The next morning there was neither a grand court assembly nor a minor court session. After Cheng Shi and his wife dressed properly, they were just about to enter the palace to decline the marriage on behalf of their worrisome youngest daughter when who should arrive but the little eunuch bearing the imperial decree, trotting over once again, indicating that the Emperor was summoning the family of three into the palace.

“…May I ask what matter His Majesty summons us for?” Old Master Cheng indicated that such frequent imperial favor was somewhat more than he could bear.

“Captain Cheng has gained an honorable son-in-law, so shouldn’t he meet his in-laws?” The little eunuch’s face was wreathed in smiles, completely unlike yesterday’s proper and regulated manner. “His Majesty is benevolent and considerate. Today he has also summoned Marquis Ling into the palace so that the elders of both families can meet face to face. With matters clarified before His Majesty, things afterward will be easier to handle.”

Both Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao thought to themselves: How afraid is the Emperor that this marriage might fall through, that he won’t even allow the two families to meet on their own? Things having reached this point, they could only dig their daughter out from where she was still lazing in bed, wash and scrub her, then drag her out for the little eunuch to inspect.

Shaoshang, who had been stuffed into the carriage in a daze, was still mumbling in a dreamlike state: “Father and Mother going would be enough… Why call me? Didn’t Mother say not to enter the palace again before learning proper etiquette, otherwise I’d invite ridicule…”

Cheng Shi said with a straight face: “Your father has changed his mind. Today’s declining of the marriage should still be stated by you yourself. Your parents will just assist from the side.”

Shaoshang immediately became alert: “I go speak myself? Is, is this appropriate? Shouldn’t such important matters be handled by elders?”

“How is it inappropriate?” Cheng Shi said. “It’s not your father who wants to break off the engagement.”

Shaoshang said stubbornly: “I knew Father couldn’t bear to give up this marriage arrangement. Father might as well go marry Ling Buyi himself!”

“If your father were a daughter, I’d marry such an excellent son-in-law as Ling Buyi twenty times over without hesitation, believe it or not!”

“Father is a confused fool, only seeing the benefits before his eyes!”

“You’re an unfilial daughter who simply has no vision!”

—This nutritionally void mutual attack naturally concluded with Director Xiao’s low-voiced rebuke.

Before the three could begin a new topic, they heard from outside the carriage the sounds of palace gates opening and identification tablets being exchanged. The journey being so brief this time startled all three members of the Cheng family. After inquiring, they learned that this time, unlike yesterday when they entered through the main southern gate and then crossed through the entire palace complex, they had entered the Northern Palace through the upper western gate, arriving directly at Changqiu Palace where the Empress resided.

Having taken a shortcut, after walking only a few steps Shaoshang once again returned to the rear hall of Changqiu Palace where she had her audience yesterday. As she knelt in obeisance, she saw that both the Emperor and Empress were seated at the head in ordinary dress. Inside the hall, besides eunuchs and palace maids standing or kneeling, there was also a middle-aged scholar-official of excellent appearance and bearing kneeling in the center.

That middle-aged scholar-official turned his head toward Cheng Shi and his wife with a smile and nod, then unobtrusively scrutinized Shaoshang carefully. Seeing her conduct was naive with deficiencies in etiquette, his eyes could not help but reveal surprised and doubtful expressions. Shaoshang had seen this kind of look before—last time in General Tu Gaoshan’s imperial tent, when the Emperor first saw her, he had exactly this same expression. She immediately understood who this person was.

Not knowing what had been discussed between sovereign and subject before the Cheng family arrived, the Emperor seemed somewhat weary. The Empress smiled slightly and pointed to the middle-aged scholar-official, saying: “This is Zisheng’s father, Marquis Chengyang Ling Yi…” Then she pointed to the three members of the Cheng family: “This is Captain Cheng and his wife, and Shaoshang… You all meet each other.”

Old Master Cheng hastily exchanged bows with Old Master Ling. Madam Xiao tugged at her dazed daughter and also followed behind, bowing in salutation.

“…Zisheng is not young anymore. Even those of my imperial sons who are younger than Zisheng all have concubines and children, yet Zisheng remains alone.” The Emperor said. “I have never felt at ease. If I cannot arrange Zisheng’s lifetime matters properly, after a hundred years I fear I would have no face to meet Elder Brother Huo.”

Ling Yi listened with lowered head. Hearing the character ‘Huo,’ his body moved slightly. He hurriedly said: “Your Majesty’s words truly shame this subject. Speaking of it, Zisheng is this subject’s son, so naturally these matters should be this subject’s concern. But Your Majesty’s great kindness—not only carefully raising and teaching Zisheng all these years, but also bestowing important responsibilities and positions—this subject is truly endlessly grateful…”

Shaoshang, prostrate at the side listening, very much wanted to say: Uncle Ling, you’re really good at putting gold on your own face, speaking as if the Emperor’s regard for Ling Buyi is on your account, when it’s actually for the sake of the completely extinct Huo clan!

Probably everyone present had this thought, but from mouth to heart the Emperor possessed the attribute of kindness. His lips moved slightly but he said nothing. After Ling Yi finished his lengthy speech of gratitude, the Emperor only said: “The betrothal is thus settled. Captain Cheng is upright, loyal and brave, wise in strategy and judgment…”

The corner of Shaoshang’s mouth twisted as she thought: The Cheng family has neither backing nor resources, can’t even organize a fan group, with only one eternal old couple pairing making them almost transparent. Your Majesty the Emperor, you can only praise Old Master Cheng’s personal qualities.

“You’ve also seen the person. Young Lady Cheng is reticent in speech, benevolent and filial, with a pleasant and agreeable nature. Marrying her to Zisheng…” The Emperor seemed to purse his lips slightly. Shaoshang mentally continued for him: If Your Majesty can’t keep praising, then don’t—forced praise is so awkward, like internet trolls who haven’t been paid enough.

“…She is perfectly suited to be Zisheng’s fine wife!” The Emperor finished praising with difficulty, then concluded: “You need not worry about the marriage arrangements. Many years ago, the Empress began preparing for Zisheng…”

The Empress held back a smile and glanced at him—from when the adopted son turned fifteen, the Emperor had been eagerly hoping he would marry, have children, and set up a household. Who knew that year after year passed, with the stove cold and rice uncooked, the iron pot rusted into a perforated flower vessel. Over these years, the bride-wealth saved for the adopted son would be enough to marry the entire Cheng family three times over!

“…All matters have me overseeing them. Thus, do you have anything to say?”

Ling Yi felt bitter in his heart and was about to argue a few sentences: “Your Majesty, Zisheng’s marriage should still be this subject’s…”

“—Your Majesty!” Old Master Cheng, enduring under his wife and daughter’s urging gazes for a long time—he dared not interrupt the Emperor’s words but could only interrupt his in-law Old Ling’s mouth—”Your Majesty, this subject has matters to report.”

The Emperor paused and waved his sleeve: “Speak.”

Cheng Shi took a deep breath and said in a trembling voice: “Reporting to Your Majesty, this subject dares… to request declining this marriage arrangement.”

At these words, all sovereign, subjects, and servants in the hall were equally shocked. The Empress half-rose from her seat, saying in surprise: “Captain Cheng, what are you saying?” The Emperor’s face darkened: “What does Captain Cheng mean by this! What about Zisheng displeases you?”

The sacred heart’s displeasure could be heard by anyone. Old Master Cheng was so frightened his legs trembled. Inwardly cursing his daughter for being an inconsiderate troublemaker, fine sweat appeared on his forehead: “No, no, no, Lord Ling is a celestial figure with both literary and martial talents—simply an excellent son-in-law dropped from heaven! How could this subject be dissatisfied? I’d be laughing even in my dreams! But, but, but—but this daughter of mine…”

He let out a long sigh with a pained tone: “My young daughter is truly willful! She cannot succeed at studies, cannot manage martial arts, lacks womanly virtue, doesn’t cultivate proper speech. After returning yesterday, this subject thought it over again and again, feeling I cannot conceal and not report this. If in the future Lord Ling is wronged, how could I face Your Majesty’s kind intentions!”

After Cheng Shi finished disparaging her in one breath, he deeply felt himself to be a good father who had truly done his best for his daughter.

Shaoshang’s face burned hot from the criticism. Though self-deprecation had been her idea, being enumerated before so many people was still somewhat unbearable.

Madam Xiao also felt quite uncomfortable, sensing the Empress’s astonished gaze shooting down from above, her face alternating between pale and flushed.

Ling Yi couldn’t quite process this. As a father who saw his son only a few times a year, over the years he had long grown accustomed to everyone flocking toward his son. Today encountering such a situation, he thought: Could this be playing hard to get? He couldn’t help but look at Cheng Shi’s rough and honest face, but felt it didn’t quite seem like it.

The Emperor withdrew his displeasure and looked toward the young girl kneeling to the side, thinking to himself that actually I also feel your daughter is somewhat unworthy of my adopted son, but why must you all be so honest? He was just about to speak when suddenly the little eunuch outside the hall announced Ling Buyi’s arrival.

Everyone temporarily ceased discussion and all raised their heads to look. Through the latticed palace windows penetrated beams of morning light. Against the backlight came a handsome and tall young man in silver crown and plain robes, his hair like black ink, his skin like congealed snow, his steps neither hurried nor slow. Set off by his ice-and-snow-like pure and cold temperament, even the morning light’s brilliance dimmed, as if only he was the source of radiance.

The imperial couple unconsciously showed smiles. Ling Yi’s eyes revealed an expression both proud and sorrowful. Old Master Cheng looked at him feeling as if he had lost a hundred million, his heart empty and uncomfortable. Even Madam Xiao, who had many misgivings in her heart, secretly sighed at such magnificent bearing.

Ling Buyi’s posture rose and fell like a mountain ridge as he successively paid respects to the imperial couple and Ling Yi. Ling Yi’s eyes gleamed with happiness as he said repeatedly: “Good, good, good. Your father hasn’t seen you in a long while. When will you have time to come home and gather?”

Shaoshang couldn’t help but silently criticize: Gather what? Gather with your ‘remarried wife’ or gather with the children you had later?

Such words required no answer from Ling Buyi at all. The exemplary adoptive father of the Celestial Dynasty spoke up: “Zisheng has been busy with many matters lately. Wait until later.”

Ling Yi naturally knew this ‘later’ would be indefinitely far off, but he dared not object and could only lower his head in acknowledgment.

Ling Buyi smiled and looked toward his birth father, like a calm sea surface—whatever waves roiled in the abyss below would never appear on the surface.

Shaoshang found this somewhat strange. Though today was only her third audience before the sovereign, she vaguely perceived the Emperor was truly easygoing and benevolent, definitely not the type of imperial temperament that was moody and prone to rage. Even Uncle Wan dared to argue forcefully for his sworn brother before the Emperor. Why was this Old Master Ling so afraid of the Emperor?

The Empress changed the subject, smiling: “How did Zisheng come? I thought you had already returned.”

Ling Buyi suddenly rose, walked sideways two steps and directly knelt beside Shaoshang, then answered: “Hearing the Cheng family had entered the palace, I came to see.”

The Empress looked at the two with a half-smile, noticing the girl was uncomfortable all over as if a worm had been dropped down her collar from above, but deliberately didn’t expose it: “Oh, so that’s how it is.”

The Emperor glanced at her and couldn’t help smiling.

Ling Buyi turned toward the girl and said: “Just now when I was removing my sword and shoes outside the hall, I heard Captain Cheng’s words. Your family wants to decline the marriage? Can marriage arrangements be declined?”

Shaoshang’s whole body resisted this moment, as if someone had spoken ill of another behind their back only to be caught by the subject. She looked toward the Emperor while laughing dryly: “This, I… I heard that if His Majesty’s reward is too generous, subjects often decline once or twice…”

These words were actually quite improper. The Emperor frowned slightly, thinking this girl truly lacks proper upbringing.

Who knew Ling Buyi seemed not to hear any impropriety at all and smiled: “You think I am too generous a reward?”

Shaoshang was dazzled by his brilliant sun-like smile, her blood warming. She smiled foolishly: “Isn’t it so? Lord Ling, you’re both clever and capable, your talent and appearance are like having been refined by immortals from heaven. How could I be worthy? Of course I must decline.”

The Emperor felt this young lady at least knew quality goods.

Ling Buyi’s face opened in a broad smile: “I thought you were having your father make excuses to break the engagement because you detest me. So it’s not the case after all. Then I can be at ease.”

Shaoshang foolishly smiled along: “How could that be? You’re good in every way. How could I detest you, Lord Ling!”

—These few sentences of contentless dialogue made the two smile at each other.

Everyone including the imperial couple was seeing Ling Buyi and Shaoshang together for the first time, especially Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao. Though they had learned indirectly many times that their daughter had contact with Ling Buyi, they didn’t know how the two got along.

The imperial couple could still maintain composure, but Cheng Shi’s mentality collapsed. He watched helplessly as his daughter was coaxed by the capital’s foremost handsome man into being a giggling little fool, deeply feeling he had been betrayed—this little troublemaker, if she gets along so happily and harmoniously with him, why decline the marriage?! Are you playing with your old father?!

Madam Xiao truly couldn’t bear to watch anymore. She covered her mouth and coughed lightly, saying softly: “Shaoshang, don’t be rude. This is before the sovereign.”

Shaoshang suddenly awakened. Uh, what was she here to do today? Oh right, she came to decline the marriage. She carefully glanced at the Emperor and said timidly: “Reporting to Your Majesty, may this subject’s daughter speak to Lord Ling?”

The Emperor silently cursed that you’ve already spoken so why are you asking, but his face showed proper gravity: “Speak freely.”

Shaoshang gathered her courage and said to the tall young man beside her: “I don’t detest Lord Ling, but I truly am not worthy of you. After returning yesterday, our whole family thought it over and over, pondered deeply and painfully…”

Hearing ‘pondered deeply and painfully,’ the Emperor couldn’t help closing his eyes.

“My father and mother were away for ten years. From childhood I lacked proper teaching. I can’t recognize many characters, haven’t read many books, am crude and ignorant about human relations and etiquette, and my temperament isn’t good! My lord, you might not know—in these few months since Mother returned, I’ve already quarreled with her several times! Mother, isn’t that so?” Shaoshang worked hard at self-deprecation and even sought corroboration from Madam Xiao.

Madam Xiao felt her face had been thoroughly lost today, and this bit more wouldn’t matter, so she smiled bitterly in acknowledgment: “Reporting to Your Majesty, as they say, family shame should not be publicized. If not for fearing they might later have marital discord and turn into bitter enemies, this subject’s wife would also be unwilling to expose her daughter’s shortcomings. They say children are always best when they’re one’s own, but Lord Ling has such talent and appearance—if matched with my young daughter, this, this is truly…”

“A waste of heaven’s gifts!” Shaoshang quickly supplied for her.

Madam Xiao glared at her.

Shaoshang was baffled by the glare—she hadn’t even said ‘fresh flowers stuck in cow dung’ yet. She quickly continued exerting herself: “Lord Ling, you see, this young lady truly isn’t being modest. Everything I said is the truth! This marriage truly doesn’t match!”

Seeing his daughter exert almost nursing strength, Cheng Shi felt somewhat more comfortable.

“I see.” Ling Buyi nodded thoughtfully: “…How did yesterday’s pastries taste?”

Shaoshang was somewhat startled and said hurriedly: “Ah, extremely delicious! The palace kitchen is truly outstanding. Even cold, they were sweet and soft. I’ve never eaten such delicious pastries (since coming here).” Huh, how did the topic shift to this?

Ling Buyi smiled: “That wasn’t from the palace kitchen, it was from my household’s. If you like them, I’ll send the person to your residence.”

Shaoshang had just shown a bit of delight when she heard the Emperor cough. Ling Buyi glanced at the Emperor and suppressed a smile: “Originally His Majesty specifically granted me this cook skilled in making pastries, fearing I eat irregularly, hoping I could keep some food with me at all times.”

Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao both trembled, deeply afraid their daughter would be ignorant of propriety and actually accept this cook, hastily saying one after another ‘no need, no need!’

The Empress had been sitting quietly the whole time. At this moment she smiled and shook her head. She spoke two sentences softly in the Emperor’s ear, then wordlessly departed from the side. Before leaving, she even glanced at the Cheng couple, that look actually carrying a few traces of pity.

Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao looked at each other, both doubting they had seen correctly.

Ling Buyi didn’t pay attention to them. His warm tone carried a trace of cold authority, and the smile on his face also had something somewhat frightening about it: “Since you don’t detest me, this marriage is thus settled. How can you know the fish’s joy when you’re not the fish? As long as I think you’re good, that’s enough. Don’t mention declining the marriage again in the future.”

Shaoshang felt a bit of dread. The other party had spoken to this extent, so the topic could be considered concluded—so what exactly had she come here to do today? She looked bewilderedly toward her parents and found both Old Master Cheng and Madam Xiao had grave faces.

“Your Majesty.” Ling Buyi bowed toward the head seat with cupped hands. “I plan to take Shaoshang to General He’s residence to pay respects, and while there visit the widows and orphans of the entire household and Lady Ancheng. What do you think?”

The Emperor nodded: “Do as you wish in this matter.”

“What, what?!” Shaoshang was caught completely off guard and nearly jumped up, shouting urgently: “What did you say?! Why should I go to the He residence?! I won’t go, I absolutely won’t go!” This old lady just had her fiancé stolen by that little bitch, what kind of international joke is this!

Though the daughter’s words were very rude, the Cheng couple remained silent, both abandoning any attempt at rescue.

Cheng Shi secretly cheered in his heart: You adoptive father and son claim not to mind? Good, now let you see this little troublemaker’s bad temper and lack of manners!

The Emperor leisurely smoothed his sleeves, watching with leisure, while only Ling Yi was stunned like a wooden chicken.

“Why not go?” Ling Buyi asked.

“Why?!” Shaoshang felt this question was like asking why humans don’t want to eat excrement. “I just broke off the engagement with the Lou family, and the Lou family is immediately going to marry Lady Ancheng. This, this—how embarrassing…”

Ling Buyi raised his heroic long eyebrows: “What’s embarrassing about this?”

“I just gave her my fiancé!” Shaoshang was nearly going crazy. She felt like she was talking to an alien.

“Not gave to her.” Ling Buyi corrected. “Gave to where righteousness lies.”

Shaoshang was dumbfounded. Is this distinction very important?

Ling Buyi gazed at her: “I’m afraid everyone in the world would think as you just did. How then would that allow Lady Ancheng to maintain her position? Did the Cheng family break their promise and withdraw from the Lou family engagement in order to embarrass Lady Ancheng and demonstrate your own virtue? Of course not. We all admire General He and the young masters’ righteous fervor for country and people. We hope Lady Ancheng and the He family survivors can rally their spirits for smooth days ahead, so that when young Master He comes of age he can revive the family traditions. Therefore, we must not only go to the He residence to pay respects, we must go openly and forthrightly. When the time comes, you should tell Lady Ancheng that you and she both now have your own marriage matches. No need for verbose guilt or apologies. This is all heaven’s will. In the future, you two should each live your lives well, only then will you not fail heaven’s virtue and your parents’ kindness!”

Shaoshang seemed to be wrapped in a large ball of tangled yarn, staring dumbly like a dog, unable to break free.

She looked helplessly toward her parents and found Old Master Cheng’s mouth hanging wide open and Director Xiao speechless with staring eyes. She could only look toward the Emperor, who unexpectedly had a composed expression and even smiled at her kindly.

“I, I…” Shaoshang had no one to turn to for help. In her panic she could only save herself: “I still need to practice writing and read books this afternoon! I can’t just marry without knowing anything!”

“You needn’t worry about that.” Ling Buyi smiled gently. “Yesterday His Majesty already requested the Empress’s help. In a while you’ll come to the palace to learn some basics from Her Majesty.”

“What?! Come to the palace too!” Shaoshang was disheveled in the wind. She felt that every struggle only bound her tighter. She cried out miserably: “This, this this is completely unnecessary!”

“Didn’t you just say you don’t recognize characters, haven’t read many books, and don’t understand etiquette? You also said you can’t marry without knowing anything. So shouldn’t you study hard and well?” Ling Buyi easily countered.

Shaoshang was left speechless, looking to her parents for help—Mom and Dad, I don’t know this question!

Ling Buyi smiled at Madam Xiao: “I don’t mean to belittle Madam’s abilities, but if we speak of etiquette, composure, talent and comprehensive learning, Empress Her Majesty ranks second to none in the capital.”

Cheng Shi’s mouth hung wider and wider. Madam Xiao stiffly moved the corners of her mouth in a forced smile: “That is natural, natural.”

Ling Buyi lowered his head and smiled at the girl: “Rest assured, Her Majesty is the most kind and generous person. Even if you don’t learn well, you won’t receive punishment. Are you happy or not?”

Shaoshang glared at him—I’m happy your dad’s menopausal and post-menopausal syndrome!

Madam Xiao knew today had been a complete defeat across all fronts. Remaining with these defeated and routed troops would be useless, so she sighed: “Lord Ling, the sun is already high in the sky now. Why not go to the He residence tomorrow instead?” At least go home first to recover and think of counter-moves.

“Exactly, exactly.” Shaoshang was so grateful to Madam Xiao she almost cried. “I haven’t even had my noon meal yet.”

“No need. We’ll have our noon meal at the He residence.” Ling Buyi said.

“What?!” Shaoshang even forgot she was before the sovereign. She shouted loudly, feeling every hair on her head standing up, as if hallucinations appeared before her eyes: “They’re holding funeral rites, yet you want to go eat there?!”

She alternated between suspecting she had misheard and suspecting her brain wasn’t working properly: “Moreover, given the He family’s situation, they probably only prepared some cold food! What are we going to eat?!”

“Therefore, I’ve already sent several cooks skilled in preparing vegetarian soups and rice over there.” Ling Buyi’s smile remained: “If we go now, we can share the noon meal with the He family survivors and have a good talk at the table.”

Shaoshang stared at him for quite a while, one breath lodged in her chest almost gathering into a shockwave ready to spray out on the spot—going to someone’s house in the middle of funeral rites, even bringing your own cooks to mooch food, very good, very good, this truly is an era of wild and unrestrained freedom-loving—who can tell her who actually came from modern times!

Cheng Shi closed his mouth that had hung too wide open and become sore, but he didn’t know what to say. Madam Xiao also closed her mouth—she finally saw clearly that Ling Buyi’s will was firm as iron and stone. Whatever he intended to accomplish must be accomplished. Combined with this person’s meticulous and thorough thinking, once he decided on something, he would be irresistible and flawless. Today had been complete annihilation. Best to raise the flag of surrender.

Shaoshang looked at her parents, then at the Emperor, even looked at Ling Yi. She found every path blocked, every sentence she spoke brought trouble on herself. After seeking help with her eyes to no avail, she stumbled along being pulled by Ling Buyi out of the inner hall.

After the two left, the Emperor looked at the silent and dispirited Cheng couple, cleared his throat, and said amiably: “Beloved Minister Cheng, what was it you were saying earlier about breaking the engagement?”

Cheng Shi answered mechanically: “That thing, my young daughter… that willfulness…”

“No matter. As long as you don’t dislike Zisheng, that’s fine.” The Emperor’s smile was amiable, completely magnanimous and tolerant. “Then the marriage will be handled as I just said. Settled. All ministers may withdraw.”

—As Emperor and adoptive father, having spent so many years on forced marriage with nothing accomplished, court officials and imperial clansmen mostly thought he was soft-hearted and lenient. In truth, it wasn’t that he was unwilling or couldn’t bear to, but that it wouldn’t work! Teaching literary and martial talents, scheming and strategy hand-by-hand from childhood, the result was this youngster prioritized using every move against him first. Thinking about it truly brought tears of old age flowing down.

However, seeing the Cheng couple’s dispirited appearance today, the Emperor finally felt somewhat more comfortable.

…

Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao walked in silence through the spacious palace corridors, their steps slow as octogenarians.

Only after getting into their own carriage did Cheng Shi recall the Empress’s slightly pitying look before leaving. He forcefully slapped his thigh and suddenly understood: “No wonder! When I spoke of how willful Niaoniao was, the Emperor wasn’t anxious at all. So that’s how it is!”

Madam Xiao continued her silence.

“Well then, now we don’t need to worry about Niaoniao angering Ling Buyi and causing great disaster. How could she possibly overturn the palm of his hand!” Cheng Shi sighed.

Madam Xiao let out a sigh and said in a low voice: “From today on, we should worry about our daughter instead.” Encountering an opponent like Ling Buyi, their own daughter could only suffer losses.

—Today’s greatest joke was that they thought their daughter was a devastating weapon and worried about hurting the other party, only to discover the other party was a nuclear weapon.