Shao Shang's prediction was accurate. Early the next morning, the Emperor laid out all the confessions and evidence gathered by Ling Buyi across a table for several high-ranking ministers to review. He then sent Cen Anzhi to the General of Chariots and Cavalry's residence with white silk and poisoned wine. Wang Ling begged the Empress to allow her to see her biological mother one last time. With a helpless sigh, the Empress instructed Shao Shang to accompany Wang Ling.
Before leaving, Shao Shang casually picked up two plates of sugar-glazed pastries she had just baked from the kitchen, keeping them warm in a heated container to bring along.
This wasn't Shao Shang's first visit to the General's residence. Wang Chun enjoyed hosting drinking feasts, and she had previously attended such events with Ling Buyi as a formality. Wang Chun shared similar tastes with Wan Songbai—both loved piling up gold, silver, and jewels. However, while Old Man Wan embraced a nouveau riche style that nearly blinded guests with gaudiness, Wang Chun at least knew to drape thin gauze over jade railings and golden pillars, feigning subtlety.
But now, the residence was a shadow of its former self. The ever-present retinue of proud servants and beautiful maids had vanished. Dirty, slushy snow piled on the ground, and withered branches and dead leaves lay scattered about. As they walked through the desolate scene, Wang Ling was overcome with grief. Fortunately, Ling Buyi had enforced strict discipline, so the women's quarters and valuables remained largely untouched.
When they reached the heavily guarded main residence, Cen Anzhi smiled and cupped his hands toward Shao Shang: "Upon hearing that the two Young Ladies were coming, this servant waited outside. Once Lady Ling has finished speaking with Wen Xiujun, I shall carry out His Majesty's decree."
Wang Ling tearfully expressed her gratitude: "Thank you, Eunuch Cen, for your kindness. At a time like this, everyone avoids my family like the plague. You are truly a compassionate soul."
Cen Anzhi maintained his smile: "Think nothing of it."
Shao Shang stood behind, baring her teeth at him: You're here to send someone's mother to her death, yet you put on such a benevolent, lofty act—what impeccable cultivation!
Cen Anzhi pretended not to notice. As he and a group of junior palace attendants passed by the two women, his personal attendant cheerfully took the food basket containing the heated container from Lian Fang.
Following Wang Ling inside, Shao Shang saw the room in complete disarray. Once-exquisite furnishings had been smashed beyond recognition. Wen Xiujun sat on the bed in the inner chamber, stripped of all her ornaments, her hair tied in a simple round bun. She was cursing nonstop, mostly variations of "Wang Chun, you ungrateful bastard, how dare you betray me!"
Wang Ling approached in tears and knelt on both knees.
Wen Xiujun didn't rise from the bed, her murky eyes filled with venom: "Why are you here? You've always been close to your father—are you here to mourn me in advance? That spineless, two-faced snake Wang Chun! When my father chose him as a son-in-law and promoted him, it was the greatest favor. Instead of repaying this kindness, he grovels before our enemies—he deserves to be hacked to pieces!"
Wang Ling remained stiffly kneeling, gazing at her mother in agony.
Shao Shang, however, held no such reservations. She stepped forward and said: "Wen Xiujun—oh wait, His Majesty has already stripped you of your title, so I'll address you as Madam Wang. Madam, even if General Wang hadn't married you, would he have starved or lived in poverty? The Wang family was already prominent. Whether he married you or not, they'd still be a respected local clan with no worries about food or clothing!"Wen Xiujun suddenly glared over, but Shao Shang remained unfazed and continued her verbal assault: "As for 'greatly promoting him,' are you joking? Every elder who lived through those times knows full well how little regard your esteemed father had for General Wang. Even the most minor lieutenant in the manor had more face than General Wang, his own son-in-law. And you call this 'kindness and righteousness'? If we're truly judging by whether someone is valued or not, then hasn't His Majesty shown General Wang a hundred, a thousand times more kindness and righteousness?!"
Wen Xiujun roared in fury: "You insolent wretch! How dare you speak ill of my father! What a peerless hero he was—when he roamed the land, common weeds like you were still scrambling for survival in some unknown corner!"
"Oh, spare me! The most peerless hero in this land now sits upon the imperial throne." Shao Shang didn't even bother to lift her eyelids. "His Majesty started with less wealth and fewer men than your father, yet look at the outcome—even the blind can see it now. Listen, Madam Wang, there ought to be limits to boasting. Let's just stop here, shall we? I think you've grown so spoiled by comfort that you've lost your wits. Spend a few days in hardship like your exiled sisters, and your mind might clear!"
Wen Xiujun trembled with rage. In a battle of words, even if she dragged her father and eighteen generations of ancestors out of their graves, she was no match for Shao Shang. So she could only vent her fury on her own daughter: "You wretched creature! Do you think I'm not dying fast enough? Did you bring this insolent wretch here to finish me off?!"
Wang Ling slowly wiped away her tears and replied respectfully, "Mother carried me for ten months and gave birth to me. Now that you are about to... how could I not come to see you off? Besides, I also have a few words I'd like to ask you."
Wen Xiujun snorted and turned her head away.
"Mother, have you been deceived by Uncle? Are you being used without realizing it? This is a matter that could destroy our entire clan!" Wang Ling grew more terrified the more she thought about it.
Wen Xiujun scolded angrily: "What do you mean 'they'?! The Qian'an Royal Manor is our root! Without it, there would be no you, you wretched creature!"
Wang Ling wept bitterly, unwilling to yield: "Mother, I heard that when Grandfather was still alive, Uncle never treated you with any respect—he often slighted you. Why must you ruin yourself for his sake?!"
Wen Xiujun stubbornly insisted: "This isn't just for your uncle! It's to restore the glory of the Qian'an Royal Manor! For your grandfather, who died with grievances unavenged, I must help your uncle! If only your foolish father hadn't bungled things so badly—once your uncle succeeds, you would have had the Qian'an Royal Manor as your backing!"
Shao Shang felt a sharp pain in her palm. She looked down and saw that the nail of her little finger had broken off. She slowly stepped away, turning slightly to avoid facing the mother and daughter, and gently blew on her hand to soothe it.
Wang Ling, her eyes brimming with tears, shrieked: "What backing?! Not only is Uncle absolutely incapable of succeeding, but even if Grandfather were still alive, Mother never benefited from the Qian'an Royal Manor—how could I?!"
Wen Xiujun pointed at her daughter and raged in frustration: "You spineless wretch! You truly take after your fool of a father!"
Wang Ling panted heavily, struggling to speak: "Fine, let's set that aside. I only ask you this, Mother: You used Father's name to gather funds and supplies for Uncle. If this is exposed, not only will Father be executed, but my brothers of age will at the very least be exiled. Except for you, who might escape punishment by relying on the Empress, the entire Wang family will suffer. Mother... do you truly not care at all?"Wen Xiujun fell silent. Even if she cared little for her husband's fate, her sons were her own flesh and blood. After a moment, she said, "To achieve great things, some sacrifices must be made..."
Shao Shang let out a cold laugh, finding the situation too absurd for words. Wang Ling slowly rose from the ground, her face now eerily calm, devoid of any earlier grief.
"Mother," Wang Ling called softly, "I've asked all I wanted to ask. Now, I wish to tell you two things, so you may depart in peace."
Wen Xiujun looked uncertain. "What things?"
Wang Ling said, "Yesterday, Prince Qian'an was summoned to the Capital City by His Majesty, who accused him of plotting rebellion. To everyone's surprise, he shifted all blame onto you, Mother. Uncle claimed he knew nothing about the funds and provisions coming from Rebel Peng and had no intention of rebellion. He said he only begged you for wealth because his fief was poor, wanting to provide better for his concubines and children."
Wen Xiujun staggered as if struck, steadying herself before forcing a smile. "Your uncle's words are wise. As long as the green hills remain, there'll be no shortage of firewood. Preserving life comes first."
Wang Ling continued, "There's one more thing."
Shao Shang glanced sideways and noticed a venom in her eyes strikingly similar to what Wen Xiujun had shown earlier.
Wang Ling said, "People say Father is mediocre and incompetent, but that's not entirely true. Even if he lacks ability, he has one virtue: knowing which way the wind blows. Grandfather had over twenty daughters and a dozen sons-in-law. Why did His Majesty single out Father for high rank and generous stipends to pacify Grandfather's remaining followers? Before the Empress married His Majesty, you and Her Majesty weren't particularly close sisters either."
She spoke each word deliberately slow, ensuring her mother heard every syllable clearly.
Now it was Wen Xiujun's turn to breathe rapidly, a dreadful suspicion dawning on her.
Wang Ling went on, "Let me tell you, Mother. This is because when Grandfather raised his rebellion, Father caught wind of it and secretly informed His Majesty. Though His Majesty was already prepared, he still remembered Father's service. Later, Father privately told me that even though Grandfather's forces far outnumbered His Majesty's at the time, he believed His Majesty was the true Son of Heaven."
Wen Xiujun trembled violently, her throat making guttural sounds, eyes bulging with speechless fury.
Wang Ling smiled faintly and added, "Father also said that among Grandfather's generals, those who shared his view weren't just one or two. They all believed His Majesty was the unparalleled hero of their age. Otherwise, how could Grandfather's rebellion have collapsed so completely before his troops even moved?"
Finally able to move, Wen Xiujun lunged forward like a madwoman. Shao Shang kicked the door open, and the waiting maids rushed in to restrain Wen Xiujun by her arms.
Wang Ling knelt once more, her voice steady and composed. "This daughter takes her leave of you now, Mother. May you find peace in your next life, free from calamity, with all things going smoothly."
Wen Xiujun, arms pinned behind her back, hair disheveled and appearance wretched, screamed hysterically: "Wang Chun! You beast worse than pigs and dogs! You betrayed my father—" before being gagged.
Wang Ling cast one final glance at her, then followed Shao Shang out the door. Cen Anzhi greeted the two young women with a smile as sweet as a honey-glazed pastry, then led the junior palace attendants striding into the chamber, closing the door firmly behind them.Wang Ling stared fixedly at the tightly shut door, her fingers clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She whispered, "Mother doesn't care about our lives at all. She would rather let us die than protect the Qian'an Royal Manor. I will never forgive such a mother!" She turned back and forced a smile at Shao Shang, "After we return, I will boldly submit a letter to His Majesty, and I hope the Empress will deliver it for me."
Shao Shang asked, "What do you intend to say to His Majesty?"
Struggling noises came from inside the room, clearly indicating Wen Xiujun's unwillingness to die so peacefully.
Wang Ling seemed not to hear, her face pale as she continued, "...Our Wang family are remnants of the rebellious Qian'an faction. Yet, thanks to His Majesty's benevolence and magnanimity, he has tolerated my father's mediocrity and incompetence over the years, bestowing wealth and honor upon our family. The Wang family is endlessly grateful. For my mother to commit such a treasonous act, His Majesty has already shown the utmost leniency. Whatever punishment he deems fit for the Wang family is entirely justified, and none of us would dare utter a word of complaint. To me, His Majesty is not only the ruler of the realm but also a kind elder. I will pray day and night for His Majesty's longevity, health, and peace..."
At that moment, a hoarse, agonized scream came from inside the room—likely Wen Xiujun's final cry after drinking the poison. Wang Ling could endure no longer; her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
That night, Wang Ling developed a fever. Despite her condition, she stubbornly finished writing the letter and entrusted Shao Shang to deliver it to the Empress, who then passed it to the Emperor. Wang Ling's calligraphy and literary skills were not exceptional, but the letter was sincere, humble, and... well, overflowing with flattery. After reading it, the Emperor's anger indeed subsided, and he lightened the punishment on the Wang family by another degree.
Originally, only thirty percent of the Wang family's assets were to be spared, but now only thirty percent were confiscated. The father and son of the Wang family were initially to be exiled to southern Fujian but were instead sent to southern Jing Province. Additionally, the Emperor bestowed a dowry upon Wang Ling and granted her future son-in-law an honorary title—Wang Ling was to marry into a prominent family in Jiangxia, Jing Province, and with ample family assets, old Wang Chun would clearly not fare poorly in the future.
Peng Zhen and his accomplices, along with any family members involved in the rebellion, were all convicted. Their properties were confiscated, the adult men were exiled to the miasma-ridden south, and the women and children were sent back to their ancestral homes. At the time, several officials remarked that the punishment was too lenient—such a grave crime of rebellion should have warranted the execution of entire families. The Emperor retorted, "Must we follow the previous dynasty's habit of exterminating clans at every turn?"
For some subtle reason, none of the ministers dared to argue further.
In contrast, Prince Qian'an, who had shifted all blame away from himself, seemed to incur the Emperor's greatest disdain. He remained imprisoned in the Northern Army Prison, ignored and forgotten, while his advisors and close followers were nearly all executed.
Just as the storm seemed to have passed and Shao Shang thought the Crown Prince could finally stop worrying, a minor yet significant incident occurred in the court. The official Han whom Shao Shang had noticed earlier suddenly proposed, after the Emperor had sentenced Peng Zhen and Wang Chun, that an edict of reprimand be issued to the Crown Prince, urging him to reflect deeply and remain vigilant in regulating those close to him.
The Emperor flew into a rage and issued three edicts of condemnation within two days, demanding that Official Han admit his crime of "overstepping bounds and violating propriety." This refined Official Han was a man of principle—without a word of protest, he confessed his crime and then took his own life.When the Emperor came to his senses, he regretted his actions deeply. He posthumously bestowed wealth and provisions upon the Han family to console them and ordered the officials to bury Lord Han with grand honors.
For a time, no one in the court dared to question the Crown Prince anymore, but the Eastern Palace became desolate and neglected.
Seeing the Empress in low spirits, Shao Shang took it upon herself to comfort the Crown Prince. She found him sitting on the steps outside a side hall of the Eastern Palace, with Ling Buyi standing beside him.
As the sun set, the lonely figure of the Crown Prince cast a solitary shadow on the empty steps, while Ling Buyi’s tall and straight form stretched a long, powerful silhouette in the fading light.
Watching Shao Shang arrive breathless from running, Ling Buyi strode forward, lifted her by the collar, and sat her down on the steps, teasing, "You're panting like a broken bellows."
The Crown Prince also laughed. "Even if the Empress assigns you ten more tutors, you’ll never be a proper lady."
Unusually, Shao Shang ignored their jokes and exclaimed loudly, "Your Highness, don’t listen to those who speak ill of you! None of them have good intentions!"
The Crown Prince’s expression darkened. "Truthfully, all these years in the Eastern Palace have exhausted me. Since childhood, I’ve been admonished to be cautious, diligent, and filial, to always be wary of those who might harm me, and to constantly watch whether those I trust and appoint are corrupt or deceitful. If they are, I must strike them down without mercy! Sometimes, I wish I could relinquish my position as heir, just as my grandfather once gave up his family’s wealth..."
Before he could finish, Shao Shang gasped in horror. "Your Highness, you mustn’t even think such a thing! Grand Duke Xuan could afford to give up his wealth and live freely, enjoying the seasons, but you cannot! Let me ask you this—from the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors until now, has there ever been a deposed Crown Prince who survived?"
The Crown Prince was taken aback.
"There have," Ling Buyi said. "If we count the states of the Eastern Zhou, at least—"
"Stop interrupting! I’m being serious here!" Shao Shang snapped in frustration.
Ling Buyi smiled gently, recalling the Emperor’s earlier lament to him: "Even if he has shortcomings, the Crown Prince is already the Crown Prince! Though his nature is gentle, he is magnanimous. With him in place, his younger siblings will remain safe. But if he is removed from his position, will he even survive?!"
Shao Shang continued her impassioned plea to the Crown Prince. "If Your Highness gives up the throne, who will succeed you? By seniority and birthright, it would be the Second Prince. He would never decline—he’d be overjoyed, ecstatic, weeping with happiness! Even the Fifth Prince would be a better choice... Your Highness, do you truly want the Second Prince to become heir? You’d be bringing calamity upon the people!"
The Crown Prince, overwhelmed by her fervor, scooted back awkwardly and said with a placating smile, "My second brother isn’t that bad. Ah, if there were a younger brother who was wise, capable, and well-regarded, I truly wouldn’t mind—"
"Mind what?! None of the princes are as good as you!" Shao Shang bellowed, then turned to Ling Buyi. "Lord Ling, stop just standing there! What exactly are you here for?!"
Ling Buyi chuckled. "I came to deliver His Majesty’s decree. The Emperor bids the Crown Prince to set his mind at ease, to neither fear slander nor hesitate. He only asks that you be more cautious in the future."
"Well said by His Majesty!" Shao Shang praised. "Your Highness, did you hear that? Even the Emperor has faith in you!"
The Crown Prince shook his head with a bitter smile. "My father only fears I won’t meet a good end and seeks to comfort me."Shao Shang thought to herself that the Crown Prince wasn’t stupid—he had guessed the truth right away. Just as she was about to offer a few more words of persuasion, she suddenly heard Ling Buyi say, “Your Highness just mentioned ‘intelligent, capable, and with a good reputation.’ But one must remember, in the past, King Zhou of Shang was also exceptionally intelligent and possessed Herculean strength. And what was the result? He ended up with the infamous reputation of a tyrant who brought ruin to his kingdom. A good reputation? In ancient times, Emperor Shun was praised by all for his humility. Emperor Yao admired him, married his daughter to him, and entrusted him with great responsibilities. And what was the result? He abdicated the throne early…”
Shao Shang racked her brain for a moment before replying earnestly, “Who is King Zhou of Shang? And who are Emperor Shun and Emperor Yao? I feel like I should know these names, but I just can’t place them right now.”
The Crown Prince and Ling Buyi both froze for several seconds. After a pause, Ling Buyi said, “King Zhou of Shang was the last ruler of the Shang dynasty. Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun were legendary sage kings of antiquity.”
Shao Shang felt a little embarrassed and forced a dry laugh. “Ah, no wonder they sounded so familiar! So it’s them… Heh, heh…”
The Crown Prince pointed at the girl and burst out laughing, momentarily forgetting his worries.
……
Two days later, Ling Buyi and Cheng Shao Shang were entrusted by the Crown Prince to see off the Wang family members, who were either about to be married off or exiled.
Wang Ling appeared to be in good spirits and said to Shao Shang, “It’s funny when I think about it. That day, I hated Mother intensely, but now I’ll have to follow in her footsteps—doing my best to protect my maternal family in Jingzhou. Fortunately, my father and brothers aren’t as ‘ambitious’ as Mother’s were. All they want is to eat, drink, and enjoy themselves.”
Seeing Wang Ling’s attempts to be friendly, Shao Shang inwardly scoffed. Truly, children are reflections of their parents. Wang Ling had perfectly inherited Wen Xiujun’s ruthlessness and Wang Chun’s knack for recognizing the prevailing trend.
Still, she didn’t dislike her.
How to put it? If He Zhaojun was a phoenix reborn from the ashes of a blood-soaked struggle, then Wang Ling was someone desperately grasping at straws when there was no safe harbor in sight. Survival instinct—nothing to fault there.
However, the person she had really wanted to see today wasn’t Wang Ling, but Wang Chun.
On the carriage ride back, Shao Shang rested her chin on her hands, lost in thought. Ling Buyi spoke to her twice, but she didn’t hear him, answering irrelevantly each time.
Ling Buyi frowned and turned her face toward him. “What’s wrong? You’ve been spacing out ever since you spoke with Wang Chun. What did he say to you?”
Shao Shang moved her chin away and looked at Ling Buyi for a moment before smiling faintly. “There’s something that’s been vaguely troubling me for a long time. But before, with everything so chaotic, I didn’t dare dwell on it. Now that things have settled, I asked Wang Chun a couple of questions to clear up my doubts.”
“What doubts?” Ling Buyi’s heart pounded like a muffled drum.
“Lou Ben’s deception to seize credit for capturing the city, Qian’an’s stockpiling of money and provisions… Just how long have you known about all this?”
Author’s Note:
I didn’t stop here on purpose.
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