According to Yuan Shen’s original plan, Shaoshang would sleep until the sun was high overhead. He would mooch a lunch at the Cheng house, the two would go to Dongbai Cemetery in the afternoon, and by the time they returned to the city, it would already be dark with the lantern market open. Who knew Shaoshang would rise early today, leaving two extra hours they didn’t know how to pass.

Yuan Shen considered this internally. If he sent the girl back to the Cheng house first, heaven knows whether when she came out again, a long string of old and young wouldn’t follow behind. Not appropriate, very not appropriate. So he suggested going to the Yuan house for dinner.

Shaoshang readily agreed—since she was considering marrying this fellow, she should learn more about the Yuan family.

When they arrived at the Yuan residence, the golden crow was about to set. Magnificent and brilliant clouds dyed the horizon the color of maple leaves in deep autumn—clear and dry, completely unlike the damp cold of previous days. Passersby on the road all said this was heaven showing favor, granting mercy for tonight’s lantern market.

Yuan Shen had already sent a servant ahead on swift horse to report. So when Shaoshang alighted from the carriage, the Yuan residence’s servants and maids were already neatly arranged in two rows at the entrance waiting quietly. Two rows of sheepskin lanterns spread backward like wild geese, appearing especially magnificent in the hazy yellow twilight.

Shaoshang rarely felt guilty. Over these five years when Yuan Shen came to Yong’an Palace looking for her, she either wouldn’t open the gate, or when pressed would only open the side gate. Compared to the Yuan residence’s solemn and formal welcome, she felt as if she’d been taking advantage of others.

So she said in a low voice: “Actually, your family opening the side door would be fine. You don’t need to be so grand.”

Yuan Shen immediately misunderstood, displeased: “At this point, you’re still afraid of being seen together with me?!”

Shaoshang sighed: “Can you not always assume the worst of people? Actually, I’m just embarrassed.”

Yuan Shen’s expression cleared slightly.

The two were escorted inward by numerous servants. Shaoshang calmly and graciously admired the scenery of this residence, like opening an ancient scroll. The courtyard was spacious and open, mountain rocks covered in snow. Dozens of vigorous and upright giant trees remained evergreen through winter, their thick leaves falling onto the snow with deep, resonant sounds. Everywhere emanated a comfortable feeling of antiquity.

Reportedly over a hundred years ago, the Yuan family’s ancestor came to this capital city to serve as an official at the emperor’s command. One term became several decades, so he brought over his wife and children, slowly expanding the small courtyard to its current grand scale.

Later when Emperor Uncle established the capital here, other powerful families either purchased new residences or received estates of former traitors bestowed by the Emperor—in either case requiring some renovation. Only the Yuan family residence remained in its original state, so it possessed an ancient and simple foundation incomparable to other families.

After briefly freshening up, a kindly old woman in refined clothing personally served Shaoshang in changing her attire. She wasn’t talkative, only kept smiling at Shaoshang. Noticing the girl’s curious gaze, she finally said: “I am the young master’s tutor mother, surname Wang.”

Governor Yuan had only one son in total, so the young master she spoke of was naturally Yuan Shen.

“Does Madam Wang not need to serve Young Master Yuan?” Shaoshang felt embarrassed being watched.

Madam Wang said with a smile: “The young master has very strong opinions and loves to be particular. What clothes to wear, what jade ornaments to match—from age ten he wouldn’t let others make decisions for him. This old servant won’t go looking for trouble.”

Shaoshang laughed. She liked this kind of interesting old person.

The main hall for dining was already brightly lit. Yuan Shen, freshly dressed, stood by the door—silver crown, brocade robes, a person like beautiful jade.

Shaoshang paused slightly, then smiled and stepped into the hall—though Madam Wang had said that, the subtle details of Yuan Shen’s clothing and ornaments still showed traces of an older woman’s care. For instance, though Yuan Shen loved green jade, in this kind of weather he would wear warm mutton-fat jade that was warm to the touch.

Unlike Huo Buyi. Though Emperor Uncle wished he could open his private treasury to adorn his adopted son, some details couldn’t be attended to. In the depth of winter, his undergarments were still expensive but cool and slippery pure silk fabric. In the scorching heat of July, he would sleep directly on jade mats worth ten thousand gold, not knowing to first spread a thin layer of ramie to block the chill.

Shaoshang sighed almost imperceptibly.

Before long, Yuan Shen’s parents arrived slowly. Yuan Shen led Shaoshang to bow and greet them.

Shaoshang had met Madam Liang five years ago. She was still the same—beautiful but indifferent. Even on this Lantern Festival, she still wore all white, only the blood-red jade pendant at her waist strikingly conspicuous.

Tonight she probably gave her son face, frequently smiling at Shaoshang and even inquiring about the health of the Cheng family members. Yuan Shen was very satisfied with his birth mother’s exceptional performance.

Governor Yuan’s features closely resembled his son’s. Shaoshang knew he was only two years older than Governor Liang, yet his hair was graying and his expression weary—after the New Year, Emperor Uncle as usual had summoned a batch of regional governors to the capital to report on their duties. Governor Yuan was among them.

After Shaoshang kowtowed, he had someone bring out a tray of gold and jade as a meeting gift, his tone gentle as he told Shaoshang to eat more.

As wine and dishes were served, the three Yuan family members and Shaoshang raised their chopsticks to dine. During the movements, Shaoshang discovered that Governor Yuan’s arm under his sleeve seemed wrapped in bandages. She quietly inquired of Yuan Shen, who twitched the corner of his mouth and whispered back: “Father encountered an assassination attempt on the journey here. It’s nothing serious.”

Shaoshang nodded, another doubt rising in her heart.

When she’d first heard Yuan Shen say he was an only child, she thought Yuan Shen meant that Madam Liang had only borne him. Governor Yuan was stationed in his post—how could he not take concubines and have children? Even Governor Liang had daughters born to concubines. Who knew that later Yuan Shen clearly stated that both his parents only had him as a son. So Shaoshang, combining this with rumors of Madam Liang remembering her former husband, understood it on her own as ‘the king has intent, but the goddess has no feeling.’

But from tonight’s behavior of the Yuan couple, it was simply the standard embodiment of ‘mutual respect as guests.’ It seemed not only did the goddess have no particular feelings, but the king also had little interest—what was going on here?

After the wine and meat were removed, servants brought up desserts and fruit wine. The four were chatting and laughing when suddenly a commotion came from outside. The guards seemed to be shouting ‘Stop, quickly block him, spread the nets, spread the nets’…

Shaoshang found it a bit strange. If they encountered a blind thief breaking into an empty house, shouldn’t the guards be shouting ‘shoot arrows, shoot arrows’? Before she could redirect her thoughts, overhead on the roof beam came a thunderous crash. The roof seemed to be hammered open by some heavy object creating a large hole, then a massive figure wielding giant double hammers leaped down.

Yuan Shen took several swift steps forward and pulled Shaoshang behind himself. By this time, guards had already rushed in, completely surrounding the Yuan couple and the two of them.

Fine debris, accumulated dust, soup and fruit wine splashed from the food table—all fell over Shaoshang. She coughed repeatedly while also spitting out dust particles that rushed into her mouth, feeling she was truly suffering an undeserved disaster!

Yuan Shen said coldly: “Diwu Cheng, will you ever stop? Assassinating court officials is already a grave crime. Father has already let bygones be bygones. Do you still want to intensify your efforts?! Someone, where are the crossbowmen!”

Governor Yuan anxiously waved his hands repeatedly: “Ashen, don’t speak first, no one move… Elder brother, don’t act rashly. This is at the foot of the Son of Heaven, the capital’s critical territory. If you really make this matter big, it can’t end well!”

That bearded, massive man sneered repeatedly: “Yuan Pei, you heartless, fickle, shameless, ungrateful wretch! Do you think I fear death?! If you have the guts, kill me with one stroke, otherwise I’ll definitely take your head to sacrifice to little sister Heyi’s spirit in heaven!”

Shaoshang steadied herself against Yuan Shen with one hand while forcefully patting the dust off her head, face, and clothes with the other, saying irritably: “Brave warrior, who are you?! If you’re an assassin, by now you’d already be pierced by ten thousand arrows—they wouldn’t allow you to waste words! If you’re a righteous hero, then arrange another time with the Governor to settle your grievances, don’t involve others! If you’re a diner who took the wrong road, then… then pretend I said nothing!”

Yuan Shen had originally been maintaining a stern face, but hearing this, his expression relaxed. Madam Liang, who had originally stayed out of it, smiled slightly: “Shaoshang, let them handle this matter. Come with me to change clothes.”

Having spoken, under the guards’ escort, she slowly came over to pull Shaoshang toward the door. As she was leaving, Shaoshang heard Yuan Shen’s voice: “Father, we should still capture him first, otherwise there will be no end to this!”

And Governor Yuan seemed to gain inspiration from Shaoshang’s words, calling out loudly: “All of you listen—my sworn elder brother came to a banquet tonight and took the wrong road. No one else is permitted to say more! Alright, quickly spread the nets!”

Diwu Cheng laughed desolately: “Yuan Pei, you don’t need to cover for me. I came to take your dog life! Ten thousand arrows piercing the heart—hahaha, Heyi died under your Yuan family’s arrows…” After that, she couldn’t hear anymore.

Arriving at Madam Liang’s quarters, there was another round of washing and changing clothes. Shaoshang, dripping wet and exhausted, was led by servants to a small sacrificial hall deep in the quarters.

Madam Liang knelt before the altar, constantly praying softly. Hearing footsteps, she turned around.

Shaoshang walked closer and discovered that the spirit tablet on the incense altar actually had writing like ‘Late husband Lord Yuan Yu…’ and such. She was immediately shocked, thinking, how is it also surnamed Yuan?

Madam Liang noticed the girl’s confusion. After dismissing the servants, she smiled: “Some matters are fine to tell you. The person I married in my first marriage was precisely the Governor’s elder cousin.”

This was a sorrowful old story.

Unlike the Qu family turning enmity into kinship, the Yuan and Liang families had always been family friends. Lady Liang and Yuan Yu were childhood sweethearts from youth, mutually in love. When they reached the appropriate age, they married under the auspices of their elders.

Yuan Shen’s great-grandfather had four sons, each son bore four sons. Yuan Pei was only the third son of the fourth branch. So when Yuan Pei expressed that he neither loved studying nor had interest in an official career, only wanting to go roam the martial world as a wandering hero, the Yuan great-grandfather very open-mindedly agreed.

Before Yuan Pei left home to roam the martial world, Madam Liang had even accompanied her fiancé Yuan Yu to drink farewell wine. She clearly remembered that at that time, the Yuan family’s descendants were numerous and flourishing, extremely prosperous. At the wine banquet, cups intermingled, blood-vigorous young men laughed loudly.

Later, the Tyrant Emperor usurped the throne, killed all the old ministers and nobles once over, and began promoting mid-ranking aristocratic scholars. The Yuan great-grandfather, who had quite a reputation in scholarly circles, could only accept the summons to Chang’an city.

The first few years, the Tyrant Emperor was fairly courteous to them, repeatedly granting official positions and bestowing rewards. So the great-grandfather gradually lowered his guard and brought part of his children and grandchildren into Chang’an. However, as the Tyrant Emperor’s ‘New Policies’ revealed their flaws and disasters frequently arose under heaven, the Tyrant Emperor showed his true vicious nature.

The Yuan great-grandfather had a lifelong close friend whose son funded uprising warriors outside. After the matter was exposed, the Tyrant Emperor wanted to kill people. The great-grandfather hastily vouched for his close friend while seeking opportunities to escape.

However, the Tyrant Emperor had long been on guard. After the matter was exposed, all family members of both families in Chang’an were completely killed, their corpses hung at the city gates. The Tyrant Emperor also issued an edict for officials in the Jiaodong region to hunt down and kill the Yuan clan. Yuan clan members who couldn’t hide in time—fifty or sixty people were killed, and afterward their corpses were burned in the county seat.

Yuan Yu was neither in Chang’an nor at his ancestral home. At that time, he was touring mountains and waters with his newlywed wife. After receiving notification from relatives and friends, he originally could have fled far away. But the family’s old, weak, women, and children were being hunted and slaughtered—how could he preserve only himself? So after settling his wife safely, he led his estate soldiers back to his ancestral home to rescue people.

With this one journey, the Yuan family was spared from annihilation. Most of the young children were saved. But Madam Liang’s husband never returned.

For many people, the Tyrant Emperor’s cruelty was merely a few short sentences in history books. But for the Yuan family, it was a blood-soaked past of drowning depths. For Madam Liang, it was half a lifetime of mandarin duck dreams shattered, a life worse than death.

And Yuan Pei’s wandering hero dream also couldn’t be realized. Because all his elder or same-age brothers and cousins had died. He was the only remaining brave and battle-capable youth in the Yuan main branch. Looking at those thin young men in the family not yet capped, and a group of even younger children, Yuan Pei knew his martial world dream ended here—even though he had already met a woman with whom his heart resonated, even though he had already sworn an oath with her to roam the martial world with swords, never to part.

At the same time, the Qu clan was also constantly suppressed and framed because their family business was coveted by the Tyrant Emperor’s nephew. Two of Qu Lingjun’s uncles died in prison under absurd charges. The old Qu family head vomited blood and died of anger.

Only the Liang family seemed temporarily unharmed. However, the newly appointed family head Governor Liang was decisive and wise. He declared that if the Liang clan sat by watching the Yuan and Qu family in-laws be destroyed without action, then very soon it would be their turn.

On a certain night of wind, rain, and thunder, the three family heads of Yuan, Liang, and Qu gathered together, made a blood oath, and decided to raise the righteous banner against the Tyrant Emperor—however, rebellion wasn’t hosting a dinner party. Relying on a few drops of blood on fingers wasn’t enough. They needed to add the most ancient form of insurance since the Spring and Autumn disputes among feudal lords: an alliance through marriage.

At that time, Governor Liang’s wife was precisely a Qu family daughter. But Madam Liang had just become a widow, her heart like dead ashes, a walking corpse. So the old Liang father bitterly begged his daughter to prioritize the greater situation and remarry a Yuan family youth.

Before the mountain of corpses and sea of blood and death, any unbearable sorrow seemed affected. Yuan Pei couldn’t watch helplessly as his clan was destroyed. Madam Liang also couldn’t ignore her old father’s pleas. So they both compromised.

After making all preparations, the three families summoned all the manpower, soldiers, relatives, friends, and supporters covered by their family influence, brought out weapons and grain accumulated over decades or even a century. Within days, they killed all the Tyrant Emperor’s minions in the Jiaodong region, expelled officials loyal to the Tyrant Emperor, and occupied two commanderies and several counties as strongholds. Rather ironically, their banner was still ‘Clear the Emperor’s Side.’

—This was merely a microcosm of one region under the Tyrant Emperor’s tyranny at that time.

The three families had no ambition to dominate, only wanting to withstand the Tyrant Emperor’s persecution and find a suitable ‘lord’ in the chaotic times—several years later, they encountered the high-spirited Emperor Uncle. Yuan Pei and Governor Liang were relatively fortunate. After establishing military merit, they were granted high positions. The relatively weaker Qu family was somewhat unlucky. Several of the most talented children in the family either died or were crippled, thus unable to enter office.

“That woman—she’s the sister of that brave warrior just now?” Shaoshang guessed from the ages.

Madam Liang nodded: “Her name was Diwu Heyi. The siblings depended on each other from childhood, their affection very deep.”

“How did Miss Diwu die?” Shaoshang pursued the question.

Madam Liang said: “That year, after I gave birth to Ashen and hadn’t yet left my confinement month, one day Diwu Heyi suddenly came looking for Ashen’s father. I don’t know what they argued about in the study. Diwu Heyi suddenly drew her sword, and even forced her way into the inner chambers, grabbing the infant child and forcing Ashen’s father to leave with her.”

“Uh, this…” Shaoshang didn’t know what expression to make.

“The commotion grew too loud, alarming the seriously ill uncle (Yuan Pei’s father). In his fury, he had people carry him out, first deceiving Diwu Heyi into putting down Ashen, then ordered the crossbowmen to fire several arrows simultaneously…”

“Ah!” Shaoshang cried out.

Madam Liang sighed: “Diwu Heyi died pierced by ten thousand arrows. Ashen’s father originally didn’t want to live, but that very night the uncle committed suicide, leaving final words: ‘This father will give his life to compensate your sweetheart. You must protect the Yuan family well for me.'”

Shaoshang was extremely shocked: “Young Master Yuan’s grandfather planned this from the beginning?”

Madam Liang didn’t answer directly but instead said: “The Yuan family had just struggled out a lifeline from under the Tyrant Emperor’s hand. Cities needed defending, a wise lord needed finding, ahead lay countless difficulties to overcome—how could they let a martial world woman take away the young and capable family head?”

All three clans were preserved, slowly healing and recovering vitality in the long years afterward.

However, Yuan Pei and Lady Liang’s hearts had died. Their bodies were still fulfilling obligations for the clan, but all their love, hate, and passion remained in the past, remained in the most youthful and beautiful time of mutual affection now passed.

Not until walking through the colorful and brilliant lantern market did Shaoshang gradually recover her senses. She glanced at Yuan Shen beside her, his face stern, and asked softly: “Did Uncle still let that person go?”

Yuan Shen said in a heavy voice: “No matter what, Father can’t bring himself to act. He can only let Diwu Cheng come to assassinate again and again!”

Shaoshang looked at Yuan Shen’s handsome profile for a while, suddenly understanding him somewhat—why he was so impatient with Master Huangfu’s remembrance of Madam Sang, why when he heard those deeply affectionate legendary stories, he either mocked coldly or complained and ridiculed.

During his growth, the three most important people—father, mother, teacher—all wallowed in the past unable to extricate themselves. Though Yuan Pei and Madam Liang hadn’t neglected their son’s cultivation and care—finding him the gentlest and most honest tutor mother, assigning the most reliable and trustworthy attendants, engaging the best teachers, creating momentum for the youth’s wisdom… but with Yuan Shen’s intelligence, he probably detected his parents’ absent-mindedness long ago.

Shaoshang now understood why Yuan Shen disliked ‘persistent and unregretful’ affection. Her mouth itched. She couldn’t help asking: “If you died early, you wouldn’t oppose my remarrying, would you?”

Yuan Shen’s pent-up frustration from the entire evening was like a punctured balloon—it deflated with a puff. He said weakly: “Can you also not always assume the worst? Who’s to say I won’t live longer than you!”

“But I’m seven years younger than you.”

“If I live to sixty-seven, would you still remarry at sixty?”

Shaoshang touched her forehead, feeling that in this era, remarrying at sixty would indeed be rather horrifying. The Emperor would probably want to have a talk with her.

Yuan Shen suddenly stopped walking and pointed ahead: “We met right there.”

Shaoshang raised her eyes to look. Below the wine house full of guests hung a long row of round lanterns, reflecting the faces of passersby in varied colors.

“Counting from that Lantern Festival when you and I first met, it’s now been seven years.” Yuan Shen sighed. “Madam Sang waited for her teacher for seven years, then married your uncle. You and I have also wasted seven years… Shaoshang, don’t learn from my father and mother. You must look forward.”

Shaoshang didn’t speak but continued walking toward the acrobatics platform not far away. Yuan Shen silently followed.

About ten zhang to the rear side of the acrobatics platform stood a row of quiet, dark shops. Shaoshang stood beside the shops, raised her head to look at the deep blue night sky full of stars, then raised her hand pointing toward the brightly lit merchant building on the other side.

“Look, that year Huo Buyi stood right there by the rotating lantern under the building’s eaves.” She said softly.

Yuan Shen followed her arm’s direction, unable to help feeling sour: “Then you fell for him at first sight?”

Shaoshang shook her head: “I didn’t see his face clearly at all. Actually, I didn’t see either of your faces clearly.”

“What?” Yuan Shen said strangely. “I stood before you and said quite a bit. How could you not see me clearly?”

Shaoshang smiled: “Young Master Yuan, didn’t you notice you were standing backlit at the time?”

Then turning her head, she looked toward the rotating lantern under those eaves. “He wasn’t standing backlit, but he was tall and his face was blocked by the lantern. So…”

“So what?” The corner of Yuan Shen’s mouth turned up.

“So when I went back, I forgot you both.” Shaoshang was also helpless.

Yuan Shen laughed lightly. Seeing the faint tears in the girl’s eyes, he suddenly said: “Shaoshang, do you want to go look at that rotating lantern?”

Shaoshang moved toward that rotating lantern ahead, walked a few steps then stopped, suddenly crouching down and burying her face in her arms.

Yuan Shen quietly watched her from behind, not going to help her up.

After a long while, the girl slowly stood. When she turned back, her eyes were clear. She smiled: “In just over a year, Huo Buyi’s punishment will be complete. His Majesty will certainly summon him back to the capital. We should treat him as an old friend. You’ll both serve in court together—it wouldn’t be good to make things too awkward.”

Yuan Shen slowly smiled: “That’s true.”

“In the future when I hold a banquet at home inviting Elder Sister Jitong, I can’t only allow her to come alone. At that time, you properly entertain her husband.”

Yuan Shen heard that this ‘home’ clearly wasn’t the Cheng family but the Yuan family. So the smile in his eyes grew even richer: “That’s natural.”

Shaoshang walked past Yuan Shen, grasped his sleeve, and walked firmly forward: “Shanjian, go to my house with a marriage proposal. In the future, we’ll grow old together and ultimately be buried in one place.”

Yuan Shen quietly and compliantly let the girl pull him along, his heart full of joy, like pushing open a window on a quiet, stuffy night to see the moon, fresh breeze rushing toward his face.

He responded in a low voice: “Mm.”