Chapter 68: The First Betrothal War (Part 1)
This was an exhausting marriage engagement. The three members of the Cheng family sat in the carriage facing each other in silence all the way home, not knowing where to begin—Old Master Cheng’s face was dazed, his hands tightly gripping his sleeves, as if he had just been taken advantage of by a scoundrel like spicy tofu being eaten; Director Xiao’s expression was solemn, filled with the ceremonial gravity of presiding over a memorial service. Shaoshang was like a little mouse, rustling as she nibbled on the pastries in her hands.
Director Xiao could bear it no longer: “It’s only two pieces of pastry, how have you still not finished eating them?”
Shaoshang swallowed what was in her mouth: “I finished what A’Zhu gave me long ago. These are what Ling Buyi stuffed into my hands when I left Changqiu Palace.”
Cheng Shi let out a long sigh, looking at his daughter as if she were eating poison.
By the time they returned to the Cheng residence, the moon was already hanging high in the sky. The old and young had all retired for the night. Only the three Cheng brothers and Cheng Yang, leading a group of servants holding lanterns, were stretching their necks waiting at the gate. Madam Xiao was too lazy to waste words. With a wave of her long sleeves, she summoned all the younger children to Jiuzhui Hall for a family meeting combined with a late-night snack. Cheng Shi sat imposingly at the head seat and, in brief and concise terms, told everyone about the betrothal matter decided in the palace today.
The three Cheng brothers were all stunned. After exchanging several disbelieving glances, they all looked across at their youngest sister who was enthusiastically attending to her late-night snack. Only Cheng Yang and Lady Qing Cong, who were arranging the food table for Cheng Shi and his wife, remained very calm—the former had never met nor heard much about Ling Buyi, while the latter was well-experienced and mature and steady.
A period of quiet fell over Jiuzhui Hall, with only the sound of Shaoshang’s cheerful chewing. After a long while, Cheng Yong tentatively asked: “…Father, Mother, should we go visit our in-laws?”
—This was also a strange betrothal. The current Emperor was acting as an elder on behalf of his beloved adopted son, but the problem was that Ling Buyi was ultimately not an orphan without father or mother—his birth parents were still alive and well!
Old Master Cheng looked bewildered: “Speaking of which…” he glanced at his wife, “I still haven’t met Marquis Ling.” He had seen him from afar a few times at grand court assemblies and vaguely remembered him as a middle-aged man with handsome features and gentle bearing.
Madam Xiao bit down on her jaw bone and said nothing.
Seeing his wife ignore him, Cheng Shi turned to look at his daughter: “You, you, you—you can still eat at a time like this!”
At this moment, Shaoshang’s enthusiasm for food finally reached a pause. She picked up the ceramic vessel beside the food table, scooped a ladle of clear water to rinse her mouth, and then said: “Why couldn’t I eat? I wasn’t the one who agreed to this betrothal.”
Old Master Cheng’s sharp tongue wasn’t just for show. He glared and scolded back: “It also wasn’t your father who privately became acquainted with Ling Buyi!”
Shaoshang put down the ceramic vessel and said earnestly: “Father, pursuing who is responsible at this point is too late. Better to think about countermeasures.”
Cheng Yang, feeling unable to keep up with the rhythm, hesitated for a long while before timidly saying: “…Uncle, Niaoniao, since that Lord Ling is such a tremendously impressive person, isn’t this marriage arrangement, isn’t it a good thing? Why are you all…”
At these words, all the Cheng family members except Shaoshang sighed in unison, not knowing how to answer this question.
After sighing, Shaoshang asked: “Mother, tell me about Ling Buyi’s family situation… I mean, his birth parents.”
Madam Xiao shot her an irritated glance: “I just can’t stand the young ladies and young gentlemen these days, spending all day together being affectionate and intimate, discussing all manner of romantic poetry and songs, but never getting to the important matters! They don’t even know whether the other family’s waters run deep or shallow before discussing marriage, and they deserve to suffer hardship after marriage!”
Cheng Shi quickly chimed in: “Exactly! Your mother and I met three times, and we asked clearly about everything from where your grandfather’s ancestral grave in that distant place was to both families’ grain reserves!”
Cheng Shaogong glanced sideways at his second brother and said in a low voice: “Grandfather’s ancestral grave in his hometown was dug up by people, where would there still be…”
“You shut up.” Cheng Song also spoke in a low voice.
Shaoshang felt both her character and intelligence had been attacked and quickly defended herself: “Mother, you’re wrong about this! First, when did I ever become affectionate and intimate with Ling Buyi? Every time we met, there were other people present. We couldn’t have been more proper! Second, you and Father were going toward marriage, so naturally you had to ask everything clearly. But Ling Buyi and I just happened to meet by chance! He didn’t show any such intentions at all, so wouldn’t it be ridiculous if I chased after him asking all sorts of questions?! Besides, Ling Buyi and I haven’t met that many times… just three, four, five, six, seven, eight times…” Her voice grew lower as she spoke; the number of meetings did seem to be somewhat excessive. However, each time they met, she assumed they wouldn’t meet again afterward, so why bother asking about someone’s eight generations of ancestors?
Cheng Yong looked at his youngest sister and said gently: “Niaoniao, do you dislike Lord Ling?”
“Yes…” Cheng Yang also said tenderly, “When the Lou family betrothal was mentioned, Niaoniao was very happy.” Completely unlike her current troubled and distracted appearance.
“So, Niaoniao, the one you love in your heart is A’Yao? But, but he has already…” Cheng Song was very troubled.
Cheng Shaogong curled his lip: “I don’t think Niaoniao was that fond of Lou Yao. Rash and clumsy, whatever Niaoniao said was what it was. Despite being two years older than us, he has less opinions and spirit than I do.”
Shaoshang couldn’t stand hearing this and shot a glare his way: “Fine, I’ll find you the brother-in-law with the most opinions in the entire capital, so that when you see him you won’t dare to sit or breathe loudly, more honest and respectful than seeing ancestral tablets, then you’ll be comfortable!”
Cheng Shaogong laughed: “That Lord Ling of yours is much more imposing than ancestral tablets. Last time I…”
“Enough!” Director Xiao couldn’t help but restore discipline, scolding in a low voice: “What nonsense are you two talking about! If there are any more disrespectful words about our ancestors, let’s see if I don’t bring out the family rod!”
The twins had both received beatings before and immediately shut their mouths, not daring to continue the topic of tablets.
Madam Xiao took a deep breath and stated plainly: “Ling Buyi’s birth father, Marquis Ling, has always been praised for his gentle temperament. Though without notable achievements, he was one of the earliest important ministers to support the dragon. His mother is Lady Huo, the younger sister of His Majesty’s deceased sworn brother, Duke Huo. That year, when His Majesty faced his most difficult time, attacked by heavy enemy forces from both front and back, it was entirely thanks to Marquis Huo’s desperate assistance—holding down two hundred thousand enemy troops with a single isolated city for fully half a year. This gave His Majesty the power to maneuver and defeat the enemy chieftains separately, thus establishing the foundation of the new dynasty. Unfortunately, Marquis Huo’s entire household died in the siege and massacre, with all descendants perished.”
Shaoshang’s mouth fell open: “All dead? Wasn’t there even one collateral nephew back in the hometown?”
Cheng Yong supplemented: “The closest branch was already beyond five degrees of kinship, and their dwelling place was very far away. Moreover, back then Marquis Huo brought his entire clan to assist His Majesty. Those clansmen who didn’t follow the dragon with him naturally had no sentiment to speak of.”
Madam Xiao continued: “Afterward, during the war chaos, Marquis Ling became separated from his family members. Later, when he finally found a few of them back, they all said Lady Huo and her son had died. After a year had passed, Marquis Ling remarried. Who knew that a few months later, Lady Huo would return with her son, and by that time the new wife was already pregnant…”
“Then they should have made Marquis Ling divorce the new wife and have the original couple reunite. Lady Huo is a surviving member of the Huo family after all!” Shaoshang said lightly.
Cheng Song hesitated: “I seem to have heard that the current Marchioness Ling… oh, I mean this current Marchioness Ling, she has deep friendship with the old Princess Consort of Ruyang…”
“Precisely.” Madam Xiao said, “Back during those chaotic times of war, His Majesty’s aunt, the old Princess Consort of Ruyang, suffered very severe injuries and illness. At that time, there was also a lack of doctors and medicine. It looked like she would either die or be crippled, but thanks to this current Marchioness Ling’s attentive care—day and night without rest for over half a year, not daring to slack off for even a moment—the old Princess Consort was able to save her life with her body intact.”
“I see, then the old Princess Consort must support her.” Shaoshang pursed her lips. “Then just have the former and latter wives address each other as sisters, and Marquis Ling benefits from it.”
Madam Xiao shook her head: “Our family submitted later, so we don’t know about many matters. However, I heard that this new wife was actually willing to become a concubine, but Lady Huo has been exceptionally violent and domineering since childhood. She shouted about beating and killing the new wife. As if divorcing her wasn’t enough—she wouldn’t rest until she killed her, let alone share a husband with her.”
Shaoshang pondered: “…To hold such a grudge, the two wives were probably old acquaintances. This is old and new grievances all coming together.”
Cheng Shi looked at his daughter with appreciation and said directly: “Your mother went through great difficulty to find this out. It turns out the new wife was originally Marquis Ling’s maternal cousin. Before Lady Huo went missing, she had already been widowed and living in the Ling family for many years.”
Shaoshang laughed a few times, not concealing her contemptuous expression. Everyone in the hall made various sounds of dismay, all sharing the same thought.
“Later, when the two sides couldn’t be reconciled, Lady Huo divorced Marquis Ling. Now no one knows where she’s living in quiet recuperation.” Madam Xiao ended the story. “Because of this, His Majesty felt even more apologetic toward the late Marquis Huo. Not long after, His Majesty brought Ling Buyi from Lady Huo’s side into the palace to personally raise and teach him.”
Shaoshang smiled: “This ‘remarried’ Marchioness Ling had been dependent on the Ling family back then, so she probably had no family background to speak of. Looking at it this way, Marquis Ling is actually a devoted man. He didn’t want any of those noble family daughters but instead married his own widowed cousin living in his household.”
“Don’t speak nonsense.” Madam Xiao said in a grave voice. “They are all Ling Buyi’s elders.”
Shaoshang pouted and stopped talking.
Cheng Shi deeply felt his wife possessed both literary and martial talents, but when it came to dealing with his daughter, this little troublemaker, she wasn’t as good as him. He put on a stern face and said: “Alright, that’s all there is to the Ling family affairs. Niaoniao now knows everything. If you have any opinions about this marriage arrangement, speak up quickly. The Emperor has already given his golden words. If you have no objections, let’s each go wash up and sleep, and stop fussing about!”
“No, no, no, Father, I do have opinions!” Shaoshang immediately took the bait and quickly moved forward several steps on her knees.
“Then speak up.” Cheng Song laughed and scolded, seeing his youngest sister in such a panic.
Shaoshang sighed like a little adult and after a moment said: “Putting aside the Ling family’s messy affairs, the Lou family isn’t necessarily peaceful either. But in my heart, A’Yao is pure and transparent. Whatever he’s thinking or wants to do, I can figure out about seventy or eighty percent. He’s also willing to listen to me. What kind of life we’ll lead in the future, what kind of path we’ll walk—I have a rough idea of it all. But Ling Buyi is different…” She considered her tone and said sadly, “He’s like clouds and mist on Mount Wu—I can neither see clearly nor grasp him…”
“But you have touched him before.” Cheng Shaogong said sourly. “I heard from old Cheng Shun that just the other day, he was the one who helped pull you down from the carriage.”
Shaoshang immediately stopped being sad at all. She straightened her neck toward Madam Xiao to complain: “Mother, let me tell you, Shaogong is quite the ladies’ man! Go search his trunks and boxes, I guarantee you’ll find plenty of powder scarves, silk handkerchiefs, sachets, flower petals, and such—all given to him by young ladies outside. Who knows, there might even be love letters!”
“Shaoshang you…” Cheng Shaogong immediately became anxious, his face flushing like pig liver. “Mother, don’t listen to her. Those were all forced on me by others! Last time when Niaoniao went to visit Ling Buyi, they…”
“Both of you shut up!” Director Xiao shouted loudly, then sat down sideways in frustration—originally the third son was just a bit loose-lipped, still within controllable range, but ever since these twins reunited, somehow it was like breaking the seal on a thousand-year-old demon. They made her angry three times a day! She really should have brought the youngest daughter along for discipline from the start!
Cheng Shi rubbed his forehead and concluded: “So, because A’Yao listens to you, you were happy about the Lou family betrothal. Because you can’t control Lord Ling, you’re not very happy about this marriage arrangement, right?”
Cheng Yang finally understood and looked at her cousin in wonder: “You’re actually unhappy for this reason…?” She truly couldn’t understand—having a capable person as one’s support, with trust and obedience, wasn’t that a blessing?
Shaoshang mumbled: “Father, why do you have to put it so bluntly? But…” She twisted her body and said quietly, somewhat embarrassed: “Mother has you firmly in hand, Father. Look how comfortable Mother’s life is. If I went along with Lord Ling, where would your daughter have such good days?” This was such a bloody, living example!
“Niaoniao!” Lady Qing Cong could bear it no longer and rose up with a loud rebuke: “How dare you discuss the affairs of parents and elders in such a manner?!”
This time, the Cheng couple didn’t even bother getting angry and sighed at each other. Cheng Song and Cheng Shaogong exchanged glances and secretly smiled.
Cheng Yong sighed: “Lord Ling… what exactly did he see in Niaoniao…?” He had no intention of belittling his own sister, but he truly couldn’t understand it no matter how hard he thought.
In terms of appearance, over the years the beautiful women sent to Ling Buyi’s side competed in charm and beauty—he didn’t know if his youngest sister could even rank in the top ten. In terms of learning, to this day she still couldn’t recognize all the characters, let alone compose poetry. As for temperament, that was even harder to put into words.
Hearing this, Shaoshang said viciously to him: “I also don’t understand what Sister Jiang’e saw in you, eldest brother. Now she’s at home every day learning to be gentle, virtuous, and proper in managing the household!”
—Cheng Yong shook his head and looked at his two younger brothers, his eyes clearly writing ‘see, I told you so.’
Cheng Song had a different opinion: “That’s not how you should put it. As Qiqi said, Shaoshang is loyal and righteous, clever and quick-witted. When important matters arise, she can shoulder them. In life, you can entrust her with honor and career; in death, you can entrust her with family and graves. How many in the world have such responsibility!”
Shaoshang beamed with joy: “I also think Sister Qiqi is the very best woman in the world! Magnanimous and heroic, broad-minded and generous. Whoever marries her in the future will have tremendous good fortune! They’ll definitely have a house full of children and grandchildren, grow old together with white hair, be reunited in harmony and beauty, have all wishes fulfilled, everything go smoothly, and achieve great harmony under heaven!”
“Our Niaoniao really knows how to talk!” Cheng Song smiled so widely his teeth showed.
“You two shut up too!” Madam Xiao forcefully struck the food table, then turned to her husband and said: “Tomorrow we’ll request an audience with His Majesty and decline this marriage arrangement.”
“Ah—?” Cheng Shi was shocked. “Can, can that work?”
“Yes, yes, yes, why wouldn’t it work?!” Shaoshang quickly interjected. “Well, in ancient times when emperors abdicated the throne, didn’t they have to decline three to five times? Everything requires courtesy.”
“When the Tyrant Emperor usurped the throne, he also declined three to five times. He was very courteous too…” Cheng Shaogong coolly threw cold water.
“Can’t you just not speak!” Shaoshang glared at him angrily.
Madam Xiao acted as if she hadn’t heard and continued to her husband: “Look at how Niaoniao is. Do you think His Majesty would want to see such a daughter-in-law? Forget His Majesty—even Ling Buyi probably doesn’t fully understand Niaoniao’s true nature.”
Cheng Shi looked at his daughter hesitantly. Even looking without bias, as a daughter-in-law, she was the type to be beaten three times a day.
Cheng Yong bowed with cupped hands: “Mother speaks correctly. We might as well decline once. When we have the audience, we’ll truthfully inform His Majesty of little sister’s temperament and disposition. If His Majesty is unwilling, then we’ll treat this matter as if it never happened. If His Majesty still wants this marriage, then in the future if Niaoniao quarrels with Lord Ling, our family will at least have an explanation.”
Cheng Song understood the implied meaning and laughed: “Could it be that His Majesty and Lord Ling, seeing Niaoniao’s appearance, assume she’s gentle, docile, and pitifully delicate?” His youngest sister’s looks and temperament were simply polar opposites, vastly different. But after seeing his mother and elder brother’s direct acknowledgment in their eyes, he had to fall silent.
Shaoshang looked at everyone and mumbled while twisting her fingers: “I only speak without restraint at home. Outside I’m very careful with my words. But… you’re right, I can’t pretend for a lifetime.” Thinking carefully, she indeed showed herself to be especially sensible, well-behaved, and understanding before Ling Buyi.
She raised her head to look at Cheng Shi and said loudly: “Father, think about it—if I quarrel and fight with A’Yao, the Lou family would at most divorce me. But if I anger Ling Buyi, the Emperor might give me a white silk or a cup of poison wine, and might even implicate you and Mother for improper teaching!”
“Alarmist talk!” Cheng Shi forcefully waved his sleeve, then scratched his hair and said gravely: “However, what you all say makes sense. Tomorrow morning we’ll enter the palace to request an audience with His Majesty and decline this marriage arrangement! Whether it succeeds or not, we’ll leave it to fate!”
The family head had spoken, and Lady Qing Cong and all the children bowed in acknowledgment.
Especially Shaoshang—she inexplicably felt a wave of relief and briskly swung her sleeves as she returned to her quarters. Though she felt she was letting Ling Buyi down, her own comfort was most important. Ling Buyi was more suitable as a backer; as a husband, she would have a heart attack!
That night, when the Cheng couple retired to bed, Madam Xiao lay half-awake and half-asleep in the bedding when she suddenly heard her husband’s chest rumble with a long sigh. He said in a low voice: “…Yuan Yi, only now do I understand what you said that day: ‘If it were Yangyang, I’d feel at ease marrying her into any family.’ This time, if it were Yangyang that Ling Buyi wanted to marry, you and I would be overjoyed. How could we be so worried about gains and losses!”
Madam Xiao didn’t even open her eyes and said heavily: “But worldly affairs are often just like this—what you hope for doesn’t come, and what you don’t want insists on arriving at your door. I know you’re reluctant to let go of this betrothal. Looking at the bright side, Niaoniao is clever and cunning, amusing and likable, able to infer ten things from hearing one—perhaps Ling Buyi loves precisely this type. But looking at the dark side, Niaoniao’s temperament is proud and fierce. If in the future she and Ling Buyi become like Lady Huo and Marquis Ling—husband and wife turning into bitter enemies—we don’t have the Huo family’s deep foundation to support her. Speaking ugly words up front is always not a bad thing.”