Yan Shisheng, the second son of the Yan family, a scholar in white robes, stood in the outer hall of his own house and saw the young woman in splendid attire. After his initial surprise, he quickly composed himself.
Yan Shisheng discreetly and swiftly surveyed his own home.
Lingnan was a remote and desolate place with few wealthy families. His family was merely a modest household in Sand Water Town—not particularly well-off, but slightly better than the average commoner.
But now, looking at the house again, it had become "even better."
Empty walls were now adorned with calligraphy, paintings, and a chessboard of unknown origin. Tables and seating were covered with cushions, and the floor was laid with ground coverings. The maids had also perfumed the house with incense and hung beaded curtains. The entire room had transformed from its former simplicity to understated elegance.
Yan Shisheng deduced that this woman was likely either wealthy or noble.
Such a distinguished young lady must not be offended. In fact, it would be wise to befriend her.
Even if she appeared "ferocious."
Having reasoned this through, Yan Shisheng ignored the subtly provocative, mocking smile in Mu Wan Yao’s eyes. He raised his sleeves, bowed, and performed a respectful clasped-hand salute to the princess.
Mu Wan Yao: "..."
The clasped-hand salute was a simple, respectful gesture in this era, one that was almost impossible to get wrong. But she had just maliciously mocked him, and now he was saluting her without any resentment?
Mu Wan Yao studied his fair, refined face for a long moment, her gaze thoughtful and meaningful.
She said, "What do you want?"
Yan Shisheng lowered his eyes and spoke in a gentle, unhurried tone: "My lady, having traveled from afar, must have chosen my humble home as the best lodging nearby to stay for the night. But perhaps my lady does not wish to be disturbed by others?"
Mu Wan Yao: "Tsk."
Resting her chin on her hand, she shifted her posture and lazily regarded this overly cautious scholar.
Her voice was husky and weary, a faint smile curling at the corner of her lips: "Say what you want to say. If you keep beating around the bush like this, I’ll have to ask you to leave."
Yan Shisheng smiled slightly but still did not look up at her, as if he had resolved to keep his eyes lowered and avoid her gaze.
Mu Wan Yao was surprised—he really was taking to heart her earlier accusation that he had ill intentions.
Yan Shisheng continued: "This humble scholar merely thought that someone as gentle and kind-hearted as my lady would not wish to see others suffer on her account. My lady has chosen to stay in my humble home, yet my family has been driven out. Surely, this was not my lady’s command. It must have been the subordinates acting on their own, tarnishing my lady’s reputation instead."
Mu Wan Yao raised an eyebrow slightly. She had merely been traveling south, bored and looking for someone to tease casually, never expecting this person—this country bumpkin—to be so articulate.
Mu Wan Yao was the Danyang Princess of Great Wei.
As someone of high status, she had no reason to yield to commoners. Wherever she stayed, the place naturally had to make way for her. This was so taken for granted that Mu Wan Yao didn’t even have to think about it. As for those whose homes she occupied, her subordinates would handle the arrangements. Why should a princess bother with such trivial matters?
Having traveled to the remotest parts of Great Wei in Lingnan, Mu Wan Yao didn’t mind being seen as a wicked princess.
Yet, even though she was the one playing the villain, this scholar claimed it was her subordinates who had sullied her good name.
Mu Wan Yao stared unblinkingly at Yan Shisheng, beginning to think that this person might actually be rather interesting.
She said slowly, "Young master, you are mistaken. The one doing the bad deeds is actually me. The one who wants to take over your house is me."Yan Shisheng was stunned.
For a moment, he couldn't control his expression, instantly raising his eyes to look at her face. It was the first time he had encountered a young woman who so blatantly wore "I am the villain" on her face, completely refusing to step onto the steps he had offered.
Yan Shisheng was dazed, his mind somewhat confused.
Mu Wan Yao, seeing him like this, suddenly burst into laughter, bending over and leaning on the table. The gold and jade in her cloud-like hair shook wildly, the corners of her eyes and brows dancing with mirth as she laughed uncontrollably.
When she lifted her face to look at him again, the young woman's features were flushed, exuding a warm, spring-like tenderness.
She said softly, "Go on, speak. If you speak well, I won't be the villain."
Yan Shisheng felt his face grow warm from her laughter. He turned his head slightly, adjusted his breathing, and then lowered his gaze respectfully as he replied, "This humble scholar dare not ask your identity, as I fear you would not reveal it. However, judging by your accent, you seem to have come from the north. Lingnan is already the most remote region of Great Wei—a land beyond civilization, a place of miasma and pestilence, where education is scarce and both people and livestock struggle to thrive. It is vastly different from other parts of Great Wei. If you are merely staying overnight, it is manageable, but if you wish to stay for several days, it would be best to have a local accompany you."
Mu Wan Yao said, "The local you speak of—surely you don't mean yourself?"
Yan Shisheng smiled faintly.
He continued, "To be frank with you, my father is a rare local gentleman here. In his youth, he passed the imperial examinations and earned the title of Jinshi. However, he was too proud of his talents and chose not to serve as an official!"
As he spoke, his heart thumped twice, his cheeks burning with a guilty conscience as he stole a glance at Mu Wan Yao.
He prayed inwardly that this young woman would be intimidated by the "Jinshi" status. After all, in this era, becoming a Jinshi was a one-in-ten-thousand achievement. Even without an official position, a Jinshi would become a leader in his locality, representing the common people and maintaining deep ties with the local government office.
Of course, Yan Shisheng's father... was better left unmentioned.
But surely a Jinshi should be enough to intimidate someone, right?
Yet Mu Wan Yao remained smiling, neither affirming nor denying his mention of "Jinshi," patiently waiting for him to continue.
Yan Shisheng steadied himself and went on, "My father is on good terms with the local county magistrate, and our families often interact."
This was to show that his family was not to be easily bullied.
"Our family is also very hospitable and would warmly welcome you to stay. Moreover, my sister brews exceptionally sweet wine. When you wake tomorrow, you could have a bowl of warm wine. If you were to stay farther away and miss this wine, it would be a pity."
This was to suggest that it would be best not to drive them away.
"The sky has grown dark, and in this remote mountain village, having locals to look after you would certainly be more convenient."
"Of course, since you have traveled from afar, our family naturally welcomes guests and would gladly prepare a place for you. The finest room in our home is indeed reserved for guests. However, we have two guest rooms that are seldom used, and we would never dare to house guests there. My siblings and I can manage for one night."
"Though I fear my elder brother's snoring in the middle of the night might disturb you."
Finally, he lifted his eyes to look at Mu Wan Yao, his voice carrying a note of sincerity and earnestness: "If you are concerned about my brother's snoring, we could stay at a neighbor's house for the night instead."
He had even left room for Mu Wan Yao to maneuver.
Even if Mu Wan Yao insisted on playing the villain and driving his family out, he was clearly determined to maintain a friendly stance toward this young woman.
To create the impression that "we are leaving voluntarily, not because you are cruelly driving us out."
This person... truly knew how to wield words.The maid Chunhua peeked through the inner chamber’s curtain while cleaning the princess’s quarters with the other girls, listening to the gentle and refined voice of the young man outside. Unable to resist, Chunhua stole a glance and saw the princess sitting beneath the lamp, seemingly stunned by his words, staring straight at the scholar in white robes.
Chunhua felt a wave of astonishment and admiration: This country bumpkin doesn’t seem like a country bumpkin at all.
He’s so eloquent.
He’s managed to render even our hot-tempered princess speechless!
He’s left the princess sitting there in a daze!—
The humble room fell into silence.
Mu Wan Yao sat quietly, while Yan Shisheng stood with his hands respectfully at his sides.
After a long pause, Mu Wan Yao spoke: “Fang Tong!”
“Here!” A man’s voice answered from outside the hall, followed by the entrance of a tall guard in martial attire, who stood in the center of the room with a respectful salute.
Without even glancing at the guard, Mu Wan Yao kept her eyes fixed on Yan Shisheng: “For tonight’s accommodations, did you simply drive this family out without arranging a place for them to stay?”
The guard named Fang Tong replied in a deep voice: “Yes!”
Mu Wan Yao nodded.
Her expression cold, her voice carrying an authoritative tone: “Prepare the side rooms for their family. If you fail to handle this properly, go outside and receive twenty lashes.”
Yan Shisheng was taken aback, never expecting that his words would lead to someone being punished. Before he could intervene, the guard responded firmly without even raising an eyebrow: “Yes!”
Mu Wan Yao then turned to Yan Shisheng with a smile: “Are you satisfied, sir? If not, I can have him pay with his life for your family.”
Yan Shisheng looked at Mu Wan Yao.
She still wore a smiling expression, but there was no warmth in her eyes—only a sharpness like a sword concealed beneath ice. Though the blade remained sheathed, its chilling aura was unmistakable.
Yan Shisheng sighed: “There’s no need to go that far.”
He cupped his hands respectfully: “Thank you, my lady, for your intervention.”
Mu Wan Yao nodded.
She tilted her chin slightly, signaling “you may leave.” Her haughty and indifferent demeanor made it seem as though she naturally regarded Yan Shisheng as her subordinate. Yan Shisheng’s eyes narrowed slightly, realizing her status must be exceedingly high… Not daring to dwell on it, he bowed and turned to take his leave.
But Mu Wan Yao stopped him: “Are you from this area?”
Yan Shisheng half-turned and cupped his hands: “Yes.”
Mu Wan Yao gazed thoughtfully at the pattering rain outside the window: “Can you tell if it will clear up tomorrow?”
Yan Shisheng replied: “I’m afraid this rain will continue for several more days.”
Mu Wan Yao showed no concern, uttering a faint “Oh,” and said: “It seems we’ll have to impose on you for a few more days, sharing the same roof.”
Yan Shisheng nodded.
Hesitating slightly, he thought it might be wise to build a rapport with this woman. Smiling, he introduced himself: “Earlier, in haste, I failed to introduce myself properly. This humble scholar’s surname is Yan, given name Shisheng, and I am the second son in my family…”
Mu Wan Yao lazily inquired: “Which ‘Shisheng’?”
Yan Shisheng explained.
Mu Wan Yao lowered her head in thought, then suddenly looked up, her beautiful eyes meeting his. In an instant, her earlier coldness vanished, replaced by a mischievous glint: “I’ve heard that in the countryside, humble names are believed to ensure a child’s survival. Was your original name ‘Shitou’ (Stone), and you changed it because you found it uncouth after becoming educated?”
Yan Shisheng’s expression stiffened slightly.
Mu Wan Yao burst into laughter. Her eyes curved like crescent moons as she covered her mouth, scrutinizing him up and down.
Ignoring her teasing, Yan Shisheng continued gently: “You may address me as Yan Erlang. Since we’ll be sharing the same roof, may I ask how I should address you?”Mu Wan Yao said, "My name is Mu Wan Yao. 'The dusk of twilight, the gentle rocking of a small boat'—that Mu Wan Yao."
The maid Chunhua, who was listening to the princess speak, was startled. She hadn't expected the princess to reveal her precious name to a stranger. How could the princess's esteemed name be shared so casually?
Not only did the maid Chunhua think this way, but even Yan Shisheng stiffened slightly, unable to comprehend it.
Yet Yan Shisheng remained composed.
He praised, "Madam's name is quite lovely, reflecting the affection of your parents."
Mu Wan Yao's tone was indifferent: "Unfortunately, one sent me far away to marry, while the other hopes for my death."
The maid Chunhua, who was still hanging the curtain in the inner chamber, turned pale with fright. In a flurry, all the maids and guards in the room knelt down, exclaiming in terror, "Madam!"
How could... how could she speak of the Emperor and the late Empress in such a way?!
What if someone overheard?!
Yan Shisheng: "..."
He pondered: Why did they... kneel like that?
What exactly is this woman's status?
Mu... Wait, isn't Mu the imperial surname?
Yan Shisheng's heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained unchanged. He continued to act as if he didn't understand the commotion between the woman and her servants, saying amiably, "Then I shall address you as 'Lady Mu.'"
Mu Wan Yao rested a finger on her chin, raised her eyes to glance at him, the corners of her eyes lifting flirtatiously.
She blinked, feigning innocence, "You could also call me 'Yao Yao.'"
Her seductive gaze flowed like water, filled with ambiguous emotion.
Yan Shisheng: "..."
Meanwhile, the maids continued in panic: "Madam!"
How could she allow someone to address her like that!
Yan Shisheng said awkwardly, "Madam surely jests."
He smiled wryly; if he dared to call her that, she would likely turn hostile on the spot.
Yan Shisheng turned away, fearing the lady might utter more alarming words, and fled as if escaping.
His tall, slender figure melted into the night rain, the rainwater clinging to his sleeves, his robes fluttering like a crane's wings. In this desolate wilderness, he stood out like a crane among chickens, as elegant and refined as jade bones against green mountains.
Mu Wan Yao gazed after him for a long time, until he disappeared from sight. Staring into the void, she withdrew her gaze with a touch of loneliness.
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