Chapter 2: C2. It's Not Good To Bully Others.

Chapter 2

Ganzhou, a desolate outpost over three thousand miles from the capital, served as the grim stage for Li Yong’s third humiliating defeat and near capture. News of the disaster, despite the frantic rush of messengers covering eight hundred miles a day, would not darken Beijing’s gates for another four excruciating days.

In the sprawling Zhenghe Hall of Duke Ningguo’s Mansion, Yunzhu strolled with deliberate grace along the veranda. Reaching the doorway, her sharp gaze fell upon her mother, Meng Shi, perched with weary elegance in the Taishi chair at the northern end. Meng Shi, her left elbow propped on the table, masked her fatigue poorly as she yawned, her right hand shielding her face.

Yunzhu allowed a sly smile to play across her lips as she teased, “Mother, another sleepless night?”

Meng Shi, dabbing the corners of her groggy eyes with a pristine handkerchief, let out a tired sigh. “No rest for me,” she confessed, her tone edged with frustration. “I dreamt your father fell to defeat once more. The thought clung to me like a shadow, stealing my peace.”

The vividness of the dream gnawed at Meng Shi, leaving her adrift in restless worry for her husband, who now toiled far from home in the treacherous heart of Ganzhou.

Casting a glance at the imposing pair of seats on the north side, Yunzhu, ever observant, bypassed the empty one and settled herself beside her mother instead. Her voice softened, laced with a calculated optimism. “Dreams, they say, are often the reverse of reality. If you dreamt of Father’s defeat, it could only mean he’s triumphed.”

Meng Shi reached out, patting her daughter’s hand with a tenderness that belied her turmoil. “Your grandfather spoke with such certainty,” she murmured, her tone heavy with reflection. “He warned that your father’s nature was ill-suited for command. Whether victorious or defeated, I care only for his safe return. Let him trade the chaos of battlefields for the serenity of the capital. Let him embrace a life of honor, wealth, and enduring dignity—a Duke, respected and unscathed.”

Yunzhu’s thoughts drifted back to a time when her father burned with ambition, his courage a beacon in the storm. A bittersweet smile curled her lips as she mused, “Father does have a peculiar knack for chasing the storm, doesn’t he?”

Meng Shi exhaled a long, mournful sigh, her voice low and laden with unspoken truths. “He leaps headfirst into the jaws of danger,” she muttered, echoing her father-in-law’s dire warnings. “Serve the court, he said. Any other path courts ruin.”

Yunzhu’s smile grew, her tone tinged with teasing mischief. “Funny, isn’t it? You once dismissed Grandfather’s admonishments as unwarranted. And yet here you are, repeating them as if they were gospel. Isn’t that right, Mother?”

Meng’s words cut through the silence like a blade through flesh, sharp and undeniable. “Actions speak louder than the empty clamor of words. Your father craves proof—not the hollow sounds of promises, but deeds that echo the wisdom forged through generations.”

The maid entered quietly but purposefully, placing breakfast before the mother and daughter. Li Yao, Yunzhu’s elder brother, had left before dawn, summoned to the imperial palace for duties that permitted no delay. Meanwhile, her younger brother, Li Xian, served as the Crown Prince’s shadow in the East Palace, only granted the luxury of returning home once a month.

Seated across from her mother at the table, Yunzhu’s voice was tinged with a mix of innocence and curiosity. “Mother, do you despise Father now that he’s fallen from his pedestal and proven less invincible than the world believed?”

Meng Shi set her chopsticks down deliberately, her gaze steady and piercing as she regarded her daughter. “And if I told you I did? Would you run to your father with tales of my discontent?”

“How could I?” Li Yunzhu’s response was unwavering, laced with an undercurrent of sincerity. “You and I share more than mere blood. Ours is a bond carved from trust and understanding, far beyond the reach of petty grievances.”

A wry smile tugged at Meng Shi’s lips before she snorted. “You’ve learned the art of flattery well, haven’t you?”

But as she took another bite, the veil of her humor slipped, revealing the faintest shadow of sorrow in her eyes. “Your father is more than his victories or failures. When I chose him, it wasn’t for titles or power—it was for a spark, something intangible yet undeniable. His stumble doesn’t extinguish that flame, nor does it lessen the respect I hold for him.”

Li Yunzhu chuckled lightly, her tone playful yet bold. “Perhaps Father knows you fell for his raw vigor—his male charm unblemished by something as common as a beard.”

Meng Shi shook her head, her expression firm but weary. “Enough. Let’s stop this talk of him. Dwelling on it does nothing but burden the mind.”

*

At the grand Cao family estate, Cao Shao shared an opulent dinner with his dignified mother, Madam Pan.

Among the elite noble families thriving in the bustling capital, the Cao family stood as an unmistakable force on the rise.

Cao Shao's late father, the renowned second Duke, passed his title to his eldest son, Cao Xun, born of his first wife. That left Pan shi, though still in her striking early forties, as a revered "Wife of a High-Ranking Official," a status that commanded envy and respect from her peers.

Pan shi held firm to her customary silence during meals, her presence poised and restrained. After the feast concluded, Cao Shao addressed her with unwavering composure, "Mother, I’ll leave for Xishan today and won’t return until tomorrow night."

With deliberate elegance, Pan shi rinsed her mouth and dabbed her lips with a silk handkerchief. Her gaze sharpened as she questioned, "And who will accompany you?"

Cao Shao replied smoothly, "Yunzhu. The autumn scenery is captivating, and I’ve invited her to enjoy a leisurely outing with me at Xishan."

Pan’s expression hardened, her tone measured but firm. "Time is slipping away, and spring is just around the corner. Shouldn’t you be dedicating yourself to your studies rather than indulging in idle wanderings?"

Confident and unbothered, Cao Shao countered with a calm grin, "Mother, there’s no need for concern. Success in the Chunwei requires both diligence and a clear mind. I assure you, your son knows the balance well."

------

[  ] 春闱 (chūn wí), literally meaning "Spring Examination Hall", refers to the imperial civil service examinations held in spring during China's imperial era. It was one of the two major examinations alongside the 秋闱 (qiū wí) or Autumn Examination.

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Pan Shi declared sharply, "You’ve got some sense for once. But who the hell is this Yunzhu? Duke Ningguo has already been humiliated twice. Everyone in the capital knows it. As his daughter, she should be home worrying about her father, not gallivanting around. What do you think people are saying about her?"

Cao Shao fired back, "I know she’s worried about her father—that’s exactly why I took her out. What good is it for her to sit at home, brooding and stressed out? Sometimes, getting away is the only solution."

Pan Shi shot him a cold glare. "You really think it’s that simple? Words travel fast, and people’s gossip can ruin lives."

Cao Shao waved her off. "Let them talk. Our peace of mind matters more than their useless chatter."

Pan Shi’s eyes twitched in frustration, her lips tightening as she prepared to argue. But her nanny, standing silently nearby, gave her a subtle warning gesture. Reluctantly, she let it go and sighed.

"Fine. Go. But don’t take your time—be back soon."

Cao Shao grinned, gave a quick bow, and left without another word.

As his tall figure disappeared through the doorway, Pan Shi gripped her handkerchief tightly, muttering under her breath, "He used to be such a reasonable boy. Now, he’s spouting nonsense—and all because that wretched Li Yunzhu has bewitched him!"

The nanny stepped forward, gently massaging Pan Shi’s shoulders. Her voice was light but knowing. "You know how it is, madam. At his age, love makes them reckless. The more you try to block him, the harder he’ll fight for Miss Yunzhu."

The hall fell silent, with only Pan Shi and her maid left. Glancing around to ensure no one else was present, Pan Shi lowered her voice, her bitterness seeping through.

"I used to just worry, but now it’s crystal clear—Li Yong is a fraud! Word from Ganzhou reached the capital recently. The emperor chewed him out in court for a full half hour, completely humiliated him. If it weren’t for the old Duke, he wouldn’t even have a second chance. And let’s be honest, most of the ministers can’t stand him. He’s useless, and his eldest son, Li Yao, is nothing but a reckless fool. The Li family is heading straight for ruin."

The nanny raised an eyebrow. "And what about the second master and Miss Yunzhu? Will their engagement still happen?"

Pan Shi didn’t respond right away. Her lips curled into a sneer.

In her mind, an ideal daughter-in-law should be gentle, obedient, and respectful to her elders. Li Yunzhu was none of these things. The only reason she had tolerated her was for the Li family’s power and influence. But now? Li Yong’s position was shaky, and the family’s prospects looked grim.

If the Li family was falling apart, why would she still accept someone like Li Yunzhu?

*

Cao Shao strode into Duke Ningguo's estate flanked by his two tall companions.

Dismounting with precision, he followed a maid's lead into Zhenghe Hall, his steps measured and unyielding.

"The weather’s perfect. Why not join us?" he said to Meng Shi, his tone laced with a charm that carried a weight of expectation.

As the words left his lips, his eyes found Yunzhu—his obsession, his prize. She sat poised and composed, her beauty a challenge to his control, igniting a fire in his chest that he refused to hide.

The young Little Imperial Uncle, all of twenty, exuded an effortless confidence wrapped in a sharp wit. With both stature and bloodline in his favor, he had more than earned Meng Shi's growing approval.

"Go on and enjoy yourselves," Meng Shi said briskly. "I’ve matters to attend to and no time to spare."

Cao Shao's brows twitched in fleeting dissatisfaction, but his mood shifted as he trailed Yunzhu out the door, a sharp grin replacing his earlier frown.

Yunzhu stepped into her gilded carriage, its emblem boldly proclaiming its noble origins. Cao Shao mounted his horse in one smooth motion, his sharp features impossible to miss as they caught the capital's light.

The carriage rolled through a lively marketplace, the air thick with chatter and the scent of trade. From the window, Yunzhu caught fragments of crude gossip, words that pricked her ears.

"Old Duke Ningguo was a legend, but his son's all talk and no fight."

"Imagine that—his son’s a letdown while other families rise!"

"That Duke’s still a looker though! My wife won’t shut up about him, useless or not."

The maid, Lian Qiao, bristled with rage, her fists clenching. "Miss, let me go shut those fools up!"

Yunzhu's calm smile sliced through the tension. "Their words are petty, beneath us. Let them bark. Taking action against such trifles would be unsporting."

Her composure was cold steel, but Cao Shao’s smoldering fury would not be doused so easily. His fingers toyed with the hilt of his sword as he fixed a piercing glare on the offending street vendor. His body hummed with the threat of violence, the intensity of his silent warning silencing all within earshot.

The crowd shrank back, the weight of his presence scattering whispers like dry leaves. Whether their tongues wagged after the carriage rolled on was of no concern to him—he had made his point.

Outside the city gates, Yunzhu stepped gracefully from the carriage, mounting a powerful maroon stallion handpicked by her grandfather. Her confidence in the saddle was a reminder that she belonged to no one—yet.

Tall and willowy, she barely stood half a head shorter than the imposing Cao Shao. Her mounting style was swift and precise, commanding attention from everyone around.

Unbothered by the whispers on the street, her composure was unshaken. Cao Shao, catching her ease, smirked and proposed, "A race?"

Knowing her inside and out after years of growing up together, he wasn’t surprised when Yunzhu shot him a sharp look and quipped, "Fine. Loser barks like a dog. Three times."

His lips curled in mock frustration. "...I was hoping to see you bark, but now I guess I'll have to actually try."

Yunzhu’s voice came low and firm. "Don’t hold back for me. Let's go."

Without waiting for a response, her eyes flicked toward him, noticing his horse already pulling even with hers. She cracked her whip sharply, launching her mount into a full-throttle sprint.

The pounding of hooves tore through the crisp autumn air, amplifying the thrill of the chase. Yunzhu fixed her gaze on the road ahead, letting the rush strip away every bit of irritation she’d overheard earlier.

Cao Shao chased her hard, but his focus faltered. His attention veered to her—his Yunzhu.

Her outfit was simple as always: a soft white-pink dress that fell just right, adorned with a delicate silk flower in her hair. The wind teased her loose locks, revealing cheekbones as smooth and radiant as jade.

Cao Shao knew her minimalism wasn’t by accident. No heavy paint on her face—just those sharp, natural brows and lips the color of ripe cherries. All her allure was unfiltered, raw, and utterly captivating.

Yunzhu was no amateur; her horse bolted toward the Western Mountain like it was part of her. Meanwhile, Cao Shao’s lapse in focus left him trailing far behind. By the time he reached the finish, she was already waiting—a whole half-hour ahead.

Her horse was damp with sweat, its sides heaving from exertion. As for Yunzhu, she sat composed, reins in one hand, a handkerchief in the other, lightly patting her flushed cheeks.

The sight of her, radiant and slightly disheveled, was a knockout. There was a vibrancy to her now, one that outshone her usual calm and aloof demeanor.

Cao Shao couldn't tear his eyes away. Yunzhu wasn't the child he remembered anymore. At seventeen, she was transforming—like a tightly wound peony beginning to unfurl, her beauty impossible to contain.

Switching hands to mop up more sweat, she caught his lingering gaze. There was no mistaking what he saw. She knew her allure, knew how to make heads turn, and had no problem basking in it—especially when the admirer was someone like Cao Shao.

Undoubtedly a beauty, she enjoyed the attention of handsome young men.

"What are you just standing there for? You're drenched in sweat," Li Yunzhu snapped, flicking her ear to signal Cao Shao to wipe his face.

Her sharp beauty and teasing voice sent a rush of discomfort through him.

Embarrassed, he gave an awkward smile, pulled out his handkerchief, and started wiping his sweat.

Behind them, a massive old locust tree loomed, its dense branches casting heavy shadows over their heads.

Yunzhu glanced back, spotting the carriage from the Ningguo Duke's mansion closing in, now just a short distance away.

Tired of waiting, her mind drifted to their earlier wager. She turned to Cao Shao, her tone cutting, "So, is the dog ready to bark?"

Cao Shao flushed. "You seriously want me to?"

Yunzhu raised a sharp brow. "If you break your word, don’t bother betting with me again."

Cao Shao’s face turned red, then pale. Reluctantly, he looked around, making sure no one else could hear. He leaned closer, his horse brushing hers, and barked—three times, low and close to her ear.

The regal guard dog by the house barked with authority. In comparison, Cao Shao’s attempt was a timid whimper, more like a puppy trying and failing to look fierce.

Yunzhu laughed sharply. "What’s this? Skipped breakfast?"

Cao Shao, catching the playful gleam in her eye, swallowed hard. He whispered back, his tone simmering, "Don’t push it."

Yunzhu leaned in closer, smirking. "Oh? And if I do? What then?"

Cao Shao’s gaze flicked from her glittering eyes to her parted lips. His thoughts were written all over his face.

But he clenched his fists and reined himself in. He’d spent his life restraining himself, and while Yunzhu lacked the primness of civil officials’ daughters, she wasn’t one to tolerate his impudence—especially before marriage.

He drew back, creating some distance between them.

When the entourage from both families arrived, Yunzhu climbed into the carriage again. After a break, they reached the stone steps leading up the mountain.

Cao Shao walked ahead with Yunzhu by his side.

The vast blue sky, the crisp mountain air, and the fiery autumn colors painted a stunning landscape.

Yet, Yunzhu’s mind remained elsewhere, her worry etched on her face. She was thinking of her father stationed at the border.

As they rested in a pavilion halfway up the mountain, she gazed northwest, her voice softer now as she murmured to Cao Shao, "I wonder what’s happening in Ganzhou."

Cao Shao studied her long, dark lashes and replied firmly, "Don’t let it eat at you. We’ve already reclaimed six of the nine states, and the last three are nearly within our grasp. Your father’s been underestimated by the old Duke for too long. Trust me, he’s itching to settle this. Once my brother’s troops join him, Ganzhou will take care of itself."

After two losses, Li Yunzhu had little faith left in her father. But she’d heard the tales of the mighty Imperial Uncle Cao Xun, a man whose victories spoke louder than words. His name echoed as a strategist, a war god in the making. Even her grandfather—stern and unyielding—praised Cao Xun, claiming that if her father had half the man’s brilliance, he wouldn’t have barred him from commanding the army. When war came up in conversation, Cao Xun and Yunzhu didn’t need to talk much; their minds met without effort.

Yunzhu wasn’t your typical sheltered daughter of a general. Growing up surrounded by maps, tactics, and battles, she had a sharp grasp of warfare. She might not have seen the border generals face-to-face, but through her grandfather’s stories, she knew them. So when Cao Shao brought up battle strategies, she didn’t just listen—she matched him thought for thought.

Cao Shao admired her razor-sharp mind, but his focus wavered. His eyes betrayed him, drawn irresistibly to her every time she spoke. Whether it was the fire in her gaze or the curve of her lips, his attention was divided.

Yunzhu caught him staring and nudged him lightly. “If you’re going to keep this up, we might as well leave.”

He coughed, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. With his men at a safe distance, he leaned in and murmured, “Can you blame me? It’s been over two years. You’ve… changed.”

Her eyebrows lifted in mild curiosity. “Oh? And how exactly have I changed?”

Cao Shao didn’t reply, but his intense, smoldering eyes said it all.

Before Yunzhu could press further, Lian Qiao, standing guard at the edge of the mountain path, approached swiftly.

“Someone’s coming,” she said.

Cao Shao straightened up instantly. He crossed the pavilion, stepping between Yunzhu and the approaching travelers, ready to protect her.

“They’re the Sun siblings,” he said, voice tight with irritation.

Yunzhu’s expression darkened. She turned to gaze disinterestedly at the horizon, not sparing the newcomers a glance. She didn’t care for their company, but little did she know, Sun Yurong had come looking for her on purpose.

After Li Yong’s crushing defeats, Sun Yurong had been itching for a chance to mock Yunzhu. She’d gone to ridiculous lengths, even sending spies to track Yunzhu’s whereabouts for this “accidental” meeting.

“What a coincidence, Yunzhu,” Sun Yurong called out, her breathless voice full of false cheer as she climbed into view. Her eyes gleamed with glee when she spotted Yunzhu in the pavilion. Pretending not to notice the lack of welcome, she swept in and sat herself down opposite Yunzhu, separated by only one servant.

Yunzhu’s gaze remained cold, her expression indifferent.

Sun Yurong’s smug grin grew. “Why so glum? Oh, wait—could it be because Duke Ningguo’s luck has finally run out?”

Yunzhu dropped her eyes, silent.

Feeling emboldened, Sun Yurong’s gaze flicked to Cao Shao, who was busy keeping his lecherous brother at bay. She was enjoying herself too much, her tone dripping with condescension as she piled on the jabs at the Li family.

But before she could get another word out, Yunzhu’s hand flashed through the air and slapped her across the face. It wasn’t a hard blow, nor was it gentle—it was precise, calculated, and shut her up instantly.

Here’s a direct, assertive, semi-casual translation with a firm and slightly raunchy tone:

With a sharp "pop," Sun Yurong froze in place. Cao Shao and Sun Guangfu, standing a short distance away, turned to see what had happened.

Sun Yurong shot to her feet, one hand clutching her face, glaring at Yunzhu, who sat there with an air of smug indifference. "You slapped me?!"

Yunzhu, clearly amused, dabbed her fingers clean with a handkerchief, her voice calm but biting. "You were slapped, weren’t you? Didn’t feel it?"

Sun Yurong, still stunned, stammered, "Why the hell did you hit me?!"

Yunzhu’s tone turned sharper, her words cutting. "Because you were being loud and annoying. You ruined my peace."

Sun Yurong jabbed a finger at the ground beneath her. "This isn’t your house! I can say whatever the hell I want. What gives you the right?"

Yunzhu smirked. "I’ll hit you whenever I feel like it. Now, what can you do about it?"

Sun Yurong’s breath hitched, her rage silencing her.

Her first instinct was to lunge at Yunzhu and claw back some pride, but deep down, she knew better. Yunzhu wasn’t just sitting there pretty—she was a trained fighter. Sun Yurong had learned that the hard way when Yunzhu used to beat her to tears as kids.

Frustrated and humiliated, Sun Yurong spun on her heel and shouted, "Brother! Get over here and back me up!"

Sun Guangfu hesitated, but before he could make a move, Cao Shao stepped in, blocking him. "This is women’s business. If you jump in, you’ll just make yourself a joke."

Sun Guangfu knew Cao Shao had him beat in both skill and logic. Even worse, he didn’t dare cross Yunzhu—she was as beautiful as she was dangerous.

Swallowing his pride, he sighed and addressed his sister. "Yurong, you were out of line. You bothered Sister Yunzhu first. Apologize and let it go."

Sun Yurong stood there in disbelief, her mouth agape.

Unbelievable! she thought. What kind of brother is this?!

Author’s Note:

Yunzhu: You ready to deal with me?

Miss Sun: Oh, I’m not backing down!

———TN:

Someone’s whining that my translation of this novel is too Victorian, too old-fashioned, all stiff and hard to get, not fitting the old Chinese vibe. So, I made it more casual, easier to follow.

But honestly, I don’t get this whole "Victorian" vs. "old Chinese" thing... isn’t the point of translation to turn it into English?

If you're saying I should keep some pinyin in the titles to keep it "authentically" Chinese, well, I don’t think it’s needed if it can be clearly explained in English.

What’s your take on that?