Following a stone-paved path behind the waterside pavilion, Shao Shang and her companions slowly made their way to the back of the mountain. After sitting for a while on the stone stools by the pond, she suddenly said, "Mother Fu, do you remember when I fell seriously ill in that country cottage years ago? If not for your devoted care, my grave would likely be overgrown with knee-high grass by now."
A Zhu was taken aback and smiled. "Young Lady, your great fortune ensures you overcome all calamities. How could I claim any credit?"
Shao Shang gazed at the weeping willows by the pond. "...Mother Fu remains unchanged, never saying an extra word or taking undue credit. Perhaps you didn't know, but back then, I had no idea what my parents or brothers looked like or what they were like. You were the only person in the world I could trust."
A Zhu's heart ached, and she said gently, "What's past is past. Now, the Female Lord and the young masters dote on you so much."
"Yes," Shao Shang murmured to herself. "These years have felt like a dream. For the past month, I've been sleeping endlessly, wondering if I might wake up one day to find it was all truly a dream. But no matter when I wake, I'm still in the same place."
A Zhu didn't understand but consoled her, "Young Lady, you've been exhausted and slept too long, so you're a bit disoriented."
Shao Shang smiled self-deprecatingly and turned her head. "Mother Fu, I'm afraid I'll never be able to forgive Grandmother."
"What?!" A Zhu had thought the girl had grown more open-minded lately, assuming the situation had eased, and was startled by these words.
Shao Shang added, "...I won't go out of my way to oppose her either. But some wrongs can never be undone. Mother Fu, don't blame me."
A Zhu sighed. "After all the suffering you've endured, how could I blame you?"
"Before, Mother always said I had a harsh temperament. I refused to accept it, but now I think she was right," Shao Shang said with a laugh.
A Zhu hesitated. "The Female Lord... the Female Lord has long regretted it. She treats you so well now..."
"Mother Fu, there's no need to say more. I understand Mother's feelings. I won't dwell on these things anymore. From now on, I won't keep track of who dislikes me or who has wronged me. If I'm angry, I'll settle it right then and there—no more bottling it up."
A Zhu said with relief, "It's wonderful that you can think this way, Young Lady."
Shao Shang murmured, "Instead, I'll remember who likes me and who treats me well... As long as I think of these people, I'll have the strength to live. People should focus on the good things, don't you think, Mother Fu?" The clear pond water shimmered with ripples, casting a gentle glow on her face, as if illuminating her heart.
...
Once the court's major policies were set, a series of decrees followed in quick succession—suppressing rebellions where necessary and offering amnesty where appropriate.
The Crown Prince requested permission to lead the campaign, and the Emperor gladly agreed, then ordered the establishment of a central command camp in Chenliu Commandery of Yanzhou to oversee military operations, relief efforts, and the implementation of the Land Measurement Decree across regions. Many saw through this—it was the Emperor's way of accumulating merits for the Crown Prince. Thus, they cooperated with smiling applause, eagerly offering financial and manpower support.
Shao Shang couldn't help but reflect. Back then, the Royal Uncle had similarly groomed the Prince of the East Sea, but the ministers had either dissuaded him or scoffed behind his back. The difference now was that the current Crown Prince was not to be trifled with—not only was he efficient in handling affairs, but his temper was even swifter. Anyone daring to secretly obstruct him would be dealt with thoroughly and impeccably.Before Shao Shang could finish packing her belongings, the Crown Prince had already led a grand procession of guards and ceremonial entourage out of the city gates, heading eastward.
Cheng Yang, holding her belly, went to bid farewell to her husband, who was accompanying the Crown Prince. Upon returning, she shared some gossip: during the departure ceremony, both the Crown Prince and the Empress wore expressions of impatience, while the Emperor and the Crown Prince’s consorts and concubines were visibly sorrowful and reluctant to part.
Everyone burst into laughter.
Cheng Yang couldn’t hide her worry: “A Jia is timid and not skilled in archery or horsemanship. I hope nothing happens to him.”
Shao Shang reassured her, “Don’t worry. As long as the Crown Prince is safe, so is he. Don’t take it the wrong way—this assignment was likely given to Xiao Hou Ban as a special favor from His Majesty, considering the dwindling numbers of the Ban family. Otherwise, do you think others wouldn’t be fighting for it?”
Cheng Yang let out a long sigh. “That’s true. A Jia mentioned that the Crown Prince will first go to the Yanzhou camp to strategize, and then several armies will arrive in succession. Well, Yanzhou is peaceful now, so there shouldn’t be any trouble.”
With Cheng Mu now recovered, her children naturally began to depart one after another. Cheng Yong and Wan Song’s couples were the first to leave, followed by Cheng Zhi. Originally, Cheng Cheng had planned to return to White Deer Mountain as soon as possible, but his wife was diagnosed with pregnancy. Madam Xiao insisted that Madam Qing Cong stay behind, and Cheng Cheng, unwilling to part with his wife, found himself torn daily between his studies and his affections.
During these days, Cheng Shi was so busy he barely had time to catch his breath. After finally assembling the troops, he had to accompany General Han to several counties west of Sizhou. The good news was that he would be traveling alongside Cheng Zhi, allowing him to escort Cheng Zhi and his wife back to their post. The bad news was that, on the very day of their departure, a fast horse brought word that the prefect under Cheng Zhi’s jurisdiction had been struck in the forehead by a stone thrown by rioters and had fallen unconscious. Since the deputy prefect was already severely injured and unconscious, the prefect, following protocol, had struggled to appoint the magistrate of the largest and wealthiest county in the prefecture to take charge of defending the people—which happened to be Cheng Zhi.
“Is Third Uncle about to get promoted again?” Shao Shang couldn’t help but envy her pig-headed uncle’s luck.
Cheng Shao Gong offered to divine whether the prefect would die, but he nearly got a beating from Madam Xiao for it.
Madam Xiao grabbed Cheng Zhi by the ear and lectured him at length, emphasizing that he must not show even the slightest hint of eagerness for promotion. Instead, he should attend to the prefect’s sickbed with even more devotion than the most filial son.
Madam Sang smiled and said, “Husband's sister-in-law, don’t worry. Aside from handling official duties, I’ll make sure Zi Gu even sleeps by the prefect’s bedside.”
Cheng Zhi covered his ears, looking miserable.
A few days later, Shao Shang had packed her belongings and prepared the carriages and horses, while Cheng Shao Gong had chosen an auspicious date and time for their departure. Just one day before they were set to leave, a messenger from the palace suddenly arrived, summoning her for an audience with the Emperor. Shao Shang hurriedly changed out of her casual sleeveless robe and into the dignified Wrapped Robe that Royal Uncle favored before daring to enter the palace. After some twists and turns, she found the Emperor sitting on the white marble steps outside the west gate of the Everlasting Autumn Palace.
The Emperor sat on the stone steps, eyeing her sideways. “After barely a month of freedom, you’ve already grown lax again. How long has it been since you wore this robe? The creases haven’t even been ironed out.”
Shao Shang knelt awkwardly on the lower steps. “Well… when resting in bed, getting up is such a hassle. Why torment good clothes…?”
“So, I should reward you for this?”
“This humble one wouldn’t dare!” Shao Shang quickly replied."Dare? There are few things in this palace you wouldn't dare." Royal Uncle laughed so hard a few strands of his beard flew up. "After Shen An's funeral rites, the Fifth Prince departed for his fiefdom. That day when I returned, the Empress suddenly remarked how quiet the palace had become—how there used to be you and the Fifth Prince secretly brawling, but now everyone is leaving one by one..."
Shao Shang hurriedly defended herself: "How would this humble one dare strike a prince? It's merely that the Fifth Prince is magnanimous, and I presumptuously played rough with him—just playful roughhousing!"
"Enough of your glib tongue. Though to be fair, the Fifth Prince refuses to admit it either. A grown man constantly getting pinned down by a young girl—utterly disgraceful. So I refuse to acknowledge it too." The Emperor said gloomily.
Shao Shang gave a dry chuckle.
The Emperor stared westward in a daze for so long that Shao Shang's knees began aching from kneeling. Finally, the old man spoke: "Stop kneeling. Sit... Ah, Shao Shang, have I made many mistakes in this life of mine?"
Shao Shang was startled, only then noticing the Emperor was looking toward the Palace of Eternal Peace. Understanding he was thinking of Empress Dowager Xuan, she grew somber.
"Your Majesty shouldn't speak so," she said.
The Emperor continued: "After a lifetime on horseback, in my twilight years I realize how many have died because of me. Zisheng's father, my second sister, Shen An, and countless others... The more detached and kind-hearted they were, the sooner they perished."
After a thoughtful pause, Shao Shang replied gently: "Your Majesty mustn't undervalue yourself. When the realm was in chaos and the people suffered, who knows how long the turmoil would have lasted without Your Majesty turning the tide? That you think this way proves your inherent goodness and constant care for others. Whether it's Consort Xuan, myself, or all the court officials and subjects under heaven—I swear by heaven that meeting such a benevolent sovereign as Your Majesty is our greatest fortune."
Hearing the girl's utterly sincere tone, the Emperor chuckled: "Well said. So my governance hasn't been too poor."
"Not just 'not poor'—now the realm is at peace... well..." Shao Shang stumbled over her words, remembering the armed rebellions against the Land Measurement Decree outside. "In any case, the nation prospers and people thrive in peace—all Your Majesty's achievements!"
The Emperor said casually: "Hmm. If so, then what exactly are you afraid of?"
Shao Shang froze: "Afraid? What would I fear? I don't fear anything. Sometimes I think I'm too bold!"
"No. You appear fearless, but in truth tread on thin ice." The Emperor seemed to see through everything. "Let me ask you: with the realm at peace, born to affluent parents who are both alive, with loving siblings—no threat to life, no hardship of hunger or cold—why do you always fear unforeseen calamity?"
Shao Shang felt as if struck by lightning.
The Emperor continued patiently: "You and Zisheng are clearly devoted to each other, yet you always plan an escape route. Zisheng isn't blind to this—that's why you quarrel constantly..." He paused, smiling wryly. "Though to be fair, keeping an escape route was wise. That rascal's later troubles were only resolved thanks to you. But now? Your hesitation—are you still afraid?"
A chill ran through Shao Shang's body as she sat frozen, arms wrapped around herself: "I... I... This humble one..."The Emperor looked at her with a gentle expression, devoid of any imposing demeanor. "Since you are fortunate enough to live in peaceful times, unburdened by family responsibilities, and now have both people and wealth at your disposal, why are you still so fearful and hesitant toward the one you love? Life is fleeting. If you always hesitate and look back, you’ll miss many beautiful moments."
Shao Shang began to break out in a cold sweat, speechless like a child caught peeking at the answers.
The Emperor sighed. "There are fewer than five people in this world whom I truly admire. The Empress is one of them."
Shao Shang looked at him in confusion.
"Shen An and I have been pushed along by fate our entire lives. When the time came, whether it was rising in rebellion or entering marriage, we had no choice but to comply. But A Heng was different. Back then, I worried she might regret or resent me if she suffered grievances. Yet she said, 'Not everyone gets to meet the one they love. If you do, never let go. Better to endure a lifetime of pain than a lifetime of regret.' The path she chose—no matter how much time wore on her, no matter how harsh the trials—she never regretted it."
Shao Shang said with admiration, "That does sound like something the Empress would say. But..." She grinned mischievously. "Your Majesty, are you praising yourself? Bragging that the Empress was so devoted to you she refused to let go, no matter what?"
The Emperor chuckled helplessly. "Enough. It’s time for you to leave. You’re setting off tomorrow morning, correct?" Shao Shang quickly affirmed. The Emperor continued, "Shen An was right. Though you are a woman, you are more stubborn than most men. I won’t force you. Marry whomever you wish. The road is wide—choose your own path."
Shao Shang bowed and took her leave. Halfway out, she turned back and saw the Royal Uncle standing with his hands behind his back, watching her like an old man leisurely basking in the afternoon sun.
The Emperor waved at her. "Go on, go on. The sooner you leave, the sooner you’ll return."
Filled with gratitude, Shao Shang bowed once more before departing.
The next morning, three groups set out from the city one after another.
Zhang Shan stole a glance at the solemnly handsome young man riding ahead and whispered, "Why does the Young Master seem so downcast?"
Liang Qiu Fei leaned in to murmur, "Yesterday, the Young Master suggested the Female Lord travel with us, but she refused."
"Are we even going the same way?" Zhang Shan asked, puzzled.
"If we take a slight detour, we would be."
Zhang Shan sighed. "The Female Lord is really something. Even if they can’t be husband and wife, there’s no need to keep him at arm’s length!"
Liang Qiu Fei nodded in agreement.
Huo Bu Yi slowly raised his right hand. Seeing this, Liang Qiuqi shouted loudly, "Move out!"
...
Di Wu Cheng peeked through the carriage window at Yuan Shen sitting inside and quietly asked the pageboy beside him, "Why is your master in such low spirits?"
The pageboy whispered back, "Yesterday, the Young Master went to the Cheng residence to propose traveling together, but the young lady politely declined."
"Are we even going the same way?" Di Wu Cheng asked, confused.
"If we take a slight detour, we would be."
Di Wu Cheng sighed. "Having stayed with the Cheng family for a while, I can say they are all kind and righteous people. How is it that the young lady is so unyielding? Even if they can’t be married, they could still remain friends."
The pageboy dared not respond.
Yuan Shen, who had been resting with his eyes closed, removed the Jade Pendant from his waist and tapped it against the carriage wall. The leader of the Yuan household troops then shouted, "Move out!"
...
Cheng Shao Gong leaned out the carriage window and said to his younger sister, who stood outside in her riding suit, looking valiant and heroic, "What’s put you in such a bad mood for no reason?"
"None of your business!"Cheng Shaogong snickered: "I know, both the Huo and Yuan families sent letters yesterday afternoon. Hey, what did the letters say?"
Shao Shang gave the carriage a fierce whip crack and said angrily, "If you keep blabbering, you ride the horse and I'll take the carriage!"
Cheng Shaogong shrank back into the carriage in fright.
Shao Shang mounted her horse and rode straight to the front of the convoy. Raising her whip, she impatiently ordered, "Move out!"
—Damn it all to the eighteenth generation of ancestors! Just when she had finally gathered her thoughts for a spontaneous soul-searching journey, what was she supposed to do with two ex-fiancés tagging along!
Author's Note:
Now for some casual remarks.
We all know that when court officials criticize an emperor for being immature, they often say he was "raised in the inner palace by women." To a large extent, this isn’t wrong. The fierce, untamed qualities of founding emperors tend to weaken over generations. Emperor Wu is a classic example of an emperor raised in the inner palace by women, ascending the throne at just 17.
Unlike Emperor Jiajing, who at least had experience in a princely estate before entering the capital at 17, or Emperor Taizu, who, though raised in the inner palace, lost both parents in childhood and faced domineering ministers—a far from ideal situation.
Yet until Emperor Jing’s death, Emperor Wu lived a life of doting parents—on his mother’s side, he was Wang Zhi’s only son after several daughters; on his father’s side, he was Emperor Jing’s first son after ascending the throne. Emperor Wu’s mother and aunt were both favored (in fact, the last five sons of Emperor Jing were all born to the Wang sisters).
In such a pampered environment, his personality developed uniquely. Politically, he was unexpectedly shrewd and ruthless. As I’ve mentioned before, in dealing with powerful clans, Emperor Wu stands out among emperors across millennia.
Every execution of the "Order to Move to Maoling" caused massive upheaval—wailing, pleading, and countless relatives and officials kowtowing for mercy. Yet Emperor Wu never softened. People died when they had to; he turned his back when necessary. Thus, no matter how reckless he became later, no powerful faction in the country dared challenge him.
Emperor Yang of Sui failed in this regard. With strong meritocratic factions and military powers like the Pillars of State retaining their wartime vigor (e.g., Li Shimin, a scion of such families, would stir at the slightest provocation), Yang Guang still dared to launch distant campaigns and build the Grand Canal—a mistake akin to Fu Jian’s invasion of Jin: building high on shaky foundations.
However, not every emperor can spend decades relentlessly confronting the Xiongnu, his ministers, and powerful clans until victory, until the end of time. By Emperor Wu’s death, the Han dynasty’s political landscape was surprisingly stable. The regents could freely clash without fear of destabilizing the nation through factional strife.It's often said that Liu Xiu is the chosen one of the realm, but I actually think Emperor Wu's personality is the real anomaly. Everyone has moments of weakness and hesitation, but this guy seems to lack them entirely.
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