Xiaoyue Mountain was located south of the Capital City, just half a day's journey by carriage. However, the area was not only barren with rocky terrain but also lacked any notable scenery. Combined with the lingering winter chill, it was naturally deserted. So when the Confucian scholar sent by the Emperor suggested "soothing the spirit with scenery," the Third Prince immediately proposed Xiaoyue Mountain. The Fourth Prince knew exactly why their father had assigned this scholar and, fearing his elder brother might lose his temper and drive the man away, volunteered to accompany them.
After setting up seating, low tables, a fire pit, and a wine steamer, and erecting a large twelve-rib oilcloth umbrella, the two noble princes found themselves seated in the middle of this desolate wilderness, listening to a bald, toothless old pedant drone on about "the harmony of qi and principle, the subtlety of unadorned beauty, and the virtue of naturalness."
The only consolation for the Fourth Prince was the remote location—no one would witness the Third Prince's obvious disinterest and forced endurance. But no sooner had this thought crossed his mind than a group of young nobles arrived in a leisurely procession: Ban Jia and the Cheng siblings.
The two groups froze upon seeing each other. Particularly the Third Prince and Shao Shang, who simultaneously turned their faces away.
He didn’t want to see her, and she didn’t want to see him.
Others might assume the Third Prince was genuinely seeking scholarly guidance, but Shao Shang knew the truth. This so-called "spiritual cultivation" was simply the Emperor’s attempt to temper his son’s temperament by subjecting him to an old scholar’s lectures.
The worst part was that the Third Prince knew Ling Buyi was undoubtedly aware of this—which meant Lady Cheng almost certainly knew too. His face turned a shade of green, as if he’d just drunk a pot of stale soy sauce.
Shao Shang cursed her luck inwardly: When has any school bully ever enjoyed being seen while being punished?
The path up the mountain was still blocked by snow, and the Ban family servants were laboring to clear it. With the trio temporarily unable to proceed, the old scholar enthusiastically invited the newcomers to join their scholarly discussion.
Cheng Shaogong, who admired the Fourth Prince’s straightforward and upright nature, pulled his younger sister to sit on the newly arranged mats. Xiao Hou Ban hesitated for a moment before joining them.
The Fourth Prince gave the Third Prince a reassuring look— Don’t worry, they don’t know anything. The Third Prince remained sullen and silent. But before hot wine could even be served to the newcomers, the crisp, orderly sound of hoofbeats announced yet another arrival.
The Third Prince, sharp-eyed, spotted the retinue of guards in brown soft armor, armed with swords and bows, and the pitch-black Black Iron Carriage. He let out a cold snort. The Fourth Prince followed his gaze, and his face promptly turned green as well. What kind of cursed luck is this today?!
Ling Buyi looked strikingly different from his usual self—dressed in unparalleled opulence. A golden crown and white jade pendant adorned him, while his brocade robe, woven with intricate patterns, shimmered like rolling waves of snow and gold under the sunlight. A thick silver-gray beast fur cloak was fastened at his shoulders with two long strands of multicolored gemstones. Combined with his already peerless beauty, he radiated such brilliance that it was almost blinding.
Xiao Hou Ban and Cheng Shaogong stared dumbfounded, forgetting even to greet him.
The Fourth Prince was also stunned, silently baffled. Why is Ling Buyi dressed like this in the middle of nowhere? Not even the Emperor’s birthday banquet warranted such finery!
The Third Prince shot a quick glance at Shao Shang and snorted again.
Shao Shang felt dizzy, her mouth dry, her heart pounding heavily— thump, thump —before she snapped back to reality. They were still fighting, damn it! It was obvious—this fellow must have had someone watching the Cheng family's gate again. The moment he found out she had left the house, he hurried over, trying to solve the problem with sweet words. How utterly shameless! Did he really think she was someone who could be swayed by good looks?!
When everyone regained their senses, they noticed that this peerlessly handsome man before them actually had a split on his lips. The pale red hue of his lips contrasted starkly with the dark red scab, making it all the more striking.
Cheng Shaogong shuddered, tugging at his younger sister and whispering, "Did you bite him?!" No wonder she'd been hiding at home these past few days!
Shao Shang scoffed, lowering her voice. "Obviously. If I didn’t, then who did—you?"
The Third Prince mocked, "Zisheng’s injury must be from serving the nation, no? I wonder how severe it is—life-threatening, perhaps?"
Ling Buyi remained unfazed. "Above, for our sovereign; below, for the people. A minor wound is hardly worth mentioning."
The Third Prince choked, then deliberately pressed, "Then how did it end up on your lips?"
Before Ling Buyi could respond, the Fourth Prince laughed heartily. "Third Brother, can’t you figure it out? He must’ve been punched right in the face! Haha, I’ve always heard Father praise Zisheng’s martial prowess, but who would’ve thought… haha…"
The Third Prince snapped, "If you don’t know how to speak, then don’t." What a foolish younger brother—couldn’t even tell the difference between a punch and a bite!
While the Third Prince was teasing Ling Buyi, Cheng Shaogong had already instructed the servants to set up another large sitting mat. He then tactfully slipped over to sit down, even pulling along the naturally clueless Ban Jia out of loyalty.
Thus, Ling Buyi took the opportunity to sit beside Shao Shang, who turned her head away, refusing to look at him.
With twice as many listeners now, the old scholar was delighted. The Fourth Prince, however, worried his elder brother might lose his temper, and quickly interjected, "Teacher, with so many people here today, it might not be the best time to continue lecturing on the classics…"
The old scholar chuckled. "Ah, the more, the merrier! Teaching knows no bounds, teaching knows no bounds! Everyone, take a seat." Then he began his questioning: "Your Highnesses, General Ling, and you three young friends—do you know why there are mountains in this world?"
Shao Shang scoffed inwardly: Because of tectonic plate movement.
The Third Prince tilted his head, using body language to refuse answering such a foolish question.
Ling Buyi pretended not to hear, inching closer to Shao Shang’s spot with great focus.
Seeing this, the Fourth Prince forced a laugh. "When Pangu created the world, he formed these mountains and rivers."
Cheng Shaogong chimed in cheerfully, "Well said, Fourth Highness! Isn’t that what the elders always say?"
Ban Jia meekly added, "Y-yes…"
The old scholar smiled. "True, yet not entirely. If there were no flatlands or hills, how could there be towering peaks? Everything is relative—without the other, there is no self. Without the self, there is nothing to perceive…"
Ling Buyi gradually shifted until their sleeves overlapped, then reached under the wide fabric to grasp the girl’s delicate, warm hand.
Blushing furiously, Shao Shang yanked her hand away and exclaimed loudly, "Teacher, aren’t you a follower of Confucius? Why are you quoting Zhuangzi now?"
The Fourth Prince, who had never been fond of studying (nor forced to), still respected the learned. He praised, "Cheng Niangzi has improved greatly! Just a few months ago, I heard you barely recognized any characters, yet now you understand every word the Teacher says."
The Third Prince, noticing the exchange between Ling and Cheng, remarked coldly, "Understanding isn’t necessarily the case. She probably just recognized where the Teacher’s words came from."
Having been seen through so easily, Shao Shang’s face burned even redder.Ling Buyi smiled faintly, tightening his grip on the girl's fingers beneath his sleeve, yet his expression remained as gentle as a spring breeze. "The Teacher was originally here to instruct the Third Prince. The rest of us are merely extras—whether we understand or not is irrelevant, as long as the Third Prince comprehends."
The Third Prince merely snorted in response.
The Fourth Prince stepped in to mediate. "Teacher, with so many gathered here today, perhaps you could choose a more engaging topic."
The old scholar, being quite reasonable, stroked his beard and said, "In your youth, did any of you imagine what kind of person you would grow old with, bound by fate for life?"
Cheng Shao Gong stared blankly at the sky. "What I think hardly matters—the future may not align with my wishes." Initially, he had wanted a young maiden who could shake tortoise shells and draw battle diagrams in the sand with him, but nine times out of ten, Madam Xiao would likely beat him for it.
The old scholar praised, "Young Master Cheng possesses a clear and enlightened mind, walking the broad path of virtue."
Xiao Hou Ban murmured hesitantly, "My elders say that when you feel thunder and lightning in your heart, that woman is your destined one."
The old scholar chuckled. "The Ban family elders seem to follow the teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi."
Shao Shang, unable to shake off the large hand stubbornly entwined with hers beneath the sleeve, vented her frustration with self-mockery. "When have I ever had the chance to think for myself? Lord Ling has already arranged everything for me!"
The old scholar struggled to comment. "This... what... everything was arranged by General Ling?"
Ling Buyi remained unperturbed. "Shao Shang is young and inexperienced. Naturally, I must make arrangements for her."
The old scholar paused, stroking his beard. "Well, this seems... Third Prince, it's your turn."
The Third Prince sneered. "Men embody yang, women embody yin. Yin and yang are like heaven and earth, each following its own rites and principles. As women, they ought to be virtuous, dignified, modest, and reserved—at the very least, they shouldn’t interrupt the Teacher or publicly contradict their son-in-law's words."
The implication was too obvious, but Shao Shang dared not retort. The Third Prince was unlike the Second or Fifth Princes—he was a ruthless figure. Ling Buyi smiled indifferently. "This humble subject wishes Your Highness success in all your future endeavors."
The old scholar seemed eager to continue the discussion, but the Fourth Prince hastily interjected, "Hahaha, Teacher, your topic is truly fascinating! Haha, haha... The snow on the mountain path has been cleared. Why don’t we take a stroll and enjoy the scenery?"
Everyone: That transition was far too abrupt.
Nevertheless, sitting in the freezing cold would only make them colder, so they all rose from their mats. With guards and servants leading the way, the group followed up the mountain to warm themselves.
Xiao Hou Ban, with clear determination, strode ahead at the forefront. Cheng Shao Gong, after receiving a pointed glance from Ling Buyi, wisely hurried after Ban Jia. Behind them were the two princes and the old scholar, the trio continuing their debate on classical studies as they walked. Meanwhile, Shao Shang was held back by Ling Buyi at the rear.
Ling Buyi, tall and imposing, stood before Shao Shang like an unyielding fortress. One hand gripped her slender waist, the other twisted her arm as he pressed urgently, "Let’s talk properly. Do you intend to never return to the Everlasting Autumn Palace? Never see Her Majesty again...?"
Shao Shang angrily shook off his grip. "How dare you mention Her Majesty! If she learns of your schemes against the Crown Prince, she’d be furious to death!"
"If you refuse to hear my explanation, do you plan to argue with me forever?!"Shao Shang was a reasonable person. These words made her abruptly stop struggling, panting heavily. "...Every day, I see you being respectful and filial to the Empress, supporting and assisting the Crown Prince, hearing everyone praise your loyalty, righteousness, and filial piety. But in private, you spy on everyone, holding their weaknesses in your grasp, just waiting for the right moment to strike. You... you truly frighten me!"
Ling Buyi held her small arm, finding it difficult to defend himself. He spoke with difficulty, "You... do you think your father and mother behave the same way outside as they do at home?"
Shao Shang was stunned.
Ling Buyi continued, "Your father once swore brotherhood with the leader of a band of outlaws. For three years, they were as close as brothers, sharing everything. But the moment he met Wan Songbai and gained powerful backing, he struck in the middle of the night, annihilating that entire group of outlaws."
Shao Shang's mouth went dry as Old Man Cheng's jovial, honest face flashed before her eyes.
"During those three years, your mother also called many of the women in that outlaw group 'sisters,' even joking more than once about arranging marriages between their children. But what happened afterward? Those people either died or scattered. Would you blame your parents for that too?"
Shao Shang couldn't believe it. Though she held many prejudices against Madam Xiao, she still considered her an upright and dignified person. She couldn't imagine her ever deceiving others with lies.
Ling Buyi lovingly stroked the girl's hair and said gently, "Don't be alarmed. That group of outlaws used the pretense of upholding justice, but in reality, they were no different from bandits. They burned, killed, looted, and abducted people, causing great harm to the common folk. At that time, your parents were in a weak position and had no choice but to play along. They did nothing wrong."
Shao Shang's expression softened slightly.
Ling Buyi patted her back rhythmically. "Let me ask you this: now that you know your parents have a side you never knew about, do you feel afraid?"
After thinking for a moment, Shao Shang shook her head.
Ling Buyi asked, "Why not? Because you feel that no matter what, your parents would never harm you. But with me, it's different. You've never been able to fully trust me, have you?"
Shao Shang slowly calmed down and realized this was indeed the case.
Ling Buyi held her with one arm and pointed to the sky with the other. "Today, I'll make a vow to you. If I ever intend to harm you..." He paused, as if feeling this left room for evasion, and amended, "If I ever cause you the slightest harm, may I be abandoned by all under heaven, doomed for eternity, never to rise again!"
Shao Shang's mouth fell open, and she hurriedly covered his. "No, no, no! Quickly say 'peh peh' a few times! Don't make such reckless vows! Hurry up and say 'peh peh'—Heaven above, children's words carry no harm, children's words carry no harm..."
Ling Buyi smiled faintly and obediently whispered "peh peh" twice.
In the distance, the Fourth Prince shouted toward them, "Zisheng, Cheng Niangzi! There's a place with breathtaking scenery up ahead—come quickly, come quickly!"
The Third Prince glanced back occasionally, watching the foolish spectacle of the two—Ling Cheng—alternating between quarreling, coaxing, and making grand vows to the heavens. He couldn't help muttering, "Couldn't he have found someone more virtuous?"
The Fourth Prince turned back with a laugh. "You are not a fish; how can you know the joy of water?"
The Third Prince sighed and patted his younger brother's shoulder. "You should read more books. In a few years, even Lady Cheng won't be at the bottom to keep you company."Fortunately, Little Moon Mountain wasn't very high, and the halfway point was only equivalent to four or five stories. Panting heavily, Shao Shang was pulled up by Ling Buyi. They reached an oval platform extending about ten zhang in radius, where several branches of yellow plum blossoms, as delicate and vibrant as magnolias, slanted from the cliffside. A gentle breeze carried their fragrance, refreshing everyone.
For some reason, the snow here was pristine, without a speck of dirt, appearing especially crystalline and translucent under the slanting sunlight. The cool mountain wind blew, the white snow and yellow plum blossoms exuding a subtle fragrance, lifting everyone's spirits and clearing their minds.
The old scholar, inspired by the scenery, loudly recited verses from some literary master. The two princes, as usual, stood nearby. Cheng Shao Gong, exhausted, found a stone stool, brushed off the snow with his sleeve, and sat down. Shao Shang excitedly walked to the cliff's edge, peering curiously below.
Ling Buyi stood behind her, smiling. "Don't go any further," he said, though the guards had already tested the cliffside with wooden poles, confirming the ground was safe.
Shao Shang turned her head and grinned. "It's a pity I didn't bring my short flute. Otherwise, I could play a tune."
Ling Buyi replied, "I didn't bring my qin either. Next time we come here, we can perform a duet."
Shao Shang suddenly sighed. "Actually, the qin pairs better with the xiao, like how my uncle and aunt play—the long qin with the short flute... Ah, I tried it with my eldest brother at home, but it didn't sound good."
Ling Buyi said, "I know." Having practiced various instruments since childhood, he was well aware.
Shao Shang added, "Actually, you and I aren't very well-matched either."
Ling Buyi: "I know that too."
Shao Shang looked at him, and Ling Buyi met her gaze steadily. "If you have any more disappointing things to say, go ahead and say them all at once."
Shao Shang twisted her fingers and pouted. "Not today."
She took two more steps forward, then turned back with a smile. "Ling Buyi, I adore you."
Ling Buyi stumbled slightly, steadying himself before regaining his footing.
"...Did you know that too?" The girl smiled like a flower.
"I did." Ling Buyi's eyes shimmered with joy. After a pause, his heart swirling with emotions, he murmured, "...Me too. And much earlier than you."
Shao Shang's bright eyes sparkled, her heart sweetly aflutter. Just as she was about to speak, she heard Cheng Shao Gong shouting from the left front, "A Jia, go up the mountain to gather herbs yourself. I'm not moving! Be brave, don't be afraid!"
Ban Jia stood at the mountain path with a dozen servants, torn between hesitation and action.
Shao Shang almost laughed. "Xiao Hou Ban is too timid. Who knows what kind of wife he'll end up with..." Just then, a faint rumbling sound came from above, as if something enormous was rolling toward them, gaining speed.
Even the old scholar reciting poetry stopped mid-verse. Everyone looked up. A guard reacted quickly, shouting sharply, "Run! Avalanche!"
In the blink of an eye, a massive snowball tumbled down from the mountaintop, rolling ominously onto the platform. With a dull "thud," the snowball crashed down, burying the dozens of people on the platform.
Only Ban Jia at the mountain path remained, gaping in shock.
After what felt like an eternity, he finally heard his own shrill scream: "Help! Someone! Get everyone from the foot of the mountain up here, quick, quick, quick..."
Author's Note: Extra update tomorrow morning. That's all for now.
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