Since the big shots had already set the tone for today's disgraceful incident, a group of strong and skilled eunuchs promptly 'restrained' Princess Ruyang and Chunyu Shi. The former was swiftly escorted onto a palace carriage and sent to the Three Talents Temple outside the city (Prince Ruyang interjected that there was no need to return home as he would personally pack his wife's belongings and send them over), while the latter was unceremoniously expelled from the palace and removed from the Register of the Household.
After handling this major affair, Shao Shang keenly noticed that everyone in the hall, from the Emperor to Yuhou, seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Yuhou even quoted elegantly: "It is not that we refuse to honor kinship, but the dignity of the sovereign reflects upon the state."
Prince Ruyang, beaming, slapped him on the back: "Well said! All those books you've read since childhood weren't in vain. I recently acquired several jars of wild fruit wine—rich, fragrant, and potent. Today, we must drink to our hearts' content!"
Yuhou, despite his advanced age and high rank, nearly stumbled and fell down the steps from the slap. He could only shake his head with a wry smile before being dragged away by the happily divorced old prince as they took their leave.
Consort Yue yawned slightly: "I'm tired and need my afternoon nap. Your Majesty, Empress, I shall take my leave now..." She bowed to the Emperor and Empress before swaying out of the hall.
"Ah, you haven't even had lunch yet. What's the hurry to sleep?" the Emperor called after her retreating figure.
Consort Yue replied, "I don't need to hunt tigers in the mountains or till fields. I sit around idly all day—I can eat whenever I please."
The Emperor could only watch helplessly as she left, then turned to pull the Empress along for lunch: "Never mind her. Let's go eat. Come on."
The Empress remained composed, responding softly and demurely as if nothing had happened.
Witnessing this scene, Shao Shang couldn't help but want to voice her opinion again about 'the Empress needing to maintain some authority over the consorts,' but Ling Buyi abruptly pulled her away. Only when they reached a secluded spot in the courtyard did she speak: "His Majesty is really... If he'd long intended to deal with that old, old..." She wanted to echo Hall Master Wei's crude term but lacked the nerve, settling instead on, "that old hag, why didn't he act sooner? The Empress suffered needless humiliation!"
"Do you think Princess Ruyang could be disposed of so easily?" Ling Buyi said.
"Couldn't she?" That old man in the dragon robe was the Emperor, after all. Wasn't his favor or punishment absolute?
Ling Buyi glanced around and smiled, leading the girl further into the quiet: "Princess Ruyang's arrogance stems from two things. First, His Majesty lost his parents young and was raised in his uncle and aunt's household alongside his siblings. For over a decade, he was just another nephew, and Princess Ruyang grew accustomed to ordering him about. Put yourself in her shoes—if your two younger brothers, A Zhu and Ou Er, had grown up playing and teasing around you, could you instantly start treating them as sovereigns, bowing and scraping overnight?"
Shao Shang thought of the two snot-nosed brats at home and suddenly found Princess Ruyang somewhat understandable. "...Still, even if it was hard to adjust at first, it's been years since His Majesty ascended the throne. She had no right to keep putting on airs. She got what she deserved."Ling Buyi nodded and, seeing several eunuchs approaching in the distance, waved them away. "That's true, but Princess Ruyang has another side to her. Though she is hot-tempered, narrow-minded, and now senile, she wasn't always like this. When His Majesty first rose to power, despite her reluctance, she still gave her full support—borrowing money and manpower, mobilizing noblewomen to sew robes and gather military supplies. Not to mention she lost two sons in the process. It's not as though she contributed nothing."
Shao Shang sighed. "But having contributed doesn't mean she can flaunt it like this. After all, there's a distinction between ruler and subject, and times have changed. The old princess can't treat the palace as her own home."
"Chunyu Shi is just a petty person, not worth mentioning. But the old princess is different. In the past, she could even recommend officials for appointments. Later, His Majesty gradually distanced himself from her—rejecting most of her requests and ignoring her recommendations. A few years later, Prince Ruyang also separated from her, and her influence waned. That's why she's now reduced to meddling in marriages."
"Is this 'later' you speak of when your mother and father divorced?" Shao Shang asked cautiously.
Ling Buyi lowered his head with a faint smile, his brows furrowing like distant mountains. "No, it was when my mother 'fell ill.'"
Shao Shang's heart skipped a beat. Director Xiao truly had her merits—her predictions were accurate more often than not. No wonder Old Man Cheng had survived the brutal culling of the chaotic times when so few made it out alive.
"Back then, His Majesty's influence was weak, controlling little more than the Capital City and a few surrounding towns. The old princess was the eldest female lord in His Majesty's family—not just his aunt but also his foster mother. Over the years, His Majesty took in many people—neighbors, surrendered generals, and even renowned heroes and great clans who came to pledge allegiance..."
"Uncle Wan and my father were among those who came seeking his reputation," Shao Shang interjected.
Ling Buyi chuckled. "I heard your uncle spent those years searching everywhere for a wise lord." It was rare to see someone like Wan Cheng, dragging his private army around, single-mindedly looking for a good leader.
Shao Shang playfully smacked him and scolded, "Don’t you know it’s rude to expose the truth?"
Ling Buyi laughed before continuing, "Very well. Put yourself in their shoes—if you were Prefect Wan or your father, wandering the chaotic times in search of a worthy lord but repeatedly disappointed, and then heard His Majesty had ordered his uncle to divorce the aunt who raised him, without knowing the reason—what would you think?"
"That... would seem rather cold-hearted."
"You were fortunate. Many of the surrendered generals had blood feuds with His Majesty's commanders. Some still had private armies and wealth, living in constant fear. They only laid down their weapons because they trusted His Majesty's benevolent nature and willingness to pardon them. If someone had stirred up trouble, things could have turned ugly."
"And now..." Shao Shang suddenly said, "His Majesty controls three-quarters of the land, his reputation and power incomparable to the past. Those concerns no longer exist." That must be the main reason.
Ling Buyi hesitated before adding, "It’s also because the old princess bullied the Empress too much."
Shao Shang pursed her lips and sneered. "No wonder Consort Yue said last time that the old princess's affection for Madam Chunyu moved the heavens. How fitting...""Heh, that's not necessarily the case." Ling Buyi revealed a peculiar smile. "Even a minor county magistrate can develop deep-rooted connections over a decade, let alone someone of Old Princess's status who naturally has her loyal followers. When she quarreled with the old prince years ago, many mediators stepped in. Unable to shake her off, the old prince could only request to practice asceticism outside the city. If she couldn't even protect someone like Chunyu Shi who saved her life, everyone would know her influence had waned."
"What influence?" Shao Shang looked utterly confused. "All I see is her making loud scenes in the palace. I've never understood why Old Princess acts so domineering..."
"Silly child." Ling Buyi affectionately ruffled the girl's hair. "To you, she just seems loud, but to those with ulterior motives, she represents boundless wealth and power."
After studying Ling Buyi for a long moment, Shao Shang said, "...Prince Ruyang went to practice outside the city not to escape his shrewish wife, but to distance himself." No wonder—a man who wasn't weak wouldn't leave home just because he feared his wife.
"Because this way, no matter what Old Princess did over the years, it would have nothing to do with him. After all, he was the one who advocated for divorce but endured for the greater good." The image of the old prince's cheerful, warm, and guileless face surfaced in her mind.
"It's not quite that extreme, but..." Ling Buyi clasped his hands behind his back, gazing at the high-flying eaves of Everlasting Autumn Palace in the distance. His moonlit Straight Hem Robe fluttered in the autumn breeze, his heroic bearing striking. "Some people, even if they themselves aren't greedy, can't bear to neglect their children, descendants, private army, and close confidants."
"I understand." Shao Shang nodded. "His Majesty originally intended for Old Princess to gradually fade away, since she couldn't interfere in important matters anyway. After all, she's his aunt—unless absolutely necessary, His Majesty wouldn't pursue further. Who knew Old Princess would insist on digging her own grave? Sigh, the Empress can't see this, which is why she tolerates that old woman everywhere. She should be more like Consort Yue..."
"It was my advice for the Empress not to interfere with Old Princess's affairs," Ling Buyi suddenly said.
Shao Shang gaped.
Seeing her dumbfounded expression, Ling Buyi smiled slightly: "I told the Empress to temporarily endure when encountering Old Princess. His Majesty sees and hears everything—no loss will be in vain."
"Then then then why does Consort Yue dare to, to to...?" Shao Shang stammered.
"What the Empress cannot say, Consort Yue can. Because more Yue family members died than Old Princess's sons, and their achievements surpass the old prince's. Consort Yue herself risked death several times following His Majesty. How could Old Princess have the nerve to bring up past events before Consort Yue?"
Shao Shang's chest heaved, her mouth dry when she spoke: "...Conversely, the Empress's Xuan family neither achieved many merits nor had many members die for His Majesty?"
Standing with his back to the sun, Ling Buyi gazed at her with profound eyes: "The Xuan family has few members. In a few days is the Empress's birthday—you'll see her younger brother Marquis Xuan then. Every time he enters the palace, he brings many jewels and treasures, likely leaving a generous portion for you."
After pondering, Shao Shang said: "So Marquis Xuan isn't a particularly capable man either.""You should look on the bright side," Ling Buyi said with a laugh. "Didn't you once make bold declarations to Lou Yao, saying things like 'Only in desolation can one truly spread their wings—what's the point if everything is already flourishing'? What, now that you see the Empress's side seems weaker, you're losing heart?"
Shao Shang glared at him resentfully. "Not at all! What need is there for such a powerful Empress's family? To rival His Majesty? Since the Emperor has established the Empress, he must have his own reasons. I'm not afraid! Besides... isn't there still Lord Ling like you..."
"Remove that last line, and your words would carry much more conviction," Ling Buyi chuckled.
Shao Shang thought for a moment and couldn't help but laugh too. She realized her earlier bravado had been rather hollow.
She had intended to bring Ling Buyi back to the Everlasting Autumn Palace to join the Emperor and Empress for lunch, but Ling Buyi said he needed to meet with several commanders of the Feather Forest Guard to discuss security arrangements for the Empress's birthday banquet and would find her later. Thus, they had to part ways.
Upon returning to the Everlasting Autumn Palace, she found the Emperor already finished with his meal and sipping fruit wine. When his piercing gaze swept over her, Shao Shang's heart trembled, and she quickly preempted any criticism by explaining that Ling Buyi had insisted on leaving—it wasn't that she had failed in her wifely duties by not keeping food for her betrothed. However, the Emperor always found a reason to scold her.
The Emperor said, "Do you think Zisheng is as idle as you, spending his days eating and drinking without a care? Look at you—after sleeping soundly all day yesterday, your face has even rounded out. But Zisheng? He's grown thinner again since autumn began..."
Shao Shang felt deeply wronged and wanted to retort, 'If you care so much, why not assign him less work?' But aloud, she could only declare loudly, "Your Majesty is most wise! This humble one is well aware of Lord Ling's toils and has already prepared several nourishing recipes for autumn and winter to properly restore his health! Oh, and for the Empress as well—I've thought of that too."
The Emperor snorted. "That's more like it."
The Empress sighed helplessly beside him. "Enough. You may go and have your meal now. Return to me after your midday rest."
Shao Shang fled as if granted amnesty. In the side chamber, Zhai Nanny had kept food ready for her. As she ate, Shao Shang grumbled, "His Majesty still isn't satisfied with me."
Zhai Nanny smiled. "The Emperor actually likes you. If he truly disliked someone, he wouldn't have so much to say."
Shao Shang asked with a pained expression, "Zhai Nanny, has my face really gotten rounder? Actually, yesterday I..." She suddenly froze mid-sentence, as if a fine needle had pricked deep in her heart—no blood drawn, but a dull ache lingered.
Zhai Nanny hurriedly reassured her that she hadn't gained weight at all and offered many comforting words, but the atmosphere grew inexplicably somber. Puzzled, she asked why Shao Shang had fallen silent and was eating so quietly.
Shao Shang forced a smile. "It's nothing. But after such a major event today, I didn't realize it earlier—now I just feel exhausted."
Zhai Nanny agreed it made sense and urged her to rest after finishing her meal.
After eating, Shao Shang returned to her quarters and sat by the window for a long while. Feeling stifled, she excused herself to trim a few autumn chrysanthemums to decorate the inner chamber, stepping into the courtyard for fresh air. The palace maids, knowing how favored Shao Shang was by the Emperor and Empress, naturally didn't stop her.
Standing alone amidst the lush foliage, Shao Shang quietly pruned the overgrown branches, losing track of time. Then, suddenly, a familiar voice called out—"Shao Shang, what are you doing here? I've been looking everywhere for you."She slowly turned around, staring fixedly at the man approaching against the light. He seemed to have drunk some wine, his handsome face flushed with a faint, becoming glow.
"...At this hour, you're usually napping and wouldn't stir for anything. What brings you out wandering today?" The young man smiled warmly. Even in this deserted moment, slightly intoxicated, he remained composed, his steps unhurried.
Ling Buyi placed his hand on the girl's shoulder. Through her clothes, Shao Shang could feel those long, powerful fingers—just a little more pressure, and they could crush her shoulder blade.
Softly, he asked, "What's wrong? Couldn't sleep?"
Shao Shang subtly shrugged off his hand and slowly set down the bronze scissors. "Why don't you ask me why I sent a message to Yuan Shen?"
Ling Buyi didn't move a muscle, only his deep brown eyes narrowing slightly. The smile vanished from his face.
Shao Shang noted this and finally confirmed her suspicions at this last moment.
"...The fine performance you all put on today—gathering Yuhou and Prince Ruyang, arriving just as the Old Princess confronted the Empress. Such coincidences don't exist. The Old Princess rarely visits the palace, and from her arrival to yours, barely half an hour passed. If Yuhou happened to be discussing matters with His Majesty at the Department of State Affairs, what about the old prince at Three Talents Temple outside the city? He hasn't entered the palace in years except on New Year's Day."
"The mastermind behind this must have seen Lady Chunyu leaving my home in anger yesterday, then followed her to Prince Ruyang's residence where she complained to the Old Princess. That's how they knew the Old Princess would come to the palace today to trouble me. I initially thought it was His Majesty's doing—no surprise there, as rulers may investigate their subjects without question. But earlier, His Majesty said I 'slept like a log all day yesterday.' If he were truly monitoring my household, how would he know about Lady Chunyu's afternoon visit but not my two-hour morning visit to the Wan residence?"
"Lord Ling, it was you, wasn't it? You orchestrated this. His Majesty likely only ordered an investigation after hearing rumors about the Cheng family. But you—you're the one who's been spying, down to the smallest detail!" Shao Shang's chest heaved violently as she resisted the urge to reach for the bronze scissors—though it likely wouldn't have helped.
Ling Buyi said coolly, "...His Majesty indeed wishes the Old Princess to live out her years in peace."
"And you set the stage!" Shao Shang clenched her fists, her voice low but intense. "Not that it matters. As Wen Xiujun said, you're the Emperor's hound! But—"
"Don't use that foolish woman's words to provoke me," Ling Buyi replied icily. "The Empress was right—you should learn to hold your tongue."
The authoritative chill in his tone made Shao Shang flinch.
"Countless people would leap at the chance to serve His Majesty—your father and brothers, your Uncle Wan, don't they all dream of serving the Emperor? If I'm a hound, then isn't every official in court? Who wouldn't want to be? Those who truly disdain such service should follow Yan Divine Immortal's example—resign and live in seclusion. From the Southern Palace Hall of Political Discourse to the Northern Palace Secretariat, from the scholars in the lecture halls to the soldiers on the Martial Arts Field—who doesn't aspire to be His Majesty's trusted confidant?"Shao Shang was momentarily speechless under his imposing aura, taking several deep breaths before she could steady herself. "Fine, you're right. Then why are you spying on me? That has nothing to do with Your Majesty or court affairs, does it?"
"If I hadn't kept a constant eye on you, how could I have protected you from Third Princess or sent you money when you needed it?" Ling Buyi dismissed the accusation with disdain.
"I never objected to your surveillance in the palace. After all, the inner court is unpredictable, and I was even grateful for it!" Shao Shang said urgently. "But yesterday was in my own home! What danger could I possibly face there? Why were you still watching me? You... you even spied on my entire family!"
"I wasn't watching your family. I was watching you," Ling Buyi suddenly said. "Though Cheng Xiaowei is quite capable, he's not worth that much effort from me."
Shao Shang let out a series of cold laughs. "Fine, I understand now. Since that's the case, you must also know why I sent a message to Yuan Shen."
"That's not hard to guess." Ling Buyi parted the branches and slowly walked toward the girl, circling her halfway. His tall figure loomed over her like a shadow, enveloping her completely. Shao Shang stood her ground, refusing to back down despite the overwhelming pressure.
"You saw Lou Yao on the street, looking dejected and unwell, and felt pity for him. But Madam Xiao is too cautious to allow you to contact him again. So how could you learn about his situation? You didn't dare ask your father or brothers, nor could you inquire on your own. In your so-called cleverness, you thought of Yuan Shen. He's Lou Yao's elder brother's close friend and shares some 'connection' with you..."
"No, no!" Shao Shang instantly realized what he was implying and hurriedly denied it. "There's nothing improper between us! That would be an insult to you, and I'd never do such a thing! When he asked me to relay a message from Master Huangfu to my aunt, he said he owed me a favor. I thought I might as well have him help with this and settle the debt!"
"You have me. Why seek help from others?" Ling Buyi's tone softened slightly. "Is there anything in this world that I cannot do but Yuan Shen can?! You wanted to know about Lou Yao's situation? Let me tell you."
"Lou Yao and He Zhaojun are deeply estranged. Though both intend to make their marriage work, any incident would shatter their fragile peace. After Lou Yao returned to the Capital City, his elder brother secured him an official post elsewhere. Lou Yao was delighted, but He Zhaojun refused to leave the Capital City, unwilling to part with her younger brother and unwilling to let Lou Yao go alone. Now you know why Lou Yao is so despondent. What do you intend to do? Comfort him?" By the last sentence, Ling Buyi was practically sneering.
Shao Shang was left speechless and frustrated.
Why did people think Ling Buyi had the demeanor of an ancient gentleman? If this man wanted to infuriate you, he wouldn't stop halfway. Were all ancient gentlemen such insufferable figures?
Shao Shang decided to change tactics—strike unexpectedly and catch him off guard. She took a deep breath and said, "Let's set Lou Yao aside for now..."
"Oh? Now you're setting him aside? Weren't you just agonizing over him?" Ling Buyi's eyes darkened, his tone oddly mocking.
Shao Shang silently repeated to herself ten times, 'Patience prevents great plans from failing,' and forced herself to remain calm. "Let's talk properly. Lou Yao has endured He Zhaojun's temper for a while now—he won't drop dead anytime soon..."Ling Buyi's expression softened slightly.
"But why are you spying on me all day long? You're not my jailer!" Shao Shang could barely suppress the urge to shout. "If I kept pestering you about who you met and what you did every day, would you be happy?"
"Men and women are different—how can it be the same?" Sometimes the Emperor's decrees truly couldn't be disclosed, and Ling Buyi was utterly baffled by the girl's vehement reaction. "I merely wish to know your circumstances. Why are you so displeased?"
Shao Shang nearly threw her head back and howled in frustration before declaring solemnly, "I don’t like you having people watch me. Call them off at once."
"No." Ling Buyi refused flatly, then added in confusion, "What is it that you can’t let me know?"
"You—! Fine! If you don’t withdraw your spies, I’ll never speak to you again!" Unable to hold back, Shao Shang stamped her foot and hissed in anger.
"As you wish."
Ling Buyi had no desire to listen further. He turned away sharply and strode off, his sleeves flaring behind him.
The autumn sun shone warmly, casting dappled shadows through the dense foliage. Shao Shang stood rigidly amidst the interwoven shadows of branches and leaves, fists clenched, nearly bursting with rage.
Author's Note:
Here comes the second argument you've all been waiting for~
Thank you, my dear readers, for showering me with your generous support~
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