This was an exhausting marriage affair. The three members of the Cheng family sat in silence in the carriage, unsure where to begin—Old Man Cheng looked bewildered, clutching his sleeves tightly as if he had just been harassed by a scoundrel; Director Xiao wore a solemn expression, filled with the ceremonial gravity of presiding over a memorial service. Shao Shang, meanwhile, nibbled on her pastry like a little mouse, making faint rustling sounds.
Madam Xiao could bear it no longer: "It's just two pieces of pastry. How have you not finished them yet?"
Shao Shang swallowed the bite in her mouth: "The ones A Zhu gave me were eaten long ago. These were stuffed into my hands by Ling Buyi when we left Everlasting Autumn Palace."
Cheng Shi sighed deeply, looking at his daughter as if she were eating poison.
By the time they returned to Cheng Residence, the moon hung high in the sky. The old and the young had already retired for the night, leaving only the three Cheng brothers and Cheng Yang, along with a group of servants holding lanterns, craning their necks at the gate in anticipation. Too weary for small talk, Madam Xiao waved her sleeves and summoned the younger generation to Nine Dapple Hall for a family meeting, with supper served on the side. Cheng Shi sat imposingly at the head of the table and succinctly recounted the betrothal arranged in the palace that day.
The three Cheng brothers were stunned. After exchanging a few incredulous glances, they all turned to look at their youngest sister, who was enthusiastically devouring her supper. Only Cheng Yang, who was setting up the dining table for Cheng Shi and his wife, and Madam Qing Cong remained composed—the former had never met or heard much about Ling Buyi, while the latter, experienced and steady, took it all in stride.
Nine Dapple Hall fell into silence, broken only by the cheerful sounds of Shao Shang chewing. After a long while, Cheng Yong tentatively asked, "...Father, Mother, should we pay a visit to the in-laws?"
—This was indeed a bizarre match. The current Emperor had acted as the elder on behalf of his beloved foster son, but the problem was that Ling Buyi was not some orphan without parents. His birth father and mother were still very much alive!
Old Man Cheng looked lost: "Speaking of which..." He glanced at his wife. "I’ve never even met Ling Hou." He had seen the man from afar a few times during Grand Court Assemblies, vaguely recalling a handsome, mild-mannered middle-aged man.
Madam Xiao clenched her jaw and said nothing.
Seeing his wife ignore him, Cheng Shi turned to his daughter: "You—you—how can you still eat at a time like this?!"
At this point, Shao Shang’s enthusiasm for food finally waned. She picked up the earthenware cup beside the dining table, scooped a spoonful of water to rinse her mouth, and then said, "Why shouldn’t I eat? It’s not like I agreed to the betrothal."
Old Man Cheng’s sharp tongue hadn’t dulled with age. He glared and retorted, "And it wasn’t me who secretly got acquainted with Ling Buyi either!"
Shao Shang set down the cup and spoke earnestly: "Father, assigning blame now is too late. We should focus on figuring out what to do next."
Feeling unable to keep up with the conversation, Cheng Yang hesitated for a long moment before timidly asking, "...Uncle, Niao Niao, since this Lord Ling is such an extraordinary figure, isn’t this marriage... isn’t it a good thing? Why are you all..."
At these words, everyone in the Cheng family except Shao Shang sighed in unison, unsure how to answer the question.
After sighing, Shao Shang asked, "Mother, tell me about Ling Buyi’s family... I mean, his birth parents."Madam Xiao shot her an exasperated glance. "I can't stand the young ladies and gentlemen these days, always clinging to each other in sweet nothings all day long. They discuss every romantic poem and song under the sun, but never touch on practical matters! Getting engaged without even knowing the depth of the other family's circumstances—no wonder they suffer after marriage!"
Cheng Shi quickly chimed in, "Exactly! Your mother and I met just three times before she'd already asked about everything—from where your grandfather's ancestral graves were located in his distant hometown to both families' grain reserves!"
Cheng Shao Gong glanced sideways at his second brother and whispered, "But weren't Grandfather's ancestral graves in his hometown destroyed? There aren't any left—"
"Shut up," Cheng Song whispered back.
Feeling her character and intelligence were under attack, Shao Shang hurried to defend herself. "Mother, you're mistaken! First, when have Ling Buyi and I ever been clingy or inappropriate? Every time we've met, there were others present—we've been perfectly proper! Second, you and Father were aiming for marriage, so of course you had to clarify everything. But Ling Buyi and I just happened to meet by chance! If he hasn't shown any such intentions, wouldn't it be ridiculous for me to pester him with questions? Besides, we haven't met that many times... just three, four, five, six, seven, eight..." Her voice trailed off as she realized the number was indeed a bit high. Though each time, she had assumed they wouldn't meet again—why bother asking about his family history?
Cheng Yong looked at his younger sister gently. "Niao Niao, do you not like Lord Ling?"
"Yes..." Cheng Yang added softly, "When the Lou family's marriage proposal was mentioned before, Niao Niao was quite happy." Unlike her current flustered state.
"So, Niao Niao, is your heart set on A Yao? But... he's already..." Cheng Song hesitated awkwardly.
Cheng Shao Gong curled his lip. "I don't think Niao Niao was that fond of Lou Yao. He was so dull-witted, agreeing to whatever she said. Two years older than us, yet less decisive and dignified than me!"
Shao Shang couldn't let that slide and shot him a glare. "Fine! I'll find you the most domineering brother-in-law in the entire Capital City—one who'll make you too afraid to even sit properly in his presence, more reverent than before ancestral tablets! Then you'll be satisfied!"
Cheng Shao Gong grinned. "That Lord Ling of yours is far more imposing than any ancestral tablet. Last time I—"
"Enough!" Director Xiao couldn't tolerate the disorder any longer and snapped in a low voice, "What nonsense are you two spouting? One more disrespectful word about ancestors, and I'll enforce Family Law!"
Having been on the receiving end of corporal punishment before, the twins immediately clamped their mouths shut, dropping the topic of ancestral tablets.
Madam Xiao took a deep breath and stated plainly, "Ling Buyi's father, Ling Hou, is known for his gentle temperament. Though without outstanding achievements, he was among the first key ministers to support His Majesty. His mother, née Huo, was the younger sister of the late Lord Huo, His Majesty's sworn brother. During His Majesty's most difficult year, when enemies attacked from all sides, it was Marquis Huo who fought desperately to hold a lone city against 200,000 enemy troops for half a year. This bought His Majesty time to maneuver and defeat the enemy chieftains one by one, ultimately securing the new dynasty's foundation. Sadly, Marquis Huo's entire family perished in the siege—children and grandchildren all lost."
Shao Shang's mouth fell open. "All of them? Not even a single distant relative left in their hometown?"Cheng Yong added, "The closest branch is already beyond the five degrees of mourning, and their dwelling places are far apart. Moreover, back then, Marquis Huo rallied his entire family to support Your Majesty. Those clansmen who didn’t follow him in his rise can hardly claim any lingering affection."
Madam Xiao continued, "During the chaos of war, Ling Hou was separated from his family. Later, when he managed to find a few of them, they all claimed that Madam Huo and her son had died. Within a year, Ling Hou remarried. But then, months later, Madam Huo returned with her son—only to find the new wife already pregnant..."
"Then Ling Hou should just divorce the new wife and reunite with his first wife. After all, Madam Huo is the last of the Huo lineage!" Shao Shang said flippantly.
Cheng Song hesitated, "I seem to recall... the current Madam Ling is quite close to Old Princess Ruyang..."
"Exactly," Madam Xiao said. "During those turbulent times, Your Majesty’s aunt, Old Princess Ruyang, suffered severe injuries and illnesses. With medical supplies scarce, she was at risk of death or permanent disability. It was only through the current Madam Ling’s tireless care—day and night for over half a year without a moment’s neglect—that the old princess recovered fully."
"I see. So Old Princess Ruyang would naturally stand by her," Shao Shang said with a smirk. "Then the two wives could just address each other as sisters. What a lucky man Ling Hou is."
Madam Xiao shook her head. "Our family submitted to the Emperor later, so many details are unknown to us. But I heard the new wife was willing to take the role of a concubine. However, Madam Huo had always been exceptionally fierce and proud. She wanted the new wife not just divorced but dead—let alone sharing a husband."
Shao Shang mused, "...Such deep resentment suggests they knew each other before. Old grudges must have resurfaced."
Cheng Shi gave his daughter an approving look and cut to the chase. "Your mother went to great lengths to uncover this: the new wife was originally Ling Hou’s widowed cousin from his maternal aunt’s side. She had been living with the Ling family for years before Madam Huo was separated from them."
Shao Shang chuckled, not bothering to hide her disdain. The others in the hall murmured in agreement.
"Later, when reconciliation proved impossible, Madam Huo divorced Ling Hou and now lives in seclusion somewhere," Madam Xiao concluded. "Because of this, the Emperor felt even more indebted to the late Marquis Huo. Not long after, he took Ling Buyi from Madam Huo’s side and brought him to the palace to raise personally."
Shao Shang laughed. "This ‘remarried’ Madam Ling had no family backing, having relied on the Ling household. It seems Ling Hou is a man of deep affection—passing over noblewomen to marry his own widowed cousin."
"Enough of your nonsense," Madam Xiao said sternly. "They are all Ling Buyi’s elders."
Shao Shang pouted and fell silent.
Cheng Shi, who deeply admired his wife’s military strategy but believed she was less adept at handling their troublesome daughter, said sternly, "Alright, that’s all there is to the Ling family. Now that Niao Niao knows, if you have any thoughts on this marriage, speak up. The Emperor has given his word. If you’ve no objections, let’s all wash up and sleep—no more fussing!"
"No, no, Father, I do have thoughts!" Shao Shang immediately took the bait, scrambling forward on her knees.
"Then out with it," Cheng Song teased, watching his little sister fluster.Shao Shang sighed like a little adult, taking a moment before speaking. "So, apart from all the mess with the Ling family, the Lou family isn’t exactly peaceful either. But in my heart, A Yao is pure and transparent. I can guess about seventy to eighty percent of what he’s thinking or planning to do. He’s also willing to listen to me. As for what kind of life we’ll have in the future or what path we’ll take, I have a rough idea. But Ling Buyi is different..." She paused, choosing her words carefully, then said sadly, "He’s like the mist over Mount Wu—I can’t see through him, nor can I grasp him..."
"You’ve grasped him before," Cheng Shao Gong remarked sourly. "I heard from Old Cheng Shun that the other day, it was he who pulled you out of the carriage."
Shao Shang immediately lost all her melancholy and straightened her neck to complain to Madam Xiao. "Mother, let me tell you, Shao Gong is quite the flirt! If you search his chests, I guarantee you’ll find all sorts of scented handkerchiefs, embroidered pouches, flower petals, and bamboo slips—gifts from young maidens outside. Who knows, there might even be love letters!"
"Shao Shang, you—" Cheng Shao Gong flushed crimson, his face turning the color of pig liver. "Mother, don’t listen to her! Those were all forced upon me! When Niao Niao went to visit Ling Buyi last time, they—"
"Both of you, shut up!" Director Xiao bellowed, then slumped into her seat with a frustrated sigh. Originally, her third son’s chattiness had been within manageable limits. But ever since the twins reunited, it was as if the seal on a thousand-year-old demon had been broken—they infuriated her three times a day! Clearly, she should have taken her youngest daughter under her wing for discipline back then!
Cheng Shi rubbed his forehead and concluded, "So, because A Yao listens to you, you’re happy with the Lou family’s marriage proposal. But since you can’t control Lord Ling, you’re not as pleased with this match. Is that it?"
Cheng Yang finally understood and looked at her cousin in amazement. "You’re really basing it on this...?" She couldn’t comprehend it—wasn’t it a blessing to have someone capable as a backer, obedient and trustworthy?
Shao Shang mumbled, "Father, you’re being so blunt. But..." She fidgeted, lowering her voice shyly. "Mother has you firmly under her thumb, and look how content she is. If I were to follow Lord Ling, how could I ever have such a good life?" This was practically a living, bloody example!
"Niao Niao!" Madam Qing Cong couldn’t take it anymore and erupted in anger. "How dare you discuss your parents’ affairs like this?!"
This time, Cheng Shi and his wife couldn’t even muster the energy to be angry—they just sighed at each other. Cheng Song and Cheng Shao Gong exchanged glances, stifling their laughter.
Cheng Yong sighed. "Lord Ling... what on earth does he see in Niao Niao...?" He didn’t mean to belittle his younger sister, but he truly couldn’t fathom it.
In terms of looks, the beauties sent to Ling Buyi over the years had been dazzling—it was unclear if their little sister could even rank in the top ten. As for talent, their youngest sister still couldn’t recognize all the characters, let alone compose poetry. And as for temperament... well, that was a long story.
Hearing this, Shao Shang glared at him fiercely. "I also don’t understand what Xu E elder sister sees in you, brother! Now she stays home every day, learning to be gentle, virtuous, and proper in managing the household!"
—Cheng Yong shook his head and looked at his two younger brothers, his expression clearly saying, ‘See, I told you so.’Cheng Song had a different opinion: "That's not entirely true. As Qiqi said, Shao Shang is loyal, righteous, clever, and quick-witted. When major events arise, she can shoulder the responsibility. In life, she can be entrusted with honor and future prospects; in death, she can be entrusted with family and ancestral graves. How many people in the world are this dependable?"
Shao Shang beamed with joy: "I also think Sister Qiqi is the finest woman in the world! Generous, bold, and broad-minded. Whoever marries her in the future will have immense fortune! She’ll surely have a house full of descendants, grow old together in harmony, enjoy a blissful and united family, have all wishes fulfilled, and everything go smoothly—universal peace!"
"Our Niao Niao really knows how to speak!" Cheng Song grinned from ear to ear.
"Enough from both of you!" Madam Xiao slammed the dining table forcefully, then turned to her husband. "Tomorrow, we’ll request an imperial audience with His Majesty to decline this marriage proposal."
"Ah—?" Cheng Shi was startled. "This... can this really work?"
"Of course it can, why wouldn’t it?!" Shao Shang quickly interjected. "I mean, didn’t ancient emperors decline abdication three or five times out of courtesy? Everything requires some politeness, right?"
"Emperor Li also declined usurping the throne three or five times—he was very polite too..." Cheng Shao Gong poured cold water on the idea with a dry tone.
"Can you just not speak?!" Shao Shang glared at him angrily.
Madam Xiao pretended not to hear and continued to her husband, "Look at Niao Niao’s behavior. Do you really think His Majesty would want to see such a new bride? Forget His Majesty—even Ling Buyi probably doesn’t fully understand Niao Niao’s true temperament."
Cheng Shi hesitated as he looked at his daughter. Even without bias, it was clear that as a bride, his daughter would likely get beaten three times a day.
Cheng Yong cupped his hands respectfully. "Mother is right. We might as well decline once and truthfully explain our sister’s temperament during the imperial audience. If His Majesty is unwilling, then we’ll treat it as if this never happened. But if His Majesty still insists on the marriage, then if Niao Niao ever quarrels with Lord Ling in the future, our family will at least have an explanation."
Cheng Song understood the implication and chuckled. "His Majesty and Lord Ling won’t mistake Niao Niao’s appearance for gentleness and fragility." His younger sister’s looks and personality were polar opposites, creating a stark contrast. But after seeing the pointed looks from his mother and elder brother, he had no choice but to fall silent.
Shao Shang glanced around at everyone, twisting her fingers and muttering, "I only speak so freely at home. Outside, I’m very careful with my words... but... well, you’re right. I can’t keep up an act forever." Upon reflection, she had indeed behaved particularly sensible, obedient, and magnanimous in front of Ling Buyi.
She looked up at Cheng Shi and declared loudly, "Father, think about it! If I quarrel or fight with A Yao, the Lou Family might just divorce me. But if I provoke Ling Buyi, the Emperor might send me a white silk rope or a cup of poisoned wine—and might even blame you and Mother for failing to discipline me properly!"
"Exaggeration!" Cheng Shi waved his sleeve dismissively, then scratched his hair bun and said solemnly, "Still, you all make a valid point. Tomorrow morning, we’ll go to the palace to request an audience with His Majesty and decline this marriage! Whether it succeeds or not, we’ll leave it to fate!"
With the head of the household having spoken, Qing Cong and the children all bowed in acknowledgment.
Especially Shao Shang, who inexplicably felt a wave of relief. Swinging her sleeves cheerfully, she headed back to her quarters—though she felt a little guilty toward Ling Buyi, her own comfort mattered most. Ling Buyi was better suited as a backer. As a husband, he’d give her a heart attack!That night, as the Cheng couple retired to bed, Madam Xiao lay half-asleep beneath the covers when she suddenly heard her husband's chest heave with a long sigh. He murmured in a low voice, "...Yuan Yi, only now do I understand what you meant when you said, 'If it were Yan Yan, I'd gladly marry her into any household.' If Ling Buyi wanted to marry Yan Yan this time, we'd be overjoyed—why would we be so torn about it?"
Without even opening her eyes, Madam Xiao replied drowsily, "But that's often how life is—what we long for remains out of reach, while what we don't want comes knocking at our door. I know you're reluctant to let go of this match. On the bright side, Niao Niao is clever, witty, and charming, quick to grasp things—perhaps Ling Buyi prefers someone like her. But on the downside, she has a fiery temper. If she and her husband end up at odds like Madam Huo and Ling Hou in the future, we don't have the same deep-rooted influence as the Huo family to back her up. It's better to speak plainly beforehand."
Author's Note:
I'll do my best to keep updating, so please continue to support me. Many thanks! bows
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