Mu Wan Yao had Yan Shang sit on the daybed by the window. She fetched medicinal powder and a small spoon, instructing him to tilt his head back so she could apply the medicine.
As her fingers touched his face, she noticed the skin beneath her fingertips was slightly warm. He seemed to shudder uncontrollably.
Mu Wan Yao lowered her gaze and saw him again with downcast eyes, avoiding her. However, when she glanced toward his temple, she noticed his earlobes were faintly red, and she inwardly scoffed.
He was merely trying hard to appear composed.
Mu Wan Yao pressed her lips together, feeling as if her fingertips might burn from the heat of his face.
But who could truly remain composed?
Mu Wan Yao’s emotions shifted quickly. Earlier, she had been so furious she could have torn him apart, but now she held his face with utmost calm, forcing him to look up. When he resisted slightly, she scolded, "Don’t move."
Yan Shang kept his eyes lowered and said softly, "Your Highness, just use water to clean the wound, not wine."
Mu Wan Yao’s hand had been about to reach for the cup of clear wine on the nearby table. Surprised, she asked, "Why is that?"
Yan Shang replied quietly, "Your Highness knows I’ve never consumed alcohol—I cannot tolerate even a drop. I fear if even a little wine touches me... I’ll get drunk."
Mu Wan Yao: "..."
What a strangely delicate constitution.
She suddenly recalled the night she refused the Emperor’s arranged marriage, when Yan Shang had come to see her. That night, as she stumbled in drunk, she had felt him stagger slightly upon entering... So, had he been feeling dizzy from the scent of wine back then?
And yet... he had still endured the discomfort and rejected her.
It couldn’t have been easy.
Mu Wan Yao let out a casual "Oh," poured a fresh cup of water, and said, "This might sting a bit. Don’t make a sound."
Yan Shang couldn’t help but glance up at her.
She looked back at him teasingly.
He coughed lightly and averted his gaze.
After that, she proceeded to clean his wound with water, wiping away the blood, then carefully sprinkled the medicinal powder onto his face with the small spoon, gently spreading it.
But Mu Wan Yao’s hands trembled slightly. After wiping the blood from his face, she saw a long, narrow scratch that nearly spanned half of his left cheek. Though the mark did not mar the young man’s handsome features... it was still a blemish.
A pang of guilt stirred within Mu Wan Yao.
It was her own uncontrolled temper that had injured him.
As she gently rubbed the powder into his face with a cotton swab, perhaps it truly stung, for his lowered eyelashes trembled faintly. Standing before him, she felt his body tense up. Glancing downward, she noticed the blush on his face had spread down his neck and beyond.
His eyelashes, dusted with golden sunlight, quivered like flowing light, utterly captivating.
Mu Wan Yao stared, momentarily entranced, and paused her movements.
Thinking he had disturbed her, Yan Shang said, "My apologies, I won’t move anymore."
Mu Wan Yao was taken aback and muttered, "It’s not your fault..."
She continued holding his face, applying the medicine.
But this time, she couldn’t help studying his face carefully.
In truth, she rarely looked at Yan Shang intently. Her heart was always filled with anger and disdain toward him; sometimes, in a cheerful mood, she treated him like a plaything. She had known since their first meeting that he was handsome, but so what?
The Danyang Princess remained unruffled, her heart as still as stagnant water.Only at this moment, because she had to lower her head to apply medicine, they were inevitably close. She held his face, her breath near his, watching the golden light dusting his long, lowered lashes. His tall yet delicate nose bridge and slightly red, gently pursed lips gave him a serene expression.
He was handsome, with a gentle and soft demeanor—his nose, lips, eyes, and brows all reflected the calm and composed side of his personality.
Mu Wan Yao said slowly, "Yan Shang."
"...Hmm?" She spoke so close to him that her breath brushed his face, making Yan Shang’s cheeks grow even warmer. Yet he never once looked up at her, hesitating briefly before responding.
Mu Wan Yao said, "Do you think my temper is a bit too bad?"
Yan Shang was slightly taken aback and finally lifted his gaze to her. The moment his eyes met hers, his lashes lifted, trapping the golden sunlight in his gaze like shattered light on a clear lake—so captivating that Mu Wan Yao’s hand trembled slightly, pressing against his wound and causing him to stiffen.
However, he showed no sign of it, and Mu Wan Yao remained unaware that her clumsiness had hurt him again.
Yan Shang looked at her for a moment and said, "Why does Your Highness say that?"
Mu Wan Yao continued applying the medicine methodically, speaking slowly, "It’s obvious, isn’t it? I often lose my temper, often give you dark looks, and now I’ve even hurt you physically. I’m unreasonable, ignoring your words; I’m willful and affected, only caring about myself."
The corner of her lips curled.
She let out a self-mocking, cold laugh: "Being with someone like me must be exhausting for you, right?"
Yan Shang said, "It is indeed quite exhausting."
Mu Wan Yao: "..."
Her eyes instantly blazed with anger as she glared fiercely at him.
She noticed Yan Shang, seated on the couch and appearing shorter than her, smile faintly. She also observed his slightly reclined kneeling posture.
If they were lovers, their positions would be perfect for him to reach out, wrap an arm around her waist, and pull her onto his lap to comfort her.
Unfortunately, Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang were not that kind of relationship.
Yan Shang’s arms were braced on the couch, keeping a distance that was both close and carefully controlled to avoid strain. His upper body leaned back slightly, face tilted upward—a posture that made Mu Wan Yao glance at his waist and wonder if it was tiring him.
Of course, Yan Shang had no idea Mu Wan Yao was distracted, thinking wildly about his waist or anything else.
He said softly, "Although being with Your Highness like this feels quite taxing, for me, it seems... somewhat manageable."
As he analyzed himself, he smiled somewhat uncomfortably: "Your Highness knows me—I’ve always been adept in social interactions, and few people ever leave me at a loss or unsure how to proceed. Over time, my interactions with others... have fallen into certain set patterns."
Mu Wan Yao scoffed, "Truly a master of diplomacy."
Yan Shang was the type who was accustomed to self-reflection. Frowning slightly, he continued analyzing himself: "But I often can’t grasp Your Highness’s thoughts, never know what you’re thinking... because Your Highness is so mercurial, happy one moment and coldly ignoring me the next. Interacting with Your Highness forces me to be fully present, and it truly gives me a sense..."
Mu Wan Yao interrupted, "A sense that you’re still human and haven’t become a saint?"
Yan Shang: "..."
He said helplessly, "That’s roughly what I meant."
Even though Mu Wan Yao had phrased it rather harshly.Mu Wan Yao looked down at him and suddenly revealed a smile. She said softly, "Actually, I wasn’t always like this… I used to be very gentle, even more so than Zhao Wuniang. If you think Wuniang is adorable, the old me was even better. If you had met me back then, you would have surely found me sweet and delicate."
She paused for a moment, puffing out her cheeks indignantly, and added, "But if I had known you back then, I would have been completely fooled by you—sold off and still counting your money for you, convinced you were the finest gentleman under heaven, crying and begging to marry you."
Yan Shang let out a chuckle, perhaps imagining what an obedient and gentle Mu Wan Yao might have been like.
His laughter was light, and he shook his head without refuting her teasing remarks about him. It was rare to see him so relaxed, no longer maintaining his usual unflappable composure, as steady as Mount Tai even in the face of collapse.
Mu Wan Yao felt a stir in her heart.
She had already finished applying the medicine to him but was reluctant to let go of his face. The gauze lay discarded on the table, and her fingers still cradled his cheeks as she watched him smile.
Her heart rippled slightly, and she grew somewhat entranced.
She murmured, "But then again, who knows? You’re such a good person—how could you ever deceive a weak and innocent young lady like me?"
Yan Shang couldn’t help but glance at her and sighed, "At last, Your Highness has spoken a fair word on my behalf."
Mu Wan Yao gazed at her own reflection in his upturned eyes, mesmerized, and murmured distractedly, "...Why didn’t I meet you back then? If I had known you then…"
Perhaps even if she still couldn’t escape the fate of a Peace Marriage, things wouldn’t have come to this.
If she had known Yan Shang back then, if he would have still helped her, if he had been there among the Black Barbarians to comfort her… she thought she might not have developed such a wretched personality as she had today.
Yan Shang remained silent for a long while.
After a moment, he asked hoarsely, "Your Highness, is the medicine applied?"
Mu Wan Yao snapped out of her reverie and stepped back.
She lowered her eyes, watching as Yan Shang stood up. He stood before her for a while before speaking softly, "Does Your Highness still need me to apply medicine for you?"
Mu Wan Yao looked up. "I thought you weren’t willing to do it for me?"
Yan Shang replied gently, "I was only afraid of being presumptuous toward Your Highness and tarnishing your reputation. Why would I be unwilling?"
Mu Wan Yao said, "...I thought you were afraid your good reputation would be dragged down by me."
Yan Shang’s gaze faltered; he couldn’t bear to see her so acutely aware.
Mu Wan Yao always understood everything in her heart… Yan Shang felt a pang of sorrow and took her wrist, whispering, "How could my reputation compare to Your Highness’s importance?"
He thought for a moment and said slowly, "Your Highness, you are a princess. You can be whoever you wish to be. If even a princess must suppress her temper, wouldn’t the world be too harsh? Your Highness can naturally become a princess who is loved and respected—enduring humiliation with unwavering composure, never revealing a trace of emotion no matter the circumstances, earning the trust and loyalty of everyone around you.""But if you don't wish to be that way, what does it matter? Who decreed that a princess must conform to a certain mold, that women under heaven cannot possess even a hint of their own temper? I haven't seen Your Highness frequently striking your servants—at most, you might scold them a few times... I believe a princess should be able to do as she pleases, and merely venting your anger is already quite restrained.
"Your Highness... living freely is truly admirable."
Mu Wan Yao looked up at him.
She remained silent, but inwardly thought, Yan Shang speaks this way now because he doesn't yet understand her past; once he learns of it, he will join the ranks of Chang'an's elite in recognizing that her reputation as a princess is far from pristine.
As for Yan Shang, while some might call him slick and diplomatic, he spoke to everyone with genuine sincerity. He seemed to perceive each person's struggles and empathize deeply... Such individuals might appear hypocritical, yet they carried themselves with the grace of true gentlemen.
Whether he was genuine or not, if Yan Erlang was willing to treat people this way his entire life, then he was indeed a gentleman. His words had moved Mu Wan Yao.
Mu Wan Yao smiled dismissively, lowered her gaze, and nudged him saying, "Go fetch the medicine."
Yan Shang then turned, gathered the medicine arranged on the table, went out to hand it to a maid, and retrieved a fresh supply. Seizing the moment he stepped out, Mu Wan Yao tossed a mint leaf into a cup of clear water, pursed her lips, and took a sip.
Her cheeks flushed and her brows furrowed.
She thought to herself that soon he would be applying medicine to her mouth.
She needed to quickly rinse her mouth behind his back—
At night, the Princess Residence was brightly lit.
Mu Wan Yao sat in the three-story pavilion of the inner courtyard, quietly gazing at the residence opposite the Princess Residence, lost in thought. Behind her, not to mention the attending maids, three or four advisors also stood, keeping the princess company.
Yet the princess remained seated in silence, leaving the advisors puzzled about what she was watching so intently.
In Mu Wan Yao's eyes, the lights in the residence across from the Princess Residence remained faint and dim, indicating that only servants were present—Yan Shang was not home.
Half an hour earlier, Zhao Lingfei had still been waiting in the alley; now, as the ward gates were about to close, she reluctantly departed.
After sitting a while longer in the chilly wind, Mu Wan Yao saw the lights in the opposite residence gradually brighten, scattered here and there, as if the entire compound had come to life. Mu Wan Yao shifted her sitting position, rubbed her neck, and knew that Yan Shang had returned home.
Only after his return did the place cease to resemble stagnant water, devoid of ripples.
Mu Wan Yao asked the maid behind her, "These past few days, has Zhao Wuniang still been blocking Yan Shang's path early and late every day?"
The maid on duty today was Xiarong, as Chunhua had claimed to be unwell and retired early to sleep.
Xiarong hurriedly replied, "Yes, Zhao Wuniang has persisted for nearly ten days. It seems... she can keep it up."
Mu Wan Yao scoffed lightly, yet inwardly felt a twinge of envy.
Such persistence. To fixate on one person and vow to follow them for a lifetime? That kind of mindset was something Mu Wan Yao had long lost.
For Mu Wan Yao, even things already obtained could be tossed back into the pond for the sake of gain. How much more so for that which remained out of reach?
Nevertheless, Mu Wan Yao now grew irritated every time she left the residence and saw Zhao Lingfei. To spare herself this annoyance, she decided to resolve the matter.
Mu Wan Yao asked her advisors, "You are all gentlemen. Let me ask you, if a young lady persistently pursues you, insisting on marrying you, and she comes from a powerful family you cannot afford to offend, how would you evade such a lady?"The advisors immediately knew Mu Wan Yao was referring to Yan Erlang.
Pretending ignorance, they suggested, "If I were in his position, I would claim to already have a lady I admire."
Mu Wan Yao glanced at her maid Xiarong.
Xiarong looked back blankly.
Impatiently, Mu Wan Yao said, "Take this suggestion to the servants at the opposite residence. Have them give some pointers to their master who doesn't know how to refuse people."Xiarong went 'Oh, oh, oh,' ashamed of her lack of understanding with the princess, and hurried out to handle the matter."
But soon, Xiarong returned.
Trembling, she reported, "This servant went to find that attendant named Yun Shu who's been following Erlang recently. He said their young master had already tried deceiving Zhao Wuniang this way, but it was completely useless."
Mu Wan Yao found it strange: "How could it be useless?"
Xiarong didn't dare tell the princess that Yun Shu had said such a simple method had long occurred to their young master—why would he need others' pointers?
Selecting the essential parts, Xiarong explained: "When Yan Erlang told Zhao Wuniang he already had a lady he liked, she pressed him about who it was. Erlang randomly fabricated a story, and that day Zhao Wuniang left utterly heartbroken. Erlang thought Wuniang had finally given up, but who knew she'd remembered what he said and went to find the made-up lady he claimed to admire.
"Once she looked, she naturally discovered Erlang had been lying. When Zhao Wuniang returned to see Yan Erlang, instead of questioning why he deceived her, she tearfully confessed her feelings again, begging Erlang not to mock her even if he didn't like her.
"What could someone as gentle as Erlang do? Now he's just hiding, afraid to see anyone."
Mu Wan Yao said, "Useless."
It wasn't clear whether she was cursing Yan Shang as useless or the advisors behind her who'd suggested it.
In any case, those standing behind the princess all lowered their heads, not daring to speak. Later, they offered more suggestions, only to find Yan Erlang had already tried them all—none worked. Everyone exchanged glances, watching as the princess snorted coldly, stood up, and left.
Mu Wan Yao said impatiently, "Such a simple matter, and I still have to handle it personally."
Xiarong whispered, "It's mainly because he's burdened by his reputation..."
When the princess glanced back at her, she immediately fell silent, trembling inwardly and silently praying for Chunhua to recover quickly. Attending to the princess closely was truly exhausting—
The next day, when Mu Wan Yao returned from outside, she again saw Zhao Lingfei squatting at the entrance of Yan Shang's residence, chatting and laughing with a maid.
With a cold expression, Mu Wan Yao called out, "Zhao Lingfei."
"Ah?" Zhao Lingfei looked up, and upon seeing the princess had returned, quickly stood to bow, smiling brightly. "Your Highness has returned quite early today."
Her tone carried a hint of melancholy, thinking she surely wouldn't get to see Yan Erlang again today.
Mu Wan Yao looked at her: "Come with me to my residence. I have some instructions for you."
Zhao Lingfei was puzzled but promptly lifted her skirts and cheerfully followed Mu Wan Yao.
Having spent much time with her cousin, though she often saw Mu Wan Yao's cold demeanor, because Yang Si always mentioned the princess in a casual, carefree tone, it gave Zhao Lingfei the impression that the princess wasn't a bad person.
However, others didn't share this view.
The maid who had been happily chatting with Zhao Lingfei at the entrance grew anxious, knowing Danyang Princess had a terrible temper and fearing the lively, cheerful Zhao Wuniang might be bullied by her. This maid hurried to seek help from the residence's attendants, and one attendant said he would fetch Yan Erlang back.If the princess intends to torment Zhao Wuniang... only Erlang would likely be able to intervene—
Mu Wan Yao brought Zhao Lingfei to the main hall, instructing her maids to serve tea and refreshments while she herself returned to the inner quarters to change clothes.
When Mu Wan Yao returned, she saw Zhao Lingfei standing cheerfully, chatting with the maids who had been waiting in the main hall.
The atmosphere was harmonious and friendly, but as soon as the maids noticed the princess had returned, they quickly composed themselves, feeling embarrassed to appear overly familiar with Zhao Wuniang in front of her.
Mu Wan Yao shot a glare at the maids before taking her seat.
Seeing Zhao Lingfei kneeling respectfully to the side, Mu Wan Yao said, "Do you know why I summoned you today?"
Zhao Lingfei thought for a long moment: "...Is it to discuss my cousin?"
Mu Wan Yao: "..."
She was momentarily stunned, only then recalling that Zhao Lingfei was Yang Si’s cousin. In Zhao Lingfei’s eyes, their only connection was likely through Yang Si.
Mu Wan Yao silently fumed.
She straightened her expression and said sternly, "I wish to discuss Yan Shang with you."
Zhao Lingfei suddenly understood, yet grew even more confused: "So that’s it... But, but why would Your Highness want to discuss him with me?"
Mu Wan Yao replied succinctly, "I want you to give up on Yan Shang and stop pursuing him."
Zhao Lingfei was taken aback—
The district where the Princess Residence was located was exceptionally well-positioned, very close to the imperial palace. If the Yan family’s servants wanted to assist Zhao Wuniang, it would take only the time of a cup of tea to ride to the imperial palace, send word to the Institute for the Advancement of Literature, and have Yan Erlang summoned.
When Yan Shang emerged, he heard the servant anxiously explain that Mu Wan Yao had taken Zhao Lingfei away in a furious manner, the scene quite alarming.
Yan Shang was slightly taken aback.
The servant continued urgently, "Young master, please come back with me quickly. If we’re too late, what if Her Highness ends up beating poor Miss Zhao to death?"
Yan Shang found this notion almost laughable.
He said, "How could that be? She isn’t that kind of person."
He pressed his lips slightly, his tone tinged with something odd: "Besides, Zhao Wuniang is Yang Sanlang’s cousin. Even out of respect for Yang Sanlang, she wouldn’t make things difficult for Zhao Wuniang."
The servant failed to detect the subtlety in Yan Shang’s tone and simply tugged at Yan Erlang’s sleeve, urging him to return and mediate the conflict between the two young women.
Yan Shang also felt it was inappropriate.
Mu Wan Yao had a fiery temper, and Zhao Lingfei was skilled in martial arts... What if Mu Wan Yao said something rash, and Zhao Lingfei, unable to control herself, accidentally injured Mu Wan Yao?
Moreover... he deeply disliked being caught between two women.
Yan Shang pondered, realizing he needed to resolve this matter once and for all.
With this in mind, Yan Shang mounted his horse and returned to the residence with his servant.
The staff at the Princess Residence were now quite accustomed to Yan Erlang’s visits. Yan Shang merely cupped his hands in greeting, and they let him pass.
Fang Tong led Yan Shang into the residence. Yan Shang said gently, "I don’t believe Her Highness would harm Zhao Wuniang, so I’m not here to demand answers. Let me assess the situation first."
Fang Tong understood: "The main hall has no walls on all sides, only screens for privacy. Erlang, if you stand behind a screen and listen to their conversation, you’ll likely grasp the situation."
Yan Shang nodded.
As the attendants withdrew, Yan Shang found a spot behind a screen near a tree. While still contemplating, he first heard Mu Wan Yao’s clear, resolute voice: "It’s not because I once rejected his proposal that I forbid other women from admiring him. I simply believe you are not worthy of him."Yan Shang froze, instinctively turning toward the direction of the voice.
Unfortunately, a screen stood between them, allowing him only to glimpse blurred silhouettes and shifting light—
In the main hall, Zhao Lingfei, who had leaped to her feet after being provoked by the princess, flushed crimson with indignation.
She protested defiantly: "How can Your Highness claim I’m unworthy of Yan Erlang? In terms of appearance, family background, talent, or martial skill—where do I fall short?"
Mu Wan Yao smiled faintly, perfectly composed.
Adorned in lavish golden attire, Danyang Princess radiated such dazzling beauty that she effortlessly overshadowed Zhao Lingfei, who stood there clad in ordinary women’s robes.
This was naturally the effect Mu Wan Yao had deliberately achieved by changing her clothes.
She lifted the lid of her teacup, not even raising her eyelids: "In your eyes, is appearance, family background, talent, and martial prowess enough to marry a gentleman? Just because these qualities are sufficiently good, do you think the gentleman should marry you? If he marries you, is it because you are good enough and meet his conditions?"
Zhao Lingfei was stunned.
Young and inexperienced in matters of the heart, she was truly naive in this regard and couldn't argue against Mu Wan Yao, who was four or five years her senior.
Zhao Lingfei muttered: "What's wrong with that?"
Mu Wan Yao set down her teacup and looked at Zhao Lingfei: "Do you know that it's almost October, and the Erudite and Eloquent Examination is approaching? Yan Shang is from Lingnan. His father may be a jinshi, but their family are merely farmers. Do you think it was easy for him to travel thousands of miles from Lingnan to Chang'an? Do you think he came to Chang'an to flirt and engage in romantic affairs with you?"
Zhao Lingfei was dumbfounded.
Mu Wan Yao continued: "Do you know that out of two thousand candidates in the annual imperial examinations, only twenty-two pass? And do you know that these twenty-two jinshi cannot immediately become officials but must wait for court appointments? Some cannot afford to wait these few years and simply leave Chang'an. For those who cannot afford to waste time, the fastest way to become an official is through the annual October subject selection examination, open to all jinshi. Once selected, they are immediately assigned official positions. This is the only opportunity for jinshi without influential backgrounds.
"All jinshi who cannot secure official positions or await appointments compete in the subject selection. Do you know this is even more difficult than the imperial examinations? And among the subject selections, the most challenging, ranked first, is the Erudite and Eloquent Examination. Yan Shang chose the Erudite and Eloquent Examination because of his lofty ambitions, but it also means he must devote all his energy to it and should not have much time to deal with other trivial matters."
Zhao Lingfei flustered: "I... I know... No, I didn't know, I never... never thought his situation was so difficult... I didn't mean to, I didn't want to hinder him..."
She lowered her eyes, guilt-ridden: "I understand. I won't come to see him again."
Mu Wan Yao said: "Don't look for him in the future either."
Zhao Lingfei looked up: "How can that be? How can Your Highness say that? I won't disturb his exams, but can't I see him after he finishes? Does that mean he won't marry or take a wife?"
Mu Wan Yao said gently: "A man like Yan Shang, if he were to marry, would he choose an ordinary woman? Fifth Lady, you've known him for almost half a year. You should know his ambitions extend beyond merely becoming an official."
Zhao Lingfei: "...What other ambitions does he have?"
Mu Wan Yao didn't know either.
But Mu Wan Yao could fabricate and deceive the young lady: "His ambitions lie in the welfare of the people. He wants to become an official only to serve the common people and make the world more just. He wants everyone to be educated, to eliminate the oppression of class distinctions, to break the monopoly of powerful families, and to show compassion for the impoverished who live day to day.""He is wholly devoted to steering this world toward a better future. His aspirations, vision, realm of thought, and breadth of mind are far beyond ordinary romantic affections. If you wish to be with him, do you not fear you might hold him back? Can you truly understand him? If he were to choose the nation over his family, would you not resent him? If he had to sacrifice a hundred people to save ten thousand, and among that hundred were your own kin, could you genuinely support him?
"Can you comprehend his selfless devotion to the greater good? Can you grasp his profound concern for all living beings? Can you love him as you do today, forever, without one day... coming to hate him?
"A man like him would never place the trivial love between a man and a woman above all else. You may think you can accept this now, but as the years stretch on... if you never receive his undivided love, would you not grow to resent him, and hate yourself for choosing such a husband?"
Zhao Lingfei was utterly stunned.
Mu Wan Yao continued speaking at length, but Zhao Lingfei’s mind turned to mush. The princess’s words gripped her heart, forcing her to flush crimson and retreat several steps.
She tried several times to interject, but Mu Wan Yao spoke faster and sharper—like a flash of lightning—compelling Zhao Lingfei to confront her own heart.
In the end, Zhao Lingfei stumbled back, tears welling in her eyes.
She murmured, "Yes... I am not worthy of Yan Erlang now."
Mu Wan Yao fell silent, not pushing her further.
After a long daze, Zhao Lingfei wiped her tears and whispered sorrowfully, "Indeed, if I insisted on being with him now, I could use my family’s status to pressure him, and force my father to agree. But I am not worthy of Second Brother Yan’s mindset. I do not understand his ideals, and I cannot meet his expectations.
"I... I will return and train diligently in martial arts, and study earnestly. I am not giving up on Second Brother Yan, but... I need to reflect more and allow myself to grow. I want to stand side by side with Second Brother Yan, to assist him, not... not become his burden. It’s not that I will never understand him, but he wouldn’t know how to face me either."
Zhao Lingfei bowed to Mu Wan Yao, wiping her tears as she choked out, "Thank you for Your Highness’s guidance. I understand now. I will not trouble him again."
Mu Wan Yao clicked her tongue.
Another "Second Brother Yan."
Just watch Yan Shang collecting brothers and sisters left and right—
After sending Zhao Lingfei away, Mu Wan Yao, brimming with triumph, leisurely sipped her tea.
A maid leaned in and whispered something in her ear. Mu Wan Yao’s face stiffened instantly, and she glanced toward a nearby screen.
She saw Yan Shang emerge from behind it, silently watching her.
Mu Wan Yao met his gaze.
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Mu Wan Yao sneered, "What? Now that you’ve seen me scare off Zhao Wuniang, do you think I’m wicked?"
Yan Shang chided, "How could Your Highness say such a thing?"
Mu Wan Yao was taken aback.
After a moment’s thought, she shifted her tone, teasing, "Then is it because you heard me praising you, extolling you as if you were peerless in heaven and on earth, that you’ve lost control over yourself?"
Yan Shang remained silent, quietly observing her.
Mu Wan Yao’s hands, holding the teacup, grew stiff.
Her heart skipped a beat—
Could it be that he really had lost control?
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