Love Like the Galaxy

That night, after Cheng Zhi returned to the government office, Sang Shi immediately relayed Shao Shang's words to her husband.

Cheng Zhi remained silent for a long time. Originally the most ardent supporter of this marriage, he now found himself inexplicably gloomy. He sat alone by the window in quiet contemplation until the second watch sounded, then finally spread out silk and dipped his brush in ink to reply to his elder brother.

With military couriers swift as the wind and the three locations not far apart, Cheng Zhi received his elder brother’s handwritten letter within seven or eight days. It stated, 'We have exchanged tokens with the Lou Assistant Prefect, and the betrothal is now settled. The formal ceremonies will be completed upon our return to the Capital City.' As for the betrothal tokens, the former presented a mutton-fat Jade Pendant, while the latter offered a golden tiger paperweight. The two men even rode urgently to the border of Qing and Yan provinces, drank three bowls of wine, and sealed their agreement with a clap of hands.

In those times, people valued trustworthiness, and thus the betrothal was considered firmly settled.

Cheng Zhi waved the letter in his hand and sighed, "Elder brother says that although the Lou Assistant Prefect is a scholar, he is straightforward in temperament, honest in character, and a joy to interact with."

Sang Shi didn’t even bother to lift her eyelids. "In all these years, has elder brother ever found anyone he didn’t enjoy interacting with?" Given Cheng Shi’s outwardly simple but shrewd nature, even if he privately thought someone had forgotten to bring their brain at birth, he could still maintain an appearance of warm familiarity.

Cheng Zhi sighed again. "What about Niao Niao and A Yao?"

Sang Shi also began to sigh. "They’re either inside the city or outside it."

The couple stared at each other, at a loss for words.

In truth, as early as seven or eight days ago, the young master Lou had already begun presenting himself as the Cheng Residence’s Son-in-law, coming and going with such buoyant pride that his chest nearly puffed out. Any servant in the government office bold enough to call him 'Son-in-law Young Master' was rewarded with a veritable shower of coins.

Initially, Cheng Zhi had worried that the young man, being hot-blooded and free with his purse, might be led astray by the city’s idle youths now that he was without elder supervision. Yet, since Shao Shang’s recovery, Lou Yao had barely stepped out the door.

Whenever noble families in the city sent invitations, Lou Yao would mention his plans to attend the banquets to Shao Shang. She would then curl up on the bed, looking despondent and forlorn. "Oh, you’re going out…"

At this, Lou Yao’s heart would melt entirely. He couldn’t bear the thought of leaving his young fiancée, who had just struggled free from illness’s grasp and now seemed so fragile, helpless, and afraid of loneliness. How could he go out to enjoy himself alone? After declining the invitations, he would continue teaching Shao Shang to read and write, chatting and laughing with her through the day. Back in the Capital City, his mother and former fiancée He Zhaojun had kept him under strict supervision, so he’d never had much chance to mingle with the dissolute crowd and didn’t find their revelries particularly appealing anyway.

"My knowledge is shallow. Won’t your family look down on me?" the frail girl fretted.

Lou Yao’s heart softened even further, his entire being gentling as he reassured her, "Don’t worry, don’t worry. I’m the least learned in my family too." The main branch of the Lou family had two lines, each with several children. Lou Yao ranked second to last among them, with only his elder uncle’s daughter Lou Li below him. His elder siblings, whether born of the primary or secondary wives, were all renowned for their literary brilliance—only he seemed to have been born into the wrong family, preferring swords over scrolls and refusing even to attend the Imperial Academy.

"Teaching me to read and write every day must be such a bother for you," Shao Shang said gratefully.

Lou Yao shook his head like a windmill. It wasn’t a bother at all—he was overjoyed! Since childhood, he’d always felt somewhat inferior in the presence of his elder siblings. Now, to have his beloved gaze at him with such admiration, her soft, humble voice asking about every word and phrase, filled him with indescribable delight.To meet the teaching needs, the young master Lou, who had always avoided writing like the plague, became unusually diligent. Not only did he send his attendants to fetch books from his father's study in Shanyang County to use as teaching materials, but he also spent every night reviewing the contents of books he had memorized as a child.

When the attendant sent to retrieve the books explained the situation, the County Assistant Lou, who had initially intended to call his son back, immediately changed his mind. He quickly sent over a dozen bamboo scrolls, along with a bundle of clothes and gold ingots, instructing his son to "stay there for a while, learn some life lessons from Uncle Cheng, and don’t rush back to the Capital City."

Upon hearing this, Sang Shi was so angry she laughed: "Lord Lou is a seasoned County Assistant, yet he tells his son to learn 'life lessons' from you, a mere County Deputy?" This was truly the funniest joke she had heard all year.

"I am now a County Magistrate," Cheng Zhi hurriedly corrected his wife.

"An 'acting' one!"

Regardless of the elders' calculations, Lou Yao grew increasingly comfortable living in the county office.

Shao Shang was also very satisfied with this arrangement. She now faced two challenges: first, she hadn’t expected to be betrothed so soon, and to such a prestigious family. Simply being able to read and handle official documents was clearly insufficient—she needed to master the kind of illustrated texts and high-level literature expected of her. Second, whether for the sake of future marital happiness or not, it was best to firmly secure Lou Yao’s affection and nurture their bond as quickly as possible.

After careful planning, Shao Shang decided to keep Lou Yao by her side, conveniently solving both problems at once. Lou Yao, like a donkey happily bumping into a honey-coated millstone, willingly put on the harness and began grinding. Every night, he diligently reviewed his studies so he could teach his semi-literate fiancée during the day. This back-and-forth kept them both so busy they had no time for socializing outside.

Thus, within just a few days, rumors spread throughout the city: "The young Cheng household maintains strict discipline, and their niece keeps a tight rein on her betrothed."

Sang Shi, caught in the crossfire, was both amused and exasperated. She tugged her husband’s ear and scolded him playfully: "Back when they wanted to gift you dancing girls, I told you to accept them! These people—still holding onto grudges from years ago!"

Cheng Zhi quickly pleaded for mercy: "If we’re talking about household discipline, it’s not on you—Elder Sister Yuan Yi is the one to blame! Let’s settle this score with her later. Come, sit down, sit here with me… Let’s sort this out first…"

Before the couple could finish their affectionate accounting indoors, Shao Shang finally recovered enough to go out and about.

It was now late February, early spring. The earth was awakening, ice and snow melting from fields and branches, and tiny green shoots poked through the damp soil. Though the wind while riding was still chilly, it lacked the harsh, unrelenting cold of deep winter, instead carrying a more agreeable temperament. Thus, Lou Yao took Shao Shang out for a daily ride.

Sometimes they wandered through the city’s market districts, picking out interesting trinkets. Other times, they rode beyond the city walls, exploring the surrounding countryside. With the bandits from the previous month long subdued and guards from both families following them, there was no fear of danger.

On days when they ventured far, they often returned as dusk fell. Cheng Zhi, like an annoying gatekeeper uncle, would sternly remind the young couple of the city gate’s closing time every day.Lou Yao and Shao Shang lowered their heads, giggling and exchanging glances like two little moles beneath the surface, then looked up with feigned innocence, nodding obediently. Yet the very next day, they were off running deep into the countryside again.

What delighted Shao Shang even more was that her usually argumentative "Pig's Trotters" Uncle Cheng Zhi had unexpectedly gifted her an exquisitely crafted light carriage—a small chariot designed for two, open on all sides. Painted vibrant red with gold accents, it was as lively and fresh as a young maiden. The rounded, graceful canopy resembled a delicate parasol, while the curved axle arched like a swan's neck. The two wheels were not only sturdy but also wrapped in layers of some unknown animal hide to cushion against bumps.

"Uncle, is this really for me?" Shao Shang couldn't resist running her hands over the glossy lacquered walls, recalling how her uncle had once gifted her a super cute and powerful electric scooter when she got into university, saving her countless steps across campus.

Cheng Zhi smiled benevolently. "It's not from me—it's from your Aunt."

"Thank you, Aunt!" Shao Shang nearly jumped for joy, thinking her aunt was the absolute best person in the world. Right there in the backyard stable, she threw herself at Sang Shi and planted a kiss on her cheek. Though she could ride a horse, long journeys were still uncomfortable. Now, with this little chariot, getting around would be effortless.

Sang Shi couldn't help laughing while secretly pinching her husband's waist.

"But... but I don't know how to drive it?" Shao Shang had almost forgotten this crucial detail in her excitement.

Cheng Zhi, uncharacteristically gentle, said, "Let A Yao teach you."

Lou Yao naturally volunteered eagerly.

Just as someone who can ride a bicycle quickly picks up riding an electric scooter, learning to drive a carriage isn't difficult for someone who can ride a horse. Within two days, Shao Shang was already cracking the bamboo whip with gusto, guiding the horses with just a flick of the whip's tip or the sound of its snap—no need to even touch their hindquarters. In the following days, she eagerly took the little vermilion chariot all over the city. Once she felt confident, she and Lou Yao ventured eastward beyond the city walls.

The early spring breeze was brisk, and the young travelers' horses trotted swiftly.

With one hand on the reins and the other holding the bamboo whip, Shao Shang guided the carriage with effortless grace. Her bright eyes took in the bustling scenes around her—farmers and their wives busy with their tasks: burning fields, plowing land, fertilizing soil. Across the fields, melodious farming songs rose now and then, no one caring who started them. Those who heard would often laugh and join in, the refrains spreading from near to far, rising and falling in an endless chorus...

After being here so long, it was only now that she felt she was truly getting to know this world—both familiar and strange. In this moment, aside from the lonely, unnamed graves still standing under the cold wind and waning moon, it was as if the bloody slaughter from last month had never happened. Whether they had lost loved ones or not, the people—trodden upon like dirt yet enduring through the ages—always looked ahead with hope.

Shao Shang reined in the carriage and, after a long pause, said, "A Yao, when we become local officials someday, we must do our best."

Lou Yao stood beside the carriage, gazing thoughtfully before replying, "Mm. I won't promise wealth and prosperity, but at the very least, we must teach the people propriety and manners."

Shao Shang tilted her head and teased, "Only when the granaries are full do people know honor and shame. First, make sure they have full bellies—that's the priority!"Lou Yao smiled and said, "That's natural! My father often says the same thing—if the people have enough to eat and wear, they won't stir up any trouble. But, but... I think if local officials merely help them achieve basic needs, it's only a temporary solution. What happens when the officials change? It's better to help them understand reason, strive for improvement, and learn how to secure their own food and clothing..."

Shao Shang immediately regarded him with newfound respect and praised him repeatedly, "Yes, yes! A Yao, you're absolutely right! Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. That’s the way to lasting prosperity!" She showered him with compliments until the young man blushed crimson.

During this time, the two got along very harmoniously.

Shao Shang deliberately tempered her sharp tongue, adopting the same gentle demeanor she used with Wan Qiqi, discussing everything with him patiently. Lou Yao, who responded better to kindness than harshness, naturally became more patient in all matters when faced with her soft-spoken approach. Shao Shang found this development quite delightful. Love might be too abstract, but at least they could genuinely like each other now—that was the first step to success.

Shao Shang raised her whip and set off again, followed by a retinue of guards, the group traveling grandly eastward.

Lou Yao rode alongside, smiling as he watched his young and beautiful fiancée skillfully drive the small carriage. The more he looked, the prouder he felt. When they reached an exceptionally picturesque hillside with a pond beside it, he suddenly suggested, "Such beautiful scenery—why don’t you play a tune on your flute?"

Shao Shang glanced around and happily agreed. She had Lou Yao sit beside her, handed him the reins and bamboo whip, and freed her hands to lift the flute to her lips and play.

The flute’s melody carried on the wind, light and cheerful, brimming with vibrant hope—spring blossoms, fortune after hardship, blessings from heaven, prayers for favorable weather, warmth, and abundance. From the accompanying guards to the farmers by the fields, everyone smiled.

"Bravo! A fine flute, a fine tune!"

A deep, resonant voice suddenly rang out from the hillside, startling everyone. The guards behind the carriage tensed in alert. Shao Shang quickly lowered her flute, and Lou Yao tightened the reins as both looked around.

A middle-aged man in a straw raincoat, with a bamboo hat slung on his back, slowly approached from the direction of the pond. Though he carried a fishing rod in one hand and a fish basket in the other, dressed like a fisherman, he was followed by a group of respectful servants.

The man had initially emerged upon hearing the flute, but when he saw the light carriage Shao Shang was seated in, his brow furrowed slightly. His expression grew thoughtful as he slowly asked, "Are you the niece of Cheng Zigu from Hua County?"

Shao Shang was no longer the sharp-tongued girl who had first met Yuan Shen. Seeing this man’s dignified bearing and considerable entourage, and hearing him immediately identify her background, she quickly pulled Lou Yao down from the carriage and gestured for the guards to step back. Bowing respectfully, she said, "Greetings, elder. You are correct. Might you be acquainted with the Cheng family?"

Lou Yao had found the man familiar from the moment he saw him. Now, hearing him speak, he suddenly exclaimed, "Ah! You are Minister Huangfu! This humble one pays his respects." He had once been dragged by his elder brother to attend one of the man’s lectures.

Shao Shang knew nothing of court affairs but understood this man was clearly a high-ranking official. Playing the part of a proper lady, she retreated behind Lou Yao, letting him handle the conversation.To everyone's surprise, Huangfu Yi ignored Lou Yao and instead fixed his gaze on Shao Shang, teasing with a smile, "Young Lady Cheng, since your name is Shao Shang, why don't you play the qin instead of playing the flute?"

Seeing no way to avoid it, Shao Shang forced a dry laugh. "...I...I don't know how to play the qin. Even this flute was only recently taught to me by my Aunt..." How did this guy know her name?!

As she looked up, Shao Shang finally got a clear view of the middle-aged man's appearance.

This man named Huangfu Yi was quite old and clearly didn't take good care of himself. Though his features were refined and his demeanor dignified, his face was weathered with fine wrinkles covering his skin, making it hard for Shao Shang to guess his exact age.

Hearing her words, Huangfu Yi inexplicably grew melancholic. He handed his fishing rod and basket to a servant nearby, waving them away before saying, "Your Aunt never liked playing the qin when she was young, saying it hurt her fingers. But later, she still learned and became quite skilled."

Shao Shang's smile faded, and after a long silence, she replied, "Does the gentleman have ties to the Sang family?" She already knew who this Huangfu was, but was it appropriate to talk about someone else's wife in such a tone?

"Naturally. I studied at White Deer Mountain since childhood. By the time I left, your Uncle hadn't even entered the mountain yet." Huangfu Yi slowly removed the bamboo hat from his back. "I never imagined he would be the one to marry Shunhua in the end."

Shao Shang's expression darkened as she cupped her hands in a salute. "If the gentleman has nothing further, this young lady will take her leave." With that, she turned to board the carriage, while Lou Yao stood dumbfounded beside her, completely unaware of what was happening.

"Wait!" Huangfu Yi suddenly raised his voice, stroking his beard with a faint smile. "Do you know this light carriage was a gift from me to your Aunt?"

Shao Shang's face turned cold. "So what?!" She inwardly cursed her foolish Uncle a thousand times—always dragging her into trouble without warning, over and over again!

Huangfu Yi stepped closer, gently caressing the elegantly curved axle. "I heard her leg was injured, so I had this carriage specially made to ease her travels. Yet your Uncle ended up giving it to you?"

Shao Shang was indignant. "The gentleman is mistaken. This carriage wasn't a gift from my Uncle—it was from my Aunt!" Though Third Uncle wasn't the brightest, he was handsome, well-built, and genuinely kind-hearted. Aunt adored him beyond measure. Times had changed—what was this old man trying to do now?! Just look at all those wrinkles on his face!

"As for my Aunt's leg injury, the gentleman need not worry. From bandaging and changing dressings to even sucking out pus and blood from the wound, my Uncle handled everything personally without relying on others." Such words, even if entirely true, would be difficult for most young ladies to utter. But Shao Shang was thick-skinned and determined to defend her foolish Uncle's dignity.

Sure enough, Huangfu Yi's expression drastically changed. Yet within moments, he regained his composed demeanor, shaking his head with a bitter smile. After a thoughtful pause, he said, "By seniority, I could be considered half an elder to you. Beyond this slope lies the secluded residence where His Majesty once stayed. Why not accompany me there for a talk, Young Lady?"

Shao Shang sneered repeatedly. "My Aunt told me she once made you promise that neither you nor anyone around you would ever seek her out again, nor send letters or gifts. So, there's no need for any talk." This master and disciple were cut from the same cloth—making demands without a second thought for how others might feel.Huangfu Yi smiled faintly. "Your aunt indeed treats you with great affection, telling you everything. However, after Young Master Yuan entrusted you with his message last time, your uncle wrote to say that old friends may meet without hindrance."

Shao Shang gritted her teeth, wishing she could drag her pig-headed uncle over and beat him a hundred times—no, a hundred times over!

Huangfu Yi found the little girl's ever-changing expressions quite amusing and spoke earnestly in a gentle tone. "This old man has no ulterior motives. It's just... ah, I wish to see your aunt, but I imagine she would not want me appearing before her again. You are close to her, and speaking with you feels almost like seeing her."

Hhao Shang sensed the sincerity in his words and his humble demeanor. Considering he was one of Yuan Shen's teachers and likely someone of importance, she thought it best not to offend him if possible. Suppressing her frustration, she nodded reluctantly.

The slope was gentle. Huangfu Yi walked ahead with his hands clasped behind his back, while Shao Shang followed silently. Lou Yao, still largely oblivious to the situation, trailed about ten paces behind, leading the horses, followed by a retinue of guards and servants.

Before they even crested the hill, they saw a tall, spacious pavilion at the summit. Its eaves were adorned with bronze qilin, and its hexagonal structure extended outward with eight pillars.

Inside the pavilion stood two young men. One, dressed in a light-blue scholar's robe, held a bamboo scroll and faced the eastern ridge. The other, clad in a plain white brocade sleeveless robe with subtle patterns, had the poised elegance of a crane and the slender grace of a mantis. His profile was as strikingly handsome as ever as he sat quietly before a stone chess table, one hand resting on his knee, the other propped on the table, his pale fingertips lightly holding a black chess piece.

At the sight of these two, Shao Shang's legs turned to lead, and her mind erupted like molten lava. She couldn't bring herself to take another step forward.

Yuan Shen was the first to notice them. With graceful poise, he bowed to Huangfu Yi and said, "Teacher, it is time for your medicine."

Though Shao Shang stood right beside his teacher, Yuan Shen's gaze didn't so much as flicker in her direction, as if she were invisible. As for the chess-playing gentleman, he didn't even stir the hem of his robe.

Huangfu Yi smiled and explained to the girl, "His Majesty recently returned to the Capital City after touring Qingzhou. But my health has been poor, and I could not endure the journey back. So His Majesty sent me here to recuperate. You've met Shan Jian—he came to accompany me. And Zi... ah, Lord Ling... He and I arrived just two days ago. His Majesty instructed him to rest and recover from his injuries."

Shao Shang nodded awkwardly. Deep down, she felt this awkwardness was unwarranted—she had no reason to feel this way—yet the atmosphere was undeniably and inexplicably tense.

Huangfu Yi moved to sit by the stove, assisted by a pageboy, and began drinking his medicine.

Feeling the need to break the awkward silence, Shao Shang stepped forward and bowed. "Young Master Yuan, it has been a while. I hope you've been well?"

The icy-eyed Young Master Yuan finally deigned to glance her way, his voice even colder than his expression. "Two months apart, and I hear Cheng Niangzi is already betrothed. Allow me to offer my congratulations."

His tone was impeccably elegant, but the words "two months" were uttered with particular emphasis, carrying a hint of gritted teeth.

Shao Shang swallowed hard. Before she could respond, a young man holding a tray emerged from the other side. The moment he saw Shao Shang, he exclaimed, "...Cheng Niangzi...?"

Shao Shang smiled. "Liang Qiu, so you're here too."Liang Qiu Fei's expression darkened inexplicably as he said sarcastically, "It's only been a month, yet I heard Cheng Niangzi is already engaged. Congratulations from A Fei!"

Shao Shang was embarrassed.

Why did you have to say the same thing as Yuan Shen?

Author's Note:

The showdown you've been waiting for is here, wholesale batch of old and young rivals.

Finished watching Aquaman, it was great. Arguably DC's best film besides The Dark Knight.

Actually, I think The Dark Knight Rises declined too. This Aquaman completely abandoned DC's previous dark and depressive style—the whole movie is just fighting, chaos, eye-popping special effects and spectacle, mixed with some humor. Very enjoyable, planning to watch it again.

It's quite amusing to think about—just as the tone of the Marvel universe gradually turned gloomy and somber (how could it not be, with half the universe wiped out by a snap?), DC suddenly became all bright and cheerful. I hope this isn't just a one-off. James Wan, you rock!