The facts proved that Cheng Song, who spoke so convincingly, wasn't necessarily reliable when it came to actual execution. Shao Shang entered her family's carriage full of anticipation, only to find: there was no brazier inside.
In the dead of winter, a carriage without a brazier was nothing more than a cold and desolate little black room, useful only for blocking the wind. Fortunately, Shao Shang found a coarse fleece blanket under the carriage floor and quickly wrapped herself in it, shivering while bitterly regretting not having taken Yuan Shen's brazier and fleece blanket earlier.
Hearing his younger sister sneeze again from behind, Cheng Song grew increasingly anxious and urged the horses onward with greater urgency. Luckily, the Wan and Cheng residences weren't too far apart. After a frantic dash and harsh scolding, the gates of the Wan estate came into view. Cheng Song turned his head and called out joyfully to the carriage, "Niao Niao, don't worry, we're here, we're here!"
Shao Shang, already frozen to the point of a runny nose, quickly pushed open the carriage door. Amid the howling cold wind that rushed in, she saw a crowd gathered in front of the Wan estate gates. At the center stood a portly, red-faced man with a large belly—Wan Songbai—who seemed to be seeing off guests.
The sun had already set, leaving only a faint, lingering glow on the horizon as twilight deepened. The crowd before the Wan estate gates was divided into two distinct groups, like the yin and yang of a Taiji diagram. One group, dressed in colorful and ornate attire, wore cheerful expressions—undoubtedly the Wan family's attendants and servants.
The other group consisted of over a dozen black-clad and black-armored guards, each with a crossbow at their arm, a heavy sword at their waist, and snow-white fletching on the arrows strapped to their backs. Against the bone-chilling weather, they truly embodied the phrase "cold light shining on iron armor."
Seeing a carriage charging recklessly toward them, the guards reacted in unison. With a series of sharp metallic sounds, they drew half their weapons—cold as ice blades—and stood ready with stern expressions. A young guard with a slightly square jaw stepped forward and barked sharply, "Who goes there?"
Cheng Song, startled, mustered all his strength to rein in the horses while shouting, "Uncle Wan, it's me, it's me…"
The carriage lurched violently, and Shao Shang, terrified, clung to the frame, fearing she was about to experience an ancient-era carriage crash.
Wan Songbai, half-sobered by the scare, quickly waved his hands and called out loudly, "Ah, no, no—Lord Ling, these are our own people, my nephew and niece… Don't attack, don't attack…"
At this, the group of black-armored guards parted, revealing a tall young man in a dark curved-hem long robe. Over it, he wore a black beast fur cloak fastened with dark gold threads and a dark jade clasp, his arms adorned with heavy gold-inlaid arm guards.
He seemed to glance in Shao Shang's direction before turning slightly and cupping his hands toward Wan Songbai. "You are inebriated today, sir. I shall pay my respects another time." With that, he turned and left.
Not far away stood an enormous, pitch-black carriage, its lacquer wood frame gleaming like polished obsidian. Two towering black horses with snow-white hooves stood ready, their bridles forged from black iron. Before boarding, the young man raised his right arm slightly, and the surrounding black-armored guards sheathed their swords in unison. They surrounded the carriage—three times the size of the Cheng family's—mounted their horses, and departed with it.
The Cheng siblings were frozen in fear, momentarily unable to move. Shao Shang, in particular, felt as though she had been welded to the carriage.
Wan Songbai watched the black carriage disappear into the distance before hurrying over. "What brings you two here? Ah, Niao Niao, what happened to your face… Hahaha… Your mother must have hit you, didn't she? Don't worry, I'll have a word with your father…"Cheng Song, still shaken, trembled as he helped his younger sister out of the carriage. Upon hearing the remark, he exclaimed loudly, "Uncle, here you go again! Don’t assume every injury we have was dealt by Mother!"
Shao Shang, equally exasperated, added, "Even if it was Mother who hit me, Uncle, why do you seem so happy about it?"
Wan Songbai had clearly drunk quite a bit at the Yin family, his words slurred, but his mind wasn’t entirely muddled. He chuckled and said, "Don’t be stubborn. Even if your face wasn’t struck by your mother, you’re hiding here today because of her! Alright… Don’t just stand there, come in, come in…"
……
The Wan household boasted a multitude of servants and maids, their bustling entourage far surpassing the Cheng family’s modest retinue.
Upon hearing Shao Shang had arrived, the thirteenth daughter of the Wan family, Qiqi, was overjoyed and hurried out to greet her. When they met in the front hall, Shao Shang noticed Qiqi was surrounded by over twenty attendants—four holding lanterns to light the way ahead, four behind carrying brocade boxes with cloaks, eight on either side raising lanterns, and several more on the periphery bearing torches.
Shao Shang was momentarily speechless, feeling an inexplicable pang of inadequacy. For this young lady to simply walk from her room to the front hall, the fanfare was as grand as a state visit. Meanwhile, her own "great escape" had been done empty-handed—truly, her lack of worldly experience was showing. The empress of the Eastern Palace baking two giant pancakes at once, one sweetened and the other salted—such extravagance!
Wan Qiqi was a girl of sincere heart. Cradling Shao Shang’s swollen face, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of sorrow and promptly ordered her maids to whisk Shao Shang away to her quarters. Upon arriving at the brightly lit courtyard, Shao Shang was horrified to discover Qiqi’s entourage numbered thirty or forty more. Then, she was treated to a platinum, diamond, and crown-level spa treatment—
Her hair was loosened and thoroughly combed, her feet soaked in warm water, hot cloths applied to her knees and fingers, followed by a moisturizing cream massage, incense, and a change of clothes. By the end of it, Shao Shang felt as if she had been reborn. Sighing contentedly, she lamented inwardly: If only Uncle Wan had a son—she’d have Old Man Cheng marry her off here in a heartbeat!
In this world where official ranks had yet to be formalized, distinctions in status were more about hierarchy than actual livelihood. Take the Wan family, for instance—generations of prominence in Sui County, their estates covering a fifth of the county’s land. While her own father might have greater potential for advancement compared to Old Man Wan, at present, the Cheng family couldn’t hold a candle to the Wan family’s wealth.
Wan Qiqi stood in the center, hands on hips, cursing that Yin Xu'e’s face would forever be plagued with unhealed pox while directing her maids to swarm around Shao Shang like worker ants. Once Shao Shang was freshened up, Qiqi led her to pay respects to Old Madam Wan.
As they walked, Shao Shang’s heart fluttered nervously. She knew that apart from the servants Madam Xiao had already dealt with, only Ge Shi and Old Madam Wan might detect anything amiss about her. Even if it were the former, she wouldn’t worry after years apart. But upon entering the newly renovated Hall of Compassionate Heart, it was Shao Shang who was startled first—
The room was filled with the scent of medicinal herbs. Madam Wan knelt before an elderly woman, assisting her with her medicine.Old Madam Wan's hair was completely white, but the contours of her oval face remained sharp, with a straight nose and full lips. Her upright posture still carried traces of the spirited beauty from her youth, except... Her eyes were lightly closed, the right eyelid sunken inward—clearly missing an eyeball—and she lacked a left ear.
Despite the bright candlelight, the old woman's face held an indescribable eeriness. Fortunately, Shao Shang's face was still swollen and bruised, or else her poorly concealed shock would have been obvious. She decided it was best to speak as little as possible.
Old Madam Wan dressed simply, wearing no jewelry or ornaments. Her clothes were chosen solely for comfort, and her hair was tied into a plain round bun with a wooden hairpin. To accommodate her impaired vision, the room was sparsely but tastefully furnished—items like incense burners and jade chimes were naturally absent.
Shao Shang obediently bowed and greeted Old Madam Wan.
Madam Wan turned and smiled. "Shao Shang is here. Stay a few more days this time. Qiqi’s older sisters have all married, and since returning to the Capital City, she’s been idle and bored. You young ladies can read and write together..."
At the mention of "writing," Shao Shang’s first thought was to bring Madam Xiao’s Wooden Slips here to practice. But before she could speak, Wan Qiqi exclaimed, "What writing? I’m going to teach Shao Shang to ride! And Mother, look at Shao Shang’s face—it’s all because of that wretched Yin—"
"Qiqi, take off those stones you’re wearing," Old Madam Wan suddenly interjected. "It’s already night. Who are you jingling around for like this? Aren’t you weighed down?"
Madam Wan stifled a laugh, and Shao Shang bit back a smile. Indeed, even at home, Thirteen Sister* (*Note: "Thirteen Sister" is a nickname for Wan Qiqi, as she is the thirteenth child in her family.) remained extravagantly adorned, her Christmas tree-like golden necklace jingling loudly—enough to distract even a blind person.
Wan Qiqi flushed and defended herself, "Grandmother, you don’t understand—this is the fashion in the Capital City now..."
"Find me one other young lady dressed like you, and I’ll have an identical set of jewelry made for you. If you can’t, then give me yours," Old Madam Wan said coolly.
Wan Qiqi wilted, casting a pitiful glance at her mother. Madam Wan pretended not to see, just as General Wan entered, beaming. He had clearly freshened up before coming—no trace of alcohol lingered on him.
"Shao Shang, Zifu has already gone back. I know what happened. Stay here a few more days, at least until your Mother cools down."
Shao Shang quickly bowed in gratitude. Thanks to her bruised face, she didn’t even have to feign embarrassment—no one could tell anyway.
Wan Songbai had evidently overheard the earlier exchange and turned to his mother. "Mother, your eyes aren’t what they used to be, but Qiqi’s dressing up like this is actually quite lovely..."
Wan Qiqi looked up at her father, eyes sparkling with hope.
Old Madam Wan said, "I prefer simplicity, your father favored openness, yet you’ve been like this since childhood. One wonders if the midwife mixed you up at birth. But Qiqi was definitely not switched."
Madam Wan and Shao Shang lowered their heads, struggling not to burst into laughter.
Wan Songbai clicked his tongue and said to his daughter, "Well, Shao Shang must be hungry. Take her to eat... and, uh, change your clothes while you’re at it. And, ahem, maybe wear fewer pieces next time..."
Wan Qiqi drooped her head in resignation and dragged the still-suppressing-her-laughter Shao Shang away.
As the two girls left, Wan Songbai turned back with a smile. "Mother, today I...""Save the small talk for later. Ling Buyi's visit today isn't to see you drunk. The guest master is already waiting in the council hall to discuss matters with you. You'd best hurry."
Wan Songbai knew this was reasonable, so he reluctantly took his leave.
After her husband and daughter had both departed, Madam Wan dismissed the attending maids and personally tested the temperature of the medicinal broth. Softly, she said, "Husband's mother, the medicine has cooled somewhat. Shall we warm it before you drink?"
Old Madam Wan refused with a 'no need,' then took the lacquer bowl and drained it in one go. Madam Wan hurriedly offered clear water to rinse her mouth, but when she presented a candied fruit on silver chopsticks, the old lady shook her head in refusal.
"This is good. Since Qiqi's little friends haven't come to the Capital City, having Shao Shang as company means she won't be clamoring to go hunting every day. She's a young maiden after all, and at her age, she should be learning grace and virtue..." Madam Wan murmured as she arranged the bowls.
"...Speak plainly," Old Madam Wan interrupted. "None of your roundabout ways. Especially since your detours aren't particularly skillful."
Madam Wan flushed slightly. "Husband's mother, you didn't see it. Resorting to violence at the slightest disagreement—is that how a noble lady behaves? I know Xu E's words were improper, but even when wronged, there are other ways to resolve matters. Must she be so extreme and crude?"
"Then tell me, what method would resolve it? One that vents her anger while preserving harmony?"
Madam Wan hesitated. "I... I don't know exactly, but perhaps... she could have informed the elders first..."
"Even if Yuan Yi and her husband knew, how could they make a fuss over such a trivial matter? At most, that Lady Yin would receive some reprimand. How would that vent her anger?"
Madam Wan, ever the peacemaker, worried, "Why must anger be vented? Couldn't she just endure it?"
"A person lives by their spirit. Without it, they're nothing but a walking corpse."
Madam Wan fell silent, her head bowed.
Old Madam Wan continued, "Weren't you originally hoping Qiqi would befriend Cheng Yang? Yet after a whole day together—eating at the same table, walking the same path—did you hear Qiqi mention her even once upon returning home? Instead, she keeps talking about Shao Shang. Tonight, I wouldn't be surprised if they share a bed. I misjudged that child too. It seems all that pretended ignorance in front of Ge Shi was just an act."
Madam Wan sighed softly.
"Only by doing nothing can one avoid mistakes. Though the Doctrine of the Mean has its merits, taking it too far becomes mere cowardly self-preservation," Old Madam Wan said. "If General Cheng had embraced such 'moderation,' do you think I would have urged Songbai to swear brotherhood with him?! In turbulent times, what use is an ally who won't stand before you to block both open blades and hidden arrows?"
Madam Wan gasped. "Husband's mother!"
"Qiqi takes after Songbai, and Shao Shang takes after General Cheng. Both father and daughter are broad-minded souls who don't sweat the small things. Earlier, wasn't Shao Shang wearing Qiqi's old clothes? Truth is, Qiqi has many unworn new garments from years past, but in her haste to visit me, she didn't rummage through the storeroom. Decked in jewels herself, surrounded by luxury, yet she gives a guest old clothes to wear—but did Shao Shang show the slightest displeasure?"
Slowly, Old Madam Wan opened her left eye. Though the pupil had dimmed, a sharp light still gleamed within. "No. That child behaved completely at ease, her gaze clear, unbothered by such things. Her gratitude for Qiqi's affection was entirely natural."
Madam Wan hadn't noticed any of this. Only when her mother-in-law pointed it out did she strain to recall what she'd seen earlier."Over a decade ago, when we first arrived in the Capital City and purchased our old residence, we gifted the side house to the Cheng family. It was meant as a kind gesture, but narrow-minded people might have thought, 'We are brothers, yet you treat me like a servant, placing me at the rear of your grand estate.' But General Cheng took no offense at all. In fact, he was delighted to save on expenses and have our family nearby to look after his household. At the time, I thought to myself, 'I can rest easy sending him to battle alongside Songbai.'"
This example was quite convincing. Madam Wan nodded, "That's true! Speaking of General Cheng, he treats my husband like a true brother—no, even real brothers might not be so devoted. Songbai is reckless and has faced danger several times on the battlefield, each time saved by General Cheng at the risk of his own life. Especially that one time—ah, when Qiqi was eight—General Cheng carried Songbai back, covered in blood. It terrified me!"
Recalling the scene, she still shuddered. "What’s even more remarkable is that despite suffering such grave injuries for Songbai’s sake, Yuan Yi—such a strong woman—threw herself onto General Cheng in tears, yet never uttered a single word of blame toward us."
Old Madam Wan slowly closed her left eye. "Choosing friends isn’t just about offering your heart. You must know how to judge character. Ah, I’m getting old—these words should be for my grandsons, teaching them how to discern people. Yet here I am, rambling to you..."
Madam Wan bowed her head. "It’s all because this new bride is incapable of bearing children."
"What does that have to do with you?" Old Madam Wan scoffed. "One generation is like this, the next the same. Our ancestors were no different—why should we cower in fear?" Then her tone shifted. "So, you’ve set your sights on the Yin Family, with their many sons and grandsons? Thinking of taking in a son-in-law for Qiqi?"
Madam Wan was horrified, prostrating herself in panic. "This new bride wouldn’t dare!"
"There’s no 'dare' or 'not dare.' You and A-Wan are as close as sisters—it’s no surprise you’d have such thoughts."
Old Madam Wan waved dismissively, signaling her daughter-in-law to rise. "But even if you’re willing, would Qiqi agree? Would Songbai? The Yin Family has many young men eager to enlist and earn military merits. We and the Cheng family can offer some support where possible. But the Yin clan is vast. Qiqi may not be foolish, but she’d still be outnumbered. Once we’re gone, the assets your father-in-law built might all end up bearing the Yin surname..."
Madam Wan was terrified, kowtowing repeatedly through tears. "This new bride would never harbor such treacherous thoughts! I merely thought—finding a son-in-law from a family of equal standing would be impossible, while a lower household might disgrace Qiqi. The Cheng family would’ve been ideal, but they’re already so few in number. I wouldn’t dare suggest it. Only A-Wan... her family has so many branches, perhaps they’d agree..."
Old Madam Wan nodded. "Who could argue? Taking in a son-in-law is always troublesome. But I advise you to set aside this notion for now. I see how dearly Songbai loves his daughter. The first twelve were all married off properly, let alone Qiqi—his treasured jewel. She’ll surely be sent off in grand style."
Madam Wan turned her face away, weeping. "My husband is no longer young, yet he still lacks an heir. If we don’t take in a son-in-law, must we adopt? But those clan members... Songbai has offended them all..." She dared not look at her mother-in-law, for the root of this problem lay with her.
Old Madam Wan said, "Why trouble yourself over this? You might die before me and Songbai. Close your eyes, and such worries won’t matter. When the time comes, my Phoebe zhennan coffin can be yours first."Madam Wan's face was still wet with tears, and she stood there in a daze, unsure how to respond. After decades, she had never grown accustomed to her mother-in-law's manner of speaking—perhaps only the late Grand Duke Wan had truly adored it.
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