Less than twelve hours after Shao Shang met Huo Bu Yi, rumors had already spread like wings across the entire Capital City. That day, only three women were present—Shao Shang herself wouldn’t gossip, the Fourth Princess Consort was reserved and rarely socialized, and while Luo Jitong’s intentions couldn’t be guaranteed, her intelligence could be. The Luo Family wouldn’t spread baseless rumors without reason.
The conclusion was obvious—the fifty or sixty Upper West Gate guards on duty that day were all big-mouthed gossips!
Men being quicker to gossip than women was nothing unusual in the Cheng Family. Shao Shang hadn’t planned to hide anything, but before she could even change her clothes, her brother had already shouted the news to their parents—wasn’t that a bit too exaggerated?
Huo Bu Yi had returned. The impact of this news was no less than rebels besieging the city. Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao sat in the Nine Dapple Hall for a long while, ultimately finding no solution. Madam Xiao suggested dealing with that Di Wu Cheng first, while Cheng Shi proposed taking it slow. "Let’s lock that troublemaker up for a few days to dull his edge. If our son-in-law changes again soon, we won’t need to waste effort persuading Di Wu Cheng either"—nearly earning him a beating from Madam Xiao.
In truth, they weren’t the only ones with such thoughts. When the news first spread, General Han privately told Cheng Shi, "If we’d known Huo Bu Yi would return so soon, your family could’ve postponed last month’s betrothal banquet." Enraged, Cheng Shi snapped back, "Even if our son-in-law changes again this time, we won’t hold another betrothal banquet—because we’ve already held one before, so rest assured!"
The Luo Family had it even worse. The news that the Crown Prince intended to match Luo Jitong with Huo Bu Yi had barely spread for a day before rumors that the prospective son-in-law might rekindle old flames with his former fiancée exploded across the court. For days, the Colonel of the Long River and other Luo clansmen wore dark expressions.
Cheng Shi was deeply embarrassed but couldn’t confidently guarantee his daughter wouldn’t have anything to do with Huo Bu Yi. So, after avoiding the Cai Family, he now had to steer clear of the Luo Family as well.
The Yuan Family didn’t fare much better. Smirks and knowing looks were everywhere, but fortunately, Prefect Yuan stepped up, deflecting both well-meaning and malicious jabs on his son’s behalf, which made Yuan Shen feel slightly better.
Though Shao Shang didn’t believe she was at fault, she still felt guilty toward Old Man Cheng and Yuan Shanjian. So when the Palace of Eternal Peace summoned her back to help prepare a banquet, she immediately obeyed—she intended to publicly declare her stance with utmost seriousness.
After three busy days, the Palace of Eternal Peace welcomed its liveliest gathering yet. Aside from two imperial princes and two princesses, a host of noble relatives had found excuses to attend—such as the Princess Consort of Ruyang and her two new brides, the Marquise of Yuhou (who often visited Empress Dowager Xuan) and her circle of friends, the Marquise of Xuan and her sisters...
The Fourth Princess accompanied her mother-in-law, the Marquise of Xuan, while the Fifth Princess brought Luo Jitong. Spotting Shao Shang bustling about, the Fifth Princess sneered, "Oh, look how busy you are—running things inside and out. You might as well treat the palace as your own home."
Shao Shang shot back, "Your Highness is welcome to treat the Palace of Eternal Peace as home too. I’ll be married soon anyway, so you can come keep Her Majesty company then." —If you’re willing to give up the outside world’s temptations.
The Fifth Princess’s face darkened as she stormed off. Luo Jitong offered an apologetic smile. "Her Highness has that temper. Please don’t take it to heart."Shao Shang had a favorable impression of Luo Jitong. Seeing her with the same gentle smile and dignified demeanor as five years ago, she immediately went up to link arms with her, laughing, "I've arranged the best seats for you and Lord Huo—right there. Lord Huo is still inside talking with Her Majesty and the Prince of the East Sea... You know how it is, clearing up past grievances before the banquet begins. You can go ahead and take your seat first."
Luo Jitong's eyes brightened, and she quickly thanked her—earlier, when she had greeted the Crown Prince, for some reason, he hadn't been as warm as before, merely giving a faint "hmm" before falling silent. Just as she was worrying about how to sit beside Huo Bu Yi, Cheng Shaoshang came to her aid.
Glancing toward the other side, Luo Jitong smiled and said, "Young Master Yuan is here too. Why would Her Majesty invite an outsider to the banquet? You must have pulled some strings."
Shao Shang boldly winked at the solitary Yuan Shen. "So what if I did? The guests I invite won't be questioned by Her Majesty."
Seeing how close she was with Yuan Shen, Luo Jitong felt reassured and went to take her seat.
At that moment, Huo Bu Yi was indeed in the inner chamber having a long talk with Empress Dowager Xuan and the Prince of the East Sea. As Shao Shang withdrew, she overheard the Empress Dowager slapping Huo Bu Yi's back forcefully, weeping and scolding, "You reckless boy! How have you gotten so thin? And your hair—why is it turning white?" and so on.
Huo Bu Yi had indeed changed significantly. Five years ago, though his demeanor was aloof, he had still been a noble and gallant young master raised in luxury. Now, however, his spirit seemed entirely restrained, his gaze silent yet exuding an air of profound dignity.
Outside the Crown Prince's inner chamber, he paced incessantly, his anxious demeanor resembling that of an expectant father waiting outside a delivery room. When he saw Shao Shang, he asked a few nonsensical questions that made no sense.
"Lady Cheng, are you really going to marry Yuan Shen?"
"Goodness, Your Highness, the Yuan and Cheng families are already engaged. Why wouldn't we marry?" Not to mention the betrothal gifts they'd already received.
"...You've been engaged twice before." The implication being that an engagement didn't guarantee marriage.
"Third time's the charm. I think it'll work out this time."
The Crown Prince gave Shao Shang a complicated look for a long moment but ultimately said nothing.
When Empress Dowager Xuan, the Prince of the East Sea, and Huo Bu Yi emerged from the inner chamber, all three had reddened eyes and relieved expressions. It seemed the grievances of five years ago had not only been resolved but also stirred up some emotions. The Crown Prince sighed in relief and stepped forward to clasp the Prince of the East Sea's shoulder.
Out of respect, the Crown Prince deliberately offered the Prince of the East Sea the seat of honor, sharing the same table with him. Next was Huo Bu Yi, who scanned the hall once before bypassing Luo Jitong's eager gaze and seating himself directly beside Yuan Shen.
Everyone was stunned—what kind of trend was this? Could former and current fiancés sit together? If this kept up, wouldn't ex-husbands and current husbands soon be embracing like old friends?
Yuan Shen hissed under his breath, "...What are you doing here?"
"Shan Jian and I have served in the same court for years yet never had a proper conversation. Let's remedy that today," Huo Bu Yi said calmly.
Yuan Shen scoffed. "There are many who serve in the same court. Does Lord Huo intend to have a heart-to-heart with each of them?"
"Of course not. I only wish to speak with Imperial Secretary Yuan."
"What is there to talk about?"
"Cheng Shaoshang."
"..."
By the time Shao Shang finished overseeing the final arrangements and eagerly entered the hall, she found everyone already seated in pairs—except for Luo Jitong, whose seat was conspicuously empty, while her former and current fiancés shared a table. Her jaw nearly dropped.
Left with no choice, she had to take the seat beside Luo Jitong.After Empress Dowager Xuan exchanged a few polite remarks, the main banquet officially began.
The Marquise of Xuan was exceptionally sociable, at one moment praising Empress Dowager Xuan for her radiant complexion and inquiring if she had concocted a new rouge, and the next complimenting Shao Shang on the well-arranged banquet—the dishes were exquisite, the fruit wine delightful, and the accompanying music refined. With the Princess Consort of Ruyang occasionally chiming in, the atmosphere remained lively.
Listening to the cheerful laughter around her, Empress Dowager Xuan gradually warmed to the occasion. She asked the Marquise of Xuan and the Fourth Princess if they were getting along well. Naturally, the Marquise lavished praise on the Fourth Princess, comparing her to a blooming flower. In return, the Fourth Princess declared that the Marquise was one of the rarest and most virtuous mothers-in-law in the world, and that marrying into the Xuan family was her great fortune.
Seeing this, both the Prince of the East Sea and the Crown Prince appeared genuinely pleased. The Fifth Princess, standing nearby, sneered repeatedly, though she had learned to behave better these days—at least she no longer dared to make a scene in public.
Noticing how lively the conversation had become, Shao Shang quickly turned to Luo Jitong and asked in a hushed tone, “What’s going on?” She glanced across the table, barely containing her excitement. “Why are those two sitting together?”
Luo Jitong gave a helpless smile. “...Perhaps they have something to discuss. They’ve been talking ever since they sat down.”
Shao Shang looked over and saw that Huo Bu Yi and Yuan Shen were indeed engaged in a low, animated conversation. She couldn’t tell what they were discussing so intently—though Huo Bu Yi’s expression remained calm, Yuan Shen’s face flickered through a range of emotions, shifting between shock, doubt, and hesitation.
Turning back, Shao Shang smiled and asked, “Since you married into the northwest, it’s been so many years, and I never asked how you’ve been faring there.”
“Well or not, I’ve been a widow all the same,” Luo Jitong replied with a sorrowful, pitiable expression. “But I knew my late husband was frail from the start. To honor the promise our elders made years ago, I considered it my filial duty. Ah, when he fell gravely ill, I tended to him day and night, yet still faced gossip that I was just waiting to remarry. Because of those words, I stubbornly served my late husband’s parents for several more years after his passing...”
Shao Shang felt a pang of discomfort. They had discussed Luo Jitong’s marriage over five years ago.
At the time, many had protested the injustice of her betrothal, urging her to reject it. Given her reputation for virtue, several noblewomen even declared they would gladly welcome her as a daughter-in-law. Empress Dowager Xuan herself had offered to intercede with the Jia family on her behalf.
Yet Luo Jitong refused them all, insisting on upholding the elders’ promise.
To Shao Shang, if there had been no choice, that would be one thing. But when options were presented and still rejected, any ensuing suffering should be endured in silence—not paraded as a tragedy.
As a child watching melodramas, she had often been baffled by heroines who, despite having countless ways out, stubbornly clung to their misery, enduring humiliation, scorn, and abuse without ever leaving. Such people were either masochists or addicted to self-pity.
Five years ago, Shao Shang had assumed Luo Jitong’s insistence on fulfilling the marriage contract was simply a matter of extreme integrity—to each their own, she hadn’t dwelled on it. But now...
“Oh, don’t dwell on the past,” Shao Shang said, her smile a touch more artificial. “One must always look forward. Better days will surely come your way.”Luo Jitong smiled coyly, "You're right, one must always look forward. Although General Huo is strict, he has been quite lenient with me. Once, I spilled soup on a map he had just drawn, yet he didn't scold me. After that, I was afraid of causing him more trouble and didn't dare enter his study again. But if I didn't go in, he would forget to eat or drink when busy..."
Shao Shang's smile slowly faded.
She was not a particularly kind or tolerant person. Even unintentional slights from others would provoke a sharp retort, let alone such veiled implications. What was this—a warning or a show of affection?
"Since you two are so close, I suppose the marriage has been settled?" she asked bluntly.
Unaware of the tension, Luo Jitong continued her performance. She sighed deeply, "Actually, last month, the Governor of Liangzhou received His Majesty's decree urging General Huo to marry soon. At that time, the elders of the Jia family—my former husband's parents and uncle—had already proposed marriage on my behalf to General Huo. If not for the news a few days later about Her Majesty falling gravely ill and longing to see General Huo, we would have been engaged by now."
Shao Shang's smile vanished entirely. "It seems Her Majesty fell ill at an inconvenient time, delaying Luo Niangzi's happy occasion," she said coldly.
Only then did Luo Jitong notice the change in her expression and hurriedly said, "No, no, that's not what I meant..." When she left the palace to marry, she hadn't thought Shao Shang had any deep bond with Empress Dowager Xuan, assuming the five years of companionship were merely the Cheng family currying favor.
"I know that's not what you meant," Shao Shang interrupted. "When Her Majesty was on the throne, she protected your Luo family more than once. With such great kindness, how could you resent her for delaying your happiness? That would be the act of a beast!"
Luo Jitong's face flushed red and then paled, leaving her speechless.
Shao Shang turned away, no longer willing to engage.
When words didn't align, even half a sentence was too much. She admired Wan Qiqi's boldness and candor, appreciated Madam Sang's humor and quick wit, respected Old Madam Wan's deep affection and decisiveness, and even Empress Dowager Xuan's gentle endurance, Madam Xiao's wisdom and strategy, Yin Xu'e's lovestruck foolishness, and the quiet devotion of Cheng Yang and Madam Qing Cong—she could see the beauty in all of them. But Luo Jitong? Forget it.
Today's banquet was essentially a grand spectacle for gossip. Which of these women had truly come to witness the reconciliation between Empress Dowager Xuan, her son, and Huo Bu Yi? Yet as their gazes met, no one knew how to begin.
In the end, the Fifth Princess lived up to expectations by being the first to lose patience.
"Eleventh Master," the Fifth Princess raised her cup. "It's been many years. Seeing you as heroic as ever gladdens my heart. I'll drink first to honor you." With that, she downed her cup.
Huo Bu Yi smiled and returned the toast.
"Eleventh Master, I recall you and Attendant Yuan were merely acquaintances before. Why are you sitting together today?" the Fifth Princess asked, arching her eyebrows as she looked between the two men she had once fancied.
The Crown Prince frowned. "What business is it of yours if Zisheng and Shan Jian have something to discuss?" He had never liked the Fifth Princess, but with Empress Dowager Xuan and the Prince of the East Sea present, he tempered his tone, reducing its bite by half.
Sure enough, seeing the Crown Prince wasn't too harsh, the Fifth Princess grew bolder and teased, "I'm merely curious what they could have to talk about. Could it be... reminiscing? Old times, old flames...?"The Crown Prince's expression darkened as he decided to reprimand the Fifth Princess to snap her out of it, but Huo Bu Yi spoke first. With a faint smile, he said, "What I discussed with Attendant Yuan Shen actually concerned Cheng Niangzi, Shao Shang."
—The entire hall gasped in excitement, their faces alight with anticipation!
Even the Fifth Princess was taken aback. "It's about Cheng Niangzi? What did you say?"
Luo Jitong's expression changed drastically, while Shao Shang grew extremely nervous. Her eyes flashed with warning as she forced a smile. "Lord Huo, you... better not say anything reckless..."
Huo Bu Yi continued, "I told Attendant Yuan that although Shao Shang and I were fated to part, the fault does not lie with her. In truth, she is a fine person. Aside from speaking thoughtlessly during arguments, resorting to fists and kicks when angry, and forgetting to add salt when making soup—apart from these, she is flawless."
"What nonsense are you spouting?!" Shao Shang stood up abruptly in fury, while Yuan Shen lowered his head, rubbing his temples.
The hall fell into stunned silence.
Realizing all eyes were on her, Shao Shang softened her tone and forced a smile. "Lord Huo loves to jest. I no longer lose my temper these days, and my soups are delicious now. If you don’t believe me, ask Her Majesty. Right, Your Majesty?"
Empress Dowager Xuan turned her head to stifle a laugh, nodding earnestly. "Indeed, indeed..."
Huo Bu Yi replied impassively, "Ah, I see. Then it seems Shan Jian is fortunate."
Shao Shang was seething with murderous intent.
Huo Bu Yi turned to the Fifth Princess. "Your Highness, was this what you wished to hear just now?"
The Fifth Princess was speechless.
Huo Bu Yi, expressionless, addressed the hall. "Everything just now was a jest. What Shan Jian and I truly discussed were trivial matters after the campaign in Shu. I hope everyone refrains from baseless speculation."
—Even a fool could see his foul mood, and with the Crown Prince glaring fiercely around, the ladies had no choice but to suppress their gossipy curiosity.
Shao Shang clutched her chest in fright, took a deep breath to steady herself, then picked up her wine cup and strode straight toward the opposite side.
All eyes in the hall followed her.
Standing before the table, she raised her cup to Huo Bu Yi with a smile. "Lord Huo, it's no secret that we were once betrothed. There's no point hiding it, so let’s clear the air today."
She spoke loudly enough for the entire hall to hear. "I am now engaged to the Yuan family, and I trust Lord Huo will one day wed a talented and beautiful lady. The past is gone, circumstances have changed—when we meet again, let us remain old friends."
With that, she downed the wine in one bold gulp.
Yuan Shen gazed at his fiancée with shining eyes, his joy nearly bursting from his chest. Empress Dowager Xuan smiled faintly without comment, while the Crown Prince looked pained. The others wore mixed expressions of delight and surprise.
Huo Bu Yi stared fixedly at the girl, his amber-brown eyes swirling with unreadable emotions.
"Very well," he said, then drained his own cup in one go.
Shao Shang returned to her seat, slamming her cup onto the table with a thud. Leaning toward the stunned Luo Jitong, she whispered—
"Two things. First, I’ve never entered Yuan Shen’s study, nor have I ever delivered him soup or meals. Yet from the moment I agreed to his proposal to the Yuan family’s formal request, it took only a few days. If Huo Bu Yi wanted to marry you, he would have done so long ago! Save up more capital before you try to flaunt anything in front of me!"
"Second, I originally planned to take you with me to propose that toast, using the opportunity to announce your relationship with Huo Bu Yi to everyone here—a favor to you. Now, you’ll have to figure it out yourself!"Seeing Luo Jitong's pale face filled with regret, Shao Shang felt extremely pleased—though she didn't quite understand why she should feel this way.
Author's Note:
Sincere advice to readers who feel overly anxious—you might want to wait until the story concludes before continuing, to avoid unnecessary frustration.
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