Shaoshang withdrew from the banquet full of troubled thoughts, walking along the palace corridors toward Changqiu Palace. Just as she rounded a row of towering cedars, she saw by Mirror Heart Lake in the center of the North Palace, the Crown Princess and Second Prince’s consort had dismissed their attendants and stood facing each other in conversation. Shaoshang immediately halted and raised her hand to signal Lian Fang and Sang Guo, who had accompanied her into the palace today, to remain quiet.

“…Crown Princess needn’t speak such words to provoke me.” Second Prince’s consort’s face showed contempt. “You and I have been sisters-in-law for so many years—we each know the other’s true nature. Yes, Shaoshang’s birth is indeed far inferior to yours or mine. And yes, her current influence exceeds both of ours. But so what? Being able to win Father Emperor and Mother Empress’s favor—that’s her ability!”

Crown Princess said in a thin, delicate voice: “Haven’t you always wanted to transfer your cousin back from the Northwest to the capital? You’ve been begging Mother Empress for several months, yet she consistently refuses to relent. But Cheng Shaoshang didn’t even open her mouth, yet His Majesty transferred her third uncle from a remote, desolate county to serve as magistrate of a wealthy, prosperous county. Just watch—this time in the Shouchu campaign, her father will definitely return having established merit.”

Second Prince’s consort sneered: “A few days ago, didn’t Crown Princess also beg Mother Empress to betroth your cousin to the eldest son of Prince Ruyang’s heir? Regarding my cousin, though Mother Empress hasn’t agreed, she hasn’t completely closed that door either. But you, Crown Princess—Mother Empress flatly refused! Well, looking at Crown Prince brother’s condition, I suppose Father Emperor and Mother Empress don’t want another young lady from the Sun clan in the family!”

Crown Princess’s expression immediately changed, her fingers trembling with anger: “You…”

Second Prince’s consort added more fuel to the fire, continuing: “If we’re really going to discuss birth, hmph, I still remember when I was young, I once saw Crown Princess’s uncle come to our home to pay respects to my father. Before even ascending the steps and removing his shoes, he kowtowed to my father… Yet after marriage, you became not only the eldest sister-in-law but also the Crown Prince’s wife, and haven’t I still bowed to you every time we meet? I’ve made my peace with this, yet you use Shaoshang to provoke me—this is nothing!”

Crown Princess’s face looked terrible, feeling inexplicably humiliated.

Shaoshang, hearing this, felt it was about enough and quickly walked out before Crown Princess could speak again, appearing before the two. Both Crown Princess and Second Prince’s consort started in surprise. Second Prince’s consort was first to react, smiling: “So it’s Shaoshang—finished offering wine to everyone?”

Shaoshang bowed respectfully: “In response to Your Highnesses, yes, all finished.”

Second Prince’s consort glanced at Crown Princess’s ashen face, quite satisfied, and deliberately hinted: “The words I just exchanged with Crown Princess—did Shaoshang hear them all…?”

Shaoshang also glanced at Crown Princess and smiled slightly: “I heard some parts, and some… I didn’t hear clearly.”

Second Prince’s consort laughed lightly.

Crown Princess finally recovered her composure and smiled stiffly: “Shaoshang has stayed in the palace so many days now. You and Zicheng have even attended banquets at Second Brother’s residence twice, yet you still haven’t visited the Eastern Palace. Now in winter when things are leisurely and matters are light, tomorrow no matter what, you must come to my place!”

“Tomorrow won’t work—tomorrow is my rest day.” Shaoshang said matter-of-factly.

“Then the day after tomorrow!” Crown Princess said with a tense face.

“The day after tomorrow also won’t work—that day I must accompany Lord Ling to visit Lady Huo.”

“Then the day after that!” Crown Princess gritted her teeth, knowing she had initially used the wrong approach with Cheng Shaoshang and must find an opportunity to correct it no matter what.

Having sufficiently whetted the other’s appetite, Shaoshang finally said indifferently: “Alright then, the day after that.”

Second Prince’s consort had been watching with a smile all along. Only now did she speak: “Knowing Crown Princess is inviting a guest, those who don’t know might think Crown Princess is collecting a debt. Very well, though sincerity can move… eh, that, isn’t that… Sister Lingjun, Sister Lingjun!” The latter part she called out loudly.

Shaoshang and Crown Princess looked in the direction of her gaze and saw approaching from the opposite shore of Mirror Heart Lake a procession of eunuchs and palace maids surrounding a magnificently dressed couple, with two palace matrons carrying children behind them.

The man had ordinary features, around thirty years old, just a typical aristocratic young master’s appearance. But that magnificently dressed young matron was exceptional—she appeared to be about twenty-six or twenty-seven, gracefully beautiful with fair skin and lovely features. As she drew near, Shaoshang felt even more strongly her elegant, noble bearing and warm, captivating eyes and brows—though her complexion wasn’t very good, her brow creased with deep worry.

Before anyone else could speak, Second Prince’s consort had already warmly rushed forward, completely disregarding others as she grasped the young woman’s arm, saying excitedly: “Sister Lingjun, it really is you! I thought I was dreaming! How did you return to the capital? Weren’t you always living in Hedong? How did you enter the palace?! Why didn’t you come see me when you arrived!”

This young matron laughed at being asked this barrage of questions, yet she and the magnificently dressed man first paid respects to Crown Princess and Second Prince’s consort. When bowing, the magnificently dressed gentleman referred to himself as “outer minister Liang Shang”—Shaoshang didn’t know which characters those were.

The young matron answered: “My husband and I have been at our ancestral home, but recently the provincial governor came to the capital to report on his duties and asked us to come along. Counting the days, we actually only arrived a few days ago. Today, Her Majesty the Empress summoned us to the palace.”

Second Prince’s consort gripped her hands tightly, asking repeatedly: “Sister won’t leave this time, right? Every time we sisters gather, you’re the only one missing! Mother Empress has often mentioned you these years as well—she probably wants to see your children.”

As she spoke, her gaze turned toward the young matron’s entourage. By now, the two palace matrons had set the two children on the ground—the girl was about six or seven, the boy four or five.

The young matron softly instructed the two children to bow. Second Prince’s consort repeatedly said it wasn’t necessary, then crouched down to play with them for a while before smiling and asking, “So these are Sister’s children—truly like pure jade carved into trees, adorable as jade and snow. Does Sister have just this one son and one daughter? I’ve actually given birth to two sons and one daughter. Later we’ll have the children play together…”

Shaoshang initially didn’t know who this person was, but suddenly seeing Crown Princess’s expression turn dark and sinister—ten times worse than when Second Prince’s consort had mocked her earlier—her mind stirred, and she vaguely understood who this “Sister Lingjun” was.

Second Prince’s consort spoke like rapid cannon fire for quite some time. Only when the young matron’s husband showed some impatience did she finally smile and say: “Shaoshang, come here, I’ll introduce you. This is my dear friend since childhood, surnamed Qu, given name Lingjun. Sister Lingjun, this is Zicheng’s future bride, called Cheng Shaoshang. Don’t let her young age fool you—she’s both clever and interesting!”

Qu Lingjun smiled and exchanged greetings with Shaoshang, then examined her carefully with a smile: “In the blink of an eye, Zicheng is all grown up now. Mm, I remember when he had just turned ten, His Majesty was already planning his marriage and children.”

Second Prince’s consort laughed behind her sleeve: “Hehehe, Sister speaks truly. Father Emperor has always hoped Zicheng would marry early. Who knew he’d have to wait day after day until now—it’s really made Father Emperor anxious.”

Qu Lingjun said: “Good food is worth waiting for. Zicheng has been mature and calculating since youth. A bride he’s willing to marry himself is always better than being forced to marry someone…”

At this point, the man called “Liang Shang” finally couldn’t help saying: “Why don’t you chat with these noble ladies while I take the children ahead first.” Saying this, he turned to embrace the children, but unexpectedly the two children seemed quite afraid of their father and both stepped back simultaneously.

“Liang Shang’s” face showed displeasure as he coldly ordered the palace matrons to carry the children.

Crown Princess watched with cold eyes, smiling without warmth: “Young Master needn’t rush off. We sisters-in-law haven’t seen your wife in many years and miss her greatly. Lady Qu, since you’ve returned to the capital, why didn’t you send word to the Eastern Palace? …Now that you’ve come to the capital, don’t leave again.”

When she said “Eastern Palace,” she deliberately emphasized the words. Shaoshang secretly frowned, and sure enough, a murderous aura surged across “Young Master Liang’s” face.

Qu Lingjun replied neither humbly nor arrogantly: “A wife follows her husband. The provincial governor sees that my husband has made progress in his studies in recent years and wants to introduce him to several acquainted officials in the city, incidentally teaching him administrative affairs, so I accompanied him. If my husband must leave in the future, I will naturally follow.”

Crown Princess glanced at “Young Master Liang” and deliberately said softly: “We haven’t seen each other in years. Thinking back to those days, you and I addressed each other as sisters, speaking without reserve. Now you must call yourself a subject’s wife and kneel in courtesy—truly things have changed, people have changed…”

Seeing her husband’s angry expression, Qu Lingjun quickly said: “There are many instances of things and people changing in this world—not just one or two cases. Though Second Prince’s consort’s and my status have changed, our bond hasn’t changed.”

Second Prince’s consort immediately said: “Sister Lingjun speaks truly! No matter how things change, I’ll always consider Sister as my own sister!”

“Since you’re here, why not stay as a guest at the Eastern Palace for a few days?” Crown Princess said lightly again.

“Young Master Liang” snorted coldly and turned aside with a flick of his sleeve.

Qu Lingjun raised her head and said angrily: “I won’t go to the Eastern Palace, and Crown Princess should stop speaking such tedious words. If anyone with ulterior motives learns of this, it benefits neither you nor me.”

Hearing this merciless refusal, Shaoshang was startled, thinking this elder sister was soft on the outside but firm within—quite a character.

Crown Princess’s face turned iron blue as she forced a smile: “Very well then. I recently obtained some fine silks from the South—I’ll send you some later. You all chat slowly—I’ll return first.”

Qu Lingjun said respectfully: “Crown Princess jests. This is the palace—how can we chat casually here? I must also go to Changqiu Palace. Since Your Highness is returning, allow me to respectfully send Crown Princess off first.” Saying this, she bent her knees and performed a proper bow.

Crown Princess looked at her for several moments, then snorted coldly and departed. Only after she had gone far did Qu Lingjun turn back and say to Second Prince’s consort: “This isn’t a place for conversation. We’ll gather again later.”

Second Prince’s consort nodded and watched Qu Lingjun’s party depart. After a long while, she sighed: “Back then, I thought she and I could become sisters-in-law… Mm, Shaoshang, you’re not at all surprised, so Zicheng must have told you about that past matter.”

Shaoshang smiled helplessly: “This time Your Highness has guessed wrong—it wasn’t Lord Ling who told me.” It was the Empress who said it—Ling Buyi kept things very close to his chest.

Second Prince’s consort raised her eyebrows but didn’t pursue the question, looking again in the direction Qu Lingjun’s party had left: “Back then, Sister Lingjun also often entered the palace to play. Alas, what a pity…” She turned her head. “Shaoshang, if Sister Lingjun had become Crown Princess, your and my days would certainly be better than now. Wouldn’t you say?”

Shaoshang smiled: “Your Highness should speak cautiously… Besides, whether better or not, I dare not say. However, I see Lady Qu is doing quite well now—her husband seems to be a well-matched partner, and she’s borne such an adorable pair of children. Past matters are better left unmentioned.”

Ling Buyi had once said that though Second Prince’s consort appeared straightforward and outspoken, she was actually meticulous inside, quite capable, managing Second Prince’s princely residence flawlessly.

Second Prince’s consort said disdainfully: “Well-matched is well-matched, but you also saw this ‘Young Master Liang.’ Not only is his temperament impatient, he’s also quite mediocre. Alas, what a waste of Sister Lingjun’s talent and learning, and what a waste that I must be sisters-in-law with a mediocrity. Truly casting pearls before swine…”

Shaoshang laughed: “Your Highness, again please speak cautiously… Also, praising yourself like this is rather much.”

Second Prince’s consort turned toward where Crown Princess had departed: “Actually, I’ve never dared to look down on those of lesser birth than myself. When I was young, I followed Father and witnessed the chaos outside, and also saw heroes and outstanding figures from humble origins. But our Crown Princess here, hmph—if she truly had ability, able to please Father Emperor and Mother Empress above and win over Crown Prince brother below, I would respect her. But she has neither talent and learning nor the magnanimity to tolerate others, and lacks even the ability to quarrel. Besides using status and propriety to suppress others, she’s never won against me even once. You’ll understand once you actually associate with her. Oh my, I’m not being vicious—this sister-in-law of mine truly has nothing to recommend her, not in the slightest…”

Shaoshang didn’t want to join in her verbal attacks, so she changed the subject: “Forgive my ignorance, but which family did Lady Qu marry into? Also, this ‘Liang Shang’ young master—have I met any of his relatives?”

Second Prince’s consort turned and smiled: “You just saw them—that Governor Liang Wuji at the banquet! Sister Lingjun’s husband is the future head of the Liang family, single name Shang—the ‘shang’ of our generation’s ‘respecting virtue.'”

Shaoshang gave a soft “oh,” realizing it was those two characters. She continued: “Thank you for enlightening me, Your Highness. From what I just observed, that Governor Liang is quite reasonable and kind. With such an uncle, Lady Qu’s days probably won’t be difficult.”

Second Prince’s consort both sighed and smiled, beckoning Shaoshang to walk along the lakeside while explaining: “Alas, if only he were truly her uncle-in-law. No, no—Governor Liang is Liang Shang’s cousin. Their fathers were blood brothers, and actually Liang Shang’s father was one year older. Back then, Governor Liang’s father died shortly after bearing a son, so his elder brother—Liang Shang’s father—thinking he had no sons of his own anyway, took his nephew in to raise personally. But who knew, a full twenty years passed before Liang Shang’s father had Liang Shang and his younger brother with his remarried new wife. Not long after, Grand Duke Liang fell gravely ill with little time left.”

Shaoshang brushed aside the withered willow branches by the lake and blinked: “Mm, this must have been twenty or thirty years ago. The times weren’t peaceful then. Not to mention a great family like the Liang clan—even small households needed someone young and vigorous to manage affairs.”

Second Prince’s consort’s eyes showed appreciation: “Exactly this reasoning. Grand Duke Liang was a sensible man. Moreover, he had always regarded his nephew as his own son, so on his deathbed he passed the family headship to Governor Liang, who was only in his twenties then—Grand Duke Liang didn’t entrust the wrong person. As they say, a tall tree attracts the wind. Emperor Li exhausted all means of extortion, cruel and without virtue. Back then, countless Hedong aristocratic families of equal standing with the Liang clan fell, yet the Liang family remained steadfast and secure.”

Shaoshang knew this—otherwise, it wouldn’t have been the turn of second or third-tier aristocratic families like the Lou clan to rise in Hedong.

“However, though Grand Duke Liang was broad-minded, others might not be! The Grand Duke’s widow was still young when widowed but refused to remarry. Fine, let’s say she couldn’t forget her old love. But while Governor Liang was busy managing affairs in front, she cried and lamented everywhere behind him—either bemoaning the pitiable orphan and widow or constantly recounting Grand Duke Liang’s ‘overwhelming’ kindness to Governor Liang. When I was young, I heard countless people criticize this old matron’s foolishness and detestability! Well, who knows if it was this old matron’s secret curses, but Governor Liang seemed to follow his uncle Grand Duke Liang in having few heirs. After his first wife died, he only had several daughters born to concubines. Just before Sister Lingjun married in, Governor Liang, before all the clan elders and Qu family relatives, established Liang Shang as the next family head.”

Shaoshang frowned: “But what if Governor Liang, like Grand Duke Liang, has a son in his old age?”

Second Prince’s consort said unconcernedly: “A son in old age would be useless. An oath made before ancestral tablets and clan members and marriage relatives—is that a joke?”

“Just now Your Highness said this Liang Shang is quite mediocre. If someone says he’s unfit to be family head and wants to replace him, what should Lady Qu do?” Someone talented enough to marry the Crown Prince—serving as the managing matriarch of an aristocratic family was already a loss. It would be terrible if she couldn’t even secure that in the end.

“Hmph, is the Qu family helpless? Back then the Liang and Qu families turned against each other as bitter enemies, and only with great difficulty did they reconcile their past grievances and form a marriage alliance. Besides, now that times are peaceful, as long as Liang Shang doesn’t foolishly cause trouble, the situation won’t deteriorate too badly.”

“Your Highness truly has vast knowledge and memory. Whether discussing other families’ old affairs or observing worldly matters and human hearts, you speak of everything with such detail and clarity. I’m deeply impressed.”

“That’s because I married a husband with an explosive temper. If I didn’t prick up my ears and open my eyes wide, who knows what state the princely residence would be in. If I’d married a husband like Zicheng, I could ignore all matters. Mm, not only that—he’d probably even determine how hot my daily washing water should be.”

Both stopped walking simultaneously, looked at each other, then laughed together.

Everyone thought Ling Buyi was like an immortal descended from heaven, beyond reproach. It was rare to have someone criticize him—Shaoshang was especially gratified by the laughter.

After laughing for a while, Second Prince’s consort said earnestly: “Sister Shaoshang, I entrust you with something. Yesterday my elder brother sent word that Father is ill and constantly thinking of me during his illness. So I plan to depart tomorrow to visit him. Though Pingyang Commandery isn’t far, it will take at least a month before I can return. During this time, if Second Prince has any troubles, please help me ask Zicheng to look after him somewhat. When I return, I’ll certainly reward you handsomely… Just making the request is enough—whether Zicheng agrees or not, I’ll appreciate your kindness.”

Shaoshang readily agreed. She sighed inwardly—though Second Prince was rash, he had excellent wife fortune. Crown Prince was such an honest person, yet was unlucky enough to marry someone so muddleheaded.

…

The next day Shaoshang slept soundly at home all day. The second day she accompanied Ling Buyi to Apricot Blossom Villa to visit Huo Junhua, once again encountering Uncle Cui You waiting to become the stepfather. Not only had he come to curry favor himself, he’d also brought his two sons.

Cui the Elder was thirteen this year, his younger brother Cui the Younger two years junior. Both boys greatly resembled their father—all long, thin limbs like skinny monkeys—though they were quite clever and cheerful. When Shaoshang arrived, they were surrounding Huo Junhua, one massaging her shoulders, one serving medicine, calling her “Sister Huo” with fawning expressions on both faces.

—That’s right, given that Huo Junhua’s mind now remained in her maiden years, naturally the Monkey Brother was unmarried and childless, so Cui the Elder and Cui the Younger pretended to be their biological father’s “distant cousins,” playing their parts enthusiastically.

Cui the Elder said: “…With your looks and family background, you’re like the moon goddess Chang’e, like Xi Shi of Wu and Yue! You could match a prince or duke with ease—how could you casually be betrothed! “

Cui the Younger said: “Exactly, exactly! Sister Huo, you must maintain some dignity and not be so amiable and kind. Otherwise any random freak will dare secretly admire you!” While saying this, he looked at his father, the implication quite obvious.

Huo Junhua, flattered into floating on air, muddleheadedly drank the medicine in one gulp, completely forgetting its bitterness, and said proudly: “…Though you two are young, you have good judgment. I also think I’m too easy to talk to, too soft-hearted. As a result, any Tom, Dick, or Harry has the guts to covet me. I must be fiercer!”

Marquis Cui’s face turned iron blue with anger. Shaoshang collapsed on the floor in suppressed laughter.

Cui the Elder and Cui the Younger excluded their father, coaxing Huo Junhua until she laughed like trembling flowers—the very image of treacherous ministers. But upon seeing Ling Buyi, they immediately became obedient and honest, their eyes radiating such admiration it nearly blinded Shaoshang’s dog eyes. Ling Buyi also quite liked the pair, tucking one under each arm and carrying them to the outer courtyard to instruct them in martial arts.

Only after the two unfilial sons left did Marquis Cui have a chance to approach his goddess, obsequiously proposing they share the midday meal.

Huo Junhua stiffened her pretty face, saying primly: “That won’t do. You’re an unmarried man and I’m an unmarried woman. Even though we grew up together, we should observe some propriety. Also, don’t keep calling me ‘Sister Junhua’—the neighbors will gossip!”

Marquis Cui nearly choked with rage. Shaoshang was just about to drink water while sitting by the window and, hearing this, directly sprayed a joyfully leaping rainbow into the sunlight.

…

The third day, Shaoshang completed her usual studies with the Empress, took a brief nap after the midday meal, then rose to adjust her robes before the mirror and strode boldly toward the Eastern Palace.

Walking along the road, Lian Fang said worriedly: “Young Mistress, you still shouldn’t go. The Eastern Palace is her territory—what if Crown Princess bullies you?”

Shaoshang walked with large, vigorous strides, completely fearless: “Initially I didn’t know her true nature, so I kept refusing to go to the Eastern Palace. But now… First, I understand the situation, so Crown Princess can’t manipulate me. Second, I can’t keep avoiding her forever.”

Sang Guo said in a low voice: “Young Mistress, she is still Crown Princess after all. If you offend her and she trips you up in the future, what will you do?”

Shaoshang snorted dismissively: “You make it sound like if I don’t offend her, she won’t trip me up anyway. There’s a type of person in this world called the ignorant petty villain. Whether you offend her or not, she’ll still try to step on you.”

As they spoke, they arrived at the Eastern Palace. Crown Princess had already set out refreshments and fruit wine in the inner hall, also bringing several girls from her maiden family to keep company.

To win someone over and make them useful required several steps, didn’t it? Crown Princess had calculated several times in her mind—nothing more than “advantage and threat.” Apply intimidation, promise benefits, and success would naturally follow.

She planned to first point out Cheng Shaoshang’s potential difficulties, threaten that her future was uncertain, then generously promise various benefits, expressing willingness to become her patron in the palace. Mission accomplished.

After consuming some refreshments, seeing the initial pleasantries had been fairly courteous, Crown Princess let out a long, distant sigh, waiting for Shaoshang to ask “Why does Your Highness sigh?” But that young lady only kept her head down eating and drinking, occasionally even criticizing the lacquerware’s luster and shape.

Crown Princess held her breath and glared at someone beside her. Her young cousin from her maiden family understood: “Crown Princess, why do you sigh?” Crown Princess could finally speak, sighing falsely: “I sigh because Sister Shaoshang has difficulties ahead, right before her eyes, yet she remains ignorantly unaware.”

According to the original plan, Shaoshang should now ask anxiously “What difficulties do I have?” But Crown Princess feared this young lady wouldn’t understand the hint, so this task was again undertaken by her young cousin.

The cousin said: “Lady Cheng is marrying a noble husband and has won the Empress’s favor—what difficulties could she have?”

Shaoshang seemed somewhat interested and raised her head from the dining table.

Crown Princess said sorrowfully: “Sister Shaoshang, you’re young and sometimes don’t consider things thoroughly enough. Last time you offended Fifth Princess, causing her confinement until now with all her estates withdrawn. This has created great enmity between you. If she can get out in the future, won’t she fiercely take revenge on you? Also regarding Mother Empress—right now she’s angry and everything is fine. But if later she feels sorry for her daughter and transfers her anger to you, what will you do?”

Shaoshang thought for a moment and asked: “Then what clever plan does Your Highness have to help me escape this predicament?”

Crown Princess smiled: “I’m thinking of you. As the saying goes, outsiders shouldn’t interfere between relatives. Her Majesty and the Princess are mother and daughter after all. For the future’s sake, you might plead before Her Majesty to release Fifth Princess from her residence and restore her estates. This way the Princess will appreciate your kindness, the resentment between you two will dissolve, and perhaps you can even become close as sisters in the future.”

Shaoshang smiled: “There are two matters Crown Princess should understand clearly. First, when Fifth Princess initially framed me for murder, I hadn’t offended her. The reason she resented me, Crown Princess knows very well. So unless I break off my engagement with Lord Ling, the Princess will never be close to me as sisters.”

Crown Princess said urgently: “Precisely because of this—if you can repay evil with good and rescue the Princess from her residence, she’ll certainly be grateful to you!”

Shaoshang smiled and continued: “Second matter—five days ago, Lord Ling told me that a few days prior, Fifth Princess finally bribed a guard, having her foster mother secretly leave the residence carrying gold, silver, and jade to the Eastern Palace to persuade Your Highness to plead on her behalf.”

Caught unexpectedly off guard, Crown Princess’s face flushed red then turned blue, as if suffering from malaria. After a long while she forced a smile: “Fifth Sister was anxious to get out. As her sister-in-law, I should naturally make some effort on her behalf. That gold and jade—I’m keeping it for her temporarily…”

Seeing Shaoshang’s smiling gaze, Crown Princess couldn’t continue.

“However, Your Highness does have a point.” Shaoshang said. “So from the time Fifth Princess was punished until now, I’ve been pleading for her before His Majesty and Her Majesty every few days. As for whether to release her or not, the two elders have their own judgment.” Who couldn’t play the good person—no need to wait for Crown Princess to advise this.

The first plan having failed, Crown Princess’s face turned blue-black, but she still bravely continued fighting.

“Very well, let’s set Fifth Sister’s matter aside. Since we’ve mentioned your marriage with Zicheng, I’m older than you and can’t help but advise you. All these years, why has His Majesty consistently urged Zicheng to marry early? Isn’t it to spread branches and bear heirs? But you’re still young—early and frequent childbearing is bad for your health. When His Majesty sees his foster son has few descendants and secretly blames you, what will you do? In my view, you should plan early and find several trustworthy sisters who can accompany you as secondary wives in the future. They can serve as confidants and share the burden of childbearing—wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

Shaoshang thought for a moment, tilting her head: “I told His Majesty and Her Majesty early on that I’m violently jealous and absolutely won’t permit Lord Ling to take concubines. If he dares, for every one that comes I’ll ruin her, for every two that come I’ll cripple the pair.”

The girls beside Crown Princess had originally been bashfully shy, but hearing these words their faces immediately turned deathly pale.

“Your Highness, don’t be anxious.” Shaoshang smiled and stopped Crown Princess from speaking again. “What you say also has merit—childbearing is indeed not easy.”

Crown Princess wiped away sweat and smiled: “As long as you can listen to reason, that’s good. I’m doing this entirely for your benefit. Look at these sisters of mine—each has a gentle temperament, cultured and reasonable…”

“However,” Shaoshang interrupted, “if I wanted to find secondary wives, why not seek from my own family? Not to mention the many daughters of subordinates under Father’s command, even our Cheng clan relatives in the countryside have many daughters. Wouldn’t they be even more trustworthy and reliable?”

Crown Princess said angrily in haste: “How could those crude, clumsy women match Zicheng…”

“Why should they match him!” Shaoshang’s eyes showed mockery. “They’re merely for bearing heirs—sturdier is better. What use are those delicate, enchanting women—to alienate the marital affection between Lord Ling and myself in the future?”

Crown Princess was again left speechless, because the other’s words were truly reasonable. Like herself—after becoming unable to bear children, all the concubines she recommended to the Crown Prince were physically robust but plain-looking.

Since this little wretch wouldn’t listen to kind words, Crown Princess turned cold: “The future days are long. Right now Sister Shaoshang has Father Emperor and Mother Empress’s favor, so naturally you don’t regard me. But the days ahead stretch far—doesn’t Sister Shaoshang want to befriend me and form a sisterly alliance? If you accept my sisters, I will also regard you as a sister in the future.”

Oh, now come the threats. Shaoshang was quite delighted: “In my view, having Lord Ling and Crown Prince be on good terms, close as brothers, is enough. As for Crown Princess Your Highness—forgive me for not daring to presume so high.” The implication being: your glory and wealth still depend on the Crown Prince, so currying favor with you is less useful than directly currying favor with the Crown Prince… Moreover, a thought had vaguely formed in her mind.

—Crown Princess was indeed as Second Prince’s consort said: greedy, hypocritical, and foolish.

Actually, she didn’t know that the Emperor and Empress’s existence provided her greatest protection. The Emperor valued his promises, the Empress was kindhearted—without these two great mountains, having neither favor nor sons nor a powerful family background, she wouldn’t even need Ling Buyi to take action. Shaoshang herself could pull her down. Shaoshang wouldn’t even need to act personally—those meritorious ministers and nobles coveting the Empress’s throne and the benefits of being imperial relatives—were they just eating plain rice? How laughable that Crown Princess was still envisioning the “beautiful life” after the Emperor and Empress passed away.

Crown Princess no longer wanted to feign kindness and said sternly: “Good, good, good! Since you won’t listen to good or bad advice, let me discuss propriety and filial piety with you! Since your engagement, you haven’t visited Marquis Ling’s residence even once, and you treat Lady Marquis Ling as if she doesn’t exist! No matter what, she is Zicheng’s stepmother. You completely disregard all proper etiquette. I’ll have to see whether the censors in court will intervene or not…”

Being the Crown Prince’s wife, she could still mobilize a few minor censors. With support both inside and outside court, she’d see if she couldn’t destroy this little wretch Cheng Shaoshang!

Who knew this threat not only failed to frighten the other party but provoked the girl to slam her palm heavily on the dining table, her eyes blazing like fire, her body slowly rising—

“Crown Princess should read more books when idle rather than teaching others with half-understood knowledge! That Lady Chunyu is neither Lord Ling’s birth mother nor raised him for a single day, having no bonds of birth or nurturing, yet she has deep enmity with Lady Huo—how dare she put on airs as uncle’s wife and stepmother!”

“Though Lady Huo has a bad temper, she not only has the grace of bearing and raising Lord Ling, during those chaotic war years she protected her son with utmost hardship through all difficulties. At that time, where was Lady Chunyu? She was busy seducing Marquis Ling!”

“All are aged old demons—stop pretending to be compassionate, benevolent little fairies. My legitimate uncle’s wife wishes Lady Chunyu would die—everyone knows this, everyone is aware! If it were me, if my mother had a life-and-death enmity with someone, my not splashing her with filth in the street would already show my great filial piety! Lord Ling is still courteous to Lady Chunyu now only out of respect for his biological father Marquis Ling’s face. I’d like to see who else remains unsatisfied and dares use this rotten matter to pick a fight?!”

Crown Princess, having been scolded by implication, had her face blocked with anger and voice choked, nearly fainting from rage. But as Second Prince’s consort said, even her quarreling ability was quite lacking. She could only point with trembling fingers, stammering “You, you… how dare you, how dare you…”

Shaoshang, having won a great victory and not planning to pursue the defeated enemy to exhaustion, smiled with satisfaction, preparing to sound the gong to withdraw troops and return to court triumphant. At this moment, an old matron suddenly stumbled in from outside, shouting at Crown Princess: “Your Highness, His Highness… something’s happened! Just now Ahei rushed to the palace gate to report…!”

Shaoshang didn’t know the situation, but Crown Princess knew Ahei was the spy she’d sent to watch the Liang residence (accurately speaking, Qu Lingjun). Hearing her romantic rival’s household had an incident, she forgot Shaoshang’s presence and anxiously asked: “What happened? Speak quickly!”

The old matron kowtowed and shouted loudly: “Someone died at the Liang household! They say Lady Qu attempted to murder her husband!”

…Shaoshang and Crown Princess stared at each other in shock.