At sixteen, Yan Shisheng learned from his uncle who came to Lingnan to find their family that his long-deceased mother had once been a young lady from a prominent family. In her youth, she had been swept away by his father—a poor young man who relied solely on his handsome face.
The past between Yan Father and Yan Mother was another story altogether. In short, the uncle sought them out because their maternal family had few descendants and, regretting the old grievances, wanted to reconcile with them.
Yan Father was an amiable man to the point of being somewhat weak-willed, with little ambition of his own. When the uncle saw his perpetually fair and delicate face, he was reminded of how this man had deceived his cousin in the past, stirring up his anger. Among the Yan children, the uncle actually preferred the lively and outgoing third son, Yan Sanlang.
He neither cared for the eldest son Yan Shisheng’s simple honesty nor the second son’s reserved nature. As for the youngest daughter, Yan Xiaozhou, who was only eleven or twelve at the time, it was too early to tell what she would be like, so he felt neither fondness nor dislike.
The uncle had originally intended to nurture Yan Sanlang, but Yan Sanlang had no interest in studying. Instead, it was the second son who showed enthusiasm.
Left with no choice, the uncle took charge and renamed the second son Yan Shang, then began tutoring him in Lingnan. It wasn’t until the rather untalented Yan Erlang finally passed the provincial examination at seventeen that the uncle breathed a sigh of relief. He promptly brought Yan Erlang back to Chang’an, hoping that after succeeding in the imperial examinations, Yan Erlang could support their family and restore its former glory.
At that time, the Emperor’s youngest daughter, Danyang Princess, was only seventeen and a half years old. Quiet and virtuous, she was raised deep within the palace, sheltered daily by her doting Emperor and Empress, remaining innocent and naive.
Princesses could marry from the age of fifteen.
However, whether it was the Emperor, the Empress, or the Crown Prince, none could bear to part with the young princess. They reluctantly kept Danyang Princess until she was seventeen before grudgingly beginning the search for a husband for her.
The princess’s future husband had to come from a great and noble family, be accomplished in both literary and martial arts, open-minded and bright. Most importantly, he had to be capable of taking good care of the princess, protecting her for life, and winning her own affection as well.
After much deliberation, they set their sights on Yang Si, the third son of the Yang family, who had grown up with the princess.
Yang Si was the same age as the princess and had served as the Crown Prince’s study companion. Though he was a little tyrant with a reckless and unruly temper, he had played with the princess since childhood. Could there be some tacit understanding between them?—
Mu Wan Yao and Yang Si did share a tacit understanding.
But not the kind everyone imagined.
Their tacit understanding was this: Mu Wan Yao would put in a good word for Yang Si with the Crown Prince, helping him smooth things over after he had stormed out following an argument. In return, Yang Si would discreetly dismiss the attendants around the little princess and take her out of the palace to play in the market streets.
It wasn’t until Mu Wan Yao turned seventeen that she experienced the common folk’s world for the first time. Her Emperor and Empress had been so protective that she had never been allowed to leave the palace gates.
Now, standing in the district where the East Market was located, even though she followed the carefree Yang Si, she clung to his sleeve, her eyes wide and captivated by the bustling scenes on both sides of the street.
Her eyes sparkled with brilliant light.
Yang Si glanced back at her and clicked his tongue twice: "You're about to drool!"
Mu Wan Yao immediately gasped and wiped the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand. But her lips were dry.
Widening her round, cat-like eyes, she exclaimed in a delicate tone, "Third Brother Yang, you're tricking me again!""
Yang Si grinned, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "Of course I'm tricking you. Who told you you're so easy to coax?"With a casual tug, he pulled her to his side, shielding her from the malicious gazes of those eyeing her like a fool. Though he appeared carefree, a sharp glance from his narrowed eyes was enough to frighten away the onlookers.
Mu Wan Yao blushed and pushed him away. Her voice, however, was soft and timid, lacking any force: "Don’t do this. If Father and Mother see us like this, they’ll start making matches again."
Yang Si scoffed, his expression hardening. "So what if they see? Am I not worthy of you?"
Mu Wan Yao pressed her lips together.
Gentle by nature, she disliked speaking ill of others, yet she couldn’t help feeling that her future husband shouldn’t be like this. She had always been suppressed by everyone, from childhood till now. No matter how gentle a young lady she was, a spark of rebellion smoldered in her heart.
Why couldn’t she have an Imperial Son-in-Law who was less dominant than her?
Was she destined to be controlled by others her entire life?
Seeing Mu Wan Yao only blush without responding, Yang Si lost interest and stopped teasing her. He released her and walked ahead, letting her trail behind. In a detached tone, he said, "Keep up. If you get lost, I won’t come back for you."
Mu Wan Yao obediently agreed—
But Mu Wan Yao and Yang Si still got separated.
While Mu Wan Yao was engrossed in watching street performances, Yang Si grew interested in a martial arts contest and strode off, assuming she would follow. Unbeknownst to him, she hadn’t. By the time he turned back to look for her, Mu Wan Yao had already been swept away by the crowd.
Standing alone in the chaotic throng, Mu Wan Yao felt utterly terrified without Yang Si by her side. Her palms grew clammy with anxiety, but she tried to bolster her courage. They’re just people—what is there to fear? Once I find Third Brother Yang, everything will be fine.
She called out softly, her voice as faint as a kitten’s mewl: "Third Brother Yang… Third Brother Yang…"
She wandered aimlessly through the crowd, searching. Third Brother Yang had worn a snow-blue scholar’s robe when they went out, which she had secretly mocked in her heart for his attempt at appearing refined. Now, she could only rely on that garment to find him in the vast sea of people. After what felt like an eternity, outside a bookstore, she suddenly spotted the familiar snow-blue hue.
Exhausted and frustrated, even her gentle temper flared with resentment. She rushed over and, as she often did when most upset, struck him on the back from behind, tears welling in her eyes.
Mu Wan Yao choked out, "You’re so awful! How could you abandon me? I’m going to tell Eldest Brother on you, you… ah."
She cut herself off, stepping back with a dazed expression as she looked up at the young man who had turned to face her.
In the dimming lantern light, amidst the swaying shadows, stood a youth with a jade crown and fair complexion. His eyes sparkled like a starry river, his lips red and teeth white—so exquisitely handsome he resembled a jade statue, his aura clear and bright.
He was extraordinarily good-looking and seemed familiar, yet he was not Yang Sanlang, Yang Si.
Facing this stranger, she froze in embarrassment, a tear clinging to her lashes.
The young man who had turned around was Yan Shang, out buying books. Startled by the blow to his back and hearing the girl’s tearful voice, he turned to find a graceful young lady standing behind him, tears in her eyes.
She wore a high-waisted ruqun, its pink ribbons fluttering. With delicate brows, bright eyes, a slender nose, and cherry lips, she appeared both elegant and endearingly naive under the lantern light—even the teardrop on her eyelashes seemed charming.
If only her gaze hadn’t been filled with such flustered embarrassment, it would have been perfect.
Yan Shang set down his book and clasped his hands in a polite salute.
Mu Wan Yao lowered her head and returned the gesture.With just one glance, Yan Shang discerned her predicament and spoke gently, "Have you become separated from your friend, miss? Perhaps you should return to where you were last together and wait for your friend to find you. If you've wandered off like this, your friend must be terribly worried."
His voice was clear and mellow, flowing like a gentle stream, causing Mu Wan Yao's cheeks to burn with warmth.
In truth, she had little experience interacting with unfamiliar people—especially a handsome youth around her own age.
Mu Wan Yao nodded vaguely, remembering her second brother's warnings meant to frighten her: he'd said all men outside were scoundrels who sought to abduct young maidens and that she must keep her distance. Fearing this youth might also be a villain, she dared not confess she'd already forgotten the way back.
Murmuring a soft "thank you," she turned and hurriedly melted into the crowd as if chased by wolves.
Yan Shang watched her retreating figure pensively.
After a long moment, he sighed wryly and decided to follow her.
Her demeanor had instantly revealed she was likely sneaking out to play for the first time. Such young maidens were most naive and easily deceived. Having noticed this, Yan Shang couldn't pretend otherwise. Recognizing her wariness toward him, he maintained a discreet distance to avoid alarming her further.
He would simply follow from afar.
Indeed inexperienced, Mu Wan Yao mustered courage to ask a passing woman where to find street performances. After much gesturing and explanation, the elegantly dressed woman studied her briefly.
Yan Shang, trailing behind, sighed inwardly—he immediately identified the woman's heavy makeup as characteristic of a brothel madam from the Pleasure Quarter.
The woman smiled enticingly and coaxed, "Little sister, have you gotten separated from someone? Are you hungry or thirsty? Why not come with me to a tavern for some wine? I'll keep you company while you wait."
Mu Wan Yao was indeed hungry and thirsty, and nodded obediently.
Just as she prepared to leave, Yan Shang stepped forward and placed an arm around her shoulders. Mu Wan Yao stiffened, looking up in surprise to meet the gaze of the handsome youth she'd encountered earlier. He sighed softly, "Little sister, how did you wander off alone again? Your brother has been searching everywhere for you."
Mu Wan Yao's eyes flickered with understanding.
Though foolish in some ways, she was clever enough to remain silent. She allowed Yan Shang to exchange pleasantries with the woman, who then glanced at her meaningfully, pressed her lips into a smile, and walked away fanning herself.
Leading Mu Wan Yao away, Yan Shang murmured, "That woman was likely someone who abducts respectable young maidens. It's good that you're cautious around people, but you shouldn't only guard against men—women can be dangerous too. Do you think only men in this world are wicked, with no evil women?"
Mu Wan Yao stared absently at his robes.
He guided her gently by the sleeve—courteous and proper, never touching her directly, clearly observing decorum. A faint, delicate fragrance wafted from him. Mu Wan Yao sniffed discreetly but couldn't identify the scent.
She only found it pleasant.
As they walked, he quietly asked where she wished to go. When she couldn't provide a clear answer, Yan Shang suggested visiting the tallest tavern in the district to survey the area and facilitate her search. To reassure her, he deliberately stopped three consecutive passersby to confirm which tavern was indeed the highest.
Mu Wan Yao thought to herself, But I never doubted you. Why must you be so careful?
Yet this youth was the most cautious person she had ever met.
He brought her to the tavern and ordered only tea for her. Before she drank, he took a sip himself to demonstrate the tea wasn't drugged.Mu Wan Yao stared at him blankly.
He smiled: "It's not that I'm unwilling to treat you to better food, but I'm unfamiliar with your preferences. Please order whatever you like."
With full princess-like composure, Mu Wan Yao casually ordered a long list of dishes.
The waiter looked bewildered.
Mu Wan Yao glanced at Yan Shang.
Yan Shang studied her thoughtfully, a flicker of understanding in his eyes, then casually recited the menu to the waiter, who withdrew.
Seated by the window, Mu Wan Yao rested her chin in her hands, contentedly watching the scenery outside. Unaware that her unintentional details had already led Yan Shang to suspect her identity was extraordinary.
Yan Shang didn't probe further, only softly advising the young lady about precautions to take outdoors.
Mu Wan Yao turned her head and whispered: "Aren't you a villain?"
Yan Shang turned, smiling in his eyes: "You may consider me one. Don't trust my words either. It's always good for a young lady to be cautious."
Mu Wan Yao was slightly stunned.
Then she decisively shook her head, affirming softly with certainty: "Brother, you're not a bad person."
Yan Shang smiled playfully: "Thank you for your high regard, young lady."
Mu Wan Yao instantly flushed, awkwardly turning her head away, not daring to meet the young man's gentle, smiling eyes.
While Mu Wan Yao was enjoying snacks and tea at the tavern, Yang Si nearly mobilized guards in his frantic search. Half an hour later, as Yang Si was about to lose his temper, a waiter from the tavern approached him. With a dark expression, he ascended the stairs and found the silly girl sitting with a young man, blushing while stealing glances at him.
She looked completely lovestruck.
Yang Si suppressed his anger: He was going mad with worry outside, while she was here daydreaming about romance?
Yang Si: "Mu Wan Yao!"
Mu Wan Yao jumped in surprise and looked up.
Yan Shang, sitting opposite her, leisurely sipped his tea before rising to bow to the young man striding toward them.
Yan Shang thought to himself: The surname Mu?
The imperial surname.
Combined with the various details the young lady had inadvertently revealed along the way, Yan Shang had deduced she was likely royalty.
Yang Si pulled Mu Wan Yao to his side, cautiously scrutinized Yan Shang, and asked sternly what was going on. Mu Wan Yao wanted to explain, but one glare from Yang Si silenced her. She anxiously looked at her savior.
Her savior remained perfectly composed, unafraid even when facing Yang Si. He calmly explained the situation in a few words, and Yang Si's expression softened slightly.
Mu Wan Yao thought: He's so eloquent.
Mu Wan Yao tugged at Yang Si's sleeve, desperately trying to catch his eye. Yang Si pretended not to notice and perfunctorily said what needed to be said: "Thank you for saving my sister. Where are you employed? I'll visit another day to express my gratitude properly."
Yan Shang understood the other suspected him of coveting the sister and wouldn't let such accusations stick.
He smiled: "It was a trivial matter. No thanks necessary. I have urgent business to attend to and must take my leave."
Mu Wan Yao: "Ah..."
Before she could say anything, she only managed to take one step forward before Yang Si dragged her back. After the young man left the tavern, when Yang Si led Mu Wan Yao out, they learned he had even paid the bill. Only then did Yang Si feel surprised, wondering if the man was truly a good person?
Outside the tavern, Mu Wan Yao complained: "Look what you did!"
Yang Si snorted: "What did I do? I haven't even scolded you yet! If you pull this again, I won't bring you out to play anymore."
Mu Wan Yao gazed wistfully at the crowd: "You didn't even ask my savior's name!"Yang Si: "You have a mouth. You sat with him for so long—why didn't you ask?"
Mu Wan Yao flushed bright red.
She stamped her foot: "I'm a girl! I need to be reserved—how could I ask such things?!"
She sighed dejectedly: "I know nothing about him—not his name, his age, or where he lives..."
Yang Si stared at her with a strange expression.
Mu Wan Yao blinked.
Yang Si drawled slowly: "Why do you need to know all that?"
Mu Wan Yao was speechless for a long moment.
After a while, she hung her head and sighed: "That older brother was so handsome..."
Yang Si: "..."
He immediately retorted: "So it's love at first sight? I'm going to tell your Second Brother right now..."
Mu Wan Yao flared up in anger: "No! Don't talk nonsense! Third Brother Yang, how can you be like this..."—
Mu Wan Yao was forced by Yang Si to agree to many unfair terms before he promised not to tell her Second Brother. Dejected, she truly didn't want every aspect of her life controlled by her parents and brothers... Couldn't she have just a little time of her own?
The young lady had grown to seventeen under her family's doting care, yet rebellion had begun to stir in her heart.
Among their household, the most rebellious person she knew was her aunt, the Luling Grand Princess.
When Mu Wan Yao visited her aunt, she happened to catch the Luling Grand Princess about to go out for amusement. The Grand Princess had originally intended to gather some handsome young men, but in front of her innocent young niece, she couldn't be too overt. The Luling Grand Princess tempered her usual flamboyance and listened to the young lady's troubles.
Luling Grand Princess: "I understand. You feel your parents and Second Brother control you too strictly—you can't even leave the house. And you think you've grown up, no longer wanting to be your mother's little darling, but to be a bit rebellious."
Mu Wan Yao blushed.
She protested: "It's not that exaggerated! It's just that I'm already seventeen, yet the maids in my palace only obey my parents and Second Brother, not me. I have no freedom at all!"
The Luling Grand Princess studied her teasingly, thoughtful: "True, you're already seventeen. When your Fourth Sister was your age, she'd already given birth. And you're not even married... It's all my brother's fault for delaying you."
Rarely feeling such affection for a younger relative, the Luling Grand Princess declared grandly: "Come, Aunt will take you out and teach you how to be bad... Well, you're a princess yet you've barely seen any men. Should Aunt help you... broaden your horizons..."
Mu Wan Yao: "..."
Despite her repeated refusals, the Luling Grand Princess finally bundled her into a carriage, taking her out to teach her how to drink.
As a noble lady and princess, she naturally knew how to consume alcohol. But what the Luling Grand Princess taught Mu Wan Yao was the art of appreciating fine wines. Mu Wan Yao found it utterly novel—perhaps this was her true nature, but she never dared show it ordinarily, only allowing herself this indulgence with her aunt.
However, the tavern the Luling Grand Princess brought Mu Wan Yao to today was rather unruly. Without revealing their identities, the Grand Princess led her niece upstairs to drink like ordinary patrons. As numerous fine wines were brought to their table and Mu Wan Yao grew nervous, the Luling Grand Princess frowned.
It was now the first month, with the imperial examinations scheduled for the next month. Chang'an was already flooded with scholars from all corners of the realm. These scholars frequented taverns and the Pleasure Quarter, passionately discussing poetry, critiquing state affairs, and voicing their opinions on the world.They were all waiting for the moment of unrestrained romance to encounter a noble patron, to be supported by them, and thus make a stunning debut.
This in itself was nothing unusual.
However, today, these talented scholars who were brazenly boasting in the tavern had drunk a bit too much and were somewhat intoxicated. Their critiques began to grow increasingly exaggerated. They started criticizing the Great Wei's openness and indulgence toward women, and when they mentioned the notorious Luling Grand Princess, the group of scholars sneered contemptuously.
They scoffed, "We scholars would never stoop to becoming her lackeys, yielding to her, or entering her crimson silk tent!"
Mu Wan Yao felt somewhat uneasy and angered by their mockery of her aunt.
The Luling Grand Princess turned around, scrutinizing them with disdain. "To think of entering the Grand Princess's residence—with just a few misshapen melons and rotten dates like you? What wishful thinking. Do you even consider whether the Grand Princess would find you worthy?"
Her voice was not soft, immediately embarrassing the scholars who had been loudly boasting upstairs.
One scholar retorted maliciously, "Who are you to speak on behalf of that princess? Could it be that you are also..."
The Grand Princess lazily replied, "Suppose I am. Men rise to power, amass wealth, and keep women—yet when women do the same, they become notorious?"
Mu Wan Yao whispered, "Aunt, let's go. There's no need to argue with them."
Another scholar chimed in, "Forget it. It's said that petty women are hard to deal with—we shouldn't lower ourselves to their level. Without talent or virtue, they are unworthy of discussion with us."
The Luling Grand Princess was instantly enraged.
Because he had struck a nerve—the lack of talent and virtue.
She glanced around, then pulled her dazed little niece, Mu Wan Yao, forward. "You say only those with talent and virtue are worthy of speaking with you? Then let's have a contest. My niece will sit here, and you can challenge her in music, chess, poetry, or painting. If you surpass her in even one category, we admit defeat today. Otherwise, tomorrow you will line up at the Luling Grand Princess's residence to apologize!"
The scholars naturally accepted.
Mu Wan Yao, with a pained expression, was forced by her aunt to participate—
Just as Yan Shang and his friend entered the tavern to buy wine for his uncle, they stumbled upon this scene.
The upstairs was packed tightly, with a crowd of disgruntled young men surrounding a young woman as she unrolled scrolls. They presented poems they had composed over days, and the encircled young woman reviewed their works, swiftly marking corrections with her brush. Her strokes flowed effortlessly, brimming with confidence.
She appeared gentle and adorable, yet in this arena, she was supremely self-assured, utterly defeating the group of men.
Watching from behind, the Luling Grand Princess felt immensely satisfied and vindicated.
As Yan Shang observed from the sidelines, Mu Wan Yao looked up and suddenly spotted him. He was taken aback but responded with a faint smile.
Mu Wan Yao's eyes instantly lit up. "...Brother!"
The Luling Grand Princess, who had been leisurely sipping her wine, froze. "...?"
She grew tense immediately, thinking that Mu Wan Yao's biological brother had arrived and would surely criticize her for corrupting the girl. Stiffly, the Grand Princess lifted her head and followed Mu Wan Yao's gaze. In an instant, she was captivated—
What an exceptionally elegant and handsome youth!
With features like carved jade and a youthful, refined grace.
His appearance was secondary; what was truly remarkable was his extraordinary aura...
The Luling Grand Princess felt a sudden itch in her heart, thinking that all the handsome youths in her residence paled in comparison to this young man's noble bearing, appearing vulgar and common in contrast.
The Luling Grand Princess whispered, "Yao Yao, do you know him?"
Mu Wan Yao nodded.Seeing her niece so foolish, Luling Grand Princess had a sudden thought—to get to know this handsome young man through her niece. If she could share a spring breeze with a willing young man... Luling Grand Princess smiled and said, "Then, Yaoyao, why don't you go greet him?"
Luling Grand Princess smiled at Yan Shang.
Yan Shang was taken aback for a moment before returning the gesture with a bow.
Luling Grand Princess grew even more pleased and whispered with restrained pride to Mu Wan Yao, "Judging by your friend's demeanor, he seems to be a scholar as well. But he must be different from all those others. I have a soft spot for talented individuals. Bring him over, and I will help him with the submission of his literary works, ensuring he becomes a good official in this year's imperial examinations."
Mu Wan Yao was astonished. "Aunt, you're offering to help someone with their submission?"
Luling Grand Princess nodded.
Mu Wan Yao lowered her head and thought for a long while before slowly saying, "But if Aunt can do it, I can too."
Luling Grand Princess: "..."
She stared in disbelief at her foolish niece, who had suddenly become clever. The girl pursed her lips into a smile at the handsome young man, her eyes sparkling.
Luling Grand Princess: Oh no.
Had the little girl been provoked into her first flutter of love?—
Mu Wan Yao, now surrounded by others, grew absent-minded. She noticed Yan Shang watching from the side for only a moment before the waiter reminded him that the wine had been purchased. He cupped his hands in a salute toward their direction, whispered a few words to his friend, and led him downstairs.
Mu Wan Yao grew frantic.
She began to be perfunctory while helping others review their poems, eager to finish quickly and chase after him. After wrestling with her thoughts for a long time, she still felt that if she let that older brother leave, she wouldn't know when she'd see him again.
Mu Wan Yao pushed aside the person in front of her and, blushing, fabricated an excuse to her aunt: "I—I have something to do... I need to go first."
Luling Grand Princess: "Yao Yao... Ah, you silly girl!"
Mu Wan Yao clattered down the stairs, but Yan Shang was no longer there. She stepped out of the tavern and stared blankly at the empty streets, filled with melancholy and disappointment. After gazing distractedly for a long time, her shoulders slumped. Just as she turned to go back inside, she unexpectedly spotted Yan Shang standing by the tavern's corner wall, watching her with a thoughtful smile.
Mu Wan Yao's eyes brightened slightly. She rushed over and stood before him. Yan Shang was about to explain why he hadn't left when Mu Wan Yao interrupted, "What's your name? How old are you? Where do you live? I—I... After all, you're my savior. I must repay your kindness."
Yan Shang's eyes flickered with a mix of surprise and peculiarity.
He said softly, "We are but strangers who met by chance. Why seek to know more?"
Mu Wan Yao: "My name is Mu Wan Yao."
Yan Shang: "..."
He sighed, defeated by her simplistic thinking.
He took a step back, bowed deeply, and performed a grand salute. "This humble scholar, Yan Shang, pays his respects to Your Highness."
Mu Wan Yao was so shocked her mouth hung open. "...You knew I was a princess?"
Yan Shang sighed. "I was hesitating whether to tell Your Highness that I had already guessed. But when Your Highness suddenly rushed out, I felt... I shouldn't deceive you. Your Highness, you mustn't be so simple, so trusting of others. You've only met me twice, and I've already deduced your identity. How can this be acceptable?"
Mu Wan Yao whispered, "No one else is as clever as Brother Yan.
"Brother Yan, tell me how you figured it out?
"By the way, Brother Yan, are you also planning to take the imperial examinations? Do you want me to help you with your submission? I can assist.
"Brother Yan..."
She thought to herself, Brother Yan is not only handsome and beautiful but also incredibly smart, and his temper is so gentle.
She really liked such an older brother.
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