Shao Shang withdrew from the banquet with a mind full of thoughts, walking along the palace corridor toward the Everlasting Autumn Palace. Just as she turned past a row of towering snow pines, she unexpectedly saw the Crown Princess and the Second Prince Consort standing alone by the Mirror Heart Lake in the center of the North Palace, having dismissed their attendants to converse privately. Shao Shang immediately halted her steps and raised a hand to silence Lian Fang and Sang Guo, who had accompanied her into the palace that day.
"...There's no need for the Crown Princess to provoke me with such words," the Second Prince Consort said with a disdainful expression. "After so many years as sisters-in-law, we both know each other's backgrounds all too well. It's true that Shao Shang's origins are far inferior to ours. And yes, she now holds more influence than either of us. But so what? If she can win the favor of His and Her Majesties, that's her own skill!"
The Crown Princess replied softly, "Haven't you been trying to transfer your cousin back to the Capital City from the northwest? You've been pleading with Her Majesty for months, yet she remains unwilling to agree. But Cheng Shaoshang didn't even have to open her mouth—His Majesty immediately transferred her Third Uncle from a remote small county to a prosperous large one as its governor. Just wait and see—this time, when the campaign against Shouchun concludes, her father is sure to return with merits."
The Second Prince Consort sneered, "A few days ago, didn't the Crown Princess also beg Her Majesty to arrange a marriage between your cousin and the eldest son of Prince Ruyang's Heir Apparent? Though Her Majesty didn't grant my cousin's request, she didn't shut the door completely. But as for you, Crown Princess, Her Majesty outright refused! Then again, looking at the Crown Prince's current state, I suppose Their Majesties wouldn't want another Sun family woman in the household!"
The Crown Princess's face darkened instantly, her fingers trembling with anger. "You—!"
The Second Prince Consort added fuel to the fire, continuing, "If we're truly comparing backgrounds—hm, I still remember when I was young, I once saw the Crown Princess's uncle come to pay respects to my father. Before he even stepped onto the dais to remove his shoes, he was already kowtowing to my father... Yet after marriage, as the elder sister-in-law and wife of the heir apparent, haven't I still had to bow deeply to you every time we meet? I've accepted all this with equanimity. For you to use Shao Shang to provoke me—this is hardly worth mentioning!"
The Crown Princess's expression turned ugly, feeling inexplicably humiliated.
Hearing enough, Shao Shang decided it was time to intervene. Before the Crown Princess could speak again, she hurried forward and made her presence known to the two women. Both the Crown Princess and the Second Prince Consort froze in surprise. The Second Prince Consort recovered first, smiling brightly. "Ah, it's Shao Shang! Have you finished making your rounds with the toasts?"
Shao Shang bowed respectfully. "Reporting to Your Highnesses, I have completed them."
The Second Prince Consort glanced at the Crown Princess's ashen face, thoroughly pleased, and deliberately hinted, "Just now, when the Crown Princess and I were speaking... did Shao Shang happen to hear any of it...?"
Shao Shang also glanced at the Crown Princess and replied with a faint smile, "I heard some of it... and some, I didn't quite catch."
The Second Prince Consort let out a light chuckle.
The Crown Princess finally managed to compose herself and forced a stiff smile. "Shao Shang, you've spent so many days in the palace now. You've even attended two banquets at the Second Prince's residence with Zisheng. Yet you still haven't visited the Eastern Palace. Since winter is a leisurely season with fewer duties, no matter what, you must come to my place tomorrow!"
"Tomorrow won't do. Tomorrow is my rest day," Shao Shang said solemnly.
"Then the day after!" the Crown Princess insisted, her face tense.
"The day after won't work either. I must accompany Lord Ling to visit Madam Huo then."
"Then the day after that!" The Crown Princess clenched her teeth, knowing she had mishandled her initial approach toward Cheng Shaoshang. No matter what, she had to find a way to rectify it.Shao Shang tantalized the other party before finally relenting with an indifferent tone, "Very well, let's make it the day after tomorrow."
The Second Prince Consort had been watching with a smile all along and now chimed in, "If one didn’t know better, they’d think the Crown Princess was collecting a debt rather than inviting guests. Alright, but sincerity moves heaven… Oh, isn’t that… Sister Lingjun, Sister Lingjun!" By the end, she was practically shouting.
Following her gaze, Shao Shang and the Crown Princess saw a procession of eunuchs and palace maids escorting a couple in splendid attire across Mirror Heart Lake, with two nursemaids carrying children trailing behind.
The man was unremarkable, around thirty, looking like any ordinary nobleman. But the woman in lavish robes was extraordinary—appearing to be in her late twenties, graceful and beautiful with fair skin and delicate features. As she drew nearer, Shao Shang noticed her dignified and elegant demeanor, her warm and captivating eyes, though her complexion seemed somewhat pale, her brow deeply furrowed with sorrow.
Before anyone else could speak, the Second Prince Consort eagerly stepped forward, grabbing the woman’s arm as if no one else were present, and exclaimed excitedly, "Sister Lingjun, it really is you! I thought I was dreaming! Why have you returned to the Capital City? Weren’t you living in Hedong all this time? How did you come to the palace? And why didn’t you come see me when you arrived?"
The woman laughed at the barrage of questions but still, along with the man in splendid attire, first paid respects to the Crown Princess and the Second Prince Consort. During the greeting, the man introduced himself as "Outer Minister Liang Shang," though Shao Shang wasn’t sure which characters those were.
The woman replied, "My husband and I have been residing in our hometown, but recently the Governor came to the Capital City to report on his duties and invited us along. Counting the days, we only arrived a few days ago. And today, the Empress summoned us to the palace."
The Second Prince Consort tightly held her hand, pressing further, "Sister, you’re not leaving again, are you? Every time our little group gathers, you’re the only one missing! Her Majesty has often spoken of you these years—she must have wanted to see your children."
With that, her gaze shifted to the children behind the woman. The two nursemaids had now set the children down—a girl of about six or seven and a boy of four or five.
The woman softly instructed the children to bow, but the Second Prince Consort quickly waved it off, bending down to play with them for a while before smiling and saying, "So these are Sister’s children! Truly as lovely as jade and snow. Do you only have this son and daughter? I’ve borne two sons and a daughter myself—we should have them play together later…"
At first, Shao Shang didn’t know who the newcomers were, but then she noticed the Crown Princess’s expression darken, far more unpleasant than when the Second Prince Consort had mocked her earlier. A thought struck her, and she faintly realized who this "Sister Lingjun" might be.
The Second Prince Consort continued chattering away until the woman’s husband grew visibly impatient. Then she laughed and said, "Shao Shang, come here, let me introduce you. This is my dear childhood friend, surnamed Qu, with the given name Lingjun. Sister Lingjun, this is Zisheng’s future bride, Cheng Shaoshang. Don’t let her youth fool you—she’s clever and delightful!"
Qu Lingjun exchanged pleasantries with Shao Shang, then studied her closely with a smile. "In the blink of an eye, Zisheng is all grown up. I remember when he had just turned ten, His Majesty was already planning his marriage and future children."The Second Prince Consort covered her sleeve with a light laugh. "Hehe, elder sister speaks truly. His Majesty has long hoped for Zisheng to marry soon, yet day after day he waits until now—it has truly worried His Majesty sick."
Qu Lingjun said, "Good food is worth waiting for. Zisheng has been mature beyond his years since childhood, with great foresight. A bride he willingly chooses is surely better than one forced upon him..."
At this moment, the man named 'Liang Shang' could no longer restrain himself. "Perhaps you should converse with the noble ladies while I take the children ahead." As he spoke, he turned to pick up the children, but the two little ones seemed terrified of their father and took a step back in unison.
'Liang Shang's' face darkened with displeasure as he coldly ordered the palace maids to carry the children.
The Crown Princess watched with a cold eye, her smile not reaching her eyes. "Young master need not hurry away. We sisters-in-law have not seen your wife for many years and miss her dearly. Madam Qu, since you've returned to the Capital City, why not send word to the Eastern Palace... Will you not be staying this time?"
When she uttered the words 'Eastern Palace,' she deliberately emphasized them slightly. Shao Shang frowned imperceptibly, and sure enough, a murderous aura flashed across 'Young Master Liang's' face.
Qu Lingjun replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "A wife follows her husband. The Governor noticed my husband's scholarly achievements in recent years and wished to introduce him to several acquainted officials in the city while instructing him in governance. Thus, I accompanied him here. Should my husband leave in the future, I will naturally follow."
The Crown Princess glanced at 'Young Master Liang' and deliberately softened her tone. "Years have passed since we last met. Recalling the past, you and my sister-in-law once addressed each other as sisters, speaking without restraint. Yet now you must call yourself 'this subject's wife' and kneel in obeisance—how times have changed..."
Seeing her husband's rising anger, Qu Lingjun quickly said, "There are many things in this world that change with time, not just this one matter. Though my status and the Second Imperial Concubine's may have altered, our affection remains unchanged."
The Second Prince Consort immediately added, "Elder Sister Lingjun speaks truly! No matter what changes, I shall always regard elder sister as my own!"
"Since you're here, why not visit the Eastern Palace for a few days?" the Crown Princess added lightly.
'Young Master Liang' snorted coldly and stepped aside with a flick of his sleeve.
Qu Lingjun raised her head and said indignantly, "This subject will not go to the Eastern Palace. The Crown Princess should cease these pointless words, lest those with ulterior motives hear and bring harm to all involved."
Hearing this blunt refusal, Shao Shang was taken aback, thinking to herself that this elder sister had a gentle exterior but a firm core—quite the character.
The Crown Princess's face turned ashen as she forced a smile. "Very well. I recently acquired some fine southern Jiang brocade and will send some to you later. Take your time catching up—I shall take my leave first."
Qu Lingjun replied respectfully, "The Crown Princess jests. This is the palace—how could we chat at leisure? This subject must also go to the Everlasting Autumn Palace. Since Your Highness is departing, this subject shall first see the Crown Princess off." With that, she bent her knees and performed a proper curtsy.
The Crown Princess stared at her for a moment before leaving with a cold snort. Only after she had gone did Qu Lingjun turn back to the Second Prince Consort. "This is no place for conversation. We shall meet again later."
The Second Prince Consort nodded, watching as Qu Lingjun's party departed. After a long while, she sighed. "Back then, I thought she and I might become sisters-in-law... Hmm, Shao Shang, you don't seem surprised. I suppose Zisheng has already told you about that past incident."
Shao Shang smiled wryly. "This time, Your Highness guesses wrong. It wasn't Lord Ling who told me." It was the Empress—Ling Buyi kept his lips tightly sealed.The Second Prince Consort raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further, instead gazing in the direction where Qu Lingjun and her party had departed. "Back then, Sister Lingjun often came to the palace to play. Ah, what a pity..." She turned her head. "Shao Shang, if Sister Lingjun had become the Crown Princess, our lives would surely be much better than they are now, don’t you think?"
Shao Shang smiled faintly. "Your Highness, please be cautious with your words... Besides, whether life would be better or not, I dare not say. But from what I see, Madam Qu seems to be doing well now. Her son-in-law must be a well-matched partner, and they’ve raised such adorable children. Perhaps it’s best not to dwell on the past."
Ling Buyi had once remarked that while the Second Prince Consort appeared straightforward and outspoken, she was actually meticulous and capable, managing the Second Prince’s household flawlessly.
The Second Prince Consort scoffed. "Well-matched, indeed, but you’ve seen this ‘Liang’ gentleman for yourself. Not only is he hot-tempered, but he’s also quite mediocre. Ah, what a waste of Sister Lingjun’s talent and learning—and what a shame that I have to share a sister-in-law with such a dullard. Truly, a pearl cast before swine..."
Shao Shang couldn’t help but chuckle. "Your Highness, I must again urge caution... And really, must you praise yourself so blatantly?"
The Second Prince Consort turned toward where the Crown Princess had gone. "To be honest, I’ve never dared to look down on those of lesser birth. When I was young, I followed Father and witnessed the chaos outside the palace, as well as the heroes who rose from humble origins. But our Crown Princess... hmph! If she truly had the skill to charm the Emperor and Empress above and win over the Crown Prince below, I’d respect her. Yet she lacks both talent and learning, not to mention the grace to tolerate others. She can’t even hold her own in an argument—her only victories come from wielding her status and propriety. You’ll understand once you get to know her. Ah, it’s not that I’m being unkind, but my sister-in-law is truly devoid of any redeeming qualities. Not a single one..."
Unwilling to join in the verbal assault, Shao Shang changed the subject. "Forgive my ignorance, but which family did Madam Qu marry into? And this ‘Liang Shang’ gentleman—have I met any of his relatives?"
The Second Prince Consort turned back with a smile. "You’ve just seen him—it’s that Lord Liang Wuji at the banquet. Sister Lingjun’s son-in-law is the future head of the Liang family, given the single-character name ‘Shang,’ as in the virtue we uphold."
Shao Shang let out a soft "ah"—so that was how it was. She added, "Thank you for enlightening me, Your Highness. From what I observed earlier, the Governor of Liangzhou seems reasonable and kind. With such a father-in-law, Madam Qu’s life must be quite comfortable."
The Second Prince Consort sighed and laughed, beckoning Shao Shang to walk along the lakeside with her. As they strolled, she said, "Ah, if only he were her father-in-law! No, no, the Governor of Liangzhou is Liang Shang’s cousin. Their fathers were brothers by blood, with Liang Shang’s father being the elder by a year. Back then, the Governor’s father passed away shortly after his son was born, and his elder brother—Liang Shang’s father—having no sons of his own, took in his nephew to raise as his own. But who could have guessed? After a full twenty years, Liang Shang’s father and his new wife finally had Liang Shang and his younger brother. Yet not long after, Old Master Liang fell gravely ill and didn’t have much time left."Shao Shang brushed aside the withered willow branches by the lake and blinked. "Hmm, this must have happened twenty or thirty years ago. The world was quite turbulent back then. Not just prominent families like the Liang clan, even smaller households needed someone young and capable to take charge."
The Second Prince Consort nodded approvingly. "Exactly. Old Master Liang was a wise man. Moreover, he always treated his nephew as his own son. On his deathbed, he passed the family leadership to the Governor of Liangzhou, who was only in his twenties at the time—Old Master Liang didn't misplace his trust. As they say, tall trees catch much wind. Emperor Li exhausted all means to exploit and plunder, ruling without virtue. Countless prominent families from Hedong, once on par with the Liang clan, fell during that period, yet the Liang family remained steadfast."
Shao Shang knew this well. Had it not been so, families like the Lou clan, originally second or third-tier nobility, wouldn't have had the chance to rise in Hedong.
"But while Old Master Liang was open-minded, others might not have been. His widow was still young when she was left a widow, yet she refused to remarry. Fine, let's say she couldn't forget her old love. But while the Governor of Liangzhou was busy maneuvering on the front lines, she was behind the scenes, weeping and wailing to anyone who would listen—either lamenting the pitiable state of her orphaned family or harping on Old Master Liang's 'boundless' kindness to the Governor. When I was young, I heard no end of complaints about this foolish and detestable Aunt Liang! Well, perhaps due to her secret curses, the Governor seemed to follow in his uncle's footsteps—his line was thin. After his elderly wife passed, he was left with only a few daughters born of concubines. Not long before Elder Sister Lingjun's marriage, the Governor, in the presence of the entire clan and the Qu family relatives, declared Liang Shang as the next family head."
Shao Shang frowned. "But what if the Governor, like Old Master Liang, had a son in his later years?"
The Second Prince Consort waved it off. "Even if he had a son late in life, it wouldn't matter. A vow made before the ancestral tablets and in front of the clan and in-laws—do you think that's a joke?"
"Your Highness just mentioned that Liang Shang is quite mediocre. If someone argues he's unfit to be the family head and demands a replacement, what would happen to Madam Qu?" A woman fit to marry the Crown Prince was already settling for being the matriarch of a noble family—what if she didn't even get that in the end?
"Hmph, the Qu family isn't to be trifled with. Back then, the Liang and Qu families turned from friends to foes, and it took great effort to bury the hatchet and form a marital alliance. Besides, the world is stable now. As long as Liang Shang doesn't do anything foolish, things won't go too badly."
"Your Highness, your knowledge is truly vast. Whether it's the long-past affairs of other families or your insights into the ways of the world and human nature, you recount them all with such clarity and detail. I am utterly impressed."
"That's because I married a son-in-law with a fiery temper. If I didn't keep my ears sharp and eyes open, who knows what the prince's household would be like? Had I married someone like Zisheng, I could have ignored everything. Hmm, not only that—he'd probably even decide how warm my face-washing water should be each day."
They both stopped walking, exchanged a glance, and burst into laughter together.
Everyone regarded Ling Buyi as a celestial being beyond reproach, so it was rare for someone to poke fun at him. Shao Shang laughed especially heartily.After laughing for a while, the Second Prince Consort said solemnly, "Young Lady Shao Shang, I have a favor to ask of you. Yesterday, my elder brother sent a letter saying my father is unwell and has been thinking of me during his illness. So I plan to leave tomorrow to visit him. Although Pingyang County isn’t far, it will take at least a month to return. If anything happens to the Second Prince during this time, I beg you to ask Zisheng to look after him. When I return, I will repay you generously... Just asking is enough—whether Zisheng agrees or not, I’ll be grateful."
Shao Shang readily agreed. She sighed inwardly—though the Second Prince was reckless, he had excellent luck in marriage. The Crown Prince was so kind-hearted, yet he was unfortunate enough to marry someone so unreasonable.
...
The next day, Shao Shang slept in at home. On the following day, she accompanied Ling Buyi to the Apricot Blossom Secluded Residence to visit Huo Junhua, where they once again encountered the ever-eager-to-become-stepfather Uncle Cui You. Not only had he come to fawn over her himself, but he had also brought his two sons along.
Cui Da was thirteen this year, and his younger brother Cui Er was two years younger. The two boys resembled their father closely—both were lanky and wiry, like a pair of skinny monkeys, but they were clever and cheerful. When Shao Shang arrived, they were gathered around Huo Junhua, one massaging her shoulders and the other holding a bowl of medicinal liquid, calling her "Sister Huo" with sycophantic smiles.
—That’s right. Given that Huo Junhua’s mind was now stuck in her teenage years, "Brother Ape" (Cui You) was naturally unmarried and childless, so Cui Da and Cui Er pretended to be their father’s "distant cousins," thoroughly enjoying their roles.
Cui Da said, "...With your beauty and family background, you’re like the moon goddess Chang’e or the legendary beauty Xi Shi of Wu and Yue! You could easily marry a prince or noble—how could you settle for just anyone?"
Cui Er chimed in, "Exactly, exactly! Sister Huo, you should act more aloof and less approachable. Otherwise, even the weirdest fellows might dare to secretly admire you!" As he said this, he glanced pointedly at his own father.
Huo Junhua, flattered beyond measure, absentmindedly downed the bitter medicinal liquid without even noticing the taste. She preened, "...Though you two are young, you have good judgment. I do think I’m too easygoing and soft-hearted—that’s why even the most unworthy men dare to fancy me. I should be stricter!"
Cui Hou’s face turned livid with anger, while Shao Shang collapsed onto the floor, stifling laughter.
Cui Da and Cui Er, having successfully sidelined their father, had Huo Junhua laughing so hard she trembled like a flower in the wind—they were the very picture of cunning courtiers. Yet the moment they saw Ling Buyi, they instantly became obedient and well-behaved, their eyes shining with such admiration that Shao Shang nearly went blind from the glare. Ling Buyi, for his part, seemed quite fond of them, tucking one under each arm and taking them outside to the courtyard to teach them martial arts.
Only after the two unfilial sons left did Cui Hou finally get a chance to approach his goddess, eagerly suggesting they share lunch.
Huo Junhua straightened her pretty face and said primly, "That won’t do. You’re an unmarried man, and I’m an unmarried woman. Even though we grew up together, we must observe propriety. Also, stop calling me ‘Junhua, my dear’—the neighbors will gossip!"
Cui Hou was so furious he nearly choked. Shao Shang, who had been sitting by the window about to take a sip of water, instead sprayed a cheerful, dancing rainbow into the sunlight.
...
On the third day, after completing her studies as usual in the Empress’s presence, Shao Shang took a short nap after lunch. Upon waking, she straightened her robes before the mirror and strode confidently toward the Eastern Palace.
On the way, Lian Fang couldn’t help but voice her concern, "Young Lady, perhaps you shouldn’t go. The Eastern Palace is her territory—what if the Crown Princess tries to bully you?"Shao Shang strode forward without a hint of fear. "At first, I didn't know the other party's background, so I kept refusing to go to the Eastern Palace. But now... for one thing, I have a clear understanding, and the Crown Princess can't manipulate me. For another, I can't keep avoiding her forever."
Sang Guo whispered, "Young Lady, she is still the Crown Princess after all. If you offend her, what if she causes trouble for you in the future?"
Shao Shang scoffed dismissively. "As if she wouldn't cause trouble for me even if I didn't offend her. There's a kind of person in this world called ignorant villains. Whether you offend them or not, they'll still try to step on you a few times."
As they spoke, they arrived at the Eastern Palace. The Crown Princess had already prepared refreshments and wine in the inner hall, accompanied by several young women from her maiden family.
How many steps does it take to win someone over and make them your own? The Crown Princess pondered this several times in her heart—it all boiled down to two words: "benefit and harm." Apply pressure with threats, then offer generous rewards, and success would naturally follow.
She planned to first highlight Cheng Shaoshang's potential predicament, warning her of an uncertain future, then graciously promise various benefits, expressing her willingness to be Shaoshang's backer in the palace. The plan was set.
After having some refreshments, the Crown Princess observed that the two in front were exchanging polite pleasantries. She let out a long, distant sigh, waiting for Shaoshang to ask, "Your Highness, why do you sigh?" But the young girl merely kept her head down, eating and drinking, occasionally even critiquing the luster and shape of the lacquerware.
The Crown Princess suppressed her irritation and shot a glance at her side. Her younger cousin from her maternal family took the hint: "Crown Princess, why do you sigh?" Finally able to speak, the Crown Princess feigned another sigh. "I sigh for Sister Shaoshang's troubles—troubles right before her eyes, yet she remains oblivious."
According to the original plan, Shaoshang should now be asking in great alarm, "What troubles do I have?" But fearing the young girl might miss the cue, the Crown Princess had her cousin take on the task instead.
The cousin said, "Cheng Niangzi has married into nobility and enjoys the Empress's favor. What troubles could she possibly have?"
Shaoshang seemed to show some interest, lifting her head from the dining table.
The Crown Princess said sorrowfully, "Sister Shaoshang, you are young and sometimes fail to consider things thoroughly. Last time, you offended the Fifth Princess, leading to her confinement and the revocation of her fief. Now you two are sworn enemies. If she ever gets out, won't she seek revenge on you? And as for Her Majesty, while she is angry now, anything can be said. But in the future, if her heart softens for her daughter and she shifts her anger onto you, what will you do then?"
Shaoshang thought for a moment and asked, "Then what brilliant plan does Your Highness have to help me escape this predicament?"
The Crown Princess smiled. "I am thinking of your best interests. As the saying goes, 'Distance does not sever kinship.' Her Majesty and the princess are, after all, mother and daughter. For the sake of the future, you might consider pleading with Her Majesty to release the Fifth Princess from confinement and restore her fief. This way, the princess would be grateful to you, and the enmity between you two would dissolve. Who knows, you might even become as close as sisters."
Shaoshang laughed. "There are two things Your Highness should understand. First, when the Fifth Princess framed me for murder, I had not offended her. The reason for her hatred of me is something Your Highness knows very well. Therefore, unless I break off my engagement with Lord Ling, the princess will never be as close to me as sisters."
The Crown Princess hurriedly said, "Precisely because of this, if you could repay her malice with kindness and help her leave confinement, she would surely be grateful to you."
Shaoshang smiled and continued, "The second thing is that five days ago, Lord Ling told me that the Fifth Princess had finally bribed a guard a few days prior, allowing her Mother Fu to sneak out of the estate with gold, jade, and other valuables to the Eastern Palace, to persuade Your Highness to plead on her behalf."
Caught off guard, the Crown Princess's face turned red and then pale, as if she had caught a fever. After a long pause, she forced a smile. "Fifth Sister is just anxious to get out. As her husband's sister-in-law, it's only natural for me to mediate on her behalf. Those gold and jade items were merely held in safekeeping for her..."
Under Shaoshang's amused gaze, the Crown Princess found herself unable to continue.
"But Your Highness does have a point," Shaoshang said. "That's why, ever since the Fifth Princess was punished, I've been pleading for her mercy before His Majesty and Her Majesty every few days. As for whether she is released or not, that is for our elders to decide." Anyone could play the good person—why wait for the Crown Princess to persuade her?The first tactic failed, leaving the Crown Princess's face dark with anger, but she stubbornly pressed on.
"Very well, let’s set aside Fifth Sister’s matter for now. Since we’re discussing your marriage with Zisheng, as someone older, I must offer you some advice. Over the years, why has His Majesty repeatedly urged Zisheng to marry early? It’s precisely to ensure the continuation of his lineage. But you are still young—early and frequent childbirth would harm your health. If His Majesty later sees that the family line remains sparse and secretly blames you, what will you do? In my opinion, it would be wise to plan ahead and select a few trustworthy sisters to accompany you as concubines when you marry. They could serve as confidantes while also sharing the burden of childbearing. Wouldn’t that be ideal?"
Shao Shang tilted her head in thought before replying, "I’ve already told His Majesty and Her Majesty long ago that I am fiercely jealous by nature and will never allow Lord Ling to keep concubines. If he dares, I’ll kill one who comes and cripple a pair who arrive."
The young women beside the Crown Princess, who had been blushing shyly moments ago, instantly turned deathly pale.
"Your Highness, don’t rush," Shao Shang said cheerfully, cutting off the Crown Princess before she could speak again. "Your words do make sense—childbearing is indeed difficult."
The Crown Princess wiped her sweat and smiled. "I’m glad you can see reason. I only have your best interests at heart. Look at these sisters of mine—each is gentle, obedient, and well-educated..."
"However," Shao Shang interrupted, "if I were to seek concubines, why wouldn’t I choose from my own family? Not only are there many daughters among the private army under my father’s command, but the Cheng clan in the countryside also has plenty of girls. Wouldn’t they be more trustworthy and reliable?"
The Crown Princess snapped in frustration, "How could those coarse and dull girls ever be worthy of Zisheng—"
"Why must they be worthy?" Shao Shang mocked. "They’re only meant for breeding—sturdier is better. What use are delicate, alluring women? To drive a wedge between Lord Ling and me in the future?"
Once again, the Crown Princess was left speechless—because the girl’s reasoning was undeniably sound. After all, ever since she herself had become infertile, the concubines she recommended to the Crown Prince were all robust and plain-looking.
Since this little wretch refused to listen to reason, the Crown Princess hardened her expression. "The days ahead are long. Right now, Shao Shang, you enjoy the favor of His Majesty and Her Majesty, so naturally, you disregard me. But time will tell—do you truly not wish to befriend me and form a sisterly alliance? If you accept my sisters, I will treat you as a sister in return."
Oh? So now she was resorting to threats. Shao Shang was thoroughly amused. "This humble one believes that as long as Lord Ling and the Crown Prince remain close as brothers, that is enough. As for Your Highness, forgive me for not daring to presume such an honor."
The implication was clear: Your prosperity hinges entirely on the Crown Prince—why bother currying favor with you when I could just win over the Crown Prince directly? Moreover, a thought had already begun forming in her mind.
—The Crown Princess was exactly as the Second Prince Consort had described: greedy, hypocritical, and foolish.
What she didn’t realize was that the Emperor and Empress were her greatest shields. The Emperor valued his promises, and the Empress was kind-hearted. Without these two towering figures, the Crown Princess—who had neither favor, sons, nor a powerful family—wouldn’t even need Ling Buyi’s intervention. Shao Shang alone could tear her down. In fact, Shao Shang wouldn’t even need to lift a finger—were the ambitious nobles who coveted the Empress’s position and the benefits of imperial kinship just going to sit idle?
It was laughable that the Crown Princess was already envisioning her "wonderful life" after the Emperor and Empress passed away.The Crown Princess could no longer feign kindness and snapped sharply, "Fine, fine! Since you refuse to listen to reason, let me lecture you on propriety and filial piety! From the moment you got engaged until now, you haven’t visited Ling Hou’s residence even once, and you’ve completely ignored Ling Hou’s wife! No matter what, she is still Zisheng’s stepmother, yet you disregard all due respect. Let’s see if the imperial censors will turn a blind eye to this…"
As the wife of the heir apparent, she could certainly command a few minor censors. With their cooperation inside and outside the court, she’d make sure that little wretch Cheng Shaoshang wouldn’t survive this!
But instead of being intimidated, the girl responded by slamming her palm heavily onto the dining table, her eyes blazing like fire as she slowly rose to her feet—
"Your Highness, you’d do better to spend your leisure time reading more books instead of lecturing others with half-baked knowledge! That Chunyu Shi is neither Lord Ling’s birth mother nor did she raise him for even a single day. She owes him no gratitude for life or upbringing—in fact, she bears deep-seated enmity toward Madam Huo! How dare she put on airs as some kind of husband’s mother or stepmother?!"
"Though Madam Huo had a temper, she not only gave birth to Lord Ling but also protected him through countless hardships during the chaos of war. And where was Chunyu Shi at that time? She was busy seducing Ling Hou!"
"Both are old monsters who’ve lived for centuries—why pretend to be some merciful little fairy? My rightful husband’s mother would sooner see Chunyu Shi dead, and everyone knows it! If it were me, and my mother had a life-or-death grudge against someone, I’d be failing in my filial duties if I didn’t splash her with liquid manure right in the streets! The fact that Lord Ling still treats Chunyu Shi with courtesy is already out of respect for his birth father, Ling Hou. Let’s see who else dares to stir up trouble over this nonsense?!"
The Crown Princess was left speechless with rage, her face flushed and breath ragged, nearly fainting from anger. But as the Second Prince Consort had pointed out, she was woefully lacking even in the skill of quarreling. All she could do was tremble and stammer, "You—how dare you… how dare you…!"
Shao Shang, having achieved a resounding victory, saw no need to press her advantage further. Satisfied, she prepared to withdraw triumphantly. Just then, an elderly maidservant stumbled in through the door, shouting at the Crown Princess, "Your Highness! His Highness—something’s happened! A’hei just rushed to the palace gates to report…!"
Shao Shang was puzzled, but the Crown Princess knew A’hei was the spy she had sent to watch Liang Manor (or more accurately, Qu Lingjun). Hearing that something had happened to her rival’s household, she forgot Shao Shang’s presence entirely and urgently demanded, "What happened? Speak quickly!"
The old maidservant kowtowed and cried out, "There’s been a murder at the Liang household! They say Madam Qu killed her own husband!"
… Shao Shang and the Crown Princess stared at each other in shock.
Author’s Note:
Once again, this story is set in a fictional world. Some elements may align with history, while others may not. Please treat it as pure fiction.
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