Upon seeing the Emperor, the Empress, Shao Shang, and Wang Ling each performed their respective courtesies, while Ling Buyi bowed deeply to the Empress. Only Wen Xiujun remained standing motionless in place. Wang Ling nearly burst into tears from anxiety, but Shao Shang secretly cheered her on—'Auntie Wang, whatever you do, don’t kneel! You must hold onto that arrogant and domineering persona!' Yet no sooner had the thought crossed her mind than Wen Xiujun’s posture softened, and she knelt to pay her respects to the Emperor.
Shao Shang let out a disdainful scoff.
The Emperor slowly walked to the head of the hall, settled into his seat with a sweep of his sleeves, and Ling Buyi stepped forward to pull his dazed (and eagerly awaiting drama) fiancée over to sit together on the right side, below the Emperor.
The Empress knelt beside the Emperor and said softly, "Your Majesty has arrived. Please forgive this humble one for failing to greet you properly."
The Emperor patted her hand reassuringly before turning his gaze downward. "Just now, I heard Wen Xiujun repeatedly reminding the Empress not to forget the kindness of Old Prince Qian'an. Is this true?"
Before anyone else could react, Shao Shang’s heart sank. This was bad—the Emperor had been listening from much earlier than she thought. She instinctively shot a pleading look at Ling Buyi, but he remained unmoved, his gaze fixed straight ahead, only giving her palm a gentle squeeze.
Shao Shang seethed inwardly and tried to pull her hand back—according to the social contract, rights and obligations were reciprocal. If he wasn’t going to help, then no hand-holding for him!
…But try as she might, she couldn’t free her hand. Then she remembered that her fiancé’s powerful grip could crush an inkstone with ease. Well, never mind—hardly anyone actually read the social contract anyway.
Wen Xiujun, who had been keeping her head lowered, now raised it defiantly and declared, "Uncle Xuan passed away early, and my father took pity on my widowed aunt, raising her children as his own. Does this not count as kindness? Am I not even allowed to mention it?"
The Emperor chuckled briefly and glanced at his foster son.
Understanding the cue, Ling Buyi nodded and spoke unhurriedly, "Between families bound by marriage, it is difficult to measure debts of gratitude. Decades ago, Wen Xiujun’s grandfather faced a great calamity and was only able to survive with the full support of the Xuan Family. In gratitude, he betrothed his beloved daughter to Grand Duke Xuan, did he not?"
Wen Xiujun bit her lip and remained silent.
Ling Buyi continued, "Later, when Grand Duke Xuan passed early, the Xuan Family’s reputation waned somewhat, but they still had enough resources to ensure their widows and children lacked neither clothing nor food. It was Old Prince Qian'an who, fearing the chaos of the times, moved his sister’s family under his own roof for their safety. Was this not simply his duty? Does Wen Xiujun truly consider such 'kindness' worth mentioning repeatedly? To speak of it would only invite ridicule. As for the marriage alliance…" He lifted his long lashes, glancing at the Emperor at the head of the hall before falling silent.
The Emperor feigned a glare at his foster son before turning back. "When I first joined forces with Prince Qian'an for our great cause, I proposed a simple blood oath as our bond. But your father insisted on sealing it with marriage. Yet as we were of the same clan, none of the women in the vast Qian'an lineage could wed me. Given the circumstances, what better choice did your father have than to offer the Empress, whom he had raised by his side?"
Shao Shang stole occasional glances at the Empress and noticed her face pale slightly when the Emperor mentioned 'your father insisted on sealing it with marriage.' The Emperor, however, remained oblivious.
"Moreover, within three years of Old Prince Qian'an’s alliance with His Majesty, he sought to 'part ways'…" Ling Buyi deliberately lingered on the last phrase. Wen Xiujun lowered her head, teeth clenched, avoiding eye contact.Shao Shang instantly understood: What nonsense about going separate ways—clearly they wanted to start their own venture, or even plot a rebellion!
"Back then, the old prince's actions showed no regard for Her Majesty the Empress, who was already married with children," Ling Buyi said slowly.
Wen Xiujun lowered her head with resentment but raised it again with a sorrowful expression. "But Your Majesty, my younger brother is now under strict supervision by the state tutor, with no freedom in his daily life. When I think of how I once had dozens of siblings, now scattered to the winds, leaving only this youngest brother... I beg Your Majesty, for the sake of past affections—"
"The right to mint coins is a matter of state policy, not something a mere woman should meddle in," the Emperor suddenly interrupted. "If you truly care, why not have General of Chariots and Cavalry Wang Chun propose it in court? Better than troubling the Empress here."
Shao Shang mentally gave the Emperor a hundred and eighty thumbs up—Auntie Wang tries to appeal to emotions, and you counter with propriety! Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! Once emotions come into play with women, it’s an endless cycle. And the fact that you’d say this must mean Uncle Wang has already abandoned his father-in-law’s fading influence and latched onto your favor. Of course, he wouldn’t listen to his wife about helping her little brother!
Sure enough, at the mention of her husband Wang Chun, Wen Xiujun’s face darkened further, her lips nearly bleeding from how hard she bit them.
But the Emperor wasn’t done. "One matter at a time. Today, you disrespected the Empress, overstepped in speech and conduct, and flouted propriety. How should this offense be judged? The crime of contempt—"
"Your Majesty!" the Empress suddenly interjected, her expression pleading. "I am unwell. Let us end here for today."
The Emperor knew she was trying to plead for Wen Xiujun, but he wanted to humble this former Princess of Qian'an and remained silent. Shao Shang also thought the Empress was too kind—Auntie Wang deserved a harsh lesson!
Seeing the Emperor’s expression, the Empress understood his intent and anxiously turned to her adopted son, her gaze imploring.
Shao Shang saw the young man beside her lower his head and sigh softly before speaking. "Your Majesty, didn’t you have something to say to Shao Shang today? It’s getting late. If you don’t speak now, she’ll leave for home, and tomorrow..." He chuckled lightly. "Tomorrow is her day off."
Shao Shang’s mind buzzed. She never dreamed Ling Buyi would throw her under the chariot to help the Empress! Furious, she stammered, "Y-you... how could you—"
—That damned, eighteen-generations-of-cursed, grave-digging scoundrel! Did I dig up your ancestors’ graves for the state? Or hit you with the Seven Injuries Fist to turn your head green? You’re the type to tear the roof off if not beaten for three days! Truly, "couples are birds in the same forest, but when disaster strikes, they fly apart." She wanted a divorce! Wait, they weren’t even married yet—she wanted a refund!
Her eyes reddened with rage, but she had no time to curse her unscrupulous fiancé. Instead, she hastily addressed the Emperor. "N-no, Your Majesty, don’t listen to Lord Ling’s nonsense! Please continue speaking to Wen Xiujun without regard for me! I’m just a trivial matter, unrelated to court or the inner palace. Wen Xiujun’s coinage rights and the Qian'an Royal Manor are the real issues. Besides, Your Majesty’s words are golden—how can they be interrupted? That would be like breaking jade! Lord Ling is truly inconsiderate..."Even the solemn-faced Emperor couldn't help turning his head to suppress a smile. The Empress, despite her tear-filled eyes, nearly burst out laughing, while Wen Xiujun was so angry she laughed instead. Wang Ling had been standing there in a daze since earlier, unable to snap out of it.
Ling Buyi suppressed his amusement and pressed on: "Your Majesty, perhaps I should escort Wen Xiujun and her daughter out first."
The Emperor turned his face away without speaking, merely waving his sleeve in agreement.
Ling Buyi cupped his hands toward two junior palace attendants, who immediately understood and directed several palace maids to drag Wen Xiujun and her daughter out. Ling Buyi followed them until they reached the palace gates, where Wen Xiujun suddenly turned back and whispered, "The Emperor and Empress certainly didn't raise you for nothing—you say what they can't say and do what the princes and princesses can't do. What a fine hound you are!"
Ling Buyi seemed amused by this, letting out a chuckle before addressing Wang Ling directly: "Lady Ling, inform your father immediately about today's events in the palace upon your return. Your mother's mind is no longer clear—in her eyes, neither her husband, children, nor family's lives matter as much as the comfort of Prince Qian'an. If left unchecked, the Wang family may face disaster."
Wang Ling, both shocked and frightened with tears in her eyes, bowed in gratitude: "Thank you, Eleventh Master. My father often says that whenever we face difficulties, you never hesitate to lend a hand."
Ling Buyi gave a slight bow and, ignoring the still-fuming Wen Xiujun, turned back into the hall. As soon as he stepped inside, he heard the Emperor using a barely detectable cheerful tone to scold his dear fiancée: "...Let me point out one thing—your mistake lies not elsewhere, but with Zisheng."
The corner of Ling Buyi's mouth twitched upward as he slowed his steps and moved closer.
Shao Shang was so anxious that sweat beaded on her forehead: "Lord Ling? Lord Ling... What have I done to him? No, no—that's not right. These past ten days, I've risen before dawn and returned home only when it's dark. When would I have had time to wrong Lord Ling?!"
The Emperor leaned forward, resting his right elbow on his knee: "Think carefully. Even now, you still believe you've done nothing to wrong Zisheng?! This proves how cold-hearted you are!"
Shao Shang was on the verge of tears, flustered: "I'm foolish, truly foolish, Your Majesty. Please enlighten me further." Where exactly had she gone wrong? She really couldn't think of anything. Was it because she hadn't let Ling Buyi kiss her a few days ago? Surely not—would the Emperor really reprimand her just because she didn't let his adopted son take liberties? This world had gone mad.
Seeing her frantic pacing, the Empress gently reminded her: "Shao Shang, think about it. If you leave before dawn and return at dusk every day, what about Zisheng, who escorts you back and forth?"
Shao Shang's mouth fell open, her mind blank. Despite her usual quick wit that had dominated Yu Town, she was at a complete loss—because she had never considered this! In that case, calling her cold-hearted wasn't entirely wrong either.
The Emperor's expression turned stern as he said gravely: "Do you know that for these ten days, regardless of rain or shine, busyness or fatigue, Zisheng has left the manor late at night to fetch you from the Cheng Residence and escorted you back with raised lanterns? When you were in good spirits, you'd let him stay for dinner before leaving. But when you were displeased, you'd send him away without even a meal!"
At this point, he slapped his knee and said coldly: "Let me ask you—do you even have a heart?! Do you know how to care for your son-in-law? What use is a cold, unfeeling woman like you to Zisheng?""I... I..." Shao Shang stammered, her mouth opening and closing wordlessly. She had nearly blurted out 'Then just let me break off the engagement,' but her survival instinct made her bite her lip hard.
"You might claim youth and ignorance, but what about your parents? How could they stand by and watch Zisheng suffer like this?!" The Emperor slammed his palm on his knee again, the heavy thud reverberating through Shao Shang's heart.
No longer able to stammer, Shao Shang hurriedly explained: "Your Majesty, please understand—this was entirely due to my ignorance and has nothing to do with my parents. Ten days ago, my father was summoned by his superior to a neighboring commandery, and on the same day, my mother went outside the city to oversee land purchases. Neither has returned yet. They knew nothing of this matter! It's all my fault—please don't blame my parents, Your Majesty. They've always been the most disciplined and cautious people—how could they commit such an error?" By the end, she was nearly in tears.
"You at least show some filial piety, knowing not to implicate your parents." The Emperor's expression softened slightly. "Then tell me—on those occasions when Zisheng was exhausted, why couldn't you let him stay overnight at Cheng Residence occasionally?"
Sweating profusely, Shao Shang defended herself: "N-no, it's... Your Majesty, that would be improper!"
"Oh? You wish to lecture me on propriety? Then recite the Book of Rites for me."
"This... this..." Now Shao Shang truly burst into tears. The Emperor was a wicked old man—this wasn't fair! She was arguing etiquette while he was arguing emotions. "Wuwuwu... I-I haven't memorized it..."
The Empress watched the girl flounder like a trapped little animal, torn between amusement and pity. Several times she tried to intervene, only to be stopped by the Emperor's glare.
"I... I'm not heartless—I truly didn't think of it..." Scared into honesty, Shao Shang wept.
The Emperor's face remained stern. "Not thinking of it means Zisheng wasn't in your heart. Ordinary maidens can't wait to fuss over their betrothed—none behave like you. Tell me yourself—what should be done now?"
"It's all my fault. I... I'll make sure to care for Lord Ling's every need from now on..." Sobbing into her sleeve, she added, "Your Majesty needn't have Lord Ling escort me anymore."
"What wicked words!" Though maintaining a stern expression, amusement glinted in the Emperor's eyes. "You little girl have no trace of affection in your heart! When love first blooms, one longs to meet every day—Zisheng feels this way, don't you?!"
"Then... then what should I do...?" In her panic, Shao Shang could only bow and plead for forgiveness. "I'm foolish... please... please instruct me, Your Majesty..." She despaired—was it proper for the busiest man in the empire to keep harping on about feelings?!
"Your Majesty..." The Empress could bear no more and shot the Emperor a reproachful look. "As you commanded, the family banquet is prepared in the side hall!"
Stroking his fine beard, the Emperor decided he'd made his point and cleared his throat. "Shao Shang, you and Zisheng will spend your lives together—you must do better from now on."
With a woeful expression, Shao Shang repeatedly assented: "This humble girl obeys Your Majesty's decree..."
"Decree? Do you mean you'd ignore Zisheng's affection unless I commanded it?" The Emperor's voice began rising again.
Her scalp prickling with dread, Shao Shang hastily entreated: "No no no, I misspoke! I'll treat Lord Ling with genuine affection and sincerity from now on, I'll never fail him..."The Emperor finally seemed somewhat satisfied. With a flick of his sleeve, he rose leisurely and began to leave the hall. Halfway out, he turned back to say, "Tonight's family banquet—Shao Shang shall attend as well."
Shao Shang's emotional intelligence failed her in that moment. Her instinctive response was: "Thank you for Your Majesty's grace, but this humble one has just committed an offense. How could I possibly accept another imperial favor..." The key point was—today was the eve of her day off! Who wanted to work overtime on a Friday night?
Seeing the Emperor's eyes widen again, even the Empress had to massage her temples. With a bitter smile, she said, "Shao Shang, listen to His Majesty."
Shao Shang could only kowtow in gratitude.
After watching the Emperor and Empress depart together, Shao Shang finally noticed Ling Buyi, who had been kneeling silently behind her all this while. Immediately flushing with anger and shame, she burst into tears, scolding him: "This is all your fault! Why couldn't you have told me yourself? Now I've been severely reprimanded by His Majesty! Did you do this on purpose? Did you deliberately watch me make mistakes just to see me humiliated... wuwuwu..."
Ling Buyi gazed at her tenderly, gently touching the girl's tear-stained cheeks. Even in this state of tearful distress, he found her utterly adorable. "Pay no mind to His Majesty," he said. "I'm willing to escort you to and from the palace every day. We can continue as before."
"As before?!" Shao Shang nearly choked. "...Do you really think I'd dare?!"
Ling Buyi lowered his long lashes, his tone melancholic and cool: "I hope that one day, you'll want to treat me well of your own accord—not because His Majesty scolded you into it."
Having said this, he walked out alone, leaving behind a Shao Shang who sat woodenly in the hall, feeling like some villainous supporting character in a drama. At this moment, she could finally declare with certainty: the longest path she'd ever walked was the royal family's set of tricks!
Just as Shao Shang heaved her thirteenth sigh, Luo Jitong entered cheerfully and sat beside her. "What did you say earlier that pleased His Majesty so much?"
"His Majesty likes me?" Shao Shang felt like she'd entered some alternate-reality palace—if he liked her, why had he scolded her so harshly?!
Luo Jitong laughed. "Of course. Otherwise, why would he invite you to the family banquet? This means he regards you as family—a new bride. You should know, even the Crown Princess didn't attend such gatherings before marriage."
"Is... is this really such a big deal?" Shao Shang asked blankly. "Last time during my engagement, wasn't that also a family banquet? Jitong A-jie, you were there too that day."
Luo Jitong covered her mouth with a light laugh. "That didn't count—you just happened to be present then. And I was there to serve. Ah, you'll understand once you attend. Come now, Lord Ling instructed me to take you to freshen up..."
Shao Shang nodded dazedly, rising as she spoke: "Alright... but does His Majesty really like me? What does he like about me?"
This time, Luo Jitong didn't smile. She studied Shao Shang carefully before answering seriously: "I think... perhaps it's because you're both clever and naive."
Both clever and naive—what did that mean? Shao Shang still didn't understand.
If she were clever, why was she completely defenseless against the Emperor and Ling Buyi? And if she were naive... compared to the likes of Wang Ling and Lou Li, she wasn't naive at all.
Author's Note: Come now, let's be honest—who among you had imagined before this chapter that Ling Buyi would have such a difficult ten days?
Truthfully, those who are naturally considerate of others are angels. Our female lead clearly isn't one—she's been single since birth and it's become a habit.
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