About ten days before New Year's Day, General Wan and the four Cheng sons finally arrived at the Capital City with an enormous baggage train. After dividing the goods between the two families, the Cheng household took back nearly eighty large carts of "luggage." Shao Shang suddenly understood: No wonder they needed four sons with their private army to escort the convoy.
According to eldest brother Cheng Yong, the filial son Wan became teary-eyed upon seeing the city gates and shouted, "Mother, I'm coming!" Without even bidding farewell to the group, he rushed his carriage toward his new home like the wind. As the responsible eldest son of the Cheng family, Cheng Yong had to first escort the Wan family's baggage before returning home.
"We've kept Grandmother waiting too long," said Cheng Yong, who had a steady demeanor, broad forehead, and greatly resembled Cheng Shi. He was nearly eighteen years old.
"Not at all! Not at all!" Cheng Mu was so overjoyed she became incoherent.
According to second brother Cheng Song, they were among the last group of military officers returning to the Capital City to report. Some had looked askance at them and wanted to make critical remarks, but as soon as General Wan heard the rumors, he sought them out. In front of the critics, he clutched his leg and wailed, "Ah, my leg, my leg, my poor unfortunate leg..." His booming voice carried three miles through the camp—Cheng Song imitated this perfectly, making everyone burst into laughter. Even Madam Xiao couldn't help but smile, not to mention Cheng Mu, who laughed so hard her back teeth showed.
"Was General Wan's leg really that badly injured?" Second Uncle Cheng Cheng asked doubtfully.
"The tendons were injured. He can walk, play cuju, or ride slowly, but he can't gallop on horseback." Riding at high speed in battle requires tightly gripping the horse's sides with both legs.
Cheng Cheng seized the key point: "He can play cuju but can't ride fast?" Cheng Shi glared at his second son, while Madam Xiao shook her head with a wry smile.
Realizing his slip, Cheng Song quickly corrected himself seriously: "He was just joining in the fun, moving around slowly. But..." He suddenly lowered his voice and said to Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao, "Earlier, Uncle Wan got so emotional he almost mounted his horse right in front of all the soldiers and officers at the city gate. Luckily, I quickly called for the Wan family's light carriage."
Cheng Shi gave an acknowledging hum and said to Madam Xiao, "Later, we should speak to the old madam about this." Madam Xiao nodded slowly.
Meanwhile, young Cheng Zhu, who was around school age, slapped the table with great indignation and complained, "Second brother is terrible! I was still in that carriage! He just yanked me out and threw me backward—if Third Brother hadn't caught me, I would have fallen and knocked out a few teeth! How would I eat now?!"
Cheng Song pointed at him and laughed. "As if you wouldn't lose teeth if I didn't throw you! Did I knock out those two teeth on your left side?!" Cheng Xiaozhu, currently in the middle of losing his baby teeth, immediately covered his mouth. His chubby face flushed red with anger, and he looked ready to hurl his chopsticks like a hidden weapon to stab two holes in his brother!
The entire room erupted in laughter, even Second Uncle Cheng Cheng collapsing onto the table in mirth. Cheng Mu laughed so hard she dropped her chopsticks and pulled little Cheng Zhu into her arms. Among all of Cheng Shi's children, he was the only one born away from home, so Cheng Mu had never seen him since his birth. Now that they'd met, she couldn't stop showering him with kisses and hugs, calling him her "precious darling," and insisted he sit beside her during meals.In truth, Cheng Ou had been by her side since childhood and should have been closer to her, but Ge Shi, having struggled to conceive, guarded her youngest son as if he were under a glass dome. She would panic if someone else fed him a bite of food and weep for half a day if he went outside for a bit of fresh air. As a result, Cheng Ou grew up spoiled and petty, which Cheng Mu truly disliked. How could he compare to Cheng Zhu, who was so robust, easygoing, and lively?
Thus, Cheng Mu silently justified herself: she wasn’t avoiding conflict with Madam Xiao out of fear of her eldest son, but for the sake of these grandchildren. After all, her child-rearing skills were still commendable.
—The spacious main hall, which had been of little use in the Wan family or even the previous Cheng household, now brimmed with lively chatter and laughter, finally exuding the bustling energy of a thriving family. On the walls hung thick animal-fat candles over a foot long, their flames burning brightly. After three rounds of drinks, everyone—except young Cheng Ou, who had gone to bed early—had a larger-than-usual lacquered table set before them, laden with far more sumptuous dishes and wine than usual.
Cheng Shaoshang lowered her head to examine the black lacquered table, crafted with straight, upturned edges and adorned along the rim with heavy vermilion patterns of exaggerated, eerie beasts. Suddenly sensing someone’s gaze, she looked up to her right and saw a fair, delicate-looking youth stealing glances at her.
“Shaogong, why are you so quiet today?” Madam Xiao asked with a smile. Cheng Shaogong replied familiarly, “Mother, I was just looking at our little sister. We’re twins, so why does Shaoshang look nothing like me?”
The smile on Madam Xiao’s lips stiffened slightly. Cheng Song quickly interjected, “When we first saw Niao Niao, we were truly startled—she’s prettier than all of us brothers combined. Now that it’s been so many years, your elder brothers have brought you lots of delicious treats and fun toys…”
Cheng Shaoshang noticed Madam Xiao’s discomfort and smirked inwardly before straightening her posture and saying solemnly, “Lately, Mother has been instructing me daily to focus on reading and writing, not idle play. I’m afraid the gifts my brothers brought won’t be of much use to me.”
Unexpectedly, Cheng Yong laughed and said, “Don’t mind your second brother—he only thinks of fun and games. I’ve brought you many fine calligraphy models and writing materials, including a piece of pine-scented ink…” Cheng Shaogong hastily cut in, grinning, “That ink is a treasure! Eldest brother received it as a gift when he took on a mentor years ago. He’s kept it hidden all this time—he wouldn’t even let me touch it!” Cheng Zhu promptly undermined him: “Third brother, ‘touch’? If Eldest brother hadn’t kept a close eye on it, you’d have swiped it long ago!”
Second Uncle Cheng, who had just taken a sip of wine, nearly spat it out. Amid the uproarious laughter, Cheng Shaogong glared and retorted, “You little brat, where’s your conscience?! If I’d known you’d be like this today, I wouldn’t have caught you—let you fall face-first into the mud!” Then, turning back, he added, “…Shaoshang, don’t listen to A Zhu. If I’d gotten it, I’d have saved it for you!”
Though the four brothers had different temperaments, the looks they gave her were all filled with eager affection. Cheng Shaoshang’s heart softened. Setting aside her teasing demeanor, she thanked them sweetly and playfully added, “Actually, I’ve always loved playing. I just hope my brothers won’t mind if I stir up trouble in the future.”
The girl’s striking beauty, combined with her sincere tone and clear eyes, made her words twice as effective. Sure enough, everyone from Cheng Shi down to little Cheng Zhu laughed heartily, delighted. They all thought this younger sister (or elder sister, in Cheng Zhu’s case) was as lovely as a porcelain doll—so petite, with a voice even more pleasing than others’ (a grave misconception).The thoughtful little Cheng Zhu added considerately, "Elder Sister, don’t worry. No matter how much trouble you stir up, you can’t outdo me. If you don’t believe me, ask Father." Beside him, Cheng Mu nearly blurted out, "My dear grandson, you’ve misjudged that little troublemaker!" But before she could speak, Yongsong, Shaogong, and the other brothers nodded in unison. Cheng Shao Gong even complained in a soft, aggrieved voice, "Father is the same—every time he punishes A Zhu, he drags the three of us into it too. After the beating, he lectures us about brotherly harmony! How can we be harmonious when we’re practically itching to strangle A Zhu?!"
Madam Xiao could no longer hold back and collapsed laughing against Cheng Shi, who nearly spat out his wine. Cheng Mu laughed until tears streamed down her face, clutching Cheng Zhu and nearly gasping for breath. The rest of the group was equally amused, some doubled over, others sprawled in laughter.
Cheng Shaoshang was still chuckling when she felt a movement by her skirt. Glancing down, she saw a full plate of candied fruits being gently nudged toward her knees. Turning her head, she met the smiling gaze of her twin brother, Cheng Shao Gong.
Taking advantage of the uproarious laughter, he had stealthily pushed the plate toward her from beneath his wide sleeve. Seeing her own empty plate, Cheng Shaoshang realized he had saved his share for her because he knew she loved them. She picked up a large piece of candied fruit, popped it into her mouth, and grinned at him with cheeks puffed out, her eyes sparkling with delight. Cheng Shao Gong felt dazzled, suddenly convinced that a sister was infinitely better than a brother.
The exchange went unnoticed by the others, but Cheng Yang, seated across from them, saw it clearly. A pang of envy struck her, and her thoughts drifted to her cousins from the Ge family, who had doted on her since childhood. Meanwhile, Cheng Shaoshang had only just begun to experience such affection today... Her heart softened with pity for her younger sister.
Cheng Yong, ever observant, noticed Cheng Yang’s distant expression and quickly composed himself. "Ah, we nearly forgot—Yangyang, we didn’t know you had returned, so we weren’t prepared. Yet you’ve already gifted us handmade shoes, socks, and congratulatory letters. We brothers are truly ashamed. We’ll make it up to you with something special soon."
Cheng Yang snapped back to attention, waving her hands awkwardly. "No, no, it’s nothing! Just a small gesture—no need for you to trouble yourselves." Madam Xiao watched the exchange with satisfaction.
After a few more rounds of drinks, Second Uncle Cheng, unable to hold his liquor, was the first to slump over the table. Madam Xiao urged everyone to wrap up the feast. "We can’t all be hungover today—Third Brother will be arriving in a few days, and we’ll have a grand family banquet then." At the mention of her beloved youngest son, Cheng Mu reluctantly set down her wine cup and allowed Hu Ao to escort her back to rest. Cheng Yang quickly directed the maids to half-carry, half-drag her father away.
Afterward, Madam Xiao helped the slightly tipsy Cheng Shi leave through the side corridor. Cheng Shaoshang was supposed to follow them, but she suddenly felt something in her sleeve and paused, glancing back at her brothers. Cheng Zhu, having been fed a little wine by Cheng Mu, was swaying unsteadily on his feet. Madam Qing Cong, touching the boy’s flushed cheeks, scolded the servants to bring sobering soup to each room. Cheng Yong deftly scooped up his youngest brother and called for the other two to return to their quarters.
"Elders, please wait a moment."Cheng Shaoshang hurried forward a few steps and pulled out a string of insects woven from hemp thread from her sleeve—small grasshoppers, little mantises, and tiny bats... The craftsmanship wasn’t particularly refined, clearly the work of a beginner. She tucked them into the drowsy Cheng Zhu’s arms, feigning an embarrassed expression she hadn’t shown since getting into a prestigious high school in her past life, and said, “I don’t know many characters, nor am I skilled in embroidery. I only just learned this in the countryside. Once I’ve improved, I’ll make better ones for my elder brothers.”
Hearing this, Cheng Song and Cheng Shaogong felt both heartache and sorrow, immediately responding with reassurances like “No need, no need,” “Take your time, no rush,” “We’re family, no need for formalities,” and “Don’t overwork yourself, your health matters most”...
Though Cheng Yong remained silent, watching his little sister—who stood nearly two heads shorter than him and still had the figure of a child—he felt an inexplicable paternal warmth. Quietly freeing one hand, he patted the round little bun atop Shaoshang’s head before smiling and taking his leave.
Shaoshang also bowed in farewell, her sweet smile lingering all the way back to her quarters. Lian Fang, while removing her hair ornaments, remarked cheerfully, “Young Lady seems especially happy today.”
Shaoshang grinned. “How could I not be happy after seeing my brothers?” She glanced sideways at A Zhu, who was warming her bed with a charcoal heater, and added, “Mother Fu, my brothers treated me so well.” A Zhu straightened up and smiled. “Indeed.”
Having smiled for too long, Shaoshang’s cheeks ached by the time she sat on the bed. Rubbing her jaw, she wished the vice president of the drama club—who had always looked down on her acting—could see this performance. Here was true artistry: a smile tinged with sorrow, three parts fragility transformed into five parts silent grievance. The vice president had always believed she’d landed the lead role only because the president had lost his mind (truthfully, she’d thought so too and had even secretly preened over her modest looks securing such a role). But now it seemed her potential had simply been untapped.
Her efforts weren’t in vain. Before she could even finish her hangover soup, the promised gifts from her brothers arrived overnight—three or four chests, each half a person tall. Inside was a dazzling array of treasures: flawless jade pendants, seven or eight boxes of mismatched but exquisite hairpins and jewelry (typical of men who knew nothing about sets), over a dozen bolts of fine, soft brocade, calligraphy supplies and copybooks stored in precious sandalwood boxes, and even children’s toys—spinning tops, board games, catapults... There were even gambling tools.
A young attendant added, “There are larger items still packed on the carts. They’ll be delivered once unpacked.”
A Zhu, rarely one to smile, allowed herself a pleased expression as she directed the servants to organize the gifts.
Shaoshang held up a delicate gold-filigree pendant with a translucent gemstone that shimmered in the candlelight, casting an ambiguous glow over half her face. Her thoughts were unreadable.
Kneeling on the floor to remove Shaoshang’s thick socks for her foot bath, Lian Fang cautiously peeked upward.
Whenever the Young Lady wore such an expression, Lian Fang felt a mix of awe and unease. Before coming here, whether from Madam Qing Cong or others, the rumors had painted the Cheng family’s fourth daughter as someone who bullied the weak while cowering before the strong—outwardly domineering but inwardly indecisive.But after all these days, Lian Fang felt none of the rumors held a shred of truth—firstly, why had no one mentioned how jade-like and snow-pure the Young Lady's beauty was, instead focusing solely on her temper? Just now, when she glanced up, Lian Fang thought even the finest jade pendant couldn't compare to the rosy hue of the Young Lady's cheeks.
Shao Shang examined the jade pendant for a long while, a peculiar smile playing at her lips—sweet and endearing, yet seemingly mocking. Lian Fang cautiously smiled and asked, "What is the Young Lady smiling about?"
With childlike innocence, Shao Shang replied, "I was born under a lucky star." She playfully tossed the jade pendant with its golden chain high into the air.
"Loving parents, doting elder brothers, a harmonious family." Shao Shang grinned, clasping her hands together to neatly catch the falling pendant—as if unaware of Madam Xiao's opinion of her. Though she didn't know the reason behind it.
She'd known since childhood that there was no point trying to please those already prejudiced against her—too much effort for too little gain.
Saving that energy, she channeled it into determination. She tested into a top high school, then a prestigious university, until finally no one in her hometown dared gossip or look down their noses. Instead, they started spouting nonsense like "I always knew this child was special." Though what truly pleased her was seeing her once-disgraced uncle, Mayor Yu, hold his head high again, while becoming the nightmare of parents who'd sneered at her as they nagged their children: "She grew up without parents, so how did she outscore you?"
The current question was: how could a girl strive for success in this world? With no imperial examinations to rise through, should she try commerce? She wondered if her cold-hearted father had passed down any merchant cunning. Or perhaps follow in the footsteps of the Qiu family's matriarch, carving out territory as a local power? When the opportunity arose, she'd need to thoroughly investigate her options.
Author's Note:
My dears, on this lovely moonlit night when couples pair off in bliss, might I ask in advance—could I possibly take one day off this weekend?
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