Yin Shi was entirely different from her sister. Young yet eloquent, she was considerate and warm towards all the young ladies, not only charmingly introducing the garden's plants but also having servants set up soft tents and arrange food and drinks. Before long, the girls were chatting and laughing merrily. Even Cheng Yang, after Yin Shi's gentle coaxing, gradually let go of her worries.
Only Shao Shang remained sullen, growing increasingly annoyed by the lively atmosphere. Seizing the moment while Yin Shi was busy attending to others, she quietly slipped away.
Truthfully, she envied Cheng Yang's temperament—always so quick to endure and forgive. Surely elders everywhere would adore a child like her. Unlike herself, who would forever remember every grievance and never easily pardon those who wronged her.
To be honest, compared to before, she had already mellowed considerably. As a child, if someone threw a paper ball at her head, she would retaliate by stuffing a spider down their collar. But now, she no longer sought revenge at every turn, having learned to ignore and even jest about such things.
Shao Shang sighed. Unfamiliar with the Yin Family's estate and wary of getting lost, she wandered aimlessly along a small stream, trampling dried grass and flattening clods of earth, her head hung low. After walking for who knows how long, she suddenly came upon a rock formation carved to resemble a screen diverting flowing water.
In front of the rocks, facing the stream with his back turned, stood a young man in luxurious brocade robes. He was gazing absently at the thawing stream when the sound of footsteps made him turn around.
Their eyes met, and both froze. Shao Shang was stunned: It's that debt-collecting pest again!
Yuan Shen wore a white jade crown today, dressed in a pale blue brocade Curved Robe lined with snow-white animal fur, his tall figure even more striking and scholarly. The moment he saw Shao Shang, he smiled—his features as finely carved as jade, his teeth gleaming white.
Shao Shang steadied herself. The message had been delivered, Madam Sang had replied—there should be no grudges between them now. This time, she would speak politely and absolutely avoid further conflict. Raising her arms in a salute, she beamed: "Truly, life is full of unexpected—"
"Why are you dressed like an old matron today?" Yuan Shen frowned.
She had intended to be amiable, but he refused to play the part of a well-behaved gentleman, insisting on taking the unconventional route. Shao Shang glared, a lump of anger stuck in her throat, forcing out the words: "—None of your business!"
Yuan Shen studied the girl. Her dark ochre Curved Robe was embroidered with dark red threads forming patterns of curved-neck black birds—yet even such aged, somber colors only accentuated her snow-jade skin, emerald-dark brows, and shimmering eyes.
He deliberately frowned. "Even my Mother Fu doesn’t wear this color anymore."
Shao Shang snapped, "What does your Mother Fu have to do with it?!"
Ignoring her fury, Yuan Shen continued, "My mentor has received Madam Sang's letter—"
Without thinking, Shao Shang retorted, "What does your mentor have to do with—... Huh?"
Yuan Shen chuckled, shoulders shaking.
Blushing, Shao Shang grumbled, "If you want to thank someone, do it properly! Why start with such provoking words?"
Yuan Shen composed himself and gave a proper salute. "My mentor was deeply troubled and despondent, but he has improved greatly these days. Today, I specifically came to thank you."
Shao Shang sneered. "Your method of thanking isn’t quite to my taste!"
"Words of thanks mean little," Yuan Shen said with a smile. "I keep my promises. Should you ever face difficulties in the future, I will not refuse to help."Shao Shang was nothing if not pragmatic. A hundred sweet words couldn't compare to a check ready for withdrawal at any time. Only then did her expression brighten into a smile. "Good, I'll hold you to that. Don't worry—I won't ask you to commit treason, betray your principles, or even marry me! But..." She tilted her head curiously. "My aunt only wrote six characters, and your esteemed teacher was satisfied with that?" Even she thought this response was too perfunctory.
Yuan Shen's expression faltered for a moment before he quickly regained his composure and chuckled. "You're still young. What do you know of the affairs between elders? You probably don't even understand half of what they say. My teacher mentioned that those six characters reminded him of the playful memories he shared with Madam Sang when they were children."
Shao Shang cursed inwardly: What’s so hard to understand? It’s just using imagination as comfort when reality is too painful.
"By the way, were you waiting here on purpose? How did you know I’d come?" She couldn’t be bothered with old grievances but found this detail strange.
Yuan Shen smirked. He had also received an invitation, but when he arrived early in the morning, he had startled the entire Yin household. He skipped over that part and simply said, "Not exactly. But when I heard the Cheng family had come, I thought I’d try my luck here."
Shao Shang grew even more puzzled.
Yuan Shen gazed at the delicate frown on the girl’s face and spoke softly, "People are creatures of habit. Last time at your home, I saw you wandering all over the hillside before finally stopping by the pond near the rocks. So I thought, if you were upset again, you might come here." He gestured around them—sure enough, they were still beside the water and stones.
The psychological analysis was spot-on, and Shao Shang nodded inwardly in agreement—until the last part derailed. Suppressing her irritation, she said, "What do you mean, 'upset again'? Are you implying I have a difficult temper?"
Yuan Shen raised a brow. "Do you consider yourself particularly amiable?"
Shao Shang choked. Well... she had just offended every single girl in the room—hosts and guests alike.
She exhaled, deciding not to dwell on it, and said coolly, "I’ve fulfilled my task. I only hope you’ll keep your word—remember, a promise is a promise."
"Of course I’ll keep it. But..." Yuan Shen sensed her intention to leave and deliberately added, "What if I want to find you again in the future? Did Madam Sang forbid you from passing messages anymore?"
To his surprise, Shao Shang slowly shook her head. "You’re learned and clever, Young Master Yuan—why ask such a question? Once that message was delivered, regardless of what happens next, it’s no longer my place to interfere."
Yuan Shen’s interest was piqued. "How so?"
Shao Shang smiled faintly. "If my aunt no longer wishes to hear from your teacher in the future, I certainly won’t defy her wishes. But if she’s willing, then from now on, they’ll correspond openly. Would she still need a junior like me to sneak messages for her? So, no matter the outcome, it has nothing more to do with me."
Her gaze was piercingly clear—almost unnervingly so for her age—and Yuan Shen found himself momentarily speechless.
Shao Shang continued, "The messenger who delivered the letter was sent by my uncle. Did he say anything?"
Yuan Shen was silent for a moment before replying, "Your uncle included a letter of his own. He wrote that Madam Sang’s words back then were spoken in anger, that all grievances are now resolved, and that if my teacher has anything to say in the future, he may send letters directly."
With a hint of mockery, Shao Shang said, "Grievances resolved—but I suppose any lingering affection is gone too." Anyone with eyes could see that Sang Shi had long since moved on.Yuan Shen remained silent. In truth, he didn’t approve of his teacher’s actions either. Lingering over past grievances that could no longer be undone only harmed both body and spirit; wallowing in sorrow was far less productive than striving to move forward.
Shao Shang’s curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn’t help but ask, “By the way, who exactly is your esteemed teacher?”
Yuan Shen chuckled. “Did Madam Sang not tell you?”
Shao Shang sighed helplessly. “Aunt kept it a mystery. When I asked my eldest brother, he said…” She shot the young man a pointed look, “Young Master Shanjian has studied under many masters over the years, absorbing the strengths of various schools.” Who would have thought that in this day and age, one didn’t even need to adhere to a single master’s teachings!
“I suppose I haven’t read as many books as your teachers, though I wonder if I recognize more characters than they do,” she added self-deprecatingly.
Yuan Shen burst into laughter, nearly to the point of tears, his gaze upon the girl as bright as stars, an inexplicable joy filling his heart.
Shao Shang looked up and saw that the vexing fellow’s long lashes were slightly damp, his refined features indescribably striking. She straightened her expression and said solemnly, “This matter is settled. From now on, don’t come looking for me. If I need anything, I’ll seek you out.” If others saw them together, it would be like inviting trouble without even tasting the mutton.
“This matter is settled?” Yuan Shen’s smile froze, displeasure stirring within him. In just these few exchanges, she had already distanced herself from him twice.
He was about to speak when hurried footsteps echoed from behind the rocky barrier, accompanied by the heated argument of a young man and woman—
“Lou Yao, stop right there! I’m not done talking!” A crisp, haughty female voice.
“I already know everything. There’s nothing left to say!” An impatient young man’s voice.
“What do you know? The Xiao family has made their intentions clear, but my father hasn’t agreed yet…” The girl’s voice dripped with smugness. “If you treat me better, I’ll tell my father to refuse them! After all, we’ve been betrothed since childhood. I can’t bear to treat you this way!”
“Don’t bother! Go marry that man!” The boy’s voice was livid. “I’ve never cherished our engagement. It’s only because our Lou Family values honor and keeps promises that I’ve endured this long! Now that your family is willing to aim higher, I couldn’t be more relieved!”
“Nonsense! Don’t act so noble. What honor and promises? Isn’t it just because my father did your family a favor?” The girl was equally furious. “If you’re so aware of this debt, why have you never once indulged me or treated me kindly since we were children? You either scold me for being spoiled or find fault with me everywhere! Let me be clear—if it weren’t for my father’s pressure, I wouldn’t want to marry you either!”
The boy roared, “Stop pretending! Do you think I don’t know? You’ve already met that Heir Apparent Xiao recently, singing praises about how handsome, brave, and considerate he is, how he’s a thousand times better than me! Fine! Now that I’m not standing in your way to a brighter future, hurry up and marry him!”
The voices grew closer as the pair approached the rocky barrier.
Yuan Shen remained motionless, murmuring to himself, “So it’s them.” Shao Shang, however, scanned her surroundings. Though unafraid of trouble, she preferred to avoid unnecessary complications. Spotting a recess in the rocky barrier just large enough to conceal one person, she quickly slipped inside.She was just about to duck into hiding when Yuan Shen, who had been watching her all along, followed her gaze and spotted the same recess. A mischievous thought struck him, and taking advantage of his long legs, he strode over in a few quick steps to claim the spot first, leaving Shao Shang stranded in the open.
That bastard!
Watching helplessly as her chosen hiding place was snatched away, Shao Shang felt her hair practically stand on end. She wished she could tear Yuan Shen apart alive—douse him with nitric acid, then sulfuric acid, then hydrochloric acid, chop him into minced meat buns, and leave them by the roadside for dogs to eat!
Just then, the young couple rounded the rocky barrier.
The boy came first—thick-browed and big-eyed, his face flushed with anger. Though only sixteen or seventeen, he was already quite tall. The moment he spotted the delicate, pretty young girl standing there, he froze in shock.
Shao Shang felt equally awkward and let out a dry chuckle.
The boy, realizing this girl might have overheard their earlier argument, turned beet red. Without a word, he spun on his heel and stormed off.
Close behind him came the girl—fair-skinned and delicate-featured, though her fierce, shrewish expression ruined any charm she might have had. The moment she saw Shao Shang, she snapped, "What are you staring at? Keep looking and I'll gouge your eyes out!" Without waiting for a reply, she hurried after the boy.
Shao Shang: Damn it all!
Only after the pair had left did Yuan Shen leisurely emerge from the recess.
Shao Shang's eyes burned with fury. Forgetting all about propriety, she yelled, "You jerk!"
Yuan Shen remained unruffled. "Didn't you just say 'this matter is settled'? Let me teach you something today—it's far from settled."
With that, he took a step forward, his tall frame looming over her. The commanding presence of a man who had stood in court for years was nothing like the aura of Shao Shang's brothers. She instantly felt the pressure and seethed inwardly—she'd always known his usual gentle, scholarly demeanor was just an act.
Since she couldn't win against him, it was better to retreat early. Thinking fast, Shao Shang bowed hastily, muttered "farewell," and turned to leave. But Yuan Shen wasn't about to let her go. With his long strides, he kept pace behind her, tossing out remarks here and there.
"Do you know who those two were?"
"Don't care!" Shao Shang marched ahead.
"One is Lou Yao, youngest son of the Lou family head in Hedong. The other is He Zhaojun, only daughter of General He Yong, the current Cavalry Commander. They've been betrothed since childhood and have been quarreling just as long."
Shao Shang whirled around, exasperated. "Will you shut up already? Do I owe you money? Did I eat your family's grain? Young Master Yuan, you're a man of standing—have some self-respect!"
Yuan Shen wasn't the least bit offended. If anything, the "grain" comment amused him. He replied mildly, "You're growing up now. Besides reading and writing, you should start learning about noble lineages, ceremonial rites, perfumery, cooking, and weaving. As far as I can tell, aside from throwing tantrums and bickering, you don't know anything."
Suddenly recalling something, he added, "What are your mother's plans? Having just returned to the Capital City, she might struggle to find a good tutor. I could recommend—"
"What business is it of yours?!" Shao Shang shrieked, trembling with rage. Staggering forward a few steps, she turned back and shouted, "Stop following me!"Yuan Shen was slightly startled, unsure what had upset the girl. Mature beyond his years, he knew it was best to remain silent about things he didn't understand, so he quietly followed behind her.
Shao Shang was aware of Yuan Shen trailing her but paid him no mind, walking briskly in anger. As she approached the garden she had just left, she turned back with a cold smile: "Ahead is where the young ladies gather. Do you intend to follow me there?"
Before the words had fully left her mouth, she heard the murmurs of girls from behind the side hedge—
"Is it true? That Cheng Shaoshang is really so vulgar and cowardly?" came a timid girl's voice.
"Of course. It's a pity I arrived late today with Sister Wang, or I would have exposed her in front of everyone! Putting on such airs, as if no one knows about her past behavior! Just because General Cheng and his wife have returned, she pretends not to recognize even her former playmates!" This girl's voice was sharp and shrill.
"So that's how it is! I saw her acting so high and mighty, pressing Sister Xu E at every turn, and thought she was something special..."
"Don't worry. As soon as I heard, I told Sister Xu E right away—"
...Four or five girls took turns listing Shao Shang's numerous misdeeds.
Shao Shang wasn't angry. She only felt that the sharp voice sounded somewhat familiar. After a brief recollection, she remembered—wasn't this the girl with the diamond-shaped face from the Cheng family banquet? She was about to step forward, intending to teach these foul-mouthed little brats a lesson and show them why the national flag was so red.
But before she could, Yuan Shen stepped up from behind, grabbed her by the collar, swiftly pushed her behind a tree, and pressed her head down as if playing whack-a-mole. Then he strode forward. Shao Shang, startled, quickly peeked out from behind the tree to watch.
Yuan Shen, his expression dark, walked straight into the hedge.
The girls, surprised and delighted to see him, let out varying degrees of gasps—some coy, some sweet, and one even twitching like Mickey Mouse. But before they could express their admiration, Yuan Shen coldly demanded, "What were you just saying?"
The girls fell silent. No matter what, being caught gossiping by their idol was hardly the romantic scenario they'd imagined.
"Vulgar? Cowardly?" Yuan Shen's tone was icy with disdain. "In my opinion, ruining someone's reputation and spreading slander is the height of vulgarity! Stirring up trouble behind someone's back, too afraid to confront them directly—that is the epitome of cowardice!"
At these words, the girls' faces changed—some turned pale, others flushed red. The diamond-faced girl, in particular, felt Yuan Shen's piercing gaze fixed on her and wished she could vanish into the ground.
"Whispering behind others' backs and skulking about—do you think that earns anyone's respect? What kind of person Lady Cheng is, whether good or bad—do others not have eyes to judge for themselves? Must you presume to enlighten them?" Yuan Shen swept a scornful glance over each of them. "I advise you all to reflect on your actions and be more cautious in the future!"
The girls, thoroughly chastised, didn't dare lift their heads. Two were on the verge of tears. At Yuan Shen's final rebuke, they scattered like startled birds.
Yuan Shen, still seething, stood rooted for a long moment before returning to the tree to find Shao Shang. But behind the tree, there was no one—only the rustling leaves and swaying grass. She had already slipped away unnoticed...Shao Shang trudged along the stream with her head drooping, feeling utterly dispirited.
Compared to being mocked and ridiculed, she detested pity even more. She would much rather engage in open confrontations and heated arguments.
As she walked with her head down, she noticed the embroidery on her robe—today's attire was one of the rare instances where she agreed with Madam Xiao's choices. Beauty was a double-edged sword; it could elevate one to the highest heavens, like the sisters Feiyan and Hede, or plunge one into the depths of hell—examples were countless. What if someone powerful took a liking to her beauty but refused to marry her properly, only wanting to take her as a concubine? Cheng Yang, on the other hand, had no such worries.
Upon reflection, from her appearance to her temperament, everything about her seemed to invite trouble—perhaps one of the reasons Madam Xiao disliked her.
Just as she was brooding, she unexpectedly ran into Yin Xu'e, who was walking toward her with two maids trailing behind.
The moment Yin Xu'e saw Shao Shang, her face lit up with delight, and she eagerly exclaimed, "Perfect! I was just coming to find you! I've heard all about it—your parents abandoned you back then, and your Aunt didn't teach you anything. You can barely even read, can you…?"
Shao Shang narrowed her eyes.
This was getting out of hand! She needed to find a way to teach this little brat a lesson without causing trouble for Old Man Cheng.
"Sister Xu E, perhaps you could dismiss your attendants first. I have something to say to you in private," Shao Shang said, feigning meekness.
Thinking Shao Shang was about to apologize and yield, Yin Xu'e magnanimously waved her maids away. Shao Shang, however, insisted they go even farther to avoid eavesdropping. Yin Xu'e, wanting to save some face for General Cheng, ordered the two maids to stand a hundred paces away, facing backward and forbidden from peeking.
"I know exactly what kind of person you are. Lying, fighting, bullying the weak—and yet you had the nerve to lecture me earlier?! Fine, you're still young, so I won’t hold it against you. I won’t make you apologize in front of everyone… Ah! Ah—!" Yin Xu'e's smug tone quickly turned into cries of pain.
Before she could finish, Shao Shang silently lunged forward, delivering a sharp uppercut to Yin Xu'e's abdomen, followed by twisting her arm and yanking her hair, proceeding to beat her mercilessly!
Yin Xu'e was stunned—never in her wildest dreams had she imagined Shao Shang would resort to violence?!
After a few punches, Yin Xu'e's chest, back, ribs, and stomach were all aching. Shao Shang then dug her fingers into vital spots, pinching and twisting with all her might. Yin Xu'e screeched like a plucked hen, her skin surely bruised beneath her clothes.
Shao Shang smirked inwardly. When it came to fighting skills, eighteen Yin Xu'es combined couldn’t match her. The only pity was that her current body wasn’t up to par, reducing her combat effectiveness by half. Yin Xu'e, on the other hand, stood a full head taller and occasionally practiced archery and horseback riding, so she had some strength. After the initial advantage, Shao Shang soon faced retaliation.
However, Yin Xu'e clearly had no idea how to fight. Apart from flailing her arms wildly like an uncoordinated mess, she had no other skills, relying solely on her height and strength. Before long, the two girls were tangled together, rolling on the withered grass. Only then did Yin Xu'e remember to scream for her maids.
The two maids turned around first, their faces paling in shock as they rushed over to help their young mistress.Meanwhile, Yuan Shen, who had been searching for Shao Shang, arrived just in time. Seeing the two girls locked in a tussle, he rushed over without a second thought, determined to at least protect the smaller and weaker Shao Shang first.
From the woods, Lou Yao, who had just managed to free himself from He Zhaojun's entanglement, heard the commotion and ran out as well. At the sight before him, the young man stood dumbfounded for a moment. But remembering his duty as a member of the Lou family, he quickly dashed forward to intervene.
Although it was winter, the sun was bright and the sky was clear and vast—it was a fine day. Very fine, indeed.
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