The rain poured incessantly as the candidates lined up one by one to enter the gate of the Department of State Affairs for the imperial examination.
Feng Xianyu stood in line behind Yan Shang.
He noticed a civil official standing silently by the gate, staring intently at Yan Shang, and couldn't help but feel a stir in his heart.
Having taken the imperial examination for three consecutive years without success, he was different from someone like Liu Wenji, who was full of hope for officialdom and refused to believe in anyone's pretenses, and also different from Yan Shang, who was like a "new bride" taking the exam for the first time, completely unaware of the inside stories.
Seeing the civil official staring at Yan Shang, he paused in thought, wondering if this official was someone important. Could it be that Yan Suchen was not as unassuming as he claimed? Did Yan Suchen have some powerful backing in Chang'an?
Feng Xianyu's gaze darkened unconsciously.
He recalled how, some time ago, when they were submitting their literary works for recommendation, Wei Shu, with his own connections, had naturally never accompanied them. Liu Wenji, who always looked down on such practices, hadn't joined them either. Only Yan Shang and Feng Xianyu had tirelessly made the rounds at banquets hosted by high-ranking officials and nobles, seizing every opportunity to promote themselves...
But if Yan Shang had other avenues of opportunity, what did that make Feng Xianyu, who had supported and encouraged him along the way?
As Feng Xianyu pondered this, he heard murmurs and exclamations from among the candidates. Snapping back to reality, he followed the noise and looked back, only to see Wei Shu approaching under an umbrella, drawing the attention of all the candidates.
Most of these candidates were around twenty years old, and without a doubt, Wei Shu was the youngest among them. He carried himself with the grace and elegance of youth, cool and composed, paying no heed to the varied stares of the other candidates. Even among those from noble families, few possessed such poise and pride.
And everyone could see that he had just stepped down from Princess Danyang's carriage.
It seemed the rumors were true: after arriving in Chang'an, Young Master Wei the Seventh had not relied on his family's influence but had instead attached himself to Princess Danyang.
The crowd sighed with mixed emotions, while those from humble backgrounds felt particularly envious. They thought: What's so remarkable about clinging to a princess to secure success? If given the same opportunity, they could surely do even better than Wei Shu!
Feng Xianyu listened to the varied reactions around him and watched as Wei Shu completely ignored everyone—neither acknowledging their admiration nor their attempts to curry favor. Wei Shu joined the candidate line and calmly pulled a scroll from his sleeve, reading leisurely under his umbrella as if he had all the time in the world.
Feng Xianyu: "..."
The young man's composed demeanor filled him, someone who had repeatedly failed to pass the exams, with profound envy!
Just as he was lost in envy, the official conducting the body search called out impatiently, "Next, Feng Xianyu."
Feng Xianyu quickly averted his gaze and focused on his own examination—
Having already extended the opportunity, Mu Wan Yao paid no further attention to the imperial examination.
Recommending literary works was merely a casual gesture on her part. She had no intention of overreaching, as doing so would not only make the examination unfair but also violate taboos.
Although, for many without connections to submit their works, having someone ensure the chief examiner saw all their compositions in advance was already a form of unfairness.
However, even for those from noble families, submitting their works did not guarantee success. It was merely a way to catch the examiner's eye. While the imperial examination had its underhanded inequities, the fact that candidates from humble backgrounds could now take the exam alongside those from noble families was already progress.
In all matters, excess is as bad as deficiency; nothing can be accomplished in one step.The imperial examination was held in mid-February, with results to be posted in early March. During the half-month interim, Mu Wan Yao had neither met nor made contact with anyone from the Ministry of Personnel.
At the end of February, Mu Wan Yao attended a flower-viewing banquet.
The gathering was filled with noble men and women, along with officials and their families. Many young gentlemen, captivated by Danyang Princess's striking beauty and harboring various intentions, flocked to curry favor. Disdainful of such sycophants, Mu Wan Yao turned away to avoid them.
Her attendants kept the hangers-on at bay. Mu Wan Yao settled by the waterside, idly waving her feather fan as she awaited another princess to join her.
Just then, an official managed to persuade the guards and squeezed through to approach the princess, bowing respectfully: "With cool breezes, fine scenery, and lovely attendants, Your Highness seems thoroughly content."
Mu Wan Yao sat by the pavilion railing, watching crimson-tailed koi dart through the emerald spring waters. She glanced back, studying him a moment before recognizing him: "Ah, the evaluation bureau vice director."
The man smiled. "Indeed, this humble official."
He was the chief examiner for this year's imperial examination from the Ministry of Personnel.
Nearby, Chunhua held a dish of fish food, scattering pellets for the koi. She tilted her head, observing the official's obsequious smile toward Mu Wan Yao.
Mu Wan Yao chuckled softly to herself.
She surmised he was drawn not to her personally, but either to the Crown Prince or the Li Family backing her.
With amused interest, she inquired: "What brings you to see me? Has Third Brother treated you poorly? Are you seeking to leave the Ministry of Personnel and ask me for another official post?"
The vice director broke into a cold sweat.
He forced a pained smile: "Your Highness jests! This minor official has only recently attained his position in the Ministry of Personnel. I've no wish to lose such a desirable post."
The Ministry of Personnel was Prince Qin's domain, its staff overwhelmingly loyal to His Highness. If word spread of this conversation with the princess, suggesting he'd betrayed Prince Qin, the consequences would be dire.
Seeing his fear, Mu Wan Yao burst into laughter, her beautiful eyes curving like crescent moons over a clear lake.
The vice director hurriedly stated his purpose: "The Ministry has finalized this year's list of successful examination candidates, ready for review by the Department of State Affairs. If approved, it will pass through the Chancellery and Secretariat, with the public posting in two days."
Mu Wan Yao leaned forward intently, sensing his implication.
The official lowered his voice: "Since the list is settled, I merely inform Your Highness as a gesture of goodwill."
"Among two thousand candidates, only twenty-two are selected. Without imperial decree, no additional spots will be granted. Your Highness demonstrated remarkable discernment—both candidates you recommended made the list."
Mu Wan Yao listened raptly, her heart pounding. She held her breath, awaiting his next words.
Behind the princess, Chunhua forgot to feed the fish, lost in thought. Only twenty-two chosen from two thousand? she marveled.
How fiercely competitive the imperial examinations were.
Hearing that both of Her Highness's recommended candidates had succeeded, Chunhua strained to listen while fretting inwardly: Was Young Master Liu among the twenty-two?
If he failed again, how devastating would it be for someone of his proud disposition?
The vice director continued his whispered flattery: "Young Master Wei the Seventh was unsurprising—a prodigious talent. Even Prince Qin personally reviewed his papers and praised them. We ranked him as the top candidate.""And the other candidate recommended by Your Highness, Yan Suchen, also performed exceptionally well in this examination. However, among the twenty-two candidates, he only ranked in the middle. Yet, due to his outstanding appearance, after careful consideration, the Minister personally approved his promotion as the Tanhualang."
Mu Wan Yao: "..."
She was so stunned she forgot to wave her fan.
Wei Shu being the Zhuangyuan had already delighted her.
But Yan Shang actually became the Tanhualang because of his good looks?
Was her casual remark that day truly how the Ministry of Personnel allocated positions?
No wonder then—there were no ugly faces in officialdom. Being merely refined was the minimum requirement, since these officials would eventually have to appear before the emperor in court. How could His Majesty be expected to face a crowd of unattractive officials every day?
The Vice Director noticed the princess spacing out and called out, "Your Highness?"
"Excellent!" Mu Wan Yao snapped back to reality with a laugh. "Thank you for informing me of this news in advance. I appreciate it. Should you ever need anything in the future, feel free to seek me out."
Having achieved his goal, the Vice Director smiled and withdrew.
Mu Wan Yao, feeling pleased, continued sitting by the water. Meanwhile, after the Vice Director left the pavilion, Chunhua bit her lip, handed the plate of fish bait she was holding to a nearby maid, and hurried out of the pavilion under some pretext.
Mu Wan Yao noticed but paid no mind—
"Gong Liu, wait!"
The Vice Director surnamed Liu had not gone far from the pavilion when a woman's voice called out to him from behind. He stopped and turned to see that it was the beautiful maid from Danyang Princess's entourage who had been eavesdropping on their conversation earlier.
Chunhua approached, curtsied to the Vice Director, and said quietly, "I have a request to make of Gong Liu."
The Vice Director quickly replied, "I dare not! If there is something even Her Highness cannot resolve, what use would seeking my humble assistance be?"
Chunhua let out a short laugh.
When she had heard the princess mention her intention to recommend scholars from humble backgrounds, she had tried to recommend Liu Wenji to Mu Wan Yao.
However, Mu Wan Yao had said, "If he won't even come to me to ask for help, why should I offer it proactively?"
With Liu Wenji's pride, how could he ever lower himself to beg the princess for assistance? That avenue was closed, and Chunhua could say no more.
Now, catching up to the Vice Director, Chunhua merely wanted to inquire about some news.
Biting her lip and suppressing her embarrassment, she asked, "I just wanted to ask, Gong Liu, among the list of twenty-two candidates on this year's roster, is there someone named 'Liu Wenji'?"
The Vice Director stroked his beard thoughtfully for a long moment before saying, puzzled, "I don't believe I've seen that name. What about him?"
Chunhua's eyes dimmed, and she smiled faintly. "It's nothing. This servant was merely asking."
Her heart heavy with worry, she wondered how she would console Liu Wenji once the results were posted—
Yan Shang had passed in his first attempt, and as the Tanhualang no less.
Both he and Liu Wenji were from Lingnan, and Liu Wenji had always believed himself superior to Yan Shang.
With such an outcome, Liu Wenji would likely find it hardest to accept—
Feng Xianyu had also pulled some strings to gain entry to this flower-viewing banquet. Of course, he couldn't get anywhere near important figures like Danyang Princess and could only seek opportunities to curry favor with minor officials on the fringes. Yet, whenever those officials saw him, their expressions shifted oddly, avoiding him as if he were a plague.
In his bewilderment, Feng Xianyu spotted the official who had inspected candidates like him at the gate of the Department of State Affairs, now standing together with Danyang Princess's maid.That day when Danyang Princess saw Wei Shu off to the Department of State Affairs, her maid dressed in male attire riding a tall horse was naturally recognized at first glance by Feng Xianyu.
After such a long time, the chief examiner for this year's imperial examination had also been announced following the conclusion of the exams.
Feng Xianyu then recognized that it was this year's chief examiner speaking with the princess's maid.
Observing the other's expression, the chief examiner appeared radiant with happiness... Could he be here to bring early good news to the princess?
Feng Xianyu grew solemn, deducing: The examination results had been finalized!
The announcement was imminent!
This year marked his fourth attempt at the exams. If he were to fail again... Feng Xianyu stood frozen for a long while before ceasing to ingratiate himself with the officials who avoided him. Instead, he made a decision in his heart—
That night, a carriage arrived outside Luling Grand Princess's Taoist temple.
Feng Xianyu emerged from the carriage dressed in pure white robes. With his hair tied up by a jade hairpin, his long sleeves fluttering in the night breeze, and his handsome features, he cut a rather lonely and desolate figure against the nocturnal winds.
After instructing his young page to drive the carriage back, he lifted his head to gaze at the Grand Princess's temple, his emotions in turmoil.
Luling Grand Princess was the biological sister of the current Emperor. During the early days of his reign, she had provided substantial assistance to the Emperor. Later, when the Emperor consolidated his power, he reciprocated her kindness with abundant favor and deep affection.
After the Grand Princess's husband passed away, she never remarried. Instead, she tied up her hair and became a female Taoist priest. As the Grand Princess led this trend, many noblewomen in Chang'an followed suit, making voluntary Taoist practice a fashionable craze—an amusing phenomenon indeed.
However, becoming a Taoist priest didn't mean the princess intended to cultivate moral character or abstain from meat. Taking vows as a Taoist nun was merely the Grand Princess's way of declaring, "I do not wish to remarry." The number of handsome young men kept in Luling Grand Princess's company had never been small.
To show support for the Grand Princess, the Emperor even specially constructed a temple for her. This temple was extravagantly magnificent, devoid of the simplicity expected of a Taoist sanctuary, rivaling ordinary princess residences in splendor.
Four years ago, when Feng Xianyu first came to Chang'an for the imperial examinations, his youthful beauty caught the Grand Princess's eye.
But at that time, he prided himself on being a married man and naturally declined the Grand Princess's advances.
From then on, Feng Xianyu's path to the imperial examinations was severed. Though no one explicitly stated it, he knew well that his years of exclusion must have resulted from some directive issued by the Grand Princess.
Now four years had passed... How many four-year periods does one have to waste in a lifetime?
Feng Xianyu raised his head, staring intently at the inscribed plaque above the temple, and took a step forward. From this step onward, there would be no turning back—
Luling Grand Princess did not let Feng Xianyu leave empty-handed, nor did she make things difficult for him.
After the maid announced his arrival, Feng Xianyu was led into the Grand Princess's bedchamber.
Curtains fluttered and red candles burned brightly as Luling Princess emerged from behind the hazy drapes, holding a tall candle, her long hair cascading down to her ankles.
Feng Xianyu observed that though the princess was in her thirties, she was well-preserved without a single wrinkle on her face. Not only did her complexion retain the delicate fairness of a twenty-year-old maiden, but her demeanor also carried the charming grace unique to mature women.
The Grand Princess smiled and said, "Young Master Feng, after four years of absence from my doorstep, what brings you here today seeking favor?"
Feng Xianyu remained silent, lifted his robe, and knelt before her.The Eldest Princess smiled without speaking. Holding a tall candle in one hand, she lifted Feng Xianyu’s chin with the other. By the candlelight, she observed his humiliated expression with closed eyes, finding it amusing in her own way.
The Eldest Princess: "Oh, it seems like a serious matter. But merely kneeling before me won’t suffice."
Feng Xianyu remained silent, but his hand moved to his collar, pulling his garment down. Kneeling on the ground, his robe pooled around his waist, his smooth, youthful torso illuminated by the firelight. He lifted his face, his refined features and eyes holding a flickering spark of light, wavering and fading.
A misty, watery sheen seemed to veil his gaze.
Luling Grand Princess watched, her eyes gleaming with admiration, her breath slightly heavy. Having sampled many men, she was perpetually haunted by those she couldn’t possess. On such a long night, with a handsome man undressing and kneeling before her, how could she restrain herself?
The Eldest Princess, fingers still under Feng Xianyu’s chin, leaned in to kiss him.
Feng Xianyu tilted his face slightly, causing her kiss to land only on his cheek, stirring a few stray strands of hair.
The Eldest Princess sneered, unhurried: "What? Even now, you still want to pretend?"
Feng Xianyu raised his eyes to look at her. Through the firelight, it seemed as though something was being expelled layer by layer from within him. At this point, why bother with pretense?
He murmured: "I want official rank and fame."
The Eldest Princess said: "Fine."
She called out loudly to the outside: "Summon this year’s evaluation bureau vice director from the Ministry of Personnel to see me!"
Once again, the princess leaned down, pressing her face against the pale-faced man, grinning mischievously: "Feng Lang, there’s still some time before the vice director arrives. Let’s see if you can serve me well during this interval.
"Your ranking will depend entirely on how well you please me."
Feng Xianyu looked at her for a long moment, then opened his arms and embraced her. Holding her, he carried her deep into the curtains, into the layers of shadow and abyss.
Indulgent lust was both repulsive and intoxicating. If one couldn’t refuse it, why not sink into it—
The evaluation bureau vice director stood trembling outside Luling Grand Princess’s bedchamber. Before arriving, he had been informed of the princess’s intentions by her envoy. The vice director couldn’t help but wear a pained expression, wondering how to handle this.
As he fretted, the door to the princess’s bedchamber opened, and the maids invited him inside.
The vice director kept his head lowered, only daring a quick glance before averting his eyes. In that brief look, he saw the princess lounging lazily on the couch, while a young man, half-dressed, knelt at her feet, peeling lychees for her.
Luling Grand Princess wasted no time on pleasantries and immediately demanded this year’s imperial examination list. She said languidly: "Twenty-two candidates, right? Remove one and add Feng Xianyu’s name. If His Majesty questions it later, I’ll take responsibility."
He had known this was the purpose of his summons.
The vice director didn’t dare conceal the truth and said bitterly: "Your Highness, this year’s list of twenty-two candidates consists mostly of scions from noble families. It’s difficult to remove any of them. If one is removed and discovered later, this humble official’s position will surely be at risk."
Luling Grand Princess was surprised: "All twenty-two are from noble families? Impossible, right? Even for appearances, wouldn’t you usually include a few candidates from humble backgrounds? Are there none this year?"
The vice director steeled himself: "This year’s noble scions are exceptionally outstanding, each brimming with talent."
Luling Grand Princess fixed him with a cold stare.
Sweat beaded on the vice director’s forehead. After a long pause, he gritted his teeth: "There is only one candidate from a humble background."Luling Grand Princess smiled: "Then remove this person and replace him with Feng Xianyu."
The Vice Minister looked up: "But this candidate is under Danyang Princess's protection! His ranking was personally designated by the Minister as the Tanhua (Third Place), making him harder to manipulate than ordinary candidates!"
Protected by Danyang Princess!
Feng Xianyu, kneeling beside the Grand Princess, abruptly raised his head and spoke his first words to the Vice Minister: "I didn't know Danyang Princess recommended anyone besides Young Master Wei the Seventh. Who is this person?"
The Vice Minister naturally remembered the handsome young man clearly: "Yan Shang from Lingnan, courtesy name Suchen. His literary name is quite excellent, and his poetry this time was exceptionally well-written. He truly deserves the Tanhua title."
Hearing Yan Shang's name, Feng Xianyu's eyelids twitched violently as he recalled Yan Shang's exceptionally refined features.
Tanhua!
If he already had Danyang Princess's protection, why pretend to submit literary works together with me? How hypocritical can one be!
Extremely disappointed, Feng Xianyu's usually handsome face twisted into something almost ferocious. Gnashing his teeth, he laughed coldly: "So it's him!"
Luling Grand Princess looked down at him: "You know this person?"
Feng Xianyu restrained his emotions: "He's nothing but a hypocrite, deceiving the world to steal fame!"
Luling Grand Princess rested her chin on her hand, thoughtful: "Designated as Tanhua..."
According to custom, the Tanhua title typically went to the most handsome candidate... As the Grand Princess was lost in thought, Feng Xianyu gritted his teeth and grasped her hand.
Looking up, he showed her a distorted, self-pitying smile: "Has Your Highness forgotten what you promised me?"
Luling Grand Princess gazed down at him.
She was still quite satisfied with Feng Xianyu and didn't want to anger her new favorite.
She decided immediately: "Just replace this Yan whatever. My Feng Lang is also a handsome, elegant man - more than qualified to be Tanhua."
The Vice Minister grew anxious: "But Danyang Princess's side..."
Luling Grand Princess dismissed this disdainfully: "That little girl Danyang - what is there to fear? What can a princess who was married off in political alliance use to compete with me? Don't worry, I'll keep that little girl in check."
With the Grand Princess speaking thus, the Vice Minister had to agree and went to inform the Minister.
Early March, spring rain fell like moistening dew.
As usual, Mu Wan Yao had nothing better to do and rode her carriage to the Eastern Palace, intending to listen to the Crown Prince's teachings. The rain outside didn't bother her.
While in the carriage, Mu Wan Yao suddenly heard Chunhua, who was riding outside, approach the carriage and whisper: "Your Highness, it's Yan Erlang."
The carriage stopped. Mu Wan Yao lifted the curtain and saw standing by the roadside, holding an umbrella and paying respects to her, none other than Yan Shang whom she hadn't seen for half a month.
The gentle spring rain had soaked half his robe. Yet standing straight in the rain, he remained upright and elegant.
Leaning against the carriage curtain behind the silk veil, Mu Wan Yao's fragrant shoulder was partially exposed. Raindrops splashed onto her eyelashes, making her eyes glisten clear and moist. But when she opened her mouth, her tone was sarcastic: "Half a month without seeing you, what an honor to finally meet such a busy man today."
Yan Shang replied politely: "Actually, I visited your residence several times over the past half month. Your Highness was probably too busy, or I came at inconvenient times. But staying at the residence all day waiting for Your Highness's return might invite unnecessary gossip. So it seems I've failed Your Highness."
Mu Wan Yao's expression softened slightly.
She asked: "What are you doing today?"Yan Shang said helplessly, "I originally intended to pay a visit... Today, I planned to stay at the Princess Residence for a while, even if it meant being shameless, until Your Highness returned. I couldn’t possibly fail to see you even once, could I?"
Mu Wan Yao replied, "See how unfortunate your timing is. I’m just about to leave and don’t even know when I’ll be back."
Yan Shang promptly said, "Then I shall come another day..."
Mu Wan Yao stared at him for a moment before slowly remarking, "Why do I feel like you're deliberately timing your visits to avoid spending too much time with me?"
Yan Shang's expression stiffened slightly.
He did indeed find his relationship with Mu Wan Yao rather peculiar... and wished to normalize it somehow.
But Mu Wan Yao seemed to have grown sharper, actually seeing through his intentions.
Mu Wan Yao said lightly, "Enough, come into the carriage. I have good news to share with you."
While Yan Shang hesitated, Mu Wan Yao had already pushed the carriage door open. Seated inside, her breathtaking beauty contrasted with her cool gaze. She was unpredictable, sometimes distant, sometimes close.
After a long silence, Yan Shang closed his umbrella, adjusted his robes, and boarded the carriage. The carriage began moving again.
Sitting inside, Yan Shang explained gently to Mu Wan Yao, "I merely wish not to tarnish Your Highness's reputation."
Mu Wan Yao glanced at him, too lazy to explain that she had no such reputation to protect.
With Yang Sanlang on one side and Young Master Wei the Seventh on the other, in the eyes of Chang'an's social circles, she was a princess who kept multiple companions.
Mu Wan Yao said to Yan Shang, "The exam results will be announced tomorrow, you know?"
Yan Shang: "Mm."
Mu Wan Yao studied him for a long while. She suddenly felt her judgment had indeed been excellent—randomly encountering someone and casually recommending him, and now this person was about to pass the imperial examinations.
She immediately grew cheerful again, smiling brightly as she said, "The Vice Director of the Ministry of Personnel informed me in advance: Young Master Wei the Seventh is the top scholar, and you are the third-ranked candidate."
Yan Shang was taken aback.
Then he bowed to her.
A faint joy flickered in his eyes, though he remained largely composed, merely covering his mouth with a fist and giving a light cough.
Mu Wan Yao watched his affected manner and couldn't help scoffing, "If you want to laugh, then laugh. Holding back so painfully—aren't you tired?"
Yan Shang lifted his gaze, meeting her eyes.
The princess blinked at him.
Yan Shang shook his head and finally let out a laugh. It was warm and gentle, like a meandering stream—completely different from his usual polite, reserved smiles...
He was an elegant and self-reflective man who rarely laughed heartily. Even this soft smile was already a departure from his usual solemn demeanor.
Mu Wan Yao felt a warmth stir in her heart and turned her face away, refusing to look at him anymore.
Inwardly, she scoffed: Laughing so seductively—clearly no proper third-ranked scholar.
Yan Shang said softly, "Thank you, Your Highness. Your Highness..."
Mu Wan Yao snapped, "Stay away from me! Don't come near!"
Yan Shang was stunned by her sudden change in attitude, utterly bewildered about how he had offended her this time—
Mu Wan Yao was headed to the palace. She planned to alight there and have the carriage take Yan Shang back to the temple.
But when they reached the palace gates, she didn't need to disembark, for the Crown Prince's men were already waiting there.
A servant of the Crown Prince approached with an umbrella. After announcing himself, the curtain of Danyang Princess's carriage was lifted slightly, revealing the princess's exquisitely charming face.
The servant vaguely glimpsed what seemed to be another person inside the carriage but couldn't see clearly, as the princess's icy eyes were already fixed on him.
The servant said, "The Crown Prince has left the palace on other business and ordered me to wait here to prevent Your Highness from making a wasted trip. Additionally, the Crown Prince has a message for me to relay, for Your Highness to consider."
Mu Wan Yao asked curiously, "What message does Eldest Brother have for me?"The attendant said, "The Crown Prince mentioned that tomorrow is the day the imperial examination results will be announced. Today, the Ministry of Personnel sent the list of successful candidates to the Secretariat. When the Crown Prince saw the list, he found it differed from what had been previously agreed upon.
"The Crown Prince has not yet endorsed the list and instructed me to inform Your Highness that of the two candidates you recommended, Young Master Wei the Seventh remains the top scholar, but the previously designated third-ranked candidate has been replaced. Yan Erlang's name no longer appears on the list. The Crown Prince leaves the matter for Your Highness to handle as you see fit."
For a moment, only the sound of pouring rain could be heard, as heaven and earth fell into utter silence.
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