Love Like the Galaxy

Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships have always been complicated, especially with a stepmother-in-law like Chunyu Shi. Shao Shang had initially worried about how to get along in the future, but after meeting Huo Junhua yesterday, she completely changed her mind. Not only did she not want to serve Chunyu Shi, but she also wanted to completely break free from her—

Step One: First, provoke Chunyu Shi—the cruder, the better. Then Chunyu Shi would complain to Ling Hou or even spread rumors outside.

Step Two: Given the executor’s pitiful, innocent appearance, she would weep everywhere about how Chunyu Shi bullied her and fabricated lies.

Step Three: Add fuel to the fire by inventing some stories about a stepmother scheming against the legitimate eldest son, giving the public plenty of room for imagination.

Outcome One: At minimum, Ling Buyi would see right through it but happily back the executor. At best, the Emperor would fly into a rage, unleashing both old and new grudges.

Outcome Two: This would conveniently put an end to the impending "mother-in-law and daughter-in-law cohabitation," ensuring they’d stay out of each other’s way in the future.

Mastermind: Cheng Shaoshang.

Lead Executor: Cheng Shaoshang.

Supporting Executors: Director Xiao, Ling Buyi.

Backing Support: Ling Buyi & the Emperor & the Empress…

Onlookers and assorted gossipmongers: Old Man Cheng and his circle of relatives and friends, who could be assigned roles based on their acting skills.

That’s the plan.

However, scheming isn’t arithmetic—it can’t be as precise as plugging numbers into a formula. Before Shao Shang could figure out how to set this plan in motion, she first ran into the Emperor in the Everlasting Autumn Palace, who had just finished his morning meal.

At the time, the Empress was adjusting the Emperor’s robes and jade belt. When the Emperor saw the girl standing there meekly with her head bowed like a quail, he immediately frowned and said, "Why haven’t We seen you in so many days? Didn’t the Empress say you’d rest one day every ten? How many days has it been now? Hmm, We recall your rest day was… three days ago, wasn’t it?"

Shao Shang sighed inwardly. She didn’t know what was wrong with the Emperor, but he seemed addicted to scolding her. If he happened to pass by, he’d reprimand her daily. If he didn’t, he’d make a detour just to scold her every other day. Did she really seem that unreliable?

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. The day before yesterday, this humble one was resting at home."

"And after that?" The Emperor struggled not to smirk at her phrasing of "the day before yesterday."

Shao Shang replied, "The day before that, wasn’t my family hosting the betrothal banquet for Lord Ling? My father invited many relatives and close friends." You old man, did you forget you bestowed so much wine just the other day?

"Why wasn’t the betrothal banquet held on the same day as your rest day?" The Emperor deliberately adopted a stern tone, which earned him a sharp tug on his belt from the Empress.

"B-because… the betrothal banquet needed p-preparation…" Of course, it was to get an extra day off. They were all in the same boat—did His Majesty really need to be so nitpicky?

"Did you organize the banquet?" the Emperor pressed.

"N-no, well… this humble one just helped a little. The important thing was to observe and learn, to gain more experience…"

The Emperor lowered his brows and put on a serious expression. "Last time, during the Cheng and Lou families’ betrothal, didn’t you observe and learn? How come you still can’t handle arranging things yourself this time?"

The Empress yanked his belt so hard she nearly squeezed his breakfast out of him.

Shao Shang’s face turned green. "Uh, this humble one… well, learning has no end. The more I learn, the more I realize how ignorant I truly am, so I need to observe and learn a few more times… heh…"The Emperor had been orphaned since childhood, but his nature was bright and cheerful. Unfortunately, the path to rebellion had been fraught with hardships and rivers of blood. After ascending the throne, he had to set an example for the realm, only able to jest occasionally with a few old comrades. Thinking back, it had been many years since he last indulged in such mischief.

He had initially wanted to say, "If you got engaged a few more times, wouldn't your knowledge become even more profound?" But seeing the Empress's disapproving gaze, he changed his words: "Very well. After the engagement banquet, why didn’t you come to the palace?"

Shao Shang breathed a sigh of relief and quickly replied, "The day before yesterday, Lord Ling took me to visit Madam Huo."

The laughter in the Emperor's eyes paused momentarily, and the Empress's hands stilled. After a brief silence, both regained their composure.

The Emperor asked, "How is Madam Huo lately?"

Shao Shang answered, "She has grown somewhat thin, but her complexion seems fine. Oh, and Cui Hou was also there."

The Emperor fell silent, his expression somber.

Noticing this, Shao Shang hurriedly defused the last bomb: "Ah, after leaving the Apricot Blossom Secluded Residence, I felt quite melancholy. Reflecting on the sorrows and joys of life, the helplessness of it all, I couldn’t shake it off for a long time. So Lord Ling requested another day’s leave from Her Majesty for me, to... well, calm my emotions, settle my mind..."

The Emperor laughed again, "What emotions do you need to calm? What does a little child know about the sorrows and joys of life, about helplessness? Putting on airs—you were just slacking off, as if no one could tell!"

Just as Shao Shang was about to bring up Chunyu Shi, Grand Steward Cao Cheng arrived to summon the Emperor, reporting that several officials from the Department of State Affairs had arrived. The Emperor nodded, then sternly ordered the girl to study diligently and make up for the missed days before departing the palace.

Shao Shang quickly said to the Empress, "Your Majesty, yesterday, Ling Hou's wife came to my home! Thinking of Madam Huo’s current situation, I couldn’t help but feel furious at the sight of her, so I said some angry words."

Though gentle, the Empress was no fool. She gave the girl a once-over and smiled, "You offended Ling Hou’s wife and now want His Majesty and me to back you up?"

"Your Majesty, let’s not talk about offending anyone—I was upholding justice!" Shao Shang flattered, holding the Empress’s arm as they walked toward the inner chamber. "Unless you actually like Ling Hou’s wife?"

The Empress shot her a glance. "Liking her is beside the point. You should learn to control your tongue, seizing every chance to spout nonsense and act frivolously. It’s fine in my palace, but if you do it outside, see if people won’t scold you."

"I only say such things around you, Your Majesty. Do you see me speaking like that elsewhere?"

"You’re not allowed to babble recklessly here either!"

"Then when can I say what I want? At home? But I spend more time in the palace than at home now—it’s so stifling!"

"You may speak freely only when I say so!"

"...Fine."

Having missed four days of lessons, Shao Shang studied with unusual diligence that morning. After what felt like ages, just as her stomach began growling, Zhai Nanny came to announce the meal—only for a junior palace attendant outside to suddenly report: Old Princess Ruyang had arrived with Ling Hou’s wife.

The Empress paused, then said, "Admit them."

Old Princess Ruyang was as haughty as ever, but today she wore full princess regalia, draped in jade and adorned with multicolored silk trimmings. Following closely behind her, Chunyu Shi was similarly dressed in solemn attire, her eyes swollen from prolonged weeping.

Shao Shang took one look and scoffed inwardly.Old Princess Ruyang gave a slight bow as a perfunctory gesture of greeting. Shao Shang, who was kneeling beside the Empress, mimicked the motion by bending her neck at an almost flat angle toward the old princess. However, Chunyu Shi was more proper and performed the full courtesy.

"May I ask the reason for Aunt's visit today?" The Empress spoke with cool dignity.

Princess Ruyang sneered and pointed beside her. "This old one has come today precisely for that little wretch!"

"Mind your words, Princess!" the Empress said sharply. "Shao Shang has been by my side for months, always gentle, respectful, frugal, kind, and generous. There has never been any impropriety. For Aunt to arrive today in such a furious manner is excessive."

Shao Shang lowered her head further. Accustomed to being scolded, she blushed at such fierce praise.

Princess Ruyang slapped her knee forcefully. "Every word this old one speaks is true! Yesterday, Ling Hou's wife visited Cheng Residence with good intentions, gifting land and maidservants. Not only did she receive no gratitude, but this wretched girl also humiliated her! Empress, if you do not punish this insolent girl today, this old one cannot accept it!"

The old woman's voice boomed through the hall, nearly shaking the rafters. Chunyu Shi obligingly added a few sobs from behind.

Shao Shang inwardly scoffed. What do I care if you accept it or not? Even if you drop dead, it's none of my business.

The Empress glanced sideways at Shao Shang before replying, "I trust Shao Shang deeply. I doubt she would act so—"

"Your Majesty! This old one swears to heaven!" The old princess's voice was hoarse with fury, spittle flying.

In an era when people held strong beliefs about divine retribution, the Empress faltered momentarily. Gathering her thoughts, she said, "Such family matters should be discussed with Consort Yue present—"

"Empress!" Princess Ruyang enunciated each word deliberately. "You are the mistress of the Six Palaces. Punishing a junior is a trivial matter—must you consult a mere consort?!"

Zhai Nanny could no longer hold back. "Her Majesty may summon whomever she pleases. The Princess oversteps her bounds."

"Insolent slave!" the old princess roared, her expression savage. "How dare a lowly servant interrupt when nobles are speaking? This is the Empress's leniency—such a slave deserves a harsh slap!"

Though the old woman's fury was intimidating, Shao Shang secretly cheered her on, hoping she would dig her own grave deeper.

The Empress's face was icy, though her slightly quickened breath betrayed her anger. Suddenly, she said, "Shao Shang, you may speak freely in front of the Princess and Ling Hou's wife."

At these words, Shao Shang's eyes lit up.

Chunyu Shi's face paled—she had experienced Shao Shang's relentless arguments before. But Princess Ruyang continued to screech, "Empress! This old one has brought the aggrieved party here. Just punish the girl already—must you let a junior argue with this old one?!"

"My, how domineering the old Princess is! To those who know, it seems you're so enraged you've lost control of your words. To those who don't, one might mistake you for the ruler of the realm, the leader of the Six Palaces." Shao Shang slowly stepped forward and knelt to the Empress's right front.

"You wretched little—!" The old princess pointed at her, cursing.Shao Shang said, "Her Majesty wished to summon Consort Yue, but you wouldn't allow it. When she wanted to ask a few more questions, you demanded she punish me immediately. My, you're far more formidable than His Majesty himself! The Emperor and Empress always discuss matters together—they don't throw their weight around like you do. This afternoon, a learned old scholar is coming to continue my lessons on etiquette. I'll be sure to ask her whether the Old Princess's behavior today conforms to proper decorum!"

Princess Ruyang's face immediately flushed crimson.

"Oh, I forgot to mention—this old scholar has a cousin who serves under the Imperial Censor." Shao Shang stared at that aged face now the color of pig's blood, feeling exceptionally pleased.

At worst, today's incident could be dismissed as mere royal family affairs. But if it were brought to court, it would immediately attract a swarm of officials like flies to blood. No matter how much Princess Ruyang prided herself on her seniority and status, she wouldn't want to ring that particular bell.

"It's all my fault," Chunyu Shi suddenly spoke up, twisting a plain handkerchief between sobs. "The Old Princess only spoke so harshly because she was indignant on my behalf. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!" As she spoke, she kowtowed repeatedly until her forehead became red and swollen.

The Empress turned her head away but had no choice but to say, "You are forgiven."

Princess Ruyang shot Shao Shang a venomous look. "What a sharp tongue! Truly cunning and vicious. It was you who humiliated Ling Hou's wife—do you admit your guilt?"

"What guilt? I never said anything humiliating to Lady Ling," Shao Shang retorted.

"This old woman dares swear—"

"What use is your oath? You weren't even present—you didn't see or hear anything. You're relying entirely on Lady Ling's account. For all we know, you've been deceived too." Shao Shang didn't even need to think to counter arguments of this level.

As Princess Ruyang faltered, Chunyu Shi immediately threw herself forward. "I too dare swear—I swear on my life that Cheng Shaoshang did indeed humiliate me that day with all manner of insults and foul language—"

"Your oath isn't credible in the slightest," Shao Shang said airily. "Someone of your character wouldn't hold the gods in any regard."

Chunyu Shi choked on her words. Unwilling to pursue the topic of her own character, she could only cry out to the Empress, "I had two maids with me that day—they can bear witness!"

Shao Shang laughed. "Oh dear, madam, have mercy. Those maids were bought with your money—they'll say whatever you tell them to. If that's how it is, I can also fetch some servants from Cheng Residence to testify that you tried to coerce me into putting something unsavory in Lord Ling's food that day, to leave him without heirs so your own son could inherit his vast estate. If two maids aren't enough, I can find you twenty witnesses—how about that?"

This utterly nonsensical, far-fetched sophistry left even Old Princess Ruyang momentarily dumbfounded. Chunyu Shi was so enraged she seemed about to steam from her ears, but could only point at Shao Shang, sputtering, "You... you... this deceitful, lying—"

Finally catching her breath, she tearfully knelt and pleaded, "Empress, I absolutely cannot accept Cheng Niangzi's slanderous accusations! Not only would I never say such things, I've never even thought them. If these words were to spread even slightly, I could never show my face in society again! I beg Your Majesty to see the truth—if my innocence cannot be proven, I would rather die!"The Empress looked troubled and was about to speak some conciliatory words when Shao Shang quickly addressed Princess Ruyang: "Your Highness, if I too dared to swear an oath that Madam Chunyu indeed harbored intentions to harm Lord Ling, would you uphold justice and punish her severely as well?"

Princess Ruyang instinctively recoiled. Reflecting on past events, even she couldn’t claim Chunyu Shi had acted without any selfish motives, so she couldn’t confidently vouch for her. Instead, she deflected, "What oath are you talking about? Madam Chunyu already swore one earlier—why won’t you just admit your mistake?" Catching her breath, she softened her tone. "You’re just a child; a slip of the tongue is understandable. The elders won’t hold it against you. Just apologize properly, and we’ll let this matter pass, alright?"

Shao Shang sneered inwardly. Did they think she was a three-year-old to be fooled so easily? If she admitted fault now, they’d surely pile on the punishments.

She retorted, "Your Highness is mistaken. I obediently followed my elders’ arrangements for my betrothal—unlike Madam Chunyu, who took matters into her own hands. Moreover, she lived off the Huo family, ate their food, drank their wine, and stayed under Madam Huo’s roof for years, only to seize her place the moment misfortune struck. So, my oath is trustworthy—hers is not! Old Princess, have you grown so senile you can’t grasp such a simple matter? Unless..."

Suddenly, she shifted her tone, winking mischievously, "Unless the Old Princess herself once behaved like Madam Chunyu... hmm?"

"Enough of this nonsense!"

"How dare you speak so recklessly!"

—Princess Ruyang and the Empress spoke simultaneously.

The former turned purple with rage, nearly lunging at Shao Shang, while the latter pinched her brow, torn between amusement and exasperation.

Chunyu Shi slumped back weakly, seething with frustration. Here it was again—she knew once this little viper opened her mouth, any matter would devolve into an indictment of her past. Yet, she had no choice but to defend herself.

"Though I was at fault back then, Sister Junhua pushed me too far. She had previously allowed the Marquis to take concubines—why couldn’t she tolerate me?" she sobbed tearfully.

Princess Ruyang immediately rallied to her side: "Exactly! Just a mere concubine—yet Huo Junhua couldn’t endure it. Such jealousy and malice..."

In the Empress’s presence, Shao Shang dared not mention anything about beds, so she said instead: "I wouldn’t presume to know Madam Huo’s thoughts. But her temperament was no secret—everyone knew it. If things had reached such a point, why didn’t Madam Chunyu yield? After all, the Marquis and his wife had nearly a decade of shared affection. Even if Madam Chunyu and the Marquis... ahem... developed feelings the moment Madam Huo and her son disappeared, that would still only amount to a year at most. If one place won’t take you, surely another will? Since you were content to be a concubine, why insist on this household? Unless..." She nearly laughed as she added, "Unless you and the Marquis had already shared years of affection by then?"

Chunyu Shi’s face paled, her entire body trembling.

Over the decades, she’d faced countless challenges, but never an opponent like Shao Shang. Those without shame lacked her status and wouldn’t dare confront her; those above her station wouldn’t stoop to such open hostility.

Old Princess Ruyang was utterly dumbstruck. Where had this cunning girl come from? She was nothing short of a shameless little shrew!Chunyu Shi's face turned deathly pale as she addressed the Empress respectfully, "Your Majesty, though this humble one comes from lowly origins, I cannot tolerate Cheng Shaoshang's insults and slander. If Your Majesty does not intervene, I can only end my life in protest."

"Ah, how noble and unyielding Madam is, unwilling to suffer humiliation—truly admirable and worthy of praise. Had Madam been willing to die ten years ago, Madam Huo wouldn't have been driven to sever the marriage in anger, and many things today might have been different." Shao Shang interjected softly, her words dripping with sarcasm. Chunyu Shi's eyes burned with fury, wishing she could strangle the girl's sharp tongue right then.

"Very well," Shao Shang clapped her hands together as if struck by inspiration. "Why don't we both make a vow? If Madam doesn't dare to die, then I'll take back everything I said. But if Madam truly dies, then let..."

Though neither Princess Ruyang nor Chunyu Shi had any intention of taking this bet, their hearts still clenched in anticipation.

"...then let Lord Ling never take another concubine in his lifetime!" Shao Shang finished in one breath. "Well? Isn't that a sufficiently vicious oath?" She grew even more delighted as she spoke.

The Empress quickly turned her head to cough lightly, while Zhai Nanny burst out laughing—only to choke on her own saliva and dissolve into a fit of coughing.

Chunyu Shi's pale face flushed red with rage, her nails nearly piercing her palms.

Princess Ruyang, being older, couldn't contain her anger and suddenly swayed backward. Chunyu Shi hurried forward to catch her.

At that moment, faint laughter drifted in from outside the hall. Everyone turned to see Consort Yue stepping lightly into the room with delicate grace, followed by the Emperor with his hands clasped behind his back. As they entered, Consort Yue glanced at Shao Shang, a smile playing on her lips, and remarked, "So this is Zisheng's new bride." The Emperor, however, shot her an exasperated look.

Trailing behind them was the ever-unruly Prince Ruyang, dressed in formal attire, dragging a middle-aged man in crimson official robes into the hall by the arm. Grand Steward Cao Cheng followed, urgently pleading with the old prince to let go.

The last to enter was Ling Buyi himself. He walked in slowly, casting a faintly amused glance at Shao Shang but saying nothing.

Shao Shang instantly deflated, quickly shrinking behind the Empress and kneeling properly, her expression the picture of meek obedience.

Chunyu Shi, sharp as ever, sensed trouble the moment this procession entered. Realizing today's matter wouldn't end well, she dared not press for justice any longer and knelt fearfully to the side, clearing the path for the imperial couple.

Only Princess Ruyang remained oblivious to the danger, still ranting, "Your Majesty, surely you heard that just now! This wretched girl spouts nothing but nonsense, utterly disgraceful! You must punish her severely—"

"Aunt!" Consort Yue didn't even bother sitting down before cutting in. "What did I say during the last palace banquet? Whatever you do with Chunyu Shi is none of my concern. If you think your pride can bear it, act as you please. But if you think you can come to the palace and dictate terms—absolutely not!"

Facing Consort Yue, Princess Ruyang's bluster faltered, and her tone softened. "When have I ever dictated terms? But Cheng Shaoshang is still a junior—can't I, as her elder, even ask a single question? Isn't it a junior's duty to seek the affection of their elders?"Consort Yue let out a few hollow laughs. "Aunt, you certainly don't mince words. Do you think Shao Shang became Zisheng's betrothed simply because you favored her? You may have liked Nuying, but Zisheng didn't—did she end up married to him?"

"Don't you dare bring Nuying into this!" Princess Ruyang roared in fury, then turned to bellow at her husband, "Are you just going to stand there like a dead man while she slanders our granddaughter?"

"Shut your mouth, old hag! Who are you to lecture me?" Prince Ruyang's voice was equally thunderous. "If not for your constant meddling with Nuying, I'd have long found her a fine son-in-law to marry into our family!"

The Empress rubbed her ringing ears and said softly, "Uncle, please sit down with Yuhou first. We can discuss this calmly. Zisheng, don't just stand there—help the old prince take a seat."

Ling Buyi complied, assisting the old prince and Yuhou to their seats before naturally moving to sit beside Shao Shang.

Shao Shang cautiously tilted her head and mouthed, "Sorry, I might have caused trouble again."

Ling Buyi swiftly pinched her soft little earlobe and mouthed back, "It'd be strange if you didn't cause trouble." After a pause, he added, "Don't worry, I'm here."

Reassured, Shao Shang was about to say something witty when the Empress suddenly turned and glared at them both, forcing them into silence.

"...What kind of person is Huo Junhua? You used to hate her too, so why are you speaking up for her today? Clearly, you're just trying to spite me!" Old Princess Ruyang scanned the room and realized the only possible ally left was Consort Yue.

"Aunt, you know my temper since childhood," Consort Yue said sternly. "My grievances with Huo Junhua are one thing, but she never wronged the Ling family, nor did she wrong her son Ling Buyi!"

"She devoted herself wholeheartedly to Ling Yi, supporting the Ling family in every way. But what about Ling Yi? Before even a year had passed with his wife and child missing and their fates unknown, he was already entangled with Chunyu Shi. Did he show any respect to the Huo family? As for Eleventh Master—back then, amidst war and chaos, with scarce food and clothing, mother and son were displaced. Huo Junhua wrapped her son in fur coats and saved her own rations for him, just to survive. Where was Ling Yi then? Oh, he was busy preparing to marry his new wife!"

She deliberately mocked, "When Huo Junhua was finally found, she was so emaciated I barely recognized her. No matter how flawed her character, she was a good mother. She never failed her son, so Ling Buyi must not fail her either by pandering to some Chunyu Shi! Not even if Ling Yi orders it! I’ll say it plainly today—when I return, I’ll petition His Majesty and the Empress. From now on, Chunyu Shi is forbidden from entering the palace unless summoned!"

Chunyu Shi listened with her head bowed, humiliated to the point of barely being able to remain kneeling. She deeply regretted her lack of restraint today, coming to provoke Cheng Shaoshang only to suffer the consequences.

Old Princess Ruyang’s face turned red and green with fury as she glared around the room. "Fine! You’ve all come today just to shame me!"

Suddenly, she yanked out several hairpins, shaking them violently until her well-maintained hair tumbled loose. She then threw a tantrum at the Emperor. "Your Majesty, no matter how flawed Chunyu Shi is, she once saved my life! Humiliating her today is humiliating me! If His Majesty doesn’t give me justice today, I’ll dash my head against the walls of Everlasting Autumn Palace and let the world judge you for it!"

"You want to die?" Prince Ruyang clutched his chest, torn between shock and delight.

The old princess immediately backtracked, shrieking, "Before I die, I’ll go out and cry injustice! Let the people see how His Majesty treats the aunt who sheltered him and his siblings as they grew up! Let’s see if his precious reputation survives!"

The Emperor’s expression darkened, while Prince Ruyang grabbed Yuhou by the collar and roared, "See? This is the madwoman I’m stuck with! At the slightest displeasure, she threatens to die or make a scene. Back when I wanted to divorce her, you spouted nonsense about 'not abandoning a wife who shared your hardships' and gave me that idiotic advice—'separate but don’t divorce'—sending me outside the city to play at being a monk! I couldn’t even recite the Dao De Jing properly, yet you had me 'cultivating the Dao'—what misery! Fine, I won’t divorce her. But can I annul the marriage now? I want an annulment!"

Yuhou could only laugh bitterly and sigh repeatedly."How dare you?!" Princess Ruyang immediately rushed over, grabbing and pulling at her husband's sleeve, hitting and pounding while weeping and wailing bitterly, "I bore your children and managed your household—if not for merit, at least for hard work! I even had two sons die fighting for Your Majesty, and you dare treat me like this?!"

Prince Ruyang forcefully pried his old wife away, shouting back, "People die in war—did the Yu family lose no one? They were my sons too—do you think I don't grieve? Only you keep harping on it day and night, utterly unreasonable!"

Turning to Yuhou, he howled, "Even prisoners have sentences! I truly can't endure this anymore. Can't we just split the family assets and children with this old hag? She can have all the wealth—I can't bear her any longer! One day, she'll be the death of this entire family..."

Though the old prince exaggerated, everyone understood his underlying meaning.

Yuhou smiled bitterly, "It's not that this junior wishes to trouble Your Highness, but with His Majesty currently promoting Confucianism, if you set this precedent by abandoning your wife of humble origins, who knows how the Confucian scholars might criticize it..." Worse still, it might implicate the Emperor's attitude toward his meritorious officials.

At this point, Consort Yue suddenly spoke, "Uncle loves bustle most—what use is this tedious Daoist practice? In my opinion, Aunt should be sent to Three Talents Temple to cultivate her mind and nature."

Yuhou clapped his hands, laughing, "Her Highness speaks wisely—this would satisfy both sides." He'd actually considered this solution but couldn't voice it as a subject.

With matters reaching this point, all eyes turned to the Emperor for his decision.

The Emperor said slowly, "The old princess is aged and confused, frequently behaving madly, resulting in impropriety before the sovereign. Let her be sent to Three Talents Temple for proper recuperation. Cao Cheng, dispatch some palace staff to the temple... to properly care for Aunt and prevent outsiders from disturbing her."

Princess Ruyang collapsed weakly to the ground, bewildered, seemingly not yet comprehending what had happened.

Chunyu Shi was even more terrified, frozen in place, not daring to move a muscle.

Shao Shang glanced at the two women, then suddenly leaned toward Ling Buyi's ear: "How long has His Majesty wanted to deal with Princess Ruyang?"—The Emperor had clearly planned this far in advance. She'd only intended to isolate her stepmother-in-law early, but compared to the Emperor, her ambitions were far smaller.

Ling Buyi's eyes were like deep pools as he gazed at her momentarily before smiling faintly and whispering, "Right after that palace banquet."

Author's note: To clarify here, Ling Hou's name is Ling Yi—I previously wrote it incorrectly as Ling Gu and will correct it when I have time. Thank you, little angels, for your support!