Empress Yue's banquets were always harmonious—even the most discordant individuals had to conform when stepping into her domain. Even if one's heart was not in harmony, their face had to feign it.
The gathered assembly in the hall paid no heed to the Fifth Princess's departure. After rising from their bows, everyone wore bright smiles, exuding warmth and familiarity. Among them, Qu Lingjun was the most radiant, playfully winking at Shao Shang when their eyes met.
Empress Yue patted her hand, and Qu Lingjun gracefully descended to pull Shao Shang over to sit beside her. Most of the noblewomen present had known Qu Lingjun before, and seeing her again after so many years, they were all astonished.
Six years of trials and hardships had left Qu Lingjun’s beauty not only undiminished but enhanced—her complexion was rosier than ever, her skin glowing, her eyes sparkling with vitality. She outshone every other woman in the hall.
The Marquise of Zhongyue was the first to laugh. "Good heavens, Lingjun, you’ve been reborn! If I saw you on the street, I wouldn’t dare recognize you. While others age year by year, you only grow younger. What kind of elixir have you been taking?"
The Princess Consort of Ruyang deliberately winked. "What elixir? Marrying a devoted husband is better than any elixir! Ah, it seems a woman ages slower when she’s wed to the right man."
Qu Lingjun lowered her head with a faint smile, tacitly agreeing.
The Marquise of Zhongyue teased, "You’re quick to shift blame! You’ve always looked older than your years—twenty like thirty, thirty like a matron—and now you pin it all on the Heir Apparent, making it his fault!"
The Princess Consort of Ruyang chuckled, unbothered. Ever since her mother-in-law, the Old Princess, had been exiled to the Secluded Residence, her life had been nothing but bliss. She was happy to liven up Empress Yue’s banquet, and the other noblewomen joined in the laughter.
The Second Princess was even more startled when she noticed Qu Lingjun’s prominently rounded belly. "Lingjun, why travel all the way to the Capital City while pregnant? The journey must have been exhausting..."
"It’s already five or six months—quite stable," Qu Lingjun replied with a smile. "When I was carrying my last child, I even accompanied the Governor to the countryside to oversee well-digging. Besides, Yingchuan isn’t far from the Capital City. The trip takes barely ten days. If not for supervising the land measurement, we would’ve been the first to arrive." Precisely because Liangzhou was close to the Capital City, its governor had been among the first to implement the Land Measurement Decree.
"Moreover, I missed Her Majesty dearly," Qu Lingjun added cheerfully. "As soon as we arrived, I rushed straight to the palace without seeing anyone else."
Shao Shang eyed her belly worriedly. "You could have come after giving birth. Her Majesty isn’t going anywhere."
This drew laughter from the noblewomen.
The Second Princess smiled. "That’s the kind of thing only an unmarried maiden would say."
A noblewoman seated beside the Marquise of Xuan covered her mouth with a sleeve, giggling. "Once the child is born, it won’t be the Governor of Liangzhou’s turn to report to the Capital City anymore."
Only then did Shao Shang realize the couple had traveled together.
Qu Lingjun coughed lightly to mask her embarrassment, then raised her cup first to toast Empress Yue, thanking her for years of care and support. The second toast was for Shao Shang, in gratitude for her tireless efforts six years ago in clearing her name.
The Third Princess couldn’t resist adding, "Well, you should also thank the Eleventh Master... though it’s a pity he isn’t here now."
Shao Shang pretended not to hear and instead chatted with Qu Lingjun. "Counting this one, you and the Governor of Liangzhou have two children now?"
Qu Lingjun blushed slightly. "We had a son in the first year of our marriage, and a daughter the year before last."
"Three children in five years—the Governor is quite capable," Shao Shang couldn’t help teasing.Qu Lingjun blushed furiously and defended herself earnestly: "Actually, only the first child was intentionally planned by us. The next two were... accidents. The Governor said that after this one is born, we should take proper precautions..."
Shao Shang pretended not to understand, though she clearly did, her ears growing slightly warm—at their age, still having "accidents" so frequently? Did they really need to be that passionate? Was their old townhouse on fire or something?
After several rounds of drinks, Second Princess approached with a cup and asked solemnly, "Lingjun, does the Governor of Liangzhou treat you well?"
Shao Shang immediately wanted to chime in with some commentary on the Governor's impressive vigor, but Qu Lingjun clearly understood that Second Princess wasn't asking for salacious details. After a thoughtful pause, she replied sincerely, "Forgive my boldness, but ever since marrying the Governor, I feel as though the first twenty-some years of my life were wasted."
Shao Shang was startled by her fervent declaration—was it really that exaggerated?
Qu Lingjun had been close with Second Princess even before her marriage and spoke without reservation: "To be honest with Your Highness, I initially agreed to remarry for the sake of my family and children. But these past six or seven years, I've been happier than ever before. When I was with the Prince of the East Sea, I knew he had been betrothed since childhood, and my heart was always uneasy. Later, with Liang Shang... well, that goes without saying. It was my fault for coveting another woman's fiancé, so Heaven punished me with ten years of unbearable suffering. I thought my life would always be like that—until now. Only now have I truly experienced the depth of marital love, finally feeling grounded, with my heart settled in its rightful place instead of drifting aimlessly."
Moved by her words, Second Princess's eyes grew moist. Returning to her seat, she saw Third Princess already tearing into her third plate of dried meat. She scolded quietly, "Eat less. Becoming overly plump isn't good!"
Third Princess shrugged. "What's there to fear? Even if I turn into a barrel of lard, my consort can't divorce me. Besides, haven't you seen him lately? He's even rounder than I am. Last time, Father even joked that we're starting to look more and more like a proper married couple."
Second Princess choked back a retort, then said after a moment, "Earlier, I heard Lingjun speak of her loving marriage with the Governor of Liangzhou—it's enough to make anyone envious. Doesn't that move you at all?" She hoped Third Princess would aspire to something beyond mere indulgence.
Third Princess smirked faintly. "Marital bliss is a matter of luck, Second Sister. You were fortunate—others might not be. Qu Lingjun suffered for over a decade before gaining her current happiness. Mother endured decades as a concubine. If not for the Prince of the East Sea's incompetence and Third Brother's achievements, who knows if she'd even have the chance to hold her head high today..."
"Don't speak nonsense. Consort Xuan and Father never mistreated Mother," Second Princess countered.
"Heh, true enough. Mother's dignity was never diminished, whether as empress or consort," Third Princess chuckled. "In any case, I lack such lofty ambitions. I'm content to live comfortably and enjoy myself."
She glanced across the room. "Cheng Shaoshang may seem carefree, but she's endured plenty these past years, and who knows what's still ahead for her? I have wine, meat, entertainment, servants at my beck and call, and hounds for hunting—living the finest life possible. Why defy Father and bring trouble upon myself? Fifth Sister never understood—mortals should accept their mortal lot in life."The Second Princess had no choice. Since she couldn't see eye to eye with her younger sister, she went back to continue her conversation with Qu Lingjun. Seeing this, Shao Shang seized the opportunity to excuse herself to freshen up and left the hall.
She was very familiar with the Everlasting Autumn Palace. Even though the palace had changed hands, most of the palace maids and junior attendants recognized her from her frequent visits to report on her work. After freshening up, Shao Shang didn't want to return to the banquet immediately, so she strolled along the palace corridor to the courtyard behind the side hall, gazing up at a luxuriantly blooming flower tree.
She had no idea how long she stood there. Letting out a sigh laced with the scent of wine, her chest still felt heavy. She disliked today's banquet, the playful banter of the noble ladies, Qu Lingjun's blissful and contented smile—even the taste of the wine was sour and harsh.
Ah, how wonderful it would be if one could live according to their own heart—to wear a stern face when unwilling to feign smiles, to refuse outright when disinclined to socialize, to take out one's heart, wash it clean, and put it back when feeling miserable.
Since the banquet in the front hall was in full swing and the palace maids were busy serving, the courtyard was deserted and quiet, so silent that even the faintest whisper of wind seemed audible—or perhaps it was just Shao Shang's tipsy illusion.
"Shao Shang..."
A voice called from afar, but she thought it might be her imagination.
"Shao Shang!" A firm, masculine voice rang out, and she turned around in a daze.
Huo Bu Yi leaned against a pillar, his smile bright and clear: "So this is where you are." He was dressed in a pristine, plain-colored brocade robe, the only adornment being a pair of silver-inlaid jade wrist guards engraved with beast motifs that glinted faintly in the golden sunlight.
Suddenly, Shao Shang didn't want to pretend anymore. Right now, she couldn't possibly interact with Huo Bu Yi as old friends would—never seeing each other again would be most fitting. So she gave a brief curtsey and turned to leave, hoping he would take the hint.
Huo Bu Yi lightly pressed a hand against the vermilion railing and vaulted over the corridor like an arrow loosed from a bow. In a few strides, he caught up to Shao Shang, seized her wrist, and swiftly flipped it over. With his other hand, he pushed up her sleeve to reveal her upper arm—just as Luo Jitong had said, there was a very faint ring of teeth marks, the wound nearly healed. His expression darkened instantly.
Startled, Shao Shang tried to pry his hand away while maintaining a serious demeanor: "What do you think you're doing?!"
Under the flower tree, the girl looked pale and delicate, her tender cheeks flushed with a warm, tipsy glow, like rouge brushed onto translucent white jade. A few pink petals had drifted onto her raven-black hair. Huo Bu Yi lowered her sleeve but kept his grip firm, his gaze unwavering.
"I have something to say to you," he stated.
Shao Shang was furious: "Say it later. Let go first! Ow... let go...!" Not only did Huo Bu Yi refuse to release her wrist, but he also wrapped an arm around her slender waist, holding her so tightly she could barely breathe.
"Now," he said coolly. Seeing no other choice, Shao Shang relented: "Fine, but not here. Let's find another place." Her reputation was already in tatters, but she wasn't ready to throw it away completely.
Huo Bu Yi was also familiar with the Everlasting Autumn Palace. At her words, he began dragging her toward the gardens. Shao Shang quickly protested: "No, no! The spring scenery is lovely today—after the banquet, the ladies will surely stroll through the gardens to sober up... Let's go to the side hall. There are several secluded chambers there..."
Huo Bu Yi arched a brow but complied.After turning several palace corridors, the two arrived at an empty chamber. Huo Bu Yi strode ahead with swift steps while Shao Shang stumbled along behind. Several times, Huo Bu Yi wanted to carry her, but she firmly refused each time.
Upon entering the chamber, Shao Shang forcefully pushed the man away and took a few steps back. "Alright, say what you have to say."
Huo Bu Yi stood at the door, turning his back to close the newly papered lattice gate with delicate floral patterns, then slowly advanced toward her like a brooding deity. Shao Shang instinctively retreated a step.
Huo Bu Yi rolled up the sleeve of his right arm, revealing a small, deep pink bite mark. "Why is your scar so faint? The one I left should have been deeper."
Shao Shang slowly raised her left hand to her right upper arm, pressing against the scar, and replied coldly, "Over the years, I sought the finest Trauma Attending Physicians and used the best Scar Removal Cream—all to erase this mark completely. It’s almost gone now. By the time I marry, it will have vanished entirely!"
The girl stood there arrogantly, her expression icy. A sudden surge of hatred rose in Huo Bu Yi. He was already terminally ill, beyond cure, yet she was about to walk away unscathed, free to marry another once her wounds healed. How was that fair?!
Trained in martial arts since childhood, subduing an opponent was second nature to him—even half-asleep on horseback, his body could react instinctively. This instinct had helped him triumph countless times when exhausted. But now, he cast all technique aside. In one large stride, he seized the girl’s arm, pinned her down, and without hesitation, bit into her flesh.
Shao Shang was forced onto the polished floor, stunned for a moment before realization struck—like witnessing a benevolent deity suddenly shed its disguise to reveal a monstrous visage.
Huo Bu Yi had always been gentle with her. Even when they sealed their oath with a bite years ago, he had discussed it with her first before doing so. How, after six years at the border, had he regressed from an advanced feudal society back to a primitive, bloodthirsty tribe?!
A sharp, skin-rending pain shot through her upper arm. Her right arm was immobilized, so she retaliated with her left—grabbing his thick, dark hair and yanking backward with enough force to make his scalp sting. Yet Huo Bu Yi showed no reaction, his teeth only sinking deeper as his cold, ruthless eyes glared at her.
"Let go! Let go of me—ow, ow, ow! Stop biting first!" The sharp incisors tore through her skin, penetrating muscle. Overwhelmed by pain, Shao Shang flailed wildly, striking his shoulders and arms. In her fury, she even clawed at his flawless face, only to break her meticulously manicured nails—her own fingertips now bleeding instead.
Finally, Huo Bu Yi released her. Sobbing, Shao Shang pulled back her arm and saw that the nearly faded scar was now covered with a fresh ring of blood, the bite marks stark and brutal. It was clear—even if a miracle-working physician descended from the heavens, she wouldn’t be rid of this scar in months. Years of effort, wasted in an instant.
Huo Bu Yi knelt on one knee, rummaging through a Brocade Pouch at his waist.
Shao Shang stared at her bloodied arm, fury boiling uncontrollably. She was no meek, docile maiden—she had fought in the streets before. Suffering such a loss was unacceptable. Without hesitation, she lunged at him, biting, clawing, and pounding with all her might.Huo Bu Yi's cheeks and jaw took a few hits, but he remained unfazed, treating them as nothing. However, he now remembered the steps to subdue his opponent.
Holding a small white jade vial in his right hand, he slightly bent his left arm, accurately seizing the girl's right hand and twisting it behind her back, pressing her against his chest. Her slender back fit snugly against his torso. With the fingers of his right hand holding the vial, he hooked her right sleeve, revealing the bloody wound. Then, he bit down on her sleeve to keep it from slipping, used his thumb to push open the velvet stopper of the vial, and evenly sprinkled the medicinal powder onto the bite wound.
Shao Shang let out a pitiful cry, like a skinned little beast. The wound burned fiercely as the medicine took effect. She knew the powder would prevent infection and festering, but last time when he applied it, he had coaxed and teased her so tenderly, his gaze filled with affectionate concern, like an elder brother or father. Why was he treating her like this now!
Trapped in his iron-like embrace, she writhed in agony, but his chest was unyielding and his arms were strong. No matter how hard she pounded with her left hand, it was useless. In her desperation, she realized her right hand was still firmly held by Huo Bu Yi's left, so she angrily bit down on the back of his hand.
Blood seeped between her teeth as his fair skin broke instantly. Huo Bu Yi seemed oblivious, his expression as focused and tender as a young gentleman carefully trimming a lampwick for his beloved. He meticulously sprinkled the powder over every bloody puncture on her arm.
Exhausted from biting, Shao Shang finally released him and turned to snarl, "You're insane!"
Huo Bu Yi remained impassive. "You're no better."
"You scoundrel!"
"And what about you? Heartless, selfish, and cold."
They glared at each other like sworn enemies from a past life, neither willing to yield an inch.
Shao Shang hissed venomously, "If I'm so terrible, why do you keep clinging to me?!"
Huo Bu Yi didn’t answer. Instead, he fiercely kissed her still-bloodied lips, biting down as if seizing his prey by the throat. Shao Shang whimpered in pain, pushing at his face. As always, he couldn’t bear to hurt her and had to let her go.
Author's Note: Damn it, I can't write any further, or this will get reported. Everyone bear witness—this chapter is just a fight, not a single shred of spice!
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