While the elders discussed matters endlessly, Shaoshang, as the subject of their discussions, remained unmoved. Facing A’Zhu’s hesitant desire to speak, Cheng Yong’s reluctance to continue speaking, and even Madam Xiao’s complex expressions, she pretended not to see any of it. Whether during daily greetings or dining together, even if she had to pretend, she would pretend.
To put it arrogantly, counting from the day her biological parents divorced, she had gone from juvenile delinquent in training to reformed delinquent studying diligently to key high school to prestigious university, directly shocking the town’s gossipy old women into stupefaction. All along this journey she had always been the queen of gossip topics, alright?
Only mediocre people had no one discussing them! Like the text-message girl in her dormitory, who was reportedly the first college student from her village since the founding of the nation, practically shocking the party secretaries of five villages within a hundred-mile radius—back then she was sent out of the village gate with gongs and drums, colorful flags waving, and big red silk flowers! In comparison, the fanfare on the day she left town was pathetically weak, completely mismatched with Yu Town’s nouveau riche reputation!
—”Muxu, has Elder Cousin still been crying at night these past few days?”
Shaoshang rubbed her aching wrist. Ever since obtaining Cheng Yong’s writing desk, A’Zhu’s enthusiasm for supervising her calligraphy practice was simply unstoppable.
The girl called Muxu was helping Qiao Guo set up Shaoshang’s meal table. Her beautiful oval face wore a welcoming smile: “They accompanied our young lady for over ten years after all. If our young lady was completely unmoved by their departure, wouldn’t people say she was too cold-hearted? Besides, she’s already cried for three nights, she should be better now… Oh, there’s even roasted quail today, it smells so good. By the way, how is Sister Lian Fang’s injury? Yesterday our young lady obtained a jar of medicinal ointment and told me to bring it along for Elder Sister Lian Fang.”
Shaoshang looked at the girl before her with a smile.
There’s that famous saying—when the tide goes out, you can clearly see who’s been swimming naked. With Changpu and that Steward Fu driven away, this Muxu who had previously been inconspicuous now stood out.
The day after the writing desk incident, Muxu came to the door, both presenting apology gifts and making excuses for Cheng Yang. Afterward she came daily to sit for a while, enduring the cold faces and hostile looks from the maids and A’Zhu, always maintaining a smiling expression. Sometimes she helped with some work, sometimes she sat and chatted, telling stories about Cheng Yang’s past at the Ge family, sharing hometown anecdotes, describing Cheng Yang’s hardships, and occasionally complimenting Shaoshang and the maids.
Her words were not only appropriate, she was also diligent and straightforward. Within a few days even A’Zhu couldn’t maintain a stern face—after all, one shouldn’t strike a smiling person.
But Shaoshang thought, it seemed not everyone the Ge family sent over was stupid.
“Miss Fourth, please don’t be angry with our young lady anymore. You don’t know, that Steward Fu of ours, relying on having raised our young lady for over ten years, often called herself our young lady’s half-mother back in the countryside, putting on great airs. The Ge family lady didn’t want her to accompany our young lady to your household, but our general has won battle after battle these years, receiving rewards and titles—everyone in the countryside knows this. How could she be willing to give up such wealth and status! She cried and shouted that she had to come. The Ge family was kindhearted and could only agree. Changpu was more or less the same…”
When Cheng Yang was first sent over, the Ge family all thought that in three to five years Ge Shi would send someone to fetch her back, so in their haste they found Steward Fu and a few young maids without thinking of replacing them. Who knew that year after year passed, and the Ge family finally discovered that Ge Shi’s heart was so cruel she had absolutely no intention of taking her daughter back. So the Ge maternal aunt decided to raise Cheng Yang as her own daughter, teaching her carefully and meticulously selecting her companions. Muxu was selected at that time.
“At that time our young lady was already nine years old. Changpu accompanied our young lady many more years than we did, so their bond is naturally different.”
Cheng Yang’s situation at the Ge family was very delicate. Logically speaking, she wasn’t the Ge family’s legitimate young lady and belonged to the category of unloved by birth mother and dependent on others. But as Cheng Shi grew increasingly successful, with good news constantly arriving from the countryside, everyone in the Ge household became increasingly respectful toward Cheng Yang.
A rising tide lifts all boats. That Steward Fu and Changpu had long grown accustomed to their arrogant days at the Ge family, where all good food, drink, and useful things had to be given to Cheng Yang first to enjoy. Even after the Ge maternal aunt’s legitimate grandchildren were born, their food and clothing weren’t as fine as Cheng Yang’s.
Especially as the Ge maternal aunt knew she was gradually aging and weakening, fearing she wouldn’t be able to manage everything thoroughly and that her daughters-in-law and nieces-in-law might slight Cheng Yang, she intentionally or unintentionally indulged that Steward Fu’s and the maids’ consistently domineering behavior.
Later when Madam Xiao wrote to the Ge family requesting Cheng Yang back, saying “my niece has troubled the in-laws for many years, my foolish husband and wife will soon return,” only then did the Ge family reluctantly send the girl back. Who knew that after returning to the Cheng manor, Ge Shi gave them no face, and they suffered setbacks for several months. Fortunately after the Cheng Shi couple returned, Madam Xiao showed Cheng Yang boundless care and valued her tremendously, so they reverted to their old ways.
Fundamentally speaking, that Steward Fu and Changpu weren’t really great villains, otherwise the Ge maternal aunt wouldn’t have allowed them to remain by Cheng Yang’s side. They simply had grown accustomed over ten-some years to taking center stage, that’s all.
“I told our young lady, not only should you not be angry or sad, you should thank the master and lady for helping you remove these two parasites—they did this for your own good. Otherwise would you deal with them yourself, or continue to let them follow you and keep causing you trouble and making problems? Our young lady listened to everything and deeply regrets indulging the servants. However, she’s naturally shy, so these words can only be conveyed by this servant. I still hope you won’t develop a grudge against her.”
Muxu spoke very frankly. In her view, Changpu and the others were truly foolish beyond measure. Given Madam Xiao’s love for Cheng Yang, Cheng Yang would inevitably marry into a noble household in the future, and naturally they as maids would rise another level. What was there to fight over trivial things?
“I also said, even I must thank the master and lady, otherwise when would I, a latecomer maid, ever replace Changpu’s position! Oh my, truly thank heaven thank earth. Our young lady heard this and chased after me to hit me!” Muxu spoke animatedly, laughing as she covered her shoulder. “…I got hit several times, but it didn’t hurt. If I’d known our young lady had so little strength, I wouldn’t have run away—I wasted all that energy running.”
Qiao Guo and the other maids all laughed heartily, and even A’Zhu shook her head helplessly. Shaoshang raised an eyebrow: an atypical receptive personality, at least this elder cousin still knew how to care for her father, younger brothers, and the household steward.
But true experts were among the common people. Through Muxu’s constant explanations, pleas, and bribes of snacks, aside from Lian Fang who was still recovering her buttocks, everyone here had already stopped holding such grudges about the previous incident. Just based on Muxu’s combat effectiveness, it was estimated that getting Lian Fang to soften was only a matter of time.
The Ge maternal aunt indeed had real skills. Speaking of which, why didn’t she herself reincarnate as Cheng Yang—that would save so much trouble.
However, ever since that day’s quarrel, Madam Xiao seemed considerably discouraged and no longer constantly scolded and restrained her, somewhat meaning to let Shaoshang act freely. Since her objective was achieved, Shaoshang during this period was also happy to play the obedient and agreeable one…
The next day was the fifteenth of the first month, the Lantern Festival. Moreover, it was a rare time of peace with no wars in the four directions. The Emperor specially extended the curfew for this day by two hours and opened up a long, wide stretch of street from Dehui Ward to the North Palace for subjects to view lanterns and enjoy themselves. After the evening meal, aside from the nose-running Cheng Wei and her two siblings who were kept at home, the entire Cheng household went out to play.
Fearing the lantern market would be crowded and obstructive today, Cheng Shi first transported the womenfolk to the roadside in several large covered carriages, then had household guards surround the women completely before they could proceed.
Shaoshang was extremely excited. As soon as she got out of the carriage she exhaled a long breath, the white misty breath dispersing in an instant, making her lips even redder and teeth whiter, her countenance like morning blossoms. Sang Shi was standing beside her straightening her wrinkled skirt.
Madam Xiao looked over with displeasure, then looked at Cheng Yang, seeing she wore a vermilion brocade triple-wrapped curved-hem deep robe with three-finger-wide gold embroidered satin edging—how brilliant and beautiful.
—She had clearly prepared identical clothing and accessories for the two cousins, intending for them to wear them out today. Who knew her troublesome daughter would play dumb and instead wear the dark blue-green double-wrapped curved hem with snow-white pleated inner skirt that Sang Shi had given her.
It wasn’t that it didn’t look good. Not counting her vile temperament, this wretched creature’s appearance was truly beyond words. Recently she’d grown considerably taller—a small girl in emerald clothing with snow-white skin, standing there so gracefully slender, truly delicate, weak, soft, and charming, arousing pity in all who saw her.
Just getting out of the carriage, within less than ten breaths, several passing well-dressed young men had already glanced over stealing looks. Cheng Shi walked at the very front with his head held high and chest out, deliberately pretending not to notice, inexpressible pride in his heart. After so many years of marriage, how could Madam Xiao not know what her husband was thinking? She shook her head inwardly. But yes, when one’s daughter was beautiful, the parents naturally had face.
Contemporary people revered simple and grand beauty. These streets and markets were wide and open—the narrowest point was still two zhang wide. Every fifty paces on both sides stood man-high torch lamps, with bronze basins over a foot wide filled with fire oil raised high, blazing fierce fires within, illuminating this winter cold night as noisily bright as day.
Cheng Shi stared at those fire oil bronze basins for a long time, murmuring: “…His Majesty really spent lavishly this time.” So much fire oil—adding up the whole street, this was no small expenditure.
Shaoshang’s delicate little ear twitched, and she quickly asked: “Father, is our Majesty very frugal?”
Before Cheng Shi could open his mouth, Madam Xiao’s stern glance had already swept over. Shaoshang repeatedly waved her hands: “Fine, fine, fine, I won’t ask anymore, alright? Heaven, earth, ruler, parents, teachers—none of them can be discussed recklessly!” This won’t work, that won’t work—this old woman was truly annoying enough. Perhaps her ancestors were disciplinary directors for eighteen generations!
Cheng Shi shrugged his shoulders. He never opposed his wife in front of everyone, planning to explain to his daughter after returning home. Then he grabbed Cheng Zhi and pulled him to the very front of the group to make Cheng Mother happy.
Madam Xiao pondered for a moment and said: “Some matters, when we return have your elder brother explain to you.”
Shaoshang was startled, the three brothers delighted. Cheng Song and Young Master Cheng Shao’s joy showed even more on their faces, all thinking it would be wonderful if mother and younger sister could reconcile. Before they could speak, Madam Xiao said: “Yong’er, you speak.” Then to her second and third sons: “You two shut up. Listening to your nonsense, one might as well know nothing at all.” Cheng Song and Young Master Cheng Shao suppressed their laughter and acknowledged the order.
Madam Xiao turned her head again and said gently: “Yangyang, you come too. In the future when socializing here at the foot of the Son of Heaven, what should be taboo, what should be avoided—you should listen to all of it.” Cheng Yang happily curtsied in acknowledgment.
Starting from Cheng Yong downward, the three brothers’ joy inexplicably got cut in half.
Standing in the back, Sang Shi silently shook her head: indeed no person was perfect. Someone like Xiao Yuan Yi, a heroine among women with both literary and military strategy, was actually so careless and overconfident in handling matters concerning her children.
Only Shaoshang didn’t take it to heart at all. As long as everything went according to her wishes, that was fine. From childhood she had endured countless cold words and sarcasm. If she were sensitive about everything, how could she have lived to the day when she could turn things around and hold her head high?
Hanging most abundantly on the buildings and shops on both sides of the street were cage lanterns and revolving horse lanterns.
Cage lanterns were made by directly lighting blazing flames inside round lantern frames the size of an armful, with sturdy lantern frames wrapped outside in various dyed sheepskins—vermilion, emerald green, tender yellow, deep blue. Tonight many building owners and shopkeepers, seeking brilliant lamplight to attract attention, hung several giant cage lanterns in strings, suspending them outside their storefronts.
The revolving horse lanterns were mostly cylindrical. Inside, lamp oil burned intensely, and when the hot air rose, the movable lantern frame outside rotated, revealing patterns painted on the lantern skin slowly floating and moving—quite marvelous indeed.
Shaoshang watched with rapt attention, her black-and-white eyes opened wide, looking at one lantern after another. There were warriors returning home greeted by their wives, mischievous children playfully chasing and fighting, martial artists drawing bows to hunt fierce beasts, and even fish and birds touching heads.
Seeing his daughter’s childishly adorable expression, Cheng Shi very magnanimously called to buy several more lanterns for her to play with slowly at home. Who knew Shaoshang would shake her head, only wanting one, saying: “When I get home I’ll make them myself, make even better-looking ones.”
Nonsense—she was a science student, the kind who could calculate square roots by hand. Although her major leaned theoretical and her hands-on ability wasn’t as good as the engineering brothers’, with such a simple principle, she felt she could go home and practice.
The lantern market didn’t only have lanterns, but also sold silk flowers, fabrics, jewelry, snacks, and even books—
A scholar-dressed person was tearfully describing to Cheng Yong and Young Master Cheng Shao the story of “how a perfectly good scholarly family was persecuted by the tyrannical emperor’s minions to the point of family destruction and death, now forced to sell the family’s collected books.”
Cheng Song held Zhu and Ou’s hands left and right, watching at a hunter’s stall a tendon reportedly extracted from a fierce glaring-eyed tiger—using it to make bowstrings would truly be invincible against ten thousand men.
Madam Xiao and Cheng Cheng walked and laughed together, every sentence encouraging him to study diligently without worries. Cheng Yang followed alongside with a smile.
Cheng Zhi saw a shop’s silk flowers made with novel wild charm, so he bought one to pin on Sang Shi. Cheng Mother’s face turned black as an inkstone, so Cheng Zhi hastily bought another to put on his old mother. But Cheng Mother wouldn’t have it, insisting the flower on Sang Shi’s head was more beautiful. Sang Shi was wicked too, deliberately not offering to give the silk flower to Cheng Mother, only watching with a smile, making Cheng Zhi flustered and confused.
Cheng Shi stroked his beard and shook his head from the side. Couldn’t they learn from him—buy the silk flower and hide it in one’s bosom to put on one’s wife after returning home?
But Shaoshang, absorbed in viewing lanterns, dawdled at the very back of the Cheng family’s procession. With two martial maids and three household guards beside her, she didn’t worry about safety issues, only walking slowly. At this moment a bamboo-woven embroidered ball slowly rolled to her feet.