He Zhaojun sat radiantly on the bedside, with Mother Fu beside her cradling a round swaddled bundle and showering endless praises. Seven or eight wives of Lou Yao's subordinates gathered in the room, chattering away and nearly elevating the infant to the status of an immortal child descended to earth. Shao Shang, seated by the couch, couldn't bear to listen and tried several times to slip away, only to be pulled back by He Zhaojun—she couldn't fathom how a woman who had just given birth could be so strong.
Having heard enough hymns of praise for her precious son, He Zhaojun graciously invited the women to dine in the front hall, keeping only Shao Shang behind to talk.
"Our little Zheng is perfect, don't you think? Look at his nose, his eyes..." He Zhaojun dismissed Mother Fu and the maids, affectionately adjusting the swaddling by the pillow, her doting mixed with blatant pride.
Shao Shang deliberately refused to indulge her, feigning indifference. "He's alright. Not as fair as my eldest brother's son, not as sturdy as Qiqi's sister's child, not as—"
"What nonsense are you spouting? He's only a day old, barely any flesh on him—how could he be fair or sturdy?" He Zhaojun instantly transformed from gentle and loving into a ferocious mother beast.
Shao Shang mocked, "So you do know he's only a day old! Listening to their praises earlier, I thought little Zheng would master all eighteen weapons by tomorrow and top the Scripture Discussion Platform the day after!"
He Zhaojun looked sheepish. "Couldn't you just humor me a little?"
This ignited Shao Shang's temper. "What did I tell you when we parted at Ten-Mile Pavilion? Be kinder to A Yao, don't bully him—he's an honest man who can't even cry out when wronged! You ask me to humor you, but why don't you humor A Yao? Yesterday, you embarrassed him in front of so many people!"
"No, no!" He Zhaojun grew flustered. "I listened to you! All these years, I've been very considerate of A Yao. When we first arrived here, everything was in chaos. Even if I forgot to eat myself, I never forgot to send meals to A Yao when he was busy outside! A Yao understands my heart and cares for me in every way. We've been very happy together!"
"Then why did you act like that yesterday?"
"It's because of you! Ever since you wrote last month saying you were coming, A Yao has been bustling around preparing your quarters, gathering gifts for you, even hiring a famous chef from the city... Seeing him so busy, I just couldn't help getting angry!" He Zhaojun vented her grievances. "If you hadn't come, none of this would've happened!"
Shao Shang was so furious she nearly toppled backward. "Oh, so now I'm in the way! All these years when I kept you informed of the court's trends, why didn't you complain? Three years ago, when your youngest brother got into trouble back home and the authorities wanted to arrest him, and I pleaded for him before His Majesty, why didn't you complain then? Now that I'm just visiting for a few days, you resent me—it was you who wrote repeatedly about how close you and your husband were, with no more rifts between you, that gave me the courage to come!"
He Zhaojun hung her head in shame. "I'm truly grateful for all your help over the years. It's just... when I heard you were coming, I felt uneasy..."
Shao Shang shot her an exasperated glare. "A Yao and I only had a few months of affection, while you two have been married for years, sharing joys and sorrows. What reason do you have to feel uneasy?"
"It's because I hadn't been able to bear A Yao a child all this time," He Zhaojun murmured, her voice growing softer.
Shao Shang snorted. "Ah, and now you've given birth to a son at last, so you finally have your confidence."
He Zhaojun grumbled, "I just had a baby—stop provoking me."Shao Shang turned away angrily, but after a moment, she faced He Zhaojun again with a serious expression. "There's no one else here today, so let me ask you plainly—do you still resent me? You're straightforward and bold by nature, so don't bother with empty pleasantries or worry that I'll stop helping your family in the future. I just want your honest answer!"
He Zhaojun sighed softly. "Truthfully, I let go of those feelings years ago. At first, I thought you were helping us because you still had feelings for A Yao. But during the second year here, while honoring my father and brothers, I suddenly remembered my second brother."
A faint smile appeared on her face. "You're actually quite like him. My second brother had a childhood friend—a man of excellent character and talent, but too honest for his own good, often bullied by his stepmother and younger siblings. Just like you, my brother constantly worried about him suffering injustices. From helping him choose a suitable new bride to securing his official rank when posted elsewhere, my brother always lent a hand. I think your care for A Yao is the same..."
"Good that you understand!" Shao Shang said emphatically, then added, "By the way, was that person you mentioned Zhu Kun, the eldest son of Marquis Xun, now serving as a lieutenant general under General Wu?"
He Zhaojun nodded.
Shao Shang sighed. "Your second brother's kindness wasn't wasted! General Zhu has been stationed abroad for years but never forgot your family. Worried your youngest brother might get into trouble without proper guidance at home, he went to great lengths to persuade Han, the Great Confucian Scholar from your hometown, to take him as a disciple and discipline him strictly—which also relieves me, as I won't have to plead on his behalf anymore."
He Zhaojun murmured, "Yes, Brother Zhu has always been the most kindhearted."
Shao Shang carefully adjusted the swaddling clothes and said gently, "Don't overthink things anymore. You and your husband have endured hardships, but better days lie ahead."
He Zhaojun raised her eyebrows with a smile. "I won't overthink, but I fear others might. Don't you agree?"
Shao Shang averted her gaze, her smile perfectly polite. "This humble one has no idea what Ancheng Jun implies."—Whenever she resorted to formal speech, it usually meant the other person had hit the mark.
Leaving He Zhaojun's quarters in good spirits, Shao Shang decided to seize the moment and persuade Lou Yao to set aside his official duties. Taking advantage of the new mother's exhaustion to offer comfort now would yield twice the result with half the effort.
But as she approached the study, she found the very person prone to "overthinking" seated behind a long desk, arms resting on a silk topographical map, while the county magistrate Lou Yao stood beside him like an attendant page.
"...Only these two manor fortresses within eighty li?" Huo Bu Yi examined the map closely.
Lou Yao replied, "Exactly. As you said, only fortresses of this scale could accommodate those bandits. Yao County borders Xuzhou, separated only by a valley..."
Huo Bu Yi nodded, then pointed to a spot on the map. "This is the valley? Your topographical map is inaccurate." He spread his hand, measuring roughly with his thumb and forefinger.
Lou Yao flushed. "I've surveyed the areas around the county thoroughly—where to farm, where to draw water—but this valley lies near Xuzhou. Since it can't be cultivated, I thought to leave it for later...""The most crucial elements of a Topographical Map are four: mountains, rivers, valleys, and scale. Only with these can one advance to attack and retreat to defend. The rest can be verified gradually. Yao County's terrain is flat—how will you defend it if chaos arises? Famine won’t kill you immediately, but a riot or rebellion can take the heads of your entire family in an instant."
Lou Yao listened with trepidation: "Thank you for your guidance, elder brother. I understand."
—Outside the door, Shao Shang shook her head, feeling a subtle sense of "our silly little brother being lectured by the overstepping big shot next door."
Huo Bu Yi set down the Topographical Map and leaned slightly against the armrest. "From the scene of the Luo clan's massacre, the remnants of Gongsun Shi, though few in number, move swiftly and leave no trace. This suggests they aren’t traveling long distances but have a nearby base. Don’t be careless—such incidents occurring near your jurisdiction are no trivial matter."
Hearing this, Shao Shang stepped inside. "Since their trail is elusive for now, perhaps we should consider why they appeared here in the first place?"
Seeing her, Huo Bu Yi smiled faintly and turned to Lou Yao. "This is a restricted study—did you not order strict surveillance? Anyone can just waltz in without announcement?"
Lou Yao stammered, while Shao Shang retorted loudly, "I’ve entered your study too!"
Huo Bu Yi didn’t even lift his eyelids. "You could enter because I instructed the guards. Has A Yao also told his attendants whom to admit?"
"N-no, I haven’t..." Lou Yao certainly hadn’t. The attendants outside had let Shao Shang in easily, seeing her as yesterday’s honored guest.
Shao Shang nearly choked on her anger. "I know you’re lecturing A Yao for being careless and lax in security, but your study is far more critical than an ordinary county magistrate’s, yet I could browse it freely!"
"You are my wife; naturally, you may know my affairs. Might I ask, Miss Cheng, what relation are you to Magistrate Lou?" Huo Bu Yi replied impassively.
Shao Shang was speechless.
As the atmosphere grew tense, Lou Yao timidly interjected, "...Perhaps we should return to discussing the intentions of the Gongsun Shi remnants?"
Huo Bu Yi glanced at him and said lightly, "As Magistrate Lou suggests. Let’s hear Miss Cheng’s insights."
The frustration Shao Shang had just exhaled nearly swelled again, but she restrained herself. "The Gongsun Shi remnants likely have two goals: restoring their state or seeking revenge. If it’s restoration, Shi Xin of Shu Commandery just rebelled—they should be aiding him there. If it’s revenge..." She looked at Huo Bu Yi, who returned her gaze indifferently.
Shao Shang quickly added, "Then they shouldn’t be targeting Lord Huo either. Last year’s main assault on Shu was led by another general; Lord Huo only provided flank support... So why are they here? There must be a reason."
Lou Yao enthusiastically agreed. "Shao Shang, you make excellent points!"
Huo Bu Yi closed his mouth—this was why he disliked Lou Yao. Whenever he also wanted to praise the girl’s cleverness, Lou Yao would always cheer louder and faster, making others seem insincere by comparison.
"Then... what is the reason?" Lou Yao wondered.
Shao Shang looked at Huo Bu Yi. His handsome eyes flickered slightly, but he said nothing, so she stopped pressing.
After circling the topic, they still reached no conclusion. The two—Huo and Cheng—left the study and walked back to the guest quarters in silence.Walking through the empty mountain woods of the rear courtyard, Huo Bu Yi suddenly chuckled softly, "You actually didn't tell Lou Yao about me executing Gongsun Xian."
Shao Shang replied, "How could I speak of such matters! At worst, it could be considered the crime of deceiving the emperor. Although A Yao is trustworthy, the fewer who know, the better."
"Indeed, the fewer who know, the better," Huo Bu Yi smiled.
"You wouldn't speak of it, I wouldn't speak of it, and the Yuan family certainly wouldn't either. Therefore, those people likely weren't coming for revenge against you."
Huo Bu Yi said, "You've already figured it out. What were you about to ask me earlier? Go ahead."
Shao Shang stopped walking and looked at him intently, "You were supposed to depart from Yanzhou to quell rebellions in one of the four provinces—Qing, Ji, You, or Xu. Why are you in Yuzhou?" Even if he was keeping tabs on Luo Jitong's movements, he should have sent people to follow and guard her rather than appear personally. After all, Huo Bu Yi was currently on official duty.
Huo Bu Yi replied, "I thought you weren't going to ask... You guessed correctly. My initial entry into Yuzhou wasn't for you but to pass through its eastern side into Xuzhou to rendezvous with the Crown Prince."
Shao Shang was startled, "Wasn't the Crown Prince stationed at the Yanzhou camp?"
Huo Bu Yi explained, "Xuzhou has already been pacified. General Wu divided his forces to head toward Qingzhou and Youzhou. The Crown Prince heard that nearly all the prominent families in western Xuzhou were involved and was deeply unsettled. He wanted to see for himself whether there were any issues with the implementation of the Land Measurement Decree."
Shao Shang exclaimed in alarm, "Could the remnants of the Gongsun clan be targeting the Crown Prince?!"
Huo Bu Yi frowned slightly, "The Crown Prince isn't traveling alone. He has tens of thousands of troops surrounding him. Even if there were a few dozen death squad members, let alone mobilizing all the able-bodied men from nearby counties, they wouldn't stand a chance against them."
Shao Shang hesitated, staring at him, "Then what are you worried about?"
Huo Bu Yi raised an eyebrow, "Do I look worried?"
"You're frowning so deeply—even if I were caught with another man, you wouldn't look this upset!"
Huo Bu Yi's expression turned cold, "Don't talk nonsense!" Then, finding it amusing, he flicked the girl's forehead with his finger.
"Ow!" Shao Shang rubbed her forehead. "Tell me, what exactly are you worried about?"
Huo Bu Yi paced thoughtfully, "The Crown Prince is both scholarly and martial, but his temperament is somewhat impatient. When faced with injustice, His Majesty would order officials to investigate layer by layer, but the Crown Prince would roll up his sleeves and personally intervene, overturning the situation first."
Before he was ten, he had been brought to the Emperor's side. Having long resided in the depths of the palace, he had learned the art of assessing situations and reading people's hearts. Not to boast, but by now, few were beyond his understanding. Whether it was nobles or high-ranking officials, even the Emperor's thoughts were mostly within his grasp.
"Earlier, I tried hard to persuade the Crown Prince not to leave the Yanzhou camp, but he refused no matter what, insisting on seeing the local conditions firsthand. He also forbade me from accompanying him, saying that if people saw me, they would immediately recognize his identity." Huo Bu Yi stopped walking. "When I heard those words, I knew the Crown Prince wouldn't remain under heavy military protection for long."
Shao Shang sighed, "The Crown Prince really is... why must he be like this?"—causing nothing but trouble!
Huo Bu Yi smiled wryly, "His intention to observe the people's conditions isn't a bad thing. Earlier, when I asked Lou Yao about the surrounding manor fortresses, he said this area isn't wealthy. Across several counties, only two manor fortresses are of any significance."Shao Shang said, "Then let's go investigate them!"
Huo Bu Yi shook his head. "How? By knocking on their doors and saying 'We suspect you're colluding with the rebel Gongsun Shi, so we're searching your Manor Fortress'? Do you think Manor Fortresses are just for show? They maintain private militias—that's why so many county magistrates fear the local powerful clans. If we conduct baseless searches and find nothing suspicious, but they're actually innocent? We'd incite unrest among the people before even catching a glimpse of Gongsun Shi's remnants, ending up in chaos ourselves. Better not alert the enemy yet."
...
For the next three or four days, Lou Yao continued his duties as county magistrate and new father, while Shao Shang accompanied Huo Bu Yi scouting for clues—mountain streams, river valleys, wild hollows... They even observed the terrain of those two Manor Fortresses from a distance.
Shao Shang had wanted to bring her brother along, but Cheng Shao Gong, feeling he'd lived too roughly the past month, stubbornly refused to leave the house. He spent his days eating well and recuperating indoors, leisurely tossing Divination Coins and drawing prophetic talismans—what bliss!
One day after a satisfying meal, he decided to take a digestive stroll. Wandering into a backyard, he saw Lou Li berating servants. Detesting unreasonable women most in life, he immediately pivoted to leave.
Yet Lou Li spotted him instantly and shrilled, "Cheng Gongzi, wait!"
Cheng Shao Gong had no choice but to turn back, cupping his hands with a smile. "Greetings, Miss Lou."
"You've come just in time," Lou Li said coldly. "My cousin recently rescued a Wandering swordsman who fell off a cliff. He remains unconscious. I heard the Cheng family brought an excellent physician—why not have him examine the man? Better than our household pouring endless decoctions down his throat daily."
Cheng Shao Gong blinked. "You flatter me, but that physician specializes in internal ailments, while fall injuries are external..."
Lou Li cut him off impatiently. "He can even treat childbirth—what's the problem with examining a fall injury?!"
Shao Gong deeply regretted not casting a divination before leaving home. He pondered whether to convince this unreasonable lady or resignedly fetch the physician for a hopeless case.
Just then, a servant emerged from the opposite house carrying a tray. As the door swung open, Shao Gong glimpsed the injured man's profile on the bed—swollen, bruised, and scarred, yet unmistakable.
Eh? Wasn't this his younger sister's ex-fiancé's father's sworn brother?
Madam Xiao had even considered hiring him as a martial arts tutor for her two youngest sons!
What was he doing here?
Author's Note: I must say, this world never ceases to amaze me. After the last JJ rectification, have you all seen the new regulations?
Well, at least it's peaceful now—for the next month, no more heated arguments.
Fortunately, this story is nearly complete. Those serialized works at climactic moments must be having a rough time.
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