Following a stone slab path behind the waterside pavilion, Shaoshang and her companions slowly arrived at the back mountain. After sitting on stone stools by the pond for a while, she suddenly said: “Madam Fu, do you still remember that year when I fell gravely ill in that countryside cottage? If not for your devoted care, by now grass would probably be knee-high over my grave.”

A’Zhu was startled, then smiled: “Young Mistress has great fortune and fate—you naturally turn misfortune to blessing. How dare I claim credit?”

Shaoshang gazed at the weeping willows by the pond: “…Madam Fu is still the same, never saying an extra word, never wanting any extra benefit. You probably don’t know—at that time, I didn’t know what my parents and brothers looked like, what their temperaments were. Madam Fu, you were the only person in this world I could trust.”

A’Zhu’s heart ached. She said gently: “The past is past. Now how Master, Madam, and the young masters cherish you!”

“Yes.” Shaoshang murmured to herself. “These years have been like a dream. This past month I’ve kept sleeping endlessly, wondering if one day I’d wake up and discover it really was just a dream. Alas, no matter when I wake, I’m still in the same old place.”

A’Zhu didn’t understand at all, only advising: “Young Mistress was exhausted and has slept too long—people get a bit confused.”

Shaoshang smiled self-mockingly and turned her head: “Madam Fu, I’m afraid I’ll never be able to forgive Grandmother in this lifetime.”

“Ah?!” A’Zhu had originally thought, seeing the girl become increasingly open-minded these days, that the situation had eased. She hadn’t expected to hear these words.

Shaoshang added: “…I won’t deliberately make trouble for her either. It’s just that some wrongdoings can never be undone. Madam Fu, don’t blame me.”

A’Zhu sighed: “After all the suffering Young Mistress endured, how could I blame you?”

“Before, Mother always said I carried resentment. I didn’t accept it, but thinking about it now, she was right.” Shaoshang smiled.

A’Zhu hesitated: “Madam, Madam has long regretted it. Now toward you, she…”

“Madam Fu need not say more. I understand Mother’s intentions. I won’t keep dwelling on these things anymore. From now on, I won’t keep remembering who dislikes me, who wronged me. If I’m angry, I’ll let it out on the spot—can’t keep holding it in.”

A’Zhu said with relief: “It’s wonderful that Young Mistress can think this way.”

Shaoshang murmured: “On the contrary, I want to remember who likes me, who treats me well… As long as I think of these people, I’ll live with confidence. People should think more about good things. Madam Fu, am I right?” The clear pond water rippled with glimmering light, faintly reflecting on her face, seeming to illuminate her heart as well.

…

Once the court’s grand policy and strategy were issued, orders flowed out one after another. Those who should suppress rebellion did so; those who should pacify did so.

The Crown Prince requested an imperial decree to go to war. The Emperor happily agreed, then ordered a general headquarters established in Chenliu Commandery of Yan Province to supervise warfare and relief efforts and monitor implementation of the land survey decree throughout the regions. Many people understood clearly—this was the Emperor accumulating merit for the Crown Prince. So everyone cooperated with smiles and applause, expressing willingness to contribute money and people.

Shaoshang couldn’t help sighing. Actually, years ago Uncle Emperor had cultivated the Prince of Donghai the same way, but the ministers had either advised against it or curled their lips in disdain—wasn’t it because the current Crown Prince was formidable? Not only efficient in handling affairs, but his temper was even more efficient. Anyone who dared secretly trip him up would definitely be dealt with clearly and spotlessly.

Before Shaoshang had finished packing her luggage, the Crown Prince had already led his mighty guard and ceremonial procession out the city gates, heading east.

Cheng Yang, holding her belly, went to see off her husband traveling with the Crown Prince. Upon returning, she spread gossip saying that at the departure ceremony, the Crown Prince and Empress both looked impatient, while the Emperor and the Crown Prince’s household concubines were sad and reluctant to part.

Everyone laughed heartily.

Cheng Yang worried: “Jia is timid and not skilled with bow and horse. Will he be alright?”

Shaoshang consoled: “Don’t worry. However cautious His Highness the Crown Prince is, he’ll be equally so. Don’t be displeased—this assignment must be His Majesty specially looking after Young Marquis Ban considering the Ban family’s dwindling numbers. Otherwise, see if others would fight for it!”

Cheng Yang exhaled deeply: “That’s true. Jia said the Crown Prince will first go to Yan Province headquarters to plan, then several army routes will arrive successively. Mm, Yan Province is currently calm and peaceful—there should be no trouble.”

Now that Madam Cheng had recovered, her children naturally had to leave one after another. Cheng Yong and Wan Song, both couples, departed first, followed by Cheng Zhi. Originally Cheng Cheng also wanted to return to Bailu Mountain quickly, but his wife was diagnosed pregnant. Madam Xiao insisted on keeping Lady Qing Cong. Cheng Cheng couldn’t bear to part from his wife, so every day he wavered between scholarship and affection.

These past days Cheng Shi had been frantically busy. Having finally assembled troops, he had to follow General Han to several commanderies west of Si Province. The good news was he would travel the same route as Cheng Zhi, so Cheng Shi could escort the Cheng Zhi couple back to his post. The bad news was that on the day of their departure, they received an express message—Cheng Zhi’s superior, the commandery governor, had been struck on the forehead by a stone thrown by rioters and fallen unconscious. Since the commandery magistrate had previously been severely injured and unconscious, the commandery governor, following procedure and struggling before passing out, appointed the magistrate of the commandery’s largest and most prosperous county to replace him in guarding the people—namely, Cheng Zhi.

“Is Third Uncle about to be promoted again?” Even Shaoshang envied Pig-Head Uncle’s luck.

Palace Steward Cheng indicated he could cast a divination to see if the commandery governor would die, and nearly got beaten by Madam Xiao.

Madam Xiao pulled Cheng Zhi’s ear and admonished him at length, the general meaning being he absolutely must not show half a hint of anticipation for promotion. Instead, he should serve at the commandery governor’s sickbed even more actively than the most perfectly filial son.

Madam Sang smiled: “Sister-in-law, rest assured. Aside from handling official business, I’ll have Zigu sleep right beside the commandery governor’s bed.”

Cheng Zhi covered his ear with a bitter expression.

Several days later, Shaoshang finished packing luggage and carriages, organized her guard and garrison troops. Palace Steward Cheng had also calculated the auspicious day and hour. Just one day before they were to depart, the palace suddenly sent someone to summon her for an imperial audience. Shaoshang hurriedly removed her lazy, casual robe and changed into the dignified curved-hem garment Uncle Emperor liked before daring to enter the palace. After various twists and turns, Shaoshang found the Emperor on the white jade long steps outside the west gate of Changqiu Palace.

The Emperor sat on the stone steps, glancing at her sideways: “Released for barely over a month and your bones have already gone slack. How long since you wore this garment? The creases aren’t even ironed flat.”

Shaoshang awkwardly knelt on the lower stone steps: “Well, well… resting in bed, getting up is troublesome. Why waste good clothing…?”

“By that logic, I should commend you.”

“This humble woman dares not!” Shaoshang quickly said.

“You dare. There are few things in this palace you don’t dare.” Uncle Emperor smiled so widely several beard hairs flew up. “After Shenan’s funeral, Fifth departed to his fiefdom. That day when he returned, the Empress suddenly said the palace has become so quiet. Before, at least you and Fifth secretly fought. Now one by one everyone’s leaving…”

Shaoshang quickly explained: “How would this humble woman dare strike an imperial prince! It’s only that the Fifth Prince is magnanimous—this humble woman presumptuously played around with him, just playing around!”

“Enough, stop your smooth talk. Fifth refuses to admit it anyway. A fine grown man, constantly getting pinned down and beaten by a little girl—truly making me lose all face—so I also refuse to acknowledge it.” The Emperor said faintly.

Shaoshang laughed dryly.

The Emperor stared toward the west for a long time, so long that Shaoshang felt her knees hurt from kneeling. The old man finally spoke: “Stop kneeling, sit down too… Alas, Shaoshang, has I made many mistakes in this life?”

Shaoshang was startled, only then realizing the Emperor was looking toward Yong’an Palace. Knowing he was thinking of the Grand Empress Dowager, she felt momentarily sad.

“How can Your Majesty say such words?” she said.

The Emperor said: “I’ve spent my life in military campaigns. Looking back in my twilight years, I realize many people died because of me. Zicheng’s father, Second Sister, Shenan, and so many others… The more indifferent to desire and kindhearted a person, the earlier they die.”

Shaoshang pondered for a moment, then said gently: “Your Majesty, please do not undervalue yourself. Years ago when the realm was in great chaos and the people suffered terribly, if not for Your Majesty turning the tide, who knows how many more years of chaos there would have been! The reason Your Majesty thinks this way is precisely because Your Majesty harbors kindness and always considers others. Whether Her Majesty the Grand Empress Dowager, this humble woman, the full court of civil and military officials, or the subjects across the realm—I dare swear to heaven—being able to meet such a magnanimous sovereign as Your Majesty is all our good fortune.”

Hearing the girl’s utterly earnest tone, the Emperor smiled despite himself: “Well said. So I’ve governed the realm fairly well after all.”

“More than fairly well! Now the realm is at peace… uh…” Shaoshang thought of the armed rebellions outside resisting the land survey decree and struggled for words. “In any case, now the state is prosperous and people peaceful, resting and recuperating—all Your Majesty’s achievement!”

The Emperor said as if casually: “Mm, if that’s so, then what exactly are you afraid of?”

Shaoshang froze: “Afraid? What is this humble woman afraid of? I’m not afraid of anything. Sometimes I think I’m too bold!”

“No. You only appear bold and reckless but actually walk on thin ice.” The Emperor seemed to understand everything. “Let me ask you: now the realm is peaceful, you were born into a prosperous family, both parents alive, siblings loving—first, no worries of life and death; second, no suffering from hunger and cold. Why do you always fear you’ll meet with misfortune?”

Shaoshang felt thunderstruck.

The Emperor continued in a measured, patient voice: “You clearly have mutual affection with Zicheng, yet you always think of leaving yourself an escape route. Zicheng isn’t blind and ignorant—that’s why you two constantly quarrel…” He paused and smiled bitterly. “Naturally, you leaving yourself an escape route was right. That rascal later got into trouble, and it was fortunate you were there. But what about now? You delay and hesitate—are you still afraid?”

Shaoshang’s whole body turned cold. Holding her arms, she sat dumbly to the side: “I, I, this humble woman…”

The Emperor’s expression was gentle, without威势 威势: “Since you’re fortunate to be born in a peaceful, well-governed age, without family burdens, and now have both people and money, why still be so frightened, even toward your beloved having layer upon layer of concerns? Rarely does one get to be human for a lifetime. If you always look ahead and behind, you’ll miss much moving scenery.”

Shaoshang began sweating coldly, unable to speak like a child caught peeking at answers.

The Emperor sighed: “Those in this world who can earn my admiration number less than one hand. The Empress counts as one.”

Shaoshang looked at him questioningly.

“Shenan and I, this lifetime we’ve been pushed along by fate. When things came to a head—whether raising the banner of rebellion or marrying—you had no choice but to agree. But Aheng is different. Initially I worried she’d suffer grievances and regret and resent, but she said: not everyone can meet the person they love. If you meet them, never let go. Better to suffer pain a lifetime than regret forever. She chose her own path. Even if worn down by years and eroded by wind and frost, she absolutely won’t regret it.”

Shaoshang said enviously: “These are indeed words Empress Yue would say. However…” She smiled mischievously. “Your Majesty, are you praising yourself? Praising that Empress Yue is devoted to you without regret, refusing to let go no matter what?”

The Emperor smiled helplessly: “Alright, you should return now. Departing tomorrow morning, right?” Shaoshang quickly answered yes. The Emperor continued: “Shenan was right. Though you’re female, you’re even more stubborn than ordinary men. I won’t force you. In any case, marry whoever you want. The great road stretches to heaven—choose your own path.”

Shaoshang prostrated herself to take leave. Halfway out, she turned back to see Uncle Emperor like a leisurely old man basking in the afternoon sun, hands clasped behind his back, seeing her off.

The Emperor waved at her: “Go, go. Leave early, return early.”

Gratitude filled Shaoshang’s heart. She bowed again before leaving.

Early the next morning, three groups of people departed the city one after another.

Zhang Shan stole glances at the handsome, solemnly riding young man ahead and asked quietly: “Why is Young Master in low spirits?”

Liang Qiufei leaned over to whisper: “Yesterday Young Master proposed Miss Cheng travel together. Miss Cheng declined.”

“Are we going the same direction?” Zhang Shan wondered.

“Take a slightly longer route and won’t it be the same direction?”

Zhang Shan sighed: “Miss Cheng really—even if they can’t be husband and wife, there’s no need to refuse someone from a thousand miles away!”

Liang Qiufei deeply agreed.

Huo Buyi slowly raised his right hand. Seeing this, Liang Qiuqi loudly shouted: “Depart!”

…

Fifth Cheng peered from the window at Yuan Shen sitting inside the carriage and asked a young servant beside him quietly: “Why is your young master unhappy?”

That servant whispered: “Yesterday Young Master went to the Cheng residence proposing to travel together. Miss Cheng politely declined.”

“Are we going the same direction?” Fifth Cheng wondered.

“Take a slightly longer route and won’t it be the same direction?”

Fifth Cheng sighed: “Speaking of which, I also lived at the Cheng residence for a while. Everyone in the Cheng household, top to bottom, are kind and righteous people. How can Miss Cheng have such an iron heart? Even if they can’t be husband and wife, they can still associate as old friends.”

The servant dared not respond.

Yuan Shen, who had been resting with closed eyes, removed the jade pendant from his waist and tapped the carriage wall. Then the Yuan family garrison leader shouted: “Depart!”

…

Palace Steward Cheng leaned against the carriage window and said to his sister outside, dressed splendidly in riding attire: “Perfectly fine—why are you displeased?”

“What business is it of yours!”

Palace Steward Cheng smiled slyly: “I know. Yesterday afternoon both the Huo and Yuan families sent letters. Hey, hey, what did the letters say?”

Shaoshang heavily struck the carriage with her whip and said resentfully: “Keep chattering and you’ll be riding the horse while I sit in the carriage!”

Palace Steward Cheng was scared and shrank back inside the carriage.

Shaoshang mounted her horse and rode directly to the very front of the convoy. Raising her riding whip, she impatiently ordered: “Depart!”

—Damn it all to their great-aunt’s father’s eighteen generations of unvirtuous ancestors! Rarely had she collected her emotions, wanting to take a soul-searching journey where she could just leave whenever—what kind of situation was it to have two former fiancés along!