As the saying goes, good news never leaves the house, but bad news spreads far and wide. Yet even faster than bad news is the gossip about other people's affairs.
Before nightfall after the minor court assembly that day, General He's dying words and Marquis Yang Ji Zun's remarks had already spread throughout the entire Capital City. Cheng Yong at the Imperial Academy, Cheng Song at the Tiger Guard camp, and Cheng Shao Gong studying at their teacher's residence in the city all returned home having heard an earful of gossip.
Then, just before curfew, Lou Yao's attendant came panting to deliver a special message to Shao Shang, saying their young master had been detained by Lou Taipu but would definitely escape to see her the next day no matter what.
Cheng Shi's expression softened slightly. "A Yao still has some conscience. I thought he was in a hurry to marry that Ancheng Jun!"
The attendant kowtowed repeatedly. "Lord Cheng, please understand! My young master said even if it were Ancheng Princess of the Commandery, Ancheng Princess, or even Ancheng Heavenly Palace Goddess, he wouldn't want them!"
"Heavenly Palace Goddess? As if he deserves that," Cheng Shi rolled his eyes, rewarded the attendant with a handful of Wu Zhu Coins, and sent him away.
Madam Xiao was also in a foul mood, her face cold as she prepared to retire with her husband.
Cheng Yong quickly stopped them. "Father, Mother, perhaps we should discuss this matter. Niao Niao, you come too..."
"Discuss what?" Shao Shang stood alone under the corridor, her face like cold jade, her voice icy. "It's just about breaking off the engagement with our family to marry He Zhaojun. A Yao and his mother are certainly unwilling, but their opinions don't count. Madam Lou (eldest) is certainly willing, but she can only play a supporting role. Lou Taipu and the Lou Family's Commandery Administrator are half willing and half unwilling—it depends on how much criticism the Lou Family faces versus how much benefit they gain. Mother, am I right?"
Madam Xiao replied grimly, "Exactly right."
Cheng Yong was stunned. Cheng Shi sighed. When other young girls faced such situations, their families would rush to comfort them. But their daughter? No secret tears, no self-pity—instead, they had to worry about her becoming too extreme.
"Niao Niao, if this doesn't work out, don't take it too hard..."
Shao Shang said, "No need to say more, Father. I understand perfectly. Not just the Lou Family—even in our own family, Father couldn't stake our entire future on my marriage. I'd be the first to refuse. Nothing in this world is absolutely impossible. But the situation isn't clear yet, so let's wait and see."
Hearing his daughter's reasoned words, Cheng Shi sighed again. Cheng Yong, observing his younger sister's expression, asked softly, "Niao Niao, since you understand everything so well, why are you still angry?"
Shao Shang felt a stifling flame burning in her chest, her anger uncontrollable. This anger wasn't directed at the He Family, the Lou Family, or anyone in particular. "...I'm not angry. It's just that I've had bad luck since childhood. I thought my fortunes had finally turned and my marriage would go smoothly. But of course, Heaven refuses to let me off easy!"
With these words, the girl angrily swung her wide Cloud Sleeves and strode back to her courtyard. In Nine Dapple Hall, father and son exchanged glances, while Madam Xiao gazed fixedly in the direction her daughter had gone, seemingly moved.
...
The next two days were a feast for the Capital City's gossipmongers. Suddenly, all the officials, scholars, and famous figures in the city were discussing this matter. Our dynasty's populace could divide into sweet and salty factions over zongzi and soy milk—this was no exception.One faction argued that the Lou and Cheng families should annul their engagement to secure a good marriage for the He family's daughter, thereby honoring General He's spirit in heaven. Another faction contended that while General He's loyalty and bravery were commendable, setting such a precedent would invite endless trouble.
Besides, wasn't marriage just a matter of finding a suitable match? There were plenty of eligible young nobles in the Capital City—why not ask the Emperor to select an outstanding one for Ancheng Jun of the He family? Why insist on forcing two families to break their engagement and renege on their promise?
Some even tried to persuade Old Man Cheng with endless chatter, but Cheng Shi deftly deflected them all: "The Lou family initiated the engagement proposal back then. If it's to be called off now, it should be the Lou family who speaks first. Our family cannot act unilaterally."
Notably, Lao Wan proved himself a formidable debater over these two days, arguing left and right with unstoppable fervor.
On this day, Xiu Hou, a close friend of General He, was making his case before the Emperor. Lao Wan, also present, served him a metaphorical pot of ginseng-infused rooster soup—
Back in the day, when the Lin family of Colonel of the Long River fell into decline, they were forced to sell a priceless golden Phoebe coffin. Later, during the chaos of war, your family's patriarch acquired it through legitimate means at a high price. The Lin family's elders longed to reclaim that coffin, but your patriarch treated it as his lifeblood. Now, if the Lin descendants were to distinguish themselves with great merit—or even sacrifice a few lives—would your family return the coffin?
Only when the knife cuts one's own flesh does it truly hurt. Xiu Hou rubbed his nose and retreated from the North Palace.
Seated behind the imperial desk, the Emperor watched the rotund and righteous Wan Songbai and sighed inwardly.
How he wished he could say, "My dear Wan, you and your sworn brother really don’t need to cling so stubbornly to this engagement. After annulling it, I’ll find you a better son-in-law." But alas, he couldn’t. The Emperor felt deeply frustrated.
Meanwhile, Cheng Mu finally learned of the matter. Furious, she grabbed her son by the front of his robe and shouted, "This engagement must not be called off! Where else would we find such a good family? Niao Niao stumbled upon this stroke of luck—how rare is that? Why cancel it? Absolutely not, unless the Emperor issues an edict! Those scoundrels outside must have itchy mouths—it’s not their loss anyway!" She adored the brocade lacquerware and other lavish gifts the Lou family had sent.
By the third day, the Lou family finally sent someone to invite the Cheng women for a discussion. Madam Xiao sneered, "Hmph, so little patience." This time, she didn’t bring anyone else, only leading Shao Shang and a contingent of household troops straight to the Lou residence in a formidable manner.
Though seething inside, Madam Xiao, seasoned by life's storms, sat perfectly composed in the inner hall, her posture and demeanor impeccable. No matter what Madam Lou (eldest) said across from her, she merely smiled without responding. Before long, it was the other party who grew restless.
Madam Lou (eldest) wore a troubled expression. "I truly adore Shao Shang, but given these circumstances, our Lou family has no way out..."
Sensing something amiss, Madam Xiao cut straight to the point: "May I ask, Madam, whether Lou Taipu is aware of your invitation to us today?"
Madam Lou (eldest) stiffened slightly before forcing a smile. "Though this marriage was arranged between my husband and Cheng Xiaowei, as the female lords of our households, we too must..."Madam Xiao was greatly disappointed and immediately said, "So Lou Taipu is unaware of this." She had thought it strange—Lou Taipu was shrewd and capable, how could he be so impatient? "Madam Lou (eldest), to be frank, matters have reached a point where neither of us can decide alone. I assumed Lou Taipu had words he couldn’t voice directly and thus asked you to relay them. Since that’s not the case, my daughter and I shall take our leave first..."
Madam Lou (eldest) grew anxious and hurriedly said, "Wait, I have something to say."
Madam Xiao rose gracefully, smiling haughtily. "I already know what Madam Lou (eldest) wishes to say." She glanced at Shao Shang beside her, thinking that even her teenage daughter could guess the other woman’s thoughts—why bother watching her perform? "It’s nothing more than how pitiful and heroic General He is, how lonely and helpless He Zhaojun is, and how our Cheng family ought to act with benevolence, withdraw from the engagement, and yield to virtue—am I right?"
After saying this, Madam Xiao fixed her gaze on Madam Lou (eldest), and sure enough, the latter’s face turned pale with anger—how satisfying.
"...And is that wrong?" Madam Lou (eldest) barely suppressed her displeasure and raised her voice. "Their family has sacrificed everything loyally, nearly wiped out—doesn’t that move your heart at all?" As she spoke, she even covered her face and wept. "The Lou and He families have been close for decades. Think of General He’s valor in the past, the young vigor of the He sons—who could have imagined they’d all be gone overnight! Zhaojun is so young, who knows how much grief she bears. If our Lou family doesn’t take care of her, who will—"
"—If you want to take care of her, then you do it! This time, don’t even think about ruining my A Yao again!"
Madam Lou (eldest) was deep in her dramatic weeping when a familiar voice tore through like a knife. Everyone turned to see Madam Lou (second) standing at the inner hall entrance, supported by a maid, her face flushed and panting slightly.
Gone was Madam Lou (second)’s usual cheerful and naive demeanor. As she walked in, she cried out agitatedly, "...I never liked He Zhaojun even as a child! Arrogant, rude, domineering—my poor A Yao has endured her bullying all these years!"
Madam Lou (eldest) glanced awkwardly at the Cheng mother and daughter. "Sister-in-law, what kind of talk is this! General He once helped our family—that’s why A Yao has always tolerated Zhaojun. Besides, Zhaojun is still young. Once she’s married into the family, she can be taught properly..."
"You teach her yourself! You’re so capable, sister-in-law, but I’m useless—I can’t handle a new bride with such a temper!" Madam Lou (second) burst into childlike sobs.
Shao Shang silently stood up, helped the weeping Madam Lou (second) to a seat, then turned to Madam Lou (eldest). "Madam Lou (eldest), perhaps you should dismiss the servants. Do you really want all the maids to hear this?"
Madam Lou (eldest)’s face reddened, and she quickly instructed her eldest daughter-in-law to usher out all the maids and attendants, ordering them to stay far away before continuing, "Sister-in-law, I know you’ve never liked Zhaojun. Fine—this time, after Zhaojun marries in, I’ll take charge of her upbringing. You just focus on enjoying your blessings..."
"What blessings?! If my A Yao is unhappy, what blessings can I possibly enjoy?" Though Madam Lou (second) lacked ability, her love for her son was fierce. "Ever since A Yao became engaged to Shao Shang, he’s been happy every single day. Think back—when was he ever happy with Zhaojun before?""Sister-in-law!" Madam Lou (eldest) saw that gentle tactics weren't working and darkened her expression. "You must consider the bigger picture! General He has shown kindness to our family before, and now enjoys imperial favor in His Majesty's heart. Marrying Zhaojun into our family would be greatly beneficial, whether to repay this kindness or to share the Emperor's burdens!"
"If it's so important, why don't you marry her as your own new bride? When you hastily arranged a marriage for your seventh son, did you think I didn't understand your intentions? You couldn't bear to let your own son suffer He Zhaojun's temper, so now you come to torment my A Yao..."
"Sister-in-law, hold your tongue!" Madam Lou (eldest) slammed the table, her anger evident.
After decades as the elder sister-in-law, her authority still held weight. Madam Lou (second) jumped in fright and began weeping quietly.
Madam Xiao sneered and was about to speak when Shao Shang suddenly interjected: "Madam, have you heard the story of East Neighbor West Lane?"
The four women in the room froze. Shao Shang continued without pause: "There were two families in a village. The eastern family was fortunate to live upstream, while the western family lived downstream. Later, for farming purposes, they needed to dig an irrigation channel, so both families worked together to build one. But every time water was released, the eastern family diverted most of it, leaving only a trickle for the western family. Years later when the channel needed repairs, the eastern family came seeking cooperation again. The western family refused, so the eastern family lectured them about morality and righteousness—quite eloquently!" She smiled. "Have you heard this story, Madam?"
Madam Lou (eldest)'s face turned extremely unpleasant, remaining silent.
Young Madam Lou (eldest) beside her pondered briefly before understanding, blushing as she lowered her head.
Madam Lou (eldest) breathed heavily, her gaze sharp as she enunciated each word: "Our family shares blood ties—there's no distinction between us. Miss Cheng, please don't sow discord and divide siblings."
A nearly reformed delinquent like Shao Shang wouldn't be intimidated by such a look—Director Xiao's table-slamming had been far more impressive. She replied calmly: "Madam, you're mistaken. There must first be discord before it can be sowed. Also, whether others make distinctions I don't know, but you certainly do. All that's good and beautiful you claim for your own branch, while all that's rotten you push onto the second branch. General He's kindness wasn't only received by A Yao's parents. What, does Lou Taipu remember being the eldest son of the main branch when inheriting the title, but forget when it's time to take responsibility?"
"You little wretch!" Madam Lou (eldest) trembled with rage, eyes nearly bursting. "You... you..."
Both Madam Lou (second) and Young Madam Lou (eldest) were stunned—the former forgot to cry, the latter forgot to keep her head lowered. Madam Xiao initially meant to stop her daughter, but then thought this might be for the best. Either the marriage wouldn't proceed, ending cleanly, or if it did proceed despite this, Madam Lou (second) likely wouldn't fuss over her daughter's fiery temperament anymore.
"Madam, as the matriarch of the Lou family, do you know what being the head of household and clan leader means? It means you can't just tend your own plot but must care for seven aunts, eight uncles, thirteen cousins, and twenty-eight clan relatives and descendants!"Shao Shang had been holding in her anger for days and was determined to vent it all at once. "Madam Lou (eldest), you're quite something—treating your own children like treasures while your nephews and nieces are mere weeds! A Yao's unhappiness means nothing to you, yet you have no qualms enjoying the benefits gained by sacrificing him! Let me give you some advice: behind closed doors, suppressing the outstanding ones might make the mediocre stand out, but the world outside doesn’t revolve around you. If your family fails to produce capable men, others will naturally rise to fill their places in the court!"
"How dare you insult me like this! Someone, come here—" Madam Lou (eldest) turned purple with rage and immediately raised her voice to summon help.
"Madam, I’m doing this for your own good."
Shao Shang feigned a sweet smile before her expression darkened. "Go ahead and call for people—I’ll say the same thing in front of everyone! If you’re so magnanimous and compassionate toward the He Family’s plight, then prove it with actions, not just words! Anyone can preach righteousness—walk through the streets, and I can find you eighty-one people who sing even sweeter tunes than you! Earlier, your speech about the He Family’s loyalty and bravery moved me deeply. Here’s an idea: since you have four sons, why not have one of them annul his marriage and wed He Zhaojun? Then you can shower the He orphans with all the comfort you want, and I guarantee the entire Capital City will sing praises of your noble virtue by tomorrow! How about that?"
Madam Lou (eldest) was so furious she nearly spat blood, trembling as she pointed at Shao Shang. "You—you—!"
Young Madam Lou (eldest) hurried forward to pat her husband's mother’s back while glaring at Shao Shang. "Miss Cheng, how can you be so shameless and unreasonable? Aren’t you afraid of tarnishing your reputation?"
"What did I say? I said nothing at all." Shao Shang shifted her demeanor again, sitting primly as she smoothed her sleeves. "If you and Madam Lou (eldest) spread rumors outside, I’ll deny everything and cry foul—claiming you resorted to such underhanded tactics to force my family to break off the engagement. Madam, how many people do you think will believe that?"
—Truly, there were advantages to living in a world without recording devices.
Madam Lou (eldest) turned indignantly to her sister-in-law. "Sister-in-law, are you just going to stand by while this little shrew humiliates me?"
Madam Lou (second), her mouth agape and tears still on her cheeks, stammered, "Sister-in-law… I—I didn’t… Well, Shao Shang isn’t entirely wrong…" Her voice trailed off.
Over the years, whenever tensions arose between the second and eldest branches of the Lou Family, it was always her eldest son’s new bride who stepped in. So Madam Lou (second) didn’t mind a strong-willed daughter-in-law—her dislike for He Zhaojun stemmed more from how her son Lou Yao had been bullied. If the couple were as devoted as her eldest son and his wife, a formidable new bride wouldn’t be an issue. Just as she was thinking of her own daughter-in-law, a voice suddenly came from outside—
"What did Shao Shang say? I didn’t hear a thing. Right, A Yao? And Yuan Shen?"
Everyone turned in shock to see three figures standing at the side door: Madam Lou (second), Lou Yao, and Yuan Shen supporting him. Madam Lou (second) remained stern-faced, while Lou Yao leaned to the side with his left leg slightly bent. Yuan Shen, arms bracing Lou Yao, lowered his head slightly, his body trembling faintly.
Young Madam Lou (second) strode in and sat beside her husband's mother, saying gently, "Mother, you misunderstood. Shao Shang said nothing just now—we were merely chatting."Madam Lou (second) was overjoyed to see her backer arrive and nearly burst into tears again: "Yes, yes, you're absolutely right. Shao Shang didn't say anything at all."
Yuan Shen noticed the suspicious gazes from the Cheng mother and daughter and quickly explained: "Young Master Lou and I were once fellow students under Teacher Ouyang. Recently, my senior brother casually entrusted a letter to our teacher through a classmate, with a family letter enclosed. Our teacher instructed me to deliver it to your residence. Coincidentally... coincidentally..." He swiftly glanced at Shao Shang, suppressing a laugh.
With Yuan Shen, an outsider, present, Madam Lou (eldest) couldn't dwell on Shao Shang's earlier 'harsh words' and had to restrain her anger: "So it's Shan Jian who's come. Please, have a seat."
Shao Shang didn't care whether Yuan Shen had heard anything—after all, they'd already exchanged 'harsh words' face-to-face. She noticed Lou Yao limping and exclaimed in shock: "They broke your leg!" Damn it, she was going to settle this score!
Lou Yao struggled to sit down, his face reddening: "N-no, it's... it's from when I climbed over the wall to see you two days ago and fell..."
"You broke your leg just from climbing a wall?!" Shao Shang cursed inwardly at his uselessness. Back in her school days, she'd scaled classroom and dormitory buildings countless times without incident—what a pampered young master! She'd have to teach him properly later.
Unaware of his fiancée's internal criticism, Lou Yao thought he was being considerate: "Don't worry, Shao Shang. I didn't hear a single word of what you said earlier."
Everyone: "......"
The second young mistress of the Lou family, however, found Shao Shang's earlier words immensely satisfying. There were many things she couldn't say herself, but today Madam Lou's hypocritical facade had been torn apart by Miss Cheng—especially that line, 'If your family can't produce capable men, others will naturally take their place in court.' It was truly delightful!
"These past few days, I've constantly heard Aunt lamenting how pitiful the He Family is. Why doesn't she just order one of the wives to divorce so Zhaojun can be accommodated? After all, General He's dying wish was only for her to 'return to the Lou family'—it didn't specifically have to be A Yao." The second young mistress Lou cheerfully tossed out this provocative remark.
"You—you're mocking me too?!" Madam Lou (eldest) shrieked in fury. "I'll accuse you of filial impiety—"
The second young mistress Lou paid no heed: "You're not my husband's mother."
Madam Lou (eldest) turned to her sister-in-law, grabbing her arm and hissing: "Are you trying to drive me to my death?!"
Madam Lou (second), flustered and frightened, suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "W-why don't... why don't we have flowers bloom on the same branch? Let Zhaojun and Shao Shang marry A Yao together, with neither taking precedence, addressing each other as sisters. Wouldn't that be wonderful?" Her son could just ignore He Zhaojun afterward.
The room fell into stunned silence. Madam Lou (eldest)'s eyes flickered, and she immediately fell quiet. Yuan Shen, who had been keeping his head down to avoid the conversation, suddenly looked up, his eyes gleaming with amused anticipation.
"A Yao, A Yao, what do you think...?" Madam Lou (second) frantically tugged at her son's sleeve. "General He was so good to you before! Otherwise, so many people inside and outside wouldn't be targeting our family!"
Remembering General He, Lou Yao's heart softened. Hesitantly, he said, "It's not impossible... but I wouldn't want anything to do with her afterward—"
"What do you mean 'not impossible'?!" Shao Shang smacked Lou Yao's injured leg hard and snapped, "If you dare agree to this, I'd rather marry someone else!"
"...Right, right! No shared marriage! I don't want to marry He Zhaojun at all! Absolutely not!" Lou Yao was thoroughly muddled. Though he didn't understand why, his fiancée was never wrong—he'd long grown accustomed to agreeing with her completely.Seeing Shao Shang assert herself, Madam Lou (second) also shrank back, repeatedly saying, "Forget it, forget it! A Yao absolutely won't marry He Zhaojun!"
Witnessing this scene, Madam Xiao secretly shook her head and sighed.
"A Yao, say it clearly—do you really want to break off our engagement or not?" Shao Shang demanded, gripping Lou Yao's sleeve.
Lou Yao, his blood boiling with passion, declared resolutely, "I'll never break off our engagement!"
"Good! As long as you don't go back on your word, I won't back down either!" Shao Shang stood up, her eyes fixed on Madam Lou (eldest), enunciating each word clearly for her to hear. Whether the marriage would happen was another matter—but she absolutely wouldn't swallow this insult!
Madam Lou (eldest) clenched her sleeves tightly, too furious to speak.
Seeing that further conversation with Madam Lou (eldest) was impossible, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law from the second branch quickly invited Madam Xiao and her daughter to their courtyard to talk. Feeling suffocated and unable to stay any longer, Shao Shang instructed Lou Yao to rest and recover from his injuries before taking her leave and returning home first.
Author's Note:
No update tomorrow. Next update will be on the 11th, at the usual time.
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