The next morning, with neither a Grand Court Assembly nor a minor court session scheduled, Cheng Shi and his wife were dressed neatly and preparing to enter the palace to decline the marriage proposal for their troublesome youngest daughter. Unexpectedly, the junior palace attendant who had delivered the imperial decree came bustling in again, announcing that the Emperor had summoned all three members of their family to the palace once more.
"...May I ask what matter has prompted Your Majesty to summon us?" Old Man Cheng expressed that such frequent imperial favors were somewhat overwhelming for him.
"Doesn't Cheng Xiaowei wish to meet the parents of his esteemed son-in-law?" The junior palace attendant beamed with smiles, completely unlike his proper demeanor from the previous day. "His Majesty is benevolent and considerate. Today, Ling Hou has also been summoned to the palace so that the elders of both families may meet. With His Majesty present, matters can be clarified, making subsequent arrangements smoother."
Both Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao thought to themselves: How fearful is the Emperor that this marriage might fall through, that he won't even allow the two families to meet privately? With things having come to this, they had no choice but to dig their daughter out from under the covers, clean her up, and present her to the junior palace attendant.
Shao Shang, who was haphazardly stuffed into the carriage, continued to mumble sleepily: "Father and Mother should go... why call me? Didn't Mother say I shouldn't enter the palace again until I've learned proper etiquette, lest I make a fool of myself again..."
Cheng Shi said solemnly: "I've changed my mind. Today, the matter of declining the marriage should be spoken by you yourself. Your parents will merely assist from the side."
Shao Shang immediately woke up: "I should say it myself? Is... is that appropriate? Shouldn't such important matters be handled by elders?"
"Why wouldn't it be appropriate?" Cheng Shi retorted. "It's not as if I'm the one calling off the engagement."
Shao Shang said petulantly: "I knew Father couldn't bear to part with this marriage alliance. Why don't you marry Ling Buyi yourself then!"
"If I were a woman, I'd marry an excellent son-in-law like Ling Buyi twenty times over without hesitation—would you believe me or not!"
"Father is a muddle-headed fool who only sees immediate benefits!"
"You're an unfilial daughter who can't see what's right before your eyes!"
—This meaningless bickering concluded, as usual, with Director Xiao's low-voiced reprimand.
Before the three could start a new topic, they heard the sounds of the palace gates opening and the exchange of tokens outside the carriage. The journey was so short this time that the Cheng family was taken aback. Upon inquiry, they learned that unlike the previous day when they had entered through the main southern gate and traversed the entire palace complex, this time they entered the North Palace through the Upper West Gate, proceeding directly to the Everlasting Autumn Palace where the Empress resided.
Having taken a shortcut, Shao Shang didn't have to walk far before arriving once more at the rear hall of the Everlasting Autumn Palace where she had had her imperial audience the previous day. As she knelt in greeting, she saw the Emperor and Empress seated above in casual attire. Apart from the standing and kneeling junior attendants and palace maids, there was also a middle-aged scholar-official of excellent appearance and demeanor sitting formally in the center of the hall.
The middle-aged scholar-official turned his head to smile and nod at Cheng Shi and his wife, then subtly scrutinized Shao Shang. Seeing her naive mannerisms and lack of proper etiquette, his eyes couldn't help but reveal surprise and doubt. Shao Shang had seen this expression before—when the Emperor first saw her at the imperial tent on Mount Tu Gao, he had worn the same look. She immediately understood who this man was.
It was unclear what had been discussed between the ruler and his subject before the Cheng family's arrival. The Emperor seemed somewhat weary, so the Empress smiled and pointed to the middle-aged scholar-official, saying: "This is Zisheng's father, the Marquis of Chengyang, Ling Gu..." Then she pointed to the three members of the Cheng family: "This is Cheng Xiaowei and his wife, and Shao Shang... You should greet each other."
Old Man Cheng hastily bowed with clasped hands toward Old Man Ling. Madam Xiao tugged at her dazed daughter, and they too bowed in greeting behind him."...Zisheng is no longer young. Even my sons younger than him already have concubines and children, yet Zisheng remains alone," the Emperor said. "I've always been uneasy about this. If I don't properly arrange Zisheng's lifelong matters, I fear I won't have the face to meet Elder Brother Huo in the afterlife."
Ling Gu bowed his head listening. When he heard the word "Huo," his body gave a slight tremble, and he hurriedly said, "Your Majesty's words shame this subject. Speaking of which, Zisheng is my son, and these matters should naturally be my concern. Yet Your Majesty has shown such great kindness, not only carefully raising Zisheng all these years but also entrusting him with important responsibilities. This subject is endlessly grateful..."
Shao Shang, eavesdropping nearby, really wanted to say: Uncle Ling, you're really good at taking credit where it's not due—as if the Emperor cares so much about Ling Buyi because of you! It's clearly for the sake of the already extinct Huo clan!
Probably everyone present had similar thoughts, but the Emperor was kind-hearted from lips to soul. After his lips moved slightly, he said nothing. Only after Ling Gu finished his lengthy speech of gratitude did the Emperor speak: "The marriage is settled. Cheng Xiaowei is upright, loyal, brave, wise in strategy and decisive in judgment..."
The corner of Shao Shang's mouth twitched. In her heart, she thought: The Cheng family has no fan clubs, no connections, can't even form a proper fan group—aside from one eternal old CP, they're practically invisible. Your Majesty, all you can praise is Old Man Cheng's personal qualities.
"You've seen her yourself. The young lady of the Cheng family is modest in speech, filial and kind, pleasant and agreeable—a suitable match for Zisheng..." The Emperor seemed to slightly purse his lips. Shao Shang mentally added for him: If you can't think of anything else to praise, just stop. Forced compliments are so awkward—it's like unpaid water army comments.
"...She will make Zisheng an excellent wife!" The Emperor managed to finish his difficult praise, then concluded, "You needn't worry about the wedding arrangements. The Empress has been preparing for Zisheng's marriage for many years..."
The Empress suppressed a smile as she glanced at him—ever since their adopted son turned fifteen, the Emperor had been eagerly waiting for him to marry and have children, to start the pot boiling. Yet year after year passed with the stove cold and rice uncooked, until even the iron pot rusted into an ornamental perforated vessel. The dowry saved up over the years for their adopted son's marriage could have married off the entire Cheng family three times over!
"...Everything will be under my supervision. Now, does anyone have anything else to say?"
Ling Gu felt bitter inside but still attempted to protest: "Your Majesty, Zisheng's marriage should still be handled by—"
"—Your Majesty!" Old Man Cheng, who had been enduring under the urging gazes of his wife and daughter, finally spoke up. Not daring to interrupt the Emperor, he instead cut off his future in-law Old Ling. "Your Majesty, this subject has something to report."
The Emperor paused, then waved his sleeve. "Speak."
Cheng Shi took a deep breath and said tremulously, "Your Majesty, this subject boldly... requests to decline this marriage proposal."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall—monarch, ministers, and servants alike—was shocked. Even the Empress half-rose from her seat in surprise. "Cheng Xiaowei, what did you say?" The Emperor's face darkened. "Minister Cheng, what do you mean by this? Is there something about Zisheng that dissatisfies you?"
The Emperor's displeasure was evident to all. Old Man Cheng trembled in fear, inwardly cursing his troublesome daughter, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "No no no! Lord Ling is like a celestial being, accomplished in both military strategy—he's practically a perfect son-in-law fallen from heaven! How could I be dissatisfied? I'd be laughing in my dreams! But... but this daughter of mine..."He let out a long sigh, his tone heavy with sorrow. "My daughter is truly unruly! She excels neither in studies nor martial arts, lacks feminine virtues, and has no restraint in speech. After returning yesterday, I pondered deeply and felt I could not conceal these faults. How could I bear to wrong Lord Ling in the future, thus betraying Your Majesty's gracious intentions?"
After thoroughly disparaging his daughter in one breath, Cheng Shi felt deeply that he was indeed a good father who had done his utmost for his child.
Shao Shang's face burned under the criticism. Although admitting her shortcomings had been her own idea, being chastised so publicly still left her feeling humiliated.
Madam Xiao also felt uncomfortable, sensing the Empress's astonished gaze from above. Her face alternated between pale and flushed.
Ling Gu was momentarily stunned. As a father who saw his son only a few times a year, he had long grown accustomed to others fawning over the young man. To encounter such a situation today made him wonder—was this a case of playing hard to get? He couldn't help but glance at Cheng Shi's rough and honest face, though it didn’t seem to fit the tactic.
The Emperor suppressed his displeasure and looked at the young girl kneeling to the side. Truth be told, I also think your daughter might not quite match my adopted son—but why must you be so brutally honest? Just as he was about to speak, a junior palace attendant announced Ling Buyi's arrival.
The murmurs ceased as all turned to look. Through the latticed palace windows, beams of morning light streamed in. Against the backlight, a tall and handsome young man approached, clad in plain robes with a silver crown, his hair dark as ink and skin pale as snow, his steps neither hurried nor slow. His presence, as pure and cold as ice, dimmed even the brilliance of the dawn, as though he alone were the source of light.
Unconsciously, the Emperor and Empress both smiled. Ling Gu's eyes shone with pride and melancholy. Old Man Cheng watched him, feeling as though he had lost a fortune, his heart hollow and uneasy. Even the usually reserved Madam Xiao sighed inwardly at such grace.
Ling Buyi moved with the poise of a mountain ridge, bowing first to the Emperor and Empress, then to Ling Gu. The latter's eyes sparkled with joy as he repeatedly exclaimed, "Good, good! It's been so long since I last saw you. When will you find time to return home for a gathering?"
Shao Shang couldn't help but scoff inwardly: What gathering? With your new wife or the children you had afterward?
Such a question didn’t even require Ling Buyi to answer. His ever-dutiful adoptive father spoke for him: "Zisheng has been busy lately. Let’s postpone it."
Ling Gu naturally knew this "postponement" was indefinite, but he dared not argue and could only bow in acquiescence.
Ling Buyi smiled at his birth father, his expression as calm as the ocean’s surface, concealing the turbulence beneath.
Shao Shang found it odd. Though this was only her third audience with the Emperor, she had begun to sense that His Majesty was genuinely amiable and kind—far from the temperamental, wrathful ruler one might expect. Even Old Man Wan had boldly defended his sworn brother before the throne. So why was this Ling father so afraid of the Emperor?
The Empress deftly changed the subject, smiling. "Zisheng, what brings you here? I thought you had already left."
Ling Buyi suddenly rose, took two steps to the side, and knelt directly beside Shao Shang before replying, "I heard the Cheng family had come to the palace, so I came to see."
The Empress glanced at the two with an amused expression, noticing how the girl squirmed as if a bug had been dropped down her collar. She deliberately refrained from pointing it out. "Ah, I see."
The Emperor shot her a look and couldn’t help but chuckle.Ling Buyi turned towards the girl and said, "I overheard Cheng Xiaowei's words while removing my sword and shoes outside the hall just now. Your family wishes to decline the marriage proposal? Can a betrothal even be refused?"
Shao Shang resisted this moment with every fiber of her being, as if caught gossiping behind someone's back by the very person in question. She glanced at the Emperor while forcing a dry laugh. "Well, I... I heard that if Your Majesty's rewards are too generous, subjects often decline them out of modesty..."
This remark was actually quite inappropriate. The Emperor frowned slightly, thinking to himself that this girl indeed lacked proper upbringing.
To his surprise, Ling Buyi seemed entirely oblivious to the impropriety and smiled. "Do you consider me too generous a reward?"
Dazzled by his radiant, sunlit smile, Shao Shang felt her blood warm with excitement and giggled foolishly. "Of course! Lord Ling, you're so intelligent and capable, your talents and looks as if blessed by celestial beings. How could I ever be worthy? Naturally, I must decline!"
The Emperor now thought the little girl had decent taste after all.
Ling Buyi's expression brightened further as he laughed. "I thought you had your father make excuses to break off the engagement because you disliked me. Since that's not the case, I can rest easy."
Shao Shang continued giggling mindlessly. "How could that be? You're perfect in every way! How could I possibly dislike you, Lord Ling?"
—And just like that, a few meaningless exchanges had them smiling at each other.
Including the Emperor and Empress, everyone present was witnessing Ling Buyi and Shao Shang together for the first time. Especially Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao, who had heard indirectly on multiple occasions about their daughter's interactions with Ling Buyi but had never seen how the two actually behaved around each other.
While the imperial couple remained composed, Cheng Shi felt his worldview crumbling. Watching his daughter being charmed into a giggling fool by the Capital City's most renowned handsome man, he deeply felt betrayed—this little troublemaker! If she got along so happily with him, why were they trying to decline the marriage?! Was she just toying with her poor old father?!
Madam Xiao could no longer bear to watch and coughed lightly into her hand. "Shao Shang, mind your manners. We are in His Majesty's presence."
Shao Shang abruptly snapped back to reality. Ah, what was she here for today? Oh right—to decline the marriage. She glanced timidly at the Emperor and said meekly, "Your Majesty, may this humble girl speak to Lord Ling?"
The Emperor cursed inwardly—you've already been speaking to him, why ask now?—but maintained a solemn expression. "Speak freely."
Gathering her courage, Shao Shang addressed the tall young man beside her. "It's not that I dislike you, Lord Ling, but I'm truly unworthy. After returning yesterday, my whole family agonized over it, pondered deeply..."
The Emperor couldn't help closing his eyes briefly at the phrase "pondered deeply."
"My parents were away for ten years, so I grew up neglected in education—barely literate, having read few books, crude in manners and ignorant of etiquette! And my temperament is terrible! You might not know this, Lord Ling, but since Mother returned a few months ago, we've already quarreled several times! Right, Mother?" Shao Shang desperately disparaged herself, even seeking corroboration from Madam Xiao.
Madam Xiao felt whatever dignity she had left was now thoroughly ruined, so with a bitter smile, she admitted, "Your Majesty, as the saying goes, one shouldn't air dirty laundry in public. Were it not for fearing future discord between them turning to enmity, this humble wife wouldn't expose her child's flaws. Though parents always think their children are best, matching someone of Lord Ling's talents and appearance with my daughter would truly be..."
"A waste of natural resources!" Shao Shang eagerly supplied.
Madam Xiao shot her a glare.Shao Shang was baffled by the glare. She hadn’t even said ‘a flower stuck in cow dung’ yet. She quickly pressed on with all her might: “Lord Ling, you see, I’m truly not being modest—I’m speaking the truth! This marriage is simply not a good match!”
Cheng Shi felt slightly relieved seeing his daughter exert herself as if using every ounce of strength.
“I see.” Ling Buyi nodded thoughtfully. “...How was the pastry yesterday?”
Shao Shang was taken aback and hurriedly replied, “Ah, it was absolutely delicious! The palace chefs are truly remarkable. Even when cold, it was still sweet and soft—I’ve never had such delicious pastries (since coming here).” Huh? How did the topic shift to this?
Ling Buyi smiled faintly. “That wasn’t made by the palace chefs. It was from my household. If you like, I can send the chef to your residence.”
Just as Shao Shang’s face lit up with delight, the Emperor coughed lightly. Ling Buyi glanced at the Emperor and suppressed a laugh. “His Majesty specially bestowed this pastry chef upon me, fearing I might eat irregularly, so it’s best to carry some snacks.”
Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao both shuddered, terrified their daughter might overstep and actually accept the chef. They hastily chimed in, “No need, no need~!”
The Empress, who had been sitting quietly all this while, shook her head with a faint smile. She whispered a few words into the Emperor’s ear, then left without another word, casting a glance at Cheng Shi and his wife before departing—a look that held a trace of pity.
Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao exchanged glances, both doubting what they had just seen.
Ignoring them, Ling Buyi’s gentle tone carried an undercurrent of chilling authority, and his smile was somewhat unsettling. “Since you don’t despise me, the marriage is settled. ‘You are not a fish; how do you know what brings joy to fish?’ If I find you suitable, that’s all that matters. Do not bring up rejecting the marriage again.”
Shao Shang felt a chill. With the conversation having reached this point, it seemed the matter was closed—so, what exactly had she come here for today? Dazed, she looked at her parents, only to find Old Man Cheng and Madam Xiao both wearing grim expressions.
“Your Majesty,” Ling Buyi clasped his hands toward the Emperor, “I intend to take Shao Shang to General He’s residence to pay respects and visit the bereaved family and Ancheng Jun. What do you think?”
The Emperor nodded. “That is up to you.”
“Wh-what?!” Shao Shang was caught completely off guard and nearly jumped up, exclaiming, “What did you say?! Why should I go to the He residence?! I won’t go, I absolutely refuse!” That little wretch just stole my fiancé—what kind of joke is this?!
Though their daughter’s words were rude, Cheng Shi and his wife remained silent, both giving up on correcting her.
Inwardly, Cheng Shi even cheered: You foster father and son don’t mind, do you? Fine, now you’ll see just how ill-tempered and unruly this little troublemaker is!
The Emperor leisurely smoothed his sleeves, watching with amusement, while Ling Gu stood dumbfounded.
“Why not go?” Ling Buyi asked.
“Why?!” Shao Shang felt the question was akin to asking why humans wouldn’t eat excrement. “I just broke off my engagement with the Lou Family, and now they’re about to marry Ancheng Jun—how, how utterly mortifying would that be…!”
Ling Buyi arched his fine brows. “What is there to be mortified about?”
“I just handed my fiancé over to her!” Shao Shang was nearly hysterical, feeling as though she were speaking to an alien.“It’s not about yielding to her,” Ling Buyi corrected. “It’s about yielding to righteousness and principle.”
Shao Shang was dumbfounded. Was there really such a big difference?
Ling Buyi gazed at her intently. “I fear most people would think as you just did. How would that make Ancheng Jun feel? When the Cheng family broke their promise and withdrew from the marriage agreement with the Lou Family, was it to humiliate Ancheng Jun and flaunt their own virtue? Of course not. We all admire General He and his sons for their noble sacrifice for the nation and its people. We hope Ancheng Jun and the remaining He family members can gather their spirits, find future prosperity, and restore their family’s honor when young Master He comes of age. Therefore, not only must we pay our respects at the He residence, but we must do so openly and without hesitation. When the time comes, you must tell Ancheng Jun that both of you now have your own marriages. There’s no need for lengthy apologies or guilt. This is all fate’s design. From now on, each of you should live well, so as not to betray the grace of heaven and the kindness of your parents!”
Shao Shang felt as though she had been tangled in a massive ball of yarn—dazed and speechless, unable to break free.
She looked helplessly at her parents, only to find Old Man Cheng gaping and Director Xiao stunned into silence. She then turned to the Emperor, who remained perfectly composed and even gave her a benevolent smile.
“I… I…” Shao Shang, feeling utterly isolated, could only grasp at straws in her panic. “I still have calligraphy and reading to practice this afternoon! I can’t possibly get married knowing nothing at all!”
“There’s no need to worry about that,” Ling Buyi said gently, smiling. “Yesterday, His Majesty already requested the Empress’s assistance. Soon, you’ll enter the palace to learn from Her Majesty.”
“What?! I have to go to the palace too?!” Shao Shang was utterly bewildered. Every attempt to struggle only seemed to tighten the ropes around her. “Th-that’s completely unnecessary!” she wailed.
“Didn’t you just say you’re illiterate, haven’t read much, and lack knowledge of etiquette? That you can’t marry without understanding anything?” Ling Buyi countered effortlessly. “Shouldn’t you then apply yourself diligently to learning?”
Shao Shang was left speechless. She cast a pleading look at her parents—Mom, Dad, I can’t answer this one!
Ling Buyi smiled at Madam Xiao. “This is no slight to your abilities, but when it comes to refined etiquette, composure, and comprehensive learning, Her Majesty is undoubtedly the foremost in the capital.”
Old Man Cheng’s jaw dropped even further, while Madam Xiao forced a stiff smile. “Naturally, of course.”
Ling Buyi looked down at the girl with a smile. “Don’t worry. Her Majesty is the kindest of souls. Even if you don’t learn well, you won’t be punished. Aren’t you happy?”
Shao Shang glared at him—Happy? Happy your father’s menopausal syndrome!
Madam Xiao knew they had suffered a total defeat today. There was no point in lingering like a routed army. She sighed. “Lord Ling, it’s already midday. Perhaps you could visit the He residence tomorrow instead?” At least they could return home to regroup and strategize.
“Yes, yes!” Shao Shang was nearly moved to tears with gratitude toward Madam Xiao. “I haven’t even had lunch yet.”
“No need. We’ll have lunch at the He residence,” Ling Buyi said.
“What?!” Shao Shang forgot she was in the Emperor’s presence and shrieked, feeling every hair on her body stand on end. Her vision blurred as if she were hallucinating. “They’re holding a funeral, and you want to go there for a meal?!”
She wavered between doubting her hearing and doubting her own intelligence. “Besides, given the He family’s circumstances, they’ve probably only prepared cold dishes!” What’s there to eat?!"Therefore, I have already sent several chefs skilled in preparing vegetarian soups and meals over there." Ling Buyi's smile remained unchanged. "If we go now, we can join the He family descendants for lunch and have a proper conversation during the meal."
Shao Shang stared at him for a long while, a surge of anger gathering in her chest like a shockwave ready to erupt—attending a household in mourning and bringing along a chef to freeload a meal? Wonderful, truly a wild and unrestrained era that loved freedom. Who could tell her which of them was actually from modern times!
Cheng Shi closed his gaping, sore mouth, but he didn’t know what to say. Madam Xiao also fell silent—she had finally realized that Ling Buyi’s will was as unyielding as iron. Once he set his mind on something, nothing could stop him. Moreover, his schemes were meticulous and thorough. Once he decided on a course of action, it was unstoppable and flawless. Today, they had been utterly defeated. It was time to raise the white flag and surrender.
Shao Shang glanced at her parents, then at the Emperor, and even Ling Gu. She realized every path was blocked, every word she spoke only invited more trouble. Finding no help in their gazes, she stumbled along as Ling Buyi dragged her out of the inner hall.
After the two had left, the Emperor looked at the dazed and silent Cheng couple, cleared his throat, and said amiably, “Minister Cheng, earlier you mentioned why you wished to break off the engagement?”
Cheng Shi answered mechanically, “Well, my daughter… she’s rather unruly…”
“No matter. As long as you don’t find Zisheng lacking,” the Emperor said with a benevolent smile, exuding magnanimity. “Then the marriage shall proceed as I’ve just decreed. That’s settled. You may all withdraw.”
—As both Emperor and adoptive father, after years of failed attempts at arranging a marriage, the court officials and imperial relatives had assumed he was too soft-hearted. In truth, it wasn’t that he was unwilling or reluctant—it was simply impossible. He had personally taught the boy military strategy and scheming since childhood, only for the brat to turn every tactic back on him first. The thought nearly brought tears to his eyes.
However, seeing the Cheng couple’s disoriented expressions today, the Emperor finally felt a little better.
……
Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao walked silently through the spacious palace corridors, their steps as slow as those of the elderly.
Only after boarding their carriage did Cheng Shi recall the Empress’s slightly pitying gaze before she left. He slapped his thigh in sudden realization. “No wonder! When I mentioned how unruly Niao Niao was, the Emperor wasn’t the least bit concerned. So this was why!”
Madam Xiao remained silent.
“Well, at least we don’t have to worry about Niao Niao provoking Ling Buyi and causing a disaster anymore. There’s no way she can escape his grasp!” Cheng Shi sighed.
Madam Xiao exhaled softly and murmured, “From today onward, we should worry about our daughter instead.” Faced with an opponent like Ling Buyi, their daughter would only suffer losses.
—The greatest joke of the day was that they had thought their daughter was the ultimate weapon, fearing she might harm others, only to discover the other party was a nuclear weapon.
Author’s Note: Dear readers, starting today, the month-long Lantern Festival Poetry Contest begins. We hope everyone will participate enthusiastically—there are plenty of **coin rewards to be won!
Just head to the homepage to join.
The method is simple: directly write your entry in the comments below the chapter.
The first line should read ‘Lantern Festival Poetry Contest,’ followed by your original poem.
There are two types of judging: the author’s selection (that’s me) and the website’s selection.
However, my standards aren’t high, and my tastes might lean toward the vulgar (as some readers have pointed out before). The poems I pick may not necessarily be the best, and I might even overlook some. Consider this just a festive activity for fun—don’t be upset if you’re not selected.
OpenNovel