Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships have always been complex, let alone with someone like Chunyu Shi as a stepmother-in-law. Shaoshang had originally been worried about how to get along in the future, but after meeting Huo Junhua yesterday, she completely changed her mind. Not only did she not want to serve Chunyu Shi, she wanted to completely rid herself of her—
Step One: First provoke Chunyu Shi, the cruder the better, then Chunyu Shi will complain to Marquis Ling and even spread it outside.
Step Two: Given the executor’s pitiful white lotus appearance, cry everywhere that Chunyu Shi is making things difficult for her and fabricating lies.
Step Three: Necessary fanning of flames, can make up some segments about the stepmother having ulterior motives toward the legitimate eldest son, for the masses to develop their imagination.
Result One: The lower limit is that Ling Buyi, though knowing full well, will happily support the executor; the upper limit is the Emperor becoming furiously angry, with new and old grievances erupting together.
Result Two: Smoothly terminate the upcoming ‘mother-in-law and daughter-in-law coexistence,’ everyone minds their own business from now on.
——
Chief Planner: Cheng Shaoshang.
Main Executor: Cheng Shaoshang.
Assistant Executors: Director Xiao, Ling Buyi.
Backing Support: Ling Buyi & Emperor & Empress…
Spectators and various extras: Old Cheng and the relatives and friends group, can arrange roles according to their own skill levels as appropriate.
The above.
However, scheming isn’t calculation—it can’t fit into formulas perfectly everywhere. Before Shaoshang could figure out how to complete this scheme, she first encountered the Emperor who had just finished his morning meal in Changqiu Palace.
At this time, the Empress was arranging the Emperor’s robes and jade belt. Seeing the little girl with her head lowered, honest as a quail, the Emperor immediately frowned: “How come I haven’t seen you for several days? Didn’t the Empress say one day of rest every ten days? How many days have you been resting now? Hmm, I remember your rest day was, was three days ago.”
Shaoshang sighed inwardly. This Emperor didn’t know what was wrong with him—he’d become addicted to lecturing her. If it was on the way, he’d naturally lecture her once a day; if not on the way, he’d make a detour to lecture her every other day. Did she really look that unreliable?
“Reporting to Your Majesty, Your Majesty is absolutely correct. The day before the day before yesterday, this subject was resting at home.”
“What about after that?” Hearing the four characters ‘the day before the day before yesterday,’ the Emperor struggled not to let his mouth curve up.
Shaoshang said: “The day before yesterday, wasn’t my family holding a betrothal feast for Master Ling? My father invited quite a few relatives and close friends.” You smelly old man, you yourself bestowed so much wine just a few days ago—have you forgotten?!
“Why wasn’t the betrothal feast on the same day as your rest day?” The Emperor affected an air, deliberately stern-browed and harsh-eyed, drawing the Empress to tighten his waist sash forcefully.
“Because, because… the betrothal feast needed prep-prep-preparation…” Of course it was to rest an extra day. Everyone’s in the know—does Your Majesty the Emperor really need to be so particular?
“Was the betrothal feast organized by you?” The Emperor continued making things difficult.
“No no, that what… this subject helped a bit, the important thing was to watch more, learn more, gain some experience…”
The Emperor drooped his brows and pulled his face, perfectly serious: “Last time when the Cheng and Lou families had their betrothal, didn’t you watch and learn then? How come this time you still can’t organize it yourself?”
The Empress forcefully pulled the jade belt, nearly forcing out the Emperor’s breakfast.
Shaoshang’s face turned green: “Er, this subject this subject… that, learning has no end. The more one learns, the more one realizes how ignorant one truly is, so one must watch and learn several more times, hehe…”
The Emperor had been orphaned since childhood but was naturally cheerful and bright. Unfortunately, after raising his rebellion, the road was full of险obstacles and mountains of corpses and seas of blood. After ascending the throne, he had to set an example for all under heaven. Only before a few old brothers could he still joke around a bit—thinking about it, it had been many years since he’d been so mischievous.
He had wanted to say ‘if you have several more betrothals wouldn’t your knowledge be even more profound,’ but seeing the Empress’s disapproving gaze, he could only change his words: “Fine, then after the betrothal feast, why didn’t you come to the palace?”
Shaoshang breathed a sigh of relief and quickly answered: “The day before yesterday, Master Ling led this subject to visit Madam Huo.”
The smile in the Emperor’s eyes paused. The Empress’s hand movements also stopped. After a moment, the Emperor and Empress both returned to normal.
The Emperor said: “How is Madam Huo recently?”
Shaoshang said: “Madam is somewhat thin, but her complexion looks fairly good. Oh, Marquis Cui was also there.”
The Emperor didn’t speak, his expression somewhat melancholy.
Seeing this, Shaoshang quickly extinguished the last bomb: “Alas, coming out from the Apricot Blossom Villa, this subject was also quite melancholy. Thinking of human joys and sorrows, helplessness, this subject couldn’t let it go for a long time. So Master Ling asked for another day’s leave from Her Majesty for this subject, to let this subject… eh, that, calm my emotions, calm, calm…”
The Emperor smiled again: “What emotions are you calming? A small child—what do you know about human joys and sorrows and helplessness? Putting on airs, just lazy and slacking off—who doesn’t know it!”
Shaoshang was about to mention Chunyu Shi’s matter when who knew that Grand Chamberlain Cao Cheng came to request the Emperor’s presence, saying that several lords from the Chancellor’s Platform had arrived. The Emperor nodded, then ordered the girl to study well and make up for the previous days’ missed work, then departed from the palace.
Shaoshang hurriedly said to the Empress: “Your Majesty, yesterday Marquis Ling’s wife came to my home! Thinking of Madam Huo’s current circumstances, when I saw her I couldn’t help but get angry, so I said some resentful words.”
Though the Empress was gentle, she wasn’t stupid. Hearing this, she looked the girl up and down and said with a smile: “You offended Marquis Ling’s wife and want His Majesty and me to support you?”
“Your Majesty, don’t talk about offending or not offending—I was upholding justice!” Shaoshang ingratiatingly supported the Empress’s arm as they walked toward the inner hall. “Don’t tell me you like Marquis Ling’s wife.”
The Empress gave her a sidelong glance: “Whether I like her or not is another matter. You should properly control your mouth. Seizing every opportunity to talk nonsense, jesting without propriety. In my palace it’s still fine, but if you go out, see if people don’t scold you.”
“I only say such things when I’m by Your Majesty’s side. Do you see me speaking like that when I go out?”
“Don’t speak recklessly even here in my presence!”
“Then when can I say what I want to say? At home? But I spend more time in the palace now than at home—it’s so stifling.”
“When I say you may speak freely, only then may you speak!”
“…Alright.”
Because she’d missed four days of class, Shaoshang studied especially diligently that morning. After an unknown amount of time, just as she was feeling hungry, Granny Zhai came to say they should serve the meal, but the young eunuch outside the hall suddenly came to report: Old Princess Ruyang has arrived with Marquis Ling’s wife.
The Empress paused and said: “Admit them.”
Old Princess Ruyang still had that overbearing manner, but today she wore full princess ceremonial dress—silk scarves and jade ornaments, tied with five-colored brocade trim. Following behind her was Chunyu Shi, also dressed solemnly, her eyes red and swollen, seemingly from prolonged weeping.
Shaoshang looked them over and clicked her tongue inwardly.
Old Princess Ruyang slightly bent her body, which counted as paying respects. So Shaoshang, kneeling beside the Empress, also imitated her by bending her neck, close to a straight angle. However, Chunyu Shi was more proper, honestly performing full courtesy.
“I wonder what matter brings Aunt here today?” The Empress’s face was coldly dignified.
Princess Ruyang laughed coldly, pointing at her side: “This old one came today precisely for this little slut!”
“Princess, watch your words!” The Empress said coldly. “Shaoshang has been by my side for several months, always gentle, respectful and frugal, benevolent and magnanimous, never with any impropriety. For Aunt to come today so aggressively is going too far.”
Shaoshang’s head lowered even further. She’d always been accustomed to being criticized, so receiving such fierce praise was rare—she couldn’t help blushing slightly.
Old Princess Ruyang forcefully slapped her knee: “Everything this old one says is true! Yesterday, Marquis Ling’s wife went kindly to the Cheng residence to visit, gifting fields and maidservants. Not only did she not receive a single kind word, she was humiliated by this slave! Empress, if you don’t punish this slave today, forgive this old one for being unable to accept it!”
The old woman’s voice was loud, nearly shaking the hall. Chunyu Shi very cooperatively sobbed a few times behind her.
Shaoshang felt contempt in her heart, thinking: whether you accept it or not has nothing to do with me. Even if you dropped dead, it still wouldn’t be my concern.
The Empress glanced at Shaoshang sideways, then said: “I have always trusted Shaoshang. I believe she wouldn’t go so far as to…”
“Your Majesty! This old one dares swear to heaven!” The old princess was hoarse with effort, spittle flying.
At this time, people were quite devout about matters of ghosts and gods. The Empress weakened momentarily. Her thoughts turning, she said: “Such family matters, we should ask Consort Yue to come and deliberate together…”
“Empress!” Princess Ruyang deliberately said word by word: “You are the mistress of the six palaces. Punishing a junior—such a trivial matter—must you consult a consort?!”
Granny Zhai couldn’t bear it anymore and spoke: “Her Majesty can invite whoever she wishes. Isn’t the princess reaching too far?”
“Insolent slave!” The old princess shouted loudly, extremely fierce. “When nobles speak, how dare a mere servant interrupt! Empress, this is how you indulge them. Such slaves should have their mouths slapped hard!”
The old woman’s aura was astonishing, but Shaoshang secretly cheered her on in her heart, hoping she’d continue courting death.
The Empress’s face was like ice and frost, only slightly quickened breathing showing her inner anger. She suddenly said: “Shaoshang, whatever you have to say, you may speak freely in front of the princess and Marquis Ling’s wife.”
At these words, Shaoshang’s eyes lit up.
Chunyu Shi’s expression changed. She’d experienced Shaoshang’s unreasonable troublemaking, but Old Princess Ruyang still shrieked: “Empress, this old one has brought the aggrieved party. You should just punish her quickly. Are you really going to let a junior argue back and forth with this old one?!”
“Oh my, the old princess is truly domineering! Those who know would say you’re so angry you’ve lost control of your tongue. Those who don’t know might think you’re the ruler of this realm, the leader of the six palaces.” Shaoshang slowly walked forward a few steps, kneeling to the right front of the Empress.
“What are you saying, you little slut!” The old princess pointed at her and cursed.
Shaoshang said: “Her Majesty wanted to summon Consort Yue, you didn’t allow it. Her Majesty wanted to ask a few more questions, you demanded she immediately punish me. Oh my, you’re much more impressive than His Majesty. His Majesty and Her Majesty always discuss things together—where do they have your kind of authority? This afternoon a learned old Confucian scholar is coming to continue teaching me propriety. I’ll ask her then whether the old princess’s behavior conforms to propriety!”
Old Princess Ruyang’s face immediately flushed red.
“Oh, I forgot to mention—this old Confucian scholar has a cousin who serves under the Imperial Censor.” Shaoshang stared at that pig-blood-colored old face, feeling exceptionally pleased inside.
Today’s matter, if kept small, was just royal family business. But if it got to the court, it would immediately attract a swarm of flies and insects who’d smelled blood. No matter how Old Princess Ruyang prided herself on age and nobility, she didn’t want to hit this bell.
“It’s all this concubine’s fault.” Chunyu Shi, who had been twisting her plain handkerchief and sobbing, suddenly spoke. “The old princess was trying to stand up for this concubine, which is why she became so agitated she spoke without thinking. Please forgive her, Your Majesty!” Saying this, she repeatedly kowtowed until her forehead quickly became red and swollen.
The Empress turned her head to avoid it, only able to say: “You are forgiven.”
Old Princess Ruyang’s poisonous gaze swept toward Shaoshang: “What a sharp tongue—truly cunning and deceitful, long-tongued and harsh-mouthed. Marquis Ling’s wife was humiliated by you. Do you admit your guilt?!”
“Admit what guilt? I never said anything to humiliate Marquis Ling’s wife.” Shaoshang said.
“This old one dares swear…”
“What use is your oath? You weren’t there, didn’t see or hear anything—it’s all based on Marquis Ling’s wife’s one-sided words. Perhaps you too have been deceived.” Such level of argument, Shaoshang didn’t even need to think about.
Old Princess Ruyang was momentarily speechless. Chunyu Shi immediately rushed forward: “This concubine also dares swear, this concubine swears on her life that that day Cheng Shaoshang truly humiliated this concubine in every way, with foul and filthy words…”
“Your oath cannot be trusted.” Shaoshang said lightly. “Someone of your character naturally wouldn’t take the gods seriously.”
Chunyu Shi’s breath stuck in her throat. She didn’t want to continue on the topic of her own character, so she could only shout to the Empress: “This concubine had two maidservants with her at the time—they can testify!”
Shaoshang laughed: “Oh my, Madam, please be reasonable. Those two maidservants were bought by you with money—won’t they say whatever you tell them to say? If that’s the case, I can also find some servants from the Cheng residence to say that you had ulterior motives that day, wanting me to put something unclean in Master Ling’s food and drink so he’d have no descendants, and in the future all of Master Ling’s vast family fortune would go to your son. Never mind two maidservants—even if it’s twenty maidservants, I can find them to testify. How about that?”
With such wild and nonsensical sophistry spoken out, never mind Old Princess Ruyang being somewhat stunned—Chunyu Shi was so angry her whole chest of breath nearly steamed out, but could only point at her: “You, you this… you this deceitful liar…”
With great difficulty catching her breath, she immediately wept and knelt in supplication: “Empress Your Majesty, Cheng Young Lady’s vicious slander, this concubine absolutely dare not accept. Not only can such words not be spoken, this concubine never even thought of such things. If even a trace of these words leaked out, this concubine could never again stand before people! Please Your Majesty see clearly. If you cannot restore this concubine’s innocence, this concubine would rather die!”
The Empress looked troubled and was about to open her mouth to say some conciliatory words when Shaoshang quickly said to Old Princess Ruyang: “Princess, please discern clearly—if I also dare swear that Marquis Ling’s wife truly has a mind to harm Master Ling, would you uphold justice and severely punish Marquis Ling’s wife as well?”
Old Princess Ruyang couldn’t help but shrink back. Examining her conscience about past events, she didn’t dare say Chunyu Shi had no selfish motives at all. So she really didn’t dare make this guarantee, only able to speak evasively: “What are you swearing to? Just now Marquis Ling’s wife also swore—why won’t you acknowledge it!” Taking a breath, she softened her tone. “You’re just a small child. Occasionally misspeaking can happen. How would elders hold it against you? Just properly admit your error and this matter will be dropped. Alright?”
Shaoshang sneered coldly, thinking: you’re coaxing a three-year-old? Once she admitted fault, wouldn’t the subsequent punishment be for them to stir up?
She said: “Princess, your words are mistaken. I honestly listened to my elders’ instructions to get betrothed—I don’t dare compare to Marquis Ling’s wife who arranged her own marriage. Moreover, she ate the Huo family’s food, drank the Huo family’s drink, lived by Madam Huo’s side for many years, then turned around and took advantage of their misfortune to usurp her position. So, my oath can be trusted, but her oath cannot! Old princess, are you getting senile in your old age? Can’t you understand such a simple matter? Could it be…”
She suddenly changed her tone, winking and grimacing: “Could it be that back then Old Princess you were also like Marquis Ling’s wife… ah…?”
“Stop speaking nonsense!”
“Don’t be presumptuous.”
—Old Princess Ruyang and the Empress spoke in unison.
The former’s face purple-red, nearly pouncing to beat Shaoshang; the latter pinching her brow, wanting to laugh yet sighing endlessly.
Chunyu Shi slumped backward, sitting down limply, full of vexation. Here it came again—she knew that as soon as this young lady opened her mouth, no matter what the matter, it would turn into a condemnation of her past. However, things having reached this point, she had to defend herself a few words.
“Regarding past events, though this concubine was at fault, Sister Junhua was also too oppressive. Earlier she had allowed the marquis to take concubines. After one died soon after, Sister Junhua had nodded in approval. So why couldn’t she tolerate this concubine, demanding this concubine’s life!” Her voice was full of tearful grief.
Old Princess Ruyang immediately came to wave flags and shout: “Exactly, exactly! Just one mere concubine, yet Huo Junhua couldn’t tolerate her. What extreme jealousy and viciousness…”
Before the Empress, Shaoshang didn’t dare mention beds and such, so she said: “How Madam Huo thought, I don’t know. But Madam Huo just had that kind of temperament—it’s not like everyone only learned of it today. Back then, since things had been pushed to that point, why didn’t Marquis Ling’s wife yield a little? After all, that husband and wife had nearly ten years of affection. Even if Marquis Ling’s wife, right when Madam Huo and her son disappeared, you and Marquis Ling, mm that… that, developed feelings… at most it was only about a year. If this place won’t keep you, other places will. After all, being a concubine—where can’t you do it? Right? Unless… Madam, you actually had many years of affection with Marquis Ling as well?” At the last sentence, she nearly laughed out loud.
Chunyu Shi’s face gradually paled, her whole body trembling.
In these several decades, she’d also encountered countless difficulties, but never an opponent like Shaoshang. Those shameless enough didn’t have her status and didn’t dare make trouble; those with higher status than hers wouldn’t tear off all pretense.
Old Princess Ruyang was completely stunned. Where did this cunning woman come from—simply a shameless little shrew!
Chunyu Shi’s face deathly pale, said respectfully to the Empress: “Your Majesty, though this concubine was born lowly, I cannot tolerate Cheng Shaoshang humiliating and slandering me like this. If Your Majesty doesn’t speak, this concubine can only die.”
“Alas, Madam is heroic, unwilling to bear humiliation—truly令this young woman admires and respects. If ten-some years ago Madam had been willing to die, Madam Huo wouldn’t have angrily divorced, and many things today would probably be different.” Shaoshang leisurely interjected again. Chunyu Shi’s eyes blazed with fury, wishing she could go up and strangle this little sharp-tongued wretch alive.
“How about this.” Shaoshang pounded her fist into her palm, looking as if suddenly enlightened. “Why don’t you and I swear together? If Madam doesn’t dare die, then I’ll treat it as if I said nothing. If Madam truly goes and dies, then let…”
Though Old Princess Ruyang and Chunyu Shi both had no intention of taking this bet, at this moment they both raised their hearts.
“…then let Master Ling never be able to take concubines for his whole life!” Shaoshang said it all in one breath. “How’s that? Is this oath vicious enough?” She was practically getting more cheerful as she spoke.
The Empress quickly turned her head to cough lightly. Granny Zhai directly snorted, then choked on her saliva and coughed repeatedly.
Chunyu Shi’s deathly pale face turned red with anger again, her nails nearly piercing her palms.
Old Princess Ruyang was after all advanced in years. Unable to catch her breath, she fell straight backward. Chunyu Shi hurriedly went forward to catch her.
At this time, faint laughter suddenly came from outside the hall. Everyone quickly turned to look. They saw Consort Yue taking dainty little steps to lightly and quickly enter the hall, followed by the Emperor with his hands behind his back—when the two entered, Consort Yue’s mouth held a smile. She looked at Shaoshang and said ‘so Zicheng’s new wife is like this.’ The Emperor gave her an annoyed sidelong glance.
Entering the hall behind them was the old disreputable Prince Ruyang in full formal attire. He held in his hand a middle-aged man dressed in vermillion official robes, pulling and tugging to drag him into the hall. Grand Chamberlain Cao Cheng followed alongside, repeatedly advising the old prince to let go.
The last person was actually Ling Buyi. He slowly entered, looked at Shaoshang with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, and said nothing.
Shaoshang completely wilted now, quickly shrinking behind the Empress, kneeling properly, a picture of honest obedience.
Chunyu Shi was very perceptive. Seeing such a long string of people entering the hall, she immediately sensed the situation was wrong. Today’s matter probably wouldn’t end well. Right then she no longer dared demand any justice, kneeling fearfully to the side, making space for the Emperor and consort to pass.
Only Old Princess Ruyang still obliviously courted death, clamoring: “Your Majesty, you just heard it. This little slave spoke all kinds of nonsense, truly disgraceful. You must properly punish…”
“Aunt!” Consort Yue didn’t even sit down before going on the attack. “What did I say at the last palace banquet? However you want to treat Chunyu Shi, I don’t care. If you feel you have enough face, go ahead and act. But if you want to come to the palace and point fingers, that absolutely cannot be allowed!”
Facing Consort Yue, Old Princess Ruyang’s momentum weakened several degrees. She couldn’t help but soften her tone: “How have I pointed fingers? This Cheng Shaoshang is after all a junior. Can’t I as an elder even ask a question? Isn’t seeking elders’ affection a junior’s due responsibility?”
Consort Yue gave a few false laughs: “Aunt truly speaks without shame. Did Zicheng seek marriage because you liked her? You liked Nuying, but Zicheng didn’t like her—did she marry over?”
“Don’t bring up Nuying!” Old Princess Ruyang became furious, also shouting at her husband: “Are you a dead man? Watching your granddaughter being slandered without a sound!”
“Old crone, shut up! It’s not your place to lecture me! If you hadn’t been egging Nuying on all the time, I’d have long since found her a good son-in-law at home!” Prince Ruyang’s voice was also extraordinarily loud.
The Empress rubbed her ears, which were going numb from the震ing, and said softly: “Uncle, you and Marquis Yu should sit down first. Whatever you have to say, say it slowly. Zicheng, don’t just stand there—help the old prince sit.”
Ling Buyi did as told. After letting the old prince and Marquis Yu sit, he very consciously moved to sit beside Shaoshang.
Shaoshang carefully turned her head sideways, mouthing ‘sorry, I might have caused trouble again.’
Ling Buyi quickly pinched her soft little ear, also mouthing ‘it would be strange if you didn’t cause trouble.’ Thinking about it, he added, ‘don’t worry, I’m here.’
Shaoshang felt relieved. Just as she wanted to say a few more witty words, the Empress suddenly turned back and gave each of them a glare. They could only fall silent.
“…What kind of person is Huo Junhua? Back then you also hated her terribly. Why do you speak for her today? Isn’t it just to oppose this old one deliberately!” Old Princess Ruyang looked around the circle and discovered her only possible ally was actually only Consort Yue.
“Aunt, you know what kind of temperament I’ve had since childhood.” Consort Yue’s face was solemn. “The grievances between Huo Junhua and me are one thing, but she never wronged the Ling family, much less her son Ling Buyi!”
“She had deep affection for Ling Yi, helping and supporting the Ling family from head to toe. But what about Ling Yi? His wife and child’s life and death still unknown for less than a year, and he was already unclear with Chunyu Shi. Did he live up to the Huo family? As for Shiyilang, back then during the chaos of war, lacking clothing and food, mother and son displaced and homeless—Huo Junhua wrapped furs around her son, saved rations to feed her son. Only then did they endure through. Where was Ling Yi at that time? Oh, he was busy arranging to marry a second wife!”
She deliberately mocked: “When Huo Junhua was found, she was so thin—skin and bones—even I couldn’t recognize her. No matter how poor her character, she was a good mother. She didn’t wrong her son, so Ling Buyi also cannot wrong her by currying favor with some Chunyu Shi! Even if Ling Yi orders it, it won’t do! Today I’m putting these words here—when I return I’ll petition His Majesty and the Empress that Chunyu Shi may not enter the palace in future unless summoned!”
Chunyu Shi listened with her head lowered, extremely mortified, nearly unable to maintain her kneeling position. At this moment she deeply regretted not being able to control herself, coming today to make trouble for Cheng Shaoshang, only to bring bitterness on herself.
Old Princess Ruyang’s face was alternately green and red as she surveyed everyone in the circle: “Fine, fine! You all came today deliberately to slap my face!”
Saying this, she suddenly pulled out several hairpins from her head, forcefully stamping and shaking a few times, letting down a head of very well-maintained hair. She threw a tantrum at the Emperor: “Your Majesty, no matter how bad Chunyu Shi is, she saved my life. Today you humiliate her, you humiliate me! If Your Majesty doesn’t give me an explanation today, I’ll dash my head against this Changqiu Palace and see what the world says!”
“You want to die?” Prince Ruyang covered his chest, both shocked and delighted.
The old princess immediately reversed herself, shouting loudly: “Before I die, I’ll first go outside to cry injustice and grievance, to see how Your Majesty treats the aunt who sheltered and raised his siblings, to see if his good reputation can still be preserved!”
The Emperor’s expression was displeased. Prince Ruyang went to grab Marquis Yu’s collar, roaring: “Look, look! This is the kind of madwoman she is. Whenever things don’t go her way, she threatens death and throws tantrums. Back then when I wanted to divorce my wife, it was you who said ‘a wife of humble origins should not be cast aside,’ and gave me that rotten idea of ‘separation without divorce,’ telling me to go outside the city to be some cultivator. I haven’t even read the Dao De Jing clearly, yet I’m supposed to cultivate the Way—such suffering! Fine, fine, I won’t divorce my wife. Can I divorce now? I want a divorce!”
Marquis Yu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, sighing repeatedly.
“You dare?!” Old Princess Ruyang immediately rushed over, grabbing and pulling her husband’s sleeves, hitting and pounding, weeping and wailing as she cursed: “I bore you children, managed household affairs—if not merit then at least hard work! I even have two sons who died fighting for His Majesty, yet you dare treat me like this!”
Prince Ruyang forcefully pried open his old wife’s grip and cursed back: “Which battle doesn’t have deaths? Didn’t the Yu family have deaths? Those were also my sons—don’t I feel heartache? Only you keep bringing it up everywhere all day long—simply unreasonable!”
Finishing, he turned to howl at Marquis Yu: “Even prisoners have a sentence term. I truly can’t bear it anymore. Can’t we split family property and children fifty-fifty? She can have all the family wealth—I just can’t endure her anymore! One day, she’ll harm the whole family to death…”
Though the old prince’s words were exaggerated, everyone understood his meaning.
Marquis Yu smiled bitterly: “It’s not that this junior deliberately makes things difficult for the old prince, but His Majesty now promotes Confucian learning. If the old prince opens this precedent and casts aside his wife of humble origins, who knows how those Confucian scholars will gossip…” More seriously, it might even involve the issue of the Emperor’s attitude toward meritorious officials.
At this time, Consort Yue suddenly spoke: “Uncle loves excitement most—what Daoist cultivation? In my view, Aunt should be sent to that Three Talents Temple to cultivate her mind and nature.”
Marquis Yu clapped his hands laughing: “Your Majesty speaks truly—this is a solution beneficial to both sides.” Actually he’d had this thought too, just as a subject it wasn’t good to speak up.
Having said this much, everyone looked to the Emperor with their eyes to request his decision.
The Emperor slowly said: “The old princess is aged and confused, occasionally behaving madly, causing impropriety before the sovereign. Send her to Three Talents Temple to properly recuperate. Cao Cheng, transfer some people from the palace to Three Talents Temple… take good care of Aunt, don’t let outsiders go disturb her.”
Old Princess Ruyang collapsed limply to the ground, full of panic, as if she still hadn’t understood what had happened.
Chunyu Shi was even more terrified, frozen in place not daring to move a muscle.
Shaoshang looked at the two of them, then suddenly leaned close to Ling Buyi’s ear: “How long has His Majesty wanted to deal with Old Princess Ruyang?”—How long had the Emperor been planning this? She only wanted to preemptively isolate her step-mother-in-law. Compared to that, the Emperor’s ambitions were far grander.
Ling Buyi’s eyes were like deep pools. He also looked at her for a while, smiling slightly as he said softly: “Right after that palace banquet.”