The Southern Barbarians, located to the southwest of Great Wei, remain a tribal slave society to this day. Savage and warlike, they have been a persistent headache for Great Wei over the past century.
The Southern Barbarians consist of five tribes, each with its own noble claiming kingship. The Black Barbarians are one of these five tribes.
Years of internal strife among the five tribes have left the Southern Barbarian King with little authority. Amid this chaos, the Black Barbarians unified their internal voices, submitted to Great Wei, and sought a marriage alliance by requesting a Great Wei princess.
To sow discord among the five tribes and prevent the Southern Barbarians from unifying, Great Wei naturally agreed to the Black Barbarians' peace marriage proposal. Great Wei further aimed to support the Black Barbarian King in becoming the ruler of all five Southern Barbarian tribes, thereby unifying them.
To demonstrate their commitment, Great Wei married Danyang Princess—the Empress's own daughter, then merely fifteen years old—to the Black Barbarian King, who was already over thirty at the time.
Upon Danyang Princess's marriage to the Black Barbarian King, his original principal wife was demoted to concubine.
Since this peace marriage involved the Emperor's own daughter and the Empress's youngest child—not merely a princess from the imperial clan—its significance was extraordinary throughout Great Wei. When Danyang Princess departed for the Black Barbarians, the ceremony was grand, with all subjects of Great Wei both blessing and pitying the young princess.
Yet within just two years, the Black Barbarian King was struck by an arrow in battle against another tribe. As the king lay dying, he passed his throne to his successor.
The successor planned to marry his father's widow, Danyang Princess, to maintain the friendly agreement between the Black Barbarians and Great Wei.
But before the successor could wed Danyang Princess, internal warfare erupted.
The new Black Barbarian King died tragically in the civil war, and Danyang Princess, along with her attendants, fought through bloodshed to escape the chaos and return to Great Wei.
To this day, the Black Barbarians remain in turmoil, and Great Wei's border forces cannot ascertain the current state of the five Southern Barbarian tribes—
Given the gravity of the matter, many in Great Wei are closely watching these developments.
Now, in the ordinary rural gentry home of the Yan family in Sand Water Town south of the mountains, the night rain fell incessantly. Yan Shisheng, the second son of the Yan family, exposed Mu Wan Yao's identity, putting the guards who had come searching for the princess that night on high alert.
The guards drew their swords, demanding sharply: "To our knowledge, the princess has never revealed her whereabouts since arriving south of the mountains. How did you know she is the princess?"
Yan Shisheng remained standing under the corridor eaves. Awakened in the middle of the night, he appeared weary, his voice somewhat hoarse: "Although she never explicitly stated her identity, she left many clues. She claimed the surname Mu and knew how to play 'Wandering Peace' cards, which are only found in the Chang'an court. Moreover, her attendants showed her extreme reverence. Thus, I ventured to guess she is imperial kin of the Mu clan.
"The Black Barbarians' internal strife is no minor matter, and Danyang Princess's return to Chang'an is equally significant. Most people in the realm have heard about it to some extent.
"And the most notable event south of the mountains in the past year has been the demotion of Lord Li from the main Li family to become magistrate of South Sea County.
"Connecting these dots, I had to speculate that Danyang Princess came south of the mountains to visit her uncle, the current South Sea County Magistrate Lord Li. Am I correct?"
The guards blocking the Yan family entrance exchanged glances, their eyes filled with shock and suspicion, for Yan Shisheng's deduction was precisely accurate.
Before they could ponder further, Yan Shisheng proactively resolved their doubts: "However, regarding such an important figure as the princess, since she did not wish to reveal her identity, even though I guessed it, I have never told anyone. If you doubt me, you are welcome to inquire around."
At these words, the expressions of the guards standing outside the fence softened considerably.The guard leader's expression shifted several times before he finally put away his previous contemptuous sneer toward the scholar. This scholar was meticulous in his thinking and had spent many days with the princess... There was no guarantee he wasn't a formidable figure.
With this thought, when he cupped his hands in salute, he deliberately turned the blade of his knife toward himself, signaling that he bore no ill will toward the scholar.
With a hint of respect, the guard leader asked, "Since you've guessed our identities, sir, could you tell us where the princess is now?"
In the darkness, Yan Shisheng's face was obscured by the rain curtain, his long eyebrows imperceptibly lifting slightly.
Yet his words remained gentle and concerned: "The princess left my home three days ago. What, hasn't she gone to Nanhai? Have you been unable to find her?"
The group smiled wryly.
Thus, the Yan family members blocking the main entrance no longer treated these guards as thieves but invited them inside to talk. The guards, wary of the sharp observation skills of the Yan family's second son, did not dare to underestimate the family for the moment. The two parties met amicably and discussed the matter of finding the princess.
Yan Father, who had remained hidden in his room all this time, let out a long sigh. Middle-aged, his face still retained an elegant and handsome charm. Through the crack in the door, his complex gaze fell on his second son leading the guards into the courtyard—
With such capabilities, his son could hardly remain hidden in this small corner of Lingnan.
Meanwhile, Liu Wenji, who had been hiding in another room, also emerged to assist Yan Shisheng and the other siblings in hosting the guards.
After a night of turmoil, Liu Wenji's heart was in turmoil as well, alternating between shock and disappointment. He never would have imagined that the arrogant young woman who had previously stayed with the Yan family—the one who hadn't even acknowledged them—was actually the renowned Danyang Princess.
Then, that beautiful maid must have been the princess's attendant... Their backgrounds were so impressive—
Yan Shisheng hosted the guards, and after comparing clues, they immediately decided to search for the princess together.
As everyone donned straw raincoats and prepared to set out, Yan Xiaozhou, the youngest daughter of the Yan family, took advantage of the others' distraction to pull her second brother into a corner.
Looking up at her second brother's clear yet weary eyes, Yan Xiaozhou said sternly, "Second Brother, what exactly are you doing?"
Yan Shisheng raised an eyebrow slightly and asked gently, "What do you mean, little sister?"
Yan Xiaozhou stamped her foot in frustration.
Among the Yan siblings, Yan Dalang was simple-minded and preferred martial arts, while Yan Sanlang studied alongside Yan Erlang, though his academic progress was yet to be seen—so far, only his loud voice stood out... Of all the siblings, the one with a bit of cunning was the still-young Yan Xiaozhou.
Hiding from the guards, Yan Xiaozhou whispered anxiously, "Second Brother, others might not know you, but how could we, your family, not? You figured out the princess's identity long ago but told no one. Are you secretly plotting something? How dare you scheme against a princess?"
She was utterly panicked: "What exactly are you planning? Could it bring disaster upon our family?"
Yan Shisheng's eyes flickered slightly as he looked at her.
Seeing his silence, Yan Xiaozhou knew he was tacitly admitting it. Her panic intensified—
Her second brother appeared completely harmless and amiable, never angry, never losing his temper.
But that didn't mean he was an especially upright person.
If someone could make everyone who knew him think highly of him... that person was inherently terrifying.Yan Xiaozhou forced herself to appear calm. "Second Brother, do you think... we should take this chance to hide away and take refuge..."
Yan Shisheng chuckled softly.
He reached out and ruffled his younger sister's hair. "Little sister, how could I let the entire family seek refuge because of me?"
Yan Xiaozhou: "Then what about between you and the princess..."
Yan Shisheng sighed. "I admit, I did employ some minor calculations."
Yan Xiaozhou's face instantly turned pale.
But Yan Shisheng continued: "However, I used open strategies, not underhanded schemes. I never intended to harm the princess, so you really don't need to worry. I was merely... testing certain things and seeking a future for myself."
His words finally put Yan Xiaozhou's mind at ease.
She then mocked herself inwardly, wondering what she had been afraid of. Second Brother was a good person, after all.
Wait... Second Brother was a good person... right?——
The rain had stopped.
Danyang Princess and her party had exhausted themselves wandering through the forest for another day. Now night had fallen again, and dense fog had once more enveloped the tall trees.
The guards leaned wearily against tree stumps to rest.
Mu Wan Yao gripped her dagger, sitting by the campfire. After two days of traveling, they still hadn't managed to leave these woods. Despite her strong will, she couldn't help but feel restless and frustrated.
As time passed, she began to experience physical discomfort—alternating between chills and fever, her mind growing somewhat hazy.
Fang Tong approached the princess, looking down at her pale face illuminated by the firelight. He said quietly, "Chunhua is still running a high fever and hasn't woken up yet."
Mu Wan Yao responded with a distracted "Hmm."
Another guard came over and informed the princess in an uneasy voice, "Your Highness, it seems we've encountered a 'Ghost Wall.' We've been circling in these woods but can't find our way out."
His voice was neither too loud nor too soft, and many nearby guards heard the words "Ghost Wall," causing a momentary panic.
Mu Wan Yao shot a cold glare at the guard who mentioned "Ghost Wall" and said, "It's just that the weather has been poor these past few days, and the forest is foggy. You're all useless fools who can't tell directions. Don't make excuses for your incompetence."
Everyone immediately bowed their heads in self-reflection. Though scolded by the princess, having her as their anchor steadied their nerves.
Seeing that she had stabilized them, Mu Wan Yao stood up. As she rose, her body swayed slightly, and Fang Tong quickly reached out to support her.
Mu Wan Yao gave Fang Tong a meaningful look, and the two moved aside.
Fang Tong lowered his voice, his tone filled with concern. "As Your Highness said, the fog in this forest is indeed too thick. If we don't find our way out soon, Chunhua's 'Snake Venom' won't be treated in time, and she'll likely die here."
Mu Wan Yao pondered for a moment.
She declared, "Chunhua can't wait any longer. We'll continue on our way immediately."
Fang Tong: "But she's just a maid. Everyone is already exhausted..."
Mu Wan Yao replied calmly, "She's not just a maid."
Her clear, cold eyes fixed on Fang Tong as she slowly stated, "I led you out of the Black Barbarians' territory, and I can certainly lead you out of this 'Ghost Wall' as well."
She turned and gazed at the fog shrouding the world.
The young woman's clear voice rang in everyone's ears: "Since the night we left the Black Barbarians, I swore I would never let anyone around me sacrifice or suffer again!"
Her eyes swept over all the guards as she declared, word by word: "I will not abandon any one of you! Now, follow me on the road!"Everyone stared blankly at the princess, then silently rose one by one, picking up their weapons. They moved through the mountain forests and vegetation in silence, the rustling sounds accompanying their resolute footsteps as they steadfastly followed the princess.
They continued walking silently for an unknown length of time. The fog clung to them persistently, making it seem as though they were circling the same spot, yet no one spoke to disturb the collective focus.
Mu Wan Yao walked at the forefront when a sudden sound jolted her drowsy mind awake. She quickened her pace, pushed aside the waist-high grass ahead, and saw someone approaching with a horse lamp. She watched quietly as the young scholar carrying the lamp through the woods suddenly lifted his gaze.
Their eyes met across the distance.
...It was Yan Shisheng!
Standing amidst the wild grass, he offered her a warm, gentle smile: "Is Lady Mu Wan well?"
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