The investigation into Luo Xiu's death was conducted by the Ministry of Justice according to standard procedure.
Given the overall stance of Great Wei, the fact that the Uman King had left this man behind as a hostage, his entangled connections with the Southern Barbarians, and the absence of friendly relations between Great Wei and the Southern Barbarians... for these reasons, the Ministry of Justice intended to conduct only a cursory investigation before providing the Uman with an explanation to close the case.
However, once Yan Shang became involved, the Ministry of Justice could no longer handle the matter casually.
Although Yan Shang was an official from the Ministry of Revenue, the ministry had essentially abandoned him, leaving him with nothing to do. Somehow, he managed to obtain an edict from the Secretariat stating that Luo Xiu's case had far-reaching implications and should not be hastily concluded.
Armed with the Secretariat's edict, Yan Shang insisted on collaborating with the Ministry of Justice officials to investigate Luo Xiu's death. The Ministry of Justice, unaware of what Luo Xiu was involved in and bound by the classified nature of the Secretariat's edict, had no choice but to cooperate with Yan Shang in the investigation.
The Ministry of Revenue, seeing Yan Shang working with the Ministry of Justice, was relieved to be rid of him, thinking they had finally managed to send this troublesome figure away.
From Yan Shang's perspective, Luo Xiu was potentially linked to a high-ranking court official involved in treason. Since Luo Xiu had remained in Chang'an, that official would inevitably attempt to contact him. Thus, Luo Xiu's death was likely orchestrated by that very official. With this in mind, Yan Shang and the Ministry of Justice officials went to the private residence of Chancellor Zhao in Fanchuan to inquire about how Luo Xiu's body was discovered.
As they examined Luo Xiu's water-swollen corpse, Yan Shang joined the officials in inspecting the injuries and found traces of blood on the crown of Luo Xiu's head, evidence of a blunt force strike.
With this evidence, Yan Shang then directly approached Duke Zhao's residence.
Duke Zhao, who had just begun collaborating with the influential eunuch Liu Wenji, never expected that his Pledge of Allegiance would bring him into conflict with someone as tenacious as Yan Shang.
While the Ministry of Justice officials might have been inclined to let the matter slide, Yan Shang's relentless pursuit left Chancellor Zhao in a difficult position. Privately, Chancellor Zhao attempted to bribe Yan Shang and hesitantly invoked the personal relationship between his daughter Zhao Lingfei and Yan Shang, hoping Yan Shang would drop the case.
However, this only backfired.
Perhaps Yan Shang had not initially suspected Duke Zhao of significant involvement, but now he felt compelled to investigate Duke Zhao's motives.
On the day Luo Xiu died, Duke Zhao was staying at his private residence in Fanchuan. Meanwhile, a hunting event involving eunuchs was taking place in the Southern Mountains, and Duke Zhao's residence was located at the foot of those mountains. Traces of grass clippings were found in Luo Xiu's boots, and as the Great General of the Right Guard, it was likely he had participated in the hunt in the Southern Mountains that day.
Thus, the case became entangled in the conflict between the Southern Agency and the Northern Agency.
When Prince Qin, who oversaw the Ministry of Justice, learned of the collaboration with Yan Shang, he merely took note. But when Yan Shang began questioning military personnel, Prince Qin specifically summoned him to inquire about the investigation.
Shortly after, Yan Shang started directing his investigation toward the eunuchs.
At the palace, when Yan Shang obtained the list of eunuchs who had participated in the hunt and began having the Ministry of Justice summon them for questioning, Liu Wenji received word of this.
The young eunuch sent to kill Luo Xiu knelt trembling before Liu Wenji, his face ashen: "Master, that Yan Erlang is truly detestable, clinging stubbornly to this matter. If he continues his investigation, he will likely uncover our involvement. My death would be of little consequence, but if it affects you, Master, that would be an unforgivable crime."
Liu Wenji's expression darkened. He tapped his fingers on the desk, feeling both agitated and somewhat hesitant.
Yan Shang... why did it have to be Yan Shang?The young eunuch leaned close to his ear and viciously suggested, "Father-in-charge, in for a penny, in for a pound—why not just kill him outright?"
But Liu Wenji remained silent, still hesitating.
Had it been anyone else, Liu Wenji might have already silenced them permanently. Only Yan Shang could make him waver, make him reluctant to act.
Yet Liu Wenji knew full well that his own softness toward Yan Shang would not be reciprocated—if Yan Shang ever uncovered his involvement, there would be no mercy. Yan Erlang appeared mild-tempered and devoted to his friends, but that was only true as long as his principles remained untouched. And Yan Erlang's principles...
Liu Wenji murmured, "Why is he investigating Luo Xiu's death? Could he have learned about the leaked intelligence?"
Liu Wenji shuddered.
If this matter came to light, it would be treason. He absolutely could not let Yan Shang discover that he was the one behind it!
But Liu Wenji still did not want to kill Yan Shang.
He lowered his voice and instructed, "Recently, Yan Erlang has been entangled in the Yizhou disaster case. Officials from the Ministry of Revenue and the Crown Prince's faction are all submitting memorials against him. Find a time for me to meet with Duke Zhao. Having served in court for many years, he must know many officials in the Censorate. Have the Censorate officials also begin impeaching Yan Erlang—we must ensure he is overwhelmed and has no time to spare."
The eunuch's eyes lit up, immediately accepting the order.
In court affairs, resolving matters through political means was the wisest approach—
On the Ministry of Revenue's side, Mu Wan Yao was deliberately suppressing the memorials against Yan Shang.
Since she had made an agreement with Yan Shang and knew she was in the wrong for not letting him continue the investigation, aside from compensating him, she could not allow the Ministry of Revenue officials to crush him entirely.
But overnight, the Censorate began impeaching Yan Shang. When they could find no flaws in his official conduct, they started digging into his private morals. Failing there, they accused him of seeking fame and criticized him for leaving the capital for a day without reason... Memorials flew like snowflakes to the Secretariat, and suddenly, Yan Shang became the target of everyone's attacks.
Mu Wan Yao immediately went to question the Censorate and managed to suppress their memorials with difficulty. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince promptly sent the Vice Minister of Revenue to ask Mu Wan Yao, "If Yan Erlang is overwhelmed and has no energy to contend with us, we can control the Yizhou matter this time. Why stop the Censorate?"
Mu Wan Yao's face darkened, and after a long pause, she forced out the words, "Because the Censorate is impeaching him for leaving the capital for a day without reason—he was coming to find me. Would you ask my Eldest Brother for me: does he want to bring down Yan Shang, or does he want to bring me down as well?"
The Vice Minister of Revenue was startled and immediately dared not say more on the topic.
Watching the princess turn and sweep out of the hall, the Vice Minister hesitated for a moment before following her: "Your Highness... Your Highness, in truth, this subject knows that you do not wish Yan Erlang to suffer any harm in this matter."
Mu Wan Yao stood behind the flowers outside the hall, turning to look at the Vice Minister with a cold expression.
The Vice Minister smiled wryly: "This subject was first promoted by the late Empress and has since served as Your Highness's advisor. I can somewhat understand Your Highness's thoughts. Rest assured, Your Highness does not wish for mutual destruction, and neither does the Ministry of Revenue. This subject will do his utmost to ensure the case does not spread too widely."
He hesitated before adding, "Provided that Yan Erlang does not expand the investigation further."
Mu Wan Yao said, "He promised me he would not investigate the Yizhou matter anymore."
The Vice Minister's furrowed brows relaxed: "That is good, then. This subject is relieved."Mu Wan Yao glanced sideways at the middle-aged man. With his cousin now detained by the Ministry of Justice and facing imperial prosecution, the Vice Minister of Revenue must have been enduring immense pressure from his clan, making his position quite uncomfortable. Mu Wan Yao sighed, her tone softening considerably: "Rest assured, as long as we provide adequate compensation, I can protect you."
The Vice Minister of Revenue countered: "Your Highness, may I ask something that might be inappropriate? Currently, Yan Erlang is being sidelined in the Ministry of Revenue—he has no substantive duties and cannot access anything. He’s merely a seventh-rank official; it would be effortless for us to marginalize him. Why is Your Highness still so wary of him?"
Mu Wan Yao let out a soft sigh.
She murmured: "Yan Shang is far too clever; we cannot afford to give him any opportunities. I’ve known him for years, and his ability to overturn situations is truly formidable... Right now, he’s only holding back because we’ve reached an agreement. We must not push him into a corner. I dare not underestimate him or fully believe that he’s as powerless as he claims... It’s always wise to remain cautious of him."
The Vice Minister of Revenue hesitated briefly before nodding: "Since Your Highness says so, I shall trust your judgment."
He observed the princess’s profile, noting how in just a few days she seemed to have grown noticeably thinner, her complexion much paler. Knowing the relationship between Her Highness and Yan Erlang, he understood that the princess must be suffering deeply in such circumstances. Caught in the middle, she was likely bearing the heaviest burden.
She was, after all, just a young woman...
A wave of compassion stirred within the Vice Minister of Revenue, and he proactively suggested: "Your Highness could host a banquet, inviting both me and Yan Erlang. We could formally reconcile and clear the air. What does Your Highness think?"
Mu Wan Yao’s heart wavered momentarily, but as she looked at the Vice Minister, she shook her head: "It’s better not to provoke him. I fear that if he sees you, he’ll be reminded of the Governor of Yi Province and might renege on our agreement. For now, let’s each rely on our own capabilities and wait for this case to conclude."—
Luo Xiu’s case had temporarily stalled, largely because Yan Shang was currently facing memorials of impeachment from various factions and needed to cooperate with investigations.
The case of the Governor of Yi Province, however, was straightforward to conclude.
All parties required the Governor of Yi Province to take responsibility for the disaster, and the governor himself did not dispute his charges, quickly signing his confession. Thus, within just a few days, the verdict was delivered: the court sentenced the Governor of Yi Province to exile in Lingnan, forbidding him from ever returning to the Central Plains.
The system of familial implication extended to five clans, not nine.
Therefore, the Vice Minister of Revenue was only penalized with a deduction of his salary and was not implicated further.
On the day the Governor of Yi Province was paraded through the streets of Chang’an on his way to exile in Lingnan, Yan Shang went to observe. Amid the crowd of onlookers, he confirmed that the person was indeed the Governor of Yi Province and that the court had not substituted him with another death row inmate, which put his mind at ease.
Yet, he still felt unsettled.
Months of disaster in Yi Province had culminated only in the exile of the governor’s family.
It felt profoundly unjust.
However... Yan Shang also knew that this was likely the extent of what he could achieve. If he investigated further, the officials in Chang’an would unite against him. Without any backing, he would be swallowed up and die an obscure death.
After all, even Mu Wan Yao stood on the opposite side of this issue.
As for the problems between him and Mu Wan Yao... Yan Shang did not know how to resolve them. He could only hope that when the spring ploughing season arrived, they could leave Chang’an together. Perhaps only by witnessing the reality firsthand would Mu Wan Yao’s attitude begin to change.Now, the more pressing matter for Yan Shang was to uncover the truth behind Luo Xiu's death. He had already traced clues to a eunuch within the palace and needed to find concrete evidence... It was at this very moment that the Censorate began submitting memorials impeaching him. Yan Shang couldn't help but suspect that the eunuch he was investigating wielded considerable power.
Currently, the most influential eunuch in Chang'an... was Liu Wenji.
Yan Shang was momentarily stunned, truly reluctant to face Liu Wenji as his opponent this time.
Just as Yan Shang hesitated, news came from outside—"The Governor of Yi Province is dead!"
The news arrived while Yan Shang was idling away time at the Ministry of Revenue. Though physically present there, his thoughts were preoccupied with Luo Xiu's case. When officials outside began discussing the governor's death, Yan Shang opened the door and stepped out. Upon seeing him, their expressions turned cold, and they immediately dispersed, falling silent.
No matter how refined and gentle Yan Shang was, when allegiances differed, everything became illusory.
Yet Yan Shang's expression remained unchanged, unbothered by others' avoidance and indifference. He stopped an official he had often assisted in the past, first offering a courteous bow before asking, "How did the Governor of Yi Province die?"
The official hesitated briefly, then recalling Yan Erlang's usual kindness toward him, replied succinctly: "The constables were escorting the Governor of Yi Province to Lingnan. Not long after leaving Chang'an, they were ambushed by a masked vigilante. The constables assumed the vigilante had come to rescue the governor and grew tense. Even the governor himself likely thought he had performed some past good deed, and that this vigilante had descended from the heavens to save him.
"But when the vigilante seized the governor, and the governor pleaded, 'Great hero, save me!' the vigilante turned and stabbed him with a single thrust before fleeing.
"The constables were dumbfounded, only remembering to chase the vigilante after a moment's delay. When they looked back, they found the Governor of Yi Province already dead.
"Having only been gone from Chang'an for a day, they had no choice but to return and report. Pitiful, truly."
Yan Shang pondered this thoughtfully, then bowed again to thank the official for his answer. As he turned to leave, the official called out to him, hesitating slightly: "Yan Er, take my advice. Since the Governor of Yi Province is already dead, go admit your mistake to the Crown Prince or the Vice Minister, and let this matter end here.
"With your talents, you shouldn't be treated so coldly."
Yan Shang bowed gently: "Thank you for your concern, sir."—
That evening, Yan Shang returned to his residence.
As usual, he went to the washroom to freshen up. He remained perplexed, unable to determine who had killed the Governor of Yi Province. Entering the washroom, he continued pondering the question.
The candle flame flickered lightly against the window.
Yan Shang stared at the suddenly wavering candlelight for a moment, then immediately sidestepped while pushing over a nearby shelf. As expected, a cold sword silently pierced through the curtains, thrusting toward him with lightning speed. The toppled shelf momentarily obstructed the sword's momentum, revealing the figure wielding it.
Yan Shang fixed his gaze: "Han Shu Xing!"
Han Shu Xing remained silent. Having hidden here waiting for Yan Shang's return, his first strike had missed. His sword now swept toward Yan Shang again. Though Yan Shang was a civil official with only mediocre martial skills—hardly a match for a warrior—his calm composure allowed him to handle Han Shu Xing's assassination attempts. Despite his embarrassment, he avoided being struck down immediately.
He continuously knocked over bottles and boxes, using curtains to obstruct his attacker. Amid the clattering and crashing, the entire quiet room descended into chaos.Yan Shang's movements appeared extremely slow and artless in Han Shu Xing's eyes, yet every one of his actions managed to precisely block Han Shu Xing's sword, fueling the latter's murderous intent even further.
With a cold sneer, Han Shu Xing accelerated his movements, sweeping toward Yan Shang like a whirlwind. As Yan Shang turned his shoulder, strands of hair by his ear were severed by the icy blade, the cold steel grazing his cheek. This time, Han Shu Xing's sword pressed against Yan Shang's throat, rendering him immobile.
Simultaneously, Yun Shu's voice rang out from outside: "My lord, is everything all right?"
Startled, Han Shu Xing met Yan Shang's calm and gentle gaze, finally realizing that Yan Shang's repeated toppling of antique shelves and vases had been a deliberate attempt to alert the servants outside.
With the sword still at Yan Shang's throat, Yan Shang remained motionless but offered a faint smile, whispering: "This is my territory. Regardless of the guards in this residence, the Princess Residence is right next door, with even more private soldiers. Your sword may be swift, but my words will not be far behind. Even if I die, you will not escape death.
"Are you truly willing to accompany me to the grave?"
Han Shu Xing showed no expression whatsoever.
Yan Shang looked at him and continued softly: "I do not know what misunderstanding has driven you to kill me. Why don't we sit down and clarify matters? I will order the servants outside to withdraw, and you may lower your sword. You are confident in your martial skills—surely you believe that as long as I am here, you can kill me anytime you wish?
"Han Shu Xing, let us talk."
Han Shu Xing stared at him.
He stared at this elegant and refined gentleman, as pure as the breeze and the moon, then thought of his fallen brothers on the mountain.
Han Shu Xing's eyes were bloodshot from exhaustion. He lowered his sword.
In a hoarse voice, he said: "I was the one who killed the Governor of Yi Province."
Yan Shang nodded: "When you came to assassinate me, I suspected you were that wandering warrior. But the court is hunting you—instead of fleeing, you dared return to Chang'an, risking death to kill me. May I ask what heinous act I have committed to earn such deep hatred from you?"
Han Shu Xing: "Those brothers on the mountain—all seventy-two of them—you met every one. You promised to save them, to restore their status as commoners. But they are all dead."
Yan Shang's expression went blank, the polite, courteous smile vanishing from his face.
He stared blankly at Han Shu Xing, watching as the latter suddenly threw down his sword and slumped to the floor in despair—
The room fell silent, while snow drifted outside.
Yan Shang sat by the hearth, listening as Han Shu Xing recounted his journey—
"...I went to challenge those mountain bandits, to avenge my brothers. When I was about to kill the last one, perhaps out of fear of death, he told me that it was an order from the authorities—to slaughter all the brothers who had been restored to commoner status. They had made a deal with the officials.
"I said it was impossible. The Governor of Yi Province had been arrested and brought to the capital, and all officials in Yi Province were under surveillance—how could they dare issue such an order? But that bandit said it was the newly appointed court official in Yi Province who had struck the deal with them.
"Yan Erlang, as soon as you left, the official who replaced you ordered the massacre. One moment, you promised not to treat the restored commoners as bandits; the next, you slaughtered them. If you had decided from the start not to leave us any way out, why go through the pretense of restoring their status? Was it merely to build your reputation?"
Yan Shang's face paled slightly.
His elbow, resting on the table, trembled faintly.
He asked: "Do you know which official gave the order?"Han Shu Xing retorted, "How should I know? Isn't it all of you? Don't all of you know perfectly well in your hearts? You've colluded together—you never truly believed that those who were once mountain bandits would become honest and obedient after being restored to commoner status.
"Haven't you always been like this? Forever deceiving us with grand promises, always agreeing so readily. But you don't even believe the words you speak yourselves, do you? You officials... what do you take us for? A string of numbers? A mark on your political records?"
His eyes reddened, Han Shu Xing demanded, "You're suppressing bandits, aren't you? You're the righteous ones, right?"
Yan Shang's mind was in turmoil as he struggled to explain, "Han Shu Xing, it's not what you think. I wasn't aware of this matter... Had I known, I would never have left Yizhou... Had I known... This incident wasn't reported to the court... I, I... It must be internal conflict here in Chang'an. You must understand, officials aren't of one mind—our orders differ, and they might not have come from the same person..."
Han Shu Xing said, "I don't understand your ways. Are you saying some officials in Chang'an think differently from you? You want to save people, while they want to kill. Your internal conflicts have sacrificed us?"
Yan Shang found himself speechless.
Han Shu Xing gave a bitter smile.
He sat on the ground, remaining silent for a long time. Staring at the flickering candle flame, he murmured to himself, "Actually, I did believe you. I believed you were a good person. If you had intended to kill us from the start, why go through the pretense in between? Yet I still blame you—why give people hope? If you hadn't said we could regain commoner status, why would they have come down from the mountains?
"They trusted you, they trusted me, that's why they descended. It was misplaced trust in me, misplaced trust in you, that got them killed.
"I've wandered displaced for years, from the Black Barbarians to Great Wei. The Black Barbarians don't consider me one of them, and Great Wei sees me as an outsider. You made me a slave, selling me back and forth in your markets. No one believes in me—even I don't know which people I truly belong to.
"I can't find belonging in Chang'an. But the longer I stay in your Great Wei, learning your culture, the more I crave a place to belong. The Black barbarians question why I help your Great Wei, yet no matter what I do, you Great Wei people would never trust a foreigner. The more I understand your culture, the less sense of belonging I feel. I don't know why I came here, nor where I should go. I'm neither Black Barbarian nor Great Wei. What exactly am I?"
Tears glimmered faintly in his eyes.
Han Shu Xing whispered, "That day you let me go, telling me to pursue what I wanted. As a person without roots or belonging, I didn't know what I could do. Until I met those brothers... They needed my help, relied on my assistance. They called me Second-in-command, and suddenly I seemed to find meaning in my existence."
He lifted his gaze to Yan Shang, smiling bitterly.
He said, "Erlang, you made me whole, then destroyed me."
Yan Shang's expression changed abruptly. He stood up suddenly, then knelt down and grasped Han Shu Xing's shoulders. Staring at this haggard, unshaven man, he saw the hollow bloodshot eyes, as if through them he could see those seventy-two lives.
Every one of them staring at him, every one questioning why.Suppressing the immense pain and hatred in his heart, Yan Shang said in a low voice, "I was wrong... Please believe me just this once. Just watch—I won’t let their deaths be in vain."
Han Shu Xing stared at him, then suddenly collapsed to the ground in heart-wrenching sobs. The tall man hunched his shoulders, trembling hands muffling his hoarse, despairing cries. Human lives were being sacrificed like filling an unfathomable chasm—who could easily bypass this?
The candle flame flickered gently against the window, abruptly sputtered once, then settled back into a dim stillness—
Late into the night, Yan Shang settled Han Shu Xing securely, hiding him within his residence. He instructed Yun Shu to deliver food and drink regularly, ensuring no one would discover a wanted official had taken refuge with them.
The next day, Yan Shang ventured out through the falling snow.
Though he ought to report to the Ministry of Revenue, Yan Shang lingered outside the Department of State Affairs for a long while, reluctant to enter. He turned away and headed to the Secretariat. When troubled by doubts, he sought guidance from his mentor.
Upon being led to the inner chambers, Yan Shang found Lord Liu occupied. Countless officials daily sought audience with the chancellor to discuss affairs, and even as Lord Liu’s student, Yan Shang had to wait his turn.
Lord Liu was hurling a memorial at an official’s head, bellowing with vigor: “Chasing petty gains at the cost of your life, yet shrinking from great deeds! How do you handle your duties? Go reflect on your errors! Don’t report to the Secretariat for the next six months!”
The official, scolded into submission, scurried out like a chastened child.
Yan Shang stood frozen, absorbing his mentor’s admonishment.
Chasing petty gains at the cost of your life.
Shrinking from great deeds.
Wasn’t this an apt description of his own predicament?
If one is to undertake great deeds, why shrink back?
If one’s mind is already resolved, why hesitate and struggle? How could personal concerns override the greater good? How could private sentiments sabotage the larger picture?
Yan Shang stood silently for a long moment, then abruptly turned, swept aside the door curtain, and strode out. He no longer needed to consult his teacher—the answer had crystallized within him—
Petty gains would not make him forget his purpose!
But great deeds must not make him shrink from sacrifice!—
Lord Liu took a sip of tea and was informed by a minor clerk that Yan Erlang had come and gone. Startled, he sighed but asked no further.
A fellow minister remarked, “Your student has been facing difficulties lately—he probably came seeking your counsel. Won’t you intervene?”
Lord Liu leisurely poured himself a cup of warm wine and said offhandedly, “His path is one he must walk himself.”
The minister chuckled, “Aren’t you afraid he might stir up monumental trouble?”
Lord Liu turned his gaze to the snow swirling beyond, drained his wine cup in one gulp, and declared boldly: “How can a brilliant young man fear causing trouble!”—
Upon returning, Yan Shang first went to the Pleasure Quarter and asked Chun Niang, “How are things with Zhang Shiyi Lang?”
Chun Niang hurriedly replied, “Just as you predicted, sir, the eleventh young master is pursuing me. I’ve been engaging with him…”
Yan Shang cut her off: “No more engagement. Follow my instructions, do this…”
After giving her detailed directions, he left the Pleasure Quarter, sent a servant to invite Prince Qin for drinks, then instructed Yun Shu to prepare a horse, saying he intended to find Mu Wan Yao and leave the city.
The pace of events began accelerating, the shadows of gloom receding. Snow swirled against Yan Shang’s robes, cold and silent, reflecting off the young gentleman’s refined features.
With the horse ready, Yun Shu trotted alongside Yan Shang. Noticing his master’s composed profile, he felt a twinge of trepidation and whispered, “Sir, are you about to take action? Didn’t you say… didn’t you say that without evidence, you couldn’t possibly bring down those high officials in the Ministry of Revenue?”
Yan Shang responded gravely: “I have no evidence. But that doesn’t mean I lack methods.
“I was merely hesitating, merely hindered by personal sentiments…”Snowflakes settled on his lashes as he gazed at the vast snowfall and murmured, "Only now do I realize I was wrong. Even if I perish in this endeavor, I cannot stand idly by.
"Seventy-two lives... no, far more than seventy-two. The common people of this land need someone to swim against the tide and demand justice for them. I only regret awakening to this truth so late."
Yun Shu: "Then Your Highness..."
Yan Shang closed his eyes and whispered, "...Consider me going back on my word, consider this my betrayal of her.
"...Yet I have no regrets!"
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