Tigers Sniff the Rose

Mu Wan Yao led Yan Shang to pay respects to her maternal uncle.

After years apart with only correspondence between them, seeing him now, Mu Wan Yao felt her uncle remained just as he was in the old days—lean, refined, and scholarly. Were it not for her grandfather’s critical illness, her uncle would never have returned to Jinling.

Lord Li sat draped in robes on the couch, smiling inquisitively at Li Zhi. “What, you know Yao Yao’s Imperial Son-in-Law?”

Li Zhi did not answer. Instead, Yan Shang replied gently, “Several years ago, when this humble student was in Chang’an, due to threats from the Black Barbarians, I sought the assistance of Her Highness the Princess to request the Prefect’s protection for my family. Since that time, I have held the Prefect’s demeanor in the highest esteem.”

Li Zhi smiled without speaking. He studied this amiable, unhurried young gentleman, observing how he carried himself with neither arrogance nor humility, showing no trace of the restraint typical of those from humble backgrounds in their presence, and only then did he relent.

Li Zhi then explained to his father, “Yan Erlang is still being modest. Back when he sought my help in Chang’an, it was because, even earlier, Yao Yao had been threatened by that Uman King. At the time, Yan Erlang was in the rural wilds of Lingnan, still obscure and unknown. He proposed a strategy to Yao Yao and me to outmaneuver the Black Barbarians.”

Lord Li grew interested. “A strategy? You had dealings that early?”

Li Zhi’s gaze rested indifferently on Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao standing shoulder to shoulder, noting how Mu Wan Yao subtly positioned herself a step forward, clearly shielding the young man. He said coolly, “Back then, Yan Erlang had not yet entered official service. He was but a youth, and the strategy he proposed was crude and shallow. Yao Yao, looking back now, do you ever think how naive you were at the time?”

Mu Wan Yao’s eyes showed displeasure, but she smiled. “Yes. At the time, I knew nothing of governance and relied entirely on my uncle’s guidance, which was a great help to me.”

Li Zhi sighed. “There’s no need for you to say that. Back then, even though Yan Erlang’s proposal was crude, I agreed to it—not entirely for your sake. In truth, I found it intriguing that a youth would dare propose a strategy to a princess. Though the plan was shallow, given time, if he could be of use to me, he might well have been molded into someone capable.

“I submitted the strategy directly to the border authorities, never really expecting it to succeed. I had been demoted to Nanhai and had no possibility of leaving. My intention was to make Yan Erlang serve me, so I could only bring him to Nanhai to see me. My plan was for the strategy to fail, provoke the Black Barbarians, and cause them to attack Great Wei—someone would have to take responsibility.

“I would push Yan Erlang forward, then, as his superior, shoulder the responsibility on his behalf. In this way, Yan Erlang would be won over, grateful to the point of tears for my life-changing grace. With Yan Erlang subdued and following me in Nanhai, it would have been a viable path for him.

“Unfortunately, the barbarians were even more foolish than I had anticipated.”

The room fell into a brief silence. Mu Wan Yao’s eyes widened slightly.

Back then, she was new to the political arena, still green and unthinking. How could she have guessed that behind her uncle’s casual “approved” lay such sinister intentions?

Indeed, looking back now, Yan Erlang’s strategy at the time was indeed simplistic, but Yan Shang had been only seventeen years old… Li Zhi had truly been too harsh.

After a moment, Yan Shang smiled and cupped his hands. “I am ashamed. Thank you for your guidance, Prefect.”

Lord Li watched their exchange, stroking his beard with a smile. He pointed at his son Li Zhi and sighed for a long while before finally saying, “Then why don’t you come offer a toast to these two youngsters?” Everyone in the room laughed, and the awkwardness caused by Mu Wan Yao’s sudden change of Imperial Son-in-Law was, for the moment, selectively forgotten by all.Yan Shang sighed inwardly at how much he still had to learn. His uncle could have kept the past events concealed from them, yet Li Zhi had chosen to reveal everything. As Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao matured, those old matters would inevitably become a thorn in their side. Li Zhi had taken the initiative to remove that thorn himself, dispelling the doubts and suspicions between them.

Truly worthy of Li Zhi, once a prominent figure in Chang’an.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Yan Shang felt Mu Wan Yao gently squeeze his hand through his sleeve. Knowing he couldn’t see her, she comforted him in this way. A warmth spread through Yan Shang’s heart, and he returned her squeeze lightly, assuring her that he was unbothered. Back then, he had been so young—Li Zhi had manipulated them as if they were mere children…

But now, by laying his cards on the table, wasn’t Li Zhi implicitly acknowledging that he no longer dared to underestimate them?

Yan Shang couldn’t see Li Zhi’s face, but judging by his voice, he guessed the man must be stern. With this in mind, he drank the wine Li Zhi had offered. Yet Li Zhi seemed to have singled him out today. After Yan Shang drank, Li Zhi pressed further, “As Yao Yao’s Imperial Son-in-Law, will you assist her in leading the common-born scholars in the future?”

Yan Shang thought to himself, What Imperial Son-in-Law? Mu Wan Yao had never discussed this with him.

He merely cupped his hands and smiled, neither confirming nor denying.

Li Zhi stared at him. “Yan Suchen, renowned throughout the land—your reputation speaks to the hardships you’ve endured. For that, I respect you. But though Yao Yao is a princess, she is also my niece. You must understand that I have worried over her marriage for many years. Unfortunately, Yao Yao is willful. She disliked the match I arranged for her and even drove the man out of Great Wei, leaving us powerless to intervene. Since she has chosen you, you must have exceptional qualities, and I won’t pry into that. However, from what I know, your promotion to magistrate of Nanyang was due to your role in forcing the Left Vice Minister of Revenue to his death.

“We are all aware of the Vice Minister’s final words before he died. Given the grave wrong you committed against Yao Yao back then, I am genuinely curious—how do you still have the audacity to seek her hand in marriage?”

Yan Shang’s face paled slightly.

Mu Wan Yao immediately interjected, “Uncle! I don’t blame him!”

Li Zhi glanced at her coolly. “You may choose not to blame him. But as your uncle, I must question him further on your behalf.”

After a long pause, Yan Shang replied hoarsely, “In those days, I was young and my considerations were not thorough enough. If given another chance, I would never allow Your Highness to fall into such a predicament. I would discuss everything with her beforehand…”

Li Zhi cut him off. “Your positions were fundamentally opposed. What was there to discuss?”

Yan Shang fell silent at once.

After a long moment, he said with difficulty, “It may not have been entirely opposition. Deep down, Yao Yao and I share the same ideals—it’s just that trivial matters overwhelmed her, leaving her no time to focus on them. If I can clear away the dust for her, our positions are, in fact, aligned.”

Mu Wan Yao instantly agreed, “Yes! I told Grandfather back then that I, too, aspired to be a hero. It wasn’t an idle boast—don’t you remember, Grandfather?”

She turned to Lord Li for support, hoping to stop her uncle from pressing Yan Shang further. Yan Shang was tormented inwardly. He already regretted the past deeply; because of it, he felt unworthy of loving anyone. It had taken immense courage for him to convince himself to approach her… Why must her uncle push him back into retreat?

The room fell silent. A maid entered quietly, holding her breath, and presented a medicine bowl to Lord Li. As he drank the medicine, Lord Li studied the group intently.

Seeing that Mu Wan Yao had turned to her grandfather for help, Li Zhi smiled and dropped the subject.He then asked Yan Shang, "Young Yan, do not take offense. Now that you are marrying Yaoyao, with your reputation, Yaoyao's influence, and the addition of our Jinling Li Clan, this represents our clan's alliance with the humble scholars, supporting them. I ask a few more questions merely to understand you better."

Yan Shang said softly, "It is no trouble. I should be open and honest with everyone."

Li Zhi asked, "Then let me ask Young Yan, in your heart, who holds greater importance—the ruler or the people?"

Yan Shang replied, "The people. In the character for 'people' (民), the mouth (口) is above; in the character for 'ruler' (君), the mouth is below. This signifies that a ruler should listen to the people's appeals. As officials, we receive the ruler's stipends and should convey the people's voices to the Son of Heaven. I serve as an official for the sake of the people's livelihood, and this conviction will never change."

Lord Li raised an eyebrow slightly and could not help but glance at Mu Wan Yao's exceedingly gaunt fiancé. It had been many years since he had encountered someone so pure-hearted, finding it both laughable and touching.

Li Zhi pressed, "Can your initial resolve remain unchanged forever?"

Yan Shang said, "At the very least, it has not changed to this day."

Li Zhi asked, "If one day Yaoyao stands against the people's livelihood, whose side would you take?"

Yan Shang fell silent for a long moment before saying, "The world is murky, and political situations are ever-changing. There is no absolute distinction between black and white. Positions can shift at any time, and turning the tables is merely a tactic. Yaoyao and I will not reach that point. She... is not that kind of person."

Li Zhi did not relent, "What if she is that kind of person? What if, for her own selfish desires, she is willing to sacrifice millions of people? Would you kill her?"

Yan Shang's face grew even paler.

Mu Wan Yao looked at him and felt a trace of sorrow emanating from his entire being. She held his hand, sensing the coldness in his palm. Her heart ached with pity, wondering why her uncle had to push him so hard.

Just as Mu Wan Yao was about to answer on Yan Shang's behalf, he said softly, "I would kill her."

Mu Wan Yao trembled and tried to release his hand. But Yan Shang instead tightened his grip and turned to look at her. Though his eyes were veiled, and no one could see his expression, they could still sense the profound loneliness and sorrow surrounding him. He whispered to Mu Wan Yao, "If it truly comes to that, I will repay you with my life."

Mu Wan Yao remained silent for a moment, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips. She gently squeezed his hand, signaling him not to worry—they would never reach that point.

She did not want his life as repayment. It was enough for her and Yan Shang to live well together.

Li Zhi asked indifferently, "Very well, that is acceptable. However, as an official, one must serve the ruler with loyalty. I have one more question: if the Son of Heaven you serve opposes your intentions, constantly suppresses you, prevents you from utilizing your talents, and instead traps you under his control, what would you do?"

His question was undeniably malicious.

Yet, compared to forcing Yan Shang to choose between the people's livelihood and Mu Wan Yao, this question was far easier. After a brief moment of thought, Yan Shang gave his answer: "The ancients said, 'When the state is well-governed, serve as an official; when it is not, one may withdraw and preserve one's principles.' If the Son of Heaven is unreliable, naturally, I would withdraw and leave."

He meant that if their ideals aligned, he would serve as an official; if not, he would not. It was as simple as that.

Li Zhi nodded and was about to ask another question when Mu Wan Yao interrupted with clear impatience, "How many more questions will Uncle ask? We have just arrived and have barely spoken with Granduncle, yet you have been interrogating us nonstop. Even as an elder, this is rather bullying."

Li Zhi laughed, clasped his hands in apology, and admitted his rudeness, clearly indicating he would ask no more.Mu Wan Yao breathed a sigh of relief, but this time, though Li Zhi had let them off, Yan Shang pressed on: "For two families to form a marriage alliance, it is only prudent for you, Uncle, to question me so thoroughly. Yet I too have unresolved questions I wish to ask you, Uncle. Might you be willing to answer them?"

Li Zhi raised an eyebrow, looking at the young man who bowed to him with neither humility nor arrogance. He thought to himself that Yan Suchen was not one to be bullied without resistance.

Unconcerned, Li Zhi chuckled lightly: "Ask freely."

Yan Shang spoke each word deliberately: "In the past, due to the conflict between the Li Family and the Emperor, the princess was forced into a peace marriage, and the common people suffered for years. Your court disputes brought no benefit to the populace, nor to the princess. At that time, because you were consumed by struggles for power, the border armies were left without capable generals, leading to repeated defeats for Great Wei. The princess was compelled to enter a peace marriage to avert disaster between the two nations.

"Dragging the people of the realm into your conflicts, forcing your own kin to bear the consequences of your man-made calamities through peace marriages... I wonder, Uncle, have you ever felt regret?"

Instantly, the hall fell so silent one could hear a pin drop.

Not only was Li Zhi struck speechless, but even Lord Li on his sickbed suddenly widened his eyes, his sharp gaze piercing this audacious madman who dared to question them.

Mu Wan Yao gently tugged at Yan Shang's sleeve, whispering, "Don't say anymore."

Yan Shang turned to her, his voice soft: "Your Highness has endured grievances for years, never receiving a single word of remorse from any of you. You exploited her marriage, you exploited her worth—she was tossed between the Crown Prince and the Jinling Li Clan. During those years, how did a young girl in her teens survive? Have any of you ever considered that?

"You questioned me today on her behalf, so now I shall question you on her behalf—have you ever regretted it?"

He stepped forward, his long sleeves swaying gracefully, facing the hall full of Li descendants and the gravely ill Lord Li.

Yan Shang stood tall and poised like jade, his tone slightly strained. Though his voice was never loud, it now rose with a tremble: "Do you not owe her an apology?!

"Since you questioned me for her sake today, why not repay her with an apology?!"

No one in the hall spoke. Lord Li's gaze, initially sharp upon Yan Shang, grew complex, and he let out a soft sigh. Li Zhi watched Yan Shang in silence, while beneath him, the other Li descendants glared furiously at this Yan Erlang, their hearts filled with murderous intent.

There was also a collective, tooth-aching sense of regret among them—truly, this was the "renowned minister feared throughout the Chang'an court." With such a formidable reputation, how could they have provoked him? How had they failed to realize that a scholar from a humble background who earned such fame would inevitably speak with extraordinary conviction and never bow to power?

As for Mu Wan Yao—Mu Wan Yao no longer looked at the Li family members. Without Lord Li's signal, none dared to speak, not even her uncle, who hesitated, his expression complex as he watched Yan Shang. Mu Wan Yao paid them no mind; she had long ceased to care about any of them.

Standing behind Yan Shang, she gazed tenderly and longingly at his back. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, glistening and lingering. She stared fixedly at Yan Shang, her heart holding only him.

Only he spoke up for her.

Only he cherished her.

Even if everyone in this hall disregarded her, as long as Yan Shang alone cared for her, why should Mu Wan Yao bother with the rest?—That day in the hall confrontation, Mu Wan Yao did not receive an apology, but it didn't matter. From that day onward, as they resided in the Li Family estate, everyone in the Li Family would instinctively avoid Yan Shang whenever they encountered him.

Clearly, they had all become afraid of Yan Erlang, no longer daring to look down on Yan Shang as they initially had, thinking that a humble scholar like him was unworthy of standing within the Li Family.

As for Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang, regardless of their personal relationship, now that they were in the Li Family's territory, their private conversations naturally turned to important matters. For instance—

Yan Shang sat on the couch as the old imperial physician examined his eyes and applied medicine.

After the physician finished treating him, Yan Shang kept his eyes closed and heard Mu Wan Yao speaking a few words with the physician outside. Then she entered and said calmly, "I asked the physician to examine my grandfather. At first, he refused, but when I insisted, he had no choice but to accept treatment. The physician just told me that while my grandfather's illness appears critical, with proper care for two or three years, he could very well live to a hundred."

Yan Shang turned his face "toward" her and asked softly, "But your grandfather claimed he was terminally ill, using that as an excuse to summon you to Jinling to see him one last time. If the physician isn't mistaken, then... is it that your grandfather no longer wishes to live?"

Mu Wan Yao fell into deep thought.

Yan Shang continued quietly, "Your uncle was demoted to the South Sea and cannot return to Jinling. Yet your uncle is the most outstanding figure in the Li Family. Your grandfather needs him back to lead the family. The Li Family has been disgraced—only when your grandfather passes away can he shamelessly submit a memorial, begging the Emperor to allow your uncle to return to Jinling for mourning."

"Three years of mourning, even without an official position, would mean nothing to your uncle. And what will the situation be three years from now? Everyone knows your father the Emperor is in poor health... Your grandfather is gambling that your father won't survive three years. After three years, your uncle can remain in Jinling to support the Li Family's resurgence."

"Moreover, your influence in Chang'an has been growing in recent years. Now that you've persuaded the Li Family to form an alliance with humble scholars, you want the Li Family to support them. But given the Li Family's past offenses, the Emperor won't feel at ease with their rise. Therefore, your grandfather can only sacrifice himself to let your uncle take over... This transition between old and new serves to inform the Emperor that the Li Family has changed leadership, with new people in charge. The new head can implement new policies. By supporting humble scholars, the Li Family ensures the Emperor won't turn around and suppress them again."

Mu Wan Yao nodded slowly.

She spoke as she pondered, "The Li Family and I are interdependent now. I came to Jinling on my father's orders to have troops move through the Li Family's private forces to Chang'an. Since the southern region respects the Li Family above all, operating under the cover of these noble families without mobilizing border troops ensures Chang'an remains unaware. Since my father needs the Li Family's help, they naturally seek to secure their position."

"My uncle recommended two young men from the Li Family to accompany us back to Chang'an, telling me to assign them any official positions I see fit. Given that the Li Family and I are currently at our most harmonious, of course I wouldn't refuse such a request."

Mu Wan Yao walked over to where Yan Shang sat on the couch and placed her hand on his shoulder.

She could feel the breeze from the window against her cheek and hear faint voices from the corridor. Yan Shang subtly shifted away slightly, his expression remaining indifferent as he asked, "So what do you think? Will you have the physician treat your grandfather?"Mu Wan Yao pondered for a moment before speaking softly, "If he doesn't wish to live, why should I force the old man? He won't thank me for it. Since he himself has no desire to live, I'll pretend I know nothing about it."

Yan Shang lowered his head without responding.

Mu Wan Yao suddenly leaned in close, her face nearing his. Feeling her breath, he jerked backward abruptly: "What are you doing?"

Mu Wan Yao: "Why is your face red?"

Yan Shang: "..."

He stiffened slightly: "The window is open, and people are coming and going outside. This is your maternal grandfather's house! Why do you think my face is red?"

Mu Wan Yao found this curious. She gently brushed her fingertip against his burning cheek, looking down at him with a teasing smile: "What are you afraid of? Didn't you acknowledge being my Imperial Son-in-Law in front of my grandfather and uncle that day? Since you've admitted it, why fear others seeing us being intimate?"

Yan Shang: "Who's being intimate with you? I only refrained from contradicting you out of consideration for your grandfather's critical condition. Who said I'm your Imperial Son-in-Law? Where are the official documents? Where is the formal announcement? Who discussed this with me? Who asked for my opinion? You made the decision unilaterally without consulting me. I'd rather be a ghost than your Imperial Son-in-Law."

Mu Wan Yao laughed: "The news about the Imperial Son-in-Law won't arrive anytime soon. Perhaps the decree from Chang'an has already been altered? What if I didn't consult you? At this point, would you actually refuse?"

Yan Shang retorted: "Why wouldn't I refuse?"

Mu Wan Yao's expression darkened abruptly.

She gritted her teeth: "You're just being stubborn."

She pushed him, and as Yan Shang shifted aside thinking she wanted to sit, he made room for her. But the moment he moved, a fragrant breeze enveloped him as Mu Wan Yao settled onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. Yan Shang's already flushed face instantly turned even redder.

Beneath his dark hair, his ears reddened like drops of red beans, utterly adorable. Mu Wan Yao adored this sight, hearing him whisper: "What are you doing now?"

Mu Wan Yao leaned down until her lips lightly brushed his, smiling playfully: "Second Brother Yan, aren't you feeling rather warm?"

Yan Shang uncomfortably adjusted his sleeves, which remained tightly wrapped even in midsummer. Though his heart felt cool and his body refreshed without sweating, Mu Wan Yao's provocative sitting on his lap indeed made him feel warm. After hesitating for a long moment, he suddenly realized: "...Did you drug me again?"

Mu Wan Yao chuckled triumphantly.

Yan Shang's face immediately flushed crimson: "This is outrageous! How could you... how could you... This is a study! A study!"

Mu Wan Yao narrowed her eyes in laughter, leaning in to lick him like a mischievous kitten. He both despised and adored it, both pushing her away and holding her close. A walking contradiction, he detested this troublemaking kitten, yet when she threw herself into his arms, he couldn't bring himself to cast her out.

As he embraced her tightly with cherished care, he had to endure being pinned down and kissed.

Amid their pushing and struggling, Yan Shang found himself forced by Mu Wan Yao toward the round stand that originally held a vase. With a casual push, she sent the vase crashing to the floor, the crisp sound making Yan Shang tense and rigid. But as she passionately held him, her bare feet gently rubbing against his waist, Yan Shang could only surrender step by step.

Still, he tilted his head back and negotiated between gasps: "...Can't we return to the room?"

Mu Wan Yao cooed deliberately: "No! I've long wanted to play like this with you in the study... mmm..."

Her husky moan shattered his restraint, making his blood surge beyond control.Half-drunk and half-entranced, Mu Wan Yao held him close, her chin resting on Yan Shang's shoulder. She turned her face slightly, brushing against his slightly damp cheek. Through hazy vision and waves of pleasure, Mu Wan Yao hooked her fingers around Yan Shang's shoulder, suddenly biting his ear: "I have a secret to tell you."

Lost in his daze, Yan Shang felt both sting and comfort from her bite. He instinctively tightened his embrace, and after a long moment finally spoke hoarsely with resignation: "What's wrong with you now?"

Mu Wan Yao whispered, "I didn't drug you."

Yan Shang: "...Mu Wan Yao!"

She burst into laughter, leaning against his shoulder and patting it, doubled over by his reaction. Yan Shang nervously pulled her into his embrace, reaching to cover her mouth, urging her to stop laughing—so carelessly!

As if afraid others wouldn't know what they were doing!—

A few days later, Lord Li hosted a banquet on the Qinhuai River, inviting Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao. When they arrived, they saw all the Li family children present. Lord Li, rarely leaving his bed, wore casual robes and smiled amiably at them. The two juniors naturally paid their respects. Li Zhi, seated beside his father, made room for Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang to sit next to Lord Li.

Lord Li first had wine poured for them: "Erlang's words the other day were an eye-opener for me. Yaoyao, this cup is from all of us to you—we owe you an apology. Today, as the Li Family Head, I offer my sincerest regrets. I hope you can forgive us."

Mu Wan Yao accepted the wine, smiling. "I don't mind."

The Peace Marriage was too many years behind her; she had endured the bitterness and hardship alone. A belated apology held no value or concern for her. Drinking Lord Li's wine now was merely to formally clear the air, allowing both sides to cooperate without reservations.

Lord Li then toasted Yan Shang: "Thank you, Yan Erlang, for your words that woke this old man up."

Yan Shang demurred humbly and respectfully drank the wine.

Lord Li sighed.

Seeing their composed demeanors, he felt increasingly awed by the limitless potential of youth, contrasting with his own advanced age. Yet, despite his years, he still had to pave the way for the Li descendants.

Lord Li cheerfully urged everyone to eat, and the banquet atmosphere warmed. Amid laughter and chatter, old memories surfaced naturally. Lord Li's voice was aged: "I know you've always resented us, Yaoyao, but I must speak in my own defense—trapped in such circumstances, I had no choice but to prioritize the family.

"We were all pushed along by fate. If there had been another way, who wouldn't want to be a good person? Who would willingly sit in filth and ruin rather than dwell in purity and clarity?"

Mu Wan Yao smiled softly. "I've already said I don't mind."

Lord Li replied, "I know you're a sensible, good child. The way you are now is just like your mother in her youth... When she was sixteen or seventeen, she was exactly like you. I'm just lost in memories, always thinking of the past, seeing you and remembering your mother."

Mu Wan Yao looked at Lord Li and said slowly, "Grandfather must have been very grieved when Mother passed away from illness?"

Lord Li's expression darkened.

He was genuinely sorrowful. Turning his head to gaze at the gray sky outside the cabin, he murmured, "I had five children, and your mother was my only daughter. In my middle age, I, with white hair, sent off my black-haired child—how could I not grieve? Ask your uncles—among all the children, she was the one I cherished most."

Mu Wan Yao glanced at Li Zhi.

Li Zhi seemed lost in recollection as well. "Third Sister back then... was truly Father's favorite."Lord Li choked back tears: "The glory of the Li family rests on her alone. How could I bear to see it so? She was my only daughter, cherished in my hands every day. Now I regret it—when she was in her teens, I shouldn't have let her run wild. If she hadn't met your father... hadn't met His Majesty! Everything would have been completely different!"

Mu Wan Yao remained silent for a long moment before saying, "I thought Mother and the Emperor married due to an alliance between noble families and the imperial house."

Lord Li replied, "No. When she was fifteen, she disguised herself as a boy and roamed around Jinling."

A distant smile touched his lips: "Back then, everyone knew of the Third Young Master of the Li family, but who knew of the Third Young Lady? Perhaps it was because of her constant gallivanting that she encountered your father during his incognito visit among the common people. Your father swore brotherhood with her, only to later discover she was a sister. Overjoyed, your father came to me that very night to ask for your mother's hand. I refused at first, thinking your father was some rustic lad. Our Li family had maintained a low profile in Jinling for a century—how could I marry my daughter to some humble country boy?"

"That day, your mother went out to watch an opera... When she returned, she told me she would marry your father. She went on a hunger strike against me, she resisted me. Your father came again and knelt outside our gate, refusing to rise. Later, his identity as a prince was revealed."

"They were truly in love then, they genuinely defied me, genuinely wished to become husband and wife. Your mother, full of lofty aspirations, declared your father was the great hero of her heart. They were kindred spirits, determined to accomplish great deeds for the people of the realm together."

"Their hearts were filled with the people! I laughed at their foolishness then, but they remained stubbornly defiant. I was moved by their passion... But Yao Yao, look what has become of it all now? The gates of your imperial family truly should not be entered. My precious A'Nuan was destroyed by your father's hands. And does your father love the people? How laughable—what he loves is Great Wei, and the people are merely a part of it."

"Yao Yao, when Yan Suchen spoke in court that day about loving the people, it reminded me of your parents back then... One cycle after another, thirty years have passed in the blink of an eye. Who can turn back? Who can bear to look back?"

The atmosphere at the gathering grew heavy.

Trembling, supported by someone, Lord Li walked to the cabin window. He sat beneath it, all the younger generation watching him. But he didn't turn back, gazing instead at the flowing water outside the cabin as if watching the relentless river of time flowing away.

Everyone heard him softly humming a tune, his voice barely audible—likely a Jinling folk song. The Li family children listened with pained expressions, some unable to hold back their sobs. Amid the intermittent weeping at the table, Yan Shang heard it clearly but couldn't understand the Jinling melody.

Mu Wan Yao whispered to him: "He's singing this—

'With a young knight-errant's spirit, I befriended heroes from five cities.

Hearts laid bare. Hair standing on end.

In casual conversation, we pledged life and death together.

A promise worth a thousand pieces of gold.

We praised outstanding courage. Flaunted heroic abandon.

Light carriages gathered. Riding side by side with flying reins.

East of the battle city. Boisterous drinking in taverns,

Spring hues floating in cold wine jars. Drinking seas dry like a rainbow.

Leisurely calling hawks and hounds, white-feathered arrows drawn from carved bows.

The cunning fox's den soon emptied. Joy so fleeting.'"

Yan Shang murmured: "He's singing of your parents, and also of that generation's departure and aging."

Mu Wan Yao felt a pang in her heart and softly responded, "Mmm."

The old man's song gradually faded until it was no longer audible. The entire gathering fell into silence. Li Zhi pushed himself up from the table and walked to the window. He reached his hand under the old man's nose, then after a moment said quietly: "Father has passed."He turned back to look at his wife, offering her a faint smile: "From now on, I no longer have a father."

His wife had been clutching her handkerchief throughout, worried that the princess might cause a scene during the banquet. But she never expected the evening to conclude in such a manner. Large tears immediately welled up in her eyes, and she moved toward her husband through a blur of tears.

Meanwhile, all the descendants of the Li family left their seats, rushing sorrowfully toward Lord Li.

The full moon hung high in the sky as the boat drifted along the Qinhuai River. The golden-glittering water and distant sounds of revelry floated over, while nearby, the room was filled with weeping and overwhelming grief.

Yan Shang drew Mu Wan Yao into his embrace, whispering softly: "Even if you resented him, he was still family. People say life and death are ordinary matters, but when faced with them, who can remain detached and clear-sighted?"

Mu Wan Yao buried her face in his chest, closed her eyes, and shed a single tear.