The greatest aftermath of Lou Ben’s case was probably the massive blow dealt to the Crown Prince’s civilian official power base in court.
Originally, Court Gentleman Lou had been the implicit leader of the civilian officials supporting the Crown Prince. Now that his faction had fallen, the Crown Prince was like someone who had lost an arm. Since the case broke, the Crown Prince had been gloomy and dispirited. On this day when Shaoshang was going to see off the Lou family members, he went along too.
Originally Ling Buyi had also wanted to go, but Shaoshang tactfully advised him not to rub salt in people’s wounds. Ling Buyi didn’t argue with her—he turned around and appeared alongside the Crown Prince at the Ten Li Pavilion outside the city.
Shaoshang asked the Crown Prince helplessly: “Your Highness, you know who presided over this case, right? Now the Lou family has deaths, dispersals, and exiles. You bring him to see them off—are you afraid the Lou family isn’t hurt enough?!”
The Crown Prince said awkwardly: “Zicheng said he judges the matter, not the person. The Lou family understands righteousness deeply and definitely won’t take offense.”
Shaoshang was simply speechless: “He says it and you believe it!”—After completely overturning someone’s entire family, you still want them to understand him. Compared to Ling Buyi, even those who murder for money are more reasonable!
The Crown Prince gently countered: “Originally you were also skeptical about Lou Ben’s crimes. But later, after hearing from Mother Empress that Zicheng has never done anything without certainty since childhood, didn’t you also hurry to find Princess An Cheng?”
Shaoshang: …Let’s not hurt each other, shall we?
Shaoshang had originally wanted to console Lou Yao, who had just lost his brother and was about to depart for his posting, but with Ling Buyi watching like a tiger from the side, she could only settle for second best and say goodbye to He Zhaojun instead. The two women had no real friendship, though they had cooperated briefly during the recent emergency. Now Shaoshang didn’t know what to say to He Zhaojun.
“…That day I went to find you so abruptly, but I didn’t expect you to believe me immediately and go find the old friends and uncles to rally support. I thought I’d have to spend considerable effort persuading you. I really didn’t expect you to trust me so much.” She made conversation.
He Zhaojun wore a spirited riding outfit today, appearing even more capable and pretty. She said calmly: “Father taught me that in this lifetime, one can be foolish or cowardly, but one must know how to judge people. When I first saw you holding Young Marquis Xiao’s head, trembling all over, I understood your character—moreover, even if you were wrong, I would only have wasted one favor from uncles and old friends.”
Shaoshang protested: “Who was trembling? I was just afraid the bloodstains would soil my new clothes!” Thinking of that still-warm head now, she still had nightmares. Thinking about it, she really was a magnanimous good person.
He Zhaojun smiled without refuting. At this moment, men’s crying voices came from ahead. The two women turned to look and saw First Branch Master Lou with several sons kneeling before the Crown Prince, crying and talking.
Shaoshang pursed her lips: “How come I don’t see the First Madam? Is she in the carriage?”
He Zhaojun gave a mocking smile: “You don’t know yet? Not many people do, but a few days ago First Uncle divorced First Aunt.”
“What?!” Shaoshang was shocked.
He Zhaojun said: “Second Brother’s final words got out. Though he caused great disaster, he was after all the most outstanding of the Lou family’s generation. The clan uncles wanted to confront First Uncle, asking if he really had blocked Second Brother’s prospects, thus brewing this catastrophe. Then First Uncle divorced First Aunt on charges of ‘being unfilial and unvirtuous, sowing discord between flesh and blood.’ Two days ago he already sent her back to her natal family.”
Shaoshang felt contempt in her heart: “First Madam is already so old. Divorcing her back to her natal family now—can she even remarry? Tsk tsk… Truly, married couples are like birds in the same forest—when disaster strikes, each flies away.”
After saying this, Shaoshang’s gaze touched on Lou Yao in the distance talking with Ling Buyi. She didn’t know what Ling Buyi had bamboozled the young man with again—she only saw Lou Yao moved to tears, just short of swearing an oath to the flag. She quickly added, “But Ayao isn’t that kind of person. He can share hardship and prosperity together!”
“I know.” He Zhaojun seemed to guess her thoughts. Her gaze drifted over to look at her husband, and she smiled: “Rest assured, Ayao neither resents Lord Ling nor is dispirited and dejected. He has his own inner scale and knows his second brother’s actions were truly inexcusable. Even if Lord Ling hadn’t exposed it, it couldn’t be tolerated by heaven, earth, or human hearts.”
Shaoshang felt both comforted and sorrowful, sighing: “Ayao is just this kind of upright and honest person who walks the great path.”
Over there, the Crown Prince had already helped Lou Jing up and seemed to be consoling him.
Shaoshang was displeased: Tch, bleeding heart!
He Zhaojun sneered: “My First Uncle’s thoughts turn quickly—he’s already plotting new schemes.”
“What new schemes?” Shaoshang asked.
He Zhaojun said: “The root of the problem clearly lies with First Uncle himself, yet those being exiled are Uncle and Ayao’s blood brothers. If His Majesty hadn’t ordered them to reflect behind closed doors, he would have wanted Ayao to take his several sons to the posting with him.”
“He can actually be that shameless?!” Shaoshang was somewhat angry.
“Naturally he can.” He Zhaojun mocked. “The day after Second Brother committed suicide, he came crying to Ayao, completely deflecting his own fault. Now it seems he’s betting everything on His Highness the Crown Prince. Even if His Majesty dislikes him, who knows—when His Highness ascends the throne in the future, perhaps he can be restored!”
“Stop dreaming!” Shaoshang said coldly. “Lord Ling and I aren’t dead yet. Restoring him would be making enemies for oneself!” From today on, she would activate slander mode before the bleeding-heart Crown Prince.
“I think so too.” He Zhaojun smiled with satisfaction. This was exactly what she’d been waiting to hear. Since Lou Jing could block Lou Ben’s prospects, wouldn’t he obstruct Lou Yao after being restored?
Shaoshang vaguely felt He Zhaojun was somewhat different from before. She probed: “Going to your posting, there will surely be many difficulties. You…”
“No need to say more.” He Zhaojun said directly. “I’ve already inquired thoroughly with several uncles who have served in distant posts. Medicine, astrology, divination, food, drink, sleeping quarters, guards, provisions—I’ve prepared everything that needs preparing. What couldn’t be purchased immediately, the uncles have already sent over. Though Uncle will soon be exiled, he served outside for many years and has complete sets of personnel and documents. Soon Uncle will send the old staff members he’s used for years to Ayao.”
Shaoshang saw her gaze was clear and frank, without a trace of shadow—on the contrary, full of vigor. She was secretly impressed.
He Zhaojun looked toward the official road covered in white snow in the distance, no longer resembling the pampered, willful little girl of years past. She said steadily: “I was born into wealth and ease. In my youth, no matter what trouble I caused, Father and my brothers would shield me. I thought I’d be carefree my whole life, but who knew Father and brothers would all die in battle? Later I married into the Lou family, such a prosperous and stable great clan, but who knew one incident would bring us to this state. I’ve finally understood—relying on heaven and earth is not as good as relying on oneself. Perhaps…” She smiled with complete satisfaction. “This way I’m even more content!”
She paused, then lowered her voice: “Father didn’t entrust the He family and younger brother to stepmother, nor to collateral branch uncles. He entrusted them to me. I never knew that in Father’s heart, I was actually someone who could shoulder responsibilities.”
Shaoshang was inexplicably moved. Sometimes love and trust contain unimaginable power, giving children the courage to face life.
At the moment of parting, the Crown Prince saw He Zhaojun spring agilely onto her horse like a swift swallow, and his eyes grew moist. He remembered this was the distinctive mounting style of the battle-hardened General He.
He Zhaojun sat tall on her horse, her gaze confident and strong. She said to Shaoshang: “When we meet again in the future, I’ll treat you to wine and meat!”
Shaoshang gladly agreed.
On the return journey, the Crown Prince was in low spirits and invited Ling Buyi and Shaoshang to ride together.
Shaoshang never found a chance to say a word to Lou Yao. Her mood wasn’t great either, and she murmured: “Thinking about it is quite interesting. The Lou family’s once most obscure youngest son, the He family’s once most spoiled and willful youngest daughter—now they must carry the heavy burden. Life truly is like a play.”
“Indeed it is.” The Crown Prince sighed.
“Your Highness, this subject has something to report.” Shaoshang suddenly looked very serious.
The Crown Prince shuddered: “Speak normally, don’t be like this.”
“Lou Jing is a hypocrite full of false benevolence and righteousness.” Shaoshang said seriously. “Whether now or when Your Highness ascends the great throne in the future, Your Highness should never employ this man again!”
The Crown Prince sighed with difficulty: “He does have improper aspects, but after all, he was my early tutor…”
“Just because he’s surnamed Lou, does that mean Your Highness would be illiterate your whole life without him!” Shaoshang was fierce. Facing an old softie like the Crown Prince, people unconsciously become presumptuous.
Seeing the Crown Prince fall silent after her scolding, Shaoshang took a deep breath and continued: “Your Highness needn’t worry that without Lou Jing there will be no one in court to support you. As long as Your Highness conducts yourself uprightly with steadfast intentions, the dignity of the Crown Prince can itself become a banner, attracting talented people from across the land! When that time comes, why worry about having no one to employ…”
“All right, all right.” The Crown Prince waved both hands with a bitter smile. “Actually Zicheng also doesn’t approve of me using Court Gentleman Lou again. You don’t need to be so anxious and agitated. With Zicheng here, in the time it takes to eat a meal, Zicheng can think up eighteen stratagems to ensure I can never employ Lou Jing. Please calm down a bit.”
Ling Buyi had been leaning against the carriage wall with eyes closed, resting. Hearing this, he glanced at the Crown Prince.
Shaoshang was startled, then said happily: “Really? Lord Ling, you’re so full of tricks… ah no, so resourceful and strategic…”
Ling Buyi could no longer maintain his frosty expression. He glared directly, looking like he very much wanted to strangle the girl.
The Crown Prince remembered his mature and steady appearance as a child. In over a decade, when had he ever shown such lively human spirit? He turned away to suppress his laughter, laughing extremely happily.
Seeing Ling Buyi lean toward her, Shaoshang quickly shrank back behind the Crown Prince: “What do you want to do? His Highness is here—don’t you dare misbehave!”
The Crown Prince turned sideways, helplessly addressing his own back: “Now you remember what I’m good for?!” Though his face was stern, he thought that if he had such a naughty, mischievous yet sensible daughter or younger sister, his daily life would surely be joyful.
“His Highness is tired and should rest. You come with me to another carriage!” Ling Buyi reached out to grab the girl.
Shaoshang said anxiously: “I haven’t finished talking with His Highness yet!”
“There’s no more need to discuss Lou Jing’s matter. What else do you have to say!”
“Of course there is!” Shaoshang shouted with all her might, then moved before the Crown Prince and said seriously: “Your Highness, this subject has a question.”
The Crown Prince suppressed his laughter: “I’m listening.”
“Has Your Highness been beating the Crown Princess lately?”
As soon as the words fell, Ling Buyi covered his forehead and turned his head, unable to bear watching. The Crown Prince looked completely dazed.
But Shaoshang spoke with conviction: “I heard that since the Crown Princess was confined, Your Highness has provided her with good food and drink, and even gave her a garden on one side of the Eastern Palace to stroll and relax in. Not only that, I heard His Highness also prepared a generous estate for her, so even if she’s deposed in the future, she can continue living in luxury. Is this true or not?”
The Crown Prince looked embarrassed.
Shaoshang said indignantly: “Your Highness, this subject is not a mean and narrow-minded person…”
Ling Buyi very timely made a sound of disapproval.
Shaoshang ignored him and continued: “This subject is not a mean and narrow-minded person, but I believe everyone should pay the price for their actions. The Crown Princess maliciously harmed Lady Qu, making Lady Qu suffer painfully and unjustly for ten years. Shouldn’t she be punished?!”
“I know that if Your Highness treats the Crown Princess poorly, people might say you’re cold and heartless. I won’t argue about anything else—Your Highness, just go beat the Crown Princess a couple of times as light punishment. For certain crimes that are serious in nature but can’t be severely punished, a good beating works better than anything else.”
“Beating a woman—how could that be the conduct of a gentleman?” the Crown Prince said quietly.
“Of course it’s wrong for men to beat women!” Shaoshang said. “But sometimes circumstances force it. Like my former Second Aunt—truly a vicious shrew! Second Uncle taught her but she wouldn’t listen. He couldn’t outargue her, sending her back to her natal family only made them spoil her more, he couldn’t divorce her. Every day she incited my First Mother to scheme against Father and Mother, making the household chaotic. What else could be done but give her a couple of beatings! I’m telling you, if Second Uncle had beaten Second Aunt thoroughly back then, perhaps they wouldn’t have ended up divorcing.”
“The saying goes, petty people fear authority, not virtue. Some people just love bullying good people! Look at me, Your Highness. When I first entered the palace, I didn’t dare look you in the eye directly. But now I dare incite you to beat the Crown Princess—this is practically insubordination! This shows that those in superior positions must have some dignity…”
Ling Buyi snorted from the side.
Shaoshang glared angrily: “Stop interrupting. I’m discussing serious matters with His Highness!”
The Crown Prince’s previous gloom completely dissipated as he turned away to laugh quietly.
…
Returning to Changqiu Palace, the Crown Prince first paid respects to the Empress, then briefly recounted what was said in the carriage, smiling: “Thinking about it now, Zicheng meeting Shaoshang is quite good. Though Shaoshang speaks without propriety, every word is from the heart for my benefit. Sometimes I feel they’re like my own younger siblings.”
The Empress smiled with satisfaction: “Yes. Sometimes when I see Shaoshang, I don’t know whether to be annoyed or amused, whether to scold or praise. One moment I want to strike her palm, the next I want to hold her close to my heart.”
At this moment Shaoshang, having seen Ling Buyi off, bounced into the inner hall. Seeing the Crown Prince hesitating to speak, full of suspicion: “What was Your Highness saying to Her Majesty? Why did you stop when I arrived?”
The Crown Prince glared at her without good humor: “I was speaking ill of you! You’re becoming more and more improper, requesting leave every few days. I’m now inciting Mother Empress to give you a good beating too. According to what you said, one beating works better than any amount of teaching!”
“Your Highness!” the girl exclaimed in indignation.
The Empress smiled gently.
…
At this time, New Year’s Day had passed and the Lantern Festival was approaching. According to the agreement made with Marquis Ling before going to battle, Ling Buyi was to bring Shaoshang to the Chengyang Marquis Residence. The Empress made no comment and carefully prepared meeting gifts for the two. Shaoshang looked at those beautiful but impractical gold and jade objects and asked: “Does Your Majesty also dislike Madam Ling?”
Ling Buyi said: “When I was young, everyone praised Chunyu Shi for being humble and self-restrained, willing to serve as a concubine to attend to my hot-tempered mother. Only Your Majesty said she degraded herself. Once when I had fallen asleep, I heard Your Majesty say that if she were Chunyu Shi, even with children all around, as long as she could walk, she would turn and leave immediately.”
Thinking of the unsolvable knot between Emperor, Empress, and Consort, Shaoshang sighed heavily.
Early the next morning, Shaoshang accompanied Ling Buyi to the Marquis Ling residence and was immediately surprised.
She had always thought that Marquis Ling, such a refined and handsome middle-aged gentleman, would have a residence decorated elegantly and leisurely with a scholarly air. But upon arrival, she discovered that from courtyard to buildings, the entire Chengyang Marquis Residence was constructed respectfully and meticulously. No carved beams or painted rafters, no curved or tilted flying eaves—even the tables and platforms were all perfectly square without a trace of superfluous decoration.
This atmosphere was different from Ling Buyi’s military-camp-style residence. Ling Buyi’s mansion was clearly the result of being too lazy to spend effort decorating and ultimately eliminating complexity—after all, there were no female family members in the household, so managing it like a military camp was actually easier.
But the solemn and orderly atmosphere in the Chengyang Marquis Residence seemed like a deliberately maintained result. In this passionate and free-spirited era, Shaoshang miraculously felt a strange sense of constraint.
Ling Buyi’s paternal grandparents had long since passed away. The Chengyang Marquis Residence now housed Marquis Ling’s three brothers. Though the three brothers each had wives and children, they had never divided the household. Outsiders all said the Ling family brothers were harmonious, maintaining filial piety and fraternal duty in the family—truly a model for the world.
Facing a group of ‘elders,’ Shaoshang properly performed her courtesies to them—the Ling family not only had an orderly residence but even orderly family members. The three Ling brothers each had one wife and three concubines with several children. When they sat in rows before Shaoshang, even their expressions were similarly warm and kind, like figures cast from the same mold.
Even Chunyu Shi, who put on various white lotus acts outside, now presented a dignified and silent appearance, only showing some enthusiasm when introducing her eldest son. Ling Buyi’s eldest younger brother was about fifteen or sixteen, born very much resembling Marquis Ling—tall and thin with handsome features. When they exchanged courtesies, he seemed to secretly glance at Shaoshang a few times, then Shaoshang saw Chunyu Shi pinch her son under her sleeve.
Chunyu Shi couldn’t contain herself and finally mentioned that her eldest son had a betrothal arranged—and the bride was actually Princess Yuchang!
“Princess Yuchang?!” Shaoshang was shocked. Instinctively wanting to look at Ling Buyi, she remembered he had just been called away by Marquis Ling.
She counted on her fingers: Princess Yuchang was one year older than Ling Buyi, and Ling Buyi was five or six years older than the Second Young Master Ling, so—”Mm, I remember Princess Yuchang this year is in the prime of youth at…”
“What’s wrong with a bride being a few years older? The saying goes, ‘a woman three years older holds bricks of gold!'” Chunyu Shi interjected.
Shaoshang twitched her lips: “Mm, this time she gets two and a half bricks of gold at once. Truly a good match.”
The Second Young Master Ling had strong psychological fortitude—he showed no trace of embarrassment and even seemed rather proud.
Chunyu Shi said smugly: “That’s right, fate is truly heaven-ordained! Several months ago during the Empress’s birthday celebration, my son was waiting outside the palace gates for the Marquis when he happened to run into Princess Yuchang hurrying out of the palace. Thus began their fated bond!”
Shaoshang tried hard to remember—mm, she recalled it. It seemed she had just quarreled with Ling Buyi, then Ling Buyi had scolded Princess Yuchang who had thrown herself at him, and finally the Empress said Princess Yuchang had run crying out of the palace… So the Second Young Master Ling had seized the opportunity to comfort her? Able to climb high branches to find a wife—mm, truly carrying on the family tradition.
“Was Princess Yuchang crying at the time?” she asked.
Chunyu Shi was startled and deflected: “What does Lady Cheng mean by that?”
Shaoshang said: “Nothing special. So… has Old Prince Ruyang agreed to this match?”
Chunyu Shi smiled: “The old prince is a man. Young people’s marriage matters still depend on the princess consort…”
“But didn’t the old princess consort go to a Taoist temple outside the city to cultivate?” Shaoshang smiled sweetly.
Chunyu Shi’s face stiffened: “For a first marriage, follow parents. For a second marriage, decide for oneself. In any case, the princess is willing herself—what can the old prince say!”
Shaoshang made a sound of acknowledgment: “That truly is a heaven-ordained match. I wonder when the happy occasion is set?” So if you can’t be his wife, you’ll become his sister-in-law? Princess Yuchang is truly devoted.
Chunyu Shi smiled: “We still have to wait for Second Uncle to go first. Lady Cheng doesn’t know—Zicheng’s Second Uncle is about to form a marriage alliance with the Yu Marquis family!”
At this point, the Second Uncle Ling quickly explained: “It’s not Lord Yu’s daughter, but Lord Yu’s niece. Moreover, Zicheng has also arranged his betrothal. Naturally we must wait for Zicheng’s wedding ceremony to be properly conducted before it’s the younger generation’s turn.”
“Zicheng should still pay more attention to the wedding ceremony. Say what he likes and dislikes early, lest there be dissatisfaction later and everyone comes blaming me…” Chunyu Shi muttered.
“You are not to interfere with Zicheng’s marriage!” Marquis Ling entered from outside, Ling Buyi following behind.
Marquis Ling’s expression was displeased. He actually scolded Chunyu Shi before the entire family: “I already told you—His Majesty has his own intentions for Zicheng’s marriage. Did you treat my words as wind past your ears? You just want to use Zicheng to ultimately…”
Chunyu Shi immediately sat up straight, speaking meekly: “My lord is right. It was this consort who overstepped. It’s just that this consort thought, after all, Zicheng is my lord’s eldest son. We can’t do nothing at all…”
“If anything needs to be added for Zicheng, I’ll do it. In any case, you are not to interfere even one bit! This is my final instruction to you—have you memorized it?!” Marquis Ling showed no mercy.
Chunyu Shi was quite embarrassed but still bowed submissively in acknowledgment.
—The sense of dissonance returned.
Shaoshang strangely felt that Ling Yi and Chunyu Shi weren’t as deeply affectionate and inseparable as rumored outside. Watching Chunyu Shi before Marquis Ling seemed even more fearful than when facing the Empress in the palace—truly strange.
After reprimanding his wife, Marquis Ling beckoned Ling Buyi and Shaoshang to walk outside. Circling the vast empty courtyard, they came to the ancestral hall in the southwest corner of the Ling residence. Servants had already swept and wiped clean there and prepared incense, candles, and offerings.
Dismissing the servants, Marquis Ling only brought his son and Shaoshang into the somber and cold Ling ancestral hall. After a round of prostrations, rising, offering incense, kowtowing, prayers and recitations, the ceremony reached a pause. Then Marquis Ling led his son and future daughter-in-law to rest in the ancestral hall’s side hall.
The side hall had a blazing hot stove with a pot of wine and jar of fermented milk warming by the brazier, along with several dishes of pastries. The three sat around the brazier. Ling Buyi quietly poured wine for Marquis Ling and presented it, then poured a bowl of steaming hot fermented milk for his fiancée.
Marquis Ling drained his cup in one gulp and said joyfully: “The ancestors knowing you’re so accomplished, our Ling family has hope of revival. Even in the netherworld they can rest in peace—speaking of which, our Ling family was a renowned aristocratic clan in the previous dynasty. Who knew we would decline repeatedly until finally having almost no foothold. If not for Zicheng’s maternal uncle’s support, alas…”
Shaoshang turned to look and saw Ling Buyi with lowered lashes, silent. She suddenly realized that before Marquis Ling, Ling Buyi seemed particularly silent. Last time before the battle when delivering armor it was the same—always Marquis Ling chattering on while Ling Buyi quietly listened.
Ling Yi didn’t seem to mind his son being this way, just continuing to ramble. To avoid awkward silence, Shaoshang could only respond sporadically.
“The previous dynasty’s emperors were not easy-going rulers. To say they were strict is putting it lightly. Especially that Martial Emperor—I heard he went through prime ministers like leeks, cutting one crop after another. How many aristocratic clans that survived from the previous dynasty to now exist? None of it was easy!” Speaking of this flamboyant emperor, the several Erudites who taught Shaoshang history and classics were often indignant beyond restraint.
Marquis Ling laughed so hard he nearly choked on his wine: “Leeks? Ha ha ha, Shaoshang speaks so interestingly—no wonder His Majesty and Her Majesty both like you!” He sighed. “You’re right. That our Ling family could survive to now and still have the strength to turn things around is already heaven’s blessing!”
He turned to his son: “Zicheng, don’t think your father is nagging. You established merit at Shouchun this time—I’m very happy. But you’ve added several more wounds to your body, haven’t you? When you’re young and show off without being careful, when you’re older you’ll have ailments all over. I heard His Majesty sent imperial physicians to live at your residence to give you proper care. Even though you say nothing, I can tell your injuries aren’t light!”
Shaoshang thought of the wounds on Ling Buyi’s shoulders and back and sighed softly.
“Listen to one thing from your father: when you should dodge, dodge more. The world is so vast, there are so many capable people—not everything must be done by you alone! You press down the gourd and the ladle pops up—merit can never be completely established! Heaven and earth are infinite, but you are made of flesh. How can you keep fighting with all your might?” Ling Yi earnestly advised.
Ling Buyi continued keeping his head down in silence.
In some ways, Shaoshang somewhat agreed with Ling Yi, but deep in her heart she felt conflicted and hesitantly argued: “You can’t say it like that. His Majesty has Lord Ling establish more merit also to find reasons to promote him in rank and bestow generous rewards, wanting Lord Ling to have future wealth and glory…”
“Who says you must establish merit to have wealth and glory!” Ling Yi, with some wine in him, showed a strange light in his eyes. “Who says you must fight with blood and flesh to be promoted in rank and position?”
As his words fell, the side hall became silent as death.
Shaoshang was shocked beyond words. Since she’d been able to understand this world, all the men she knew—from farmers and laborers in the countryside up to Old Master Cheng, Uncle Wan, General He… even the disgraced Lou Ben—all strove with all their might in this world, using their talents, fortune, even the lives of their entire families, seeking above to win the ruler’s appreciation, winning below the prosperity of their subordinates and clan.
Though the purpose was utilitarian, compared to stagnant pond culture, Shaoshang could appreciate this passionate and positive enterprising spirit—today, hearing Ling Yi’s words, she felt as if she’d fallen into an alternate world, completely unable to respond.
“Momentary glory seems brilliantly radiant, illuminating the heavens, but once it passes, it’s gone. The Champion Marquis was heroic his whole life, but after his early death, who protected his family and clan? Living to the end is living the best!” Ling Yi said word by word. “Zicheng, Shaoshang, we three are flesh and blood relatives, father and son, husband and wife—we are the closest family. Today I’ll speak plainly.”
“I understand His Majesty’s meaning. In the future when you and Shaoshang have children, several will definitely take the surname Huo to inherit incense for Zicheng’s maternal uncle. Elder Brother Huo Chong was also a godlike figure. I have no problem with my grandchildren taking his surname! But Zicheng, you absolutely cannot learn from your maternal uncle. No matter how well His Majesty treats you, you cannot truly risk your life!”
“Live well, live as long as possible. Like a spider slowly weaving its web, connect with aristocratic clans and the powerful, multiply descendants. When the branches are luxuriant and leaves abundant, when the winds and clouds settle—then it will be our turn!”
Shaoshang looked at Ling Yi’s refined and kind face, hearing him emit satisfied chuckles, and for the first time in her life felt a hair-raising hidden fear—because she couldn’t say Ling Yi’s words were wrong.
Ling Buyi never spoke, only cup after cup pouring wine for Ling Yi. Finally Ling Yi collapsed drunk by the brazier, and it was Ling Buyi who helped him back to his quarters and turned him over to the servants.
Afterward, Ling Buyi declined the midday meal, grabbed Shaoshang and prepared to leave the Chengyang Marquis Residence. The two Ling uncles didn’t press them to stay, only loading a large cart of return gifts.
Before leaving, the Second Uncle Ling seemed to want to entrust Ling Buyi with something and pulled him aside to talk. The Third Uncle Ling made small talk with Shaoshang: “Don’t let elder brother frighten you, Lady Cheng. Actually, elder brother loves Zicheng most. He and Lady Huo were childless for years after marriage. Second brother’s and my children could walk and run, but he only then had Zicheng—truly treasured him like the flesh of his heart. Who knew…”
He sighed. “Though elder brother later had other children, only Zicheng was one he personally held, cherished, fed and coaxed to sleep. I never imagined father and son would become so estranged now!”
Shaoshang had nothing to say and could only sigh along appropriately.
On the return journey, Ling Buyi asked Shaoshang: “What do you think of what father said today?”
Shaoshang said: “I knew you would ask me! Sigh, all right. I just thought of my Third Aunt. Early last year didn’t Hua County suffer military disaster? The old county magistrate died in battle protecting the people. At the time Third Aunt said she loved my uncle more than life, but if uncle also encountered the same situation, she would rather uncle resist the enemy outside the city than survive ignobly inside.”
Ling Buyi’s eyes brightened as he praised: “Lady Sang is truly a heroine among women!”
Shaoshang nodded: “But what Marquis Ling said actually also makes sense. Living longer is better than dying young. However, if you truly face a situation with no escape, you can’t really be a cowardly turtle. So, you should charge into battle less in the future and properly stay home to recuperate—that’s what’s important! Just now I looked through your family genealogy. Aside from your paternal grandparents who suffered calamity, the rest of the ancestors all lived quite long! Oh my, I don’t know the lifespan of your maternal ancestors. I seem to have heard Marquis Cui mention that the Huo family also produced several long-lived elders. You should emulate them too—don’t you dare die before me!”
Ling Buyi both laughed and sighed: “Do you know you actually have an interesting peculiarity?”
“What peculiarity?”
“No matter how serious the original topic, in the end you always steer it thousands of miles off course. Those with weaker resolve completely forget what they wanted to say by the end.”
Shaoshang touched her head: “So what did you originally want to say?” Speaking of which, Old Master Cheng is actually the master of digression—why didn’t she learn something good but learned this instead?
“Nothing. I’ve forgotten.” Ling Buyi swept away his earlier gloom, smiling quite irritatingly.