Since the big boss had set the tone for today’s wicked incident, a group of strong and skilled eunuchs immediately “controlled” Old Princess Ruyang and Chunyu Shi respectively. The former was efficiently loaded onto a palace carriage and sent to the Three Talents Temple outside the city (Prince Ruyang interjected that there was no need to return home—he would help his wife pack her belongings and send them). The latter was simply and roughly expelled from the palace gates and removed from the palace registry.
Having finished this major matter, Shaoshang keenly discovered that everyone in the hall, from the Emperor to Marquis Yu, seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Marquis Yu even said in refined language: “Not following improper relatives is not for personal reasons, but concerns the sovereign’s dignity and national order.”
Prince Ruyang beamed with joy and slapped his back with one palm: “Well said! Indeed, all those years of reading since childhood weren’t wasted. Just recently I obtained several jars of wine brewed from wild fruits—sweet, fragrant, and strong. Today I must drink heartily with you!”
Marquis Yu, at his advanced age and holding the highest ministerial position, was still struck with a stagger and nearly fell down the steps. He could only shake his head with a bitter smile, then was pulled along by the happily separated old prince to take their leave together.
Consort Yue yawned slightly: “I’m tired and need an afternoon nap. Your Majesty, Your Majesty, this concubine will take her leave…” Saying this, she bowed to the Emperor and Empress, then swayed as she walked toward the hall exit.
“Hey, you haven’t even had your midday meal yet. What sleep?” The Emperor called after her retreating figure.
Consort Yue said: “This concubine doesn’t need to climb mountains to hunt tigers or plow fields. Sitting idle from morning to night with nothing to do, I can eat whenever I wish.”
The Emperor could only helplessly watch her leave, then turned to pull the Empress to have their meal: “Never mind her. We’ll go eat, let’s go.”
The Empress acted as if nothing had happened, still dignified as she quietly acquiesced.
Watching this scene, Shaoshang couldn’t help but want to express the opinion that ‘the Empress cannot be without some authority over the consorts,’ but was pulled away by Ling Buyi. They walked all the way out of the courtyard to an empty, unoccupied area before she said: “His Majesty is really something. Since he wanted to deal with that aggressive old, old…” She wanted to follow Chief Wei Xiang and call her ‘old hag,’ but lacked the courage. “Old crone, why not strike earlier instead of letting the Empress suffer such bullying for nothing!”
“You think Old Princess Ruyang can be casually removed?” Ling Buyi said.
“Can’t she be?” That old fellow in dragon robes is the Emperor—isn’t it true that thunder, rain, and dew are all imperial grace?
Ling Buyi looked around and smiled as he pulled the girl toward a secluded spot: “Old Princess Ruyang is arrogant and overbearing, relying on two things. First, His Majesty lost his parents young and was raised with his brothers and sisters in his uncle and aunt’s home. For over ten years as a nephew and junior, Old Princess Ruyang summoning and ordering His Majesty and his siblings around became habitual. Put yourself in her shoes—if it were your two young brothers, Zhu and Ou, playing and frolicking at your side since childhood, could you immediately overnight regard them as sovereign father and superior, with complete respect?”
Shaoshang thought of those two snotty-nosed little brats at home and suddenly felt Old Princess Ruyang had some justification: “…But even if it was impossible to change then, His Majesty has been on the throne for so many years now. She still puts on airs—being dealt with isn’t unjust.”
Ling Buyi nodded, seeing several eunuchs about to come over, waved them away: “That’s not wrong, but Old Princess Ruyang has her second point. Though her temper is violent and her mind narrow, she wasn’t always so aged and confused. When His Majesty raised his rebellion, even though she was unwilling in her heart, she still gave full support—borrowing money and people everywhere, summoning the womenfolk of various ministers’ households to sew and mend robes, gather military supplies, not to mention losing two sons. You can’t say she had no merit at all.”
Shaoshang sighed: “Having merit doesn’t mean she can show off like this. After all, there’s a distinction between ruler and subject. Times change—the old princess can’t treat the palace as her own home.”
“Chunyu Shi is just a petty person who can’t stir up waves, not worth mentioning. But the old princess is different. Back then she could still frequently recommend officials. Later, first His Majesty gradually grew cold toward this elder—most requests were denied, most recommended people weren’t used. Several years later, the old prince separated from her, and her influence greatly diminished. Now she can only entangle herself in these marriage matters.”
“This ‘later’—did it start from when your mother divorced your father?” Shaoshang asked carefully.
Ling Buyi lowered his head with a smile, his brows furrowing like green mountains: “No, from when Mother ‘fell ill.'”
Shaoshang’s heart lurched. It must be said that Director Xiao truly had skill—nine out of ten things she predicted came true. No wonder Old Cheng could survive the chaotic times elimination contest where only one in ten lived.
“At that time, His Majesty’s power wasn’t strong. The territory he occupied was just this capital city and a few surrounding cities. Old Princess Ruyang was the eldest female noble in His Majesty’s household—not only his aunt but also had the grace of raising him. In recent years, His Majesty has gathered many people—neighbors, surrendered generals, and heroes from great clans who came to join him out of admiration…”
“Uncle Wan and my father came to join out of admiration,” Shaoshang quickly interjected.
Ling Buyi smiled: “How come I heard that Uncle Cheng spent those years searching everywhere for a wise lord?” Those like Wan and Cheng who led armies around flailing about, wholeheartedly looking for a good boss, weren’t common.
Shaoshang struck him forcefully, laughing and scolding: “Don’t you know not to expose what you see through?”
After Ling Buyi finished laughing, he continued: “Fine. Put yourself in the position of Magistrate Wan and your father—in chaotic times searching for a lord worthy of service but repeatedly disappointed. Hearing that His Majesty’s uncle divorced the aunt who raised him, without knowing the circumstances, what would they think?”
“This this… perhaps rather cold-hearted?”
“You’re still better off. Those surrendered generals mostly have blood feuds with His Majesty’s commanders. Many still had wealthy followers and wealth, already living in daily fear. They trusted His Majesty’s character and willingness to forgive them before laying down their weapons. If someone stirred things up a bit, the situation would be uncertain.”
“And now…” Shaoshang suddenly said, “His Majesty already occupies three-quarters of the realm. His reputation and power are incomparable to the past, no longer having those concerns.” This is the main reason, right?
Ling Buyi hesitated a moment before saying: “Also, the old princess bullied the Empress too much.”
Shaoshang pursed her lips, coldly mocking: “No wonder last time Consort Yue said the old princess’s affection for Madam Chunyu moved heaven—this is truly…”
“Hehe, that’s not necessarily so.” Ling Buyi revealed a peculiar smile. “Even a small county magistrate, after over ten years, has deeply entrenched local influence. What about someone of the old princess’s status—there are always one or two devoted followers around her. When she and the old prince had their falling out, many people came out to mediate. The old prince couldn’t shake her off, so he could only request to cultivate outside the city. If she couldn’t even protect a life-saving benefactor like Chunyu Shi, then everyone would know her power was gone.”
“What power?” Shaoshang looked completely confused. “Isn’t it just shouting and yelling in the palace? I never understood why the old princess is so domineering…”
“Silly child.” Ling Buyi rubbed the girl’s head, full of affection. “You see the old princess as just having a loud voice, but to those with ulterior motives, it represents countless riches and boundless power.”
Shaoshang looked at Ling Buyi for quite a while before saying: “…Prince Ruyang going outside the city to cultivate wasn’t to avoid his shrewish wife, but to distance himself.” No wonder—how could a man who isn’t cowardly leave home just because he fears his wife?
“Because this way, whatever the old princess did in recent years has nothing to do with him. Because he was the one who advocated divorcing his wife all along. He endured for the sake of the greater good.” Before her eyes floated the old prince’s cheerful, warm face without a trace of scheming.
“It’s not quite that bad, but…” Ling Buyi clasped his hands behind his back, gazing at the high-rising eaves of Changqiu Palace in the distance. Dressed in a moon-white straight robe fluttering in the autumn wind, he cut a dashing figure. “Some people, even if they themselves have no greed, how can they bear not to care for their children, descendants, followers, and confidants?”
“I understand.” Shaoshang nodded. “His Majesty originally intended to let the old princess slowly fade into retirement and be done with it. After all, she didn’t interfere in truly important matters, and as his own aunt, unless necessary, His Majesty didn’t want to pursue further. Who knew the old princess would insist on seeking her own death. Alas, the Empress just can’t see this point clearly, which is why she yielded to that old crone at every turn. She should have been like Consort Yue…”
“I was the one who advised the Empress not to interfere in the old princess’s affairs,” Ling Buyi suddenly said.
Shaoshang gaped speechlessly.
Ling Buyi saw her foolish expression and smiled slightly: “I told the Empress to temporarily yield when encountering the old princess. His Majesty’s ears are sharp and eyes clear—losses won’t be eaten in vain.”
“Then then then why did Consort Yue dare to, dare dare…?” Shaoshang stammered.
“What the Empress cannot say, Consort Yue can say. Because more sons of the Yue family died than the old princess’s sons, and they established greater merit than the old prince. Consort Yue herself risked danger several times, following His Majesty to the death. Before Consort Yue, how can the old princess have the confidence to discuss past events?”
Shaoshang’s chest heaved. When she opened her mouth, she felt her tongue dry. “…Conversely, the Empress’s Xuan family neither established much merit nor had many sons die for His Majesty?”
Ling Buyi stood with his back to the sun, looking at her with deep eyes: “The Xuan family has few members. In a few days is Her Majesty’s birthday. Then you’ll be able to see Her Majesty’s younger brother, Marquis Xuan. Every time he enters the palace, he brings many pearls, jade ornaments, and precious objects. He’ll probably leave you a large share.”
Shaoshang pondered this through before saying: “So Marquis Xuan isn’t a very capable person either.”
“You should think positively,” Ling Buyi smiled. “Didn’t you once boldly declare to Lou Yao that ‘only when there’s desolation everywhere can one fully display one’s abilities—what’s the point if everything is already prosperous’? How come now that you see the Empress’s maternal family is weak, you’re discouraged?”
Shaoshang glared at him resentfully: “Not at all! What use is such a powerful empress’s maternal family—to rival His Majesty? Since His Majesty established the Empress, he naturally has his own reasons. I’m not afraid! Besides, isn’t, isn’t there still Master Ling like you…”
“Remove the last sentence and those words would have great momentum,” Ling Buyi smiled.
Shaoshang thought about it and couldn’t help but laugh. She also felt her earlier words were indeed outwardly fierce but inwardly weak.
She had wanted to pull Ling Buyi back to Changqiu Palace to have the midday meal with the Emperor and Empress, but Ling Buyi said he needed to find several commanders of the Feathered Forest Guards to discuss security matters for the Empress’s birthday banquet, and would come find her later. The two could only part.
Returning to Changqiu Palace, the Emperor had already finished eating and was drinking fruit wine. Shaoshang saw the dragon eyes sweep over and her heart trembled. She immediately spoke first, saying it was Ling Buyi who insisted on leaving himself—it wasn’t that she wasn’t virtuous enough to save food for her fiancé. However, when the Emperor wanted to lecture someone, he could always find a reason.
The Emperor said: “You think Zicheng is as idle as you, eating and drinking all day without worries or cares. Look at you—after sleeping soundly on high pillows all day yesterday, your face has gotten rounder. But what about Zicheng? After autumn began, he’s become thinner again…”
Shaoshang felt utterly wronged and wanted to say ‘if you care so much why not give him less work,’ but could only say loudly: “Your Majesty is wise and sage! This subject also knows Master Ling works hard, so has already prepared several autumn and winter nourishing food recipes, planning to properly nourish Master Ling! Oh, and the Empress too—this subject has thought of that as well.”
The Emperor hummed a few times: “Now that’s more like it.”
The Empress sighed helplessly at the side: “Alright, you go down and have your meal. After your afternoon nap, come back to me.”
Shaoshang felt as if granted amnesty and flew away like a bird. In the side hall, Granny Zhai had already saved food for her. While eating, Shaoshang complained: “His Majesty is still unsatisfied with me.”
Granny Zhai laughed: “His Majesty actually likes you. With people he truly dislikes, he doesn’t have that many words.”
Shaoshang asked with a bitter face: “Granny Zhai, has my face really gotten rounder? Actually yesterday I…” She suddenly started, stopping her words. It was as if the depths of her heart had been pricked by a fine needle—it wouldn’t bleed, but it ached dully.
Granny Zhai repeatedly comforted the young girl that she hadn’t gained weight at all, saying many consoling kind words. But unknowingly, the atmosphere grew cold. She felt strange and asked Shaoshang why she wasn’t speaking, just eating with her head down.
Shaoshang smiled with difficulty: “Nothing. It’s just that such a big incident happened today. I didn’t feel it earlier, but now my body feels very weak.”
Granny Zhai thought about it and agreed, telling her to quickly go rest after eating.
After the meal, Shaoshang returned to her own palace chamber and sat by the window. After a long while, feeling the room stuffy, she made the excuse of cutting some autumn chrysanthemums to decorate her sleeping quarters and went to the courtyard for some air. The palace maids all knew Shaoshang was favored by the Emperor and Empress and naturally wouldn’t stop her.
Shaoshang stood in a place with lush branches and leaves where no one was around, calming her mind as she slowly pruned excess branches. After an unknown time, she suddenly heard a familiar voice—”Shaoshang, why are you here? I had such trouble finding you.”
She slowly turned around, staring fixedly at the man approaching with the light behind him. He seemed to have drunk some wine, his handsome face showing an attractive faint flush.
“…Usually at this time, you wouldn’t move for anything—you’d be napping. How come today you’re wandering around?” The young man smiled warmly. Even at this unoccupied moment, slightly tipsy with wine, he still maintained proper bearing, his steps neither hurried nor slow.
Ling Buyi placed his hand on the girl’s shoulder. Even through her clothes, Shaoshang could feel those slender, powerful fingers—with just a bit more force, they could crush her shoulder blade.
He said gently: “What’s wrong? Can’t sleep?”
Shaoshang unobtrusively freed her shoulder from his palm’s grip and slowly put down the bronze shears: “Why don’t you ask me about sending a message to Yuan Shen and what it was for?”
Ling Buyi didn’t move a muscle. Only those deep brown eyes rapidly contracted, but his face no longer held any smile.
Shaoshang saw this and finally confirmed it at this last moment.
“…Today you all put on quite a performance. To gather Marquis Yu and Prince Ruyang, and happen to arrive just when the old princess was making things difficult for the Empress—where in the world is there such coincidence? Old Princess Ruyang doesn’t often enter the palace, let alone from when she entered until you all arrived was at most half a watch period. If we say Marquis Yu happened to be discussing affairs with His Majesty at the Chancellor’s Platform, what about the old prince at the Three Talents Temple outside the city? He’s only entered the palace on New Year’s Day for several years now, right?”
“The person who set this trap must have seen Madam Chunyu leaving my house yesterday with an angry face, then followed her and learned she went to Prince Ruyang’s residence to cry to the old princess. Only then did they predict the old princess would enter the palace today to make trouble for me. I originally thought this was His Majesty’s doing—that wouldn’t be strange. When sovereigns want to investigate their subjects’ movements, no one says anything. But just now His Majesty said I ‘slept soundly all day yesterday.’ If His Majesty truly was investigating my household’s movements, how would he know about Madam Chunyu’s afternoon visit but not know I played at the Wan residence for two full hours in the morning?”
“Master Ling, it was you, wasn’t it? You set this trap. His Majesty probably only had people investigate once or twice when he heard wind of affairs at the Cheng house. But you—you’re the one who’s been spying continuously, in every detail!” Shaoshang’s chest heaved violently. She forcefully resisted the urge to grab those bronze shears—though grabbing them probably wouldn’t help anyway.
Ling Buyi said flatly: “…His Majesty indeed intended to let the old princess spend her twilight years peacefully.”
“But you’re still the one who built the stage!” Shaoshang clenched her fists, shouting lowly. “This is still fine—like Lady Wenxiu said, you’re the Emperor’s hunting dog! But…”
“Don’t use that foolish woman’s words to provoke me.” Ling Buyi’s expression was cold. “The Empress was right—your mouth does need controlling.”
Shaoshang shrank back, shocked by this stern and imposing tone.
“There are plenty of people in this world who want to serve His Majesty. Even your father and brothers, your Uncle Wan—don’t they constantly think of serving His Majesty? I’m a hunting dog—who among the full court of civil and military officials isn’t, and who doesn’t want to be? Those who are truly high-minded, why don’t they learn from that Immortal Yan and resign to live in seclusion? The South Palace Discussion Hall, the North Palace Chancellor’s Platform, the Confucian scholars in the lecture halls, the generals on the martial training grounds—who doesn’t want to become His Majesty’s confidant!”
Shaoshang was forced back by his momentum and couldn’t speak for a moment. She gasped several breaths forcefully before catching her breath: “Fine, you’re right. Then why do you monitor me? This has nothing to do with His Majesty or state affairs!”
“If I weren’t constantly watching you, could I have protected you from the Third Princess’s hands, could I have sent you money to spend at the right time?” Ling Buyi dismissed this accusation with contempt.
“You monitoring me in the palace—I’ve never objected! After all, the palace is unpredictable. I’m even grateful to you!” Shaoshang said anxiously. “But yesterday was in my own home! What danger could I have at home? Why are you still watching me? You you you… you even monitored my whole family together…”
“I’m not watching your whole family, I’m watching you,” Ling Buyi suddenly said. “Though Colonel Cheng has considerable talent, he’s not worth me expending that much effort.”
Shaoshang laughed coldly repeatedly: “Good, good. I understand now. Since that’s the case, you also know why I sent a message to Yuan Shen.”
“That’s not hard to guess either.” Ling Buyi parted flowers and brushed branches, slowly walking before the girl, circling halfway around her. His tall shadow pressed down like a covering, enveloping Shaoshang completely. She relied entirely on stubborn will to keep her spine straight, refusing to show weakness.
“You saw Lou Yao on the street, saw him dejected and looking unwell, and felt compassion. But Madam Xiao is cautious in her conduct and would never allow you to contact him again. So how could you learn about his situation? You didn’t dare ask your father and brothers, didn’t dare inquire yourself. So in your foolish cleverness, you thought of Yuan Shen. He’s the classmate and good friend of Lou Yao’s older brother and has some ‘connection’ with you…”
“No, no!” Shaoshang almost instantly knew what he meant and said hastily: “There’s absolutely nothing unclear between him and me. That would be humiliating you—I would never do that! It was before, when he found me to pass on Master Huangfu’s message to my aunt, he said he owed me once. I thought I might as well have him help with this favor and consider it settled!”
“You have me—why do you need to find others for help?” Ling Buyi seemed to soften his tone slightly. “What matter under heaven can I not accomplish that Yuan Shen can? You want to know about Lou Yao’s situation? I’ll tell you.”
“Lou Yao and He Zhaojun have deep estrangement. Though both intend to be good husband and wife, once there’s a conflict, they immediately tear apart their previous harmony. After the second young master Lou returned to the capital, he obtained an outside posting for his younger brother. Lou Yao was naturally delighted, but He Zhaojun, concerned that her brother is young, is unwilling to leave the capital and won’t let Lou Yao go either. There, now you know why Lou Yao is melancholy and unhappy. What do you intend to do—perhaps go comfort him a bit?” By the last sentence, Ling Buyi was almost sneering.
Shaoshang was choked with words and blocked with anger.
Why do people think Ling Buyi has the manner of an ancient gentleman? If this person wants to anger you to death, he absolutely won’t only anger you half to death. So are ancient gentlemen all people who anger others to death without paying with their lives?
Shaoshang felt she should change tactics, catch him off guard, so she took a deep breath and said: “Lou Yao’s matter aside for now…”
“Oh, now it’s aside for now. Before, weren’t you deeply concerned?” Ling Buyi’s eyes were gloomy, his tone strange.
Shaoshang silently recited ‘small impatience spoils great plans’ ten times and said with suppressed anger: “Let’s talk properly. Lou Yao wasn’t suffering from He Zhaojun’s anger for the first day anyway. He probably won’t die for a while yet…”
Ling Buyi’s expression cleared slightly.
“But what’s this about you monitoring me day and night! You’re not my jailer!” Shaoshang could barely suppress shouting out loud. “If I kept pestering you with questions about who you met and what you did every day, would you be happy?!”
“Men and women are different—how can it be the same?” Sometimes the Emperor’s decrees truly couldn’t be made known. Ling Buyi was very puzzled by the girl’s intense reaction. “I just want to know your situation, why you’re unhappy.”
Shaoshang almost howled to the heavens, then said solemnly: “I don’t like you having people watch me. Quickly have them withdraw.”
“No.” Ling Buyi said decisively, then asked in puzzlement: “What do you have that you can’t let me know?”
“You…! Fine, if you won’t withdraw the people watching me, I’ll never pay attention to you again!” Shaoshang couldn’t help stamping her foot, shouting angrily in a low voice.
“As you wish.”
Ling Buyi was unwilling to hear her continue. He efficiently turned his back and flicked his sleeves as he left.
The autumn sun was warm. Through the dense flowers and leaves fell mottled shadows. Shaoshang stood in the shadow mixed with branches and leaves, fists clenched, standing rigid, nearly exploding with rage.