Mu Wan Yao widened her beautiful eyes, raising her voice as if to cover up her embarrassment: "What do you mean by everyone? Who are you referring to?"
Admittedly, Yan Shang was clever enough to know she had always wanted to sleep with him... but she hadn't succeeded!
Didn't they have a tacit understanding?
Hadn't they always avoided this topic?
Why bring it up now? Did he think she was like her aunt, unable to control herself at the sight of handsome men?
Seeing the princess blush with barely concealed anger, Yan Shang regretted his momentary lapse in speaking without restraint.
He frowned and closed his mouth, his eyelashes trembling slightly, not understanding why he had failed to restrain himself.
Perhaps it was because she had been nagging him all day—even a clay bodhisattva would develop some temper. Perhaps it was because she and Yang Sanlang appeared so well-matched, yet she deliberately used her marriage prospects to provoke him...
Between men and women, emotions could easily spiral out of control.
As Yan Shang reflected on his lack of composure, he began to apologize: "This subject was referring to past matters. After arriving in Chang'an and placing third in the imperial examinations, weren't there many matchmakers approaching? This subject meant that I rejected them all. I don't treat every young lady the same way I treat the Eldest Princess."
"It's natural for men and women to admire beauty. As long as no underhanded methods are used, simply liking me is an honor. Why should I humiliate someone just because a young lady fancies me?"
Under such explanation, Mu Wan Yao's expression softened somewhat. But hearing him admit that many young ladies liked him made her raise her eyebrows again, feeling displeased.
She hated that he was too outstanding, which was why so many people liked him!
That both men and women were drawn to him!
With a darkened expression, Mu Wan Yao's eyes swept around the carriage before she picked a grape from the fruit plate on the table and popped it into her mouth.
Yan Shang watched her with lowered eyes, wondering why she still seemed unhappy, when the young princess suddenly looked up, her starlit eyes catching him off guard.
While Yan Shang was still confused, Mu Wan Yao suddenly smiled.
Her enchanting eyes sparkling, she grabbed another grape from the fruit plate and moved closer to him. Her jade-like fingers extended to his lips, attempting to feed him the grape.
Yan Shang stiffened and leaned back as Mu Wan Yao knelt on the low seat, leaning against his shoulder, her breath warming his ear.
The back of Yan Shang's head tingled as she insisted on feeding him the grape, threatening: "If you eat this, I won't be angry with you anymore! Open your mouth!"
Yan Shang: "Your Highness..."
Mu Wan Yao urged: "Eat it, eat it!"
Unable to resist her playful coercion, yet fearing he wouldn't withstand her advances, he found himself in a difficult position.
In his dazed state, Yan Shang yielded to her urging and opened his mouth, swallowing the grape she held between her fingers.
Mu Wan Yao looked down at him, her fingertip accidentally brushing against the corner of his lips, causing Yan Shang to inadvertently suck it in.
A momentary thrill shot through him.
Yan Shang's face flushed crimson as he quickly opened his mouth to let her hand retreat, then took out a handkerchief to wipe her fingers.
In his bewildered state, he hurried to apologize, but when he opened his mouth, he realized he still had the grape she'd fed him. Speaking with food in one's mouth was terribly impolite.
Yan Shang looked utterly embarrassed.
Meanwhile, Mu Wan Yao took the handkerchief to wipe her own hands, rarely seeing him so flustered, and couldn't help but tease him with a sly smile. Not satisfied yet, she watched him closely. Sure enough, the next moment, Yan Shang suddenly frowned, his face stiffening.Mu Wanyao’s eyes lit up with delight. She grabbed his shoulders and laughed, “Did you bite it? Did you bite the grape? It’s extremely sour, isn’t it? So sour your teeth ache, right?”
Yan Shang’s face was already flushed crimson, utterly flustered. He quickly turned away, but Mu Wanyao knelt beside him, leaning over his shoulder and patting it, pressing closer to see his expression—to witness how unbearably sour the fruit had made him.
The more embarrassed he was, the more delighted she became, tugging at him to prevent his escape.
It was a clash of extremes.
On one side, the sourness was so intense he wished he could vanish; on the other, her proximity brought an intoxicating tenderness.
The sourness in his mouth was overwhelming—Yan Shang had never tasted anything so tart. He couldn’t help but admire how Mu Wanyao had eaten it earlier without batting an eye, showing no reaction at all.
Yet she had played a trick on him, insisting he experience the grape’s flavor for himself.
Even someone as even-tempered as Yan Shang was driven to sweat under her teasing, and he began to inwardly blame whoever had served such sour grapes to the princess… Were they not afraid of angering the Danyang Princess?
Normally, Mu Wanyao would have been furious, but at this moment, she adored these grapes.
She leaned over Yan Shang’s shoulder, admiring him for a long while.
He was in clear distress—brows furrowed, his entire face flushed, moisture glistening on his thick, dark lashes, his body trembling slightly, his hands fumbling for something to grasp. And Mu Wanyao adored this vulnerable, struggling side of him!
But after watching him for a while—his helplessness, the urge to spit it out yet holding back—she eventually felt a twinge of pity. She held a handkerchief to his lips and said softly, “Spit it out, go on. If you really can’t swallow it, just spit it out. You’re truly too weak… unable to handle even this bit of sourness.”
In the end, Yan Shang did not spit out the grape. He closed his eyes, endured the discomfort for a long moment, and finally swallowed it. Mu Wanyao handed him a cup of tea, and only then did he recover, leaning against the carriage wall with a soft sigh of relief.
When Yan Shang opened his eyes, he found Mu Wanyao gazing at him teasingly.
Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright, and she smiled radiantly at him.
Clearly, his suffering was her joy.
Yan Shang couldn’t help but remark, “Your Highness, you are too cruel.”
Mu Wanyao snorted, “You’re the one who’s too weak! I think you should start training immediately. If anything happens in the future, the enemy might just give you something sour, and you’d confess everything before they even resort to serious torture.”
Yan Shang reflected, “Your Highness is right. May I take this plate of grapes with me?”
Mu Wanyao was taken aback, never expecting he would actually intend to practice… Wasn’t he being too harsh on himself?
She disliked people who set such high standards for themselves—it bored her. Waving a hand dismissively, she left him to his devices—
After being teased by Mu Wanyao for so long, Yan Shang had composed himself by the time they arrived at the Eldest Princess’s residence. As he stepped out of the carriage and prepared to bow in farewell, the carriage departed almost the moment his feet touched the ground, not waiting for his formalities.
Yan Shang had nothing to say.
This was the Mu Wanyao he knew all too well.
No matter how intimate they were one moment, the next, she would coldly turn away.
There was no use dwelling on it—overthinking would only bring confusion and futility. With a sigh, Yan Shang turned, straightened his appearance and composure, approached the gate, presented the Danyang Princess’s name card, and requested an audience with the Eldest Princess—
The Luling Grand Princess granted him an audience.After allowing Yan Shang to leave that night, Luling Grand Princess found herself wavering. On one hand, she felt this man possessed formidable intellect and should be eliminated to prevent future troubles—after all, he currently held no official position, making it easy to dispose of him. On the other hand, Mu Wan Yao's visit had subtly linked Yan Shang with the Crown Prince, making the Grand Princess apprehensive.
Holding onto Yan Shang's suggestion to yield to the Crown Prince, the Grand Princess had hesitated for several days.
Initially, she feared that by currying favor with the Crown Prince, her imperial brother might notice and punish her. But after several days without any movement from the Crown Prince's side, she began to worry whether Yan Shang had deceived her, or if the Crown Prince simply disdained her assistance.
Just as the Grand Princess was growing frantic with anxiety, Yan Shang's visit brought her relief.
Yan Shang understood his adversary's psychology perfectly: the more eager one appeared, the more suspicious the other became; the longer one delayed, the more anxious the other grew.
Thus, when Yan Shang visited the Grand Princess again, he employed negotiation tactics even more effortless than during their previous encounter in bed, easily putting her at ease.
The Grand Princess no longer regarded Yan Shang merely as a handsome youth who could please her in bed, but instead addressed him with the respect due to a strategist: "...Then, according to your view, should I take the initiative to donate money to the Crown Prince?"
Yan Shang replied gently, "If you take the initiative, others might perceive Your Highness as being overly sensitive to political matters."
The Grand Princess said, "Please advise me."
Although she maintained her own advisors, over the years their function had degraded to scouting handsome men for her. These advisors had been rendered useless by the Grand Princess herself, and since one shouldn't trouble multiple masters with the same affair, she simply asked Yan Shang directly what she should do.
A subtle flicker passed through Yan Shang's eyes, surprised that such a simple matter required his counsel. Could this Grand Princess truly trust him so much?
Impossible.
It must be that the Grand Princess had no one else to turn to.
Understanding this, Yan Shang maintained his gentle smile: "Your Highness keeps so many male companions in your residence. Simply have one of them commit some offense, giving the Crown Prince leverage. Then Your Highness can go apologize. Isn't that simpler?"
The Grand Princess nodded. She indeed dared not touch politics, fearing that any involvement might lead her imperial brother to strip her of power. With Yan Shang's suggestion, she thought to herself that she would only do this once, with no repetition.
Of course, the Grand Princess could also see that Yan Shang's method contained some intention of humiliating her.
The Grand Princess chuckled inwardly, thinking: After all, he's young, believing I care about this trivial loss of money and face? Very well, if he wants this small revenge, I'll consider it compensation.
However, she failed to understand that Yan Shang wasn't scheming for the present moment—he was planning for the future.
The Crown Prince wouldn't let go of such a useful "money bag" as the Grand Princess. Not only would he not let go, but with prolonged use, greed would grow.
Many things, once begun, become difficult to retreat from after the first step.
Luling Grand Princess observed Yan Shang's pleasing demeanor that made one feel as comfortable as bathing in spring breeze.
Despite her previous treatment of him, this Yan Erlang showed no outward resentment. Unless both parties knew the truth, no one could tell she had previously drugged him.
This man... Luling Grand Princess felt somewhat unwilling to let him go.
She asked: "Yan Erlang, I don't mean to demean you, but I genuinely admire your talent. Would you consider serving in my Princess Residence?"
Yan Shang said: "Today I came on behalf of the Crown Prince to deliver a message."The Eldest Princess felt a sense of loss, knowing that the other party was politely rejecting her. Reluctantly, she let Yan Shang leave and had her servant escort him out. Watching his graceful, jade-bamboo-like figure pass beneath the corridor outside the window, the princess was so enamored that she practically drooled, yet she had no choice but to let him go...
The servant was seeing Yan Shang out when Feng Xianyu approached midway. Feng Xianyu instructed the servant briefly and offered to escort Yan Shang out himself.
Feng Xianyu was now a frequent guest at the Princess Residence and the Eldest Princess’s current favorite. The servants naturally dared not defy this gentleman’s words.
Yan Shang had no particular opinion on the matter.
When the two were walking alone, Yan Shang quietly thanked Feng Xianyu: "...Regarding the matter Brother Feng reminded me of last time, I failed to consider it carefully and ended up wasting your kind intentions."
Feng Xianyu remained silent.
After a long pause, he said, "The advice you gave the Eldest Princess is merely taking advantage of the fact that she has no strategists to consult."
Yan Shang smiled without replying. He thought to himself that if Luling Grand Princess had someone to consult, he would not have offered such advice.
Feng Xianyu continued, "After she suffers a few more losses at the Crown Prince’s hands and realizes what’s happening, she’ll go crying to the Emperor. She might even accuse the Crown Prince of ‘forming cliques for personal gain.’ When that happens, the Crown Prince might push you out to take the blame.
"Yan Er, how could you suggest such a plan just to vent your frustration?"
His tone carried a hint of disappointment in Yan Shang, feeling he had overestimated Yan Shang’s intelligence.
Yan Shang smiled in surprise, not expecting Feng Xianyu to warn him.
Among those around the Eldest Princess, all the male favorites clung to her for wealth and luxury. Perhaps Feng Xianyu was the only one who truly studied, possessed talent, and aspired to take the imperial examinations...
Yan Shang was always one to repay kindness. Since Feng Xianyu had warned him, he felt inclined to lend Feng Xianyu a hand.
Yan Shang whispered, "But isn’t this precisely Brother Feng’s opportunity to rise?"
Feng Xianyu paused and looked at him, "...What do you mean?"
As they walked together, exiting the Eldest Princess’s palace gates, outsiders merely saw two friends parting. No one knew what Yan Shang was discussing.
Yan Shang explained, "After the Eldest Princess realizes I’ve deceived her into suffering repeated losses from the Crown Prince, and she plans to appeal to the Emperor, it should be you, Brother Feng, who stops her. Her power is indeed excessive, and she truly needs to prepare for the time after the Emperor’s passing. But those around her are all pleasure-seekers; seeing her suffer losses, they’ll surely urge her to evade the issue.
"At that moment, you should persuade the Eldest Princess and explain to her what long-term strategy means. How can relying on looks alone last? Only by proving your greater usefulness can you remain by the Eldest Princess’s side longer and secure more advantages.
"Of course, my suggestion assumes that you wish to continue relying on the Eldest Princess for official positions and fame. If you plan to break away from her midway, then consider my words unsaid."
Feng Xianyu stood frozen in place, stunned.
Yan Shang smiled at him.
By then, they had already left the Princess Residence. Feng Xianyu gazed at this young gentleman’s elegance, his heart filled with bitterness and a sense of inferiority.
He had thought he understood Yan Shang’s tactics... yet Yan Shang had still left him a path to survival within them.
If he hadn’t come to see Yan Shang off today, perhaps Yan Shang would never have reminded him. He would have blindly missed a golden opportunity...Feng Xianyu reflected that though he was a few years older than Yan Shang and had considered himself more knowledgeable about Chang'an's political landscape, it now appeared... what use were those extra years?
He was inferior to Yan Shang, plain and simple.
Great kindness need not be spoken in words.
Feng Xianyu remained silent, standing before the Princess Residence gate as he cupped his hands and bowed deeply, performing an exceedingly solemn salute to Yan Shang.
Yan Shang sidestepped to avoid it, naturally unwilling to accept such formal courtesy from Feng Xianyu.
Neither spoke further, yet regarding that old conflict over the Tanhua title replacement... Feng Xianyu sighed, realizing Yan Shang seemed poised to resolve even that lingering tension—
After Yan Shang handled matters concerning The Eldest Princess, within days an incident where one of her male favorites drunkenly whipped commoners in the street was reported to the Capital Governor's office.
The Capital Governor happened to be the Imperial Son-in-Law of Princess Yuyang.
Since Princess Yuyang's biological brother was Third Prince Qin, logically the Capital Governor's natural allegiance should have been with Prince Qin.
But before Prince Qin could grasp why The Eldest Princess's favorite beating commoners mattered, the Crown Prince had already seized the case with his Ministry of Justice officials. Though Prince Qin didn't understand the Crown Prince's motives, political opponents inherently obstruct each other's moves regardless of comprehension.
The case exhausted both the Ministry of Justice and Capital Governor's office, becoming another bout between Crown Prince and Prince Qin—with the Crown Prince ultimately prevailing.
The implications behind this case ran deep.
Mu Wan Yao, following the Crown Prince throughout the affair, witnessed everything while assisting him and lobbying on his behalf.
She wondered privately whether Yan Shang realized he'd drawn everyone into this, or if it had been intentional.
But this had become the Crown Prince and Prince Qin's struggle.
Yan Shang naturally returned to his routine at the Institute for the Advancement of Literature, focusing solely on studies while ignoring subsequent developments. Seeing his detachment, Mu Wan Yao relaxed.
Yet Yan Shang specifically wrote her a note: "Your Highness, do not become overly engrossed in power."
Mu Wan Yao immediately burned it: "Since when does he govern me?"
Secretly she feared Yan Shang might steal her credit or upstage her before the Crown Prince.
His dedication to studying suited her perfectly.
To show support for his scholarly pursuits, she even painstakingly moved numerous books from her Princess Residence to his opposite residence, claiming they were gifts for Yan Shang.
Making Chunhua hesitate to speak.
She felt the princess treated Yan Shang too favorably.
But Mu Wan Yao was riding high, oblivious to such concerns.
Through The Eldest Princess incident, she'd gained the Crown Prince's notice—he began assigning her tasks.
Ministers no longer dismissed her as merely a young princess returned from Peace Marriage, but considered her opinions. Sometimes when Mu Wan Yao spoke, they would ponder Danyang Princess's stance.
The carriages before Danyang Princess Residence finally included more than just those of her former retainers who now held office.
Thus Mu Wan Yao participated more actively in politics, increasing her influence. She needed not only to prove useful to the Crown Prince, but to make more people wary of her.
Meanwhile, Yan Shang received a visit from Liu Wenji.
While busy with studies, Yan Shang still cared about old friends.
But after hearing Liu Wenji's heartfelt confession at the Pleasure Quarter with Chunhua back in March—learning of Liu Wenji's strong resentment—Yan Shang had kept some distance from him.Liu Wenji felt distressed, as both his lover and friend had developed opinions of him. He finally began to reflect on himself.
When Liu Wenji came to see Yan Shang this time, he solemnly apologized for his previous words and sought Yan Shang's help to arrange a meeting with Chunhua, so he could apologize to her as well.
Yan Shang welcomed Liu Wenji into his residence, showing no anger over Liu Wenji's earlier contempt. Instead, he amiably advised, "I bear no grudge. It's true that my literary talent falls short of yours, so your dissatisfaction was understandable. Moreover, since you've apologized, I naturally accept it.
"However, regarding Chunhua, I have some reservations. If you wish to meet her through me, I fear that as an intermediary, I might inadvertently cause her heartache again, which would weigh on my conscience. I can't help but ask, Brother Liu, what are your plans for the future?"
Liu Wenji bowed respectfully to Yan Shang.
Three months had passed, and Liu Wenji appeared quite different from his former arrogant self.
His demeanor had softened significantly, no longer looking down upon everyone. Liu Wenji was naturally handsome, and with his subdued presence, standing there in simple cloth robes at Yan Shang's place, he exuded a refined elegance like polished jade.
Liu Wenji said, "You're right, Yan Er. I used to underestimate people too much. I thought my talent was unmatched and disregarded others. Having wasted a year in Chang'an, I've finally come to my senses. I should focus on the exams and no longer reject the submission of literary works. Even if I fail again next year, I'll maintain a calm mindset...
"To be honest, after over a year in Chang'an, my family's funds are running low. I feel ashamed but plan to follow other impoverished scholars by selling my poems for income and recognition. I'm also considering... if I still don't pass next year, I can't let Chunhua wait for me any longer.
"I will propose to her and seek marriage at the Princess Residence. I hope, Su Chen, you can put in a good word for me with the Danyang Princess when the time comes."
Yan Shang promptly congratulated him: "Then I wish you success in advance. This mindset is truly the best, Brother Liu... But it's only been three months—have you really had such a change of heart?"
Liu Wenji met Yan Shang's smiling, gentle eyes.
Blushing in embarrassment, Liu Wenji said, "Su Chen, you know my temperament... Even if I try to restrain myself, you can't expect me to completely transform into someone else in just three months, can you?"
Yan Shang laughed and replied, "I wouldn't demand that of you. This is already quite good. As long as you're willing to change, I'll naturally help you."
He sighed, "How can one's nature be altered overnight? In a lifetime of a hundred years, it takes daily self-reflection to avoid wrongdoing."
Liu Wenji: "..."
After a long silence, Liu Wenji said, "There's no need to be as harsh on yourself as you are."——
Having agreed to help Liu Wenji, Yan Shang naturally went to the Princess Residence to find Chunhua and facilitate their meeting.
But Yan Shang clearly had many matters to attend to.
Not only was he studying—he went to the Institute for the Advancement of Literature daily without fail—he also had numerous social gatherings with friends. Due to his excellent interpersonal skills, he was invited to every banquet, requiring him to be selective while ensuring no one felt slighted. Additionally, he was busy with unspecified activities, frequently visiting the West Market.
Chang'an was divided into the East Market and the West Market: the East Market was frequented by high officials and nobles, while the West Market attracted more foreign merchants and travelers.Based on the location of the district where Yan Shang currently resided, it was actually much closer for him to go to the East Market. However, his frequent visits to the West Market were rather intriguing.
Mu Wan Yao couldn't care less about him.
She was currently immersed in political affairs, and even though she came and went every day without seeing Yan Shang next door, she hadn't given him a thought.
It wasn't until June that she suddenly remembered. A month had passed, and since the servants next door were all bound by the Princess Residence's indentured contracts, they naturally came to the Princess Residence to collect their monthly wages.
While the steward was distributing the wages, the servants were chatting, and their conversation happened to be overheard by Mu Wan Yao, who had just returned to the residence.
Listening to them discuss the matter next door: "Yan Erlang goes to the West Market every day. Who knows what he’s busy with?"
Mu Wan Yao recalled something, stopped walking, and interjected: "Today, I heard a minister say that many Western Region beauties have recently arrived at the West Market. They’ve opened taverns there, and instead of going to the Pleasure Quarter, these Western Region beauties dance and sing right in their shops.
"They’re both beautiful and unrestrained! Lately, the entire Chang’an is crazy about them. Quite a few ministers have gone to see them."
In Great Wei, there was no rule forbidding officials from visiting courtesans. On the contrary, it was considered a mark of charm if one could win the favor of the ladies in the Pleasure Quarter.
And if a high-ranking court official had never visited the Pleasure Quarter, Great Wei wouldn’t praise him as upright and virtuous. Instead, they’d say he was a killjoy, a hypocrite, or a country bumpkin.
Thinking of this, Mu Wan Yao declared with conviction: "In my opinion, Yan Shang must be going to the West Market to see those foreign beauties."
As she spoke, a frosty glint hid in her eyes, filled with a murderous aura.
Everyone: "..."
Just as they were talking, someone came to report from outside: "Your Highness, Yan Erlang has come to pay a visit."
Mu Wan Yao was taken aback, then a spring-like warmth filled her eyes as she glanced behind her. Hearing of his arrival, she couldn’t help but feel joy.
However, her joy lasted only a moment. Mu Wan Yao quickly remembered that Yan Shang might have been embracing foreign beauties left and right in the West Market taverns, and her face turned cold.
Mu Wan Yao: "I won’t see him."
The servant reporting: "Uh..."
Mu Wan Yao shot him a cold glare.
The servant lowered his head and whispered: "Yan Erlang said if Your Highness refuses to see him, he’ll speak with Lady Chunhua instead."
Mu Wan Yao sneered: "...He’s quite prescient, knowing I wouldn’t want to see him! And he even gave you instructions in advance!"
Her eyes blazing with fury, she glared at Chunhua standing beside her. Her gaze held not only anger but also grievance and resentment.
Chunhua, who had been enjoying the spectacle, was taken aback when the princess looked her way: "Huh? Me? Why me?"
Chunhua hurriedly explained to the princess: "Your Highness, Yan Erlang and I absolutely, absolutely have no private relationship... I’ll send him away right now..."
Mu Wan Yao grabbed Chunhua’s hand, smiling brightly: "Why send him away? Let him in! I want to hear what he has to say to you, Chunhua... I’ll see what you two have been doing behind my back!"
And so, Mu Wan Yao forced Chunhua to let Yan Shang in. Fearing they might hold back, she even arranged an empty room specifically for them.
After pacing for a long while, Mu Wan Yao simply changed into a maid’s outfit and hid behind a screen.
Leaning behind the screen, Danyang Princess was eager to hear why Yan Shang wanted to see Chunhua.
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