Yan Shang led his younger sister back to her room and poured her a cup of tea. Holding the tea as he sat, he studied his sister carefully, weighing his words.
Yan Xiaozhou was a girl as delicate and beautiful as a flower, with a fair complexion, crimson lips, and dark, sparkling eyes. She was like the gentle morning sun of spring, her laughter causing ripples of light in her gaze, untainted by the weariness of the world.
Her beauty differed from the enchanting allure of Yan Shang's wife. Mu Wan Yao was captivating and soul-stirring, yet she remained detached and unfeeling. In contrast, Yan Xiaozhou possessed a quiet tenderness, but she would turn her gaze for you alone.
The world’s admiration for young women tended to favor those like Yan Xiaozhou. After all, most people felt incapable of handling someone like Mu Wan Yao, yet believed they could manage a girl like Yan Xiaozhou.
Without even mentioning the strong-willed and stubborn nature hidden beneath Yan Xiaozhou’s gentle exterior, Yan Shang knew that his sister, with her looks and talents, would never lack suitors.
Moreover, his own reputation in Chang’an was formidable.
Thus, when their father entrusted Yan Xiaozhou’s marriage matters to him, Yan Shang had not interfered much.
He was simply too busy. Although he had learned from Mu Wan Yao about the unexpected twists in the relationship between Yang Si and Yan Xiaozhou, he had never believed the two would end up together and had not pursued the matter further.
It was only tonight, as Yan Shang gazed at his sister’s face, that he suddenly felt a pang of shame. He had been arrogant and dismissive of emotions. He had assumed the story was over, but perhaps it wasn’t after all?
Fearing that directness might hurt his sister’s feelings, Yan Shang asked softly, “Did you go to Jiannan specifically to find Sanlang? I heard from Yaoyao that you and Sanlang have only known each other for half a year. Xiaozhou, the vague affections of youth cannot be taken too seriously. As a young woman, traveling thousands of miles to Jiannan—and Sanlang, being a responsible man, in his current situation, even if you went, he would never accept you, because he wouldn’t want to burden you.”
He paused before continuing, “In my heart, I know that people like Yang Sanlang and Yaoyao are naturally drawn to those who are pure, beautiful, and seemingly simple. Because such individuals are different from the people in their world, the novelty brings fondness and creates illusions. But once reality sets in, they can appear quite heartless.
“I’m not saying Sanlang is a bad person… but rather that people like him are not the type to abandon everything for love. For Sanlang, for Yaoyao, love is important, but it is not indispensable—there are far too many alternatives. Xiaozhou, our upbringing is different from theirs, and you are a young woman… such recklessness can easily lead to heartache.”
Yan Xiaozhou’s face flushed crimson.
She had prepared for all sorts of objections from her brother—mismatched status, political suspicions, disapproval of a young woman chasing after a man across great distances—but she had never expected him to oppose her from this angle.
Yan Xiaozhou felt a surge of embarrassment, her ears turning bright red in an instant. Her brother was exceptionally perceptive. She wanted to refute him, to deny having such intentions, but as she met his gentle, concerned gaze, she calmed down and reflected inwardly, realizing that she might indeed have harbored such thoughts.
Yan Xiaozhou whispered, “If Second Brother says this, does it mean you don’t like Sister-in-Law? Do you find it exhausting to be with her? Are you denying everything you’ve been through together?”
Yan Shang smiled faintly.He spoke softly, "It is precisely because I have experienced it myself that I say this. Please forgive my temperament. If it were your sister-in-law, she would certainly encourage you to boldly move forward without worrying about anything. As for myself... I don't regret meeting your sister-in-law, nor do I regret all the struggles we went through before finally being together.
"But if I were to go back to the very beginning, if I didn't remember her, I would still find this path difficult and question whether it's worth it. Now I believe it was worth it, but that's only because the outcome was good, because your sister-in-law was stubborn... Your sister-in-law's persistence runs deep, and this is still different from Sanlang."
Yan Xiaozhou lowered her gaze, seemingly contemplating Yan Shang's words seriously.
But after a moment, she raised her bright eyes, still resolute: "I still want to go to Jiannan."
Yan Shang looked at her gently without speaking.
Yan Xiaozhou's cheeks flushed hot, yet she smiled bashfully and said calmly, "Second Brother, my thinking isn't completely the same as yours. Sanlang left last month, and I've been thinking about this for a month before making this decision.
"I'm not acting on a whim, brave and fearless. On the contrary, I've thought a lot about it. Recently I made a good friend in Chang'an, slightly older than me. She said her name is Zhao Lingfei, and said you know her."
Yan Shang raised an eyebrow and smiled, "You mean Fifth Lady."
Yan Xiaozhou's eyes curved like autumn pools, her originally soft voice becoming somewhat more lively when speaking of her new friend: "Yes, that's her. She's an extremely bold person. She said when she was young, she even pursued you and was made to cry by sister-in-law."
Yan Shang shook his head with a smile.
Yan Xiaozhou continued, "And later, to escape an arranged marriage, she alone chased after the diplomatic mission, leaving Great Wei for as long as four years, only recently returning to Chang'an."
Yan Xiaozhou seemed lost in thought, speaking quietly, "Second Brother, I really admire her courage. Second Brother, you're a man, you've never had the same conflicting thoughts we girls have. You would only think Lingfei is very bold and admirable, but you don't know how much impact she has had on me. She made me think about what kind of life I truly want.
"Should I obediently stay in Chang'an, dutifully follow my brother's arrangements, and marry and have children early? Or should I decide my own path?
"What kind of life do I want? What do I want to do? Brother, can you understand what I'm hesitating about?"
A light flickered in Yan Shang's eyes as he thought of his wife Mu Wan Yao, who was never content to stay at home. Even after marriage, Mu Wan Yao never settled down to be a virtuous wife; Liu Ruozhu, though she went to Hexi with her father after marriage, actually went to protect ancient rare books; Zhao Lingfei willfully escaped marriage for years, even leaving Great Wei entirely; and Yan Xiaozhou... also seemed uninterested in the life of a virtuous wife and mother.
Yan Shang was perplexed, yet vaguely, he somewhat understood their difficulties. Although he didn't completely understand, Yan Shang had one virtue - he was good at listening and respected others' life choices.
Yan Shang then asked, "Are you going to Jiannan not entirely for Yang Sanlang?"
Yan Xiaozhou smiled, her eyes sparkling, "I knew Second Brother would understand. It's not necessarily about what happens with Sanlang. I just feel it's a pity - even just as an old friend, I think Sanlang's situation is regrettable. If Second Brother were in my position, you definitely wouldn't abandon your old friend either. Hasn't Second Brother ever encouraged your old friends? Wouldn't you make some effort for an old friend?"
Yan Shang smiled without speaking.The tea he held had long gone cold, just as some people, once gone, would never return.
He had made efforts for Liu Wenji, but by now, Yan Shang had given up on this old friend.
Yet Yan Xiaozhou remained resolute and gentle: "I've thought it over carefully. I've asked my sister-in-law for help and plan to study medicine in Jiannan, work with medicinal herbs, and see what I can do. I don't know what the future holds, but I want to try and see what I can achieve.
"I want to accompany Sanlang through this most difficult time, help him overcome these challenges, and wait for him to stand tall again. Second Brother, what do court struggles and imperial succession have to do with Sanlang? The former Crown Prince is gone, Sanlang's affairs in Chang'an are over, and his new journey has only just begun.
"I want to find my own path and witness his as well. I'm not marrying him; I'm supporting him as a friend. What does it matter if we're exiled to Jiannan, never to return to Chang'an?
"That is not Sanlang's life.
"Brother, there's a poem that goes: 'Fine wine of Xinfeng costs ten thousand coins per gallon, / How many young rovers in Xianyang delight in a potful? / Meeting you, I drink to the height of your spirit; / My tied horse and the willows cling to the tavern still.'
"This was Yang Sanlang's life. But this was only the first half of Yang Sanlang's life.
"The second half of Yang Sanlang's life should be—'A guardsman of the Han, I start / To follow the champion, / And I have fought in battles beyond Yanmen Pass. / Do you know that on the mountain pass, / We'd rather give our lives / Than live and let our bones lie on the grass?'
"He belongs to the 'chivalrous,' he should go to the frontier, he should become a general. This is his true life!
"And I just want to accompany him, encourage him, support him... help him emerge sooner and walk the path he truly should."
Yan Xiaozhou lifted her face, the candlelight illuminating the girl's beautiful, fresh, and pure features. Her eyes shimmered with light, her heart held vast landscapes. She was no naive, simple young maiden needing lifelong protection.
Yan Shang had never realized so clearly before that the little sister he had coaxed, loved, held, and cared for over the years had truly grown up. He could not control her, could not bind her. He should give her a path to walk, and if she was right, he should support her.
Yan Shang stood up, his sleeves sweeping the floor. He reached out to stroke his sister's hair, his fingers then resting on her elegant, spirited brow.
Yan Shang said: "Go to Sanlang then."
Yan Xiaozhou's eyes lit up. Zhao Lingfei had a father who didn't understand her, but Yan Xiaozhou had a second brother who supported her.
Yan Shang: "But I'm still worried about a young girl traveling alone. Let Han Shu Xing accompany you for protection. When you reach Jiannan, you must write to me often. Xiaozhou, no one knows what the future holds—walk the path you've chosen. If you need anything, come find me.
"You're my only sister. We're family, so no need for formalities—your brother always wishes you well."
Yan Xiaozhou whispered: "If I never marry, would you still say that?"
Yan Shang paused, then smiled. He said: "You're too young to be saying such things. We'll discuss it later. If that's truly what you want... though I may not understand, I can still listen to your reasoning."
Yan Xiaozhou laughed, her eyes moist, thinking how fortunate she was to have such a wonderful second brother. Choking up, she called out "Second Brother" and threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly.
—
After Yan Xiaozhou left, Yan Shang didn't feel much more at ease.
He wanted to coax Mu Wan Yao to return, but the new emperor immediately assigned him a new official position—Zhongshu Sheren, concurrently Tong Pingzhang Shi.For a time, the entire court was abuzz with discussion. Yan Shang had rendered meritorious service by saving the emperor and should have been promoted long ago. That it had taken until now was already a delay. Yet there were far too many noteworthy aspects to Yan Shang’s new appointment—
Yan Shang retained his old position, as the new emperor still appointed him as the Appraisal and Merit Secretary in the Ministry of Personnel, meaning he continued to oversee affairs there.
The new emperor additionally granted Yan Shang the position of Secretariat Drafter. As a member of the Secretariat, this meant that, after all the rotations, Yan Shang had returned to the Secretariat. The Secretariat Drafter was a high-ranking official of the fifth rank, a position that directly served before the emperor. Typically, those who went on to become chancellors had to pass through this role as a formality.
Even more interesting was the concurrent appointment the new emperor gave Yan Shang—Participant in Deliberations on Important Affairs.
Participant in Deliberations on Important Affairs essentially meant being on par with a chancellor. Generally, holding this concurrent position placed one among the ranks of chancellors, and one would be addressed as "Your Excellency." However, Yan Shang clearly could not be regarded as a chancellor—for although he held the concurrent title of Participant in Deliberations on Important Affairs, his primary position was Secretariat Drafter. The role of Secretariat Drafter was not low-ranking, but compared to that of a chancellor, it was clearly insufficient.
With his promotion, Yan Shang’s status as Participant in Deliberations on Important Affairs allowed him entry into the Hall of State Affairs, reserved for chancellors, but his position as Secretariat Drafter barred him from speaking there. His role as Secretariat Drafter confined him to the fifth rank, while his appointment as Participant in Deliberations on Important Affairs granted him a status "equivalent to that of a chancellor."
In short, Yan Shang’s new appointment was an awkward and ambiguous level.
One could call him a chancellor, or one could say he was not.
The new emperor had played a word game with the late emperor’s decree—the late emperor had intended to grant Yan Shang the position of chancellor, so "Participant in Deliberations on Important Affairs" was indeed that of a chancellor. Yet the new emperor, unwilling to let Yan Shang become a chancellor, had instead appointed him as Secretariat Drafter according to his own wishes.
As for how the court officials would treat Yan Shang—whether to address him as "Your Excellency" or as they had in the past—was not something the emperor would consider.
Yan Shang smiled wryly as he held the decree: "So be it. It does show a bit of cleverness."
The fact that the new emperor could devise such an appointment indicated he had some learning. Yan Shang held a measure of expectation for the new emperor. From then on, he would have to shuttle back and forth between the Secretariat and the Ministry of Personnel.
Since the new emperor wanted him to serve diligently, Yan Shang naturally submitted several memorials addressing the current state of the court, aiming to assist the new emperor in consolidating control.
However, after Yan Shang’s memorials were submitted, there was no response.
What Yan Shang received from the emperor was not the adoption of his suggestions, but an edict allowing a noble family to return to Chang’an—the Hai clan.
The Hai clan had no direct connection to Yan Shang, but back when Mu Wan Yao was not yet the current Princess Danyang, her second brother had ostensibly been killed by the Hai clan.
Because of this, the Hai clan had been exiled from Chang’an, their family declined, their future bleak, and members of the clan were barred from holding office.
This clan could be said to have a feud with Mu Wan Yao, yet the new emperor had allowed them to return to Chang’an.
Yan Shang fell silent, tossing the new memorial he had written for the emperor into the brazier. He pondered how the new emperor both elevated and guarded against him, employing such ambiguous and distastefully straightforward tactics.
The new emperor had inherited the late emperor’s paranoia but lacked his magnanimity—resorting only to these petty, irritating maneuvers.
Yan Shang reflected alone in the darkness for a while. When the night watch drum sounded, he realized he had been sitting for so long that his legs had grown numb. Shaking himself out of his thoughts, he leaned on the desk to stand, frowning for a moment before asking Yun Shu outside the study, "It’s so late. Has Her Highness not returned to the residence yet?"Yun Shu answered sheepishly: "The master was handling official duties earlier. He instructed that if it wasn't a matter of great importance while you were busy, there was no need to inform you immediately—it could wait until you finished your work. So I didn't tell you—Your Highness sent word half an hour ago that she wouldn't be returning to sleep and asked you not to wait for her."
Yan Shang was taken aback.
Then he said: "She hasn't come back for ten days now."
Yun Shu knew the two were quarreling and could only remain silent.
Yan Shang grew slightly irritated: "The Hai family's return to Chang'an is such a significant matter. Won't she even come back to discuss it with me?"
He threw on his robe and pushed open the wooden door, coming face to face with Yun Shu at the entrance. Under Yun Shu's gaze, Yan Shang coughed lightly: "Is she staying at Princess Yuyang's residence today, or at some other estate?"
Due to her own elder brother's involvement in rebellion, Princess Yuyang had not been granted the status of Grand Princess and remained merely a princess, as she had been during the late emperor's reign.
In the current emperor's court, Mu Wan Yao was the only Grand Princess.
The former Luling Grand Princess was now the Luling Grand Elder Princess. The title sounded impressive, but unfortunately, she held no power or influence. The Luling Grand Elder Princess spent her days sulking at home in forced reflection, and it was rumored she had recently been secretly meeting with handsome young men out of sheer boredom.
Seeing that Erlang seemed about to go out again to fetch the princess, Yun Shu felt a pang of sympathy for him. Yun Shu said: "Master, why bother going? You won't be able to bring her back, and Your Highness continues to ignore you. It only makes you a laughingstock."
Yan Shang's face warmed with embarrassment.
He turned his face away and said: "Don't talk nonsense. Hurry and prepare the carriage."
Being so reserved, he couldn't go around telling people that he found it hard to sleep alone and missed Mu Wan Yao. Before marriage, he had been accustomed to sleeping alone and never felt this way. But now, after just a few days without her, he felt empty and found it increasingly difficult to sleep each night.
Perhaps he had always secretly delighted in her teasing advances. When she paid him no attention, he would grow flustered and short of breath, feeling uncomfortable in every way.
—
Yan Shang still hadn't managed to persuade Mu Wan Yao to return.
She was clearly genuinely angry this time. Even when Yan Shang softly promised her that he could request leave, she merely fanned herself while listening to operas and admiring flowers with others, completely ignoring him.
Yan Shang felt helpless.
He was gentle and kind, beloved by all, yet he didn't know how to please Mu Wan Yao. Though he was skilled at reading people's moods, her temper was unpredictable. If she wouldn't love him, no amount of humility on his part would help. He only felt dull and insipid, unsure of what to do.
Left with no other choice, Yan Shang made three trips daily to Princess Yuyang's residence to report and plead for Mu Wan Yao's return.
—
Princess Yuyang now relied on Mu Wan Yao's support. Since Mu Wan Yao was willing to stay with her, it counted as assistance, and she was naturally welcoming.
Mu Wan Yao loved fun and excitement, and Princess Yuyang was only now witnessing her younger sister's capabilities. She listened to operas and admired flowers without the slightest interruption; then ministers lined up to see her, and she handled political affairs without loosening her grip; and when the Imperial Son-in-Law Yan Shang came to plead, she didn't even grant him a glance.
Princess Yuyang was utterly amazed.
Watching Yan Shang coax Mu Wan Yao in a soft, gentle voice to return home, Princess Yuyang felt embarrassed for him. He was such a refined and elegant man, so proper and dignified in front of others, yet here he was privately begging Mu Wan Yao like this.After receiving a gift from Yan Shang and being earnestly entreated by him, Mu Wan Yao took the initiative to speak up while watching the opera: "...I know there’s a misunderstanding between you and the Imperial Son-in-Law. But you’ve made a scene for so long already. If this continues, you’ll only make the Imperial Son-in-Law lose face. Once a man’s pride is wounded and he strays down the wrong path, it’ll be too late for regrets."
Mu Wan Yao fanned herself with a feather fan, wholly absorbed in the performance. Yet it wasn’t the opera itself that held her attention, but the lavishly made-up actors vying for attention onstage. When the act concluded, she had the performers step down and remove their makeup, carefully studying their figures and appearances.
At the same time, she was analyzing the new Emperor’s tastes.
Having observed enough, Mu Wan Yao singled out a few of the actors: "Sister, I’ve taken a liking to these few. I’ll take them back to the Princess Residence for training—you don’t mind, do you?"
Princess Yuyang was taken aback but said she didn’t mind. Internally, she grew anxious, sensing that Mu Wan Yao’s focus on these young boys and girls clearly indicated an intention to surround herself with beauties.
Princess Yuyang tried again to persuade Mu Wan Yao to settle down, subtly reminding her: "How could a few actors compare to the Imperial Son-in-Law? These children may be pure and pretty, but what exactly is lacking in the Imperial Son-in-Law...? You married Yan Erlang back then, and now he holds a high position in court. How can you treat Yan Erlang like this?"
Mu Wan Yao didn’t realize her fourth sister was implying she had taken a fancy to the actors; her mind was occupied with other matters. She replied dismissively, "I know what I’m doing."
She was determined to make Yan Shang reflect deeply, to truly humble himself before her—not just pay lip service while continuing to act as he pleased. Yan Shang was the type to throw himself entirely into government affairs, which infuriated and alarmed Mu Wan Yao.
She had repeatedly warned him not to overwork himself. Since he couldn’t manage it on his own, she would resort to forceful measures to make him comply.
Then there was the matter of the Hai clan’s return to Chang’an.
Mu Wan Yao smiled. She knew everyone in Chang’an was waiting to see her make a spectacle of herself, to witness her clash and fall out with the new Emperor. But she refused to play along... With the Hai clan’s return, it was likely the noble families hadn’t yet clarified their stance. Why couldn’t Mu Wan Yao win the Hai clan over to her side?
Such was politics.
Yesterday’s enemies could very well become today’s allies.
Moreover, the Hai clan bore the stigma of framing a former prince, so they were likely treading carefully themselves. She would wait and observe their attitude before deciding.
—
The new Emperor was pleased with Mu Wan Yao’s reasonableness. He had used the Hai clan to curb her influence, and she hadn’t come to quarrel with him.
The Emperor was merely learning to balance the various factions, aspiring to maintain equilibrium as his predecessor had. Yan Shang had submitted several memorials to him, and truth be told, he found them exhausting to read... He felt Yan Shang was overstepping, treating him like a child.
The Emperor was displeased; he disliked being taught governance step-by-step by his ministers. So he set Yan Shang’s memorials aside, ignoring them. Yet he recognized Yan Shang’s considerable talents and continued to employ him.
Thus, Yan Shang ended up juggling multiple roles, growing increasingly busy. The Emperor assigned him all manner of tasks yet distrusted him, simply assuming that with Yan Shang’s temperament, he would be selfless and dedicated, serving him wholeheartedly.
The new Emperor had never encountered a minister as efficient as Yan Shang.
Obedient, never overstepping, handling every matter flawlessly. Since employing Yan Shang, the Emperor felt his control over the court had significantly strengthened.Liu Wenji reminded the new Emperor: "It is not that Your Majesty's control has become more formidable, but rather that Yan Erlang has assisted you in controlling it. His mastery is what is truly remarkable."
The new Emperor paid no heed, believing Liu Wenji was merely jealous. The identity of Emperor inflates anyone; once one enjoys its benefits, they begin to take them for granted. The initial timidity the new Emperor felt upon ascending the throne gradually faded, and now he was starting to learn to relish the privileges of being Emperor.
Rumors spread throughout Chang'an that Princess Danyang had recently developed a fondness for opera, keeping several handsome actors in her residence to perform for her daily. When Princess Yuyang expressed disapproval, Princess Danyang simply retreated to her private villa, indulging in nightly revelries with apparent delight.
She seemed to have completely forgotten about her Imperial Son-in-Law.
Everyone felt profound sympathy for Yan Shang.
Initially unaware of these rumors, Yan Shang only grew curious about the hesitant, meaningful glances people gave him. It wasn't until his mentor Lord Liu summoned him and tactfully inquired about his marital life that Yan Shang, though embarrassed, realized Mu Wan Yao must have caused some trouble for him.
With his capabilities, Yan Shang needed only minimal investigation to discover that all of Chang'an was gossiping about Princess Danyang's romantic affairs and how he had fallen out of favor.
Yan Shang could only laugh at the absurdity of the rumors.
How could Mu Wan Yao possibly be that kind of person?
She must have other reasons for her behavior—she would never treat him that way.
—
That afternoon, returning to the Princess Residence, Yan Shang habitually asked about Mu Wan Yao's whereabouts. The couple hadn't spent proper time together for a month, and Yan Shang had returned early specifically to discuss the Hai family matter with her, as well as the recent rumors about her.
Though he trusted her character, he couldn't allow her to spread such scandalous gossip about him.
Upon arriving, Yan Shang encountered Qiu Si, Mu Wan Yao's current personal maid. While changing clothes in his chamber, he noticed Qiu Si and raised an eyebrow slightly. As expected, she bowed and whispered, "Her Highness is in the residence today."
Yan Shang felt a flicker of pleasant surprise.
Not bothering to change his attire, fearing she might leave if he delayed, he went straight to find her. Hearing she was enjoying opera in the rear garden, he frowned briefly but thought little of it.
The garden was rich with autumn colors, where crimson maples mingled with emerald willows created an exceptionally charming scene.
At the moon gate, Yan Shang saw a beautiful woman resting on a daybed behind a screen. Her hair was loosely styled, robes slightly disheveled, cheeks flushed—likely from drinking again.
Mu Wan Yao lay with closed eyes while nearby, a heavily made-up actor swayed with a horsetail whisk, singing and dancing.
The garden was tranquil and warm, filled with romantic ambiance.
Yan Shang felt a slight pang in his heart but suppressed it, reminding himself she was merely listening to opera—nothing significant.
Just as he thought this, the actor finished performing. As the garden quieted, the actor approached the princess's daybed and knelt. Mu Wan Yao didn't open her eyes, whether from drunkenness or sleep.
The actor boldly remained kneeling before her, gazing at the princess with longing. Suddenly, he bowed his head, gently took her hand, and softly kissed the back of it.
Under the green shadows by the moon gate, Yan Shang's expression instantly darkened.
—
The actor held the princess's hand tenderly, wishing to confess his devotion. Born into humble circumstances, he sought to climb socially through the princess and had finally found an opportunity... unfortunately, she was asleep.
As he prepared to kiss her hand again, someone grasped his shoulder from behind.
Turning stiffly, he saw a jade-crowned youth in brocade robes standing behind him, radiant as precious stones, with a hand on his shoulder.
Though the young man's features were gentle, his expression was stern. Seemingly restraining himself, he said quietly, "Step aside."
The actor, emboldened by the princess's favor, retorted, "Who are you to dare offend Her Highness? What right do you have to order me away..."Yan Shang gazed at the youth who appeared to be only around ten years old, then sat down by Mu Wan Yao's bedside. Suddenly, he leaned down, embraced the slumbering maiden, and pressed his lips to hers.
The youth’s eyes widened in shock.
Watching the young man kiss the princess, the princess seemed to struggle uncomfortably, but he held her by the waist, refusing to let go despite her muffled, whimpering protests. Mu Wan Yao’s fluttering eyelashes lifted as she awoke, and upon seeing Yan Shang’s face, she was momentarily dazed.
Noticing she was awake, he did not pull away but instead bit her cheek, as if venting his frustration.
Mu Wan Yao: "Ouch!"
Fully roused now, she shoved Yan Shang away and clutched her stinging cheek. Glaring at him in furious disbelief, she wondered how he dared to bite her face.
Mu Wan Yao yelled, "You’re insane! Are you out of your mind?"
The actor knelt on the floor, gleefully anticipating the princess punishing this audacious fool so he could take his place.
Yet before the princess could speak, the young man frowned and fixed his gaze on her. His eyes traveled from her face down to the back of her hand, which the actor had stealthily kissed, and he remarked, "It reeks. Shouldn’t you go wash it?"
Mu Wan Yao flared up instantly, "Who are you saying reeks?"
The actor: "..."
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