The spring rain was dense, falling as fine as sand.
The two lanterns hanging before the carriage illuminated the mist and night rain, making them seem equally endless.
Luling Grand Princess's carriage departed the imperial city just before the palace gates closed.
Inside the carriage, the Grand Princess personally poured a cup of tea for Yan Shang, who politely expressed his gratitude.
Leaning against the carriage wall, Yan Shang held the teacup, inhaling the faint, warm fragrance within the carriage as he observed the Luling Grand Princess seated opposite him.
In truth, he had never carefully examined this Grand Princess before.
During the Qujiang Night Banquet, Luling Grand Princess must have been seated among the other imperial relatives. However, at that time, Yan Shang's attention was focused on the Emperor's arranged marriage and Mu Wan Yao's stubborn, unyielding declaration.
There were so many imperial relatives—he hadn't even scrutinized Princess Yuyang, who sat beside Mu Wan Yao, let alone Luling Grand Princess, who was seated even farther away.
Yan Shang's understanding of this Grand Princess came only from fragments mentioned by Feng Xianyu and Mu Wan Yao. Mu Wan Yao said her aunt enjoyed keeping handsome young men around, and Feng Xianyu had caught the Grand Princess's eye. While Yan Shang sighed inwardly at this, he had no intention of forming any connection with the Grand Princess.
But since Feng Xianyu mentioned that the Grand Princess seemed to have some misunderstanding about him, given Yan Shang's usual diplomatic nature, he felt compelled to clear up that misunderstanding.
Thus, under the Grand Princess's gaze, Yan Shang merely took a polite sip from the teacup before setting it down, adopting a posture ready for conversation.
The Grand Princess wore a faint, ambiguous smile.
Yan Shang cupped his hands respectfully. "Your Highness mentioned having some questions for this subject. May I ask what they pertain to?"
The Grand Princess had merely used that as a casual excuse—she didn't actually have any real questions.
So, she fixed her eyes on the incense burner on the table, watching the wisps of fragrant smoke curl upward, and casually asked Yan Shang, "I've heard you and Feng Xianyu are good friends? Feng Xianyu often praises you in front of me."
Yan Shang's heart skipped a beat as he pondered whether the Grand Princess knew that Feng Xianyu's reversal of the selection outcome was forced by him and Mu Wan Yao.
For now, he could only probe carefully...
Perhaps because the carriage interior was cramped and the Grand Princess's perfume was too strong, Yan Shang felt slightly uncomfortable and somewhat dizzy.
But he was never one to show any signs of discomfort openly, so he continued, "I am truly ashamed. Although I was named the Tanhua that day, in my opinion, Brother Feng possesses even greater talent for the title..."
Luling Grand Princess murmured in acknowledgment.
She genuinely didn't know that Yan Shang was behind Feng Xianyu's reversal of the selection.
Right now, she was only anxious about why Yan Shang was still holding up.
The Grand Princess said, "That day, Feng Lang originally asked me for a favor—one that wouldn't have been good for you. But later, perhaps out of remorse, he recommended you again. Do you know the reason behind this?"
Yan Shang confirmed through his probing that the Grand Princess didn't know the truth.
He smiled slightly and asked with appropriate puzzlement, "I'm unaware of what matter you refer to? I should personally thank Brother Feng. He is so warm-hearted, helping me privately without my noticing..."
Imperceptibly, he began weaving the context and details of that day's events into the Grand Princess's memory. But as he did so, he felt his heartbeat suddenly quicken, a wave of restlessness washing over him, accompanied by noticeable thirst. These subtle changes made him increasingly anxious.
The Grand Princess watched Yan Shang unblinkingly.
Yan Shang lowered his gaze, speaking to her gently and calmly, but she didn't hear a single word. The faint light of the rainy night cast a thin layer over the young man's face.His lashes rested upon his eyes, his brows and features distinct, lips and nose clearly defined. Though naturally blessed with handsome features, his demeanor overshadowed his physical appearance entirely.
His speech was refined, his manner calm and profound as ancient times. At first glance, one wouldn’t notice his good looks but would first be struck by Yan Shang’s serene and scholarly elegance. Only after appreciating his noble temperament would one notice his refined and gentle countenance...
Yan Shang’s heartbeat quickened, sweat beginning to seep through his back.
His speech remained steady, but inwardly he grew wary. Accustomed to self-reflection, every word and action was carefully considered—such discomposure was rare for him... Yan Shang briefly concluded the conversation and asked for the carriage to stop.
The Eldest Princess expressed surprise: “What troubles you, Yan Lang?”
Yan Shang replied gently, “I’ve just recalled an urgent matter to discuss with a friend... I beg Your Highness to halt the carriage.”
The Eldest Princess observed his rigid posture and slightly flushed face. He remained proper, yet his propriety seemed strained... Well-versed in men’s nature, she understood immediately that he had succumbed to the effects. She leaned slightly toward him, while Yan Shang pressed back against the carriage wall.
The Eldest Princess feigned concern: “Yan Lang, why are you sweating?”
Yan Shang’s tone grew urgent: “Please stop the carriage...”
She drew a handkerchief from her bosom and dabbed his forehead with pity. The subtle fragrance enveloped him once more, and Yan Shang found it nearly unbearable... Though Mu Wan Yao often stood this close, he had never found a woman’s scented powder so repulsive before.
His agitation deepened, dizziness overwhelming him.
In a flash, Yan Shang seized the Eldest Princess’s wrist as she brushed his cheek, lifting his gaze to pierce her with a sharp glare. His grip was vise-like, and she cried out, feeling as if her bones might break.
His cold stare made her feel guilty, but before she could react, his hold slackened.
“Thud!”
Yan Shang’s eyes closed, his head striking the carriage wall. Unable to resist the drugged incense hidden within the burner, he lost consciousness.
The Eldest Princess patted her chest, then looked down at the flushed, heavily breathing youth. She chuckled softly, nudging his unconscious form with her foot, her gaze drifting below his waist. Noting subtle changes, her eyes gleamed with desire, her own breath growing heavy.
Impatiently, she urged the driver: “Make haste to the residence!”
Kneeling beside him, she caressed his unconscious face with longing, murmuring intoxicatedly: “Yan Lang... how could you possibly resist my incense?”
It was this very fragrance that had always secured her victories.
After all, she was the Eldest Princess. As long as she avoided treason or political schemes, the Emperor turned a blind eye... What did it matter if she coveted Yan Shang, drawn to his youth and vigor?
The hazy incense filled the carriage, casting the Eldest Princess’s features into shadow—
At Danyang Princess Residence.
Mu Wan Yao was using chopsticks to adjust the incense burner, blending aromatics.
Chunhua had already taken leave from the Princess Residence, leaving Xiarong and several other maids to attend Mu Wan Yao. Clumsy in their assistance, they tried to help blend the incense, but their efforts only deepened the princess’s dissatisfaction.
Mu Wan Yao’s face darkened: “This isn’t the right scent! It’s wrong!”Xiarong was nearly in tears: "Your Highness, this is the most orthodox method of incense blending that this humble servant learned from the palace..."
Just as Mu Wan Yao was scolding her maid, Guard Fang Tong reported outside the princess' chambers: "Your Highness, Young Master Wei the Seventh has come to visit."
Mu Wan Yao was taken aback.
Hadn't Wei Shu just said he was going next door to visit Yan Shang? Could it be that after visiting Yan Shang, the ever-discerning Yan Shang had prompted this young man who usually paid no attention to worldly matters to come pay his respects to her?
Mu Wan Yao snorted softly and put down her incense-blending chopsticks. She didn't think Wei Shu would visit her voluntarily without reason - only Yan Shang would do such a thing. And she currently had no interest in Yan Shang whatsoever.
Mu Wan Yao said: "I won't see him."
But after just a short while, Guard Fang returned: "Young Master Wei the Seventh says he has important matters to discuss with Your Highness."
Mu Wan Yao immediately smirked, curling her lip at her maids: "See? I knew Ju Yuan wouldn't visit without reason. He definitely didn't come specifically to see me."
Saying this, Mu Wan Yao changed her clothes and styled her hair before leisurely making her way to the front hall, curious about what matter had brought Wei Shu to her.
Wei Shu stood in the hall, his back looking extremely slender, embodying that delicate handsomeness of youth. His pure, untainted aura made Mu Wan Yao pause momentarily before he turned and saw her. His eyelashes lifted slightly, his gaze brightening.
Wei Shu came straight to the point: "Your Highness, I came from next door."
Mu Wan Yao entered the main hall irritably: "I know. Didn't we just meet in the alley?"
Wei Shu watched the princess enter: "Second Brother Yan isn't at his residence."
Mu Wan Yao paused mid-step: "Then he's probably still at the Institute for the Advancement of Literature. It's probably because it's raining and he forgot his umbrella, trapped at the Institute."
Wei Shu said: "But Second Brother Yan promised to stay overnight with me tonight to study together."
Mu Wan Yao: "..."
She stared deeply at Wei Shu, surprised: "You two are that close?"
Wei Shu gave her a strange look, not understanding why she focused on such an irrelevant detail. What Wei Shu wanted to say was clearly not this: "Your Highness might not understand Second Brother Yan well, but I know he isn't someone who would casually break a promise. Even if something really came up, he would definitely send someone to inform me."
"I waited at his residence for half an hour without him returning. Your Highness, Second Brother Yan might have met with some mishap. I could only come to seek Your Highness' help!"
The mocking expression faded from Mu Wan Yao's face as she became thoughtful.
Indeed, someone as extremely cautious as Yan Shang would never break a promise once made.
Last time when he arranged with Mu Wan Yao to see the Buddha's relic on Buddha's Birthday, Mu Wan Yao had deliberately made trouble by neither setting a specific time nor location. Even then, when Mu Wan Yao arrived fashionably late in the afternoon, Yan Shang hadn't been much delayed.
If he broke a promise, it might mean something serious had happened...
Mu Wan Yao pressed her lips together. Though she had said she would no longer concern herself with Yan Shang's affairs, now that she suspected something might have happened to him, she couldn't help but feel anxious, pacing around the hall.
Wei Shu said directly: "Your Highness, even if I'm being overly suspicious, I beg you to help me this once. Although you rejected Second Brother Yan's marriage proposal last time, Your Highness misunderstood him. He isn't the kind of person you described..."
Mu Wan Yao looked at Wei Shu and fell silent.Having known Wei Shu for so long, she was well aware of how aloof he was—someone who typically never involved himself in others' affairs. Yet here he was, pleading for her help because of Yan Shang... Yan Shang's remarkable ability to win people over once again stirred peculiar emotions in Mu Wan Yao.
Mu Wan Yao fixed her beautiful eyes on Wei Shu and asked softly, "How do you wish for me to help you?"
Wei Shu replied, "I beg Your Highness to accompany me out of the residence. The palace gates have already been locked for the night, and only Your Highness's waist token can grant us entry. I implore you to come with me to the Chancellery within the imperial city and check if Second Brother Yan is at the Institute for the Advancement of Literature."
Mu Wan Yao hesitated.
Wei Shu cupped his hands and urged with slight urgency, "Your Highness, we must not delay any longer!"
Mu Wan Yao asked, "Why are you going to such lengths for Yan Shang?"
Wei Shu was taken aback for a moment before answering, "If it were me in trouble today, Second Brother Yan would undoubtedly exert the same effort for my sake."
Mu Wan Yao felt irritated.
But with Wei Shu pleading before her and Chunhua—the maid who usually urged her to stay away from Yan Shang—absent from her attendants, the other maids, clearly captivated by Yan Erlang's charm, were deeply concerned about him. Hearing that Yan Erlang might be in trouble, they all joined in beseeching Mu Wan Yao.
Her already wavering resolve quickly crumbled.
She truly, genuinely, possibly, perhaps, felt a little... worried about Yan Shang.
Mu Wan Yao made a decisive command: "Let's go! Accompany me out!"—
Once her mind was set, she was determined to see Yan Shang safe and sound that very night.
Mu Wan Yao and Wei Shu rode a carriage into the imperial city. Arriving at the Institute for the Advancement of Literature, they found it long closed. Remaining in the carriage, Mu Wan Yao sent attendants with Wei Shu, who stood outside holding an umbrella, to inquire about the situation.
After a short while, Wei Shu stood outside the carriage and reported, "It is said that Second Brother Yan boarded the Eldest Princess's carriage."
Mu Wan Yao was startled, then said, "...I see."
The carriage door was open. Hearing the odd tone in Mu Wan Yao's voice, Wei Shu suddenly looked up at her.
Mu Wan Yao stared blankly into the empty space above as if in a daze. "My aunt... has a fondness for handsome young men. You can rest assured now—he won't come to harm. It's likely Yan Erlang has caught her fancy. Perhaps the two are currently enjoying a spring breeze encounter. Should we not disturb them?"
Anger flashed in Wei Shu's eyes.
Rarely showing emotion, he stepped forward, placed a hand on the carriage shaft, and retorted, "Does Your Highness believe Second Brother Yan is the type to cling to the Eldest Princess? Does Your Highness think it matters not if he suffers humiliation?"
Mu Wan Yao was taken aback, then her expression tightened. Thinking of Yan Shang... even if she wished to ignore him, the mere thought of someone so perpetually composed being humiliated in such a manner, imagining his distress, ignited fury within her... This was someone she had promoted—how dare the Eldest Princess touch her person!
A chill settled in her heart. She clenched her fists abruptly and blurted out, "No, absolutely not... I cannot let anything happen to him!"
Her eyes turning cold with resolve, she declared firmly, "Ju Yuan, get in the carriage! We are going to the Princess Residence to demand his return!"
Wei Shu felt a wave of relief.
Yet he cautioned, "If Your Highness antagonizes the Eldest Princess..."
Mu Wan Yao pondered for a moment.
She shook her head and said, "I will not clash openly with my aunt. I am no longer the foolish girl who would naively demand answers that night..."
She was a princess gradually learning the ways of politics. The events of that night with Feng Xianyu and Yan Shang's methods had taught Mu Wan Yao another possibility. Often, she need not push matters to extremes; she could employ more balanced tactics to deal with adversaries.
The wind and rain urged the carriage onward as it set off once again.Mu Wan Yao instructed the guards outside: "Before we reach the entrance of the Princess Residence, help me find a cat."
She was going to her aunt’s residence to search for a lost cat, using this excuse to enter the Eldest Princess’s palace!—
The night rain fell heavily as the carriage raced swiftly through the streets.
Every moment counted!
Mu Wan Yao’s voice was urgent in the cold rain: "Faster! Even faster!"
Because the carriage moved so quickly, it was unstable inside, and even Wei Shu had to hold onto the wooden table to keep his balance. The lantern light streamed into the carriage, illuminating the young woman’s frosty, ice-cold face.
Wei Shu watched the princess frowning in thought, constantly twisting her sleeve... He was somewhat stunned, not expecting Mu Wan Yao to appear more anxious than he was.
Meanwhile, in the bedchamber of the Eldest Princess’s palace, Yan Shang slowly awoke.
Curtains draped to the floor, red candles burned brightly. He lay on a bed, and as he propped himself up on his arms, he already felt his mouth dry and his body undergoing changes.
Vaguely, from behind the curtains, came the Eldest Princess’s laughter: "Has Young Master Yan awakened?"
There was no one else in the hall.
The Eldest Princess lifted the curtain, holding a cup of tea, and gracefully walked toward Yan Shang. The Eldest Princess now was different from the one in the carriage earlier.
Back then, she had maintained a dignified and elegant demeanor, but now, with her hair loose and wearing a light gauze garment that revealed her fragrant shoulders and snowy bosom, she approached Yan Shang with a bewitching charm in her eyes.
She sat by the bedside and handed him the tea.
Yan Shang remained silent.
The Eldest Princess’s eyes fixed on his lower abdomen as she smiled: "No drugs were used. At this point, do you think I still need to resort to drugs?"
Yan Shang naturally bent his legs, using his clothing to conceal his physical reaction. His expression unchanged, he took the tea from the Eldest Princess’s hand, using the drink to calm his racing heart.
When the Eldest Princess sat beside him, his body’s instinctive sensations made him stiffen with tension. Darkness flickered in his eyes, and inappropriate fantasies arose... Yan Shang averted his gaze, refusing to look at the Eldest Princess any longer, and focused on drinking his tea.
His mind raced with thoughts.
Luling Grand Princess observed him, puzzled, wondering why Yan Shang hadn’t thrown himself at her by now. Why was his reaction so subdued upon seeing her? Had the drug not taken effect?
Yet, as Luling Grand Princess watched Yan Shang, she suddenly smiled.
She noticed that although Yan Shang tried to keep his grip on the teacup steady, his slender fingers trembled slightly—he could barely hold the cup.
His breathing was even, but sweat had already beaded on his neck; he remained silent, yet he dared not even glance at her.
Luling Grand Princess abruptly grasped Yan Shang’s hand that held the teacup.
Yan Shang’s hand trembled, the shaking of his fingers impossible to hide, and the teacup fell from his grasp, spilling tea that soaked his robes. The tea left dark stains on his clothing.
The Eldest Princess’s breathing quickened, her voice hoarse: "Young master, why are your hands so cold? Let me warm them for you."
She lowered her head to kiss his fingers.
Yan Shang quickly pulled his hand away: "Your Highness!"
The Eldest Princess sneered, her breath brushing against his ear. With a light push, she toppled his already unsteady body, pressing him down among the curtains. Holding his hand, she watched as sweat dripped from his forehead and his slightly parted, panting lips grew dry, stirring her heart.
She tilted her face to kiss his lips.
But he covered her mouth with his hand.
Yan Shang panted, barely containing himself: "Your Highness, have some self-respect."The Eldest Princess said, "At this point, do you still not understand? What do you mean by self-respect? My lord, you should not waste this beautiful moment and scenery."
The bed curtains swayed and fell.
Inside, the man and woman struggled as if in a life-and-death battle.
The Eldest Princess grew impatient, her tone carrying a warning: "Yan Erlang, I am indulging you because I find you interesting. Do not refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. There is no loss for you in this, so do not put on this aloof act and reject me..."
She laughed, her breath brushing against his neck: "If you serve me well, tomorrow I will seek an audience with His Majesty the Emperor and recommend you for an official position..."
Yan Shang abruptly opened his eyes.
The Eldest Princess could no longer control herself, but Yan Shang suddenly found strength, grabbing her wrist and dragging her off him. His emotions were unstable, teetering on the brink of losing control. With just that simple movement, sweat poured from his forehead, and his mind grew momentarily faint.
The Eldest Princess fell onto the bedding, furious: "Yan Erlang, you..."
Yan Shang cut her off: "Your Highness indulges in pleasure and humiliates your subject like this. Do you truly believe your subject has no means to settle accounts with you in the future?"
The Eldest Princess narrowed her eyes, amused: "What accounts would you settle with me? Are you referring to that little girl Yaoyao? How could she possibly..."
Yan Shang said: "Ten years of study, one day as an official. Your Highness acts so recklessly—can you block my path to office forever? Does Your Highness realize that all you have today depends on His Majesty the Emperor? Once His Majesty no longer protects you, will you, because of today's momentary lapse, push yourself into the abyss?"
The Eldest Princess: "How could my brother possibly over such a trivial matter..."
Yan Shang looked at her coldly: "Your Highness assumes His Majesty will live a long life and protect you forever? After His Majesty passes, does Your Highness plan to dash your head against His Majesty's coffin and follow him in death? Will Your Highness not leave a way out for yourself? Do you not consider whether the glory you enjoy today... can continue in the future?"
The Eldest Princess's face abruptly changed.
The speaker may not have intended it, but the listener took it to heart.
Yan Shang did not know about the Emperor's health, but as the Emperor's sister, Luling Grand Princess was well aware that her imperial brother's health likely would not last many more years. Just two days ago, she heard he had coughed up blood and shown signs of delirium... The Eldest Princess's entire existence depended on the Emperor. She had exhausted all means to recommend famous physicians to treat her brother, yet...
The Eldest Princess reined in her desire, her voice hoarse: "What do you mean? Can you help me?"
Yan Shang: "I can offer Your Highness a strategy."
The Eldest Princess grew agitated: "No... I cannot meddle in politics. If I do, the tolerance my brother grants me now will vanish. What do you know... I might as well enjoy today with wine."
Yan Shang spoke rapidly: "I am not asking Your Highness to meddle in politics. Are there no other ways without direct involvement? Does Your Highness's daily life have no connection to politics at all? What does Your Highness seek—eternal existence and great wealth? Then I cannot help you. I can only help ensure that after His Majesty's passing, you will not face liquidation... Your Highness, think carefully!"
Leaning against the bedpost, Yan Shang felt her approach again. He grasped her wrist, but as he pushed her away, his hand loosened, strength failing him.
A sense of defeat rose in Yan Shang's heart. He could think of no better plan. Was this night destined to...He closed his eyes and endured, the previous words having drained all his strength. Yan Shang no longer had the energy to push her away. But after remaining bowed before him for a long while, the Eldest Princess suddenly lifted her head: "Tell me how you intend to assist me."
Yan Shang immediately raised his gaze to meet hers.
He said, "Your Highness, allow me to rise. I shall write it for you. And I beg Your Highness to grant me the antidote."
The Eldest Princess studied him leisurely.
With a teasing laugh, she replied: "My dear Yan, I can permit you to rise, allow you to write, and let us speak properly. But my dear Yan, what antidote are you speaking of? In the affairs between men and women, what antidote could there possibly exist?"
Her lips brushed against his ear as she tempted, "Tonight's affair is a reward granted by This Palace. You may refuse it, but This Palace will not take it back."
Rain poured down in sheets.
Mu Wan Yao and Wei Shu descended from the carriage one after another. Mu Wan Yao wore a face-covering veil while holding a cat in her arms, and Wei Shu held an umbrella. The two stood at the back gate of Luling Grand Princess's residence.
Mu Wan Yao crouched on the ground, allowing the cat in her embrace to slip out. Naturally seeking shelter from the rain, the cat glanced around before scaling the wall and disappearing into the Grand Princess's estate.
Mu Wan Yao breathed a sigh of relief, then exclaimed loudly, "My cat is lost! I must enter the Grand Princess's residence to retrieve it!"
Wei Shu followed behind Mu Wan Yao, but she stopped him, saying, "Do not accompany me inside now. I need you to help me with a lie—wait for the right moment, then enter the Princess Residence to find me."
Wei Shu replied, "I do not usually tell lies."
But he paused before adding, "However, for Second Brother Yan's sake tonight, a lie is acceptable."
The Eldest Princess sat on her couch, watching Yan Shang struggle to sit up and lean over the desk to write.
Sweat dripped profusely as he wrote, all the while explaining to her.
Throughout, he repeatedly paused his brush, closed his eyes, and his hand holding the wolf hair brush trembled incessantly.
The medicinal effect continued to erode his willpower.
Frequently, his mind went blank, and he couldn't resist indulging in improper thoughts...
The Eldest Princess observed his disheveled state with appreciation, but gradually, her expression turned grave.
Over all these years, Yan Shang was the first person who, despite being drugged by her, could still force himself to negotiate terms. His formidable mental strength initially made her admire and covet him even more, but eventually, it began to frighten her.
If given a choice, it was best not to make an enemy of such a person.
Yan Shang whispered, "...This is the plan. Proceeding in this manner will ensure Your Highness's safety."
He turned to look at her, supporting himself against the wall as he rose, and with great effort, bowed to her with clasped hands.
Seeing his pale, haggard appearance and his trembling body, the Eldest Princess felt a pang of pity and said, "...I will not touch you then. Seeing that you can hardly endure, why not allow me to lend you one of my beautiful maidservants?"
Yan Shang shook his head and replied, "This subject is eager to return home. Your Highness's kindness is acknowledged."
A few moments after Yan Shang left, the Eldest Princess held the note he had left her, repeatedly reading it, and grew hesitant. She found Yan Shang too formidable and wondered whether she should have him pursued and simply killed...
As she wavered, a report came from outside: "Your Highness, Danyang Princess is here to look for her cat."
The Eldest Princess was taken aback, immediately recalling that Danyang Princess had once rejected a marriage proposal with Yan Shang. And now, Danyang Princess arriving at this moment... The Eldest Princess became intrigued and ordered the gates opened to see what her niece was up to.
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