After successfully delivering a dimensional strike to the Third Princess, the Second Princess contentedly took her younger sister by the hand and left the palace with their attendants. Ling Buyi watched their departing figures from afar and remarked, "It seems the two Highnesses won't be paying respects to the Empress and Consort Yue today."
Shao Shang suddenly asked, "Has the Third Princess been visiting the palace less frequently lately?"
Ling Buyi glanced at her. "Indeed. How did you know?"
Shao Shang replied casually, "Earlier, I heard the Second Princess mention that the Third Princess had three-tenths of her fief with tax revenue revoked several months ago. Though I don't know what offense she committed, judging by the lingering resentment in her words just now, it seems she hasn't reconciled with her father. Given her temperament, she naturally wouldn't visit the palace often under such circumstances."
Ling Buyi was silent for a moment before responding, "True. However, it wasn't Your Majesty who proposed revoking part of the Third Princess's fief as punishment—it was Consort Yue. For the past few months, the Third Princess has only attended mandatory family banquets and hasn't entered the palace otherwise."
Shao Shang was genuinely surprised. "Isn't Consort Yue the Third Princess's birth mother?" She had only ever heard of mothers covering for their children and speaking well of them—was this some kind of reverse strategy?
"Consort Yue is extremely strict in raising her children. You'll understand in time."
With that, Ling Buyi took Shao Shang's hand and strode off. His personal guards followed at a quiet, disciplined distance, maintaining a gap of about ten zhang. Dragged along at a brisk pace, Shao Shang stumbled occasionally, glancing back at the silent entourage. She was unaccustomed to such an extravagant procession. She wanted to say something, but Ling Buyi remained silent, walking swiftly. Given their height difference, Shao Shang was nearly forced into a jog. She wondered if this was what people called the "lovers' cold war phase."
"Lord Ling Buyi!"
As the palace came into view ahead, Shao Shang dug in her heels, gripping her fiancé's arm tightly as she panted, "...If you have something to say, say it now. I have an imperial audience soon, and if you drag me there breathless and unable to answer Your Majesty properly... I don't have three-tenths of a fief to lose—just this one head on my shoulders!" At least then she wouldn't have to go through with the marriage.
Ling Buyi stopped, his expression dark as he looked at her and said slowly, "I rarely misjudge people, but now I see you for the cunning, selfish woman you are! When you needed me, your mouth was full of sweet words and endless praise. But the moment you realized I wasn't the son-in-law you wanted, you cast me aside like worthless trash."
Shao Shang was silent for a beat. "...You're not wrong." Given the customs of the times, her earlier excessive flattery could easily have been misinterpreted by a man. For that, she was sorry—but what was with this resentful tone?
"I should have realized your intentions when you kept calling me 'elder brother.' You wanted the benefits I could bring you but disliked me as a person, so you only wanted me as some distant, useless 'brother'!"
After a moment's thought, Shao Shang sighed. "That's also true. But I didn't dislike you."
How could she dislike him? It was just that a male god was most beautiful when enshrined on an altar. As long as he remained there, he could be the solace of her heart, the beacon of her path, the blah blah blah...She was quite willing to regard Ling Buyi as such a perfect deity—not only for worship but also as a reliable support, truly a delightful prospect. She had it all planned out, but who knew he would stubbornly refuse to follow her script and insist on barging into her life? In the not-too-distant future, this beautiful and formidable Deity would even sleep beside her—a thought so thrilling it made her head spin.
Ling Buyi’s phoenix eyes burned with anger and disbelief as he glared coldly at her.
Shao Shang gave a bitter smile. “How could I dislike you? I dislike myself.” This was the truth. She knew she had many flaws, and the reason she often clashed with others usually lay with her.
“Since you know such a temperament is undesirable, yet you make no effort to change,” Ling Buyi said, staring at her.
Shao Shang sighed. “If it could be easily changed, there wouldn’t be the saying ‘It’s easier to move mountains than to alter one’s nature.’”
Ling Buyi smirked coldly. “That’s just like you. Wisdom enough to reject advice, words enough to gloss over faults.”
Hearing the familiar phrase, Shao Shang couldn’t help but laugh. “My mother often says that. You’d probably get along well with her.”
Ling Buyi enunciated each word clearly, “Nevertheless, I will not call off the engagement.”
“Since you know my temperament is… somewhat unsavory… why must you insist on marrying me?” Shao Shang was at a loss for words.
Ling Buyi studied her for a moment before abruptly changing the subject. “I fell from my horse and was injured the other day. You haven’t asked about my wounds.”
Shao Shang looked up and saw the streaks of blood on his slender neck and delicate profile, stark against his fair skin like vermilion staining white jade. Her heart softened inexplicably. She reached out with her left hand and gently touched the bandages around his neck, whispering, “Does it hurt?”
The coldness in Ling Buyi’s eyes softened. After two days and nights of anger, it seemed he had been waiting for just this simple question, this gentle touch. He took her small hand in his and said tenderly, “Don’t be afraid when we see His Majesty later. His Majesty is very kind. Say whatever you wish—it doesn’t matter if you misspeak. I’ll be there.”
Shao Shang gazed at the tall, handsome young man before her. Her heart felt as though it had traversed countless mountains and valleys in an instant, and suddenly, she felt weary. “…Actually, your temperament isn’t much better than mine. This kind of hot-and-cold, unpredictable behavior—how could an ordinary person endure it?”
Hearing this complaint, Ling Buyi’s deep amber eyes sparkled like stars. He stroked Shao Shang’s soft, youthful hair and said gently, “If you treat me better, I won’t be like this.”
Shao Shang was speechless. “Shouldn’t I be the one saying that to you?”
“It’s because you treated me poorly that I went riding drunk,” Ling Buyi said seriously. “But I didn’t tell anyone it was because of you that I fell.”
Shao Shang’s round eyes widened, tears nearly welling up. I didn’t even want to marry you in the first place, and now I’m reluctantly taking you in—yet you’re still nitpicking and demanding I treat you better! No wonder you were always worried I wouldn’t like you—seems you know yourself pretty well— “Are you blackmailing me?”
Ling Buyi smiled but didn’t answer. Instead, he took her hand and continued walking, though this time, he slowed his pace.Shao Shang followed behind him, muttering indignantly, "Your own riding skills are lacking, yet you blame me for it. I won’t take responsibility, and your threats are useless..." Though she grumbled under her breath, she had no choice but to let him pull her along.
When they reached the palace gates, the junior palace attendant on duty stepped forward with a bow to greet them. Ling Buyi returned the courtesy with a smile, his posture upright and graceful, showing not the slightest hint of condescension. The attendant’s smile deepened, and he eagerly ushered them inside. Ling Buyi led Shao Shang up the steps, leaving his personal guard outside the hall.
As the two walked further in, Shao Shang faintly overheard the whispers of several eunuchs behind them—
"Lord Ling is such a good man, treating even us with such humility and kindness."
"Eleventh Master is unlike other royal descendants and noble sons—there’s not a trace of arrogance or harshness in him!"
"The officials at the Department of State Affairs often praise him for his diligence, propriety, bravery, and benevolence, embodying the virtues of ancient gentlemen!"
"That must be Lady Cheng’s young daughter. She’s quite beautiful, but I wonder if her temperament is gentle and virtuous. Eleventh Master has been alone for so many years—I only hope this young lady treats him well!"
...
The murmurs gradually faded. Shao Shang, seething with frustration, suddenly found Ling Buyi stopping in his tracks. He pointed to the dimly lit corridor ahead and said, "Turn at the end of this hallway, and you’ll reach where His Majesty rests after daily deliberations. Do you have anything else to say to me before we proceed?"
Shao Shang lowered her voice and snapped, "...You’re so good at winning people over. Now everyone’s telling me to treat you well, but why does no one say you should treat me well too? I’ve had my share of hardships all these years!"
Ling Buyi suppressed a laugh. "Is that all? We’re about to have an imperial audience."
"There’s more!" Shao Shang scowled, taking a deep breath. "All these troubles are because of you! Later, if His Majesty scolds or criticizes me, it’s your fault. If he reprimands or punishes me, it’s your fault. If he tests me and I can’t answer, it’s still your fault! Remember that!"
Ling Buyi could no longer hold back. He turned aside, resting a hand against the dark red lacquer wood carvings of the corridor wall, and chuckled softly.
Furious, Shao Shang flung her sleeve to shake off his hand, stomped her foot childishly, and marched ahead on her own.
Ling Buyi leaned his forehead against the back of his hand, laughing quietly for a long while, his heart brimming with fondness. "All bark and no bite," he murmured to himself.
When he looked up again, the girl had already vanished around the corridor’s end. He strode after her, turning the corner to find his fiancée standing with her back to him about a dozen paces away, speaking to a tall, elegant young man. He paused briefly before approaching slowly.
"Are wild beasts chasing you? Every time you get engaged, it’s like you’re running for your life..."
"Aside from Master Huangfu sending my aunt a monthly letter of Xiao music scores and poetry, and my uncle writing home to complain, I have no other connection with Young Master Shanjian. Young Master Yuan, you’d do better to mind your own affairs."
"...Then I congratulate Shao Shang Jun on securing yet another fine match."
"Could you leave out the word ‘yet’!"
Before Yuan Shen could retort, Ling Buyi approached with a smile. "Ah, it’s Shanjian. May I ask what you and my wife were discussing?"
"..." Yuan Shen frowned slightly. "You and Shao Shang Jun are not yet married. Calling her ‘my wife’ seems rather inappropriate at this stage."Shao Shang's eyes lit up. In fact, she had wanted to say earlier, "What 'new bride'? This old lady hasn't married yet!" She clapped her hands and laughed, "Young Master Shanjian has quite insightful views."
Ling Buyi gave her a sidelong glance and said quietly, "I see you also have insightful views. Perhaps you'd like to explain them before His Majesty later."
Shao Shang immediately softened and kept her mouth shut.
Seeing this, Yuan Shen inexplicably felt a surge of anger rising within him. Just as he was about to speak, Ling Buyi very politely cupped his hands toward him and smiled, "Shanjian must be leaving the palace now. The sun is quite strong today—perhaps we should prepare a bamboo hat for shade."
Yuan Shen opened his mouth several times to speak but ultimately restrained himself. Bowing in return, he said, "You're too kind, my lord. This official will take his leave now." After speaking, he couldn't help but glance at Shao Shang once more before turning and leaving in a huff.
Ling Buyi stood motionless, staring at the corridor where Yuan Shen had departed for a long time. Shao Shang couldn't help but ask, "What are you looking at? Is there something wrong with Yuan Shen?" Ling Buyi replied, "From the time we parted ways until we arrived here, it was less than a hundred paces."
Shao Shang didn't understand his meaning and also estimated, "Right, about a hundred paces. So what?"
Seeing her blank expression, Ling Buyi sighed slightly, "Never mind. Let's go see His Majesty."
After the eunuch's loud announcement, the two bowed and entered the inner chamber. They saw the Emperor dressed in casual attire seated high above, with the simply dressed Empress beside him. Below them sat the smiling Crown Prince and the gentle, demure Crown Princess.
Ling Buyi led Shao Shang in performing the proper greetings. After rising and kneeling properly, he smiled and said, "Why has Her Majesty come as well? Weren't you supposed to wait for us at the Everlasting Autumn Palace?"
The Empress smiled gracefully, "Consider me too impatient to see your new bride." Then she turned, "Your Majesty, everyone is here. You may deliver your instructions now."
The Emperor looked down at the small girl kneeling properly below and nodded slowly, "Hmm, today you've finally performed the greetings correctly."
A blush spread across Shao Shang's face. Ignorance truly was bliss—she had only later learned she'd been using incorrect palace etiquette all along.
Seeing the Crown Prince and his consort stifling laughter nearby, Ling Buyi couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, the Cheng family never intended for her to enter the palace. Naturally, her etiquette education was somewhat neglected."
Ignoring his foster son, the Emperor continued, "Lady Cheng, do you know what it takes to become Zisheng's wife?"
Shao Shang was utterly confused—why did this sound like an opening speech at a job fair? Looking at the important figures before her, she carefully chose her words, "Well... to become Lord Ling's wife, one must first get married..."
Before she could finish, the Crown Prince burst out laughing. When the Emperor's displeased gaze shot his way, he quickly lowered his head to suppress it. Unexpectedly, the Empress and Crown Princess also turned their faces and covered their sleeves to hide their smiles.
Shao Shang hurriedly apologized, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble one is foolish and ignorant of Your Majesty's meaning. My presumptuous words just now beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!" What was so funny? What had she said that was wrong?
The Emperor remained silent, his face revealing neither joy nor anger.
Ling Buyi sighed, "Your Majesty, please speak plainly. Shao Shang is young and uneducated—she won't understand subtleties."
A trace of helplessness appeared in the Emperor's eyes as he forced a smile and continued, "Very well, Lady Cheng, let me ask you this: Your manners are crude, your talents unremarkable, yet Zisheng is a pillar of the state whom I regard as my own son. Do you consider yourself a suitable match for Zisheng?"Hearing this question, Shao Shang felt like crying rivers of noodles in her heart—Oh heavens and earth, finally someone asked her this question! She really, really had so much to say!
Just as Ling Buyi was about to speak again, the Emperor raised his hand to stop his adopted son, half-jokingly ordering, "You, don't speak. Let Shao Shang speak."
"Not compatible, of course we're not compatible!" Shao Shang took a deep breath, determined to say everything in one go, even omitting commas where possible. With fervent enthusiasm, she exclaimed loudly—
"Your Majesty, please understand! My father and mother left the Capital City to go to war when I was three years old, leaving only my frail, elderly grandmother and my not-so-virtuous second Aunt who had already been divorced by my second Uncle at home. For ten years, I barely learned ten characters and didn't finish a single volume of books! It was only recently when my parents returned and saw how utterly uncouth and unrefined I was that they hurriedly taught me a bit of literature—but even then, what little knowledge I have wouldn't fill a dustpan! At the time, my mother said that in the future, she would find me a Son-in-law from a slightly lower family background, so that if I were ever looked down upon, my family could still back me up... I swear on heaven above and earth below, every word I say is true without a single falsehood! From my grandmother to my siblings, no one in the Cheng family ever imagined I would be betrothed to someone as exceptionally talented as Lord Ling! It's true, Your Majesty, all of it! Had I known I would catch Lord Ling's eye, I would have studied day and night, through winter and summer, hanging my hair from the beam and stabbing my thigh with an awl—but now it's too late! The thought of marrying someone as vastly superior in talent and appearance as Lord Ling has left me sleepless and unable to eat, filled with anxiety more than once. Your Majesty, perhaps you could persuade Lord Ling—I truly am not worthy of him!"
By the time Shao Shang finished speaking, she was nearly out of breath.
The Empress and the Crown Prince were both shocked and amused, turning aside to wipe their tears, while the Crown Princess looked stunned, unsure whether she was dumbfounded or simply hadn't understood. The Emperor's smile froze—this was certainly not the answer he had expected. His intention had been to admonish the young girl, warning her not to take advantage of his adopted son's kindness and become arrogant. But instead... instead, things had turned out like this...
Ling Buyi, however, seemed entirely unperturbed by his fiancée's 'eloquent speech' and even smiled, saying, "Your Majesty, you see, though Shao Shang is young, she is so modest and self-aware, utterly genuine."
Author's Note: I went to see The Wandering Earth. It was very good, truly excellent.
Strangely enough, during the emotional scenes in the movie, I didn't feel like crying at all. But when it came to the simple narration of humanity's struggles, I actually teared up.
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