Nanyang Commandery belonged to the Shannan Circuit, with its highest official being the Regional Inspector, whose administrative seat was located in Rang County.
When the Emperor now spoke of sending Yan Shang to serve as a county magistrate in Nanyang, he specifically meant appointing Yan Shang as the magistrate of Rang County—the very seat of Nanyang's regional government.
This meant both the Regional Inspector of Nanyang and the Magistrate of Rang County would reside year-round in Rang County. Separated only by a street, one side housed the county magistrate’s office, while the other was the regional inspector’s office.
The most powerful aristocratic family in Nanyang was the Jiang Clan, and the Regional Inspector of Nanyang was, in fact, a member of the Jiang family.
The Emperor’s intention to pit Magistrate Yan Shang against the Jiang-born Regional Inspector was glaringly obvious.
Yan Shang let out a soft sigh.
He felt a trace of weariness and an inexplicable chill.
The Emperor would not allow him to remain in Chang’an. Staying in the capital after his falling-out with the Crown Prince, Yan Shang would likely ally with Prince Qin for self-preservation. However, the Emperor clearly had no intention of letting Prince Qin off easily. No sooner had Yan Shang been released from prison than the Emperor hastily dispatched him to undermine Prince Qin’s foundation.
Under normal circumstances, a county magistrate could hardly exert any influence over a regional inspector.
But then again, this newly appointed magistrate was none other than Yan Shang, who had stirred up such a commotion in Chang’an.
As for Yan Shang’s own life or death, it probably mattered little in the Emperor’s eyes. If he lived, fine—he could be further elevated; if he died, no matter—someone else could be promoted in his place—
Exiting the palace, Yan Shang walked ahead, with Liu Wenji following behind.
Liu Wenji observed Yan Shang: he wore a somewhat faded lavender robe, his limbs long and graceful, slender as jade bamboo. Even from behind, one could discern his striking appearance and refined demeanor. Yet, with every step he took, his back unavoidably stiffened slightly.
Liu Wenji then noticed the hand emerging from Yan Shang’s sleeve, catching a glimpse of a scabbed scar on the back of it.
And when he looked again, Yan Shang’s cheekbones were exceedingly gaunt, his brow and eyes carrying a withered air.
Liu Wenji thought to himself, whether the ordeal of imprisonment had damaged Yan Shang’s spirit or not, it had undoubtedly left an indelible mark on his body.
A pang of sorrow struck Liu Wenji’s heart, for he felt partly responsible for Yan Shang’s imprisonment. Although he had later done his utmost to speak on Yan Shang’s behalf before the Emperor... Liu Wenji heard Yan Shang murmur softly, “Thank you.”
Only the two of them had left the hall, and the nearest palace maid stood two zhang away from Yan Shang. With his back turned, Yan Shang’s words could only be meant for Liu Wenji.
Liu Wenji paused, keeping his head lowered to conceal his expression. “For what?”
Yan Shang replied, “His Majesty sending me away—you must have played a part in it. Because Chang’an is no longer safe for me, whereas Nanyang is somewhat better.”
Liu Wenji said nothing, but a faint smile flickered in his downcast eyes.
Of course, he had spoken up for Yan Shang. This feeling of helping behind the scenes and being perceived by the person involved—he had experienced it time and again, but only with Yan Shang.
Liu Wenji whispered, “I should thank you as well.”
This time, it was Yan Shang who remained silent.
Yan Shang’s gaze swept past the white jade steps in front of the palace, past the layered eaves and bracket sets. He knew Liu Wenji’s gratitude was for Zhang Shiyi Lang. Zhang Shiyi Lang had crippled Liu Wenji, and this time, Yan Shang had ensured that Zhang Shiyi Lang was detained by the Ministry of Justice. With multiple charges combined, Zhang Shiyi Lang would likely face exile.
Yan Shang had indeed helped Liu Wenji, and he accepted his thanks.Liu Wenji glanced at Yan Shang's profile and said in a low voice, "Nanyang is a prosperous region—serving as its magistrate is actually quite favorable. Moreover, your previous position was Upper Rank of the Seventh Grade, while the Nanyang magistrate holds the Upper Rank of the Proper Seventh Grade. This counts as a promotion, a good thing indeed."
Yan Shang smiled faintly.
It appeared to be a promotion, but in reality, it was a demotion. Just as Mu Wan Yao had once told him, the gap between a capital official and a local official was as vast as the heavens.
Thinking of Mu Wan Yao, Yan Shang's dark, thick eyelashes trembled slightly, and he lowered his gaze.
He asked, "Was Luo Xiu's death your doing?"
Liu Wenji froze for a moment.
Then, without changing his expression, he replied, "No."
Yan Shang turned to look at him but did not press further—perhaps because he had already reached a conclusion in his heart, and now he lacked the power to act. He only said, "Take care."
Liu Wenji's pupils contracted, his voice rising with the sharp, piercing tone unique to eunuchs: "This servant respectfully bids farewell to Yan Erlang—"
In Liu Wenji's eyes, as long as Yan Shang was sent out of Chang'an and Luo Xiu's case remained unresolved, the matter would simply end there.
But Luo Xiu had long been wary of Liu Wenji.
For a eunuch who would kill two people to climb the ranks, Luo Xiu did not believe he would be spared.
While the Great Wei's capital, Chang'an, was unsettled due to the Ministry of Revenue case, in the Southern Barbarians' territory, a Southern Barbarian who had painstakingly escaped from Chang'an arrived at the tent of Meng Zaishi, King of Wuman.
This escaped Southern Barbarian was Luo Xiu's personal attendant. Covered in mud, he knelt at Meng Zaishi's feet, recounting with blood, tears, and hatred how Liu Wenji had hunted them down to cover up the past, how he had disguised himself and fled Chang'an like a startled bird...
Meng Zaishi mused, "Is that so? Luo Xiu suffered greatly."
Standing before this personal attendant, Meng Zaishi thought to himself that Luo Xiu's death was just as well—after all, it was no loss to him. He affectionately cared for the attendant, bending down as if to help him up. As the attendant bowed his head in gratitude, unaware, Meng Zaishi placed a hand on his shoulder, his fingers tapping lightly before leisurely moving to grasp his throat.
It was a motion to crush the throat and kill.
But halfway through the action, Meng Zaishi paused, helped the attendant to his feet, and sighed with a pained tone.
At the same time, the felt curtain was flung open from outside. The earth shook with heavy, thudding footsteps approaching from afar, and the fiery-tempered Southern Barbarian King, King Ale, roared like thunder: "Luo Xiu is dead? The Great Wei actually killed our envoy? Do they not regard us Southern Barbarians with any respect?!"
Meng Zaishi subtly stepped back, spreading his hands in a gesture of regret, allowing the imposing King Ale to seize the pale-faced attendant. With a light squeeze, King Ale lifted the attendant before him and began cursing the Great Wei's treachery and ulterior motives in the Southern Barbarians' language.
A faint smile played on Meng Zaishi's lips as he observed this young King Ale. The king was in his thirties, in the prime of his life—broad-shouldered and stout, he moved like a small mountain. His hair was oiled and braided, and he wore a sable fur coat, the attire of a Southern Barbarian ruler.
Meng Zaishi had left the Great Wei to join the Southern Barbarian King, on one hand developing the Black Barbarians' own culture, and on the other, using the small state he had borrowed from the Great Wei to curry favor with King Ale, assisting him in conquering the entire Southern Barbarians through north and south campaigns. Now, Meng Zaishi, King of Wuman, had become the most trusted and capable minister by the Southern Barbarian King's side.Someone advised King Ale that the Uman King was ambitious and untrustworthy. King Ale initially harbored doubts, but Meng Zaishi, aside from refusing to involve the Black Barbarians in the conflict, had fought fearlessly alongside his subordinates, even once saving King Ale from an arrow on the battlefield... From then on, King Ale held Meng Zaishi in the highest regard.
At this moment, as Meng Zaishi listened to King Ale's prolonged cursing, which carried strong implications of immediately declaring war on Great Wei, he touched the map hidden in his robe—the very one his attendant had just given him. After all, Luo Xiu had sent someone to deliver a map to the Southern Barbarians, but with no news in return, suspicions naturally arose, prompting alternative preparations.
This attendant had managed to escape, carrying the terrain map of Chang’an that Luo Xiu had obtained from Liu Wenji in their transaction.
Unfortunately, the intelligence about Chang’an that Luo Xiu had acquired from Liu Wenji would never be known to anyone, as the Southern Barbarians had no written language.
Meng Zaishi addressed the furious King Ale: "Your Majesty, now is not the time for us to go to war with Great Wei."
King Ale calmed down slightly and said, "You're right. We should first unify the Southern Barbarians... but letting Great Wei off so easily is infuriating!"
Meng Zaishi casually suggested, "Send some small troops to continuously harass Great Wei's border regions. Then, as the Southern Barbarian King, issue a formal letter condemning their actions. Warn Great Wei that unless they hand over Luo Xiu's killer, the Southern Barbarians will declare war."
King Ale pondered and said, "No, since we know who in Great Wei was in contact with Luo Xiu, we might be able to use that connection later. Killing them now would be a waste."
Meng Zaishi thought to himself, This fat man actually has some brains. What a pity.
Meng Zaishi then smiled and said, "Then let's just send the letter of condemnation."
King Ale agreed, as the Southern Barbarians truly couldn't spare much effort to deal with Great Wei at the moment.
Meng Zaishi left the tent and leisurely pulled out the Chang’an map the attendant had given him. He studied it for a long while and found it matched exactly what he remembered. Clicking his tongue twice, he carefully put the map away.
It might prove useful someday.
His presence beside the Southern Barbarian King wasn't about serving this man... but about waiting for the right moment to seize power for himself—
The New Year celebrations in Great Wei's Chang’an that year were subdued.
The Emperor had fallen ill again and didn't attend the grand feast. The Crown Prince was confined to the Eastern Palace and didn't host the banquet either. The one beaming with joy was Prince Qin, who presided over the palace banquet this year. However, in his conversations with officials, everyone could detect a trace of concern from Prince Qin.
Seeing that the Emperor wouldn't attend, Mu Wan Yao simply claimed illness herself and skipped the palace banquet.
Only Prince Jin remained as dutiful as ever, following traditions.
This year's palace banquet saw half the usual attendance, with ministers scattered sparsely. With the entire Ministry of Revenue wiped out, numerous official positions had opened up. Awaiting-Decree Officials who had repeatedly failed the Imperial Examinations suddenly found a golden opportunity falling from the sky. Over the past few months, they had been scrambling and maneuvering desperately to fill the vacancies in the Ministry of Revenue.
A major reshuffling of officials was underway.
To address the massive number of vacant positions, the spring Imperial Examination would double its intake. Moreover, those who passed this time wouldn't need to wait for appointments but would directly assume official posts. This was undoubtedly good news for scholars throughout the land.
Those more perceptive could directly discern that doubling the examination quota might signal the rise of common-born scholars.It seems that by causing such a stir in the Ministry of Revenue, the noble families were put at a disadvantage, allowing officials from humble backgrounds to rise—this was the Emperor's true intention.
This year's reshuffling of positions in the Ministry of Revenue provided far more opportunities for officials of humble origins to shine than before. After Danyang Princess began supporting these officials, they gradually formed a faction, subtly confronting those from noble families in the court.
Though still weak and not yet a cause for concern, their future held promise.
Mu Wan Yao methodically assisted these officials from humble backgrounds in gaining prominence at court. The imperial examination system had only been implemented under her father, the Emperor, for a little over twenty years, and those from humble backgrounds were not yet strong enough to rival the noble families. However, after discerning the Emperor's stance and having fallen out with the Crown Prince, Mu Wan Yao chose this path.
Moreover, unlike her previous support for the Crown Prince, she now aided her father in promoting officials from humble backgrounds. She was no longer as impatient or ostentatious as she had been when she stood by the Crown Prince's side.
Back then, Mu Wan Yao had feared being sacrificed in a peace marriage alliance with the Black Barbarians and becoming a discarded pawn. Now, although she had lost much of her influence, the fear of being sent away for a peace marriage had gradually dissipated through her repeated subtle hints to the Emperor.
She was also less worried about being cast aside.
Simply because... her brothers all sided with the noble families, while she alone supported those from humble backgrounds. For this reason alone, her father would protect and support her.
The rise of officials from humble backgrounds was a lengthy process—one that could not be rushed. It was best to take it slow.
The imperial examinations of the new year, however, could be put to good use.
During the Spring Festival, Mu Wan Yao did not attend the palace banquet, yet her residence saw no shortage of social interactions. From the first to the fifteenth day of the new year, officials continuously visited her, seeking her recommendations.
Mu Wan Yao also knew that Yan Shang had returned to the neighboring residence.
He was recuperating from his injuries at home.
Yet, she never once inquired or visited. Her emotions remained stable, her mood calm, and her maids cautiously avoided mentioning Yan Erlang in front of the princess.
As Mu Wan Yao handled these matters, she thought of the Crown Prince and could not help but ponder, finding him rather difficult to deal with.
While she was busy, the Crown Prince leveraged his status to dutifully attend to the Emperor at his sickbed.
He had swiftly severed his own connections, admitting his mistakes to the Emperor. Adopting a method similar to Mu Wan Yao's, he used familial affection to move the Emperor. Thus, although he suffered some losses, he managed to retain his position as Crown Prince. Now, he stayed by the Emperor's side every day, refraining from overseeing state affairs, which left the court's administration in the hands of Prince Qin.
A subtle trend of Prince Qin's dominance began to emerge in the court.
Yet, the Crown Prince pretended not to notice.
Such ruthless decisiveness—how could Mu Wan Yao not be wary of it?—
Beneath the surface of calm, struggles simmered. As the Spring Festival passed and February arrived, the court prepared to hold the imperial examinations. Meanwhile, Yan Shang received an official transfer document from the Ministry of Personnel.
He was promoted to the rank of seventh grade upper and appointed as the Magistrate of Rang County in Nanyang, concurrently holding the position of Junior Supervisor. He was ordered to leave the capital immediately and assume his post in Nanyang.
Having witnessed all that Yan Shang had done, Han Shu Xing watched with trepidation. Once his anger subsided, Han Shu Xing began to regret, feeling that he had brought disaster upon Yan Erlang.
Somehow, Han Shu Xing heard rumors in the marketplace that Yan Shang's journey might be unsafe. After Yan Shang was released from prison, Han Shu Xing firmly insisted on becoming his personal guard and accompanying him to Nanyang to take up his post.After several unsuccessful attempts to decline, Yan Shang let him be.
In early February, outside Chang'an city, some old acquaintances came to see Yan Shang off as he left the capital.
Among them were Lin Dao and Liu Ruozhu, along with some newly risen ministers of humble origins, and old friends from the Ministry of Revenue who hadn't completely fallen out with Yan Shang during the recent events.
They weren't just seeing Yan Shang off—they were also bidding farewell to the former Minister of Revenue.
Indeed, the Minister of Revenue, who had been only two years away from retirement, was demoted by the central government after the complete collapse of the Ministry of Revenue. The over-sixty-year-old minister was appointed as the Governor of Yi Province to deal with the current mess there.
The gray-haired Minister of Revenue appeared outside the city gates leading a horse, followed by his eldest son who had come to see him off.
The minister's eldest son looked coldly at Yan Shang, visibly impatient.
The Minister of Revenue, however, responded kindly to Yan Shang's salute, smiling cheerfully: "No matter, no matter. It's just Yi Province after all. Serving the country—old but still vigorous, as they say."
His son nearly shed tears: "Father is already at this age, going to such a poor and bitter place..."
The Minister of Revenue: "Nonsense. Having managed the Ministry of Revenue for years, wouldn't I know? Yi Province is actually quite prosperous, so don't worry."
He patted Yan Shang's shoulder, looking at this lean young man, and joked: "The renowned official Yan Suchen? Quite famous indeed."
Yan Shang felt deeply troubled, murmuring softly: "It was my impulsiveness that implicated you."
The Minister of Revenue waved them off, refusing further farewells. Taking a wine flask from his reluctant son, he drank deeply before clumsily mounting his horse. Accompanied by only two servants leading the horse, the elderly man sat small upon his steed, riding toward the unknown path against the setting sun.
On the spring breeze-swept ancient road, willow branches swayed tenderly as fine rain fell like ox hair, rustling softly. The group of young people stood beneath the city tower, none holding umbrellas, quietly listening to the old man's weathered voice carried by the wind:
"Let no worldly affairs disturb my tranquil temples,
These hundred years demand good rest and meals."
"This old man still commands an army of a hundred thousand,
While Chang'an lies northwest beneath the heavens!"
"Not even parents can be attended,
How then speak of wife and child!"—
The rain fell, but it was refreshing, not unpleasant.
Mu Wan Yao and her attendants approached from outside the city on horseback, spotting from afar the group of young people beneath Chang'an's city tower. With sharp eyes, she immediately recognized Yan Shang.
Mu Wan Yao's face darkened.
She had specifically left the city to avoid this person, thinking he would have departed Chang'an by her return. Why was he still here beneath the city tower, lingering sentimentally with others?
Seeing the princess displeased, Fang Tong racked his brains for an alternative route to avoid Yan Erlang; Xiarong sat obediently on her horse, not daring to speak a word.
Before they could devise a plan, Mu Wan Yao suddenly pointed at someone: "Who is that?"
Fang Tong looked: "It's... Han Shu Xing! Ah, it's actually him. It appears he's become Yan Erlang's guard?"
Mu Wan Yao: "Bring me a bow."
Fang Tong: "..."
Mu Wan Yao stared at Yan Shang's back, her tone intensifying: "Bring me a bow and arrows!"
Fang Tong: ...Was she going to shoot Yan Erlang?
Was... was this really necessary?—
Beneath the city tower, Liu Ruozhu's eyes brimmed with tears, and others were equally reluctant to part.
Yan Shang found it somewhat amusing and said: "Alright, let's bid farewell once more..."Before he could finish speaking, Han Shu Xing, standing two steps behind him, suddenly stiffened and lunged forward, throwing himself at Yan Shang. "Erlang, be careful—!"
Accompanying this cry, Yan Shang heard a faint, sharp twang. He was yanked off balance by Han Shu Xing as Lin Dao shouted sharply from the side, "Who's there?!"
Yan Shang turned his head just in time to see a straight arrow narrowly graze past his face and fly by.
Lifting his gaze, Yan Shang stood frozen for a moment, watching as Mu Wan Yao and her attendants rode toward them on horseback, the bow in Mu Wan Yao's hand still not lowered.
Liu Ruozhu exclaimed in shock, "Your Highness? How could you... shoot an arrow like that? What if someone had been killed...?"
Mu Wan Yao smiled brightly. "It's a farewell gesture for Yan Erlang. They say 'an arrow once shot cannot return'—I'm just wishing Yan Erlang a smooth journey and giving him a little excitement."
She looked down at Yan Shang, noting his slightly pale face, and continued leisurely, "Does Yan Erlang mind This Palace sending you off in this manner?"
Yan Shang lowered his eyes and replied, "Your Highness is truly unique."
Mu Wan Yao said, "You're not so ordinary yourself."
As they spoke—one still standing on the ground, the other sitting haughtily on her horse—the atmosphere grew strange and increasingly tense. Liu Ruozhu forced an awkward laugh beside them. "It's starting to rain. It seems farewells always bring rain, as if pleading for one to stay..."
Mu Wan Yao scoffed.
Without looking back, she rode past the crowd. Yan Shang lifted his gaze, fixed on her vibrant retreating figure, and watched for a long time. Only when the city gates closed, completely obscuring the princess and her party from view, did Yan Shang cease conversation with the others, board his carriage, and depart from the place—
Mu Wan Yao rode along the Chang'an road, her eyes fixed ahead, when she suddenly asked, "Is the neighboring estate still under the Yan family name?"
Xia Rong quickly urged her horse forward to answer the princess. "Yes. Yan Erlang has been trying to sell the estate, but the property opposite our Princess Residence is hardly something ordinary people can afford. Unable to manage, Yan Erlang had no choice but to keep that estate, though he has sold off all his other houses and courtyards."
Mu Wan Yao fell silent.
Xia Rong breathed a sigh of relief.
Mu Wan Yao commanded, "Continue."
Xia Rong was taken aback, unsure what the princess wanted her to elaborate on. She could only guess and stumble on, "Also... Yan Erlang came to the residence to return the gifts Your Highness once gave him and tried to present you with something. I... I followed Your Highness's orders and sent him away, saying the princess wants no further contact and that he should keep his distance from our Princess Residence.
"Yan Erlang stood outside the residence for a while before leaving. He seemed... a little heartbroken."
Mu Wan Yao abruptly reined in her horse.
The steed beneath her, restrained by the reins, lowered its head and exhaled turbid breaths, its hooves lightly tapping the rain-soaked ground. Mu Wan Yao's long skirt draped over the horse's back as she gazed quietly ahead.
She sat there dazedly for a long time, her attendants waiting with her in the rain, none daring to speak loudly. The scent of rain hung thick and damp, enveloping her, shrouding her.
Suddenly, a sharp cry burst from the princess's lips: "Hyah—!"
She turned her horse around and galloped swiftly toward the city gates—
The carriage rumbled slowly through the rain.
Yun Shu rode alongside it outside, initially trying loudly to strike up a conversation with the taciturn Han Shu Xing. When the other remained silent, Yun Shu eventually lost interest.In the carriage, Yan Shang lowered his head, gazing at the memorial filled with writing that he held in his hands.
This was originally intended for Mu Wan Yao, but ever since his release from prison, she had refused to see him—not even sparing him a glance. He knew well that this was for the best. It wasn’t just her; he, too, ought to cool his heart and let go of the past completely.
Yet this memorial was the final gift he wished to give Mu Wan Yao.
But she refused it as well.
Yan Shang’s heart felt as though it were perpetually drenched in rain, the ache unbearable. His spirits low, he closed his eyes to steady himself, forcing his mind away from such futile thoughts. He ought to reflect on his mistakes in the Ministry of Revenue case—he had been far too impulsive.
Willingly submitting to imprisonment for investigation was one thing, but failing to leave himself a way out was another.
If not for sheer luck this time, he might have…
Such a mistake must never be repeated. From now on, no matter what he did, he must always prepare multiple paths. This time, he had simply prepared too little…
Lost in these meticulous thoughts, his eyes still closed, his hand brushed against a cup of cold tea on the table. He took a sip, then coughed lightly, his brow furrowing slightly. The injuries from his imprisonment had not yet fully healed; even now, his lungs still twinged with pain…
As Yan Shang coughed, he faintly heard a woman’s voice outside: “Stop the carriage—is Yan Shang inside?”
His fingers resting on the teacup trembled faintly from the cold. He wondered if it was a hallucination, for the voice sounded uncannily like Mu Wan Yao’s.
Though he thought it impossible, Yan Shang abruptly lifted the carriage curtain and looked out.
Just then, the carriage was halted by the approaching figure. Through the window, Yan Shang’s dark, gentle eyes caught sight of a beautiful woman riding toward him, her clothes damp with rain. She was impatiently ordering his carriage to stop, scolding Yun Shu for his incompetence.
Mu Wan Yao suddenly turned her head, and her eyes met his.
Yan Shang’s heart skipped a beat.
He stiffened, instinctively retreating from the window. After a moment of stillness, he leaned forward to open the carriage door. As he did so, the radiant woman stepped onto the carriage, lifting her skirts as she mounted the footboard.
The moment the door opened, Yan Shang watched Mu Wan Yao ascend into the carriage.
He gazed at her in confusion, noticing how she lowered her face before lifting her eyes to glance at him. That single glance held a breathtaking allure, though her expression remained impassive. She bent to enter the carriage, forcing Yan Shang to retreat and make way for her.
Once inside, she closed the carriage door.
Pressing against the carriage wall, Yan Shang asked uncertainly, “You…”
The enclosed space was narrow and quiet. Mu Wan Yao looked down at him, her gaze cool and indifferent.
Dressed in a white scholar’s robe, he appeared pure and refined as he looked up at her.
He had grown much thinner, yet his features remained elegant and handsome.
Seated in the carriage, he resembled the hazy moonlight or the warm spring sun, his clear eyes reflecting her image.
Even now, as Mu Wan Yao looked at him, she still found him utterly captivating—
Mu Wan Yao smiled faintly at him. “Yan Shang, we should see this through to the end.”
Yan Shang stared at her, bewildered.
He asked hoarsely, “What do you mean…”
Mu Wan Yao replied indifferently, “How it began is how it should end.”
Yan Shang still couldn’t grasp why she had chased after him to say such a thing. Hadn’t they already parted? Hadn’t it already ended? How else could it end?
As he struggled to understand, Mu Wan Yao leaned toward him, embracing him and pressing herself into his arms.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his lips.
Yan Shang froze instantly—
The spring rain fell softly and persistently.
Fang Tong and the others arrived in the rain, finding Yun Shu and the rest standing bewildered beneath the carriage. Yun Shu shook his head helplessly, pointing at the carriage to indicate that the princess had driven them all out.In the carriage, Yan Shang leaned against the wall, his face tilted upward. His eyelashes lightly, slowly brushed against her cheek. Their breaths mingled in the cramped space, her hair drifting into the shared air between them.
At first rigid, he eventually couldn’t resist raising a hand. The taut string in his mind snapped with a sharp "crack." Provoked by her indifferent demeanor, his eyes reddened as he abruptly pulled her into an embrace.
Though seemingly pinned by her, he wrapped his arms around her back. Softness met softness, a push and pull of emotions.
Heart aflame, heart drenched in ice. Tormented and anguished, sorrowful and pained, yet their affection never waned. Intimately entwined, their love felt as damp and clinging as a drizzling rain.
Uncontrollably, both their minds drifted back to that day when Mu Wan Yao left Lingnan—how she had pressed Yan Shang against the carriage and kissed him.
Their breaths scalded, reluctant to part. Unconcerned with the waiting servants outside, who could guess what was happening within the carriage, what passions were being suppressed?
Suddenly, Yan Shang felt a sharp pain on his lips as Mu Wan Yao pulled away.
He touched the corner of his mouth, finding traces of blood from where she had bitten him. Her lips, crimson and glistening, also bore two droplets of blood.
Mu Wan Yao glanced at him once, then turned to push open the carriage door and leaped out—
A clean end to what had begun well.
Yet, he had slipped a memorial into her sleeve.
Mu Wan Yao cast one final look back at the carriage before mounting her horse without turning again—this time, she truly departed—
Still, she thought him wonderful.
But... they would never meet again.
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