On the fifth day after Huo Buyi departed for the border, the matter of deposing the Empress was put on the agenda.
The court hall presented a strange tranquility. All the high ministers kept their mouths shut about this matter. Only a few Confucian masters from the Discourse Platform spoke two sentences for the Empress—”virtuous and gentle, without fault” and such. However, among the family lineages opposing the Xuan mother and son, there was no shortage of educated descendants. Those Confucian masters often received cold sneers plus even more fierce rebuttals.
Once when Cheng Yong came to see his younger sister on her sickbed, Shaoshang couldn’t help asking: “Are there truly no ministers willing to risk death remonstrating for the Empress?”
Cheng Yong said: “We are first His Majesty’s ministers, secondly the Empress’s. If we oppose His Majesty for the Empress’s sake, how would that be the way of a minister?”
“Deposing the Empress without cause—it doesn’t accord with reason.”
“There is a reason. The edict says the Empress is jealous.”
Seeing his younger sister’s gloomy expression, Cheng Yong said softly: “For military deployment, for taxation, for any matter of court governance, assembled ministers might争argue. But for an empress they’ve barely seen a few times, they won’t. Niao Niao, elder brother tells you—unless she’s like Empress Lü who shared hardships together, or like Huo Pingjun whose roots were in one place, when ministers争dispute with the sovereign over deposing or not deposing the empress, mostly it’s Xiang Zhuang’s sword dance aimed at Duke Pei—in any case, it’s absolutely not for the Empress herself.”
Shaoshang spoke no more.
The days of recuperation were peaceful and dull. Lady Sang didn’t discuss past events with Shaoshang, only pulled her to play chess and appreciate music, occasionally mentioning amusing incidents from Cheng Zhi’s posting. Madam Xiao wanted Lady Sang to counsel her daughter more. Lady Sang said: “Niao Niao understands everything in her heart, but the human heart isn’t stone—how can it turn just because you say so? Sister-in-law, don’t rush. Let Niao Niao ease up. After a year or two, she’ll see everything clearly.”
However, the night before departing to return, Lady Sang specially helped Shaoshang to the corridor: “You’re much better off than me. When I was young, the world was in great chaos with military disasters everywhere. Yesterday’s little sisters laughing and drinking wine together—a few days later I’d hear their entire households met with bandits. Last month’s intimate friends we arranged to appreciate flowers with—this month they fled to unknown destinations… I know you harbor resentment, but go out and look. Look at these stars, this heaven and earth. There are so many difficult things in the human world—you and I are already fortunate people.”
Shaoshang leaned against a corridor pillar, looking at the courtyard full of lush fragrant greenery, breathing the vibrant spring air. In her heart she had already reached a decision—from then on she would exercise and train daily.
Because of the chaos in court over deposing the Empress, Yuan Shen no longer had time to come four times a day, though he still came daily. For some reason, Yuan Shen was particularly silent this time, often sitting across from Shaoshang with the screen between them for a long while, then quietly returning.
On the third day after Lady Sang left, the edict deposing the Empress and establishing the new Empress were issued one after another. Exactly as Shaoshang expected, the Emperor prohibited assembled ministers from celebrating the establishment of the new Empress. At the same time, his arrangements for the deposed Empress were extraordinarily honorable.
First, all other princes were enfeoffed with princely titles, among them the Second Prince as Prince Huai’an. Then the deposed Empress was redesignated as Grand Princess Dowager of Huai’an, moved to reside in Yong’an Palace in the northeast of the Northern Palace, continuing to enjoy the Empress’s fief. Moreover, to make the Grand Princess Dowager of Huai’an’s expenses comfortable, another commandery was added to the Second Prince’s fief to support the Grand Princess Dowager.
At the same time, the Emperor lavishly rewarded the Xuan clan. Grand Princess Dowager Xuan’s younger brother Marquis Xuan had no military merit, but the Emperor, despite ministers’ opposition, promoted him exceptionally from marquis within the passes to ranked marquis, greatly increasing his fief. Grand Princess Dowager Xuan’s paternal cousins all received noble titles, elevated to first-rank official status. Even Grand Princess Dowager Xuan’s uncle—because his son died young—the Emperor specially enfeoffed his son-in-law as marquis out of grace.
For a time, the entire Xuan clan was ablaze with glory like flowers cooked in oil.
On the second day Shaoshang could move freely, she sent someone to deliver a letter to Third Prince’s mansion. She had even prepared a bag of money for the messenger to slip to the gatekeeper, but who knew Third Prince governed his subordinates so strictly—the messenger brought the money pouch back full.
Shaoshang sighed. For the first time she felt changing Crown Princes wasn’t bad.
Originally she thought it would take at least until the next day to depart. Who knew that an hour later, Third Prince’s carriage appeared at the Cheng mansion gate, nearly scaring the old steward into stumbling. He thought darkly that his young lady’s suitors were truly unending—one after another like rolling waves. This old man was somewhat overwhelmed.
Madam Xiao rushed over upon hearing the news and asked anxiously: “What is Third Prince coming for? Where are you going! You’re not fully recovered yet!”
“Why does Mother’s complexion still look so terrible? Don’t tell me I’ve recovered but Mother has fallen ill instead.”
Shaoshang looked at Madam Xiao in surprise. Even in the rough military camps, this lustrous, healthy middle-aged beauty was now sallow and haggard. “Aunt Qing, please supplement Mother’s nutrition more. Food supplements are better than medicine—beef bone porridge, pig trotter soup, and squab, black fish…”
Qing Cong supported Madam Xiao and smiled bitterly with lowered head. Madam Xiao stamped her foot: “Answer properly!”
Shaoshang had Azhu arrange her clothing while smiling: “Mother, don’t worry. I need to enter the palace. But since the Empress has been deposed, all my tokens are no longer valid, so I’m asking Third Prince to lead me to see the Empress.”
Madam Xiao said anxiously: “I heard Yong’an Palace’s gates are tightly shut and Grand Princess Dowager Huai’an sees no one. How will you get in! Besides, why not ask the Crown Prince to lead you into the palace?”
“The Crown Prince?” Shaoshang smiled. “Where could he get in?” She fumbled at her vanity table. It was Cheng Yang, quietly kneeling to one side, who handed her the earrings.
Shaoshang put on both white jade earrings and shook them before the copper mirror: “That time I quarreled with Huo Buyi and hid in a palace room throwing a tantrum. The Crown Prince originally wanted to mediate, but when he heard me smash a ladle inside, he stopped at the door and didn’t dare enter—hmph, to enter Yong’an Palace, it has to be Third Prince.”
Arrangements complete, Shaoshang bowed to take leave of Madam Xiao. The moment she was about to step down from the corridor, she suddenly paused, turned back, and said slowly: “Mother needn’t worry about me. I can survive wherever I go. But if you don’t take good care of your health, Father will never forgive me.”
Then her gaze settled on Cheng Yang behind Madam Xiao. In a pleasant, good-natured tone she said: “Aunt Qing needs to look after Mother. With all the household trivia, I’ll have to trouble you.”
Cheng Yang responded dully.
The morning sun of spring days was always dazzling. The girl in the soft warm light had an unreal quality, like fragile primrose—a gust of wind and she’d be gone. Watching her put on upturned-toe shoes and about to walk out of the courtyard, Madam Xiao suddenly called out trembling: “Niao Niao!”
Shaoshang turned back with a smile: “I’ll be back soon.”
‘Be back soon’?! Madam Xiao felt dizzy—this was the third time she’d heard this phrase.
In a trance, she seemed to see that day ten years ago when they departed for the front lines. The frail young child was held in Mother Fu’s arms, crying until her little face was red, tearing her heart out crying “Mother don’t go, Father don’t go”… Old Master Cheng couldn’t bear it and kept turning back, even wanting to rush back and take his daughter away—after all, Madam Cheng Ge Shi couldn’t catch up. But she herself had calmly stopped her husband. The army’s departure was imminent—no complications could arise.
Madam Xiao suddenly struggled, shouting in a loss of composure: “Don’t let her go! Someone, don’t let her go… Stop her, quickly someone stop her…!” She felt she was going to lose her daughter, lose her forever. But perhaps she had already lost her ten years ago—only now discovering it.
Why had she been so calm and rational these ten years? Why had she been so determined to maintain her good reputation! She should have been like a fierce lioness, viciously tearing open the throats of those who stole her child. Or she should have been like the shrewish woman at the village entrance, dragging Ge Shi by the hair around the mansion—whoever dared say a word against it, she’d beat them until they had no teeth left!
—It wasn’t that she had no way to take her daughter. She just had too many concerns. And now, saying anything was too late.
Madam Xiao gasped violently. As blood and energy surged, she suddenly felt sweetness at her throat. A hot fishy fluid overflowed from her lips, then she collapsed.
…
Shaoshang sat in the light carriage wearing a thick veil-hat. Third Prince rode alongside. He suddenly spoke: “Why did your household steward look at me so strangely?”
Shaoshang pulled the curtain tighter to prevent people on the street from recognizing her: “Country folk haven’t seen the world. Your Highness need not mind.”
Third Prince sneered: “Was it like this when Zicheng went to your home before…”
As soon as the words left his mouth, he knew he’d misspoken. Actually he found it very strange—after such great difficulty, shouldn’t these two people enjoy sweetness after bitterness, staying together? How had it come to this?
Shaoshang supported herself on the carriage rail and said quietly: “Though Lord Huo held high position and great power, he always treated people with cultured courtesy. Even to servants he was kind and thoughtful—very different from Your Highness’s demeanor… By the way, is Grand Princess Dowager Huai’an ill?”
Third Prince’s mouth twisted: “After receiving the deposition edict, she packed nothing, only brought a few palace maids into Yong’an Palace. She eats less and less, and though ill refuses to see imperial physicians. So not only does my mother empress not dare hold the enthronement celebration, she doesn’t even dare move into Changqiu Palace.”
Shaoshang nodded: “I guessed as much.”
Third Prince said with some mockery: “Mother Empress is melancholy and unhappy, so Father Emperor keeps rewarding the Xuan clan. If Grand Princess Dowager Huai’an continues falling ill like this, Father Emperor might move the entire national treasury to those surnamed Xuan. Hmph, Father Emperor is too benevolent. If he were truly like High Ancestor Emperor or Martial Emperor, turning ruthless without mercy, who would dare say half a word—this world always harshly criticizes kindhearted people!”
Shaoshang rolled her eyes at Third Prince: “At this juncture, Your Highness shouldn’t add fuel to the fire. Every person has their own nature. Grand Princess Dowager Xuan once said she couldn’t become Empress Yue, and Empress Yue couldn’t become her either. His Majesty is the same.”
Third Prince was silent for a moment, then said: “Can you really persuade Grand Princess Dowager Huai’an? I heard that day she explained all the reasoning clearly to Father Emperor. How is it she can’t get past it now?”
Shaoshang smiled: “His Majesty, the princes and princesses—none understand Grand Princess Dowager Xuan’s heart… Actually, she needs to be coaxed. But ever since Grand Duke Xuan passed away, no one has coaxed her. Instead she’s had to repeatedly coax others—her widowed mother, young brothers, sigh…”
Before Third Prince’s eyes floated Grand Princess Dowager Xuan’s dignified, composed appearance. His face was full of doubt.
“From childhood to adulthood, Grand Princess Xuan has never truly suffered hardship. Outside was military chaos, but above her head someone always protected her. So the long years never wore away her true nature—in Grand Princess Xuan’s deepest heart, she’s still that Xuan clan’s legitimate eldest daughter cherished with paternal love and maternal affection.”
“But circumstances are stronger than people. In Prince Qian’an’s mansion, she had to yield to numerous step-sisters. After marrying His Majesty, she felt guilty toward Consort Yue and had to continue yielding. Also because her natal family was weak, she needed even more to present an appearance of motherly virtue to the realm and profound righteousness. No matter what happened, even if her heart was unhappy she had to pretend nothing was wrong, and had to ‘understand’ His Majesty’s actions before His Majesty could explain—now she finally doesn’t have to pretend, so naturally she’ll throw some tantrums.”
“I thought you deeply respected the Empress.” Third Prince frowned.
Shaoshang said: “I do deeply respect her, but I should also speak truthfully.”
Third Prince sighed: “There’s no other way. Grand Princess Dowager Huai’an permits no one to enter Yong’an Palace, especially Xuan family people and the princes. You going to persuade her is good.”
“What about Eldest Princess and Fifth Princess?”
“Fifth sister is still confined. As for Eldest Princess…” Third Prince’s face turned cold. “Eldest sister first cried before Father Emperor, then ‘understood’ Father Emperor’s difficulties. Now she and the Grand Prince Consort are taking turns persuading Father Emperor not to wear out his health—no wonder Grand Princess Xuan fell ill. I’d get sick too.”
Shaoshang shook her head. The Eldest Princess couple’s operations were truly standard.
While speaking, the two arrived before Yong’an Palace gates. Sure enough, the palace gates were tightly shut.
Shaoshang glanced at Third Prince, meaning ‘handsome guy, your turn.’ Third Prince shot her a look, took a deep breath, and called out a group of strong guards who brought out a battering ram as thick as two men’s arms. Then at the count of one-two-three, they smashed open Yong’an Palace gates with several booms. The eunuchs propping the door bar inside were knocked sitting on the ground by the impact.
Under everyone’s shocked gazes, Shaoshang lifted her skirt and quickly stepped inside. Third Prince had guards block the palace maids trying to obstruct her, then said: “Using a battering ram in the palace quarters is indeed unprecedented. My crime is now set. You must reason well with Grand Princess Xuan!”
Shaoshang turned back: “Who said I was going to reason?”
Third Prince rarely showed great alarm.
“Don’t panic, don’t panic!” Shaoshang hastily smiled. “As long as I succeed, before His Majesty, Third Prince will not only be without fault but meritorious!”
Third Prince choked on a breath and nearly ascended to heaven.
Yong’an Palace had actually only been newly built less than two years ago. Slightly smaller than Changqiu Palace, but in terms of elegant architecture and bright windows and walls, it excelled. Unfortunately Grand Princess Dowager Xuan and her few attendants had no heart to tidy up. As Shaoshang walked in, she found everywhere empty and desolate.
The chamber where Grand Princess Dowager Xuan now resided was hastily arranged. Apart from a bed in the center, there was only a small brazier in the corner—nothing else. Madam Zhai sat by the brazier in a daze. Seeing Shaoshang arrive, she hurried over to announce her.
Not even a month separated, yet Grand Princess Dowager Xuan’s originally jet-black lustrous hair had actually turned white in several patches, her whole body exuding aged, defeated air. At this moment she lay on her side in the bedding, back toward Shaoshang, saying nothing.
Shaoshang craned her neck to look several times, then knelt by the bed. Madam Zhai wept: “You should still go back. I’ve tried every persuasion, but the Empress hears nothing.”
Shaoshang smiled at Madam Zhai and said unhurriedly: “Your Majesty, there’s an amusing matter. Let me tell Your Majesty about it.”
Madam Zhai froze.
“Today Third Prince led me into the palace. After reading my handwritten note, he asked in surprise ‘How is it exactly the same as Zicheng’s handwriting?’ Only then did I realize that this past year, what I’d been copying was all Lord Huo’s characters. Heh heh, that person is just so cunning.”
Grand Princess Dowager Xuan moved slightly.
“When I was small, people always scolded me as a child my parents abandoned and didn’t want. Back then I thought, once I grew up, this kind of thing would never happen again.” Shaoshang’s eyes slowly filled with moisture.
“If I wanted something, I’d figure it out myself—heaven gives people intelligence and strength, only some fools are too lazy to use it. Then I met Huo Buyi. My intelligence and strength gradually got shelved as I became an ordinary fool. Then, when I was most unguarded, he abandoned me and left.”
Grand Princess Dowager Xuan turned her face slightly.
“I resolved to forget Huo Buyi, but when I open my eyes in the morning, I remember him instructing me not to skip meals. When going out, I remember how he drove the carriage to fetch me. Clothing, food, housing, travel, laughter and anger—no matter when, I can remember him. So I planned to discard everything he gave me. Who knew that as soon as I picked up a brush, there were his traces again—in this situation, I probably can’t marry anyone either.”
“I don’t want to stay at home bearing my parents and siblings’ pitying, worried gazes! Your Majesty, please help me!” Shaoshang’s tears fell, soaking her collar. Madam Zhai also wept at the side.
The girl moved on her knees to the bedside, a pair of small hands gripping the bedding, pleading sorrowfully: “Your Majesty, I have nowhere to go. Please save me! Give me a place to shelter, help me past this threshold, help me forget him! I can’t have my eyes open seeing him, eyes closed still seeing him—I’ll die, I’ll truly die! Your Majesty, save me… Otherwise how can I go on living…”
Madam Zhai also cried: “Your Majesty!”
Grand Princess Dowager Xuan finally slowly sat up, revealing a pale face covered in tears.
…
Hearing news that Yong’an Palace had summoned imperial physicians and food, the Emperor stood up at once, overjoyed. Empress Yue also let out a long breath of relief. Emperor and Empress simultaneously felt a lightness like being pardoned—the two could finally sit together for a meal.
Learning Third Prince had smashed through palace gates, the Emperor originally wanted to beat his son. Later, learning he’d delivered Shaoshang into Yong’an Palace, he sighed deeply and changed it to rewarding a bushel of bright pearls. After eating and drinking his fill, the Emperor immediately ordered Cen Anzhi to relay a message: “Tell Shaoshang—whatever she wants, just speak up. If she serves Grand Princess Dowager Huai’an well, I’ll remember her merit!”
With the Emperor in good spirits, the various lords of the Bureau of Ministers also wiped sweat.
Marquis Dayue and Marquis Yu left the palace together, walking and talking. Marquis Dayue said: “Thank heaven! These past days I’ve been on tenterhooks, fearing Grand Princess Dowager Huai’an might have some mishap and His Majesty and younger sister could never get along properly again.”
Marquis Yu said: “It hasn’t reached that point. Women—after being deposed from legitimate wife position, they have to make a fuss. I just didn’t expect the one to break this deadlock would be that Cheng clan young lady. Sigh, the Xuan family truly has no great talent. Don’t know if it’s sulking or they truly didn’t think of it—at such a critical juncture they just watched His Majesty and Consort Yue struggle. Grand Princess Dowager Xuan said don’t let them enter the palace, so truly not one of them entered!”
Marquis Dayue was silent for a moment, then said: “I’ll go thank Captain Cheng later—thank him for raising such a good daughter.”
“She is a good daughter—intelligent and wise, decisive when facing matters. So I’m planning that once this storm passes, I’ll go propose marriage to Captain Cheng. My twelfth son and Miss Cheng happen to be well-matched in age and appearance.” Marquis Yu said.
Marquis Dayue suddenly stopped in his tracks: “You, you—you originally wanted to marry your daughter to Zicheng!”
“So what?” Marquis Yu smiled leisurely. “Marriage is a great human relationship—it can’t be delayed. If this doesn’t work, try that. Even if we can’t settle with Miss Cheng, it’s no matter. Didn’t aunt teach you this?”
Marquis Dayue flicked his sleeve: “Mother wasn’t like you! Sigh, wonder where Zicheng has gotten to now.”
Marquis Yu stroked his beard and smiled: “Zicheng will be fine. With his appearance, wherever he goes there’ll be no shortage of women’s admiration. It’s Cui You… Madam Huo’s time has passed. He can’t spend the rest of his life without someone to care for him. I have a widowed cousin who’s been widowed two years, not yet thirty in age. I’m thinking of proposing her to him—what do you think?”
Marquis Dayue rolled his eyes: “Think what? I say you shouldn’t serve as court official—hurry and become a matchmaker instead!”
“What’s wrong with being a matchmaker? A few years ago I matched the Second Prince Consort’s younger sister to General Han’s youngest son. Now the young couple are harmonious and loving, coming to pay respects every festival—much better than serving at court and earning everyone’s resentment!”
Marquis Dayue walked slowly, hesitating: “Hey, I heard some news. That Yuan Shen by His Majesty’s side, Yuan Shanjian—he runs to the Cheng household constantly. Have you heard?”
“I’ve heard.” Marquis Yu said.
“You!” Marquis Dayue stamped his foot. “Don’t say Yuan Shen is going to discuss classics with the Cheng father and sons—I don’t believe it!”
“Of course he’s not looking for the Cheng father and sons. What’s wrong with this? One family’s daughter, a hundred families’ pursuit.”
“But isn’t Yuan Shen engaged to old Cai Yun’s niece?”
“Elder cousin, from Miss Cheng I’ve understood a principle—cooked ducks can fly away, settled engagements can be broken.”
…
Madam Xiao lay on the bed eagerly anticipating for an entire day. She didn’t wait for her daughter, only a cold edict—summoning Miss Cheng as Palace令 of Yong’an Palace, enjoying six-hundred-bushel official rank; plus an edict of grace enfeoffing her husband and eldest son, along with much gold, silver, and silk.
Guests coming to offer congratulations quickly discovered the Cheng couple were unusually silent, only claiming spring fatigue when asked.
This day, Cheng Yang finished managing household affairs and dismissed all the maids, walking alone to the book quarters. After searching through several rooms, she saw Cheng Cheng looking for books on a shelf in a back chamber library.
Cheng Cheng smiled: “Yangyang, why have you come? You’re getting married next month—why aren’t you resting in your room?”
Cheng Yang didn’t answer, sitting across from Cheng Cheng’s desk: “Father, last time you told me you wanted to bring Mother back?”
Cheng Cheng froze: “Yes.” Then somewhat embarrassed: “When I was studying at White Deer Mountain, your maternal grandfather kept sending things over. Your uncle also visited several times. They said your mother has changed completely.”
Cheng Yang said: “Has Father forgotten Mother’s humiliation and abuse toward you?”
Cheng Cheng sighed and lowered his head: “Sigh, I’m not like your eldest uncle and third uncle—a commoner, aged and lame. What good woman could I remarry? Families your eldest uncle approves of don’t approve of me. Those who approve of me, your eldest uncle doesn’t approve of. Otherwise they covet the Cheng family’s power and position with ulterior motives—better to bring your mother back…”
“I don’t agree.” Cheng Yang said. “I don’t agree to bring Mother back. If Father’s remarriage doesn’t go smoothly, why not first find a gentle, kind concubine to serve you?”
Cheng Cheng’s mouth gaped: “You, you…”
“Father knows eldest aunt fell ill, right?”
“Of course I know! But—”
Cheng Yang said through tears: “Eldest uncle told outsiders eldest aunt’s old illness flared up, but I know eldest aunt fell ill from heartache over Niao Niao—she regrets it. Regrets abandoning Niao Niao ten years ago, regrets being harsh to Niao Niao ten years later, regrets that mother and daughter never had one day of harmony and joy before palace gates blocked them off.”
Cheng Cheng said awkwardly: “It’s all my incompetence—I couldn’t control your mother back then.”
“Father’s nature is like this. Forget Mother always invoking grandmother—even Mother alone, Father couldn’t out-talk her.” Cheng Yang wiped tears with her face turned aside.
“But Father, is this fair? My uncle and aunt’s bosom held and cherished her for over ten years, treasured like a pearl, while Niao Niao in Mother’s hands suffered cold looks and thin treatment, raised coarse and uncultured. When she first came to the capital I hadn’t noticed, but now I realize how detestable Mother’s conduct was!” Cheng Yang clenched her fists.
“During those ten years, eldest aunt sent people back to fetch Niao Niao several times, but Mother used schemes to block them all. I heard Shaogong say that generals garrisoning outside mostly intermarry. If eldest aunt could have taken Niao Niao away, she could have found a satisfactory husband like the Wan family’s Qiqi elder sister—then there’d be nothing for those surnamed Lou or Huo!” The usually dignified, gentle girl’s face was full of indignation.
Cheng Cheng painfully pressed his forehead: “I understand your meaning. Though Mother intended to make things difficult for sister-in-law, Mother is coarse and careless. Without Ge Shi constantly at her side giving ideas and causing trouble, it wouldn’t have come to this later.”
“I’ll write to aunt explaining the situation. Whether Mother has changed or not, she cannot return to the Cheng family!” Cheng Yang sat bolt upright, her body trembling slightly. “Why should evildoers enjoy peaceful old age? During those ten years, when was Mother ever soft-hearted toward an innocent child! As long as I’m in the Cheng family for one day, she can forget about coming back!”
Cheng Cheng heard something amiss: “What do you mean ‘as long as you’re in the Cheng family’?”
Cheng Yang said: “I told eldest uncle I don’t like that person and am unwilling to marry him no matter what. Eldest uncle has already agreed to help me break the engagement.”
“How can you do this!” Cheng Cheng stood up at once, his face red with anger. “Don’t you know how much effort your eldest aunt put into this marriage! That family has excellent character and good background—what are you dissatisfied with? You, you, you…”
“Because I can’t leave.” Cheng Yang trembled as she burst into tears. “Eldest aunt is so gravely ill, it’s like all the vitality has been drained from her body! Aunt Qing needs to care for her—who will manage the household? I can’t leave at this time!”
Cheng Cheng, immersed in books daily, didn’t understand at all.
“Eldest cousin has already been appointed to office. After marriage he’ll go to Qingzhou to take up his posting. Newly married—should we make Sister Jing’e stay to serve eldest aunt?!” Cheng Yang frantically wiped tears with her sleeve, her face a complete mess. “Second cousin was adopted into the Wan family. After his marriage with Qiqi, he’ll follow Uncle Wan to his posting—who will be left at home?!”
Cheng Cheng stood dumbfounded.
Cheng Yang took a long breath, steadying her breathing: “Not only does Mother not deserve to return to the Cheng family, I also don’t deserve to properly marry and live my life! As long as Niao Niao hasn’t settled down for one day, I’ll stay in the Cheng family. Father needn’t say anything. You just go back to White Deer Mountain to continue studying. With me at home, I’ll take good care of the household!”
Cheng Cheng numbly sat back down, watching his daughter seem to have grown up overnight. He felt both heartache and pride, while at the same time ashamed of his own powerlessness, could only sigh deeply.
After father and daughter left, the last row of bookshelves rustled. Two young men crawled out from behind—precisely Cheng Shaogong and Ban Jia.
A moment before, Cheng Shaogong had secretly led Ban Jia in to find books. Hearing Cheng Cheng enter, he quickly hid behind to avoid his book-loving second uncle’s nagging. Only now could they climb out.
Cheng Shaogong dusted himself off while murmuring: “Look at my fate—I always overhear things I shouldn’t. Now what—should I tell Father and Mother about this or not… Hey, Ajia, Ajia, what’s wrong with you…”
Ban Jia stood rooted in place, both eyes staring blankly toward the door.
“What’s wrong? What are you in a daze about? That was my second uncle and cousin—you’ve met them both, haven’t you?” Cheng Shaogong waved his hand back and forth before his eyes.
Ban Jia stood stiffly, his refined face showing a dreamlike expression: “Shaogong, do you hear thunder and lightning outside?”
What?!—Cheng Shaogong looked out the window. Clear skies for ten thousand li.
…
Outside was indeed clear for ten thousand li, and for several consecutive days the weather remained good. Shaoshang hurried to work—dividing her personnel into two routes. The larger group tidied Changqiu Palace, the smaller group tidied Yong’an Palace.
Especially Changqiu Palace—though Grand Princess Dowager Xuan’s accustomed items had to be taken, they absolutely couldn’t leave a mess for Empress Yue, unless they never wanted to work again. So Shaoshang required palace maids and eunuchs to embody the spirit of ‘leaving not a speck of garbage.’ While taking away furnishings and household items, they had to clean and organize Changqiu Palace until windows were bright and rooms spotless—tidy without being rigid, simple without being empty, convenient for Empress Yue to move her own items in one by one.
Shaoshang deeply understood the principle that ten thousand words of nonsense weren’t worth a string of copper coins. She directly took the Empress’s private funds for rewards. So the palace maids and eunuchs who’d been dejected and dispirited due to the Empress’s deposition rallied their spirits again. In just six or seven days, both palaces were properly arranged.
The Emperor was quite appreciative, so he had Cen Anzhi carry over a chest of money to reward Shaoshang.
Empress Yue walked through Changqiu Palace with arms folded, rarely expressing satisfaction: “Before I only thought she loved eating and playing, clever-tongued. Didn’t realize she handled matters so efficiently.” So she also had someone carry over a chest of money.
While Madam Zhai still grumbled ‘showing off that the Yue family has money,’ Shaoshang had already accepted the money chest without burden.
Only the main hall and inner hall of Yong’an Palace were properly arranged. Shaoshang had Grand Princess Dowager Xuan settle in first to recuperate, while simultaneously requesting from Uncle Emperor to establish a separate kitchen by the side hall with independent procurement and partial authority to enter and exit palace quarters.
Shaoshang surveyed her surroundings. In the coming years, she would arrange within this palace a painting room, handicraft room, weaving room, reading room… Behind the hall she’d open up vegetation—spring and summer should have luxuriant flowers and leaves for drinking tea under moonlight and appreciating fruits and vegetables; autumn and winter should have abundant harvests for simmering soup, roasting meat, and fireside night talks.
—This place would absolutely not become a desolate cold palace. She wanted it to emanate quiet yet joyful atmosphere.
“In future I’ll establish rules—merit earns reward, fault brings punishment. If there are better opportunities elsewhere, you may leave… Now, close the main gate. Henceforth entry and exit require my approval.”
The palace-dressed young woman with tinkling ornaments stood upright in the center of the main hall, eyes calm, voice leisurely. As she issued orders one by one, surrounding palace maids and eunuchs all complied.
Watching the vermillion red gate slowly close before her, Shaoshang suddenly felt sharp pain in her chest—so painful she could barely stand.
—That too had been an early spring day of clear skies for ten thousand li. The high vault of heaven was beautiful and vast like a pool of jade. Mother sat stiffly in the carriage nagging. The girl just turned fourteen answered absentmindedly ‘the city gates closed again.’
Actually the girl hadn’t spoken truthfully. Before the vermillion red gates closed, between the brilliant golden bronze door studs, she saw that handsome, tall young man gallop back on horseback, stopping his horse far away on the hillside to look toward the gate.
At such distance she couldn’t possibly see his face clearly, but she knew he must be smiling at her. His smile was as gentle and refined as a spring stream—enough to remember for a lifetime.
At that time the girl was already engaged, but in the deepest secret place of her heart, she still felt inexplicably joyful.
The past struck so suddenly, killing Shaoshang with no power to resist.
At this time, this moment, she remembered him clearly.
His lashes were very long, his jaw arc handsomely beautiful. When he smiled, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, a tiny dimple swirling by his left lip. His eyes were deep yet clear, looking at you with incomparable sincerity and steadfastness. His chest was warm, his arms stable and strong—yet she had to forget him completely.
Little by little, slowly, she would forget him completely clean. She would never again let herself take such risks, never again let her heart ache so.
(End of Volume Four)