This year’s summer was impatient—it arrived early and departed just as swiftly. A torrential downpour accompanied by roaring thunder a few days ago marked its end. The flowers battered down by the fierce raindrops had yet to fully scatter when the cool breeze of early autumn arrived in gentle waves.
Waking from a sweet afternoon nap, the bedding still carried the warm, sun-soaked fragrance. Shao Shang lay lazily, motionless, her thoughts drifting in idle emptiness—this had been her state for the past month.
By nature, she was lively and competitive, always striving to excel. Even as a child, she had to be the best at throwing mud. Such prolonged idleness was something she had never experienced before… and yet, it felt surprisingly pleasant.
After half an hour of waking reverie, she lay there until her stomach faintly rumbled before reaching out from the embroidered gauze bed curtains to tug the rope bell hanging beside the couch. No more urgent study tasks, no impending marriage arrangements—her family now enveloped her, frail and returned from illness, with a tenderness like warm water. Thus, Shao Shang treated herself with unprecedented indulgence.
She slept until she woke naturally, ate until she was fully satisfied, and spent her days lounging on the dry wooden veranda, basking in the sun and daydreaming—much like the elderly tabby cat she had brought back from the palace, lazily exposing its round belly in contentment.
After finishing the nourishing lunch prepared by A Zhu (yes, she had slept until noon again), Shao Shang gazed at the crisp autumn scenery outside the window for a while before suddenly deciding to take a stroll. A Zhu draped an outer robe over her, and Lian Fang helped her outside.
The early autumn air was cool, and the courtyard held a unique charm at this time. The flowers on the branches had yet to wither, their leaves a translucent emerald. Unlike the exuberance of spring or the boisterous vitality of summer, there was now a serene and refined beauty.
Shao Shang suddenly remarked, "Consort Xuan loved this season’s scenery the most. I had thought she might at least hold on until now."
A Zhu, walking beside her, was startled and quickly said, "Young Lady, please don’t dwell on such thoughts. Consort Xuan has already passed. If you grieve for her, she won’t rest easy in the afterlife."
Shao Shang smiled. "Mother Fu, you misunderstand. I was just speaking casually. After all these years, I know exactly how her health was—her chronic illness was deep-rooted. It was only a matter of time. At least she passed peacefully, which eases my sorrow somewhat."
Because the summer heat made it difficult to preserve the body, and all the necessary funeral arrangements had long been prepared, Empress Dowager Xuan’s burial was completed within a month of her passing. She was interred in the pre-constructed northern mausoleum at Mangyuan, which, according to geomancers, was an auspicious site with excellent feng shui.
Shao Shang numbly went through all the rituals, then rewarded and dismissed the palace maids and eunuchs who had served the late empress dowager, locked the gates of the Palace of Eternal Peace, and returned the ceremonial tokens and seals to Empress Yue. Finally, exhausted, she returned home.
And there she remained, living like a sluggish pig for a full month.
She knew that during this time, Huo Bu Yi had come to see her several times, but Madam Xiao had firmly turned him away each time, insisting that her daughter needed to recuperate. However, Huo Bu Yi didn’t have much time to pester her either. Shortly after Empress Dowager Xuan’s passing, the resistance of powerful local clans against the land measurement policy escalated into armed rebellion. Thus, the army, which had only just sheathed its swords the previous year, had to mobilize once more.
The Crown Prince was so furious his mouth twisted. Recently, his expression alternated between solemnity and even deeper solemnity. Only the seasoned Royal Uncle remained unshaken."Cutting off someone's source of wealth is akin to killing their parents. These local tyrants have been ruling like kings, their lands growing ever larger, their households accumulating more and more servants, even forcing county magistrates and commandery governors to defer to them. Now that the government insists on intervening, they naturally won't give up without a fight." The Emperor remained composed. "No matter. A good beating will settle it."
Just as Shao Shang was collapsing in exhaustion, the Emperor had already dispatched several military units to suppress the rebellions. However, things did not go smoothly. In his fury, the Emperor recalled General Wu, who had been confined for self-reflection. The court erupted in clamorous protests, with many officials arguing that General Wu's notorious reputation for slaughtering cities and executing surrendering troops would only harm innocent civilians caught in the crossfire if he were sent to quell the unrest.
The Emperor asked, "If so, what do you propose, my lords?"
"...These rebels gather to attack local officials and scatter to hide in mountains and marshes. When government troops come to suppress them, they vanish; when the troops withdraw, they emerge to cause chaos again. Your Majesty, the entire realm is now ablaze with unrest, and the people are suffering! I implore Your Majesty to revoke the decree—the land measurement policy must be implemented gradually!" An official opposed to the policy wept openly in court.
Cui Hou curled his lip. "It's not exactly 'ablaze with unrest.' Only Qing, Xu, You, and Ji Provinces are seeing the most intense uprisings. The other provinces have either been pacified by officials or have already surrendered."
The Fourth Prince asked in confusion, "Why are these four provinces the most rebellious?"
Yuhou smiled. "Because all four border mountains and seas, enjoying the profits of fishing, salt, and maritime trade. The local powerful families there have both wealth and manpower, making them formidable. Moreover, they're all far from the imperial capital—unlike Yang Province, which, despite its vast rivers and lakes, is still newly developed with few influential clans."
The Fourth Prince suddenly understood.
Another official argued, "Qing, Xu, You, and Ji Provinces are vast in territory and population, and they are crucial for tax revenue. Now that they're in chaos, the entire realm is shaken. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider!"
Ji Zun retorted sharply, "Are you suggesting His Majesty should abandon the imperial decree halfway out of fear of these powerful families? Should we let mice scare us away from the precious vase?"
The official sneered. "Don't make it sound so noble! Look at Jing Sheng Commandery, where meritorious officials are everywhere—what's happening there? Officials are corrupt, concealing land and population, shielding their fellow merit-holders while imposing harsh demands on other provinces. How can this not provoke resentment across the realm?"
At this, half the high-ranking officials in the court glared at him—though, to some extent, his words held truth.
The Crown Prince's face darkened as he said coldly, "Just yesterday, I reported to His Majesty about the corruption in Jing Sheng Commandery, where officials cannot conduct land measurement fairly. His Majesty has already sent envoys to investigate. Soon, we'll present a few heads of officials guilty of 'falsifying land measurements' for you to see. Then, perhaps, the 'people of the realm' will be satisfied!"
The officials opposed to the land measurement policy sat back down resentfully. One of them, still indignant, raised his voice and asked, "Grand Imperial Son-in-Law, what do you say? Your family was once a prominent clan in Qing Province!"
The Grand Imperial Son-in-Law looked awkward and evaded the question. "Zisheng, you're well-traveled and wise. What are your thoughts?"Huo Bu Yi glanced at the official and said calmly, "Your Majesty, esteemed ministers, in my humble opinion, this rebellion should be divided into two categories. The first consists of innocent commoners oppressed by local officials, who mistakenly believe the court has included their homes and haystacks as taxable farmland to levy heavier taxes, thus inciting unrest. For these people, we should prioritize appeasement over suppression. Once the truth is clarified, they will disperse on their own. Only those who still refuse to lay down their arms should be dealt with severely."
The Emperor nodded.
"The second category involves local powerful families coercing ignorant commoners to resist imperial decrees. For these individuals, we must teach them a clear lesson about who truly holds authority in this land—hm, perhaps General Wu could take charge of this matter," Huo Bu Yi suggested.
Yuhou noticed the Emperor's lips curling slightly, while the Crown Prince's expression softened somewhat.
General Wu frowned. "So I'm to handle the tough cases, Zisheng? What about you?"
Yuhou lowered his head with a smile, thinking to himself that the Emperor would never assign such a thankless task to his own foster son.
Huo Bu Yi replied leisurely, "Your servant has always been gentle and kind-hearted since childhood. I shall patiently enlighten the misled commoners with the teachings of sages."
The Fourth Prince took a step back, clutching his face in exaggerated disbelief. "You? Gentle?" He still remembered how his jaw had been dislocated years ago for making one too many remarks about the Huo and Ling families' past.
The Second Prince touched the scar on the back of his head and muttered, "Yes, very kind-hearted indeed."
Huo Bu Yi turned his face away, pretending not to hear.
Finally, the Emperor concluded, "We must combine suppression with appeasement. If the rebels disperse voluntarily, We shall not pursue further punishment. But for those who remain obstinate, once their leaders are identified, their entire clans shall be relocated to northern Bingzhou or southern Yangzhou. Firstly, these regions are sparsely populated with ample land for livelihood. Secondly, severing their ties with native regions will naturally quell future rebellions."
A true expert's move reveals his skill. Though phrased diplomatically, the Emperor's plan was ruthlessly effective.
Ultimately, these widespread rebellions stemmed not from personal grievances but family interests. By identifying which clans supported the uprisings and relocating them entirely, the root cause would be eliminated—like taking away the firewood from under the cauldron.
As soon as the Emperor finished speaking, several previously defiant officials immediately prostrated themselves in plea: "Your Majesty, this must not be! Since ancient times, scholars find it hardest to leave their homeland and ancestral graves. Execution affects only a few family members, but forced relocation means loss of property, unfamiliar customs, and unsuitable climates—it's tantamount to destroying entire households!"
The Emperor maintained a benevolent expression. "You exaggerate, dear ministers. The relocated will receive land from local authorities—how could this be called destruction? From today onward, those who sincerely repent need not face clan relocation. But for the unrepentant, perhaps a change of scenery would aid reflection—Our decision is final. No further discussion!"
Outside, the storm of unrest raged on, but Cheng Shao Gong, as usual, treated it as gossip to share with his younger sister. Shao Shang sighed deeply, "Thank goodness our family rose to prominence late. With little land and few dependents, we've nothing to fear from investigations."
Passing through the courtyard, Shao Shang followed the lush greenery to the waterside pavilion, where maids and servants bustled about carrying octagonal Lacquer Wood food containers, fruit wines, and clotted milk. Smiling, she asked, "Has grandmother fully recovered? Is she well enough to enjoy the breeze outside today?"A Zhu smiled and said, "The old madam has grown tired of being cooped up indoors and has been insisting on coming out for some fresh air these past few days. Coincidentally, Old Madam Wan is also visiting today, so the Female Lord has arranged a family banquet in the waterside pavilion. Young Lady, if you would join in the merriment, the master and the Female Lord would surely be delighted."
Shao Shang smiled without responding and approached the pavilion from the back, signaling the surrounding maids not to announce her arrival. She leaned against a pillar, gesturing for A Zhu and the others to hide nearby, listening to the cheerful laughter from the pavilion—
"...Mother, really! Now that you're fully recovered, of course I must return to my post!" Cheng Zhi said anxiously. "With rebellions breaking out everywhere, as a county magistrate, I must fulfill my duties!"
Cheng Shi sighed. "Ah, Third Brother's luck is truly unmatched. Wherever disaster strikes, he always manages to avoid it... Hey, has everyone heard about the magistrate of Li County?"
Old Madam Wan opened her single eye slightly. "The one who surrendered to the rebels? Didn't he already drink poison and die?"
"Exactly! Ah, that magistrate was pitiable. With only a handful of men, he held out against the endless tide of rebels surrounding the city for dozens of days before surrendering. But two days later, the imperial army arrived, and he was immediately imprisoned and sentenced."
Cheng Shi lamented, "Many local officials have faced such situations. Once the imperial army withdraws, the rebels return immediately. Unable to resist, they either die or surrender—there's no third option. Right now, Third Brother's county is being managed by two deputy magistrates. Even if they surrender under pressure, the court won't hold two minor officials accountable. Third Brother is truly fortunate!"
Cheng Mu clapped her hands in relief. "The gods of all directions protect us! Zhi is blessed with great fortune, turning calamity into blessing... Pah pah pah, he won't even encounter calamity... I say, the timing of his birth was auspicious—the sky was filled with colorful clouds, now shaped like dragons, now like tigers..."
"Grandmother, such words shouldn't be spoken lightly. Since ancient times, only emperors and great generals have had celestial omens at their birth..." Cheng Yong frowned.
Cheng Shao Gong muttered, "Not necessarily."
Cheng Mu retorted unhappily, "What's wrong with saying it among family?!"
"Exactly! Maybe Third Uncle will also become a great general or minister..." Wan Song chimed in, eager to stir the pot.
Qiqi asked doubtfully, "Third Uncle can lead troops into battle? I’ve never heard of that... Ow!"
Yin Xu'e smiled sweetly and pinched her under the table.
"Qiqi is right," Madam Sang said with a chuckle. "Your Third Uncle can't even ride a horse for long without his back and legs aching, let alone lead troops. This time, he requested leave from the prefect to return home. The moment he left, the rebellion erupted. Fortunately, that prefect is well-versed in military affairs. If anything happens, this will be the third superior of your Third Uncle to die in office."
"The third?!" Wan Song and Qiqi exclaimed in disbelief.
Cheng Shao Gong began fumbling for the Divination Coins in his sleeve, intending to divine his uncle's fortune.
"Indeed. Each time, his superior meets a heroic end, while your uncle narrowly escapes. I haven’t been spared either—once I caught typhoid, another time I broke a leg—yet your uncle hasn’t even suffered a scratch," Madam Sang teased. "This time, we’ll have to come up with another excuse."
The pavilion erupted in laughter, with everyone wishing Cheng Zhi a lifetime of good fortune. Cheng Yang, her belly slightly rounded, exchanged a shy smile with Ban Jia, both silently hoping their future child would be just as lucky.Only Cheng Mu was extremely displeased and questioned Madam Sang, "What do you mean by this? Are you unhappy that your husband isn't dead yet? Are you waiting to remarry? Zhi is blessed with great fortune, born under my auspicious timing—"
"What timing! This is supposed to be a pleasant family gathering. Don't spoil the mood." Seeing Cheng Mu about to erupt again, Old Madam Wan said sternly, "I think Shunhua is right. Though we have clear consciences, there will inevitably be gossip that Zhi was born with a cowardly fate. Cheng Xiaowei, Yuan Yi, when Zigu and Shunhua return, give them more capable soldiers from your private army to help suppress unrest along the way. At least there will be an explanation later."
Cheng Shi smiled in agreement, "Aunt, your foresight puts me to shame."
"Return? With all the chaos outside, why go back now? Zhi, don't leave! Forget about official posts for now—you don't need this one! Your elder brothers are here. We'll find you a good county magistrate position later. Just stay home for now!" Cheng Mu panicked.
Cheng Cheng said gently, "Mother, this might not be appropriate—"
"Inappropriate? What do you know? Shut your mouth—" Cheng Mu harshly scolded her second son.
Cheng Cheng quietly retreated. Madam Qing Cong held his hand under the table, and he smiled gratefully in return.
Cheng Zhi exclaimed, "Second brother is right. Mother, stop causing trouble. I'm an imperial official—how can I only think of self-preservation? Besides, do you think the court is Eldest Brother's tavern where you can pick any official post you want?"
"Why not! Even if your brother can't arrange it, isn't there that powerful Marquis Huo? Next time he visits, don't turn him away—"
Before she could finish, Cheng Xiao and his wife darkened their expressions.
"I used to think Shao Shang was too harsh for refusing to acknowledge you all these years," Old Madam Wan shook her head. "Now I see she was the only one among both families who could see through people's hearts—even now, you still haven't changed!"
Cheng Mu seemed somewhat afraid of Old Madam Wan and mumbled, "I've repented. Back then, I was blinded and listened to that vile Ge Shi, always scheming to control my sons and new brides, which delayed Niao Niao..." Then she added defiantly, "But she turned out fine, didn't she? Handsome suitors never stopped coming. Our family has already held three betrothal banquets!"
"Mother!" Cheng Shi roared. "Must you bring up sore subjects?"
"Alright, alright!" Cheng Mu's ears rang as she pleaded, "I was wrong, I admit it! Heaven above, if I could do it over, I'd treat Niao Niao well and reunite her with you all! I swear this is true—if I lie, may my tongue be torn out in hell after I die!"
For the old woman, this was a remarkably sincere oath.
Shao Shang silently chuckled behind a pillar.
"Since Grandmother is better now, let's not talk about death," Cheng Yong said patiently. "By heaven's mercy, Empress Dowager Xuan passed away, yet Grandmother recovered. From now on, if Grandmother takes good care of herself, nothing would make her descendants happier."
"My eldest grandson always knows what to say." Cheng Mu beamed.
Old Madam Wan snorted, "Since you won't be dying anytime soon, I'll take that Golden Phoebe coffin back—thought you'd need it first. Truly, the wicked live long."
"Yeah, yeah..." Cheng Zhi absentmindedly agreed.
Cheng Mu erupted, "You brat! Are you calling me wicked?!""No, no, I said Mother could live a thousand years!" Cheng Zhi quickly interjected.
The pavilion erupted in laughter.
"Alright, alright, stop scolding me. I truly admit my mistake. From now on, Niao Niao can marry whomever she wants—or not marry at all. Our family can certainly afford to support her. I've already left instructions—after I'm gone, all the wealth I've accumulated over decades will go to Niao Niao. Even if she never marries, she'll have something to rely on. Don't believe me? Ask Hu Ao! Isn't this apology sincere enough?" Cheng Mu said with visible distress.
Cheng Mu treasured wealth as dearly as her life, unaware that Empress Dowager Xuan had already bestowed Shao Shang with estates and servants, ensuring her lifelong comfort. Seeing Cheng Mu's pained expression, everyone found it utterly amusing.
Shao Shang shook her head and quietly stepped back, feeling a sudden sense of relief.
Author's Note: Here's how I understand the Land Measurement Decree—translated to modern terms, imagine a world without purchase restrictions or property taxes, where the wealthy can freely buy the best properties in prime locations of major cities, even large plots of land.
Thus, those who got rich first, those with abundant resources, could hoard properties—buying dozens or even hundreds of homes, living leisurely off them. Some might even hold onto land without developing it, waiting to cash in when prices peak. From Adam Smith's perspective of free-market economics, this isn't wrong. Yet today, we know that Western nations have long abandoned this theory, intervening in their economies and markets through various subtle means—well, you know who I'm referring to, so let's not name names.
The essence of the Land Measurement Decree is this: if you want to own many properties or vast lands, fine—either pay property taxes or develop the land. You can't just occupy resources without contributing to the state.
At first glance, this seems fair. But there are exceptions—like elderly couples who acquired eight homes through demolition and relocation compensation but lack liquid assets, or someone like Xiao Ming who inherited ten properties but has little income. Forcing them to pay property taxes might mean selling some homes just to afford the levy.
The approach of the U.S. government across the ocean is: if you occupy a property, you must pay taxes. If you can't afford the tax, it suggests your income doesn't match your property holdings—so downsizing to a more affordable home is reasonable. That's why in movies and TV shows, we often see families losing homes they've lived in for decades, fully paid off, because they couldn't keep up with taxes.
This, in turn, seems overly harsh.
Emperor Wu's Land Measurement Decree followed a similar logic. Since he rose to power with the support of powerful clans, he didn't oppose their ownership of land and people. However, the state needed to know exactly how much they controlled and impose conditions—taxes, labor obligations, and ownership limits. If the clans could bear these costs, fine. But they couldn't secretly conceal land and population to evade state obligations, effectively becoming independent entities. Otherwise, what purpose would the central government serve?
Not sure if this interpretation is accurate—just my personal take, so take it lightly.
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