In those days, wedding ceremonies were held in the evening, with the bridal procession setting off as the lanterns were lit.
There were no rows of street lamps or dazzling neon lights along the way back then, so one of the most visible indicators of a wedding's grandeur was the brilliance of the bridal procession's lights. Poor families could at best light some torches to illuminate the path, while the wealthy could arrange hundreds or even thousands of large lanterns, turning the night as bright as day—this time, the Lou Family had poured all their resources into the lighting.
Since He Zhaojun was marrying during the mourning period, the procession could not include music or firecrackers, the banquet had no singing, dancing, or instrumental performances, and even lavish dishes of meat and fish were minimized. Fortunately, it was early summer, so there was no shortage of vegetables and fruits.
The guests watched as the grand and lengthy bridal procession moved forward, half clad in bright red wedding attire and half in plain white mourning robes. The solemn and dignified atmosphere carried a tinge of sorrow, with neither family showing any joy. Given such a scene, it was inappropriate for the guests to cheerfully tease the groom, playfully harass the bridal party, or engage in the usual boisterous wedding antics. They could only offer quiet congratulations before taking their seats.
Somehow, the Emperor had been thinking more and more about General He these past few days, feeling that he had truly been a pillar of the state. As a result, he frequently bestowed additional honors upon the He Family. With all the adult men of the He household gone and He Zhaojun having no father or brothers to escort her, the Emperor sent the Third Prince to perform the role of an elder brother and personally accompany the bride. Since the He Family had few relatives, the Emperor summoned numerous imperial clan members and marquises to attend the celebration. The most recent honor was granting Lou Yao the nominal position of a Capital Guard Officer—a privilege usually reserved for imperial sons-in-law, given the Emperor's typically strict standards for official appointments.
Shao Shang firmly declined Ling Buyi's invitation to ride in the same carriage, instead traveling with her parents and elder brother. Before alighting from the carriage, she solemnly said to Cheng Yang, "Cousin, I'm sorry. I'm afraid today's wedding banquet will once again involve you in some trouble."
Cheng Yang smiled bitterly. "Don't speak of involvement. I'm just worried my clumsy words won't be of any help to you." After the shocks of previous banquets, she had grown accustomed to her younger cousin always stirring up some incident at gatherings.
"What's there to fear? I'm here! Let’s see who dares bully Niao Niao—I’ll tear them apart!" Wan Qiqi, who had ridden in the same carriage, ignored the jingling ornaments adorning her curved-hem long dress and nimbly leaped down unaided, leaving the Lou Family servants holding the footstool gaping in astonishment.
Cheng Yang panicked. "Today is their joyous occasion—you mustn’t start any fights!"
"It won’t come to that, it won’t," Shao Shang quickly reassured her cousin, then turned to Wan Qiqi. "Sister Qiqi, don’t intervene later either. Since my engagement to Ling Buyi, there’s no turning back for me. You should avoid making more enemies."
"Don’t be ungrateful. Let me tell you, many young women would gladly endure the hatred of thousands if it meant having Ling Buyi as their husband," Wan Qiqi teased with a mischievous grin.
The three girls spoke in hushed tones as they followed the Lou Family servants toward the banquet hall. From a distance, they could see the brightly lit side hall already filled with many female guests. In one corner, Yin Xu'e was vigorously waving at them.
Wan Qiqi muttered, "Look at her, putting on that virtuous and dignified act—doesn’t she find it exhausting?"
"There’s nothing wrong with virtue. What parents-in-law wouldn’t love a virtuous new bride?" Cheng Yang whispered.
Just as Wan Qiqi was about to retort, Shao Shang sighed softly and murmured, "Ah, truthfully, marriage isn’t all that wonderful. If possible, being alone is much freer."Cheng Yang gasped in astonishment, while Wan Qiqi laughed, "I've heard you plan at least ten times about who you'd marry and what kind of life you'd lead. After settling on Lou Yao, you wouldn't stop chattering about how to manage this and navigate that. Good heavens, just what kind of fierce beast is this Ling Buyi? It hasn't even been ten days since your engagement, and you've already changed your mind!"
Shao Shang sighed again, "I was young and ignorant before, not thinking things through carefully. Actually, upon reflection, marriage isn't as good as staying single. Truly, youth is blind to sorrow. Ah, never mind, let's go in."
Wan Qiqi was startled and quickly scrutinized Shao Shang closely.
Her dearest friend had a delicate appearance but a lively, cunning mind. She spared no mercy in scolding and held nothing back in fights, bristling with unruly defiance. If Wan Qiqi were to set a fire, Shao Shang would be the one pouring oil and adding fuel—she was the most mismatched person Wan Qiqi had ever seen in terms of looks and temperament. But today, her beloved partner seemed utterly listless, pitifully weak.
Wan Qiqi's protective instincts flared up like a roaring fire, and she swiftly drew two conclusions:
First, Ling Buyi must have treated Shao Shang poorly!
Second, Shao Shang must be terrified of facing another round of bullying and blame from everyone!
Gritting her teeth, Wan Qiqi followed Shao Shang and Cheng Yang into the banquet hall. Sure enough, as the maids announced their names, the gazes of the women inside shot toward them like a dense volley of arrows. The timid Cheng Yang was the first to recoil, nearly turning back, but Shao Shang quickly grabbed her cousin's hand to steady her.
Though the Lou family's wedding had many guests, it was a period of mourning, so grand feasting and revelry were inappropriate—no merrymaking, and the food and drinks were bland. Aside from close friends of the He and Lou families, most guests left after the ceremony.
Moreover, not all male guests brought their families, so even fewer women remained for the evening banquet in the side hall. The Lou family arranged the women's seating in the same hall: the upper section for the married ladies' dining tables and the lower for the young maidens', separated by a long, thin bamboo screen.
The girls' stares at Shao Shang were direct and unadorned—some furious, some envious, some curious... and so on. Wang Ling and Lou Li sat together as usual, their gazes practically burning holes into Shao Shang, though the former's eyes were venomous while the latter's were indignant.
The married women were far more subtle, casting sidelong, appraising glances before quickly turning away, their faces revealing deeply meaningful expressions.
But whether young or old, married or unmarried, the women's whispers all ended with the same murmurs:
"After all these years of picking and choosing, Ling Buyi actually settled for... this one? How underwhelming."
"Has Eleventh Master gone blind? This woman has neither talent nor beauty—I refuse to accept it!"
"Not just lacking in talent and beauty—I heard she's crude, arrogant, and illiterate too!"
"Eleventh Master must have been deceived. Look at her pitiful, fox-like charm—who knows how she flaunts her weakness!"
...
Yet no matter how they gossiped, unless they were utterly prejudiced, everyone could see that this newly betrothed future bride of the Ling family was truly extraordinary.The Capital City was never short of beautiful young maidens, but this daughter of the Cheng family possessed a beauty that was unforgettable—her delicate, melancholic face shrouded in a misty, dreamlike aura. Though she was at the innocent age of budding youth, she carried an inexplicable air of indifference and detachment. Just when one might assume her to be fragile and pitiable, her sharp, worldly gaze would cut through such assumptions.
Words left no trace, yet even someone as thick-skinned as Wan Qiqi could sense the razor-sharp hostility beneath the sidelong glances and hushed whispers, so piercing they seemed capable of drawing blood. Cheng Yang shrank back slightly before steeling herself to enter the hall. Meanwhile, Shao Shang, who stood at the center of the storm, remained utterly unfazed, her demeanor as composed as ever.
Wan Qiqi couldn’t help but murmur in admiration, "You’re remarkably unshaken."
"If you’d been subjected to slander and gossip since childhood like I have, you’d grow accustomed to it too," Shao Shang replied coolly.
Wan Qiqi froze, her usually carefree heart inexplicably aching for the first time in her sixteen years.
Noticing their approach, Yin Xu'e quickly pulled the three of them into her corner. At Cheng Yong’s request, she had arrived early to the banquet and swiftly gathered three or four like-minded girls to form a tight-knit circle, presenting a united front.
After exchanging a glance with Yin Xu'e, Wan Qiqi promptly looked away to avoid internal conflict. Shao Shang sat with her sworn sister, while Cheng Yang joined Yin Xu'e at another seat.
Before long, all the ladies had taken their places. Madam Xiao was tearfully pulled aside by Madam Lou (second), and the two of them, along with the younger Madam Lou, engaged in hushed conversation. As dishes and drinks were served, everyone naturally observed proper etiquette by first offering congratulations to the host before partaking lightly in the meal.
However, barely half an hour had passed before someone couldn’t resist stirring trouble.
A young woman in yellow seated to Lou Li’s left set down her bowl and declared loudly, "Younger Sister Shao Shang, your attire today is so splendid—quite the contrast to your previous shabby clothing. It seems climbing the social ladder has truly changed you!"
All eyes turned to Shao Shang. Indeed, her outfit today was exquisite—a pale blue Wrapped Robe shimmering with a subtle silver sheen, the pearls at the collar gleaming like rolling silver waves under the candlelight, complementing her elegant and dignified beauty reminiscent of verdant pines.
At this provocation, Shao Shang silently glanced at Wang Ling and Lou Li across from her. Wang Ling smirked disdainfully and turned away, while Lou Li, clearly having been instructed beforehand, bit her tongue to keep from speaking.
Before Shao Shang could retort, Wan Qiqi sneered, "You speak so confidently—you must have seen my Cheng sister before. Tell me, where and when did you see her?"
The yellow-clad woman, intimidated by Wan Qiqi’s fierce demeanor, stammered, "W-when she went out to attend banquets..."
"Nonsense! My sister hardly left the house before her parents returned to the Capital City. Only in the last few months has she attended a handful of banquets—fewer than the fingers on one hand. Which occasion did you see her at? I’ve certainly never seen you before!"
Wang Ling interjected leisurely, "Younger Sister Wan, you’re being too hasty. With so many people at these banquets, you might have simply missed her...""Don't play dumb with me! I've practiced archery since childhood—I wouldn't mistake two sparrows beyond a hundred paces, let alone human faces. Once I see someone, I never forget!" Wan Qiqi slammed a palm on the table, eyes blazing with fury. "Your lackeys had never met the Cheng family's younger sister before, yet I just saw you whispering something in her ear. Don't tell me you put them up to this!"
Wang Ling also grew angry and snorted coldly. "Fine, suppose I did say something. What of it?"
"Good that you admit it." Wan Qiqi deliberately taunted, "My younger sister is naturally beautiful—fine clothes only enhance her grace. But some people... ugly inside and out, no attire can salvage that."
"Wan Qiqi, how dare you—" Wang Ling barely restrained herself, realizing she'd nearly taken the bait.
Seeing her opponent silenced, Wan Qiqi smugly popped a piece of melon into her mouth.
"Cheng Shaoshang!" Lou Li couldn't hold back any longer, standing to point accusingly across the room. "How capable you are! No sooner do you break off the engagement with my cousin than you latch onto the Eleventh Master. How could you betray my cousin like this?"
"You should take that up with your Eleventh Master," a round-faced girl beside Yin Xu'e teased. "Who asked him to propose so hastily, not even waiting a single day? What does this have to do with the Cheng family's younger sister?" The surrounding girls burst into laughter.
Lou Li flushed crimson. "But Cheng Shaoshang shouldn't have agreed so quickly! Think how heartbroken my cousin must be!"
"Oh ho! A marriage proposal spoken by His Majesty himself—such imperial favor! Who would dare refuse without cause? The Lou family's little sister speaks mighty boldly, saying she shouldn't have accepted. We should've dragged her before the throne that day to see if she'd have the nerve!" Yin Xu'e covered her sleeve with a light laugh.
"Exactly, exactly," chimed in another girl with thick coiled hair. "I heard from my uncle guarding the palace that His Majesty was overjoyed that day, even gifting them fine wine."
Lou Li turned the color of pickled radish. "Th-that's not what I meant! I meant my cousin treated Cheng Shaoshang so well—she should be grieving, should retreat to the countryside—"
"And what else?" Shaoshang couldn't even muster anger today, speaking flatly. "Your cousin remarried, so I should remain unwed forever? Even if I do marry, I should first mourn for years, preferably missing the marriageable age, is that it? And if I do wed eventually, it should be to someone unsatisfactory, hiding in some remote corner licking my wounds, never showing my face again? Hah! Those who know understand our Cheng family tore up the betrothal to honor General He's dying wish. Those who don't might think we owe your Lou family something! Lou Li, get your head straight—don't spout such presumptuous nonsense!" Her gaze sharpened like a blade.
"If you've got the courage, repeat what you just said about Lou Yao and me before your elders. Let's see how many bones you have left!" Shaoshang sneered. "Lou Li, you truly think I owe you something?"
Lou Li sat down awkwardly. For some reason, Cheng Shaoshang seemed particularly vicious today—not someone to provoke.
A brief silence fell over the gathering before Wang Ling adopted a shrill, mocking tone. "Oh my, times have indeed changed. Little A Li, I advise you to endure it. Did you really think Miss Cheng would remain your cousin's new bride forever...?""Actually, someone from the palace came today with a message telling me to prepare tomorrow, as I'll be taken to the Everlasting Autumn Palace early the day after," Shao Shang suddenly interrupted. "Lady Wang, the He family has rendered great service to the state and court. Today is Ancheng Jun's joyous occasion, and His Majesty has repeatedly bestowed favors in hopes of her marital bliss. Yet you two keep dredging up old matters between me and Lou Yao—do you intend to ruin Ancheng Jun's happiness? Do you believe me when I say I'll report this to His Majesty and Her Majesty the day after tomorrow when I enter the palace?"
Wang Ling was startled and forced a stiff smile. "I misspoke. What's past is past, let's not mention it again."
Wan Qiqi sneered several times. "Sister Wang Ling, you're truly skilled—picking up and dropping things as you please, changing faces like a magic trick. But let me make one thing clear: the nonsense you spewed today was heard by many. Even if Shao Shang doesn't speak of it, it might still reach His Majesty's ears. When that happens, don't start biting people like a rabid dog!" She admired her sworn sister's ability to strike at the heart of an argument.
Wang Ling bit her lip resentfully, her gaze venomous.
At this moment, a girl two years older beside her spoke up, her tone slow but laced with malice. "Dragging the Lou family into this is unnecessary. Then let's discuss Miss Cheng's engagement to Lord Ling. We all heard about that day—the Cheng family broke off the engagement with the Lou family in the morning and were betrothed in the palace by afternoon. It was absurdly fast. Naturally, it makes people suspicious, wondering..."
"Wondering what?" Wan Qiqi asked warily.
The girl deliberately eyed Shao Shang with an insinuating look. "Miss Cheng, did you and Lord Ling know each other beforehand? Lord Ling is a magnificent man. If you secretly harbored feelings for him, there's no harm in admitting it."
Before Shao Shang could open her mouth, Wan Qiqi jumped up. "No, absolutely not!"
The girls on the other side wouldn't let it go. "You're not Cheng Shaoshang—how would you know?"
"Of course I know! Shao Shang is a girl with principles!" Wan Qiqi declared loudly. "Not like some people who, at the sight of Ling Buyi, chase after him like starved wild dogs after a bone! Ordinary girls might admire his looks and then go about their business. But you lot—since you can't have him, you spew sour bile and bark like mad dogs, biting at everyone! Too bad Ling Buyi just isn't interested in you!" Her words were vicious, and the girls on her side burst into laughter, doubling over in amusement.
Yin Xu'e smiled gently. "Let me advise you all: marriage is predestined. Lord Ling is twenty-one this year. Since he was fifteen, His Majesty has been arranging matches for him—six years now. Frankly, all of you have known Lord Ling longer than Shao Shang. But fate is decided by heaven—when it's time to let go, one must let go." Though her words were directed at the opposing girls, her gaze subtly flickered toward Wang Ling.
Wang Ling abruptly stood up, sneering. "Yes, it was Eleventh Master who proposed to Cheng Shaoshang. So what? We are all proper, well-behaved maidens, dignified and reserved—unlike some who act coquettishly, feigning fragility, bewitching men with their tricks! Lord Ling is a noble man—how could he understand such underhanded schemes? He must have been deceived!"These words were extremely venomous. The girls beside Wang Ling, as if hearing a battle cry, all stood up to attack Shao Shang in unison. Wan Qiqi was so frantic she stamped her feet, shouting back hoarsely, only to be mocked with, "What would a tigress know of such things?" Some who knew the details even sneered, "Lady Wan has taken a fancy to the Second Young Master Cheng and is eager to defend her future in-laws."
Even the seasoned Wan Qiqi couldn't help but flush crimson. The girls on Yin Xu'e's side, mindful of their dignity, refrained from hurling too vulgar insults. Just then, a servant at the door loudly announced, "Lord Ling has arrived!"
The clamor of the chattering girls was instantly silenced, as if a mute button had been pressed. All eyes turned to see Ling Buyi's tall, slender figure stride heavily onto the floor.
Without a word, his expression dark, he advanced step by step, his sharp aura like an unsheathed blade sweeping over them. It was as if a beast from the high mountains had pounced into a flock of sheep. The girls shrank back one by one, and the atmosphere in the hall abruptly turned chilly.
The eldest girl stepped forward to greet him, smiling sweetly. "Lord Ling, this is the ladies' seating area. It's not quite proper..."
Ling Buyi's gaze was icy as he looked at her with disdain. "Whether seating is mixed or separate is a minor matter. Knowing shame and propriety is the greater etiquette." With that, he strode forward and tore down the screens dividing the hall.
On the other side of the banquet, the various noblewomen had long ceased their idle chatter, as if they had been silent for some time.
Madam Xiao's expression was grim. The second Madam Lou leaned against her daughter-in-law, silently weeping, while the eldest Madam Lou forced an awkward smile. "Zisheng, you've come..." Before she could finish, Ling Buyi bowed deeply in silence, then offered an even more respectful bow to Madam Xiao. "With the elders present, this counts as proper etiquette."
The eldest girl mustered her courage and met Ling Buyi's gaze head-on, declaring loudly, "Lord Ling, your words are mistaken. The sages say that propriety is—"
Wang Ling quietly sat back down, sneering inwardly at the fool who thought herself clever. If showing off one's learning had any effect on Ling Buyi, she would have buried herself in books ages ago.
True to form, Ling Buyi didn't even glance at the girl, walking straight past her to stand beside Shao Shang's seat. He said coolly, "Do I know you, Young Lady? Are we acquainted? Yet you freely gossip about the private affairs of an engaged couple. Do you think this shows you understand shame and propriety? Did the sages ever speak of this?"
The girl never dreamed she would be publicly humiliated. Tears welled up instantly, and with a sob, she covered her face and fled the banquet.
Ling Buyi glanced down at Wan Qiqi, who was seething with anger but clenched her teeth and refused to yield her seat, even under the man's knife-sharp gaze.
Lou Li and the other girls shrank back timidly, not daring to speak. It was Wang Ling who rose with an ingratiating smile. "Eleventh Master, Sister A'jiao is also the daughter of an official family. How could you shame—"
Before she could finish the word "shame," Ling Buyi cut her off. "I know who she is. I do not provoke others unless provoked. I will send a letter to her father asking why he allows his daughter to publicly humiliate my betrothed. Does he take me, Ling Buyi, for a weakling?" His cold gaze swept over the noblewomen at the head of the banquet.The ladies had never seen Ling Buyi with such a chilling demeanor. Madam Lou (eldest) quickly interjected, "A-Jiao came today with her uncle. Had her aunt been present, she would never have allowed such impropriety!"
Ling Buyi couldn't be bothered with Madam Lou and instead glanced down at Wan Qiqi once more.
Wan Qiqi sat bolt upright, her posture rigid. Shao Shang found it amusing and leaned over to whisper, "Stop straining yourself—you can't keep this up." Qiqi only stiffened further, maintaining an impressive facade of composure, though her wrists trembled slightly.
Ling Buyi then turned his gaze to Wang Ling. "Where were we? Ah yes—seductive charms and affected mannerisms. Were you referring to the two beauties the Second Prince gifted me last month? Your brother, Wang Long, was so smitten upon seeing them that I sent them his way. Yet, not long after, I heard your father had taken them in instead. I wonder what you'll call them when you meet."
Wang Ling's breath grew ragged, her face first paling, then flushing crimson with fury.
Under Ling Buyi's imposing presence, no one around dared to speak up for her. Madam Lou (eldest) had always disliked her for leading her own daughter astray, but had restrained herself for propriety's sake. Now, one could only imagine how pleased she was inwardly.
Lou Li, seeing her pitiful state, quietly moved over and tugged at her sleeve to urge her to sit down.
Ling Buyi glanced at Wan Qiqi once more before slowly taking a step forward.
Wan Qiqi finally couldn't hold out any longer. She shot Shao Shang an apologetic look before scurrying over to squeeze in at Yin Xu'e's table on the right.
Ling Buyi calmly took his seat beside Shao Shang—and thus, the frozen silence that had once descended upon the Cheng Residence now descended upon the Lou household. From Madam Lou and the others at the head of the table to the young ladies at the lower end, all silently bowed their heads over their meals. Not a word was spoken; one could hardly even hear anyone breathing.
Ling Buyi picked up a freshly replaced cup and raised it toward the head of the table. "My respects to the ladies. I trust you've all heard of my betrothal to Lady Cheng. When the time comes for our wedding, I shall invite you all to grace the occasion."
None of the women dared voice any dissent. They all raised their cups in response, showering Ling Buyi and Madam Xiao with congratulations.
Setting down his two-handled cup, Ling Buyi turned his gaze toward the young ladies at the lower end.
The stunned girls, as if jolted awake from a dream, hastily added their felicitations. In their panic, they even blurted out wishes like "a harmonious union till white-haired age," "a blessed marriage," and "may you bear noble sons soon."
Ling Buyi arched his brows. "Do any of you Young Ladies have anything else to say about my marriage?"
The girls shook their heads like dolphins wagging their tails, unanimously declaring the match splendid, marvelous, a heaven-made union, a predestined match, as if the heavens had bestowed a Cheng sister upon them!
Seeing this, Wan Qiqi quietly leaned toward Shao Shang's ear. "Why aren't you saying anything?"
Shao Shang silently sipped soup from her lacquer wood bowl. "...When he speaks, others need not."
Wan Qiqi seemed to realize something and exclaimed in surprise, "He's standing up for you."
"I know," Shao Shang replied, her lashes lowered, expressionless, as she counted the tiny mushrooms floating in her soup.
Just then, a maid summoned Madam Lou outside.
Madam Lou followed the winding corridor into a dim little room where her husband stood waiting impatiently, hands clasped behind his back.
Lou Taipu saw his wife and immediately fretted, "I heard there was a quarrel in the inner banquet—someone bullied Shao Shang!"
Madam Lou sighed. "It was nothing serious, just some bickering among the girls. Ling Buyi is the dream of countless women. Now that he's betrothed, naturally some are resentful."
"If it were nothing serious, would Ling Buyi have suddenly left the banquet?" Lou Taipu raised his voice. "I've had people inquire. A bunch of gossiping women ganged up on Shao Shang, and A Li was among them! Why is Wang Ling here again? We have no ties with the Wang family. Didn't I tell you not to let her meet A Li? The Wangs are rotten to the core—don't let A Li learn their bad habits!"
"I know!" Madam Lou retorted. "I don't think much of the Wangs either, but how could I turn her away? After all, there's still the Empress's face to consider!"
Lou Taipu paced the room angrily. "You—why didn't you stop them from bullying Shao Shang? What good is that screen? Even the maids outside heard the commotion—don't tell me you didn't?"
"Bullying? It was just a few jokes..." Madam Lou remained unperturbed.Lou Taipu suddenly stopped and fixed his gaze on his wife: "Lady Cheng once publicly disrespected you, and you secretly took pleasure in seeing her humiliated, didn’t you?"
"My lord, how could you say such a thing! All the ladies at the banquet are long-time friends. If their daughters misbehaved and I spoke out of turn, I would offend everyone!" Madam Lou hastily defended herself.
"Good, as long as that’s not the case." Lou Taipu looked at his wife gravely. "Watching a guest be humiliated in our own home—do you think only Ling Buyi and the Cheng family lose face? Let me tell you, it’s the Lou Family’s reputation that’s tarnished!"
He flicked his sleeve and turned away. "Those ignorant, shallow women—the marriage is already settled. What good does it do them to let their daughters insult Cheng Shaoshang? Do they think Ling Buyi will call off the engagement because of it? All they’ve done is displease His Majesty. If they knew Cheng Shaoshang was of low status, the smart thing would be to curry favor with Ling Buyi by helping smooth things over!"
Madam Lou said bitterly, "That blind, foolish Ling Buyi—what does he even see in that little girl…" Back when her own daughters were unmarried, she had secretly entertained hopes for Ling Buyi, but nothing came of it.
"Enough of such nonsense," Lou Taipu said bluntly. "The incompetent always love to slander the capable. If Lady Cheng managed to win Ling Buyi over, that’s a remarkable skill in itself! A bunch of women who don’t know their place, no different from petty, envious fools! You’re becoming more foolish by the day. From now on, stay out of your second brother’s household affairs. A-Yan is more than capable—let her handle it."
"I am the matriarch and mistress of this house. How can there be matters in the Lou residence beyond my authority?" Madam Lou flared up.
"Do you know how Ling Buyi found out about what happened at the banquet?" Lou Taipu said coldly. "A-Yan sent someone to report it—every word of their bullying toward Shao Shang was relayed to him. She also said that with elders present, she, as a junior, couldn’t speak up. Who do you think she was referring to?"
"That cunning girl!" Madam Lou exclaimed in shock and anger. "How dare she—"
"If you refuse to act wisely, others will gladly step over you to do so," Lou Taipu said icily. "A-Yan and her husband have been building goodwill and alliances within the clan. If you continue down this foolish path, worse is yet to come! Enough—this matter is settled."
Madam Lou fumed in silence.
Just then, a maid hurried in to report: "Young Lady Cheng suddenly complained of feeling unwell, and Lord Ling has already escorted her home."
Madam Lou said irritably, "She certainly clings tightly to Ling Buyi. Even when leaving, she wouldn’t let him stay behind! No doubt she’s eager to flaunt her grievances."
"What foolish talk is this? She was once betrothed to A-Yao—how could she stay for the wedding festivities?" Lou Taipu felt his wife had grown increasingly narrow-minded over the years, a far cry from the dignified and magnanimous woman she once was. "Even if she did scheme, the fact that Ling Buyi let himself be coaxed away by her is proof of her skill!" With that, he strode off in a huff.
...
Ling Buyi and Shao Shang sat in the carriage, the journey passing in silence.
"Why aren’t you speaking?" Ling Buyi asked.
Shao Shang replied indifferently, "Perhaps I’ve already said too much."
"You barely spoke earlier."
Shao Shang fell silent again.Ling Buyi reached out his hand to the girl, but she kept her head lowered. His palm hovered in midair, pale as an orchid blooming in the dim light. Clenching his fist, he withdrew it. "Tell me where I fall short. I always wish to make you happy."
Shao Shang stared absently at the corner, lost in thought—
"Third Aunt used to laugh at my naivety, saying I didn’t understand what true power was. Tonight, I saw it with my own eyes. Sister Qiqi, Sister Xu E, and the other sisters who stood up for me—we argued and defended ourselves with all our might, struggling hard. Mother behind the curtain must have endured much as well. Then you came, and with just a few words, you dismissed the matter. Later, you didn’t even need to speak—wherever your gaze fell, people would act according to your will."
Ling Buyi murmured, "Do you dislike power?" How could anyone in this world dislike power? "I never took you for a follower of Zhuangzi’s philosophy." His fingers stiffened as he forced out the insincere jest.
"I’m no saint either. Without Father’s power, I wouldn’t have servants at my beck and call today." The girl shook her head. "Besides, power is merely a blade—it isn’t inherently good or bad. It depends on whose hands wield it."
A trace of confusion flickered in Ling Buyi’s eyes. "Then why—"
"Tonight, I relied on the power in your hands, not my own." The girl’s large eyes, clear and bright, met his. "But why can I use your power? Because I will marry you someday, bear your children, and make you happy and comfortable—that’s how I’ll share in your power."
For once in his life, Ling Buyi felt genuine puzzlement. "Husband and wife are one. Isn’t that natural?"
"It’s not your fault—it’s my own contrary nature." Shao Shang smiled sadly. "I want to live life on my own terms, but if I follow you, I’ll have to live by yours. I once thought my greatest worries would be how to till the soil or improve tools. But now it seems my most important task will be deciphering your preferences, ensuring your happiness. If that’s the case, I’ll have to change completely, and in the end, I won’t even recognize myself."
"Drinking chilled wine isn’t good for you," Ling Buyi said with difficulty.
Shao Shang smiled faintly. "First, a sip of chilled wine won’t kill me, but it will bring me joy. Second, if it’s my own will, even if it harms my health, I should still follow it."
Ling Buyi held her soft hands and spoke slowly. "Do you prefer being with Lou Yao because he lets you live as you please?"
Shao Shang grinned, revealing her adorable little white teeth. "Pretty much. So you see, though I’m unlearned and untalented, I understand myself well. That’s why I found the right match—unfortunately, A Yao must marry He Zhaojun. Ah, but Lord Ling, someone as remarkable as you doesn’t truly know himself. Choosing me was a grave mistake."
Ling Buyi seemed to grasp something and said coldly, "To you, is marriage merely a matter of suitability?"
"If it’s not suitable, it’s not marriage—it’s a cursed bond." Shao Shang tried to pull her hands free, but his grip remained unyielding.
"General Cheng and Madam Xiao, Magistrate Cheng and Madam Sang—have you never envied them?" Ling Buyi asked.Shao Shang felt a bitter ache in her heart: "My luck is strange. I'm always surrounded by fairy-tale couples and happy families, but when it comes to me, something always seems to be missing."
Ling Buyi remained silent for a long while before replying, "...That's true."
Shao Shang glanced at him, knowing he was thinking of Madam Huo and Ling Hou. She struggled a few more times but still couldn't free her hands, so she simply pushed forward, covering his large hands with hers and pressing them against his cheeks.
Ling Buyi seemed startled. He had never allowed anyone to touch him like this and froze momentarily.
Her small, soft, delicate hands clung tightly to his pale cheeks. Shao Shang could feel the slightly rough texture beneath her palms—firm and resilient skin. They sat facing each other, foreheads nearly touching, breaths mingling. The young man was tall and imposing, even when seated like a majestic jade mountain, his towering figure casting a shadow over her, forcing her to tilt her head back and arch her slender neck just to see his face.
She had never studied someone so closely before—the elegant curve of his jawline, the graceful arc of his forehead, and those deep brown eyes, hidden beneath lowered lashes like rare, exquisite treasures. There were no eyes more beautiful in this world.
"It's all my fault. I should have said it sooner," the girl murmured softly. "Perhaps... I shouldn't marry. With my stubborn and disagreeable temperament, I shouldn't bring misfortune upon others. Lord Ling, we might... truly be ill-suited."
Ling Buyi laughed coldly—
She looked like a fragile butterfly with rain-drenched wings, trembling as if she might perish without protection, yet her true nature was so fiercely independent. She could gaze at him with such tender affection while speaking such cold, ruthless words. Yet he knew she wasn't playing hard to get. She meant every word.
What 'excellent taste' he had—to find such a person among the vast sea of humanity.
"You like to hold things firmly in your grasp. What belongs to others can never put you at ease, can it?" Ling Buyi tightened his grip on her hands, pressing them firmly against his face.
Shao Shang felt his scorching breath warm her face, carrying the sweet fragrance of fruit-infused wine mixed with the unsettling scent of a grown man. She nodded slightly and whispered, "Even Father's power won't last me a lifetime. I love tending to plants, drawing designs, crafting tools... When I think about it, only these things will truly stay with me."
Suddenly, Ling Buyi released her hands and moved to sit in a far corner, the luxurious embroidered hem of his Wrapped Robe draping over his long legs, faintly glimmering in the dim light. He stretched out an arm and lifted the window lattice slightly, his eyes gazing outside as a sliver of cold orange lamplight streamed in, illuminating his jade-carved features.
"How do you know you haven't already held me in your hands?" he said quietly.
Shao Shang lowered her head to look at her feet and sighed. "No one can truly hold another in their hands. Right now, unless you reject me, I can't reject you." She truly missed the era where one could at least break up freely. Here, if she dared to dump Ling Buyi, the Emperor would probably hang her at the city gates as a lantern!The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Cheng Residence. Shao Shang resolutely pushed away Ling Buyi's outstretched hand meant to assist her. However, his carriage lacked a stepping stool, so without a word, she lifted her skirt and clumsily jumped down to the ground, mimicking Wan Qiqi's earlier posture.
Gritting through the pain in her feet, she swayed slightly as she bowed to Ling Buyi in a perfunctory farewell. Then, with her head lowered, she walked straight toward the residence gate, silently thinking that perhaps the palace envoys wouldn’t come to fetch her the day after tomorrow.
Old Steward Cheng Shun sensed the tension in the air, glancing between his Young Lady and the new Son-in-law before lowering his head in silence.
Ling Buyi stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the girl’s retreating figure. Though her body was as slender and delicate as a willow, she stubbornly held herself rigidly straight.
In two days, she would enter the palace. There, she would encounter countless women skilled in reading people’s hearts. She would learn how many women believed that gentleness and charm alone could secure wealth and status. She would also come to understand how readily people would bend their principles before power to please those above them.
Eventually, she would realize how laughable her current thoughts were.
Even someone like Wang Ling, who seemed infatuated with him, would change her allegiance in an instant if His Majesty beckoned or if he fell from grace.
Watching the girl grow smaller within the gate’s frame, the torches held high by the servants on either side casting two slanting beams of crimson light, Ling Buyi suddenly strode forward. Within a dozen steps, he caught up to her, pulling her into a tight embrace.
Old Steward Cheng nearly gasped aloud—though things were icy between the two of them, was it really necessary to resort to physical contact? And outdoors, no less! Couldn’t they have gone inside… Wait, no, inside wouldn’t be appropriate either!
Shao Shang felt arms like iron bands wrap around her waist, lifting her feet momentarily off the ground. Startled, she let out a cry as she was pressed against the man’s chest, which felt like an inescapable net. Then, a scorching breath brushed against her hair in what seemed like a kiss.
In her dazed state, she faintly heard Ling Buyi murmur, "...You can't refuse me."
Suddenly, she realized the sentence was ambiguous.
Author's Note: Dear readers, I'm exhausted—this is two chapters' worth of content written in one go.
Since the 4th is New Year's Eve, I’ll be postponing the update by a day, so the next chapter will be on the 5th.
If anything changes, I’ll let you know—after all, during the New Year, time isn’t really our own.
The next time we meet will be in the new year, so I’ll take this chance to wish you all good fortune, success in your endeavors, and good health. Bows.
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