Mu Wan Yao hid behind the screen, keenly aware that Chunhua outside was also visibly tense.
She coughed lightly, and only then did Chunhua snap out of her daze, instructing someone to invite Yan Erlang inside.
Chunhua had some suspicions in her heart, believing that Yan Shang’s visit was likely due to Liu Wenji.
Her heart was tangled and tormented; she dared not tell anyone about her affair with Prince Jin. The fact that Prince Jin hadn’t come to the princess to demand her brought her some relief. Yet, she had no idea how to face Liu Wenji.
She felt she had betrayed her lover. Though it wasn’t by her own will, she had become another man’s woman in bed without breaking things off with Liu Wenji. Compared to this, Liu Wenji’s harsh words toward her seemed like a minor fault.
At the very least… even if he went to the Pleasure Quarter, he hadn’t slept with other women or betrayed her.
Instead, she was the one who had become the betrayer.
Liu Wenji came to the Princess Residence every day to see Chunhua, but she no longer had the face to confront him. And now Yan Shang had come… If he were to plead on Liu Wenji’s behalf, how could she bear it?
Amidst this inner turmoil, Yan Shang knocked and entered, catching sight of Chunhua standing as if lost in thought in the room.
Both composed themselves and exchanged greetings.
Leaning against the brocade screen inlaid with jewels and mother-of-pearl, Mu Wan Yao overheard their polite exchange outside—
Yan Shang began courteously: "How has Her Highness been these past two days?"
Chunhua replied: "Her Highness has been attending banquets with the Crown Prince. Aside from returning late each day, there’s nothing out of the ordinary."
Yan Shang lowered his voice: "Since she isn’t in good health, you should advise her to drink less and not attend banquets so frequently. She ought to rest more."
Chunhua smiled: "This servant understands. Thank you, Erlang, for your concern for Her Highness."
Yan Shang coughed awkwardly.
Hidden behind the screen, Mu Wan Yao’s lips curved upward: Yan Shang was using her as a pretext to build rapport with Chunhua, and she found it rather pleasing.
But as for his advice to drink less… she’d let that slide.
For one, her alcohol tolerance was beyond what he could imagine. For another, attending banquets required drinking, and to engage in political affairs, she had to keep attending these events.
She had to take the initiative and actively involve herself in politics.
Because she was merely a princess of a Peace Marriage, her only remaining value lay in her ties to the Li Family and the status left by the Empress. The Crown Prince intended to use her as a weapon, to have her step forward and eliminate threats. If she refused, she would once again be forced into marriage, squeezing out the last dregs of her usefulness.
Yan Shang could follow a steady, gradual path; by studying normally, he could become an official, get promoted, and participate in governance. But Mu Wan Yao had no time to spare. If she didn’t assert herself, she would be married off; if she didn’t become the wielder of the knife, she would become the meat on the chopping block.
Though she had told her uncle that she didn’t care whom she married, if given a choice, she… truly did not want to marry anyone now.
She had grown to detest marriage, to loathe being tied to any man, and to despise the feeling of lying in any man’s bed, subjugated and powerless.
While Mu Wan Yao was lost in thought, Yan Shang and Chunhua had indeed moved on to discussing Liu Wenji.
Chunhua hadn’t wanted to listen, but Yan Shang’s calm, unhurried, and persuasive negotiating style made it hard to refuse. Before she knew it, she had heard him out and found herself swayed by his reasoning.
Yan Shang said: "...In short, who doesn’t make mistakes? Since Brother Liu hasn’t committed any fundamental wrongs and is willing to change for your sake, why not give him a chance?"
Chunhua lowered her eyes in shame.Yan Shang noticed her expression was different from usual and couldn't help but observe her carefully. Though Chunhua's face appeared calm, her hands were unconsciously twisting her sleeves round and round—she was clearly extremely anxious.
Yan Shang thought to himself: Could Liu Wenji's mistake really be this serious?
He asked, "If you're facing any difficulties, you could tell me. Perhaps we can find a solution together?"
Chunhua pressed her lips together but firmly shook her head.
She didn't want anyone to witness her wretched disgrace.
She whispered, "Erlang, if I made a mistake—not by choice—but it would hurt Young Master Liu... what should I do?"
Yan Shang looked down at her and after a long pause asked, "What kind of mistake is it?"
Chunhua: "I don't want to say."
Yan Shang thought for a moment before asking again, "Then how serious is this mistake?"
Chunhua closed her eyes in shame: "...The kind that would shatter him if he knew."
Yan Shang's expression turned solemn. After a long silence, he asked, "Can you resolve this problem yourself?"
Chunhua said, "It's already resolved."
Yan Shang stared at her for a moment before repeating, "Can you resolve this problem yourself?"
Chunhua was puzzled by his repetition and looked at him.
She heard Yan Shang's voice soften further, as if emphasizing the point: "You need to be absolutely certain—have you truly resolved this problem?"
Chunhua had originally thought it was resolved, but under his questioning, she became uncertain.
Seeing Chunhua's confused and uneasy expression, Yan Shang sighed and said, "I understand. In any case, it seems you're facing some difficulty. I suggest you resolve this matter completely. Either face it together with Brother Liu, or thoroughly eliminate the trouble before reconciling with him."
"If you truly don't want him to know, then you must resolve it exceptionally thoroughly. Since you don't wish to speak of it, I won't press further. But I want to remind you—your mistress is a princess. Typically, your mistress's status is already high enough throughout Great Wei. She should be able to help you with your troubles."
Chunhua was startled and quickly thanked Yan Shang.
After discussing this matter, Yan Shang still didn't leave. Chunhua looked at him curiously, noticing that this bright and clear gentleman actually appeared somewhat embarrassed and troubled.
Chunhua watched him with interest.
After struggling internally for a while, Yan Shang said, "One month has passed. I should fulfill my promise to Her Highness and give her my monthly salary."
Mu Wan Yao, who had been eavesdropping from behind, had been pondering what Chunhua had done. Hearing Yan Shang's words, she suddenly realized: Ah yes, Yan Shang had promised to give her his salary because she rented him the adjacent residence.
Since Mu Wan Yao never lacked money and never cared much about properties, she had completely forgotten about this arrangement.
But from Yan Shang's tone... did he not want to pay?
Mu Wan Yao raised her elegant eyebrows, thinking how dare he. But she reminded herself to later instruct Chunhua that Yan Shang's monthly salary must be delivered directly to her for inspection.
Otherwise, she wouldn't even know if he paid the rent. She'd be foolishly letting him live in her property while still paying his courtyard servants... Even if Danyang Princess wasn't short of money, she wasn't stupid either?
Outside, Chunhua voiced Mu Wan Yao's thoughts: "Young master, are you unwilling to pay the rent?"Yan Shang hastily said: "I absolutely don't mean that! It's just that I've been rather short on funds recently, with money tied up in other matters... Please give me another ten days, I'll definitely come up with the payment."
Chunhua thought about it and decided this wasn't a major issue—she could advance the money for him—so she nodded in agreement.
Unbeknownst to her, Mu Wan Yao behind the screen was stomping her feet in frustration, nearly rushing out to push Chunhua aside and point at Yan Shang's nose while demanding: Why the delay? What's the reason for postponing?
Chunhua was just too accommodating... she didn't even ask for an explanation.
Why didn't Chunhua consider... that Yan Shang might be spending the money on visiting brothels? This... this... Are women more important than rent?
Just then, Yan Shang hesitated before asking Chunhua: "...Could you lend me some money?"
Chunhua: "..."
Mu Wan Yao: "..."Perhaps finally hearing her princess's nearly collapsing internal screams, Chunhua asked one more question: 'Sir, I know living in Chang'an isn't easy, but Her Highness has already resolved your housing issue.'" Even if your monthly salary isn't enough, you should have other sources of income.
"As the Tanhua laureate, many households in Chang'an must be hosting banquets for you and seeking your acquaintance. Even as mere formalities, they would present you with monetary gifts. Why then are you still short of funds? Where exactly are you spending all your money?"
Chunhua said seriously: "Erlang, if you want to settle long-term in Chang'an, you should have a proper financial plan. You don't strike me as someone who squanders money recklessly—why are you so poor at managing your finances?"
Yan Shang hung his head in shame.
He only said: "To be honest with you, my third brother back home handles our family finances skillfully. They send me money monthly, so I'm usually not short of funds... It's just that I've been occupied with a certain matter recently, which has temporarily cut off my funds. Once I finish dealing with this matter, the money flow will resume.
"But you're right to admonish me. I'll pay more attention to this in the future."
Chunhua then agreed to lend him the money.
Making Mu Wan Yao behind the screen nearly spit blood in frustration: ...Why didn't she ask what matter he's busy with?
Is it visiting brothels?
Mu Wan Yao barely maintained her royal dignity, restraining herself from rushing out to confront Yan Shang. But she was truly infuriated by both Yan Shang and Chunhua—one being easygoing was bad enough, but two easygoing people together—
After Chunhua saw Yan Shang out, she returned to find Mu Wan Yao.
Mu Wan Yao had changed back into her magnificent robes and was sitting drinking tea to calm her emotions.
The princess seated on the daybed wore resplendent robes that pooled on the floor, her face cold as frost. As she drank cup after cup of tea, the maid attending her shot Chunhua warning glances—the princess was displeased and shouldn't be disturbed.
Steeling herself, Chunhua approached. Mu Wan Yao glanced at her and suddenly asked: "Were you slept with by someone of high status and power?"
Chunhua started, her face turning pale as she thumped to her knees.
She stammered: "Your Highness, how... how did you know..."
Mu Wan Yao curled her lip: "With that expression of yours, only someone like Yan Shang who pays no attention to romantic matters wouldn't notice what's wrong with you. If he can't tell, do you think I wouldn't notice?"
Kneeling on the floor, Chunhua went weak all over, her lips trembling as she wanted to beg the princess but didn't know where to begin...
Seeing her like this, Mu Wan Yao sighed inwardly before saying: "What exactly are you afraid of? As Yan Er said, I am after all a princess. You're just a maid—not some peerless beauty—who would challenge me over you?""Rise. Go about your pleasures as you normally would. No one can take you from me."
She couldn't be bothered to ask which man had slept with Chunhua.
After all, there were only a handful of possibilities.
No matter how unfavorable Mu Wan Yao's circumstances might be, she was still a princess. Chunhua, ultimately just a maid, didn't wish to trouble her mistress.
Yet Chunhua didn't understand that while Mu Wan Yao's life in Chang'an was indeed unsatisfactory, those who could make it so were few in number... Unless Chunhua had caught the Emperor's eye, should anyone else desire her, none could force the issue so long as Mu Wan Yao refused.
As for her father... Mu Wan Yao thought with malicious amusement, she'd heard he'd developed delusions of late—how could such a man possibly muster the energy to leave the palace and bed women?
The thought of her father reminded Mu Wan Yao that she hadn't paid her respects at the palace for several days. Composing herself, she decided on impulse to visit the Emperor and demonstrate her filial devotion.
A mere formality.
But such formalities could never be neglected by imperial princes and princesses.
That evening, Mu Wan Yao's sudden appearance at the palace to pay respects pleasantly surprised the Emperor.
The vast palace now housed the Emperor in solitary splendor, receiving no one. Perhaps due to poor health, he no longer permitted consorts to attend him.
Having dwelled in loneliness for so long, the Emperor was overjoyed when his youngest daughter joined him for supper. He consumed an extra half-bowl of soup, moving his chief eunuch to silent gratitude toward the princess.
As the eunuch escorted Mu Wan Yao from the palace, overwhelmed by the Emperor's improved appetite, he couldn't resist chattering to the princess: "Since the late Empress passed, His Majesty's health has declined. He lost all spirit—in the beginning, he would spend whole days staring at her portrait in a daze... It's fortunate Your Highness has returned to Chang'an. You should visit the palace more often to keep His Majesty company."
Mu Wan Yao could contain herself no longer. "Didn't my mother and he torment each other until she lost their game and died?" she retorted. "And why should he be glad to see me? Didn't he always wish I'd grow old and die among the Black Barbarians instead of returning?"
The eunuch stared at the Danyang Princess, taken aback.
Softly, he said, "Your Highness seems to resent His Majesty? Among all the princes and princesses, His Majesty actually favors you most—"
Mu Wan Yao cut in stiffly, "He and Mother only ever loved my second brother. When Second Brother died, their grief nearly killed them. When I was married off to the Black Barbarians, neither showed an ounce of reluctance."
The eunuch sought to explain on the Emperor's behalf: "That was because—"
Exasperated, Mu Wan Yao interrupted, "Enough, I understand. Political necessities—he wanted to pacify the realm and prevent border wars, my mother wanted to secure the Li Family's position in Chang'an... I know already! Since His Majesty is unwell, you should hurry back to attend him instead of seeing me out."
Her tone grew sharp, her expression icy at first, then her chest heaved with suppressed grievance.
Mu Wan Yao averted her gaze, taking in her surroundings. Only servants followed behind her; no one walked by her side. Raising her eyes, she beheld the brilliant river of stars above the deep, shadowed palace. Enveloped by this vastness, she felt insignificant, adrift, with no true place to call home.
A lost, helpless expression flickered across her features. Coming to herself, she glanced at the eunuch beside her. Witnessing the princess's vacant despair, his heart ached with pity, yet there was nothing more he could say.
In the imperial family, affection was never a private matter—it belonged to the state. The Danyang Princess had simply been unlucky: she was the sacrificial pawn in their game.The eunuch stood on the vermilion steps, watching the princess ascend her carriage and depart from the palace under the glow of rows of crimson lanterns.
As for when the princess would next enter the palace to see His Majesty—who could say how long it would be?
Mu Wan Yao’s temper flared quickly but faded just as fast. Though she had been somewhat displeased in the palace, by the next day she had already forgotten and was back to her usual self, comfortably staying by the Crown Prince’s side.
The dynamic between the Crown Prince and Prince Qin was quite intriguing. On one hand, Prince Qin’s backing was strong and should have allowed him to suppress the Crown Prince. However, the Crown Prince was shrewd and calculating, and even though the noble families supporting him were fewer than those behind Prince Qin, he still firmly held the upper hand.
One day, Mu Wan Yao was to discuss official matters with several ministers. By custom, they would usually meet either at the Princess Residence, at a minister’s home, or directly in the Pleasure Quarter.
Mu Wan Yao changed into men’s attire, fully prepared to join the others in the Pleasure Quarter. But halfway there on horseback, the men suddenly decided to head to the West Market instead.
They cautiously persuaded the princess: “We’ve heard that several beautiful Hu girls have recently arrived at the taverns in the West Market. You can watch them sing and dance without paying a single coin. They say that for every jar of wine you buy in the main hall, a Hu girl will come to serve you… Of course, Your Highness surely has no interest in Hu girls. But you’ve probably never seen them before—why not come along and see what they’re like?”
Hearing this, Mu Wan Yao suddenly recalled that she had heard Yan Shang frequently visited the West Market lately. She wondered to herself what he could possibly be doing there.
A thought crossed her mind, and she nodded. “Very well, let’s go to the West Market. I’d like to see just how enchanting these Hu girls are to have you all so captivated.”
The men looked embarrassed.
Fortunately, the customs in Great Wei were liberal. After only a moment of awkwardness, they began enthusiastically discussing the matter, and Mu Wan Yao showed no sign of annoyance or reluctance to listen. Her tactful demeanor put the ministers at ease.
After all, working alongside a woman was always somewhat inconvenient… but if she was open-minded, everyone could relax a little more.
Mu Wan Yao accompanied them to a tavern to see the beautiful Hu girls. Perhaps because of her presence, the gentlemen merely watched with simple appreciation. However, Mu Wan Yao soon found it uninteresting. Though she blushed slightly at the Hu girls’ bare-chested and exposed-bellied dances, she quickly decided there was nothing particularly impressive about them.
Their dances were just a bit more passionate and unrestrained—what was so difficult about that?
There wasn’t a single high-level move.
Just some hip-swaying and leg-lifting… Mu Wan Yao felt she could do it herself.
Watching the men utterly enthralled, Mu Wan Yao grew bored. After drinking two cups of wine without finding any amusement, she stood up and left.
She went downstairs to the counter and had her maid, also dressed in men’s clothing, relay a few words. Then she followed the shopkeeper to the backyard.
Only then did Mu Wan Yao ask the shopkeeper, “My maid said that your establishment recently hosted Yan Shang? Was it really him? There’s no mistake?”
The shopkeeper smiled apologetically. “Young lady, with the appearance your maid described, it’s impossible to mistake him. Handsome gentlemen naturally draw attention. Even if he came here often with nothing to do, people would still notice him. How could we possibly mistake him?”
Mu Wan Yao nodded.
Her maid handed the shopkeeper a silver ingot.
Delighted, the shopkeeper was about to hide the silver when Mu Wan Yao asked with a smile, “But did he come here alone?”The shopkeeper looked at Mu Wan Yao: "What is your relationship with him? My apologies, even though you've been quite generous, we still shouldn't disclose our guests' whereabouts."
Mu Wan Yao said idly: "I'm his lover."
The maidservants and guards following the princess all turned to look at her in unison: "..."
Watching Mu Wan Yao casually weave lies without batting an eye made her followers admire her greatly: "I suspect he's secretly seeing other women behind my back, so I came to investigate."
The shopkeeper was taken aback, then stared at Mu Wan Yao for a long while before seeming to understand. He chuckled: "Madam, aren't you overthinking this? With your appearance, who would dare to see other women behind your back?"
Mu Wan Yao gave a perfunctory smile that didn't reach her eyes, which remained fixed on the shopkeeper.
Seeing the young lady's extreme stubbornness about getting to the bottom of this, the shopkeeper hesitated for a long time. Only after Mu Wan Yao had someone add another silver ingot did he finally relent.
He whispered: "Madam, please follow me."—
As evening approached, the West Market was about to close its gates. Mu Wan Yao followed the shopkeeper through the market, already seeing many stalls packing up and shops beginning to close.
The shopkeeper led Mu Wan Yao into a shop and called inside: "Old Han Qi, we have a guest!"
A loud voice boomed from inside the shop: "What guest? We're about to close! If you want to buy horses or hire people, come earlier next time!"
Mu Wan Yao was stunned. Despite her dignified elegance, even ordinary men's clothing couldn't conceal her breathtaking beauty. She stood completely out of place in this grimy shop. Just standing there for a moment, she could feel the greasy smoke clinging to her clothes from the oil stains and burn marks everywhere.
She couldn't bear it and stepped back, unwilling to enter, standing at the doorway in confusion.
Her words became hesitant: "...Yan Er came here to find women? That can't be right..."
Yan Shang didn't seem like someone with such poor taste.
Just as the shopkeeper who had brought Mu Wan Yao was about to explain, the curtain inside the shop was pushed aside and a burly man with a scar on his face emerged. He came out like a moving mountain, cursing under his breath, his face full of impatience, as if grumbling about having guests so close to closing time.
However, when the man looked up and saw the person standing at the shop entrance—
The young lady wore men's clothing but shone like a bright pearl.
The man's expression immediately softened, and his voice gentled, afraid of frightening such a beauty: "Ma-madam, what brings you here? I'm afraid we don't have anything you'd want here."
Mu Wan Yao asked: "What kind of people are you all?"
The guiding shopkeeper explained: "This is the largest place in the entire West Market for buying horses and commercial transport. Many foreign merchants and tribesmen come here for work. Whether it's hiring assassins or transporting goods and grain, as long as the payment is sufficient, there are people here who will take the job."
Mu Wan Yao nodded. By this point, she already understood that whatever Yan Shang was doing in the West Market likely had nothing to do with women.
Thus, she had no reservations about speaking: "I want to know what Yan Shang came to you for."
Her followers presented a box of silver ingots that made everyone's eyes gleam.
With such generosity from the young lady, there was nothing that couldn't be discussed. The mountain-like man led Mu Wan Yao inside to meet several other similarly brawny men.He said succinctly, "Actually, there's nothing that can't be said. It's just business. I'm aware of the Second Yan you mentioned—he's indeed been negotiating a deal with us recently. The payment he offered is generous enough. Our men have merely been undergoing his selection process lately. Once suitable candidates are chosen, they'll naturally set out."
Mu Wan Yao's heart pounded like thunder.
Her palms were damp with sweat.
As she listened to this person speak—words like departure, fleeing—she stood frozen, a vague answer stirring in her heart.
That answer pulsed in her chest, restless and eager.
She felt she had guessed what Yan Shang intended to do.
Mu Wan Yao’s murmured words and the other party’s response, their voices blending together: “…send someone to the Black Barbarians.”—
Thud.
Fang Tong, who had been following the princess, trembled and dropped the wooden chest full of silver ingots he was carrying. Everyone in the room turned to stare at the scattered silver rolling across the floor. Fang Tong stood dazed for a long moment before looking at Mu Wan Yao.
He saw the princess’s eyes glistening with tears, shimmering with emotion.
By the time Mu Wan Yao had spoken this far, even Fang Tong had guessed what Yan Shang was planning—
He was sending people to the Black Barbarians to gather information.
The Black Barbarians were incredibly far from Chang’an, which was why he needed to spend a large sum of money to persuade anyone to go there.
The person in the shop said, “He arranged for a few of our brothers to go to the Black Barbarians, to stay there for at least half a year, and investigate the current situation among the Black Barbarians and what’s happening with the Southern Barbarians… Since we have Hu people here, it’s relatively safer than sending Great Wei natives. So he only hired Hu people for this job.”
The shopkeeper asked doubtfully, “Is that Yan Erlang some high-ranking official? Why is he inquiring about the Black Barbarians?”
He looked at Mu Wan Yao uneasily and asked, “Madam, is Great Wei about to go to war with the Black Barbarians again? Didn’t… didn’t we send a Peace Marriage princess? If a princess has already been married off, why would there be war?”
Another person chimed in, “Your news is outdated! I heard the Black Barbarians are in chaos, and the princess we sent over has already returned… Perhaps it’s because she came back that war is imminent.”
The people in the shop grew more fearful as they spoke.
Fang Tong scolded, “Stop speculating! The court has no plans for war. Just focus on your business.”
Mu Wan Yao seemed not to hear their words. Her face was as pale as snow, her lashes lowered like wings. She stood in a daze for a long moment before suddenly turning and running outside. She mounted her horse and decisively rode away—
“Giddy-up!”—
Mu Wan Yao first rode to the Institute for the Advancement of Literature within the imperial city, but it was already closed. She turned her horse around and headed straight back to her Princess Residence.
As she reached the alley, she dismounted, and the horse was taken by the guards at the Princess Residence’s gate. Mu Wan Yao looked toward the opposite door: “Has Yan Shang returned?”
The attendants from the Princess Residence hurriedly replied, “We just saw Yan Erlang return, Your Highness. Are you looking for him? Shall we send someone to invite him over? Your Highness—ah, Your Highness…”
Upon hearing that Yan Shang was there, Mu Wan Yao strode directly up the steps of the opposite residence.
Strictly speaking, everything in Yan Shang’s residence had been arranged by Mu Wan Yao. But after renting out the property, she had never once managed it, nor had she ever set foot inside.
Mu Wan Yao barged in, startling the servants in the courtyard. Fortunately, many of them had occasionally seen this princess when visiting the Princess Residence, so no one dared to block her path.
But not daring to stop the princess was one thing; not allowing her to roam freely was another.
A servant hurried after the princess, urgently saying, “Your Highness, are you looking for Erlang? Why not wait in the main hall for a moment? This servant will go and fetch Erlang…”
Mu Wan Yao: “Step aside!”Servant: "Your Highness! Your Highness! You cannot barge in like this, it's highly inappropriate..."
Yet no one could defy the princess.
The servants fell silent, watching as Mu Wan Yao directly pushed open the door to Yan Erlang's chamber and strode inside. They opened their mouths to speak but could only gaze helplessly as the princess gave them no opportunity to utter a word...
Upon entering the room, Mu Wan Yao's eyes swept around and immediately caught sight of a figure behind the screen.
She walked straight behind the screen and said, "Yan Shang, why are you inquiring about the Black Barbarians? That is my affair. Who gave you permission to meddle..."
Her words abruptly cut off.
For the person she saw standing in the room turned upon hearing her voice, immediately flustered as he clutched his lapels together.
Yet having just finished bathing, he wore only an inner robe, his long hair cascading loosely, dampness seeping through the thin garment and leaving traces. Though he tried to cover himself, it did little to conceal...
Mu Wan Yao saw a vision of pure snow-like radiance, gentle as flowing moonlight. The dripping water revealed that beneath the young scholar's elegant composure lay such exquisite beauty.
She instantly fell speechless.
Her eyes met Yan Shang's.
They stared at each other in stunned silence.
Both their faces flushed crimson instantly, but Mu Wan Yao stood frozen, staring at him as if bewitched, forgetting even to turn away.
Yan Shang's slender fingers trembled slightly as they gripped his robe ties. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes briefly before reopening them: "...Please close the door first."
Mu Wan Yao, her face burning red, flustered yet obediently stepped out from behind the screen to shut the door: "Oh."
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