
"Ah! Trader Cui, how long have you had your eye on my sword? So this is your scheme!" General Wu widened his bull-like eyes and raised his hand threateningly.
Cui You hurriedly said, "You use a saber—swords don't suit you. Better give it to Zisheng!"General Wu glanced at the Emperor and feigned heartache, sighing, "Ah, fine swords should always be gifted to heroes. For Your Majesty's sake, this subject will reluctantly part with my treasure!"
The Marquis of Da Yue rose and said respectfully, "Even without Your Majesty's command, we should have prepared proper wedding gifts. Setting aside the friendship between the Huo and Yue families, just considering the character of Brother Huo Chong—who in our hometown does not respect and praise him?"
The Emperor was greatly pleased and laughed heartily.
The hall was filled with laughter as everyone watched the entertaining scene within the Bountiful Conglomerate. However, Shao Shang noticed the Crown Prince and the Second Prince Consort remained silent with bowed heads, while the Second Prince and the Crown Princess wore displeased expressions. Amused, she thought to herself, Why don’t you four just swap partners? Truly, a clever wife paired with a dull husband, fresh flowers stuck in cow dung.
"Crown Princess, Second Prince’s new bride," the Emperor continued, "The Empress is unwell. If there are any shortcomings in Zisheng’s wedding preparations, you must do your utmost to assist!"
The Crown Princess and the Second Prince Consort bowed deeply, murmuring their assent.
At this moment, someone seated beside the Marquis of Yue chuckled, "Your Majesty, have you truly agreed to this marriage? I thought you’d want to observe further."
The Emperor waved a hand. "As long as the bride’s character is sound, everything else can be taught. Besides, what matters most is that Zisheng himself is fond of her."
The Marquis of Yue suddenly interjected, "Your Majesty is wise. In matters between men and women, nothing is more important than personal affection." Those around him echoed his words— Exactly! What’s the point of marrying a woman you don’t like? —and so on.
The Emperor, slightly intoxicated, laughed heartily without noticing anything amiss. But the Empress’s face had turned deathly pale.
Softly, the Empress addressed the Emperor, "Your Majesty, I am not adept at drinking. Since all matters have been settled today, I should return to the Everlasting Autumn Palace. Otherwise, Your Majesty and the esteemed ministers will not be able to enjoy themselves freely."
The Emperor granted his permission.
With the Empress departing, the Crown Princess and the Second Prince Consort naturally took their leave as well. The Second Prince Consort showed no unusual reaction, but the Crown Princess was reluctant to go. Earlier, she had urged the Crown Prince to converse with several high-ranking officials, yet now she had to withdraw.
Shao Shang was about to follow when the Emperor said, "Shao Shang, stay a while. Offer a toast to these uncles—they once addressed Zisheng’s uncle as brother."
Before leaving, the Crown Princess shot Shao Shang a glance filled with jealousy and resentment.
Ling Buyi rose and accompanied Shao Shang, carrying a jar of wine in one arm and a ladle in the other, continuously refilling the gilded bronze goblet in her hand. Unsure of the officials’ ranks or ages, Shao Shang impulsively rushed first to the familiar Cui You, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The Emperor sighed. "This little girl—sometimes clever, sometimes foolish. I wonder if Cheng Xiaowei and his wife have been driven to despair by her. As for me, I’ve no way to handle her."
Among the ministers present, the sharper ones recognized the Emperor’s seemingly critical yet affectionate words and turned their gazes to the petite, delicate girl beside Ling Buyi, each harboring their own thoughts.
Following the order of seniority, Shao Shang first toasted General Wu and performed the junior’s ritual. When it was the Marquis of Da Yue’s turn, he looked past her, staring intently at Ling Buyi for a long moment before draining his cup in one gulp. He sighed, "Young Lady Cheng, do you know what kind of man Zisheng’s uncle was?"
Shao Shang pondered briefly, then replied softly, "This humble one once heard Consort Yue say that in his youth, Your Majesty was hailed as the foremost beauty of Feng County, while General Huo Chong was the second." She stole a glance at Ling Buyi’s tall, elegant figure and privately suspected the ranking might have been exaggerated.
The Marquis of Da Yue choked on his wine, coughing with laughter. "Her... cough ... very well. Young Lady Cheng, you’ve met Zisheng’s mother, haven’t you? In truth, the siblings resembled each other greatly. Back then, the grace and bearing of Elder Brother Huo Chong were truly unmatched."
Shao Shang nodded repeatedly, then hesitated. "So... Your Majesty wasn’t actually the foremost beauty of Feng County?"Marquis of Da Yue was left speechless once again. Yuhou stepped forward and said sternly, "You, you... Out of the five times I've seen you at His Majesty's place, four times you were being reprimanded. Now I understand—you always manage to touch a sore spot. Aren't you going to offer me a toast?"
Shao Shang hurriedly complied.
After making the rounds with toasts, Shao Shang prepared to take her leave. Just before departing, she suddenly asked in a low voice, "Back then, why didn't Your Majesty send you to be raised by Consort Yue? Given the friendship between the Huo and Yue families, that would have made more sense, wouldn't it?"
Ling Buyi's eyes were deep as the ocean, a faint smile playing at his lips. "You've forgotten. My mother and Consort Yue had long-standing enmity."
"Just because of that?" Shao Shang was skeptical. "Consort Yue isn't one to hold grudges, and she regarded your uncle and aunt as siblings, holding them in the highest esteem."
"If not that, then what other reason could there be?" Ling Buyi lowered his long lashes. "It was all His Majesty's will."
Author's note: The curtain rises
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