Chapter 103: The Opening

After the Empress’s birthday celebration, the citizens of the capital witnessed three spectacles, listed not in order of importance but chronologically as follows:

First was the Emperor and Empress’s youngest daughter.

The girls who had previously clustered around her—their fathers, brothers, and family ancestors all suffered demotions and censure, without exception. After being detained in the palace for two days, she was finally allowed to leave. However, the moment Fifth Princess returned to her princess manor, she was immediately terrified nearly to madness by the sight that greeted her—fifteen or sixteen corpses with familiar faces, some hanging from high beams, others neatly arranged in the hall. Though Fifth Princess had lived extravagantly and indulgently, she had never experienced great turmoil. She collapsed on the spot in terror, her lower garments soaked through.

Those handsome young men who had once surrounded her, flattering and fawning, teaching her to seize land and conceal households, had now all become cold, purple, rigid corpses. All the former stewards and servants had vanished, replaced by a group of unfamiliar, stern guardians as expressionless as wooden sculptures.

The Emperor issued a decree: henceforth, unless he or the Empress gave permission, Fifth Princess could no longer go out for entertainment, and she must read and cultivate virtue at home under the supervision of specially appointed palace matrons to refine her character—in short, she was confined to her princess manor.

Only then did Fifth Princess become frightened, desperately begging the guards to relay messages to the Empress, pleading that she now knew her wrongs. But the Empress, just as she had told Shaoshang before, once she was truly disappointed in someone, she never wanted to see that person again.

However, the Emperor did have Cen Anzhi relay two messages. First, all the estates previously bestowed upon the princess were completely withdrawn—after all, the princess would have no use for wealth now. Second, want to leave? Very simple—marry out and you can leave.

But previously, Fifth Princess, dissatisfied with her marriage arrangement, had used crying, tantrums, and threats of suicide to force the Empress to postpone her wedding until after her twentieth birthday. Wouldn’t she now have to remain imprisoned for several more years? Unless the Young Marquis Yue’s household personally requested to advance the wedding date—but she had offended this future uncle-in-law and aunt-in-law plenty before, so asking for their help would be like expecting the sun to rise in the west.

In this reversal of fortune, Fifth Princess instantly transformed from avoiding marriage at all costs to desperately longing to be wed.

Shaoshang could imagine that in the coming days, Fifth Princess would gnaw at her heart and liver day and night with remorse and suffering. She couldn’t help but regard the Emperor’s methods with solemn respect—founding emperors who built their empires from nothing not only possessed the wisdom and spirit to expand territory, but also no shortage of schemes for calculating human hearts. The Emperor had never before used such psychological tactics on his own family—not because he couldn’t, but because he was unwilling to.

While Fifth Princess was desperately longing for marriage on one side, on the other, the Luo family of the Changshui Command advanced their wedding date by half a month. The capital’s citizens witnessed several Young Masters Luo escorting their sister to her wedding with a ten-li red dowry procession forming a grand dragon. Upon reaching the outskirts, Luo Jitong, wearing a bright red ceremonial robe, personally stepped down from her carriage and grasped the hand of Shaoshang who had come to see her off, saying guiltily: “…Chuntiao’s body was found in a remote garden grove within the palace.”

Shaoshang had been mentally prepared for this and lowered her head without speaking.

Ling Buyi, sitting in the carriage behind, looked through the window lattice, his gaze moving back and forth between the two young women.

Luo Jitong said through tears: “As a companion-in-study, I’ve been utterly useless. Before, I always thought I could share some of the Empress’s burdens. Now I see the Empress has always been lenient with me. Shaoshang, from now on, please take extra care regarding the Empress. Everyone says Her Majesty prefers quiet, but I know she actually fears loneliness… please keep her company more.”

Ling Buyi extended his hand outside the window and waved, noticing the wind had picked up again. He pulled his fiancée, who wanted to say a few more words, into the carriage. As a result, it became Luo Jitong watching them depart first.

Lastly was Shaoshang’s coming-of-age ceremony.

Half a month after the tenth month began, the Empress held a winter plum blossom banquet with even more enthusiasm than her own birthday celebration, then personally performed Shaoshang’s hairpin ceremony before half the city’s noblewomen. Standing to one side in the crowd was Lady Xiao with a complex expression. Only Cheng Shi deeply understood his wife’s feelings—actually, from the first half of the year, Lady Xiao had secretly begun preparing their daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony, yet none of it ended up being used.

For the first time in Lady Xiao’s life, she found it difficult to view matters from a perspective of practical benefit—though having the Empress preside over her daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony was certainly a tremendous honor, watching her daughter and the Empress interact with such intimate ease, Lady Xiao felt as if something had been taken from her.

“This time when Niaoniao returns home, it’s different from before,” Lady Xiao discussed privately with her husband. “Previously when she returned from the palace, it was like an official leaving after office hours or a student leaving school—she was thoroughly relaxed and content. But this time, she seems not to care whether she can return home daily. Staying in the palace, she appears just as comfortable.”

Cheng Shi thought about it and realized this was indeed true. He smiled and said: “This is quite understandable—after all, she stayed in the palace continuously for nearly half a month. Her Majesty likes her, and she helped organize the birthday celebration, which was only proper etiquette.”

Seeing his wife’s sense of loss, he consoled her: “Previously, Niaoniao would calculate the exact time to enter and leave the palace, clearly just going through the motions. Surely His Majesty could see this. But this time, the Empress needn’t be mentioned—I see even His Majesty is more satisfied with Niaoniao than before. Otherwise, why would he send rewards from the palace every few days? You and I are blessed with a good daughter. Look throughout the entire capital—which young lady is as capable and sensible as our Niaoniao? Not only does her marriage require no parental worry, she constantly brings glory to the family. From the Lou family before to now the Emperor’s foster son, we’ve thoroughly benefited from Niaoniao’s good fortune. Otherwise, like those mindless young ladies around Fifth Princess who caused trouble at Her Majesty’s birthday banquet, their fathers and brothers all suffered the consequences.” As he spoke, he shook his head disapprovingly.

Lady Xiao seemed to take his words to heart and sighed: “What you say is true.”

…

The Cheng and Xiao couple’s speculation wasn’t wrong—Shaoshang was indeed becoming increasingly comfortable in the palace, and the Emperor was also finding her more pleasing to the eye. Not only had he stopped scolding her every few days, occasionally he could even mix one word of praise among every three scoldings.

The Emperor had an inherently cheerful and forthright nature and enjoyed liveliness. He would almost invariably feast and drink with his most trusted ministers every ten days, laughing and discussing past and present. On this day, the Emperor once again held a banquet and summoned the Empress to attend together, with Shaoshang accompanying them.

The hour was still early and the guests had not yet arrived. The Empress was advising the Emperor to take care of his health and drink less. But the Emperor sighed: “Alas, two military campaigns are about to be launched. Many of my old brothers face risks—we should gather more often.”

Ling Buyi sat in the lower seat. From earlier, he had been using eye signals to indicate Shaoshang should sit beside him, but the mischievous girl deliberately pretended not to see, smiling as she knelt beside the Empress instead—Ling Buyi turned his head back.

The Empress frowned: “Two military campaigns? Isn’t there only the recovery of Shu remaining? How did another one appear?” Having once administered the government, she knew a thing or two about military and state affairs.

The Emperor gave a cold laugh and said: “Shouchu is rich in resources and prosperous. Peng Zhen has operated there for several years. I was too lazy to bother with him, but he developed rebellious intentions. Since this May, he’s been secretly recruiting soldiers and buying horses, plotting treachery. Hmph, a mere bandit, not worth mentioning.”

Hearing it was Shouchu, the Empress relaxed and smiled: “Shouchu is a good place, but it’s open and unprotected on all sides. Though wealthy, it’s not a place to gather troops and raise rebellion. This Peng Zhen has truly been possessed by demons. I congratulate Your Majesty in advance on your victorious campaign and smooth sailing.”

The Emperor smiled: “I plan to dispatch troops to Shouchu by month’s end, to practice before the Shu campaign.” He then noticed Shaoshang’s eyes darting about beside the Empress and said sternly: “If you have something to say, say it.”

Shaoshang quickly said: “Since Your Majesty is about to campaign in Shouchu, is Father also going?”

“Correct. It seems many people have already guessed this.” The Emperor smiled.

Shaoshang sighed: “I thought so. Father trained troops all summer and returned with only his teeth and half his eyeballs still white. Mm, training troops in summer, preparing in autumn, attacking in early winter… Your Majesty, don’t glare at me. I’m not asking because I don’t care about Lord Ling—it’s because Your Majesty just said ‘practice.’ For veteran battlefield generals, going to war is probably more familiar than returning home, so what’s there to practice? Alas, it seems Your Majesty also wants Lord Ling to go to Shouchu.”

The Emperor smiled and glared at the girl: “You’re still quite clever. However, Zicheng is also accustomed to the battlefield… Why are you sighing again!”

Shaoshang sighed: “Your Majesty, could you not send Lord Ling? His arm injury from last time just healed. Besides, weapons have no eyes—what if he gets injured?”

The Emperor glared: “Battlefield affairs are for hot-blooded men—this is an excellent opportunity to establish merit and build a career. What do you know! Hmph, fine, at least you care about Zicheng, which shows progress…”

Shaoshang cursed internally: caring about Ling Buyi counts as progress; if one day she serves Ling Buyi comfortably enough, won’t she be enshrined in the Hall of Meritorious Officials?

“…But rest assured, this time I’m sending Cui You along. Zicheng might not even need to dismount his horse. More importantly, with him going along, I have a pretext to bestow more estates upon him.” When saying the latter half, the Emperor lowered his voice.

The Empress knew what scheme her husband was planning and laughed lightly behind her sleeve.

Shaoshang kowtowed in thanks, then said hesitantly: “Your Majesty is so thoughtful toward Lord Ling, and I’m immensely grateful. However, I won’t be extravagant and wasteful—I’ll live within my means.” She felt no amount of money was as important as a person’s life. To earn money, there were plenty of ways—why risk one’s life for it?

The Emperor scolded: “Is this about money? You’re so ignorant…” He was about to scold the girl for not understanding the importance of this matter when suddenly an idea struck him and he developed a mischievous intent. “Shaoshang, let me ask you—between your father and Zicheng, if you had to pick one to go to Shouchu, who would you choose?”

Shaoshang was dumbfounded. Rarely had she shown some affection for Ling Buyi, only to receive this bizarre question like “your mother and your wife are drowning, who do you save first?” Old Uncle Emperor, your heart is as black as squid ink!

She thought for a while, then said with feigned difficulty: “Your Majesty, let both Father and Lord Ling remain in the capital—I’ll go to Shouchu instead.”

Hearing this, the Emperor burst into hearty laughter. The Empress and Ling Buyi exchanged smiling glances.

Amid the Emperor’s cheerful laughter, the invited ministers and the Crown Prince and his wife, the Second Prince and his wife, and another three or four princes arrived successively. Usually in such situations, Consort Yue would attend at the Emperor’s side, but since the Empress was present today and this banquet didn’t fall under “necessary occasions,” she naturally refused to come.

When the assembled ministers and princes paid their respects to the Emperor and Empress, Shaoshang very perceptively slipped over to sit beside Ling Buyi, watching the various ministers in the hall intently and asking Ling Buyi to introduce them. But Ling Buyi acted aloof and flatly refused.

“Just now I was scolded by His Majesty because of you, and you’ve already turned your back on me—do you have no conscience!” Shaoshang lamented bitterly.

Ling Buyi answered very straightforwardly: “No.”

Shaoshang angrily struck him.

Ling Buyi said: “You’re asking me for a favor yet acting so fierce—is this how one makes a request?”

“Keep rambling on, and believe it or not, I’ll go stand next to Cen Anzhi. He’ll certainly answer any question!” Shaoshang wasn’t one to back down either.

Ling Buyi grabbed her small hand and counter-threatened: “If you dare stand over there, I’ll stand there too.”

She could stand beside Cen Anzhi in a serving posture, but if Ling Buyi also stood over there, wouldn’t that cause trouble for her again? Shaoshang stared with wide eyes and said in a low, aggrieved voice: “You always say you’ll treat me well, but you’re the one who keeps bullying me. In this palace, I’m utterly alone with no one to rely on—only you are someone I can depend on. These past two days, Her Majesty hasn’t been well, and I haven’t had time to attend to you, but actually I’ve missed you terribly. You can’t be angry with me…”

What “utterly alone”—the Empress treated her wonderfully, and everyone in Changqiu Palace regarded her as their spiritual pillar. So… see, acting humble and submissive wasn’t difficult at all, and being gentle and endearing came easily. Those who are capable won’t do what they’re incapable of—Shaoshang was now full of confidence in her learning ability.

Ling Buyi indeed softened, saying gently: “You’re not a palace maid or imperial physician. Attending to Her Majesty’s illness should be done in moderation. What if you exhaust yourself working day and night?”

Shaoshang said: “If you fell ill, I would also attend to you day and night without fear of exhaustion.”

The donkey was smoothed over, harmony was restored to the world, and Ling Buyi was no longer difficult. Under the dining table, he held Shaoshang’s hand and pointed out the twenty-some ministers present one by one.

Besides Marquis Yu, Marquis Cui, General Wu, and others she already knew, Shaoshang finally met Consort Yue’s three brothers: Grand Marquis Yue, Middle Marquis Yue, and Young Marquis Yue. The first two resembled Consort Yue greatly, both possessing long eyebrows, phoenix eyes, and bright countenances. Only Young Marquis Yue—the future uncle-in-law of Fifth Princess—had features that were somewhat sharp, delicate, and effeminate.

Originally Marquis Cui wanted to come over to where Ling Buyi and Shaoshang were, but was forcibly pulled by General Wu to the Emperor’s side to report something. The three Yue brothers unsurprisingly went to speak with their two imperial prince nephews.

Rather surprisingly, Lou the Grand Coachman was also present today. Seeing Shaoshang, he smiled at her from afar, then walked toward the Crown Prince’s seat. En route, he seemed to want to invite Marquis Yu to join him, but was politely declined by the latter, who instead pulled Grand Marquis Yue from the Third and Fourth Princes’ side to speak privately at his own seat.

“…Lou the Grand Coachman once served as the Crown Prince’s first teacher.” Ling Buyi watched Lou the Grand Coachman chatting and laughing with the Crown Prince, then looked toward the other side and said: “The Yu and Yue families have intermarried for generations. Marquis Yu and Grand Marquis Yue were childhood schoolmates.”

Shaoshang’s heart felt somewhat heavy.

As the saying goes: father and son soldiers in battle, brothers hunting tigers together. The initial capital all turbulent heroes used to establish themselves often came from their hometown and native soil—Old Uncle Emperor was no exception. He was born in Jingjian Commandery within Sizhou, so the current court ministers could be roughly divided into two categories: those originally from Jingjian Commandery and those not.

Also, because the Emperor was originally from Feng County within Jingjian Commandery, and Consort Yue was originally from neighboring Rao County, when they first raised their rebellion, these two counties contributed the most people and resources and followed the longest, so those from these two counties were called “Fengrao Meritorious Ministers.”

Shaoshang sorted it out in her mind—

Those like Yu, Yue, Wu, and Cui belonged to the “Fengrao Meritorious Ministers.” Those like Yin Zhi, father of Yin Zhinee, belonged to the “Jingjian Ministers” who weren’t “Fengrao Meritorious Ministers.” Families like Yuan, Lou, Wan, and Cheng, though they joined at different times, contributed different amounts, and possessed different levels of power, didn’t belong to either of the above two groups.

Like Yuan Shen’s father, who had once helped with his entire family during the Emperor’s time of crisis and could be called highly meritorious and deeply trusted by the Emperor, yet hometown accents were hard to shed and hometown customs hard to change—the Jingjian ministers still felt fellow townsmen were closer.

“…Doesn’t that mean the court is controlled by them?” Shaoshang asked in alarm.

Ling Buyi smiled slightly: “Not entirely. His Majesty deliberately balances the various factions’ power. One needn’t necessarily come from his hometown to attain high position.”

Shaoshang understood—the ministers were willing to band together, but the Emperor might not be pleased to see it.

Of course, if one made detailed distinctions, even among those from the same Fengrao counties, there were those like Marquis Yu and the Yue brothers from prestigious clans, those like General Wu from impoverished backgrounds, and those like Marquis Cui from small merchant households.

Similarly, among those who joined later, there were great aristocratic families like Yuan and Lou who originally commanded their own forces, prominent local families like the Wan family, and those of peasant origins like Shaoshang’s own father.

Shaoshang turned her head to size up Ling Buyi.

His maternal Huo clan was at the very core of the meritorious ministers’ group, but unfortunately they were completely annihilated. His paternal clan, though originally outsiders who had moved to Feng County, had at least followed the dragon from the beginning and could be considered half insiders—but unfortunately they weren’t favored by the Emperor and weren’t even allowed to attend today’s banquet.

No wonder Marquis Yu hoped to recruit Ling Buyi as a son-in-law—Shaoshang muttered inwardly.

Among these twenty-some ministers of varying conduct, one white-haired elder in Confucian robes was particularly striking. Though advanced in years, his frame was tall and straight, his features clear—one could still see his refined and extraordinary youth. His bearing carried a natural nobility and grandeur. Judging solely by bearing and elegant distinction, no one in the hall could match him.

“This old gentleman must have an extraordinary background—look at his manner…” Shaoshang said softly.

Only Old Uncle Emperor’s imperial aura could compare, but the Emperor’s presence was cultivated through later conquests of iron horses and swallowing ten thousand miles with the spirit of a tiger, while this old gentleman’s bearing seemed innate.

Ling Buyi said: “Good eye. This is the head of the Hedong Liang clan, Liang Wuji. Currently a provincial governor, recently come to the capital to report to His Majesty on his duties.”

Shaoshang thought for a moment and asked doubtfully: “Hedong? Isn’t the Lou family also a Hedong aristocratic clan? I heard Third Aunt say the Lou family is the wealthiest in Hedong.”

Ling Buyi gave a derisive laugh: “The Lou family is the largest family in Hedong’s Pengcheng, but the Liang clan is the foremost family in all of Hedong. In the previous dynasty, their Liang family could rank in the top five even among all the aristocratic clans under heaven.”

He didn’t continue, but Shaoshang clearly understood his implication. With the change of dynasties, aristocratic families were beginning to reorganize and realign. If the Liang family wanted to continue standing firm, they would need to put in considerable effort.

As the two whispered together, they saw that old gentleman Liang seemed to look their way intentionally or unintentionally. While Shaoshang was still hesitating, Ling Buyi had already responded openly and loudly: “May I ask Governor Liang, is there something inappropriate about Zicheng?”

Liang Wuji shook his head and smiled: “This old one was staring rudely. Please don’t take offense, Eleventh Young Master. This old one was only thinking that if my family’s younger generation could possess half of Zicheng’s talent and ability, this old one would willingly sacrifice twenty years of life.”

A nearby minister, hearing this, laughed: “Old Liang, oh Old Liang, you’re already nearly fifty. If you sacrifice another twenty years of life, your family should prepare your coffin!”

Liang Wuji shook his head: “I am already decrepit. As long as the clan’s younger generation has talent and ability, what does my death matter?”

Ling Buyi smiled slightly and urged: “Governor Liang exaggerates. You’re currently in your prime years—why speak thus?”

Liang Wuji waved his hand and shook his head again.

At this time, seeing everyone had arrived, the Emperor ordered the banquet to begin. For a time, cups were raised and voices mingled in laughter and conversation. After three rounds of drinks, the Emperor formally announced to everyone that the wedding date for his foster son Ling Buyi and Shaoshang was set for March of the following year. The assembled ministers all raised their hands in congratulation to Ling Buyi.

General Wu said bluntly: “Why March of next year? Zicheng is not young anymore—just get married within the year and hurry up and have babies.”

Shaoshang: Fuck.

Middle Marquis Yue elbowed him and smiled: “This shows His Majesty’s painstaking care! Now with the cold weather and frozen ground, how could a wedding be lively at this time? Of course we must wait until spring!”

Cui You cheerfully chimed: “This is good, this is good…”

“…You lot.” The Emperor pointed toward Marquis Yu’s area and laughed heartily. “When preparing wedding gifts, think of Elder Brother Huo Chong and consider carefully how much you should prepare!”

Middle Marquis Yue stirred up excitement again: “Your Majesty, you’re openly soliciting bribes!”

“Indeed I am soliciting—what will you do about it?” The Emperor deliberately acted roguish, and the ministers all laughed heartily.

Cui You continued cheerfully: “This is proper, this is proper…”

“Proper your head!” General Wu’s bear paw slapped Cui You’s shoulder. “If this old man can’t afford the gift money, you’d better lend it to me!”

As soon as these words left his mouth, someone nearby laughed loudly: “Old Wu, that’s not honest of you. The money you borrow from Cui the Monkey—which year or month have you ever repaid? You’ve always loved running up tabs. Now that you’re an esteemed general, you’ve actually gotten even worse.”

Middle Marquis Yue joined in the fun: “I say, Wu the Jar, have you actually repaid all the money you ran up on credit back then?”

“Go, go, go! What business is it of yours!” General Wu waved his arms as if shooing flies. “The Monkey and I are going to become in-laws in the future—our two families won’t distinguish between yours and mine!”

“Your daughter is taller than both of Cui the Monkey’s sons combined—you’d better spare him!”

Everyone roared with laughter, with several even spraying their wine.

Cui You said with a chuckle: “Old Wu, you needn’t contribute money. How about using that iron-cutting precious sword of yours as a wedding gift?”

“Well now, Cui the Merchant, how long have you been scheming for my precious sword? So you’ve been waiting here for this!” General Wu glared with ox-bell eyes and made as if to slap again.

Cui You quickly said: “You use a saber, so the sword isn’t comfortable for you anyway. Why not give it to Zicheng!”

General Wu glanced at the Emperor and feigned heartache: “Alas, precious swords are always given to heroes. For His Majesty’s sake, this subject will reluctantly part with it!”

Grand Marquis Yue stood and said respectfully: “Even if Your Majesty hadn’t instructed us, we subjects should properly prepare wedding gifts. Not to mention the bond between the Huo and Yue families—speaking only of Elder Brother Huo Chong’s character, who in the hometown doesn’t respect and praise him!”

The Emperor was extremely pleased and laughed heartily.

Everyone in the hall smiled watching this performance within the Fengrao group, but Shaoshang noticed the Crown Prince and Second Prince’s consort lowering their heads in silence, while the Second Prince and Crown Princess showed displeased expressions. She was amused inwardly, thinking secretly: why don’t the four of you swap partners? It’s truly capable wives paired with incompetent husbands, fresh flowers stuck in cow dung.

“Crown Princess, Second’s new wife.” The Emperor continued: “The Empress is in poor health. If there’s anything lacking in Zicheng’s wedding preparations, you must exert yourselves wholeheartedly!”

The Crown Princess and Second Prince’s consort bowed deeply and assented profusely.

At this time, someone sitting beside Young Marquis Yue smiled: “Your Majesty, you truly agreed to this match? This subject thought you would observe more carefully.”

The Emperor said: “Eh, as long as the new wife’s character is sound, everything else can be taught. Besides, what matters most is that Zicheng himself is pleased.”

Young Marquis Yue suddenly said: “His Majesty is sagacious. In matters between men and women, what could be more important than one’s own preference?” Several people beside him echoed in agreement: “Precisely, precisely,” “What’s the point of marrying a wife you don’t like,” and so forth.

The Emperor was already somewhat tipsy and laughed without noticing anything amiss, but the Empress’s face turned deathly pale.

The Empress said softly: “Your Majesty, I’m not good with alcohol. Since everything has been discussed openly today, I should return to Changqiu Palace. Otherwise, Your Majesty and the honored ministers won’t be able to enjoy yourselves fully.”

The Emperor gave permission.

Since the Empress was leaving, naturally the Crown Princess and Second Prince’s consort also took their leave. The Second Prince’s consort was fine with no unusual reaction, but the Crown Princess was reluctant to go. Earlier she had forcefully pushed the Crown Prince to converse with several important ministers, but now had to depart.

Shaoshang had originally intended to follow as well, but the Emperor said: “Shaoshang, stay a moment and offer a cup of wine to these uncles and elders. They previously addressed Zicheng’s uncle as brother.”

Before leaving, the Crown Princess cast Shaoshang a glance full of jealousy and resentment.

Ling Buyi rose and followed Shaoshang over, one arm cradling a wine jar while his other hand held a wine ladle, continuously adding wine to the gold-inlaid bronze cup in Shaoshang’s hand. Not knowing the officials’ ranks or ages, Shaoshang recklessly charged first toward the familiar Cui You, causing everyone to laugh several times.

The Emperor sighed: “This young lady is sometimes clever, sometimes foolish. I wonder if Commandant Cheng and his wife have been driven to their deaths by her frustration. I can do nothing with her.”

Among the ministers in the hall, those with sharp minds heard this seemingly reproachful but actually affectionate remark and all turned to look at the delicate, petite young woman beside Ling Buyi, each with their own calculations.

Following age order, Shaoshang first offered wine to General Wu and performed the junior’s courtesy. When it came to Grand Marquis Yue, he looked past her and gazed steadily at Ling Buyi for a long while, then drained his cup in one gulp and sighed: “Young Lady Cheng, do you know what manner of person Zicheng’s uncle was?”

Shaoshang thought for a moment and said softly: “I once heard Consort Yue say that back then, His Majesty was called the foremost beauty of Feng County, and General Huo Chong was the second.” She glanced sideways at Ling Buyi’s tall, elegant bearing and secretly felt this ranking was questionable.

Grand Marquis Yue was caught off guard and choked, coughing with laughter: “She, ah… cough cough, very well. Young Lady Cheng, you’ve met Zicheng’s mother, right? Actually, the siblings looked very much alike. General Huo Chong’s elegance and bearing in those days were truly unmatched.”

Shaoshang nodded repeatedly, then said hesitantly: “So, His Majesty was not actually the foremost beauty of Feng County?”

Grand Marquis Yue choked again. Marquis Yu stepped forward, his face stern: “You, oh you… Of the five times I’ve seen you in His Majesty’s presence, four times he was scolding you. Only today did I realize—you bring up exactly what shouldn’t be mentioned. Aren’t you going to offer me wine?”

Shaoshang quickly complied.

After completing the full circuit of wine offerings, Shaoshang was about to take her leave. Before departing, she suddenly asked in a low voice: “Why didn’t His Majesty send you to Consort Yue’s care back then? Given the bond between the Huo and Yue families, that would have been more reasonable.”

Ling Buyi’s eyes were deep as the sea, his lips curved in a smile: “You’ve forgotten. My mother and Consort Yue had longstanding enmity.”

“Just because of that?” Shaoshang was very doubtful. “Consort Yue is not one to transfer blame. Moreover, she regarded your uncle and aunt as elder brother and sister, respecting them tremendously.”

“Otherwise, what other reason could there be?” Ling Buyi lowered his long lashes. “All was His Majesty’s will.”