Tigers Sniff the Rose

At the end of September, the Hai clan returned to Chang'an.

With young members of the Hai clan preparing for the imperial examinations the following year, whether out of respect for the examiners or guilt toward the princess, the Hai family sent representatives to Princess Danyang's residence three times, paying separate visits to both the princess and Yan Shang.

Yan Shang supported the Hai clan's younger generation participating in the next year's imperial examinations. With his refined and courteous demeanor, he humbly reassured the Hai clan. After just one meeting with this Appraisal and Merit Secretary, the Hai clan privately studied his character—concluding that he was gentle-natured and easily bullied, making him a potential weak point.

In stark contrast was his wife, Mu Wan Yao. She did not openly express resentment over the Hai clan's past suspicion of plotting to murder a prince, but her ambiguous attitude left them perplexed.

Upon their return to Chang'an, the Hai clan naturally sought to rebuild their influence. Not only did they cultivate relationships with both aristocratic families and common-born scholars, but in October, they also sent their youngest daughter to the imperial palace to become a consort.

Mu Wan Yao promptly responded by selecting several beauties for the Emperor's harem, as if engaging in a competition.

Meanwhile, the Emperor, deep within the palace, found himself overwhelmed by his ministers' disputes. Late at night, he sat in the imperial study, sighing over the endless pile of memorials.

Resting his forehead in his hand, the Emperor hesitated over the disposal rights of a fertile plot of land outside the city:

Aristocratic families coveted this land and had presented the Emperor with a century-old coral tree. The Emperor, seeking to please his newly arrived consorts, casually approved their request.

However, the matter soon escalated into a legal dispute. It was alleged that a minor eunuch under Liu Wenji had already purchased the land but was beaten by the aristocratic family that had obtained the Emperor's approval. Consequently, Liu Wenji came to lodge a complaint.

The judicial officials handling the case came from aristocratic backgrounds, leading the eunuch faction to cry foul. Yet the Court of Judicial Review was controlled by eunuchs, making aristocratic families distrust its fairness.

What appeared to be a minor land dispute escalated to the Emperor's desk, ultimately reflecting the tension between aristocratic families and eunuchs. Both factions watched the Emperor intently, leaving him torn and indecisive. After staring at the case for half an hour, he finally turned to a young eunuch and asked, "Has Yan Suchen returned from his leave?"

The eunuch bowed his head. "He just returned to the Secretariat to sign in yesterday."

The Emperor breathed a sigh of relief, tossing his brush aside. "Then send this case back to the Secretariat and let Yan Suchen handle it. Have him resolve this matter. If anyone remains dissatisfied, I will mediate."

Lord Liu, who had been waiting outside the hall for half an hour for the Emperor's decision, was taken aback by this outcome. Seeing that the Emperor had barely reviewed any memorials and had pushed the difficult decision back to the Secretariat—specifically to Yan Shang—Lord Liu sneered. Ignoring the eunuchs' attempts to stop him, he barged into the inner chamber.

Though advanced in years, Lord Liu remained vigorous and imposing. The Emperor, caught slacking off, dared not disrespect these veteran ministers left by his father. He quickly dismissed the eunuchs and had a seat prepared for Lord Liu.

Noting the Emperor's attitude, Lord Liu's expression softened slightly. "Your Majesty has been governing for nearly three months now. You should be capable of making decisions in such matters. The conflict between scholars and eunuchs requires Your Majesty to take a stance. If you keep returning memorials I bring to you, do you intend to evade responsibility indefinitely?"The Emperor evaded responsibility: "Isn't there Yan Suchen? I've heard Yan Suchen is your youngest disciple, Lord Liu. You should trust his capabilities."

Lord Liu suppressed his anger: "He already serves in the Secretariat while concurrently holding the position of Director of the Bureau of Appointments. Adding management of the Institute for the Advancement of Literature, and possibly overseeing palace guards as Cavalry Commandant... How could judicial matters fall under his purview?"

The Emperor said awkwardly: "Then just appoint Yan Suchen as the Capital Governor."

Lord Liu spoke sternly: "The newly appointed Capital Governor is a member of the imperial clan. If Your Majesty dismisses him after merely three months, what will people think? How will the imperial clan perceive this? Does Your Majesty intend to elevate common-born officials or promote Yan Suchen specifically? He is but one official - holding multiple positions is already his limit. Does Your Majesty plan to delegate all decisions to him?"

The Emperor grew somewhat displeased at being lectured.

He argued: "My approach has its reasoning. With aristocratic families and palace eunuchs contending, having a common-born leader mediate between them makes perfect sense."

Lord Liu observed this fence-sitting Emperor for a long moment before saying: "Is Your Majesty reluctant to discipline the eunuchs? You only see the aristocratic families' territorial demands but ignore the eunuchs' arrogance. That Liu Wenji, relying on Your Majesty's favor, acts tyrannically and shows no respect to court officials. How can eunuchs' ranks be equated with those of proper ministers... Who should ultimately command whom?"

The Emperor defended: "Liu Wenji was left to me by my late father - he's a loyal and righteous man. He treats me like family, Lord Liu, you worry too much."

Lord Liu: "..."

Ultimately, Lord Liu couldn't win the argument. With the Emperor determined to evade responsibility and unwilling to resolve conflicts between eunuchs and scholars, what could he do? Lord Liu worried about Liu Wenji's growing influence marginalizing the Emperor, yet the Emperor depended on Liu Wenji for entertainment...

After Lord Liu finally departed, the Emperor sighed in relief, wiping sweat from his brow. These ministers were all difficult to handle, but did they think him foolish? If he disciplined Liu Wenji, these ministers would become increasingly presumptuous, demanding more... What chaos could these rootless eunuchs possibly cause?

A young eunuch bowed beside the Emperor and whispered: "Your Majesty, Gong Liu has arranged for Huaqing Pool tonight..."

The Emperor waved his hand, feeling intrigued: "That songstress sent by Danyang two days ago has such a marvelous voice. Let's visit her tonight."

The young eunuch, following Liu Wenji's instructions to prevent The Eldest Princess from gaining influence, smiled: "Lady Hai has also sent an invitation..."

The Emperor immediately lost interest, feeling pulled in different directions, exploited by everyone. After a long pause, he said: "Never mind, I'll visit the Empress tonight."

When the young eunuch reported the study events to Liu Wenji, including how Lord Liu had disparaged him and urged the Emperor to suppress the eunuchs, Liu Wenji sneered and muttered: "That old fool. Nearing retirement yet still making trouble."

A eunuch reported: "Recently, aristocratic families have been frequently hosting banquets in the Pleasure Quarter, inviting Yan Erlang."

Liu Wenji narrowed his eyes, feeling a trace of concern. With Yan Shang being Lord Liu's disciple, Lord Liu would likely bequeath all his disciples and academic resources to Yan Shang upon retirement. Furthermore, the currently active Lord Liu who kept rallying people against eunuchs was Lord Liu's own son.

Liu Wenji genuinely feared an alliance between aristocratic families and common-born officials.But would Yan Shang join forces with him to deal with the aristocratic families represented by his own teacher?

Liu Wenji hesitated and ordered his subordinate, "Tomorrow, set up a banquet in the Pleasure Quarter. Tell them I’m inviting Yan Erlang to dine and see if he comes."

If Yan Shang did not attend, Liu Wenji planned to ally with the aristocratic families and first bring down Yan Shang.

The Emperor was currently relying so heavily on Yan Shang that Liu Wenji felt a sense of crisis. He feared that if Yan Shang advised the Emperor to take action against the inner court eunuchs, the Emperor might listen… If Yan Shang refused to cooperate, then they had no choice but to strike first—

Yan Shang did not attend Liu Wenji’s banquet. In his current position, everything he did was under scrutiny. The aristocratic families had approached him many times already. Although he represented the common-born officials, he was still a scholar at heart. If he were to associate closely with the powerful inner court eunuchs, the entire scholar class would inevitably speculate.

Moreover, Yan Shang had been unwell recently, and the Emperor had piled numerous tasks upon him. When Lord Liu summoned Yan Shang and informed him that the Emperor wanted him to handle the dispute between the aristocratic families and the inner court eunuchs over fertile farmland, Yan Shang sighed softly, feeling exhausted from overwork.

Yan Shang smiled bitterly, "I already have a mountain of tasks every day, and His Majesty keeps adding more. I cannot take on this case. If I do, I’m afraid I won’t even have time to sleep."

Lord Liu looked at his student, now gaunt and pale, and recalled how dashing Yan Erlang had been when he first arrived in Chang’an. Now, he was as frail and faint as hazy moonlight, evoking a pang of sorrow. If Yan Shang were his own son, Lord Liu would have insisted on keeping him at home, feeding him meals and medicine until he fully recovered.

Unfortunately, Yan Shang held the position of Tongpingzhangshi, equivalent to a chancellor. The Emperor intended to employ him extensively, and no one could intervene.

Lord Liu also sighed, waving his hand in frustration, "Forget it. Focus on recuperating. I will plead with His Majesty on your behalf and have someone else handle this case."

Yan Shang paused and said, "I’m afraid if I refuse, His Majesty will have criticisms."

Lord Liu replied, "You must still value your life. Her Highness the Princess has repeatedly sent messengers to beg me to assign you fewer tasks… Suchen, you are young and have a bright future ahead. Why push yourself so hard?"

Hearing that Mu Wan Yao had personally sought out his teacher to plead for him, Yan Shang felt both touched and embarrassed.

He said, "I also wish to rest… Once this period passes, I may request a long leave."

Lord Liu was pleased to hear this and assured him that he would approve the leave. However, though they spoke of it, Lord Liu had no idea when Yan Shang would actually be able to rest. The three factions were locked in such a fierce struggle that if Yan Shang were to fall, the other two forces would surely crush him.

Yan Shang could not afford to fall.

Yan Shang chatted idly with his teacher and learned that Liu Ruozhu and her husband were traveling through Hexi, searching for ancient texts among the common people. He was delighted to hear this and said he would write back to his junior apprentice-niece Liu Ruozhu. When Lord Liu mentioned that the young couple was planning to have a child soon, he teased Yan Shang, "You and Her Highness are not young anymore. You should consider having a child too."

Yan Shang laughed and said, "Both Her Highness and I are very busy. I’m afraid we don’t have time for children."

Lord Liu sighed. He wanted to suggest that Mu Wan Yao should stop involving herself in politics and focus on bearing children at home, which he considered the proper path. Lord Liu had never approved of a princess meddling in state affairs, but since the Emperors had not objected, he refrained from commenting. However, considering the pressure Yan Shang was under… if Princess Danyang were not there to support him, Yan Shang would likely collapse even sooner.Yan Shang took his leave from Lord Liu, saying he needed to check on matters at the Ministry of Personnel. He still held a position there—the crucial role of Appraisal and Merit Secretary—so he couldn’t neglect his duties.

Lord Liu let him go but watched Yan Shang’s tall, bamboo-like figure retreating and suddenly mused aloud, “Su Chen, tell me: Is it better for the world to be in chaos while the Emperor remains clear-headed, or for the Emperor to be muddled while the world stays orderly?”

Yan Shang turned back and met his mentor’s weary, time-worn eyes.

The first scenario described the late Emperor; the second, the current sovereign.

After a long pause, Yan Shang replied, “One can only hope for clarity in all things, with no confusion anywhere.”

Lord Liu gave a wry smile and fell silent. Seated in the main hall of the Secretariat’s administrative office, his wide sleeves sweeping the floor and his temples streaked with white, he gazed after Yan Shang’s retreating form until it vanished from the hall, watching as the sun set and crimson clouds blazed across the sky.

He was old now, too feeble to shore up the rivers and mountains or restore Great Wei to its former glory. He could only watch helplessly as the empire crumbled...

Yan Shang had declined the Emperor’s assignment to mediate the conflict between noble families and the inner court eunuchs. That very night, the Emperor sent a letter lambasting him.

Furious, the Emperor accused Yan Shang of arrogance, willfulness, and disrespect toward his sovereign...

At the Princess Residence that evening, Mu Wan Yao had already urged Yan Shang to rest. She opened the letter herself, skimmed the Emperor’s tirade, and let out a cold laugh. With detached calm, she folded the paper and instructed her attendants to ensure the beauties she had sent to the palace whispered more persuasions in the Emperor’s ear.

Turning around, she spotted Yan Shang standing under the shadow of a parasol tree at the deserted corridor’s end, a robe draped over his shoulders.

He reached out, his eyes fixed on the letter in her hand.

Mu Wan Yao’s expression hardened as she tucked the paper behind her back.

Yan Shang couldn’t help but chuckle. “Why hide it?”

“It’s full of insults aimed at you. I don’t want you to see it.”

“I’ve been scolded by His Majesty before. Don’t worry—I can handle it. I just want to check if there were any other instructions in the letter that might have been overlooked.”

Mu Wan Yao studied him for a moment, then relented when she saw his resolve. They sat together on the corridor steps to read the letter, her arm linked through his as she watched his expression. When she noticed his eyes dim after finishing, she bit her lip.

“Ignore him,” she said. “He’s desperate for you to handle everything for him. He wishes we’d do all his work so he can simply enjoy being Emperor... As if things were that easy!”

She nuzzled her fluffy head against his neck, burrowing into his embrace, her voice both coquettish and imperious. “Second Brother Yan, I’m cold—hold me!”

Yan Shang smiled faintly, wrapping his arms loosely around her as he murmured that he wasn’t upset and she needn’t fuss. As they lingered like this, a messenger arrived at the front hall—another letter from the Emperor had just been delivered.

This one encouraged Yan Shang to carry on diligently, assuring him of the Emperor’s continued trust. It also invited Yan Shang and his wife to a midday meal at the palace the next day, noting that it had been too long since they had dined together.

Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao stared at the two contradictory letters, rendered speechless.

By mid-October, the first snow had fallen.

Amid escalating court conflicts, Zhao Lingfei—the young daughter of Censor Zhao, whose family was then negotiating a marriage alliance with the Luoyang Wei clan—stepped out of her residence.Zhao Lingfei met the esteemed guest who had long been waiting for her in a tavern. She brushed off the snowflakes from her clothes, concealing her unrestrained demeanor as she adopted a demure, girlish attitude and respectfully bowed to the young man across from her.

The young man opposite had a kind face, but his eyes held a certain chill. His features bore a five or six out of ten resemblance to Young Master Wei the Seventh, Wei Shu. This was Wei Shu's eldest brother, Wei Kai.

Now, Wei Shu held the position of Langzhong in the Ministry of Rites, a fifth-rank upper official. Back when Wei Shu first entered Chang'an, his elder brother Wei Kai was already a fifth-rank official in the Wei family. Yet now, Wei Kai remained a Secretary Cheng, sharing the same official rank as his once-disdained seventh brother.

Wei Kai nodded to Zhao Lingfei, gesturing for her to sit. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he got straight to the point: "Since Ju Yuan returned from his diplomatic mission, our family recognized his capabilities and has been vigorously nurturing him. At my age, it took me ten years of grinding to reach the fifth rank. Yet Ju Yuan, barely past his capping ceremony at twenty, is already a high official of the fifth rank. He was even the top scholar in the imperial examinations that year... Our family has long underestimated Ju Yuan.

"Now that we're cultivating him, I hope it's not too late."

A smile appeared on Zhao Lingfei's face, causing her deliberately feigned docility to fade slightly, revealing her naturally lively disposition.

Containing her delight, she said, "Brother Ju Yuan is truly remarkable."

Wei Kai nodded in agreement.

Gazing at her youthful, delicate face, Wei Kai spoke slowly: "Ju Yuan excels in every aspect, except for his marriage prospects. As an outstanding scion of an aristocratic family, nurtured by his clan and expected by scholars, if he were to marry into the eunuch faction, how do you think the world would view Ju Yuan?"

Zhao Lingfei was taken aback. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she somewhat evasively looked out at the falling snow.

But Wei Kai kept his gaze fixed on her: "Your Zhao family long ago pledged allegiance to Liu Wenji, becoming running dogs for the eunuchs. Liu Wenji is determined to form marriage alliances with aristocratic families, and some among the nobility have already shown flexibility. But whoever shows flexibility, it should not be Ju Yuan. Ju Yuan has a bright future ahead—young and promising. To become a Langzhong in the Ministry of Rites at twenty upon his capping ceremony—how many in this world can achieve such heights at his age?

"He should become a leader among noble families, a leader among scholars. He should not marry into the Zhao family or form kinship ties with the eunuch faction! Scholars and eunuchs are fundamentally opposed. Even if they cooperate now, they will inevitably clash in the future... Where would that leave Ju Yuan?"

Zhao Lingfei stared at him in stunned silence.

Wei Kai softened his tone: "I know that during those years of diplomatic missions, you and Ju Yuan entrusted your lives to each other and developed feelings. When Ju Yuan seeks to marry you, I shouldn't really say anything. He's a concubine-born son in our family—the higher his status rises, the more disadvantageous it is for me. But as members of the same clan and his elder brother, I must consider the future of our family's younger generation.

"Even if there's happiness today, you'll become enemies tomorrow. If Ju Yuan were still the Ju Yuan of old, the Wei family sacrificing his marriage would be of little consequence. But he is no longer that Ju Yuan, and his marriage can no longer be reduced to a sacrificial offering for the family.

"Lady Zhao... You're young, and your father has now allied with the eunuchs, wielding immense power at court. You won't lack for marriage prospects or suitors. Please spare our Wei family, spare Ju Yuan!

"I've said all there is to say. I hope, for the sake of your affection with Ju Yuan, you'll consider his future and not ruin him!"

Having spoken his piece, Wei Kai stood up to leave.

Zhao Lingfei rose to her feet, raising her voice: "Eldest Brother Wei, aren't you afraid that if Brother Ju Yuan learns about this conversation, he'll be angry?"Wei Kai lifted his gaze and turned his head. He said calmly, "I am the eldest son of the Wei family. I must protect and care for all the younger brothers of our clan. The prosperity of the Wei family does not rest solely on me, but its decline would certainly be my responsibility. Though I do not favor him, I am still his elder brother. I have done what I ought to do. If you insist on being together, if you insist on ruining his future... there is nothing more I can do.

"Young Lady Zhao, the decision is yours to make."

Zhao Lingfei trembled as she spoke, "But how can I control my father's actions? Does his allegiance mean I must follow suit? My father has only aligned himself with the eunuchs—he is not some great traitor wreaking havoc..."

Wei Kai replied, "As the daughter of Censor Zhao, your positions are inherently tied. Would you sever ties with your own father? And if you did, where would you go? Where would you belong? Lady Zhao, we descendants of noble families are bound by circumstances beyond our control. Emotions and love are beautiful—I, too, am moved by the love story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. But when we return to reality... I am sorry, I still wish to separate you.

"If you can restrain your feelings, then I urge you to do so. If you cannot, then be prepared—to ruin Ju Yuan's future.

"The choice is yours."

Zhao Lingfei stared blankly as the Eldest Brother of the Wei family picked up his umbrella and descended the stairs. She leaned against the window, watching the young man step into his carriage. The carriage wheels sank into the snow, and it took the coachman considerable effort to get the horses moving. Wei Kai lifted the carriage curtain, sighed, and glanced up at Zhao Lingfei.

Zhao Lingfei remained slumped by the window, her eyes dazed. Seeing Wei Kai, she was reminded of Wei Shu—that same aloof, pristine... jade-hearted young gentleman.

But she covered her face and wept, beginning to resent many people. If only they were still on their diplomatic mission, if only they had never returned to Chang'an... Back in the isolated Hu kingdom beyond the frontier, when the chief envoy jokingly offered to matchmake them, if only she had nodded in agreement then, it would have been perfect.

She began to despise Chang'an.

She started to yearn for the gentle moonlight beyond the frontier, the endless expanse of desert, and those days of constant travel, uncertain of life or death, yet relying on each other for survival.

She missed the Wei Shu of that time—

In November, Zhao Lingfei threatened suicide to refuse the marriage proposal from the Wei family.

Censor Zhao cursed vehemently, and Wei Shu came to speak with her, but she shut her door and refused to see him. However, after Wei Shu blocked her path several times, it became clear that Zhao Lingfei could not avoid him for long.

Meanwhile, Yan Shang found an opportunity to rest for a few days. During this break, the owner of a newly built garden requested someone to inscribe a plaque and sought out Yan Shang for the task. Yan Shang modestly declined, claiming his scholarship was lacking and his calligraphy unworthy, and that it would be a waste to have him inscribe it.

However, as the Tongpingzhangshi, his inscription was highly valued. The owner persistently sent gifts and came to the Princess Residence to plead, insisting that Yan Shang provide the inscription.

Unable to refuse any longer, and with Mu Wan Yao finding it amusing and encouraging him to do it, Yan Shang eventually agreed.

But three days after Yan Shang inscribed the plaque, a young man from the Hai family, Hai Sanlang, was also invited by the same owner to provide an inscription. Hai Sanlang, who was preparing for the imperial examination the following year, was only sixteen years old and renowned as a child prodigy. Unaware of the world's vastness, the young man, filled with pride, readily agreed to inscribe.

Hai Sanlang was exceptionally talented, his calligraphy bold and flowing, stunning all who saw it.

Delighted by such brilliance, the owner immediately placed Hai Sanlang's inscription at the first gate of the garden's entrance and moved Yan Shang's original inscription to the second wall inside the entrance.Thus, Chang'an was abuzz with talk, everyone saying that a sixteen-year-old youth had outshone the Chief Minister. They claimed that the young Hai Sanlang, like Wei Juyuan of old, possessed the talent of a prodigy and should be called the "Second Wei Shu."

Wei Shu had once overshadowed Yan Shang back then, and in the end... Yan Shang's abilities remained shallow. Whether in the past or present, he lacked remarkable talent and could not compare to those youthful, arrogant prodigies who flaunted their gifts.

Upon hearing this rumor, Mu Wan Yao flew into a rage and immediately grabbed a sword to confront the Hai family, furious that they sought fame by stepping on others. Yan Shang stopped her, saying it wasn't a big deal. That night, Wei Shu visited to console Mu Wan Yao, assuring her he had never looked down on Second Brother Yan.

Wei Shu was also angered by the Hai family's rise at his expense, and with his ongoing legal disputes involving palace eunuchs and the turmoil over his marriage to Zhao Lingfei, he felt deeply troubled.

In the end, it fell to Yan Shang to comfort his resentful wife and the despondent, directionless Wei Shu.

The next day, the Hai family brought their defiant third son to apologize to Yan Shang. Being magnanimous by nature, Yan Shang took no offense. He reflected that his own literary skills were indeed lacking and he had never wanted to inscribe scrolls for others in the first place. The fact that the incident had upset so many people was due to his own vanity when flattered.

Yan Shang resolved: "...I shall never write inscriptions for anyone again."

Mu Wan Yao remained seething, her expression stony as she ignored Yan Shang's words—

The following March marked the first imperial examinations under the new emperor. As the Appraisal and Merit Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, Yan Shang naturally presided over that year's exams.

Fearing Yan Shang might harbor resentment over last year's humiliation caused by their third son, the Hai family anxiously submitted examination papers at the Princess Residence multiple times. When the results were announced, the Hai family's third son ranked first, becoming that year's top scholar. News reached the inner palace, where his sister, a consort, rejoiced for her brother.

The Hai family finally relaxed, realizing Yan Shang truly was the gentleman people claimed him to be, having exacted no covert revenge.

The Apricot Garden hosted a grand banquet for that year's successful candidates, attended by the Emperor. Meanwhile, the Hai family's daughter in the palace held a celebration for her brother's achievement, inviting all consorts. Mu Wan Yao compromised by skipping the Apricot Garden banquet to attend the inner palace feast instead.

At the banquet, Chunhua—whom she hadn't seen in ages—watched with unease as the Consort Huo, whom the princess had sent to the palace, traded veiled barbs and sharp exchanges with the Hai family's daughter. The stunningly beautiful Consort Huo, with her fluid grace, occasionally exchanged meaningful smiles with Mu Wan Yao.

Their subtle, coded glances baffled onlookers.

Observing Mu Wan Yao's smiling face and languid fan movements, then the delicate charm of Consort Huo whom the princess had sent to the palace...

Chunhua felt confused and distressed. Abruptly, she sensed the growing distance between herself and the princess.

The princess would rather send new beauties to the emperor than employ her. The Emperor had mentioned Liu Wenji and Yan Erlang were fiercely contending in court. Was that why the princess saw her as an enemy? But Chunhua, a woman confined to the inner quarters, had never been able to speak on or understand such matters.

The princess should have known this.

Had her own uselessness made her the princess's discarded piece? Despite her status as Xian Fei, she possessed nothing but a son.

Chunhua stared blankly at Mu Wan Yao's features, seeking an opportunity to speak with the princess, to ask if she had been abandoned... when two palace maids hurried into the banquet—one heading straight for the Hai family's daughter, the other for Mu Wan Yao.

Immediately, both Mu Wan Yao and the Hai daughter's expressions shifted as they looked at each other.

Mu Wan Yao rose abruptly and left the banquet with a frosty demeanor.The banquet hall immediately buzzed with hushed whispers. Only after half an hour did the imperial consorts learn why Princess Danyang had abruptly left the feast—at the Apricot Garden banquet, Third Young Master Hai had challenged Chief Examiner Yan Shang, demanding he compose a poem in response.

Every year's examination candidates ought to regard the chief examiner as their mentor. Yet Third Young Master Hai showed such contempt for the examiner, publicly humiliating Yan Shang before the Emperor... Mu Wan Yao gripped her whip, mounted her horse, and rode out of the imperial city. She galloped straight to Fanchuan, heading toward Qujiang Pond and the Apricot Garden.

Her eyes were red-rimmed, burning with hidden resentment. She ground her teeth: "The Hai clan! I'll kill you all... How dare you insult him like this—again and again!"—

At the Apricot Garden banquet, Mu Wan Yao dismounted and rushed inside. Ignoring all attempts to stop her, she stormed toward the Flower-Snatching Feast. She carried her whip, followed by guards from her Princess Residence. Her fury was palpable, clearly intent on unleashing her wrath today.

Yan Shang stood by the staircase on the second floor of the pavilion, having barely passed Third Young Master Hai's challenge. Just as he extricated himself from the crowd of candidates, his attendant anxiously whispered in his ear that the Princess was charging toward them.

Yan Shang paused in surprise. He moved to the window, pushed it open, and gazed into the misty night. He saw Mu Wan Yao in crimson robes, adorned with gold and jade. Striding swiftly with her whip, she was about to enter the building when Fang Tong whispered something in her ear. Mu Wan Yao abruptly looked up, her eyes meeting his from above.

Through the window, across the night, Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao locked gazes.

He saw her red-rimmed eyes, the hatred in her gaze, and her trembling hand clutching the whip.

Her eyes seemed to shimmer with unshed tears—hard and cold, yet filled with pain as she looked at him—

Humiliation.

Repeated humiliation.

Yan Shang didn't mind, but Mu Wan Yao felt it as her own. He considered Third Young Master Hai merely an arrogant youth, not worth attention. But when Mu Wan Yao heard the rumors, saw him being mocked as unworthy of his position, witnessed the Hai family trying to climb over him... she suffered, she ached.

Yan Shang stared at her, transfixed.

The insults directed at him burned her like fire. Suddenly, in that moment, he understood Mu Wan Yao's concern, comprehended her fierce protectiveness.

Standing before the window, Yan Shang spoke softly: "Third Young Master Hai."

The young man, who had retreated among the scholars after his challenge, looked up at the youthful figure in blue-white robes standing by the window.

With his back to the scholars and Third Young Master Hai, Yan Shang kept his eyes on the beautiful princess below and declared: "You tested me to see if I deserve to be chief examiner. But this year's examination questions weren't set by me—it wasn't I who evaluated your talents.

"Yet today, I wish to propose a couplet to test you."

Yan Shang suddenly turned, his gaze—gentle as water yet sharp as lightning—fixing on Third Young Master Hai. The night breeze stirred his sleeves as he proclaimed loudly, ensuring Mu Wan Yao below could hear his challenge:

"I ask you this: The phoenix soars nine thousand miles, piercing clouds and mist, bearing the heavens, treading upon clouds, observing mayflies for ten thousand years—who truly flies?"

The universe above, looking down upon ephemeral mayflies. What grandeur, what magnificence. The scholars stared dumbfounded at Yan Shang, witnessing for the first time the sharp authority emanating from their chief examiner.

They heard Yan Shang's calm voice: "I have posed my question. Your response, please."