The results of the examination list were announced and relayed back to Danyang Princess Residence. Mu Wan Yao was quite satisfied with the outcome of her efforts throughout the night.
She had neither offended Luling Grand Princess nor ended up with a disastrous result.
Yan Shang was somewhat useful after all.
Meanwhile, the maid Chunhua, though already aware that Liu Wenji’s name was not on the list, still clung to a sliver of hope and went out to inquire. Upon confirming that Liu Wenji’s name was indeed absent, Chunhua sighed, growing increasingly concerned about her beloved’s state of mind.
As expected, even if someone else had passed the exam, the fact that the one who not only passed but also achieved the rank of Tanhua—the third highest honor—was Yan Shang, who hailed from the same region of Lingnan as Liu Wenji, would undoubtedly deepen Liu Wenji’s distress. Liu Wenji had always believed Yan Shang was inferior to him, making the blow even harder to bear.
Worried about Liu Wenji, Chunhua requested leave from the residence and went out to search for him.
She did not find Liu Wenji at the place he rented. Fortunately, Yan Shang was also in Chang’an at the time, so Chunhua made her way to Yongshou Temple to ask Yan Shang if Yan Erlang knew Liu Wenji’s whereabouts.
Yan Shang was in his quarters organizing books, preparing to attend a banquet. Becoming the Tanhua had brought about one significant change: a flood of banquet invitations. While the major aristocratic families did not participate, many mid-level families extended invitations. To establish a firm footing in Chang’an, Yan Shang needed the support of these families and thus actively attended such gatherings.
Such was the way of Chang’an.
Such was the path to securing an official position.
Just as Feng Xianyu had once frequented banquets, oblivious to his wife starving to death until it was too late, he had understood the benefits of social connections, which drove his actions. Unfortunately, his efforts to build connections had failed, and his wife was gone.
Chunhua explained her purpose to Yan Shang, expecting him to suggest a few places where Liu Wenji might be.
To her surprise, Yan Shang proved to be even more considerate than she had imagined.
Upon hearing that Liu Wenji was missing, Yan Shang, who was tidying his books, frowned slightly and said, “I’ll go with you to look for him. I’ve been meaning to speak with Brother Liu and clear the air about some matters.”
Chunhua hesitated, “Would that be appropriate? It might interfere with your banquet…”
Yan Shang replied, “Banquets are trivial matters. It’s fine if I miss one.”
He immediately went out with Chunhua, informed a servant waiting outside the temple to escort him that he would not be attending the banquet, and then departed with Chunhua. Chunhua was deeply moved, thinking, “With a friend like Yan Shang, what more could Liu Wenji possibly resent?”
Yan Shang and Chunhua searched several places without success. As night fell, Chunhua grew increasingly anxious, and Yan Shang’s expression darkened slightly.
He suggested, “Let’s check the Pleasure Quarter.”
Chunhua was taken aback.
She forced a laugh, “Erlang, you must be joking. How could Young Master Liu be in a place of pleasure like the Pleasure Quarter…”
Yan Shang glanced at her, his gaze gentle, and said nothing more, only murmuring softly, “Perhaps I’m overthinking it.”
But Yan Shang was not overthinking it.
They indeed found Liu Wenji in a building within the Central Quarter of the Pleasure Quarter.
Liu Wenji was dead drunk, his face flushed crimson.
He sat behind a railing on the second floor, admiring a courtesan dancing on a drum in the center of the room below. Whatever the quality of her performance, Liu Wenji clapped and laughed uproariously, tossing prepared silk scarves down to the courtesan as gifts.
In his delirious state, Liu Wenji roared with laughter, “A token for the lady’s performance!
“A favorable omen for the lady!”Expensive silk fluttered down from the upper floor, landing on the drum where the courtesan stood barefoot, startling the veiled beauty. Looking up, the courtesan was struck by Liu Wenji's handsome face and, with a curtsy toward the upper floor, cooed, "Thank you, young master."
Liu Wenji raised his glass in acknowledgment before taking another sip.
A disbelieving female voice came from behind him: "Young Master Liu!"
Turning around, Liu Wenji squinted through his drunken haze to see a maiden as lovely as spring standing beside his longtime friend.
His friend, slender and graceful as bamboo, retained his refined demeanor. The maiden, however, looked pale and distressed, her brows furrowed as she stared at him.
Liu Wenji swayed, raising his wine cup. "Suchen, Chunhua... it's you. Come, join me for a drink!"
Yan Shang sighed softly and said to Chunhua, "He's had too much to drink. Let's take him away first..."
His gentle tone was nearly drowned out by the lively hall, likely only audible to Chunhua standing beside him.
Unable to hear Yan Shang's words, Liu Wenji only saw him turn his delicate profile toward Chunhua.
Liu Wenji's face flushed crimson, and he lunged forward. "Yan Suchen, what are you doing? Did you steal my scholarly honors, and now you're after my woman too?"
Chunhua stared wide-eyed, her mind blank, as this stumbling, aggressive young man bore no resemblance to the gentle lover she knew.
Yan Shang stepped in front of Chunhua, steadying the unsteady, foul-mouthed drunkard with a slight headache.
This was precisely why he disliked drinking.
Yan Shang glanced at Chunhua.
She nodded, suppressing her emotions, and moved to support Liu Wenji, speaking softly, "Young Master Liu, let's go first..."
Liu Wenji shouted, "What are you two whispering about behind my back? What are you communicating with your eyes?"
His loud outburst drew stares and pointed fingers from the revelers around them.
Frowning, Yan Shang decisively covered Liu Wenji's mouth to silence his reckless words.
Chunhua's face shifted between pale and flushed under the curious, suggestive gazes, but she heeded Yan Shang's advice and refrained from arguing with a drunkard.
As Yan Shang half-carried the struggling drunkard, Liu Wenji grew even angrier, breaking free to grab Chunhua's hand. Before Yan Shang could stop him, Liu Wenji tugged at her, pleading, "Chunhua, you can't abandon me. Don't you look down on me too..."
Chunhua's eyes softened, and she whispered, "Young Master Liu, I would never look down on you."
Liu Wenji stared at her through bleary eyes, then suddenly sneered, "You may not look down on me, but you never stood up for me or helped me!"
Chunhua protested urgently, "What do you mean by that?"
Liu Wenji pointed at Yan Shang behind him. "He used his connections at the Princess Residence to secure the Tanhua rank. Don't think I'm unaware of your dealings just because I ignore them!"
Chunhua replied haltingly, "...That was merely the submission of literary works. It doesn't guarantee the outcome..."
Liu Wenji stared at her and murmured, "Then why didn't you help me with my submission? Aren't you a maid at the Princess Residence? Aren't you the one the princess values most? If you had put in a word for me, why couldn't I have been the Tanhua? Why couldn't that honor have been mine today?"
Chunhua stared at Liu Wenji in stunned silence, never having imagined he harbored such thoughts.Yan Shang observed Liu Wenji, clearly tormented by inner demons that had festered for days and now spilled forth under the influence of alcohol. With a soft sigh, Yan Shang drew the surrounding curtains shut, isolating the space from prying eyes.
He fixed his gaze on Liu Wenji, genuinely curious about the man's long-held thoughts. Could someone so inherently arrogant truly be unyielding, never willing to bow their head?
Chunhua’s hand was gripped tightly by Liu Wenji, his drunken breath hot on her face, his grasp painful. Yet she forgot the discomfort, staring at Young Master Liu as if he were a stranger, murmuring, "I wanted to help you with the submission of literary works, but you dismissed me as meddlesome and refused…"
Liu Wenji raised his voice, "But a virtuous lady—should she cease all effort just because her lord says no? You see Yan Erlang daily at the Princess Residence, watching him fawn over your princess like a dog. Why couldn’t you—why couldn’t you help me, speak even a single word on my behalf…"
Tears welled in Chunhua’s eyes. She replied, "You said you didn’t want it.
"And our princess is unyielding in temperament. If you won’t plead yourself, how could she assist you based solely on my word?
"Do you not realize that even Yan Erlang hasn’t had it easy? Others have tried to snatch opportunities from him too…"
Liu Wenji interrupted loudly, "I don’t want to hear your excuses!"
He shoved Chunhua away, stumbling backward until he collided with a table and slumped to the floor. Wine from the tabletop spilled, drenching his robes in a dark stain. His hair was disheveled, strands falling across his face, rendering him desolate and haggard.
Pointing a trembling finger at Yan Shang, he laughed bitterly, "And you, Yan Erlang! Search your conscience—is your talent truly superior to mine? Are your poems and essays genuinely better? Clearly not! Everyone knows it isn’t! So why do you succeed? Why can you advance?"
Leaning against the curtain, he muttered deliriously, "Is it wrong to refuse shortcuts and rely on one’s own abilities? Because everyone else submits literary works and I don’t, does that mean I’ll never have a chance? Why is the world so unjust? Why are heaven and earth so merciless?
"Why must we bow to power? Why must we break our pride and humble ourselves? How many gifted scholars fail the exams due to lack of connections, and how many, after passing, languish for years achieving nothing, forced to leave Chang’an… Why do the powerful local families always prevail? Why are we always the weak?"
In his confusion, Yan Shang’s calm voice sounded behind him, "Because since ancient times, those who set the rules have been the noble families and the powerful. Not the rural strongmen, nor the impoverished scholars. The rise and fall of nations, the balance between the common folk and the influential clans—when has it ever been up to you, Liu Wenji, to decide?
"You disdain the authority and privilege of the noble families, yet today’s imperial examinations are the result of their concessions. Perhaps they didn’t yield willingly, but among them are those who hoped for a better society and persuaded others to share power. The world belongs to all its people, and the commoners are its foundation. Who doesn’t understand this truth?
"The times are changing, bit by bit. Unfortunately, you were born at the wrong time—neither in an era a century ago when even reading was impossible for the poor, nor in a future millennium of universal fairness. You constantly decry the injustice, the injustice—but why can’t you be the one to change it, instead of always waiting for your predecessors to pave the way for you?""Liu Wenji, have you truly considered why you want to pass the imperial exams? Why you want to become an official? If it's for power, then bend your principles. If it's for reputation, then don't. Such a simple truth—why must others explain it to you?"
Liu Wenji turned back blankly, staring dazedly at Yan Shang.
He held his head, seeming to have taken in the words, yet also appearing not to have understood.
Seeing him so confused, Yan Shang sighed and walked toward Liu Wenji: "This is also what I've been pondering these past two days regarding Brother Feng's matter. Brother Feng feels it's unfair, you feel it's unfair—do you think I find it fair? You say my poetry is inferior to yours, but in practical affairs, strategy, and careful consideration, where do you surpass me? If we truly compare how to devise strategies or solve real problems, could you really outdo me?
"I've long used my weaknesses to compete with you for a future, yet I've never felt that passing the exams through poetry was a hardship for me. Instead, you've always believed I'm blocking your path. But in this world, who ever gets everything they want?
"You've drunk too much today, and you might forget my words when you sober up. But I hope you can remember at least a little... I've never liked speaking ill of others, but I must say, with your temperament so rigid and unyielding, if you don't change, you'll suffer greatly in Chang'an."
Liu Wenji looked up to see Yan Shang crouching before him. He opened his mouth: "Yan Er, I..."
Yan Shang said gently, "You're drunk. I won't say more to a drunkard."
With that, he raised his hand and struck Liu Wenji's neck, knocking him unconscious.
Yan Shang turned to see Chunhua, her eyes brimming with tears.
Chunhua wiped her tears and came over to help him lift the unconscious Liu Wenji. Together, they carried Liu Wenji back in silence.
As Chunhua was about to leave, Yan Shang called out to her: "Miss Chunhua."
In the dark of night, Chunhua turned back.
Yan Shang said, "Don't take his words to heart. That's just his nature; he's not a bad person. When he sobers up, he'll apologize to you."
Chunhua shook her head, tears nearly falling again.
She stared at the young man standing in the night breeze and said mournfully, "Yan Erlang, why isn't the man I like you?"
Yan Shang was taken aback, his pupils contracting.
Chunhua pressed her lips together, wiped the tears from her eyes once more, turned, left the courtyard, mounted her horse, and rode away.
How could Yan Shang understand the disappointment in her heart?
It turned out that deep down, Liu Wenji had always resented Chunhua for not helping him. In his heart, Chunhua already had significant flaws.
Chunhua rode back to the Princess Residence, crying all the way. Upon returning, afraid the princess might ask, she told others she was unwell and retreated early to her room to sleep. Later, her eyes were swollen for two days, making it impossible to see anyone, and she avoided the princess for several more days—but that's another story.
After sobering up, Liu Wenji learned from Yan Shang what he had said while drunk. Yan Shang omitted Liu Wenji's grievances against himself, only mentioning the words that had hurt Chunhua.
Liu Wenji panicked and hurried to the Princess Residence to apologize to Chunhua.
However, because Chunhua had been claiming illness, she neither attended to the princess nor went out to see Liu Wenji. After waiting for several days, Liu Wenji gradually despaired.
When Chunhua's swelling subsided and she returned to serve the princess, she learned they were to attend the Qujiang Grand Banquet.
As she combed the princess's hair, Chunhua asked, puzzled, "Why are we attending the Qujiang Grand Banquet?"Every year when the misty waters shimmer, the Qujiang Banquet is the grand celebration for newly appointed imperial scholars. His Majesty personally presides over the banquet at Qujiang, while the top three scholars—Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua—host their own feasts in the Apricot Garden, all funded by the imperial court. Each year's Qujiang Banquet invites the nobility to attend.
Most nobles are eager to acquaint themselves with these newly minted scholars—some seeking talent, others seeking sons-in-law.
These days are when the Zhuangyuan and Tanhua scholars bask in their greatest glory.
However, Danyang Princess rarely attends such banquets. Since Mu Wan Yao neither wishes to select an Imperial Son-in-Law from among them nor possesses the means to poach talent from other nobles, why should she bother?
Thus, Chunhua was taken aback when Mu Wan Yao declared solemnly that she would attend this year.
Cradling the princess's long, raven-black hair in her hands, Chunhua looked down at her mistress and had a sudden thought: "Could it be that Your Highness is going for Yan Erlang's sake..."
To her surprise, Mu Wan Yao—who had been toying with a pale jade hairpin—lifted her eyelids and replied with a sparkling smile, "Indeed, I'm going for him."
Chunhua was so startled she nearly dropped her comb.
She had assumed Her Highness had feelings for Yan Erlang, for Yan Erlang...
But Mu Wan Yao simply rested her rosy cheek on her hand, her brows arched in amusement as she said cheerfully, "Ah, after all, these few days might be our Yan Tanhua's moment of greatest triumph. If I don't see him now, I might never get another chance."
Chunhua looked bewildered.
Watching Mu Wan Yao's schadenfreude: "What's so remarkable about passing the exams? Just a few days of glory before they still can't become officials. If they're ambitious, they'll come curry favor with me. If they're proud, they'll endure a couple more years waiting for the court to remember these scholars and assign them posts.
"Just imagining our ever-gentle Yan Erlang grinding away in Chang'an for years—perhaps giving up like his useless father and retreating to Lingnan—makes me both pity him and... somewhat anticipate it."
Chunhua chided, "Your Highness, you're too cruel!"
In truth, Danyang Princess wasn't wrong.
Such was the bureaucratic system of Great Wei. The imperial exams were one hurdle; whether one could secure an official position after passing was another; and whether one could get promoted after becoming an official was yet another challenge.
Countless people grew old and died in Chang'an without ever passing the exams; countless scholars who passed battered themselves against walls begging for connections yet failed to secure positions; and even those who became ninth-rank petty officials might toil their whole lives for a mere promotion to eighth rank...
However.
If one truly desired an official position, the court did provide pathways—either wait several years or take further examinations. These subsequent exams were infinitely more difficult than the imperial exams and no longer tested poetry composition.
Mu Wan Yao grew thoughtful, recalling the Prime Minister's Tablet she had seen in Yan Shang's possession at Yongshou Temple. She wondered whether that omen would prove accurate—whether Yan Erlang could clear this new hurdle.
Chunhua, remembering Liu Wenji's complaint about her refusal to help him, sighed and gently asked the princess, "Since Your Highness knows Yan Erlang faces new difficulties, why not simply assist him rather than making him beg?"
Mu Wan Yao's face instantly darkened.
She retorted irritably, "I enjoy making him plead. Is that not allowed?"
The maid immediately fell silent—
After Yan Shang passed the exams, he sent a letter to Lingnan informing his family of his success. He inquired after his elder brother and sister-in-law's wellbeing, asking when he might hold a nephew; then sternly urged his third brother to study hard and come to Chang'an for the imperial exams when ready, rather than still playing village chieftain with bamboo poles among children at sixteen or seventeen.When it came to his younger sister, Yan Shang became much more tender. Not only did he send gifts to his family along with the letter, but he also specifically brought his sister many cosmetics, silks, and satins from Chang'an. Yan Shang himself didn't understand these things; he just bought whatever looked beautiful in a haphazard manner for his sister.
By the end, he had spent almost all his money and reluctantly stopped.
As for the Qujiang Grand Banquet, Yan Shang, as the Tanhua (third-ranked scholar), was naturally expected to attend. He also wanted to explore what he should do next. Moreover, if he was lucky enough to meet the Emperor at the Ziyun Tower in Qujiang and receive an imperial appointment directly, wouldn't that be a great opportunity?
The Qujiang Grand Banquet might be the only chance for these newly appointed Jinshi scholars to see the Emperor again after their audience on the day they passed the imperial examinations.
After all, the last time, the Emperor was high above and casually dismissed them with a few words. This time, however, the Emperor might come to the banquet at Qujiang. It was a rare opportunity—
At the Qujiang Apricot Garden, the misty waters were bright and beautiful. On this day, colorful tents and emerald canopies adorned the scene, with sleek carriages and sturdy horses.
The carriages of the Jinshi scholars and nobles stopped at the garden entrance as they entered the banquet one by one.
When Danyang Princess's carriage stopped at the entrance of the Apricot Garden, this year's Zhuangyuan (top-ranked scholar), Wei Shu, alighted first. He turned back to help Mu Wan Yao step down from the carriage. The attendants who had been eyeing the Zhuangyuan, seeing that he was with the princess, dared not approach to trouble her.
Mu Wan Yao, seeing so many carriages and people, exclaimed, "So many people!"
Wei Shu asked her, "Shall we go directly to the banquet?"
Mu Wan Yao glanced at him sideways. "Do you know how inconvenient it is for me that you follow me so closely?"
Wei Shu lowered his eyes.
Mu Wan Yao, seeing his youthful and aloof demeanor, felt a twinge of affection, but being a princess with a bad temper, she urged him, "I know you're following me because you're afraid of those wolf-like people pestering you. Then go find Yan Erlang. With him protecting you, those people won't dare to bother you."
At the thought of a crowd swarming around him, Wei Shu's face paled slightly.
He felt somewhat embarrassed but insisted stubbornly, "Your Highness is mistaken. I am not afraid of people approaching me."
Mu Wan Yao sneered and glanced at him.
A cold snort came from behind.
A male voice sounded, "So grown up, yet still clinging to Her Highness like a child who hasn't been weaned. Seventh Brother, you're really regressing."
At these words, Wei Shu's face immediately turned cold, and he pressed his lips tightly together.
Mu Wan Yao turned around and saw a proper young man in a red official robe walking toward them. When she stared at him, he bowed to her in greeting.
Mu Wan Yao glanced over—the red official robe indicated a fourth or fifth-rank official. The man had a stern expression, his brows tightly knit as if perpetually frowning, and his features bore some resemblance to the youthful Wei Shu... Mu Wan Yao said, "From the Wei family?"
The other nodded. "Wei Kai pays his respects to Your Highness."
Mu Wan Yao replied, "Never heard of you."
The other's expression changed slightly, showing some anger.
Mu Wan Yao lazily looked at Wei Shu. "Who is he?"
Wei Shu's lips curved slightly, amused by the princess's refusal to give the other any face. He said, "This is my eldest brother, the current Secretariat Assistant, a fifth-rank official. Leaving aside the older generation serving in court, my eldest brother holds the highest position among our generation."
In short, Wei Kai was the successor being cultivated by the Wei family in this generation.
He was entirely different from Wei Shu, who had been raised outside the main household, unloved and uncared for.Mu Wan Yao said: "A fifth-rank official? I thought the Wei family was so impressive, but it turns out they don't even have that. I remember someone—Yang Si, that title of Crown Prince's horse groom he carries, isn't that also a fifth-rank position?"
Wei Shu nodded: "The Crown Prince's horse groom is the same as a secretarial director, both are upper fifth-rank positions."
Mu Wan Yao clapped her hands, lifted her eyelids in a thoughtful expression, and smiled while propping her chin: "Let me think, how old is Yang Si this year? Is he eighteen or nineteen? Although that Crown Prince's horse groom position was entirely given to him because the Crown Prince dotes on him, it's still an official post after all."
"I've never seen Yang Si put on such airs in front of me, but the eldest son of the Wei family certainly carries himself with the dignity befitting a fifth-rank official."
Wei Kai stared at this princess.
After a long pause, Wei Kai reined in his imposing aura and clasped his hands: "Your Highness is right to admonish me. I was disciplining my own brother out of fraternal love, yet ended up offending Your Highness."
Seeing that the other party knew his place, Mu Wan Yao humphed and said no more.
Wei Kai then turned to Wei Shu and said calmly: "You've been away from home for a year now - isn't that enough? The family has arranged an official position for you. Come find me tomorrow."
Wei Shu replied: "No need to trouble yourself. I don't need the family to arrange an official position for me. If I can achieve the top scholar title, I can pass other examinations too."
Wei Kai stared coldly at this troublesome half-brother for a long time before flicking his sleeve and leaving: "As you wish. You'd better have the backbone to remain a pure official your whole life without relying on the Wei family."
Wei Shu watched his eldest brother's retreating back. The usually aloof young man unexpectedly stubbornly retorted: "I do intend to be a pure official my whole life! I never wanted to rely on the Wei family from the start!"
Wei Kai glanced back at him, his lips twitching slightly, not even bothering to offer any evaluation.
Mu Wan Yao watched the brothers' quarrel thoughtfully, thinking that Wei Shu truly seemed like an unloved little wretch in his family. Still, Wei Shu was fortunate to be born into the Wei family - the label "Luoyang Wei Clan" would always be attached to him.
Yet Mu Wan Yao felt troubled.
If Wei Shu's relationship with his family was this bad, would her uncle's plan to form a marriage alliance with the Wei family through Wei Shu even work?
However... Mu Wan Yao glanced at Wei Shu, remembering that the young man was a full four years younger than her... and her expression cooled.
Impatiently, Mu Wan Yao shooed Wei Shu away: "Hurry up and leave, stop clinging to me."
Perhaps Wei Kai's earlier comment about him being like an unweaned baby had stung Wei Shu, for this time he actually left without clinging to Mu Wan Yao—
But today's banquet seemed to bring one familiar face after another.
Mu Wan Yao had only taken two steps when another voice came from behind: "Sixth Sister."
Mu Wan Yao turned and saw a young couple approaching, smiling slightly: "So it's Fifth Brother and Fifth Sister-in-law."
Prince Jin, the fifth prince, and his consort had come to attend the banquet together. Among the three surviving princes, the fifth prince was the most inconspicuous and had the gentlest disposition. Compared to their last meeting, Princess Consort Jin had grown much thinner, her brows clouded with sorrow.
This relatively gentle Prince Jin had originally come to greet his sixth sister, but when he unexpectedly noticed the maid behind her, he froze, his eyes flashing with admiration: "Sister, this maid of yours..."
Mu Wan Yao glanced at Chunhua, who was trying to shrink back after being scrutinized by Prince Jin: "The previous Nong Hua is dead. This one is Chunhua. Nong Hua died because a man tried to take her from me and she was tortured to death. Is Fifth Brother interested?"
Prince Jin: "..."
He realized his sister was warning him not to set his sights on Chunhua.
Prince Jin forced a dry laugh: "Why must Sixth Sister mention such unpleasant matters?"
So Mu Wan Yao changed to more pleasant topics.
She turned to Princess Consort Jin with a smile: "I haven't yet congratulated Fifth Brother. I heard Fifth Brother is about to have his first child?"
Unexpectedly, as soon as she said this, Princess Consort Jin's face turned pale, revealing a heartbroken expression.
Mu Wan Yao was bewildered.
Prince Jin's voice also cooled: "The pregnancy wasn't stable. The fetus died in the womb, and the person is gone too."
Mu Wan Yao: "..."She suspected that her fifth brother's descendants were cursed—
Meanwhile, Yan Shang had just arrived when he encountered Wei Shu rushing toward him. While still bewildered, he saw the crowd trailing behind Wei Shu.
Yan Shang: "..."
Wei Shu's eyes lit up at the sight of him. The typically laconic youth dashed over, grabbed his arm, and whispered urgently, "Brother Yan, my apologies, but I must trouble you!"
Before Yan Shang could react, Wei Shu had already raised his voice: "The Tanhua Rank holder is here—"
All eyes instantly turned to Yan Shang.
Yan Shang stood frozen, watching helplessly as the large crowd surged toward him. Meanwhile, Wei Shu ducked and slipped into the bushes behind him to hide.
Yan Shang found himself surrounded by enthusiastic admirers—after all, a handsome, talented young man of marriageable age was a rare find indeed.
At the entrance of Apricot Garden, Yang Si leaped gracefully from his horse. His riding companion today wasn't one of his usual dubious friends, but rather a delicate young maiden.
This young lady was Yang Si's cousin, Zhao Lingfei. Dressed in riding attire, she appeared charming and amiable with her almond-shaped eyes and snow-white cheeks, yet her dismount was nearly as swift as Yang Si's.
As Yang Si helped his cousin down from the horse, she complained, "It's all Father's fault for forcing me to attend this banquet to choose a husband. What's there to choose? I can't stand these scholars who spend all day reciting poetry—they look so frail and bookish, how tedious! I prefer contemporary heroes who can wield swords and spears!"
Zhao Lingfei exaggerated dramatically: "Especially the Tanhua selection—they actually choose based on looks! Chang'an is truly beyond hope!"
Yang Si warned her: "Your father asked me to look after you today. Don't cause any trouble."
Zhao Lingfei: "Hah, as if I want to follow you around? You're the most boring companion..."
Yang Si retorted: "You may want to find some weapon-wielding hero, but your father certainly doesn't share that sentiment. When have you ever managed to defy your father? Save your talk for when you actually can."
He was instantly rewarded with a kick from behind by Zhao Lingfei.
Yang Si turned to discipline his cousin, but Zhao Lingfei immediately skipped away laughing. As Yang Si strode forth to catch her, someone called out a greeting from behind, making him glance back with mild indifference.
After exchanging pleasantries, when Yang Si entered Apricot Garden to find Zhao Lingfei, he discovered she hadn't gone far.
Puzzled, he approached and saw his cousin standing there blushing, staring dazedly in one direction. Following her gaze, Yang Si saw a crowd surrounding one person.
He snapped his fingers in front of her face: "Earth to you!"
Zhao Lingfei blinked, instantly transforming into a delicate maiden as she clung to his arm: "Cousin, is that this year's Tanhua rank holder? Could you find out who he is for me? I think marrying him wouldn't be so bad after all."
Yang Si shuddered at her affected sweetness and shook off her hand: "..."
He immediately mocked: "Weren't you just saying you wouldn't marry some flashy fellow with nothing but a pretty face?"
Zhao Lingfei sighed: "But he's just too handsome."
Yang Si wondered just how exceptionally good-looking this person must be to make a straightforward girl like Zhao Lingfei suddenly turn so coquettish.
He looked over just as the surrounded young man turned his face toward them. Yan Shang wore a helpless smile, his brows slightly furrowed, presenting that very image of refined elegance and luminous grace that could deceive the world—
It was that frivolous youth Yang Si had seen drinking flower wine in the Pleasure Quarter that day.
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