The uniqueness of the founding imperial family, apart from the absence of empress dowagers or imperial consorts, was that familial bonds among the royals were relatively harmonious—unlike later emperors who couldn’t even keep track of how many children they had. At the very least, the current Emperor remembered each of his children’s names, ages, spouses, and birthdates down to the exact month.
Thanks to the Emperor’s distinctive Libra-like tendencies, it was easier to recall which child came from which womb. If one excluded the Fifth Prince, the options for maternal origins narrowed down to just two.
Like many self-made founders, though now occupying the highest position, the Emperor retained a simple, commoner’s sentimentality. To prevent familial affection from fading with rising status, he held family banquets every month or two. Sometimes these were grand affairs—summoning all relatives and even a few close hometown allies and meritorious nobles—but most were intimate gatherings limited to the Emperor, Empress, consorts, princes, and princesses.
Tonight’s banquet was one such small affair, and not everyone was present. The Third Princess had been confined to her quarters for reflection, dragging the Third Imperial Son-in-Law down with her absence. Consort Yue, as usual, was nowhere to be seen—though Shao Shang had only been in the palace for ten days, she had already sensed that Consort Yue operated with near-total autonomy. The Emperor was too busy to oversee her, and the Empress had no desire to. Aside from necessary public appearances where she and the Empress performed their roles of virtuous wife and deferential concubine flawlessly, Consort Yue avoided the Empress at all costs. Without obligatory greetings or audiences, Shao Shang had yet to meet her.
To avoid estrangement among kin and sidestep tedious formalities of legitimacy or illegitimacy, seating was arranged strictly by age. The rightmost seat of honor went to the Crown Prince and his consort, while the leftmost was occupied by the Second Prince and his wife. Next came the Grand Princess and Second Princess seated opposite each other… Then came the moment that horrified Shao Shang—the seats facing the Third Prince were none other than Ling Buyi and herself?!
Seeing the noble Fourth and Fifth Princes and Fourth and Fifth Princesses seated below her, Shao Shang felt as though she were floating on clouds, her feet dangling midair, utterly unsettled. She had never been an exemplary student—things like hosting cultural performances, receiving academic awards, or delivering speeches at ideological assemblies were never her lot. On the rare occasions when her rapid academic progress forced her teachers or headmaster to praise her publicly, their expressions looked as if they’d swallowed ten pounds of stinky tofu.
The Fourth Princess managed to conceal her displeasure, forcing a smile as she raised her cup toward Shao Shang. The Fifth Princess, however, glared with such fury that she might have spat fire had the Emperor and Empress not been present. Fortunately, the Fifth Prince acted as a buffer, reducing the heat reaching Shao Shang to little more than lukewarm foot-soaking water.
The Fifth Prince, meanwhile, let his gaze drift over Shao Shang with a frivolous smirk. "It’s been days since I last saw Cheng Niangzi, yet your beauty only grows more radiant."
Ling Buyi’s brow furrowed, but before he could react, Shao Shang covered her mouth with her sleeve and laughed lightly, replying with practiced ease, "You flatter me, Fifth Prince. It’s been so long—you seem to have grown several inches taller." Flirtatious banter? As if she hadn’t seen it all before.
The Fifth Prince’s expression stiffened from that of a frivolous playboy to the shade of a frivolous carrot—specifically, a carrot.
Truth be told, the Fifth Prince wasn’t bad-looking, but his stature was decidedly modest. At eighteen, he couldn’t compare to Ling Buyi or the Third Prince. If the Fourth Princess ate a few more bowls of rice per meal, she might even catch up to him. At the last palace banquet, Shao Shang had overheard the Second Prince clapping and laughing at the Fifth Prince while the Fourth Prince jokingly teased him about the thick-soled boots he wore.Given that all the other princes were tall and robust, clearly there was no issue with the Emperor's genes—the cause obviously lay with the petite and delicate Consort Xu. Unfortunately, this was an era that revered martial prowess and vigor, where men were admired for their towering stature and women for their robust and voluptuous figures. There was little room for delicate, flower-like beauties, male or female.
Shao Shang sighed inwardly. Indeed, there was no place for a frail and tender little beauty like her either. She couldn’t fathom which of Ling Buyi’s eyes had twitched to make him take a liking to her.
The Fifth Prince had initially intended to hurl a few intimidating words at Shao Shang, but Ling Buyi’s fierce glare shot his way forced him to feign arrogance, turning his head away and shutting his mouth. Instead, he nitpicked the palace maids’ service, finding fault here and there.
Shao Shang pursed her lips and glanced toward the head of the table. There, Consort Xu humbly served the Empress, arranging dishes and pouring wine, her posture bent and knees slightly bent, not daring to raise her head. She crowded out Luo Jitong, leaving her with no role to play. Luo Jitong could only offer Shao Shang a helpless smile before excusing herself early.
Watching Luo Jitong’s retreating figure with envy, Shao Shang sighed and leaned toward Ling Buyi, whispering, "Look, look—Consort Xu keeps glancing at His Majesty. Pity he doesn’t notice at all, so she has to cling to the Empress instead."
Ling Buyi didn’t respond. Instead, his gaze lingered on the girl’s rosy earlobe and delicate cheek, her translucent skin dusted with fine, youthful fuzz under the candlelight—so tender, so soft... He slowly clenched his palm.
Oblivious, Shao Shang continued to observe the scene with keen interest. As an insignificant figure in the palace, Consort Xu only had such occasions to make a brief appearance; otherwise, the Emperor might have forgotten her entirely.
Eighteen years ago, Empress Xuan and Consort Yue had yet to establish a harmonious rapport. One day, after each had quarreled with the Emperor in quick succession, both shut their palace doors, refusing him entry. Furious, the Emperor drowned his sorrows in wine, leading to the "accident" with Consort Xu—and subsequently, the "accident" that was the Fifth Prince. However, as Zhai Nanny revealed, Consort Xu wasn’t entirely innocent. After all, how did an outer court maid end up in the inner chamber of the palace to have such an "accident"? Many had schemed to seize such opportunities to climb the social ladder.
Yet, the Emperor, Empress, and Consort Yue—whether out of kindness or indifference—merely punished a large group of people, granted Consort Xu a title, and considered the matter closed.
The lasting consequence of this incident was that the Emperor’s inner chambers were thereafter staffed only by eunuchs, with no palace maids allowed. Empress Xuan and Consort Yue also reached an unspoken understanding: whoever caused the trouble would bear the consequences, and whoever provoked the argument would host the Emperor for the night—the other would not interfere.
Of course, implementing this was easier said than done. According to Luo Jitong’s private account, during her childhood, the Emperor and Consort Yue once argued so loudly that even the Southern Palace Guards nearly overheard. Enraged, the Emperor stormed toward the Everlasting Autumn Palace, only for the Empress to firmly refuse him entry. She even sent someone to recite a sarcastic passage to Consort Yue, provoking her so much that she chased after the Emperor barefoot and dragged him back from the palace gates.
Hearing this story, despite having just been scolded by the old Emperor like a worthless wretch, Shao Shang couldn’t help but feel a surge of respect for him.
"His Majesty is truly a good man," Shao Shang murmured sincerely, watching the Emperor and Empress exchange warm smiles.
Ling Buyi glanced at the Second Princess and her husband, their heads close together, whispering and laughing intimately. Then he looked across at the Second Prince and his consort, who seemed to be sharing some amusing exchange—the Second Prince Consort even playfully adjusted the prince’s golden crown with a coquettish pout.He turned to look at the girl beside him and whispered, "Shao Shang, is my hair crown crooked?"
Shao Shang glanced back and laughed carelessly, "No, it's fine." But she finally remembered her recent promise to the Emperor and reached out to adjust his plain silver hair-tying crown inlaid with purple jade.
The palace was brightly lit on this summer night, and despite the ice basins and cooling fans nearby, Ling Buyi still felt the air thick and warm. The faint fragrance from the girl beside him lingered in his nose, and as she leaned closer, the thin fabric of her robe hinted at the gentle curves beneath.
At that moment, the Empress raised her wine cup slightly toward the lower seats, and the royal children rose in waves to return the toast. This allowed Shao Shang to clearly distinguish the origins of each prince and princess. The first and second princes were born to Empress Xuan, while the third and fourth were Consort Yue’s. The first and fifth princesses were Empress Xuan’s, and the second, third, and fourth were Consort Yue’s. The rest were too young to be noted.
The Emperor, beaming like a small-town official who had just secured funding, pointed at Shao Shang and proudly announced to the royal family, "Eleventh Master’s new bride—now she’s one of us." Shao Shang had no choice but to put on a smile and bow repeatedly, looking like a plump little Chihuahua raising its tiny paws in greeting.
The Second Prince Consort, her face as round as the full moon, smiled and said, "I felt an instant connection with Sister Shao Shang. Tomorrow’s no good—rest at home. Next time you’re free, come to our residence for some entertainment. I’ll host a feast!"
The Crown Princess lowered her eyes with a faint smile. "Second Sister-in-law, you jest. Sister Shao Shang is quite reserved and shy. I’ve invited her to the Eastern Palace several times, but she never comes."
Shao Shang chuckled inwardly, steadfastly refusing to join the fray—she was content to watch the drama unfold.
The Second Prince Consort, rubbing her heavily swollen belly, said airily, "If it were me, I wouldn’t go to the Eastern Palace either. We’re already in the palace every day—turn your head, and there it is again." She turned to Shao Shang. "Shao Shang, I know you’re busy. I won’t pressure you. Come whenever you’re free. Zisheng, if you’re worried, you can come too!"
The Second Prince, who had been frowning as if someone owed him money, finally relaxed and said, "Exactly! Zisheng, you should come too!"
At this, the Third Prince suddenly let out a soft laugh. The Second Prince scowled. "Third Brother, what are you laughing at?"
The Third Prince slowly sliced his roasted meat. "Nothing. I just remembered when Zisheng first entered the palace. Someone used to bully him relentlessly, relying on their height and strength. Only in recent years have they started being friendly. Isn’t it a bit late for that?"
The Second Prince flushed red. "Th-that was just childish ignorance..."
The Fourth Prince snorted. "Second Brother, were you really that young back then? You already had concubines pregnant!"
The Crown Prince rubbed his temples. "Good heavens, must you all argue? Why does everything turn into a fight?"
"Fourth Brother, stay out of this!" the Second Prince snapped, rising to his feet. "No matter how much Zisheng and I fought, we grew up together in Mother Empress’s palace. That’s more than you lot—hmph!"
The Emperor frowned slightly, clearly displeased.
The Grand Princess’s husband, sharp-eyed, noticed and quickly interjected in a low voice, "Second Highness, mind your words!" At the same time, he nudged the Grand Princess with his elbow. Taking the hint, she forced a smile and said, "We’re all family, all raised together in the palace. Zisheng is no different from our own flesh and blood. Second Brother, sit down!"The Emperor slowly relaxed his furrowed brows and turned to ask, "Zixun, how goes the restoration of Biyong?"
The Grand Princess's husband smiled and replied, "Following the regulations recorded in the Rites of Zhou with the guidance of the Great Confucian Scholars, we have already progressed to the Circular Wall."
"Oh, that quickly?"
The Grand Princess's husband cupped his hands respectfully. "If Your Majesty is concerned, perhaps you could inspect it yourself."
With a pleased wave, the Emperor said, "Entrusting matters to Zixun always puts my mind at ease."
Praise from the Emperor made the already handsome son-in-law glow with pride, his demeanor radiant and dignified.
The Grand Princess said smugly, "Father, didn’t I tell you before? Zixun loves your praise the most, and he’s such an earnest man—he takes your every word to heart! With today’s compliment, he might even forget how to find the palace gates! A grand project like restoring Biyong still needs your personal oversight. If you leave it all to him and someone later criticizes any breach of etiquette, it’ll be your fault!"
The Emperor, clearly fond of his quick-witted eldest daughter, stroked his beard and laughed. "You—you always have the last word!" After a moment of laughter, his gaze shifted to the Second Princess's husband. "And you? Still composing poetry and songs all day, following your wife’s lead?"
The Second Princess's husband, gentle and refined—much like the Crown Prince, Peppa’s father—smiled and said, "Each has their own talents. Brother Zixun is brilliant—how could I compare? I prefer to follow the Way of Huang-Lao, living simply and inaction, growing old with the Princess by the green mountains and clear waters, singing and dancing, reciting poetry all my life."
The Second Princess gave her husband an affectionate smile before playfully complaining, "Father, really! With so many capable sons and ministers at your disposal, can’t you let us be lazy? Next time we compose a new song or choreograph a new dance, we won’t show you!"
"Fine, fine!" the Emperor scolded, though his eyes sparkled with affection. "Write poetry if you like, dance if you wish. At least your old father has some wealth to his name—even if you do nothing, you won’t starve!"
"Exactly!" the Second Princess said sweetly and mischievously. "What luck that your son-in-law and I were born into good families and such a prosperous era of peace!"
The Emperor, greatly pleased and slightly tipsy, slapped the Dining Table emphatically. "Well said! I dare not boast of a golden age, but the realm is indeed becoming more peaceful under my rule!"
Tears welled in the Second Princess’s eyes as she spoke with heartfelt sincerity. "Father, you’re too modest. The state of the world when I was young compared to now—do you think the people are blind? This is all thanks to your tireless efforts, burning the midnight oil and rising early! My husband and I may lack great talent, but we wish to compose a song celebrating this era of peace!"
Moved by his daughter’s words, the Emperor’s eyes grew moist. He lowered his head to hide it, waving a hand dismissively. With the mood so stirred, all the imperial children in the hall rose to toast their father’s brilliance in bringing stability to the realm.
Shao Shang set down her wine cup and leaned toward Ling Buyi, whispering, "The Second Princess is truly talented—so eloquent!" Such masterful flattery deserved to be textbook material. She’d have to study it carefully!
Before Ling Buyi could respond, the Grand Princess, seating herself, murmured softly, "Second Sister, you really know how to speak. No wonder Father dotes on you. Though we’re only months apart, I’m far from your match."The Second Princess smiled without answering. The Grand Princess's consort, fearing complications, quickly poured a cup of wine for the Grand Princess and whispered for his wife not to stir up trouble.
Shao Shang leaned over and murmured, "The Grand Princess's consort seems quite pragmatic." Since the Second Princess's consort had no ambitions in court, there was no conflict of interest with the Grand Princess's consort. Why bother how others flattered?
Ling Buyi extended his fair, slender fingers, lowering his head to grasp the hem of the girl's skirt. "Just be yourself. There's no need to imitate others," he said, pausing before adding, "Don't keep watching others—it's too obvious."
Shao Shang froze for a moment, then quickly averted her gaze. "Oh, you're right."
As the banquet appeared harmonious, the Fifth Princess narrowed her eyes, biting her lip before suddenly speaking up. "Crown Princess, you previously invited Shao Shang. Why exactly did she refuse to visit the Eastern Palace?"
Shao Shang was furious. You little wretch, when will you stop? The topic had already veered miles away, and even the Second, Third, and Fourth Princes had fallen silent, lowering their heads to drink. Yet she still wouldn’t let it go! Are you a snapping turtle, refusing to loosen your grip? Just wait—I’ll find you a dear sister to cook a "Farewell My Concubine" stew for you!
Just as she was about to retort sharply, Ling Buyi spoke slowly, "Didn’t the Crown Princess already explain? Shao Shang is reserved and shy, not fond of socializing. Did the Fifth Princess not hear? Perhaps you have an ear ailment—maybe the palace physicians should examine you."
Hearing this, the Fourth Princess burst into laughter.
The Fifth Princess was about to angrily retaliate when a junior palace attendant hurried in from outside the hall and whispered a report before the Emperor and Empress—apparently, someone had requested an audience. The Emperor paused briefly before saying, "...Admit them."
Before long, a eunuch loudly announced, "Princess Ruyang has arrived, Princess Yuchang has arrived."
Everyone looked up to see a young woman supporting an elderly lady with graying hair as they slowly entered the hall. The Emperor rose slightly and cupped his hands in greeting, while the Empress bowed her head slightly. The rest of the attendees each paid their respects according to protocol.
Princess Ruyang cast a disdainful glance at Consort Xu, who, quick-witted, immediately yielded her seat beside the Empress and shrank back, not daring to speak. The Fifth Prince clenched his fists, his expression darkening.
The Old Princess slowly took her seat, pulling her granddaughter to sit beside her, before saying, "Your Majesty, this old woman has come uninvited. I hope you won’t blame me."
"Your words are too heavy, Aunt," the Emperor replied calmly, his earlier playful demeanor fading. "May I ask why you’ve come?"
Princess Ruyang wore a confrontational expression. "This old woman knew Your Majesty was hosting a family banquet today and wished to see the younger generation. Or... am I unwelcome?"
The Emperor merely smiled without answering.
"Of course..." the Old Princess continued, "I also wanted to meet the Eleventh Master's new bride." As she spoke, her wrinkled eyes swept downward.
Those seated below thought to themselves: Cut the act—you came specifically to see Cheng Shaoshang!
Just as Shao Shang was about to rise and bow, she felt a slender, large hand press against her tiny waist, firmly keeping her seated. The thin summer robes made his cool palm feel as if it were touching her bare skin, his fingertips even lightly kneading her waist.
Blushing, Shao Shang squirmed and lowered her head, trying to pry his hand away.This series of actions went unnoticed by others, but the Second Princess and her husband at the neighboring table saw it clearly. The Second Princess's husband smiled gently and reached for his wife's hand, which she playfully squeezed back while casting a sidelong glance at Ling Buyi, feeling an inexplicable trace of worry.
Understanding his wife's thoughts, the Second Princess's husband whispered in her ear, "What's the matter?"
The Second Princess sighed softly, "The Eleventh Master likes her too much."
"What's wrong with that?" her husband asked curiously.
The Second Princess opened her mouth to speak but ultimately shook her head with a smile—but his heart is too heavy, and that's not good at all.
Why must winter's ice be fond of summer's insects? Why must Ling Buyi be fond of Cheng Shaoshang? Wouldn't it be better to find a girl like Luo Jitong, who is thoughtful, gentle, and considerate?
"Lady Cheng..." Princess Ruyang stared at the girl beside Ling Buyi, knowing she had found her target. "You seem young in appearance, but I wonder about your virtue and learning?"
Shao Shang turned slightly to respond, but Ling Buyi interjected coolly, "Regardless of her virtue and learning, Shao Shang and I are already betrothed. It was decreed by His Majesty himself and agreed upon by both parents. What is the point of Your Highness saying this now?"
Princess Ruyang pressed on, "Agreed upon by both parents? Hmph. Lady Cheng, have you paid respects to Ling Hou's wife?"
"Which wife of Ling Hou?"
Ling Buyi cut in again, ladling a scoop of warm wine and pouring it slowly into the cup before him. "Ah, I forgot. My mother has already divorced my father. So, the Old Princess must be referring to my father's second wife... Shao Shang has yet to meet Chunyu Shi."
Princess Ruyang frowned. "It's been days since your betrothal. Lady Cheng, why haven't you paid respects to your future mother-in-law—"
Thud!
Ling Buyi slammed the wine ladle into the wine steamer, splashing droplets that left dark stains on the floor. The atmosphere in the palace hall grew inexplicably cold, a stark contrast to the lively family banquet moments ago. The princes and princesses, seeing the Emperor's stern expression, dared not speak.
"Future mother-in-law? Does the Old Princess presume my mother is dead?!" Ling Buyi's gaze was icy. "So eager to find a new mother-in-law for my wife?"
Princess Yuchang grew anxious and tugged at her grandmother's sleeve.
Old Princess Ruyang realized her blunder and softened her tone. "I misspoke. But even if she isn't the foremost elder, an elder is still an elder. Lady Cheng, why haven't you paid your respects?!"
This time, Shao Shang didn't even open her mouth, simply turning to her betrothed.
Ling Buyi spoke deliberately, "First, Shao Shang has been learning etiquette under the Empress's guidance these past ten days and hasn't had the time. Second..." He smirked mockingly. "My wife hasn't even paid respects to my mother yet. How could she meet Chunyu Shi?"
The Old Princess grew impatient. "Then when will Lady Cheng pay respects to your mother?"
"My mother is unwell today and unfit to receive guests."
"When will your mother recover?!"
"How should I know?" Ling Buyi lifted his long lashes, his tone light. "My mother's illness took root over a decade ago. It runs deep, sometimes better, sometimes worse. I don't know when she'll recover or when it might flare up again."
"Ling Buyi, you—?!" Princess Ruyang erupted in fury.Shao Shang seemed to realize something, gazing steadily at the young man before whispering softly, "The first time I had an imperial audience at Mount Tu Gao, you were just like today—answering every question before I could, never giving His Majesty a chance to put me on the spot, never allowing me the opportunity to misspeak... Later, you began speaking on my behalf before the Emperor. Because you knew His Majesty had already accepted me. You've been carefully looking after me all along, haven't you?"
Ling Buyi smiled, his deep brown eyes bright and clear like scattered stars. He murmured in a low voice, "And if I have? How do you plan to thank me?"
The palace chamber was bathed in candlelight, though whether it was the glow of the flames or the flush of warmth that painted the girl's cheeks rosy as clouds was unclear. Her large eyes fluttered, lips bitten as if hesitating to speak—and Ling Buyi waited patiently, just like that.
The Old Princess was rambling on, "...The Emperor is far too hasty. Not only is the Cheng family's status unworthy, but this young girl doesn't seem fit to be Eleventh Master's new bride either. In my opinion, we should reconsider and arrange another match..."
At that moment, the junior palace attendant guarding the hall entrance announced loudly, "Consort Yue has arrived—"
Shao Shang immediately turned her head to look, clutching her chest in excitement as she whispered, "Is it really Consort Yue? I finally get to see her... Ouch, what are you doing..." Her soft sigh turned into a quiet yelp, afraid to make noise and draw attention.
Ling Buyi's face was frosty as he gripped the girl's wrist and gave her plump, tender hand a firm bite.
Author's Note: I must commend a certain little angel who spotted the clues as early as the previous chapter—impressive!
Now that Third Earth (San Tu) is officially out of the running, I might as well say this: when the entire story concludes, dear readers will realize that the most suitable husband for our heroine was indeed Third Earth, not any of those other tall, rich, and handsome candidates.
Alas, fate is just that damn cruel! (Even though I'm the one who wrote this fate, you can't call me cruel.)
But if Third Earth were the male lead, our heroine's life would be too smooth—we could wrap things up in 300,000 words. Instead, our heroine must forge ahead with humor through her unlucky life!
Also, while expressing opinions is fine, please refrain from personal attacks and crude language, okay? Otherwise, I'll have to call in the moderators.
And don't worry about me being swayed by the comments—I'm an old hand at this and won't be led astray. Even when I was being torn to shreds for deciding on the male lead earlier, I didn't waver.
Smiles Please forgive me—I can be quite willful.
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