The banquet concluded with the Prince of the East Sea personally assisting Empress Dowager Xuan to retire for rest. The Fifth Princess strode ahead confidently, while the Crown Prince maintained a stern expression, silently reciting to himself a hundred times, "Women and petty men are the most difficult to deal with—once fed, they love to gossip about every household." Luo Jitong had hoped to leave with Huo Bu Yi, but before she knew it, he had vanished like the wind, leaving the remaining onlookers to disperse in disappointment.
Shao Shang had a mountain of tasks to attend to. After waving to Yuan Shen, she hurried to the rear hall, instructing the palace maids to ensure all cooking fires were extinguished, dismissing all external laborers, taking inventory of the dishes and dining tables, and cleaning up the mess left behind from the lavish feast. As she moved from one task to another, she nearly collided with someone while turning a corner in the corridor.
Huo Bu Yi stood ahead, watching her intently.
Shao Shang took a small step back. "What are you doing here?"
Huo Bu Yi traced the intricate patterns on the corridor pillar with his slender fingers. "…Walk with me for a while—north of the Palace of Eternal Peace, there are no palace buildings, and no one passes by in the afternoon. No one will see us together."
After a brief hesitation, Shao Shang looked up into his deep, piercing eyes and softly replied, "Alright."
The North Palace had been built by the Royal Uncle over the past decade. With the court's finances stretched thin, many of the envisioned palace structures remained only on blueprints, leaving large areas untouched—wild forests, rocky slopes, and winding streams.
The two walked silently along a stretch of variegated flowering trees, their branches adorned with unnamed wild blossoms. Left untended, the garden had allowed these flowers to flourish freely under the spring sun and rain.
The afternoon sun cast slanting rays, its faint golden light falling on Huo Bu Yi's face, accentuating his striking handsomeness. It was early March, and for once, he wore a light fur robe with a loose sash, exuding effortless elegance.
Eager to avoid prolonging their time together, Shao Shang glanced around to confirm no one was nearby and spoke first. "Lord Huo…"
Huo Bu Yi chuckled lightly. "You used to call me Lord Ling. No matter how much I coaxed you, you insisted on calling me Zisheng only after we were married."
"…Perhaps I should address you as the Marquis of Gaoyong?" Shao Shang retorted stiffly.
Ignoring her provocation, he pressed on. "What do you call Yuan Shen when you're together? Surely not 'Lord Yuan'?"
Annoyed, Shao Shang replied, "Why does Lord Huo care so much about how other couples address each other?"
Huo Bu Yi stopped and turned to face her, his gaze dark and intense, his voice sharp as clashing metal. "…Shao Shang, you know my temper. If I wanted to turn the world upside down, I could. If I refused to let things go, I wouldn’t care about titles or power—I’d fight to the bitter end. But now, I’m choosing to let you go. So speak to me properly."
Shao Shang nearly snapped back but restrained herself, remembering her resolve to remain civil and unprovoked. Suppressing her anger, she said, "Then I thank Lord Huo for your mercy. When I’m with Yuan Shen, I either call him 'Yuan Shanjian' or 'A Shen.' Satisfied?"
Huo Bu Yi said nothing and continued walking. Shao Shang had no choice but to follow, seething silently.
"Have you been well these past five years?" he asked as they walked.
Shao Shang's tone was laced with sarcasm. "Thanks to you, I’ve lived comfortably in the Palace of Eternal Peace with Her Majesty, never lacking food or drink, and no one dared bully me! Ow—what are you doing?!"
Suddenly, Huo Bu Yi seized her wrist, his palm burning hot, his eyes dark and unreadable. "Do you truly intend to marry Yuan Shen?"Shao Shang struggled as if scalded: "That's right! We share common interests and discuss everything together. Moreover, the Yuan family is wealthy and influential, and we've stopped quarreling. Marrying him would be perfect! Hey... let go of me!"
"You're not wrong," Huo Bu Yi slowly released his grip. "The Yuan family is indeed a good match. Yuan Shen is composed, resourceful, diligent, and meticulous—truly a worthy partner. By any measure, this is an excellent marriage."
Rubbing her wrist resentfully, Shao Shang snapped, "Good that you understand!"
"That year when I caused disaster, you spoke up for me before His Majesty and the court to clarify the Huo family's grievances. I never properly thanked you," Huo Bu Yi said. "I underestimated Chunyu Shi. No one could have guessed she held evidence in her hands."
"That's called 'the darkest place is under the candlestick.' Only an outsider could see clearly. You've been trapped in this situation for over a decade, too deeply entrenched to notice—it's not surprising," Shao Shang pouted.
"Regardless, I must thank you. If you ever need anything in the future, I'll spare no effort to assist you," Huo Bu Yi turned to look at her.
Shao Shang couldn't help but sneer repeatedly: "I wouldn't dare impose. Just refrain from threatening or intimidating me with words or actions in the future, Lord Huo. How could I trouble you to exert yourself..."
"Very well, then I'll thank you verbally a few more times and skip the favors," Huo Bu Yi arched an eyebrow.
"Wait!" Shao Shang took a deep breath.
She wanted to retort sharply, telling Huo Bu Yi to disappear so she could marry in peace. But she was also pragmatic—life was long, and she might need his help someday.
"How many things?" Shao Shang asked again.
"What do you mean 'how many'?" Huo Bu Yi was puzzled.
"As repayment, how many favors are you willing to grant me?" In that instant, Shao Shang thought of Zhang Wuji promising Zhao Min three favors, or Yang Guo giving Guo Xiang three golden needles.
Huo Bu Yi smiled faintly. "As long as I live, no matter what difficulties you face, I'll resolve them for you. This promise lasts a lifetime."
Shao Shang froze, staring up at him in astonishment.
"In short, I hope your life will be smooth, free from calamity, filled with joy and no sorrow," Huo Bu Yi said deliberately, the high bridge of his nose catching a sliver of golden light, like a gilded Deity enshrined in a lofty temple.
"That's not appropriate," Shao Shang lowered her head. "You'll have a wife and children someday, many people to consider. Three—just grant me three favors."
She knew how valuable this promise was. With his capabilities, nothing would be beyond his reach—it was like a blank check of limitless potential. But putting herself in his future wife's shoes, she wouldn't be happy if her husband kept doing favors for an ex, even out of gratitude.
"Don't worry about that. I'll handle it appropriately," Huo Bu Yi clasped his hands behind his back and began walking again.
Watching his lonely retreating figure, Shao Shang felt a tumult of emotions.
Remembering something, she hurried after him: "Hey, listen—it's good that you're settling down, but I don't think Luo Jitong is quite suitable. You should think carefully! This isn't the harsh northwest frontier anymore—you can take your time choosing among the noble ladies of the Capital City... Don't laugh! I'm not jealous! Fine, I'll stop talking!"
Huo Bu Yi chuckled continuously. Just as he was about to respond, he noticed someone emerging from behind an ancient plum tree wide enough to take three or four people to encircle—it was Yuan Shen.
Shao Shang started, then waved vigorously ahead.
Huo Bu Yi's smile faded as he halted. "Let's part ways here then... Farewell.""Oh, alright." Shao Shang didn't have time to think deeply and could only respond.
The two parted ways—one running toward the old plum tree ahead, the other walking in the opposite direction. Dense blossoms shed delicate petals that fluttered down, evenly covering the ground. Only when someone walked past would they leave behind a dark trail of footprints.
As Huo Bu Yi walked, he couldn't help but glance back. He saw the two figures growing farther apart, the dark trails on the ground forming a massive "Y" shape. Looking at this "Y," his heart ached violently—he and she had truly gone their separate ways.
He hurriedly quickened his pace, resisting the urge to look at the two figures beneath the plum tree.
Shao Shang ran a few steps forward and asked, "What are you doing here?"
Yuan Shen gently brushed the fallen plum blossoms from his robes and replied slowly, "Waiting for the two of you."
A thought flashed in Shao Shang's mind, and she immediately said, "Earlier at the banquet, was this what you and Lord Huo were discussing?"
Yuan Shen's expression tightened. "He said he wanted to talk to you, and then, as you put it, 'let bygones be bygones'—have you both settled everything?" His gaze shifted to the tall man walking away in the distance.
"It's all settled," Shao Shang waved her hand cheerfully. "Not only are bygones bygones, but to thank me for clearing the Huo family's case back then, he also promised to help me with a few things in the future."
Yuan Shen sighed weakly in relief. "Let's hope so. These past few days, I've been on edge, worried he might stir up trouble and delay our wedding. Whether he helps or not doesn't matter—as long as Huo Bu Yi is willing to let go, anything is fine."
"Really, it doesn't matter?!" Shao Shang leaned in deliberately and teased, "As they say, 'in this world, one often has no choice.' Think carefully—in this long life ahead, are you really, absolutely sure you'll never need Huo Bu Yi's help?!"
Yuan Shen's beautiful eyes narrowed. "No! Absolutely not!"
"What determination!" Shao Shang squinted. "But I might need it!"
"Can't you have a little more ambition?!" Yuan Shen lamented her lack of resolve.
Shao Shang grinned. "Between the two of us, you're the ambitious one. I'll stick to practical benefits."
Hearing her casually say "the two of us," Yuan Shen felt a refreshing joy wash over his heart.
He smiled. "Fine, do as you please."
Seeing his cheerful expression, Shao Shang thought to herself, Surely nothing else will go wrong now.
After that day, she continued serving Empress Dowager Xuan at the Palace of Eternal Peace, while Yuan Shen returned home to have his father consult the diviners for an auspicious wedding date. The two occasionally met at the lakeside pavilion, chatting and laughing over trivial matters before heading to the palace for some pastries, making the most of their happy days.
Unfortunately, Shao Shang was born under an unlucky star—her life was like a mudslide, with no telling what might come crashing down next. While others had their wishes granted, hers always backfired. This peaceful routine lasted only seven or eight days before she heard palace rumors—Huo Bu Yi had been accused of killing innocent civilians to claim military merit, a crime unforgivable by law!
Shao Shang wanted to ask Yuan Shen for details, but the Emperor summoned her first.
She scratched her head, utterly confused, as she followed the junior palace attendant. When she arrived at the inner hall of the Department of State Affairs, she noticed that aside from Royal Uncle and the cold-faced Crown Prince, the balding Court of Justice official Ji Zun was also present.
"Greetings to Marquis Yang." After paying respects to the Emperor and his son, Shao Shang also bowed to Old Ji.
Ji Zun returned the gesture.
"Your Majesty summoned this humble servant. May I ask for your instructions?" Shao Shang said respectfully.
The Emperor sighed. "It's a long story. Zi Duan, you explain."The Crown Prince, skilled in summarizing, began: "Zhang Yao has accused Zisheng of killing innocent civilians to claim merit."
This was far too simplistic!
The Emperor rubbed his forehead, Ji Zun suppressed a laugh, and Shao Shang couldn't help but press further: "May I ask, Your Highness, who is Zhang Yao? And when and where did he accuse Lord Huo of such acts? Also, was I summoned here solely for this matter?" What did this have to do with her?
The Crown Prince replied, "First, you've met Zhang Yao before. Five years ago, he was the one who pushed Zisheng off a cliff."
Shao Shang froze. "The one who wielded a pair of Iron Melon Hammers? I remember now. I heard this man harbored resentment toward Lord Huo because he failed to command the Feather Forest Guard." In truth, the Crown Prince had told her this back then. Later, the Crown Prince had seized an opportunity to demote Zhang Yao to guarding imperial tombs. How had he resurfaced now?
The Emperor found the girl's words clever and glanced at her with amusement. Ji Zun, expressionless, said, "Cheng Niangzi, do not unjustly slander others." Accusing the plaintiff of harboring resentment right off the bat—women in the palace were indeed formidable.
The Crown Prince continued, "Second, Zhang Yao's accusation pertains to an incident over five years ago, just before the army marched to suppress Peng Zhen..." He paused. "To be precise, it was during the last six or seven days of October."
Hearing the date, Shao Shang's heart skipped a beat.
"About two to three hundred li west of the Panqing Military Camp, a band of several dozen bandits was causing trouble, often ambushing travelers in the mountain passes. At the time, Zisheng was training newly recruited soldiers at the camp. Upon hearing of this, he volunteered to lead a mission to eliminate the bandits," the Crown Prince explained. "It was late October when Zisheng led a troop out of the camp. Six or seven days later, he returned with dozens of bandit heads."
"That... sounds perfectly fine," Shao Shang said, confused.
The Crown Prince glared at her coldly. "But then Zhang Yao somehow produced a group of elderly, weak, women, and children who claimed that over five years ago, soldiers had stormed their village, slaughtering indiscriminately—especially the men, whose heads were severed and taken after they were killed. They barely escaped and hid for years before daring to come forward."
Shao Shang was stunned.
Ji Zun frowned. "If it truly was killing innocents to claim merit, the villagers would indeed fear being silenced and hesitate to report it. A few days ago, I sent men to investigate. The land near Drum Mountain is barren, but seven or eight years ago, dozens of households accepted the government's 'Cultivation Encouragement Decree' and settled there to reclaim wasteland for farming. Nearby villages said those families mysteriously vanished five years ago, and everyone assumed they fled due to poor harvests. Following the plaintiffs' directions, we excavated a mass grave at their settlement and found bodies dressed as villagers. Several women even described the leader—a general in black armor—matching Huo Bu Yi's appearance and weaponry!"
"Zisheng has led troops since he was fifteen, eliminating countless bandits and enemies. How could he possibly do such a thing!" the Crown Prince roared in anger.
Ji Zun remained impassive. "Your Highness, I understand your trust in Huo Zisheng, but facts are facts. The wounds on the bodies match military weapons, and there are witnesses. At this point, Your Highness cannot defend him unconditionally without reason!" Though his words were directed at the Crown Prince, his eyes flicked to the Emperor, his meaning clear.
The Crown Prince seethed in silence.
"...What do the soldiers who went on that mission say?" Shao Shang asked, shocked. "Surely they wouldn't claim Lord Huo ordered them to kill innocents for merit?"The Crown Prince said coldly, "At that time, Zisheng was leading new recruits, with three lieutenants at the forefront. Two of them had already died in battle, and the remaining one was Zisheng's private army soldier. As for the other soldiers, some were lost in the five years of warfare, while others were disbanded and sent home after last year's campaign against Shu. It would be very difficult to recall them all now."
Shao Shang's gaze shifted slowly to the Royal Uncle seated at the head of the room. The Emperor gave a slight nod, and both understood each other perfectly.
"Third," the Crown Prince frowned. "As for why His Majesty summoned you here today, even I do not know."
Meeting the puzzled looks from the Crown Prince and Ji Zun, along with the encouraging gaze from the Royal Uncle, Shao Shang felt a whirlwind of emotions in her heart. She helplessly lowered her shoulders. "Your Highness, Lord Ji, I do not know whether there was any killing of civilians to claim merit five years ago, nor do I know who might have done it. But I do know one thing—it absolutely could not have been Lord Huo."
The Crown Prince's eyes lit up, while Ji Zun looked half-convinced. "How so?"
Shao Shang sighed. "Before the army marched against Peng, right? It was the last few days of the tenth month, wasn't it? At that time, Lord Huo was taking me on an outing to Mount Tu Gao." As she said this, she couldn't help but blush slightly.
The Crown Prince pressed his hands firmly against the table, his eyes gleaming. "I knew it! I knew Zisheng wouldn't... Hmm, then who was leading the troops to suppress the bandits at the time?" His initial excitement gave way to hesitation.
"Lady Cheng must choose her words carefully!" Old Man Ji said sternly.
Shao Shang exclaimed, "Lord Ji, you needn't doubt me, because His Majesty already knows about this! Your Majesty, please speak up!"
Ji Zun and the Crown Prince turned their gazes in unison toward the Royal Uncle.
The Emperor smiled. "Indeed, after Zisheng returned from Mount Tu Gao back then, he told me about this matter. The one who led the troops in his stead to suppress the bandits was one of his private army soldiers. If I recall correctly... his name was Li Si."
Ji Zun was displeased. "Huo Bu Yi neglected his duties! How could Your Majesty shield him to this extent?"
"Ah, it was just negligence! A fine will suffice!" The usually stern Crown Prince was now uncharacteristically amiable. "Moreover, if Zisheng wasn't even at Mount Gu, how could those women identify his appearance? There must be something fishy going on!"
Ji Zun snorted heavily through his nose. After fuming for a while, he composed himself and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, I have always trusted Your Majesty's integrity. But over the years, in order to shield Huo Bu Yi, Your Majesty has not only repeatedly made exceptions but also occasionally acted with favoritism. Many among the court officials have long been dissatisfied. Now that this matter has caused such an uproar among the common people, I believe it would be best to follow the proper procedures."
"Marquis Yang is right!" the Crown Prince said enthusiastically. "Let Zisheng go to the Court of Justice to defend himself. And Lady Cheng should go too!"
"Ah!" Shao Shang was shocked. "What would I do there? General Li Si can just testify!"
"Li Si is Zisheng's private army soldier and comes from the Huo family's household troops. Who would believe him if he says Zisheng wasn't at Mount Gu at the time?"
"But I'm his... uh..." Shao Shang faltered.
"You're already betrothed to the Yuan family, so you have no ties to Zisheng anymore! If you testify, it will surely silence the rumors!"
"Well..." Shao Shang hesitated.
The Crown Prince's expression turned cold. "Lady Cheng, even though you and Zisheng are no longer connected, you can't just stand by and watch him suffer!"
"It's not like he's going to die..." Shao Shang forced a laugh.
"Shao Shang isn't that kind of person. Ziduan, don't frighten her," the Royal Uncle said kindly. "Shao Shang, what do you say?"Shao Shang bit her lip and mustered her courage, saying, "Very well, Lord Ji, this humble woman is willing to go to the Court of Justice to clarify the situation, ensuring the imperial laws face no difficulties!" Damn it, as if she had a choice?!
Ji Zun exclaimed in approval, "Excellent! In three days, the Court of Justice will hold a hearing. This old minister eagerly awaits Cheng Niangzi."
...
After Ji and Cheng had withdrawn, the Crown Prince fixed his gaze steadily on his father. The Emperor remained composed, exuding dignified serenity.
"Imperial Father, these past few years, Zhang Yao has been guarding the Western Mausoleum."
"Was it not you who assigned him there, my son?"
"This son recalls that the commander of the Western Mausoleum garrison was once a trusted scout who served under Imperial Father's banner."
"Is that so? Your memory serves you well, my son."
"Imperial Father must have been the first to know about Zhang Yao's meeting with those elderly, weak, women and children."
"Perhaps so."
"If Grand Empress Dowager of Huai'an hadn't mentioned missing Zisheng last month, would you still have summoned Zisheng back to the Capital City to defend himself?"
"What do you think, my son?"
Author's note: Rewatching The Untamed, it's truly wonderful.
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