The hangover from the Lantern Festival banquet hadn’t even faded when Old Man Cheng, clutching his head, was dragged out of bed by Madam Xiao. Though he had no say in nodding or shaking his head from start to finish, he still had to sit stiffly upright to receive the matchmaker from the Yuan family who had come to propose marriage—like a big-headed, brainless mascot.
Afterward, he couldn’t help but grumble at his wife: “This time, you agreed without hesitation. Back when Niao Niao and Huo Zisheng were engaged, how much did you dig into the past affairs of the Huo and Ling families?”
Madam Xiao sighed wistfully. “Shanjian and Zisheng are different. He only acts when he’s absolutely certain. Five years ago, I thought he would propose immediately after breaking off the engagement with the Cai family, but he waited until now. As for Huo Buyi… he doesn’t involve himself lightly, but once he does, he throws himself into it without hesitation.”
Mentioning their former prospective son-in-law, Cheng Shi also fell silent. Setting aside how he had hurt their daughter’s heart and body, that brat was indeed a man of strong emotions. After a long pause, he finally said, “Forget it. Let’s not bring up people and things from the past… Oh, right, do we still need to hold an engagement banquet?”
At this, the couple exchanged glances, their faces simultaneously twisting in discomfort—inviting their relatives and friends for the third time, entertaining them the same way, and enthusiastically introducing yet another new son-in-law. Even Cheng Shi’s thick skin couldn’t quite bear it.
So he sighed. “Yangyang is like frost-bitten cabbage—pluck it, give it a quick boil, and it’s ready to eat. But Niao Niao is like tough ox tendon—no matter how long you stew it, you still don’t know if it’s tender enough to serve.”
“Don’t say that,” Madam Xiao retorted. “We should think of it this way—look, Elder Brother Wan has so many daughters, and we attended all twelve of their engagements and weddings. General Han also has four or five daughters. Let’s just pretend we had a few more daughters, and each one needs a son-in-law. It’s not like we’re just after their betrothal gifts!”
Cheng Shi protested, “Do you think it’s about money? It’s about judgment, judgment! The way those people look at me is full of pity—I’ve never felt like this even after losing a battle!”
Madam Xiao had no reply. Truthfully, she had also endured many sorrowful sighs from her close noblewoman friends. She felt that even if she were widowed and remarried, the reaction wouldn’t be much worse.
……
Shao Shang rested at home for a full seven or eight days. During that time, she visited the Ban family to check on Cheng Yang’s work environment and relationships, hosted a banquet for Yuan Shen’s parents, bid farewell to her second uncle and aunt as well as her third uncle and aunt, and finally returned to the palace laden with bundles of dried vegetables, cured meat, candied plums, and other snacks. Cheng Shaogong followed her all the way to the palace gates in a sulk but said nothing in the end—this guy seemed to have objections to her engagement with Yuan Shen, repeatedly asking, “Are you sure?” but failing to articulate any concrete reasons.
In the palace corridors, Shao Shang accidentally ran into Crown Prince Ziduan riding in a palanquin. As usual, he lifted his chin and began lecturing: “Lady Cheng, I’ve heard you’ve become engaged to Attendant Yuan. That’s excellent. From the chaos under Emperor Li to the reunification of the realm today, decades of warfare have left countless commoners dead or dying from wounds, illness, or starvation. Thus, it is time to recuperate and soothe the people’s livelihood. Marriage is a great human bond, crucial for the continuation of the population… Lady Cheng, are you listening to me?!”
His voice rose in displeasure toward the end. Shao Shang quickly straightened her posture and replied respectfully, “I am, Your Highness. I’m listening to every word… But, doesn’t this sound familiar? Oh yes, when the Fourth Prince got married the year before last, Your Highness seemed to have said the same thing!”The Crown Prince Ziduan said unhappily, "Are you saying what I said is wrong?"
—If people don’t marry, how can they have children? Without children, how can production be restored? Without restored production, how can there be peace and prosperity for all? What an ignorant little girl! Honestly, the younger generation these days is becoming more and more unreasonable. Especially his sworn brother Huo Bu Yi—dragging his feet, making excuses, and delaying until now without any heirs. With such excellent Huo family bloodline and physique, not producing eight or ten children would be a disservice to the righteous path of the world!
"Yes, yes, Your Highness is absolutely right! This humble one will certainly obey Your Highness’s decree." Shao Shang didn’t dare to disagree. Even before he was officially named Crown Prince, she hadn’t dared to provoke this gentleman—let alone now that he was firmly seated in the Eastern Palace.
Returning to the Palace of Eternal Peace, Shao Shang was still puzzled by the Crown Prince’s tone earlier. But she had no time to dwell on it now—it had been nearly half a month since she last saw Empress Dowager Xuan, and she had a bellyful of things to say. Inside the Palace of Eternal Peace, she was welcomed like a returning overseas Chinese. To put it simply, though her constitution often attracted mishaps, wherever Cheng Shaoshang was, things were never dull. Even turning a private brawl into a disciplinary meeting could somehow morph into a lively village festival.
Empress Dowager Xuan reclined on the couch, listening to Shao Shang recount the amusing events of recent days—
Three years ago, Cheng Xiao and his wife had tried to arrange a marriage for Cheng Shao Gong. But Cheng Shao Gong had divined over a dozen hexagrams for himself, all indicating his "red phoenix star" had yet to stir—marrying now would bring him a wicked wife who’d beat him three times a day and starve him. He adamantly refused to meet any potential matches, so the matter had been delayed until now.
Old Man Wan, stirred by springtime desires, wanted to take another concubine, but was unanimously vetoed by his mother, wife, and existing concubines: "Since you don’t need to sire more sons anymore, why take another concubine? Save the money for the children’s weddings instead." Old Wan wept bitter tears... Though this wasn’t unusual—many parents in the world forgot about their own children once grandchildren arrived. Old Man Wan was advised to accept his sorrow.
Yin Xu'e gave birth to a daughter in her first pregnancy. Compared to Wan Qiqi, who had a son right away, she cried heartbrokenly. Cheng Yong had no choice but to comfort her: "Our family lacks daughters. Niao Niao brought her father and brothers promotions and wealth—what son could compare?" Yin Xu'e then smiled through her tears. Only years later did she learn that her husband had kowtowed dozens of times to the moon that very night, praying, "Niao Niao is too pitiful—I’d rather her father and brothers not gain promotions or wealth, so long as my precious daughter can marry smoothly and have children."
Wan Qiqi had married back into her own family and lived joyfully every day. Unexpectedly, a young woman from a prominent local family in Xu Commandery—who had loved martial arts since childhood—admired Brother A Song’s skills and character and volunteered to become his concubine. Wan Qiqi grabbed a blade and charged out but couldn’t defeat her. Worst of all, her own parents not only failed to back her up but actively undermined her. Old Man Wan, needless to say, believed men taking concubines was as natural as eating and drinking. Though Madam Wan doted on her daughter, she felt indebted to the Cheng family and believed her son shouldn’t be overly restrained. Wan Qiqi cried in frustration until Brother A Song, belatedly realizing the turmoil in his household, went to challenge the girl to a duel. He declared, "If you defeat me, I’ll take you in." Naturally, the girl couldn’t win. Covering her wounds, she tearfully asked, "Could Wan Qiqi defeat you then?" Brother A Song’s reply was bizarre: "I like Qiqi—whether she can defeat me or not, I’d marry her. I don’t like you—since you can’t defeat me, why force yourself?" Well, the logic was sound.
...Empress Dowager Xuan had been listening with a gentle smile. Outside, the spring scenery grew more beautiful, yet she no longer had the strength to even rise and sit on the veranda. Shao Shang noticed this but tried not to dwell on it, continuing to live her days cheerfully. Sometimes, when the kitchen at the Palace of Eternal Peace prepared something delicious, she would pack a bowl in a food container and send it to Yuan Shen, showing herself to be a very dutiful fiancée.
Whenever she saw such scenes, Empress Dowager Xuan would wear a wistful expression: "...I remember before, you wouldn’t even think about whether Zisheng had brought an umbrella when it rained outside." Or, "There were times I sent you to the Department of State Affairs to deliver things, but really, it was so Zisheng could see you."
The first few times, Shao Shang held her tongue, but eventually, she could bear it no longer. She complained, "Your Majesty, why do you keep bringing him up?"
Damn it, wasn’t this just the ex-boyfriend rule—when he was immature, impulsive, and didn’t know how to care, I stayed by his side, comforted him, and corrected him. But when he finally became a mature, tolerant, and responsible man, the girl by his side was no longer me.
Well, now she could seamlessly fit into this rule too. Huo Bu Yi was the poor, unfortunate ex-boyfriend who had given so much, and Yuan Shen was the one who came down the mountain to pick the ripe fruit.
"Have I been mentioning Zisheng all this time?" Empress Dowager Xuan seemed to realize. "Ah, I’m getting old, my memory isn’t what it used to be... But unless Yuan Shen resigns and retires, or you shut yourself indoors, you and Zisheng will eventually cross paths in the future."
Shao Shang pouted. "Your Majesty, don’t worry. I’ve already thought it through. If we really meet, I’ll greet him properly—no resentment, no hostility, just polite courtesy. Besides, it’s still a long way off!" By the time Huo Bu Yi returned, she might already have one child in her arms and another on the way. When they met, the past would be water under the bridge, and at most, it would be a reenactment of the old tale of Huangfu and Madam Sang. What more could happen?
"Can you really manage no resentment, no hostility, just polite courtesy?" Empress Dowager Xuan sat up straight.
"Absolutely!" Shao Shang declared firmly.
"Very well." Empress Dowager Xuan leaned back weakly. "I just didn’t expect you to settle down so quickly..."
Shao Shang said, "Your Majesty makes it sound like a big deal. I’ve always hated dithering. Once I’ve made up my mind, why delay or hesitate?"
"Yes..." Empress Dowager Xuan slowly closed her eyes.
Empress Dowager Xuan’s decline was visibly worsening. Imperial Physicians came and went in waves, but their conclusions were all the same—she was simply counting her remaining days. Shao Shang reported this truthfully to the Everlasting Autumn Palace, and the Emperor and Empress fell into a long silence.
"...It has finally come to this." The Emperor had long been mentally prepared for his former wife’s condition, but facing it now was still hard to accept.
"Your Majesty, please don’t grieve," Shao Shang said. "Her Majesty once said that though she couldn’t compare to the longevity stars, she didn’t consider her life short either."
The Emperor hesitated. "Is Shen An... resentful toward me?"Shao Shang thought for a moment and spoke softly, "Your Majesty, no one goes through life without harboring some grievances. Having served Her Majesty all these years, I've come to understand her heart. To be honest, there are many she has resented—she resented Grand Duke Xuan for passing away so early, leaving her and her mother unprotected; she resented Your Majesty for sharing lineage with Old Prince Qian'an, which led to her being chosen for the marriage alliance; she even resented herself for not being more bold and decisive, for obediently accepting the marriage... Of all these people, Your Majesty is the one she resented the least. Her Majesty often said that as a child, she witnessed famine and war, saw fields of bones stretching for miles. She knew that if it were only for yourself, you would never have parted from your wife to marry another. But with countless lives at stake, there was no other choice."
The Emperor felt a pang in his heart and turned his head away. "You speak well," he said. After a pause, he turned back with a smile. "A Heng, do you remember when Shao Shang first entered the palace? She couldn’t even perform the proper courtesies, her words and actions were utterly chaotic—just a wild child. Who would have thought she’d grow into such a fine young woman now?"
Empress Yue nodded. "Shao Shang, did Empress Dowager Xuan ever resent me?"
Shao Shang smiled faintly. "Empress, Her Dowager Majesty has resented many in her heart, but never you. Do you believe that?"
Empress Yue studied the girl’s eyes for a moment before slowly smiling. "...I believe you."
Royal Uncle’s anxious heart settled, and he sighed in relief. "Good, good. Shao Shang, over these years, you’ve cared for the Grand Empress Dowager of Huai'an with utmost devotion. The Empress and I have seen it all. Next month, when Zisheng returns, Empress Dowager Xuan will host a banquet at the Palace of Eternal Peace..."
Shao Shang’s ears rang, and she didn’t hear the rest. After a long while, she managed to ask, "Your Majesty, Lord Huo is returning next month?"
The Emperor looked surprised. "You didn’t know? Though I haven’t announced it publicly, Empress Dowager Xuan was aware."
"But... but I thought there was still... a year or two left?" Shao Shang stammered.
The Emperor glared. "Zisheng was stationed at the border, not imprisoned! Of course he can return if needed!" As the sovereign, he held the ultimate authority to interpret all Imperial Edicts.
Empress Yue nudged him. "Shao Shang, Empress Dowager Xuan said her time is short, and she wishes to see Zisheng once more before she departs."
Leaving the Everlasting Autumn Palace, Shao Shang rushed back to the Palace of Eternal Peace to confront her superior. Empress Dowager Xuan answered calmly, "That’s right. It was I who requested His Majesty to summon Zisheng back."
"Why?!" Shao Shang wailed.
"Didn’t His Majesty tell you? My time is short, and I wish to see Zisheng before I go."
Shao Shang felt life was constantly playing tricks on her—just when something good was within reach, complications would arise. She sat before Empress Dowager Xuan and spoke gently, "Your Dowager Majesty, let’s talk properly. A few years ago... well, three years, I think, I remember one midnight when you wept and said, ‘That heartless wretch Zisheng, I never want to see him again.’ Have you forgotten?"
"That was after the Prince of the East Sea fell ill following his abdication from the heirship. I spoke in anger—it didn’t count."
Though a woman herself, Shao Shang nearly shouted, "Women are so damn fickle!"
"When did Your Dowager Majesty request this from His Majesty? I had no idea." She steeled herself and started from the beginning.Empress Dowager Xuan said, "It was during the time you left the palace to return home. With nothing to occupy me, I thought of Zisheng and mentioned it to His Majesty."
"Your Grace once swore never to see His Majesty again!" Shao Shang felt her emotions slipping out of control.
"Precisely why one shouldn't take words spoken in anger—especially a woman's angry words—too seriously."
Shao Shang weakly propped herself up from the floor, feeling as though life wasn't just playing tricks on her but openly mocking her.
Leaning against the hidden cushion, Empress Dowager Xuan beckoned the girl over and pulled her close. "During these days without you by my side, I've reflected deeply—on my entire life, the things I've done, and the people I've known. When I was young, Father often taught me to be grateful: to appreciate the gods for granting us health and clarity of mind, for favorable weather and abundant harvests. Alas, I'd forgotten all that over the years. One shouldn't only dwell on what's been lost but also cherish what remains in hand."
She smiled faintly. "Though I've been secluded in the Palace of Eternal Peace these past five years, I was fortunate to have your companionship. You often led me in play and laughter, as if bringing me back to the days when Father was still alive. I never properly thanked you..."
"Your Grace already bestowed upon me a grand estate, larger than two of my family's combined," Shao Shang muttered.
Empress Dowager Xuan teased her, "The Yuan clan's estates are far grander and more numerous—generations of accumulation spanning two or three counties. Do you still care for what I gave you? Hmm, though..."
Her enthusiasm grew as she spoke. "What a pity you didn't marry Zisheng back then. Otherwise, you'd know just how much property he owns... Tsk tsk, the Huo family of Feng County was already wealthy, but that aside, you've no idea how much His Majesty has bestowed upon him over the past decade or so. If word got out, the court officials would be submitting memorials in protest. Recently, I heard His Majesty is discussing land measurement reforms with his ministers. Hehe, you'll see when the time comes."
"Why bring him up again out of nowhere?" Shao Shang rubbed her temples—as the imperial physician's prognosis grew increasingly dire, Empress Dowager Xuan had become oddly cheerful, even joking about her impending death so frequently that Zhai Nanny was at her wit's end.
"Very well, let's speak of serious matters." Empress Dowager Xuan straightened slightly. "Shao Shang, though that rascal Zisheng is detestable, he staked his life to prove one thing clear to all: if the Prince of the East Sea could entrust everything to Zisheng and let him act freely, then upon ascending the throne, he might likewise entrust power to others. Who knows? The realm might change hands someday."
Shao Shang frowned. "So... Your Grace no longer blames Huo Bu Yi at all?"
"Not anymore." Empress Dowager Xuan sighed. "Compared to the millions of common people, compared to the stability of the realm, we are but ants. Individuals perish, but humanity endures. We may turn to dust, yet the sun, moon, and stars remain eternal. In these fleeting decades of life, I've let go of my resentment toward Zisheng. You should too—release him, and release yourself."
Shao Shang recognized the wisdom in her words, but knowing they stemmed from impending death dampened any relief. She could only mumble, "I've moved on as well. It's precisely because I've moved on that I'm marrying someone else."
Empress Dowager Xuan smiled gently. "That's good."
"But Your Grace..." Shao Shang suddenly thought of something. "Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?"
"Since you'd have greeted him politely without resentment either way, what difference would telling you make?"
"At least I should've known an old acquaintance was returning to the capital!"
"Perhaps I simply forgot to mention it. Oh dear, my head aches—Zhai Nanny, bring my medicine quickly..."Shao Shang didn't know how she had exited the Palace of Eternal Peace. She wandered aimlessly around the small lake in front of the palace for seven or eight laps before Yuan Shen finally came looking for her from the Department of State Affairs.
After hearing Shao Shang recount the whole story, Yuan Shen's expression darkened.
Unable to hold back, Shao Shang complained, "I was deliberately kept in the dark, but you're at the Department of State Affairs every day! How could you not know either?"
"Because His Majesty never announced Huo Bu Yi's recall to the ministers," Yuan Shen said gravely.
"Why? Ah..." Shao Shang understood now.
Huo Bu Yi still had over a year left of his 'sentence.' If the Emperor had announced it to the court too early, there would inevitably be those who'd make a fuss. But by waiting until Huo Bu Yi was already in the Capital City and then using Empress Dowager Xuan's wishes to silence the ministers, it would be foolproof.
Damn it, politicians really are all cunning! She glanced at Yuan Shen, thinking he was one of those 'politicians' too, having grasped the Emperor's intentions in mere moments.
"What do you plan to do now?" Yuan Shen looked up.
"Do? Greet him with 'hope you've been well,' say 'safe travels' when parting, offer more food when hosting a banquet, and ask if he'd like some tangerine peel and sour plum soup to aid digestion after the meal—with or without sugar? What else can I do..."
Yuan Shen couldn't help but laugh, though he quickly schooled his expression. "I thought you'd want to break off the engagement as soon as you heard your old acquaintance was returning."
"Do you want to break it off?"
"Of course not!"
"Neither do I. Who likes breaking off engagements all the time?" Shao Shang chuckled, then caught Yuan Shen's teasing look and added sheepishly, "Oh, right, I've already done it twice before. But third time's the charm—surely the heavens won't let me fail to marry this time!"
Yuan Shen stared at her for a long moment before finally sighing. "Fine. Let's just act normally."
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