Liu Wenji now held the position of Huangmen Ling and was also the General of Zhuangwu, commanding the Northern Agency. As a eunuch with such influence meddling in court affairs, he had divided the court scholars into two factions—one like Censor-in-Chief Zhao, who was despised yet remained close to the eunuchs, and the other like ordinary scholars who detested eunuchs.
He was imposing and favored cruel punishments; who in the court today wouldn't feel intimidated upon seeing him?
But Chunhua knew nothing of this.
On the night of the princess's grand wedding, she crouched on the ground, looking up at him with misty eyes filled with sorrow.
Everything was unceasing, yet everything had ceased. Fate had spread its cruel net, unabashedly revealing its malice. For people like them, it seemed the more they struggled, the deeper they sank.
Chunhua wiped the moisture from the corner of her eye and stood up. She dared not look at Liu Wenji too much, afraid that each glance would betray more of her emotions.
She forced a smile at the young eunuch holding a horsetail whisk who had questioned her, her voice still tinged with sobs: "Reply to Your Excellency, the two young princes of our Prince Jin's residence have gone missing. I couldn't find them anywhere, and I was afraid of disturbing the princess's wedding, so I became anxious and cried. I've embarrassed myself before you."
As she spoke with her head bowed, she didn't notice the young eunuch she was replying to quickly darting his eyes backward to look at Liu Wenji.
Liu Wenji spoke abruptly: "Prince Jin's two young princes are missing? This subject seems to have seen them earlier. Let me take you to search for them, my lady."
Chunhua said softly: "I dare not trouble Your Excellency..."
Liu Wenji interrupted indifferently: "Let's go."
Chunhua's heart clenched violently. In her lowered gaze, she saw Liu Wenji brush past her. She looked up, and he glanced back at her. She felt somewhat puzzled, unable to understand why he was offering help proactively. When he looked back at her, the corners of his eyes slightly upturned, under the palace lanterns, the recklessness of his youth had transformed into today's sinister ruthlessness, waiting for her like this.
Fearing that too many people might talk and she wouldn't be able to explain clearly, Chunhua could only take a deep breath and follow him.
The two walked in silence, one after the other, with the young eunuch leading the way holding a lantern, pretending to be mute. Chunhua stared at Liu Wenji's back, a sense of daze hitting her like scattered gold and shattered jade. Her mind was in turmoil, her thoughts already drifting away, several times forgetting about the two children she was supposed to be looking for.
Liu Wenji said nothing to her, showed no intention of reminiscing about old times. He acted like the most ordinary eunuch, respecting her as the side consort of Prince Jin's residence, merely helping her find her sons.
By a pond in the backyard of the Princess Residence, two three- or four-year-old children covered in mud from playing were brought out by the eunuchs. Both children rushed over calling for Chunhua. Only when she saw them did Chunhua relax, though she couldn't help gently scolding them.
Though her eyes showed disapproval, she was such a gentle woman that neither child feared her, both giggling happily: "Mother, we're hungry! Take us to eat."
Liu Wenji stared at Chunhua and spoke unexpectedly: "First take the two young princes to change their clothes."
Chunhua curtsied to him: "Thank you, Your Excellency."
Liu Wenji didn't respond.
Afterward, the two stood in the cold wind until the young eunuch returned the two cleaned children to Chunhua's hands. Chunhua thanked Liu Wenji again. Looking at his handsome yet sinister thin face, there was some hesitation in her eyes, but she didn't know what to say, so she could only offer him an embarrassed smile.
Chunhua's cheeks felt slightly warm: "I've embarrassed myself before you."Liu Wenji stared at her, suddenly feeling as though she had never changed. Though she was already a married woman, her smile remained as tender as when they first met in Lingnan—gentle as spring water, washing over his heart and flowing into his limbs that had long grown stiff and cold.
Watching her graceful figure as she led two children back toward the brightly lit area, he listened to her soft, fading voice admonishing the little ones.
The young eunuch trailing behind Liu Wenji observed his master’s unusual reaction toward this consort of Prince Jin. A thought stirred within him: Eunuch Liu usually paid no mind to women. While many palace eunuchs sought companionship with palace maids, and the bolder ones secretly kept women outside… he had never seen Eunuch Liu show interest.
Could it be that Eunuch Liu had finally developed feelings?
This was a perfect opportunity to curry favor.
The young eunuch whispered, “What kind of woman does Your Excellency prefer? This humble servant recently acquired a new concubine—untouched, with delicate skin and a charming demeanor. If it pleases you, may I offer her as a tribute?”
Those who had been castrated could not bed women, yet their unresolved desires often made them crave tormenting them instead.
Liu Wenji glanced at him and suddenly laughed. “I prefer married women. Can you procure one for me?”
The young eunuch’s heart skipped a beat. He suspected his master was referring to the consort from earlier, but… he stammered, “But that is a woman from the princely residence…”
A faint smile curled Liu Wenji’s lips, his eyes deepening.
He said no more on the subject and instead stepped into the banquet hall, joining the ranks of officials and approaching those like Duke Zhao, the censor, who constantly flattered and relied on him.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted his parents—their gazes full of reluctant longing and disbelief as they stood beside Yan Shang’s famously handsome father. Liu Wenji knew it must be Yan Shang’s father who had secretly brought his parents to Chang’an, allowing them a distant, covert glimpse of him… After all, as a high-ranking palace eunuch, having no living parents was what put the palace at ease.
Liu Wenji could secretly support his parents, but he dared not leave such a vulnerability exposed to the world. He feared even more that the Emperor, to ensure his loyalty, might harm them.
For parent and child to reach this point—even a single glance across a crowd—was enough.
…So the Yan family truly was good to him.
Warmth bloomed in Liu Wenji’s heart. He cared little for the entire court or the world, but Yan Shang alone felt like a friend.
And Chunhua… Liu Wenji thought, she was the woman he had never obtained. Perhaps precisely because he had never possessed her, she lingered in his mind, becoming an obsession in his heart.
Coincidentally, Chunhua belonged to Prince Jin’s household, vaguely connecting to a certain matter Liu Wenji had in mind… He pondered thoughtfully.
In the past, powerless and without influence, he had lost her. Now, with great authority in his hands… he could rely on that power to reclaim her. Perhaps only by possessing her could he truly let her go—
Some grieved, while others rejoiced. Bright flames of tall candles under a sky full of stars still painted a scene of celebration.
In the inner chambers of the Princess Residence, which had been renovated and doubled in size during Mu Wan Yao’s half-year absence, the newlywed Imperial Son-in-Law was called away to entertain guests after sharing the ceremonial wine. Mu Wan Yao remained in her bedchamber, accompanied by female relatives.Lord Liu's granddaughter, Liu Ruozhu, had been married for three years. Perhaps due to certain considerations within the Liu family, this young lady had not borne any children in those three years. Yet despite having no children of her own, Liu Ruozhu remained cheerful and smiling, joining the other ladies in wishing Her Highness "a house full of descendants" and "abundant blessings and honor."
Mu Wan Yao was indifferent.
The ladies surrounded the Princess with many auspicious words until they eventually ran out of things to say. Aside from ladies like Liu Ruozhu who were somewhat acquainted with Her Highness, the other young women present were merely fillers. The Danyang Princess usually spent her time discussing government affairs with gentlemen—when would she ever engage in private girlish chatter with them?
Perceptive and clever, Liu Ruozhu noticed Mu Wan Yao's lack of interest in their conversation and smiled. "On your wedding night, how dull it must be for Your Highness to keep talking with us. Why not rest properly and wait for the Imperial Son-in-Law to return?"
Mu Wan Yao became intrigued and smiled at her. "Very well."
Liu Ruozhu was taken aback, then chuckled softly, proactively leading the other ladies away. The young women crowding the Princess's bedchamber quickly dispersed, leaving only the hesitant Princess Yuyang, unwilling to leave.
Mu Wan Yao cast a cold glance her way. After some deliberation, her fourth sister sat on the couch and spoke to her earnestly. "Yaoyao, this isn't really my place to say, but with your birth mother gone early and me being your own sister, now that you're married, I feel I must offer some advice.
"Yaoyao, now that you're married, you shouldn't be as willful as before..."
Hearing her sister start on the "virtuous wife and mother" lecture again, Mu Wan Yao retorted, "How have I been willful? The Imperial Son-in-Law won't complain about me."
Princess Yuyang used her own life as an example: "You must learn to be considerate of your husband. I know you and Yan Erlang are close, but he's now a fifth-rank official at court with his own daily affairs—this is completely different from before. A young lady's life before and after marriage is not the same. Before marriage, you could afford to be more headstrong, but after marriage, for the sake of marital harmony, you should rein it in.
"You say the Imperial Son-in-Law won't complain about you, but do you truly believe he never will? A young girl's willfulness is endearing, but a married woman's willfulness makes her a 'shrew.' Yaoyao... I've always thought it improper for you to meddle in government affairs outside. Now that you have a husband, why not let him handle such matters?
"Wouldn't it be better for you to stay home, bear children, and avoid trouble?"
Mu Wan Yao fixed her beautiful eyes on her fourth sister and instantly understood—it was likely Prince Qin had sent her as a messenger again, hoping to make her abandon politics. Mu Wan Yao couldn't help but laugh, thinking, Does Third Brother really believe Yan Shang is someone easily dealt with?
Princess Yuyang grew uneasy under her laughter. "What did I say wrong?"
Mu Wan Yao gazed at her with a smile. "Sister, do you remember when you first met Yan Er? Back when I was roughhousing with Yang San, you said you envied my uninhibited life."
Princess Yuyang seemed momentarily lost in thought, her expression dazed. After a long pause, she said with difficulty, "That was all so long ago..."
Mu Wan Yao leaned closer, her stunning and imposing face making Princess Yuyang lean back, breathless. Mu Wan Yao's voice turned husky, seductive. "You live your own life full of grievances, yet you envy me while urging me to live as miserably as you. Sister, your experiences don't apply to me.""You believe that after I marry, Yan Shang won't treat me with the same devotion as before. But that's incorrect. Only after marriage will he truly regard me as his own... You have no idea how hard I've worked to win him over, nor do you understand how secure it feels to be someone important in his heart.
"I won't live according to your expectations—I'll accept all outcomes, good or bad."
Princess Yuyang was left speechless, her face flushing with frustration. The determined light in Mu Wan Yao's eyes was something she couldn't comprehend. What Mu Wan Yao pursued was beyond her understanding. She felt both envy and jealousy. Catching a glimpse of her own ugly desires reflected in her younger sister's gaze, she was instantly ashamed and rose to leave.
Princess Yuyang hurried out of the princess's bedchamber, walking so briskly that she collided with Yan Shang at the doorway.
Startled, she hadn't yet regained her composure when Yan Shang stepped back three paces and bowed to her. The Imperial Son-in-Law of Princess Danyang was exceptionally handsome, his wedding robes enhancing his jade-like complexion and bright, clear eyes. As his gentle gaze fell upon her, Princess Yuyang hesitated, wondering if he had overheard her conversation with Mu Wan Yao.
But Yan Shang showed not a hint of unusual expression, so Princess Yuyang offered an awkward smile and departed.
Yan Shang was always meticulous in his etiquette. He watched Princess Yuyang until her figure disappeared around the corridor before withdrawing his gaze and lifting the door curtain to enter the chamber.
Mu Wan Yao had already heard his exchange with her fourth sister outside and wasn't surprised when he came in.
Still clad in her wedding attire, she sat on the bridal couch, her vermilion-lacquered fingers peeling a cassia seed from the bed. Her limpid eyes turned to him in surprise: "Weren't you toasting guests in the front courtyard? Why have you returned?"
Yan Shang remained standing at the doorway, not approaching, and studied her for a moment. Seeing her natural composure and casual snacking, he smiled faintly and said softly, "I heard them chanting 'early blessings of sons' and 'abundant descendants,' and worried these words might discomfort you. I feared after I left, the ladies would surround you with such talk. Concerned, I came back to check on you."
His gaze fell on the fruit shells in her hand, and he sighed, "It seems I overthought. You remain unaffected."
Mu Wan Yao looked up, staring at him in a daze.
Light shimmered in her eyes as she released the shells. Rising from the couch, she approached him, her gaze soft and luminous: "Why should I mind? I've heard such words for years and will keep hearing them. I've long said—if you don't mind, I won't mind, and I won't torment myself with the same topic. Did you think I spoke idly?"
Yan Shang smiled wryly, "I overworried.
"Since you're fine, then I..."
He made to take his leave and return to the front courtyard, but Mu Wan Yao, who had already reached him, caught his wrist. "Since you're back, why go to the front courtyard? Don't go. Should our wedding night be spent entertaining them?"
Yan Shang's face flushed instantly. "What nonsense are you spouting now?"
Mu Wan Yao pushed him playfully. "No matter what, I won't let my husband—who has poor alcohol tolerance—go out to drink with others. I refuse to retrieve a drunken husband."She nuzzled against his collar and took a light sniff. Yan Shang’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his back instinctively tensing as he felt his blood grow hot from her casual gesture. Yet she wore an innocent expression, tilting her head to smile at him. "The scent of alcohol isn’t strong—it seems you’re not drunk. That’s good."
Eagerly, she urged, "Go freshen up quickly."
Yan Shang, thinking of the purpose behind her enthusiastic insistence, felt his entire face grow warm. He wanted to pull his new bride aside for a conversation, but after struggling for a long while, he couldn’t muster a single word. Frustrated by his own lack of resistance to her, he was nonetheless pushed by Mu Wan Yao toward the washroom.
By the time Yan Shang returned to the princess’s bedchamber, he had changed out of his wedding robes into everyday attire. In truth, the maids had offered him inner garments directly, but he felt that would be too forward, as if he were impatient for… something. So he insisted on dressing properly before pushing open the door to the princess’s bedchamber again.
Inside, Mu Wan Yao called out loudly at the sound, "Close the door!"
As Yan Shang entered the inner chamber and saw Mu Wan Yao, he froze momentarily. While he was fully dressed, his new bride was quite the opposite. She had clearly freshened up as well—her soft, dark hair was half pinned up with a hairpin, the rest cascading down to her hips.
She wore a lotus-root-colored breast wrap, cinched at the waist with a rose-red high-waisted skirt that draped to her ankles. Her arms, jade-like shoulders, and half of her chest were exposed, her skin as fair and luminous as snow. Standing there so lightly dressed, she made him feel overdressed in comparison.
Their styles seemed to belong to two different seasons.
Yan Shang stared, dumbfounded, his face growing even hotter.
Unsure of what to say, he watched as Mu Wan Yao stood before the bed, lost in thought. Hearing him cough, she glanced back at him, her eyes dark and calm, but she paid him no mind and turned away again.
Yan Shang saw Mu Wan Yao pick up a pair of scissors and begin cutting the bed curtains. Kneeling on the bed, she tossed the hidden lotus seeds and walnuts from under the mattress to the floor, then pulled off the bedcovers and threw them down as well. Bewildered, Yan Shang watched as she, still unsatisfied, fetched a pot of tea and poured it over the bedding on the floor.
Mu Wan Yao started tearing down the inner chamber’s curtains… Yan Shang followed behind her and finally spoke up, "What are you doing? If you throw the bedding on the floor, do you not plan to sleep?"
Mu Wan Yao replied, "Who has time to sleep on their wedding night?"
Yan Shang: "…"
Yan Shang: "…Even for… that, we still need covers."
Puzzled by her actions, he watched as she reached out and tore the inner chamber’s curtains into disarray. Many of the gauze drapes were pulled down, leaving the room in chaos. She even began smashing the teacups and other items on the table… Yan Shang grabbed her wrist and said, "At least tell me what you’re doing."
Mu Wan Yao exclaimed, "Ah, you’re so dense!"
She explained earnestly, "My wedding night must not let anyone look down on me. When the maids come to clean tomorrow, I want them to see that our red curtains were tossed about all night. And that’s not enough—I want the room to be so messy that everyone knows just how wonderful my wedding night was…"Yan Shang was dazed for a moment, then locked eyes with her for a long while. Having experienced worldly affairs, he wasn’t entirely clueless. When he suddenly grasped her meaning, his face flushed even hotter. “...Isn’t this a bit exaggerated? How you spent your wedding night—is that something to boast about? How can you publicize private matters everywhere?”
Mu Wan Yao lifted her chin proudly. “I do want to boast about it. I’ve asked around, and other married women talk about this. If you don’t understand, don’t stand in my way. Move aside.”
Yan Shang still followed behind her, speaking softly, “If I don’t understand, then explain it to me. Don’t I understand now?”
He couldn’t agree with her behavior but had no intention of interfering. Yet, a sense of unwillingness and confusion lingered in his heart. After holding back for a long time, he couldn’t resist asking, “You’re actually boasting about the man, right?”
Mu Wan Yao responded absently to the man trailing her, “Hmm.”
Yan Shang grabbed her wrist, turning her around to face him. “Then... why not look for me?”
Mu Wan Yao’s eyes widened slightly.
Half resentful, half embarrassed, Yan Shang said, “Why go through all this trouble... Didn’t we spend our wedding night together? You’d rather create a false impression for others than come to me?”
Mu Wan Yao replied, “Didn’t the imperial physician say you should abstain from desires?”
Yan Shang lowered his head, wrapping his arms around her slender waist. He was both shy and yearning. Murmuring like a complaint, he said, “It’s been two months already... I’ve long since recovered.”
Mu Wan Yao reached up to touch his eyes, still concerned. “Are your eyes completely healed? Are you really alright?”
Yan Shang assured her, “...I’m fine. I’ve asked the imperial physician.”
Mu Wan Yao stared at him as if hearing a fantastical tale. “You asked the imperial physician about such a thing? Is this really you?”
Yan Shang couldn’t bring himself to explain his inner turmoil, not wanting Mu Wan Yao to laugh at him. Instead, he leaned down and kissed her. Holding her in his arms, her jade-like skin against his, he grew instantly aroused. But just as his passion stirred, the woman in his embrace began struggling and pushing him away.
Breathing unevenly, Yan Shang released her and asked quietly, “What’s wrong?”
Cradled in his arms, Mu Wan Yao looked up, her cheeks flushed pink. Her dark hair cascaded over his arm as she wrapped her arms around his neck and murmured her demand: “I don’t want to do it here. I want to do it on the antique shelf outside.”
Yan Shang stiffened slightly. After a pause, he asked, “What’s the difference?”
Mu Wan Yao laughed, planting a kiss on his lips. “I like facing you, and I like being able to rub against your waist. Hurry, carry me over there, or I won’t do it.”
Yan Shang sighed, knowing she actually enjoyed watching him struggle between surrender and restraint. His inner conflict was like a potent aphrodisiac to her, fueling her excitement. But he had only her, and no matter what she wanted, he could only blush and oblige.
Carrying her to the outer chamber, Yan Shang stepped through scattered curtains and veils—
After leaving Danyang Princess’s wedding banquet, Yang Si walked alongside the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince glanced back several times, noticing Yang Si lost in thought, a distracted smile playing on his lips. Familiar with Yang Si, the Crown Prince knew exactly what that expression meant. Moreover, throughout the evening, he had caught Yang Si’s gaze repeatedly seeking out Yan Xiaozhou.
The Crown Prince’s heart grew heavier.Yan Shang was a political enemy, his greatest rival. The actions Yan Shang had taken against the Ministry of Revenue back then could never be forgotten. The Crown Prince had suffered significant losses because of Yan Shang and hated him like a thorn in his side. How could he accept Yang Si marrying Yan Shang’s sister? The Crown Prince hoped Yang Si would leave this circle, but if Yang Si sought to marry Yan Shang’s sister… how could he ever distance himself?
After leaving the alley, the Crown Prince boarded his carriage but suddenly lifted the curtain and called out to the young man mounting his horse: "Third Brother, come back to the Eastern Palace with me tonight."
Yang Si was taken aback, turning to gaze at the Crown Prince inside the carriage.
The Crown Prince said, "It’s been a long time since we brothers last slept under the same roof. You’ve had too much to drink tonight—it’s a good chance for your sister-in-law to brew you some hangover soup."
The Crown Princess in the same carriage sighed inwardly, thinking, here we go again. Over the years, she had grown numb to this. She had accepted that her husband loved no one and cared only for Yang Si. The Crown Princess offered a smile to Yang Si outside the carriage: "Third Young Master, why not return to the palace with us?"
Yang Si shrugged, naturally indifferent.
That night, Yang Si shared a room with the Crown Prince. Untroubled, his years of military life allowed him to fall asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow, always punctually. The Crown Prince lay beside him but turned to gaze at the handsome youth—whom he had long treated as both a younger brother and a son—unable to sleep for a long while.
The Crown Prince threw off the covers and rose, seating himself at the desk and tilting his head to stare absently at the bright moon outside the window.
When Yang Si awoke suddenly in the middle of the night, he realized he was alone in the bed. He sat up abruptly, startled, and saw through the gauzy curtains the Crown Prince sitting robed, still awake.
Yang Si sat in silence.
The Crown Prince turned his face toward the bed curtain. Sleepless through the night, his eyes were streaked with red veins. He looked at Yang Si behind the curtain and said calmly, "I will arrange a position for you. Go to Youzhou as a general to repair the Great Wall. The Youzhou Governor’s daughter is fifteen this year, a budding age. I have collaborated with him for years but still need a catalyst... You are of marriageable age. Why not marry his daughter?"
Yang Si stared at him. In the darkness, he detected the Crown Prince’s anxiety and unease, and in an instant understood what troubled him.
Yang Si lowered his gaze to his palm, recalling Yan Xiaozhou’s clear, bright smile. It all felt like a dream, dissipating upon waking. Mired in a swamp, to aid the Crown Prince, he should not yearn for fresh, green vines.
Yang Si closed his eyes and slowly said, "Fine."
—
In the princess’s chamber, the tall candle had burned more than halfway. With a soft crackle, the flame flickered, briefly darkening the room before brightening again.
The change in light roused Mu Wan Yao from her dream. She found herself sleeping in Yan Shang’s embrace, their hair entwined, his face slightly bowed, eyelashes casting a delicate shadow over his eyes. In sleep, he was exceptionally quiet... though tonight, for once, he held her instead of turning his back.
Mu Wan Yao watched him for a long moment, then suddenly pushed him.
Yan Shang woke at her touch, his lashes fluttering as he opened his eyes. His gaze was dazed, staring blankly at her with clear, dark eyes, as if not quite grasping the situation.
Mu Wan Yao said, "I had a nightmare and can’t sleep."
Still weary and muddled, Yan Shang fought back drowsiness, looking down at the lady in his arms, his voice soft in the night: "Shall I talk with you for a while?"
Mu Wan Yao frowned, "I don’t want to sleep anymore. I want to go out."
Yan Shang remained calm, showing no disapproval at her sudden whim. He asked, "What would you do outside?"
Mu Wan Yao thought for a moment, "Find something to lift my spirits."
Yan Shang: "Such as?"
Mu Wan Yao: "For example... I’d like to watch the sunrise from Zhong Mountain."
Yan Shang said, "It’s so late; the city gates won’t be open. Zhong Mountain seems quite far."
Mu Wan Yao had spoken offhandedly and knew it was unlikely, merely upset from a nightmare on her wedding night. She was about to say never mind when she saw Yan Shang prop himself up on an elbow, covering a small yawn with his hand.Mu Wan Yao widened her eyes, gazing at him in confusion. She watched as he leaned in and kissed her forehead. He was both weary and struggling to get up for the night, murmuring vaguely, "I’ll go tidy up. You sleep a little longer. Once I’m ready, I’ll take you to watch the sunrise, alright?"
Mu Wan Yao’s dark, glistening eyes fixed on his face. The kiss on her forehead sent ripples through her heart. She obediently agreed and closed her eyes, sensing Yan Shang truly lift the bed curtain and rise. In her heart, she felt a bit guilty for troubling him like this, yet his indulgence filled Mu Wan Yao with joy.
She silently admonished herself not to be so demanding next time, but still, she enjoyed Yan Shang’s kindness toward her—
In the latter half of the night, the newlyweds quietly left the Princess Residence, sharing a single horse as they exited the alley through the back gate.
Mu Wan Yao was held in Yan Shang’s embrace, seated in front of him with her face nestled against him. He wrapped her snugly in his cloak. On that early autumn night, as they galloped swiftly, the cold wind whipped against them, yet Mu Wan Yao felt no chill. The streets were silent, the city gates slightly ajar. Traversing the pitch-black world, it seemed as if only the two of them remained.
Upon reaching Zhong Mountain, they searched for the mountain peak together. The mountain range stretched for thousands of li, and the path was rugged. Yan Shang led the horse ahead, while Mu Wan Yao, wrapped in the cloak, followed cheerfully behind, her eyes fixed on his tall, slender figure.
After securing the horse, they sat together at the summit, gazing up at the gray sky and looking down upon the Ten-Thousand-Li Cloud Ravine.
The mountain slept, all things hushed, with only the two of them sitting in stillness.
Mu Wan Yao stared up at the drifting clouds—thick and heavy, the light dim. The mountain winds blew fiercely around them, yet in her heart, she felt no fear at all.
Suddenly, Mu Wan Yao turned to look at Yan Shang and commanded, "Ask me what I dreamed about."
Yan Shang complied readily: "What did you dream about?"
Mu Wan Yao: "I dreamed about when I went for the Peace Marriage, the first time I was married. It was like a nightmare."
Sitting before the cliff, with the biting cold wind sweeping over them, Yan Shang quietly watched her.
Mu Wan Yao wondered if she shouldn’t be saying such things on their wedding night, but she had always spoken her mind freely with Yan Shang. Worried she might be tarnishing his beautiful memories of their marriage, he suddenly leaned in, cupped her face, and gazed intently at her.
Yan Shang: "Yao Yao, you are truly the bravest person I have ever met."
Mu Wan Yao was taken aback.
She asked, "What do you mean?"
Yan Shang: "When you have a nightmare, you insist on dispelling it without delay. If someone schemes against you, you always rise to retaliate. When you face setbacks, you remember them and find a way around them next time. When your memories are painful and you can’t forget, you confront them head-on. Your experiences with the Black Barbarians were harsh, so you changed your own nature to adapt.
"You are clearly a fragile person, yet fate has never defeated you. You keep fighting, always moving forward. Even when we parted... even though we both let go of each other’s hands, while I struggled in Nanyang, you in Chang’an never lacked suitors vying for your attention. You... are always afraid, yet always face your fears. Always resisting, yet always forcing yourself to move on.""You are such a courageous person. Standing before you, I feel so timid in comparison. I always overthink things, and because of that, I hesitate to take even a single step. Your way... I deeply admire and envy it."
The horizon brightened with the first light of dawn, golden rays piercing through the clouds, painting the eastern sky crimson as daylight gradually emerged.
Mu Wan Yao gazed at him intently: "Why overthink? I know what worries you, but truthfully, I haven't been dwelling on those thoughts. I'm aware there are many challenges between us—like balancing my authority with your concern for the people's welfare, or reconciling imperial power with humble origins. These issues can't be resolved overnight, but I can't wait any longer...
"Yan Shang, if we keep waiting, we'll miss each other. Let's hold onto each other tightly, never letting go, and face those problems together, isn't that better?"
She cupped his face, tempting him with her question: "Isn't it better?"
Yan Shang smiled.
The sky blazed with endless crimson clouds as the sun slowly ascended. Bathed in morning glow, all things were renewed—fresh greenery sparkled, the world illuminated.
He drew her into his embrace, lowering his head to rest against hers: "Yes."
With deep affection, he whispered: "I've always been trapped in hesitation, missing countless opportunities. But I don't want to miss you... I just want to be with you, and I'll strive with all my might..."
Lost in the moment, he vowed: "We will be together. Together we'll ascend the Nine Heavens, together we'll descend the Eternal Night Hell."
Mu Wan Yao closed her eyes, murmuring like a shared oath: "Together we'll be an Immortal Couple, together we'll be Evil Ghost Asuras.
"We... will begin our new life anew."
The morning sun erupted from the sea, from the green mountains. Countless rays spread across the sky, while emerald forests swayed like oceans and rolling mist churned beneath the cliffs. The young man and woman sat at the cliff's edge watching the crimson sun, listening to mountain temple bells, witnessing distant Chang'an awakening—
The mortal world.
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