After a busy summer, during which he only hurried home a few times without even greeting anyone, Old Man Cheng finally ended his miserable stint of summer field training, his skin so tanned it looked like he had bathed in squid ink. Shao Shang watched as Madam Xiao applied balm to her father’s sunburned face and neck, deliberately feigning disgust: "Father, the way you look now, you and Mother could pass for father and daughter—at least twenty years apart! Strangers would surely mistake you two as such!"
"Go on, get out of here! Your mother isn’t so shallow as to judge people by appearances! A true man is first measured by his character, then his abilities, and thirdly by his affection... Right, Yuan Yi?"
Old Man Cheng looked pleadingly at his wife. Madam Xiao didn’t respond, but her eyes flickered with a mix of reproach and exasperation as she shot him a glance, instantly melting half his bones.
"Then why did you say last time that you’d only pick a son-in-law based on looks? Why aren’t you weighing character and responsibility for me?!" Shao Shang suddenly realized the inconsistency.
"First, Ling Buyi wasn’t chosen by me—I don’t have that much influence. Second, your mother chose me, proving she isn’t shallow, while Ling Buyi chose you, proving he is. What does that have to do with me?" When it came to verbal sparring, Cheng Shi had once been unrivaled in his hometown.
Shao Shang pondered the deeper meaning of his words—was he implying she had nothing to offer besides her face?! Her eyes reddened with anger, and she stormed off in a huff.
Old Man Cheng wagged a finger at his daughter’s retreating figure before turning to his wife. "That silly girl has no sense of timing. Our sons know to give us space when we’re reunited after so long, but she just barges in and stands there!"
Madam Xiao smiled faintly. "Niao Niao missed you. Zisheng gifted her two fine steeds—truly magnificent horses that could cover a thousand li in a day. She wouldn’t let any of her brothers touch them, saving them just for you. Ah, A’Song was practically drooling with envy."
Cheng Shi stroked his short beard smugly, his eyes brimming with affection. "Niao Niao may be cheeky with her words, but her heart is in the right place—filial, kind, and thoughtful toward her old father... This time, I brought her a whole chest of treasures to add to her dowry. Hmm, I’ll give Cheng Yang a share too. Oh, and two small jars of sheep’s milk balm from the Western Regions. Originally, General Han only spared me one jar, but I traded thirty bolts of Zhu silk for another one for that silly girl. When the autumn air turns dry, you two can rub it on your faces and hands—far better than the scented creams from the Capital City."
Madam Xiao smiled without comment. She figured her husband’s resentment toward Ge Shi would never fade, but favoring one sister over the other was a sure way to invite family discord. She’d make sure to share some of her own with Cheng Yang later.
"Sir! Sir, something terrible has happened!" Madam Qing Cong rushed in breathlessly from outside. "Niao Niao is giving those two horses to the eldest and second young masters—she says she won’t give them to you anymore!"
Cheng Shi slammed the table in fury. "That unfilial daughter! Yuan Yi, both jars of sheep’s milk balm are yours now—use one and throw the other away, just to show off our wealth!"
Madam Xiao buried her face in her arms, shoulders shaking with silent laughter.
...
Now that Cheng Shi had returned, the long-overdue betrothal banquet had to be held. Knowing the stakes, Madam Xiao didn’t dare leave the arrangements to Cheng Yang. She personally oversaw the selection of wine, dishes, fruits, and even borrowed chefs from the Wan family, ensuring the feast was lavish. Sure enough, it was as if the Emperor had stationed a watchdog at the Cheng Residence’s gate—upon learning that the Cheng family hadn’t slighted his foster son, he bestowed thirty imperial jars of golden fragrant wine as a reward.Being tanned as dark as an African tribal chieftain (why tribal? Because whenever Old Man Cheng smiled, his two rows of gleaming white teeth looked particularly intimidating) did have its advantages. Facing his old superiors, subordinates, and friends, even if Old Man Cheng was blushing with embarrassment, no one could tell. He smoothly led his new son-in-law around to greet all the relatives and friends.
Unfortunately, Ling Buyi's status and authority were undeniable, and he carried an aura as chilling as Arctic winds. Apart from General Han, who could still accept his toast, the other guests were all visibly uncomfortable—either hastily rising to bow in thanks or bending at the waist in salute. Watching this, Old Man Cheng could only shake his head and smile wryly to himself.
What was rather novel was that the Lou Family had also sent representatives to the banquet.
Shao Shang, having been in the palace all this while, was unaware. To demonstrate that there were no hard feelings over the broken engagement and to maintain their friendship, Madam Xiao had been taking Cheng Yang to the Lou Family's banquets over the past few months. Surprisingly, they had even received several new marriage proposals.
This time, the Lou Family's second son, Lou Yao's only full brother who had been traveling afar, had just returned. The second young master of the Lou Family was a smooth operator, adept at navigating social situations, and he even brought along a valuable companion—his classmate and close friend, Yuan Shen.
Ling Buyi stood quietly, his gaze cool and detached, one hand clasped behind his back as he observed the scene.
Yuan Shen slowly strolled to the corridor, meeting Ling Buyi's gaze without flinching.
The two locked eyes for a moment before Yuan Shen was the first to speak: "...I must have been blind. Back at the Secluded Residence, I should have realized you had feelings for Shao Shang." He had sensed something unusual about how Ling Buyi treated the girl but hadn't dwelled on it—how regrettable!
"They say Young Master Shanjian has learned well from Master Huangfu's teachings. Let’s hope you haven’t also inherited his views on marriage—neglecting to marry and have children properly, instead idly coveting another man’s wife." Though Ling Buyi was a man of few words, his tongue could be lethally sharp.
Yuan Shen's expression stiffened momentarily, but he quickly regained his usual elegant composure. "Marriage is fated by heaven; I dare not presume. However, in the future, I will certainly sing outside your estate walls. Every verse of the Wei and Zheng airs—I shall sing them all." Unlike his mentor, who sang only once before retreating in sorrow!
The Wei and Zheng songs often dealt with romantic affairs. Yuan Shen's implication was clear: if he was unhappy, he wouldn't let Ling Buyi be happy either.
Ling Buyi's eyes conveyed his thoughts: You're being shameless.
Yuan Shen's gaze retorted: As if you didn’t resort to shamelessness to win your new bride.
Ling Buyi: Our union was destined by heaven.
Yuan Shen: Destined by heaven? Or by the Son of Heaven? Do you think I’ve read so many books I’ve gone stupid?
"...Is Young Master Shanjian still attending matchmaking sessions?" Ling Buyi suddenly asked.
Yuan Shen froze for a moment before understanding the implication. With a hint of melancholy, he replied, "I must marry eventually." Mutual respect and understanding would suffice—wasn’t that how most ordinary couples lived? He wondered where he might ever find another Cheng Shaoshang, so delightful and quick-witted.
Ling Buyi smiled, his radiance as dazzling as snow-laden trees under sunlight, almost too bright to behold. "Good. I shall congratulate you in advance on finding a splendid match. When you come to sing, my wife and I will surely climb the wall to listen attentively." Dare to come? That little fox would probably hurl things from the wall at you. Does Yuan Shanjian really think she’s as mild-tempered as Madam Sang? On the way back to the residence, Ling Buyi leaned against the carriage beam, his youthful and fair face slightly flushed as the breeze dispersed his mild intoxication. Before long, the carriage turned into the alley, and the two rows of guards halted. Everyone noticed a middle-aged man with a long beard, dressed in scholarly attire, standing at the entrance of the Ling residence. The Liang Qiu brothers quickly dismounted and helped the slightly drunk Ling Buyi alight from the carriage.
Leaning on Liang Qiuqi's arm as they walked inside, Ling Buyi smiled and said, "Why is Master Ouyang standing at the door?"
Ouyang Guan walked alongside him with a chuckle. "Young Master is quite heartless, attending the betrothal banquet yourself while leaving this old man to deal with the Wang family's pestering. I've been craving that golden fragrant wine for days now."
Liang Qiu Fei asked in surprise, "The Wang family came again? How many days has it been now?"
Ouyang Guan replied, "If not for this old man's silver tongue today, the Wang father and son would have barged into the Cheng family's betrothal banquet."
Liang Qiu Fei curled his lips, his expression full of disdain.
The courtyard was quiet and empty. As Ling Buyi walked, he pondered for a moment before stopping. "Master Ouyang, draft the transfer order as we previously discussed. Have Zhang Shan lead the Fourth Left Cavalry to assist Wang Long. They need not follow his every word but act according to circumstances. Also, have Li Si select two groups of archers, two teams of crossbow guards, and another five hundred elite soldiers to report under the General of Chariots and Cavalry's command. They must be respectful."
Ouyang Guan cupped his hands and left to carry out the orders.
Liang Qiu Fei exclaimed in shock, "This subordinate thought the Young Master would never agree."
"A Fei," Liang Qiuqi chided softly. His younger brother, though tall and skilled in archery and horsemanship, was only a few months older than the future Young Master's wife. Having grown up doted on by everyone in the residence, he was inherently naive at heart.
"Leaving them hanging for seven or eight days is enough," Ling Buyi said, pressing his temples with one hand, visibly weary.
Liang Qiu Fei dared not argue further but muttered discontentedly, "That Wang Chun keeps a bunch of useless gluttons around. The soldiers he trains aren't even as good as county clerks—utterly embarrassing! They nearly had their camp overrun by a few mountain bandits, and the Young Master had to cover for him, pretending it was some feint strategy to save face in front of the other generals. Thank goodness we didn’t marry his daughter, or else that Wang fellow would’ve flaunted his father-in-law and brother-in-law status even more..."
Ling Buyi gave him a faint look, and Liang Qiu Fei immediately fell silent.
Liang Qiuqi sighed inwardly and stepped forward to change the subject, saying softly, "Young Master, you drank quite a bit today. Why not rest at the Cheng Residence for a while? This subordinate noticed the Female Lord didn’t appear all day—perhaps she was waiting for you in the rear courtyard."
Waiting for him? Ling Buyi removed his sword and shoes as he entered the room, scoffing inwardly. That little vixen wouldn’t do such a thing even after ten lifetimes. "She said she has a big event tomorrow and needs a full day of rest, telling me not to bother her."
Liang Qiu Fei sighed. "The Female Lord is too... Why can’t she just focus entirely on the Young Master?"
Ling Buyi closed his eyes for a long moment before murmuring to himself, "...She knows how to take care of herself. That’s good."
Liang Qiuqi summoned the attendants and maids to assist, then grabbed his brother by the collar and pulled him outside, whispering, "What do you know? Back then, Lady Huo devoted her whole heart to the Ling family, giving everything she had, and look how that turned out. Besides, the Young Master holds a high position in court. If his wife doesn’t know how to handle things, would he have to take care of everything himself?"
Liang Qiu Fei suddenly understood. "So that’s how it is... Brother, how do you know so much?"Liang Qiuqi released his younger brother’s collar and said solemnly, "As your elder brother, I have four confidantes. Naturally, I know more about these matters than you do."
Liang Qiu Fei immediately looked up at him with reverence, as if gazing at a lofty mountain.
Ling Buyi sat on the folding chair, faintly overhearing the brothers’ conversation outside. For a moment, his thoughts seemed to drift away as he quietly gazed at a small potted kumquat on the windowsill—its delicate green leaves setting off the tiny, glossy golden fruits.
Early the next morning, Ling Buyi ordered a light and elegant carriage to be prepared and personally went to the Cheng Residence to fetch his betrothed. After leaving the city, they traveled eastward. The autumn air was crisp and clear, and the countryside scenery along the way was breathtaking. Shao Shang was in high spirits at first, but the handsome man beside her remained silent and withdrawn, lost in thought. So, she struck up a casual conversation with Liang Qiu Fei, who was riding alongside the carriage.
"...Young Female Lord, you wouldn’t know this, but General of Chariots and Cavalry is notorious for winning people’s loyalty with wine, women, and wealth. Even if a fierce warrior first joins his ranks, within a few years, they’ll be softened by indulgence. Ah, my brothers Zhang and Li—they’re really going to suffer now." Liang Qiu Fei was clearly still resentful about the reassignment.
"Ah, now, Guard Fei, that’s not entirely fair. Who doesn’t love wine, women, and wealth? Even I—" Noticing Ling Buyi’s sharp glance, Shao Shang quickly corrected herself, "Even my uncle from the Wan family loves them, and it hasn’t hindered his military campaigns. General Wang must have other shortcomings."
"Of course he does!" Liang Qiu Fei had a bellyful of grievances to vent, but just as he was about to continue, his elder brother shot him a disapproving look. He had no choice but to change the subject. "In any case, over the years, the Wang family has caused our Young Master quite a few troubles."
Liang Qiuqi quickly rode closer and interjected, "After all, General of Chariots and Cavalry is a senior relative of the Crown Prince. Out of respect for the Eastern Palace, we can’t let the Wang family lose too much face."
"That’s easy enough—just have General Wang retire early," Shao Shang suggested. "He can enjoy his wealth and status in peace afterward."
"Retire? Ha! The Wang family clings to power like—" Liang Qiu Fei caught his brother’s increasingly stern glare and swallowed his words. "In short, they refuse to retire."
Shao Shang grinned. "If he won’t retire willingly, you can help him retire."
"I wonder what brilliant plan my lady has in mind," Ling Buyi finally spoke up, unable to stay silent any longer.
The Liang brothers exchanged amused glances. Realizing their master and his betrothed wished to speak privately, they tactfully urged their horses forward to give them space.
Shao Shang turned to Ling Buyi with a mischievous smile. "I’ve heard that Wen Xiujun used to keep a tight rein on him, but lately, General of Chariots and Cavalry has stopped listening to her. Didn’t you gift him two beautiful concubines last time? Well, I think the problem is that there aren’t enough of them to get the job done. You should find some more—young, vigorous beauties—and send them his way. Secretly promise them that whoever can keep General Wang... personally engaged in battle will be richly rewarded when they leave the Wang household. With enough wealth, they can either marry well or establish their own independent households. In short, everyone must work together to ensure General Wang remains... thoroughly occupied in his bedchamber day and night."
Ling Buyi’s complexion seemed to grow even paler, veins bulging at his neck as if his words were being forced through clenched teeth. "...How can an unmarried young lady like you say such things? Why don’t you just have me send someone to slip Wang Chun some laxatives while you’re at it!"It would be amusing to have that Yuan fellow listen to this and see if Young Master Shanjian could handle it. Ling Buyi suddenly had another whimsical thought—if Lou Yao were to hear such remarks, would he still wholeheartedly agree and applaud without reservation? That would truly be beyond him.
Shao Shang laughed. "Why can’t I say it? This is a brilliant strategy—place a beauty there, and if he remains unmoved, all is well. Lacing his food with laxatives would only give people grounds for gossip. Ah, I wonder what General Wang’s tastes are. If only he preferred older women—you know what they say, ‘thirty like a wolf, forty like a tiger.’ Once she starts shaking heaven and earth like a wolf or tiger, I guarantee he’ll be pleading illness before New Year’s Day."
"Where on earth did you pick up such nonsense?"
"What do you think village women chat about when they’re idle under the sun?"
"And you listened to all of it?" Truth be told, crude jokes were common in the military camps too, but Ling Buyi, aloof and self-restrained, had always avoided them. Now, it seemed, his betrothed had made up for all the lessons he’d skipped.
"A thirst for knowledge knows no bounds, and learning never tires," Shao Shang said, smoothing her hair without a care. "Even Confucius said that the union of man and woman is the great moral principle of humanity."
"That was Mencius."
"Oh, close enough! Why must you nitpick every word like His Majesty? One must be magnanimous! Didn’t Confucius say that a gentleman’s greatest virtue is kindness to others? Surely you’ve heard of that."
"...That was also Mencius."
Shao Shang frowned. "How is it that everything was said by Mencius? What exactly did Confucius do?"
Ling Buyi suppressed a smile. "He was busy saying, ‘Women and petty men are the hardest to raise!’"
Shao Shang scowled. "If I’m so terrible, why did you agree to marry me? Go ahead and break off the engagement!"
"Absolutely not!" Ling Buyi declared righteously. "A mischievous little demon like you, with no filter—if I don’t take you in, you’ll surely wreak havoc upon the world."
"You—" For once, Shao Shang was at a loss for words. She clicked her tongue in frustration and angrily smacked his arm.
Ling Buyi finally couldn’t hold back his laughter, his clear, carefree mirth carrying all the way to the guards on either side. The Liang brothers exchanged a glance, their hearts full of joy. Liang Qiuqi thought to himself, only Miss Cheng had the knack—their Young Master’s gloomy mood since this morning had finally lifted.
"If you have something to say, say it to me. Don’t keep chatting with the guards in broad daylight," Ling Buyi said, eyeing Liang Qiu Fei riding ahead. The young man was lively and talkative—if the three of them—Ling Buyi, Liang Qiu Fei, and Shao Shang—walked down the street together, nine out of ten people would assume the latter two were the couple.
"Fine, then I’ll talk to them ‘at night,’" Shao Shang quipped without missing a beat.
Ling Buyi’s lips thinned, and he leaned in as if to bite her. Shao Shang giggled, blocking his mouth with her palm. Finding her playful demeanor utterly endearing, Ling Buyi kissed her soft palm, then swiftly pecked her rosy cheek.
Shao Shang flushed instantly. The handsome young man’s tall nose nearly brushed against her face, his breath warm and heavy. All bark and no bite, she recoiled like a scalded shrimp, shrinking into the corner and stammering, "...It’s broad daylight!"
The guards on either side kept their eyes firmly ahead, not a single one daring to glance into the well-lit carriage."You've had this grumpy, creditor-chasing face since we left this morning. How dare I speak to you?" Shao Shang quickly changed the subject.
Ling Buyi's lingering emotions were still evident, but given the time and place, there was little he could do. He could only retract his gleaming teeth and glare at her before taking one of her small hands into his large palm, kneading it gently. After a moment, he said, "If you can still be this cheerful on our way back after meeting my mother, then I’ll truly be impressed."
Shao Shang wasn’t the least bit concerned. A difficult mother-in-law? She’d seen plenty in her town—some who scolded, fought, even brandished kitchen knives in fits of rage. So what? She wasn’t one to back down either. Thinking this, she leaned closer to her fiancé with a flattering smile and suggested, "Being impressed isn’t fun. If I return in high spirits, how about you ask the Empress for an extra day off for me?"
"Another day off? Just to sleep all day?" Ling Buyi snorted. "Besides, your bet is unfair. If you win, I have to get you a day off. But if you lose, what will you give me in return?"
Shao Shang watched the deep, smoldering look in his eyes, the slight movement of his Adam’s apple as he spoke, and suddenly felt her mouth go dry, unable to meet his gaze—teasing was fine, but paying in flesh was out of the question.
Just then, her eyes caught sight of someone not far ahead, and she pointed excitedly as if spotting a savior. "Look, who’s that?"
Everyone turned to see an elderly man with graying hair and a ruddy complexion, dressed like a wealthy country gentleman—it was none other than Prince Ruyang.
The old prince was accompanied only by a few guards and attendants, currently trailing behind a lively wedding procession with great enthusiasm. He chatted merrily with the village elders while stealing glances at the bride seated in the ox-drawn carriage—a picture of shameless mischief.
Ling Buyi closed his eyes and sighed, deciding to let the girl off for now as he directed the carriage to approach.
"Your Highness, you’ve sneaked out of Three Talents Temple again," Ling Buyi said as he stepped down from the carriage, then helped Shao Shang descend slowly.
"Sneak out? I’m no prisoner!" Prince Ruyang seemed slightly embarrassed but, upon noticing only the engaged couple present, relaxed and said, "There’s a wedding in the village today, so I came to join the fun. In fact, I had a hand in arranging this match!"
Once steady on her feet, Shao Shang bowed with a grin. "Old Immortal, if you love festivities so much, why bother with monastic life? The mortal world is far more entertaining—how could you bear to leave it?"
"Ah, it’s a long story, a long story," the old prince replied, stroking his beard and shaking his head. Then he looked the girl up and down and smiled. "Well, Miss Cheng, you’ve grown even lovelier."
Ling Buyi observed this and suddenly remarked, "My betrothed doesn’t know this, but His Highness doesn’t just love festivities—he adores weddings. Since long ago, he’s loved watching people marry, arranging matches for them, and then—"
"—and then stepping in to marry them himself," Shao Shang finished mischievously. Ling Buyi couldn’t help but chuckle before bursting into laughter.
The old prince turned pale with fright, waving his hands frantically. "That’s not something to joke about, not at all! You two are a pair of troublemakers—a wolf matched with a tiger, neither any good! And to think I was the one who proposed the match to the Cheng family! Ungrateful wretches!" He huffed and made to leave in a dramatic flounce, but Shao Shang quickly caught his sleeve, apologizing profusely until he grudgingly stayed."Judging by the direction you're heading, you must be going to visit Jun Hua." The old prince suddenly grew melancholic. "Ah, what a strong and formidable young lady she used to be, and now she's like this. If Huo Chong were still here, who knows how heartbroken he'd be. She's had such misfortune—losing both parents early, and her elder brother passing before her. Ah..."
Ling Buyi's smile faded. Shao Shang didn't know what to say either and could only listen with her head bowed.
"You're going at the right time today. Just earlier, I saw Cui You pass by on this same road with a cart full of nourishing brocade. He's quite thoughtful, visiting her frequently. Ah, if only Jun Hua had married him back then. A-Yuan has adored her since childhood—he would've treated her like a goddess after marriage. Ah, it's all fate, all fate..." The old prince shook his head, unable to continue.
After parting ways with Prince Ruyang, they set off again. Ling Buyi sat silently in the carriage, and this time Shao Shang didn’t dare to tease him further. She cautiously reached for his hand, only for him to grasp hers firmly in his palm.
Noticing the faint veins protruding on his pale hand, Shao Shang winced slightly from the pressure but held back from saying anything.
Huo Junhua’s secluded residence was nestled amidst a flurry of apricot blossoms. The location was picturesque, with a stream in front and a mountain hollow behind, overlooking a village that belonged to Ling Buyi’s fief with tax revenue. At the moment, a large ammunition wagon was parked at the entrance of the residence, where seven or eight servants—both men and women—were busy unloading items from the wagon and carrying them into the inner courtyard.
Upon seeing Ling Buyi help Shao Shang alight from the carriage, they all bowed respectfully and greeted, “Young Master has arrived.”
Ling Buyi gave a slight nod before leading Shao Shang toward the inner courtyard. After only a few dozen steps, an elderly woman with a scarred face approached and bowed.
“A’ao, where is Cui Hou?” Ling Buyi asked.
“Reporting to Young Master, Cui Hou is already in the inner hall, speaking with the Female Lord,” A’ao replied, lifting her terrifyingly scarred face. Shao Shang managed not to flinch.
A’ao then turned to Shao Shang and said warmly, “This must be Young Lady Shao Shang. How lovely.” Seeing Shao Shang’s proper manners when returning the greeting, her smile deepened. “The Female Lord is in high spirits today. Earlier this morning, she even insisted on going to the grove to pick apricots.”
Ling Buyi smiled faintly and whispered to the girl, “A’ao is Mother Fu to my mother. She has no surname—she was picked up as a servant by my maternal grandmother when she was young. Later, when we go inside, just repeat whatever I say. Don’t speak out of turn.”
Shao Shang nodded quickly.
After removing their shoes, the three stepped into the inner hall. Suddenly, a strangely girlish voice—belonging unmistakably to a middle-aged woman—rang out from within.
“...How many times must I tell you? Stop coming here! I won’t marry you! If you keep showing up, I’ll have my brother chase you out with a stick!”
Then came the placating laughter of a middle-aged man. “...No, no, don’t call your brother! Ahem, cough—I’m not here to pester you. I just came to see you. This time, I brought two rolls of vibrant brocade—perfect for making you a new dress!”
Ling Buyi paused briefly, tightening his grip on Shao Shang’s hand before striding forward resolutely. Shao Shang stumbled along and was pulled down to kneel beside him.
“Young Lady, this humble one pays respects,” Ling Buyi said reverently, touching his forehead to the ground.
Following his example, Shao Shang also said, “Young Lady, this humble girl pays respects.” —Huh? Young Lady? Why not ‘Mother’?
Peeking from beneath her raised arm, she saw a middle-aged woman seated in the center of the hall, her features strikingly similar to Ling Buyi’s. If not for the impatience etched on her face, her beauty could rival that of the Empress and Consort Yue.
Opposite her sat a thin, middle-aged man with a somewhat shifty appearance—pointed mouth, monkey-like cheeks, and spindly limbs—living up to the childhood nickname ‘Little Ape.’
Huo Junhua sat grandly in the center, casting a disdainful glance their way before speaking in a coquettish tone, “Little Ape, look—A’ao mentioned them earlier. This is my cousin’s nephew. Their hometown was struck by disaster, and they couldn’t survive, so they came to seek refuge with my brother.”
Cui You, it seemed, was no stranger to this scenario. He could only nod with a bitter smile.Ling Buyi carefully examined his birth mother and said gently, "Young Lady, you look quite well today. There was a sudden chill a few days ago, so you should continue having that mutton soup."
Huo Junhua's willow-leaf eyebrows shot up as she slammed the table. "You mind your own business! A bunch of freeloaders, who are you to tell me what to do? Hmph! And today you even brought your new bride along to sponge off me. Let me tell you, know your limits—don't be insatiable. My elder brother has a good temper, but I won’t indulge you moochers!"
—This was truly an extraordinary sight. Since Shao Shang had known Ling Buyi, not only had no one dared to give him a hard time, but few had even dared to show him a displeased expression. Yet today, he was subjected to such an inexplicably harsh scolding.
However, he seemed accustomed to it, his expression unchanged.
"Alright, alright, your nephew is just concerned about you," Cui You quickly intervened to smooth things over.
Huo Junhua turned her ire toward him, shouting, "Mind your own business! Why are you calling my nephew 'nephew'? Are you trying to take liberties with me?"
A'ao, sitting beside her, coaxed, "No, no, of course not. Master Cui and the family head are like brothers, so naturally he would also call your nephew 'nephew.'"
Only then did Huo Junhua reluctantly rein in her temper, grumbling a few times before falling silent.
Seizing the moment, Cui You quickly had servants bring in two rolls of brilliantly colored brocade, personally unfurling them for the lady to see.
Huo Junhua cast a critical eye over them, muttering, "They’re not too ugly, I suppose. Fine, A'ao, put them away. I’m only doing this for your sake, A Yuan—don’t think I lack such things. My elder brother has everything... A Yuan, what style of dress do you think I should make this time?" She took the brocade from A'ao’s hands, holding it up against herself and laughing like a girl in her teens.
Cui You was overjoyed, beaming. "You’ve always been beautiful—anything you wear is first-rate!"
Flattered and pleased, Huo Junhua giggled smugly. "Of course! Who needs you to tell me that? In the entire county and countryside, if I claim second place, who would dare claim first?"
But after her moment of pride, her expression suddenly turned sorrowful. "But if I’m so beautiful, why didn’t Brother A Wen like me? He and my elder brother were so close, yet he treated me indifferently. When I was little, he even carried me up trees, but later he wouldn’t even acknowledge me. Why was that...?"
"Y-Your..." Cui You’s face flushed red, but he didn’t dare say it aloud. He stole a glance at Ling Buyi and whispered, "There’s a big age gap between you. He saw you as a younger sister."
No explanation was needed—by this point, Shao Shang’s mind was perfectly clear. She couldn’t help but glance nervously at Ling Buyi.
The young man beside her kept his eyes fixed on the ground ahead, motionless.
"I know!"
Huo Junhua suddenly shrieked viciously, her face twisted with resentment as she tore at the brocade with nervous hands. "It was that little wretch Yue Hen! Always dolling herself up to seduce people! She had to compete with me in everything, always stealing the spotlight, and made Brother A Wen despise me, push me away! I’ll never let her off—just wait and see how I deal with her! I’ll make that little wretch lose all face, too ashamed to show herself..." By the end of her curses, the middle-aged woman’s voice had taken on the tearful tone of a child.Nowadays, Consort Yue was no longer the daughter of a wealthy family from a neighboring county. Although the servants had been dismissed from the inner hall, one still couldn't insult her like this. Cui You was so anxious he paced in circles, hastily saying, "Ah, ah, there are other men in this world besides His, His... Majesty. You could marry someone else!" As soon as these words left his mouth, he knew he'd misspoken and nervously looked at the middle-aged woman.
Sure enough, Huo Junhua's expression became distant, and she murmured softly, "...There was one, with looks that were somewhat acceptable. His family name was Ling, and they had moved here from another region to escape hardship. It's a pity they were poor—old and young in the family, lacking food and medicine..."
Her face flushed with shyness as she nervously twisted the brocade in her fingers, then she lifted her head proudly. "But it doesn't matter. My elder brother had people and money—he could help him. As long as I was there, the Ling family would prosper slowly!"
Prosper they did, but later it had nothing to do with you—Shao Shang silently mocked.
"But my brother didn't like him. He said he wanted to observe him further. Why? Why!" Huo Junhua suddenly became agitated, rising in a frenzy. "I must go argue with my brother! Why won't he let me marry the man I love? I will marry him, I will! Brother, brother, where are you...?" Cui You and A'ao panicked, quickly trying to restrain her.
Huo Junhua struggled violently, shouting loudly, "Brother, brother, come out! Someone is stopping me from finding you! Brother, brother..." She suddenly paused, her face twisting into a look of terror as if she had seen a demon, her voice hoarse with anguish as she screamed:
"No—! My brother is dead! He's dead!"
Even the usually bold Rao Shaoshang was startled by this eerie, horrifying cry, shrinking closer to Ling Buyi.
Tears streamed down Huo Junhua's face as she wailed in a daze, "Brother is dead, they're all dead... I saw his head mounted on a flagpole, and my sister-in-law, and my nieces and nephews—all dead, corpses lying there. Little A'Su, she was about to be married... Oh heavens, heavens... I must go to them, I must go to them..."
A'ao held her tightly while Cui You knelt beside her, silently weeping.
Suddenly, Huo Junhua noticed Ling Buyi sitting nearby and murmured, "You... you are Ling Yi..."
As if seeing the youthful handsomeness of her ex-husband in his face, her eyes instantly filled with venomous hatred. Gnashing her teeth, she lunged at him: "You betrayed me! Why aren't you dead? My brother is dead—why aren't you dead? Die, die, die...!"
Her sharp fingers slashed toward Ling Buyi's face, but he swiftly raised his right arm and struck the back of her neck with a precise chop. Huo Junhua collapsed limply into his arms.
Ling Buyi lifted his unconscious birth mother and carried her horizontally. A'ao wiped her tears and led the way, while Shao Shang and the dazed Cui You followed behind. After settling Huo Junhua on the bed in the inner chamber, Ling Buyi sat quietly by her side for a while before instructing A'ao to take good care of her.Cui Hou continued to sob intermittently, patting Ling Buyi's arm as he said, "You should go back first. Last time was the same—seeing you always makes her think of your father. It's better if you two don't meet often. Come to my residence for drinks when you have time, and bring your new bride. I've kept something for your wedding. I'll stay a while longer. When she wakes up, I'll coax her a little, and perhaps she'll be happy again." With that, he hurried to Huo Junhua's bedside, gazing intently at the woman lying there.
Ling Buyi watched the two by the bed for a long moment before quietly leading Shao Shang out.
After lunch in the front hall of the Secluded Residence, the party rested briefly before hastily setting off again. The return journey was silent, with neither speaking.
Shao Shang's own thoughts were in turmoil. After a long while, she murmured, "I concede. Don’t ask the Empress for leave on my behalf."
It was just too tragic. Though mother-in-law issues were nonexistent—since the woman remained trapped in the carefree memories of her youth as the young Miss Huo, how could she recognize Shao Shang as her daughter-in-law?—it was still unbearably tragic that mother and son couldn’t even meet often!
Ling Buyi gently touched her cool cheek, draped the cloak from the seat over her shoulders, and pulled her close against his chest.
"But... what about Cui Hou's wife?" Shao Shang suddenly thought of something. Though Huo Junhua's madness was pitiable, what wife could tolerate her husband behaving so devotedly to another woman? She hoped there wouldn’t be a scandalous confrontation at the Secluded Residence, making headlines across the Capital City.
Understanding her concern, Ling Buyi smiled faintly. "Years after Mother remarried, Cui Hou was finally pressured by his elderly mother to marry. He had two sons. His wife died in childbirth delivering the second. Originally, Lady Cui wanted him to remarry, but soon after, Mother divorced Father. From then on, Cui Hou refused to marry again and has remained a widower to this day."
Shao Shang sighed deeply. "Truly, judging by appearances is unwise. Though Cui Hou is plain, his devotion is sincere, his heart true. Such unwavering affection... is priceless."
Ling Buyi gave a quiet hum in response.
A thought struck Shao Shang—the one who was "insincere in love and untrue in heart" was none other than Ling Buyi’s own father. Not wanting to dwell on it, she changed the subject. "Don’t worry. Since Madam Huo doesn’t know me or my family, I can pose as a poor relative coming to seek favors and visit your mother often... Um, she wouldn’t hit poor relatives, would she?"
Ling Buyi chuckled, stroking her soft hair. "You complain about not getting enough sleep even with ten-day breaks. How would you find time to visit Mother? Wait until after we’re married. By then, Your Majesty won’t keep dragging you to the Everlasting Autumn Palace for lessons. We’ll have plenty of time ahead..."
His voice grew distant as his gaze drifted toward the horizon, where wisps of smoke curled from a distant village, veiling the emerald mountains like a dream.
Shao Shang, accustomed to afternoon naps, grew drowsy from exhaustion and nestled against Ling Buyi’s chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat was gentle and reassuring, like the sound of her grandmother patting her swaddling clothes to lull her to sleep in childhood.
Soon, she drifted off.
Author's Note:
Finally made up for the previously missing word count. Exhausted.
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