The newly appointed scholars were led by the palace eunuchs to wait behind the door, catching only a small glimpse of the imperial family banquet inside.
As the Tanhua (third-ranked scholar), Yan Shang stood with Wei Shu ahead of the other scholars, allowing him a better view than those behind:
He saw the hall darkened, with only a half-person-high lotus-entwined candlestand illuminating Mu Wan Yao from behind. The imperial relatives sat in silence within the dim light, appreciating the konghou played by Danyang Princess.
Danyang Princess knelt on the floor, her golden phoenix-embroidered gown and sheer white silk shawl spreading around her like scattered petals.
The phoenix-headed konghou, as tall as her kneeling form, was cradled before her. This konghou featured a dragon's body and phoenix shape, adorned with golden patterns. When Mu Wan Yao bowed her head, her fair hands plucked the strings, instantly filling the pavilion with crystal-clear melodies like heavenly spring water.
The konghou's notes were ethereally clear and resonant, vibrating like ripples across water. The transcendent music spread widely, soothing every soul present.
All who heard Danyang Princess's performance sighed softly, gazing mesmerized at the young princess playing with bowed head.
Mu Wan Yao, the Emperor's youngest daughter, was once renowned for her erudition, musical mastery, peerless beauty, gentle temperament, and delicate charm.
Many fine young men of Chang'an had dreamed of marrying this princess.
Now, as Mu Wan Yao played the konghou again, everyone in the hall—including the weary-looking Emperor—seemed to witness the return of the former Danyang Princess.
Yan Shang stood outside the door, watching Mu Wan Yao and listening to her konghou performance. In the pervasive darkness, only her figure carried a soft, pure radiance.
Suddenly, Yan Shang felt rooted to the spot, his mind briefly blank and blood seeming to freeze. Gradually, tingling sensations spread across his back as he began to sweat.
When Mu Wan Yao had teased him during daytime, she said he was too inexperienced with feminine charms.
At that time, Yan Shang had dismissed her words.
But now, witnessing the serene beauty of her konghou performance, he realized how truly inexperienced he was...
With difficulty, Yan Shang averted his gaze, refusing to look further. He dared not glance again or entertain another thought. From his peripheral vision, he noticed the other scholars entranced by the music, with only Wei Shu maintaining his usual composure, faring slightly better than the rest.
Feeling deeply ashamed, Yan Shang lowered his eyes and began silently reciting texts to distract himself.
As the music concluded in the pavilion, Mu Wan Yao rose. Only when attendants carried away the konghou did the audience awaken from their trance, offering scattered praises.
Mu Wan Yao smiled faintly. She knew she played excellently—she simply no longer enjoyed playing the konghou. But performing at a family banquet was harmless enough.
When the hall's lamps were relit, flooding the room with brightness, Mu Wan Yao returned to her seat amidst continuous admiration.
Prince Qin sighed amid the praises: "With Yao Yao's perfect blend of talent and beauty, I wonder which fortunate young man will win her favor."
Mu Wan Yao's hand paused around her wine cup. The hall abruptly fell silent as she lifted her eyes to glance at Prince Qin.
Prince Jin, seated beside Prince Qin, sensed his third brother's provocation. While discreetly distancing himself, he cautiously added for Mu Wan Yao: "Yao Yao has just returned to Chang'an. She should rest for a couple more years. Matters of marriage should be decided by the Emperor."
Prince Qin snorted coldly.
He glanced at the strangely behaved Crown Prince, then eyed the timid Prince Jin beside him.Mu Wan Yao's marriage prospects were naturally being closely watched, though she and Prince Qin were not aligned. Prince Qin seized every opportunity to provoke the Crown Prince—or rather, to test the Crown Prince's standing before the Emperor.
After all, everyone knew the Crown Prince was courting Mu Wan Yao to secure the influence of the Li Family behind her. Prince Qin felt no envy himself, as his own backing far surpassed the Crown Prince's... yet despite his superior connections, the Crown Prince remained the eldest son—a bitter pill to swallow!
Prince Qin declared, "What did I say wrong? A woman should marry when she comes of age, and our Great Wei doesn’t uphold notions of 'a virtuous woman never remarries.' Just because Yao Yao once entered a Peace Marriage, does that mean she should never wed again? Father, am I not right?"
The Emperor ignored Prince Qin’s provocation, observing the scheming crowd before him before casting a glance at his youngest daughter, who held her wine cup with detached coolness.
The Emperor remained silent.
He noticed the Crown Prince’s slightly strained expression and understood well: due to his humble maternal origins, the Crown Prince had always sought to strengthen his influence. Allying with Mu Wan Yao to win over the Jinling Li Clan was undoubtedly his best strategy.
Yet the Emperor had struggled for so long against the late Empress to suppress the Li Clan—how could he allow them to rise again?
Within the imperial court and in Chang’an, Mu Wan Yao was all that remained of the Li Family. They would never abandon her and had surely arranged alternative paths for her... all to restore the Li Clan’s former glory.
But as before, the Emperor did not desire this outcome.
As he pondered, his gaze returned to his youngest daughter. Suddenly, Mu Wan Yao looked up, her ice-cold eyes abruptly meeting the Emperor’s.
The Emperor started, his eyes clouded with regret.
In that instant, Mu Wan Yao’s expression shifted. She averted her gaze, draining her cup in one swift motion. The liquor burned her throat and chest, forcing two sharp coughs. Princess Yuyang, still oblivious to the sudden tension, handed her a handkerchief.
Watching Mu Wan Yao, the Emperor thought: What a pity.
In his view, the Li Clan had already retreated to Jinling. Had Mu Wan Yao remained among the Black Barbarians as a Peace Marriage princess forever, it would have been ideal for stability.
But the Black Barbarian lands were now in chaos, engulfed in war. With her former husband deceased, the Peace Marriage held little meaning amid the turmoil. Since Mu Wan Yao had returned to Chang’an, so be it.
Yet why must marital complications arise again?
Whether from the Crown Prince’s faction or the Li Clan’s designs, the arrangements for Mu Wan Yao were too favorable—both would lead to the Li Clan’s resurgence. In the Emperor’s estimation, it would be best if she married someone perpetually insignificant... or simply never married at all.
Why not live joyfully as a princess, keeping companions for pleasure and indulging in life’s comforts—just like the Luling Grand Princess? Was that not preferable?
Of course, once he died, the Luling Grand Princess might lose her current status... yet she had already experienced luxuries beyond what ordinary women could ever dream of.
Why must Mu Wan Yao take sides? Why must she seek status and longevity?
The Emperor did not respond to Prince Qin. The hall fell into silence, each person lost in their own thoughts. Sensing the tension, a shrewd eunuch serving the Emperor intervened to lighten the atmosphere: "Your Majesty, the imperial scholars have arrived for an audience."
The Emperor nodded. "Admit them."
The scholars, who had been waiting behind the doors, filed in orderly to pay respects to the hall’s occupants.The Crown Prince and other princes had already met these new scholars, so they were not mentioned for now. They were anxiously pondering what signal the Emperor's silence regarding Mu Wan Yao's marriage implied. Meanwhile, the others in the hall gazed curiously at this year's scholars.
When they first saw the young man at the forefront, they marveled at Wei Shu's youth and elegant demeanor, sighing in admiration at the refined grace of the Luoyang Wei clan.
The second-ranked scholar was an older man, so after a casual glance, their eyes moved on.
Then came the third-ranked scholar, and everyone was once again taken aback.
They had thought the top scholar's elegance was already exceptional, but he was simply too young to evoke any particular thoughts. However, this third-ranked scholar was truly gentle in appearance, with a posture as upright as pine and bamboo—a veritable jewel of a man who illuminated the entire hall.
Luling Grand Princess let out a soft "ah," her eyes instantly brightening, nearly dropping the cup in her hand. She was so excited she almost stood up, but fortunately, her maidservants managed to restrain her, preventing a public display of impropriety.
Luling Grand Princess had seen many handsome men, but one as captivating and dignified as the third-ranked scholar truly made her heart itch.
Even the Emperor's gaze first fell upon Wei Shu, then upon Yan Shang. The Emperor had previously met this batch of scholars, but today, observing them again, he felt that this third-ranked scholar, having risen from humble origins, now carried an aura far superior to his former shabby appearance.
The Emperor said, "This year's scholars are quite impressive. I shall test you all. Crown Prince, Prince Qin, what have you two been arguing about recently?"
Before the Crown Prince and Prince Qin could respond, Mu Wan Yao's laughter was heard first.
Yan Shang stood with his eyes lowered, his eyelashes trembling slightly, yet his posture remained impeccably upright. He did not lift his gaze even once. This attitude pleased the Emperor, who had noticed other scholars unable to resist stealing glances at the princesses.
Mu Wan Yao chuckled, "Father, you just said we wouldn't discuss official matters tonight. Why are you bringing them up now? You ought to be punished with three cups of wine."
The Emperor was taken aback, then smiled. "Only you, little girl, would nitpick like this."
Yet he did not deny it, and those below hurriedly poured wine for His Majesty.
Danyang Princess's lighthearted remark finally eased the already tense atmosphere in the hall.
When the Crown Prince replied to the Emperor, he did so with a hint of amusement: "It is like this. I have recently taken charge of the Ministry of Revenue, and Third Brother has been demanding funds from the ministry. However, the national treasury is truly empty, so we had a few disagreements."
Prince Qin interjected, "Father, I am in charge of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War. Which of these does not require funds? Eldest Brother is withholding the money, and I am not convinced."
The Crown Prince said, "It is not that I am withholding funds, but that there truly is no money."
Prince Qin sneered, "Is Eldest Brother deceiving me? Just two days ago, I saw him approve a large sum for the Ministry of Works. If even such an insignificant department can receive funds, why can't the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War?"
Yang Si, standing behind the Crown Prince, retorted with a cold laugh, "Why doesn't Prince Qin consider that aside from the Ministry of Works, even our own Ministry of Revenue has not been allocated funds? There is a reason for approving funds for the Ministry of Works!"
Prince Qin glared coldly at the Crown Prince's follower, Yang Sanlang, knowing that his words represented the Crown Prince. He said displeased, "The five southern barbarian tribes are in turmoil. Does the border not need provisions? These are major matters. Since Eldest Brother is in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, he ought to manage it properly."Seeing Yang Sanlang about to retort again, the Emperor said, "Enough. I roughly understand both sides' positions now. Let us take this as the examination topic today. All the jinshi scholars may speak freely and see if you can propose a solution."
The jinshi scholars immediately felt overwhelmed. They had not yet entered officialdom—were they being forced to choose sides now? The best approach would be to remain neutral. But to remain neutral, they would need to find ways to generate wealth... This truly put everyone in a difficult position.
Mathematics was considered a lowly skill.
There might be truly skilled financial managers in the world. But the Ministry of Revenue didn't have them, His Majesty's Internal Affairs Office didn't have them... Even among most noble families, they merely bought some land and shops and left them idle. Who would genuinely study how to generate wealth?
The Emperor watched them, waiting for their responses.
As the top scholar, Wei Shu had to speak first.
He was momentarily stunned, unable to think of any wealth-generation methods. Fortunately, he was quick-witted. Within those brief moments, he roughly reviewed all the financial management methods he had encountered and said, "The Ministry of Revenue's last census of Great Wei's population appears to have been ten years ago. Over this decade, many people have likely become bandits or refugees, and much farmland has been abandoned. The Ministry could conduct a new census, redistribute land, and recalculate land taxes—this might yield considerable additional revenue.
"Furthermore, corrupt officials could be investigated and disciplined.
"Additionally, some local magnates have developed considerable influence in recent years..."
Wei Shu elaborated point by point. Above him, the Crown Prince nodded repeatedly, while the Emperor's expression softened with approval.
Because this young man's reasoning was clear and logically sound, he organized his thoughts well even as he spoke... After Wei Shu finished, the Crown Prince felt regretful, thinking how wonderful it would be if Wei Shu could serve him.
The Crown Prince looked at Wei Shu: "Ju Yuan, later submit a memorial to me reorganizing what you've said tonight."
Wei Shu bowed in acknowledgment.
But while Wei Shu stole the spotlight, the other jinshi scholars behind him turned pale with anger, their expressions extremely unpleasant—they utterly despised Wei Shu.
They blamed Wei Shu for being too clever, having said everything they wanted to say. What else could they possibly add? This person simply left no room for others to survive!
Sure enough, when the second-ranked scholar answered after Wei Shu, he stammered, sweated profusely, and spoke incoherently, causing the Emperor to stare at him for a long time: Was this the quality of the second-ranked scholar?
The Crown Prince waved his hand, understanding that Wei Shu had exhausted what the others could say. The Crown Prince estimated that Wei Shu had covered everything and didn't expect the other jinshi scholars to contribute anything more. The Crown Prince dismissed the second-ranked scholar, and next came the third-ranked scholar, Yan Shang.
The Crown Prince stared at Yan Shang without much expectation. After all, this man hadn't even read many books... If he managed to become the third-ranked scholar, it might truly be as Yang Sanlang suspected—protected by Mu Wan Yao and simply lucky.
Yan Shang was also deep in thought.
He should hide his abilities.
Having just presented himself as not particularly talented before the Crown Prince, suddenly speaking eloquently now would create inconsistency and might make him a target. If he revealed his talents several months later, he could use the excuse of having studied more during those months, and the Crown Prince wouldn't scrutinize him as closely.
However, Yan Shang didn't plan to say nothing at all. If he said nothing and appeared mediocre, no one here would remember him.
Therefore, saying something useful but not stealing Wei Shu's spotlight would be the best approach.Yan Shang spoke unhurriedly: "Your subject believes that to generate wealth, aside from conventional methods like land and shops, trade with other nations is more effective. Not only overland trade, but maritime trade is equally important. Coming from Lingnan as I do, many at court consider it a remote backwater. When I first arrived in Chang'an, some even wondered—don't people in Lingnan eat raw meat and drink blood? How could they be literate? Yet Lingnan possesses rare specialties not found in the Central Plains. For instance, lychees, which are highly prized in Chang'an, are commonplace and ordinary where I'm from."
His words drew laughter from those seated around.
Yan Shang continued: "Wouldn't it be far better to broaden trade routes, exchanging the common for the uncommon? Moreover, your subject believes wealth shouldn't be left moldering in treasuries. It must circulate, mobilizing human and material resources to serve its purpose."
After these brief remarks, the Emperor's previously indifferent gaze fixed on him.
The Crown Prince leaned forward, eager to hear more.
But Yan Shang lifted his eyes with a faint smile: "These are merely crude opinions, still unrefined. Your subject can offer no further thoughts at present."
The Crown Prince couldn't hide his disappointment. After all, this was a commoner's son—his perspectives were novel but ultimately crude.
Still, he stood apart from the others. The Crown Prince nodded: "Draft a memorial for me as well."
Yan Shang assented.
When other scholars spoke afterward, they hemmed and hawed without substance. After all had spoken, the Crown Prince only requested memorials from Wei Shu and Yan Shang—an outcome everyone found reasonable.
Having completed this round of evaluations, the Emperor was moderately satisfied, shielded as he was by Wei Shu and Yan Shang's performances. He ordered rewards for all scholars, with Wei Shu and Yan Shang receiving the most generous portions.
The Crown Prince's eyes darkened. Why would the Emperor grant Yan Shang such lavish rewards? Could Yan Shang be more exceptional than he'd assumed? He turned to exchange a meaningful glance with Yang Sanlang, intending to consult Yang Si.
Instead, he found Yang Si absentmindedly drinking, gaze drifting as if lost in reverie again.
The Crown Prince: "..."
Nothing but frustration at wasted potential.
The Emperor beamed at Yan Shang: "Yan Suchen, I find your youthful brilliance quite striking. It moves me to ask—are you married?"
The Crown Prince started, then understood. The Emperor's equal generosity to Yan Shang and Wei Shu wasn't due to hidden motives—he merely wished to arrange a marriage. But to whom? The Crown Prince's eyelids twitched with foreboding.
Yan Shang froze, truly surprised his marital status attracted such widespread attention.
Being questioned daily was one thing, but even the Emperor cared?
Yan Shang had to answer: "Not yet married."
He resisted the urge to glance at Mu Wan Yao's expression.
He'd just told Mu Wan Yao he wouldn't marry, but if the Emperor decreed a match... he couldn't refuse.
What would Mu Wan Yao think of him?
As he anxiously sought solutions, the Emperor laughed overhead: "Excellent! Yan Suchen, what would you say to my youngest daughter, Danyang, as your match?"
Yan Shang looked up sharply, utterly astonished.
The Emperor grew more pleased the longer he looked.
Yan Shang had no backing—a scholar of humble origins who might not enter officialdom for years. Yet he was young, handsome, and talented—this year's Tanhualang, no less.Didn't everyone wish for him to arrange a marriage for Mu Wan Yao? Then he would betroth Mu Wan Yao to Yan Shang.
This way, for at least three or four years, Mu Wan Yao would let him rest easy.
Hearing the Emperor's words, Mu Wan Yao abruptly looked up and stared at her father.
The Crown Prince's heart sank, and he slightly clenched his fist. Meanwhile, Yang Sanlang, who had been lost in thought for a long time, suddenly snapped back to reality, looking at Yan Shang, then at Mu Wan Yao. Yang Si was instantly filled with anger, feeling that the Emperor was truly bullying Mu Wan Yao too much.
Her first marriage was a Peace Marriage; now, for the second, she was being paired with a top scholar with no background to brush her off?
Wasn't this too cruel to Mu Wan Yao?
Did Mu Wan Yao mean nothing more than a tool of interest to the Emperor, with no familial affection left at all?
Yang Si was about to stand up, almost on the verge of declaring that he was willing to marry Mu Wan Yao, that he would compete with the top scholar for her.
If no one in this world treated Yao Yao well, what harm was there in him stepping into the fray?
Yang Si was pulled back by the Crown Prince, who held him down firmly, preventing him from stepping forward at this moment. Yang Si glared angrily at the Crown Prince, who shook his head at him, signaling to wait and see, not to enter the fray now—
Everyone fell silent, while Yan Shang was lost in thought.
If... if the Emperor betrothed Mu Wan Yao to him, and he couldn't refuse, perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad thing?
Between him and Mu Wan Yao...
As Yan Shang's thoughts were in turmoil, he heard Mu Wan Yao's lazy, unrestrained laugh. Her voice, like the chime of jade, carried a hint of resolve: "What did Your Majesty say? This subject has no wish to marry this country bumpkin."
Yan Shang was taken aback and looked at her.
Her gaze was cold as she stared at him, slowly rising to her feet.
Their eyes met, and in that exchange, countless scenes surfaced and faded away.
Yan Shang watched her, seeing her stubbornness, her restraint, and her cold detachment as she turned her eyes away, no longer looking at him.
She stepped out from her seat and knelt beside Yan Shang, raising her hands in salute: "With his humble origins and shallow learning, if Your Majesty truly cares for this subject, you should not make this subject marry such an unworthy person."
The Emperor remained silent.
He asked, "Yan Suchen, what do you think?"
Yan Shang said softly, "Your Highness is of noble lineage. It is this subject who is unworthy of Your Highness."
Kneeling beside him, Mu Wan Yao trembled at his words, her eyelashes fluttering as if on the verge of tears. But she pressed her lips together and said nothing, her eyes shimmering with emotion. He glanced at her, and though she wasn't sure if she had misread it, she felt that Yan Shang wasn't angry with her.
His gaze was incredibly gentle, incredibly forgiving—
It's alright, don't be afraid.
No one can force you—
No one can force her.
At least for now, Yan Shang was on her side.
He was so good, so very, very good.
OpenNovel