Love Like the Galaxy

The biggest aftermath of the Lou Ben case was likely the severe blow to the Crown Prince's faction of civil officials in the court.

Originally, Lou Taipu had been the unofficial leader of the civil officials supporting the Crown Prince. With his faction now toppled, the Crown Prince had lost a crucial ally. Since the case broke, the Crown Prince had been in low spirits. On the day Shao Shang went to bid farewell to the Lou Family members, he decided to accompany her.

Ling Buyi had initially wanted to go as well, but Shao Shang tactfully advised him not to rub salt in their wounds. Without arguing, Ling Buyi simply turned around and showed up at the ten-mile pavilion outside the city alongside the Crown Prince.

Exasperated, Shao Shang asked the Crown Prince, "Your Highness, you know who presided over this case, don’t you? Now that the Lou Family has been decimated—some dead, some scattered, some exiled—and you still bring him along to see them off? Are you afraid they aren’t miserable enough?"

The Crown Prince awkwardly replied, "Zisheng said he acted against the crime, not the people. He believes the Lou Family is principled and won’t hold it against him."

Shao Shang could barely contain her disbelief. "And you just took his word for it?"—After upending their entire family, he still expects them to understand him? Compared to Ling Buyi, even murderers and thieves seem reasonable!

The Crown Prince countered gently, "At first, you were skeptical about Lou Ben’s crimes too. But after hearing from the Empress that Zisheng has never acted without certainty since childhood, didn’t you rush off to find the County Mistress of Ancheng?"

Shao Shang: ...Can we not drag each other into this?

Originally, Shao Shang had intended to offer some comfort to Lou Yao, who had just lost his elder brother and was about to depart for his new post. But with Ling Buyi watching like a hawk, she had to settle for saying goodbye to He Zhaojun instead. The two had never been close, though they had briefly cooperated out of necessity during the crisis. Now, Shao Shang wasn’t sure what to say.

"...That day, I came to you so abruptly. I never expected you to believe me right away and immediately seek help from your father’s old friends. I thought I’d have to argue my case. I really didn’t expect you to trust me like that," she said, grasping for conversation.

He Zhaojun, dressed in a dashing riding suit that accentuated her sharp beauty, replied coolly, "My father taught me that in life, one can be foolish or cowardly, but one must know how to judge character. When I saw you trembling while holding the Heir Apparent’s head, I understood your nature. Besides, even if you’d been wrong, I’d only have wasted a favor from my father’s old connections."

Shao Shang protested, "I wasn’t trembling! I just didn’t want bloodstains on my new dress!" Even now, the memory of that still-warm head gave her nightmares. Honestly, she was such a forgiving person.

He Zhaojun smiled but didn’t argue. Just then, loud male sobbing came from ahead. The two women turned to see Lou Jing and his sons kneeling before the Crown Prince, weeping and pleading.

Shao Shang pursed her lips. "Where’s the First Madam? Is she in the carriage?"

He Zhaojun smirked. "You don’t know yet? Though few do—a few days ago, the elder uncle divorced her."

"What?!" Shao Shang gasped.He Zhaojun said, "The words Second Brother spoke before his death have spread. Although he committed a grave mistake, he was still the most outstanding young man of the Lou Family in his generation. The uncles in the clan went to confront the eldest uncle, asking if he had truly hindered Second Brother’s future, which led to the tragedy. Then the eldest uncle divorced his wife, accusing her of 'lacking filial piety and virtue, sowing discord among kin,' and sent her back to her maiden home two days ago."

Shao Shang felt disdain in her heart: "The lady is already so old—what’s the point of divorcing her now? Could she possibly remarry? Tsk tsk... truly, 'Husband and wife are birds of a feather, but when disaster strikes, each flies away.'"

As she spoke, her gaze fell upon Lou Yao, who was talking with Ling Buyi not far away. She had no idea what nonsense Ling Buyi had fed the young man this time, but Lou Yao looked moved to tears, as if he were about to swear an oath on a flag. She quickly added, "But A Yao isn’t that kind of person—he’s someone who can share both hardship and prosperity!"

"I know," He Zhaojun said, as if guessing her thoughts. She glanced at her husband and smiled. "Don’t worry. A Yao neither resents Lord Ling nor wallows in despair. He has his own moral compass and knows what his second brother did was truly disgraceful. Even if Lord Ling hadn’t exposed it, such actions would never be tolerated by heaven and earth, nor by human conscience."

Shao Shang felt both relieved and sorrowful. She sighed, "A Yao has always been such an upright and straightforward person."

Over there, the Crown Prince had already helped Lou Jing to his feet and seemed to be offering comfort.

Shao Shang was displeased: Hmph, what a pushover!

He Zhaojun sneered, "Our eldest uncle here is quick to change his tune—already scheming anew."

"What new scheme?" Shao Shang asked.

He Zhaojun replied, "The root of the problem lies with the eldest uncle, yet now it’s Father-in-law and A Yao’s brothers who are exiled. If not for His Majesty ordering them to reflect in seclusion, he would’ve even tried to have A Yao take his own sons along to his new post."

"How shameless can he be?!" Shao Shang was indignant.

"Naturally, he can be utterly shameless," He Zhaojun said mockingly. "The day after Second Brother took his own life, he came crying to A Yao, shifting all blame away from himself. Now it seems he’s pinning all his hopes on the Crown Prince. Even if His Majesty disapproves of him, once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, he might just make a comeback!"

"Dream on!" Shao Shang said coldly. "As long as Lord Ling and I are still alive, letting him make a comeback would just be inviting trouble!" From today onward, she would start whispering warnings into the ears of that overly kind Crown Prince.

"I think the same," He Zhaojun said with a satisfied smile. She had been waiting for these very words. If Lou Jing could block Lou Ben’s future, wouldn’t he obstruct Lou Yao’s path once he made a comeback?

Shao Shang faintly sensed that He Zhaojun seemed different from before and probed, "There will surely be many hardships ahead in your new post. You—"

"No need to say more," He Zhaojun cut in decisively. "I’ve already consulted several uncles who’ve served in distant posts before. Medicine, astrology, food, lodging, guards, supplies—everything necessary has been prepared. Items that couldn’t be procured immediately were lent by the uncles first. Though Father-in-law will soon be exiled, he’s served outside the capital for years and has all the personnel and records in order. Soon, he’ll send the seasoned advisors who’ve served him for years to assist A Yao."

Shao Shang observed her clear and frank gaze, devoid of any shadow, and instead full of vigor. She marveled inwardly.He Zhaojun gazed at the snow-covered official road in the distance, no longer resembling the spoiled and willful girl of her youth. In a composed voice, she said, "I was born into wealth and comfort. In my youth, no matter what trouble I caused, Father and my elder brothers would always shield me. I thought my life would remain carefree, but who knew my father and brothers would all perish in battle? Later, I married into the prosperous and stable Lou Family, yet in one fell swoop, everything collapsed to this state. I’ve come to realize that relying on heaven or earth is not as reliable as relying on oneself. Perhaps..." She smiled with genuine contentment, "I might even find this more liberating!"

After a pause, she lowered her voice: "Father didn’t entrust the He Family or my younger brother to my stepmother, nor to any of the uncles from the collateral branches. He entrusted them to me. I never knew that in Father’s eyes, I was someone capable of shouldering such responsibilities."

Shao Shang felt an inexplicable surge of emotion. Sometimes, love and trust carry unimaginable power, giving a child the courage to face life.

As they parted, the Crown Prince watched as He Zhaojun nimbly mounted her horse like a swift swallow, his eyes growing moist. He still remembered this distinctive mounting posture—one honed by the battle-hardened General He.

Sitting tall on her horse, He Zhaojun’s gaze was confident and resolute as she said to Shao Shang, "When we meet again, I’ll treat you to wine and meat!"

Shao Shang happily agreed.

On the return journey, the Crown Prince was in low spirits and invited Ling Buyi and Shao Shang to ride with him.

Shao Shang hadn’t found a chance to speak with Lou Yao and was also in a somber mood. She murmured, "It’s amusing to think about it. The once most obscure youngest son of the Lou Family and the most willful and spoiled youngest daughter of the He Family are now the ones shouldering the greatest burdens. Truly, life is like a play."

"Indeed," the Crown Prince sighed.

"Your Highness, this humble one has something to report," Shao Shang suddenly said with an overly serious expression.

The Crown Prince shuddered. "Speak properly. Don’t put on such airs."

"Lou Jing is nothing but a hypocrite who feigns benevolence and righteousness," Shao Shang declared solemnly. "Whether now or in the future when Your Highness ascends the throne, you should never employ this man again!"

The Crown Prince sighed in distress. "He does have his faults, but after all, he was the one who taught me to read..."

"Are you saying that without that Lou, Your Highness would never have learned to read in this lifetime?!" Shao Shang’s fiery temper flared, and with someone as mild-mannered as the Crown Prince, people couldn’t help but grow bold.

Seeing the Crown Prince fall silent after her outburst, Shao Shang took a deep breath and continued, "Your Highness need not worry that without Lou Jing, there will be no one in the court to support you. As long as Your Highness remains upright and steadfast, the dignity of the Crown Prince alone can serve as a banner, attracting talents from across the land! When that time comes, why fear a lack of capable men..."

"Alright, alright," the Crown Prince waved his hands with a wry smile. "To be honest, Zisheng also disapproves of me continuing to employ Lou Taipu. There’s no need for you to get so worked up. With Zisheng here, he could devise eighteen schemes in the time it takes to eat a meal to ensure I never use Lou Jing again. Just be patient."

Ling Buyi, who had been resting against the carriage wall with his eyes closed, opened them to glance at the Crown Prince.

Shao Shang was taken aback, then delighted. "Really, Lord Ling? You’re so cunning—ah, no, I mean, so resourceful..."

Ling Buyi’s icy composure shattered as he glared at her, looking as though he wanted to strangle the girl.

The Crown Prince, recalling how composed and mature Ling Buyi had been since childhood, had never seen him display such vivid humanity in over a decade. He turned away to stifle his laughter.Shao Shang saw Ling Buyi leaning in and quickly shrank behind the Crown Prince: "What are you trying to do? His Highness is here, don’t you dare act recklessly!"

The Crown Prince turned sideways and said helplessly to the person behind him, "Now you remember my usefulness?!" Though his face was stern, he thought to himself that if he had such a mischievous yet sensible daughter or younger sister, his daily life would surely be filled with joy.

"Your Highness is tired and should rest. Come with me to another carriage!" Ling Buyi reached out to grab the girl.

Shao Shang protested anxiously, "I haven’t finished speaking with His Highness yet!"

"There’s no need to discuss Lou Jing further. What else do you have to say?"

"Of course there’s more!" Shao Shang shouted earnestly, then circled to stand in front of the Crown Prince and said solemnly, "Your Highness, this humble one has a question to ask."

The Crown Prince suppressed a laugh. "I’m listening."

"Has Your Highness been beating the Crown Princess lately?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Ling Buyi covered his forehead and turned away, unable to bear the sight; the Crown Prince froze in shock.

But Shao Shang pressed on with conviction: "I heard that ever since the Crown Princess was confined, Your Highness has been providing her with good food and drink, even setting aside a garden in the Eastern Palace for her to stroll and relax. Not only that, but I also heard Your Highness is preparing a substantial estate for her, so even if she is deposed in the future, she can continue living in luxury. Is this true?"

The Crown Prince looked embarrassed.

Shao Shang said indignantly, "Your Highness, this humble one is not a petty or narrow-minded person..."

Ling Buyi very appropriately scoffed in disagreement.

Ignoring him, Shao Shang continued, "This humble one is not a petty or narrow-minded person, but I believe everyone should face consequences for their actions. The Crown Princess schemed against Madam Qu, causing her ten years of suffering and injustice. Shouldn’t she be punished?!"

"I know if Your Highness treats the Crown Princess harshly, people might say you’re cold and heartless. I won’t argue about other matters, but Your Highness should at least give her a couple of beatings as a light punishment." For certain heinous crimes that can’t be severely sentenced, a good thrashing is more effective than anything else.

"Striking a woman is not the act of a gentleman," the Crown Prince murmured.

"Of course, men shouldn’t hit women!" Shao Shang said. "But sometimes circumstances force it. Take my former second aunt—she was truly a vicious shrew! My second uncle tried to teach her, but she wouldn’t listen. He couldn’t out-argue her, and when he sent her back to her family, they spoiled her. He couldn’t divorce her either, and she kept egging my grandmother on to scheme against my parents, making the household a living nightmare. What else could he do but give her a few smacks? Not to say this lightly, but if my second uncle had given her a proper beating back then, maybe they wouldn’t have ended up divorced."

"As the saying goes, the base fear power, not virtue. Some people just love bullying the good-hearted! Your Highness, look at me—when I first entered the palace, I didn’t even dare look you in the eye. But now, I’m even daring to urge you to beat the Crown Princess. This is practically insubordination! It just goes to show that those in authority must maintain some dignity..."

Ling Buyi snorted beside her.

Shao Shang snapped at him, "Stop interrupting! I’m discussing serious matters with His Highness!"

The Crown Prince’s earlier gloom vanished as he turned away, stifling laughter.

...

Upon returning to the Everlasting Autumn Palace, the Crown Prince first paid his respects to the Empress, then briefly recounted the conversation in the carriage. He smiled and said, "Thinking about it now, it’s good that Zisheng met Shao Shang. Though her words lack decorum, every sentence comes from a place of genuine concern for me. Sometimes, I feel as if they were my own younger siblings."The Empress smiled with relief. "Indeed, sometimes when I see Shao Shang, I don't know whether to be angry or amused. I can't decide whether to scold or praise her—one moment I want to spank her palm, the next I want to hug her dearly."

At this moment, Shao Shang returned after seeing Ling Buyi off and skipped into the inner hall. Noticing the Crown Prince's hesitant expression and suspicious look, she asked, "What were Your Highness and Her Majesty discussing? Why did you stop when I arrived?"

The Crown Prince glared at her in annoyance. "I was speaking ill of you! You've become increasingly unruly lately, taking leave every other day. I was just urging Mother to give you a good spanking. As you always say, a beating works better than any lecture!"

"Your Highness!" the girl protested indignantly.

The Empress chuckled softly.

...

By now, New Year's Day had passed, and the Lantern Festival was approaching. As agreed before the campaign, Ling Buyi was to take Shao Shang to visit the Chengyang Marquis's residence. The Empress made no comment but still carefully prepared gifts for the occasion. Shao Shang glanced at the exquisite but impractical gold and jade items and asked, "Does Her Majesty also dislike the Marquess Ling's wife?"

Ling Buyi replied, "When I was young, everyone praised Chunyu Shi for her humility and restraint, willing to serve my hot-tempered mother as a concubine. Only Her Majesty said she was willingly degrading herself. Once, when I was half-asleep, I even heard Her Majesty say that if she were Chunyu Shi, even with children, she would turn and leave without hesitation if given the chance."

Remembering the tangled knot of emotions between the Emperor, Empress, and consort, Shao Shang sighed heavily.

The next morning, Shao Shang accompanied Ling Buyi to the Chengyang Marquis's residence and was immediately taken aback.

She had always imagined that the home of a refined and handsome middle-aged man like the Marquis Ling would be elegantly and leisurely decorated, with a scholarly air. To her surprise, she found that from the courtyards to the buildings, the Chengyang Marquis's residence was constructed with utmost solemnity and precision. There were no ornate carvings, no curved or upturned flying eaves—even the tables and platforms were strictly rectangular, without a single superfluous decorative pattern.

This atmosphere was different from Ling Buyi's military-style residence. His home clearly reflected a deliberate simplification—after all, there were no women in his household, and managing it like a barracks was more straightforward.

In contrast, the solemn and rigid atmosphere of the Chengyang Marquis's residence seemed meticulously maintained. In this era of exuberance and freedom, Shao Shang strangely sensed an unusual feeling of restraint.

Ling Buyi's grandparents had long passed away, and the Chengyang Marquis's residence now housed the Marquis Ling and his two brothers. Though all three had married and had children, they had never divided the household. Outsiders praised the Ling family for their brotherly harmony and filial piety, considering them a model for all.

Facing a group of "elders," Shao Shang bowed to them with proper decorum—the Ling family was not only orderly in their residence but also in their lineage. The three Ling brothers each had one wife and three concubines, with several children. Sitting in rows before Shao Shang, their expressions were uniformly warm and kind, as if cast from the same mold.

Even Chunyu Shi, who often played the innocent victim outside, appeared dignified and silent here, only showing a hint of enthusiasm when introducing her eldest son. Ling Buyi's younger brother, around fifteen or sixteen, resembled the Marquis Ling—tall, slender, and handsome. During their exchange of greetings, he seemed to sneak a few glances at Shao Shang, who then noticed Chunyu Shi pinching her son under his sleeve.

Unable to contain herself, Chunyu Shi finally revealed that her eldest son was already betrothed—and his fiancée was none other than Princess Yuchang!"Princess Yuchang?!" Shao Shang was startled and instinctively wanted to look at Ling Buyi, only to remember he had just been called away by Ling Hou.

She counted on her fingers: Princess Yuchang was one year older than Ling Buyi, who in turn was five or six years older than Second Young Master Ling. So—"Hmm, I remember Princess Yuchang's age this year is..."

"What does it matter if the new bride is a few years older? As the saying goes, a wife three years older brings gold ingots!" Chunyu Shi interjected first.

Shao Shang twitched her lips: "Well, that would bring two and a half gold ingots at once. What a fortunate match indeed."

Second Young Master Ling had nerves of steel, showing not a trace of embarrassment—instead, he looked rather proud.

Chunyu Shi said smugly, "Exactly, it's truly destiny! A few months ago during the Empress's birthday celebrations, my son was waiting outside the palace gates for the Marquis when he happened to run into Princess Yuchang rushing out. That's how this fated bond began!"

Shao Shang tried hard to recall—ah, she remembered now. It seemed that was when she had just quarreled with Ling Buyi, who then scolded Princess Yuchang for approaching him, after which the Empress said the princess had run out of the palace in tears... So Second Young Master Ling had taken the opportunity to comfort her? To climb the social ladder for a wife—indeed, the family tradition ran deep.

"Was Princess Yuchang crying at the time?" she asked.

Chunyu Shi started, covering up: "What do you mean by that, Cheng Niangzi?"

Shao Shang said, "Nothing much. So... has Old Prince Ruyang agreed to this marriage?"

Chunyu Shi smiled, "The old prince is a man. Matters of young love depend more on the princess..."

"But hasn't the Old Princess gone to a Taoist temple outside the city to cultivate herself?" Shao Shang asked with a smile.

Chunyu Shi's face stiffened: "The first marriage follows the parents' wishes, the second follows one's own. In any case, the princess is willing—what can the old prince say!"

Shao Shang made an understanding sound: "Truly a match made by heaven then. When is the happy occasion to be?" So if she couldn't be your wife, she'd be your sister-in-law instead? Princess Yuchang must really be in love.

Chunyu Shi laughed, "We must wait for Second Uncle's wedding first. Didn't you know, Cheng Niangzi? Zisheng's second uncle is about to marry into Yuhou's family!"

At this, Second Uncle Ling quickly explained, "Not Yuhou's daughter, but his niece. Besides, Zisheng is already betrothed. Naturally, we must wait until Zisheng's wedding is properly held before it's the younger generation's turn."

"Zisheng should pay more attention to the wedding arrangements. Likes and dislikes should be stated early to avoid complaints later..." Chunyu Shi muttered.

"Zisheng's wedding is none of your concern!" Ling Hou entered from outside, followed by Ling Buyi.

Ling Hou's expression was dark as he openly rebuked Chunyu Shi in front of the whole family: "I've told you before—Zisheng's marriage is at Your Majesty's discretion. Have you taken my words as empty wind?!"

Chunyu Shi immediately straightened up and said meekly, "The Marquis is right. This humble wife has overstepped. I only thought that since Zisheng is after all the Marquis's eldest son, we shouldn't completely—"

"If there are things to add for Zisheng, I will handle it. In short, you are not to interfere in the slightest! This is my final warning to you—have you understood?!" Ling Hou was merciless.

Chunyu Shi was deeply embarrassed but still bowed obediently in acknowledgment.

—That sense of dissonance returned.Shao Shang had an eerie feeling that Ling Yi and Chunyu Shi weren't as deeply devoted and inseparable as the rumors suggested. It was strange to see Chunyu Shi acting even more fearful toward Ling Hou than she did toward the Empress in the palace.

After reprimanding his wife, Ling Hou led Ling Buyi and Shao Shang outside. They walked through the vast, empty courtyard to the ancestral hall in the southwest corner of the Ling residence, where servants had already cleaned, prepared incense, candles, and offerings.

Dismissing the servants, Ling Hou entered the solemn and chilly Ling family ancestral hall with only his son and Shao Shang. After a series of prostrations, rising, incense offerings, kowtows, and prayers, the ceremony concluded. Then Ling Hou guided his son and future daughter-in-law to a side chamber of the ancestral hall for temporary rest.

The side hall was warmed by a blazing fire pit, with a pot of wine and a jar of clotted milk heating on its edge, along with a few plates of snacks. The three of them sat around the fire pit. Ling Buyi quietly poured wine for Ling Hou and handed it to him, then filled a bowl of steaming clotted milk for his fiancée.

Ling Hou downed the wine in one gulp and said cheerfully, "Our ancestors would be proud to see you so accomplished. The revival of our Ling family is within reach, and they can rest in peace knowing this. Speaking of which, our Ling family was once a prominent and influential clan in the previous dynasty. Who would have thought we’d decline so much, to the point where we barely had a foothold left? If not for Zisheng’s uncle’s help, ah..."

Shao Shang glanced over and saw Ling Buyi with his eyes lowered, silent. She suddenly realized that in front of Ling Hou, Ling Buyi seemed unusually quiet. The last time, when he presented armor before the battle, it was the same—Ling Hou chattered away while Ling Buyi listened in silence.

Ling Yi didn’t seem to mind his son’s demeanor and continued to ramble. To avoid awkward silence, Shao Shang had no choice but to respond intermittently.

"The emperors of the previous dynasty were not easy to deal with—to call them strict would be an understatement. Especially that Emperor Wu—I heard he treated his ministers like leeks, cutting them down one batch after another. How many noble families from that era have survived to this day? It hasn’t been easy for any of them!" When discussing this flamboyant emperor, the scholars who taught Shao Shang history and classics often couldn’t contain their indignation.

Ling Hou nearly choked on his wine from laughter. "Leeks? Hahaha, Shao Shang, you have such a way with words! No wonder His Majesty and Her Majesty adore you!" He sighed. "You’re right. That our Ling family has survived to this day and still has the chance to rise again is nothing short of divine favor!"

He turned to his son. "Zisheng, don’t think your father is nagging. I’m truly pleased with your achievements in Shouchun this time, but how many more wounds have you added to your body? If you push yourself too hard when you’re young, you’ll be plagued with ailments in old age. I heard His Majesty has sent the Imperial Physician to stay at your residence again, insisting on proper recuperation for you. Even if you say nothing, I can tell your injuries are serious!"

Shao Shang thought of the wounds on Ling Buyi’s shoulders and back and sighed softly.

"Listen to your father—when it’s time to dodge, dodge! The world is vast, and there are many capable people. Not everything has to fall on your shoulders! Press down a gourd, and a ladle floats up—there’s no end to the merits you can earn! The heavens and earth are boundless, but you’re made of flesh and blood. How can you keep fighting so recklessly?" Ling Yi pleaded earnestly.

Ling Buyi remained silent, his head still bowed.

In some ways, Shao Shang agreed with Ling Yi, but deep down, she felt conflicted. Hesitantly, she countered, "That’s not entirely fair. His Majesty wants Lord Ling to earn more merits so he has reasons to promote and reward him generously, ensuring his future prosperity..."

"Who says you need merits to prosper?" Ling Yi, emboldened by the wine, had a strange glint in his eyes. "Who says you have to shed blood to rise in rank?"

His words left the side hall in dead silence.

Shao Shang was too stunned to speak. Ever since she could understand this world, the men she had known—from the lowly farmers and laborers in the countryside to Old Man Cheng, Uncle Wan, General He... even the disgraced Lou Ben—had all strived relentlessly in this world. They used their wits, fortunes, and even the lives of their families to seek the Emperor’s favor above and secure the prosperity of their private armies and clans below.Although the motives were somewhat utilitarian, compared to the stagnant and rigid traditional culture, Shao Shang could appreciate this fervent and proactive spirit of striving—today, hearing Ling Yi's words, she felt as if she had fallen into an alien world, utterly at a loss for how to respond.

"Fleeting brilliance may seem dazzling, illuminating the heavens, but once it passes, it's gone. The Champion Marquis was a hero for a lifetime, but after his untimely death, who was left to protect his family and clan? Living to the end is living best!" Ling Yi enunciated each word clearly. "Zisheng, Shao Shang, the three of us are flesh and blood, father and son, husband and wife—the closest of kin. Today, I'll speak plainly."

"Your Majesty's intentions are clear to me. In the future, when you and Shao Shang have children, some must undoubtedly bear the Huo surname to continue the incense offerings for Zisheng's maternal uncle. Elder brother Huo Chong was a celestial being reborn—I have no objections to my grandchildren bearing his name! But Zisheng, you must never emulate your uncle. No matter how well His Majesty treats you, you must never truly throw your life away!"

"Live well, live as long as possible. Like a spider, slowly weave your web, connecting with powerful clans and nobles, multiplying your descendants. When the branches flourish and the leaves grow dense, when the storms subside—then it will be our turn!"

Shao Shang looked at Ling Yi's refined and amiable face, listening to his self-satisfied chuckles, and for the first time in her life, felt an eerie, creeping fear in her heart—because she couldn't say Ling Yi's words were wrong.

Ling Buyi remained silent throughout, only pouring wine for Ling Yi cup after cup. Eventually, Ling Yi drunkenly collapsed by the stove, and it was Ling Buyi who helped him back to his residence and handed him over to the servants.

Afterward, Ling Buyi declined lunch and immediately took Shao Shang to leave the Chengyang Marquis residence. The two Ling uncles didn't press them to stay, only loading a large cart with gifts in return.

Before departing, Second Uncle Ling seemed to want to ask Ling Buyi for a favor, pulling him aside to speak. Third Uncle Ling made small talk with Shao Shang: "Cheng Niangzi, don't be frightened by Eldest Brother. In truth, he dotes on Zisheng the most. After years of marriage to Madam Huo without children, by the time my second brother and I had children who could walk and run, he finally had Zisheng. He truly cherished him like the apple of his eye. Who would have thought..."

He sighed. "Though Eldest Brother later had other children, only Zisheng was one he personally held, fed, and lulled to sleep. Who could have imagined their father-son relationship would become so distant now!"

Shao Shang had nothing to say, only sighing perfunctorily in response.

On the way back, Ling Buyi asked Shao Shang, "What did you think of Father's words today?"

Shao Shang replied, "I knew you'd ask me! Ah, well, it just reminded me of my Third Aunt. Early last year, wasn't Hua County struck by military disaster? The old magistrate died protecting the people. At the time, Third Aunt said that though she loved my uncle more than life itself, if he faced the same situation, she would rather he resist the enemy outside the city walls than hide inside to cling to life."

Ling Buyi's eyes brightened as he praised, "Madam Sang is truly a heroine among women!"Shao Shang nodded: "But Ling Hou does have a point—living longer is certainly better than a short life. However, when truly faced with unavoidable danger, one can't just turtle up and hide. So, from now on, you should charge into battle less often and focus on recuperating at home! Earlier, I went through your family records—aside from your grandfather and grandmother who suffered misfortunes, all your ancestors lived very long lives! Ah, I wonder about your mother's side too. I think I heard Cui Hou mention that the Huo family also had several long-lived elders. You should follow their example and make sure you don't die before me!"

Ling Buyi laughed and sighed: "Do you know you have a very amusing quirk?"

"What quirk?"

"No matter how serious the original topic is, you always manage to steer it miles off course. Anyone with weaker focus would forget what they meant to say by the end."

Shao Shang rubbed her head: "Then what did you originally want to say?" Truth be told, Old Man Cheng was the real master of derailing conversations—why did she have to inherit this particular trait?

"Never mind, I've forgotten." Ling Buyi's earlier gloom had completely vanished, replaced by an infuriatingly cheerful grin.

Author's Note:

The weather lately has been utterly unbearable—fluctuating between hot and cold, with everyone around coughing nonstop. I feel like escaping to space for a while.