Just when Shao Shang thought the situation couldn't get any more awkward, her dear fiancé came panting up from behind, leading a horse and pulling a Small Chariot. Before he could even speak to his betrothed, his eyes lit up like torches as he shouted at the top of his lungs, "Brother Zisheng, elder brother, Lord Ling... You're here too..."
Shao Shang narrowed her eyes. Lou Yao's expression looked all too familiar—it was the same lovesick look her roommate Blog Sister had when she saw the heartthrob from the neighboring class!
The young man's voice was so loud it could be heard for miles around. Ling Buyi could no longer "remain engrossed in the chess game" and finally turned around with a smile, saying, "A Yao, you've come."
Lou Yao eagerly pulled Shao Shang forward, his joy overflowing: "Elder brother, you might not know yet. I'm engaged! Here, this is her—your future sister-in-law..."
Shao Shang stiffened like a freshly molded plaster statue. Truth be told, she still didn't understand why she had turned into a statue.
At that moment, a sharp crack sounded from behind. Everyone turned to see that the small square tray in Liang Qiu Fei's hands had inexplicably split at one corner. Fortunately, the young guard reacted quickly, steadying the Lacquer Red Bowl on the tray to prevent the Medicinal Liquid from spilling.
Ling Buyi's expression remained unchanged as he said gently, "You're not suited for such tasks. Let the Pageboy handle it from now on."
Liang Qiu Fei shuddered, hastily carrying the medicine bowl into the pavilion to serve Ling Buyi. Yuan Shen, however, frowned, glancing between the swiftly retreating young guard and Ling Buyi beside him, a hint of suspicion flickering in his brow.
Hearing Ling Buyi's still-gentle tone, Shao Shang relaxed and smiled, cupping her hands in greeting: "Lord Ling, it's been a while. Last month, we heard your old injury had flared up, and the entire Cheng family was deeply concerned. Now that we see you as heroic as ever, I can reassure Uncle and Aunt when I return."
Then she turned to Lou Yao and said, "You didn't know this, but when Aunt and I were traveling to Hua County, we were attacked by bandits and nearly captured. If not for Lord Ling's righteous rescue, you wouldn't be seeing me now!"
Lou Yao grew even more awestruck and repeatedly expressed his gratitude.
Since childhood, Lou Yao had loved martial arts, but the Lou family consisted entirely of scholars who neither supported his training nor had connections to introduce him to contemporary heroes. However, when he was twelve, his eldest cousin was rescued by Ling Buyi while traveling abroad. The entire Lou family was endlessly grateful, and Lou Yao seized the opportunity to befriend this renowned young hero of the Capital City—oh, and his little cousin Lou Li as well.
Despite his youth, Ling Buyi held multiple official posts and was usually too busy to be seen. Lou Yao rarely had chances to seek guidance, but whenever they met, Ling Buyi was always willing to offer advice.
Overflowing with gratitude, Lou Yao clasped his fists and said, "Elder brother, you've shown kindness to my family time and again. I truly don't know how to repay you."
After hearing her fiancé's brief account, Shao Shang chimed in appropriately: "Indeed, elder brother, your righteousness and integrity, along with your unparalleled reputation, make you a true pillar of the state."
At these words, another crack sounded—this time, the empty medicine bowl in Liang Qiu Fei's hands split apart. Before Ling Buyi could speak, the guard hurriedly blamed himself: "This subordinate was careless! I'll take my leave at once!" And with that, he retreated as if fleeing.
Ling Buyi lowered his long lashes, lost in thought, his left hand repeatedly turning a black chess piece between his fingers.Yuan Shen's face darkened like the bottom of a pot as he said coldly, "Cheng Niangzi should wait until after marriage before following Young Master Lou's manner of address."
Lou Yao was somewhat stunned, unsure how to respond. Shao Shang was furious—was this Yuan fellow implying she was clinging to the Lou Family to curry favor with the powerful? She immediately glared at him, her face clearly conveying 'None of your business!'
Yuan Shen snorted and turned away.
At this moment, Huangfu Yi had finished drinking his medicine by the small stove near the pavilion and slowly walked over, smiling. "Alright, the early spring chill hasn't abated. Let's continue our conversation at the secluded residence."
Shao Shang had no intention of going now and said coldly, "It's getting late today. We won't be visiting the secluded residence. Perhaps another day, when fate allows, we can properly reminisce with Physician Huangfu."
Huangfu Yi frowned and was about to persuade her when suddenly the sky darkened with clouds, and scattered raindrops began to fall. One particularly large drop landed squarely on Shao Shang's forehead. Caught off guard, the girl let out a dazed "Ouch!"
Yuan Shen, who had been sulking, couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sight.
Shao Shang shot him a glare and became even more determined to leave quickly. She climbed straight into the light carriage, pulling out leather gloves from the pouch at her waist and putting them on while urging Lou Yao to mount his horse.
Huangfu Yi, however, stared at Shao Shang's hands with displeasure. "These were made by Shunhua for you. Did she prick her fingers again?"
Shao Shang looked down. They were a pair of soft, thin lambskin gloves. Sang Shi had hastily made them for her a few days prior to prevent her hands from roughening from daily carriage driving. Shao Shang grew even more annoyed and replied bluntly, "Physician, you're overthinking it. It was my uncle who pricked his fingers because Aunt only drew the pattern and sewed the laces. The rest—softening the leather, punching holes, and shaping—were all done by Uncle!"
Seeing his teacher rebuffed, Yuan Shen couldn't resist stepping in. "Since Cheng Niangzi is so intent on distancing herself, why not return the light carriage gifted by Teacher? That would truly be clean and decisive!"
"You—!" Shao Shang was speechless. Scholars truly had venomous tongues—their words lashed like whips. If she really returned the carriage, would she have to walk back to the county town in the rain? She had no desire to fall ill again.
Lou Yao, unaware of the specifics, only knew that his fiancée representing the Cheng Family was quarreling with Yuan Shen representing their teacher. But he was poor with words and couldn't argue, so he took practical action to support his fiancée's decision—ordering the servants to help him don a straw raincoat and bamboo hat, preparing to set off.
"I won't return the carriage, and I won't go to the secluded residence. What will Young Master Yuan do about it?" Shao Shang resorted to defiance.
"Then don't speak so absolutely, and don't distance yourself so thoroughly. Getting married is one thing, but acting as if all past ties have vanished like fleeting clouds, as if you'll never interact again!" Yuan Shen stood ramrod straight, forcing a calm expression, though it was unclear whom he was really accusing.
"I'll speak absolutely if I want, and distance myself if I please! What can you do about it?!" Shao Shang sat in the carriage, her hands trembling with anger.
"Nothing at all. It's just that your pretentious act earlier was infuriating!" Yuan Shen spoke slowly, but he was genuinely angry. What was with all that fake politeness and forced smiles? Cheng Shaoshang was clearly sharp-tongued and unruly, ready to throw punches at the slightest provocation. What was wrong with being caustic, unruly, and fond of fighting? He thought it suited her just fine. Was she putting on this act just to marry into the Lou Family?!
"Whether I pretend or not is none of your concern!"
"Then whether I'm angry or not is none of yours!"
...At this moment, the pageboy had already raised a large oilcloth umbrella, under which Huangfu Yi kept shaking his head. His usually eloquent and refined disciple, who could debate state affairs gracefully before the emperor, was now bickering with a young girl in the rain ahead—and the argument was growing increasingly petty and unbecoming.
Just as Huangfu Yi was carefully considering how to persuade the girl to go to the secluded residence, he suddenly spotted a familiar black refined iron-rimmed comfort carriage approaching from the side. He couldn't help but pause in surprise.
Meanwhile, inside the pavilion, Ling Buyi set down his chess piece and stood up, walking toward the group. "A Yao," he said, "you should all go to the secluded residence together." Though his voice wasn't raised, his words carried clearly to everyone outside the pavilion.
At the words of this revered figure, Lou Yao immediately stopped putting on his straw raincoat and bamboo hat, hesitating as he looked at his betrothed.
The pitch-black comfort carriage slowly drew up beside the vermilion small chariot. Seated in the driver's position was none other than Liang Qiuqi, whom they hadn't seen in a long time. Two martial maids in close-fitting outfits, carrying swords and daggers, strode alongside the carriage.
Ling Buyi's expression was gentle as he walked forward. "Though this light chariot has a canopy, it won't offer much protection against wind-driven rain. I heard Cheng Niangzi has only recently recovered from illness—it would be a shame for her to fall sick again. You may quarrel with others, but don’t take it out on yourself."
Shao Shang paused her verbal sparring with Yuan Shen upon hearing this, torn between agreeing and not wanting to give Yuan Shen the satisfaction of mocking her.
Lou Yao quickly chimed in, "Shao Shang, Elder Brother is right!"
Seeing the girl wavering, Huangfu Yi, fearing his disciple might overplay his hand, hastily pulled him aside. Yuan Shen, sulking, refused to speak.
Ling Buyi, tall and long-legged, reached the light chariot in just a few strides. He personally opened the door of the black comfort carriage beside it and looked up at the girl in the carriage with a faint smile. It was early March, the beginning of spring, and the drizzling rain carried a hazy chill that clung to his plain robes like a misty veil. Against the backdrop of the ink-black carriage, there was an inexplicable air of mystery about him, majestic and striking like the landscapes of the north.
Shao Shang first silently admired Lord Ling's beauty, then glared at Yuan Shen beside her before clasping her hands and saying, "In that case, Shao Shang will obey Elder Broth—ah—"
Before she could even finish saying "Elder Brother's instructions," Ling Buyi gave a slight nod behind him. The two martial maids immediately stepped forward, swiftly lifting and guiding Shao Shang into the carriage compartment. Clinging to the doorway, she tried to call out to her betrothed, "A Yao, why don't you also—" But again, she didn’t get to finish. The two thick carriage doors were shut firmly, plunging the interior into sudden darkness.
Shao Shang was speechless. Lord Ling was truly, genuinely a good person—she really, truly had not a single complaint—but could he maybe tone down the controlling tendencies just a little?
This comfort carriage was likely Ling Buyi’s personal one. The interior was tall and spacious—so much so that Shao Shang, petite as she was, could stand upright inside. The furnishings were simple and austere: lacquer wood walls with a sheepskin tallow lamp hanging on each side, casting light on the black fox fur lining the floor, glossy and sleek. In the center was a square table with an attached small cabinet. There was no brazier, no warming vessel, and certainly no incense.
The faint scent of bowstring oil and a trace of blood lingered in the air, mixed with the presence of a grown man. Yet, it all made Shao Shang feel as though she had stepped into the den of a wild beast—unsettling and uneasy.At that moment, she heard Ling Buyi's gentle yet firm voice outside: "...A Yao, even if the rain stops soon, you likely won't make it back before the city gates close. It would be better to depart early tomorrow morning. I'll send someone to inform the county town immediately, so there's no need to rush... The rain seems to be getting heavier. We can return to the secluded residence faster on horseback."
What could Lou Yao say? Without even looking, Shao Shang knew he would either nod or reply with "Elder brother is absolutely right."
Sighing with emotion inside the carriage, Shao Shang thought: Lord Ling is truly modest and courteous, so considerate and thorough in his arrangements. So what if he's a bit controlling? This marriage alliance of mine is turning out quite well. With all these interactions, I've even managed to build a rapport with Lord Ling. Not bad, not bad at all.
The comfort carriage appeared tall and heavy, yet it moved swiftly and nimbly. Shao Shang had just removed her leather boots and placed them by the carriage door when someone knocked on the wall from the driver's seat. Liang Qiuqi's voice came through: "Young Lady, we've arrived at the secluded residence." The two martial maids slowly opened the door again and helped her down together.
As Shao Shang's feet touched the ground and she turned around, she saw a compound with white walls and dark tiles, high walls enclosing deep courtyards. Under the eaves were flying phoenix tiles and carved beasts, especially the two heavy purple-gold beast head door rings on the vermilion gate, each inlaid with four gleaming green jadeite stones as the beasts' eyes.
Entering and looking around, she saw tall beams and spacious halls. Though not overtly luxurious, every detail exuded dignified elegance.
Shao Shang was led by the maids to an exquisite guest chamber, where she was meticulously assisted in washing up and changing clothes. Noblewomen traveling naturally wouldn't bring just a water flask and a comb—spare clothes and cosmetic cases were always prepared, wrapped in oilcloth and stored in the carriage's lower compartment.
By the time Shao Shang finished dressing, it was already dark. She was soon escorted to a side hall.
Men always prepare faster than women. When she entered, she saw Ling Buyi and Huangfu Yi already seated at the head of the hall on left and right sides respectively. Below them were arranged seating mats on both sides. Lou Yao was leaning near Ling Buyi's seat, chatting and laughing. Yuan Shen stood before a massive floor-standing conjoined lantern nearly as tall as a person. In the brilliant lamplight, dressed in a silver-threaded brocade wrapped robe of precious blue, the young master stood tall and graceful. If not for his sour expression, he would have looked exactly like the dream lover from a maiden's spring fantasies.
Shao Shang first bowed to the two at the head of the hall, then observed the seating arrangement below—one seat on the right, two on the left. She intended to take the second seat on the left, leaving the first for Lou Yao. Unexpectedly, Yuan Shen glanced sideways, took a long stride, and directly occupied the first left seat.
Yuan Shen even waved cheerfully at Lou Yao: "Young Master Lou, please take your seat." Flicking his sleeve, he indicated the seat beside him, then said to Shao Shang, "Cheng Niangzi, please take the honored seat," pointing to the opposite seating.
Lou Yao was baffled—shouldn't the betrothed couple sit together? But offering Shao Shang the honored seat on the right seemed polite too. Finally, amidst Shao Shang's forced smile and gritted teeth, the unfortunate engaged couple had no choice but to sit as Yuan directed.
The dining tables were laden with abundant dishes: tender roasted grouse, clear pork bone soup, vinegar-glazed grilled river fish, along with two plates of vegetables made from early spring mountain greens, and even a pot of rice wine. After the maids poured wine, everyone raised their cups for a toast—to what?
Ling Buyi said calmly: "May warfare cease, and may the winds and rains come seasonably."Huangfu Yi spoke with a touch of melancholy, "May the years bring no regrets, and the past no sorrow."
Lou Yao didn't understand, Yuan Shen pretended not to understand, while Shao Shang inwardly scoffed before the three of them silently drained their cups in unison.
The meal proceeded in silence.
Yuan Shen ate with refined elegance, not deliberately affected, yet barely making a sound while chewing—a habit of restraint cultivated since birth. Lou Yao ate efficiently, as befitting the Lou Family's upbringing, though compared to Yuan Shen, his movements seemed slightly louder.
Huangfu Yi barely touched his food, continuously refilling his wine cup instead.
Shao Shang still hadn't grown accustomed to such large chunks of food. She insisted on using a dagger to cut the fish into small pieces before setting it aside and picking up her chopsticks. When she looked up, she noticed Ling Buyi had already finished his meal without a sound.
When about two-thirds full, she set down her jade chopsticks and spoke clearly, "Physician Huangfu, you shouldn't keep drinking like this. Didn't you say before the rain that you wished to speak with me?"
"Call me Teacher," Huangfu Yi replied with a lonely smile. "This old man has already resigned from office. I plan to retire to the countryside, write some commentaries on the classics, and teach a few not-too-dull students."
Shao Shang was slightly surprised but said nothing.
Ling Buyi glanced at Huangfu Yi and remarked, "Your Majesty holds you in high esteem. There's no need for this."
Huangfu Yi shook his head. "Over twenty years! Since Emperor Li harmed my uncles and I was forced to leave home, wandering the world—it's been over twenty years. This old man is tired, exhausted."
Yuan Shen remained composed. "It's good for Teacher to rest. You're only in your early forties, yet you look older than my father now."
Huangfu Yi laughed and pointed at Yuan Shen, teasing, "I took you as a disciple too early! With such an outstanding senior disciple, all the others seem either dull or pedantic!"
Yuan Shen raised an eyebrow. "Senior disciple? Teacher, have you taken other disciples?" (He was the only one, big or small!)
Huangfu Yi looked slightly embarrassed. "N-not yet."
Shao Shang and Lou Yao couldn't help but chuckle softly.
As the wine took effect, Huangfu Yi's gaze settled on Shao Shang. Suddenly, he said, "Cheng Niangzi, today I'll presume upon my age and call you Shao Shang like your aunt does, if I may?"
Perhaps because she'd also had a few cups of rice wine, Shao Shang's cheeks were flushed as she cheerfully agreed.
Emboldened by his slight intoxication, Huangfu Yi declared loudly, "Meeting is fate. Today, I'll tell you all a story. Remember—this is just a story! Don't connect it to anyone else!"
Shao Shang perked up, her spirits lifting, knowing she was finally about to hear the "long story" that Sang Shi had always refused to tell.
Yuan Shen sighed helplessly, glanced at the somewhat confused Lou Yao beside him, and sighed again.
Ling Buyi frowned and waved his hand, dismissing all the maids in the hall, while Liang Qiuqi cleared the surrounding area of people.
"Many years ago, when the last emperor still reigned and Emperor Li had yet to usurp the throne, there was a young nobleman in a certain place..." Huangfu Yi began blearily. "Though his father died early, his exceptional talents earned him great favor from his uncles. Whether in his clan, school, or the entire commandery, his reputation was illustrious, and he was praised everywhere. This nobleman had a fiancée betrothed to him since childhood. Yet, he always felt she wasn't good enough for him..."
"What did this fiancée look like?" Shao Shang suddenly interrupted, unable to hide her sarcasm.
Ling Buyi and Yuan Shen both looked at her, their expressions unreadable.Huangfu Yi was taken aback for a moment before smiling bitterly. "You're too sharp for such a young girl. Indeed, sigh, this fiancée was plain in appearance. That young master, however, was not only talented and promising but also hailed as the 'Song Yu' of his time. When you think about it, this fiancée was exceptional in both character and learning—truly, the young master was shallow, exceedingly shallow..."
Shao Shang curled her lips and continued listening to the story.
"In youth, who hasn't dreamed of marrying a beautiful and accomplished maiden? This young master was no exception. The books spoke of the lovely and devoted Ehuang and Nüying, of the breathtakingly beautiful Baosi and Daji, and of countless moving poems and verses... His plain-looking, mild-tempered fiancée remained a slight regret in his heart. Yet he knew she was the best woman he could hope for, and so the two grew up together like childhood sweethearts. The young man thought to himself, 'When I marry her, I'll treat her with respect—that will suffice.'"
"But then, when the young master turned seventeen, his uncles and elders in the clan openly denounced Emperor Li in court. Overnight, all the adult men in his family were executed, leaving behind only the elderly, women, and children. The young master, who had been studying in his teacher's mountain retreat, escaped the massacre but was forced to flee far from home. With his family's fortunes ruined, his fiancée's relatives urged her to break off the engagement to avoid disaster. That year, she was only fourteen..."
Hearing this, Shao Shang felt she could already guess the ending and said with a laugh, "As Teacher said, meeting is fate—it seems this young master and his fiancée simply weren't meant to be!"
Serves you right for disliking her looks—now you've lost her to that pig trotter Uncle, huh? Serves you right! But... the ages don't quite add up. She remembered that when Uncle married Aunt, they were both already in their twenties...
"What do you know? If that were truly the case, the young master wouldn't have spent his later years in regret." Huangfu Yi's eyes brimmed with tenderness, yet his voice carried pain. "At this very moment, that unassuming fiancée, who had never stood out before, defied all opposition and adamantly refused to break the engagement. Whether her father scolded her or her mother wept and pleaded, she remained steadfast in waiting for that young master..."
Shao Shang was stunned. Ah, so Pig Trotter Uncle was the other man?!
Author's Note:
Aiming to finish the Secluded Residence showdown in the next chapter.
Don't worry, I don't write tragedies.
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