Love Like the Galaxy

The return journey was smooth and uneventful, with favorable weather all the way.

At the front, Old Man Cheng led the main army to clear the path—though his motives weren’t entirely official. At the rear, Madam Xiao’s battle-hardened Guard took charge—rumored to obey only her commands, even Cheng Shi had to defer to them. It was said that, when matched in numbers, their defensive line had never been breached.

But the closer they got to the Capital City, the more aggrieved Shao Shang and Lou Yao felt.

In the outer provinces, things had been tolerable. But once they entered the capital region, Madam Xiao began enforcing strict protocols on her daughter, as if she were a princess sent off for political marriage.

No sightseeing, no leisurely rides—she wasn’t even allowed to ride her horse much. The brand-new gold-red small cart was pitifully hitched at the back, and Shao Shang could almost hear it whimpering in sorrow. Trapped inside the refined but stifling ammunition wagon, forced to maintain ladylike decorum, she felt like she was about to sprout mold. The warm, honeyed tan she had developed over the past few months quickly faded back into a sickly pallor from being cooped up in the carriage.

Madam Xiao wasn’t actually opposed to her daughter riding horses. Skilled in both literary and martial arts herself, she fully supported girls learning archery and horsemanship. But once Shao Shang mounted a horse, she would inevitably ride side by side with that Lou boy, chatting and laughing without restraint. Now that they were nearing the Capital City, the official roads were growing crowded. Though the customs of the time were liberal, caution never hurt.

Shao Shang had considered pleading with Old Man Cheng, but her earlier overprotectiveness of her fiancé had angered him. Now, Cheng Shi wholeheartedly agreed that the young couple should "behave properly"—after all, he hadn’t even held Madam Xiao’s hand before marriage. What more did that Lou brat want?!

The carriage curtain lifted slightly, and a finely crafted wooden box tied with a silk ribbon was slipped inside. Shao Shang quickly untied it and peeled back the oilcloth beneath—revealing a golden, fragrant pile of dried peach slices.

She speared one with a bamboo skewer and took a bite, then smiled at the young man riding alongside the carriage. "A Yao, you were right! These really are better than the ones from those two shops in the Capital City!"

Lou Yao had just galloped for over an hour and was drenched in sweat, but the sight of his fiancée’s smile—sweeter than the dried peaches—instantly revived him. Grinning like a ripe, split honey peach, he said, "It’s not far from the Capital City. If you like them, I’ll have someone fetch them for you often!"

Shao Shang arched her delicate, bird-like brows but feigned annoyance. "Honestly, couldn’t you have sent a servant? Did you really have to go yourself? You must be exhausted! Let me see—oh dear, your temples are soaked with sweat! Here, let me wipe it for you."

Obediently, Young Master Lou leaned in, letting his fiancée reach out from the carriage to dab his forehead. Gazing at her radiant, clear-eyed smile, he grinned so widely he nearly bumped his head against the carriage roof.

"Oh no, this won’t do. If your face is this sweaty, you must be drenched all over! Go back to your own carriage, change your underclothes, and then come back!" Shao Shang said with exaggerated concern.

Lou Yao insisted it wasn’t necessary, but the girl widened her beautiful eyes, pouted her rosy lips, and lightly scolded, "You won’t listen to me? Fine, I won’t speak to you ever again! If you catch a chill and fall ill because of this, I’ll never eat dried peaches for the rest of my life!" She even pretended to toss the box out of the carriage.

Lou Yao didn’t dare disobey and immediately turned to go change."Hey hey, wait a moment, you try a piece too... come on, open your mouth, ah, so sweet?" The girl extended a piece of dried fruit on a bamboo skewer out of the carriage, and Lou Yao happily took it in his mouth before riding off cheerfully. In his dazed state, he rode straight past his own ammunition wagon, only to sheepishly turn back after realizing his mistake and ride back several yards.

Madam Xiao, who was riding alongside on horseback, witnessed this scene and shook her head with a silent sigh.

In her eyes, her niece Cheng Yang was gentle, considerate of the bigger picture, neither sharp nor temperamental, and amiable. Yet all these valuable qualities paled in comparison to the vibrant charm exuded by her own daughter.

Having been young once herself, she understood perfectly well that in the eyes of a passionate young man, Cheng Yang was merely a sturdy and reliable table—solid, durable, and practical—while Shao Shang was the bright moon, the intoxicating spring breeze, the breathtaking sea of clouds and misty cliffs.

Moreover, she now knew that her daughter wasn't just skilled at acting spoiled but also adept at handling practical matters.

Compared to her niece, what Shao Shang lacked was merely common sense and formal procedures; in terms of quick-wittedness and competence, she even surpassed Cheng Yang. Madam Xiao had expended considerable effort to teach Cheng Yang how to balance kindness and authority when managing subordinates, yet Shao Shang had figured it out on her own, efficiently organizing the entire medical hut and motivating the many physicians, apprentices, and servants to work diligently.

Post-disaster reconstruction required funds everywhere, and Shao Shang couldn't rely on monetary incentives. Instead, she appealed to their reputations. Every physician who saw their work through to the end received a scroll of white silk personally inscribed by Cheng Zhi, detailing their compassionate medical ethics and diligent, unwavering service, and stamped with the county magistrate's seal as a mark of commendation.

She had even used the remaining money from the cash box to bribe the shamans, who occasionally set up divination altars in the medical hut—one day predicting that a certain kind-hearted soul, working tirelessly to save lives, would be rewarded with wealth and prosperity in the next life; another day declaring that an innocent victim of misfortune, wronged in this life, would have their blessings doubled in the next... This not only boosted morale but also soothed grief, killing two birds with one stone.

Madam Xiao sighed again—

Besides, Lou Yao wasn't the eldest son. The wife of the eldest son needed to be dignified and proper, but there was no harm in the wife of the youngest son being lively and playful, especially since she was capable in both accounting and management and got along well with her son. She imagined that if Cheng Zhu wanted to marry such a new bride, she would probably agree as well.

Truth be told, this marriage was largely secured by her daughter herself; neither she nor her husband had lifted a finger to forge ties with an aristocratic family. According to the shamans, such a daughter was practically born to repay debts—her parents hadn't raised her, yet she handled her own marriage without causing them any worry.

Madam Xiao shook her head with a bitter smile. She had never been one for divination in her youth, yet now she was starting to believe in it.

Inside the carriage, Shao Shang munched on her snacks triumphantly. In truth, she had long suspected she had a talent for acting.

Back in her hometown, her stubbornness had been unavoidable, but upon entering university, she knew that a top-tier institution would be filled with hidden talents—academic prodigies and privileged elites—so she quickly refined her demeanor, playing the part of a demure and diligent young woman from the Jiangnan water towns, pretending to be quiet, sweet, and ambitious. As for the results? Well, hooking a well-rounded, affluent club president and a few other minor catches from the department had to count for something, right?At this thought, Shao Shang felt another pang of heartache. Such a high-quality catch, and she hadn’t even taken a bite before it slipped away—what rotten luck! Just a simple nod could have led to dismantling the fish head, picking the meat, and savoring the broth, a delightful feast. Yet she had hesitated for two or three years? Now, looking back, she wanted to slap herself silly. Truly, first love’s white moonlight was the death of her!

Take Duanxinmei, for example. Before even graduating, she already had six orchard owners, seven fishpond owners, and eight property developers lining up to propose to her! Her parents lamented daily why polyandry wasn’t legal in the country!

Shao Shang mused to herself that securing Young Master Lou shouldn’t be too difficult now. The next step was winning over her future mother-in-law, Madam Lou (second), and then everything would be settled.

As dusk gradually fell, Cheng Shi had earlier sent the main army to the Panqing military camp outside the Capital City’s outskirts. Then, accompanied by family generals and guards, he hurried to reunite with his wife and daughter, planning to enter the city and return home together. About ten li from the Capital City, Cheng Shi had to bid farewell to his future son-in-law.

The Cheng residence was closer to the southern gate of the Capital City, while the Lou Family’s estate was more conveniently accessed via the northern gate. If Lou Yao insisted on accompanying the Chengs through the southern gate, he would have to traverse most of the city to get home, likely missing the Curfew. The straight official road extended westward to the city’s western wall, where the two families parted ways, each heading for their respective gates.

Lou Yao knew he couldn’t delay any longer and reluctantly followed his family’s carriage, turning back every few steps as he rode away.

Watching Lou Yao’s lovesick demeanor, Cheng Shi felt thoroughly irritated. Turning around, he saw his daughter leaning out of the carriage window, tearfully waving a handkerchief, which only fueled his frustration. Unable to hold back, he grumbled sourly, “Niao Niao, pull your head back in! You’ve only known him for a few days, yet you’re carrying on like it’s a life-or-death parting. When I went to Qingzhou to pacify the rebels, I didn’t see you this reluctant!”

Shao Shang dabbed her eyes with a silk handkerchief and muttered, “What are you saying, Father? When you left for Qingzhou, I was almost out of the capital region. Didn’t you and Mother have a hard time parting before marriage? Didn’t Grandfather Xiao give you a hard time? Can’t you empathize a little?”

Cheng Shi coughed awkwardly, thinking to himself: Actually, no.

He had gone from being a barely familiar admirer of the Xiao Family’s Young Lady to her husband in less than five days, three of which were spent helping bury her father, Grand Duke Xiao. Their marital affection had developed entirely after the wedding.

Glancing at his wife, who was far ahead in the carriage procession, Cheng Shi stiffened his expression and scolded, “Pull your head back in and stay put inside!” Empathize? With what? He detested lovey-dovey couples before marriage! Back then, he had been walking on eggshells around Madam Xiao, terrified she might come to her senses and call off the engagement.

After nearly another hour of travel, the Kaiyang Gate on the southern side of the Capital City came into view. Four towering watchtowers loomed on the city walls, their dark silhouettes against the dimming sky like four ferocious beasts baring their fangs at those below.

Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao were about to step forward to present the City Pass Order to the gate captain when they noticed the towering vermilion gates studded with brass nails tightly shut. Behind the battlements, the glint of sharp arrowheads was faintly visible, and massive braziers blazed at every defensive opening along the walls.

Madam Xiao said gravely, “Something’s wrong.”Cheng Shi ordered a servant to approach and call for the gates to be opened, but the city gates remained shut. Only a light, indifferent voice drifted down from above: "Ah, so it's General Cheng. However, the city is currently under strict lockdown—no entry or exit permitted. I dare to ask General Cheng to rest at the suburban villa for now. By tomorrow, all will be well."

Frustration rose in Cheng Shi's heart as he shouted, "What exactly is happening? I am returning to the Capital City by imperial decree—how can entry be denied?!"

The voice from atop the wall continued, "General, do not make this difficult for me. The orders from above are strict!"

Clenching his fists, Cheng Shi angrily struck the saddle of his horse and muttered to his wife, "City gates are usually locked down to apprehend someone—that means entry is allowed but not exit. Besides, we’re just a handful of people—what harm could we do even if we entered?! Are they treating us like spies sneaking in? It’s not like we’re at war! Hmph! It’s just because I come from a humble background and my rank isn’t high enough—they think they can slight me without consequence. If it were my sworn brother from the Wan family here, let’s see if they’d dare keep the gates shut!"

Madam Xiao urged her horse forward and gently stroked her husband’s broad back, saying decisively, "No need to waste anger on this. Let’s go rest at the villa." Cheng Shi nodded. Angry as he was, storming the city gates was not something he would do.

The couple then ordered the convoy to turn around and head toward the suburban villa. Shao Shang, upon hearing this, also felt gloomy, wondering if all the city gates were locked down and whether Lou Yao had managed to enter. Yet before the convoy had gone far, a faint creaking sound came from behind—the massive city gates were slowly swinging open.

From the dark, cavernous gate passage, a troop of lightly armored cavalry charged out, each mounted on tall, majestic steeds, their armor gleaming. The thunder of hooves roared like tigers and wolves.

This force of several hundred light cavalry swept forth like an unsheathed blade, abruptly cutting through the quiet of the city gates and swiftly passing the Cheng family’s convoy.

Then, someone among the cavalry seemed to call out, "Isn’t that Cheng Xiaowei’s family convoy?" The leading commander, surrounded by guards riding ahead and behind, suddenly reined in his horse and turned back toward the Cheng convoy. The hundreds of cavalry behind him, like flowing water pulled by their leader, followed suit.

Cheng Shi and his wife, still brooding over the earlier slight, were startled by this turn of events. The couple exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what was happening.

In moments, the young general cloaked in a silver-threaded gray-feathered mantle rode up to them. Recognizing the man, Cheng Shi cupped his hands in a daze and said, "Lord... Ling..." Though young, the man held multiple high-ranking positions, and Cheng Shi was momentarily at a loss for which title to use.

Ling Buyi returned the gesture, saying, "Cheng Xiaowei!"

Cheng Shi was speechless.

He and Ling Buyi had met before but had never spoken or formed any acquaintance. Just as he was about to exchange a few polite words and let the matter pass, Ling Buyi rode straight past him toward the ammunition wagon behind. He and Madam Xiao, taken aback, quickly followed.

Ling Buyi’s gaze immediately fell on the eye-catching gold-red small cart. Riding up to the wagon, he called softly, "Shao Shang, Shao Shang, are you in there?"

Shao Shang, stifled and bored inside the carriage, recognized the familiar voice and hurriedly slid open the window grate, peering out. She looked up to see the young, strikingly handsome general astride a towering steed, his face as pale and firm as jade, his eyes clear like amber.

"Lord Ling, what are you doing here?!" she exclaimed in delight. Then, noticing the hundreds of cavalry surrounding their convoy, her delicate brows furrowed. "Are you off to apprehend criminals again? Has the wound on your shoulder healed?"Ling Buyi looked down at the girl with a gentle smile and said, "It's all healed now, thanks to you for pulling out the arrow."

At that moment, Cheng Shi and his wife arrived on horseback.

"Niao... Shao Shang, you know Lord Ling?" Old Man Cheng didn't understand why his own laughter sounded so forced. Glancing at his wife's expression, he thought even his dry chuckle was better than her current look.

His naive daughter smiled innocently and cluelessly, "Father, don't you know? Lord Ling saved both Aunt and me! Also, he's on very good terms with the Lou Family. A Yao treats him like an elder brother!"

Ling Buyi's smile faded slightly. "You don't look well. Are you sick again?" Under the dim light, the girl's face was pale, her spirits somewhat low, like a small bud drooping from a branch, listless.

Cheng Shi, standing nearby, wanted to say that his daughter naturally looked like this. Whenever she wasn't deliberately putting on a fierce act and sat quietly, she always appeared fragile and pitiful.

Shao Shang knew Ling Buyi held a high position and wielded great authority, but she didn't want to trouble him. After all, he had already helped and saved her several times—how many thank-you gifts would she need to prepare in the future? She forced a smile and said, "...It's nothing, really. I just look a bit weak, but I'm actually fine."

Ling Buyi watched as the girl hesitated briefly before putting on a spirited act. His smile grew exceptionally tender. "You still have the energy to worry about me. That means you're fine." With that, he quietly gave an order to the guard beside him.

Shao Shang: Huh? What did I worry about him for?

Before she could ponder further, she recognized the guard—ah, wasn't this the long-unseen Deputy General Zhang?

Zhang Shan silently clasped his fist toward Ling Buyi, then swiftly rode toward the city gate.

Ling Buyi then spoke gently to Cheng Shi, "Cheng Xiaowei, after entering the city, avoid the central main road. Take the side path through Yuyang neighborhood to return home. As for what exactly happened, you can ask General Wan tomorrow. For tonight, it's best not to go out."

Cheng Shi, who had been gaping in shock, hurriedly clasped his fists in gratitude.

Ling Buyi returned the courtesy with equal politeness, his gaze warm and radiant like the morning sun.

For some reason, that gaze made Old Man Cheng feel both guilty and uneasy. He wanted to shout, 'You know my foolish daughter is engaged to the youngest son of the Lou Family!'—but he couldn't muster the courage.

Ling Buyi placed a long, strong hand on the carriage frame, bending his fair and elegant neck as he softly said to the girl inside, "Rest well. I'll visit you another day."

Shao Shang quickly replied, "How could we trouble you? When you have time, A Yao and I should visit you instead!"

Ling Buyi's expression darkened. Without another word, he turned to bid a brief farewell to Cheng Shi and his wife before galloping away again. The light cavalry surrounding the carriage swiftly followed, vanishing like the wind sweeping away scattered clouds—hundreds of riders disappearing in moments.

Just then, a gatekeeper emerged from the now-open city gate, chattering incessantly. His voice matched the one who had spoken so lightly earlier. Now, however, he was all smiles, repeatedly apologizing as he bowed deeply and ushered the Cheng family's carriage into the city.

Finally able to go home, Shao Shang was overjoyed. But she noticed Old Man Cheng's mouth opening and closing wordlessly beside the carriage. Puzzled, she asked, "Father, what's wrong?"

Cheng Shi sighed. "Nothing. Let's go home first."

Once back, he had three things to do.First, he wanted to interrogate his daughter in detail about everyone she had met and everything she had done over the past few months, leaving no stone unturned.

Second, he intended to write a scathing letter to his younger brother Cheng Zhi—how could he have neglected his niece like this?! What was even more infuriating was that neither he nor his wife had mentioned anything to him or Yuan Yi?!

Lastly, as his sister-in-law Sang Shi had rightly pointed out, their foolish daughter was convinced of her own intelligence and capability, yet remained utterly oblivious to the most mercenary and pragmatic realities of the world.

Shao Shang noticed Old Man Cheng’s hesitation and pressed, “What exactly are you trying to say?!”

Cheng Shi waved his hand helplessly. Madam Xiao suddenly spoke up, “Niao Niao, turn around and look.”

Though puzzled, Shao Shang obeyed. Behind her, the two massive vermilion city gates were slowly closing once more.

“What do you see?” Madam Xiao asked.

Shao Shang found the question baffling. “The city gates are closing again,” she replied.

Madam Xiao forced a faint smile and said nothing more, riding ahead alone to the front of the carriage procession.

—No, what you should have seen was power. Omnipresent power. And today, you merely glimpsed the tiniest fragment of its boundless reach.

Author’s Note:

In feudal societies, whether Eastern or Western, power crushed people—it was everywhere.

The female lead grew up in a conservative small town, surrounded by gossip and rumors. From a young age, she was sensitive and quick to anger. In such an environment, if she ever dared to entertain even the slightest delusion about someone beyond her reach, she would be mocked by the entire town’s busybodies. That’s why, in her past life, she never dared to dream of anything beyond her station.

And Lou Yao is someone she believes she can realistically reach.

Additionally, though the female lead is perceptive, she has never stepped out of her ivory tower. With the support of her uncle, the town mayor, and her scholar uncle, plus her own academic talents, she hasn’t yet had the chance to truly grasp the concrete realities of society and power. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have overlooked the wealthy, well-connected senior right in front of her, still pining foolishly for the boy next door she had a crush on.

The female lead isn’t indifferent to power. She just hasn’t experienced it yet. She’s not like those girls around us who stubbornly insist on marrying someone with nothing, refusing to listen to the advice of family and friends.

P.S.: My cold has turned into a cough. Going for an IV drip tomorrow.