Accompanied by the grating sound of sand, the city gates slowly opened, revealing Lou Yao in official robes and He Zhaojun with her prominently swollen belly. The two groups of people inside and outside the city gates seemed somewhat distracted. Shao Shang had kicked Cheng Shaogong off the carriage two miles from Yao County and taken his place. Now, she peeked through a slit in the carriage curtain.
Lou Yao stepped forward and bowed deeply in accordance with etiquette, addressing them humbly as he invited everyone into the city. Cheng Shaogong sidled up to the carriage and whispered, "Look at the terrible idea you came up with. I remember Lou Yao used to call Marquis Huo 'Brother Zisheng.'"
Shao Shang also lowered her voice, "What terrible idea? I originally planned to visit Lou Yao alone and leave unnoticed. Who knew it would turn out like this?!"
"Every plan you've made for yourself over the years—when has it ever gone smoothly?"
"Third Brother, you'd better go back to your fortune-telling!"
After their hushed exchange, Shao Shang still had to step out to greet everyone.
Six years had passed in the blink of an eye. The young Master Lou of yesteryear had now grown tall, nearly as tall as Huo Bu Yi. Perhaps to project the dignity of a county magistrate, he had even grown a faint mustache. Shao Shang, initially weighed down with worries, couldn't help but laugh at the sight of it. "Why grow a mustache for no reason? It makes you look years older."
Lou Yao, who had been somewhat uneasy, relaxed at her familiar, uninhibited laughter, as if their carefree youthful days were just yesterday. He smiled and said, "I wanted to grow a mustache back then, but you insisted it looked awful. Didn’t your letter say you’d come next month? Why the early arrival?"
Shao Shang grinned, "I’ll come whenever I please. Would you really keep the city gates shut? Hurry up and bring out the good wine and food. If you slight such distinguished guests, I’ll pawn all the gold trinkets I made for your child!"
Lou Yao, as good-natured as ever, replied, "Gold trinkets or not, it’s been so many years. Of course, I’ll treat you well—as long as you stop mocking my mustache."
Before Shao Shang could respond, Huo Bu Yi cleared his throat behind her. She quickly added, "Growing a mustache to display a man’s dignity is but a trivial trick. Look at Lord Huo—nearing thirty, yet without a long mustache, and who would dare underestimate him?!"
Her intention was to flatter, but to Huo Bu Yi, it sounded like a jab at his age. His expression darkened, his gaze turning cold as he said mildly, "It’s been a long time, Madam He. His Majesty recently mentioned completing the Temple of Virtuous Ministers and plans to enshrine your father in the first group of honorees."
He Zhaojun’s demeanor remained as haughty as ever. Leaning on her maid, she gave a slight bow. "This humble wife thanks Marquis Huo. His Majesty’s boundless grace leaves the He Family with no way to repay it. My stepmother wrote that every year, rewards are sent from the Capital City to our hometown. Once my youngest brother comes of age, he will receive an official title."
Huo Bu Yi asked, "How have you been in Yao County?"
He Zhaojun glanced at her husband. "Neither good nor bad—just an ordinary life. Fortunately, the prefect above us was an old acquaintance of my father’s and has been accommodating. Even if my husband lacks authority, he’s not entirely incapable of managing things."
Shao Shang noticed Lou Yao’s quiet sigh and thought, He Zhaojun hasn’t changed a bit.
Lou Li, standing nearby, stepped forward indignantly. "Husband's sister-in-law, you’re too harsh on my brother! It’s not all due to the prefect’s favor. Over the years, my brother has encouraged farming, built irrigation systems, and made Yao County one of the top in Yuzhou for population growth and tax revenue. He’s often praised by the Governor of Liangzhou!"Shao Shang's eyes lit up. "You're working on water conservancy projects?"
Lou Yao smiled faintly. "Some of those diagrams you drew actually proved useful."
Memories came flooding back—two naive youngsters chattering excitedly about their future ambitions. Shao Shang felt her eyes grow warm as she stepped forward and declared, "A Yao, though you've faced adversity, you haven't succumbed to despair. Governing a region and benefiting its people with such magnanimity—I admire you for that."
It had been years since Lou Yao heard such sincere and moving praise. Unconsciously reverting to his youthful mannerisms, he scratched his head sheepishly. "Shao Shang, hearing you say that after all these years—"
Before he could continue, Huo Bu Yi gave a loud cough, his face as cold as if he'd just returned from a blizzard.
Both Lou Yao and Shao Shang immediately fell silent, wisely choosing self-preservation.
That evening, a welcoming banquet was held at the county office. Huo Bu Yi naturally took the seat of honor, while the Cheng siblings sat opposite the Lou-He couple, with Lou Li relegated to the lowest seat.
Regaining her composure, Shao Shang had her martial maids bring out a chest containing gifts she had prepared in advance. Smiling at the couple, she said, "After so many years apart, seeing you both in good health brings me great comfort. Why not let me meet your children so I may express my regards?"
She thought this sounded quite refined, but He Zhaojun sneered again. "I'm afraid not. Though married for years, I've only recently become pregnant."
The room fell silent.
Cheng Shao Gong, raised under Madam Xiao's strict guidance where "when something goes wrong, father must be to blame," first thought Lou Yao hadn't been "trying hard enough." Shao Shang panicked, wondering if their marriage had been unhappy all these years. Only Huo Bu Yi's expression gradually softened as he realized something.
Changing the subject, Shao Shang asked Lou Li, "A Li, are you visiting Yao County for leisure? Where's your husband?" Since married and unmarried women didn't have distinct hairstyles or attire then, and Lou Li—a year younger—was about twenty, Shao Shang assumed she was visiting her cousin with her spouse.
Lou Li seemed to have fared poorly over the years, her expression bitter and resentful. Since their reunion, aside from casting Huo Bu Yi some lovelorn glances, she'd worn the look of someone owed money. Now she snapped, "With both parents passing consecutively, I've been in mourning! There's been no talk of marriage!"
Shao Shang gasped. "Lou Tai—ahem, both your parents have passed?"
Lou Yao said quietly, "Six years ago, my aunt... after returning to her maiden home, she was killed by bandits during an outing. Over two years ago, my uncle also died of illness in depression."
Shao Shang was stunned. Shao Gong whispered in her ear, "Are you trying to put your foot in it tonight? Always touching on sore points."
"Let's discuss official matters..." Not daring to "reminisce" further, Shao Shang pushed her brother away and forced a smile. "Magistrate Lou, these past few days I encountered—"
He Zhaojun suddenly cried out, clutching her stomach in pain. Seeing his wife's dampened skirts, Lou Yao shouted, "The female lord is going into labor! Someone help!"
Sweeping his wife into his arms, he rushed to the inner quarters without even excusing himself. The Lou household erupted into chaos as servants scrambled about. Seizing the opportunity, Cheng Shao Gong made his escape.Shao Shang stood frozen in place, dazed: "Did I... say something wrong again?" But she hadn't even said anything yet.
Huo Bu Yi slowly walked to her side and smiled, "You didn't say anything wrong. Since you're concerned about that couple, why don't we follow and take a look?"
Shao Shang was somewhat startled: "You... why are you being so gentle now..." Just moments ago, your face was as cold as ice.
Huo Bu Yi chuckled and pulled her along in the direction the servants had run.
To welcome the esteemed guests, the county office had adorned the long corridors with bright red lanterns, casting a rosy glow on everyone's faces.
Having drunk a few cups of wine earlier, Shao Shang now felt the alcohol's warmth rising, her body leaning softly against Huo Bu Yi's arm. Mumbling, she said, "Don't be hot and cold with me—it makes me uneasy."
Huo Bu Yi whispered, "You, uneasy? I don't believe it. There's no one in this world who can provoke me as much as you."
"Truly," Shao Shang tugged at his sleeve. "When you're happy, I feel at ease. When you're cold, I feel restless."
Huo Bu Yi gave a low laugh. "Before, I thought you were toying with me—saying things that infuriated me, then sweet-talking me back. Watching me swing between anger and delight while secretly enjoying it."
"...Ah, how could that be?"
"At first, I resented how easily you swayed me. But after five years on the frontier, I realized—I'd rather be angered and soothed by you than be utterly alone."
Huo Bu Yi looked down and noticed the girl staring up at him blankly. "What's wrong?" he asked with a smile.
Shao Shang shook her head. "I've been alone since childhood. I used to think that's just how life is—people come and go like passing scenery. Once the view is over, you move on."
Huo Bu Yi silently stroked her hair for a moment before saying, "You're wrong about that."
"I know," Shao Shang muttered gloomily. "I feel like a dark, bottomless pit. Everyone around me is bathed in light, but I remain forever shrouded in darkness."
She lifted her face, radiant as dawn. "Then you came, holding a blazing torch, illuminating the entire cavern. I know this is an incredible blessing, but I don't know how to handle it."
A pang of sorrow struck Huo Bu Yi. He understood her meaning—like a child accustomed to cold, sudden warmth feels unfamiliar. He tightened his arm around her slender waist, resting his forehead against the top of her head. Softly, he murmured, "I've caused you much suffering, but I can't let you go. All I can do is hope to treat you well, year after year."
Unable to withstand the pressure of his forehead, Shao Shang giggled and buried her face in his chest. "Listen—over there, it's total chaos with all the shouting. He Zhaojun is in the throes of labor, yet here we are, lost in our own world. Isn't that rather inconsiderate?"
Huo Bu Yi suddenly sighed. "Now, not only do I wish Yuan Shen health and prosperity, but I've also started hoping He Zhaojun delivers safely and grows old with Lou Yao. This constant worrying—I must truly be getting old."
Shao Shang said, "You've been subtly and not-so-subtly hinting at me—did you think I wouldn't notice? Earlier, when I mentioned you're nearing thirty, you were upset again. Relax—you're the only one I've ever looked back for." Whether it was her parents or her childhood, once those bonds faded, she never sought to reclaim them.The two walked and talked, soon arriving at the backyard of the county office. Servants bustled in and out while Lou Yao paced anxiously in circles around the courtyard, nearly wearing grooves into the green bricks with his restless steps.
Huo Bu Yi tilted his head and whispered, "Earlier you asked why I was so polite—first, you don't know Lou Li's current situation, whether Lou Jing and his wife are alive or dead, or even if He Zhaojun has had children. This shows you've had no contact with Lou Yao all these years."
Shao Shang sighed. "Avoiding suspicion, you know. All these years when there were matters, I only corresponded with He Zhaojun and never inquired about their private affairs. This time, I thought enough time had passed that we could all meet calmly."
Huo Bu Yi made no comment on her reasoning and continued, "Second, given He Zhaojun's temperament, if Lou Yao had treated her coldly, she would have complained long ago. But she only said she was incompetent, showing Lou Yao has generally been kind to her."
"Right, right! Earlier when they were arguing, Lou Yao remembered to add an extra cushion to He Zhaojun's seat, and she reminded him to have some soup before drinking wine," Shao Shang recalled.
Huo Bu Yi chided, "Good that you noticed!"
They sat quietly at the edge of the courtyard, continuously reassuring Lou Yao. Shao Shang even offered the elderly physician from her entourage to assist with He Zhaojun's delivery. Another hour passed with cries of pain from the birthing chamber. While Shao Shang remained composed, Huo Bu Yi grew increasingly tense.
The old physician emerged, and Lou Yao rushed forward to ask about the situation. "Everything is fine," the physician said. "The honorable lady is young and strong, the baby is positioned correctly, and she should deliver soon."
Just then, a servant woman hurried out and knelt before Lou Yao. "My lord, the Female lord wishes to see Miss Cheng!"
"Ah, why does she want to see me?" Shao Shang asked, puzzled.
The servant said urgently, "The Female lord says she's dying and has final matters to entrust to Miss Cheng!"
"But the physician said Zhaojun is fine!" Lou Yao's voice cracked with worry.
The old physician smiled wryly. "It's always like this with childbirth. We think everything's fine, but the mother believes she's dying."
Huo Bu Yi's expression darkened. "Shao Shang, don't go in. No need to add to the chaos." —Final entrustments? What could it be? Did she think he couldn't guess such an old cliché?
As Shao Shang hesitated, a loud infant's cry suddenly rang out from the birthing chamber. Another servant stumbled out, overjoyed and stammering, "Congratulations, my lord! Congratulations to our noble guests! The Female lord has given birth—a young master!"
Lou Yao was ecstatic, dancing about and calling out rewards for everyone.
Shao Shang stood dumbfounded. "...Well, do I still need to go in?"
Huo Bu Yi, exasperated, took her hand and led her away.
Author's Note:
This chapter was supposed to be posted in the afternoon, but I got dragged off to watch a movie.
Regarding childbirth, we shouldn't judge ancient times by modern standards. Scientists have found that human physiology has continued evolving over the past few centuries.
Research shows that Western warriors during the Crusades could wear hundreds of pounds of armor, wield spears weighing dozens of pounds, swing massive swords over a hundred pounds, march hundreds of miles daily through Middle Eastern deserts under scorching sun while wearing thick padded undergarments—and still engage in intense combat afterward.
How many Westerners today could do that? Yet back then, it was commonplace.In modern times, aside from those in physically demanding professions, both men and women, whether in the East or the West, are experiencing a gradual decline in upper body strength and lower body jumping ability. Those in the know understand that even for regular gym-goers, the muscles developed through exercise are different from those naturally formed in response to environmental demands.
Have you seen the movie The Missing Years , starring Huang Xiaoming? There’s a still from the film where Huang, shirtless in a mine, carries Yin Tao, displaying large, smooth muscles. Many pointed out at the time that the muscles of long-term miners don’t look like that—they aren’t as bulky, but the muscle fibers are denser and more compact.
The same applies to women.
I believe modern women may not have the same physical endurance as their ancient counterparts. Moreover, there is clear evidence that over the past few centuries, due to the development of cognitive abilities and the expansion of brain capacity, infants’ skulls have been growing larger, causing immense pain during childbirth for women.
While many ancient women died during childbirth, it wasn’t as exaggerated as death lurking at every turn. Generally speaking, the mortality rate for women during childbirth wasn’t significantly higher than that of men dying from forced labor or warfare.
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