The next morning, Cheng Shi sent someone early to the city gate captain's office to request leave. After some thought, he also took the liberty of requesting leave for Lou Taipu before notifying the Lou Family. Only then did he and his wife leisurely prepare themselves in formal attire.
Madam Xiao noticed her husband's barely suppressed grin as she tightened his belt forcefully: "Keep a straight face. Today we're here to break off an engagement, not to receive rewards."
Cheng Shi touched his slightly loosened waistline and whispered, "After hearing Cheng Shun's reports these past two days, how can you not feel pleased? Ouch... be gentler! Especially yesterday—yesterday! The two most outstanding young men in the entire Capital City are both vying for our daughter's favor!"
"Must you phrase it so crudely?" Madam Xiao pulled the belt even tighter. "After this Lou Family matter, we must be even more cautious with our children's marriage arrangements to avoid becoming laughingstocks."
"Keep pretending! Who was it that tossed and turned all night? Hah! You used to worry Niao Niao wouldn't marry well or at all—now it seems those fears were completely unfounded!"
Madam Xiao warned, "Listen carefully—no matter who comes with marriage proposals in the coming days, maintain your composure. Don't rush into agreements like we did with the Lou Family, as if we'd never seen a marriage proposal in three lifetimes."
Old Man Cheng practically glowed with excitement at the thought of future son-in-law candidates, as if rubbed with lard: "Ah, when do you think the next proposal will come? I bet within half a month. And who do you think will come first?"
"Don't talk nonsense," Madam Xiao chided. "We've just broken off with the Lou Family. We should wait at least two months to avoid appearing as if we already had alternative candidates lined up. As for candidates... I'd prefer Yuan Shanjian..."
"Oh? Why not Ling Zisheng?" Cheng Shi's reasoning was straightforward. "He holds higher rank and greater power."
After a long silence, Madam Xiao sighed: "...I can't read him. He seems completely devoid of human warmth, utterly impenetrable. Besides, if you're so confident, go tell Niao Niao right now. Then if he doesn't propose, see how she reacts."
Cheng Shi immediately backed down: "We can't say anything. What if we're misreading the situation? We shouldn't get Niao Niao's hopes up for nothing. Maybe we're overthinking this—perhaps he never intended to marry and was just helping incidentally."
Thus, when the couple arrived at the Lou residence, both wore appropriately solemn expressions. Behind them knelt a dejected Shao Shang with drooping head—an observer might have mistaken them for attending a funeral.
The Lou Family's main hall was tightly closed. Lou Taipu and Cheng Shi sat at the central upper positions, with Madam Lou (eldest) and Madam Xiao seated below them. Shao Shang sat below Madam Xiao, while Madam Lou (second) and Lou Yao sat below Madam Lou (eldest). The wives of the Lou Family's young masters knelt at more distant lower positions.
Cheng Shi concisely stated their intention to break the engagement. Lou Yao immediately grew agitated and blurted out, "Shao Shang, everything was fine yesterday! Why today... I sent someone to your house last night, but your maid said you'd already retired."
Shao Shang's eyes were red and swollen—she felt she'd exhausted all her tears the previous night. Now she was filled with dark humor: "When I boarded the He Family carriage yesterday, it was just past noon. Yet you didn't come looking for me until nightfall. Had Ancheng Jun truly intended to harm me, she could have disposed of the evidence by then—leaving no witnesses. In that case, your uncle Lou Taipu wouldn't need to take leave today."Young Madam Lou (eldest) struggled to suppress a laugh, while the second young madam shook her head with a wry smile. Madam Lou (second) looked utterly at a loss. The remaining four had already mastered the art of composure, their faces revealing nothing. Only Lou Yao stammered in shock, "No, no, that's not..." He had assumed Shao Shang would come to tell him immediately afterward, but by evening, there was still no word.
Cheng Shi turned to look at Lou Taipu, only to see the old man shaking his head with a long sigh, his expression grave and silent.
Having always despised this kind of stubborn silence from scholars, Cheng Shi went straight for the kill: "If Taipu refuses to speak, then once I step out of the Lou Family's gates today, I'll spread the word that the Cheng Family has come to break off the engagement, but the Lou Family adamantly refuses to agree, clinging to it no matter what!"
Lou Taipu paled in alarm, "Ah—!" Madam Lou (eldest) exclaimed agitatedly, "Cheng Xiaowei, mind your words!"
"Then you agree to break off the engagement," Cheng Shi said. "In that case, let's quickly return each other's betrothal tokens. I've brought the mutton-fat Jade Pendant from the engagement today. As for that golden tiger statue, hasn't Lou Juncheng already sent it back to the Capital City? Bring it out. Then we can tear up the betrothal documents between our families, and this matter will be settled."
This time, even Madam Lou (eldest) was at a loss for words. The room fell into an awkward silence. Though they had mentally prepared for this, the Cheng Family's decisive actions left the Lou Family members unsure how to react.
Only the young master Lou remained focused, frantically pressing, "Shao Shang, what's going on? Didn't you say that as long as I didn't back out, you wouldn't retreat either?"
Shao Shang's expression remained blank as she replied, "Your question has two answers. To keep it brief: my father and mother are moved by the loyalty of good generals who fought for the country until their families were destroyed. Thus, the Cheng Family has decided to honor General He's dying wish."
After this speech, the Lou Family members stared at her in stunned silence—especially Madam Lou (eldest). Weren't these the exact words she had used just days ago? And hadn't Shao Shang mocked her mercilessly for them?
The second young madam smiled faintly. "Young Lady Cheng speaks with profound righteousness, sacrificing herself for duty. Truly admirable."
"Second sister-in-law!" Lou Yao shouted.
The second young madam didn't even lift her eyelids. "What? Is there anything wrong with Young Lady Cheng's words? Or do you truly wish for your elder brothers to divorce their wives and remarry?"
Lou Yao's face flushed crimson, then darkened to purple. Never skilled with words, he found himself outmatched in this battle of principles and could only fume helplessly.
Madam Xiao's gaze swept over each face before she declared bluntly, "Since neither side has objections, let's quickly return the tokens and tear up the betrothal documents."
Madam Lou (second) also began to weep softly. "A Yao, just listen to everyone. I adore Shao Shang too, but... but..."
"But the situation demands it, A Yao. You must obey!" Madam Lou (eldest) pressed sternly.
Lou Yao stood frozen for a long moment before suddenly straightening, his voice thick with grief and fury. "I won't break the engagement! I won't! Since childhood, you've all used lofty principles to deceive me—do this for righteousness, do that to repay kindness—but I'm the only one who suffers! The only one! Some of you watch from the sidelines, others offer empty comforts. Even you, Mother, no matter how much you pity me, can't live the rest of my life for me! Why must it always be me? Why?!"Upon hearing this, Madam Lou (second) collapsed to the ground weeping behind her sleeves, while Madam Lou (eldest) wore a displeased expression. Lou Taipu turned away with a sigh. Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao exchanged glances, unwilling to involve themselves in the Lou family's private affairs. To put it bluntly, in families like the Lous, whether a marriage proceeded or not depended entirely on the elders' wishes—what say did the younger generation have?
Shao Shang looked at the young man's angry, aggrieved face and couldn't help laughing softly. "A Yao, your leg's better now?"
Lou Yao was taken aback, his anger momentarily checked as he awkwardly replied, "Actually, I could stand up long ago, but the Imperial Physician advised me to rest a few more days, so I've still been having people carry me around."
Shao Shang said with some sadness, "That's wonderful. Ancheng Jun will surely marry during the mourning period, and by then your legs will be fully recovered."
"You... you..." Lou Yao grew agitated again.
Shao Shang spoke gently, "A Yao, will you listen to what I have to say? Alright, sit down first—let me make it brief..."
Seeing Lou Yao suppress his anger and slowly sit down, she continued, "These past months, we've talked about everything. You told me that although you don't like Ancheng Jun, General He treated you very well. Since childhood you loved martial arts, but no one in the Lou family could guide you—yet no matter how busy he was, General He always made time to teach you. He was like both teacher and father to you, and you deeply respected and loved him, didn't you? All these years you tolerated He Zhaojun, half out of gratitude and half for General He's sake."
Lou Yao's anger lessened slightly as he remained silent.
Shao Shang went on, "And the He family's fifth young master—he was only two years older than you. Since childhood he took you fishing and bird hunting, wandering everywhere together. The first small bamboo bow you ever had was made by him, and you treasured it so much you've kept it to this day. But..."
Her tone shifted, "But did you know? When Fifth Young Master led a team of scouts trying to break through enemy lines to deliver a message, the Xiao rebels knocked him down and trampled him into pulp beneath their horses' hooves!"
Lou Taipu sighed heavily, wiping tears as he turned away. He knew these details, but the women of the household did not. Madam Lou (eldest) and her daughter-in-law recoiled in horror, while Madam Lou (second) burst into frightened tears. Only the second young mistress of the Lou family remained composed, though she couldn't help lowering her head to wipe her eyes.
Lou Yao's eyes widened as tears streamed down his face.
"I asked my second brother for details. Not only did Fifth Young Master die horribly—the same happened to the eldest and fourth young masters. On the battlefield, life and death are common, but to provoke General He into leaving the city, the rebels tied the two young masters' corpses to horses and dragged them around the city walls. Finally, they even severed their heads and displayed them on spearpoints to flaunt their power. A Yao, didn't the eldest young master often carry you on his shoulders to pick fruit when you were little? And the fourth young master taught you to ride horses. Yet they... they died without whole bodies..."
Lou Yao was now weeping openly. The other women wept quietly as well, while even Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao turned away with pained sighs.
"...The second young master was pierced by multiple arrows on the city walls. He lingered for a full day and night before succumbing. The third young master died in an ambush while leading reinforcements back—he fought to his last breath..." Shao Shang found her eyes moistening again unconsciously. "The second young master's wife was pregnant when the cruel rebels stabbed her through the belly. The eldest young master's wife stood on the city walls watching her husband's head separated from his body—now she's gone mad and no one knows if she'll ever recover. A Yao, you told me the He family's eldest daughter-in-law made the best sticky rice cakes, and the second daughter-in-law brewed sweet rice wine... But even they... even they..."The He and Lou families were old friends, and while many names were merely that to the Cheng family, to the Lou family they were vivid memories—voices and smiles still present, though the people themselves were gone. This time, Madam Lou (eldest) wept without pretense, clutching her daughter-in-law as she silently sobbed into her hand. Madam Lou (second) wailed openly, collapsing into the arms of the second young mistress.
Lou Yao stood as still as a statue carved from salt rock, his tears already dried.
"A Yao, when we were in Hua County, we saw the devastation of war, the mass burial grounds with crows circling, the orphaned widows wailing without tears. Back then, you said a true man should stand in this world to protect the people, so he could face heaven and earth without shame. Do you know, this time the people of Fengyi Commandery didn’t suffer like those in Hua County—General He was that kind of true man..."
As Shao Shang spoke, she too began to cry. "A Yao, I also feel terribly sorry for you. My words sound noble, but it’s you who has to marry He Zhaojun. If only I could marry her in your place!"
"Don’t say anymore," Lou Yao finally stirred, smiling through his tears. "Shao Shang, you’ve done nothing to wrong me. But you’re right—I keep saying I want to be a true man who protects the people, yet I can’t even bear this little bit of hardship. Isn’t that laughable?"
"A Yao, this is just temporary hardship. Don’t let it become a lifetime of regret," Shao Shang said fiercely, wiping her tears.
"Can I... really...?" Lou Yao murmured, his eyes dazed with tears.
"Of course you can! After the wedding, you won’t just be He Zhaojun’s son-in-law—you’ll be her elder brother, her support! You must cherish her, guide her. If she’s wrong, don’t indulge her. If she throws tantrums or acts domineering, you can’t just swallow your pride like before..." Shao Shang declared loudly, speaking from the heart.
"I can guide her," Lou Yao said, as if seeing a new path. "If she acts unreasonable again, I... I’ll drag her before General He’s spirit and ask him..."
Shao Shang shuffled forward on her knees, earnest. "Exactly! If you’re ever unsure, just ask the second young mistress. There’s nothing you can’t discuss with your own sister-in-law!"
The second young mistress of the Lou family gave Shao Shang a moved glance. Lou Taipu, witnessing this, thought to himself what a pity it was.
Noticing Madam Lou (eldest) nearby, Shao Shang suddenly added, "A Yao, don’t fear arguments. If you’re in the right, what is there to fear? Let’s see who dares meddle in your household affairs again..."
While Cheng Shi and Lou Taipu didn’t fully grasp her meaning, the women present understood perfectly.
The overly simple betrothal annulment ceremony ended with Lou Yao’s hoarse sobs. After this outburst, he seemed to have grown up in an instant. Watching the golden tiger and jade pendant being returned, the silk marriage contract torn in two, his expression was calm.
As he saw the three members of the Cheng family off, he even managed a smile. "Uncle Cheng, Aunt Cheng, I’ll still seek guidance from your sons in the future. Please treat me as one of your own nephews."
Cheng Shi, uncharacteristically soft-hearted, nodded.
Madam Xiao said gently, "Live well with Ancheng Jun from now on. She’s alone now, all claws and teeth on the outside, but pitiful inside. Treat her with courtesy and sincerity—you won’t go wrong."
Lou Yao bowed in agreement, then turned. "Shao Shang, from now on, call me elder brother."
Rubbing her increasingly swollen eyes, Shao Shang rolled hers at him. "Don’t push it. You’ve got a long way to go before you can be my elder brother!"Lou Yao let out a laugh, tears streaming down his face. Shao Shang felt a pang of sorrow and couldn't hold back her own tears.
The two families exchanged farewells with clasped hands. Although this was a smooth and successful dissolution of the engagement, the three members of the Cheng family couldn't muster any joy.
Upon returning to the Cheng Residence, Cheng Yang had already prepared lunch. The Cheng brothers, aware of what their parents and youngest sister had gone to do that morning, had all taken leave to stay home. Everyone gathered silently in the main hall for the meal. Cheng Shi downed a cup of wine in one gulp and declared loudly, "...From now on, Niao Niao has nothing to do with the Lou Family. This matter is settled! Do you all understand?"
Cheng Yang and the three brothers nodded in agreement, but Cheng Mu at the head of the table angrily exclaimed, "What kind of world is this? A perfectly good marriage alliance, and you insist on breaking it off!"
Hu Ao quickly stepped forward to console her, "Ah, Old Madam, please don't say anymore. The cancellation of this engagement pains the master, mistress, and the Young Lady more than anyone else. Didn't the young masters explain the reasoning to you earlier?"
Cheng Mu pushed Hu Ao away and shouted, "What kind of worthless reasoning is that? How much is it worth? The Lou Family's wealth and treasures are what truly matter! You gave up such a good match for the sake of some reputation—was it worth it? I think you've gone stupid from being an official. The grain in the granary, the silver in the coffers, the land beneath your feet—only these things are important..."
As Cheng Mu continued her loud complaints without end, the younger members below ate their meal in silence, not daring to interject a single word.
Cheng Shi, hearing his mother's increasingly outrageous remarks, couldn't hold back and said, "Mother, what nonsense are you—"
Before he could finish, a maidservant hurried in to announce—
Someone from the palace had arrived, summoning Cheng Shi, his wife, and Shao Shang to the palace. The junior palace attendant bearing the decree was already waiting in the front courtyard.
Madam Xiao's chopsticks clattered onto the dining table as she turned to her daughter in panic.
Shao Shang, still confused, sat there in a daze.
Author's Note: San Tu (Lou Yao) officially exits the stage. He will appear again later, but in a different capacity.
Many readers have keenly noticed—what kind of lover would bring their current partner to negotiate with an ex? Most would rather hide them away to avoid any confrontation. San Tu's actions here are more like bringing a brother along for moral support.
Also, when Shao Shang realized she couldn't protect Lou Yao anymore, her first thought was, "I can't leave A Yao to He Zhaojun."
Would a girl in love react this way? Would she really give up her boyfriend just because a more outstanding girl appeared? This is also a reaction from a brother's perspective—my buddy can't end up with a fierce shrew!
San Tu and Shao Shang's relationship is more like friendship. But had they married smoothly, it might have developed into marital affection. Unfortunately, they didn't get the chance.
From now on, I won't specify update schedules to avoid backlash when I can't meet them.
Let's just assume updates will be every other day by default. If there are extra updates, the next one will still follow the default every-other-day schedule. Everyone understands, right?
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