Wedding ceremonies of the time were all held in the evening, with the bridal procession arriving when lanterns were first lit.

At this time there were no row upon row of street lamps along the route, no dazzling neon lights. One of the most intuitive indicators for comparing weddings was to see which family’s bridal procession had more brilliant illumination. Poor families at most lit some torches to illuminate the coming and going path. The wealthy could arrange hundreds or even thousands of huge lanterns, illuminating the night as grandly as daylight—this time the Lou family used all their financial resources on lighting.

Because Lady He Zhao was marrying during the mourning period, the ceremonial procession could not play music or set off firecrackers. There were no songs, dances, or string instruments at the banquet. Even meat and fish dishes were minimized as much as possible. Fortunately it was currently early summer, so vegetables and fruits were plentiful.

The guests watched as the grand and lengthy wedding procession was half dressed in bright red celebration garments and half in plain white mourning clothes—solemn and dignified yet revealing a sorrowful atmosphere. Neither family wore smiling faces. Given such a scene, everyone couldn’t very well joyfully beat the groom, tease the women’s family members, and carry on with a series of wedding pranks. They could only quietly offer congratulations before taking their seats.

Somehow in recent days, the more the Emperor thought about General He, the more he felt he was truly a pillar minister. So every few days he bestowed favors on the He family. The He family’s adult males were all dead. Lady He Zhao had no father or brothers to escort her in marriage, so the Emperor sent the Third Prince to personally escort her as an elder brother. The He family had few relatives, so the Emperor summoned quite a few imperial clansmen and enfeoffed marquises to attend the celebration. The most recent favor was granting Lou Yao a nominal position as Captain—the Emperor was always strict in appointing officials, so this was almost the treatment of a prince consort.

Shaoshang firmly declined Ling Buyi’s invitation to ride together in the same carriage, going instead with her parents and brothers. Before descending from the carriage, she said solemnly to Cheng Yang: “Cousin sister, I’m sorry. I’m afraid at today’s wedding banquet I’ll implicate you again.”

Cheng Yang smiled bitterly: “What implication or not? I’m just afraid my tongue is clumsy and I can’t help you.” After the shocks of the previous banquets, she had grown accustomed to her cousin always causing situations when attending feasts.

“What’s there to fear! I’m here! Whichever blind person dares bully Niaoniao, watch me not tear her alive!” Wan Qiqi, who came in the same carriage, ignored the jingling jade ornaments surrounding her curved-hem long dress and nimbly leaped down from the carriage barehanded, leaving the Lou family servants holding the step stool staring dumbfounded.

Cheng Yang said anxiously: “Today is someone’s great joyous day. You two mustn’t fight!”

“It won’t come to that, won’t come to that.” Shaoshang hurriedly waved her hand toward her cousin sister, then turned and said: “Sister Qiqi, don’t get involved later either. Since getting engaged to Ling Buyi, there’s no turning back for me. You’d better attract fewer enemies.”

“Don’t be ungrateful. Let me tell you, to get Ling Buyi as a son-in-law, many young ladies would willingly be hated by thousands and despised by tens of thousands.” Wan Qiqi laughed and winked.

The three girls talked in low voices while following the Lou residence servants toward the banquet hall. From afar they saw the brightly lit side hall already had quite a few women seated. They saw Yin Jiang’e sitting in a corner waving vigorously at them.

Wan Qiqi muttered: “Look at her pretending to be virtuous and dignified. Doesn’t she find it tiring to act that way!”

“What’s wrong with being virtuous? Which family’s parents-in-law doesn’t love a virtuous daughter-in-law?” Cheng Yang said softly.

Wan Qiqi was about to retort when she heard Shaoshang sigh lightly and say quietly: “Alas, actually there’s nothing good about marrying. If possible, being alone is more comfortable.”

Cheng Yang opened her mouth in shock. Wan Qiqi smiled: “I’ve heard you scheme no less than ten times about what kind of person to marry and what kind of life to live. After getting engaged to Lou Yao, you endlessly chattered even more about managing this way and maneuvering that way. Oh my, what kind of human beast is this Ling Buyi that after being engaged to you for less than ten days, you’ve already changed your mind!”

Shaoshang sighed again: “Before I was young and ignorant, my thinking wasn’t thorough. Actually thinking carefully, how could marriage be as good as staying single? Truly the young don’t know the taste of sorrow. Ah, forget it, let’s go in.”

Wan Qiqi was startled and hastily examined Shaoshang carefully.

Her close friend was born with a delicate appearance but had a lively mind full of schemes. She didn’t hold back when scolding people or fighting, her whole body thorny with unruly flourishing. If she set fires, Shaoshang would help pour oil and add kindling. She was the person Wan Qiqi had seen in her life whose appearance and temperament were most mismatched. But today her dear sworn sister was actually listless, the picture of pitifulness.

Wan Qiqi’s protective feelings arose like blazing fire. She quickly reached two conclusions—

First, that Ling Buyi definitely wasn’t treating Shaoshang well!

Second, Shaoshang must be very afraid of being bullied and blamed by a bunch of people again!

Wan Qiqi gritted her teeth and followed Shaoshang and Cheng Yang into the banquet hall. As expected, following the maid’s announcement of their names, all the women in the hall simultaneously shot their gazes over like dense arrow rain covering the sky. The timid Cheng Yang was first frightened into retreating a step, nearly turning back. Fortunately Shaoshang was quick to pull her cousin sister back.

Though the Lou family wedding ceremony had many guests today, during the mourning period it wasn’t appropriate to drink and make merry on a grand scale—couldn’t play around, and the food and drink were all cold and plain. Aside from families with very deep friendship with the He and Lou families, other guests left for home after observing the ceremony.

Moreover, not all male guests brought family members, so even fewer women remained at the side hall banquet tonight. The Lou family arranged the women’s seats in the same hall. At the head were food tables for the ladies, at the lower end were food tables for the young ladies, separated front and back by long bamboo gauze screens.

The girls’ gazes toward Shaoshang were direct and unadorned—some indignant, some jealous, some curious… all manner of expressions. Wang Xi and Lou Ying sat together as usual, their gazes toward Shaoshang nearly catching fire, though the difference was the former’s was venomous while the latter’s was indignant.

The ladies were much more reserved, using scrutinizing gazes to glance sideways a few times before quickly turning their heads back, all revealing quite meaningful expressions on their faces.

But whether young or mature, married or unmarried, the women’s discussion ultimately ended in whispers—

“Ling Buyi has been selective for so many years, yet took a fancy to such a… person. Nothing special after all.”

“Is Eleventh Lord blind? This woman has neither renowned talent nor beauty. I, I refuse to accept it!”

“Not only no renowned talent or beauty, I also heard she’s crude and arrogant, completely illiterate!”

“Eleventh Lord must have been deceived. Look at her pitiful fox-like seductive appearance—who knows how she flaunted her weakness!”

…

However, no matter how they discussed, as long as they weren’t completely prejudiced, all could see this newly promoted future Ling family bride was truly extraordinary.

The capital never lacked beautiful young ladies, but this Cheng family daughter’s beauty was unforgettable—a quiet and melancholy delicate face shrouded in a hazy dreamlike quality. Clearly the innocent age of youth, yet inexplicably carrying an indifferent and uncaring temperament. When you thought she was just weak and pitiful, her gaze toward you was sharp and worldly.

Words were invisible, yet even someone as coarse as Wan Qiqi could sense beneath these gazes and whispers the flash of blades and swords, sharp enough to break skin and draw blood. Cheng Yang shrank back, then steeled herself to walk into the hall. Instead, Shaoshang at the storm’s center seemed completely unaware, her conduct as usual.

Wan Qiqi couldn’t help praising in a low voice: “You’re quite able to keep your composure.”

“If you were like me, subjected to criticism and slander from childhood, you’d naturally grow accustomed to it.” Shaoshang said lightly.

Wan Qiqi froze. Her rough little heart that had been carefree for sixteen years inexplicably ached.

Seeing them approach, Yin Jiang’e quickly pulled the three of them to her corner. She had received Cheng Yong’s instructions to come to the banquet early, then quickly attached herself to three or four girls she could talk with during conversation. Everyone sat together in a group to show support.

Wan Qiqi and Yin Jiang’e exchanged glances and quickly looked away. To avoid internal warfare, Shaoshang sat at one table with her sworn sister, while Cheng Yang sat at a table with Yin Jiang’e.

Before long, all the women had taken their seats. Madam Xiao was pulled over by Lou Second Madam with tears in her eyes. The two sat together with Lou Second Young Madam speaking in low voices. Vegetables and soups were brought to the tables. Everyone naturally had to observe propriety by first congratulating the host family, then eating and drinking a little.

However, barely half an hour had passed when someone couldn’t resist making trouble.

A woman in yellow sitting to Lou Ying’s left put down her bowl and cup and raised her voice: “This Sister Shaoshang, you’re dressed so magnificently today, completely different from your previous shabby attire. After all, you’ve climbed up to the noble and powerful—things are different now!”

Everyone looked over. Shaoshang’s dress today was indeed exquisite and extraordinary. The elegant light blue curved hem faintly glowed with hidden silver light. The pearls at the collar gleamed under candlelight like silver waves rolling from the azure sea, setting off the girl’s beauty like verdant pine, noble and stern.

Hearing this provocation, Shaoshang silently glanced at Wang Xi and Lou Ying across from her. Wang Xi smiled disdainfully and turned away. Lou Ying had clearly been instructed beforehand and forcibly restrained herself from speaking.

Before Shaoshang could open her mouth to counter, Wan Qiqi already sneered: “You speak with such certainty—you must have seen my Cheng family sister before. Let me ask you, where and when did you see her before?”

The yellow-dressed woman was frightened by Wan Qiqi’s fierce momentum and stammered: “At, at the time when she went out to attend banquets…”

“Nonsense! Before my sister’s parents returned to the capital, she hardly went out. Starting a few months ago she began attending a few invitations—altogether less than a handful of times. Which time did you see her? How come I’ve never seen you!”

Wang Xi said leisurely: “Sister Wan, you’re too hasty. With so many people at banquets, you might have looked wrongly…”

“Don’t play dumb with me! I’ve practiced archery since childhood. I won’t mistake two sparrows from a hundred paces away, let alone human faces. Once I’ve seen someone I won’t forget!” Wan Qiqi slammed one palm on the table, eyes blazing. “Your lackey has never seen Sister Cheng before, but just now I saw you whispering in her ear. It must be your instigation!”

Wang Xi also became angry and snorted coldly: “Fine, I said it. So what!”

“Good that you admit it.” Wan Qiqi deliberately mocked: “My sister was born with a good appearance. Wearing fine clothes is icing on the cake. But some people—ugly in person and evil in heart, wearing anything is useless.”

“Wan Qiqi, how dare you…” Wang Xi barely held back, shocked to realize she had nearly claimed it herself.

Seeing the other party choked, Wan Qiqi smugly put a piece of sweet melon in her mouth.

“Cheng Shaoshang!” Lou Ying couldn’t hold back. She stood up and pointed across: “You’re quite capable! Breaking the engagement with my cousin one moment, latching onto Eleventh Lord the next. You, how can you face my cousin?”

“You should go ask your Eleventh Lord that. Who told him to propose so quickly, not waiting even one day? What does that have to do with Sister Cheng?” A round-faced girl beside Yin Jiang’e said mockingly. At these words, the surrounding girls all laughed.

Lou Ying flushed red: “Then she Cheng Shaoshang shouldn’t have agreed so quickly. How sad my cousin must be!”

“Oh my, His Majesty personally arranged this betrothal—a tremendous imperial favor. Who would dare refuse for no reason! Miss Lou has such a big mouth, saying she shouldn’t agree. You really should have been dragged before the Emperor that day to see if you had the courage!” Yin Jiang’e laughed lightly while covering her mouth with her sleeve.

“Exactly, exactly.” Another girl with thick hair joined in: “I heard from my uncle who serves in the palace that His Majesty was so happy that day, he even rewarded them with wine and such.”

Lou Ying’s face turned red as pickled radish: “I, I, I don’t mean that! I mean my cousin was very good to Cheng Shaoshang. She should be sorrowful, should retreat to the countryside in seclusion…”

“And should do what else?” Shaoshang today couldn’t muster the energy to get angry and said lightly: “Your cousin married someone else, so I should never marry for life? Even if I do marry, I should grieve for many years first, preferably missing the marriage age, right? And finally even if I do marry, I should marry someone unsatisfactory and hide in a remote corner licking wounds, not appear before people? Ha! Those who know understand our Cheng family broke the engagement in pain to fulfill General He’s dying words. Those who don’t would think our Cheng family owes your Lou family! Lou Ying, clear your brain carefully. Don’t be ignorant of propriety and spout nonsense!” As she spoke, her gaze shot out like sharp blades.

“If you have guts, repeat what you just said about Lou Yao and me to your family elders. Let’s see how many bones you have left!” Shaoshang sneered. “Lou Ying, you really think I owe you!”

Lou Ying sat down awkwardly. Somehow she felt Cheng Shaoshang had a fierce air today—not easy to provoke.

The banquet quieted for a moment. Wang Xi changed her tone and said shrilly: “Oh my, today is truly different from the past. Little Ying, I advise you to bear with it. You still think Miss Cheng is your cousin’s former bride…”

“Actually, someone from the palace came today to tell me to prepare a bit. The day after tomorrow morning they’ll take me to Changqiu Palace.” Shaoshang suddenly interrupted. “Miss Wang, the He clan has great merit to the state and court. Today is Lady Ancheng’s joyous day. His Majesty has repeatedly bestowed favors hoping she’ll have a smooth life after marriage. Yet you two keep dredging up old matters between me and Lou Yao. Are you planning to prevent Lady Ancheng from having a good life? You believe it or not that the day after tomorrow when I enter the palace, I’ll report this matter to His Majesty and Her Majesty?”

Wang Xi was startled and smiled stiffly: “I misspoke. Past matters are over. No need to speak of them again.”

Wan Qiqi sneered several times: “Sister Wang has great ability—able to take up and put down, changing faces like magic tricks. But I must say clearly—today this dog shit spewing from your mouth was heard by so many people. Even if Sister Shaoshang doesn’t say anything, who can guarantee it won’t reach His Majesty’s ears in the future? Then don’t you go biting people randomly like a mad dog!” She most admired her sworn sister’s quarreling skills—often able to grasp the vital point at once!

Wang Xi hatefully bit her lip, her gaze poisoned.

At this time a young lady two years older beside her spoke, her tone slow yet full of malice: “Dredging up the Lou family is unnecessary. Then let’s discuss Miss Cheng and Lord Ling’s betrothal. We all heard about that day’s events. The Cheng family went to the Lou family to break the engagement in the morning, then got engaged in the palace in the afternoon—also absurdly fast. Can’t help but make people suspicious, suspicious…”

“Suspicious of what?” Wan Qiqi asked warily.

That young lady deliberately examined Shaoshang, her gaze explicit: “Miss Cheng, did you and Lord Ling already know each other before? Lord Ling is so heroic. If you secretly developed feelings for him, it’s fine to say so.”

Shaoshang just opened her mouth when Wan Qiqi had already jumped up: “No, absolutely not!”

The girls over there wouldn’t yield, saying one after another: “You’re not Cheng Shaoshang. How do you know?”

“Of course I know! Sister Shaoshang is a person with backbone!” Wan Qiqi said loudly. “Don’t think everyone is like you all—seeing Ling Buyi like starving wild dogs chasing meat bones for three nights! Ordinary ladies just look at Ling Buyi being handsome, then go about their business. Only you lot, unable to eat yourselves, spray sourness and bark wildly biting people everywhere! Too bad Ling Buyi just doesn’t fancy you!” These words were too harsh. The girls on her side all burst out laughing, bending back and forth with mirth.

Yin Jiang’e smiled: “I advise all you sisters—marriage is heaven-ordained. Lord Ling is twenty-one this year. From when His Majesty began arranging his marriage at fifteen until now is fully six years. Speaking of it, all you sisters have known Lord Ling longer than Sister Shaoshang. But still, fate is heaven-determined. When you should let go, you must let go.” Though she spoke these words toward the girls across from her, her eyes vaguely glanced toward Wang Xi.

Wang Xi suddenly stood up and sneered: “Yes, it was Eleventh Lord who proposed to Cheng Shaoshang. But so what? We’re all proper young ladies confined to our chambers, upright in conduct, solemn and unsmiling. How can we compare to some people’s fox-like seduction, flaunting romantic airs, pretending to be pitiful and weak—most skilled at bewitching men! Lord Ling is a great man. How would he understand these sneaky underhanded tricks? He must have been deceived!”

These words were extremely venomous. The girls beside Wang Xi heard the call to arms and stood up one after another, attacking Shaoshang in a group. Wan Qiqi anxiously stamped her feet, screaming hoarsely to scold back, only to be mocked that ‘mother tigers can’t understand such things.’ Those who knew the inside story taunted ‘Miss Wan has taken a fancy to Second Young Master Cheng and is eager to stand up for her husband’s family.’

No matter how experienced, Wan Qiqi couldn’t help flushing completely red. The girls on Yin Jiang’e’s side, mindful of propriety, couldn’t curse too harshly. Just at this moment, the doorway maid shouted loudly: “Lord Ling has arrived!”

The chattering girls’ clamor was like a mute button pressed—instantly silenced. All the women turned to look. They saw Ling Buyi’s tall and slender shadow fall heavily on the floor.

He didn’t speak either, his face darkening as he walked in step by step. His sharp aura like an unsheathed blade swept over like a fierce beast from the mountain ridges pouncing into a flock of sheep. The girls shrank back one by one. The hall’s atmosphere suddenly turned cold as late spring.

That older young lady actively stepped forward, smiling sweetly: “Lord Ling, this is the women’s banquet. This doesn’t quite conform to propriety…”

Ling Buyi’s eyes were like cold ice, looking at her with contempt: “Whether banquets are combined or separated is just a minor detail. Knowing shame and proper behavior is true great propriety.” Saying this he strode down and pulled down several screens in the middle of the hall.

On the other side of the banquet, the ladies from various families had at some point stopped their idle chat, seemingly having been quiet for quite a while.

Madam Xiao’s face looked very ugly. Lou Second Madam leaned against her daughter-in-law silently shedding tears. Lou First Madam smiled awkwardly: “Zisheng, you’ve come…” Before she could continue, Ling Buyi quietly bowed in salute, then performed a doubly respectful salute toward Madam Xiao, then said: “With the elders watching, this conforms to propriety.”

That older young lady gathered her courage, not avoiding or yielding as she met Ling Buyi’s gaze, saying loudly: “Lord Ling speaks wrongly. The Sage said propriety is…”

Wang Xi silently sat down, inwardly sneering at this fool who thought herself clever. If flaunting learning worked on Ling Buyi, she would have started studying hard eight lifetimes ago.

As expected, Ling Buyi didn’t even look at her, walking directly past her to stand beside Shaoshang’s seat, then said lightly: “Do I know this lady? Are you and I familiar? Lady, opening your mouth to discuss the private affairs of someone else’s engaged couple—do you think you understand shame and know propriety? Did any Sage say this?”

That young lady never dreamed she’d be publicly humiliated. Tears instantly welled up. She let out a cry and covered her face, leaving her seat.

Ling Buyi lowered his head to glance at Wan Qiqi. Wan Qiqi was full of fury, gritting her teeth to endure. Even if the man overhead had eyes sharp as blades, she was determined not to give up her seat!

Lou Ying and the other girls all shrank back timidly, not daring to speak. Wang Xi stood up with an apologetic smile: “Eleventh Lord, Sister Jiao is also from an official family. How could you humiliate…”

Before the word ‘her’ could leave her mouth, Ling Buyi interrupted: “I know who she is. If people don’t offend me I don’t offend them. I’ll go back and write a letter asking her father what he means by publicly humiliating my Ling family’s fiancée. Does he think I Ling Buyi am weak and incompetent!” His cold gaze swept over the ladies at the head seats.

The women had never seen Ling Buyi in such a frosty state. Lou First Madam hurriedly said: “Jiao came today with her uncle. If her aunt were present, she would never allow such lack of manners!”

Ling Buyi was too lazy to pay attention to Lou First Madam and looked down at Wan Qiqi again.

Wan Qiqi held her head high, chest out, sitting upright and dignified. Shaoshang found it amusing and leaned over: “Stop enduring it. You can’t hold out.”

Wan Qiqi straightened even more immovably, her bearing quite impressive, though her wrist trembled slightly.

Ling Buyi looked toward Wang Xi: “Where were we just now? Ah yes, fox-like romantic airs, seductive pretense. Are you talking about the two beauties the Second Prince gifted me last month? Your elder brother Wang Long drooled when he saw them, so I gave them to him. Who knew that after just a few days, I heard those two beauties were instead graciously accepted by your father. I wonder when you see those two ladies in the future, what you should call them.”

Wang Xi’s breathing quickened. Her face first turned pale and flushed alternately, then burned hot as fire.

Under Ling Buyi’s威势, who around dared help her speak? Lou First Madam had never liked her leading her daughter astray. Mindful of propriety she couldn’t say much, but inwardly didn’t know how pleased she was.

Lou Ying saw her pitiful state and silently moved over, pulling her sleeve to let her sit down.

Ling Buyi looked at Wan Qiqi once more and slowly stepped forward.

Wan Qiqi finally couldn’t resist. She glanced apologetically at Shaoshang and scrambled to squeeze onto Yin Jiang’e’s table on the right.

Ling Buyi sat down beside Shaoshang with a composed expression—then the Ice Age scene that had played out at the Cheng residence was reenacted at the Lou residence. From Lou First Madam and others at the head seats to the young ladies at the lower seats, all silently lowered their heads to eat and drink. Forget speech—not a breath could be heard.

Ling Buyi picked up the new cup the maid had changed and raised it toward the head: “Ladies, I thank you for your courtesy. I assume you’ve all heard of my betrothal to the Cheng family. When we marry in the future, I’ll still invite all of you to grace us with your presence.”

How could the women dare have objections? They all raised cups in response, repeatedly saying to Ling Buyi and Madam Xiao with smiles ‘congratulations, congratulations.’

Ling Buyi set down the two-handled cup, his gaze turning toward the young ladies at the lower seats.

These stunned girls woke as from a dream and hurriedly offered congratulations. In their panic even phrases like ‘grow old together with white hair, harmonious for a hundred years, have children early’ came out.

Ling Buyi raised both eyebrows: “Regarding my marriage, do the young ladies have anything else to say?”

The girls shook their heads like dolphins wagging tails, all expressing this marriage was truly good, truly wonderful—simply a heaven-made match, a heaven-sent fate, Sister Cheng dropped from heaven and so forth!

Wan Qiqi seeing this situation quietly leaned close to Shaoshang’s ear: “Why aren’t you talking?”

Shaoshang silently held her lacquered wooden bowl drinking soup: “…When he speaks, no one else needs to.”

Wan Qiqi seemed to perceive something and said in surprise: “He’s backing you up.”

“I know.” Shaoshang said. Her lashes lowered, her face expressionless as she counted the small round mushrooms in the soup one by one.

At this time a maid called Lou First Madam out.

Lou First Madam walked along the curved corridor into a dim small room. She saw her husband anxiously pacing with hands behind his back waiting there.

Seeing his wife, Minister Lou said anxiously: “I heard in the front courtyard there was a dispute at the inner banquet. Someone bullied Shaoshang!”

Lou First Madam sighed: “Nothing too serious. Just young ladies having some quarrels. Ling Buyi is the dream man of so many girls. Now he’s engaged, naturally some are indignant.”

“Nothing too serious and Ling Buyi would suddenly leave his seat and go!” Minister Lou raised his voice. “I already had people inquire. A group of gossips surrounded and bullied Shaoshang, including Ying! How is Wang Xi here again? We have no friendship with the Wang family. Didn’t I tell you not to let her see Ying? The Wang family is rotten and filthy. Don’t let Ying learn bad things from them.”

“I know!” Lou First Madam said. “I also look down on the Wang family. But when she came could I drive her away? After all there’s still the Empress’s face to consider!”

Minister Lou paced back and forth in the room, annoyed: “You too—seeing them bully Shaoshang, couldn’t you stop them? What could that screen block? The noise was so loud outside maids heard it. Could you not hear?!”

“What bullying? Just a few jokes…” Lou First Madam’s expression didn’t change.

Minister Lou suddenly stopped and stared fixedly at his wife: “The Cheng woman was once rude to you publicly. Seeing her humiliated, you were secretly pleased, weren’t you?”

“Husband, you speak wrongly. How could I be so! At the banquet these ladies are all long-time friends. If I spoke out exceeding them, I’d offend everyone!” Lou First Madam defended urgently.

“Good if not.” Minister Lou looked at his wife heavily. “Watching a guest be humiliated in your own home—you think only Ling Buyi and the Cheng family lose face. I tell you, it’s the Lou family that’s disgraced!”

He flung his sleeve and turned away: “That group of ignorant shallow women—the betrothal is already set. Allowing their daughters to humiliate Cheng Shaoshang, what benefit could there be? Could Ling Buyi break the engagement because of this! They’re only making His Majesty unhappy. Knowing Cheng Shaoshang has humble status, the smart thing would be to sell Ling Buyi a favor and help make things smooth!”

Lou First Madam said hatefully: “That muddled blind youngster Ling Buyi—what exactly did he see in that little wretch…”

When her two daughters were unmarried, she too had secretly schemed about Ling Buyi, but to no avail.

“Stop saying such useless words in the future.” Minister Lou said bluntly. “From ancient times incompetent people most love to slander the capable. That Cheng woman being able to capture Ling Buyi is tremendous ability! A group of women who don’t know advance from retreat are no different from petty people who envy the worthy and talented! I think you’re getting more muddled too. In the future don’t involve yourself in Second Brother’s household affairs. Let Yan handle it—she’s increasingly capable now.”

“I’m the clan matriarch and also the mistress. How can there be places in the Lou residence I can’t manage?” Lou First Madam was angry.

“You think how did Ling Buyi know about the inner banquet affairs?” Minister Lou said coldly. “It was Yan who had someone go report, passing on every sentence of how they bullied Shaoshang. She also said with elders present she as a junior couldn’t speak. Who do you think she meant?”

“That cunning woman!” Lou First Madam said in shock and anger. “Actually…”

“If you won’t be the smart person, naturally someone will step on you to be the smart person.” Minister Lou said coldly. “Yan and her husband widely build good relations in the clan, selling favors everywhere. If you continue being muddled, the bitter fruit is yet to come! Alright, this matter is settled.” Lou First Madam huffed without speaking.

At this time a maid came to report: “Miss Cheng suddenly said she felt unwell. Lord Ling has already accompanied her back.”

Lou First Madam said with displeasure: “She really has Ling Buyi in a tight grip. When she wants to leave she won’t let Ling Buyi stay! Who knows—she’s probably rushing to sell her grievances.”

“What muddled words are you speaking? After all she was engaged to Yao. Should she stay to witness the bridal chamber?!” Minister Lou felt his wife’s vision had grown increasingly narrow these years, completely lacking the dignified magnanimous appearance of her youth. “Even if she used schemes, if Ling Buyi is willing to be coaxed away by her, that’s ability!” Saying this he flung his sleeve and left.

…

Ling Buyi and Shaoshang sat in the carriage, silent all the way.

“Why aren’t you talking?” Ling Buyi said.

Shaoshang said lightly: “Probably because I talked too much earlier.”

“You didn’t really talk much earlier.”

Shaoshang fell silent.

Ling Buyi extended his hand toward the girl, but she kept her head lowered. His palm stopped in midair, in the dimness like a pale blooming orchid. He clenched his fist and withdrew it. “What am I doing wrong? Tell me. I always want to make you happy.”

Shaoshang stared absently at the corner, not knowing what she was thinking—

“Third Aunt used to laugh at me for being naive, not knowing what power truly is. Tonight I saw it with my own eyes. Sister Qiqi, Sister Jiang’e, and those few sisters willing to help me—we argued our best, debated with all our might, resisting with such difficulty. Mother behind the curtain must also have endured with difficulty. Then you came. In three or two sentences you settled everything. Later you didn’t even need to speak. Wherever your gaze fell, everyone did as you intended.”

Ling Buyi said in a low voice: “You don’t like power?” How could there be people in this world who didn’t like power? “Can’t tell—so you’re actually a believer in Zhuangzi.” His fingers stiffened, making a joke he didn’t mean.

“I’m also a common person. Without Father’s power, where would I have my current life ordering servants about?” The girl shook her head. “Moreover, power is just a sharp blade. How can there be good or bad? It depends on whose hands it’s in.”

Ling Buyi’s eyes showed some confusion: “Then why…”

“Tonight I relied on the power in your hands, not my own.” The girl’s large eyes were distinct black and white, clear and bright. “But why can I use your power? Because in the future I’ll marry you, bear you children, make you happy and comfortable. That way I can share in your power.”

Ling Buyi rarely in life felt confused: “Husband and wife are one body. Isn’t this very natural?”

“It’s not your fault—it’s my perverse temperament.” Shaoshang smiled sadly. “I want to live according to my own wishes. But if I go with you, I’ll have to live according to yours. Originally I thought my future most troublesome matters should be how to cultivate soil and plant, how to improve tools. But now it seems the most important thing in my future will probably be figuring out your preferences, making you feel pleased and satisfied. If that’s the case, my current self will have to completely change. In the end, I don’t even know what I’ll become.”

“Drinking cold wine isn’t good for you.” Ling Buyi said with difficulty.

Shaoshang smiled: “First, drinking a sip of cold wine won’t kill anyone, but it can make me happy. Second, as long as it’s my own wish, even if it’s not good for my body, it should go according to my wishes.”

Ling Buyi gripped the girl’s soft hands, slowly saying: “You liked being with Lou Yao because he could live according to your wishes.”

Shaoshang smiled, revealing cute little white teeth: “About right. So you see, though I have shallow learning, no talent or ability, I see myself very clearly. So I found the correct marriage match. Too bad A’Yao must marry He Zhaojun—alas. But Lord Ling, someone as outstanding as you conversely doesn’t see yourself clearly. Finding me was a great mistake.”

Ling Buyi seemed to understand somewhat and said coldly: “For you, marriage is only about suitable or unsuitable?”

“If unsuitable, it’s not called a marriage match but an evil fate.” Shaoshang tried to pull her hands free. After several efforts the other party didn’t budge an inch.

“General Cheng and Madam Xiao, Minor Prefect Cheng and Madam Sang—have you never envied them?” Ling Buyi said.

Shaoshang felt bitter inside: “My luck is strange. Around me there’s never a shortage of immortal couples and happy families, but when it comes to myself, something is always lacking.”

Ling Buyi was silent for a long time before saying: “…That’s true.”

Shaoshang looked at him, knowing he was thinking of Lady Huo and Marquis Ling. She exerted force several more times but still couldn’t free her hands. She simply pushed both hands forward, pressing them over his wide palms against his cheeks.

Ling Buyi seemed shocked. He had never allowed anyone to touch him and couldn’t help being stunned.

The small tender white palms pressed tightly against his pale cheeks. Shaoshang felt beneath her palms a slightly rough texture, the skin firm and tight. The two sat facing each other like this, faces touching, breathing audible. The young man’s tall form was like a jade mountain even sitting—majestic. His large shadow enveloped her overhead, forcing her to raise her head and curve her slender neck to see his face.

She had never looked so carefully at a person—the jawbone beautifully shaped, the forehead’s arc elegant, and those deep brown eyes. Under lowered butterfly wings, pupils gorgeous as treasures. There were no more beautiful eyes in this world.

“It’s all my fault. I should have said it earlier.” The girl said softly. “I probably shouldn’t marry anyone. With my perverse and annoying temperament, I shouldn’t bring disaster to others. Lord Ling, we may really not be well-matched.”

Ling Buyi laughed coldly—

She looked like a frail butterfly with wings dampened by rain, trembling lightly as if without protection she’d expire at any moment. Yet her true temperament was so tyrannically headstrong. She could look at him with such tender gaze while simultaneously speaking such cold heartless words. Yet he also knew clearly she wasn’t playing hard to get. What she said was all true.

He truly had ‘good judgment’—in the vast sea of people, he actually managed to find such a person.

“You like things held in your own hands. Things in others’ hands you can’t feel at ease with, right?” Ling Buyi tightly gripped the girl’s hands, firmly pressed against his face.

Shaoshang felt his burning hot breath spreading on her face, carrying sweet fruit-wine fragrance mixed with the unsettling scent of an adult man. She nodded and said softly: “Actually even Father’s power I can’t use for a lifetime. I love cultivating soil and planting, drawing diagrams and making tools. Thinking carefully, only these things truly belong to me.”

Ling Buyi suddenly released her hands and sat far away in another corner. The gorgeous embroidered curved hem covered his long legs, glinting with obscure points of light in the dimness. He stretched his long arms to gently lift the window frame, his eyes looking outside. Through the gap penetrated a beam of cold orange lantern light, illuminating his jade-carved face.

“How do you know I’m not held in your hands?” He said lightly.

Shaoshang looked down at her feet and sighed: “No one can be held in another’s hands. Like right now—unless you don’t want me, otherwise I cannot not want you.” She truly missed that era when at least one could freely break up. Here if she dared dump Ling Buyi, the Emperor wouldn’t hang her at the city gate as a lantern!

The carriage stopped at the Cheng residence gate. Shaoshang firmly pushed away Ling Buyi’s hand reaching to help her. But his carriage had no step stool. So she silently lifted her skirt and, copying Wan Qiqi’s earlier posture, clumsily and with difficulty jumped down to the ground.

She endured the foot pain, swaying as she performed a salute to Ling Buyi as farewell, then lowered her head and walked straight toward the residence gate, silently thinking perhaps the day after tomorrow the rear palace wouldn’t send someone to fetch her into the palace anymore.

Old Steward Cheng Shun sensed the atmosphere was wrong. He looked at his young lady, then at the new son-in-law, then lowered his head in silence.

Ling Buyi’s body froze motionless, only quietly watching the girl’s retreating back—clearly a body as frail and soft as willow, yet insisting on straightening stubbornly upright.

The day after tomorrow she would go to the imperial court. There she would see many many women skilled at perceiving people’s hearts. She would know how many women hoped to obtain glory and wealth through gentleness and charm alone. She would even more know that before power, how many people were willing to twist their spines into strange postures to satisfy those in high positions’ pleasure.

In the end, she would know how ridiculous her current thoughts were.

Even Wang Xi who seemed quite infatuated with him—as long as His Majesty crooked a finger, or if he himself fell into destitution and disappointment, she would change her heart in an instant.

Watching the girl walk farther and farther in the doorframe, servants on both sides holding torches extending two slanted beams of red light, Ling Buyi suddenly strode inside in great strides. After over ten steps he caught up with the girl and embraced her against his chest in one motion.

Old Steward Cheng behind nearly cried out—though the cold atmosphere between you two isn’t good, please don’t get physical! This is still outdoors. Can’t you go inside the house… what is he saying? Inside the house also won’t do!

Shaoshang was clasped around the waist by arms like iron hoops. Her feet even left the ground for a moment. She couldn’t help crying out in fright. Embraced without warning, pressed against the man’s all-encompassing chest, there was also a burning breath kissing her hair.

In her dizzy confusion, she seemed to hear Ling Buyi say in a low voice—”…You cannot not want me.”

She suddenly discovered this was actually an ambiguous sentence.