Regardless of whether Madam Xiao was biased or not, Shao Shang had to admit that the woman's professional skills were truly impeccable. Since their first meeting at the banquet, it hadn't taken long for her to establish a rapport with Madam Yin, with frequent exchanges of letters and gifts. Thus, on the third day after Second Uncle Cheng left home for his studies—before Cheng Yang's tear-reddened eyes had even healed—an old servant from the Yin Family arrived with an invitation.
Cheng Shi expressed great regret, muttering that he should have delayed Cheng Cheng's departure by a few days so he could have befriended some scholarly officials at the Yin residence. He even nearly sent Cheng Zhi to recall Cheng Cheng, but Cheng Mu's tearful protests—calling him "my heart, my flesh"—made it impossible. Meanwhile, Madam Xiao and Xiao Sang busied themselves dressing up Cheng Yang and Shao Shang meticulously. This time, the sisters-in-law were finally in agreement, styling both girls in a dignified and modest fashion.
On the way, they stopped by the Wan family's new residence to pick up Wan Qiqi, the youngest daughter of the Wan couple, before proceeding together to the Yin Family.
"I've been to the Yin Family before—they have so many people. To this day, I still can't figure out how many branches and members their household has," Wan Qiqi said brightly and cheerfully. "My mother once told me that Lord Yin wasn't originally the head of the Yin Family. Unfortunately, his elder brothers were all killed, and he only became the clan leader during the family's most turbulent times." Her tone carried a hint of pride, as her own father had been eagerly awaited and immediately confirmed as the Wan Family's next heir upon his return.
The young Wan girl was plump and lovely, with a high forehead and phoenix eyes resembling her father, while her mouth and chin took after her mother—a harmonious blend of both parents' best features. Today, she wore the brightest, most vibrant pink Curved-hem long dress Shao Shang had ever seen, adorned with intricate Jade Branch Flower patterns. The sleeves and hem were edged with gold and silver threads, and around her neck hung a heavy solid-gold choker, studded with a dazzling array of gemstones and jade pieces within weight tolerance—each movement producing a cheerful jingling and clattering.
Shao Shang was nearly blinded by the brilliance and thought to herself, This is unmistakably a father's darling daughter.
"Qiqi, showing off again? Knowing three parts but flaunting five..."
Cheng Song, riding alongside the carriage, leaned toward the window to banter with the three girls inside. Beside him, Cheng Yong frowned. "Niao Niao, lower the curtains—we're in public." Though he understood Wan Qiqi was deliberately explaining the Yin Family's situation to the two younger girls, such openness was inappropriate.
Wan Qiqi rolled her eyes. "Eldest brother, really—fine!" She waved at Cheng Song before yanking the thick carriage curtain shut, muffling the outside noise. Turning back to the other two, she grinned. "I'm older than both of you, the thirteenth in my family. Since our households are practically one, just call me Thirteenth Sister. If you ever need anything, come find me!"
Cheng Yang quickly agreed, but Shao Shang only smiled without responding. When Wan Qiqi pressed her, Shao Shang laughed. "Second brother already warned me—said you're Uncle Wan's youngest and would definitely try to play the elder sister today."
Wan Qiqi suppressed a giggle. "Cheng Song is awful, always slandering me. Don't listen to him!"
Not wanting her to take offense, Cheng Yang quickly changed the subject. "Thirteenth Sister, has your cold healed?"
Wan Qiqi huffed. "It's been gone for ages! Grandmother insisted on keeping me bundled up three extra days, otherwise I'd have come to your banquet."
Shao Shang sighed inwardly. If Wan Qiqi had been there that day, maybe I wouldn’t have stormed off in a huff... and wouldn’t have run into that debt-collecting scourge surnamed Yuan.
...The Yin residence was also located in Jinyang Quarter, with a mansion roughly the same size as the Cheng family's, but adorned with lavish decorations—golden beams and colorful pillars. The household was bustling with activity; just the Yin family members greeting guests at the gate numbered half a platoon, making Cheng Mu quite envious.
The Yin family showed great respect by having Lord Yin personally come out to welcome the Cheng family, accompanied by his eldest and second sons. Cheng Shi, ever the smooth talker, quickly escalated from addressing him as "Lord" to "old brother" within a few pleasantries. The two clasped arms and grew increasingly congenial, appearing to onlookers like long-lost friends reuniting. Watching from the side, Wan Songbai couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
Lord Yin, named Zhi and styled Ziren, was about the same age and held a similar official rank as Uncle Wan. However, he was slender and mild-mannered, currently serving as the Left Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial. His duties involved overseeing rituals, managing the conferment and revocation of noble titles, weddings and funerals of princes and lords, as well as receiving foreign envoys.
Wan Songbai couldn't resist curling his lip.
In terms of talent and drive, Yin Zhi couldn't hold a candle to him or Cheng Shi. The Yin family of Feng County was originally just a prominent local clan, much like the Wan family. But they had the advantage of proximity to the Emperor's hometown. Almost as soon as the Emperor rose in rebellion, the Yin family pledged allegiance. They endured hardships loyally during the Emperor's most difficult times without wavering. Thus, though they contributed little in terms of merit, ability, or scholarship, they still secured a significant share of rewards after the new dynasty was established.
While the elders walked ahead, Cheng Yong and the others chatted with the Wan family's younger generation, soon joining the crowd of youths. The three girls followed behind with their attendants. Cheng Yang turned her head and whispered, "The Yin family seems quite amiable."
Wan Qiqi pursed her lips. "You haven't met the not-so-amiable ones yet."
When the three girls were led to the inner hall and saw the young lady surrounded by admirers, Shao Shang immediately understood what she meant.
Wan Qiqi forced a smile and performed the introductions politely. "Yang Yang, Niao Niao, this is Elder Sister Xu E from the Yin family, just three days older than me. Elder Sister Xu E, these are the two younger sisters from Uncle Cheng's family."
Yin Xu'e exuded an air of refined nobility, her demeanor haughty and delicate. She wore a gold-and-red brocade curved-hem long dress with three wraps, sitting primly at the center of the hall, surrounded by a flock of young girls fawning over her.
Upon hearing the introduction, she first scrutinized Wan Qiqi's attire, then glanced at the two Cheng sisters. In a sugary voice, she said, "After hearing you boast about them for so long, I thought these sisters were celestial beings. But seeing them today, they're quite ordinary."
Wan Qiqi rolled her eyes. "When did I ever boast about them? Today's my first time meeting them too. Shouldn't one speak well of others? ... Are you going to invite us to sit or not?"
Cheng Yang looked flustered, while Shao Shang lowered her head, thinking, Here's another spoiled brat asking for a beating.
Yin Xu'e said dismissively, "Please sit, sisters."
Wan Qiqi glared.
Lord Yin had six sons and two daughters, half of whom were born to Madam Yin. General Wan had thirteen daughters and no sons, with the first and last born to Madam Wan. Both girls were doted on, being their mothers' long-awaited children after years of no news.After returning to the Capital City from the Wan family, Madam Yin eagerly sought out her childhood friend to reminisce. However, the two girls almost immediately clashed. One believed herself to be a noble lady of high status, raised in the lap of luxury at the Emperor's feet, acquainted with nearly all the nobility in the city. The other prided herself on having traveled far and wide, seeing much of the world, and considered herself far superior to such pretentiousness.
The maidservants brought out refreshments, and Yin Xu'e gracefully invited the girls to partake: "These are called Bird's Nest Jujubes, made with over ten meticulous steps. They're quite exquisite—do try them... Qiqi, you and the Cheng sisters haven't tasted these before, have you...?"
The girls scattered around the room either covered their sleeves to laugh or whispered among themselves, occasionally bursting into mocking giggles.
At such gatherings, the higher one's status, the later one arrived. The Wan family had come early specifically because Madam Wan and Madam Yin were close sisters, intending to lend support—and incidentally bringing the Cheng family along. Thus, apart from the three Wan and Cheng girls, most of the young ladies present were from families affiliated with the Yin household.
Wan Qiqi was not one to take insults lying down. She declared loudly, "I once slew a leopard with my own hands and carved out its heart and bones to brew wine for my father. At a royal banquet, my father presented it as a treasure, and His Majesty himself praised me as a 'Tiger Daughter of a General's House.' Can any of you claim such an honor?"
At this, the girls all paled—whether from the gruesome imagery or envy at Wan Qiqi's imperial commendation was unclear. Yin Xu'e managed to say weakly, "Alright, let's not dwell on that. Everyone, enjoy the refreshments."
Wan Qiqi was too angry to eat. Shao Shang was furious, thinking to herself, I’ve even eaten tiramisu and Häagen-Dazs—have any of you?!
Feeling resentful, she refused to touch the damned jujubes, instead cradling a bowl of millet soup to warm her hands. Only Cheng Yang, ever good-natured, picked up a plate of the treats, skewered one with a silver pick, and ate it. She whispered softly to Shao Shang, "The Bird's Nest Jujubes really are delicious."
But then a girl sitting nearby suddenly burst into loud laughter: "Oh dear, oh dear! Sister Cheng, you’ve made a mistake! What you just ate isn’t the Bird's Nest Jujube—it’s the Ewe Milk Sweet Jujube!"
Everyone quickly looked over. The genuine Bird's Nest Jujubes were made by wrapping honeyed bird's nest around a delicate butter dough, then steaming and frying them. Each was petite and exquisite, smooth and white as jade, with faint golden strands of candied citrus peel visible beneath the surface—shaped like jujubes but not actually jujubes. Cheng Yang, unaware, had picked the wrong one.
From Yin Xu'e downward, all the girls laughed uproariously, unable to contain their glee. Only Wan Qiqi and Shao Shang looked livid, while Cheng Yang was mortified, nearly in tears.
Wan Qiqi trembled with rage and shouted, "So what if I hadn’t eaten Bird's Nest Jujubes before coming to the Capital City? What of it?!"
Yin Xu'e replied leisurely, "Nothing much. It just seems that slaughtering beasts and carving out hearts isn’t so impressive after all—might just be a lack of refinement."
Wan Qiqi abruptly stood up, taking a deep breath. "Fine. The war has only just ended. Outside these walls, starving people are everywhere, and if you go further, you’ll see fields littered with bones and hear the cries of women and children. His Majesty has barely begun to stabilize the realm and frequently advocates for frugality—yet here you are, already flaunting extravagance to shame others...?"
Shao Shang raised an eyebrow, impressed by this tactic of invoking lofty principles to shame one's opponent. However, such a method had its limitations—first and foremost, the user had to be free of any hypocrisy in the matter. Otherwise, the outcome would be laughable—like a corrupt official preaching integrity, a glutton preaching moderation, or someone preaching socialist views on marriage while indulging in frivolous affairs.Sure enough, when Wan Qiqi stood up in anger, the golden beads and jade ornaments on her body jingled, especially the ones on her necklace, making it impossible for others not to notice. The other girls thought to themselves, How can you act so concerned about the people’s suffering while dressed like this?
Yin Xu'e was even less impressed. She sneered, "Stop pretending to be so noble, talking about His Majesty and the world. Look at your own attire and the luxuries your Wan family enjoys." Though spoiled since childhood, she was not ignorant of the world. Madam Yin had taught her well, and she wouldn’t be deterred by such lofty rhetoric.
"Sister Wan has traveled far and wide, seen much of the world. Unlike us, who’ve spent over a decade in the Capital City, hearing nothing but victories and watching heroes who once roamed the land kneel before the Emperor in submission. Though mere girls, we too take pride in this. Now that life is improving, must we still eat husks and weeds?! Today, I merely showed off a little, and you berated me as if I’d committed a crime—just to flaunt your loyalty and patriotism, while painting us as ignorant of hardship!"
Yin Xu'e spoke eloquently, and her sycophants immediately pounded the tables in agreement—
"What a crude girl, thinking barbarism is something to boast about!"
"Do they even know what the Capital City is? A mere plate of snacks—if they saw the true extravagance of the wealthy, their eyes would pop out!"
"They’ve never enjoyed good things themselves, so they can’t stand others having them! Pure jealousy!"
"If they care so much about the people’s suffering, why don’t they wear rags, till the fields, and eat husks and weeds?! Bet they can’t bear to part with all that gold and jade!"
...
Shao Shang sighed inwardly. Though those spiteful girls were mocking, they weren’t entirely wrong. Yin Zhi was cautious and never flaunted wealth. Truly wealthy families like the Yuhou spent tens of thousands on a single meal, and the scented water and cosmetics their women discarded could perfume an entire street. That was real extravagance—Yin Family’s display was nothing in comparison.
Though the young Wan girl was full of fighting spirit, she had clearly chosen the wrong tactic. Against such sharp tongues, there was no need for subtlety—just strike straight to the heart and end the battle.
"Lady Yin," Shao Shang suddenly spoke up, her voice clear. "This younger sister is young and insignificant, but may I say one thing?"
Yin Xu'e, who had been glaring at Wan Qiqi like a fighting cock, replied dismissively, "Go ahead, Sister Cheng." She thought that among the girls present, Cheng Shaoshang was the youngest—what could she possibly say?
"Today, the Yin Family is hosting a banquet, and our Cheng Family was invited with a formal letter. That letter was sent by your family, wasn’t it?"
To everyone’s surprise, Shao Shang opened with this. Yin Xu'e shifted uncomfortably and mumbled a vague response.
"Our Cheng Family was properly invited by your esteemed parents as guests, not as paupers here to mooch off your Bird’s Nest Jujubes, right?" Shao Shang’s tone remained perfectly polite.
Yin Xu'e already sensed trouble and forced a smile. "Sister Cheng, your words are sharp. It almost sounds like we’ve been unkind to you...""My cousin grew up in the countryside where several neighboring counties suffered from war. The population and farmlands have only begun to recover in recent years. Even wealthy families practiced strict frugality—not because they couldn't afford it, but because they refused to waste effort on pastries requiring over a dozen steps of preparation. Is that a crime?" Shao Shang stared coldly at Yin Xu'e.
Yin Xu'e's smile faded, and the other girls gradually fell silent.
"I grew up in the capital, but while my parents fought bloody battles on the front lines, should we have indulged in lavish feasts in the safety of the city? So, I’ve never seen this Bird's Nest Jujube either—is that a fault?" Shao Shang's voice grew sharper.
Yin Xu'e hid her trembling fingers in her sleeves. Seeing the situation turn sour, her maid quickly slipped out of the room.
"Qiqi's family is no less distinguished than the Yin Family, yet she’s never encountered this pastry either. Is it because the Wans couldn’t afford it? No. It’s because for over a decade, she followed her father on campaigns, assisting her mother in comforting the families of fallen soldiers and settling refugees. Who had time for elaborate desserts?"
Shao Shang’s words struck like hammer blows. Her gaze swept the room, and the girls who had mocked earlier averted their eyes, unable to meet hers.
"The three of us don’t recognize this pastry—is that shameful? Does it warrant your endless ridicule?" Step by step, Shao Shang pressed forward until the girls were speechless, some even looking remorseful.
With a sharp motion, she shoved the dining table aside, her voice laced with anger: "You sisters enjoy these delicacies by the grace of heaven above and the tireless efforts of Your Majesty and his officials below. And with such fortune, you dare mock us? Today, the Cheng family came as guests—was it to suffer this humiliation?"
Yin Xu'e’s face turned ashen, silently cursing Shao Shang’s cunning tongue for refusing to yield an inch. Her elegant composure shattered as she straightened hastily, scrambling to amend: "Cheng-mei, you’re overreacting! We weren’t mocking—just a harmless joke! Merely a joke!"
Wan Qiqi finally caught up with the argument and sneered: "Today is the Cheng sisters’ first visit here. Apart from me, they know none of you. Are you so familiar that such jokes are appropriate? Do you always jest this way with first-time guests? I’d like to ask Lady Yin about this."
Cornered, Yin Xu'e flushed crimson and cried out: "Who mocked you? Don’t slander us! Tell them—" She gestured frantically at the others, "Tell them we weren’t laughing at them, right? Right?"
The girls hurried to agree, clamoring that no mockery had taken place.
Seeing their evasion, Wan Qiqi bristled, ready to retort, but Shao Shang tugged her sleeve. Turning, Qiqi saw Shao Shang smiling as she enunciated slowly: "So, elder sisters, you truly weren’t laughing at us just now?"
The girls rushed to deny it.
Shao Shang fixed her gaze on Yin Xu'e and added sweetly, "But we’re so ignorant—we didn’t even recognize the pastry!" Her tone was playful, as if toying with prey.
Yin Xu'e tasted bitterness but forced out: "So you didn’t recognize it. What’s the big deal?" The others hastily echoed her.Shao Shang smiled faintly, pulling Wan Qiqi to sit down, then turned to Cheng Yang with a grin, "Cousin, you can continue eating. No one was mocking you at all; the sisters here simply love to laugh. But in the future, they should mind the time and place for their laughter to avoid misunderstandings..."
Now, not only was there no mockery, but the girls didn’t even dare to laugh anymore.
Wan Qiqi felt utterly exhilarated.
If there had been wine before her, she would have downed three large bowls in one go. If she were at the horse track, she would have spurred her steed and galloped around the city for a full lap! She finally understood how her father must have felt when he swore brotherhood with Uncle Cheng—she was itching to set up an incense altar, burn yellow paper, behead a rooster, and immediately form a blood oath with Shao Shang!
—Hmm, that’s actually a great idea. Later, she’d go report it to her grandmother and father.
Unable to contain her delight, Wan Qiqi turned to Shao Shang and declared loudly, "When I was outside, I heard a saying: 'If you dare to act but not take responsibility, you’re worse than a turtle!' Hahaha… hahaha…!"
Her raucous laughter made Yin Xu'e’s expression darken. Her pride was no less than Wan Qiqi’s, and having to slap herself earlier was already a bitter pill to swallow. Now, being openly ridiculed like this—how could she endure it?!
Just as the two girls were about to clash again, a richly dressed young woman entered the hall. Yin Xu'e’s eyes brightened, "Eldest Sister..."
Yin Shi glanced around and immediately noticed the tense atmosphere, the girls’ expressions stiff, the room practically bristling with hostility.
She shot Yin Xu'e a reproachful look and scolded playfully, "You, you—is this how you host guests? Just because you’re lazy, you make all the sisters sit here with you. The banquet is still a while away—why not let them stroll in the garden? Are you keeping a bunch of girls cooped up here to sprout bean sprouts?!"
Yin Xu'e wanted to complain, Wan Qiqi wanted to tattle—both girls opened their mouths, but Yin Shi cut them off with a smile, "Qiqi, Auntie Yin is looking for you… Xu'e, don’t just stand there, Mother is calling you too..." Then she turned to the others with a cheerful grin, "Though our garden is small, we’ve recently transplanted some fresh winter bamboo—twisting and winding, quite a novel sight. How about I lead you all to take a look?"
The girls all agreed enthusiastically. Shao Shang remained indifferent, tucking her hands into her sleeves, while Cheng Yang suppressed her anger and said nothing.
Before the two troublemakers could clash again, Yin Shi hastily had the maids escort them away, urging them on without even letting them speak another word—as if they were prisoners being marched off.
Yin Shi herself took Cheng Yang and Shao Shang by the hand, leading them out as she said warmly, "Since this is your first visit to our home, you two Cheng sisters deserve proper hospitality. My younger sister has always been straightforward—she speaks without thinking. Besides, our families wish to foster goodwill. Both of you are magnanimous and blessed—let’s just let any past grievances go..."
Cheng Yang, believing it better to resolve conflicts than prolong them, softly agreed.
Shao Shang, however, stayed silent, sneering inwardly: Slap first, then offer sweets. "Magnanimous and blessed"—so if I keep arguing, I’m petty and unlucky?
Only when they reached the garden, chilled by the winter breeze, did Shao Shang suddenly snap out of her thoughts.
What else could be done about this matter anyway? Once Wan Qiqi left, her mother would surely forbid her from spreading this incident—same for the other girls. Besides, should Old Man Cheng make an enemy over something as trivial as a childish quarrel? Her father doted on her so much.She thought gloomily that having attachments was truly troublesome. Only by being heartless could one act without restraint. Yet becoming someone naturally cold and indifferent wasn't so easy either.
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