Four or five days later, Madam Xiao finally recovered from her illness and was completely restored to health. Following the invitation, she took her daughter to visit the Lou family home, also allowing the Lou family’s female relatives to meet Shaoshang, especially the Lou clan’s current principal wife, First Madam Lou—after all, Lou Yao couldn’t keep running to the Cheng family three times a day, having already been plied with wine and having sent medicinal food and household physicians, while the Lou family people still didn’t know whether Shaoshang was round or flat.

The Lou residence occupied roughly the same area as the Cheng residence, but its location was separated from the palace city by only one lane. The household’s prosperity rivaled that of the Yin family. However, First Madam Lou’s strict household management far exceeded that of Yin Jue’e’s mother. All along Shaoshang’s way, she saw servant maids and attendants coming and going, heads lowered respectfully, yet she couldn’t hear half a word spoken. When it came time for the formal audience, she had originally expected to meet a stern, gaunt, formidable matriarch. After meeting her, she discovered First Madam Lou’s face was round as a full moon, kind, cheerful, and harmonious—she looked more like a good-tempered dormitory auntie.

First Madam Lou held Shaoshang’s hands and examined her carefully. Her eyes revealed an indescribable emotion. She turned to Second Madam Lou and smiled: “Sister-in-law, you’ve chosen this bride truly well!”

Second Madam Lou was triumphant: “Of course! I liked her at first sight too. She surpasses all our family’s brides and daughters! Rare is that she’s filial and amiable, shows utmost care and concern for A’Yao—it couldn’t be better!”

The young First Madam Lou sitting beside First Madam Lou covered her sleeve and laughed lightly, her expression respectful. First Madam Lou smiled: “If you and A’Yao both like her, I’m at ease.”

Second Madam Lou said happily: “Sister-in-law, then you’ve agreed?”

At these words, Madam Xiao and Shaoshang sitting to the side both furrowed their brows simultaneously and exchanged glances. But the Lou family sisters-in-law remained completely unaware. First Madam Lou smiled: “If I didn’t agree, A’Yao would probably never acknowledge me again. Tomorrow I’ll find a diviner to consult on an auspicious day to formally set the betrothal!”

How could Madam Xiao be someone willing to suffer a loss? She also smiled: “There’s no rush for this—let’s take it slowly. My husband and A’Yao’s father are both men of their word who keep promises worth a thousand gold. Before I left Yanzhou, I heard that quite a few people in Dongjun and Shanyang Prefectures had already performed congratulatory ceremonies for both the Lou and Cheng families. Whether or not the betrothal is formally set is all mere formality.”

Hearing these words, First Madam Lou’s expression changed slightly. Young First Madam Lou seemed not to understand why her mother-in-law’s complexion had altered.

Second Madam Lou, however, smiled innocently: “I know—the jade pendant A’Yao’s father used to set the betrothal was part of my marriage dowry. Now that it’s been given to Shaoshang, it truly couldn’t be better!”

First Madam Lou smiled slightly: “That jade pendant your second brother-in-law wore on his person for many years has now been given to the Cheng family as a token in one stroke. Be careful I tell your second son’s bride that you show favoritism.”

Second Madam Lou hurried to say: “Sister-in-law, please don’t tell anyone—I spoke out of turn…” Her anxious, flustered appearance suggested she greatly feared her own daughter-in-law would become dissatisfied.

First Madam Lou smiled and patted her sister-in-law’s back consolingly: “There now, look how anxious you are. When have I or eldest son’s bride ever spoken such divisive words? Don’t be anxious, don’t be anxious.” Her tone was like coaxing a child.

Only then did Second Madam Lou set her heart at ease.

Madam Xiao frowned slightly.

She herself habitually used this technique of showing both kindness and authority when winning people over outside. She hadn’t expected to witness such a scene at the Lou family today. She was both reassured by Lou Yao’s mother’s straightforward gullibility and worried that First Madam Lou would be difficult to deal with.

Moreover, in this hall there were only the five of them plus servant maids dining and chatting casually. If in the future Second Young Master Lou’s bride became displeased over this matter, wouldn’t it implicate her and her daughter? Her heart was unhappy, but leaving in a huff over just this matter would be making a mountain out of a molehill. She wanted to verbally retaliate, but this kind of twisting, turning internal verbal sparring was what she most lacked patience for. For a moment, she remained silently speechless.

Shaoshang suddenly said: “Aunt, don’t worry. I’ll bet you that Second Young Madam Lou definitely won’t mind that jade pendant.”

Second Madam Lou was stunned and said somewhat disbelievingly: “Shaoshang, are you telling the truth?”

Young First Madam Lou looked over in surprise.

Shaoshang put on an all-smiles appearance: “A’Yao told me that Second Young Madam Lou is someone Second Young Master met while traveling in Jiaodong—the cherished pearl of a long-established local family. At that time, Second Young Master was away from home. Though he had Uncle Lou’s written permission for marriage, he had no material possessions, so he personally polished a silver mirror as betrothal gift, meaning ‘this heart is like a bright mirror—white-haired and never doubting each other.’ I’m afraid all the jade pendants under heaven combined couldn’t compare to this mirror in Second Young Madam Lou’s heart.”

Second Madam Lou was both surprised and delighted: “…You’re right, you’re right! I had completely forgotten about this!”

Young First Madam Lou’s face showed a few traces of envy. Fearing her mother-in-law would see, she quickly stood to direct the servant maids to refill fruit juice and snacks.

Shaoshang smiled and lowered her head—nonsense! After spending months in constant company with Lou Yao, could it all have been spent on romance and moonlight? How much could there be to discuss about life ideals, stars, and moon? Naturally she had to thoroughly interrogate him about the Lou family’s interpersonal relationships down to every blade of grass and tree!

Madam Xiao was satisfied with her daughter’s gentle yet firm rebuttal. She also thought privately: This means that the marriages of both sons born to Second Madam Lou had bypassed this Lou clan matriarch and been personally settled by Lou Ji himself.

First Madam Lou also smiled slightly, seeming not the least bit displeased, then immediately instructed the servant maids to call Lou Yao in from outside.

Lou Yao had been waiting in the courtyard corridor outside. Now he happily stepped into the hall, nearly forgetting to even remove his boots.

First Madam Lou smiled as she watched her nephew fumble to adjust his posture and kneel properly: “A’Yao, this bride you’ve found is truly formidable. Just now…” Before she could finish speaking, the young man said with an infatuated expression: “Yes, Great Aunt, you have such good judgment. Shaoshang is so smart—both smart and capable, she knows everything! Father has praised her several times too!”

First Madam Lou’s expression froze.

Shaoshang feigned displeasure and said softly: “A’Yao, how can you be like this? First Madam hasn’t finished speaking yet. If you continue like this, I’ll tell my eldest brother to drag you off to study and write! Great Aunt, please continue—don’t mind A’Yao…” Turning her head, she smiled again: “Aunt, please don’t blame A’Yao. He’s usually very proper with etiquette. In his heart, he doesn’t treat Great Aunt as an outsider!”

Second Madam Lou beamed with joy: “You’re right—our A’Yao understands etiquette very well. It’s just that one’s own children are never as formal with elders as they are outside.”

Lou Yao scratched his head and smiled foolishly. He felt that even when his fiancée was reproaching him, she appeared gentle and lovable, purely out of caring concern.

Shaoshang’s face smiled amiably, but in her heart she disdained First Madam Lou—Hmph, not even as good as Director Xiao! At least she has real achievements fought for with actual capability. When truly pushed to desperation, she can overcome ten techniques with one force. This one before her only knows how to secretly apply eye drops!

First Madam Lou remained silent for a moment, then smiled again: “There’s nothing more to say. A’Yao, quickly go find your eldest uncle and bring him back. Setting a betrothal is no small matter—many things still require him to handle.”

Lou Yao’s eyes brightened. He smiled and glanced at his fiancée, then clasped his hands in salute and quickly withdrew.

After a few more words, First Madam Lou had the eldest daughter-in-law beside her take Shaoshang to the side hall—she and her sister-in-law needed to begin discussing betrothal matters with Madam Xiao. Shaoshang slowly stood up, her posture gentle and elegant (Sang Shi’s emergency training). Second Madam Lou watched with satisfaction, smiling so broadly she could barely close her mouth.

Crossing half an inner corridor and entering through a sliding door, she saw the side hall filled with female relatives—some dressed as young matrons, others with maiden hairstyles—all were Lou family brides and unmarried young ladies. The Lou family’s two branches had very balanced offspring—both had four sons and four daughters, half legitimate and half secondary, with the youngest in overall ranking being Second Branch’s Lou Yao and First Branch’s Lou Xi.

Following Young First Madam Lou’s introductions, Shaoshang met everyone one by one, her conduct appropriate and words modest. When it came to the last one, Lou Xi, she stared at Shaoshang for a long time, then huffily turned her head away, refusing to acknowledge Shaoshang. Young First Madam Lou felt embarrassed and laughed awkwardly as she glossed over this, then had Shaoshang sit down as everyone began casual conversation.

The assembled women spoke gently—even if they had matters on their minds, they absolutely wouldn’t show it. Everyone chatted back and forth, either joking or gossiping, speaking quite congenially. Shaoshang noticed a young matron sitting in the upper seat on the right side. Observing her slender features and dignified expression, this was the Lou family’s second daughter-in-law, the First Branch’s eldest daughter-in-law—the female protagonist of the silver mirror story just mentioned.

When Shaoshang first saw her, she had secretly found it strange, thinking this unsmiling young matron should be First Madam Lou’s daughter-in-law, while this pleasant, even somewhat timid eldest daughter-in-law should belong to Second Madam Lou’s branch.

Lou Xi endured for a long while. Upon hearing the female relatives praise Shaoshang’s beauty and quiet demeanor for the eighteenth time, she finally couldn’t help saying sourly: “I really can’t imagine—Miss Cheng was so fierce toward Sister Wang Xi at the Wan family that day, yet today she’s putting on such a proper act.”

“A’Xi!” Young First Madam Lou exclaimed, her eyes widening.

The women in the hall either softly reprimanded Lou Xi or remained silent, quietly observing the situation.

“Yes, I didn’t expect it either.” Shaoshang didn’t even lift her eyelids—why bother arguing with a seventh-grade girl?

Seeing Shaoshang had no reaction, Lou Xi continued: “Your ability to marry into our family is tremendously lucky. If Sister Zhaojun hadn’t married elsewhere, where would your turn have come? You don’t know—my mother loved Sister Zhaojun so much…”

“A’Xi! If you say one more word, I’ll call Aunt over to deal with you!” Lou Yao’s full sister became furiously angry and made as if to stand.

Lou Xi also became angry: “Cousin Sister, you’re actually helping her scold me!” Because she was the youngest, her older brothers, sisters, and sisters-in-law ordinarily indulged her greatly, especially this cousin sister currently awaiting marriage, who was particularly fond of her.

Shaoshang smiled slightly, signaling with her eyes to the Lou young lady that it was fine, then turned and said: “What did A’Xi just say—that your mother extremely loved He Zhaojun? Then I don’t understand. Your full older brother, Seventh Young Master, is only two years older than A’Yao and three years older than He Zhaojun. Why didn’t they arrange their betrothal back then?”

At these words, a young matron in light crimson curved hem garments on the left side of the hall flushed red, while the others showed various expressions. That Lou young lady’s eyes brightened, seeming not to dislike having a sister-in-law with sharp words.

Lou Xi was choked half to death and loudly said: “That, that’s because… because…” At her young age, how could she know the reasons? Since she became aware, He Zhaojun had been engaged to her young cousin. “Because Aunt loved Sister Zhaojun more!”

“Oh, is that so? I—see—now.” Shaoshang drew out her voice in an apparently enlightened manner, her smile not quite a smile.

Lou Xi’s face flushed to her ears—even she felt guilty about these words. Not to mention inside the Lou family, even outsiders knew that Second Madam Lou was dissatisfied with General He’s arrogant, domineering only daughter. But then again, what mother-in-law would like a bride who constantly bossed around her own son and frequently relied on her influential position to bully her fiancé?

“Enough!” Young First Madam Lou struck the table to stop this: “A’Xi, be quiet! Quickly apologize to Shaoshang!”

“I won’t!” Lou Xi’s entire face flushed red as she cried out loudly: “Sister-in-law, you don’t know how detestable this Cheng Shaoshang’s character is—Sister Wang Xi told me everything…”

“What are you all talking about?!” With a stern rebuke, First Madam Lou strode into the side hall with many servant maids, followed by Second Madam Lou and Madam Xiao.

First Madam Lou’s severe gaze swept across each person’s face one by one, pausing slightly when passing her youngest daughter Lou Xi. Seeing her anger, all the women bowed and knelt properly. Young First Madam Lou mumbled, not daring to speak.

Only Second Young Madam Lou leisurely stood up and said: “Great Aunt, you’ve come at just the right time. A’Xi was just now speaking about Miss Cheng’s dispute with the Wan family’s Miss Xi that day. Just now A’Xi even said Shaoshang’s character was detestable.”

Now both Madam Xiao’s and Second Madam Lou’s expressions turned ugly. First Madam Lou’s eyes were sharp. Catching sight of Madam Xiao’s lips moving, she quickly stepped forward several paces and with a “slap,” reached out and gave her daughter a blow to the face.

Lou Xi covered her face, saying disbelievingly: “Mother, you… actually…?” Though Mother was strict, she had been quite indulgent toward her late-born daughter. Now she had actually struck her in full view of everyone! The more she thought about it, the sadder she became, and tears immediately welled from her eyes.

First Madam Lou decided matters decisively and said in a deep voice: “A’Yao and Shaoshang are already betrothed. Today is her first time coming to the Lou family, yet you humiliate her like this! How will you have the face to see your cousin brother in the future? A’Yao has always treated you with close affection!”

Hearing her mother speak decisively with vaguely thunderous authority, Lou Xi finally felt some fear. She dared not speak, yet in her heart she still felt defiant and could only look at Shaoshang with resentful eyes.

Everyone could see Lou Xi’s defiant attitude.

Second Young Madam Lou smiled lightly and slowly walked forward a few steps, bowing: “Madam Xiao, please forgive us. Don’t let A’Xi cause you to feel sorry for your daughter and refuse to let her marry into our family. Besides, A’Xi will marry out sooner or later anyway—your daughter can just avoid seeing her in the future.”

These words were bold and explicit. First Madam Lou’s expression turned stern. Young First Madam Lou hurriedly said urgently: “A’Yan, how can you say such things! A’Xi is young and speaks carelessly. It’s all…”

“Sister-in-law isn’t going to say ‘A’Xi’s mistakes were all unintentional,’ are you?!” Second Young Madam Lou’s eyes showed mockery.

Young First Madam Lou was at a loss for words, her face reddening from suppressed emotion.

Second Young Madam Lou smiled coldly and said: “Great Aunt, please forgive me. Just now A’Xi was telling Miss Cheng how much Aunt loved Sister Zhaojun. I know Aunt cherishes the younger generation, but I didn’t know you loved Sister Zhaojun so much. Had I known, I wouldn’t have let A’Yao steal the honor. Better to have let Seventh Brother marry Zhaojun two years earlier.”

The Seventh Young Madam kneeling behind showed an embarrassed expression, trembling all over with anger. Second Madam Lou was extremely awkward. Madam Xiao’s face was icy cold as she looked directly past them at First Madam Lou, her eyes clearly demanding an explanation.

First Madam Lou forcefully suppressed her anger: “What kind of talk is this! A’Xi, it seems these three months of confinement weren’t enough—you’re still spouting nonsense everywhere. Then continue your wall-facing self-reflection!”

Just as Lou Xi was about to speak through her tears, four servant maids pushed and dragged her out.

First Madam Lou turned around and repeatedly apologized to Madam Xiao and Shaoshang, repeatedly promising to properly discipline Lou Xi and so forth.

Taking advantage of the elders’ conversation, Second Young Madam Lou suddenly moved to Shaoshang’s side and said pleasantly: “I don’t like calling people sister-in-law and such. In the future I’ll just call you Shaoshang—is that all right?”

Shaoshang looked back. As their eyes met, though this was their first meeting, clever people didn’t need many words to understand each other’s hearts. She smiled sweetly: “Yes. Then I’ll also call you Sister Yan.”

Second Young Madam Lou smiled and grasped Shaoshang’s hand, shaking it. At some point, the two other secondary sons’ brides from the Second Branch had also quietly gathered around, standing silently beside the two of them, forming a four-way responsive formation.

Seeing this situation, First Madam Lou looked at her own gentle, kind eldest daughter-in-law and felt a surge of irritation.

…

In the carriage returning to the Cheng residence, Madam Xiao dismissed the servants, leaving only mother and daughter in the carriage compartment. She asked with a serious expression: “You already knew about all this scandalous business in the Lou family, yet you still agreed to the marriage so readily?”

“What’s wrong with scandalous business? In these times, where can you find great sages and virtuous people with families that have not half a trace of internal disputes?” Even the Heavenly Court had fathers, sons, and brothers fighting each other through magic.

“What kind of talk is that?!” Madam Xiao was exasperated.

Shaoshang said seriously: “Mother, in human life, having trials and tribulations is commonplace. Qiqi told me stories about Uncle Wan choosing husbands for his dozen daughters. Those with good family background were shallow and dissolute in character. Those with outstanding character had too many family burdens. Those with both good family background and good character mostly had no particular talent or ambition and would spend their lives idly under family protection. Mother, look how wonderful A’Yao is! Good family status, honest and sincere character, absolutely none of those playboy habits. Though his talent isn’t currently evident, he has ambition and is willing to work hard and struggle. Mother, tell me—isn’t this marriage excellent?”

Madam Xiao thought: Why don’t you just directly say Lou Yao is obedient, willing to work hard, and has good family circumstances?

“You’ve taught all my elder brothers very well, Mother. You don’t know—outside, quite a few families with daughters are secretly thinking about my elder brothers.” Shaoshang smiled and fluttered her sleeves a few times, like a little bird flapping its wings.

How could Madam Xiao not know? She waved her hand, already numb to her daughter’s strange and wonderful ideas: “…Talk about your own matters—don’t drag things off topic.”

Shaoshang was silent for a moment, then smiled: “Actually, Aunt asked long ago—someone like me who has no patience for elaborate formalities, after marrying into the Lou family and facing a whole house of sisters-in-law and siblings, wouldn’t I be annoyed to death? When would A’Yao obtain an external official position—the year of the monkey and month of the horse? I said, it won’t take very long. When the time comes, with sky high and sea vast, even if it’s not as comfortable and refined as in the capital, it will be much more free.”

“How can you make such a definite assertion?” Madam Xiao secretly admired that Sang Shi’s considerations regarding great households were indeed more detailed than her own.

“I still remember that day when I recovered from illness and A’Yao came to see me—he said in the future he wanted to be a local administrator. I initially thought he said it casually, but after spending time together, I discovered that according to his own temperament, he’d rather lead a small troop in Father’s division. So who taught him to say ‘be a local administrator’?” Shaoshang smiled mischievously. “You’ve already seen A’Yao’s mother—these words absolutely couldn’t have come from her. I guess these words must have been said to his son by Commandery Governor Lou.”

Madam Xiao stared at her daughter for a while, then slowly said: “Years ago, General He risked his life to save Old Master Lou. Old Master Lou had two sons—Lou Jing and Lou Ji. Later, when General He proposed forming a marriage alliance between their children, I thought the Lou family’s First Branch was benevolent and deliberately gave such a powerful marriage connection to the Second Branch. But later, hearing various accounts of He Zhaojun’s arrogance and dominance, I also had doubts…”

“As long as the two branches don’t divide the family, even if A’Yao married He Zhaojun, the First Branch could still obtain General He’s support.” A trace of mockery appeared at the corner of Shaoshang’s mouth. “Aunt once told me that since the previous dynasty’s Tyrant Emperor usurped the throne, having people from the same family occupy high positions in the court became a great taboo. Even the Marquis Yu clan with such great merit—besides Marquis Yu himself, His Majesty only granted the rest wealth and riches, not allowing them significant power. Moreover, back then it wasn’t Grand Coachman Lou who rendered outstanding service to His Majesty, but the late Old Master Lou. After Old Master Lou died young, Grand Coachman Lou inherited the title and received His Majesty’s promotion. A’Yao’s father, unwilling to be a petty official in the capital, went to serve in the outer provinces.”

Madam Xiao sighed: “Your aunt really told you everything.”

Shaoshang continued: “Outsiders all say Grand Coachman Lou is capable, but Uncle said that actually A’Yao’s father is in no way inferior to his elder brother—he just appears gentle and uncontentious. In a few more years he’ll nearly be promoted to Commandery Governor. Ai, but this matter—the problem is precisely that the two brothers are evenly matched. At the heights of the court, as an Emperor’s important minister, why should you be able to do it but I cannot?”

“There’s something even worse.” Madam Xiao nodded, trying to accustom herself to this seemingly bizarre situation of ‘discussing political matters with her daughter.’ “Though the Lou brothers are evenly matched, they can still support each other and mutually yield. But when it comes to the sons’ generation, the First Branch’s weakness can no longer be concealed. A’Yao’s full elder brother is the number one figure of the Lou family’s generation—he can truly be called accomplished in both civil and martial arts. And A’Yao’s two secondary elder brothers have already gained some reputation in the Imperial Academy.”

Shaoshang nodded: “A’Yao boasted… ah no, praised his full elder brother to me. Such a formidable person, yet he hasn’t entered official service.”

Madam Xiao said: “Second Young Master Lou has great ambitions and doesn’t want to serve as a local official. More than once he’s declared he wants to enter the central administration. Now he’s traveling the world. Though he’s far from court, the accounts he writes of various regions—local customs and sentiments, troop deployments and grain storage, even governance strategies—His Majesty often reads them.”

“Would Grand Coachman Lou actually suppress his nephew? A’Yao told me his uncle treats his nephews like his own sons.”

Madam Xiao shook her head: “Grand Coachman Lou isn’t that stupid. They’re all Lou clan descendants. Naturally the more accomplished clan descendants are, the better. It’s First Madam Lou. That year Second Young Master Lou could originally have entered the Secretariat, but she forced Grand Coachman Lou to nominate her two sons for office instead. But how can several sons from one family all be nominated? Second Young Master Lou couldn’t bear this insult and left to travel.”

“Elder Brother helped me investigate—Grand Coachman Lou’s several sons do indeed have reputations for ‘literary wisdom.’ But two of them didn’t even enter the Imperial Academy, claiming they wanted to study with famous teachers outside. The other two truly can study, but unfortunately they’re pedantic, honest, and inflexible—only fit to be proofreaders in the Literary Office. The Emperor doesn’t want such people as local officials. And then…”

Shaoshang smiled and clapped: “Let me guess—First Madam Lou must have said this: ‘Nephew, you’re so capable, you’ll definitely be able to become an official on your own merits in the future. But your cousin brothers can only rely on nomination—just yield to them!’ But in the end, these nominations also didn’t succeed?”

Madam Xiao wanted to laugh but held it in: “I heard Grand Coachman Lou is constantly urging his nephew to return.”

Shaoshang disagreed: “A’Yao’s full elder brother is too arrogant. The saying goes, ‘too rigid breaks easily.’ If Great Aunt is unhappy, let her be unhappy. In the great matter of clan prosperity, how can ignorant women be allowed to make trouble?! …Ah, Mother, I’m not talking about you—you’re a great contributor to the Cheng family’s prosperity!”

Madam Xiao frowned, instinctively wanting to scold her daughter for being disrespectful to elders. But rationally she felt her daughter was right, so she could only say: “First Madam Lou wasn’t like this before. Back then the Lou family was in turmoil and great difficulty. A’Yao’s mother couldn’t be relied upon at all. To support the Lou family, First Madam Lou maneuvered left and right, exhausting her heart and energy—she was an extremely capable and wise person.”

Shaoshang looked thoughtful and suddenly said: “So Mother learned this lesson and took warning. As a great family’s principal wife, one absolutely cannot favor one’s own children but must consider the overall situation and select the most outstanding descendants from the clan to strive for the family?”

Madam Xiao shuddered, staring at her daughter in a daze.

Seeing her gaze shoot over, Shaoshang quickly coughed twice lightly and returned to the main topic: “So you see, First Madam’s sons want nomination but can’t get it, yet First Madam hasn’t given up—she still hopes that someday her sons will become enlightened and enter office. A’Yao’s full elder brother has avoided the situation out of consideration for the First Branch. Isn’t that our opportunity?”

Madam Xiao nodded: “Indeed it’s a good opportunity. First, A’Yao doesn’t plan to enter the court—he’s just seeking a position locally. Second, Grand Coachman Lou feels guilty in his heart and will certainly strongly recommend him. Commandery Governor Lou will be even more delighted.”

Shaoshang quickly praised: “Mother’s foresight is divine—I admire you greatly.”

Madam Xiao looked at her daughter steadily: “Did you figure all this out yourself?”

Shaoshang said: “Yes.”

Madam Xiao’s heart surged with emotion. She asked again: “What do you think will happen to the Lou family in the future?”

Shaoshang’s expression turned serious as she said gravely: “It must be fast! Grand Coachman Lou has already passed the age of fifty. Even if he wants to wait longer to promote his own sons, the Lou clan won’t agree. Like the late Marquis Liang who died several years ago—his offspring were incompetent and the clan had no promising talent. Despite having a title, the family could only retreat to the provinces. If First Madam Lou continues to obstruct from within, the Lou family elders will probably erupt. Second Young Master Lou won’t keep enduring either. Therefore, A’Yao must hurry to receive nomination before the situation breaks. “

Madam Xiao said: “You’re so confident A’Yao won’t be like First Madam’s two sons—rejected when summoned for an imperial audience?”

“I’m confident.” Shaoshang’s spine was straight, her gaze firm. “I’ve already inquired—though His Majesty favors scholarly men learned in the classics, he also values practical men. A’Yao’s studies aren’t good, but his martial arts aren’t bad. Moreover, I’ll tell him how to dig irrigation ditches, build deep walls, store water and divert floods… A’Yao is very smart. Not only can he remember what I’ve told him, he can add his own observations and insights. He’s also sincere and genuine. I think His Majesty will like him and will be willing to give A’Yao an opportunity!”

“You’ve thought everything through.” Madam Xiao’s heart was both proud and bitter.

Shaoshang was silent for a moment, then said: “I’ve always thought things through for myself.”

Whether to navigate society or study, choosing liberal arts or sciences, how to allocate study time, how to fill out application forms… she had always planned her own life.