Three days later, Cheng Zhi's family finally arrived. Even before they appeared, Shao Shang could tell that this Third Uncle must be Cheng Mu's favorite son.
While completing her daily duties (paying respects to Cheng Mu), she was pleasantly surprised to find that Cheng Mu didn't even have time to pick on her. To be precise, even if she skipped the greetings, Cheng Mu wouldn't notice. Because Cheng Mu was busy bombarding Madam Xiao with eighteen rapid-fire questions: from the clotted milk Cheng Zhi liked to drink all the way to his foot-washing water, from the fillings in the naan bread he enjoyed to the stuffing in his pillow. The richness of her imagination and the boundless scope of her associations reached the level of an international sports commentator!
Madam Xiao couldn't take it anymore. With a meaningful glance, Hu Ao quickly stepped in, guiding Cheng Mu to reminisce about "my A'Zhi's" past—from how the patterns he made when wetting the bed as a child were unique, all the way to how village girls (or their mothers) came flirting as soon as his Adam's apple began to show. By the time Hu Ao was exhausted and parched, Cheng Mu had only expended about eighty percent of her energy.
Witnessing this scene, Shao Shang's vulgar thoughts surfaced again—to those in the know, this was a mother awaiting her son; to outsiders, it might seem like a long-separated lover was being awaited.
However, when she finally saw Cheng San Shu in person, Shao Shang immediately reflected on her own narrow-mindedness.
Cheng Zhi was a strikingly handsome man who could make one forget worldly cares. He appeared to be around thirty, with a few scholarly wisps of beard beneath his chin. His fair complexion, handsome features, and dignified bearing were like the lush greenery of distant mountains, and his smile was as refreshing as a spring breeze. Since Shao Shang arrived in this place, the most beautiful woman she'd seen was undoubtedly Madam Xiao, but among men, there had been none who made her eyes light up like this.
Shao Shang had barely indulged in two seconds of admiration when she heard Cheng Mu in front let out a delicate "Oh my!" With one hand clutching her heaving chest and tears in her aged eyes, she rushed forward with a stream of "my son," embracing Cheng Zhi—feeling his chest to ask if he'd lost weight, hugging his arm while scolding him affectionately as "you heartless little thing for staying away so long." Hu Ao couldn't even stop her, completely ignoring Sang Shi standing beside Cheng Zhi.
Shao Shang staggered, nearly laughing hard enough to unblock her Governing and Conception Vessels—her narrow-mindedness had confined her to old-fashioned soap opera tropes. This wasn't a long-lost lover; it was more like an older sister lavishing money and effort on her cherished oppa.
Cheng Shao Gong quietly stepped closer and whispered in Shao Shang's ear, "Tone it down. Mother is watching you." Shao Shang's eyes darted, and sure enough, Madam Xiao was looking at her disapprovingly. She quickly flattened her grinning lips and stood solemnly. Fortunately, Sang Shi came over and drew Madam Xiao aside, chatting and laughing about something, which diverted her attention from Shao Shang.
As everyone moved toward the main hall, Cheng Shao Gong leaned in again to whisper, "Your expression changed too abruptly." Shao Shang grimaced and said, "Why does Mother always watch me? I know my behavior isn't proper, but I'm working on changing it gradually." Cheng Shao Gong chuckled softly, "Mother worries that if we get too accustomed to behaving casually, we might slip up in public later. Back when she didn't have time to watch us herself, she even hired people to keep an eye on us."
"So that's why my older brothers all learned to act the same in public and private," Shao Shang said skeptically.
Since the family reunion that day, her two older brothers had been busy seeking mentors and socializing, but this twin brother visited her three times daily—even if they weren't close before, they certainly were now."No, we bribed the people sent to watch us." Cheng Shao Gong tucked his hands into his sleeves, smiling with impeccable manners and decorum.
Shao Shang: "..."
She stiffened her face, refusing to speak further with this middle-schooler. The pride of a top-tier university student had to be maintained.
The twins trailed behind the group at a leisurely pace. Cheng Shao Gong glanced sideways at Shao Shang—if his twin sister had truly been as foolish and arrogant as the rumors claimed, he might not have been so eager to help. But then again, he never expected his younger sister to be this amusing. With the appearance of a child, she often carried herself with an air of worldly wisdom, weighed down by endless thoughts. Her words could be sweet and considerate enough to warm the heart, or sharp and caustic enough to make one choke on blood.
As for when she chose to be sweet or caustic? According to her own words: "Either it depends on my mood, or it depends on the weather..." At the time, Cheng Shao Gong had wanted to pin down this little runt—who barely reached his shoulders—and give her a good spanking.
During their recent meetings, she had bombarded him with questions about the outside world—"Which areas have been cleared of bandits?" "Can women go out for leisure?" "How many bushels of grain are harvested per acre?" "What kinds of businesses can commoners engage in?"—scattered and random, sometimes even asking about the most mundane things as if she were a child or a wild mountain dweller newly descended into the mortal world, utterly ignorant.
Such a contradictory and peculiar situation made it all too clear how Ge Shi had raised Shao Shang. Cheng Shao Gong couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow—which was why he still hadn’t laid a hand on her.
...
At the lavish feast, an array of dishes was laid out. Madam Xiao brought out the roasted bear paw, which had been prepared for most of the day, and Shao Shang was fortunate enough to receive half a portion. The meat was rich, tender, and succulent, growing more flavorful with each chew.
Having tasted such a rare delicacy for the first time in her life, Shao Shang ate with rapt attention. When she finally looked up, she saw that Cheng San Shu had been dragged over to Cheng Mu’s seat, where he was being showered with affectionate touches and kisses. Cheng Zhi could no longer maintain his composure—his chopsticks slipped from his grip as he let out a few helpless "ai-ai" sounds, casting pleading glances at his elder brother for rescue. Yet Cheng Shi merely sat there with a hearty laugh, wearing a gratified smile, though Shao Shang could clearly see the glee in his eyes.
Madam Xiao seemed to get along exceptionally well with Sang Shi. The two had already pushed their dining tables together, drinking and chatting merrily. Compared to Cheng Zhi’s striking handsomeness, Sang Shi’s looks were rather plain—at best, slightly above average. But her delicate brows and graceful demeanor, coupled with her natural warmth, made her more appealing than many a great beauty.
The couple had two sons and a daughter. The eldest daughter was about the same age as Cheng Xiaozhu, having just lost her baby teeth, and took after her father as a budding beauty. The second son was also a twin, the same age as Cheng Xiaoou, and resembled Sang Shi in his refined and dignified bearing—a perfect illustration of genetic inheritance. The three children, exhausted from the journey, had already been taken by Mother Fu to their quarters to eat and rest.
Cheng Mu’s enthusiasm burned like a wildfire—but it scorched only Cheng Zhi, as if no one else existed. Aside from a faint "mm" in response to Sang Shi’s greeting, she acted as though this new bride didn’t exist at all.
Shao Shang’s gossip-loving heart stirred. Subtly, she nudged her table a few inches closer to Cheng Shao Gong and whispered, "Does Grandmother not like Third Aunt either?"
Cheng Shao Gong glanced around to ensure no one was paying them any attention, then slid his table over a full foot, leaning in close. After a theatrical cough, he murmured, "Why did Fourth Sister say 'either'?"Shao Shang rolled her eyes at him. "If you're going to say Mother and Grandmother share a deep, unbreakable bond of affection, then pretend I never asked that question!" She was putting on airs again!
Cheng Shao Gong sighed as he pushed half of his bear paw toward Shao Shang. "Third Aunt was someone Third Uncle personally sought to marry, but Grandmother always thought he could have done better. In his youth, Third Uncle was renowned as the most handsome man in the region."
Shao Shang gleefully eyed the bear paw before her, clasping her snow-white little fists in gratitude as she whispered with a giggle, "Third Uncle is so good-looking—completely different from Father and Second Uncle. Does he take after Grandfather?"
Cheng Shao Gong adored his little sister's charming naivety and immediately spilled everything.
Cheng Taigong had indeed been a handsome man. In the final years of the previous dynasty, when livelihoods were devastated and the Cheng family was ruined by exploitation, he—a scholar with no skills beyond music—managed to avoid degrading himself as a male concubine or other unsavory trades due to his pride. Eventually, he drifted into the countryside, where Cheng Mu took one look at him and settled for marriage.
From then on, Cheng Taigong had a warm, stable home, sparing him the hardships of displacement and starvation in turbulent times. He could leisurely play his instruments and compose music. Meanwhile, Cheng Mu gained a beautiful husband. Though she seldom understood his words or actions, just gazing at his handsome face made her eat two extra bowls of rice each day, and sharing a bed with him at night felt like floating among clouds and flowers—she was overjoyed.
"What a wonderful match!" Shao Shang dared not raise her voice, only lightly tapping the table in delight.
Cheng Shao Gong stared at her, wondering if either her understanding or his explanation was flawed. In their later years, the couple barely exchanged three words a day—hardly a picture of marital bliss. Having grown up witnessing their parents' affection, he and his brothers naturally rejected such an icy marital model.
"A good marriage is one where both get what they need. You'll understand when you grow up and marry," Shao Shang whispered, patiently lecturing her junior.
The reason Second Uncle Cheng and his wife struggled was that Ge Shi's desires went unfulfilled, turning her into a resentful woman. In contrast, Cheng Shi and his wife found exactly what they needed in each other, ensuring harmony and happiness.
Cheng Shao Gong narrowed his eyes at her, about to retort, "If I'm to marry, does that mean you won't?" when suddenly Cheng Mu raised her voice at the head of the table, angrily demanding of Sang Shi, "...Tell me this—I entrusted Zhi to you all these years, so why has he grown so thin?!"
The twins quickly dropped their conversation and looked over. Cheng Zhi had finally endured enough "motherly love" and wrenched himself free to return to his seat. Seeing her youngest son treat her this way, Cheng Mu redirected her fury at Sang Shi—despite Cheng Zhi clearly being in excellent health, with a rosy complexion and fit physique.
Faced with such obvious provocation, Sang Shi calmly set down her chopsticks and smiled. "Life outside naturally isn't as comfortable as at home. If not for official duties, I'd have kept Zigu by your side daily, pampering him until he was plump and fair. How about..." She glanced at her husband and deftly passed the buck, "you accompany us to our post this time?"
Panicked, Cheng Zhi let out an awkward chuckle. "Nothing would please me more, but how could a mother follow her youngest son into hardship while her eldest is perfectly capable? That would shame Eldest Brother!"The ball was kicked to Cheng Shi, the bystander. He remained composed and said, "It's fine. If Mother truly can't rest easy about Zigu, she can go stay with him for a while. However..." He deliberately drew out his words and sighed, "Life outside isn't like the Capital City. As long as Mother can endure it."
This softened Cheng Mu's stance.
Having suffered hardships in her early years, she had grown accustomed to a comfortable life in the secluded mansion over the years—lonely perhaps, but peaceful. Though she loved her youngest son dearly, she had no desire to endure hardships again. Thus, the topic was dropped.
Shao Shang looked at Sang Shi with interest, only to find Sang Shi gazing back at her with a faint smile, which took Shao Shang by surprise. As the others resumed their lively drinking and conversation, she quickly leaned over to ask about Sang Shi's background.
Cheng Shao Gong said, "Third Aunt is the daughter of the master of White Deer Mountain. Back then, Father's official rank wasn't high, and Third Uncle was still studying, his reputation not yet established. This marriage was considered a step up for our family. Yet, Grandmother still felt Third Aunt wasn't good enough for Third Uncle."
Shao Shang scoffed, "Oh please, as if finding some celestial beauty for Third Uncle would make Grandmother happy. Besides..." She smirked sarcastically, "it's not like Grandmother and Grandfather were such a perfect match themselves."
Cheng Shao Gong looked at his sister in realization. "Shao Shang, you don't seem to hold much respect for Grandmother."
Holding a dagger in one hand and chopsticks in the other, Shao Shang slowly dissected half a bear's paw. "Look at Second Uncle."
Puzzled, Cheng Shao Gong turned to see Cheng Cheng sitting in silence, head bowed as he drank cup after cup, isolated and withdrawn. Were it not for Cheng Shi occasionally engaging him in conversation, it would have seemed like solitary drinking. At the end of the table, Cheng Yang also sat quietly, occasionally whispering to her father to drink less. It dawned on Cheng Shao Gong that since Cheng Zhi's return, Cheng Mu had barely acknowledged this son, not exchanging a single word with Cheng Cheng all day.
"I heard from Qing Yimu that Second Uncle's limp was for the family's sake," Shao Shang said with a smile, though her eyes were cold as she continued cutting the bear's paw. "He's buried himself for over a decade, also for the family. With Father and Third Uncle away, someone had to stay in the Capital City—even just to relay messages faster. But has Grandmother shown him any compassion for all he's done?"
Cheng Shao Gong gulped, speechless.
"People say the world is snobbish, but who knew parents could be the same toward their children. Grandmother relies on Father, dotes on Third Uncle, yet for ten years, she's ignored Second Uncle."
The little girl's voice was sweet, but her words were as sharp as the silver dagger in her hand. "She knows full well how Second Aunt bullies Second Uncle. With her authority, it wouldn't be hard to suppress Second Aunt. But she doesn't. She cares only for her own comfort, turning a blind eye to everything else. Since Second Aunt pleases her and helps her with tasks, Second Uncle's suffering goes unseen."
Shao Shang set down the dagger and chopsticks, dividing the bear's paw and handing half back to Cheng Shao Gong. "Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. If parents judge their children by status or appearance, why should the younger generation respect them?"
Cheng Shao Gong stared blankly at the plate in his hands. Shao Shang had already started eating her quarter of the bear's paw with relish, as if the poignant words she'd just spoken had never been uttered.Shao Shang ate for a while, then suddenly looked up at him and said, "Don't spread these words around, or I'll get scolded by Mother again."
Cheng Shao Gong, as if waking from a dream, quickly replied, "I would never repeat our conversation. Remember, we shared the same womb for nine months. Apart from our parents, no one is closer to me than you among all our siblings!"
Shao Shang beamed with joy and, considering the candied fruits and bear paws, decided to trust this thick-browed middle schooler. However, many years later, she would regret this decision so much that she wished she could slap herself several times...
That night, in the residence of Cheng Shi and his wife, two waist-high Conjoined branch animal fat bronze lamps stood on either side, casting a glow that made the Lacquer Wood floor shine like black jade. A visibly guilty Cheng Shao Gong knelt before his parents and hastily recounted the key points of his younger sister's words from earlier in the day. He thought to himself that if Shao Shang were here, she would surely curse him out!
Upon hearing this, the couple's expressions were starkly different.
Cheng Shi stroked his beard and sighed, "Niao Niao values loyalty deeply. Over the years, she's witnessed the hardships her second uncle has endured and kept them close to her heart." His eyes even grew moist as he added, "At least someone in this family remembers the suffering my second brother has gone through!"
Madam Xiao, however, frowned and said, "How can an ignorant child dare to criticize her elders?!"
With that, the couple glared at each other.
Ignoring his parents' silent battle, Cheng Shao Gong wiped his forehead with his sleeve and pleaded, "Father, Mother, please don't betray me, or I'll never tell you anything again! And Mother, don't scold Shao Shang, or she'll figure everything out!"
Before Madam Xiao could respond, Cheng Shi waved his hand and said, "Don't worry! Niao Niao won't find out. Now, go back to your room."
Cheng Shao Gong bowed and retreated, repeatedly turning back to remind them, "Don't let the secret slip!" It wasn't until Madam Xiao impatiently scolded him that he finally hurried away.
Once their son had left, Madam Xiao glared at her husband and said, "She was criticizing your mother!"
"So what?" Cheng Shi replied nonchalantly. "I criticize my mother too."
Madam Xiao: ...
"Besides..." Cheng Shi grabbed the hangover soup from the table, downed it in one gulp, and slammed the cup down. "Was Niao Niao wrong about anything? My mother does wish she could keep A-Zhi by her side every single day—no heavenly beauty would ever be good enough for him. And yes, my mother is indeed snobbish! She's never thought much of my second brother since childhood, always calling him useless, yet she never hesitates to boss him around!"
Madam Xiao, indignant, opened her mouth to retort, but Cheng Shi cut her off: "Don't start with that 'elders can do no wrong' nonsense again!"
"I can't stand that Confucian rhetoric! Elders are human too, not immortals—they’re bound to make mistakes. Are we supposed to let them keep making mistakes without saying anything? Is that what filial piety means?" Cheng Shi grumbled. "By your logic, if my mother were to bully you, should I just stand by and watch? Our family wouldn’t be where we are today if A-Zhi and I had listened to our mother. We went our own ways, did what we had to do, and that’s why we have this good life now!"
The example was too compelling for Madam Xiao to refute. After a long pause, she sighed and said, "You’re not wrong in principle, but Shao Shang is still so young. It’s inappropriate for her to openly judge her elders like this. And Shao Gong—his habit of tattling still hasn’t changed. Clearly, his older brothers didn’t beat him hard enough back then! Those two will surely bring trouble upon themselves with their loose tongues someday."Cheng Shi laughed instead: "After all, they are twins—there are bound to be similarities!" Then he sighed, "I understand what you mean, but Niao Niao is too guarded. She rarely shares her true thoughts with others. I had originally hoped Yuan Yuan could help—girls can talk about anything once they become close. Who knew Yuan Yuan would avoid Niao Niao like a cat avoiding a mouse? Fortunately, there's Shaogong. Shaogong also cares for Niao Niao—he didn't do anything wrong in this matter!"
"Fine, you're the doting father, and I'm the strict mother—!"
Madam Xiao feigned anger, then after a moment of thought, added, "Don't blame Yuan Yuan either. In my opinion, her behavior is the proper and courteous way. She knows right from wrong in her heart and understands her mother was at fault, but 'a child does not speak of their parent's faults.' Should she really say to Niao Niao, 'I'm sorry, I know my mother has been malicious for the past ten years—oppressing the private army and tenant families externally, stirring up gossip and sowing discord internally, repeatedly preventing Uncle and Aunt from bringing you to live with them. Truly, she has done every evil deed imaginable'?"
Cheng Shi glared. "Why can't she say it?! Right is right, wrong is wrong. Clarifying things properly helps the family move forward. Have I ever held back from criticizing Mother's faults? But I still continue to be filial—does that make our bond any weaker? You people—you've read too many books, that's why you tie yourselves in knots like this."
Madam Xiao was so infuriated she nearly toppled over, turning her head away and refusing to speak further.
Unexpectedly, Cheng Shi suddenly shifted his tone and said leisurely, "In my opinion, you should learn from me—occasionally 'criticizing' your own mother helps keep your heart at peace. It prevents resentment from festering inside until you end up nitpicking at Niao Niao all the time..."
Madam Xiao's back trembled slightly. After a long silence, she finally said, "You noticed."
"I'm not blind." Cheng Shi slowly shifted his tall frame closer and said softly, "Years ago, I saw your mother from afar. At first, I didn't make the connection—I just thought Niao Niao was pretty but didn't resemble either of us. It was only later that I slowly realized."
He placed a hand on his wife's shoulder, his broad palm gently stroking as he murmured, "Back then, Ge Shi caused you no end of trouble, yet you speak of Yuan Yuan with such generosity, knowing that 'a mother's faults do not extend to her child.' But with Niao Niao, you're so quick to find fault..."
The couple fell silent, quietly leaning against each other as they sat together. After a long while, Madam Xiao finally let out a deep sigh and smiled. "You're right. I've let my heart be clouded. I must change from now on."
Delighted, Cheng Shi planted a loud kiss on his wife's cheek. "My wife is truly wise—as she should be!"
Madam Xiao pushed away her overly affectionate husband, laughing as she scolded, "Go on, pass down your rule of 'criticizing elders'—one day, it'll be your turn!"
Cheng Shi adopted a solemn expression. "Not so, not so. It takes three generations to cultivate a noble family. We've only just risen from humble origins—of course, we can afford to criticize a little. But after three generations, it won't do anymore. In other words, by our grandchildren's time, they won't be allowed to speak of our faults! If they dare, just bring out the sages' teachings, Madame—hit them with the Classics of Filial Piety and such. Copy them to death if you must!"
Madam Xiao couldn't hold back her laughter any longer and finally burst into hearty giggles.
Author's Note:
Well, since everyone's enthusiasm is hard to refuse, I'll take a day off this weekend—I'll let you know in advance.
Daily updates are exhausting. Things are manageable now, but once work gets busy in the future... you'll all miss this period.Smile, bow, and don't forget to leave paw prints. Thank you.
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