After being busy for an entire summer, during which he hurried home several times but didn’t even manage to exchange greetings with anyone, Old Cheng finally ended his miserable summer training session in the wilderness. He was tanned as if he had taken a bath in squid ink. Shaoshang watched as Madam Xiao applied sunburn ointment to her father’s face and neck, deliberately feigning disgust: “Father, you look at least twenty years older than Mother now. If strangers saw you two, they’d think you were father and daughter!”

“Go, go, go! Your mother isn’t so shallow as to judge by appearance! A great man should first be judged by character, second by ability, and third by affection… Ah, Yi, right…”

Old Cheng looked pleadingly at his wife. Madam Xiao said nothing, but the flowing glance from her eyes contained both reproach and resentment as she glared at her husband. Old Cheng’s bones immediately went half soft.

“Then why did Father say last time that when choosing a husband for me, he only looks at the face? How come when it comes to me, Father doesn’t weigh character and responsibility?!” Shaoshang suddenly realized this issue.

“First, Ling Buyi wasn’t chosen by me—I don’t have that much influence. Second, your mother chose me, which shows she’s not shallow. But Ling Buyi chose you, which shows he’s very shallow. What does that have to do with me?” When it came to verbal sparring, Cheng Shi had been the village champion in his youth, invincible in all directions.

Shaoshang pondered the deeper meaning of his words for a moment—wasn’t he implying she had nothing to offer but her face?! Her eyes reddened with anger, and she left in a huff.

Old Cheng pointed his index finger at his daughter’s retreating back, then turned to his wife: “This silly girl has no sense at all. We’re a married couple who’ve been separated for so long with endless things to talk about. The boys all know to give us space, but she just stands there like a post!”

Madam Xiao said with a smile, “Niaoniao misses you. Zicheng gave her two fine horses, truly magnificent steeds that can travel a thousand li a day. She won’t let any of her brothers touch them—she saved them all for you. Alas, Song is so envious he can barely stand it.”

Cheng Shi proudly stroked his short beard, his eyes full of affection: “Niaoniao may be mischievous with her words, but she has a good heart. She knows filial piety and fraternal love, and is considerate of her old father… This time I brought her a whole chest of good things to add to her dowry. Er, I’ll also give some to Yangyang. Oh right, there are also two small jars of sheep’s milk cream from the Western Regions. Originally General Han only allotted me one jar, but I traded thirty bolts of ramie silk for another jar for the silly girl. The autumn air is dry—when you two apply it to your faces and hands, it’ll be better than the fragrances in the capital.”

Madam Xiao smiled without speaking, thinking to herself that her husband’s resentment toward the Ge clan would probably never fade in his lifetime. However, they couldn’t favor one sister over the other—that was a great taboo for a thriving family. She’d have to allocate some from her own portion to Yangyang later.

“My lord! My lord, disaster!” Lady Qing Cong rushed in from outside, panting, “Niaoniao is going to give those two horses to the eldest and second young masters, saying she won’t give them to you anymore!”

Cheng Shi slammed the table in fury: “That unfilial daughter! Yi, both jars of sheep’s milk cream are yours—use one and throw one away to show how wealthy we are!”

Madam Xiao leaned over the table, her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

…

Since Cheng Shi had returned, the long-overdue betrothal feast had to be made up. Madam Xiao understood the stakes involved and didn’t dare leave it to Cheng Yang, personally procuring the wine, dishes, fruits, vegetables, and borrowing chefs from the Wan family. She arranged everything lavishly. As expected, the Emperor seemed to have stationed a patrol dog at the Cheng family gate. Upon learning that the Cheng family hadn’t slighted his foster son, he bestowed another thirty jars of imperial Golden Fragrance Wine.

Being tanned like an African cannibal chieftain wasn’t without its benefits (why a cannibal? Because when Old Cheng smiled, his two rows of snow-white teeth looked rather unsettling). Facing his old superiors, old subordinates, and old friends, even if Old Cheng blushed with embarrassment, it wouldn’t show. He successfully and boldly led the new son-in-law around to meet all the relatives and friends.

Unfortunately, given Ling Buyi’s status and authority, combined with his inherent Arctic-level cold front, aside from General Han who could accept his toast, the rest of the guests all sat uneasily, either hastily rising to express thanks or bowing in courtesy. Old Cheng could only shake his head and smile bitterly in private.

What was rather novel was that the Lou family also sent someone to the feast.

Shaoshang had been in the palace all along and didn’t know clearly, but the Lou and Cheng families, to show they hadn’t developed any hidden grudges due to the broken engagement and to maintain their friendship, had actually spent the past several months with Madam Xiao bringing Cheng Yang to attend Lou family banquets, and had even garnered several marriage prospects.

This time came the Lou family’s second young master who had just returned from traveling abroad—Lou Yao’s only blood brother. The Lou family’s second young master was socially adept and made friends on all sides, and even brought along a precious companion as a bonus—his classmate and good friend, Yuan Shen.

Ling Buyi’s gaze was cold and clear. He stood with one hand behind his back, quietly observing.

Yuan Shen slowly paced over to the corridor, his gaze neither avoiding nor yielding.

The two locked eyes for a while. Finally, Yuan Shen was the first to speak: “…My eyes were dim. Back at the Imperial Villa, I should have seen that you had feelings for Young Lady Cheng.”  He had felt something unusual about how Ling Buyi treated the girl then—he only regretted not thinking more deeply about it!

“Everyone says that Young Master Shangjian has deeply received Master Huangfu’s teachings and personal instruction, but don’t go learning even his notions about romantic destiny. Instead of properly marrying and having children, you idly think of nothing but coveting other men’s wives.” Though Ling Buyi was taciturn, when he opened his mouth, his words were extremely poisonous.

Yuan Shen’s face stiffened, but he quickly recovered his usual elegant bearing: “Romantic destiny is determined by Heaven—I dare not speak rashly about it. However, in the future I shall certainly go outside your residence to sing songs. All the songs of Wei and Zheng—I shall sing them all.” He absolutely would not be like his teacher, singing only once before retreating in dejection!

The songs of Wei and Zheng mostly concerned matters between men and women. Yuan Shen’s words meant: I’m unhappy, so I absolutely won’t let you be happy either.

Ling Buyi conveyed with his eyes: You’re being a scoundrel.

Yuan Shen returned the look: As if you didn’t rely on being a scoundrel to win your bride.

Ling Buyi: She and I are truly destined by Heaven.

Yuan Shen: Destined by Heaven? You mean decreed by the Son of Heaven. Don’t think I’ve read myself stupid.

“…Is Young Master Shangjian still going on matchmaking meetings?” Ling Buyi asked suddenly.

Yuan Shen froze for a moment, understanding his meaning, and said dejectedly: “I must eventually marry.” He would treat his wife with mutual respect and consideration—wasn’t that how ordinary married couples in the world lived? He didn’t know where he would ever find another Cheng Shaoshang who was both delightful and full of witty words.

Ling Buyi smiled. In that instant, it was like silver light filtering through snow-laden trees, making one dare not look directly at him: “That’s good then. This humble one first congratulates Young Master Shangjian on finding a good match. When you come to sing, I shall certainly bring my wife to the wall to listen respectfully.” Dare to come? Just see if that little fox doesn’t throw things down from the wall—Yuan Shangjian still thinks she’s as good-tempered as Madam Sang.

On the journey back to the residence, Ling Buyi leaned against the carriage beam, his young, pale face slightly flushed, letting the wind dispel his slight intoxication. Before long, the carriage entered the alley entrance. The two rows of guards beside the carriage halted. Everyone saw a middle-aged man dressed as a scholar with a long beard standing at the entrance to the Ling residence. The Liang Qiu brothers both quickly dismounted and helped the slightly drunk Ling Buyi down from the carriage.

Ling Buyi leaned on Liang Qiu Qi’s arm, walking inside while smiling: “How come Master Ouyang is standing at the gate?”

Ouyang Guan walked alongside with a smile: “Young master is so heartless. You went to attend your betrothal feast, leaving this old one at the residence to deal with the Wang family’s entanglements. I’ve been coveting that Golden Fragrance Wine for many days.”

Liang Qiu Fei said in surprise: “The Wang family came again? How many days has this been now?”

Ouyang Guan said: “If not for this old one’s silver tongue today, the Wang family father and son would have charged over to the Cheng family betrothal feast.”

Liang Qiu Fei curled his lip, quite contemptuous.

The courtyard was cold and quiet, with no one around. Ling Buyi walked while thinking. After a moment, he stopped: “Master Ouyang, draft the transfer order immediately, just as we discussed before. Have Zhang Shan lead the Left Cavalry Fourth Squad to assist Wang Long. He need not follow everything Wang says—act according to circumstances. Also have Li Si select two groups of archers, two squads of crossbow guards, and another five hundred elite soldiers to report to the Chariot and Cavalry General’s command. Be respectful.”

Ouyang Guan cupped his hands and left to carry out the orders.

Liang Qiu Fei exclaimed in surprise: “Your subordinate thought the young master would not agree.”

“Ah Fei.” Liang Qiu Qi reprimanded in a low voice. Though his younger brother looked tall and robust with excellent archery and horsemanship skills, he was actually only a few months older than their future young mistress, and had grown up pampered by everyone in the residence. Deep down, he was truly innocent.

“Leaving them hanging for seven or eight days is enough.” Ling Buyi pressed his temple with one hand, not without fatigue.

Liang Qiu Fei dared not comment further, only muttering in dissatisfaction: “That Wang Chun raised a bunch of wine sacks and rice bags. The soldiers he trained aren’t even as good as county office runners—truly disgraceful! When suppressing some mountain bandits, he almost had his camp overturned. He still needed the young master to cover for him, falsely claiming it was some feint strategy, so he wouldn’t lose face before the other generals. Good thing we didn’t marry his daughter, or else that Wang fellow would put on even more airs as father-in-law and brother-in-law…”

Ling Buyi gave him a mild glance, and Liang Qiu Fei immediately shut his mouth.

Liang Qiu Qi sighed inwardly, stepped forward to change the subject, and said softly: “Young master, you drank quite a bit today. Why not rest at the Cheng residence for a while? Your subordinate noticed that Young Lady Cheng didn’t appear today—perhaps she’s waiting for you in the back courtyard.”

Waiting for him? Ling Buyi removed his sword, took off his shoes, and stepped into the room, silently scoffing. That little fox would have to be reborn ten times before she’d do such a thing. “She said tomorrow is a big event and she needs to rest well for a day, telling me not to bother her.”

Liang Qiu Fei sighed: “Young Lady Cheng is too… why can’t she devote herself wholeheartedly to you, young master…”

Ling Buyi closed his eyes for a long while before murmuring to himself: “…She can take care of herself. That’s very good.”

Liang Qiu Qi summoned servant boys and maids to attend to him, then grabbed his younger brother by the collar and walked outside, saying in a low voice: “What do you know? Back then, Madam Huo devoted her whole heart to the Ling family, pouring out her heart and soul for them. What was the result? Besides, the young master occupies a high position at court. If his wife doesn’t know how to manage things herself, must the young master personally handle everything?”

Liang Qiu Fei suddenly understood: “So that’s how it is… Brother, how do you know so much?”

Liang Qiu Qi released his brother’s collar and said formally: “Your brother has four female confidantes. Naturally I know more about these matters than you.”

Liang Qiu Fei immediately looked respectful, gazing up in admiration.

Sitting on the couch, Ling Buyi faintly heard the conversation between the two brothers outside. For a moment, his thoughts seemed to wander. He quietly gazed at a small kumquat plant on the window lattice, its tender green leaves setting off the small, exquisite, glossy fruits, colored like red gold.

Early the next morning, Ling Buyi selected a light and elegant covered carriage to go out. He personally went to the Cheng residence to pick up his fiancée, and after leaving the city, traveled east all the way. At this time, the autumn weather was crisp and clear, and the rural scenery along the way was beautiful beyond compare. Shaoshang was originally in quite a good mood, but regrettably, the handsome man beside her didn’t know what he was thinking about—he was silent and taciturn. So Shaoshang began chatting idly with Liang Qiu Fei, who was riding beside the carriage.

“…Young Lady Cheng, you don’t know this, but the Chariot and Cavalry General’s method of commanding his subordinates is famous for buying people’s hearts with wine, women, wealth, and silk. Even if they were fierce generals when first recruited, within a few years they’re softened by wine and women. Aiya, my two brothers Zhang and Li are truly going to suffer.” Liang Qiu Fei was clearly still brooding over the transfer matter.

“Eh, Guard Fei, your words are mistaken. Who doesn’t love wine, women, wealth, and silk? I also…” Seeing Ling Buyi’s gaze sweep over, Shaoshang quickly changed her words. “My Uncle Wan from the Wan family loves them very much, and it hasn’t delayed his military campaigns. General Wang must have other problems.”

“Naturally there are others!” Liang Qiu Fei had a bellyful of complaints to vent. Just as he was about to continue, he saw his brother’s disapproving glance and could only turn instead to say, “In short, in recent years the Wang family has caused our young master quite a bit of trouble.”

Liang Qiu Qi quickly rode over: “The Chariot and Cavalry General is, after all, an elder of the Crown Prince. For the sake of the Eastern Palace, we cannot let the Wang family lose too much face.”

“That’s easy—just have General Wang retire early,” Shaoshang said. “He can enjoy his wealth and comfort afterward.”

“Retire? Ha, the Wang family is so reluctant to let go of power…” Liang Qiu Fei saw his brother’s eyes widen even more. “In short, they’re unwilling to retire.”

Shaoshang smiled: “If he’s unwilling to retire himself, you can help him retire.”

“I wonder what clever plan my wife has.” Ling Buyi finally couldn’t help but speak.

The Liang Qiu brothers exchanged smiles, thinking that the master and his future wife wanted to talk, and quickly spurred their horses to move away.

Shaoshang turned around, smiling sweetly: “I heard that Lady Wenxiu used to watch him strictly, but now the Chariot and Cavalry General gradually doesn’t listen to her. Didn’t you send him two beautiful concubines last time? I think the number is too few—their strength is insufficient. You should find some more young and vigorous beauties to send over. You might secretly promise them that whoever can entangle General Wang so he’s constantly engaged in the bedchamber will be heavily rewarded when they leave the Wang family. With wealth, whether they marry or establish themselves as independent women in the future, they’ll be quite well off. In short, everyone should work together with one heart to keep General Wang on the bed day and night.”

Ling Buyi seemed to have grown even paler, veins protruding on his neck, as if the words were forced through clenched teeth: “…Can such words really come from an unmarried young lady like you? Why don’t you just have me send someone to give Wang Chun some laxatives!”

He really should have Yuan come listen to this, to see if Young Master Shangjian could handle it. Ling Buyi had another sudden thought—if Lou Yao heard these remarks, would he still approve and applaud without hesitation? He truly couldn’t do that.

Shaoshang smiled: “Why can’t I say it? This is a proper and clever plan. If the beauties are placed there and he doesn’t become infatuated, then he’ll be perfectly safe. Giving laxatives would still invite criticism. Alas, I don’t know what General Wang’s tastes are. If he preferred older women, that would be better—what they say about women being like wolves at thirty and tigers at forty. When they shake the earth like wolves and tigers, I guarantee he’ll claim illness and retire before New Year’s.”

“Where did you hear all this nonsense?!”

“What do you think rural women chat about when they have nothing to do under the sun?”

“And you listened to all of it?” In truth, there were plenty of bawdy jokes in the military camp, but Ling Buyi, with his cold and aloof manner, had always avoided listening. Now it was wonderful—the lessons he’d skipped had all been filled in by his fiancée.

“Seeking knowledge tirelessly, learning without slacking.” Shaoshang touched her hair temples, completely unconcerned. “Confucius said, ‘Between man and woman dwelling together is the great human relationship.'”

“That was said by Mencius.”

“Aiya, it’s about the same. Why are you like His Majesty, picking out every single word? One should be magnan~imous! Didn’t Confucius say, ‘There is nothing greater for a gentleman than being good with others.’ Haven’t you heard that?”

“…That was also said by Mencius.”

Shaoshang frowned: “How come everything was said by Mencius? What was this Confucius doing?”

Ling Buyi suppressed the corners of his mouth that wanted to rise: “He was busy saying, ‘Only women and petty men are difficult to nurture!'”

Shaoshang was displeased: “If I’m so bad, why do you still want to marry me? Hurry and break off the engagement!”

“Absolutely not!” Ling Buyi was very proper. “A wicked demon like you who speaks without restraint—if I don’t take you in, I fear you’ll bring disaster to the common people.”

“You…” Shaoshang was rarely at a loss for words. She clicked her tongue and angrily slapped his arm forcefully.

Ling Buyi finally couldn’t help but laugh heartily, his clear and relaxed laughter carrying directly to the guard troops on both sides. The Liang Qiu brothers exchanged glances, both filled with joy. Liang Qiu Qi thought further that it was still Young Lady Cheng who had the ability—their young master’s gloomy displeasure from this morning had finally dispersed.

“If you have something to say, say it to me. Don’t keep chatting with the guards in broad daylight.” Ling Buyi looked at Liang Qiu Fei riding ahead, young and spirited, talkative and lively. If he, Liang Qiu Fei, and Shaoshang walked together on the road, nine out of ten people would think they were the couple.

“Fine, then I’ll talk to them ‘at night.'” Shaoshang said smoothly.

Ling Buyi pressed his lips together slightly, then immediately leaned close as if to bite her. Shaoshang giggled and blocked his mouth with her palm. Ling Buyi found her mischievous appearance very adorable, so he kissed her tender palm, then quickly pecked her pink, powdery little cheek.

Shaoshang immediately blushed. The young man’s handsome, high-bridged nose almost touched her face, his breath heavy and burning. She was all talk—immediately she bounced away like a cooked shrimp and shrank into a corner, stammering: “…This is broad daylight.”

The guards on both sides focused very intently on looking straight ahead, not one person looking into the transparent covered carriage.

“You—from the moment you left this morning, you’ve had the face of a creditor unable to collect a debt, gloomy and unhappy. How would I dare speak to you?” Shaoshang quickly changed the subject.

Ling Buyi’s face still showed lingering emotion, but at this time and place, he truly couldn’t do anything. He could only put away his white teeth, glare at her, then pinch one of her small hands and knead it in his large palm. After a moment, he said: “If you can still be this happy on the return journey after meeting my mother, then I’ll be impressed.”

Shaoshang didn’t take it seriously at all. Evil mothers-in-law—she’d seen countless of them in town. Fighting, scolding, even threatening with kitchen knives—so what? She wasn’t a pushover either. Thinking of this, she ingratiatingly moved closer to her fiancé and suggested: “What’s the point of being impressed or not? If I’m completely normal on the return journey, you could ask the Empress for one more day’s leave for me.”

“More leave? You want to sleep another day?” Ling Buyi snorted. “Besides, this wager isn’t right. If you win, I have to ask for leave for you. But if you lose, what will you give me?”

Shaoshang looked at his deep, eager eyes, his fair and slender neck where his Adam’s apple moved slightly as he spoke. She couldn’t help but feel her mouth go dry and didn’t dare look at him anymore—flirting was fine, but not settling the debt physically.

Just then, her gaze swept to the not-far-ahead front, and as if seeing reinforcements, she pointed and shouted: “Look, who’s that?”

Everyone looked and saw a man with graying hair and beard, a ruddy complexion, dressed as a wealthy country gentleman—it was Prince Ruyang.

The old prince was only accompanied by a few guards and attendants. At this moment, he was enthusiastically following behind a wedding procession with drums and music, chatting and laughing with the village elders while constantly peeking at the bride sitting in the ox cart—looking thoroughly like a disreputable old lecher.

Ling Buyi closed his eyes with a sigh, having no choice but to let the girl off for now, and ordered people to bring the carriage over.

“Your Highness, you’ve run away from the Three Talents Temple again.” Ling Buyi descended from the carriage himself, then helped Shaoshang down slowly.

“What do you mean ‘run away’? I’m not a prisoner!” Prince Ruyang seemed somewhat embarrassed. Looking around and discovering only this pair of betrothed couple, he relaxed and said, “There’s a wedding in the village today, so I came to join the festivities. Speaking of which, I had a hand in bringing this match together.”

After Shaoshang steadied herself, she bowed in greeting and smiled: “Old immortal, you love excitement so much—why would you leave the secular world to cultivate? The mundane world is so fun. Can you really bear to leave it?”

“Alas, it’s a long story, a long story.” The old prince stroked his beard and shook his head, then looked the girl up and down, saying with a smile, “Mm, Young Lady Cheng looks even better.”

Ling Buyi watched, then suddenly said: “My wife doesn’t know—the old prince doesn’t just love excitement, he loves weddings. Since long ago, he’s loved watching people get married, arranging people’s marriages, and then…”

“Then taking their place in the marriage.” Shaoshang mischievously completed the sentence. Ling Buyi couldn’t help but smile, then burst out laughing.

The old prince was frightened pale, waving his hands repeatedly: “We mustn’t say this, we mustn’t say this! You two improper youngsters, truly a wolf paired with a leopard—neither of you are good people! I was the one who went to the Cheng family to propose the marriage initially, and you two cross the river and tear down the bridge!” He angrily flicked his sleeves as if to leave. Shaoshang quickly went forward to hold him back, repeatedly saying it was their fault. Only then did he stop with a huff.

“Judging by the direction you’re traveling, you’re going to visit Junhua.” The old prince suddenly became melancholy. “Alas, such a strong-willed and capable young lady back then, but now she’s like this. If Huo Chong were still alive, who knows how heartbroken he’d be. She also has ill fate—her parents died early, and her brother died before her. Alas…”

Ling Buyi stopped smiling. Shaoshang didn’t know what to say either and could only lower her head and listen.

“Your visit today is perfect timing. Just now I saw Cui You also pass by this road, bringing a cartload of nourishing fabrics and brocades. He truly is considerate, visiting every few days. Alas, if only Junhua had married him back then. Ah Yuan has loved her since childhood—after she entered the household, wouldn’t he have worshipped her like an ancestor? Alas, it’s all fate, all fate…” The old prince shook his head, unable to continue.

After parting with Prince Ruyang and resuming the journey, Ling Buyi sat silently in the carriage. This time Shaoshang didn’t dare tease him anymore. She carefully reached out to touch his hand, but he grasped it back and held it tightly in his palm.

Seeing the veins slightly protruding on the back of his pale hand, Shaoshang felt a bit of pain but endured it without speaking.

Huo Junhua’s villa was situated in a forest of fluttering apricot blossoms. This place had mountains at its back and water nearby—a stream in front and a valley behind, with a village below that was part of the fief belonging to Ling Buyi. At this moment, an extremely large carriage was stopped at the villa entrance. Seven or eight male and female servants were busy unloading items from the carriage, then carrying them successively into the inner courtyard.

Seeing Ling Buyi helping Shaoshang down from the carriage, they all bowed in greeting, respectfully saying: “Young master has arrived.”

After Ling Buyi nodded, he pulled Shaoshang toward the inner courtyard. After walking only a few dozen steps, an old woman with a scarred face came forward and bowed in greeting.

“Granny, where is Marquis Cui?” Ling Buyi asked.

“Reporting to young master, Marquis Cui is already in the inner hall, speaking with the lady.” The granny raised her fearsome, scar-covered face. Shaoshang managed not to be frightened.

The granny looked at Shaoshang again and said warmly: “This must be Young Lady Cheng. How beautiful.” Seeing that Shaoshang’s deportment was proper when she greeted her, her smile grew even broader. “Today the lady is in very good spirits. This morning she even called out about going to the forest to pick apricots.”

Ling Buyi smiled slightly, lowered his head to the girl and said: “Granny is my mother’s foster mother. She has no surname. She was picked up by my external grandmother to be a maid when she was young. In a moment when we go in, say whatever I say. Don’t speak out of turn.”

Shaoshang quickly nodded.

After the three removed their shoes and stepped into the inner hall, a very strange woman’s voice came from inside.

“…I’ve told you so many times, don’t come anymore. I won’t marry you! If you come again, I’ll have my brother take a stick and beat you out!”

—Judging by the voice, it should be a middle-aged woman, but her tone and phrasing were like a young girl’s.

Then came a middle-aged man’s ingratiating, apologetic voice: “Don’t, don’t—don’t call your brother! Cough, cough, cough. I’m not here to pester you. I just came to see you. This time I obtained two bolts of fresh, colorful brocade—perfect for making you clothes!”

Ling Buyi’s steps hesitated slightly. His grip on Shaoshang’s palm tightened again. Then he pulled her along and strode firmly inside. Shaoshang stumbled after him, then was pulled down to bow together.

“Lady, this humble one greets you.” Ling Buyi respectfully touched his forehead to the ground.

Shaoshang followed suit: “Lady, this humble woman greets you.”—Eh? Lady? Why not call her mother?

Peeking through the crook of her raised arm, she saw sitting in the center of the inner hall a middle-aged woman whose features closely resembled Ling Buyi’s. If one didn’t count her face full of impatience, her beauty was not inferior to the Empress or Consort Yue.

Sitting opposite her was a thin, small middle-aged man with a rather wretched appearance—sharp mouth and monkey cheeks with long, thin limbs. He truly lived up to the childhood name “Ah Yuan.”

Huo Junhua sat in the center with great airs, looking over contemptuously and saying in a delicate voice: “Ah Yuan, look, Granny mentioned them earlier. This is a nephew from my maternal uncle’s family. Their area suffered disaster and they couldn’t get by, so they came to seek refuge with my brother.”

Cui You seemed not to be encountering this situation for the first time and could only smile bitterly while nodding.

Ling Buyi carefully studied his birth mother, then said gently: “The lady looks to be in excellent spirits today. The cold snap from a few days ago—you should continue eating that mutton soup.”

Huo Junhua’s willow-leaf eyebrows shot up as she slapped the table: “Mind your own business! A bunch of freeloaders—it’s not your place to point fingers at me! Hmph, today you even brought your new wife to freeload together. I’m telling you, know your limits and don’t be insatiably greedy. My brother has a good temper, but I won’t indulge you people who come to mooch food and drink.”

—This truly was unprecedented news. Since Shaoshang had known Ling Buyi, let alone being given a hard time, very few people even dared to give him a look. Yet today he received such an unprovoked harsh scolding.

However, he seemed already accustomed to it—his expression didn’t change one bit.

“Alright, alright, your nephew is just concerned about you.” Cui You quickly tried to smooth things over.

Huo Junhua turned her guns around and scolded loudly: “What business is it of yours to meddle! What do you mean calling my nephew your nephew? Are you trying to take advantage of me?”

The granny sitting beside her coaxed: “No, no, how could that be? Master Cui and the family head are sworn brothers. Your brothers’ nephew, he naturally also calls nephew.”

Only then did Huo Junhua reluctantly contain her temper, humming twice and ceasing her scolding.

Cui You seized this opportunity and quickly had servants carry in two bolts of brilliantly colored brocade, personally unfolding them for his goddess to see.

Huo Junhua swept them with critical eyes, humming and hemming: “Not too ugly. Fine, Granny, put them away. I’m giving Ah Yuan some face here—don’t think I lack for such things. My brother has everything… Ah Yuan, what style of clothes do you think I should make this time?” She took the brocade from Granny’s hands and held it up to herself, smiling like a teenage girl.

Cui You was beside himself with joy, chuckling: “You’ve been beautiful since childhood—you look first-rate in anything!”

Huo Junhua was thoroughly pleased by the flattery and laughed delicately with pride: “Of course! That goes without saying! In the entire county and countryside, if I claim second place, who dares claim first!”

After her pride, her expression suddenly turned sorrowful again: “But if I’m so beautiful, why doesn’t Brother Awen like me? He and my brother are so close, yet he treats me coldly. When I was little, he even held me up to climb trees, but later he refused to pay any attention to me. Why is this…”

“Your Maj—Maj—” Cui You’s face flushed red, but he didn’t dare call out the full title. He stole a glance at Ling Buyi and said in a low voice, “You and he differ greatly in age. He treats you as a younger sister.”

No explanation was needed—Shaoshang, listening to this point, already had complete clarity in her heart. She couldn’t help but look at Ling Buyi in trepidation.

The young man beside her kept his eyes cast down at the ground before him, motionless.

“I know!”

Huo Junhua suddenly cried out viciously, her face twisted with anger, her hands neurotically tearing at the brocade: “It’s that little slut Yue Heng, always powdering and painting to seduce people! Fighting with me over everything, constantly competing for the spotlight, and making Brother Awen detest and avoid me! I absolutely won’t let her go—just wait and see how I deal with her! I’ll make that little slut lose all face and reputation…” By the end of the cursing, the middle-aged woman actually carried a childish crying tone.

The current Consort Yue was no longer the daughter of a wealthy family from the neighboring county. Although all servants had been dismissed from the inner hall, she still couldn’t be insulted like this. Cui You turned anxious circles, hurriedly saying: “Eh, eh, it’s not like there’s only His Maj—His Maj—only that one man under heaven. You can marry someone else!”  As soon as these words left his mouth, he knew something was wrong and looked nervously at the middle-aged woman.

Sure enough, Huo Junhua’s expression became dazed as she said softly in a low voice: “…There was one whose appearance could barely be acceptable. His family name was Ling. They had moved from another region to avoid disaster. Unfortunately, they were poor—a family of old and young, lacking food and medicine…”

Her face showed girlish shyness, her fingers coyly pinching the brocade. Then she raised her head haughtily again: “But it doesn’t matter. My brother has people and money. I’ll just have my brother help support him. As long as I’m here, the Ling clan will gradually prosper!”

They did prosper, but after that, it had nothing to do with you—Shaoshang silently grumbled.

“But my brother doesn’t like him. He says we should wait and see. Why! Why!” Huo Junhua suddenly became agitated, rising frantically: “I’m going to find my brother and demand an explanation—why won’t he let me marry the man I like! I must marry him, I must marry him! Brother, brother, where are you…” Cui You and the granny both panicked and rushed to restrain her.

Huo Junhua struggled forcefully, shouting loudly: “Brother, brother, come out! Someone is holding me and won’t let me find you! Brother, brother…” She suddenly paused, her face showing a terrified expression as if seeing demons, screaming from the depths of her heart:

“No—! Brother is already dead! He’s dead!”

Though Shaoshang was usually bold, she was startled by this eerie, terrifying scream and shrank closer to Ling Buyi.

Huo Junhua’s face was covered with tears, screaming in a daze: “Brother is dead, all dead… I saw his head impaled on a flagpole, and Sister-in-law, and nieces and nephews all dead too, corpses lying there. Little Ah Xu was about to be married… Heavens, heavens… I must go find them, I must go find them…”

The granny held her tightly. Cui You knelt at her side, weeping silently.

Huo Junhua suddenly saw Ling Buyi kneeling to one side and murmured: “You are, you are Ling Yi…”

She seemed to see in his face her ex-husband’s handsome youthful appearance. Instantly her eyes filled with vicious hatred. She gnashed her teeth and rushed over: “You betrayed me! Why didn’t you die! My brother died—why didn’t you die! Die, die…”

Her sharp fingernails aimed to scratch Ling Buyi’s face. Ling Buyi rose, lightly extended his right arm, and delivered a chop to the back of his birth mother’s neck. Then Huo Junhua went limp and collapsed.

Ling Buyi lifted his birth mother horizontally in his arms. The granny wiped her tears and led the way. Shaoshang and the dazed Cui You followed behind. After settling Huo Junhua on the bed in the inner chamber, Ling Buyi sat at the bedside watching quietly for a while, then instructed the granny to take good care of her.

Marquis Cui was still sobbing intermittently, patting Ling Buyi’s arm: “You go back first. Last time was the same—when she sees you, she always thinks of your father. It’s better if you mother and son meet less often. Come drink at my residence when you have time, and bring your new wife. I’ve saved things for your wedding.” Having said this, he took several steps to collapse at Huo Junhua’s bedside, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on the person in the bed.

Ling Buyi watched the two people at and beside the bed for quite a while, then pulled Shaoshang quietly out.

After they used the midday meal in the villa’s front hall, the people and horses all rested briefly. The entire group hurriedly set out on the road again. On the return journey, the two sat quietly without speaking.

Shaoshang herself was quite troubled. After a long while, she said quietly: “Count it as my loss. Don’t ask the Empress for leave for me.”

It was truly too tragic. Though the mother-in-law problem was nonexistent—because she simply remained in the memories of the carefree young Miss Huo and wouldn’t recognize herself as a daughter-in-law at all—it was truly too tragic that mother and son couldn’t even see each other often!

Ling Buyi touched her slightly cool cheek, pulled the large cloak from the seat and draped it over the girl, then embraced her against his chest.

“Then… what about Marquis Cui’s wife?” Shaoshang suddenly thought of something. Though Huo Junhua was pitiable in her madness, with her own husband showing such an infatuated face, what wife could tolerate it? Don’t tell her they’ll end up attacking the mistress at the apricot blossom villa and making the capital’s headlines.

Ling Buyi knew what was in her heart and smiled slightly: “After many years of marriage, Marquis Cui was finally forced by his old mother to take a wife. He had two sons. Madam Cui died in childbirth with the second son. Originally Old Madam Cui wanted her son to remarry, but not long after, my mother divorced Father. Marquis Cui has stubbornly refused to remarry and has remained a widower to this day.”

Shaoshang let out a long sigh: “Indeed, judging by appearance is improper. Though Marquis Cui’s looks are plain, his feelings are utterly sincere and his heart utterly true. Such wholehearted devotion… is worth ten thousand pieces of gold.”

Ling Buyi gave a low sound of agreement.

Shaoshang’s thoughts stirred, realizing that the one who was “insincere in feeling and untrue in heart” was precisely Ling Buyi’s birth father. It wasn’t appropriate to continue, so she could only console him: “Don’t worry. Madam Huo doesn’t recognize me or my whole family. When the time comes, I’ll pretend to be a poor relative coming to freeload and often come visit your mother… er, your mother won’t beat poor relatives, will she?”

Ling Buyi laughed despite himself, touching her soft hair: “With only one day of rest every ten days, you already complain there’s not enough sleep. How would you have time to visit Mother? Wait until after the wedding. By then His Majesty surely won’t keep dragging you to Changqiu Palace to study. Our days… stretch far ahead…”

His voice gradually grew distant, his gaze projecting into the distance. He could see ahead where village cooking smoke rose in wisps, the pale smoke covering these dark green mountains like something in a dream.

Shaoshang was long accustomed to afternoon naps. At this time, tired and sleepy, she leaned in Ling Buyi’s embrace to doze, her ear against his steady, powerful heartbeat—gentle yet safe, like the sound of her grandmother lightly patting her swaddling clothes to lull her to sleep in early childhood.

Before long, she fell asleep.