Lady Kelpi Translations

Chapter Seventy-One:
Betrothal Gifts

The next day, the He family held the funeral, and the marriage between Lou Yao and He Zhaojun was set for seven days after. Those eight days, the He family were naturally very busy. The Cheng family was also quite busy.

Firstly, the ‘acting as a father’ Emperor was very thorough, bypassing the first day of the He family’s funeral. The next day, he came to hire the eldest of the royal relatives, the Old Prince Ruyang, from the Sancai Temple. The old man was dressed in red and green as the matchmaker, and the two guests were Marquis Yu and General Wu. The dowry ranged from gold and silver vessels, pearls, jade brocades, to sixteen types of chicken, ducks, and seafood.

The Emperor originally wanted to gather half of the Feather Forest Army’s ceremonial guards to have a lively atmosphere, but was persuaded by his close court officials to leave it be. Marquis Yu stated that on the day when Ling Buyi officially got married, His Majesty would have a chance to unleash his enthusiasm. General Wu was not good at speaking and held back for a long time before saying, “There aren’t so many mourners in the He family.” This nearly angered the Emperor.

There was a lot of excitement in the appointment office, and cold comrade Wan Songbai dutifully came to help. As he was tired and sweating heavily, he leaned over to Cheng Shi and whispered in his ear, “If I had known today, I would have bought a more spacious mansion in the front alley. It would have been better than not being able to stand at the entrance today.”

Cheng Shi wiped the sweat off his forehead as he thought to himself, ‘If I had known my daughter had such great killing power, I would have taken her with me from the beginning. Choosing a son-in-law early on is better than bowing to a group of guests who are far higher rank than you!’ This was the rhythm of directly upgrading your social circle!

The Old Prince of Ruyang couldn’t bear the deafening noise in the front yard and quietly strolled to the side porch to rest. Soon, a beautiful young girl swam aimlessly over, like a beautiful little koi in a pond.

“Young girl, please sit down. It’s really noisy out there,” the old prince had been practicing for many years and had a very free and unrestrained temperament.

“Greetings to the Old Prince.” The young girl’s voice was like that of a young bird, and her expression was charming and simple. She respectfully gave him a big salute, and then knelt down to the side of the corridor.

Old Prince Ruyang saw that she was wearing an ordinary outfit and a summer robe. In his heart, he thought she was a young maid from the Cheng Mansion who had come out to avoid work. “Ling Buyi has a great heart,” he said, looking toward the front yard. “This kind of scene is inevitable in the future. I don’t know if your mistress can handle it.”

The girl looked at him. “… My father is Commander Cheng.”

“…How many daughters does your father have?”

“One.”

The Old Prince of Ruyang looked up and down at the girl and smiled. “So you are Ling Buyi’s future bride, Cheng Shaoshang. My tired granddaughter cried so much yesterday so I had to come see.”

“Princess Yuchang.” Shaoshang saw his easygoing demeanor and gave a bold sight. “I’ve heard people say so. The princess has a noble status and is too reserved. If she had chased Master Ling all the way to the border city back then, perhaps he would have said yes.” It was useful to stay at home and cry, or you could have a genuine secret love. Since there is a true love, how could achievements not be made? The first principle of pursuing a male was ‘don’t be shameless.’

Old Prince Ruyang hadn’t expected such words would come from such a beautiful young girl. He looked at Shaoshang and asked with a smile, “If it were you, would you pursue him?”

“Of course,” Shaoshang said without a moment of hesitation. “If you don’t give it all your effort, you will regret it in the future. If you do your best and things don’t work out, you can give up.”

She despised the kind of counselor in her life who ‘wanted it in her heart but didn’t take positive action and only used facial expressions to suggest waiting for help from others.’ Either hold onto it tightly, or give it a hard fight. There was nothing to pretend. She didn’t dare confess to her neighbor herself, so she simply concealed her feelings from everyone and didn’t cause trouble for others.

“You’re still young, I don’t know how things in this world could be so easy,” the old prince sighed. “Many times, even if you’re thinking clearly, you can’t live completely.”

Shaoshang looked up at the azure sky. “Actually, you can survive even if you can’t figure it out.” She smiled and turned her head. “Your Highness, you’re really kind, gentle, and easygoing. You are as simple and precious as the ears of wheat in the field. Ordinary people may not necessarily be ordinary people, but the people of the country rely heavily on you.” She felt that she was very talented right now.

“I have heard a lot of people flattering me in my life, but there are few who are so fresh and refined,” he laughed. “I’m just an old man who practices in a Taoist temple for months. I am used to laziness and don’t like to break rules.”

“Hmm, is Your Highness also at the temple these days?”

“Of course. Nowadays, the weather is getting hotter by the day. Where can we stay in the capital? It’s not as cool as at the temple.”

“Does the princess also live in the temple?” Shaoshang looked at a summer chrysanthemum in front of her.

Old Prince Ruyang’s expression changed.

“If she wasn’t, then she would have to visit the temple to cry for you to see. Otherwise, why would she unintentionally allow you to see it?” Shaoshang still looked ahead.

Old Prince Ruyang stroked his fair beard and looked at the girl for a long time.

Shaoshang was proud in her heart but pretended to be humble. “Your Highness and the Princess are grandfather and granddaughter, so it’s inevitable that one leaf will deceive the other.”

“Little girl, you don’t think I can tell?” the old prince laughed. “How old am I? What tricks do you little girls do? I can’t tell!”

Shaoshang looked at him in disbelief and thought to herself, ‘You were so surprised just now.’

“What’s strange to me is that you can tell the truth in just one sentence,” Old Prince Ruyang sighed. “You have a lot of courage and a good mind. It turns out that Ling Buyi likes someone like you! My temple is called ‘Three Talents.’ Do you know what the Three Talents are?”

“It must be about being frugal, loving wealth, and getting promoted and wealthy,” Shaoshang said.

“Nonsense!” Old Prince Ruyang laughed angrily.

 “Apologies, Your Highness, don’t blame me!” The young girl gave a bright and cunning smile, grasping her small fist and bowing repeatedly to plead for mercy. “They are heaven, earth, and people. I know what the old sages meant. Everything is natural. People cry when they want to cry, laugh when they want to laugh, but it’s not really that important.” Was Laozi and Zhuangzi that interesting?
[Laozi and Zhuangzi were the founders of Taoism.]

The Old Prince smiled slightly, thinking that her words were bold and sweet, not only interesting but also able to spy on people’s hearts. The words of the old sages really pleased him. At this thought, his expression suddenly darkened and he asked coldly, “Why did you deliberately come talk to me today?”

Shaoshang was startled, her expression becoming puzzled. “Old Sage, you are really impressive. You can see through me at a glance. Okay, I want to ask, how did Master Ling talk to you?”

“This…” Old Prince Ruyang hesitated. “Zisheng grew up in the palace since he was a child. He’s no different from the princes, just like my own grandson.”

Shaoshang smiled bitterly. “It’s better to be in the right family when it comes to marriage. You see, I can’t say what he can say, and I may not be able to interact with anyone he likes. Today, I still met someone as easygoing and approachable as you.”

Seeing her melancholic expression, Old Prince Ruyang felt pity. “Commander Cheng is also a hero. You don’t have to feel ashamed. I’ll tell you something, His Majesty and the Empress have known that Zisheng is getting married, and they cannot suppress their joy. As long as you are sincere and obedient, no one will embarrass you.

“Many people only look at the surface, but don’t know what’s inside. I’m afraid that the first one who will embarrass you in the future will be Ling Buyi.”

Shaoshang didn’t understand. Before she could open her mouth, she saw two beautifully dressed maidservants looking around. They spotted them and one helped the old man to his feet. Before the Old Prince left, he turned around and smiled at her. “You will understand in the future.”

The truth was, there was no need to wait at all. Shaoshang felt it the second day after the betrothal gifts. It wasn’t only from her, but from the entire Cheng family.

Having passed the ceremony, Ling Buyi, like a future son-in-law from an ordinary family, frequently visited the house. Then, just like the Ice Age in ancient times came to visit this idle early summer season, and all plans were now useless.

Ling Buyi didn’t actually show off much, but he had a guard of six bodyguards and a team of more than ten people. Regardless of whether he needed it or not, as long as he went out, the two sturdy and famous horses and the tall black-iron carriage accompanied him. He was raised by the Emperor and Empress and had the courtesy of nobles since childhood. He was long accustomed to this.

He didn’t intentionally dress up either, just wore a simple single robe with a green bamboo crown. It was classical and beautiful, imposing and not to be underestimated – he didn’t mean it, but ordinary people wouldn’t dare speak frivolously in front of him.

On his first visit, the Cheng Shi couple warmly invited him to dinner.

The maid with crimson cheeks couldn’t help but peek at him repeatedly as she served the food table, and accidentally overturned the soup. A dark guard kneeling behind Ling Buyi was about to draw a dagger and come forward. Fortunately, Ling Buyi raised his hand early enough to stop him, otherwise the maid’s hand would have been cut off. Cheng Shi was embarrassed and repeatedly apologized.

“It’s okay, it’s just a small matter,” Ling Buyi said. “Uncle Cheng, please don’t blame yourself and spare her life.”

Cheng Shi thought, ‘…Actually, I didn’t want to take the blame.’

“If a maid overturns the soup in your house, she’ll be killed?” Shaoshang exclaimed.

Ling Buyi looked at the girl with a gentle expression. “The law and discipline in the palace are very strict. If you accidentally knock it over, it’s still a light responsibility. If you act recklessly to peek at the guests at the banquet, it’s a capital offense.”

This time it was Madam Xiao’s turn to be embarrassed, and she said with difficulty, “This family is not strictly controlled, it must be a joke for Master Ling.”

Shaoshang bypassed Cheng Shaogong in the middle and smiled from behind. “That’s because Zisheng is beautiful. If I were that little maid, I would also sneak a peek!”

Ling Buyi also leaned back slightly behind Cheng Shaogong and smiled at the girl. The corner of his eyes rose gracefully like a phoenix tail. “I’m only showing you, no one else is allowed to see.”

Cheng Shaogong’s face remained unchanged and he went to look at his younger sister. Shaoshang’s face turned bright red, feeling overwhelmed.

It was easy to serve all the dishes, and everyone was finally able to bury their heads into the food.

The meal was extremely cold and awkward. The Cheng family came from a humble background and had a strong sense of local culture. Every time they had a meal, they were always accompanied by a talkative old woman. However, today Ling Buyi was stuck in the middle of an icicle, from the gossip of Cheng Shi to the heartbroken Cheng Shaogong, who dared to start conversation?

Among the people present, only Grandmother Cheng behaved as usual and had a smiling face. She had been trying to please a cold and beautiful man for most of her life, and was accustomed to it. Old Master Cheng didn’t love her for being talkative and didn’t like her being meddlesome. It was because she responded appropriately in front of Ling Buyi, and because she always smiled and remained silent, she didn’t even take another step. Besides, eating without speaking was nothing. Grandmother Cheng should only be as beautiful as a delicacy. The more she ate, the more of an appetite she had. If Cheng Shi hadn’t stopped her, she would have added a third bowl of rice.

After seeing Ling Buyi off, the members of the Cheng family breathed a sigh of relief. They didn’t even have to call out to each other, everyone marched towards the Nine Zhui Hall as one, vowing to make up for today’s family meeting.

“This son-in-law is not as talkative as A’Yao,” Cheng Shi said as he rubbed his stomach.

Shaoshang felt a bit smug. “Father was not happy when this marriage was arranged,” she said casually. “I asked you to withdraw but you weren’t willing. Now, you finally know this won’t be easy.”

“What? Withdraw?!” Grandmother Cheng became anxious and roared like thunder. “You foolish and absurd father and daughter! Such a good son-in-law can’t be found even holding a torch. You still keep pushing and pushing, and after only a few days, you don’t know whether the fragrance is good or bad! If anyone dares to withdraw, you will be stepping over my dead body!”

“We haven’t withdrawn yet!” Cheng Shi hurriedly said. “Yesterday, even the betrothal gifts were given, and this marriage cannot be refunded. Don’t worry, Mother, let your heart rest.”

“It might not be perfect, but the appearance is better…” Cheng Shaogong muttered, displeased.

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Grandmother Cheng. “You should fight!” she shouted. “Good looks are not enough. Even if you are born three times, you won’t be able to cast such a look!” Old Master Cheng was not as good as Ling Buyi, and she gave him an obedient life.

Shaoshang looked at him cheerfully. Her twin brother was really questioning Grandmother Cheng’s marriage foundation. He was really courageous!

“Alright, let’s make Ling Buyi our ancestor in the future. Don’t worry, Mother. This son-in-law won’t be able to run away! You should go to rest now. Old Lady Hu, what are you doing standing there in a daze?” Cheng Shi quickly put an end to this matter.

After seeing Grandmother Cheng off, Cheng Shi sighed. “I heard that Ling Buyi came this afternoon. Didn’t Niao Niao take him to introduce him to your brothers? What have you done? You three should talk about it.”

The three brothers glanced at their parents, then looked at each other, and then the roast began.

“I showed Master Ling my interpretation of the article ‘Carving Insects and Seal Engraving, A Strong Man is Not for Nothing,’” Cheng Yong said. “He pointed out several inappropriate points in my writing.”

Madam Xiao looked at her husband and said in a deep voice, “Since he pointed it out, you should make some good changes. It will be very beneficial in the future.”

Cheng Yong lowered his head and quietly agreed.

“I led Master Ling to the martial arts arena, and he broke my strong bow of a hundred stones, and pierced through the double-sided thick wood arrow target that Father newly built,” Cheng Song said. If, in the future, his younger sister is bullied, how could he teach his brother-in-law a lesson? He was worried for his safety!

Cheng Shi looked at his wife. “Now you know there’s a day out there,” he said. “In the future, study archery and martial arts well, and don’t play around anymore.”

Cheng Song dejectedly lowered his head.

“I don’t need to say any more,” Cheng Shaogong said, looking left and right and pretending not to care. “There’s something else I need to consult Father…” He gave a wry smile. “Father, Mother, do we have to set up another family banquet?”

As soon as he finished speaking, Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao looked at each other, their faces sorrowful. When first engaged to the Lou family, Cheng Shi introduced Lou Yao to his old friends one by one during the banquet. Would he want to do it again this time?! He would have to say, ‘I’m sorry, my family has a new son-in-law and we all know him.’ Thinking about that scene made him shudder.

Madam Xiao showed her displeasure for the first time. “You were so anxious for His Majesty’s betrothal gifts!”

“Why don’t you do it?” Cheng Shi asked. “Let’s keep it simple.”

Madam Xiao glared at him. “With the Lou family, you made a big fuss, but with Master Ling, you want to keep it simple? Is this not treating one more favorably than the other? Are you a useless vegetable when it comes to His Majesty? We not only need to have the banquet, we need to make it big.”

“Okay, we’ll set it after the Lou wedding,” Cheng Shi said. He turned to smile at his daughter.

“Husband,” Madam Xiao frowned. “I’m afraid that’s not appropriate for etiquette.”

“Just have someone around to accompany Niao Niao. What can I do?” Father Cheng suddenly took on the air of a philosopher. “In life, one must always make choices. Madam, if you insist on dining with Ling Buyi in the future, I won’t eat with you. Ling Buyi and your husband, you can only choose one.”

Madam Xiao blushed angrily, and their children nearly burst out laughing. They quickly had to lower their heads to hide their amusement.

Cheng Shi was so relieved that he finally found a suitable way to get along with his future son-in-law.

There was no need to be close. Pancakes needed to be rolled with green onions, manure needed to be used in clay pots, and rice bran marinated in white jade vessels required lightning strikes. In the future, you could speak to your daughter and pass it on.

…

Next Chapter: My Best Friend’s Wedding (Part 1)