Four or five days later, Madam Xiao finally recovered from her illness and regained full health. As previously arranged, she took her daughter to visit the Lou Family, allowing the Lou womenfolk to meet Shao Shang—especially Madam Lou (eldest), the current matriarch of the Lou Family. After all, Lou Yao had been visiting the Cheng Residence three times a day, getting drunk there, sending dietary medicine and physicians, yet the Lou Family still had no idea whether Shao Shang was round or flat.
The Lou residence was similar in size to the Cheng Residence but located just a lane away from the palace. The household was as bustling as the Yin Family, yet Madam Lou (eldest) ruled with far stricter discipline than Yin Xu'e's mother. As Shao Shang walked through, she saw maids and servants moving about with bowed heads and respectful silence, not a single word spoken. When it came time for formal introductions, she had expected to meet a stern, sharp-faced matriarch, only to find Madam Lou (eldest) with a full, moon-like face, radiating kindness and cheer—more like a good-natured dorm supervisor.
Madam Lou (eldest) took Shao Shang's hand and examined her closely, her eyes revealing an inscrutable emotion. Turning to Madam Lou (second), she smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, you've picked a fine new bride!"
Madam Lou (second) beamed with pride. "Of course! I liked her at first sight—she outshines all the brides and daughters in our family! What's rare is her filial piety and gentle nature, and how attentive she is to A Yao. Nothing could be better!"
Young Madam Lou (eldest), seated beside Madam Lou (eldest), covered her sleeve and chuckled demurely. Madam Lou (eldest) smiled. "Since you and A Yao both like her, I'm at ease."
Madam Lou (second) exclaimed joyfully, "Sister-in-law, does that mean you approve?"
At this, both Madam Xiao and Shao Shang, seated nearby, frowned slightly and exchanged a glance. But the two sisters-in-law of the Lou Family remained oblivious. Madam Lou (eldest) laughed. "If I didn't approve, A Yao would probably never speak to me again. Tomorrow, I'll summon a shaman to divine an auspicious date for the betrothal!"
Madam Xiao, never one to concede easily, also smiled. "There's no need to rush. My husband and A Yao's father are both men of their word—they exchanged tokens a month ago. Before I left Yanzhou, I heard many in Dongjun and Shanyang had already begun congratulating the Lou and Cheng families. The betrothal ceremony is just a formality now."
Hearing this, Madam Lou (eldest)'s expression shifted slightly, while Young Madam Lou (eldest) seemed puzzled by her mother-in-law's reaction.
Madam Lou (second), however, laughed naively. "I know! The jade pendant A Yao's father used for the betrothal was part of my dowry when I married. Now that it's been given to Shao Shang, it couldn't be more perfect!"
Madam Lou (eldest) smiled faintly. "That pendant has been worn by Second Brother for years. Now that it's been given to the Cheng Family as a token, I might just tell your daughter-in-law that you're playing favorites."
Madam Lou (second) hastily replied, "Sister-in-law, please don't say anything—I spoke out of turn..." Her flustered demeanor suggested she was deeply afraid of displeasing her daughter-in-law.
Madam Lou (eldest) patted her sister-in-law's back soothingly. "There, there, don't fret. When have I or your elder sister-in-law ever spread such gossip? Calm down, now." Her tone was as if coaxing a child.
Only then did Madam Lou (second) relax.
Madam Xiao frowned slightly.
This blend of kindness and authority was a tactic she often used herself to win people over—yet here she was witnessing it in the Lou Family. While she felt reassured by Lou Yao's mother's straightforward and guileless nature, she also worried about Madam Lou (eldest) being a formidable opponent.Moreover, apart from the maidservants, there were only the five of them in the hall chatting over food and drinks. If the Lou Family's second young master's new bride were to take offense over this matter in the future, wouldn’t it implicate her and her daughter? She felt displeased, but storming out over such a trivial matter would be an overreaction. Though she considered a verbal retort, she had always been impatient with such convoluted, veiled disputes, and thus fell silent for a moment.
Shao Shang suddenly spoke up: "Auntie, don’t worry. I’ll bet you that the second young mistress won’t mind that Jade Pendant at all."
Madam Lou (second) was taken aback and said doubtfully, "Shao Shang, are you serious?"
Young Madam Lou (eldest) looked over in surprise.
Shao Shang put on a cheerful smile: "A Yao told me that the second young mistress was someone the second young master met while traveling in Jiaodong. She’s the treasured daughter of a prominent local family. At the time, the second young master was away from home. Though he had Father Lou’s written consent for the marriage, he had nothing of value on him, so he personally polished a Silver Mirror as a token of betrothal, symbolizing, 'My heart is as clear as this mirror, and in our old age, we shall never doubt each other.' I dare say that in the second young mistress’s heart, no amount of Jade Pendants in the world could compare to that mirror."
Madam Lou (second) was both shocked and delighted: "...You’re right, you’re right! I’d completely forgotten about that."
Young Madam Lou (eldest) couldn’t help showing a hint of envy but, afraid her husband's mother might notice, quickly stood up to call the maidservants to refill the fruit juice and pastries.
Shao Shang lowered her head with a smile—nonsense! After spending months side by side with Lou Yao, it wasn’t all spent on romantic musings. How many ideals about life, stars, and moon could they possibly discuss? Naturally, she had thoroughly interrogated him about the Lou Family’s interpersonal dynamics down to every blade of grass!
Madam Xiao was pleased with her daughter’s gentle yet firm counterattack. She thought to herself: So, both marriages of Madam Lou (second)’s two sons were arranged directly by Lou Ji, bypassing the Lou Family’s matriarch.
Madam Lou (eldest) also smiled faintly, showing no sign of displeasure, and then instructed the maidservants to call Lou Yao in from outside.
Lou Yao had been waiting in the courtyard outside the corridor and now bounded into the hall in high spirits, nearly forgetting to remove his boots.
Madam Lou (eldest) watched her nephew fumble to straighten his clothes and kneel properly, then said with a smile, "A Yao, the new bride you’ve chosen is quite formidable. Just now—" Before she could finish, the young man gushed with a lovesick expression, "Yes, Auntie, you have such a good eye! Shao Shang is so clever and capable—she knows everything! Father has praised her many times too!"
Madam Lou (eldest) stiffened slightly.
Shao Shang pretended to be displeased and said softly, "A Yao, how could you? Auntie hadn’t even finished speaking. If you keep this up, I’ll tell my Eldest Brother, and he’ll drag you off to study and write again! Auntie, please continue—don’t mind A Yao..." Then she turned with a smile and added, "Auntie, don’t blame A Yao. He’s usually very polite. It’s just that he doesn’t see you as an outsider!"
Madam Lou (second) beamed and said, "You’re right. Our A Yao is very well-mannered, but children are always less reserved with their elders than with outsiders."
Lou Yao scratched his head and grinned foolishly. Even when scolding him, his fiancée seemed gentle and adorable, her words full of nothing but concern.
Shao Shang smiled sweetly on the surface, but inwardly scoffed at Madam Lou (eldest)—Hah! She’s not even as good as Director Xiao. At least Director Xiao has real achievements earned through hard work, and when pushed, she can overpower ten tricks with sheer force. This one here only knows how to stir the pot in secret!Madam Lou (eldest) remained silent for a moment before smiling again. "There's nothing more to say. A Yao, go quickly and fetch your uncle back. Betrothal is no small matter—many things still require his handling."
Lou Yao's eyes lit up. He glanced happily at his betrothed, then cupped his hands in a salute and swiftly withdrew.
After exchanging a few more words, Madam Lou (eldest) instructed her eldest daughter-in-law to take Shao Shang to the side hall, as she and the other wives needed to begin discussing betrothal arrangements with Madam Xiao. Shao Shang rose slowly, her movements graceful and demure (thanks to Sang Shi's crash training). Madam Lou (second) watched with satisfaction, her smile nearly splitting her face.
Crossing half the inner corridor and passing through sliding doors, they entered the side hall, which was filled with women—some dressed as young married ladies, others in maidenly attire—all brides and unmarried daughters of the Lou family. The two branches of the Lou family were remarkably balanced, each with four sons and four daughters, half legitimate and half otherwise. The youngest in the overall family ranking were Lou Yao of the second branch and Lou Li of the eldest branch.
Following Young Madam Lou (eldest)'s introductions, Shao Shang greeted each person in turn, her manners impeccable and her words modest. When it came to Lou Li, the last in line, the girl glared at Shao Shang for a long moment before turning her head away in a huff, refusing to return the greeting. Young Madam Lou (eldest) laughed awkwardly and moved on, then invited Shao Shang to sit as the group began chatting idly.
The women present spoke gently, and even those with hidden thoughts would never reveal them. They bantered and gossiped, finding much common ground. Shao Shang noticed a young married woman seated at the head of the right side—her features delicate and her expression solemn—who was the second daughter-in-law of the Lou family, the eldest daughter-in-law of the second branch, and the heroine of the earlier silver mirror story.
When Shao Shang first saw her, she found it odd. This unsmiling young woman seemed more like Madam Lou (eldest)'s new bride, while the amiable, even somewhat timid eldest daughter-in-law seemed better suited to Madam Lou (second)'s household.
Lou Li endured as long as she could, but when the women praised Shao Shang's beauty and gentleness for the eighteenth time, she finally couldn't hold back her jealousy. "I truly never expected this. Cheng Niangzi was so fierce toward Sister Wang Ling at the Wan family that day, yet today she's putting on such a proper act."
"A Li!" Young Madam Lou (eldest) gasped, her eyes widening.
Some women in the hall softly reprimanded Lou Li, while others remained silent, observing the situation.
"Yes, I never expected it either," Shao Shang said without even lifting her eyelids. Why bother quarreling with a little girl?
Seeing Shao Shang's lack of reaction, Lou Li pressed on. "You're incredibly lucky to marry into our family. If Sister Zhaojun hadn't married someone else, how could it ever be your turn? You don't know how much my mother adored Sister Zhaojun..."
"A Li! One more word, and I'll call Auntie over to deal with you!" Lou Yao's sister flared up in anger, rising halfway from her seat.
Lou Li was furious. "Cousin, you're actually siding with her to scold me?" As the youngest, she was usually indulged by her siblings and sisters-in-law, especially this cousin, who was particularly fond of her.
Shao Shang smiled faintly, signaling to the Lou sister that it was fine. Turning back, she said, "A Li just mentioned how much your mother adored He Zhaojun? Then I don't understand—your own brother, the seventh young master, is only two years older than A Yao and three years older than He Zhaojun. Why wasn't he betrothed to her instead?"At these words, the face of a young woman in a light crimson Wrapped Robe on the left side of the hall flushed red, while the others present wore varied expressions. The Lou woman, however, brightened, seemingly not displeased at having a sharp-tongued sister-in-law.
Lou Li was left speechless and blurted out loudly, "That... that's because... because..." Being so young, how could she understand the intricacies? Ever since she could remember, He Zhaojun had been betrothed to her cousin. "Because Aunt prefers Sister Zhaojun!"
"Oh, is that so? I see," Shao Shang drawled, nodding with a mocking smile, as if enlightened.
Lou Li's face burned with shame; even she found her own words unconvincing. Not only within the Lou Family but also outside, many knew that Madam Lou (second) was displeased with General He's domineering and unruly only daughter. Then again, what mother-in-law would favor a new bride who constantly ordered her son around and bullied her betrothed with her family's influence?
"Enough!" Young Madam Lou (eldest) slammed the table and shouted. "A Li, hold your tongue! Apologize to Shao Shang at once!"
"I won't!" Lou Li's entire face turned crimson as she shrieked. "Husband's sister-in-law, you don't know how despicable this Cheng Shaoshang is! Sister Wang Ling told me—"
"What is going on here?!" A sharp voice cut through the air as Madam Lou (eldest) strode into the side hall with a retinue of maids, followed by Madam Lou (second) and Madam Xiao.
Madam Lou (eldest) swept a stern gaze over everyone, pausing briefly when it landed on her youngest daughter, Lou Li. The women, sensing her anger, quickly bowed and knelt. Young Madam Lou (eldest) stammered, too afraid to speak.
Only Young Madam Lou (second) rose leisurely and said, "Aunt, you've arrived just in time. A Li was just recounting how Cheng Niangzi quarreled with Wang Ling the other day. She even called Shao Shang despicable."
At this, both Madam Xiao and Madam Lou (second) darkened in expression. Madam Lou (eldest), sharp-eyed, noticed Madam Xiao's lips twitch and quickly stepped forward, delivering a resounding slap to her daughter's face.
Lou Li clutched her cheek, disbelief in her eyes. "Mother, you... actually...?" Though her mother was strict, she had always indulged her as the youngest child. Yet now, she had struck her in front of everyone! The more she thought about it, the more her heart ached, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Madam Lou (eldest) spoke decisively, her voice firm. "A Yao and Shao Shang are already betrothed. Today is her first visit to the Lou Family, and you dare humiliate her! How will you face your cousin in the future, after all the kindness he has shown you?"
Hearing her mother's unyielding tone, Lou Li finally felt a flicker of fear. She dared not speak, but her resentment remained, and she could only glare hatefully at Shao Shang.
Lou Li's defiance was plain for all to see.
Young Madam Lou (second) chuckled softly and stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Madam Xiao, please don't let A Li's words make you reluctant to allow your daughter to marry into our family. Besides, A Li will be married off sooner or later. Your daughter can simply avoid her afterward."
Her bold and blunt words made Madam Lou (eldest) stiffen. Young Madam Lou (eldest) hastily interjected, "A Yan, how can you say such things! A Li is young and careless with her words. It's all—"
"Husband's sister-in-law, surely you're not about to say 'A Li meant no harm'?" Young Madam Lou (second) retorted with a sneer.
Young Madam Lou (eldest) fell silent, her face flushing red with frustration.The second young madam of the Lou family smiled coldly and said, "Please forgive me, Aunt. Just now, A Li was telling Cheng Niangzi how much you dote on Zhaojun. I know you cherish the younger generation, but I didn’t realize you were so fond of Zhaojun. Had I known, I wouldn’t have let A Yao take her from you. It would’ve been better to have your seventh son marry her two years earlier."
The seventh young madam, kneeling behind, trembled with humiliation and anger. Madam Lou (second) was extremely embarrassed, while Madam Xiao’s expression turned icy as she directly turned to Madam Lou (eldest), her gaze demanding an explanation.
Madam Lou (eldest) suppressed her fury. "What nonsense is this! A Li, it seems three months of confinement wasn’t enough for you. Since you’re still spouting such drivel, you may continue your reflection in solitude!"
Lou Li, sobbing, was about to speak when four maids promptly dragged her out.
Madam Lou (eldest) then turned to Madam Xiao and Shao Shang, repeatedly apologizing and assuring them that Lou Li would be properly disciplined.
While the elders spoke, the second young madam suddenly approached Shao Shang and said amiably, "I dislike formal titles like 'Husband's sister-in-law.' From now on, may I call you Shao Shang?"
Shao Shang met her gaze. Though this was their first meeting, understanding passed between them without words. She smiled sweetly. "Of course. Then I shall call you Elder Sister Yan."
The second young madam laughed and shook Shao Shang’s hand. Unnoticed, the brides of the two other branch-family sons quietly gathered around them, forming a united front.
Seeing this, Madam Lou (eldest) glanced at her own gentle and meek eldest daughter-in-law, her heart filled with irritation.
...
On the carriage ride back to Cheng Residence, Madam Xiao dismissed the servants, leaving only mother and daughter inside. Sternly, she asked, "You knew about the Lou family’s troubles all along. Why did you agree to the marriage so readily?"
"What’s wrong with troubles? These days, no family is without its share of squabbles—even the heavens have fathers and sons at odds."
"What kind of talk is that?!" Madam Xiao was furious.
Shao Shang replied earnestly, "Mother, hardships are part of life. Qiqi once told me how Uncle Wan chose husbands for his dozen daughters. Those from good families were shallow and frivolous; those with outstanding character had too many burdens at home; and those with both good lineage and character often lacked ambition, content to idle under their family’s shadow. But look at A Yao—he’s perfect. Noble lineage, honest and kind, without a trace of dissipation. Though his talents aren’t yet evident, he’s driven and willing to work hard. Don’t you think this match is excellent?"
Madam Xiao thought, You might as well say Lou Yao is obedient, hardworking, and comes from a good family.
"You’ve raised my brothers so well—many families with daughters secretly have their eyes on them," Shao Shang added playfully, fluttering her sleeves like a little bird.
Madam Xiao was well aware of this. Waving her hand, she sighed at her daughter’s whimsy. "...Focus on your own matters. Don’t digress."Shao Shang fell silent for a moment before smiling. "Actually, Aunt had already asked me before—someone as impatient with formalities as me would surely be driven mad by a house full of sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law after marrying into the Lou Family. And who knows how long it would take for A Yao to secure an official post outside the capital? I said it wouldn't take long. Once we're free and far away, even if life isn't as comfortable or refined as in the Capital City, it would be much more liberating."
"How can you be so certain?" Madam Xiao silently admired how much more perceptive Sang Shi was than herself when it came to noble families.
"I remember when I had just recovered from my illness, A Yao came to see me. He said he wanted to become a local official in the future. At first, I thought he was just saying it casually, but as we spent more time together, I realized that if left to his own inclinations, he would prefer to lead a small troop in Father's private army. So, who taught him to say 'become a local official'?" Shao Shang grinned mischievously. "You've already met A Yao's mother—those words definitely didn't come from her. I suspect it was Lou Taipu who said this to his son."
Madam Xiao studied her daughter for a long moment before speaking slowly. "Back then, General He risked his life to save Lou Taigong, who had two sons—Lou Jing and Lou Ji. Later, when General He proposed a marriage alliance between their families, I thought the Lou Family's elder branch was being magnanimous by yielding such a powerful in-law to the younger branch. But after hearing about He Zhaojun's arrogance and willfulness, I began to doubt..."
"As long as the two branches remain undivided, even if A Yao married He Zhaojun, the elder branch would still benefit from General He's support." A hint of mockery curled at Shao Shang's lips. "Aunt once told me that ever since Emperor Li usurped the throne in the previous dynasty, having multiple family members in high court positions became a major taboo. Even with the Yu Family's immense contributions, aside from Yuhou himself, Your Majesty only granted wealth to the rest, never significant power. Moreover, it wasn't Lou Taipu who rendered outstanding service to His Majesty back then—it was the late Lou Taigong. After Lou Taigong's early death, Lou Taipu inherited the title and received His Majesty's promotion. A Yao's father, unwilling to remain a minor official in the capital, took a post in an outer province."
Madam Xiao sighed. "Your aunt truly tells you everything."
Shao Shang continued, "Outsiders praise Lou Taipu's competence, but Uncle said A Yao's father is actually no less capable than his elder brother—he just appears gentle and unambitious. In a few years, he'll likely be promoted to prefect. Ah, but herein lies the problem—when two brothers are equally matched in ability, why should one hold high court positions as the emperor's trusted minister while the other cannot?"
"And there's worse," Madam Xiao nodded, forcing herself to adapt to the strange sensation of discussing politics with her daughter. "Though Lou Taipu and his brother were evenly matched, they could still support each other and show mutual deference. But by their sons' generation, the elder branch's weakness could no longer be concealed. A Yao's full brother is the foremost talent of the Lou Family's younger generation, excelling in both civil and military arts. Even A Yao's two half-brothers have already gained some reputation at the Imperial Academy."
Shao Shang nodded. "A Yao once bragged—ahem, praised his full brother to me. Yet such an exceptional person has never entered official service."
Madam Xiao said, "The second young master of the Lou Family has grand ambitions. Unwilling to serve in local government, he has repeatedly declared his intention to enter the central administration. Now he travels the realm. Though far from court, His Majesty often reads his writings about regional observations, local customs, military provisions, and even governance policies.""Would Lou Taipu suppress his own nephew? A Yao told me his uncle treats his nephews as if they were his own sons."
Madam Xiao shook her head. "Lou Taipu wouldn't do such a thing. They're all members of the Lou family—naturally, he'd want the younger generation to thrive. It was Madam Lou (eldest). That year, the second young master of the Lou family could have entered the Department of State Affairs, but she pressured Lou Taipu to secure official posts for her own two sons instead. How could one family have multiple sons all appointed as officials at once? The second young master couldn't bear the humiliation, so he left to travel the world."
"Eldest brother helped me inquire. Lou Taipu's sons indeed have the reputation of being 'cultured and wise.' But two of them couldn't even enter the Imperial Academy, claiming they wanted to study with renowned teachers outside. The other two were truly scholarly, but unfortunately, they were rigid and inflexible, only fit to work as proofreaders in the compilation office. The Emperor wouldn't want such people as local officials. As for the rest..."
Shao Shang clapped her hands with a laugh, "Let me guess! Madam Lou (eldest) must have said, 'Nephew, you're so capable—you'll surely become an official on your own merit someday. But your cousins can only rely on recommendations, so why don't you yield to them?' Yet in the end, the recommendation still didn’t succeed, did it?"
Madam Xiao suppressed a smile. "I heard Lou Taipu has been urging his nephew to return."
Shao Shang disapproved. "A Yao's elder brother is too arrogant. As the saying goes, 'Too rigid, and you'll break.' If the eldest aunt is unhappy, let her be unhappy. How can ignorant women meddle in matters of the clan's prosperity? Ah—Mother, I don’t mean you! You’re the great contributor to the Cheng family’s rise!"
Madam Xiao frowned, instinctively wanting to scold her daughter for disrespecting elders, but rationally, she agreed. She could only say, "Madam Lou wasn’t like this before. Back when the Lou Family was struggling through hardships, A Yao’s mother was utterly unreliable. To hold the Lou Family together, Madam Lou maneuvered tirelessly, exhausting all her efforts. She was an extremely capable and wise woman."
Shao Shang pondered this, then suddenly said, "So Mother learned from this lesson and took it as a warning. As the matriarch of a great family, one must never favor one’s own children but consider the greater good, selecting the most outstanding youths in the clan to strive for the family’s future?"
Madam Xiao was startled, staring at her daughter in surprise.
Noticing her mother’s gaze, Shao Shang quickly cleared her throat and returned to the topic. "So, you see, Madam Lou’s sons wanted recommendations but failed. Yet she hasn’t given up, still hoping her sons might one day awaken and enter officialdom. A Yao’s elder brother avoided the conflict out of respect for the main branch. Isn’t this our opportunity?"
Madam Xiao nodded. "It is indeed a good opportunity. First, A Yao doesn’t intend to serve in the central court—just to secure a local post. Second, Lou Taipu feels guilty and will surely recommend him vigorously, and the Lou Prefect would be overjoyed."
Shao Shang quickly praised, "Mother foresees everything—I’m in awe."
Madam Xiao looked at her daughter intently. "Did you think of all this yourself?"
Shao Shang replied, "Yes."
Madam Xiao’s heart stirred. She pressed further, "Then what do you think will become of the Lou Family in the future?"
Shao Shang’s expression turned solemn. "We must act quickly. Lou Taipu is already past fifty. Even if he wants to wait and promote his own sons, the Lou Clan won’t allow it. Like the late Marquis Liang years ago—his descendants were incompetent, and the clan had no promising talents. Even with a noble title, the family could only retreat to the provinces. If Madam Lou continues obstructing, the Lou elders will likely intervene. The second son of the Lou Family won’t endure this forever. So, A Yao must secure his recommendation before the situation collapses."
Madam Xiao asked, "Are you so confident that A Yao won’t be rejected by His Majesty during an audience, just like Madam Lou’s second son?""I have confidence." Shao Shang stood straight, her gaze resolute. "I've inquired about it. Although Your Majesty favors scholars well-versed in classics, he also values practical individuals. A Yao may not excel in academics, but his martial skills are commendable. Moreover, I can teach him how to dig trenches, build sturdy walls, store water, and divert floods... A Yao is clever. He not only remembers what I say but also adds his own observations and feelings. He's sincere and genuine in character. I believe Your Majesty will like him and be willing to give A Yao a chance!"
"You... have thought of everything." Madam Xiao felt both pride and bitterness in her heart.
After a moment of silence, Shao Shang said, "I've always figured things out on my own."
Whether to enter society or pursue studies, choosing arts or sciences, how to allocate study time, how to fill out applications... She had always planned her own life.
Author's note: Suddenly recalled a sad memory—
Once, I was fervently following "Sparrow." The scene where Tang Shanhai was buried alive in the book would make me cry just thinking about it. Yet when the TV series aired, the opening and closing credits showed Team Leader Tang being buried alive each time. As the burial scene approached, there were back-to-back previews of it, teasing the burial for three whole days with two previews daily—
By the time Team Leader Tang was actually buried alive, I felt absolutely nothing inside anymore. 2333333
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