On a day of drizzling spring rain, Wei Kai, the eldest son of the Wei family, closed his umbrella and lifted his robe as he entered a tavern. A waiter, who had been waiting under the eaves outside, led Wei Kai into an elegant house.
Wei Kai raised his eyes and saw a gilded brazier with wisps of blue smoke rising from it. Yan Shang was sitting there, brewing tea.
Yan Shang smiled and invited Wei Kai to take a seat, pouring him a cup of tea. He said, "My health has been poor lately, so I cannot drink alcohol. Though we are in a tavern, I can only offer you tea. I hope you will forgive me."
Wei Kai did not mind.
He observed Yan Shang. The two of them had no prior friendship and were only connected through a seventh son of the Wei family who stood between them.
However, Young Master Wei the Seventh, Wei Shu, was an exception in the Wei family—unsociable, keeping to himself, and never acting as a bridge between Yan Shang and Wei Kai. Fortunately, Yan Shang was skilled at making friends, and Wei Kai was also keen to befriend the currently powerful Yan Erlang in the court, so he had accepted Yan Shang's invitation.
After three cups of tea and some casual talk about recent court affairs, Yan Shang slowly broached the topic of collaborating with the Wei family. Compared to Wei Shu, Wei Kai was the one who truly represented the stance of the Luoyang Wei clan. Yan Shang sought cooperation with Wei Kai precisely because his recent investigation into the Pleasure Quarter had offended the powerful local families.
But the powerful families were not a monolithic bloc.
Though he was suppressing the Hai family with the support of his mentor's Liu family, he still needed one more ally.
As expected, Wei Kai refused: "Since Yan Erlang is on good terms with my seventh brother, you should know that the Wei family never involves itself in factional struggles. You have approached the wrong person."
Yan Shang retorted, "Never involving oneself in factional struggles, remaining aloof and offending no one—isn't that the same as offending everyone? If the Wei family truly took no side, it would not have survived this long. As the powerful families reshuffle, some will fall, and others will rise. Let me be frank with you: in the matter of the Pleasure Quarter, the Hai family will inevitably become the scapegoat. The Pleasure Quarter involves too many interests. If no one among the powerful families takes the lead or stabilizes the situation, and chaos erupts, how can the Wei family remain unscathed?"
Wei Kai listened to the rhythmic patter of rain outside the corridor and after a long pause, said slowly, "You want to suppress the powerful families, yet you seek cooperation with them. If word gets out, the Wei family will be criticized for lacking integrity and principles."
Yan Shang replied, "Who said I want to suppress the powerful families?"
Wei Kai was taken aback, his eyelids twitching slightly.
Yan Shang continued, "The newly emerging commoner class relies entirely on support. Since the previous emperor initiated the imperial examinations, it has only been over twenty years—not even enough time to complete a generational change of officials. A child has only just reached the age to take the exams. The commoner class has shallow roots. Those who can currently participate in the examinations may claim to be of humble origins, but many actually come from powerful local families in their regions. Even I had the opportunity to study only because my father was a successful candidate in the imperial examinations, and my family in Lingnan was not impoverished.
"That is why I promote education and establish private schools—to enable more people to study and erase the control of the powerful families. Before education and the imperial examinations truly become accessible to all, opposing the powerful families is of little use. Even in the imperial examinations, the number of candidates selected from powerful families exceeds those from the commoner class... not because the court favors the powerful families, but because the resources and centuries of heritage they possess make it easy for them to cultivate outstanding disciples.
"The talents nurtured effortlessly by the powerful families are well-versed in both literary and martial arts, possessing broad-mindedness and ambition. In contrast, commoner students who study for decades often only know how to read. With such a vast gap between them, how can it be bridged in just ten or twenty years?""The late emperor was too eager to eradicate the aristocratic families and promote the humble-born. But His Majesty was far too impatient... This isn't something that can be accomplished in just ten or twenty years. It might require the efforts of several generations of emperors, perhaps even decades to resolve. In governing the empire, even for just a few decades, we may still have to rely on the aristocratic families. Although I support the humble-born, I also understand that we cannot destroy the aristocratic families.
"Both sides come from scholarly backgrounds, and the conflict has not yet reached a life-or-death stage."
Wei Kai listened quietly. Aristocratic families that had endured for over a century naturally possessed far-sighted vision and would not obstruct the rise of the humble-born. Yet, Yan Shang still surprised him.
Before coming, he knew this man was silver-tongued and exceptionally persuasive, so he had remained wary of Yan Shang. However, Yan Shang's words had moved Wei Kai, who represented the aristocratic families—who doesn't enjoy being praised for their outstanding talents? Who doesn't appreciate having their family's integrity acknowledged?
Moreover, Yan Erlang was so sincere, so open-hearted with him.
Wei Kai began to understand why Yan Shang's every move was so intense, why everyone at court was cautious of him, and yet why so many officials couldn't help but like him.
Wei Kai said, "It seems you seek mutual benefit, not to suppress either side."
Yan Shang smiled wryly, "In my youth, my methods were radical, and I fear I instilled fear in others. I hope, sir, that upon your return, you can convey to the aristocratic families that my intention this time is not to destroy them. It is only that families like the Hai clan, who ally too closely with the eunuchs, cannot be allowed to persist. Liu Wenji hoards wealth and land, running rampant in his domain. His greed and ambition grow daily, and any aristocratic family that aligns with him cannot endure."
Wei Kai asked, "I've heard that you and Liu Wenji are from the same hometown, old friends. Why don't you collaborate with the eunuchs instead of working with us?"
Yan Shang replied, "Because scholars share a natural stance. No matter how fiercely the aristocratic families and the humble-born compete, when facing the eunuchs, we will always unite against a common enemy. If we wish to eliminate the eunuchs, the aristocratic families and the humble-born can cooperate at any time. But the opportunity to reshuffle the three factions using the Pleasure Quarter is rare."
Wei Kai said coldly, "Reshuffle the three factions? I can see the aristocratic families being reshuffled—losing the Hai clan. I can also see Liu Wenji's faction suffering losses. But won't the humble-born grow even more powerful because of your actions? I fail to see how this will restrain them.
"As Yan Erlang's power and prestige rise, the humble-born will become increasingly arrogant. We cannot tolerate being overshadowed by them."
Yan Shang stated, "Once this matter concludes, I will resign from my official post."
Wei Kai fell silent, then understood.
If Yan Shang resigned, the humble-born would lose their leader and naturally need time to regroup. Or, without Yan Shang's control, the humble-born might grow arrogant... but without Yan Shang's guidance and without the princess's support, what grounds would they have to act arrogantly before the aristocratic families?
Wei Kai gazed deeply at Yan Shang and said, "I thought you represented the humble-born. It turns out you don't side with them?"
Yan Shang smiled without answering, turning to look at the drizzling rain outside. He sided with no one—only with the justice in his heart. Uncertain of right or wrong, he sought only to act with a clear conscience.
Thus, after a detailed discussion with Yan Shang, Wei Kai politely said he needed to return and think it over before responding. Back home, Wei Kai consulted with the Wei clan members in Chang'an about collaborating with Yan Shang. Only Wei Shu was absent. Wei Kai knew his younger brother was upset with him over the matter of Zhao Lingfei and thought little of it.
As everyone discussed Yan Shang's actions, Wei Kai's uncle asked about Yan Shang's condition.Wei Kai pondered for a long while before saying, "He doesn’t resemble an ordinary court official; rather, he seems like the current prime minister."
Like a prime minister, aiming to oversee the entire situation.
The Wei family members, deep in thought, took Yan Shang’s words the next day to discuss privately with the major noble families. Only the Zhao and Hai families were excluded—
The Hai family, though clearly pressured by Yan Shang to meddle with the Pleasure Quarter, evidently wished to offend neither Yan Shang nor the noble families. They were smugly observing the conflict between Yan Shang and the noble families over the Pleasure Quarter affair. Whether the common-born officials were suppressed or the noble families were, the eunuchs would emerge victorious. And by representing the noble families in forging ties with the eunuchs, the Hai family saw a perfect opportunity to rejoin the ranks of the nobility.
Everything seemed under their control.
Just as Consort Hai in the palace had envisioned.
Consort Huo, delicate and pitiable, had the Emperor’s heart aching over her miscarriage. She wept and sobbed before him, and the Emperor, already overwhelmed by the conflict between Yan Shang and the noble families in court, returned to the inner palace to find his consort in such a wretched state. Stirred by a man’s protective instincts, he resolved to investigate the matter thoroughly.
It turned out that the Crown Prince had poisoned the medicine given to Consort Huo, causing her to miscarry. No one would blame a child, especially not a prince. Suspicion, therefore, fell upon Chunhua. It was assumed she must have said something to the Crown Prince, prompting the child to take such a reckless risk.
Mu Wan Yao insisted on a thorough investigation, and the Emperor, hesitant at first, relented under Consort Huo’s tearful pleas.
Chunhua sought an audience with the princess but was denied; she appealed to the Empress, only to be rebuked and ordered to confess. She was separated from her son, and palace attendants barred her from seeing the Crown Prince, fearing she might incite him. With no other recourse, Chunhua turned to Liu Wenji, the current favorite in the palace.
Though a Xian Fei, she humbled herself, weeping uncontrollably before Liu Wenji. She lamented her abandonment, expressed her worries for her son, and insisted she had never harmed Consort Huo. She was certain someone had framed her, yet she could find no evidence.
Liu Wenji stood in Chunhua’s secluded palace chamber late at night, clad in a bamboo-green robe, his face pale and beardless, his figure tall and slender. He did not look like a eunuch but rather like a young gentleman meeting his lover in secret.
He gazed at this woman, whom he had once loved to the point of heartache, with a strange, complicated expression.
She was still beautiful and gentle. Yet she was also unfamiliar… Her tearful pleas for help both pained him and stirred a cruel sense of satisfaction within him.
Staring at her, he could no longer find any trace of the maidservant who had once turned to smile at him. She was the Emperor’s consort, the Crown Prince’s mother—but she was no longer his woman.
Liu Wenji’s tone was peculiar: "You’re begging me to help you? On what grounds?"
Chunhua bowed her head, ashamed and speechless, tears streaming down her face.
Liu Wenji felt both satisfaction and a chilling coldness. He advanced toward her, his expression dark. Chunhua had dismissed all the palace attendants, and as the gauze curtains fluttered, his oppressive approach filled her with fear. She retreated step by step until her back pressed against a golden pillar, with nowhere left to go.
Terrified and flustered, she mustered her courage.
She said, "I beg you to help me!"
Liu Wenji seized her chin, forcing her to look up. Her face was pale, clearly uneasy about her bold actions. He watched her with a sadistic heart, his knuckles scraping her chin, nearly drawing blood.Liu Wenji said bitterly, "You've always been devoted to your princess. When you entered Prince Jin's residence for her sake, did you ever imagine she would abandon you one day? From beginning to end, only I never gave up on you! Only me! And now you come begging me... Why don't you go beg your princess? Why don't you ask her why she used you as a pawn?"
Chunhua closed her eyes, her voice trembling with difficulty. "Your Highness must have her own considerations. Perhaps she believes Consort Huo is more useful than me..."
Liu Wenji interrupted, "Yet you were still abandoned!"
Chunhua had no reply.
Liu Wenji looked down at this woman who had once haunted his dreams, wondering why he had been so infatuated with her before. She was merely an ordinary woman of the deep palace—shallow, weak, pitiful, humble... He murmured, "What makes you think I would help you?"
Chunhua whispered, "If you assist me... I'll follow your every command."
Liu Wenji was taken aback. At first, he didn't comprehend, but seeing her flushed face and feeling the scorching heat of her skin through his fingers gripping her chin, he understood her meaning in an instant—having spent years in the deep palace, he knew "follow your every command" meant she would do anything.
Liu Wenji sneered, "Even sharing a bed?"
Chunhua remained silent.
Liu Wenji: "What? Do you think I lack the capability? Do you look down on me?"
Chunhua suddenly looked up, breathing rapidly. "I've never viewed you that way! You're no less than anyone else—you've just been unlucky in life. I..."
Liu Wenji feared seeing her eyes, warm like spring water and brilliant like starlight. He shoved her away. "Don't look at me with those eyes! That look makes me want to gouge them out..."
Chunhua was stunned.
Pushed to the ground by his force, she looked up at him as if she didn't recognize him. Seeing the gloom in his eyes, she suddenly felt she had made the wrong decision tonight. She shouldn't have sought help from an old lover who had become unrecognizable—he humiliated her, looked down on her, and believed she looked down on him too.
Chunhua's hands trembled, her heart quaked, and her entire body felt frozen. Shivering, she thought everything was too absurd, a grave mistake.
She suddenly said, "Leave. Pretend I said nothing tonight."
She would go question the princess! Plead with the princess!
Asking the princess was better than anything else...
Liu Wenji looked down indifferently, recognizing her regret. His face twisted fiercely, muscles trembling with the distortion, shadows passing through his eyes. Resentful, he mocked, "You've already made me despise you, made me sick! Now it's you who's unworthy of me... A consort who tells a eunuch 'I'll follow your every command' behind the Emperor's back—you're already thoroughly tainted!"
Chunhua felt as if plunged into an ice cellar.
Trembling with rage, she pointed toward the palace exit. Shaking, she stammered, "Get out! Get out of here—"
Liu Wenji let out a cold laugh, flicked his robe, and turned to leave without hesitation, striding quickly out of the palace. He walked so fast, as if by showing no mercy, he could abandon all emotions. Emotions were obstacles; they brought him no benefit. In the past, he had wallowed in self-pity because of Chunhua, and was ruined for helping Chun Niang...
What had he done wrong!
It was all because he was too emotional, too compassionate... He didn't understand how, having failed the imperial exams back then, he still had the heart to love a woman, to pity a woman, to chase after Prince Jin's carriage, begging that woman to glance back at him.
It was all delusion.
Only power truly mattered.Chunhua was truly foolish, living up to the reputation of a consort ruined by being raised in the deep palace. She thought Mu Wan Yao had abandoned her, so she came to beg him... but this was only the beginning! Mu Wan Yao’s target was Consort Hai, not Chunhua at all.
In fact, Mu Wan Yao even wanted to test Liu Wenji’s attitude.
To see whether he would kick someone when they were down or lend a helping hand.
Whether Chunhua could become Liu Wenji’s weakness!
That was what Mu Wan Yao wanted to see!
That cold-hearted princess Mu Wan Yao, and Yan Shang, that hypocrite holding great power... they had all changed, all wantonly toying with people’s hearts and manipulating power. They casually intended to discard Chunhua, to use her as a pawn... If he helped Chunhua, wouldn’t he be handing leverage to Mu Wan Yao?
Then Mu Wan Yao would forever hold his weakness—consorting with a palace consort.
Confirming their past affair.
Either Chunhua would die, or Liu Wenji would die. And Liu Wenji could not let himself die, but if he chose to let Chunhua die... why would he help her in the first place?
Hateful Mu Wan Yao!
Liu Wenji suddenly halted his steps. Standing beneath the wutong tree, his expression grim, he abruptly turned back to look at Xian Fei’s palace quarters. The eunuch following behind him kept his head lowered, not daring to ask what the lord had encountered at Xian Fei’s residence to provoke such intense displeasure.
Liu Wenji stared at Chunhua’s rear palace, at the dark-painted chambers—and in his mind, her face surfaced once more.
She had turned to look at him, smiling faintly, standing gracefully beneath the humble eaves of the Yan residence, radiant as a spring stream.
Liu Wenji closed his eyes, clenched his fists, forcing his cheeks to tighten—the more he couldn’t have her, the more he couldn’t forget her!
He held high rank and great power—why should he be so fixated on a woman!
His face dark, Liu Wenji suddenly turned and strode back toward the palace quarters he had left behind. He dismissed the eunuch following him, his sleeves billowing as he walked. Though he was heading toward her, his demeanor was somber and murderous, devoid of the leaping excitement and blushing anticipation he had felt upon seeing her in the past.
Chunhua was sitting on the floor weeping. Wiping away her tears and hugging her knees, she felt utterly pitiful and wretched. Hearing footsteps, she looked up through tear-blurred eyes and saw Liu Wenji returning.
Before she could scold him, he crouched down, grabbed her jaw, and kissed her.
Chunhua was shocked, her face flushing red, her entire body stiff with fear. She pushed and hit him, terrified beyond measure. She bit him, trying to make this hypocritical villain release her.
Liu Wenji finally let her go, his thumb pressing against the bead of blood on her red lips where she had bitten him.
His expression remained grim.
But he spoke carelessly: “Fine, I’ll help you this once. After all, I’m bound for hell... Chunhua, come to hell with me.”—
Liu Wenji’s defection caught Consort Hai in the palace completely off guard.
At the same time, the noble families began taking sides, with the Hai and Zhao clans finding themselves opposed by the other aristocratic houses. Thanks to Wei Shu’s protection, the Zhao clan was not fully targeted, but the Hai clan was forced to become the sacrificial lamb. Yan Shang purged the Pleasure Quarter and investigated officials who frequented it—not only scions of noble families but also those of humble origins.
Though the majority were from noble families.
This time, the Liu and Wei clans led the noble families in cooperation. Those with ambiguous attitudes reluctantly went along. The Hai clan was besieged by the Court of Judicial Review and the Imperial Clan Court on charges of conspiring to harm a prince.Liu Wenji accused Consort Hai of plotting against the imperial prince, betraying his alliance with the Hai family to join forces with the humble scholars and Mu Wan Yao. With his assistance, the case of Consort Huo’s miscarriage was brought to a conclusion.
The Emperor had been wavering, uncertain of whom to support, but Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao made the choice for him. Relieved for the moment, he immediately interrogated the Hai family.
Consort Hai, still within the palace walls, could never have imagined that despite doing nothing, Liu Wenji would fabricate evidence against her. Aside from exchanging a few words with Chunhua, when had she ever laid a hand on Consort Huo?
Mu Wan Yao, the Emperor, and Liu Wenji presided over the joint trial. Chunhua knelt on the ground, recounting how Consort Hai had incited her and how Consort Hai had looked down upon Consort Huo.
Consort Huo, dragging her frail body, stood behind Mu Wan Yao. With the princess’s support, she clutched her chest, tears welling in her eyes, and collapsed sobbing into the Emperor’s embrace. “Consort Hai, how could you be so cruel? To harm an unborn child... Yes, your family has always been fond of plotting against imperial princes, your family...”
Consort Hai broke down, crying out, “Lies! All lies! I would never dare to harm an imperial prince! I would never dare!”
Weeping bitterly, she crawled on her knees toward the Emperor, clinging to his leg and looking up with a face drenched in tears. “How could I dare to harm an imperial prince? Your Majesty, how could I dare? Our Hai family bears the weight of such accusations. We returned to Chang’an to clear our name, to wash away the prejudice the world holds against us!
“In the past, we harmed an imperial prince, and our entire family was exiled. The noble families looked down on us. Since then, the scholars of our household have been unable to study orthodox classics. Without the classics to pass down, we are excluded from the mainstream.
“We reside in remote regions, cut off from recognition in the Central Plains, and the career paths of our family’s descendants have been severed. All because we harmed an imperial prince!
“As for the events of the past, I will not argue who was right or wrong—the world has already reached its verdict. But I must cry out for the injustice suffered by the Hai clan... We have endured enough punishment. We wished to return to Chang’an, to rejoin the ranks of the noble families! Having gained Your Majesty’s favor to return to Chang’an, why would we harm an imperial prince again and repeat the mistakes of the past?
“Your Majesty, please see the truth! It is impossible for me to harm an imperial prince! It was Xian Fei! It was clearly Xian Fei!”
Kneeling on the ground, Consort Hai wept as if drenched by a spring rain, her pitiable state evoking sighs from the assembled consorts. Even the Empress sighed, feeling sympathy for her. The Emperor, initially inclined to bring the matter to a swift conclusion, hesitated at her impassioned outburst. His suspicious gaze turned toward Chunhua, and Mu Wan Yao stepped forward.
Mu Wan Yao fixed a stern gaze on Consort Hai and declared sharply, “You murdered my second brother all those years ago, and you think a mere decade of exile was punishment enough? You still believe you’ve been wronged? His Majesty’s grace extends throughout the land—who does not know of his benevolence? His Majesty allowed your return to pardon your crimes, yet instead of gratitude, you once again plot against an imperial prince. What ulterior motives you harbor, do you think I cannot see?
“Why would you harm an imperial prince? Of course, you would harm an imperial prince! Because you fear my influence over the court and seek only to bear a child yourself, using that child to bind His Majesty! You and Consort Huo entered the palace at the same time, but Consort Huo was the first to bear a royal heir. You feared for your own position!
“The Hai family, favored by His Majesty, sought to use an imperial prince to advance further! You exploited His Majesty’s leniency toward you, repeatedly testing his patience! Fortunately, Gong Liu had the foresight to guard against you... Yet, despite his efforts, you still succeeded in your scheme!”Consort Hai shrieked, "That's not true! The evidence is fake! Ah, I see now—you're trying to protect that maid who once served in your courtyard... Your Majesty, she has ulterior motives! The princess has ulterior motives!"
Mu Wan Yao remained unmoved, facing the Emperor.
The Emperor glanced at Liu Wenji, then at Mu Wan Yao, then at Consort Huo, and finally at Consort Hai.
Consort Hai knew she had been betrayed by Liu Wenji, representing the abandonment of the Hai clan. Panic-stricken and aware her support was gone, she wept uncontrollably, clinging to the Emperor’s leg, pleading for him to see her fragility and spare her for the sake of their shared intimacy.
The Emperor, moved by Consort Hai’s tears, recalled the warmth she had offered him on countless nights. With little influence in court affairs, he found solace only in the beauties of his harem. When court ministers berated him like a grandson, Consort Hai’s sweet voice and tender embraces had comforted him time and again.
They had often dreamed of the day they would trample those ministers underfoot and live as they pleased, free from constraints.
For a moment, the Emperor’s heart softened, and he even pleaded to Mu Wan Yao, “Yao Yao, the Hai clan is merely a woman—what could she possibly understand? It must be the palace servants exploiting her. I can vouch for her; she is kind-hearted…”
Mu Wan Yao cut off his muttering: “Your Majesty, it was your own offspring who were harmed! If you do not mind, what can I say?”
The Emperor froze, about to feel relieved, when Liu Wenji remarked coolly from the side, “If the several chief councilors learn that Your Majesty has spared Consort Hai, they will surely seek an audience.”
The Emperor deflated instantly.
He feared those formidable chancellors and their endless lecturing. His reign felt shackled—he averted his gaze from Consort Hai and angrily flicked his sleeve. “Do as you please! You’ll have your way regardless!”
Consort Hai wailed, “Your Majesty, Your Majesty—”
But her Emperor strode away in a fury. Mu Wan Yao paused briefly, then signaled for Consort Huo to follow and console him. Mu Wan Yao herself would never deign to comfort the Emperor, but didn’t he adore gentle, watery tenderness? Consort Hai had been soft enough, and Consort Huo, a former actress, was even more adept at reading moods—
The Emperor’s respite was short-lived. Yan Shang requested an audience, again concerning the management of the Pleasure Quarter. Yan Shang sought to restrict court officials’ unchecked comings and goings there, arguing that drunken ministers leaked too many secrets. If enemy spies learned of this, the nation would face ruin.
First rebuked by Mu Wan Yao, now petitioned by Yan Shang—
The Emperor knew Yan Shang had reached some delicate understanding with the noble families, which infuriated him. “Why not just shut down the Pleasure Quarter altogether!” he snapped. “Let no one go there, and we’ll all be clean!”
Yan Shang replied gently, as always, “The Pleasure Quarter cannot be closed. Personally, I would prefer to shut it down—I have never favored such venues of debauchery. Yet the Pleasure Quarter symbolizes Chang’an’s prosperity, even representing its splendor to neighboring states. Officials’ indiscretions must not be flaunted, and restrictions are already in place. Going too far would provoke public backlash, which is undesirable.”
The Emperor sneered, “Yan Erlang speaks so reasonably.”
Yan Shang pretended not to grasp the sarcasm.
The Emperor continued, “So, you’ve dealt with the noble families, your wife has destroyed Consort Hai, and now you common-born officials dominate unchallenged, with even the nobles heeding you. Yan Erlang, you’re quite the rising star. Why not take my throne too!"By convention, such mockery should have prompted Yan Shang to kneel in fear, apologize for overstepping, vow to restrain his wife, and plead his case." Once Yan Shang had sufficiently soothed him, the Emperor, in a better mood, would offer a conciliatory gesture.
This dynamic between ruler and minister was well-rehearsed.
But this time, things seemed different.The Emperor did not witness Yan Shang removing his official cap and kneeling. Instead, Yan Shang stood tall with sleeves hanging low, staring at the Emperor for a long moment before saying, "The humble scholars will not dominate because of this, Your Majesty need not worry."
The Emperor looked at him.
Yan Shang said, "My health is failing, and I wish to resign from my post to return to Lingnan for recuperation. Her Highness the Princess will depart with me. Your Majesty can rest assured—the humble scholars will not grow overly powerful because of this."
The Emperor was stunned.
He grew instantly bewildered and angry: "What? How can you leave? If you go, what shall I do? Who will handle affairs for me? You are the Chancellor designated by the late Emperor—are you resentful that I did not directly grant you the chancellorship? Are you threatening me, Yan Suchen?"
Yan Shang looked at him.
He sighed, utterly exhausted.
This ruler was unreliable.
This ruler was cowardly, suspicious, incompetent, narrow-minded, stubborn, and petty... This ruler was unreliable—better to withdraw and preserve oneself.
Yan Shang bowed to the Emperor with resignation: "How would I dare threaten Your Majesty? Is this how Your Majesty views me? There are many capable of serving Your Majesty—I have recommended countless individuals... yet Your Majesty refuses to employ them, refuses to trust me. What recourse do I have?
"My resignation stems solely from failing health, not any grievance against Your Majesty."
Deep within the palace, following the Consort Hai incident, Mu Wan Yao finally met with Chunhua.
Chunhua still could not believe Mu Wan Yao would treat her this way. She spoke of her devotion to the Princess, questioning why Her Highness would help Consort Huo harm her.
If not for Liu Wenji...
Mu Wan Yao's voice turned icy: "If not for Liu Wenji, what?"
Chunhua fell silent. She recalled her dealings with Liu Wenji but could not voice them under the Princess's frosty gaze.
Mu Wan Yao said mildly, "Is this how you perceive me?"
Chunhua bit her lip: "I don’t wish to believe Your Highness would be so cruel, yet you preferred sending another beauty to the Emperor over arranging for me. Now you treat me as discarded..."
Mu Wan Yao: "Why not consider that I refrained from using you precisely because you were never intended as a gift for Prince Jin? I never wished to send you away—your qualities were never tailored for His Majesty... Chunhua, I never planned for you, never envisioned you serving me at the Emperor’s side.
"I selected someone more suitable. You were not that person."
Chunhua’s voice tightened: "But this time... this time... if Liu Wenji hadn’t stepped forward, His Majesty would have eliminated me! Because I hold no power, because you abandoned me, I’ve become useless!"
Mu Wan Yao replied calmly: "So what? Is being cast aside by the Emperor such a misfortune?"
Chunhua stared blankly.
They stood on the winding lakeside corridor, watching unopened lotus buds dot the pond. Willow catkins drifted onto their shoulders as Mu Wan Yao turned to her, gaze profound: "Once I lacked the power to decide your fate—you were torn from me and made Prince Jin’s woman. Now I possess the means to extract you... I can have you discarded, yet also ensure you survive and leave the harem.
"I can pull you from that world, but you no longer wish to emerge, do you?"
Chunhua gazed dazedly at her radiant Princess.
After a long pause, she rasped: "I’m married. I have a son. How could I leave..."
Mu Wan Yao smiled faintly.
She said: "Thus, you choose to remain."She walked toward Chunhua and stopped before her. Chunhua had always maintained the demeanor of a maid in her presence, perpetually humble. Mu Wan Yao gazed at her, and instinctively, Chunhua lowered her head, allowing the princess to scrutinize her. But then Chunhua remembered she was now Xian Fei, and perhaps she need not be quite so deferential in front of the princess.
So she lifted her head.
Observing this shift, Mu Wan Yao smiled. "Vulgar."
Chunhua froze. "What?"
Mu Wan Yao reached out, her cool fingers resting against Chunhua’s cheek. She studied her, gazing at the once-spirited maid who had been forced into becoming a vulgar, decorative vase.
Mu Wan Yao said, "Chunhua, I’ve wronged you. If you were still my maid, if you stayed by my side, I could have nurtured you carefully. But now you’ve drifted too far from me. You’re trapped in the inner court, spending your days maneuvering among the Empress, the Emperor, and the Crown Prince.
"You’re no longer the maid who fought her way back with me from the Black Barbarians. Over nearly a decade in the inner court, your spirit has been worn away. You no longer have a discerning eye, no longer have dreams, no longer hold any thoughts of your own. Trapped in the harem, you’ve lost yourself and become just like any other ordinary, unremarkable, resentful woman waiting for her husband to glance her way.
"I feel I’ve ruined you, harmed you. But perhaps you’re quite satisfied with your life as it is. I want to pull you out, but you’ve already given up on yourself.
"I’ll give you one more chance. Are you willing—do you have the courage—to leave the harem with me? I have a way to give you a new life, to show you new horizons. But do you dare follow me?"
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