—”Mother, what are you saying? Those young ladies falling into the water was Niaoniao’s doing?!”

The banquet had concluded, the honored guests had all dispersed. Wan Songbai, still with lingering intoxication, was summoned by Old Lady Wan. At that moment he was half sobered by fright, thinking his old mother wanted to beat him again. After Old Lady Wan dismissed those around her and made her meaning clear, the remaining half of his alcohol stupor was also awakened.

“How is this possible!… Son remembers, Yin Zhi’s daughter suddenly had abdominal pain. To avoid disturbing the elders, Niaoniao accompanied Miss Yin back first. Qiqi even complained to me sourly, saying Niaoniao treated Miss Yin better than her. In other words, when those young ladies fell into the water, Niaoniao wasn’t even here!”

Old Lady Wan snorted: “If Niaoniao had a brain like yours, naturally it wouldn’t be possible.”

How would the greatly filial son dare refute? He could only laugh foolishly.

It turned out that today during the banquet, a small accident had occurred.

In the Wan residence’s back garden stood a very elegant two-story pavilion named ‘Joyful Spring.’ The young men who came to the banquet set up the previously agreed-upon pitch-pot poetry competition feast there. The young ladies who heard the news neither dared barge in nor could resist peeking at handsome young men, so they all crowded onto a small wooden bridge opposite Joyful Spring Pavilion, standing on tiptoes to gaze at the people in the pavilion.

The steward had repeatedly advised the young ladies that the small bridge was unstable and moreover couldn’t hold so many people. However, how could girls with eager spring hearts be willing to listen? Not long after they crowded on, the bridge collapsed. Fortunately, the bridge surface wasn’t high and the stream water below was even shallower. Apart from some scrapes and bruises, that group of young ladies wasn’t seriously injured—they were just covered in ice water and mud, their appearances rather undignified.

—Only that Wang Xi, because she was in the middle of the bridge and was surrounded by everyone, was pressed underneath when they fell. When fished out, she was most wretched and pitiful, rolled into a mud person, not to mention several rotten grass leaves had even entered her mouth and nose.

When this matter was transmitted to the banquet, the father-generation guests all looked at each other and smiled.

After inquiring clearly, fathers whose daughters weren’t among them couldn’t help feeling a bit proud, boasting their own daughters were proper and honest. As for fathers whose daughters were among them, some made a few self-deprecating remarks and laughed heartily, others shook their heads with a knowing smile saying ‘young men and women really,’ and some apologized to Wan Songbai for damaging the wooden bridge.

Borrowing the excuse of drunkenness, Wan Songbai led in boasting about how handsome he was when young—the young ladies peeking at him nearly crushed the Wan residence’s main gate, much fiercer than today’s group. Then a group of drunken uncles stretched their throats, competing about their handsome and elegant appearances when young.

One said his family never needed to hunt because flying geese would automatically land at his family’s door. Another said his family never needed to fish because the fish in the pond would sink down themselves waiting for him to catch them.

One said on the day he married, half the county’s young ladies fainted from crying, and the remaining half who didn’t faint insisted on squeezing into his bridal chamber. Another said when he was young all the village’s young ladies declared they’d marry no one but him—some threatening to throw themselves in the river, some coercing with hunger strikes. Even when he went to cut pig grass he’d encounter romantic incidents three or four times. Unable to stay in his hometown, he joined the military and followed the dragon.

Among them, General Han’s boast was the most unique.

He said when he was young and too talented and handsome, it caused two clan elders in the village to fight scheduled battles with their children and grandchildren to compete for him as a son-in-law. The fighting was so bloody and brutal, unbearable to witness, comparable to a great battle between two armies. To preserve the lives of his father and fellow villagers, he reluctantly left home and went far away—this boast was too excessive! General Han was then pulled down by the laughing crowd to be force-fed wine!

In this matter, Wan Qiqi responded very appropriately and received unanimous praise from all the ladies.

She not only organized servants in an orderly fashion to serve the young ladies in washing, cleaning up, and treating injuries, but also quickly retrieved new clothes and hair ornaments left by her dozen or so elder sisters for the young ladies to change into. At the same time, she earnestly requested the sisters who hadn’t fallen from the bridge to absolutely not mention this embarrassment, then with a composed expression invited Wang Xi and others to continue playing and feasting, as if nothing had happened.

Lady Yin heard two earfuls of praise and compliments. Though her face showed nothing, her heart was indescribably proud and joyful. She couldn’t help but drink several more cups and was now drunk unconscious.

“…This falling into water matter can’t be blamed on us.” Wan Songbai shook his head. “No, nobody blamed us. The steward said he even specially erected a wooden sign at both ends of the bridge. Written on it was that this bridge was unstable and swaying. They insisted on going up—what could I do!”

Old Lady Wan snorted lightly: “Could it be that wooden sign was something you told the steward to erect?”

Wan Songbai was stunned for a moment, saying: “Could it be it wasn’t Mother who told the steward to erect it?”

Seeing his old mother’s expression as if looking at an idiot, he knew he’d asked stupidly and laughed dryly: “Mother, just tell me. Your son is dull—how can I guess?”

Old Lady Wan said: “I’ll tell you three things. The first, before Niaoniao returned home, Steward Zhang who tends the flowers and plants told me that Miss Cheng loved that wooden bridge very much. She was often seen enthusiastically surveying that bridge during her leisure time.”

Although she was advanced in years and her eyesight was gradually failing, over the years sitting in command of the capital residence, independently managing all matters large and small, she had always maintained the habit of listening to various stewards report on household affairs daily.

Wan Songbai couldn’t make heads or tails: “So what?”

Old Lady Wan continued: “The second thing, Steward Li who managed the banquet said Niaoniao suggested he set up the pitch-pot poetry competition feast in Joyful Spring Pavilion rather than the side courtyard as previously planned. This way it would be more elegant and unique.”

“The third thing, Steward Wang of the inner courtyard said Niaoniao mentioned that wooden bridge wasn’t very stable. If unknowing young ladies fell and got hurt later, it wouldn’t be good. She had him set up warning wooden signs at both bridge ends.”

Wan Songbai finally understood his mother’s meaning—Shaoshang had stayed at the Wan family for many days. From his old mother to Qiqi, they all valued her greatly. The stewards would often listen to her suggestions. But he still didn’t believe: “Perhaps it was just coincidence? Although that bridge was swaying unstably, the steward told me it hadn’t reached the point of complete dilapidation. How would Niaoniao know when the wooden bridge would collapse?”

Old Lady Wan said: “You all don’t know, that wooden bridge actually has a name. It was made by Master Gongshu Ban back then to assist the Chu Kingdom’s ruler. Its formal name is ‘Stacked Bone Bridge.’ Few people know of it now. At first glance it’s a light and sturdy small bridge, but one only needs to remove a few wooden pieces from it. When someone steps on it again, the entire bridge will collapse in an instant.”

“This is indeed a good method. After our side crosses the river, remove a few wooden pieces, then we can make the pursuing soldiers behind fall into the water…” Wan Songbai’s expression gradually became grave. “Mother’s meaning is that Niaoniao saw through the mystery within, then borrowed the opportunity to set a trap to lure that group of young ladies?”

Old Lady Wan nodded, saying: “This way, whether she left or didn’t leave, was there or wasn’t there, she could still execute her scheme.”

Wan Songbai drew in a breath of cold air. After a long while he said: “Speaking of which, that Worthy Brother Cheng being managed submissively by Lady Xiao isn’t entirely a loss. Marrying a clever wife ultimately has benefits! Niaoniao’s brain, tsk tsk tsk…”

Old Lady Wan said: “If you had married a wife like Yuanyi, probably within the first year after marriage you’d have your head broken and go see your father. Mm, if that were the case, I could still remarry while young.”

Mother and son faced each other wordlessly, blind eye to copper bell eye. After a long while they both laughed together.

Wan Songbai wiped the tears of laughter, speaking first: “Son thought Mother was angry at Niaoniao. I was just thinking about how to put in good words for Niaoniao before you, telling you not to blame her.”

Old Lady Wan smiled and shook her head: “Today Miss Wang spoke sharply and very much bullied Niaoniao. Her doing this is also understandable. If it were me when I was young, I could do even more severe things.”

Wan Songbai smiled: “As long as you don’t blame Niaoniao for setting this scheme at our home, that child is pitiful. Every time my worthy brother mentions her, he’s both guilty and full of pity.”

“What’s there to blame?” Old Lady Wan said. “If she had been completely heartless, she wouldn’t have needed to have the steward erect those two signs. Wasn’t it just to extricate the Wan family? Persuasion in front, wooden sign warnings behind—no matter what, it can’t be blamed on our family. Moreover, observing that child’s nature, there’s a quality of fearless courage. I guess, if not for Miss Yin’s abdominal pain, she should have stayed behind. After the incident she would have voluntarily informed us, then honestly pleaded guilty.”

Wan Songbai repeatedly said: “Exactly, exactly! Qiqi told me Niaoniao never conceals or hides when doing things. Even when using underhanded tricks, she uses them openly and grandly. It’s extremely fun.” As for how his daughter came to this conclusion, he didn’t know.

“Yes, that child is so different from others.” Old Lady Wan said distantly. “If I’d encountered such a young sister when I was young, I would have loved her too.”

Wan Songbai secretly thought: How would you encounter such a young lady? You yourself were such a young lady! Back then whoever provoked you didn’t even need to wait overnight—you’d get revenge that same day, and interest had to be calculated by the hour!

However, hearing these words, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. But who knew Old Lady Wan then said: “Just now, I’ve already written a letter informing Yuanyi and her husband of this matter.”

“What!” Wan Songbai was so shocked he nearly choked. “Mother, you don’t… don’t blame Niaoniao…!”

“No need to be so loud. I’m only blind, not deaf!” Old Lady Wan remained motionless. “I don’t blame Niaoniao, but I also can’t conceal it for her. She has her own parents and elders. How to handle this matter should be decided by the Cheng family.”

“But, but if Lady Xiao learns of this matter, Worthy Brother’s family will have another uproar…”

Old Lady Wan said: “Let there be an uproar. Without breaking, there’s no building. It’s also time to let Yuanyi know exactly what kind of person her daughter is!”

Wan Songbai was dumbfounded: “Mother…?”

Old Lady Wan was silent for a moment before saying: “The two families have associated for decades. Even ordinary relatives and clansmen aren’t as close as we are. I observe Yuanyi—though exceptionally intelligent, experienced and shrewd, with nothing improper in all matters, only two things: first, she’s conceited about her intelligence; second, she’s self-righteous and won’t admit when she’s wrong.”

“Who says otherwise!” Speaking of Lady Xiao’s shortcomings, Wan Songbai immediately became spirited, wishing he could talk for three days and three nights plus a midnight snack. “That woman Lady Xiao…”

“You shut up. It’s not your turn to discuss Yuanyi’s faults.” Old Lady Wan slapped the table in rebuke. Wan Songbai had to hold his tongue.

“Yuanyi raised her sons very well. The new daughter-in-law told me, when outside, ordinary families’ children inevitably sneak into women’s tents causing trouble, drinking and cockfighting. But the Cheng family’s several sons are both progressive and open-minded, yet clean and self-disciplined. When the ladies who ordinarily associate speak of them, which family doesn’t praise them? Yuanyi’s arrangements for her sons, whether studying with teachers or practicing martial arts and training—Yong and the others never disobeyed. After returning to the capital, Yuanyi also naturally made decisions for Niaoniao. Who knew she hit a wall! Mm, these days the mother and daughter have quarreled several times. How they quarreled—it was my son who told me in minute detail.”

Wan Songbai knew his old mother was mocking him and closed his mouth even tighter.

“Before returning to the capital, Yuanyi had already decided to drive away Lady Ge, but also felt she owed Great-grandfather Ge and the Ge family lady. Unfortunately, right now the Ge family has no need for Cheng family assistance. Doesn’t this mean she had to pour all her feelings of affection onto that Cheng Yang? Yuanyi feels she herself is both gracious and righteous, impartial and selfless. Her husband and children should understand. But after quarreling again and again, the whole family doesn’t buy her account. Yuanyi also doesn’t think about what the actual reason is. She only knows how to suppress uniformly. Mother and daughter are like solid ice meeting an iron chisel—how can they not quarrel?”

Wan Songbai agreed with his old mother in his heart, but also feared putting Cheng Shi in a difficult position. He couldn’t help saying: “But Mother, this way Niaoniao will certainly be punished!”

Old Lady Wan said indifferently: “Living in this world, if one cannot dare to act and dare to take responsibility, then it’s better to lower the flag and silence the drums early, honestly living one’s days. Since Niaoniao did it, she should bear the risk of being seen through. It can’t be that she only eats meat without taking beatings. Take it slowly. After breaking through obstacles one by one, she’ll know how her road should be walked.”

Wan Songbai stared blankly at his old mother’s injured and disabled face—could Mother be speaking of herself? Precisely because when Father was alive she refused to lower her head and bow even half a degree, making too many enemies in the county, when Father suddenly passed away they were besieged on all sides.

…

The Wan mother and son hadn’t guessed wrong. The Cheng family was about to have another big quarrel.

Since learning the news, Cheng Shi and Lady Xiao had been in a silent state. The husband and wife sat facing each other for a full half hour. Lady Xiao originally wanted to say ‘I was right all along—she’ll always cause great disaster,’ taking the opportunity to feel proud before her husband about her own foresight. Who knows why, these words stuck in her throat and couldn’t be spoken.

Subsequently, Cheng Shi silently rose, went out to give a round of instructions, then had Qing Cong invite Cheng Zhi and his wife, informing them in detail of the bridge collapse and falling into water incident. Cheng Zhi and Sang Shi were greatly shocked, looking at each other face to face. The husband and wife saw each other’s meaning from their mutual gazes.

Cheng Zhi steeled himself: “Actually, this matter has no evil consequences. That group of young ladies was just somewhat embarrassed. I see the various adults didn’t take it to heart.” Today’s second half of the banquet was almost a boasting feast. Everyone boasted more and more fantastically. As a genuine beautiful youth back then, Cheng Zhi deeply sighed at the thickness of the various adults’ faces.

Sang Shi also said: “When I was young I read ‘Master Ban created the Stacked Bone Bridge to assist the Chu ruler’ in a few sentences, but I’d never seen what that bridge actually looked like. Only Old Lady Wan—widely knowledgeable and meticulous in thinking. How could those young ladies know!”

Cheng Zhi lowered his voice, saying again: “Speaking of which, that Wang Chun also isn’t a good person. If not for him, during the Yiyang battle why would Elder Brother Wan have needed to pretend to have a leg ailment! Today his daughter also publicly humiliated Niaoniao—how is this not intentional!”

Sang Shi continued: “From beginning to end Niaoniao arranged this matter completely flawlessly. Even if outsiders have heard of ‘Stacked Bone Bridge,’ they could never think of the reason within no matter what. However you look at it, they brought it upon themselves. Elder Brother and Sister-in-law can completely rest assured! Later we’ll properly apologize sincerely to the Wan family—because of Shaoshang’s rashness, she nearly implicated their family.”

The husband and wife spoke one sentence each, every sentence excusing Shaoshang. Lady Xiao wasn’t a fool—how could she not hear it? Yet she didn’t say a word, only using her eyes to look at her husband.

Cheng Shi let out a long breath before saying: “This matter cannot be settled like this. This time I must punish her. Punish her severely!”

Sang Shi urgently said: “Elder Brother…”

Cheng Shi raised his hand to stop her from continuing, saying word by word: “You love Niaoniao so much, care for her, teach her. You don’t know how grateful I am in my heart.”

Sang Shi’s eyes became somewhat moist. She lowered her head: “Elder Brother, please don’t say this. I just feel compatible with Niaoniao.”

Cheng Zhi quickly looked at Lady Xiao, but saw she still sat silently upright.

“I know Niaoniao suffered grievances outside, but I still must punish her.” Cheng Shi’s expression was solemn. “Today fortunately it was seen through by Old Lady Wan, and the Wan and Cheng families are close and affectionate. What if it had been seen through by someone else!”

He turned his head toward his wife again: “You once told me Niaoniao is ‘wise enough to reject advice, eloquent enough to gloss over wrongs.’ Now it seems half right. She’s not unaware that what she did was improper, but even if improper she still does it. Because she relies on her own cleverness and capability—she’s not afraid of anything, can muddle through anything! This truly will cause great disaster!”

Hearing these words, Sang Shi also fell silent.

Cheng Shi continued: “What’s to fear about causing trouble? When I was Shaoshang’s age, I wasn’t necessarily gentle, respectful, frugal and yielding either. But I used risky tactics out of necessity. She’s good—purely for venting anger. Today I will break this extreme temperament of hers!”

“—What do you intend to do?” Lady Xiao finally spoke.

Cheng Shi didn’t answer, loudly calling for Cheng Shun. Then Cheng Shun, who had been standing outside the hall, led in a gray-haired but neatly dressed scarred old soldier. That old soldier was also holding a long punishment rod in his hand.

Cheng Zhi and Sang Shi didn’t recognize this person, but Lady Xiao did. She said with surprise: “Qian Zeng?”

“Elder Sister, who is this person?” Cheng Zhi asked.

Lady Xiao slowly said: “This is the one who wields the punishment rod under your elder brother’s command.” She already knew what her husband was going to do.

Cheng Zhi was greatly alarmed and cried out: “Elder Brother, there’s no need! How many bones does Niaoniao have? One slap from you could knock her unconscious. You still want to use, use… use this punishment rod…” He pointed at the rod in that old soldier’s hand—as tall as a person, thick as a bowl, solid and heavy, dark as lacquer. Seeing it made one’s heart grow cold.

Sang Shi’s mouth opened slightly, too shocked to speak.

Cheng Shi ignored them. Facing that old soldier, he said seriously: “Today this Marquis wants to use your signature skill. These years you’ve rarely administered punishment in the army. I’ve only occasionally had you interrogate one or two spies. Haven’t you lost your punishment rod skills?”

That old soldier called Qian Zeng grinned: “General, rest assured. However the General tells me to beat, I’ll beat that way. How many days it should hurt, how many days the injuries should remain, how many blood marks to show—this servant guarantees not a single error.”

The old soldier’s voice was sharp and thin. Observing his appearance again, Sang Shi immediately knew this person should be an old eunuch who had drifted to the common people from some previous dynasty’s vassal king’s palace.

“In the end, I only want to frighten the young lady. You absolutely cannot make a mistake!” Cheng Shi威严地threatened道. “Otherwise I’ll skin you alive!”

Qian Zeng lowered his head: “The General picked me out from a pile of corpses, and even found my lost old mother and nephew, properly settling this servant’s whole family. If this servant damages the young lady, no need for the General to act—this servant will end himself.”

Cheng Shi nodded and waved his hand for Cheng Shun to lead the person away.

Cheng Zhi finally understood, stuttering: “Elder Brother, you you, you this is…”

“Niaoniao is bold and meticulous. Ordinary tactics can’t frighten her!” Cheng Shi said. “Must use a heavy hand. I plan to make her suffer bitterly, see some blood, teach her a lesson she’ll remember, but can’t truly injure her.”

Cheng Zhi looked at his wife. Sang Shi smiled bitterly.

Lady Xiao snorted: “You’re finally willing? Aren’t you afraid Niaoniao will hate you from now on?”

Who knew Cheng Shi nodded: “Madam speaks correctly. Therefore, it can’t be me who beats her. It should be Madam who beats her.”

—At these words, the remaining three people in Jiuzhui Hall all stared at him wide-eyed.

“You can actually say these words!” Lady Xiao was finally angry—not angry at her daughter’s audacity reaching to the heavens, but angry at her husband’s shamelessness. He himself would be the good person before his daughter, leaving the bad person for her to be! Simply the ultimate shamelessness!

Cheng Shi quickly went to soothe his wife’s back, saying gently: “I’m doing this for Niaoniao. Think about it. To subdue such an unruly child, one must use both soft and hard tactics. After beating, one still must coax. Between us husband and wife, shouldn’t one be soft and one hard?”

Lady Xiao shook off her husband’s palm in one motion, angrily saying: “Then I’ll implement benevolence and you implement authority! Why should I be the villain!”

“If it were before…” Cheng Shi smiled. “Naturally Madam would be the good person. Mother and daughter can speak intimate words. But right now doesn’t Niaoniao have opinions about Madam? If even the father who always dotes on her also treats her with rods and sticks, perhaps in her sorrow and indignation, she’ll instead stiffen her neck and refuse to submit!”

“You…!?” These words still had considerable persuasive power. Lady Xiao was stumped, shaking all over with anger.

“My plan is as follows. Shortly I’ll first avoid going out of the residence, lest my heart softens, or I’m again pulled by Yong and the others to provide protection. After Niaoniao returns from the Yin family, Madam, you’ll erupt in great fury… no no, not erupt at me, erupt at Niaoniao!”

Cheng Shi dodged left and right, striving to avoid the fists Lady Xiao hammered over, saying with a placating smile: “Then Madam will loudly rebuke Niaoniao’s many faults. Bring out all those sage sayings and Master’s words, scold her until she has no place to hide in shame. As terrifying as possible—first suppress her in momentum. Then call Qian Zeng out to administer punishment—don’t strip her clothes, young ladies need face. Then beat severely—it’s not really severe beating. I’ll instruct Qian Zeng in advance…”

Lady Xiao couldn’t pull free the hand gripped by her husband. Extremely angry, she couldn’t even care about propriety and raised her leg to kick her husband.

“Then Third Brother and sister-in-law will pretend to rush over in haste—remember to enter from the main gate. You two don’t try to save effort by hiding in the side hall watching the show. Niaoniao has sharp eyes—don’t let the cat out of the bag—then you’ll tearfully plead for Niaoniao. Then after Yuanyi reluctantly agrees with difficulty, as if only this way saving her little life, two days later you’ll set out for your posting with Niaoniao…”

Lady Xiao used all her strength to finally push her husband down to the floor. She herself was also exhausted and collapsed in place.

“Then…” Cheng Shi’s face was thick as he stood up, patting the wrinkles on his clothes. “Oh, there is no ‘then.'”

Lady Xiao was both angry and tired, could only pant heavily. Sang Shi had never received such a great fright in her life from small to large, always in a state of eyes bulging and dog-like stare. Only Cheng Zhi buried his face in his palms, not wanting to speak.

Cheng Shi stood in the center of Jiuzhui Hall, his figure imposing and majestic, his aura magnificent, his gaze bright and direct. Raising his arm as if commanding thousands of troops, his voice like calling out a charge through seas of blood.

He only heard him say: “Today’s battle is to make Niaoniao know there are mountains beyond mountains, people beyond people. She cannot act recklessly, and moreover cannot be audaciously unrestrained relying on someone to back her up! It’s settled like this. When Yuanyi has beaten enough, Third Brother and sister-in-law enter to save her. We’ll smash a cup as the signal!”

The overly shocked Sang Shi slowly turned her head, using her gaze to inquire of her husband.

Cheng Zhi also answered with his gaze: That’s right, my family’s elder brother has always been like this. But you needn’t be sad. You’re not the first to mistakenly think he’s honest and dull with all matters relying on his wife’s schemes, and you probably won’t be the last.

Sang Shi: Watching their fists and feet come and go quite skillfully—could it be they were like this before?

Cheng Zhi: When newly married the fighting was more severe. Second Brother and I both knew. After giving birth to Yong and the others, they started putting on an act. Not hiding it from you—actually I quite miss it.