The next day, the He family held the funeral, after which the Lou and He families set the wedding date for seven days later. Naturally, these eight days kept both the Lou and He families extremely busy, while the Cheng family also had a rather ‘eventful’ time.
First, the Emperor thoroughly fulfilled his role as a ‘proxy father.’ Bypassing the day of the He family’s funeral, he sent a grand betrothal procession the following day—dragging the eldest royal clansman, Old Prince Ruyang, out of the Three Talents Temple. The old prince was decked out in red and green to serve as the chief matchmaker, with Yuhou and General Wu as the two secondary matchmakers. The betrothal gifts included everything from gold and silver utensils, pearls, jade, and brocade to sixteen varieties of whole chickens, ducks, seafood, and dried goods.
The Emperor had even wanted to add half a Feather Forest’s worth of ceremonial guards to make the occasion livelier, but his close advisors managed to dissuade him after much persuasion. Yuhou remarked that His Majesty would have another chance to show his enthusiasm when Ling Buyi officially married. General Wu, not skilled in words, struggled for a long time before blurting out, “The He family’s funeral didn’t even have this many people,” nearly provoking the Emperor’s anger.
On the day of the betrothal, the Cheng Residence was bustling with activity. Comrade Wan Songbai dutifully came to help. Sweating profusely from exhaustion, he leaned over to Cheng Shi’s ear and said, “Had I known this day would come, I would’ve bought a more spacious house in the front alley back then—better than today when even the doorway can’t hold all the people!”
Cheng Shi wiped the sweat from his brow and thought to himself: Had I known my youngest daughter would be this formidable, I would’ve taken her with me back then, no matter what, and chosen a good son-in-law early—better than today, bowing to guests whose ranks and titles far surpass mine! This is directly upgrading our social circle!
Old Prince Ruyang couldn’t bear the deafening noise in the front courtyard and quietly slipped away to rest under a side corridor. Before long, a young and beautiful girl, like a pretty little koi fish in a pond, aimlessly drifted over.
“Young lady, please sit. It’s quite noisy out there,” the old prince said. Having cultivated Taoism for years, his temperament was carefree and unrestrained.
“Greetings, Old Prince,” the girl replied with a voice as delicate as a young oriole, her expression sweet and innocent. She respectfully performed a deep bow to the elder before kneeling demurely to the side of the corridor.
Prince Ruyang, seeing her plain attire and slightly worn summer robe, assumed she was a little maidservant from the Cheng household sneaking away to rest. He sighed toward the front courtyard and said, “Ling Buyi enjoys immense favor from His Majesty. There will be many such occasions in the future. I wonder if your Young Lady will be able to handle it.”
The girl looked at the old prince and said, “…My father is Cheng Xiaowei.”
Prince Ruyang: “…How many daughters does your father have?”
“One.”
Prince Ruyang sized her up and laughed. “So you’re Cheng Shaoshang, Ling Buyi’s future bride. Hahaha, you’ve exhausted my granddaughter to the point of tears yesterday—I happened to see it by chance.”
Shao Shang, noting his easygoing manner, gathered her courage and sighed. “Princess Yuchang… I’ve heard about it. Alas, Her Highness is of noble status and too reserved. If she had chased him all the way to the border back then, perhaps Lord Ling would’ve agreed.” What’s the use of just crying at home? Either quietly nurse a crush or, since you’ve made it obvious, at least achieve something! The first rule of chasing men is ‘throw away your pride.’
Prince Ruyang never expected such words from a girl with such an innocent appearance. He studied Shao Shang again and chuckled. “If it were you, would you have chased after him?”Shao Shang answered without hesitation: "Of course. For such a lifelong matter, if one doesn't give it their all, they'll surely regret it later. Even if it doesn't work out after trying your best, at least you can accept it with peace of mind."
In her life, she most despised those timid souls who 'secretly desired something but didn't act, only hinting with expressions while waiting for others to help.' Either suppress it completely or go all out—what's the point of being coy? She herself hadn't dared to confess to the white moonlight next door, so she simply concealed it thoroughly, not letting anyone detect her feelings and avoiding causing them any trouble.
"You're still young and don't realize how rarely things in this world are so straightforward," the old prince sighed. "Often, even if you can understand something clearly, you can't live it out transparently."
Shao Shang looked up at the azure sky and sighed, "Actually, you can still live even if you don't understand things transparently." She smiled and turned to him, saying, "Your Highness, you're truly kind, both benevolent and easygoing. Like wheat ears in the fields—simple yet invaluable. Ordinary people may not see it, but you are a pillar the state and its people rely upon." She thought to herself how brilliantly talented she was.
Prince Ruyang had heard plenty of flattery in his time, but rarely anything so refreshingly original. He laughed heartily, "I've just spent years cultivating in the Taoist temple, grown lazy, and don't care much for rigid rules."
Shao Shang nodded, "Hmm, so Your Highness has been staying at the temple these past few days?"
"Naturally. As the weather grows hotter day by day, the Capital City is unbearable. The temple is much cooler."
"Is the princess also staying at the temple with Your Highness?" Shao Shang gazed at a summer chrysanthemum in the courtyard.
Prince Ruyang's expression shifted.
"If not, then the princess must have come to the temple specifically to cry in front of Your Highness. Otherwise, how could you have 'accidentally' seen her?" Shao Shang continued looking ahead.
The prince stroked his long, graying beard, studying the girl for a long while before sighing deeply.
Feeling smug, Shao Shang feigned humility, "Your Highness and the princess are grandfather and granddaughter—it's easy to miss the forest for the trees."
"You little girl, do you think I can't tell?" The old prince laughed. "At my age, what tricks could you young maidens pull that I wouldn't notice?"
Shao Shang looked at him in surprise, thinking, Then why did you act so shocked earlier?
"What surprises me is that you saw through it at once," the prince chuckled. "Bold and sharp-minded. So this is the kind of girl Ling Buyi likes! My temple is named 'Three Talents.' Do you know what they are?"
Shao Shang grinned, "I know! Hoarding wealth, loving wealth, and getting promoted to make more wealth!"
"Nonsense!" Prince Ruyang was both exasperated and amused.
"My apologies, Your Highness, don't be angry!" The girl smiled mischievously, clasping her fair little fists in repeated bows of apology. "The Three Talents are 'Heaven, Earth, and Man.' I understand the old immortal's meaning—let things follow their natural course. If someone wants to cry, let them cry; if they want to laugh, let them laugh. It's really nothing." Wasn't that the essence of Lao-Zhuang philosophy?
The old prince smiled faintly, finding this bold and sweet-talking girl not only amusing but also perceptive. The term 'old immortal' pleased him greatly. Then his expression suddenly darkened as he said coldly, "What was your purpose in deliberately striking up a conversation with me today?"
Shao Shang was startled but quickly feigned confusion, "Old Immortal, you're truly formidable to see through me so easily. Very well, this humble girl wishes to ask: how does Lord Ling speak with you?"Prince Ruyang hesitated, "Well... Zisheng grew up in the palace since childhood, no different from the imperial princes. To me, he's like one of my own grandsons or nephews."
Shao Shang smiled bitterly, "Marriages should be between equals. You see, there are things he can say that I cannot, people he can freely associate with that I may not. Today we happened to meet someone as amiable and kind as you."
Seeing her melancholy expression, Prince Ruyang felt compassion. "Cheng Xiaowei is also a heroic figure. You needn't feel inferior. Let me tell you this—ever since His Majesty and the Empress learned of Zisheng's impending marriage, they've been overjoyed beyond measure. As long as you conduct yourself sincerely and remain gentle and proper, no one can make things difficult for you."
After offering this advice, he looked at the girl who seemed to have more to say but held back. "Many judge by appearances without understanding what lies beneath. Ah, I fear the first one to give you trouble might be Ling Buyi himself..."
Shao Shang was baffled and let out a surprised "Ah?" Before she could speak further, two beautifully dressed maids arrived, supporting the elderly man as he slowly rose. Before leaving, the old prince turned back with a smile, "You'll understand in time."
—In reality, she didn't have to wait. The very next day after the betrothal, Shao Shang felt it—not just her, but the entire Cheng Residence felt it.
With the formal engagement complete, Ling Buyi began frequent visits like any prospective son-in-law would. And then, like an ancient ice age descending abruptly upon this leisurely early summer season, all the casual preparations became unnecessary.
Ling Buyi wasn't particularly ostentatious—just six personal guards and a dozen more in his retinue. Whether he needed them or not, whenever he went out, two strong, noble steeds for replacement and that dignified, towering black iron carriage always followed as standard—raised since childhood with the etiquette of nobility by the Emperor and Empress, such arrangements were second nature to him.
Nor did he dress elaborately—just a simple sleeveless robe and plain bamboo crown. Yet on his straight, taut frame, they burned like an eternal beacon atop a high peak—classically beautiful, imposingly majestic, not to be taken lightly. Though unintentional, ordinary people wouldn't dare speak frivolously in his presence.
On his first visit, Cheng Shi and his wife warmly invited him to stay for dinner.
As blushing maids served dishes at each dining table, one couldn't resist stealing glances at him and accidentally spilled soup. A hidden guard kneeling behind Ling Buyi nearly drew his dagger to intervene, but fortunately Ling Buyi raised his hand in time to stop him—otherwise the maid might have lost her hand. Cheng Shi, embarrassed, repeatedly apologized.
Ling Buyi said, "It's nothing, just a minor matter. Uncle Cheng, please don't punish her severely. Spare her life."
Cheng Shi: "...Actually, I wasn't planning to punish her harshly."
Shao Shang exclaimed in shock, "In your household, do maids get executed for spilling soup?"
Ling Buyi looked at the girl beside him with gentle amusement. "Palace discipline is strict. If it's truly accidental, the punishment is light. But if carelessness stems from stealing glances at banquet guests, it's a capital offense."
Now it was Madam Xiao's turn to be embarrassed. She said with difficulty, "Our household management is lax. You must find this amusing."
Shao Shang leaned around Cheng Shao Gong between them and called up cheerfully, "That's because Zisheng is too handsome! If I were that little maid, I'd steal glances at you too."Ling Buyi leaned back slightly, looking past Cheng Shao Gong to smile at the girl. The corners of his eyes lifted gracefully like phoenix tails as he whispered, "I'll only show it to you. No one else is allowed to see."
Cheng Shao Gong remained expressionless and turned to look at his younger sister instead. Shao Shang's cheeks flushed pink—truth be told, even she found it a bit overwhelming.
Once the dishes were finally served, everyone could at last bury their awkwardness in the food.
The meal was unbearably silent and strained. The Cheng family, hailing from humble origins and still carrying their rustic habits, usually turned mealtimes into a lively, chatter-filled affair akin to a prime-time family drama. But today, with Ling Buyi sitting among them like an ice pillar, no one—from the gossip-loving Cheng Shi to the talkative Cheng Shao Gong—dared to start a conversation.
Among them, only Cheng Mu behaved as usual, smiling warmly. Having spent most of her life catering to a coldly handsome man, she was long accustomed to such an atmosphere. Cheng Taigong had disliked her chatter and meddling, so in Ling Buyi's presence, she actually comported herself quite gracefully—remaining silent, smiling, and not taking a single unnecessary step. Besides, not talking during a meal was nothing to her. Cheng Mu treated his beauty like a delicacy; the more she "ate," the more her appetite grew. If not for Cheng Shi stopping her, she would have gone for a third bowl of rice.
After seeing Ling Buyi off, the Cheng family collectively heaved a sigh of relief. Without even bothering to rest or exchange pleasantries, they marched in unison toward Nine Dapple Hall, determined to make up for today's missed family meeting.
"This son-in-law isn't as easygoing as A Yao," Cheng Shi muttered, rubbing his stomach with a queasy expression.
Shao Shang couldn't help feeling a bit smug. "Father was overjoyed when this match was first made. When I suggested calling it off, you weren't keen. Now you finally see how difficult it is, hmm?"
"What? Calling it off?!" Cheng Mu exploded, her voice thunderous. "You foolish, absurd father and daughter! A son-in-law this good couldn’t be found even if you searched with a torch, and here you are dragging your feet! After just a few days of eating well, you’ve forgotten what’s truly valuable! If anyone dares to break this engagement, they’ll have to step over my dead body first!"
Cheng Shi hurriedly reassured her, "No, no, it’s not being called off! The betrothal gifts were delivered just yesterday—this marriage is set in stone! Don’t worry, Mother, set your heart at ease!"
Cheng Shao Gong muttered unhappily, "He’s not exactly perfect either. Just a bit better-looking..."
Before he could finish, Cheng Mu cut him off with a roar: "You brat, asking for a beating! Isn’t being good-looking enough? Do you want to ascend to heaven?! Even if you were reborn three times, you still wouldn’t have a face like that!" After all, Cheng Taigong hadn’t been as handsome as Ling Buyi, yet she had spent her whole life serving him with fine food and humble deference.
Shao Shang watched gleefully. Her twin brother was daring to question the very foundation of their mother’s marriage—what audacity!
"Alright, alright, from now on we’ll treat Ling Buyi like an ancestor. Mother, don’t worry, this son-in-law isn’t going anywhere! Now, you should go rest. Hu Ao, what are you standing around for?!" Cheng Shi quickly stepped in to mediate.
After seeing Cheng Mu off, Cheng Shi sighed. "I heard Ling Buyi arrived this afternoon. Didn’t Niao Niao introduce him to you brothers? What did you all do? Let’s hear it."
The three Cheng brothers exchanged glances with their parents and then with each other before taking turns to vent.
Cheng Yong spoke first. "I showed Lord Ling my new interpretation of the passage ‘Carving insects and engraving seals—what strong men disdain to do.’ He pointed out several flaws in my writing."Madam Xiao looked at her husband and said solemnly, "Since it's been pointed out, you should correct it properly. It will be greatly beneficial in the future."
Cheng Yong lowered his head in acknowledgment.
Cheng Song said, "I took Lord Ling to the Martial Arts Field, and then he snapped my hundred-stone strong bow in half and split through two of Father's newly made thick wooden archery targets." How was he supposed to discipline his future brother-in-law if his little sister got bullied? Oh dear, what a headache!
Cheng Shi looked at his wife and said seriously, "Now you know there are people beyond your league. Study archery and martial arts diligently from now on, and don't fool around anymore."
Cheng Song responded dejectedly.
"Well, I don't need to say anything," Cheng Shao Gong looked around and pretended to be indifferent. "But I do have another matter to discuss with my elders. Uh..." He smiled wryly. "Father, Mother, do we have to hold another engagement banquet?"
At these words, Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao looked at each other, both faces full of worry. When they got engaged with the Lou Family, Cheng Shi had put his arm around Lou Yao and introduced him to all his old friends and private army members at the banquet one by one. Was he supposed to do the exact same thing again this time?! And say, 'Sorry about this, my family has changed son-in-laws, let's all get acquainted'? Just thinking about that scene was **.
Madam Xiao voiced her dissatisfaction for the first time: "Your Majesty was too hasty with the betrothal gifts!"
"Maybe we shouldn't hold one?" Cheng Shi hesitated. "Let's just keep it simple."
Madam Xiao glared at him: "We went all out for the engagement with the Lou Family, but now we're keeping it simple for Lord Ling? Such favoritism—do you think Your Majesty is a pushover? Sigh, not only do we have to hold it, we have to make it grand."
"Fine, let's schedule it after the Lou Family's wedding." Cheng Shi turned around and said to his daughter with a smile, "Niao Niao, I've thought it over carefully. From now on, when Ling Buyi visits, he can have meals at your residence. With us elders around, you two can't talk freely. What do you think? Isn't your father both open-minded and considerate? Good, it's settled!"
Madam Xiao frowned. "My lord, this might not be proper etiquette."
"Just have someone accompany Niao Niao, what could go wrong?" Old Man Cheng suddenly took on the air of a philosopher. "In life, one must constantly make choices. My dear, if you insist on dining with Ling Buyi in the future, I won't eat with you. Between me and Ling Buyi, you can only pick one."
Madam Xiao flushed red with anger, while the four siblings nearly laughed themselves silly, quickly lowering their heads to hide their expressions.
—Cheng Shi was very pleased. He had finally found the right way to get along with his son-in-law.
There was no need for closeness. Pancakes should be rolled with scallions, compost should be made in earthen jars, and using white jade ritual vessels to pickle rice bran would invite divine retribution. From now on, if he needed to say anything, he could just relay it through his daughter.
Author's Note:
Can't have conflict in every chapter. These two are transitional—the storm is coming, 233333. Why am I so happy about this?
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