Jiang Shan Wei Pin

(One)

At around six years old, Shen Zhishu had his first vague realization of how extraordinary his parents were.

By then, he had already been summoned to the palace to serve as the Crown Prince’s study companion for over two years, while his father had refrained from involvement in court affairs for seven years. Had it not been for the Emperor and Prince Ping’s nationwide search for mentors for the Crown Prince two years prior—which led to his father receiving an imperial decree to return to the capital with his family—his father’s temperament suggested that Shen Zhishu would not have been permitted any proximity to the royal family before coming of age and entering official service.

That day, after lessons concluded, he and the Crown Prince, as usual, paid their respects to the Yishan and Zhijiang instructors before filing out of the Zishan Hall, waiting only for the palace attendants to help them with their shoes and swords before heading to the martial grounds for horseback practice.

Outside the hall, he saw his father standing with his hands clasped behind his back on the steps several yards away, his posture as upright as ever.

But unlike usual, there was someone standing in front of his father.

Judging by his attire, the man was a court official of considerable rank, somewhat older in years, and at that moment, he was speaking to Shen Zhishu’s father with visible emotion, while his father remained silent for a long time.

At six years old, curiosity was natural. Shen Zhishu tugged at the Crown Prince’s sleeve and pulled him along to hide behind the nearest pillar, hoping to overhear the conversation.

The Crown Prince, being older and usually reserved, felt compelled to remind him, “Yanzhi, this is improper etiquette.”

Shen Zhishu pouted, recalling the rites and ceremonies he had studied just months before, and grew uneasy. As he hesitated, he witnessed the man in front of his father commit an even greater breach of decorum—

Overwhelmed by emotion, the man prostrated himself before Shen Zhishu’s father and pleaded, “Your Excellency, you once served as Chief Administrator alongside my late father, stabilizing the nation and assisting in governance. Now, the state faces calamity, and my colleagues have entrusted me to beseech you to return and relieve the Emperor’s worries. How can you remain unmoved? Can you truly turn a blind eye to the corpses of refugees littering the southwestern regions? The common people are innocent—what fault is theirs?”

Shen Zhishu stared wide-eyed at the scene.

A man who appeared to hold high authority was pleading so earnestly with his father—though he could not fully grasp the meaning of the words—stirring in him, beyond surprise and curiosity, a budding reverence and admiration for his father. It was as if the man before him now was not the same gentle, reserved Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince who oversaw the Crown Prince’s studies and indulged in calligraphy and painting in his leisure time.

Since his father’s back was turned, Shen Zhishu could not see his expression, but he heard him let out a deep sigh.

Then, his father helped the prostrating man to his feet and finally spoke slowly, “Minister Liao, the Shen family has received immense grace from the throne. If the state faced an insurmountable crisis, we would not stand idly by. However, this once-in-a-century flood in the southwest and the ensuing relief efforts are matters of great importance. Having been detached from court affairs for many years, I dare not presume to influence state policy with my personal views. There are many capable younger officials in the court today; you and your colleagues would do well to consider diverse counsel and are sure to devise sound relief measures. Moreover, the Emperor and Prince Ping are by no means mediocre rulers—the state will not falter for lack of any single official.”The words were spoken gently and earnestly, and the man addressed as Lord Liao gradually calmed, though his gaze remained complex as he looked at Father, still unwilling to give up easily. "Although the Grand Tutor speaks thus, the court's lack of your presence as chancellor is truly a great regret. Back when the Grand Tutor was at the peak of his official career, you resigned and requested to retire—have you truly never felt a moment of regret over these years, or considered returning to lead the Secretariat?"

Shen Zhishu waited a long while without hearing Father’s reply.

After a long time, Father finally responded with unruffled calm, "I have made my own choices, and I appreciate Lord Liao’s concern."

·

The next morning, Shen Zhishu led his younger sister as usual to pay respects to their parents. Just as they reached their parents’ door, they overheard Mother’s slightly resigned voice from inside, evidently speaking to Father—

"You claim to the outside world that you neither ask nor interfere, yet you stayed up all night writing this disaster relief memorial. If the Emperor and Prince Ping read it, they will surely urge you to resume your duties in court again."

Father replied, "That is why I had my most trusted disciple copy it and submit it directly to the Secretariat under his name, so no one will know it contains my political views."

"Why go to such lengths?" Mother’s tone was resolute. "If you truly cannot let go, then return to the Hall of State Affairs."

This time, Father did not hesitate in the slightest: "Since I made my choice back then, I will never turn back and waver. Yet, as officials like you and me, who could stand by unmoved in the face of national crisis? Two years ago, during that internal conflict between the Imperial Army and the Imperial City Guard, did you think I was unaware that you also secretly contacted your former subordinates to eliminate the traitors?"

Mother chuckled softly and fell silent.

Shen Zhishu remembered clearly that the meaning of "being an official" for him, though continually refined and reinterpreted throughout his life, originated authentically from the conversation he overheard outside his parents’ door that morning.

·

That evening, upon returning home, Shen Zhishu could not resist telling his mother about what he had witnessed the previous day outside the Zishan Hall and eagerly asked her what exactly Father had meant by "choices."

In that moment, Mother’s expression was exceedingly gentle—he had never seen her like that before—and she answered him frankly, with a smile, "What your father gave up back then was his flourishing official career, and what he chose was me."

This answer made Shen Zhishu even more curious.

If Father was such an extraordinary person, then wasn’t Mother, whom Father had "chosen" over everything else, even more remarkable? Only, at that time, he did not yet know that his mother had also made her own choices for Father back in the day.

He continued innocently, asking just how impressive Father had been.

Mother patted his head and, still smiling, answered his question.

(2) -

Shen Wuchen, courtesy name Zikuang. In the first year of the Dali era, he passed the imperial examination as a Presented Scholar, ranking first among all candidates. He served successively as Reviewer of the Court of Judicial Review, Assistant Editor of the Palace Library, and Vice Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. At that time, Lords Zhang Wenjing, Xie Min, and Liao Wenzhong all recommended his abilities, leading to his promotions to Reminder of the Right, Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Director of the Palace Library, Vice Minister of Personnel, Left Assistant Director of the Department of State Affairs, and Minister of Works. At the age of thirty-two, he was appointed Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. ...

This was his father.

Under a clear and beautiful sky, with a gentle breeze rustling the willows outside the Zishan Hall, the sixteen-year-old Shen Zhishu leaned against a corridor pillar by the pond, reading a historical volume and thinking to himself that when the time came for Father’s posthumous biography to be written by the court historians, it would likely read something like this.

The foremost literary talent of his time, the dream of every young maiden in the capital during spring, the first Triple Top Graduate in the history of the dynasty—from a common scholar to the powerful Right Chancellor of the Hall of State Affairs, all in just twelve years.In these twelve years, the monumental achievements and political accomplishments he had attained were unparalleled by any predecessors and would remain unsurpassed by future generations.

Yet Shen Wuchen of those days likely never anticipated that the illustrious glory he achieved in his official career would become an insurmountable peak for his descendants, one they could never surpass no matter how hard they tried.

From age six to sixteen, Shen Zhishu's feelings toward his father had evolved from pure reverence and admiration to deliberate avoidance—a complexity that had reached its extreme.

The world said he was born into a family of nobility and high officials. As the eldest son of the Shen family, he had been the Crown Prince's study companion since childhood, tutored by renowned scholars of the dynasty. Upon reaching adulthood, he could enter officialdom through hereditary privilege—how fortunate he was compared to the millions of commoner scholars who had to study the classics painstakingly and struggle to pass the imperial examinations before they could become officials.

Yet sixteen-year-old Shen Zhishu often felt how unfortunate he truly was.

Bearing such a prominent family status and imperial favor, he could neither contend nor refrain from contending; having parents who had once reached the highest positions in both the Hall of State Affairs and the Privy Council, he could neither lack literary stratagems nor military strategies; as the Crown Prince's childhood study companion and trusted friend, he could neither show overt ambition for power nor appear completely ambitionless; most importantly, he carried on his shoulders the heavy responsibility of continuing the entire Shen family's glory—what he himself wanted in this life was the least important matter.

Sometimes he even envied his younger sister Shen Zhili.

She was straightforward and simple, very much like their mother in her youth, never harboring the intricate thoughts typical of other women. She had always read when she wanted to read, practiced horseback riding when she felt like it, eaten whatever she craved, worn whatever she desired, laughed when happy, and cried when sad—even if their parents occasionally disciplined her strictly, she always had her elder brother to dote on her.

Once, Shen Zhili stared intently at his face and sighed to herself, "Brother, you're so handsome. No wonder everyone from noble daughters to court officials, even palace maids, blushes when they see you. Others talk about how elegant and handsome Father was in his youth, but I think you're the one who appears in the spring dreams of boudoirs throughout the capital!"

Shen Zhishu ruffled her hair and teased, "We're siblings born of the same parents. When you praise my looks, aren't you just complimenting your own beauty?"

Facing Shen Zhili's reproachful gaze, he couldn't help but smile bitterly inwardly.

Could it be that from beginning to end, the only thing he surpassed his father in was this appearance that women favored?

But at least one thing Shen Zhili said was correct.

From childhood to adulthood, it had always been women who fawned over him—he had never been defeated by any woman—

Until at twenty, Shen Zhishu was pointed at and called a libertine and madman by a woman in Bofeng Tower of Chongzhou Prefecture, Chaoan North Circuit.

He thought capsizing in a drain ditch would be a one-time occurrence.

Unexpectedly, a year later, shortly after taking up his first provincial post, the same woman came to his Qingzhou government office to demand repayment of a debt with cold sarcasm and mockery.

What a joke.

(3)

Yan Fuzhi's father was named Yan Che. Starting from age thirteen, he built his small business from scratch, spending twenty years to make the Yan name known to everyone, young and old, throughout the Northern Three Routes of the Great Peace Kingdom.

Only then did he have this first daughter.

The Yan family possessed vast wealth and extensive businesses. While not exactly rivaling the nation's treasury, they were at least the wealthiest in the region.Since the moment she was born, Yan Fuzhi had been cherished by her father like a pearl in his palm. While enjoying all the privileges befitting a wealthy young lady, she developed a personality that was both straightforward and bold.

From the time she gained understanding, Yan Che taught her never to easily trust handsome men—especially those who were good-looking but lacked ability—as nine out of ten of them were surely after her family fortune. Yan Che intended to pass the entire Yan family business to his sharp-witted daughter, and as a self-made merchant, he could not tolerate his lifelong efforts and foundation being ruined by a pretty face—even though Yan Fuzhi had always protested that she was not the kind of woman to lose her senses at the sight of a handsome man.

So when Wang Qi was demoted and imprisoned, and she thought she would have no further dealings with Shen Zhishu for some time, she was taken aback to see him appear in her family’s Qing Province shop. Women coming and going couldn’t help but blush at the sight of him. Yan Fuzhi couldn’t resist the urge to ask her father, who was far away in Chongzhou Prefecture—

This man came from a prestigious family in the capital, was young and accomplished, and even though he possessed the most handsome face she had ever seen, surely he couldn’t be counted among those nine out of ten after her family’s wealth, could he?

Of course, Yan Che had never anticipated that while he taught his daughter to guard against fortune hunters, he failed to teach her to guard her heart.

That day, Shen Zhishu visited the Yan family shop without attendants and didn’t immediately ask for Yan Fuzhi. He wandered around on his own, carefully examining all the exquisite curios in the shop, and finally pointed to a pair of jade bracelets and said, “I’ll take these.”

He wasn’t wearing official robes at the time, and the shop assistant, seeing him young and not particularly lavishly dressed, hesitated slightly: “Won’t you ask the price first, young master?” After all, this pair of jade bracelets was one of the treasures the young lady had brought from Chongzhou Prefecture, and they were quite expensive.

Before Shen Zhishu could respond, someone answered from behind him—

“Is it the custom in Qing Province for officials to buy things without asking the price? So, are you planning to take them and leave today, or will you issue an IOU first?” The voice was soft, the tone half-defiant and half-mocking. Who else could it be but Yan Fuzhi?

Shen Zhishu turned and recognized her. Knowing she was still upset about the incident where Wang Qi had taken her colored carving and was merely venting in front of him without malice, he approached her, leaned in, and smiled gently. “Miss Yan, it’s been a while. How has business been lately?”

This face really is handsome, Yan Fuzhi thought, meeting his smile.

…

She never imagined that one day this handsome face would bear a fine, indelible scar because of her. And in the years to come, during every intimate moment they shared, she would love to gently trace that scar with the tip of her tongue…

But that is a story for later.

…

At that moment, all Yan Fuzhi could think was that one shouldn’t strike a smiling face, and she had indeed been petty just now.

She turned and signaled the shop assistant to carefully wrap the bracelets, then escorted Shen Zhishu to the inner hall, seating him in the place of honor and serving him a cup of fine tea—anyone willing to spend such a large sum naturally deserved the treatment of a distinguished guest.

“What does Lord Shen intend to do with the bracelets?” Yan Fuzhi asked, slightly curious.

Shen Zhishu still wore a light smile and answered very directly: “They’re for you.”

…

Years later, she would ask him what his intentions had been back then.He smiled and replied that he couldn't bear losing face before a woman, so he had to resort to such tactics to regain his dignity in front of her—was it effective?

At that time, held in his embrace, she bit his neck fiercely and resentfully said, "I'll make sure you can't attend tomorrow's morning court session."

...

Of course, it was effective.

Though Yan Fuzhi possessed outstanding beauty and the added advantage of being the Yan family's heiress, everyone in the wealthy circles along the Chao'an route knew of her temperament. Men who could match the Yan family's wealth while having the magnanimity and composure to handle her disposition were exceedingly rare. When had she ever been provoked like this before?

In that moment, her cheeks flushed like any ordinary person's, and she was momentarily at a loss for words. She could only stare dryly at Shen Zhishu, wondering what exactly he was scheming.

Then she heard Shen Zhishu continue leisurely, "This is but a small token of Shen's gratitude for Young Lady Yan's assistance in Wang Qi's case. I hope Young Lady Yan won't refuse."

—So that was the reason.

Yan Fuzhi's complexion returned to normal as she cleared her throat to disguise her momentary lapse. "Lord Shen is too kind. Haven't you already exempted the Yan family from northern border trade taxes? There's no need for additional expenses."

Shen Zhishu said, "The previous exemption was the prefecture's reward for the Yan family's service to the court. This time, it's my personal desire to thank Young Lady Yan for her trust in me."

His words sounded polite, yet they came from complete sincerity.

Having witnessed countless political intrigues in court since childhood, when had he ever encountered someone like her who trusted his words with just a few sentences? Not to mention the considerable risks behind what he had asked her to do—even if tax exemption could bring substantial profits, if Wang Qi hadn't been defeated in one strike, how would the Yan family maintain their position in Chao'an afterward?

Yet Yan Fuzhi curved her eyes and actually smiled. "How much official salary does Lord Shen receive as prefect? Buying these paired bracelets for me—how many years of your salary would that cost? Why bother spending the money?"

Her tone was ordinary, without intentional mockery, yet anyone else hearing this would certainly find it displeasing.

However, Shen Zhishu's expression didn't change in the slightest. Instead, he took out the wrapped bracelets, laid them flat on his palm, and extended them toward her. "What I fear most is that Young Lady Yan wouldn't know how many years of salary this would cost me. Otherwise, how could it demonstrate my sincerity?"

In that moment, Yan Fuzhi regarded him with slight admiration.

Most men she usually encountered were mediocre types who often felt inferior to her due to their lesser wealth compared to the Yan family. Occasionally, there were talented scholars, but they were full of arrogance and self-importance—looking down on wealthy merchants for prioritizing profit while deeply fearing being looked down upon by those same merchants for having only talent without wealth.

If those men had heard her previous words, they would have certainly felt slightened, at minimum leaving in a huff, or at worst angrily arguing with her.

Yet he didn't feel the slightest belittlement in her words and openly admitted—

What profound family upbringing and inner confidence must a man possess to react this way when facing a woman?

...

It would be years later before Yan Fuzhi truly experienced and understood the Shen family's upright character that stood like towering pines and solid rocks. Looking back, she finally realized where Shen Zhishu's inherent composure came from.

She would never forget her first visit to the Shen residence in the capital to pay respects to his father.

After completing the formalities, she nervously looked up at the renowned elder before her, deeply afraid of making any mistake in action or word.Shen Wuchen smiled faintly at her and said simply, "To have a wife like you is Yan Zhi's blessing."

Then he turned and strode into the inner hall, bypassing all remaining formalities and lifting all burdens from her heart.

Had Shen Zhishu not been beside her, tightly holding her hand at that moment, she might have shed tears.

...

Collecting her slightly stirred emotions, Yan Fuzhi glanced once more at the paired bracelets presented before her and no longer refused. Smiling, she openly accepted them and deftly slipped them onto her wrists.

The expensive silk sleeves slid down her arms, inadvertently revealing a glimpse of her skin. The cool jade hue accentuated the fair tenderness of her flesh, while her long, onion-like nails painted with rouge appeared even more vividly striking against the emerald green.

Shen Zhishu watched, chuckled softly, then slowly rose to his feet. "Then I shall not disturb you further," he said.

That night, this bold and striking beauty strode directly into Shen Zhishu's dreams.

He was jolted awake in the dead of night by his own vivid dream, the lifelike visions and his body's primal response leaving him momentarily dazed.

Turning his gaze toward the ashen sky outside the window, his mind gradually cleared. He then recalled that since assuming his post in Qing Province, he had not been intimate with any woman, and with this realization, he felt relieved and pondered it no further.

Several months later, at the opening ceremony of the border market between the two nations in the Northern Frontier, Shen Zhishu saw Yan Fuzhi again.

From a distance of several yards, she was conversing with merchants from the Northern Frontier. Something in their exchange must have struck her, for she laughed heartily without regard for the occasion, her entire body trembling slightly with mirth. As her sleeves quivered, the jade bracelets on her wrists flickered in and out of view.

Shen Zhishu simply watched her from afar.

This woman was so different from the noble young ladies he had encountered in the capital. Though she possessed delicate grace, she seemed to hold little regard for propriety; though she boasted a beauty that outshone others, her straightforward and spirited nature overshadowed her radiance.

Then, from the depths of his mind, a dream he thought long forgotten began to resurface, vivid and pulsating before his eyes once more, causing his heart to grow warm and slightly feverish.

And that slight fever was enough to put him on alert.

When he realized that even in full consciousness his body could still react abnormally because of her, he knew there was no need to ponder it further.

Once the day's ceremony concluded, Shen Zhishu's first act upon returning to his residence was to summon Hu Yuelin. Without preamble, he instructed, "Investigate whether the eldest daughter of the Yan family is already betrothed or involved with any man."

Though others might label him a libertine, he had his own principles: he would not touch a woman who belonged to another.

Though slightly surprised—not by Shen Zhishu's request, but by how vastly Yan Fuzhi differed from the women in his past—Hu Yuelin asked no questions and withdrew to carry out the order.

Before long, news came back, and Shen Zhishu smiled upon hearing it.

That night, he slept soundly and deeply.

(4)

Given Yan Fuzhi's affluent family background, it was difficult to imagine what could possibly win her heart.

And when it came to pursuing women, Shen Zhishu had his own unique approach, different from ordinary men.He never bothered to ponder what others favored in order to ingratiate himself, nor did he stoop to pestering someone into submission. What he always sought was genuine admiration from women, being captivated by him as a person, and wholehearted devotion willingly given.

The next day, the prefectural office sent swift invitations to several shops in Qing Province that had profited greatly from border trade with the northern frontier, inviting them to the residence that evening. Shen Zhishu intended to offer modest congratulations and discuss matters related to the following year's border trade taxes.

When Yan Fuzhi received the swift invitation presented by a servant, she harbored no suspicion whatsoever. After arranging the evening's travel details, she continued reviewing warehouse inventory with the accountant.

As the time for departure approached, she finally extricated herself from the tangled affairs. When raising her sleeve to wipe the light sweat from her temple, her gaze inadvertently caught the cool jade bracelet on her wrist, and she paused momentarily in slight bewilderment.

Thinking of seeing Shen Zhishu again tonight, she couldn't help recalling the faint stirring in her heart from their last encounter, causing her movements to slow as she boarded the carriage.

Lowering her gaze, she noticed the pair of bracelets she had worn since that day still adorned her wrists, never once removed.

Arriving at the government office, someone was already waiting for her.

Holding a red silk lantern, the attendant greeted her and led her through halls and rooms until they reached the rear courtyard before stopping.

The courtyard was serene, devoid of any idle chatter or distractions.

Under the hazy glow of lanterns hanging from the four corners of a vermilion pavilion, Shen Zhishu sat alone. Before him, a banquet table was simply laid with a few dishes and wine.

Yet the table was no ordinary one, nor were the vessels holding the simple fare mere commonware. The purple sandalwood table featured exquisite openwork carvings and a cinched waist—craftsmanship so refined it was rare even across the entire Chaoan North Circuit. The white porcelain dishes with black patterns, humble yet noble, bore the mark of the imperial kilns, surpassing ordinary official kiln wares and attainable only through imperial bestowal.

Though aware of the Shen family's foundational contributions to the dynasty, Yan Fuzhi had not expected such profound favor and rewards. Even in Shen Zhishu's provincial office, evidence of imperial grace was everywhere. Accustomed to opulence since childhood, she now had to admit she had underestimated him.

As she took her seat, she asked, "Where are the others?"

Shen Zhishu understood she referred to the merchants he had used as a pretext for the evening's invitation and replied simply, "Likely delayed on the road. If Miss Yan doesn't mind, perhaps we could first discuss the northern border markets."

His tone was measured and appropriate, leaving Yan Fuzhi no reason to decline. Little did she know that during her arrival and seating, Shen Zhishu's messengers had already informed those merchants that the prefect was unwell and the banquet would be rescheduled.

On the topic of northern border markets, Yan Fuzhi had much to say.

The Yan family dominated commerce across the Northern Three Routes. This year, they shifted their focus to Qing Province, stationing their shrewdest eldest daughter there personally—a clear declaration of their ambitions in cross-border trade. However, newly implemented state policies still constrained merchants. The Yan family had invested substantial capital in their Qing Province branch and naturally hoped for swift returns. Although they benefited from tax exemptions this year due to the Wang Qi case, next year's prospects depended heavily on policy directions.

Facing Shen Zhishu, Yan Fuzhi spoke candidly and at length, concluding, "If tax policies on cross-border trade aren't relaxed, major merchants may gradually withdraw their investments from Qing Province. And the prefectural government's vision of nurturing the people through commerce, transforming Qing Province into a commercial hub of Chaoan, would remain an illusion."

Shen Zhishu fell silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on her.

Yan Fuzhi thought he might not have expected such incisive analysis from her—just as she never anticipated what he would say next:

"Miss Yan makes a valid point. Yet if cross-border trade taxes are reduced too much, merchants from across Chaoan would flock north to compete for profits, pouring goods and capital into the northern prefectures. This would inevitably drive up prices in other parts of Chaoan. While it may benefit Qing Province's officials and merchants, how would it serve the livelihoods of the people throughout the circuit?"

Yan Fuzhi was slightly taken aback.Initially thinking his appointment as the prefect of Qing Province was merely due to his privileged entry into officialdom—lacking political achievements to command respect—and that a year or two on the frontier would serve as a stepping stone for promotion upon returning to the capital, she hadn’t expected him to be well-versed in market governance. Moreover, he spoke immediately of the Chao’an circuit, clearly intending to achieve tangible results in his administration, and in his discourse, he did not confine himself solely to his duties in Qing Province.

Unconsciously, her perception of him shifted once again.

And this change stirred her heart more deeply than before.

“I discuss commercial profits with Your Excellency, yet you speak to me of people’s livelihoods,” she smiled for the first time that evening. “It seems we cannot continue this discussion.”

Shen Zhishu returned the smile. “Then let’s talk about something else. At the last border market ceremony, I noticed Miss Yan conversing cheerfully with horse traders from the Northern Frontier. Does the Yan family also intend to venture into horse trading?”

Yan Fuzhi shook her head. “It is I who wish to buy horses, unrelated to the Yan family’s business.” Seeing his inquisitive gaze, she further explained, “My father keeps several dozen fine steeds in Chongzhou Prefecture. I’ve loved riding since childhood. Now that I’m in Qing Province, with little entertainment in daily life, I had someone purchase land in the eastern suburbs to build a horse ranch for my own amusement.”

It should be noted that horse breeding is an extremely costly and laborious endeavor, yet she spoke of it as casually as if it were an ordinary matter.

…

The Shen family was not as wealthy as the Yan family, but when it came to wealth, who in the world could compare to the imperial household?

He and Shen Zhili had learned horseback riding since childhood in the imperial Shanglin Park, riding carefully selected imperial steeds under the instruction of elite imperial guards. In all the world, how many could enjoy such privilege?

Even the wealthiest merchants could not compare.

…

Naturally, Shen Zhishu did not say all this, merely stating, “My younger sister also enjoys riding. If time permits in the future, perhaps I may witness Miss Yan’s galloping prowess.”

As the night deepened, his expression remained composed, and Yan Fuzhi took his words as mere politeness, replying courteously, “If time permits.”

Only when a lantern under the vermilion pavilion flickered did she realize how long they had been talking, and that the other merchants had yet to appear.

A yamen attendant timely reported that the invitations had been sent out hastily that day, and the other invited families were occupied that evening, unlikely to attend the banquet.

Shen Zhishu nodded in acknowledgment, showing no displeasure.

Hearing this, Yan Fuzhi took her leave. “In that case, there’s little point in my staying longer. If Your Excellency has further inquiries regarding the northern border market affairs, please invite everyone to gather another day.”

With that, she stood up, gave a slight bow, and prepared to leave.

Perhaps due to the day’s fatigue and prolonged sitting, she stumbled unsteadily as she turned. Shen Zhishu, standing nearby, swiftly reached out and grasped her wrist to steady her.

In that slightly startling moment, Yan Fuzhi instinctively clutched his arm. Only when fully steady did she realize what she had done and immediately released her grip.

Her wide sleeve swayed, revealing a flash of emerald at her wrist.

Shen Zhishu saw it clearly and felt even more keenly the delicate smoothness of the skin he had held in his palm, stirring his heart. Her instinctive grasp only further unsettled his composure.At that moment, the joy in his heart was almost impossible to conceal, yet he still managed to maintain his usual composure, smiling at her and saying, "Take care on your way."

(V)

What followed seemed perfectly natural.

When the prefectural office sent someone to the Yan residence for the second time, it was Hu Yuelin himself who paid the visit. After explaining his purpose to the Yan family's servants, he waited patiently in the entrance hall, instructing them to relay the message to Yan Fuzhi.

When Yan Fuzhi learned the purpose of the prefectural office's visit, it would be false to say she wasn't surprised.

She had initially assumed Shen Zhishu's remark, "If you have time in the future," was merely polite conversation. Who would have thought he would actually send someone again, inviting her to spare time for the riding appointment?

She agreed almost without hesitation.

It was only while dressing and tying up her hair in preparation for the outing that she gradually realized, deep down, she had actually been looking forward to this unexpected invitation.

When she arrived at the front hall and saw that the envoy from the prefectural office was Hu Yuelin, it was even more beyond her expectations.

This trusted aide whom Shen Zhishu had brought from the capital to Qing Province held an undisputedly important position within the prefectural office. That he had been sent personally made her genuinely feel the sincerity behind Shen Zhishu's invitation.

Upon seeing her, Hu Yuelin's attitude was respectful and gentle, bowing with his arms crossed in salute.

Yan Fuzhi was taken aback and quickly returned the courtesy, saying, "Young Master Hu, you are too polite. Since when do officials bow to commoners?"

Hu Yuelin smiled and replied, "Today, I am not here on official business but on the young master's private orders to fetch Miss Yan. Since this is the young master's private matter, how could anyone from the Shen residence show disrespect to Miss Yan?"

His words were direct and straightforward, yet they made Yan Fuzhi's ears burn with embarrassment.

Seeing her momentarily speechless, Hu Yuelin gestured toward the carriage prepared outside the residence and continued, "Miss Yan, please."

The journey was not particularly short. Although Yan Fuzhi did not know their destination, she felt not a trace of unease along the way—if Yan Che were to learn how defenseless his precious daughter was around men, he would surely be deeply dismayed.

After about the time it takes for six incense sticks to burn, the carriage gradually came to a halt. Once it had fully stopped, Hu Yuelin stepped forward to lift the curtain and assist her in alighting.

A gust of wind swept into the carriage, carrying with it the distant neighing of horses, faintly reaching her ears.

Yan Fuzhi raised her eyes to look outside and saw Shen Zhishu standing not far away, his hands clasped behind his back.

With his dark hair secured by a green hairpin and dressed in sturdy attire, his handsome and dashing appearance made everything around him seem to pale in comparison.

She stepped out of the carriage and walked toward him at a leisurely pace, surveying her surroundings as she went. The place appeared to be a horse field, yet it was largely deserted, vast in area, and exuded an air of rugged simplicity.

"This horse field," Yan Fuzhi began as she approached him, "it certainly doesn't belong to any wealthy merchant, does it?"

"Correct," Shen Zhishu nodded, guiding her deeper into the field as he answered. "This was originally the military horse field of Qing Province's main camp. Last year, when the main camp was rebuilt, a new horse field was established east of the camp for easier military management and deployment. This place was abandoned and left to be dismantled next year for conversion into farmland."

Yan Fuzhi's heart trembled slightly.

Although past events had gradually made her aware of Shen Zhishu's intentions toward her, inviting her for a riding lesson and bringing her directly to a military horse field—such boldness and grandeur were still somewhat overwhelming.As if to confirm her thoughts, Shen Zhishu turned his head toward her and continued, "Since this horse track lies unused, I thought to borrow it from the military camp to accompany you for some leisure."

As he spoke, someone brought over two horses prepared earlier for them.

Both horses were equipped with exquisite saddles and bridles, their coats glossy, stature tall and bones strong—clearly superior steeds at first glance.

Yan Fuzhi reached out to gently stroke one of them. Seeing it lower its tail and head while softly snorting, she grasped the saddle, stepped into the stirrup, and mounted smoothly. Turning to Shen Zhishu with a smile, she said, "Then I thank you for your kindness."

Shen Zhishu, appreciating her straightforward and spirited nature, smiled faintly in return. He then swung onto his horse, lightly nudged its flank with his black boots, and caught up with her.

The two horses initially rode side by side, but soon diverged as the path curved.

After guiding her horse through several laps, Yan Fuzhi paused to rest and couldn’t help glancing toward Shen Zhishu in the distance.

The wind brushed her brows and lashes as she watched him, full of vigor, whip his horse into a gallop. Under his command, the horse raced like the wind, advancing and retreating with the force of thunder and lightning. He nimbly cleared all the high and low obstacles set up on the track for training military horses, creating a truly pleasing sight from afar.

She had initially assumed he was a civil official, never expecting such exceptional grace on horseback, which inspired admiration. Reflecting further, she recalled his years as the Crown Prince’s study companion and realized that riding and archery must have been part of his training since childhood, making such skill unsurprising.

Only after he completed a full lap of the track did he rein in his horse, slowing its pace as he gradually approached her.

His collar was slightly damp with sweat, his tied hair somewhat disheveled, and the veins on his hands gripping the reins stood out from the exertion. To Yan Fuzhi, these details only accentuated his handsomeness with a rugged masculinity, his elegance complemented by resoluteness and courage.

Gazing at him openly, she praised sincerely, "Lord Shen, your horsemanship is remarkable."

Shen Zhishu gave a slight smile, uncharacteristically modest as he replied, "In the capital, I have a close friend currently serving in the Divine Guard Army, the most elite cavalry and infantry unit of the Imperial Army’s three commands. If you ever have the chance to meet him, you’ll truly understand what exceptional horsemanship means."

Yan Fuzhi nearly remarked how she could possibly meet that friend of his, but meeting his sincere and candid gaze, she swallowed the words and instead looked toward the distant mountains and setting sun in the west.

As the sun dipped westward, painting the clouds with rosy hues, her face was tinged with a soft golden light by the sky.

Shen Zhishu slowly withdrew his smile, raised his arm, and gently brushed aside the stray hairs by her ear. Noticing her sudden turn of gaze, he said calmly, "There was a fallen leaf. I removed it for you."

Yan Fuzhi froze, a blush spreading from her ears until it suffused her entire face. She then lowered her eyes and lashes, allowing his fingers to trail slowly from her ear down her neck before finally turning her head away.

Even Hu Yuelin, who always attended Shen Zhishu within fifty paces, witnessing this moment, felt that matters had reached their natural conclusion, with no further variables.

(6)

With the new Emperor’s ascension, imperial decrees spread throughout every town and province. Though far in Qing Province, Yan Fuzhi heard that the role of Leading Official for the enthronement ceremony had been assigned to Meng Tinghui, who hailed from Chaoan North Circuit and had already stirred significant waves in the capital’s court since entering officialdom.

She listened as everyone around her discussed the matter, merely smiling to herself.

Nearly two years had passed since their parting at the Chongzhou Women’s School, and who knew when they might meet again in the future.From time to time, when she heard rumors about Meng Tinghui's troubles in the capital's court, she would think of that man whom Meng Tinghui had held in her heart for over a decade—a man so lofty and unreachable as if residing in the highest heavens.

This would only deepen her admiration for Meng Tinghui's courage and determination. One must realize how perilous and difficult this path was, yet she walked it with profound devotion—how many women in this world could be like Meng Tinghui?

……

A few days later, Yan Fuzhi's cousin, who held an official post in the capital, returned to Chao'an to visit his family. Passing through Qing Province, he stopped by to see her.

Having not seen each other for many years, her cousin smiled and sighed, remarking how the little girl from back then had now grown into the esteemed eldest daughter of the Yan family, who managed half of the family's business. Truly, time flew like a white steed galloping past a crevice.

Yan Fuzhi also smiled and asked her cousin about his recent experiences in the capital.

Her cousin chatted with her about the capital's scenery, the new emperor's policies, and the atmosphere at court. Naturally, the conversation turned to Meng Tinghui, who had emerged from the women's school in Chong Province, Chao'an.

"Truly, she is no ordinary woman," her cousin concluded with a sigh.

Yan Fuzhi chuckled softly upon hearing this, thinking to herself, "I know this matter more clearly than any of you."

Finally, when her cousin brought up the governance and livelihood of Qing Province, he said to her, "The current Attendant of the Celestial Literature Pavilion in Qing Province, Shen Zhishu, was a trusted confidant of the new emperor back when he was in the Eastern Palace. Now that the new emperor has ascended the throne, it is rumored at court that Shen Zhishu will soon be summoned back to the capital to serve closely by the emperor's side. Shen Zhishu has achieved remarkable administrative success during his tenure in Qing Province. If he leaves, it is uncertain who will succeed him and whether the new policies will affect the Yan family's interests in the northern border."

Yan Fuzhi frowned slightly upon hearing this but did not respond immediately.

Her cousin, having brought up Shen Zhishu, could not help but share some gossip: "When Shen Zhishu was in the capital, his romantic escapades were countless. From female officials at court to noble daughters from prestigious families, who wasn't captivated by his elegant charm? Yet, the Shen family is illustrious and powerful. Who knows what kind of woman could ever marry into the Shen family? Now that he is in Qing Province, it is unclear whether he remains as flirtatious as before. Even if he has someone he favors during his tenure here, she would likely be just one of his many passing affections."

After speaking, he noticed Yan Fuzhi had remained silent for a while and assumed she had no interest in such gossip. He smiled and said, "I have spoken too much. It is late, and you should rest early."

……

The Imperial Decree summoning Shen Zhishu back to the capital did not arrive as rumored.

Instead, the edict Shen Zhishu received from the capital commended him for his administrative achievements in Qing Province and encouraged him to continue his diligent governance. The emperor's private message accompanying the edict succinctly explained why he needed to remain in the northern border.

After reading the letter written in the emperor's own hand, Shen Zhishu fell silent for a moment before locking it away in the iron box in his room where he kept all important documents.

Faintly, he recalled a conversation he had overheard outside his parents' room when he was six years old.

He had always known that the emperor had great ambitions. As a subject, how could he not exhaust his efforts to assist his sovereign?

……

A few days later, the Chao'an Pacification Commission dispatched a messenger to deliver an order from Pacification Commissioner Dong Yicheng, instructing Shen Zhishu to prepare provisions and rations and proceed to the Willow Banner Camp, located one hundred and eighty li from Qing Province, to boost the troops' morale.

When the order from the Chong Province headquarters arrived, Shen Zhishu was discussing matters related to the annual evaluation and promotion of officials with Vice Commissioner Cao Zixiong. Upon hearing the order, Cao Zixiong was the first to furrow his brow."Just days ago, the Chao'an Transport Commission issued an official decree to reduce the wasteful grain and silver provisions for Willow Banner Camp. This order came from Transport Commissioner Wen Di himself and cannot be wrong," Cao Zixiong said while pondering. "Why would the Pacification Commission now order you, my lord, to bring provisions to reward the troops?"

Shen Zhishu also set aside his affairs and fell into silent contemplation.

Cao Zixiong continued, "The discord between Chao'an's two commissions is common knowledge. This order to reward troops in Qing Province is highly suspicious. You must think carefully, my lord, and not go lightly."

Shen Zhishu asked, "Think carefully how? Should I openly defy the order?" He gave a light laugh, though his eyes held no mirth. "The order itself offers no grounds for doubt, and Qing Province is the closest among all prefectures to Willow Banner Camp. What reason could I have for not going?"

As Cao Zixiong prepared to speak further, Shen Zhishu interrupted, "Moreover, if there truly is something unknown happening at Willow Banner Camp, how can officials like us stand aside indifferently?"

Hearing this, Cao Zixiong remained silent for a moment before bowing his head with a sigh. "This humble official has overstepped."

...

When the Yan family servants saw that the person alighting from the prefectural carriage was Shen Zhishu himself, they were all astonished. They hurriedly welcomed him inside to the seat of honor while swiftly notifying the eldest young mistress who was in the inner chambers.

After receiving the news, Yan Fuzhi pondered for some time before slowly stepping out of her room and walking to the main hall.

Seeing her arrival, Shen Zhishu smiled as usual and said gently, "Since we parted at the horse grounds, official duties have kept me too busy to visit you. Have you been well?"

Yan Fuzhi gathered her sleeves and bowed, keeping her eyes lowered as she replied, "Your presence honors our humble home. But if there was business, you could have simply sent a constable with the order. Why trouble yourself to come here personally? If others learned of this, they would surely misunderstand the relationship between us."

Hearing her clearly and seeing her completely expressionless face, Shen Zhishu gradually let his smile fade.

Her silent consent and response from their last meeting still felt vivid, yet her current reaction completely defied his expectations. He had come with passionate feelings, but now felt as if doused with icy water, making it difficult to accept.

After a long pause, Shen Zhishu finally spoke, but countered with a question: "The relationship between us—this matter of mutual affection—what could possibly be misunderstood?"

Yan Fuzhi replied, "Then it must be that Lord Shen has misunderstood the relationship with me."

Hearing these words, Shen Zhishu felt his heart gradually sink.

From childhood to adulthood, he had never encountered a woman as straightforward and spirited as her, and certainly never experienced this feeling of being toyed with.

It took him some time to force himself to calm down before responding, "Tomorrow I must go north to Willow Banner Camp to reward the troops. This trip will delay me for several days. If I didn't come to see you today, I don't know how much longer you'd have to wait. If you're in poor spirits today, I won't disturb you further. I'll visit again after returning to Qing Province."

Yan Fuzhi still hadn't raised her eyes to look directly at him, saying only, "I believe that from now on, there's actually no need for us to meet again."

Shen Zhishu stared fixedly at her. "Whatever you truly mean in your heart, you might as well speak more clearly."She finally looked at him then, enunciating each word clearly: "Your Excellency's assignment to Qing Province will last but a year or two before you return to the capital. Your brilliant future needs no elaboration. As for me—a mere merchant's daughter—there could never be any outcome between us. Why waste our energy and time? Even if I hadn't spoken these words, you should have understood this perfectly well."

A flicker of anger finally surfaced in Shen Zhishu's eyes. He let out a cold laugh. "I understand nothing of the sort."

Having said this, he initially turned to leave, but reason was swept away by the rising tides of pride and self-respect in his heart. He glanced back at her and tossed out a final remark: "As you wish. We need not meet again."

On the journey back to his residence, Hu Yuelin cautiously observed Shen Zhishu's livid expression, inwardly marveling at the intensity of his reaction.

Naturally, he had never seen Shen Zhishu face such rejection from a woman before, nor had he expected that what seemed like a surefire success would ultimately encounter unforeseen complications. Unable to hold back, he offered consolation: "Despite the young master's exhaustive efforts yielding such an outcome, perhaps it indicates she never truly held him in her heart—it might be best to let it go."

Shen Zhishu closed his eyes slightly.

Reflecting that this was likely just a fleeting infatuation, he felt fortunate not to have invested his deepest affections, believing it was still not too late to withdraw.

...

Thus, five days later, when Shen Zhishu was captured by the rebel forces of Liu Banner and found his life hanging by a thread, the first person who came to his mind was Yan Fuzhi. He couldn't help but mock himself inwardly.

It was the first time in his life he had felt death loom so palpably close.

As he was forced by the rebels into the inner city, he saw the severed head of Gao Hai, the magistrate of Liu Banner, suspended in the middle of the main thoroughfare. The skull had been shattered and was being used as a target for rebel archery practice. The thought that flashed through his mind was: if he were to meet a similar fate at the hands of the rebels, he desperately hoped Yan Fuzhi would never learn of his undignified end.

Only in that fleeting moment did he realize that what he had dismissed as a temporary infatuation was, in fact, a profound affection—one from which he feared it would be difficult to extricate himself easily.

The rebel officer behind him, assuming the sight of Gao Hai's gruesome fate would intimidate him, once again pressured him to personally write a plea for mercy to the Chao'an Military Command, urging the imperial court to pardon the rebels.

Shen Zhishu never once lifted his brush. After several angry shouts from the rebels, he merely cast a cold glance and retorted, "Even if you kill me, you cannot diminish the integrity of the Shen family by an inch."

...

Meanwhile, news of Shen Zhishu's capture reached the Qing Province authorities five days later.

Though Hu Yuelin was frantic with worry upon hearing the report, he kept a clear head and promptly drafted three dispatches, sending them posthaste to the Chao'an Pacification Commissioner's Office in Chongzhou Prefecture, the Imperial Guard Temple in the capital, and the Shen residence. After discussing the matter in detail with Cao Zixiong, who was equally shocked by the news, they concluded that the rebels had taken Shen Zhishu hostage to pressure the court into pardoning their crimes, rather than intending to kill him outright. They decided that the Qing Province garrison would hold its position for the time being, awaiting instructions from the Chao'an Military Command and the imperial court.

With this decision made, Hu Yuelin felt somewhat more at ease. After a moment's hesitation, he ordered a horse prepared and rode alone to the Yan residence in the eastern part of the city, intending to inform Yan Fuzhi in advance of this news that was about to shake the court and the public.

That day had been utterly tranquil for the Yan household.

But Hu Yuelin's sudden arrival on horseback, bearing earth-shattering news, disrupted the peace. He left in haste after delivering the message.

As it was the end of the year, Yan Fuzhi had been sorting through rare antiques and curios to take back to Chongzhou Prefecture. Upon hearing that Shen Zhishu had been captured by rebels and his fate was unknown, her expression remained completely unruffled.

After a brief pause, she resumed her tidying, as if she were truly detached from the matter.

Yet, the next moment, she accidentally dropped and shattered a precious jade Buddha statue.

She crouched down, rolling up her sleeves to gather the broken pieces, only to cut her hand on a sharp fragment of jade.

Gazing at the blood slowly welling in her palm, Yan Fuzhi seemed to envision Shen Zhishu lying decapitated in a pool of blood. A wave of dizziness washed over her, and she nearly collapsed.

Her maid hurried in upon hearing the noise, offering support, but no one in the Yan household had ever seen her lose her composure so publicly before, and for a moment, no one dared to ask any questions.After resting briefly in her chamber to regain her composure, Yan Fuzhi immediately summoned the accountant from the shop and calmly instructed, "Liquidate all available cash from the Qingzhou branch at once."

Money serves many purposes.

While it cannot reach the heavens to buy immortality, in this mortal world, there are few things that truly remain unattainable with sufficient funds.

The messengers dispatched by the Yan residence to gather information outside Liuqi County town moved much faster than those sent by the Qingzhou prefectural office. The reason was simple: the Yan family’s envoys carried ample money.

Only after hearing the dust-covered report that Prefect Shen, though having suffered some hardship in the hands of the rebels, was completely unharmed, did Yan Fuzhi’s heart settle, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, after a moment’s thought, she also sent a message to the official residence for Hu Yuelin, urging him to set his mind at ease as well.

...

Much later, Shen Zhishu occasionally learned from Hu Yuelin that, in order to secure news of his safety, the Yan residence had spent an amount nearly equivalent to half of Qingzhou City’s annual tax revenue.

Naturally, he was deeply moved upon hearing this and couldn’t resist the urge to ask her about it face to face immediately. However, at that time, the northern border was still engulfed in conflict, and as the Transport Commissioner of Chaoan North Circuit, he was inevitably occupied until late at night before returning home. Meanwhile, Yan Fuzhi had married him and was carrying his child, feeling constantly weary and retiring to bed early each evening.

That night, as soon as Shen Zhishu returned home, he went straight to the bedchamber, drew back the bed curtains, and bent down to embrace Yan Fuzhi over her clothes. She was a light sleeper and woke at his touch, drowsily raising her arms to return his embrace.

Then Shen Zhishu, leaning close to her ear, recounted what he had heard from Hu Yuelin that day and asked her why she had been willing to spend so much on him back then.

Yan Fuzhi narrowed her eyes slightly and chuckled softly to herself, offering no reply.

Yet she recalled her father Yan Che’s heartbroken reaction at the end of that year when the Yan family accounts were settled and he saw that enormous red entry: though he had taught her since childhood never to be swindled out of money by men, he never expected that she would willingly and selflessly lavish such wealth for a man’s sake.

And how could Yan Che have known that for this man, Yan Fuzhi would gladly stake her very life, let alone her fortune.

(7)

After quelling the rebel army’s mutiny in Liuqi, Shen Zhishu stayed in Liuqi County for some additional time, working with Di Nian, Cao Zixiong, and Song Zhirui to oversee the rotation of garrison troops and provide relief to the populace. By the time he set out to return to Qingzhou, he was more than ten days behind Meng Tinghui.

On the day he entered Qingzhou territory, a heavy snow began to fall, delaying his journey back to the city. By the time he finally entered the city gates, it was already past noon.

The yamen runner stationed at the city gate to await him had a finger’s thickness of snow accumulated on his shoulders. When he spotted Shen Zhishu and Hu Yuelin riding through the snowy haze, his anxious expression eased somewhat, and he hurried forward to greet them, swiftly arranging their entry into the city.

As he took over the reins of Shen Zhishu’s horse, the runner reported, "Today, an imperial courier from the capital arrived in Qingzhou. Magistrate Meng has already set up an altar in the prefectural office and is waiting for your return to receive the decree." Unable to conceal his delight, he even blurted out words he normally wouldn’t dare to discuss casually: "I suppose it’s because you endured hardship yet achieved merit in suppressing the rebellion, and the Emperor, upon learning of it in the capital, has issued an edict to reward you."Sure enough, Hu Yuelin, standing nearby, immediately rebuked: "How dare you! Is this something you can comment on?"

The yamen guard fell silent at once, not daring to speak recklessly again.

Then, Hu Yuelin turned to Shen Zhishu, who had remained calm and unhurried throughout the journey, and his tone carried a hint of urgency: "Since the imperial decree awaits at the yamen, I must ask the young master to return to the residence immediately, so as not to keep Lord Meng and the imperial envoy waiting long."

They had only just entered the city. Shen Zhishu glanced up at the sky, then at the snow-covered main road leading to the yamen, but instead of continuing forward, he halted his steps and said, "There's no hurry."

As he spoke, he took the horse's reins from the yamen guard, mounted his steed, and leaving the two men behind, spurred his horse toward the eastern part of the city—the opposite direction of the yamen.

Hu Yuelin was momentarily taken aback, but when he discerned Shen Zhishu's destination, understanding dawned silently within him.

It seemed that the words "there's no hurry" were not truly about a lack of urgency, but rather that there was something even more pressing—something Shen Zhishu could not forget even amidst the chaos of battle, the weight of official duties, and the majesty of imperial favor. Something he feared he would regret for a lifetime if he did not attend to it immediately.

The heavy snow had sealed the streets, and all the shops large and small within the Shangqiu Gate in the eastern part of Qingzhou City had closed their doors for business.

By the time the door of the Yan family branch was knocked over a dozen times and finally opened, Shen Zhishu had grown somewhat impatient from waiting outside. But when he turned his head and saw the person who had opened the door, his restless, agitated heart was instantly soothed.

The harsh winter wind of the north scattered the icy mist clinging to the doorframe. Yan Fuzhi, dressed in a snow-white fox-fur-lined brocade coat, stood firmly inside, one hand lightly resting on the door ring as she gazed at him.

Her expression held three parts surprise, two parts disbelief, and five parts hesitation.

But Shen Zhishu gave her no chance to close the door and retreat. He had already taken a large step inside, turning to shut the door heavily behind him, cutting off her hesitation and indecision.

He had many things he wanted to say to her—how he had thought of her in moments of life and death, how he had never before bestowed such feelings upon any woman, and how even the most resolute farewells could not stop him from coming to see her again. Yet, when he lowered his head and looked into her clear, bright eyes, he found himself inexplicably uttering the most unrelated words:

"I had no idea the snow in the north was this heavy."

As he spoke, the corners of his lips lifted slightly, and his gaze upon her was careful and earnest.

Though Yan Fuzhi could not have guessed what Shen Zhishu had originally intended to say, she clearly understood the meaning behind his gaze. Moreover, his unexpected visit so soon after returning to the city shook the resolve she had previously steeled herself to maintain.

"If you're unaccustomed to the northern climate, why not return to the capital?"

She spoke, and though her tone carried a hint of sarcasm, it no longer held the aloofness she had previously shown him. Instead, it felt strangely intimate to his ears.

Shen Zhishu smiled slowly.

Then he reached out, took one of her delicate hands, and held it tightly in his own.

Yan Fuzhi gently struggled, intending to pull her hand away, but when she looked up and saw the bloodshot eyes from days of exhaustion—and yet, the tenderness and affection in his expression as he faced her—her heart softened. She allowed the firm pressure of his hand to completely overturn the resolve that had already wavered within her.

Past regrets melted away like snow in the wind. She stared unblinkingly at their clasped hands, and in an instant, the thought struck her that this man, this hand, had nearly been reduced to a pile of bones. Her eyes grew warm, and she leaned forward, resting her head against his chest.When he held her tightly in his arms, Shen Zhishu thought—

Why not let it be like this between them? Without questioning whether their hearts belonged to each other in this moment, without calculating whether they could stay together forever, simply indulging in these feelings here and now—perhaps that wouldn’t be so bad.

(8)

Winter gave way to spring, summer passed and autumn arrived. In the blink of an eye, another year had gone by.

By the early autumn of the first year of Jingxuan, an Imperial Decree arrived from the capital, summoning Shen Zhishu back to the capital to report on his governance to the Emperor.

Having received the Imperial Decree, the Qing Province government office had no choice but to quickly prepare the items Shen Zhishu would need for his journey back to the capital, so he could set off immediately. Hu Yuelin was especially overjoyed upon hearing the decree. As he helped organize official documents, he said, "It has been nearly two years since the young master took up his post outside the capital. Now that you have the chance to return and report on your governance, I can only imagine how delighted the master, madam, and young miss will be when they hear the news."

At the mention of his father, Shen Zhishu’s brow darkened slightly, and his heart was filled with mixed emotions.

Since taking office in Qing Province, he had exchanged letters with the Shen residence in the capital. Most were written by his mother and younger sister, with only occasional notes from his father, usually containing admonitions about governance. The sole exception was a letter of concern he received shortly after returning safely to Qing Province from the rebel forces at Willow Banner Camp. In it, his father, for the first time, expressed rare personal concern for him:

"The customs of the Northern Frontier have always been fierce, and the governance of Chao’an has long been fraught with deceit. You have been entrusted with the Imperial Decree to oversee the administration of a province, seeking reform and asserting authority over the region. Though you must exert your utmost as a subject of the court, prioritize stability above all. In all matters, act with certainty, avoid errors, and leave no room for regret. There is no need to strive for dominance or provoke conflict, lest you cause undue worry among those who care for you."

After reading the letter and folding it away, the feelings he had experienced at sixteen, leaning against a willow tree outside the Zishan Hall while studying history, suddenly resurfaced vividly in his mind. Only then did he realize that, though he had deliberately avoided speaking of his father and striven to live a life entirely different from his father’s, deep down, what he truly yearned for was to surpass his father’s achievements. His conduct and policies since entering officialdom were still inevitably shaped by the Shen family traditions he had absorbed since childhood.

Compared to the Emperor’s evaluation during his upcoming report, Shen Zhishu was far more concerned about whether his two years of governance in Qing Province would earn his father’s recognition—though he would never take the initiative to ask about it.

With these unspoken, conflicting emotions, it took Shen Zhishu a long moment to respond to Hu Yuelin. He replied lightly, "I hope so."

From the time he received the decree to his departure for the capital, there were only a few short days to prepare. Yet Shen Zhishu still managed to set aside half a day to visit Yan Fuzhi and personally inform her of the matter.

The Yan family’s horse ranch in Qing Province had been completed five months earlier. Yan Fuzhi had gone all out, spending lavishly to purchase thirty fine steeds from Northern Frontier merchants. In addition to hiring experts to carefully train and care for the horses, she would personally oversee the ranch’s affairs whenever she had free time.

On the day Shen Zhishu found her at the Yan family ranch, Yan Fuzhi was boldly carrying a large bucket, adding supplementary feed to the troughs in each stable.

Following behind her was the hired ranch manager, who appeared extremely uneasy, repeatedly on the verge of speaking but holding back. It seemed he couldn’t bear to see a young lady of her status doing such rough work, yet he dared not say anything due to her domineering presence.

Shen Zhishu watched the scene with interest from a distance, until Yan Fuzhi turned and noticed him. She smiled and waved him over.He slowly stepped forward, signaling with his gaze for the people behind her to withdraw. Then he bent down to take the large feed bucket and set it aside.

"Aren't you tired?" Shen Zhishu took Yan Fuzhi's hand, carefully smoothing down the layers of her rolled-up wide sleeves.

Yan Fuzhi squinted with a smile, clearly pleased with her recent work, and replied, "Not tired." She then withdrew her sleeve from his grasp, giving it a couple of quick tugs to straighten it out.

The elegant spring gauze fabric, which exuded nobility, was now slightly stained with fodder and covered in wrinkles, yet she showed no sign of distress.

Shen Zhishu couldn't help but reflect on his own upbringing and material comforts for comparison. Although the Shen family was immensely prestigious, both Shen Wuchen and Zeng Canshang came from humble backgrounds. Even after rising to the highest ranks of court officials, enjoying unparalleled honor in the dynasty, the Shen residence had never indulged in extravagance over the years.

If his father or mother were to see Yan Fuzhi in such a state, they would surely think her a pleasure-seeking, wasteful sort...

Yet the next moment, Shen Zhishu frowned at the thought that had just crossed his mind, surprised that he had even considered bringing her home to meet his parents.

Yan Fuzhi, unaware of his inner turmoil, noticed his brief silence and asked with a laugh, "Why have you come so early today?" It was rare for Shen Zhishu to meet her before finishing his official duties; usually, he wouldn't leave the yamen for a private rendezvous until well past noon.

Shen Zhishu snapped back to reality and mentioned the purpose of his visit: "I received an imperial decree the day before yesterday, summoning me back to the capital to report on my duties. I'll be setting off in a couple of days, so I've temporarily put aside all matters at the government office."

"Hmm," she responded softly to acknowledge the news, then asked, "How long will you be gone?"

He replied, "About three or four months."

Yan Fuzhi tilted her head and stared at him. "That long?" Her tone was slow, clearly taken aback by the duration, and her expression grew serious.

To Shen Zhishu, her tone and expression were filled with reluctance.

His heart stirred slightly, and the inexplicable thought he had suppressed earlier resurfaced. Before he could ponder it further, he blurted out, "Why not come back to the capital with me?As soon as the words left his mouth, the atmosphere between them became subtle.

Yan Fuzhi looked at him strangely and asked, "What would I do in the capital with you?"

Despite their embrace in the snow ten months prior and their close companionship since, neither had openly confessed their feelings. Both had tacitly focused on the present, never broaching the future.

So Shen Zhishu couldn't gauge her current feelings and regretted his impulsiveness. He cleared his throat lightly and said, "You're quite close with Meng Tinghui. I hear she's making waves in the capital's court. Don't you want to go see her?"

At this, Yan Fuzhi's expression shifted slightly, and she let out a soft "hmph," turning to leave.

Knowing her temperament well, Shen Zhishu quickly grabbed her arm tightly and added, "...and you could pay a visit to the Shen residence while you're at it."Yan Fuzhi responded with a series of cold laughs. "I fear the gates of the Shen residence are too lofty and its steps too broad for a mere merchant's daughter like me to 'pay a casual visit'." She paused briefly, then shook off his hand and added, "Remember this—not every woman in this world covets the illustrious status of your Shen family."

How could he fail to understand her meaning?

He recalled the Qing Province night banquet from the previous year, attended by both Meng Tinghui and Di Nian, where their half-jesting, half-performative exchange had inadvertently revealed her true thoughts and aspirations.

So be it, then.

Shen Zhishu's expression darkened slightly as he watched Yan Fuzhi's retreating figure. His feet felt rooted to the spot, stiff and unmoving.

In that moment, he felt he had never before understood how deeply love could unsettle one's soul. Little did he know that a thousand miles away in the capital, a political storm—also ignited by his sister Shen Zhili's profound affections—was gathering like densely layered storm clouds, waiting only for a fierce wind to unleash its thunderous fury.

(9)

Before arriving in the capital, Shen Zhishu never anticipated that the entire court would be engulfed in a political storm, with his own sister at its center. The servant sent by the Shen family to greet him wore a worried expression and immediately recounted the rampant rumors and court conflicts that had swept through the capital in recent days.

—Shen Zhili was involved in an improper relationship with Gu Qin.

Shen Zhishu sighed upon hearing this, thinking to himself that his sister was not entirely blameless in this matter.

After being escorted into the city by the Shen family attendants, he had taken only a few steps when he saw Di Nian galloping toward him from a distance. Di Nian reined in his horse before the Shen family carriage, dismounted, and approached with hand on sword, slightly breathless. "I heard you were returning to the capital today. I rushed over as soon as my martial training at the Southern City Academy ended—fortunately, I'm not late." He smiled, his demeanor bright and spirited.

Shen Zhishu looked at his dear friend, warmth spreading in his chest, and smiled faintly in return. "It's been since we parted in Qing Province. Have you been well?"

"I've been fine," Di Nian replied briskly, falling into step beside him. "But Leyan hasn't been doing well these days." As he spoke, his brow furrowed slightly, and the earlier brightness faded from his face. "I assume you've heard about what's happening in the capital. I've tried to visit her at your residence several times recently, but each time I was turned away. Surprisingly, the Grand Tutor and his wife, seeing my repeated failed attempts, actually comforted me instead, which made me too embarrassed to keep trying. Since you're back today, hurry home and check on Leyan. I'll wait outside your residence. If she's alright, send someone to let me know. If she's not... well, send someone anyway—"

"Wait," Shen Zhishu interjected teasingly, "I thought you came specifically to welcome me back to the capital. It seems I overestimated my importance."

Di Nian paused, looking somewhat embarrassed but candidly admitted, "I am indeed more concerned about her than about you."

"Even now that Leyan's reputation has suffered so? And you know these rumors aren't entirely false." Having known each other for years, Shen Zhishu was well aware of Di Nian's steadfast devotion and was genuinely moved by his sincerity and openness in this matter.

Di Nian shook his head, his tone resolute. "I don't care what others say. I only know that if it were me, I would never let her suffer any bullying or injustice."Witnessing this scene, Shen Zhishu actually felt a trace of admiration.

What must it feel like to love someone so deeply and be able to declare that love without any reservations? This was something beyond his own understanding.

A few days later, at the evening banquet in the Shen residence, when he heard Shen Zhili resolutely declare her intention to marry Di Nian in order to protect Gu Qin, Shen Zhishu felt genuinely happy that his longtime close friend had finally achieved his desire, while also deeply moved by his sister's courage and her selfless sacrifice for love.

Afterwards, he entered the palace to meet the Emperor. Faced with the Emperor's seemingly casual inquiries about his marriage arrangements, he remained silent for a long time, ultimately saying nothing.

In his heart, he recalled Di Nian's sincere and candid demeanor that day, feeling an even greater admiration, wondering when he himself would be able to openly reveal his true feelings like that.

Yet what astonished and moved him even more was yet to come—

"I deeply love her. Not only do I deeply love her, but I will also change the Inner Court's system of appointing an empress for her sake."

When the Emperor, with equal sincerity and candor, confessed his feelings for Meng Tinghui and asked him to draft a memorial in support of the edict to reform the system, Shen Zhishu was momentarily struck with deep doubt—was he the only one in this world unable to love freely and openly?

At that time, he failed to realize that it was his years of pride and self-assurance in matters of the heart that, upon truly falling in love, made him restrained by his emotions, unwilling and reluctant to take the initiative to confess his deep affection to the other person.

News of the marriage alliance between the Shen and Di families in the capital, Shen Zhishu's appointment as the Transport Commissioner of Chaoan North Circuit, and Di Nian's imperial order to head north to reorganize the three routes of the Imperial Army... all this reached Qing Province more than two months later.

Yan Fuzhi, while entertaining distinguished guests who had traveled from the Northern Frontier in her shop, listened as everyone eagerly discussed these developments. Apart from marveling at the union of the two most prestigious clans in the dynasty, the conversation focused more on Shen Zhishu, who, after only two years in Qing Province, had been promoted to Transport Commissioner of a circuit. It was worth noting that since the founding of the Great Peace Dynasty, there had never been a precedent for someone so young to hold such a critical position on the frontier.

Truly, a minister trusted by the Emperor, further bolstered by the prestige of the Shen family... everyone spoke in this manner.

Yan Fuzhi couldn't help but scoff upon hearing this.

After all, the current Emperor was no ordinary ruler. Without Shen Zhishu's outstanding administrative achievements during his two-year tenure in Qing Province, and without his unwavering loyalty and integrity even amidst rebel forces, even if Shen Zhishu were the Emperor's most trusted confidant, the Emperor would never have entrusted him with the financial authority over the entire Chaoan Circuit.

Now that he was to take charge of the Chaoan Transport Office, their relationship would likely become even more complicated.

Soon after, Yan Fuzhi recalled the unpleasant parting between them before Shen Zhishu left Qing Province, and she slightly furrowed her brows, unwilling to dwell on the matter further.

It wasn't that she refused to offer her sincere feelings, but how could she fully believe that he genuinely and wholeheartedly loved her?

On the ninth day of the twelfth month of the first year of Jingxuan, Shen Zhishu and Di Nian set out from the capital together, heading north to assume their new posts.

Before leaving the capital, Shen Zhishu, in accordance with ministerial protocol, went to the palace to bid farewell to the Emperor. The Emperor then inquired about the recent state of the Shen household.

"All is well, thank you for Your Majesty's concern," he replied as usual.

The Emperor, however, pressed further: "You have been away from the capital for two years and are now heading to the Northern Frontier for your new post. Moreover, Leyan has just married and now faces her husband leading troops north. These arrangements by the court have indeed been somewhat unfair to the Grand Tutor and Lady Shen. I wonder if the Grand Tutor and his lady are well lately. If they have any requests, they need only submit a memorial to the court—the two offices will do their utmost to accommodate them."

Shen Zhishu bowed his head, sleeves folded. "Thank you for Your Majesty's gracious favor. However, as a subject of the state, one must devote oneself to loyalty and service—personal matters are insignificant compared to affairs of state. Moreover, my father once served the previous Emperor, assisting in governance and stabilizing the nation for seventeen years without attending to private matters. This should serve as my guiding example today.""Yanzhi," the Emperor called to him, then paused as if carefully weighing his words before continuing, "Our generation has its own achievements to pursue; there is no need to compete with the accomplishments of our fathers."

Shen Zhishu looked up abruptly upon hearing this. "Your Majesty..."

The young sovereign before him had once shared a desk with him for twelve years in the Zishan Hall. Though their relationship was now that of ruler and subject, no one else in this world truly understood the aspirations he had held for years as well as this person did.

Then Shen Zhishu saw the Emperor smile—a rare occurrence—and heard him continue: "My mother and father lived in turbulent times, thus they achieved great deeds by dominating battlefields and subduing five kingdoms to establish today's peace. Now that the realm is stable, no matter what I do, I cannot replicate the accomplishments of my parents. My ambition lies in consolidating our nation, nurturing the people, and maintaining peace. Though these cannot be compared with past military exploits, who in future generations would dare claim such achievements aren't worthy of lasting through the ages? Furthermore, the late Duke Di Zhongwu had already achieved remarkable military successes at merely twenty, his prestige shaking all five kingdoms. Later he sacrificed himself for the nation—his loyal and martial name is enough to shine through millennia. Such glory wasn't exclusive to chaotic times either. Considering Di Nian today, it would be difficult for him to replicate Duke Zhongwu's achievements. But the Imperial Army of our current dynasty should be evaluated by their contributions to national stability and civilian protection—how can we measure them by wartime merits from an era of chaos?"

These words, spoken slowly by the Emperor, were unusually heartfelt.

Shen Zhishu was deeply moved, understanding that the Emperor intended to resolve his long-standing complex about living under the shadow of his father's illustrious achievements.

After a long silence, he nodded slightly, feeling an unprecedented clarity in his heart. "Thank you, Your Majesty."That night, upon returning home, Shen Zhishu actively knocked on his father's study door."

After entering and performing the familial greetings, he asked, "I depart for Qing Province tomorrow—does Father have any final instructions?Such active seeking of advice was rare for him. Had his mother and sister known, they wouldn't have believed he would ever do this.

Yet his father showed no surprise, merely setting down his books and writing materials to gaze at him. "You've studied the way of serving one's sovereign since childhood; I need not elaborate." Rising to approach Shen Zhishu, he instead countered: "The Yan family of Chao'an possesses great wealth. Are you pursuing profit or genuine affection?"

Shen Zhishu started slightly, meeting his father's gaze as he realized none of his activities in Qing Province had escaped paternal notice. And likely only his father would ask such a direct question.

"It's genuine," he replied, for the first time laying bare his feelings so completely before his father.

But then he thought of how the Shen family consisted of exceptional talents, while the Yans were mere merchants—would his father ever accept...? Yet his father continued questioning: "If it's genuine, how did it come to this?"

Shen Zhishu grew tongue-tied, unable to explain how Yan Fuzhi had refused to return to the capital with him.

His father seemed to see through his thoughts, asking further: "Does she know your feelings are genuine?"

Shen Zhishu remained silent, momentarily unable to answer.

...Though he had never explicitly confessed, how could she not know his true heart? If she truly didn't understand, then all his affection would have been wasted indeed.A moment later, Shen Zhishu remarked, "Even if she knows, the Yan family are prominent merchants in the northern border regions, and the Chaoan Canal Administration must avoid any appearance of impropriety."

His father neither agreed nor disagreed, merely saying, "It is rare to have the best of both worlds in this life—everything comes down to choices and trade-offs."

Hearing this, Shen Zhishu’s thoughts instantly flew back to when he was six years old, and his mother gently explained to him what choices his father had made back then.

Only now, at this very moment, did he truly understand how much easier it was to speak of such choices than to act upon them.

(10)

The northern border erupted in war overnight. Rebels from the surrendered lands of Zhongwan roamed freely, and in what seemed like just a few days, the entire empire had changed.

Shen Zhishu had been serving as the Transport Commissioner of Chaoan North Circuit for less than half a year when this great war broke out. Di Nian led troops under imperial decree to establish the Pacification Commissioner’s Office in the northern border, managing military affairs between the two nations. Meanwhile, the transport commissions of Chaoan, Jiankang, and Linhuai circuits were temporarily reorganized into military supply transport commissions. During the war, all rear-line logistics were handled jointly by the three circuit transport commissioners and the Three Departments in the capital.

Procuring provisions, escorting weapon shipments, manufacturing armor, repairing fortifications, resettling displaced civilians… which of these tasks was easy? While Di Nian fought fiercely on the northern front, Shen Zhishu at the commissioner’s office was equally overwhelmed, working day and night without proper rest for months.

It was precisely at this critical juncture that Pang Mu’s grain convoy was destroyed by fire. Thirty thousand dan of military provisions—wiped out in a single night.

This disaster gave Shen Zhishu an opportunity to borrow grain from the Yan residence. Little did he expect that, after their unpleasant parting over half a year ago when he was about to return to the capital, they would once again part on bitter terms.

Walking angrily in the cold wind, Shen Zhishu naturally couldn’t imagine that Yan Fuzhi—whom he believed had betrayed his deep affection—would go to such lengths to gather thirty thousand dan of grain for him in the shortest time possible. To make up for Pang Mu’s deficit, she sold off seven Yan family shops in small western prefectures and purchased private grain at high prices from merchant families with whom the Yans had friendly relations.

Of course, someone as proud as Yan Fuzhi would never let Shen Zhishu know how she had obtained the thirty thousand dan she lent him. From start to finish, she made it seem as though it had been effortlessly simple.

And her heartfelt feelings for him remained buried beneath that casual nonchalance, unnoticed by anyone.

...

Two months later, Meng Tinghui was dispatched north by imperial decree to negotiate peace. Passing through Chaoan North Circuit, she stopped at Qing Province and intended to stay overnight at the Yan residence.

That evening, Shen Zhishu went outside the city to welcome Meng Tinghui and escorted her to the Yan residence. To his surprise, Yan Fuzhi treated him coldly. Unwilling to lose face in front of others, he responded with equal indifference before turning to leave.

After stepping out of the Yan residence, Shen Zhishu gazed at the imperial yellow banners on Meng Tinghui’s carriage, his thoughts drifting to the Emperor far away in the capital. He wondered what emotions the Emperor harbored, watching the woman he deeply loved journey north alone into danger.

His mind then turned to Di Nian at the front lines, wondering if, amid the flames of war, he too missed Shen Zhili thousands of miles away—and what hopes his younger sister clung to as she anxiously awaited Di Nian’s safe return.

Lost in these thoughts, Shen Zhishu’s intended departure gradually halted.

His father’s question before he left the capital suddenly echoed vividly in his ears—"Does she know your feelings are genuine?"Back then he hadn't answered, but now he suddenly began to doubt his long-held judgment—it seemed he had been too arrogant, too proud, and it seemed he had never told her that he genuinely loved her.

...

The next morning, Shen Zhishu woke before dawn.

In the quiet chill of the night, he turned and drew Yan Fuzhi into his arms, lowering his head to kiss her disheveled hair.

Yan Fuzhi lifted her hands to wrap around his neck, burying her face as if to continue sleeping, but then heard him whisper softly by her ear: "...Surely you're willing to marry me now."

She awoke instantly, raising her eyes to study him in the dim light for a long moment. Recalling the many fragmented moments between them over the past two years, mingled with the sincere and unreserved affection he had shown her the previous night, she suddenly realized she had truly been loved by him all these days.

Then she closed her eyes slightly, her warm breath carrying her reply: "I am willing."

In the following days, Shen Zhishu quietly moved many of Yan Fuzhi's belongings from the Yan residence to the Commissioner's office, then told Hu Yuelin: "From now on, the eldest daughter of the Yan family is the young mistress of the Shen family."

Hu Yuelin was momentarily stunned, while Yan Fuzhi laughed heartily beside him.

With the northern war still unresolved, the wedding was naturally kept simple. Shen Zhishu sent a letter to his family in the capital, fully confident that his parents would not blame or anger him for this decision.

And so it was.

His father's reply came quickly: Congratulations, well done.

Though just four brief words, Shen Zhishu could read his father's smiling, approving expression in them.

That night, as Shen Zhishu returned home and was about to rest, Yan Fuzhi casually remarked: "I've already spoken with Father. The Yan family's businesses in the Chao'an region will henceforth be managed by his external household."

Shen Zhishu was momentarily stunned. Coming to his senses, he was deeply moved and held her tightly in his arms, speechless for a while.

After Yan Fuzhi fell into deep sleep, he gently rose from the bed, retrieved an unfinished transfer request from his personal belongings, approached the desk, and burned it in the dying candlelight.

He had been prepared to make sacrifices for her, never expecting she had harbored the same thought.

Only then did he understand that what he had believed to be easier said than done was, in the hearts of those who truly loved, not such an extraordinary matter after all.

Just like his father and mother in their time.

[End of Shen-Yan Side Story]