That night, Shaoshang tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Before her eyes, one moment the various voices and scenes from the palace returned like a rotating lantern, the next moment it was Ling Buyi’s cold, glaring appearance. Only when dawn broke faintly did she fall into deep sleep. When she woke again, it was already afternoon. Shaoshang woodenly got up, listening to A’Zhu’s chattering while supplementing her noon meal.

“…The Lady came to see you and said you were tired. She wouldn’t let us wake Young Lady and just let you sleep.”

“The Lady returned this morning—the manor has been purchased. According to Qing Jun, though the estate isn’t large, it borders mountains and rivers with fertile soil. Once Sister Yang arranges everything there, Young Lady and the young masters can go play.”

“Sister Yang is becoming more and more capable now—she can handle everything inside and out and isn’t timid anymore. Outside, people have heard of Sister Yang’s virtuous and capable reputation. Several official families already have intentions of forming marriage ties. Lady, you’re studying with the Empress—you can’t be outdone…”

Shaoshang bit her wooden chopsticks and nodded slightly. Director Xiao’s method was quite reliable. Since Cousin didn’t have the endless stream of various suitors like herself, she should start from reputation and capability, taking the proper path to obtain a good marriage.

“Nanny Fu is really nagging. I’m already betrothed—even if I don’t learn well, can they still break off the engagement?” She lazily poked at the rice in her bowl. The deep red lacquered wood bottom contrasted beautifully with the snow-white grains.

A’Zhu thought about it and agreed, then said: “In a while, Lady Yin and Lady Wan will probably both come over. You’re off today—why not go find them to play together?”

“Nanny Fu is being silly again. Unless the two elder brothers want to play together, how would Sister Heng’e and Sister Qiqi stay in one room? Even if they come, they’ll each stay in Elder Brother’s and Second Brother’s quarters separately.”

Yin Heng’e and Wan Qiqi were truly enemies tied from a previous life. Although they’d fallen for two brothers from the same family and both had gained recognition from both sets of parents, their grudges against each other hadn’t been settled. Originally every few days, Cheng Yong and Cheng Song would each set aside their studies and duties to visit their beloved girls at the Yin family or Wan family.

But lately with the hot weather, Yin Heng’e “took the initiative” to feel sorry for Cheng Yong, unwilling for him to run all the way to the Yin family covered in fatigue and sweat, so she would come to the Cheng family on her own after the afternoon rest to wait for her beloved. Since Yin Heng’e was being so “virtuous,” how could Wan Qiqi fall behind? So she also followed suit coming to the Cheng family to “care for” Cheng Song.

Hearing this, A’Zhu shook her head with a smile: “Both ladies are impeccable in character and family background, but their temperaments just don’t match. What will happen when they both marry in?”

Shaoshang lowered the bowl she was holding to her lap and sighed: “Perhaps before they marry in, I’ll have already married into the Ling family. Nanny Fu will definitely follow me. These matters can be left for Mother to manage—after all, she’s so capable and omnipotent…”

The last two sentences were muttered out, but once spoken, Shaoshang’s eyes couldn’t help but light up. She finished the rice in three or two bites, said “I’m going to pay respects to Mother,” and disappeared.

A’Zhu watched the girl’s carefree bouncing figure departing and shook her head sighing, thinking that even after ten days at the Empress’s side, Young Lady hadn’t changed a bit. Who knew if she’d become more composed after marriage.

Shaoshang was a striving, progressive young woman of the new era. Although her train of thought often went off track and her mental circuits were occasionally peculiar, her life attitude was ultimately positive and bright. When there were problems, solve them; when there were difficulties, rise to meet them. Now with an unparalleled Crimson Phoenix Heaven-Holding Gilded Halberd hanging over her head, no matter what, she had to find a way to break through.

At this moment, Madam Xiao was reviewing accounts in her inner chamber. After Shaoshang entered and paid her respects, she first hesitantly asked a few questions, then intermittently inquired: “Daughter now sees Lord Ling daily and occasionally (biting down on the emphasis) doesn’t know what to do. May I ask how Mother got along with Father back then?”

Hearing this, Madam Xiao didn’t even raise her head, smoothly replying like flowing water: “How did we get along? How else could your father and I get along? Big matters listen to him, small matters listen to me. As a woman, naturally one should respect one’s husband…”

“Mother, Aunt Qing said that back then when you were outside, out of twelve hours in a day, eight hours were spent in Father’s military tent giving guidance and planning.” Shaoshang’s face was expressionless.

Exposed by her daughter in one sentence, Madam Xiao coughed several times and made amends: “This, this—actually what’s outside isn’t necessarily big matters. Sometimes what’s at home can also be big matters, like children’s marriages, studies and advancement… these are actually all very big, very big.”

At this time, Lady Qing Cong entered from outside, her arms still bound with armlets. She smiled: “Madam, just now Old Steward Cheng brought over a basket of fresh bamboo fungus. He said before the Master left the residence, he heard you mention wanting to eat it. A few days ago some soldiers discovered a damp deep mountain bamboo forest, so the Master calculated the day of your return. This morning before dawn he dug them up and sent someone to quickly deliver them back. Do you want them in soup or pickled…”

Madam Xiao was both pleased and proud, yet somewhat unable to save face in front of her daughter, her jade face involuntarily turning slightly red.

Shaoshang: …Fine, I understand. Showing off your love, is it? Can’t I just switch consulting companies?

So Shaoshang walked directly to Second Brother Cheng Song’s quarters. As it happened, Wan Qiqi had just arrived, sweating profusely while looking at herself in the mirror, simultaneously ordering Cheng Song’s maids without the slightest reserve to fetch warm water for washing. Wan Qiqi was generous with money, plus both families had tacitly agreed to the marriage arrangement—Cheng Song’s maids served her very diligently and attentively.

Before Wan Qiqi could say a few sentences with delight written all over her face, Shaoshang directly asked the same question.

Wan Qiqi laughed: “Ha, ha—A’Song and I grew up together from childhood. We fought together, hunted prey together, drank good wine together. Hmm, I look at him and know whether he wants to practice archery or ride horses today. I blink my eyes and he knows what trouble I’ve caused outside… How else should we get along?”

Shaoshang: …Alright, showing off your love, is it? As if childhood sweethearts are so great!

So next she attacked Cheng Yong’s residence. After waiting a short while, Yin Heng’e also arrived. Shaoshang once again shamelessly asked for advice.

Yin Heng’e lowered her powdered face shyly: “…Getting along isn’t something taught. I think of him daily, wondering if he’s eating well at the Imperial Academy, resting well, if anyone is making things difficult for him… He’s a refined gentleman with aspirations and cultivation. I want to learn from how my mother treats my father—being thoughtfully attentive, managing everything properly for him in public and private so he can focus single-mindedly on his official career without worries…”

Shaoshang: …Alright, no need to continue. This difficulty coefficient is too high—even if she reincarnated once more she might not be able to achieve it.

Having asked a full circle, it was either unusable or she knew she couldn’t do it even knowing. Shaoshang sighed and slumped down in the corridor to cool off, secretly regretting that Aunt Sang was far away. Otherwise asking her would be most appropriate. But who else could she consult now? Thinking about how Wan Qiqi would later drag her to gamble at chess, Shaoshang felt thoroughly exhausted—knowing she always lost at gambling, yet still making such suggestions, clearly harboring ill intentions. Later she’d have to go talk to Old Madam Wan and put some eye medicine on her dear sworn sister…

Shaoshang paused, straightened up and thought silently for a moment, then returned to her room to dress and groom, ordering someone to hitch up her golden-red small carriage. A’Zhu asked curiously: “Young Lady is going out?” Although Madam Xiao no longer restricted her daughter’s comings and goings, she couldn’t be this casual, could she?

Shaoshang smiled: “I’m going west to seek the scriptures. When I obtain the true great scriptures, I’ll come back to eat Mother’s bamboo fungus!” Leaving the completely bewildered A’Zhu, she left in high spirits.

“There’s no bamboo fungus at home—!” A’Zhu shouted at her back.

Shaoshang didn’t turn back: “Father will grow some!”

A’Zhu stumbled.

…

Since Wan Songbai had recently left the capital to take up his post as a county magistrate in a place far from the Emperor’s reach, before leaving, Old Comrade Wan had wanted to wave his sleeves and take away no wives or concubines—after all, the war had just ended outside and it was a time when women outnumbered men.

Full of ambitious aspirations, he intended to use his own efforts to soothe this widespread resentment. But after his old mother twisted his ears into crimson pulled noodles, he had no choice but to take Madam Wan and more than half of the concubines who still had fighting spirit.

Thereafter, the Wan residence returned to its former quiet tranquility.

When she saw Old Madam Wan, she was half-closing one eye, leaning on the bolster on her bed while a personal servant woman read country chronicles to her. Hearing that Cheng Shaoshang had suddenly come to visit, she found it somewhat strange. Then hearing Shaoshang speak evasively after kneeling down, she understood. She immediately dismissed the maids and servants in the room, letting the girl speak directly.

Shaoshang paused, thinking that she’d lived at the Wan residence for quite a while before, spending every day laughing and joking with her sworn sister before Old Madam Wan—she wasn’t afraid of being unfamiliar. She organized her thoughts and simply explained recent events, emphasizing: “I feel I’ve already worked very hard, but Lord Ling is still never happy. Last night he even lost his temper with me. Isn’t this very unreasonable?”—first pull in an ally.

Who knew Old Madam Wan didn’t sympathize with her at all, instead propping herself up with one hand on the bolster and silently laughing for a moment. After a long while, she said: “…In one word, you haven’t yet accepted this marriage in your heart. However, this doesn’t matter.”

Shaoshang exclaimed: “This doesn’t matter?!” Indeed, the highly skilled are bold—Old Madam Wan’s words were extraordinary.

Old Madam Wan said: “In this matter, you were at fault first. Your words and actions were inappropriate, making Ling Buyi think you were interested in him. Later he followed proper procedure and honorably sought the betrothal. Who knew you’d be so cold to him? Could he be happy?”

Shaoshang wanted to argue: “That’s because… because…” Because times were different and the distance between men and women in social interaction had differences, okay?

—This was truly a fucked-up era. When you hoped it would be more conservative, various inexplicable suitors would pop up trying to get close to you “according to propriety.” When you thought this era was truly open-minded, just putting a bit more electricity in your eyes and speaking a bit more warmly meant you had to pay the bill of marriage.

“What’s already settled—what meaning is there in discussing the past?” Old Madam Wan said lightly. “What you should think about now is how to treat Ling Zicheng better, like Qiqi and Lady Yin, like a true fiancée.”

“Yes, yes, yes—that’s exactly what this junior wants to ask about.” Shaoshang loved straightforward people like Old Madam Wan who didn’t talk about causes and consequences but went straight to strategies and steps.

“This isn’t difficult either. First thing, the so-called putting yourself in others’ shoes—from now on when you’re hungry, think about whether Ling Zicheng is hungry. When you feel cold or hot, think about his warmth or chill.”

“…” Shaoshang just felt there were so many complaints with no outlet. If she had menstrual cramps, should she also get Ling Buyi a hot water bottle? She could only dubiously ask: “This method sounds good, but… will it really work…”

Old Madam Wan said: “Naturally it works. Moreover day after day, year after year, it will become habitual. Eventually, you’ll naturally care for Ling Zicheng without needing constant reminders.”

Hearing the old woman speak so skillfully and definitively, Shaoshang’s gossiping heart rose greatly. She softly probed: “…Have you used this method?”

“Naturally.” Who knew Old Madam Wan would speak in a tone as plain as ordering dishes: “When I first married Songbai’s father, I didn’t truly love him—it was just to win a breath of pride.”

“Win a breath?” Shaoshang was shocked.

“At that time my family was poor and the government was greedy and brutal without restraint. The world gradually showed signs of chaos. So I planned to hide in the mountains with able-bodied men from my hometown and ruthlessly pursue a career.” Old Madam Wan said.

Shaoshang imperceptibly moved back slightly—was this career being a bandit? Your phrasing is quite euphemistic, old lady.

“Then… among the hometown able-bodied men, was there your, ahem, that what, sweetheart?” Shaoshang both wanted to know and found the phrasing extremely difficult.

Old Madam Wan closed her eyes, a trace of mischievous smile appearing on her face: “With your ability to infer ten from hearing one, do you still need to ask this old woman?”

Shaoshang understood in her heart, smiled and continued asking: “Then how did you later marry into the Wan family?”

Old Madam Wan said: “Two months before departure, I accidentally encountered Songbai’s father who kept pestering endlessly. I declared I’d never be a concubine, wanting to make him retreat in difficulty. Who knew after a few days he came seeking me again, saying he wanted to properly marry me. This way, my old father and mother absolutely refused to let me go up the mountain.”

Nonsense! Being able to be the proper wife of the county’s great clan, not some lowly concubine to be beaten, scolded, bought and sold at will—which parents would still let their daughter become a bandit’s wife?—Shaoshang laughed silently.

“Though I was young then, having struggled for livelihood from childhood, I wasn’t ignorant of worldly matters. If I truly married into the Wan family, the great clan’s dark secrets would be enough to make me suffer for a while. Plus I was accustomed to being rough—it might not even be as easy as going up the mountain. Who knew while I was still undecided, those old immortals from the Wan family came looking. One moment threatening, the next moment enticing, then saying they’d find people to exterminate my whole family. Others wept and wailed, begging me to step back and just be a concubine—otherwise they’d die at my family’s doorstep, making me step over their corpses to marry!”

Old Madam Wan said: “I was very annoyed. So I thought, you insult and demean me? Then I absolutely must become this Sui County great clan’s Wan family matriarch! So with heart hardened, I married.”

Shaoshang: …She felt Old Madam Wan’s marriage was even more speechless than her own.

“Unfortunately, up until I bore Songbai, not one of that group of old immortals died.” Old Madam Wan opened her single eye and leisurely concluded.

Shaoshang sweated profusely: Hearing your tone, it seems you’re quite regretful.

“So that’s how it was.” Shaoshang smiled: “Then how long before you developed feelings for the late master? Don’t cheat—I’ve heard Sister Qiqi pass on Uncle Wan’s words, saying back then you and the late master’s love exceeded ordinary bounds, were perfectly matched in temperament, and didn’t want to be apart for even a moment.” Having said this much, she dared to joke a bit.

“How long? Not very long.” Old Madam Wan’s expression was melancholy, her tone slowing: “Probably when I had leisure and nothing to do, I recalled his kindness to me. Recalled how he braved goose-feather snow just to come to the mountain foot to see me once. Recalled how I tricked him into the mountains where he nearly froze to death—when rescued his face was completely purple, yet he still smiled at me. Recalled when he learned I was bullied by old things in the clan, he was so angry his face went white and overnight led people to smash their gate, never letting them come to the house again—he was originally a scholar, usually gentle and amiable, never speaking harshly even to servants…”

The old woman slowly closed her good eye, her voice gradually lowering.

The person was gone, only the lingering fragrance remained. The bedside companion who once brought warmth and deep affection was now buried in yellow earth—Shaoshang inexplicably moistened her eyes. She quickly lowered her head as two drops of water silently disappeared into her thin dress.

“Does Ling Zicheng treat you well?” Old Madam Wan kept her eyes closed.

Shaoshang looked sideways at a purple copper incense burner on the nearby table, staring blankly lost in thought.

She recalled that day when the Black Armored Army surged like a tide into the forest with thin snow, that young general godlike in his divine bravery and unstoppable force. Even after being severely wounded for days, white clothes stained with blood, the gaze he directed at her was still both gentle and profound.

She recalled deep in the flower tree paths of the Lou residence, he promised to find her a good posting outside. Tiny petals like drifting snow fell on him. He stood motionless under the flower trees, quietly waiting for her to leave.

She also recalled outside Yan Hui Tower, one hand hanging from the flying eaves, his ink-dark long hair flying in the north wind. Detecting the girl in his arms was afraid, he even lowered his head with a comforting smile.

…And many, many more.

“He treats me very well.” After a long while, she finally answered hoarsely.

“If he treats you well, that’s enough.” Old Madam Wan sighed lightly. “Between two people, there will always be one who lowers their posture a bit. You’re a hundred times smarter than Qiqi—conduct yourself well.”

…

Coming out from the Wan residence, Shaoshang walked slowly with lowered head.

Though she understood the reasoning, exactly how should she break the stalemate? Last night Ling Buyi was so cold and angry, leaving harsh words and departing—that heart-startling fear was vivid before her eyes. According to the current situation, she clearly needed to take the first step, apologize first and clarify her attitude, but—she bit her lip—she was unwilling to humble herself and bow low.

Alas, how awkward.

Stepping out the Wan residence gate, the family servant guarding the small carriage outside hurried forward: “Young Lady, you, you look…”

Shaoshang followed his pointing finger and saw a familiar figure standing not far away.

Today he hadn’t brought his usual inseparable guards and carriage entourage, only one person and one horse. Against the deep red high walls of the ducal residence, with verdant branches and leaves探出wall overhead, the tall and slender young man in plain clothes and silver belt held the horse’s reins in one hand, the other behind his back as he stood.

Shaoshang’s heart was confused. She stumbled forward ten-some steps and stopped seven or eight paces from him: “You, how did you come here?”

Ling Buyi looked at the girl, her face obscured in the shade of dense branches and leaves, only a pair of handsome eyes bright as ever: “I went to the Cheng residence to find you. They said you’d come to the Wan family.”

“Your, your guards?” Shaoshang didn’t even know what she was saying.

“Too lazy to bring them. Also wanted to go out more lightly.”

Shaoshang looked at his thin, pale face, her heart unable to distinguish joy from worry, saying softly: “…You didn’t need to come find me. I would have gone to find you.”

“Mm, I guessed as much.” His voice was as always warm and low.

“…I was going to apologize to you.” It’s all my fault for not keeping you in my heart—but she bit her lip, still unable to say it.

But Ling Buyi slowly walked out from under the tree shade, saying as he walked: “I know. However, you don’t need to apologize.”

Shaoshang bit her lip, saying sullenly: “Is there anything you don’t know?”

“Naturally there is.” The slanting sun set in the west, pale golden light spilling on Ling Buyi’s snow-white robe like a layer of gorgeous gold leaf. He stood four or five steps from the girl, slightly turning his head, both eyes gazing toward the wall top.

“I don’t know if you’re coming to make peace with me due to circumstances, or from the bottom of your heart.” He slowly withdrew his gaze, falling on the girl. “But I know that regardless of which situation, I don’t want you to speak humbly and demean yourself, wronging yourself.”

“Therefore, I could only come find you.”

His tone was light. Lowering his eyes, his thick long lashes were dyed reddish-gold by the setting sun.

Shaoshang felt a palpitation, sourness, sweetness mixed with excitement rushing forth, as if the softest place in her heart had been touched—both grateful and fond. Old Madam Wan’s words still echoed in her ears—there will always be one person who must lower their posture.

…She thought it would be herself, but actually it had always been him.

“I want to tell you two things.” She suddenly said.

Ling Buyi raised his brows, waiting quietly.

“First, from now on I will definitely try my best to treat you well, so well you’ll be annoyed!”

Ling Buyi curved his lips, his smiling eyes like a long crescent moon: “I’ll note it down for now. And the other sentence?”

“In the future, when we’re both very, very old, so old our hair has all turned white—when I recall how well you treated me, I definitely won’t forget today!” The girl said solemnly.

Ling Buyi suddenly froze, seeming to have a glimmer of moisture in his handsome eyes.

He strode forward with long legs and embraced the petite girl tightly against his chest. Shaoshang cried out once, then laughed lightly without any reservations, her soft arms wrapping around his slender neck, her toes almost unable to reach the ground, feeling on her body his resilient powerful bones and muscles, as if placed among high mountains and steep ridges.

Ling Buyi rested his head in the girl’s slender neck hollow, his heart inexpressibly happy.