Princess Consort Jin arrived at the mountain retreat to pay respects to the Emperor, but he did not grant her an audience. She then hurried to see Mu Wan Yao, as this was her true purpose for the visit.
Mu Wan Yao, impeccably dressed in her splendid attire, received Princess Consort Jin.
The Princess Consort, holding the deed of sale given by Chunhua’s elder brother, demanded to see Chunhua.
The two women sat in the main hall sipping tea. Upon hearing the request, Mu Wan Yao merely raised an eyebrow, making no move to rise.
She smiled sweetly, "My maid is currently unwell and not fit to receive guests."
She deliberately emphasized the words "my maid" with particular clarity.
Princess Consort Jin understood perfectly.
Though somewhat intimidated by the princess, the Princess Consort diligently carried out the task assigned by her husband: "I know Sixth Sister treasures her maids, especially this Chunhua, even going so far as to remove her from the Slave Registry. But while your intentions are kind, now that Chunhua is no longer a slave, her fate is in the hands of her elder brother."
Princess Consort Jin continued, "Her brother has gifted her to your Fifth Brother, which is entirely proper according to custom. In contrast, your obstruction now seems rather inappropriate."
Mu Wan Yao lifted her gaze, looking at the Princess Consort with a faint, mocking smile. "I don’t quite understand why Sister-in-law is so eager to help Fifth Brother acquire her. Could it be that you’re truly so virtuous, so fond of sending women to Fifth Brother’s chambers? Since I am unwilling, if you were wise, you would join me in delaying this matter."
Princess Consort Jin’s eyes wavered slightly.
She paused, then said bitterly, "Matters in our princely household are not as carefree as your solitary life, Sixth Sister. In any case, since our Prince Jin desires her, I must take this Chunhua away."
Mu Wan Yao slammed her teacup down with a "clatter" and raised her chin defiantly. "And if I refuse to release her, does Fifth Sister-in-law intend to resort to force?"
Princess Consort Jin exclaimed, "You!"
She stood up, pleading earnestly, "Why must you be like this? Let the men handle their own affairs. She’s just a maid..."
Mu Wan Yao retorted impatiently, "Sister-in-law just said she’s only a maid. Why trouble me over a mere maid?"
Princess Consort Jin blurted out, "I have her deed of sale!"
Mu Wan Yao’s expression turned icy as she countered sharply, "How amusing! I am still her mistress!"
Princess Consort Jin argued, "According to the law, her current master should be your Fifth Brother..."
Mu Wan Yao shot back, "Does our imperial family only abide by the law? Is there no kinship or familial affection? I merely wish to keep a maid—is Fifth Brother unwilling? What kind of reasoning is that? The Emperor is currently at this retreat. I’d be happy to take this matter before him and debate it with you, Sister-in-law!"
Princess Consort Jin hastily interjected, "No, no, no!"
As a daughter-in-law, how could she possibly compare to the princess in terms of favor before the Emperor?
But this was a task assigned by Prince Jin... As the Princess Consort fretted, she noticed a figure moving outside the hall.
Mu Wan Yao saw it too.
Not only were Princess Consort Jin’s maids anxiously waiting outside, but Mu Wan Yao’s own maids were also visibly agitated.
Exchanging a glance, Mu Wan Yao and Princess Consort Jin each summoned their respective maids inside.
The maid whispered anxiously into Mu Wan Yao’s ear, and her face instantly darkened. Across from her, Princess Consort Jin raised her voice, "What is the meaning of this? Was it your people who pressured Chunhua’s brother and seized his house and farmland? Are you crying thief while being the thief yourself?"
Mu Wan Yao sneered coldly.The information whispered by the maid in her ear revealed that the local magnate seizing houses and fertile fields was none other than someone connected to her. That family, surnamed Zheng, had originally come to Chang'an as part of the late empress's dowry entourage. Over the years, even dowry attendants had developed into regional magnates.
After the late empress's passing, the Li Clan had withdrawn back to Jinling, leaving no influence in Chang'an. With their old master gone, the Zheng magnates' allegiance had naturally shifted to Mu Wan Yao.
Though Mu Wan Yao's expression remained unchanged, her heart skipped a beat, wondering how this matter had become connected to her. Many people pledged loyalty to her—how could she possibly keep track of every single one? But this time, those loyal to her had caused trouble for Chunhua and indirectly handed Chunhua's deed of sale to Prince Jin...
Mu Wan Yao softened her expression and said, "Since it's one of our own, I'll give the order—it's all a misunderstanding on both sides. Sister-in-law, don't worry. Once everything is clarified, Fifth Brother should naturally give me face regarding Chunhua's status."
Princess Consort Jin, though doubtful, nodded: "Then I must see Chunhua first."
Frowning, Mu Wan Yao feared Princess Consort Jin would notice Chunhua was resting for pregnancy and refused without mercy, greatly angering the princess consort.
Princess Consort Jin had originally felt that among the imperial family, Danyang Princess was one who showed her respect. But now it appeared Danyang Princess also looked down on her as a second wife, granting her no face at all.
Indignantly, Princess Consort Jin departed, declaring she would stay at the mountain retreat to await news directly.
Once Princess Consort Jin left, Mu Wan Yao ordered several of her advisors to personally intervene—having the Zheng magnate appease Chunhua's brother's family and clarify why they had seized the property. If handled well, they should persuade the Zhengs to trick Chunhua's brother into retrieving the deed.
Chunhua's brother was a wastrel accustomed to making scenes.
After minimizing the incident's impact, she must prevent Princess Consort Jin from discovering Chunhua's pregnancy—the Prince Jin household desperately needed an heir, and Mu Wan Yao didn't want Chunhua entering Prince Jin's residence because of the child...
Night enveloped the cool pavilion, where elegant lanterns glowed softly.
Beneath the palace curtains, the Emperor lay resting on a couch, covered with a thin brocade quilt. Beyond the pavilion, lakes surrounded all sides, with koi fish leaping and lotus blossoms perfuming the air.
The place was exceptionally tranquil.
A eunuch entered the curtained area, bowed, and leaned close to the dozing Emperor's ear to whisper a few words.
The Emperor seemed to chuckle.
He opened his eyes.
His dragon-like gaze deepened as he contemplated the night, slowly remarking, "So Yao Yao has protected that maid's fetus. And judging by how fiercely she's preventing Princess Consort Jin from seeing the maid, the child likely belongs to Prince Jin."
He mused, "Yao Yao actually doesn't want her maid to enter Prince Jin's household."
The eunuch responded, "The Sixth Princess has never interacted much with Prince Jin. It's Princess Consort Jin who constantly seeks her out."
The Emperor said, "After all, she's from the Jinling Li Clan. They were so illustrious in the past. Though no longer in Chang'an, I could only force them back to Jinling for now. If I were to eradicate the Li Clan, it might work in the north, but among the southern noble families... I fear I'd lose their support. Yao Yao's existence remains crucial."
He paused.
"Perhaps too crucial."
That was why sometimes he felt it would be best for his youngest daughter to remain with the Black Barbarians.If Mu Wan Yao remained with the Black Barbarians, the Li clan would not be able to gradually infiltrate the north through her, nor could the northern aristocratic families ally with the southern ones... With the aristocratic factions thus fragmented, and commoners entering the political arena, only then could imperial power rest easy.
Although the Emperor now abstained from governance, it was clear that the empire’s situation remained entirely under his control.
The Emperor lowered his head slightly and said, “In fact, it might be for the best that the maidservant entered Prince Jin’s residence.”
The eunuch’s heart skipped a beat.
He thought to himself: Does the Emperor mean to distract Danyang Princess and the Crown Prince? To prevent the Crown Prince from gaining the support of the Li clan?
The eunuch whispered, “If Your Majesty wishes, someone could discreetly inform Princess Consort Jin, letting her know about the maidservant’s pregnancy. Prince Jin desperately needs a child... If Princess Consort Jin learns of the pregnancy, she will stop at nothing to take the maidservant away.
“After all, it is rather pitiable that Prince Jin has no children.”
The Emperor scoffed.
He said, “I cannot be bothered to intervene or meddle in the affairs of these youngsters.
“Just wait and see—this matter is not so simple. Let us observe how they employ their schemes to bring this to a conclusion.”
The Emperor gazed at the serene, still lake. Though the water’s surface was unruffled, the turbulence beneath had never ceased for a single day.
After a long while, the Emperor slowly said, “Cheng An, tell me—for one who rules the empire, what is most important: a benevolent heart, ambition, powerful backing, or cunning tactics? What do you think is the most suitable way to become an emperor?”
The eunuch named Cheng An softly replied that he did not know.
The Emperor wearily said, “Speak freely.”
The eunuch thought for a moment. “Perhaps only with powerful backing can one securely sit upon the dragon throne.”
The Emperor said indifferently, “But then one would be constrained by that very backing. The manner in which one ascends the throne will inevitably dictate the manner of one’s fall.”
The eunuch said, “Then one must possess formidable means of controlling subordinates.”
The Emperor said, “If one rules with ruthless severity, it only inspires fear. Over time, one becomes isolated and ill-informed, with no one daring to reveal the true state of the empire. You may command your ministers, but you will never see the people.”
The eunuch, troubled, said, “Then a benevolent heart must be most important. A heart that loves the people is paramount, for only with such love can one empathize and care for the world.”
The Emperor said, “I fear that benevolence without strategy would only lead to manipulation by treacherous officials.”
The eunuch broke into a sweat, unable to offer any further answer.
In the end, he could only smile bitterly and say, “That is why Your Majesty is the most formidable. You have abstained from governance for three years, yet the empire... remains firmly in your grasp. Nothing escapes Your Majesty’s notice.”
The Emperor scoffed.
He said, “But I am old.”
Cheng An felt a pang of sorrow and mournfully called out “Your Majesty,” unable to bear saying more. He had served the Emperor for decades, and now even his own temples were streaked with white—how much more so for the Emperor? If the late Empress were still here, it might be easier... but now, the Emperor was truly alone.
The Emperor fell silent as well, ending the discussion with the eunuch.
He closed his eyes and drifted back to sleep.
The eunuch covered the Emperor with a blanket and, in the midst of his slumber, heard the Emperor murmur indistinctly: “A’Nuan, I did not kill Erlang.”
Cheng An froze, looking down at the Emperor’s gaunt, weary face. Tears welled in his eyes as he silently withdrew. The Emperor’s inner demons had taken root—there was no cure.
Princess Consort Jin pestered Mu Wan Yao daily, her sole aim to see Chunhua.Mu Wan Yao also feared that her overly resolute attitude might arouse Princess Consort Jin's suspicion, so she had Chunhua tidy up slightly before receiving the princess consort.
Lying ill in bed, Chunhua's haggard appearance startled Princess Consort Jin, who found her completely different from the beauty she had seen before.
Yet this somewhat satisfied the princess consort, for if Chunhua's looks were too striking, she would pose a threat to her.
Growing bolder, Princess Consort Jin wanted her own physician to examine Chunhua after seeing her, to determine the exact illness causing such emaciation.
Chunhua was terrified and refused vehemently, fearing her pregnancy would be discovered.
As Princess Consort Jin pressed Chunhua, Mu Wan Yao pushed the door open from outside and said, "There are imperial physicians here specifically serving the Emperor. Why are you showing off your meager skills, sister-in-law?"
Princess Consort Jin flushed with embarrassment at Mu Wan Yao's blunt words.
She could only say, "Our Prince heard that Lady Chunhua was ill and, out of concern..."
Mu Wan Yao cut in coldly, "There are imperial physicians here. No need to worry."
With an icy expression, Mu Wan Yao finished speaking and walked out of the room. Princess Consort Jin had no choice but to follow her, and they resumed their argument about Chunhua's fate.
Inside the room, Chunhua was extremely anxious.
She hated her own helplessness the most, now becoming a burden to the princess.
Whether she wanted to abort the child or avoid entering Prince Jin's residence... she didn't want to be a burden to the princess. The princess had already struggled greatly to reach this point—how could she allow herself to hinder her?
Torn internally, Chunhua missed Liu Wenji, wondering what he was doing now, while also resenting her pregnancy. Yet fearing she might never conceive again, she couldn't bear to abort... Trapped in a dilemma, every path seemed like a dead end.
The princess was shielding her now only to protect her and prevent her separation from her lover. But... how could she bear to see the princess threatened by Prince Jin because of her?
After all... he was a prince.
As a woman, the princess was inherently inferior to a prince.
Trembling, Chunhua rose from the bed, leaned against the wall, and slowly made her way to the door to eavesdrop on the argument between Mu Wan Yao and Princess Consort Jin outside—
For days, Mu Wan Yao and Princess Consort Jin had been arguing daily over Chunhua's fate.
Princess Consort Jin held the deed of sale, so she had reason on her side; however, Mu Wan Yao's stubborn refusal to release Chunhua left the princess consort powerless.
Moreover, there was now another complication: the person who had forced Chunhua's brother's family to surrender their property was said to be a local magnate loyal to the princess.
Princess Consort Jin was also anxious, fearing that if the other party admitted fault, Chunhua's shameless brother might come demanding the deed back, with Mu Wan Yao fueling the situation... making it impossible for her to take Chunhua.
Failing to secure Chunhua would strain her relationship with Prince Jin.
Today, seeing she couldn't win against Mu Wan Yao again and that the argument was going nowhere, Princess Consort Jin, frustrated and distracted, was about to leave when suddenly, a guard from Prince Jin's residence burst in.
Ignoring the princess's presence, the guard loudly reported to the princess consort, "Your Highness, it's terrible! Our Prince has been shot in the thigh and has collapsed."
Princess Consort Jin was shocked, her face turning pale.
The guard quickly glanced at Danyang Princess beside them, his expression strange.
Mu Wan Yao suddenly stood up, her eyelids twitching, a bad premonition washing over her.Sure enough, the guard quickly reported: "It was that military man named Zheng, standing on the corner tower, who shot our Highness. Our Highness had only gone to see Chunhua's elder brother, but that Zheng fellow happened to be there too. Not realizing it was our Highness, he shot an arrow from the second floor and struck His Highness in the thigh."
Mu Wan Yao was instantly shocked and furious: "Nonsense!"
Her lips began to tremble: "I already sent my advisors to investigate the situation..."
As she spoke, her own people arrived with updates.
One guard indignantly reported: "Your Highness, the Zheng family initially didn't recognize the advisors you sent. Since they carried no credentials and only claimed to be from the Princess Residence, the other party denied them. Our gentlemen were all driven out... Only after they were recognized were they invited inside. But that Zheng fellow who shot Prince Jin is terrified and came to ask Your Highness what should be done."
The guard said sharply: "The Zheng family seized those fertile fields and houses because the Ministry of Revenue needs to collect rents—they're extracting taxes and money from the common people! They're doing this for the Crown Prince!"
Princess Consort Jin sneered: "So that's how it is. It seems they truly take orders from Your Highness. Mu Wan Yao, did you really know nothing about this?"
Mu Wan Yao's eyelashes fluttered.
After a long pause, she said: "I did know, I should have known... The powerful families have wealth but no authority, they can only attach themselves to noble houses and the imperial family. I gave the Zheng family the courage, but I only knew they were collecting rents—I didn't know about all these matters behind the scenes..."
Princess Consort Jin: "But precisely because they had your backing, they injured your fifth brother!"
Mu Wan Yao felt dizzy for a moment and stepped back twice.
Princess Consort Jin burned with rage: "Mu Wan Yao! You've gone too far! I'm going to report this to the Emperor! That Zheng fellow was someone your mother left you—you can't control your people, and now you've even injured your fifth brother. Your fifth brother only wanted a maidservant, and you go to such extremes."
Mu Wan Yao opened her mouth, then suddenly stopped speaking, feeling everything was too strange... too coincidental.
As if there was a hand behind it all pushing everything along.
Wanting her to break with Prince Jin, wanting her to become Prince Jin's enemy.
Chunhua had become one of the causes, a sacrifice... Mu Wan Yao frowned deeply, wondering who exactly was pushing all this.
Did they want her to fall, or were they using her to make someone else fall?
Seeing Mu Wan Yao remain silent, Princess Consort Jin turned to go report to the Emperor. The situation had reversed—she had already become the winner. Just one report to the Emperor... How dare she injure her own brother? Mu Wan Yao showing such disregard for familial bonds would surely chill everyone's hearts.
Mu Wan Yao coldly watched Princess Consort Jin's retreating back, her own heart beginning to torment itself.
She clenched her hands, desperately thinking about who would benefit from this behind the scenes, how she could save herself, how to extricate herself from this matter. After much thought, it seemed Chunhua was the one who must be sacrificed.
As Mu Wan Yao wrestled with her torment, the chamber door suddenly burst open and Chunhua stumbled in, collapsing to her knees.
For a moment, Mu Wan Yao and Chunhua's eyes met.
Chunhua's eyes brimmed with tears, her sorrow and farewell undeniable.
Mu Wan Yao's face turned pale. She opened her mouth to stop her, but Chunhua spoke first, loudly addressing Princess Consort Jin: "Your Highness, I am willing to go with you! I am already carrying Prince Jin's child, I wish to enter Prince Jin's residence! I only beg Your Highness to decide—please ask Prince Jin not to involve our Princess in this matter.""Our Highness absolutely had no intention of harming Prince Jin. It's the local magnates below who are too powerful, too ignorant, too arrogant..."
Princess Consort Jin: "The Zheng family are the magnates raised by Danyang Princess! The Zheng family's intentions represent Danyang Princess's intentions!"
Mu Wan Yao said sharply: "Then I will definitely give Fifth Brother an explanation!"
Princess Consort Jin was frightened into silence, staring blankly at Mu Wan Yao.
Meanwhile, Chunhua knelt on the ground, crawled forward two steps on her knees, and grabbed the hem of Princess Consort Jin's robe: "Please don't report this to His Majesty... I'm willing to follow you back to the prince's residence. Please give our Highness some time, she will give you and Prince Jin an explanation."
Mu Wan Yao stood straight as a ramrod, her face pale as snow, but she turned her face away, refusing to look at Chunhua again.
Despite having protected Chunhua so fiercely before, now that she could no longer protect her, she appeared utterly cold and indifferent, unwilling to spend any more energy on her.
Seeing the beauty in tears, Princess Consort Jin hemmed and hawed, feeling extremely annoyed. But concerned about Prince Jin, she looked toward Mu Wan Yao.
Suppressing her anger and forcing herself to remain rational, Mu Wan Yao said with difficulty: "Rest assured... this matter won't end like this."—
Either the Zheng family was at fault, or something had happened on Prince Jin's side, or perhaps... there was another hand behind the scenes pushing everything, bringing all these coincidences together.
Now the opponent's objective had revealed just the tip of the iceberg.
They wanted Mu Wan Yao and Prince Jin to break relations.
Or rather... they wanted the Crown Prince and Prince Jin to break relations.
Or perhaps, to drive a wedge between Mu Wan Yao and the Crown Prince.
After Princess Consort Jin left, Mu Wan Yao paced around the room. Her expression became peculiar, as if she wished she could personally go out and investigate this matter. But she couldn't—nominally, she was still accompanying the Emperor on his summer retreat, and nominally, Prince Jin's injury hadn't yet become known...
The injury of a commandery prince was no small matter.
Since Prince Jin had reluctantly agreed to reconciliation because of Chunhua, Mu Wan Yao needed to offer a sincere apology.
In Mu Wan Yao's view, the best approach currently was to suppress this matter... to settle it privately with Prince Jin.
To settle privately with Prince Jin, without letting the Crown Prince know, without involving the Crown Prince. Because they feared that if the Crown Prince got involved, their opponents might use this to attack the Crown Prince for improper use of personnel, to accuse the Crown Prince before the Emperor.
Mu Wan Yao drank cup after cup of water, her fingers trembling, her heart racing wildly.
Since returning to Chang'an, this was the first time she realized she had become entangled in a conspiracy. For the first time, she had to rely on her own abilities to resolve it... Mu Wan Yao pressed her lips together, having already formulated a plan in her heart, and began writing letters.
On one hand, she wrote to the Crown Prince, informing him that someone might be manipulating events behind the scenes; on the other hand, she wrote to her advisors, instructing them to visit the Zheng family again to determine whether the Zheng family truly had problems and whether they could still be trusted.
The Zheng family were powerful local magnates... discarding them would be a pity. It was best to suppress the matter for now and settle accounts later.
But just as she finished writing letter after letter and was about to arrange for her advisors to handle this matter, Mu Wan Yao suddenly paused, falling into contemplation.
According to her original intention, she should have her long-serving advisors handle this matter.
But they had just visited the Zheng family, and some had been driven out.
Moreover, it was possible that some of these advisors had problems... if she sent these potentially compromised people again, this matter might never be resolved.
Involuntarily, the name "Yan Shang" surfaced in Mu Wan Yao's mind.She bit her lip, frowning to herself.
To be honest, she was extremely reluctant to use Yan Shang, extremely unwilling to let Yan Shang handle this matter.
Because he was still busy with his studies, because she had just hurt him and was currently giving him the cold shoulder... If she were to let Yan Shang do this, what would her previous cold treatment even mean?
Yet Yan Shang truly was the most suitable candidate.
His temperament was excellent, making it unlikely for him to lose his temper while handling this matter. Without anger clouding his judgment, he wouldn’t be easily manipulated by those scheming behind the scenes. His communication skills were superb, allowing him to persuade others effortlessly and make them listen to his reasoning.
If the task required someone with a forceful and unyielding personality, Yan Shang’s gentle disposition would naturally be highly unsuitable. But if Mu Wan Yao’s goal was to make the Zheng clan bow their heads, mediate the conflict between the Zheng clan and Prince Jin, and resolve the issue of the Zheng clan seizing commoners’ fertile farmland and houses… then wasn’t Yan Shang, with his talent for resolving disputes, the most fitting choice?
After wrestling with the decision for a long time, Mu Wan Yao ultimately wrote Yan Shang’s name for the sake of a successful resolution to the matter.
She hoped he wasn’t holding a grudge.
She hoped he would help her this once—help her mediate the conflict between the Zheng clan and Prince Jin, leaving no opening for others to exploit—
After Danyang Princess’s letter was dispatched, her advisors naturally received it.
These advisors had been assisting the princess all along. Upon reading the letter, they saw that Mu Wan Yao had appointed Yan Shang to take charge and instructed them to follow his arrangements this time.
The advisors were momentarily taken aback, feeling a twinge of resentment.
Although they had mishandled matters previously… they had served the princess for so many years. How could she now place a teenage youth above them and expect them to obey his orders?
Despite their discomfort, they still went to seek out Yan Shang.
That night, several advisors old enough to be Yan Shang’s father knocked on the door of the Yan residence. They showed the princess’s letter to Yan Erlang and informed him that they would follow his lead throughout this endeavor.
Yan Shang read Mu Wan Yao’s letter, remained silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
His demeanor was as mild as ever, and the advisors breathed a sigh of relief before taking their leave. After they departed, the young attendant Yun Shu came to clear the tea set and noticed Erlang still sitting in the hall, lost in thought, holding the princess’s letter in his hand.
Fearing that his master might be upset upon reading the princess’s letter, Yun Shu remarked, “It seems Your Highness still trusts you, my lord. She has ordered so many people to follow your instructions.”
Yan Shang lifted his gaze and glanced at Yun Shu.
He said, “She doesn’t trust me the most—she believes my temperament is best suited to handle this matter.
“She thinks my mild temper and persuasive speech make me most suitable for mediating conflicts like this.”
Yun Shu was taken aback for a moment before stammering, “Well… that still shows Your Highness recognizes your abilities. Even if the princess only values one of your skills… it’s still a form of trust, isn’t it?”
Yan Shang smiled faintly, closed his eyes, and said nothing—
The following afternoon, Yan Shang and the advisors rode out of the city on horseback to visit the powerful Zheng clan.
Fearing that the Zheng clan might drive them out again, the advisors had specifically brought guards along. This time, however, the Zheng clan clearly understood they had offended the princess and Prince Jin and realized they had committed a grave mistake. Anxious and distressed, they were greatly relieved to see the princess still sending envoys.
Patriarch Zheng personally came out to greet them. Before he could even voice his plea for the princess’s assistance, he saw, standing at the forefront in the fields, an exceptionally graceful young man.
The advisors who had been driven out by the Zheng clan last time said irritably, “This is Yan Erlang. His Highness has instructed Yan Erlang to lead you to apologize to Prince Jin.”
Patriarch Zheng nodded repeatedly and ushered Yan Shang into the residence, saying, “We’ve truly troubled Your Highness… Her Highness has not abandoned the Zheng clan—she is our benefactor…”Yan Shang said gently, "Your Highness does not abandon the Zheng clan because they are a powerful local force. Abandoning them would greatly diminish Your Highness's strength, so she cannot bear to let them go."
Lord Zheng was taken aback, thinking to himself—wasn't this Yan Erlang being a bit too blunt?
Even the few advisors accompanying Yan Shang exchanged strange looks, wondering why Yan Erlang's words today differed so much from his usual style.
Yan Shang simply followed the guiding Lord Zheng and asked, "Elder, are you the current head of the Zheng family?"
Lord Zheng nodded, shamefaced, and said, "A few days ago, some reckless young men dared to shoot at Prince Jin. I've already tied up those two boys and will bring them along with you to apologize to Prince Jin. Whether he wishes to execute or punish them... Would you like to see them first, sir?"
Yan Shang remained calm and gentle. "No rush."
Lord Zheng’s expression relaxed slightly.
Previously, the advisors sent by the princess had been stern and harsh, making the Zheng family fear that the princess intended to abandon them. Now, seeing that the envoy she sent this time was so young and mild-mannered... it seemed the princess had dispatched this amiable gentleman to lead them in apologizing to Prince Jin.
If the princess intended to discipline the Zheng clan, it would come later.
Lord Zheng mulled over how to privately make amends to the princess once this matter was settled... Even if she demanded a few executions, he would grit his teeth and endure it.
At the same time, a faint sense of pride stirred in Lord Zheng’s heart. He thought to himself—powerful families are formidable indeed. In another hundred years, when they evolve into aristocratic clans... he could rest easy.
As these thoughts crossed Lord Zheng’s mind, he heard Yan Shang ask curiously, "Before I came, I heard that the Zheng family has long oppressed the common people, ruling the countryside so harshly that no one dares voice a single complaint?"
Lord Zheng froze.
Then he hurriedly replied, "Sir, you must have heard wrong! The Zheng family has never oppressed the villagers! If you don’t believe me, you can ask the locals..."
Yan Shang smiled and said, "Why bother asking? Since this is under Zheng’s governance, naturally no one would dare speak ill of the family. After all, I will leave eventually, but the empire cannot do without powerful families like the Zheng clan."
Lord Zheng found the other’s words peculiar. He was growing somewhat displeased but, out of respect for the princess, refrained from showing it.
He dismissed it as the bluntness of youth.
However, the expressions of the advisors behind Yan Shang had grown increasingly strange: Yan Erlang was not someone who lacked tact. In fact, he was the most articulate of them all... What was Yan Erlang trying to do? This didn’t align with the princess’s plan at all.
This wasn’t what the princess had arranged!
As Yan Shang followed Lord Zheng along the field ridges, he saw vast stretches of green fields and contented villagers... Lord Zheng began to show a hint of pride, but before he could boast further, Yan Shang remarked, "Are these the fertile fields seized from the common people? This year’s harvest must be quite good."
Lord Zheng stiffened and reluctantly explained, "This is to meet the Ministry of Revenue’s demands... The princess demands taxes from us, and we collect from the people. From top to bottom, everyone faces difficulties."
Yan Shang nodded.
Walking ahead, Lord Zheng sighed and said, "Sir, I understand what you mean. You probably disapprove of powerful families like ours in the countryside, but we too serve the imperial family and the great clans. Look at these commoners—they always want to file complaints, but in truth, they’re living quite well. At least they aren’t starving. Under the Zheng family’s rule, there have been no peasant uprisings, no refugees—isn’t that so?"He didn't hear Yan Shang's reply and couldn't help turning to look, only to find no one beside him anymore.
Lord Zheng turned back in astonishment and saw that Yan Shang was already six or seven zhang away from him.
The young man stood on the ridge between fields, his figure as refined as jade, as straight and tall as bamboo.
Yan Shang smiled faintly and said, "So it's true that you seized fertile farmland, true that you shot and injured Prince Jin, and true that you drove away Your Highness's people.
"Year after year you prey upon the common people, driving them from their homes to wander homeless. These vast fields have all become the Zheng family's property. I was previously puzzled—why is this place so sparsely populated, hardly different from our remote Lingnan? After all, this is Wannian County, under the jurisdiction of Chang'an—how could it compare to such desolate places?
"But with powerful families like the Zheng clan here, it's no wonder the population is sparse.
"If you hadn't seized that family's younger sister, who happens to be the princess's maid, and if Prince Jin hadn't been nearby this time... who would know what the Zheng family has been doing?"
Across the distance, Yan Shang's gentle but clear words carried, heard by everyone in the fields.
The common people still working in the fields stood up, looking toward the young gentleman; Yan Shang's advisors behind him exchanged glances, watching him uneasily; the guards beside the advisors rested hands on their swords, some holding bows and crossbows, fearing the Zheng family might cause trouble; the men beside Lord Zheng showed angry expressions, about to charge forward but stopped by Lord Zheng himself; Lord Zheng's face turned pale yet he suppressed his anger.
Lord Zheng said, "Young man, you seem to hold great grievances against us. Is this the princess's intention?"
Lord Zheng said coldly, "You're still young and understand nothing. There's no need to stand on moral high ground criticizing how we govern the countryside."
Yan Shang said, "I never intended to criticize."
He seemed momentarily lost in thought, then said, "Actually, Her Highness the Princess sent me to mediate your conflict. She wanted to settle this matter quietly. However, she doesn't truly understand my temperament—this matter shouldn't be concluded so hastily. There's no justice in the world if I merely mediate for your sake... What have those common people done to deserve this?
"Though I don't seek fame, sometimes I have no choice but to act."
Lord Zheng asked warily, "What do you mean?"
From six zhang away, Yan Shang said, "I'd like to borrow something from Lord Zheng. Then I'll conclude this discussion and proceed according to the princess's instructions."
Lord Zheng's expression softened slightly. "What do you want to borrow?"
Yan Shang's robes fluttered like clouds as he stood in the wind, his demeanor as elegant as orchids, courteously saying, "Your head—"
Before anyone could react, he reached out and snatched the crossbow from a stunned guard beside him. Before everyone's eyes, Yan Shang aimed the crossbow at Lord Zheng. "Thwack"—an arrow shot out.
The arrow struck Lord Zheng between the eyebrows. His eyes widened in shock as blood flowed from the wound, and he fell to the ground unwillingly.
Before Yan Shang could lower the crossbow, the Zheng family guards behind Lord Zheng stood bewildered, unable to react.
For a long moment, only the howling wind could be heard.
Then someone among the field workers shouted: "Well done!"
Gradually, everyone came to their senses.
One of Yan Shang's advisors sighed, "Yan Erlang's name... will spread throughout Chang'an after today, won't it?
"Such decisive action makes one's blood boil... yet we wouldn't dare do such a thing."The people of Great Wei admired heroic spirit. When Yan Shang killed someone in public, everyone's first reaction wasn't that the murderer must pay with his life, but rather how satisfying it truly was—
At the mountain retreat beneath Fanchuan.
The Emperor was the first to receive this news, quicker than anyone else.
He learned that a young man among the advisors sent by Princess Danyang had publicly killed Duke Zheng.
The Emperor sighed: "What boldness."
After a pause: "From this day forward, whether that young man ends up in prison or not, his reputation will surely spread throughout Chang'an first? The style of a distinguished scholar... this is exactly what everyone admires."
The eunuch remarked: "But killing in public demands life for a life."
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