After spacing out for a while, Shao Shang scratched her cheek and slowly made her way to the Everlasting Autumn Palace. Seeing the palace maids and eunuchs coming forward to greet her, she instinctively put on her warm and adorable smile—familiar halls, unfamiliar furnishings. Even after all these years, Shao Shang still hadn't quite adjusted. But when she saw the Emperor's family of three seated in an inverted triangle formation in the center of the inner hall, with no palace maids or eunuchs in sight—not even Cen Anzhi—she immediately bristled with tension, standing at full alert.
Royal Uncle sat in the center, legs spread wide, hands resting on his knees, his left earlobe oddly red. Empress Yue sat to his right rear, leaning against a table as she touched up the polish on her nails. The Third Prince—no, the newly appointed Crown Prince—sat to the Emperor's left rear, flipping through a bamboo scroll, though whether it was a memorial or a classic text was unclear.
After completing her greetings, Shao Shang cautiously looked up at the intimidating trio, her gaze finally settling on Empress Yue. While Empress Dowager Xuan had aged like autumn leaves, Empress Yue remained as lush and vibrant as spring waters, her beauty only deepening.
It made her slightly uncomfortable.
The Emperor smiled and beckoned to her. "Come closer. I have something to ask you."
Shao Shang thought Royal Uncle's grin resembled that of a wolfish grandfather, making her even more wary. She dared only to inch forward half a foot.
The Emperor asked, "How has the Grand Empress Dowager of Huai'an been lately?"
Shao Shang glanced at Empress Yue. "Your Majesty, she's doing slightly better than before New Year's Day, but she's still weak and has little appetite... I already reported this to Her Majesty the Empress yesterday."
Though Royal Uncle cared deeply for his former wife, he had official duties to attend to and couldn't oversee everything. Thus, over the years, Shao Shang had inevitably become the one to report Empress Dowager Xuan's condition to Empress Yue.
At these words, Empress Yue chuckled twice, the Crown Prince snorted coldly, and the Emperor stroked his beard. "Has Empress Dowager Xuan been saying again that her symptoms resemble those of Grand Duke Xuan?"
Shao Shang sighed. "She says it every time she falls ill, claiming Grand Duke Xuan had the same ailments. It's all my fault for not taking better care of Her Highness." Without modern medicine or diagnostics, pinpointing the root of illness was impossible. Ancient people often went from sickness to death swiftly.
"It's not your fault. Two years ago, when she was critically ill, she might not have pulled through without you," the Emperor said, waving a hand.
Shao Shang bowed deeply in a perfectly measured gesture. "This humble one thanks Your Majesty for your kindness." She couldn't help but notice how strangely red Royal Uncle's left earlobe was—she had a bold suspicion, but didn't dare ask.
The Emperor wore a wise and sagacious smile.
Empress Yue chuckled again, the Crown Prince followed with another cold snort, but the Emperor ignored them and abruptly changed the subject. "I heard the Prince of the East Sea hasn't visited the Palace of Eternal Peace since New Year's Day. What's the reason for that?"
Shao Shang feigned confusion. "Has it been that long? You're right, why hasn't the Prince of the East Sea come for over a month?"
The Emperor narrowed his eyes. "In your opinion, could it be that the Prince of the East Sea is in low spirits..."
"Not at all. Since becoming the Prince of the East Sea, he seems even more at ease than before. Last year, he went to the mountains with the Second Princess and her husband to escape the heat, composing poetry and prose with a group of idle scholars amidst the mist. He returned plump and content—Her Highness even had to alter the clothes she'd made for him." Shao Shang's expression was innocent as she continued to deflect.
Empress Yue grew impatient. "Your Majesty, I can't apply this nail polish properly myself. You and Shao Shang take your time chatting. I'll excuse myself first."The new Crown Prince and his mother wore identical expressions: "Father Emperor, if there's nothing else, this son shall take his leave first. There are still many matters to attend to..."
"Stop fooling around!" The Emperor waved his hand dismissively at his wife and son behind him, as if shooing away flies. "No one is allowed to leave! Everyone stay right here and listen properly!"
Turning back, the Emperor glared fiercely at Shao Shang and slapped his thigh. "You little girl still trying to deceive me! Speak! What did you say to the Prince of the East Sea over a month ago that scared him so badly he tumbled down the steps of the Palace of Eternal Peace and split his forehead open?"
The Crown Prince became interested, holding a bowl of clotted milk as he looked at the girl. "So Eldest Brother's injury was because of you?"
"Did you push Zi Kun?" Empress Yue asked in surprise.
"No no no, how would I dare!" Shao Shang frantically waved her hands in denial. "Even if you gave me a hundred times more courage, I wouldn't dare lay hands on His Highness the Prince of the East Sea!"
"You didn't use your hands, you used your mouth!" The Emperor slapped his thigh again. "Still not telling the truth!"
Left with no choice, Shao Shang reluctantly confessed the truth. "Actually, I didn't say much. I just told His Highness... that since he doesn't have a princess consort now, perhaps he could marry me..." She still remembered the expression on the Prince of the East Sea's face at that moment - it was as if he'd seen ghosts and demons. How utterly humiliating!
Before she could finish speaking, Empress Yue had already burst into laughter, while the new Crown Prince nearly spat out his mouthful of clotted milk.
Consort Yue laughed so hard she nearly fell over, pointing at Shao Shang. "Did Empress Dowager Xuan say her health was failing and she wanted to see you married before she passed?"
Shao Shang nodded awkwardly.
The Crown Prince wiped clotted milk from his mouth, furious. "How could a mere girl like you say such things! No sooner does Empress Dowager Xuan tell you to marry than you go proposing to Eldest Brother! Well done, truly decisive and without hesitation!"
The Emperor continued waving behind him. "Both of you be quiet! I'm not finished questioning... Shao Shang, what did Zi Kun say after you spoke those words?"
Shao Shang's face looked like leftover banana peel. "His Highness the Prince of the East Sea didn't get a chance to speak. He immediately fell down the palace steps, then ran off clutching his forehead without even bidding farewell to Her Majesty, saying he needed to bandage his wound."
The Emperor suppressed his laughter. "So do you think Zi Kun would be willing to marry you?"
"It seems... perhaps... not very willing," Shao Shang admitted awkwardly. "...But why not? His Highness the Prince of the East Sea is gentle and indecisive, while I'm good at making decisions. After marriage, I could continue caring for the Palace of Eternal Peace while reassuring the Empress Dowager about His Highness. I thought this match was quite suitable!"
"Suitable? What's suitable about it! If Eldest Brother married you, you'd bully him until he couldn't even lift his head!" The new Crown Prince nearly spat in outrage. "I absolutely forbid this marriage!"
"I wouldn't bully the Prince of the East Sea! I'm a very kind-hearted person - everyone in the Palace of Eternal Peace says so!" Shao Shang protested indignantly.
"You're worse than Lady Sun! How much of Eldest Brother would be left after you were through with him!"
"Every single one of His Highness's bones would remain intact!"
Empress Yue laughed so hard she collapsed onto the table.
"All of you be quiet!" the Emperor roared - finally understanding why his ex-wife Cheng Shaoshang's voice had grown louder and louder.
Taking a deep breath, the Emperor said solemnly, "Shao Shang, does Yuan Shanjian know about this?"
"He does," Shao Shang mumbled. "When he heard the Prince of the East Sea had injured his forehead, he came to ask me, and I told him the truth.""He isn't angry? Shanjian has told me everything," the Emperor said with amusement. "He even mentioned coming to your house to propose in a few days."
"I'm the one who should be angry, not him," Shao Shang thought, rolling her eyes internally. "Back then, I planned to quietly spend a few years in the Palace of Eternal Peace and wait for the storm to pass before making any decisions. But Yuan Shanjian made such a loud fuss that the entire Capital City knew he was breaking off the engagement. Though he never explicitly mentioned me, running to my house four times a day—how could the Cai Family not notice?! Because of this, my parents have been avoiding anyone surnamed Cai for years. Ah, poor them—they've always been kind to others, yet because of me, they nearly made enemies with the prestigious Cai Family. In such circumstances, if I dared to marry him, it would be openly snatching the Cai Family's betrothal!"
She couldn't possibly marry into a noble family herself while leaving her own family with a powerful enemy.
The Emperor chuckled. "I once scolded Shanjian for running to the Palace of Eternal Peace all day long. But he said he was afraid you'd marry someone else before he settled his previous affairs."
Shao Shang defended herself, "Now that Young Master Yuan has reconciled with the Cai Family, it's fine. But just over a month ago, they were still at each other's throats. Naturally, I... I had to look for another way out..."
"It seems Yuan Shanjian wasn't wrong to worry," the new Crown Prince interjected mockingly.
Empress Yue continued to laugh quietly, her face buried in her arms on the table.
"I really think this marriage is a good match," Shao Shang persisted. "His Highness the Prince of the East Sea is too hurtful!"
The Emperor smiled faintly. "Shao Shang, let me tell you something. Zi Kun's first love was Qu Lingjun, who was virtuous and self-sacrificing. The second was Lady Sun. Which of them do you think you resemble?"
"Madam Qu is one thing, but I'm at least a little better than Lady Sun..." Shao Shang muttered.
"You're wrong!" the Emperor said. "Over ten years, how could Lady Sun's actions not reveal anything? If Zi Kun tolerated her for a decade, do you think there wasn't some affection there?"
This was the first time Shao Shang had heard such a perspective. Her mouth fell open. "No way... Lady Sun's character..." She couldn't finish.
"Exactly," the Emperor said. "To the world, Lady Sun was despicable and shallow, but who's to say Zi Kun didn't pity her?"
Shao Shang was stunned into silence, but upon reflection, it did make some sense.
"Alright, back to the matter at hand... A Heng, stop laughing, I'm getting to the important part!" The Emperor shot an annoyed glance behind him. "Shao Shang, there's something you should know. Zisheng has accomplished great deeds on the frontier..."
He seemed to struggle for words, so the new Crown Prince quickly added, "Over the past few years, Zisheng has eradicated bandits in the northwest, expanded trade routes, persuaded several border tribes to surrender, quelled rebellions, and fought across thousands of miles. Not only has he saved the court vast amounts of provisions and troops, but last month, during the campaign to reclaim Shu, he led a surprise attack from Longxi, assisting other generals in encircling the usurper king. His achievements are truly outstanding!"
Shao Shang listened with her head lowered, saying nothing.
"If you truly accept the Yuan Family's proposal, I will immediately send word to the northwest," the Emperor said. "Zisheng's accumulated military merits over the years have long since absolved his past crimes. I will undoubtedly reward him greatly. Moreover, he's no longer young, and the Huo Family has only him left... When the time comes, I will sternly order Zisheng to choose a wife, marry, and continue his lineage. Think carefully!"
Shao Shang raised her head and smiled faintly. "So Shu has been pacified. The news hasn't spread yet. Allow me to congratulate Your Majesty on unifying the realm."She respectfully kowtowed and continued, "Lord Huo is an eagle soaring in the sky. Once freed from past grievances, he will surely spread his wings and soar to great heights. Achieving the highest ranks and having prosperous descendants will be effortless for him. I wonder where Lord Huo’s wedding ceremony will be held. If it’s in the Capital City, perhaps I will attend with my son-in-law."
The Emperor gazed intently at the girl. "Have you truly made up your mind?"
"Your Majesty, I made my decision five years ago," Shao Shang kowtowed again.
"Very well, you may withdraw now. You have served the Grand Empress Dowager of Huai'an diligently these years. For your father’s birthday banquet the day after tomorrow, I shall bestow fine wine and gold silks," the Emperor decreed.
Shao Shang bowed in gratitude and then retreated with her head lowered.
Empress Yue finally stopped laughing and watched the girl leave through the doorway. "Empress Dowager Xuan always said she appeared cunning and indifferent but possessed a pure heart. At the time, I didn’t understand, but now I do."
The new Crown Prince nodded in agreement. "Mother is right. Since Eldest Brother relinquished his position as heir, the court officials and noble families have been wary. I had intended to arrange a good marriage for Eldest Brother, but everyone hesitated and made excuses. Truly infuriating!"
Empress Yue rolled her eyes at her son. "Yet you mocked Shao Shang earlier."
The Crown Prince sighed uncharacteristically. "It’s true she is sincere, but her actions are utterly baffling. How could someone as sharp and perceptive as Yuan Shanjian take a liking to her? It’s truly puzzling!"
"You said the same thing five years ago—such clichés!" Empress Yue retorted, then sighed. "Ah, what a stubborn, foolish child. She turns away from a path paved with gold and flowers to seek another route. Truly..." As someone who had been through it all, she understood the reasons all too well.
The Crown Prince scoffed, noisily organizing his bamboo scrolls with an air of smug intelligence. "Mother is right. Lady Cheng is utterly unenlightened! Someone as talented and handsome as Zisheng—noblewomen from the northwestern cities flock to him, clamoring to serve him! Two years ago, when Zisheng presided over the purification rites during the Shangsi Festival in the border city, the young ladies nearly pushed Cui Hou and his son into the river. If Zisheng so much as nodded, he could have any beautiful, gentle, and virtuous noblewoman he desired!"
"Then why hasn’t Zisheng chosen a few beautiful, gentle, and virtuous ones?" the Emperor interjected abruptly.
The Crown Prince deflated immediately and sighed helplessly. "...Because Zisheng is also unenlightened."
The Emperor and Empress exchanged an amused glance.
Undeterred, the Crown Prince perked up again. "But now things are settled. Today, I’ll send a military dispatch to the northwest, urging Zisheng to give up and marry quickly! Honestly, hasn’t he tormented himself enough all these years... Father, which family’s Young Lady do you think Zisheng will choose?"
The Emperor replied with a hint of laughter, "In your correspondence with Cui Hou these years, haven’t you mentioned the Luo family the most? The one who used to be Fifth Princess’s companion—what was her name again?"
"Luo Jitong, daughter of the former Colonel of the Long River, Luo Bin," the Crown Prince sighed. "The Luo family is indeed an esteemed noble clan, but their younger generation has been mediocre in recent years. I’ve yet to hear of any outstanding individuals. The Huo family is small—how will Zisheng rely on his wife’s family in the future? Fortunately, Luo Jitong is renowned for her virtue and wisdom. She was widowed just a year after her first marriage but spent years tirelessly caring for her bedridden in-laws, earning high praise from her husband’s family. In both ability and character, she is exceptional—""In short, she is a hundred times more virtuous than Shao Shang." The Emperor nodded, smiling at his son. "This matter, from start to finish, has been your idea. Don't regret it in the future."
The Crown Prince thought for a moment and said firmly, "Lady Cheng is stubborn. Rather than letting Zisheng waste his years in vain, it's better to part ways and let each find happiness. Whether it's Yuan Shanjian or Luo Jitong, both are worthy matches for Lady Cheng and Zisheng. Some things should be cut cleanly—the longer they drag on, the worse they become!"
"Good!" The Emperor clapped his hands with a smile. "As you wish. I will send a letter to the frontier and have Cui You arrange Zisheng's marriage promptly! The punishment I originally set for Zisheng was seven years of garrison duty at the border. By the time he returns, I want to see the Huo family's new bride and grandchildren!"
The Crown Prince said joyfully, "Your Majesty is wise!"
Empress Yue looked at her son with pity—she remembered the last person the Emperor had smiled at like this had been buried within a year. She would have to remind the Emperor later—after all, this was their own son; he shouldn't be tricked too harshly.
Just as the Crown Prince was about to take his leave, he suddenly turned back and said, "Father, I just noticed—why is your left ear red...?"
The Emperor touched his earlobe and coughed lightly. "It was itching earlier, so I rubbed it a few times."
The Crown Prince, unsuspecting, said with concern, "Your Majesty should still summon the Imperial Physician to take a look."
After the Crown Prince left, the Emperor's smile faded. He glared at Empress Yue while touching his ear. "It's all your fault—so improper! You almost gave us away!"
Empress Yue swayed gracefully to the Emperor's side and half-knelt, her eyes filled with affection as she chided, "Your Majesty cares so much about propriety now. Back when you were twenty-three and I was thirteen, why didn't you care about propriety then? If you dislike me, why not go find a few beautiful, gentle, and virtuous noblewomen instead?"
The Emperor, captivated by the charm in Empress Yue's eyes, pulled her into his arms and gritted his teeth with a teasing scold. "I only like the ones who bite my ears! Ah, that foolish child Ziduan—he'll probably never meet a woman who bites his ears in this lifetime!"
Empress Yue giggled and pushed against the Emperor with all her might. The Emperor, towering like a mountain, let himself fall backward.
Then Empress Yue lifted her skirts, straddled him, pressed her hands against his chest, and declared haughtily, "I am the Bandit Queen of Golden Horn Mountain! Today, while patrolling, I happened upon you, this reckless rogue. Though your beard is streaked with wrinkles, you still have some charm left. Let this queen test your skills. If you prove capable, you may ascend the mountain and become my bandit son-in-law!"
The Emperor squinted at her. "How does the Queen wish to test me?"
Empress Yue smiled coquettishly, then leaned down and bit his Adam's apple with a playful growl.
Author's Note:
The Adam's apple counts as above the neck, right?
More tomorrow.
During the Han Dynasty, emperors often treated the children and grandchildren of their trusted ministers as their own—either to show favor or to express closeness to the minister. For example, Emperor Wu of Han deeply cherished Jin Midi's two sons. The eldest, relying on the Emperor's favor, behaved improperly, so Jin Midi personally killed him to prevent disaster for the family. Later, the Jin family flourished for seven generations—until Wang Mang unleashed his grand schemes.
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