In Crown Prince Ziduan’s heart, all women under heaven—whether old or young, beautiful or ugly, blood-related or not, with two legs or three eyes—could be divided into two categories: virtuous and not virtuous. This system of evaluating people helped His Highness the Crown Prince avoid many troublesome mistakes.

Though he looked very unfavorably upon a certain young woman, her mother, Madam Xiao, was one of the rare women he considered virtuous.

Just as different periods required officials with different talents, the Crown Prince believed different family circumstances also required family women with different modes of virtue. At that time, the Cheng family could barely maintain food and clothing. Madam Xiao carefully planned and properly arranged everything, finally helping her husband elevate the Cheng family from a small rural household to a respectable official noble family.

The Crown Prince had personally been on battlefields and knew that forests of spears and rain of arrows were no joke. That Madam Xiao, while pregnant multiple times, still supported her husband in personally facing fire and water—this commanded solemn respect.

As for families like the imperial clan who had long since escaped danger and hardship, women only needed to deeply understand righteousness and be gentle and compliant.

Unfortunately, his family was the place most abundant in shrews, resentful wives, and vicious women—

The late Noble Consort Xuan was not particularly virtuous.

His birth mother, Empress Yue, was extremely not virtuous.

Aside from the Second Princess, his sisters, aunts, and the numerous other princesses had nothing to do with the word “virtuous.”

Initially, his maternal uncle, Marquis Da Yue, sent his only daughter to serve at his side. In all conscience, the Crown Prince liked this cousin—not only was she beautiful and lively with words like pearls, the two also shared childhood acquaintance. At first he wasn’t without thoughts of establishing her as consort. But later, after careful consideration—was his cousin virtuous? Not virtuous.

She loved to act coquettishly and sulk, had narrow vision, always hoped the Crown Prince would give her his whole heart, always felt she was different from other women—a perfect second Empress Yue. However, he was not Father Emperor, so his cousin could not become a second Empress Yue—without sharing sweetness and bitterness, without sharing life and death, where would such unwavering devotion come from?

Moreover, he couldn’t let the Yue clan continue growing more powerful. One family with three marquises and one empress, with numerous clan members and retainers serving as officials—that was already enough. The Wang family of the tyrannical emperor in the previous dynasty initially was just a fallen household in the capital. After the Wang woman bore a son and became empress, the family had ten marquises and spanned three generations of emperors, then wielded overwhelming power that couldn’t be contained.

More importantly, his cousin also wasn’t truly indifferent to matters beyond “true feelings” the way Empress Yue was.

Though the Crown Prince often saw Father Emperor being bullied by Empress Yue with no strength to fight back, he also acknowledged that if Empress Yue had to choose between her natal family and the Emperor, as long as it didn’t reach the point of complete family execution, Empress Yue would definitely choose the Emperor.

Several times when Yue clan youngsters committed misdeeds outside, Empress Yue was even angrier than the Emperor. Not only would she stomp her feet at the palace gate cursing “What little bastards dare ruin His Majesty’s reputation—watch me flay your skin!” she would even personally send people to the Yue family to severely rebuke them and order Marquis Da Yue, as clan head, to severely punish them.

But his cousin? The Crown Prince silently shook his head.

Never mind strictly restraining her natal family like Empress Yue—even within the Yue clan itself, she wanted to prioritize supporting her own full brothers.

As he was formally established as heir apparent, the Crown Prince increasingly frequently pondered what kind of crown princess consort he should establish.

First, she must have upright character—absolutely not mean and narrow like the former Crown Princess Consort Sun. Second, she must be virtuous, benevolent, and wise, able to tolerate other consorts and their children. Third, her family power couldn’t be too great, or she’d be a second Wang family from the previous dynasty. But he also couldn’t truly find someone from a minor household, or how could she command the daughters of meritorious nobles throughout the palace?

Before the Crown Prince could reach a conclusion, he was ordered to leave the palace to inspect implementation of the land survey decree, then… then… then he was fed a bowl of calming medicine and carried like a dead pig overnight away from the chaotic place. When he opened his eyes, he was already in the residence of Regional Inspector Liang Wuji of Yu Province.

Both sides of the bed were lively—on the left stood his maternal uncle Marquis Da Yue with a face black as a pot bottom, solemnly stating he would inform Empress Yue about the Crown Prince’s reckless willfulness and dangerous actions (subtext: you brat, wait for your mother to strip you bare). On the right was the tearful Imperial Commissioner Yu, repeatedly saying he would submit his resignation to the Emperor (subtext: I’m telling on you to your father).

The Crown Prince’s head throbbed. He only wanted to rush out and tear apart that young woman who’d tricked him into drinking medicine—once upon a time, Cheng Shaoshang was the woman farthest from the Crown Prince’s positive evaluation. Now, even farther.

In His Highness the Crown Prince’s view, even women like the Fifth Princess who manipulated power, seized land, and kept male favorites were somewhat better than Cheng Shaoshang.

Because women like the Fifth Princess and Sun Shi could commit misdeeds fundamentally due to men’s inaction—the former because Father Emperor was soft-hearted and couldn’t bear to strictly discipline her, the latter because the former Crown Prince was endlessly weak, manipulated by a pretentious wretch.

Whether the Fifth Princess or Sun Shi, if they encountered Huo Buyi or himself, they’d be subdued more docilely than geckos with a flip of the hand—they couldn’t possibly stir up any waves. But if it were Cheng Shaoshang instead, she didn’t manipulate power, wasn’t greedy for money, didn’t oppress the innocent—she just loved tormenting people.

No matter how upright and perceptive a great man you were, she would still torment you up and down on an endless road of seeking.

Very unfortunately, the person Cheng Shaoshang tormented most severely was called Huo Buyi, someone His Highness the Crown Prince felt closer to than actual brothers.

In the Crown Prince’s eyes, Huo Buyi was a rare clear-minded person in this world—calm and wise as ice water, yet brave and fearless as a beast. Before Cheng Shaoshang appeared, if someone told the Crown Prince that Huo Buyi would suffer gains and losses over mere romantic feelings between men and women, the Crown Prince could tear down the flying eaves of the imperial ancestral temple and eat them dipped in fermented meat sauce. Later…

After Huo and Cheng became engaged, they truly fought for three days, were lovey-dovey for three days, then fought for three more days.

His Highness the Crown Prince’s head ached every time he saw Huo Buyi’s frost-masked expression. Who knew Imperial Commissioner Yu would add supplementary explanation that the Emperor and Empress Yue were originally just like this too, and probably even more intense—after all, the Cheng clan’s status was humble, so Cheng Shaoshang somewhat restrained herself with Huo Buyi and didn’t dare go too far. The implication being how “unfathomably” Empress Yue had tormented the Emperor back then.

The Crown Prince’s head ached even more.

Before Huo Buyi was exiled, His Highness the Crown Prince felt Cheng Shaoshang was absolutely not virtuous. After Huo Buyi was exiled, seeing Cheng Shaoshang carefully and properly attend to Grand Empress Dowager Xuan, sparing the Emperor and Empress Yue so much guilt, the Crown Prince felt—well, fairly virtuous.

Now with this bowl of calming medicine, the Crown Prince felt Cheng Shaoshang could no longer be evaluated by whether she was virtuous or not—she needed to be evaluated by whether she deserved to have her tendons pulled and skin flayed.

The more he thought the angrier he became, grinding his teeth, when a young eunuch outside came to announce Yuan Shen requesting an audience.

His Highness the Crown Prince froze, then very rarely and quietly produced a sense of guilt.

Heaven and earth witness—he had initially been absolutely sincere and delighted about Cheng Shaoshang and Yuan Shen’s engagement, had even thought about what congratulatory gift to send. Who knew that brother-betraying scoundrel Huo Buyi insisted on hanging himself on the crooked tree that was Cheng Shaoshang? What could he do as a brother? He was also helpless! Of course he could only help his brother dig at Yuan Shen’s corner. He felt he truly embodied loyalty reaching the clouds!

Yuan Shen entered. The Crown Prince saw that after being imprisoned many days his face was pale and body thin, felt even more guilty, and personally stepped forward to help him up, saying, “Regarding Shanjian’s matter, I have heard everything. Di Wu Cheng was also used by others. Though your father erred in covering up the crime, he hunted down Gongsun clan secret guards and death warriors everywhere—that can be considered offsetting merits with demerits. Father Emperor also often says Shanjian has great talent and after several years of tempering will surely achieve great things. Why must Shanjian personally face such danger?”

Yuan Shen said humbly, “His Majesty and Your Highness are magnanimous and benevolent, but as a subject I cannot fail to reflect on my errors. When my father first learned Di Wu Cheng was manipulated into committing grave errors, he should have personally escorted Di Wu Cheng to turn himself in. Even if he afterward pleaded with His Majesty with his life and family, that would have been better than covering up the crime himself.”

The Crown Prince silently nodded. Actually, he thought the same—if it were him, Yuan’s father definitely couldn’t have passed this test so easily.

“I request this audience with Your Highness for two matters.” Yuan Shen took a roll of silk from his bosom and respectfully presented it. “I am foolish and had no leads in investigating Gongsun clan’s secret agents, so could only grope about everywhere. Through blind stumbling, I’ve gained some knowledge of the land survey decree implementation in these provinces. What manner of people resist, what manner are incited, what manner are coerced—I’ve recorded it all. These past days I transcribed it out. Please review it, Your Highness.”

The Crown Prince received the silk, smiling, “Good, very good. Shanjian is indeed meticulous and diligent. I will report this matter to Father Emperor and record you a merit. What’s the other matter?”

Yuan Shen lowered his pale face. “I wish to take leave of Your Highness first.”

“Why is this? Shanjian has been imprisoned long and should rest well here. How can you rush to travel?”

Yuan Shen said quietly, “Lord Huo has already sent word to the capital… regarding his marriage with Shao—with Miss Cheng. I imagine His Majesty’s imperial marriage decree will arrive soon. Better I leave early.”

“Oh? So fast? Cough cough…” The Crown Prince coughed lightly several times, his face solemn. “Zicheng is too imprudent. The chaotic situation hasn’t been clarified—how can he only care about his personal romantic feelings?”

Yuan Shen smiled bitterly. “Learning of Lord Huo’s marriage, His Majesty will surely be extremely delighted. The Huo clan are loyal martyrs, and Lord Huo has campaigned for many years. Now finally achieving his heart’s wish is truly cause for heaven and earth to rejoice together.”

The Crown Prince thought—you guessed truly accurately. Father Emperor will definitely be so happy he’ll burn three incense sticks overnight at the merit shrine to tell his sworn brother General Huo Chong “you’re finally about to have grandchildren.”

With words reaching this point, the Crown Prince didn’t dawdle and very readily let Yuan Shen depart.

His Highness the Crown Prince was such a decisive and resolute person. Though when digging at Yuan Shen’s corner he was certainly earnest and thorough, wishing Yuan Shen could be caught in adultery that very night in the capital courtesan’s bed, his current guilt toward Yuan Shen was equally earnest and thorough.

The Crown Prince resolved never again to hold the Yuan father and son’s crimes against them. In future if Yuan Shen served capably as an official, he must properly promote him and not harbor prejudice.

Not long after sitting down, the Crown Prince thought of that certain young woman again, thought of that bowl of calming medicine, and once again became angrier the more he thought, once again grinding his teeth. So he called outside, “Someone come! Summon Palace Secretary Cheng here for me—I have words to say!”

Thinking that Huo Buyi had already reconciled with that young woman and swiftly informed the Emperor of the good news, so by the time the imperial decree arrived he couldn’t properly curse her out, the Crown Prince decided to seize the time to severely scold that young woman to vent his anger.

Since he planned to scold someone, he couldn’t let Huo Buyi come interfere. So the Crown Prince stopped the young eunuch, first sending word for Imperial Commissioner Yu and Marquis Da Yue to find Huo Buyi to inquire about the ins and outs of this chaos, then afterward summoning Cheng Shaoshang.

His Highness the Crown Prince was also a person of meticulous thought.

A moment later, Cheng Shaoshang tiptoed over. He saw her dressed plainly and docilely, her manner timid and tentative. The Crown Prince’s lips twisted—looking at her cunning eyes, pretending to be pitiful—looked like this young woman had already guessed he was going to scold her.

Before the Crown Prince could begin, Shaoshang had already very sensibly started admitting fault. “Your Highness, I was wrong.”

The Crown Prince said coldly, “What wrong?”

Shaoshang thought a moment, then raised her head. “Your Highness, in my life I’ve done wrong countless times. Where does Your Highness think I should begin?”

The Crown Prince slapped the desk angrily. “Start from when you had me use a siege ram to batter Grand Empress Dowager Xuan’s palace gates!” He wondered if the court historians had recorded this disaster. He’d have to wait until ascending the throne to see if there was a chance to review it.

“Shouldn’t it start from when I became engaged to Lord Huo?” Shaoshang was both surprised and delighted.

The Crown Prince choked—actually after all these years, he felt between Huo and Cheng it was hard to say who was more at fault. Though Cheng Shaoshang was the number one most ungent, unvirtuous, and inconsiderate woman under heaven, Huo Buyi also had an air of asking for suffering.

The Crown Prince sneered repeatedly. “All these years, in your heart you’ve probably cursed me a thousand times. I’m not afraid of your resentment. This time you and Zicheng encountered such dangerous matters—shouldn’t I severely rebuke you?! And you even dared trick me into drinking calming medicine! You, you, you—you ignorant and fearless young woman! How dare you be so bold! Hmph! I think you’re tired of living! Speak honestly—do you resent me deeply in your heart, taking this opportunity to harm me!”

Shaoshang hurried to say, “No such thing! Your Highness, you’ve completely misunderstood me! All these years, whether Your Highness rebuked me for being short-sighted and unreasonable, only caring about one tiny plot of land, or rebuked me for being mean, selfish, unruly and unable to be magnanimous, or rebuked me for acting impulsively without any plan—I haven’t taken any of it to heart at all!”

The Crown Prince was almost amused to anger, momentarily speechless—if you didn’t take it to heart at all, why do you remember it so clearly?!

“Actually, Your Highness doesn’t know—from very early on I’ve greatly admired Your Highness.” Shaoshang said leisurely.

The Crown Prince didn’t believe a single word, saying mockingly, “There’s actually such a thing? Truly unheard of. I’d love to hear this.”

Shaoshang said earnestly, “It’s true. I remember when Lord Huo and I had just become engaged, Lord Huo mentioned something about Your Highness. He said in your inner chambers there was a lady who, relying on Your Highness’s favor, indulged her natal family’s father and brothers in oppressing common people and forcibly seizing their wealth. After Your Highness learned of this, you immediately severely rebuked the lady and personally delivered her father and brothers to the Court of Judicial Review, ordering severe punishment.”

The Crown Prince froze, then just remembered.

“A trifling matter—why must you remember it?” The Crown Prince felt somewhat melancholy.

This was years ago. At that time he was only in his teens, young and passionate. She was still the first woman he’d favored. If not for later events, his firstborn would likely have arrived several years earlier.

“Breaking laws and harming good people should receive severe punishment.” The Crown Prince’s expression was indifferent. “After this matter spread, quite a few people criticized me for being too harsh and severe.”

“That’s not how it works.” Shaoshang said sincerely. “Your Highness is very strict with officials and those around you, but you’re very good to common people, very generous. Looking back thousands of years and forward, ordinary common people are always the weakest in this world. Powerful clans can bully them, corrupt officials can abuse them—just like insects by fields and roadsides, stomped to death without even a sound. Having a sovereign like you protecting them is the greatest fortune for all people under heaven. These are my words from the heart. If Your Highness doesn’t believe me, go ask Lord Huo—I’ve told him more than once!”

The Crown Prince was deeply moved, his tone inevitably softening. “I don’t fear others’ criticism. I only hope all people under heaven live peacefully and contentedly, not suffering natural disasters or man-made calamities. Then I won’t have failed the trust of heaven, earth, and ancestors.”

Originally he’d planned to thoroughly scold this young woman, but at this moment the Crown Prince couldn’t really bring himself to scold anymore. He simply waved his hand. “Forget it. Go back and rest well, recuperate. After marriage, carefully attend to Zicheng. Alas, all these years Zicheng has truly suffered much. You… you must treat him well.”

Shaoshang sincerely and wholeheartedly agreed, quickly retreating out the door. When she reached the courtyard, the Crown Prince suddenly called out to stop her.

Shaoshang turned back in confusion, only to see the Crown Prince’s right hand swing out, then her shoulder felt slight pain. Looking down, she saw it was actually a small stone.

She gaped, looking at the Crown Prince in disbelief—he he he he he actually threw a stone at her! The dignified heir apparent of all under heaven actually threw a stone at her!

The Crown Prince’s brows and eyes were handsome and resolute. His usual years of solemnity swept away, as if he’d become ten years younger, suddenly returning to his mischievous youth. He laughed heartily. “There! Now we’re even. Go back and happily prepare for your wedding!”

Shaoshang stamped her feet indignantly and turned to leave.

Watching that young woman pouting angrily yet not daring to retaliate, the Crown Prince’s heart was greatly pleased.

Laughing as he walked back inside, after a few steps he suddenly stopped.

The Crown Prince secretly wondered—did this young woman deliberately flatter him to avoid scolding? Then he shook his head.

Forget it. He greatly enjoyed what she said just now. He’d double the congratulatory gifts for their wedding ceremony.

Later when she bears a daughter, if the girl isn’t as unvirtuous as her… well, as long as she’s just a bit more virtuous than her, he could consider taking her as a daughter-in-law for his son. After all, this young woman looked quite nice, her character was acceptable, and she was clever in speech and mind.

His Highness the Crown Prince was also a person of deep foresight.