Yang Si heard his cousin say it was the Tanhua scholar. Staring at Yan Shang surrounded by the crowd, his impression of Yan Shang shifted to—
First, he curried favor with Princess Danyang, perhaps even offered himself willingly—who knows;
Second, his efforts succeeded—the Eldest Princess actually changed her decision once and then reverted it, suggesting Mu Wan Yao had taken some interest in him;
Third, the night before the results were announced, he went to the Pleasure Quarter to drink and flirt, only to be caught red-handed.
In short, he was a cunning commoner who fancied himself charming and suave but was already seen through by others.
Yang Si said to Zhao Lingfei, who was gazing dreamily in Yan Shang’s direction, “Someone like him isn’t worthy of you. Let’s go.”
Zhao Lingfei shook off Yang Si’s hand, unconcerned with her cousin’s opinion.
Yang Si watched as she, abandoning her usual haughty demeanor, smoothed the hair by her ear, adjusted her attire, and looked down at her riding outfit with a frustrated expression.
She smacked her forehead in annoyance: “A refined gentleman like him must prefer gentle, virtuous maidens with an ethereal, fairy-like grace, right? Ah, why did I wear riding clothes today? I should have worn a flowing high-waisted dress with long ribbons!”
Yang Si: “Tch.”
In a moment of inattention, Zhao Lingfei deliberately put on a coy act and headed toward the newly appointed Tanhua scholar.
Yang Si’s face darkened instantly: “Zhao Wuniang, get back here! If you keep acting so unreasonably, I won’t bring you along next time.”
But Zhao Wuniang, Zhao Lingfei, his cousin, acted as if she hadn’t heard him.
Of course, Yang Si didn’t indulge her. He stood where he was and refused to follow.
Meanwhile, Yan Shang was skillfully handling the situation. Over the past few days, he had grown quite adept at dealing with these attendants.
Dozens of people swirled around him, yet he found time to respond to each one, thanking them for their kindness and expressing gratitude for the admiration of the young ladies. Yan Shang’s demeanor was gentle, his speech unhurried, and he managed to engage everyone without neglecting a single person. Soon, the surroundings quieted down.
One by one, they were appeased by Yan Shang’s words and left satisfied.
Yan Shang sighed, relieved to finally have some space around him, and let out a long breath.
Suddenly, a young girl’s giggle came from behind: “Pfft.”
Yan Shang turned and saw a young maiden dressed in the latest Chang’an fashion—a riding outfit. She was hiding behind a pillar entwined with green vines in a long corridor, her almond-shaped eyes glistening as she looked his way. When he met her gaze, she blushed shyly and quickly ducked back behind the pillar.
Yan Shang fell silent.
He understood people’s intentions all too clearly, especially the demeanor of this young lady, which he had faced daily over the past two days. However, she was the boldest among them—while others sent servants to convey their messages, she had come in person.
Yet, it was a pity.
Yan Erlang wasn’t very interested in matters of love or romance. When he left Lingnan, his father had hoped he would marry soon, but Yan Erlang felt there was no need to rush. He was still young, had just arrived in Chang’an, and his footing was unstable. Marrying immediately after becoming the Tanhua scholar would only limit his future prospects.
For now, he had no desire to align himself with any faction in Chang’an.
With these thoughts in mind, Yan Shang bowed slightly toward the pillar where the maiden was hiding, then turned to leave.
Zhao Lingfei, who had been peeking at him from behind the pillar, was stunned: “...”
Shouldn’t the usual routine involve exchanging a few words or something?
Seeing Yan Shang walk away without any hesitation, Zhao Lingfei quickly jumped out and called, “Young master!”The other party didn't turn around, so Zhao Lingfei called out bluntly, "This Tanhua Lang!"
Yan Shang sighed inwardly. Since she had already called out so explicitly, he could no longer pretend not to know.
He turned around and smiled at her, appropriately showing surprise, "Is this young lady calling me?"
Zhao Lingfei watched as he looked toward her, the sunlight outlining the gentle contours of his face, his elegant long eyebrows, and his ice-carved pupils.
He was so incredibly handsome, so remarkably dignified, completely different from the noble young masters she usually encountered.
No matter how much Zhao Lingfei pretended to be delicate, her true nature was bold.
Staring at such a beautiful young man, she became entranced once again. Before she even realized what she was doing, Zhao Lingfei blurted out, "Sir, I admire you."
Yan Shang: "..."
He was utterly astonished, his eyelashes trembling slightly. Clearly, he hadn't expected the other party to be so direct.
After speaking, Zhao Lingfei regretted being so straightforward. But since the words were already out, she decided to be even more direct: "Sir, my father is the current Chancellor of the Imperial Academy. I am the fifth daughter of the Zhao family, named Lingfei. Sir, I admire you and would very much like to marry you."
Yan Shang said gently, "However, I have no official rank or achievements to my name. I fear I would only bring you hardship."
Zhao Lingfei: "My family values integrity over wealth. We don't mind hardship."
Yan Shang: "I hail from Lingnan. My family background does not match yours."
Zhao Lingfei: "My family also rose from humble beginnings. Not all prominent families are wealthy. We are well-matched."
Yan Shang: "You don't really know me..."
Zhao Lingfei looked at him thoughtfully and suddenly smiled, "Sir, are you rejecting me?"
Yan Shang smiled faintly and said, "I am deeply grateful for your affection. A young lady as radiant as spring sunshine is far beyond my worth. I fear I would only bring you hardship and disappointment. Moreover, I have no intention of marrying at this time. You deserve a better gentleman."
Zhao Lingfei stared at him.
She sighed slowly, "Even when rejecting someone, you are so gentle and considerate."
She said, "I feel like I understand you a little better now, and I admire you even more. What should I do?"
Yan Shang was taken aback.
He began to feel that this young lady was quite persistent.
As he frowned, Zhao Lingfei watched him with keen interest and adoration. Just as the two were caught in a push-and-pull, a woman's indifferent voice interrupted them, "Make way."
Both turned around simultaneously and saw Danyang Princess, her golden skirts as resplendent as the evening glow, walking straight toward them. The maids behind her held up her long skirt. When they spotted Yan Erlang, their eyes lit up as if to greet him, but the princess walked straight past, forcing them to hurry after her.
At the sudden sight of Mu Wan Yao, Yan Shang's eyes contracted slightly.
Mu Wan Yao walked straight ahead, not even glancing at the young couple engaged in romantic conversation. Yet she didn't detour, walking so directly that she seemed about to collide with them. Zhao Lingfei and Yan Shang had no choice but to step aside, each moving two steps to the side, clearing a path for the princess.
Mu Wan Yao brushed past between them. She didn't walk quickly, her demeanor and appearance as languid and majestic as always, her fragrant aura enveloping them.
With her passing, she forcibly separated the would-be lovers like the boundary between Chu and Han.
Yan Shang's heart inexplicably thumped.
Watching the princess walk away, Zhao Lingfei muttered, "She's still as difficult to deal with as ever. Who just walks straight through two people having a conversation without even looking at them?"
Zhao Lingfei turned back, "Sir..."Yan Shang gave her a brief smile, gentle yet firm: "Lady Zhao, I still have matters to discuss with Your Highness. Farewell."
"Ah..." Zhao Lingfei was about to follow when Yang Si approached from behind.
Yang Si: "Can't you see he's avoiding you?"
Zhao Lingfei: "It's clearly a man's nature—playing hard to get!"
Yang Si snorted disdainfully, too lazy to engage further—
"Your Highness, Your Highness..." Yan Shang caught up with Mu Wan Yao in the corridor, but she acted as if she hadn't heard him, not even waiting.
He had no choice but to reach out and grasp her arm.
Mu Wan Yao stopped and glanced at his hand on her wrist, smirking meaningfully: "Yan Erlang, I forgot to tell you—in Chang'an, I am a lofty princess. If others see you grabbing my hand, I can charge you with 'insubordination.'"
Yan Shang sighed inwardly—wasn't this because she hadn't waited for him?
He released her hand, apologized, and lowered his gaze to avoid distraction: "I never had the chance to thank you for helping me secure the Tanhua position. If Your Highness has time someday..."
Standing in the corridor, the maids tactfully stepped back to avoid interrupting their conversation.
Mu Wan Yao turned her face away, gazing absently at the lush apricot garden scenery: "No need. It was a trivial effort. You can't help me much now anyway. Repay me when you've achieved something."
Yan Shang fell silent.
He glanced at her quickly.
A quiet tension lingered.
Mu Wan Yao grew impatient: "Anything else? If not, I'll take my leave."
Yan Shang said: "I have no relationship with Zhao Wuniang, nor will I ever."
The previously impatient Mu Wan Yao suddenly turned to him, her icy eyes piercing.
Her tone was cold, with a hint of warning: "Why are you telling me this? Do you think I care?"
Yan Shang looked at her, his voice calm and reassuring: "I simply believe that since we're aligned, unnecessary matters shouldn't affect our trust. I think marrying now would hold little value for Your Highness.
"To earn your trust, I should make it clear I have no plans to marry. When discussing matters with you, there's no need to consider external distractions."
Mu Wan Yao stared at him.
Slowly, a teasing smile emerged.
She leaned in gradually, her brow lifting slightly, and repeated her earlier words—no longer a sharp implication but a soft, lingering murmur: "Why are you telling me this?"
Yan Shang stepped back, bumping into a pillar behind him.
Mu Wan Yao smiled brightly: "Good, I acknowledge your sincerity. But with so many beauties in Chang'an, are you truly unmoved? Wouldn't marrying into a powerful family bring instant success?"
Relieved their misunderstanding had cleared, Yan Shang smiled: "I've never considered rising that way."
Mu Wan Yao scoffed dismissively.
Mu Wan Yao: "Do you truly not care for beauty?"
Yan Shang smiled wryly: "Didn't I say back in Lingnan that my ambitions lie elsewhere?"
Mu Wan Yao: "I don't believe you."
Then she suddenly leaned closer playfully: "Hold out your hand."
Puzzled, Yan Shang extended his hand.Her long fingers adorned with crimson nail polish suddenly seized his slender hand. As their hands touched, Yan Shang trembled lightly, looking up at her with inexplicable emotion.
She lowered her head, her eyelashes like delicate wings.
Just as Yan Shang was captivated by the sight, a sudden tickle crept into his palm. It was her finger slowly tracing a line across his palm, threadlike and feather-light, sending a tingling sensation straight to his bones.
Yan Shang’s heart thumped once more.
Unable to restrain his emotions, he betrayed his feelings instantly. He reflexively gripped her hand, but when Mu Wan Yao looked over, he immediately withdrew it.
Somewhat dazed, he turned sideways and retreated two more steps, his voice slightly flustered: "Your Highness!"
Seeing his discomfiture, Mu Wan Yao covered her mouth and laughed.
She said, "If Zhao Wuniang had traced her finger across your hand like that just now, could you have remained as composed?"
Yan Shang lifted his head, icy fire suppressed in his eyes: "Does Your Highness think I am a frivolous and fickle man?"
Mu Wan Yao stopped laughing.
She snorted, "I’m just reminding you—you’re a man too, don’t really think of yourself as a saint. I merely traced your hand, and you couldn’t handle it and backed away. If seventeen or eighteen beauties stood naked before you, could you remain unmoved?"
Yan Shang retorted, "Why couldn’t I?"
Mu Wan Yao said seriously, "If you could, it would mean you’re not normal. You might as well castrate yourself sooner rather than later—my residence happens to need a talented eunuch like you."
Yan Shang endured it; this was the second time she had encouraged him to undergo castration.
Mu Wan Yao continued, "So, your understanding of feminine charms is far too shallow. You country bumpkin, you need more practice."
After a long pause, Yan Shang replied, "...Thank you for Your Highness’s instruction."
Mu Wan Yao took it for granted: "I teach quite well—you should indeed be grateful."
She winked at him, full of teasing mischief and subtle allure. Then, ignoring his burning face, she turned and walked away with effortless grace.
Yan Shang suppressed a laugh, watching her retreat with her characteristic irresponsibility—so wicked. Only when her figure had completely vanished from sight did he collect his emotions and return to the banquet—
West of Qujiang was Xing Garden, where the top scholars’ and flower-seeking banquets were held; to the south was Furong Garden, within which stood Ziyun Tower, a place reserved for the imperial relatives.
After circling Xing Garden, Mu Wan Yao heard that the imperial clan members had all gone to Furong Garden, so she decided to head over and greet them as well.
This year’s grand Qujiang banquet had drawn many imperial relatives. Mu Wan Yao ascended Ziyun Tower and exchanged greetings with her kin.
She chose to sit beside Princess Yuyang.
Princess Yuyang was her fourth elder sister, a gentle person whose Imperial Son-in-Law was the Capital Governor Chen Shubai. Princess Yuyang and the third prince, Prince Qin, were siblings by the same mother. Mu Wan Yao’s relationship with Prince Qin was average, even somewhat strained, so naturally, her rapport with Princess Yuyang was also lukewarm.
Princess Yuyang’s Imperial Son-in-Law was absent today. Sitting alone, she felt a sense of closeness when she saw Mu Wan Yao arrive and invited her to sit together.
However, a faint smile playing on her lips, Mu Wan Yao sat down, propped her chin on her hand, and lost herself in thought, ignoring the somewhat bored Princess Yuyang, who kept stealing glances at her.
Rubbing her hand, Mu Wan Yao recalled how Yan Shang had been startled when she traced his palm and couldn’t help but chuckle with delight.
Served him right!
She detested nothing more than Yan Shang’s calm and composed demeanor, as if everything were under his control—as if he could anticipate every word and action of hers.
Could he really anticipate her?Dream on!
How could Mu Wan Yao ever be controlled by him?
However, when she had held his palm earlier, his slender fingers slightly curled, and her hand resting on his palm—she had actually been momentarily dazed... "Thump," something came flying.
It hit Mu Wan Yao right in the face.
Mu Wan Yao: "Ouch!"
Her face stung from the impact. Looking down, she saw it was a chestnut that had struck her. Furious, she lifted her head and, past the trembling Princess Yuyang, spotted Yang Sanlang—Yang Si—leaning casually against a pillar two tables away.
Yang Si looked at her with a mocking smile: "What are you thinking about, with that dreamy look in your eyes? Did you visit the apricot grove earlier and take a fancy to someone?"
Mu Wan Yao snapped impatiently: "None of your business!"
Yang Si chuckled: "Copycat, imitating my words—tell me, how is it none of my business?"
Hearing him call her a copycat, Mu Wan Yao felt both guilty and resentful of his bluntness. She glanced around, grabbed a handful of chestnuts from the plate in front of her, and hurled them at Yang Si.
But Yang Si’s martial skills were exceptional. As she threw them, he effortlessly caught one chestnut, bit into it, and looked up with a grin: "Quite tasty, thanks."
Mu Wan Yao retorted: "Then why don’t you eat them all?"
She pelted him with chestnuts one after another, like a hailstorm of bullets.
Princess Yuyang, caught in the middle, cried out: "Hey, hey, stop fighting, you two..."
The Crown Prince, along with Prince Qin and Prince Jin, entered laughing and chatting. The moment the Crown Prince stepped in, he saw Yang Si and Mu Wan Yao hurling chestnuts at each other, while Princess Yuyang cowered in a corner like a frightened rabbit. The other royals had scattered, leaving the place in chaos thanks to Yang Si and Mu Wan Yao.
At the sight, the Crown Prince’s temper flared, and he felt so enraged he could spit blood.
The Crown Prince roared: "Yang San, what are you doing again?!"
He had only asked Yang Si and Mu Wan Yao to get along, and in the brief moment he took his eyes off Yang Si, here they were, at it again. With all this commotion, did it look like there was any hope of marriage?
Judging by the way Princess Danyang was glaring at Yang Si, she probably wanted to tear him to pieces.
Yang Sanlang was covered in chestnut shells thrown by the willful princess. He was teasing Mu Wan Yao in his usual carefree manner when the Crown Prince’s shout startled him stiff. He turned his head and saw the Crown Prince glaring at him furiously.
Yang Si paused, then said: "What’s the matter? I’m just building rapport with the Sixth Princess. Didn’t Your Highness say that since the princess and I haven’t seen each other in a while, we should sit together and strengthen our bond?"
The Crown Prince: "..."
At this rate, the more they "strengthened their bond," the more likely his carefully planned marriage alliance would fall apart.
Prince Qin, the third prince, watched the Crown Prince’s expression—as if he were about to be driven mad by Yang Si—and struggled to contain his laughter. Thank goodness he didn’t have someone like this in his circle, someone who only caused trouble and was impervious to scolding or beating. The Crown Prince was shrewd and capable in every way, but it was a pity he lacked the backing to simply discard Yang Sanlang.
Prince Qin, being a military man, remarked: "If someone under my command were this disobedient, I’d have had them beaten to death long ago."
A trace of Yang Si’s usual roguish smile remained, but at these words, he turned to Prince Qin, his eyes cold and unyielding, his arrogance undisguised...
The Crown Prince sighed: "Chengzhi, today is the grand banquet at Qujiang. The Emperor will be arriving soon. Could you please not cause any trouble for me today?"
Chengzhi was Yang Si’s courtesy name.It was just that the Crown Prince rarely addressed him this way normally. Once he did, Yang Si knew he had gone too far and the Crown Prince was reaching his limit of tolerance. Yang Si withdrew his unruly gaze directed at Prince Qin, preventing the fire from igniting.
The Crown Prince helplessly beckoned to Yang Si and said, "Clean yourself up and come with me to the Apricot Garden to meet this year's newly appointed scholars."
Yang Si: "I still need to bond with Yaoyao..."
Crown Prince: "No need for you to bond. Get out here with me!"
Mu Wan Yao watched as Yang Sanlang was scolded out by the Crown Prince, while the other two princes also followed the Crown Prince to the Apricot Garden. She knew full well that those few were going to win over the new scholars and couldn't help but laugh.
The Crown Prince usually acted so mature, always scolding Mu Wan Yao for being disobedient. It was rare to see him so infuriated by Yang Sanlang... quite satisfying.
Princess Yuyang moved back over, looking at Mu Wan Yao with some admiration.
She whispered: "Sixth Sister, you're so impressive. I really envy you."
Mu Wan Yao was taken aback.
She turned to look at her always gentle, unobtrusive fourth sister, doubting what she had heard: "What do you envy about me?"
Princess Yuyang: "When Yang San threw chestnuts at you, you dared to throw them back. I wouldn't dare—I'm afraid of causing trouble for my brother. But you dare to throw them, you can be so willful. It's really wonderful."
Mu Wan Yao looked at this sister with disbelief.
Princess Yuyang sighed softly: "Before your peace marriage, everyone spoiled you, gave in to you, and treated you well. Now that you've returned, you can still do whatever you want. You're always free from constraints. It's truly wonderful."
Mu Wan Yao wanted to speak but stopped herself.
She was free from constraints?
If she were truly free from constraints, why didn't she throw chestnuts at Princess Yuyang but instead at Yang Sanlang? Wasn't it precisely because Princess Yuyang had Prince Qin backing her, while Yang San's supporter, the Crown Prince, happened to be the one she herself served, so she had nothing to fear?
This selective willfulness of hers actually made Princess Yuyang envious.
...What kind of life did her fourth sister usually lead?—
The Crown Prince's party went to the Apricot Garden. Yang Si tidied himself up and once again became the Crown Prince's obedient follower. When the Crown Prince told him to shut up and not speak, Yang Si raised his head, planning to just go through the motions.
The Crown Prince offered some words of encouragement to the new scholars, winning hearts as a crown prince should. Everyone showed the Crown Prince due respect, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
As for what would happen in the future, they would see when they entered officialdom.
The Crown Prince also knew that these were all scions of noble families, each with their own calculations. Nothing could be certain until they entered officialdom, so he was merely going through the motions. However, after making the rounds and returning to Tanhualang Yan Shang, the Crown Prince's eyes lit up, and he offered another toast.
Yan Shang used tea instead of wine.
The Crown Prince directly bypassed the young top scholar Wei Shu sitting next to Yan Shang. It went without saying that even if Wei Shu wasn't working with the Wei family, he would still represent the Jinling Li Clan. Such a person was fundamentally impossible to win over and not worth the effort.
But as the Crown Prince stared at Yan Shang, he thought to himself: This was the person whom the Luling Grand Princess had struggled with all night, yet ultimately succeeded. This was the person whom the Danyang Princess had mentioned in front of him.
Such a person, without background—if he had ability, wouldn't he be very suitable to work for him?
When the Crown Prince spoke with Yan Shang, his attitude was much more cordial than when facing others: "Yan Suchen, right? Although you placed third in the imperial examinations, the court can't immediately assign official positions to all of you. I'm afraid you'll have to wait a few years. What are your plans for the future?"Yan Shang said, "It's nothing more than studying and continuing to take exams. I have no other plans."
The Crown Prince nodded. "Would you be willing to join my Eastern Palace as an advisor?"
Behind the Crown Prince, Yang Sanlang, who had been lost in thought with his mind wandering far away, collected himself and looked toward Yan Shang. Yang Si frowned and nudged the Crown Prince’s arm from behind, signaling him not to allow this person into the Eastern Palace.
The Crown Prince pretended not to notice Yang Si’s antics and continued to wait gently for Yan Shang’s response.
Yan Shang was taken aback, then adopted the expression of someone who, upon hearing such an offer, felt both excitement and caution. After trying to conceal his emotions for a while, he still couldn’t hide his delight as he cupped his hands respectfully. “I would be honored to serve Your Highness.”
Wei Shu, standing beside Yan Shang, shot him a surprised glance, thinking this didn’t sound like something Yan Shang would say.
The Crown Prince, however, was quite pleased.
With interest, the Crown Prince said, “Then let me test you.”
He mentioned a book title and asked about an ancient strategy within it, requesting Yan Shang’s interpretation.
Yan Shang: “…”
Yan Shang looked somewhat ashamed. “This… I’ve only just started reading this book and haven’t yet reached the part Your Highness is asking about. I fear my insights would be crude.”
The Crown Prince: “…”
The Crown Prince was taken aback and turned to look at Yang Si. Yang Si raised an eyebrow, as if to say: I told you this person is unlearned, but you insisted on asking.
The Crown Prince truly hadn’t expected someone recommended by Danyang Princess to be so lacking in talent!
Perhaps… he was only skilled in poetry and prose?
The Crown Prince lost interest in Yan Shang and offered perfunctory encouragement. “Take the opportunity to study this book carefully… read it thoroughly.”
This time, he didn’t affectionately call him “Suchen” or mention the next step of “joining the Eastern Palace as an advisor.After a few perfunctory remarks, Yan Shang watched the Crown Prince and his entourage depart with a sense of loss.
Yan Shang sat down, and those around him offered words of comfort.
After Yan Shang had dealt with everyone’s kindness and poured himself a cup of tea, Wei Shu, seated beside him, asked, “Didn’t you start reading that book five days ago? How come you haven’t finished it yet?”
Yan Shang looked up with a smile. “There have been many banquets lately, which delayed my reading.”
Wei Shu averted his gaze and said, “The Crown Prince is no fool.”
Yan Shang feigned innocence. “But I really am reading that book, and I truly haven’t finished it. Everyone can attest that I borrowed the book from you, Ju Yuan.”
Yan Shang smiled again. “It seems that when I first entered the Apricot Garden, I helped you out once…”
Wei Shu replied, “What books you read and how far you’ve progressed—how would I know? This matter has nothing to do with me, and I don’t care.”
Yan Shang smiled. “Then I’ll trouble you to keep it covered.”
Wei Shu gave a noncommittal “Hmm” and let the matter drop—
The Emperor arrived, and everyone returned to the Purple Cloud Tower.
The Crown Prince and Yang Sanlang walked separately from the others.
The Crown Prince asked Yang Si, “Yan Suchen’s demeanor earlier—did it seem like an act to you? Was he rejecting me?”
Yang Si said, “I think he’s just full of tricks and unlearned. Don’t overthink it. Your Highness, you’re always scheming and plotting—aren’t you tired?”
The Crown Prince stared at him for a moment. “…I only wish you would use your brain a little sometimes. If Sixth Sister recommended this person, yet he doesn’t side with me, or if someone else is guiding him from behind?”
Yang Si was silent for a long while.
He said, “But he’s just a Tanhualang.”
The Crown Prince pondered this.
He said, “True. In the end, he’s just a Tanhualang. Whether it’s real or an act, it doesn’t matter right now.”The Crown Prince set the matter aside, regained his composure, and ascended the Ziyun Tower to pay his respects to the Emperor. Meanwhile, at the Apricot Garden, upon hearing of the Emperor’s arrival, the newly selected scholars grew excited. After a brief discussion, they tentatively approached to see if they might also ascend the tower to greet His Majesty.
The Emperor was a lean, weary-looking middle-aged man. Though he carried the imposing aura of a sovereign, his expression was listless. His visit to the Ziyun Tower today was primarily to meet this year’s newly appointed scholars.
However, the gathering at Ziyun Tower felt more like a family banquet.
It was rare to see all the imperial children and relatives assembled—Luling Grand Princess, Princess Danyang, Princess Yuyang, the Crown Prince, Prince Qin, Prince Jin… Seated in the place of honor, the Emperor sighed, his face etched with exhaustion.
The Crown Prince and Prince Qin were in the midst of a dispute over financial matters when they heard the Emperor’s sigh. Both fell silent and turned their attention to him.
The Emperor said irritably, “Must you two argue every time you meet? Can you not grant me a moment’s peace?”
A hush fell over the assembly.
Mu Wan Yao laughed lightly. “I, too, grow weary of hearing you discuss politics—half of which I cannot even comprehend. Father, today we should make a pact: speak only of art and romance, not affairs of state. Whoever breaks the rule first shall drink three cups as penalty!”
The Emperor looked at his youngest daughter, his gaze distant, as if seeing the shadow of another in her. His little girl had grown into a graceful young woman—already eighteen years old…
Suppressing the sorrow in his eyes, the Emperor nodded.
Prince Qin, seated nearby, remarked mockingly, “Speak only of romance? Is Sixth Sister planning to discuss men with us?”
Mu Wan Yao retorted sharply, “Is that all your mind can conjure?”
Prince Qin shot back, “You’ve always been quick with your tongue…”
The Emperor rubbed his temples. “Enough, both of you… Yao Yao, I remember you used to be so gentle and sweet. When did you become so sharp-tempered?”
Mu Wan Yao fell silent for a moment.
Then she smiled faintly. “And what is wrong with having a temper?”
The atmosphere in the hall grew tense as everyone recalled the reason behind her change.
The Crown Prince stepped in to smooth things over. “Yao Yao is still as gentle and obedient as ever. Let us treat today as a family gathering and avoid arguments. Yao Yao, I recall your mastery of the konghou. It has been years since we last heard you play. Would you be willing to perform a piece for us today?”
Mu Wan Yao glanced at her father, then nodded with a soft smile.
Wei Shu, Yan Shang, and the other scholars were led upstairs by a eunuch. As they approached, they heard the strains of music. The eunuch motioned for them to wait quietly by the entrance. Yan Shang peered inside and saw that all the lamps and candles in the hall had been extinguished, leaving the room in darkness, save for the moonlight streaming in through the tower windows.
In the dimness, Mu Wan Yao knelt alone, her slender fingers gliding over the strings of the konghou, her delicate brows and luminous eyes lowered in concentration.
Like a celestial maiden, she appeared serene and elegant, exuding an extraordinary, tranquil beauty.
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