Heavy rain fell in Nanyang.
A eunuch from Chang'an arrived bearing an imperial decree, braving the downpour as he headed straight for the magistrate's office in Rang County. He had come to deliver the decree from the capital. However, the magistrate of Rang County was not currently in Nanyang. The eunuch, newly arrived and bewildered, wondered how the county could function with only the deputy handling affairs in the magistrate's absence. Fortunately, the eunuchs did not have to wait long before Pei Qing arrived, escorted by a servant holding an umbrella as he ascended the steps into the hall.
Pei Qing’s shoulders were damp from the rain, and the wide sleeves of his robe hung wetly to his knees. Apologizing to the eunuch who had come to deliver the decree, he smiled helplessly. “...I am the local Chief Clerk. For now, I am temporarily managing the affairs of Rang County. The magistrate is currently away on business, so if you wish to deliver the decree, I’m afraid you will have to make an extra trip, sir.”
The eunuch was astonished. “How can the local magistrate be absent from his office? This... this... Are you jesting, young master? For a magistrate to leave his jurisdiction without permission is a punishable offense. He has only just received a promotion by imperial decree—if the central authorities were to find out, wouldn’t he be demoted again? Young master, this is no joking matter.”
Pei Qing was unsure how to respond when another eunuch emerged from behind him, smiling cheerfully, and asked the decree-bearing eunuch, “Are you looking for Yan Erlang? Then there’s no issue. Yan Erlang... has been taken by the Danyang Princess. This is the princess’s doing, and even if Chang’an finds out, they will turn a blind eye. There’s no need for you to stir up trouble, sir.”
Pei Qing then signaled his servant to step forward and discreetly slip a gold ingot into the sleeve of the decree-bearing eunuch. The eunuch’s expression, which had been shifting between doubt and displeasure, softened slightly. He sighed resignedly, “If it is the doing of the imperial princess, then Yan Erlang must have been compelled. One can only blame the princess.”
The first eunuch chimed in, “Exactly, exactly.”
The later-arriving eunuch then asked curiously, “Sir, why are you also in Nanyang? Could it be that, before me, you too came to deliver an imperial decree to the magistrate of Rang County?”
The first eunuch smiled and shook his head. “No, no. I came with two decrees—one for Young Master Pei and another for the Danyang Princess. I had assumed the princess was still in Nanyang, but upon arriving, Young Master Pei informed me that she has already gone to Jinling. Once the rain stops, I will have to make my way to Jinling to deliver the decree to the Danyang Princess.”
Under the subtly scrutinizing gazes of the two eunuchs, Pei Qing forced a faint smile. Citing the heavy rain, he invited them to dine and drink before excusing himself, leaving the two eunuchs to themselves.
After Pei Qing departed, a feast was laid out. As they ate and drank, the eunuch who had arrived earlier in Nanyang mysteriously confided in the newcomer, “The decrees I carry are no secret. The news must have spread throughout Chang’an by now. I have two decrees: one revokes Young Master Pei’s position as Imperial Son-in-Law—no wonder he looked so displeased.
“The other announces the new Imperial Son-in-Law. Naturally, I must go to Jinling to personally deliver this decree into the princess’s hands.”
The latter eunuch exclaimed in sudden understanding, “So that’s it! I had heard rumors in Chang’an—it turns out the Danyang Princess’s Imperial Son-in-Law really is being replaced.”
The former eunuch, slightly slurring his words from too much drink, smirked meaningfully. “His Majesty has long favored a match between the Danyang Princess and Yan Erlang. This is nothing new.”
The latter eunuch gasped in surprise. “The new Imperial Son-in-Law is Yan Erlang?! No wonder... no wonder.”
The former eunuch asked curiously, “Aren’t one of your two decrees about the marriage, appointing Yan Erlang as the Imperial Son-in-Law?”The latter shook his head with a smile. "The edict I bring was issued from the Secretariat. There are two copies, both concerning official positions, and indeed neither has anything to do with the Imperial Son-in-Law matter."
The former was puzzled but nodded nonetheless, thinking that this eunuch probably served in the Secretariat, hence his visit was about official promotions and transfers. The Secretariat didn't care whom Yan Erlang would marry or who would become Imperial Son-in-Law. The former had intended to ask the latter whether Yan Erlang's official position would change for better or worse, but the latter, being a Secretariat official, kept his lips tightly sealed and refused to say anything.
In the end—the two eunuchs clinked their wine cups and drank cheerfully together: "This way, we can keep each other company and go to Jinling together to deliver edicts for two distinguished persons."
In Chang'an, the discussions about official recusal never reached a conclusion. But subtly, as the Crown Prince and Prince Qin privately reached a reconciliation, no one paid further attention to the matter of official recusal.
Prince Qin tacitly allowed the Crown Prince to take control of the military forces in Shannandong, while the Crown Prince reciprocated by no longer obstructing the reshuffling and reassignment of officials in the Nanyang Jiang clan. The former leaders of the Nanyang Jiang clan were successively removed from power, but new figures rose to take their places. Though somewhat weakened, the territory ultimately remained under Jiang clan control.
This left Prince Qin uneasy, yet he reluctantly accepted the outcome.
However, given the current situation, Prince Qin could no longer deceive himself. Pressured from all sides, it was evident that the higher-ups intended to make an example of him and target the Nanyang Jiang clan. The Crown Prince lost the Yang clan, while he lost the Jiang clan. Now it seemed as though the Emperor was pitting the two brothers against each other.
The Emperor was not on his side.
Over the past few months, while dealing with the Nanyang Jiang clan case, Prince Qin had clearly come to this realization. Previously, when the Crown Prince was implicated in the Ministry of Revenue affair, he admitted fault and confined himself to the Eastern Palace, after which the Emperor dropped the matter. Now, it was his turn—the Nanyang Jiang clan was tied up with bandit suppression and unable to extricate itself. Moreover, due to the transition between old and new leadership, their support for Prince Qin was far weaker than before.
If the Emperor was indeed reshuffling the deck, then he was making an example of Prince Qin.
After repeated disappointments, Prince Qin began secretly gathering troops in preparation. He could not sit idly by and watch his power become a dowry for others. He could not wait for the Emperor to target him... He had to seize the initiative!
In the imperial palace, after taking his new medicine, the old emperor grew drowsy and disoriented. Suddenly, he awoke from a nightmare and called out, "Cheng An."
The elderly Cheng An, who had been attending him, hurried to the Emperor's side.
The Emperor asked, "I dreamed that the one in Jinling has passed away."
Cheng An replied softly, "Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven. The dreams of the Son of Heaven are always omens. This is an auspicious sign."
Gasping for breath, the Emperor seemed to want to laugh but lacked even the strength for that. He was emaciated, with sunken eyes, his vitality nearly consumed by illness. Yet in his heart, he knew he had ultimately outlived the head of the Li Family... Fortunately, fortunately, with that person dead, he no longer had to worry that after his own passing, the Li clan would rise to power through Yaoyao.
Yes, he still needed to place a lock on Yaoyao.
Yan Suchen!
He wanted Yan Suchen to become that lock for Yaoyao. He wanted Yan Suchen and Yaoyao to keep each other in check... The Mu imperial dynasty must never return to an era dominated by powerful families!Seeing Yan Suchen so exhausted yet still burdened with these matters, Cheng An felt a pang of sorrow. The divine physician was prolonging His Majesty’s life, but the Emperor was suffering immensely during this time. If not for these affairs, His Majesty would not have been reduced to this state... Yet time was simply insufficient—far from enough!
Cheng An advised, "Your Majesty has already arranged these matters quite thoroughly. There is no need to trouble yourself further. What matters now is for Your Majesty to focus on recuperating..."
The Emperor shook his head.
His gaze grew profound as he said, "We... are waiting for Yan Suchen to return to Chang’an. Given his current achievements..."
Cheng An had also seen the decree from the Secretariat and remarked, "Yan Erlang is truly remarkable. He single-handedly turned the situation around in Rang County."
The Emperor replied, "Once he returns to Chang’an, We will gradually entrust the common-born officials to him. Let them restrain the noble families, and let the Crown Prince sever ties with the aristocracy... Then, We will have Liu Wenji executed... Only then can We rest in peace."
Cheng An was startled, though not entirely surprised. "Your Majesty intends to... eliminate Liu Wenji?"
The Emperor, his mind clouded, muttered these words before closing his eyes and slipping back into unconsciousness. In his delirium, he murmured as if in a dream, "Eunuchs are only a temporary measure—they must not grow too powerful... If eunuchs seize power, they will bring chaos to the court. Once the common-born officials have a leader, eunuchs will no longer be needed..."
The imperial family bore the surname Mu, and the empire belonged to the scholar-officials. Eunuchs had no place in governance, no matter where one looked. If eunuchs ruled, their authority would be illegitimate and short-lived.
He would never allow eunuchs to dominate the court...
Seeing the Emperor had fallen asleep again, Cheng An sighed. Wiping the tears from the corners of his eyes with his sleeve, he quietly withdrew.
Meanwhile, in a shadowy corner by the palace door, a young eunuch who had been eavesdropping on the conversation hastily hid himself as Cheng An emerged, hunched over.
Liu Wenji sat in a dimly lit chamber, his eyes glinting darkly as he twirled a stemmed cup in his hand. He listened intently as the young eunuch relayed the secret discussion from the Emperor’s bedchamber—word for word—about the plot to assassinate him.
The Emperor was gravely ill, and Cheng An was wholly devoted to attending to him. Meanwhile, Liu Wenji moved freely between the inner court and the imperial administration. Unnoticed, the entire palace had shifted its allegiance from Cheng An to Liu Wenji. Unfortunately, Cheng An’s sole concern was the Emperor, completely unaware that he, the Grand Eunuch, had been sidelined by his former protégé.
The young eunuch imitated the conversation vividly: "This humble servant heard it clearly! His Majesty said that eunuchs must not be allowed to disrupt the court, that he would not sit idly by while you, esteemed sir, grew too powerful... and that he intended to have you killed..."
Liu Wenji gave the young eunuch a benevolent smile. "You have done well. Go and collect your reward."
The young eunuch was promptly led away, overjoyed. But no sooner had he left than Liu Wenji summoned another eunuch and said calmly, "Find some excuse in the next couple of days to dispose of the one who was just here. Make it clean. Ensure he has no contact with anyone and cannot spread rumors."
The eunuch receiving the order turned pale with shock and hesitated for a moment.
Liu Wenji cast him a cold glance. "He dared to gossip about His Majesty’s words. How can we let him go unpunished?"
Only then did the eunuch relax, accepting the order and preparing to find a pretext for the execution. Left alone in his chamber, Liu Wenji set down the stemmed cup and began tapping his fingers lightly on the table.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
One after another.
If the Emperor intended to kill him, it would surely be before the new emperor ascended the throne. Because eunuchs were too close to the Emperor and could easily manipulate him. A shrewd strategist like the current Emperor would never leave such a troublesome legacy for his descendants.However... Liu Wenji sneered coldly.
To be elevated or executed at whim... In the past when others held the knife and I was the fish on the chopping block, there was nothing to be done about being controlled by others. But now that Liu Wenji had deeply entrenched influence in the court, how could the old Emperor still think he could execute him at will?
By divine right of kings?!
But wasn't this imperial authority merely using him, Liu Wenji, as a watchdog! And in this world, who would willingly remain a watchdog forever? Who would willingly be manipulated by others forever?!
Liu Wenji pondered in his heart, secretly harboring murderous intent. He was brewing a new conspiracy, and the beginning of all this was merely self-preservation. Self-preservation, self-preservation—in the end, it all came down to fighting others for survival! Your death means my life!—
The time came for the Ghost Festival, when the gates of the underworld opened wide.
Jinling was draped in plain white mourning silks, plunged into desolation due to the death of the Li Family Head. But the soon-to-be-appointed new head of the Li Family quickly sent word that the city's people need not panic. On the day of the Ghost Festival, everyone should simply enjoy the lanterns and flowers. If anyone felt grateful to the Li Family, they could burn a paper lantern for Lord Li.
The Li Family did not prohibit Jinling's Ghost Festival celebrations.
Amid the sorrowful atmosphere, the entire city became lively once again.
For the Li Family, after Lord Li's death, a letter regarding the change of family head was sent to Chang'an, seeking the Emperor's approval. The letter was personally written by Lord Li before his death, pouring out his heart's blood to plead with the Emperor to allow his son Li Zhi to return to Jinling to observe three years of mourning filial piety.
This letter was almost certain to be approved by the Emperor. Observing mourning for one's father was the foundation of Great Wei's governance. No matter how much Li Zhi had been demoted, with Lord Li's pleading letter, he would return to Jinling. The path Lord Li had paved for the Li Family was perfectly justified and beyond reproach.
On the afternoon of the Ghost Festival, Yan Shang was alone in his room, having medicine applied by the old imperial physician, who chattered on about precautions.
Mu Wan Yao was not present. She had been called away by other children of the Li Family to visit a temple in the city to pray for Lord Li, and then to release Kongming lanterns for him by the Qinhuai River. Due to his limited mobility and not being directly related to the Li Family, Yan Shang was not included in these activities.
Mu Wan Yao had only said that when she returned in the evening, the two of them could casually stroll around together. Yan Shang hadn't particularly minded at first, but with everyone gone, leaving him alone with Han Shu Xing, he couldn't help feeling somewhat lost and lonely.
Although he spent his days unwillingly bickering constantly with Mu Wan Yao, when she was around, his surroundings were at least lively. She had given him the seven emotions and six desires, the feeling of being alive. With her gone, unable to read or handle routine affairs, he found it quite dull.
By evening, a heavy downpour was falling.
The old imperial physician applying medicine to Yan Shang glanced at the rain outside and said, "It always tends to rain around this time every year."
Yan Shang closed his eyes, his eyes slightly burning with pain. Hearing this, he turned his face toward the physician's direction and said, "Is the rain heavy? If it's truly heavy, Yao Yao... Your Highness... will probably have to return, right?"
The old imperial physician couldn't help but smile. He looked at this refined young man, seeing how the other flushed slightly at his own slip of the tongue while trying to maintain composure. This appearance of a young person lovesick and distracted—the old physician had seen it many times. After treating Yan Erlang for so many days, how could he not understand the relationship between the princess and Yan Erlang?
The physician teased: "Is Erlang missing Your Highness?"
Yan Shang insisted stubbornly: "...That's not it. It's just that with impaired vision, human nature tends toward weakness."The old imperial physician shook his head as he sat by the couch, casually tossing the gauze Yan Erlang had removed into the furnace before rummaging through his medicine chest for fresh herbs. "This new medicine I've prepared for Erlang may cause some stinging in the eyes, but it's nothing serious—perfectly normal..."
Yan Shang kept his eyes closed, feeling a sharper sting than usual. Though naturally patient, the steady drumming of rain outside stirred an unusual restlessness in him. Unable to bear it, he opened his eyes and turned toward the window. His casual glance suddenly froze him in place.
While organizing his medicine chest, the old physician heard the shatter of a teacup behind him. Turning, he saw Yan Erlang standing abruptly, having accidentally swept the teacup off the table in his haste. Yan Shang stared down at the shattered pieces on the woolen carpet, then at his own hands, as if deep in thought.
The old physician reassured him, "It's just a teacup, Erlang. No need to panic..."
Yan Shang looked toward the physician, his eyes bloodshot at the corners yet clear and dark, the pupils like tranquil water flowing gently. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "I pushed the teacup off myself. I wanted to test whether I could truly do it."
The old physician stared in astonishment.
Yan Shang seemed to struggle to contain his emotions, yet a faint, gentle smile still touched his lips—subtle and serene, but undeniably genuine.
Yan Shang clasped his hands and bowed deeply to the physician. "I can see again. Thank you for saving my life..."
The old physician marveled, never expecting the medicinal effect of his new concoction to be so remarkable.
He stroked his beard with a smile, accepting Yan Erlang's formal gratitude. But as Yan Shang turned to leave immediately after thanking him, the physician quickly intervened, "Where are you going, Erlang? You've just regained your sight—you shouldn't go out yet. Please sit down and let me examine your eyes properly..."
Yan Shang paused at the doorway and glanced back.
His demeanor had always been refined, but now, with his eyes open, his features appeared even more elegant and vivid, as if a jade statue had been brought to life, shedding his former ethereal aloofness.
With a hint of embarrassment, Yan Shang smiled softly. "I should indeed let you examine my eyes, but I'm burning with impatience. Now that I can see, I must find someone. I'll return soon and ask for your help then. Please forgive my haste."
The old physician sighed as Yan Erlang stepped out.
Leaning by the window, the physician watched Yan Shang in white robes and a golden crown take an umbrella from an attendant under the eaves and prepare to descend the steps.
The old physician called out hoarsely, "The bloodshot veins in your eyes haven't faded yet..."
Yan Shang looked back, smiling. "It's fine."
The old physician added, "It's still pouring outside!"
Yan Shang replied, "It's fine."
The old physician warned, "Be careful—what if you lose your sight again on the way!"
Yan Shang still smiled. "It's fine."
In exceptionally high spirits, he opened the umbrella and descended the steps, guided by servants toward the courtyard gate. Yan Shang was always so composed—the old physician had never seen him so lighthearted. Yet in the evening downpour, the sight of Yan Shang's white-robed figure walking steadily away, umbrella in hand, struck the physician as bearing the spirited determination of youth.
The old physician clicked his tongue. "Beauty clouds judgment."
Even someone as steady as Yan Shang was not immune—
And how could he not be eager?He had reunited with Mu Wan Yao in March, and now it was already July.
Over these four months, he had interacted with her in such a manner, daily picturing in his heart what she looked like now, his fingers repeatedly tracing the contours of her cheeks in his mind... His heart was filled with longing, yet he simply could not see her.
The him that Mu Wan Yao saw was always composed and at ease. But Yan Shang, too, felt panic and anxiety in his heart. He often feared that he would remain blind forever, often terrified that he would never see her again. If he never regained his sight, all he would remember was her final, cold departure—her retreating back.
He wanted to see her face!
He longed to see her eyebrows, long and graceful like distant hills; to see her eyes, always shimmering with a mischievous, teasing light; to see her small nose wrinkling at him; to see her rosy, slightly upturned lips... She had grown up; she should no longer resemble the girl in his memories.
But he simply could not see! Could not see!
How could he not be frantic?—
Yan Shang rode out on horseback, but halfway there, the rain ceased. He arrived at the market street by the Qinhuai River in Jinling, where the crowds had gathered again after the rain stopped, making it impossible for horses to pass through. Fortunately, Yan Shang was no longer blind; facing the throngs, he no longer had to feel helpless.
He simply steadied himself, handed the reins to Han Shu Xing, who had dismounted and followed behind him, and strode into the crowd.
When the rain began in the evening, Mu Wan Yao had scattered with her various Li family sisters-in-law, aunts, and cousins to take shelter. After the rain stopped, the market regained its bustle. As night deepened and lanterns gradually brightened, the delay caused by the rain left the Qinhuai Riverbank brilliantly illuminated, but Mu Wan Yao was late returning because of the rain.
She was somewhat displeased.
One of the sisters-in-law who had pulled her along to release Kongming lanterns comforted her: "Once we finish setting the river lanterns afloat, we’ll go back. The Imperial Son-in-Law can’t see anyway—daylight or darkness makes no difference to him. Even if Your Highness returns a little late, the Imperial Son-in-Law surely won’t mind.
"Your Highness is a princess—must you really care about the Imperial Son-in-Law’s mood? Even if Your Highness didn’t return at all, would the Imperial Son-in-Law dare to be angry with you?"
Mu Wan Yao frowned, her brow creasing deeper and deeper.
Gradually, she halted her steps, feeling that what these people said was wrong. Yan Shang was not just the Imperial Son-in-Law she had chosen; he was also her beloved. He had asked her to respect him... She might not need to respect her Imperial Son-in-Law, since to her, the Imperial Son-in-Law was merely a "subject," but a beloved was not a "subject."
She had imprisoned Yan Shang, and he was already very unhappy. Though she hadn’t apologized to him verbally, she was pondering his words...
Mu Wan Yao said to the sisters-in-law, "You go ahead and release the lanterns. I’ll have Qiu Si accompany you—she can release mine on my behalf. My late maternal grandfather has passed away and won’t mind such a trivial matter. I have something to attend to and must return now."
One sister-in-law, seeing the princess prepare to leave so abruptly, turned back as she brushed past them: "Your Highness... where are you going?"
Mu Wan Yao had already merged into the bustling crowd. Mingling among the common folk, she was not as exquisitely made-up or lavishly dressed as usual. Like an ordinary young lady out for amusement, she appeared simple and gentle. Turning back, she waved lightly to the women and said softly, "I’m going to find Yan Shang."
Unable to stop her, they watched as she slipped into the crowd and soon vanished from sight—
By the Qinhuai River, light and shadow danced and flickered.Lanterns upon lanterns, layers upon layers of silvery light. Colorful oiled paper umbrellas embroidered with landscapes hung high on suspended poles, adorning the night market; graceful men and women in flowing robes leaned against each other as they weaved through the sea of people, lifting their heads together to gaze at the lantern riddles.
Mu Wan Yao moved through them, layer after layer of illumination falling upon her. She held no attachment to such bustling splendor, walking only toward the outskirts of the marketplace.
Countless strangers brushed past her shoulders, countless lanterns cast their glow upon her profile.
A cacophony of voices exploded in her ears, a roaring tide of boisterous folk revelry. These festivities belonged to others—they had nothing to do with her. Mu Wan Yao walked outward with single-minded determination, her steps growing increasingly hurried. Suddenly, she heard a voice calling out to her from behind.
At first she paid no mind, but that clear, mellow voice wove through the sea of people and the shimmering lantern lights, ringing in her ears once more—
"Yao Yao!"
Mu Wan Yao whirled around to see the shifting crowds and swaying lantern lights. A young man in white robes stood beyond the dense throng, gazing in her direction. When she turned, his clear eyes visibly brightened. He smiled and waved toward her, but constrained by his reserved nature, he quickly withdrew his hand.
Yet his gaze remained fixed on her, tender as flowing water.
That momentary radiance outshone all the lantern lights Mu Wan Yao had seen all evening—
Mu Wan Yao stared blankly at Yan Shang across the human tide.
He struggled to make his way toward her, unattended by any servants. His eyes stayed on her as multicolored lantern lights reflected in them, and he raised a sleeve to shield his eyes with slight discomfort. But he clearly—
He could clearly see!
He could see her!
Mu Wan Yao’s round eyes widened in astonishment: His eyes... had they healed?—
Mu Wan Yao stared dumbfounded before suddenly striding decisively toward Yan Shang.
Yan Shang moved cautiously, careful not to bump into anyone around him. Mu Wan Yao, however, showed no such restraint. As she advanced toward him, the crowd instinctively parted to make way for her.
She stopped before him, studying him intently.
Mu Wan Yao: "Your eyes are better?"
Yan Shang replied softly: "Mm."
He blinked, moisture glistening in his eyes, though the red veins seemed more pronounced.
Mu Wan Yao frowned.
Ever perceptive, Yan Shang explained: "It’s just that I’m still not quite accustomed to the light... The imperial physician said it’s fine."
In his heart, he cradled a small, joyful happiness that he longed to share with Mu Wan Yao. His desire to share was so gentle that he gazed at her with soft eyes, wanting to speak a few more words with her, when suddenly she seized his wrist.
Mu Wan Yao made a swift decision: "Come with me."
The ground was littered with puddles, each shimmering with golden reflections.
Mu Wan Yao led Yan Shang through the crowd, pulling him along as they ran in one direction. Their sleeves fluttered lightly in the wind. Yan Shang, dragged by his wrist, followed her unconsciously—
Mu Wan Yao brought Yan Shang to a vendor’s corner alley filled with colorful oiled paper umbrellas. Instead of buying one, she directly pulled him down to crouch in the corner. Sheltered by the umbrellas, the dazzling lights from outside dimmed slightly.
Crouching together beneath the umbrellas, Mu Wan Yao turned to look at him.
His eyes were clear, reflecting scattered golden lights. The radiance lingered in his gaze, and within them, her own image was mirrored. He had followed her the entire way, letting himself be pulled along until they crouched here together.
Mu Wan Yao studied his eyes, and when his golden-lit gaze met hers, he smiled again. It was a beautiful, gentle smile, just as it always was—yet slightly more unreserved than usual... almost a little foolish.
Mu Wan Yao felt her cheeks grow warm under his smile, a shy flutter stirring in her heart, but she pressed on firmly: "Is it better now? Do your eyes hurt less? Can you still see me?"
Yan Shang: "I can’t see."
Mu Wan Yao stared in shock, her eyes rounding.
In the next instant, he reached out to caress her cheek.
One hand cupped her chin, the other cradled her snow-white cheek.He leaned in closer, his long, thick eyelashes framing gentle, clear eyes that blended with his soft voice, flowing into Mu Wan Yao's heart like spring water: "Let me take a good look at you."
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