As the weather grew warmer, the palace carriage assigned today was more like a light carriage, open on all sides with a canopy overhead. Sitting in the gently swaying carriage, Shao Shang caught sight of the towering phoenix-shaped flying eaves of the Everlasting Autumn Palace in the distance and couldn’t help but ask the junior palace attendant riding beside the carriage.
"Attendant Chen, I remember the first time I entered the palace with Father and Mother, we came through the southern gate and passed through many palaces and gardens, taking nearly half an hour. But today, we’re arriving so quickly. If there’s a shortcut, why didn’t we take it that day?"
Attendant Chen, charmed by her beauty and innocence and her cheerful, easygoing manner during the journey, smiled and replied, "When the palace summons the families of officials, it’s customary to follow the formal route. But now that the Young Lady is betrothed to Lord Ling, you’re practically His Majesty’s new bride. Family members can naturally take shortcuts through the eastern or western gates... Oh, we’ve arrived. Young Lady Cheng, please alight. From here, we must proceed on foot."
Shao Shang recognized this palace lane leading to the Everlasting Autumn Palace. Though called a lane, it was as wide and straight as a six-lane road. Holding up her skirt, she carefully stepped down from the carriage with the help of a palace maid. Looking up at the tall, dark green palace walls on either side, she thought to herself: Well, all that’s missing is some barbed wire.
Attendant Chen led the way, flanked by silent rows of palace maids and eunuchs like mime actors. Shao Shang, surrounded by this sea of red and black, amused herself by thinking: A high-profile fugitive wouldn’t get better treatment—this is practically an international extradition procession.
After only a few steps, Attendant Chen suddenly halted, and the entire entourage stopped with him. Peering through the crowd, Shao Shang saw a tall woman approaching, surrounded by attendants.
Attendant Chen bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Your Highness."
The palace maids and eunuchs around them all knelt in salute. Shao Shang was momentarily confused—should she stand and bow like Attendant Chen or kneel and kowtow like the others? Deciding it was better to err on the side of courtesy, she chose the grander gesture and knelt with the palace servants.
The princess ignored Attendant Chen, holding her head high as she strode imperiously through the crowd. As she drew nearer, Shao Shang finally remembered—this was the princess who seemed to share a species barrier with her own consort. If memory served, Luo Jitong had mentioned she was the Third Princess.
The Third Princess appeared to be in her twenties, with a slender figure and delicate features, though her sharp eyebrows and eyes gave her an unapproachable air. Today, she wore a curved robe made from a single bolt of crimson ramie silk, its long hem trailing behind her, edged with shimmering gold and multicolored brocade. Such precious fabric dragged carelessly on the ground as she moved with graceful elegance.
Seeing the Third Princess walk straight toward her with a hostile expression, Shao Shang felt a pang of nervousness. She had assumed the first to trouble her would be that widow princess or the one who kept wandering swordsmen, but it turned out to be this married one. Ling Buyi’s appeal spans quite the age range, she mused.
The Third Princess stopped before her, bending down to lift Shao Shang’s chin with her perfectly manicured fingers. "So this is Cheng Shaoshang. Truly a rare beauty, radiant and extraordinary."
Shao Shang’s jaw ached from the pinch. What kind of pretentious act is this? she fumed inwardly. At the palace banquet, you stared at me for a full three minutes, and now you’re acting like you’ve just discovered me! Using a finger to lift someone else's chin is a classic gesture of contempt. With slight adjustments to the angle of the finger and the accompanying facial expression, it can also serve as the hallmark of a domineering and arrogant tycoon. The only issue is that the height difference between the two parties cannot be too great. The Third Princess was already half a head taller than Shao Shang, and now Shao Shang was kneeling very 'respectfully.' After holding her chin up for a while, the Third Princess inevitably felt sore in her back and neck, and could only reluctantly lower her finger.
"Speak," the Third Princess said as she slowly circled Shao Shang, her gaze icy and critical. "How did you manage to seduce the Eleventh Master?"
The question was venomous. Shao Shang sighed inwardly—she was bound to suffer some physical punishment. She might as well consider it a refresher course in her delinquent ways. She could only hope that, as Old Man Cheng had said, the Emperor was truly enthusiastic about this marriage.
Having made up her mind, she slowly straightened her kneeling posture and said, "May I ask Your Highness, what do you mean by 'seduce'?"
The Third Princess abruptly stopped and sneered, "What I say goes! I told you to answer, yet you dare to defy me!"
Shao Shang's expression remained unchanged as she replied calmly, "Your Highness is mistaken. If this humble girl were to comply and answer, it would be tantamount to admitting to the act of 'seduction.' For the sake of my family's reputation, I would rather endure Your Highness's punishment."
The Third Princess coldly spat, "You insolent wretch, daring to defy and disrespect me! Someone, slap her face!"
Shao Shang quickly tilted her head up, positioning herself to receive the blow, but suddenly the eunuch Chen loudly interjected, "Hold on."
The Third Princess turned her head sharply, her expression dark. "Are you defying me too?"
Eunuch Chen bowed neither humbly nor arrogantly and said, "Your Highness, please take a closer look. The attendants I’ve brought today are not from the Everlasting Autumn Palace. Before leaving the palace, His Majesty instructed this humble servant to escort Miss Cheng to the Everlasting Autumn Palace only after first bringing her before him for an audience. Your Highness, think carefully—do you truly wish for Miss Cheng to appear before His Majesty with a slapped face?"
The Third Princess burned with rage. "Don’t you dare use my father to intimidate me. What, as a princess, am I not allowed to punish a lowly, rankless wretch? Even if it means facing my father’s reprimand, I will strike this wretch today! Someone—"
"Who dares to move? No one is to lay a hand on her!" A clear, high-pitched woman’s voice suddenly rang out from the corner of the alley, followed by a group of palace attendants escorting a woman in resplendent robes. Shao Shang quickly glanced up to identify her—it was the Second Princess.
Eunuch Chen exhaled in relief and promptly bowed again, as did the surrounding eunuchs and attendants, with Shao Shang following suit.
The Second Princess bore a striking resemblance to the Third Princess in both face and figure, but her brows were gentler, and a faint smile often lingered at the corners of her lips, making her appear far more approachable. Today, she wore a high-waisted, fitted snow-purple dance gown, her attire simple yet elegant. Her hair was styled in a lofty crescent-shaped bun, and as she strode swiftly against the wind, she looked like a celestial being descending from the heavens.
She gave Eunuch Chen a slight nod, glanced at Shao Shang kneeling in the middle, then sternly addressed her younger sister. "You’ve just had three-tenths of your fief revoked by Father as punishment. Are you still so stubborn? Haven’t you been punished enough?"
The Third Princess stiffened, then sneered. "I’m the least favored by Father. Since that’s the case, even if it means facing more punishment, I’ll act as I please!"
Hearing this, Shao Shang suddenly felt a pang of sympathy—even the Emperor’s daughters couldn’t act as they wished. In that case, it made perfect sense for the daughter of a mid-ranking military officer like herself to suffer setbacks.Second Princess stepped forward, grabbed Third Princess by the arm, and pulled her aside. Lowering her voice, she scolded, "You talk tough now, but don't come crying to me later about not having enough money to spend! Mother has finally agreed to see you these days—don't cause trouble again!"
Third Princess softened, sniffling, "Second Sister, my heart is so bitter..."
"Bitter about what? You and your husband already have a son—what more do you want?" Second Princess scolded and coaxed at the same time. "Give it up already. Father Emperor reveres Confucian rules—he won't let you casually divorce and remarry! Besides, think about our granduncle's widow. She has no husband now, but did that mean she could marry Ling Buyi?!"
Third Princess couldn't help shedding tears: "He... how could he be so heartless..."
Second Princess had heard these complaints so often her ears were calloused. Impatiently, she snapped, "Enough already! You never paid Eleventh Master any special attention when he was young. Now that he's grown tall and strong, you've taken a fancy to him—as if he has to return your feelings! Fine, this isn't the place to talk. Come with me now!"
With that, Second Princess dragged Third Princess back, smiling as she pushed her sister toward the palace maids. Then she helped Shao Shang up with both hands, laughing awkwardly. "Rise quickly—we're practically family now, no need for such formalities. After meeting you that day, I asked Eleventh Master for wedding wine, but the rascal just put on a cold face. Now I understand—Father Emperor wants to properly instruct you before the wedding since you're still young."
Shao Shang stood up, thinking to herself how amusing these sisters were—one seemed to have no brains, the other seemed to have two. But she said nothing, only bowing respectfully again.
Seeing her childish innocence and meek obedience (a misconception), Second Princess patted her hand with a smile before turning to catch Third Princess, who was trying to leave. "Where are you going?"
Third Princess shook off her sister's grip. "I'm going to see Mother."
"What a coincidence—I'm going to see Mother too. Let's go together."
"...I want to pay respects to the Empress first."
"An excellent point. One should always greet the Empress first upon entering the palace. Since we've met by chance, let's go together."
"I won't cause trouble! I can go by myself!"
"Actually, your elder sister is afraid she might cause trouble. With you watching over me, I'll feel much more at ease."
Third Princess: "..."
Shao Shang lowered her head to suppress laughter. She suddenly found Second Princess quite amusing and couldn't resist stealing a glance at her. Unfortunately, Second Princess noticed the quick look. Pausing, she saw the girl immediately lower her head again, pretending meekness—but in that fleeting moment, she'd glimpsed innocent mirth and lively charm. Turning back to look at her sister, whose every emotion was written plainly on her face, she couldn't help shaking her head.
Eunuch Chen, seeing the trouble had passed, quickly ordered the palace maids and eunuchs to rise and continue onward. Second Princess firmly dragged Third Princess in another direction—just as another group emerged from a side alley, led by none other than Ling Buyi.
This area was already the restricted northern palace grounds, where Ling Buyi could neither ride nor drive a carriage, and his guards couldn't wear full armor or heavy weapons. Yet the dozen or so personal guards following him wore light-colored close-fitting robes with short swords at their waists. Their alert postures and synchronized steps were disciplined and silent, moving in perfect unison with Ling Buyi.The group approached in silence, and the palace maids, eunuchs, and attendants around Shao Shang, along with the princesses' entourage, seemed frozen in place as if under a spell. Upon seeing Ling Buyi, Third Princess's face lit up with surprise and delight, while Second Princess sighed inwardly, sensing that today's events might not end well. As she sighed, she noticed Shao Shang standing ahead, her head bowed low, even showing signs of fear, which struck her as odd.
By then, Ling Buyi had already drawn near. Chief Eunuch Chen clasped his hands and smiled, "Eleventh Master, what brings you here? His Majesty was just mentioning you this morning." Ling Buyi returned the gesture with a respectful clasp of his hands. When he lifted his head, Chief Eunuch Chen exclaimed in shock, "Good heavens... Eleventh Master, what happened to your face?"
Everyone turned to look. Ling Buyi was dressed in a black Straight Hem Robe, his hair tied with a dark silk ribbon. Yet, on his fair complexion, there were faint streaks of bloodied scratches, and beneath the deep black collar, glimpses of snow-white bandages could be seen.
Third Princess gasped and immediately tried to rush forward, but Second Princess held her back firmly. Second Princess called out loudly, "Eleventh Master, where have you been fooling around this time?"
Ling Buyi smiled. "It's nothing. Just a fall from my horse the night before last while riding carelessly."
Shao Shang was already uneasy, unsure how to face this fiancé who had just 'broken up' with her. Hearing the words "the night before last," her suspicion grew. She was about to cup her face and exclaim in concern when Ling Buyi stepped beside her, shooting her a cold glare and whispering sharply, "Don't speak yet!" Shao Shang immediately clamped her mouth shut, murmuring as she lowered her head.
Ignoring the nearly hundred pairs of eyes watching them, Ling Buyi reached out and took her delicate, smooth right hand, pulling her behind him as if to shield her. Seeing this blatant display of protection, Third Princess's eyes reddened with tears welling up. Just as she was about to speak, Second Princess quickly cut in with a laugh, "Now this is truly astonishing! Since childhood, your horsemanship has been unmatched—you could flip and leap on a horse blindfolded. How could you slip up now?"
Ling Buyi seemed to hold Second Princess in high regard and replied amiably, "His Majesty has already scolded me, saying I shouldn't have ridden recklessly after drinking, risking my life."
Hearing this, Shao Shang fidgeted nervously, her small hand firmly clasped in his slightly cool, unyielding grip, unable to move at all.
After Second Princess teased him a few more times, Ling Buyi turned and said politely, "Chief Eunuch, you've worked hard today, leaving the palace before dawn to fetch my wife. Zisheng thanks you for your trouble. His Majesty is currently in the rear hall of the Department of State Affairs. I’ll take my wife there myself and spare you the trouble, Chief Eunuch Chen."
At the words "my wife," the surrounding palace maids and eunuchs couldn't help but glance at Shao Shang behind Ling Buyi, some smiling, others whispering. Third Princess, who had been gazing at Ling Buyi like a sunflower turning toward the sun, deflated visibly at the phrase. Second Princess could only sigh, bending as if to pick up sunflower seeds.
Standing slightly behind him, Shao Shang felt as though she were sheltered by a towering mountain—secure yet stifled. The mountain stood there, immovable and unyielding. Whether it was restraint or protection, she had no choice but to accept it.
Chief Eunuch Chen beamed. "Eleventh Master, you flatter this servant. Serving His Majesty is our duty." He cast a knowing glance at Ling Buyi and Shao Shang. "Very well, then. Eleventh Master... please, go ahead... this servant will take a little rest." With that, he bowed to the two princesses and withdrew, taking along the palace maids and eunuchs he had brought.The crowd thinned by a third in a flurry, and Ling Buyi turned to face the two princesses, his smile fading. "I have words for both Your Highnesses. Please dismiss your attendants," he said, simultaneously gesturing for his own guards to withdraw, who retreated like a silent tide.
Second Princess, having anticipated this, also signaled for her entourage to step away. Thus, the palace corridor was left with only the four of them.
Ling Buyi pulled the girl forward from behind him and asked, "What did Third Princess say to you just now?" Shao Shang knew she shouldn’t tattle and was about to deflect when Ling Buyi continued, "Did she call you a 'lowly servant,' accuse you of seducing me, and threaten to slap you? Good. I already know. I expected as much."
Shao Shang: "..."
Second Princess was both exasperated and amused. "Eleventh Master, before you arrived, Shao Shang could still speak a word or two. Now that you're here, she doesn’t need to say a thing. You really are too domineering."
Ling Buyi lowered his lashes and replied coolly, "Second Princess, there’s no need to divert for Third Princess. What I have to say will be said regardless."
Second Princess shook her head with a wry smile. "You, you..."
Third Princess, who had been scowling, suddenly raised her voice. "Elder Sister, don’t shield me! He’s always been sharp-tongued since childhood. Let him say what he wants! Do you think I fear him...?"
Ling Buyi took a large step forward, dragging Shao Shang, who stumbled after him. Third Princess, intimidated by his imposing presence, hastily retreated two steps, while Second Princess remained in place, still shaking her head with a bitter smile.
"Everyone in the Capital City says Third Princess is frivolous and reckless..." Ling Buyi began slowly. "But I know that’s not true."
Third Princess’s face paled at first, but the latter half of his words brought her sudden, overwhelming joy.
"—Your Highness is merely passionate and lacks discretion," Ling Buyi continued, plunging Third Princess back into an icy abyss.
Second Princess watched her younger sister’s rapidly shifting expressions with deep pity.
In truth, many noblewomen indulged in affairs. In the past, it wasn’t uncommon for princesses to keep male concubines, but they at least maintained appearances. Unlike her sister, who, though she frequently hosted banquets and flirted openly with handsome scholars, had likely never crossed the line into outright scandal.
Ling Buyi said, "Your Highness is three years my senior. We grew up together under Your Majesty’s care. Do you think I’m unaware of your youthful infatuations? I also know of your marital unhappiness."
Third Princess’s lips trembled. "...You... you’ve covered for me many times before."
Second Princess sighed. "Those outside may not know Eleventh Master’s nature, but we, his family, do. He’s stern on the outside but warm-hearted, just like a true younger brother. Have you forgotten how he rushed to the palace gates in the dead of night during your difficult childbirth to beg Father for an Imperial Physician?!"
Third Princess, no longer the haughty figure from earlier, murmured, "I haven’t forgotten."
"And so, today, you repay me by humiliating my wife?!" Ling Buyi demanded coldly.
Third Princess, tears in her eyes, protested, "No! How could I ever want to shame you? It’s just... I heard this Cheng Shaoshang is vulgar, cunning, and deceitful. I didn’t want you to—"
Ling Buyi cut her off icily. "Your Highness has misjudged man after man, yet today you presume to lecture me on discernment! I know the rumors about you are often untrue, yet you dare question my betrothed based on idle gossip!"The Third Princess was momentarily speechless. After hemming and hawing for a moment, she looked hopefully at the handsome young man and said shyly, "Fine, even if it's my fault, I'll apologize to Cheng Niangzi right now. But, Eleventh Master, I've always remembered how good you were to me since childhood. When I was young, I didn't know how to judge people or understand what makes a good husband. Now I... I..." Her face flushed red, her feelings of confession overflowing.
Shao Shang sneered inwardly: Idiot.
"Your Highness, please stop," Ling Buyi said coldly. "It would be best if you didn't utter words that disgrace the imperial family."
The Third Princess still refused to give up. The Second Princess, embarrassed, glanced at Shao Shang, who was almost completely hidden behind Ling Buyi except for a corner of her skirt, and couldn't help but scold, "Have you no shame at all? You've thrown all dignity and propriety into the East Sea! You're married with children now, and you can't divorce and remarry. What more do you want? Do you expect Eleventh Master to become your lover?"
The Third Princess was left gaping. She had never been one for scheming, and in such a situation, she didn't know what to do about Ling Buyi in the future. She only knew that if her heart desired it, she had to get close to him.
"Second Sister, you're overthinking it," Ling Buyi mocked. "The Third Princess never considers how others might feel, nor does she care about consequences or disasters. She only cares about her own happiness. It's not me she loves—it's herself."
As he spoke, his grip tightened slightly, causing Shao Shang to wince in pain. She pleaded with her other hand, patting and stroking his arm. Whether it worked or not, Ling Buyi slowly loosened his grip.
Shao Shang cursed inwardly: As long as you know that my favorite person is also myself, why are you still clinging to me so stubbornly?
"Third Princess, let bygones be bygones, but today I must speak plainly..." Ling Buyi looked straight at her. The Second Princess glanced at her younger sister and nodded slightly at him.
Ling Buyi said coldly, "Your Highness, stop deceiving yourself. You know very well whether the many times I've helped you and covered for you were for your sake or for Your Majesty's. His Majesty, in his kindness, raised me. He toils day and night for state affairs, yet his daughter cares only for romance and passion, disregarding his dignity and repeatedly causing trouble—I've long been disgusted beyond measure!"
"You... you..." The Third Princess felt as if her heart were being torn apart. She was a passionate and straightforward person, and this felt like having salt rubbed into a fresh, bloody wound.
The Second Princess sighed. Only such unequivocal words could sever her sister's infatuation and prevent her from being manipulated into making further mistakes.
The Third Princess swayed unsteadily, her face deathly pale as she leaned on the Second Princess. Struggling to maintain her composure, she said, "I understand now. You needn't say more. I'm not that shameless. You say I judged Cheng Shaoshang unfairly—fine, then let's assume everything I heard was wrong. I only hope you won't regret it in the future..."
"Third Princess," Ling Buyi stood tall, his expression calm but his eyes icy. "I am twenty-one this year. Since childhood, how many times has His Majesty been concerned about my marriage? The two of you know best. Yet it wasn't until I met Shaoshang a few months ago that I even considered marriage. There is no one else but her."
His words were resolute, leaving both princesses stunned.
After a moment, the Second Princess's eyes showed approval, while the Third Princess, heartbroken, closed her eyes and turned away.Shao Shang stood with her head slightly bowed and her body turned to the side, one hand still held by Ling Buyi while the other rested on his strong, powerful arm. The muscles beneath her palm were long and warm. Sunlight spilled over the high palace walls like scattered gold, falling upon the girl and adorning her Misty Jade Green robes with flourishing leaves and gently blooming petals.
The dark green palace floor tiles were mottled and worn, so no one noticed the two drops of black that had fallen onto the tile beside the girl's toes.
Shao Shang stepped lightly over them, covering the marks.
Author's Note:
This chapter's word count shows my sincerity—anticipating praise with hopeful expression—
I understand the feeling of chasing updates, having done so myself. But comparisons are odious—when goods are compared, some must be discarded; when people are compared, some must be killed. I truly am just slow!
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