Love like the Galaxy - V1C15
Author and Editor's Notes
1- Transmigration, Sickness and Recovery
2- Survival
3- Sick again, Gossips and Jealousy
4- Family Reunion
5- Awkward Meeting
6- Drama Spirit
7- Crocodile tears
8- Mother and Son
9- Family Banquet
10- Good News!
11- Mother and Daughter
12- Enough is Enough
13- Madam Xiao's unfairness
14- Siblings' reunion and a moment of reflection
15- Third Uncle and Madam Sang
Chapter 15
Third Uncle and Madam Sang
Three days later, Cheng Zhi's family finally arrived. Even before they appeared, Shao Shang could tell that this Third Uncle was Old Madam's preferred son.
While going about her daily duties, which were paying respects to Old Madam and her mother, she was pleasantly surprised to see that Old Madam didn't even have time to bother her. In fact, even if she had skipped the greetings, Old Madam wouldn't have noticed, as she was occupied bombarding Madam Xiao with eighteen rapid questions. These ranged from the clotted milk Cheng Zhi[1] liked to drink, to his foot-washing water, and from the fillings in his favorite naan bread to the stuffing in his pillow. Her imagination was vivid, and her associations were so extensive and quick that they rivaled those of an international sports commentator!
Madam Xiao couldn't take it anymore. With a meaningful glance, Old Hu Ao quickly stepped in, guiding Old Madam to reminisce about ‘my A Zhi's" past’ from how the patterns he made when wetting the bed as a child were unique, all the way to how village girls or their mothers came flirting as soon as his Adam's apple began to show. By the time Old Hu Ao was exhausted and parched, Old Madam had only expended about eighty percent of her energy.
Witnessing this scene, Shao Shang's improper thoughts surfaced again: to those in the know, this is a mother awaiting her son; to outsiders, it might seem like a long-separated lover is being awaited.
However, upon finally seeing Third Uncle face-to-face, Shao Shang instantly recognized her own narrow-mindedness.
Cheng Zhi was an incredibly handsome man who could distract one from worldly worries. He looked to be about thirty, with a few scholarly wisps of beard under his chin. His fair skin, attractive features, and graceful demeanor resembled the lush greenery of distant mountains, and his smile was as invigorating as a spring breeze. Since Shao Shang arrived here, the most beautiful woman she had seen was definitely Madam Xiao, but among men, none had ever made her eyes sparkle like this.
Shao Shang had only enjoyed a brief moment of admiration when she suddenly heard Old Madam exclaim softly, "Oh my!" With one hand over her chest and tears glistening in her eyes, she hurried forward, calling out "my son" as she embraced Cheng Zhi. She checked his chest for weight loss, held his arm, and scolded affectionately, "You heartless little thing, staying away so long." Old Hu Ao was unable to stop her completely and paid no attention to Madam Sang, who was standing beside Cheng Zhi.
Shao Shang staggered, nearly laughing hard enough to unblock her Governing and Conception Vessels—her narrow-mindedness had confined her to old-fashioned soap opera tropes. This wasn't a long-lost lover; it was more like an older sister lavishing money and effort on her cherished oppa[2].
Shao Gongquietly stepped closer and whispered in Shao Shang's ear, "Tone it down. Mother is watching you." Shao Shang's eyes darted, and sure enough, Madam Xiao was looking at her disapprovingly. She quickly flattened her grinning lips and stood solemnly. Fortunately, Madam Sang came over and drew Madam Xiao aside, chatting and laughing about something, which diverted her attention from Shao Shang.
As everyone headed to the main hall, Shao Gong leaned in and whispered, "Your expression changed too suddenly." Shao Shang frowned and replied, "Why is Mother always watching me? I know I’m not behaving properly, but I'm trying to change gradually." Shao Gong chuckled softly, "Mother worries that if we get too used to casual behavior, we might slip up in public someday. Before, when she couldn't supervise us herself, she even hired people to watch over us."
"That’s why my older brothers all learned to behave similarly in both public and private," Shao Shang said, understanding this more clearly.
Since that family reunion, her two older brothers had been busy finding mentors and socializing, but her twin visited her three times a day. Even if they weren't close before, they definitely were now. "But we bribed the people sent to watch us. But in your case, you are too old to learn and change; everything shows on your face, so no need," Shao Gong said, tucking his hands into his sleeves and smiling politely.
Shao Shang: "..."
She stiffened her expression, refusing to engage further with the middle-schooler, maintaining her pride as a top university student.
The twins followed the group at a leisurely pace. Shao Gong glanced sideways at Shao Shang — if her reputation for foolishness and arrogance was accurate, he might hesitate to help. Still, he found her unexpectedly amusing. Despite her childish appearance, she often moved with surprising wisdom, weighed down by persistent thoughts. Her words could be soft and sincere or sharp enough to hurt.
She mentioned that her tone changes with her mood or the weather, saying, "Either it depends on my mood, or it depends on the weather..." At that moment, Shao Gong felt an urge to catch this little girl—who barely reached his shoulders—and give her a firm spanking.
During their recent meetings, she bombarded him with a wide range of questions about the outside world—ranging from which areas are free of bandits to whether women can go out for leisure, how much grain is harvested per acre, and what types of businesses commoners can participate in. Her questions appeared scattered and random, sometimes even trivial, as if she were a child or a wild mountain dweller newly emerged into the mortal world, utterly unaware of it.
This contradictory and unusual situation clearly showed how Madam Ge had brought up Shao Shang. Shao Gong felt a surge of sorrow, which is why he still hadn’t harmed her.
Having experienced this rare delicacy for the first time, Shao Shang focused intently on eating. When she finally looked up, she saw Cheng Shu being led to Old Madam’s seat, where he was receiving affectionate touches and kisses. Cheng Zhi couldn't keep his composure anymore—his chopsticks slipped, and he let out a few helpless "ai-ai" sounds while glancing pleadingly at his elder brother for help. Cheng Shi, however, sat there laughing heartily with a satisfied smile, though Shao Shang could clearly notice the joy in his eyes.
Madam Xiao appeared to have a very good rapport with Madam Sang. The two had already pushed their tables together, enjoying drinks and lively conversation. While Cheng Zhi’s handsome features were quite striking, Madam Sang’s appearance was more ordinary—at best, slightly above average. However, her delicate eyebrows, graceful demeanor, and genuine warmth made her more charming than many beautiful women.
The couple had two sons and a daughter. The eldest, Fifth Daughter, was about Cheng Shu's age, having just lost her baby teeth and inherited her father's beauty. The second and third, twin boys approximately the same age as Cheng Ou, resembled Madam Sang with their elegant and respectable manner—an obvious sign of genetic inheritance. The three children, exhausted from their journey, had already been taken to their rooms by Mother Fu to eat and rest.
Old Madam’s enthusiasm was intense, like a wildfire, but it only affected Cheng Zhi, ignoring everyone else. Apart from a soft "mm" in reply to Madam Sang’s greeting, she behaved as if his wife wasn’t there at all.
Feeling curious, Shao Shang quietly leaned closer to Shao Gong and whispered, "Does Grandma also dislike Third Aunt?" Seating was arranged by age within the same family section. With all family members present, the large round table was too small, resembling a banquet setup: one low table and a cushion for each person, arranged in two rows—husbands facing wives—with children at the end of each row. Old Madam presided at the end, with Cheng Shi on her right and Madam Xiao on her left. Shao Shang and Shao Gong sat side by side, the youngest children of the second and third couples across in the women’s section; the five children of the first couple sat on the other side. Five children sat on each side, with Mother Fu assisting the youngest.
Shao Gong glanced around to make sure no one was watching before sliding his table over by a foot and leaning in close. After a theatrical cough, he whispered, "Why did Fourth Sister say 'also'?" Shao Shang rolled her eyes and snapped, "If you're going to claim that Mother and Grandmother share a strong, unbreakable bond, then pretend I never asked that!" She was acting high and mighty again.
Shao Gong sighed and extended half of his bear paw toward Shao Shang. "Third Aunt was someone Third Uncle personally aimed to marry, but Grandmother always believed he could have chosen better. In his youth, Third Uncle was known as the most handsome man in the area."
Shao Shang happily looked at the bear paw in front of her, clutching her tiny snow-white fists with gratitude as she giggled and said, "Third Uncle is so handsome—totally different from Father and Second Uncle. Does he resemble Grandfather?"
Shao Gong loved his little sister's innocent charm and told her everything right away. It was said that twins shared a special bond, and it proved true. Shao Gong shared the family history of their paternal grandparents.
Cheng Taigong was truly a handsome man. In the final years of the previous dynasty, as livelihoods collapsed and the Cheng family suffered exploitation, he—a scholar with only musical skills—managed to avoid disgrace by refusing to become a male concubine or to turn to unsavory trades, driven by his pride. Eventually, he moved to the countryside, where Old Madam saw him and agreed to marry him. From then on, Cheng Taigong enjoyed a warm, stable home, freeing him from displacement and hunger during turbulent times. He could relax, play instruments, or compose music. Meanwhile, Old Madam found a handsome husband. Though she rarely understood his words or actions, simply seeing his attractive face made her eat two more bowls of rice each day. Sleeping beside him felt like floating among clouds and flowers. It was a mismatched marriage, however. Old Madam was never beautiful or literate. She was a sturdy village woman working in the fields. She was not always the idol of gold and silver seen today; at first, the couple found mutual benefit.
"What a wonderful story!" Shao Shang dared not raise her voice, only tapping the table lightly in delight.
Shao Gong looked at her, questioning whether his explanation or her understanding was flawed. In later years, the couple barely spoke more than three words a day—hardly an ideal marriage. Having seen their parents' affection during childhood, he and his brothers instinctively rejected such a marriage model.
A strong marriage is founded on mutual respect and understanding between partners. “You'll understand this better when you grow up and get married,” Shao Gong gently told his slightly younger, few-minute-junior twin.
Shao Shang quickly understood the dynamics of the relationships: Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao deeply loved, supported, and respected each other. Uncle Cheng and his wife faced difficulties because Madam Ge's unmet desires bred resentment. Meanwhile, Cheng Shi and his wife shared mutual understanding, resulting in harmony and happiness. Of the three men, two courted and married their future wives based on feelings rather than wealth or family status, while one arranged marriage ended in disaster. Emotions took precedence over wealth.
Shao Gong narrowed his eyes at her, nearly retorting, ‘Do you prefer handsomeness or wealth?’ when suddenly Old Madam raised her voice from the head of the table, angrily confronting Madam Sang, "...Tell me this. I entrusted Zhi to you all these years, so why has he become so thin?!"
The twins, both gossiping, immediately stopped their chat and glanced over. Cheng Zhi, having finally had enough of what he called "motherly love," broke free and returned to his seat. Seeing her youngest son behave this way, Old Madam directed her resentment at Madam Sang—although Cheng Zhi appeared healthy, with a rosy complexion and a fit build.
Faced with this clear provocation, Madam Sang calmly put down her chopsticks and smiled. "Life outside isn't as comfortable as at home. If it weren't for official duties, I would have kept Zigu with you every day, spoiling him until he's plump and fair. So..." She looked at her husband and skillfully shifted the responsibility, "Will you come with us to our post this time?"
Panicked, Cheng Zhi gave an awkward chuckle. "Nothing would please me more, but how could a mother follow her youngest son into hardship when her eldest is fully capable? That would shame Eldest Brother!" The ball was tossed to Cheng Shi, the bystander. He stayed calm and said, "It's fine. If Mother truly can't rest easy about Zigu, she can go stay with him for a while. But..." He paused, then sighed, "Life outside isn't like the Capital City. As long as Mother can endure it."
Unaware that she was being played, Old Madam softened her stance.
Having faced difficulties in her early years, she gradually adapted to a very comfortable life in the secluded manor, perhaps lonely, but peaceful. While she loved her youngest son deeply, she had no wish to go through hardships again. Consequently, the subject was never mentioned again.
Shao Shang was still captivated by the lively antics of this colorful family as she strode in. Watching the three of them collaborate to soothe Old Lady's grumpiness was nothing short of a stellar display. She couldn't help but smirk.
Shao Shang observed Madam Sang with curiosity, surprised when she responded with a faint smile. As the others remained engaged in lively drinking and conversation, she quickly leaned in to ask about Madam Sang's background.
Shao Gong explained, "Third Aunt is the daughter of the White Deer Mountain grandmaster[3]. At that time, Father's rank was low, and Third Uncle was still in school with an unestablished reputation. This marriage was seen as an improvement for our family. However, Grandmother still believed Third Aunt wasn't suitable for Third Uncle."
Shao Shang scoffed, saying, "Oh please, as if discovering some celestial beauty for Third Uncle would truly thrill Grandmother. And moreover..." she smirked sarcastically, "it's not like Grandmother and Grandfather were such a perfect match either."
Shao Gong glanced at his sister, understanding. "Shao Shang, it seems you don't have much respect for Grandmother."
Shao Shang, holding a dagger in one hand and chopsticks in the other, carefully dissected half a bear's paw. "Look at Second Uncle."
Confused, Shao Gong looked over to find Cheng Cheng sitting quietly, head bowed, drinking cup after cup, appearing isolated and withdrawn. Unless Cheng Shi occasionally prompted him to drink less, it would seem like he was drinking alone. At the opposite end of the table, Cheng Yang sat silently, sometimes whispering to her father to slow down. Shao Gong realized that since Cheng Zhi's return, Old Madam had hardly acknowledged her second son, not speaking to Cheng Cheng all day.
Shao Shang smiled while speaking, recalling Qing Cong's words that Second Uncle's limp was for the family. She noted he had sacrificed himself for over ten years, also for the family. With Father and Third Uncle absent, someone needed to remain in the Capital City to relay messages more quickly. Yet, she questioned whether Grandmother had ever shown him any compassion for his sacrifices.
Shao Gong gulped, speechless.
“People often say the world is snobbish, but it's surprising how parents can be the same toward their children. Grandmother depends on Father, showers affection on Third Uncle, yet for ten years, she's ignored Second Uncle.”
The little girl spoke softly, but her words were as sharp as the silver dagger she held. "She knows full well how Second Aunt bullies Second Uncle," she said. "With her authority, it would be easy to control Second Aunt, but she chooses not to. She cares only for her own comfort, ignoring everything else. Because Second Aunt pleases her and helps with tasks she should do, Second Uncle's suffering goes unnoticed."
Shao Shang put down the dagger and chopsticks, giving half of the bear's paw back to Shao Gong. "Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. If parents evaluate their children based on status or appearance, then why should the younger generation show respect to them?"
Shao Gong stared blankly at the plate in his hands. Meanwhile, Shao Shang had already begun relishing her share of the bear's paw, as if her heartfelt words had never been spoken. After eating for a while, Shao Shang suddenly looked up at him and warned, "Don't spread these words around, or I'll get scolded by Mother again."
Shao Gong, as if coming out of a dream, quickly responded, "I would never repeat what we discussed. Remember, we shared the same womb for nine months. Aside from our parents, no one else among our siblings is closer to me than you!"
Shao Shang felt happy and, upon seeing the candied fruits and bear paws, decided to trust this thick-browed middle schooler. However, she was unaware that her twin brother had been raised by a mother who concealed the truth with bamboo sticks from their sons. As a result, he found it impossible to hide when questioned by their mother and had a strong tendency to gossip. Nonetheless, Shao Shang still did not know her brothers well but chose to trust her twin. She had never had a sibling before, so she did not know about the usual small betrayals siblings commit to gain their parents' favor.
Upon hearing this, the couple's expressions were markedly different.
Cheng Shi stroked his beard and sighed, saying, "Niao Niao truly values loyalty. For years, she has seen the struggles her second uncle faced and has kept them in her heart." His eyes grew moist as he continued, "Finally, someone in this family remembers what my second brother went through!"
Madam Xiao, however, frowned and said, "How can an ignorant child dare to criticize her elders?!"
With that, the couple glared at each other.
Ignoring his parents' silent struggle, Shao Gong rubbed his forehead with his sleeve and begged, "Father, Mother, please don't betray me, or I'll never reveal anything again! And Mother, don't scold Shao Shang, or she'll figure everything out!"
Before Madam Xiao could respond, Cheng Shi waved his hand and said, "Don't worry! Niao Niao won't find out. Now, go back to your room."
Shao Gong bowed and retreated, repeatedly turning back to remind them, "Don't let the secret slip!" It wasn't until Madam Xiao impatiently scolded him that he finally hurried away.
After their son departed, Madam Xiao looked at her husband and exclaimed, "She was criticizing your mother!"
"So what?" Cheng Shi replied nonchalantly. "I criticize my mother too.”
Madam Xiao: “...”
Cheng Shi reached for the hangover soup, drank it swiftly, and then slammed the cup down. 'Was Niao Niao wrong about anything? My mother truly wishes she could have A-Zhi with her every day. No matter how beautiful a wife might be for him, it would never be enough. And yes, my mother is snobbish and selfish! She has seldom thought highly of my second brother ever since he was young, always calling him ‘useless’, yet she constantly belittles him and bosses him around!"
Madam Xiao opened her mouth to reply, but Cheng Shi interrupted: "Don't start with that 'elders can do no wrong' nonsense again!"
Cheng Shi complained, "I can't stand that Confucian rhetoric! Elders are human too and can make mistakes. Are we supposed to ignore their errors? Is that what filial piety means?" He continued, "If my mother mistreated you, should I just stay silent? Our family wouldn’t be where it is now if A-Zhi and I had followed only her wishes. We made our own choices, did what was needed, and that’s why we enjoy this good life!"
Madam Xiao found the example too compelling to dismiss. After a pause, she sighed and said, "You’re not wrong in principle, but Niao Niao is still very young. It’s inappropriate for her to openly judge her elders. And Shao Gong—his tendency to tattle hasn’t changed. It’s obvious his older brothers didn’t discipline him enough back then! These two will likely cause trouble with their loose tongues someday." Cheng Shi chuckled: "They are twins, after all; such similarities are expected! And who is asking for a detailed report from our sons all the time, encouraging their tattling tendencies?" He then sighed, "I understand your point, but Niao Niao is too distant. She seldom reveals her true thoughts. I initially hoped Yang Yang could help—girls tend to talk freely once close. Who knew Yang Yang would avoid Niao Niao like a cat avoids a mouse? Luckily, Shao Gong cares for Niao Niao—he hasn’t done anything wrong in this situation!"
"Fine, you're the doting father, and I'm the harsh mother!"
Madam Xiao initially looked angry, then paused to reflect before saying, "Don't blame Yang Yang either. I believe her actions are filial and respectful. She knows right from wrong and acknowledges her mother’s faults, but 'a child does not speak of their parent's faults.' Would she honestly tell Niao Niao, 'I'm sorry, I know my mother has been malicious towards you for ten years, oppressing maids, guards, and tenant families, spreading gossip, sowing discord as much as possible, and caring so much about her own daughter that I was sent to her elder sister to be raised so she wouldn't be distracted raising my younger brother? But I was sent back from a happy life as soon as your parents returned to the Cheng Manor, so she could appear good and virtuous? Truly, she has committed every evil imaginable.'"
Cheng Shi stared angrily. "Why won't she say it?! Right is right, wrong is wrong. Clearly explaining things helps our family move on. Have I ever hesitated to point out Mother's mistakes? Yet I remain filial. Does that weaken our relationship? You people, you're reading too many books, which is why you're overcomplicating everything like this."
Madam Xiao was so infuriated that she nearly toppled over, turning her head away and refusing to speak further.
Unexpectedly, Cheng Shi suddenly softened his tone and said casually, "In my view, you should take after me. Sometimes, 'criticizing' your mother can help keep peace of mind, stopping resentment from accumulating until you start nitpicking at Niao Niao..."
Madam Xiao's back shivered faintly. After a lengthy silence, she eventually acknowledged, "You noticed."
"I'm not blind." Cheng Shi slowly shifted his tall frame closer and said softly, "Years ago, I saw your mother from afar. At first, I didn't make the connection. I just thought Niao Niao was pretty, but didn't resemble either of us. It was only later that I slowly realized."
He placed his hand gently on his wife's shoulder, his touch tender and reassuring, as he gazed into her eyes, a mix of affection and concern in his gaze. "Remember back then, when Madam Ge caused you endless trouble?" he murmured softly, recalling the late nights filled with worry and the tears shed in quiet moments. "Yet, you still speak of Yang Yang with such warmth and compassion, keenly understanding that 'a mother's faults do not extend to her child.' It's a testament to your grace. But when it comes to Niao Niao, I can’t help but notice you’re so quick to criticize her. Can’t you see she’s also navigating her own challenges? She is not your mother…" His voice carried a weight of empathy, hoping to bridge the gap between her expectations and the struggles of their daughter.
The couple sat together in silence, leaning quietly against each other. After some time, Madam Xiao finally exhaled deeply and smiled. "You're right. I've been letting my heart be clouded. I need to change starting now."
Delighted, Cheng Shi gave his wife a loud kiss on her cheek. "My wife is truly wise, as she should be!"
Madam Xiao gently pushed her overly affectionate husband aside, laughing as she scolded, "Go ahead, continue with your rule of 'criticizing elders'—one day, it'll be your turn!"
Cheng Shi looked serious. "That's not quite right. Building a noble family takes three generations. We've only recently risen from humble beginnings, so it's natural to criticize a little now. But after three generations, it won't be acceptable anymore. By then, our grandchildren won't be allowed to point out our faults! If they try, just remind them of the sages' teachings, hit them with the Classics of Filial Piety and similar texts. Keep copying them if needed!"
Madam Xiao couldn't hold back her laughter any longer and finally burst into hearty giggles.
While going about her daily duties, which were paying respects to Old Madam and her mother, she was pleasantly surprised to see that Old Madam didn't even have time to bother her. In fact, even if she had skipped the greetings, Old Madam wouldn't have noticed, as she was occupied bombarding Madam Xiao with eighteen rapid questions. These ranged from the clotted milk Cheng Zhi[1] liked to drink, to his foot-washing water, and from the fillings in his favorite naan bread to the stuffing in his pillow. Her imagination was vivid, and her associations were so extensive and quick that they rivaled those of an international sports commentator!
Madam Xiao couldn't take it anymore. With a meaningful glance, Old Hu Ao quickly stepped in, guiding Old Madam to reminisce about ‘my A Zhi's" past’ from how the patterns he made when wetting the bed as a child were unique, all the way to how village girls or their mothers came flirting as soon as his Adam's apple began to show. By the time Old Hu Ao was exhausted and parched, Old Madam had only expended about eighty percent of her energy.
Witnessing this scene, Shao Shang's improper thoughts surfaced again: to those in the know, this is a mother awaiting her son; to outsiders, it might seem like a long-separated lover is being awaited.
However, upon finally seeing Third Uncle face-to-face, Shao Shang instantly recognized her own narrow-mindedness.
Cheng Zhi was an incredibly handsome man who could distract one from worldly worries. He looked to be about thirty, with a few scholarly wisps of beard under his chin. His fair skin, attractive features, and graceful demeanor resembled the lush greenery of distant mountains, and his smile was as invigorating as a spring breeze. Since Shao Shang arrived here, the most beautiful woman she had seen was definitely Madam Xiao, but among men, none had ever made her eyes sparkle like this.
Shao Shang had only enjoyed a brief moment of admiration when she suddenly heard Old Madam exclaim softly, "Oh my!" With one hand over her chest and tears glistening in her eyes, she hurried forward, calling out "my son" as she embraced Cheng Zhi. She checked his chest for weight loss, held his arm, and scolded affectionately, "You heartless little thing, staying away so long." Old Hu Ao was unable to stop her completely and paid no attention to Madam Sang, who was standing beside Cheng Zhi.
Shao Shang staggered, nearly laughing hard enough to unblock her Governing and Conception Vessels—her narrow-mindedness had confined her to old-fashioned soap opera tropes. This wasn't a long-lost lover; it was more like an older sister lavishing money and effort on her cherished oppa[2].
Shao Gongquietly stepped closer and whispered in Shao Shang's ear, "Tone it down. Mother is watching you." Shao Shang's eyes darted, and sure enough, Madam Xiao was looking at her disapprovingly. She quickly flattened her grinning lips and stood solemnly. Fortunately, Madam Sang came over and drew Madam Xiao aside, chatting and laughing about something, which diverted her attention from Shao Shang.
As everyone headed to the main hall, Shao Gong leaned in and whispered, "Your expression changed too suddenly." Shao Shang frowned and replied, "Why is Mother always watching me? I know I’m not behaving properly, but I'm trying to change gradually." Shao Gong chuckled softly, "Mother worries that if we get too used to casual behavior, we might slip up in public someday. Before, when she couldn't supervise us herself, she even hired people to watch over us."
"That’s why my older brothers all learned to behave similarly in both public and private," Shao Shang said, understanding this more clearly.
Since that family reunion, her two older brothers had been busy finding mentors and socializing, but her twin visited her three times a day. Even if they weren't close before, they definitely were now. "But we bribed the people sent to watch us. But in your case, you are too old to learn and change; everything shows on your face, so no need," Shao Gong said, tucking his hands into his sleeves and smiling politely.
Shao Shang: "..."
She stiffened her expression, refusing to engage further with the middle-schooler, maintaining her pride as a top university student.
The twins followed the group at a leisurely pace. Shao Gong glanced sideways at Shao Shang — if her reputation for foolishness and arrogance was accurate, he might hesitate to help. Still, he found her unexpectedly amusing. Despite her childish appearance, she often moved with surprising wisdom, weighed down by persistent thoughts. Her words could be soft and sincere or sharp enough to hurt.
She mentioned that her tone changes with her mood or the weather, saying, "Either it depends on my mood, or it depends on the weather..." At that moment, Shao Gong felt an urge to catch this little girl—who barely reached his shoulders—and give her a firm spanking.
During their recent meetings, she bombarded him with a wide range of questions about the outside world—ranging from which areas are free of bandits to whether women can go out for leisure, how much grain is harvested per acre, and what types of businesses commoners can participate in. Her questions appeared scattered and random, sometimes even trivial, as if she were a child or a wild mountain dweller newly emerged into the mortal world, utterly unaware of it.
This contradictory and unusual situation clearly showed how Madam Ge had brought up Shao Shang. Shao Gong felt a surge of sorrow, which is why he still hadn’t harmed her.
━━━━༻❁༺━━━━
At the lavish feast, a variety of dishes were displayed. Madam Xiao presented the roasted bear paw, which had been prepared throughout the day, and Shao Shang was lucky to get half a portion. The meat was rich, tender, and juicy, becoming more flavorful with every bite.Having experienced this rare delicacy for the first time, Shao Shang focused intently on eating. When she finally looked up, she saw Cheng Shu being led to Old Madam’s seat, where he was receiving affectionate touches and kisses. Cheng Zhi couldn't keep his composure anymore—his chopsticks slipped, and he let out a few helpless "ai-ai" sounds while glancing pleadingly at his elder brother for help. Cheng Shi, however, sat there laughing heartily with a satisfied smile, though Shao Shang could clearly notice the joy in his eyes.
Madam Xiao appeared to have a very good rapport with Madam Sang. The two had already pushed their tables together, enjoying drinks and lively conversation. While Cheng Zhi’s handsome features were quite striking, Madam Sang’s appearance was more ordinary—at best, slightly above average. However, her delicate eyebrows, graceful demeanor, and genuine warmth made her more charming than many beautiful women.
The couple had two sons and a daughter. The eldest, Fifth Daughter, was about Cheng Shu's age, having just lost her baby teeth and inherited her father's beauty. The second and third, twin boys approximately the same age as Cheng Ou, resembled Madam Sang with their elegant and respectable manner—an obvious sign of genetic inheritance. The three children, exhausted from their journey, had already been taken to their rooms by Mother Fu to eat and rest.
Old Madam’s enthusiasm was intense, like a wildfire, but it only affected Cheng Zhi, ignoring everyone else. Apart from a soft "mm" in reply to Madam Sang’s greeting, she behaved as if his wife wasn’t there at all.
Feeling curious, Shao Shang quietly leaned closer to Shao Gong and whispered, "Does Grandma also dislike Third Aunt?" Seating was arranged by age within the same family section. With all family members present, the large round table was too small, resembling a banquet setup: one low table and a cushion for each person, arranged in two rows—husbands facing wives—with children at the end of each row. Old Madam presided at the end, with Cheng Shi on her right and Madam Xiao on her left. Shao Shang and Shao Gong sat side by side, the youngest children of the second and third couples across in the women’s section; the five children of the first couple sat on the other side. Five children sat on each side, with Mother Fu assisting the youngest.
Shao Gong glanced around to make sure no one was watching before sliding his table over by a foot and leaning in close. After a theatrical cough, he whispered, "Why did Fourth Sister say 'also'?" Shao Shang rolled her eyes and snapped, "If you're going to claim that Mother and Grandmother share a strong, unbreakable bond, then pretend I never asked that!" She was acting high and mighty again.
Shao Gong sighed and extended half of his bear paw toward Shao Shang. "Third Aunt was someone Third Uncle personally aimed to marry, but Grandmother always believed he could have chosen better. In his youth, Third Uncle was known as the most handsome man in the area."
Shao Shang happily looked at the bear paw in front of her, clutching her tiny snow-white fists with gratitude as she giggled and said, "Third Uncle is so handsome—totally different from Father and Second Uncle. Does he resemble Grandfather?"
Shao Gong loved his little sister's innocent charm and told her everything right away. It was said that twins shared a special bond, and it proved true. Shao Gong shared the family history of their paternal grandparents.
Cheng Taigong was truly a handsome man. In the final years of the previous dynasty, as livelihoods collapsed and the Cheng family suffered exploitation, he—a scholar with only musical skills—managed to avoid disgrace by refusing to become a male concubine or to turn to unsavory trades, driven by his pride. Eventually, he moved to the countryside, where Old Madam saw him and agreed to marry him. From then on, Cheng Taigong enjoyed a warm, stable home, freeing him from displacement and hunger during turbulent times. He could relax, play instruments, or compose music. Meanwhile, Old Madam found a handsome husband. Though she rarely understood his words or actions, simply seeing his attractive face made her eat two more bowls of rice each day. Sleeping beside him felt like floating among clouds and flowers. It was a mismatched marriage, however. Old Madam was never beautiful or literate. She was a sturdy village woman working in the fields. She was not always the idol of gold and silver seen today; at first, the couple found mutual benefit.
"What a wonderful story!" Shao Shang dared not raise her voice, only tapping the table lightly in delight.
Shao Gong looked at her, questioning whether his explanation or her understanding was flawed. In later years, the couple barely spoke more than three words a day—hardly an ideal marriage. Having seen their parents' affection during childhood, he and his brothers instinctively rejected such a marriage model.
A strong marriage is founded on mutual respect and understanding between partners. “You'll understand this better when you grow up and get married,” Shao Gong gently told his slightly younger, few-minute-junior twin.
Shao Shang quickly understood the dynamics of the relationships: Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao deeply loved, supported, and respected each other. Uncle Cheng and his wife faced difficulties because Madam Ge's unmet desires bred resentment. Meanwhile, Cheng Shi and his wife shared mutual understanding, resulting in harmony and happiness. Of the three men, two courted and married their future wives based on feelings rather than wealth or family status, while one arranged marriage ended in disaster. Emotions took precedence over wealth.
Shao Gong narrowed his eyes at her, nearly retorting, ‘Do you prefer handsomeness or wealth?’ when suddenly Old Madam raised her voice from the head of the table, angrily confronting Madam Sang, "...Tell me this. I entrusted Zhi to you all these years, so why has he become so thin?!"
The twins, both gossiping, immediately stopped their chat and glanced over. Cheng Zhi, having finally had enough of what he called "motherly love," broke free and returned to his seat. Seeing her youngest son behave this way, Old Madam directed her resentment at Madam Sang—although Cheng Zhi appeared healthy, with a rosy complexion and a fit build.
Faced with this clear provocation, Madam Sang calmly put down her chopsticks and smiled. "Life outside isn't as comfortable as at home. If it weren't for official duties, I would have kept Zigu with you every day, spoiling him until he's plump and fair. So..." She looked at her husband and skillfully shifted the responsibility, "Will you come with us to our post this time?"
Panicked, Cheng Zhi gave an awkward chuckle. "Nothing would please me more, but how could a mother follow her youngest son into hardship when her eldest is fully capable? That would shame Eldest Brother!" The ball was tossed to Cheng Shi, the bystander. He stayed calm and said, "It's fine. If Mother truly can't rest easy about Zigu, she can go stay with him for a while. But..." He paused, then sighed, "Life outside isn't like the Capital City. As long as Mother can endure it."
Unaware that she was being played, Old Madam softened her stance.
Having faced difficulties in her early years, she gradually adapted to a very comfortable life in the secluded manor, perhaps lonely, but peaceful. While she loved her youngest son deeply, she had no wish to go through hardships again. Consequently, the subject was never mentioned again.
Shao Shang was still captivated by the lively antics of this colorful family as she strode in. Watching the three of them collaborate to soothe Old Lady's grumpiness was nothing short of a stellar display. She couldn't help but smirk.
Shao Shang observed Madam Sang with curiosity, surprised when she responded with a faint smile. As the others remained engaged in lively drinking and conversation, she quickly leaned in to ask about Madam Sang's background.
Shao Gong explained, "Third Aunt is the daughter of the White Deer Mountain grandmaster[3]. At that time, Father's rank was low, and Third Uncle was still in school with an unestablished reputation. This marriage was seen as an improvement for our family. However, Grandmother still believed Third Aunt wasn't suitable for Third Uncle."
Shao Shang scoffed, saying, "Oh please, as if discovering some celestial beauty for Third Uncle would truly thrill Grandmother. And moreover..." she smirked sarcastically, "it's not like Grandmother and Grandfather were such a perfect match either."
Shao Gong glanced at his sister, understanding. "Shao Shang, it seems you don't have much respect for Grandmother."
Shao Shang, holding a dagger in one hand and chopsticks in the other, carefully dissected half a bear's paw. "Look at Second Uncle."
Confused, Shao Gong looked over to find Cheng Cheng sitting quietly, head bowed, drinking cup after cup, appearing isolated and withdrawn. Unless Cheng Shi occasionally prompted him to drink less, it would seem like he was drinking alone. At the opposite end of the table, Cheng Yang sat silently, sometimes whispering to her father to slow down. Shao Gong realized that since Cheng Zhi's return, Old Madam had hardly acknowledged her second son, not speaking to Cheng Cheng all day.
Shao Shang smiled while speaking, recalling Qing Cong's words that Second Uncle's limp was for the family. She noted he had sacrificed himself for over ten years, also for the family. With Father and Third Uncle absent, someone needed to remain in the Capital City to relay messages more quickly. Yet, she questioned whether Grandmother had ever shown him any compassion for his sacrifices.
Shao Gong gulped, speechless.
“People often say the world is snobbish, but it's surprising how parents can be the same toward their children. Grandmother depends on Father, showers affection on Third Uncle, yet for ten years, she's ignored Second Uncle.”
The little girl spoke softly, but her words were as sharp as the silver dagger she held. "She knows full well how Second Aunt bullies Second Uncle," she said. "With her authority, it would be easy to control Second Aunt, but she chooses not to. She cares only for her own comfort, ignoring everything else. Because Second Aunt pleases her and helps with tasks she should do, Second Uncle's suffering goes unnoticed."
Shao Shang put down the dagger and chopsticks, giving half of the bear's paw back to Shao Gong. "Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. If parents evaluate their children based on status or appearance, then why should the younger generation show respect to them?"
Shao Gong stared blankly at the plate in his hands. Meanwhile, Shao Shang had already begun relishing her share of the bear's paw, as if her heartfelt words had never been spoken. After eating for a while, Shao Shang suddenly looked up at him and warned, "Don't spread these words around, or I'll get scolded by Mother again."
Shao Gong, as if coming out of a dream, quickly responded, "I would never repeat what we discussed. Remember, we shared the same womb for nine months. Aside from our parents, no one else among our siblings is closer to me than you!"
Shao Shang felt happy and, upon seeing the candied fruits and bear paws, decided to trust this thick-browed middle schooler. However, she was unaware that her twin brother had been raised by a mother who concealed the truth with bamboo sticks from their sons. As a result, he found it impossible to hide when questioned by their mother and had a strong tendency to gossip. Nonetheless, Shao Shang still did not know her brothers well but chose to trust her twin. She had never had a sibling before, so she did not know about the usual small betrayals siblings commit to gain their parents' favor.
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That night, at Cheng Shi and his wife's residence, two waist-high, conjoined, branch-animal fat bronze lamps flanked the sides, casting light on the lacquer wood floor that shimmered like black jade. The visibly guilty Shao Gong knelt before his parents, hurriedly recounting the main points of his younger sister's earlier words. He mused that if Shao Shang were present, she would definitely lose her trust in him!Upon hearing this, the couple's expressions were markedly different.
Cheng Shi stroked his beard and sighed, saying, "Niao Niao truly values loyalty. For years, she has seen the struggles her second uncle faced and has kept them in her heart." His eyes grew moist as he continued, "Finally, someone in this family remembers what my second brother went through!"
Madam Xiao, however, frowned and said, "How can an ignorant child dare to criticize her elders?!"
With that, the couple glared at each other.
Ignoring his parents' silent struggle, Shao Gong rubbed his forehead with his sleeve and begged, "Father, Mother, please don't betray me, or I'll never reveal anything again! And Mother, don't scold Shao Shang, or she'll figure everything out!"
Before Madam Xiao could respond, Cheng Shi waved his hand and said, "Don't worry! Niao Niao won't find out. Now, go back to your room."
Shao Gong bowed and retreated, repeatedly turning back to remind them, "Don't let the secret slip!" It wasn't until Madam Xiao impatiently scolded him that he finally hurried away.
After their son departed, Madam Xiao looked at her husband and exclaimed, "She was criticizing your mother!"
"So what?" Cheng Shi replied nonchalantly. "I criticize my mother too.”
Madam Xiao: “...”
Cheng Shi reached for the hangover soup, drank it swiftly, and then slammed the cup down. 'Was Niao Niao wrong about anything? My mother truly wishes she could have A-Zhi with her every day. No matter how beautiful a wife might be for him, it would never be enough. And yes, my mother is snobbish and selfish! She has seldom thought highly of my second brother ever since he was young, always calling him ‘useless’, yet she constantly belittles him and bosses him around!"
Madam Xiao opened her mouth to reply, but Cheng Shi interrupted: "Don't start with that 'elders can do no wrong' nonsense again!"
Cheng Shi complained, "I can't stand that Confucian rhetoric! Elders are human too and can make mistakes. Are we supposed to ignore their errors? Is that what filial piety means?" He continued, "If my mother mistreated you, should I just stay silent? Our family wouldn’t be where it is now if A-Zhi and I had followed only her wishes. We made our own choices, did what was needed, and that’s why we enjoy this good life!"
Madam Xiao found the example too compelling to dismiss. After a pause, she sighed and said, "You’re not wrong in principle, but Niao Niao is still very young. It’s inappropriate for her to openly judge her elders. And Shao Gong—his tendency to tattle hasn’t changed. It’s obvious his older brothers didn’t discipline him enough back then! These two will likely cause trouble with their loose tongues someday." Cheng Shi chuckled: "They are twins, after all; such similarities are expected! And who is asking for a detailed report from our sons all the time, encouraging their tattling tendencies?" He then sighed, "I understand your point, but Niao Niao is too distant. She seldom reveals her true thoughts. I initially hoped Yang Yang could help—girls tend to talk freely once close. Who knew Yang Yang would avoid Niao Niao like a cat avoids a mouse? Luckily, Shao Gong cares for Niao Niao—he hasn’t done anything wrong in this situation!"
"Fine, you're the doting father, and I'm the harsh mother!"
Madam Xiao initially looked angry, then paused to reflect before saying, "Don't blame Yang Yang either. I believe her actions are filial and respectful. She knows right from wrong and acknowledges her mother’s faults, but 'a child does not speak of their parent's faults.' Would she honestly tell Niao Niao, 'I'm sorry, I know my mother has been malicious towards you for ten years, oppressing maids, guards, and tenant families, spreading gossip, sowing discord as much as possible, and caring so much about her own daughter that I was sent to her elder sister to be raised so she wouldn't be distracted raising my younger brother? But I was sent back from a happy life as soon as your parents returned to the Cheng Manor, so she could appear good and virtuous? Truly, she has committed every evil imaginable.'"
Cheng Shi stared angrily. "Why won't she say it?! Right is right, wrong is wrong. Clearly explaining things helps our family move on. Have I ever hesitated to point out Mother's mistakes? Yet I remain filial. Does that weaken our relationship? You people, you're reading too many books, which is why you're overcomplicating everything like this."
Madam Xiao was so infuriated that she nearly toppled over, turning her head away and refusing to speak further.
Unexpectedly, Cheng Shi suddenly softened his tone and said casually, "In my view, you should take after me. Sometimes, 'criticizing' your mother can help keep peace of mind, stopping resentment from accumulating until you start nitpicking at Niao Niao..."
Madam Xiao's back shivered faintly. After a lengthy silence, she eventually acknowledged, "You noticed."
"I'm not blind." Cheng Shi slowly shifted his tall frame closer and said softly, "Years ago, I saw your mother from afar. At first, I didn't make the connection. I just thought Niao Niao was pretty, but didn't resemble either of us. It was only later that I slowly realized."
He placed his hand gently on his wife's shoulder, his touch tender and reassuring, as he gazed into her eyes, a mix of affection and concern in his gaze. "Remember back then, when Madam Ge caused you endless trouble?" he murmured softly, recalling the late nights filled with worry and the tears shed in quiet moments. "Yet, you still speak of Yang Yang with such warmth and compassion, keenly understanding that 'a mother's faults do not extend to her child.' It's a testament to your grace. But when it comes to Niao Niao, I can’t help but notice you’re so quick to criticize her. Can’t you see she’s also navigating her own challenges? She is not your mother…" His voice carried a weight of empathy, hoping to bridge the gap between her expectations and the struggles of their daughter.
The couple sat together in silence, leaning quietly against each other. After some time, Madam Xiao finally exhaled deeply and smiled. "You're right. I've been letting my heart be clouded. I need to change starting now."
Delighted, Cheng Shi gave his wife a loud kiss on her cheek. "My wife is truly wise, as she should be!"
Madam Xiao gently pushed her overly affectionate husband aside, laughing as she scolded, "Go ahead, continue with your rule of 'criticizing elders'—one day, it'll be your turn!"
Cheng Shi looked serious. "That's not quite right. Building a noble family takes three generations. We've only recently risen from humble beginnings, so it's natural to criticize a little now. But after three generations, it won't be acceptable anymore. By then, our grandchildren won't be allowed to point out our faults! If they try, just remind them of the sages' teachings, hit them with the Classics of Filial Piety and similar texts. Keep copying them if needed!"
Madam Xiao couldn't hold back her laughter any longer and finally burst into hearty giggles.
[1] New characters :
- Cheng Zhi | Third Uncle | Zigu | Zhi Er: Third son of Old Madam
- Sang Shi | Madam Sang |Third Aunt | Third sister-in-law: Wife of Cheng Zhi
- Filth Daugher: young daughter of third uncle Cheng Zhi and Madam Sang (she does not have a role in the story)
- Twin boys: young sons of third uncle Cheng Zhi and Madam Sang (they do not have a role in the story)
[2] In Chinese, "oppa" is a loanword directly borrowed and transliterated from the Korean word 오빠 (oppa).
While the original Korean term literally means "older brother" (used by females), the Chinese usage has shifted slightly due to the influence of Hallyu (Korean Wave):
- Transliteration: It is written in Mandarin as 欧巴 (ōubā).
- Definition: In China, it is primarily used by young women to refer to handsome, attractive, or idealized men, particularly Korean male celebrities, actors, or idols.
- Connotations: It often implies a sense of romantic admiration, intimacy, or a "perfect" male figure. It is rarely used to address a biological older brother in a standard Chinese family context.
- Playful Usage: Younger females may use it playfully or flirtatiously when addressing a slightly older male friend
[3] This is a highly regarded (fictional) place where scholars can achieve excellence under the guidance of qualified masters.
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