Yang Si leaped onto the carriage and sat opposite Mu Wan Yao. She merely frowned but did not drive him away.
Such was the nature of their friendship, after all.
But when he brought up Yan Shang and spoke of wishing her happiness, she was momentarily stunned. She tilted her head and looked at him strangely. Having known him for so many years, this didn’t sound like something he would say.
Mu Wan Yao: “…Why are you telling me this?”
She retorted, “What if I like him? What if I don’t?”
Yang Si smiled.
His smile was clean and bright, like winter sunlight, carrying the fearless and unrestrained style of a young man—unlike the reserved pride of other noble youths in Chang’an.
Yang Si looked at Mu Wan Yao with great seriousness: “If you don’t like him, then pretend I never said anything. But if you do like Yan Er, then tell me. I’ll help you observe him carefully and see if he’s suitable for you. Don’t worry about status or identity. Just listen to your heart and tell me. Yao Yao, we’ve known each other for so many years. Even though I serve the Crown Prince, you should know I would never harm you, right?”
Mu Wan Yao gazed at him quietly, her eyes suddenly shimmering like sunlight reflecting off a lake, radiant and vivid.
She lowered her gaze and clenched her hands.
She murmured, “It’s not suitable.”
Yang Si: “Why worry about suitability? Just ask yourself whether you like him or not. You can’t sacrifice every relationship for the sake of gain, can you? You’re a princess, after all. Must you always listen to others when it comes to marrying a man?”
Mu Wan Yao felt somewhat bewildered.
This was the second time, after Yan Shang, that a man had encouraged her to like whomever she wished.
Mu Wan Yao laughed wryly: “What are you talking about? How could I not care?”
Yang Si said calmly, “Then why are you pursuing power now? Isn’t the reason you want power so that you can make your own decisions? If you have power but still can’t like whom you want, then why are you working so hard? One need not always follow the rules or convince oneself to conform. Sometimes, one should be willful and live for oneself.”
Mu Wan Yao stared at him in a daze.
He leaned closer, his cold gaze softening abruptly. He bent down and rubbed her cheek gently with his slightly rough fingertips.
Mu Wan Yao was startled and leaned back, surprised by his sudden gesture. She snapped, “If you have something to say, say it! Why touch me?”
Yang Si teased, “What? Now I can’t even touch you? And you still claim you don’t like Yan Er?”
Mu Wan Yao insisted stubbornly, “I don’t! What’s it to you?”
Yang Si: “Tsk.”
He smirked, “You copycat. You imitate my words, my actions… why not learn from my temperament? If I were you, I wouldn’t be so afraid to admit it.”
Mu Wan Yao widened her eyes, feline-like, both alluring and wary. Her face flushed red, and she wanted to retort, “Who’s imitating you?” But meeting Yang Si’s all-knowing gaze, she swallowed her words.
She lowered her head and smiled self-deprecatingly, clenching her hands even tighter.
Yes, how could Yang Si not see that she was imitating him? He had probably noticed it the moment she returned to Chang’an.
Why was she imitating him?Because he was the most unrestrained and carefree person she knew among those around her. Since childhood, he had been climbing roofs and tearing off tiles, doing whatever he pleased. Yang Si's father, the Crown Prince, had been chasing after this troublemaker since youth, cleaning up his messes.
Mu Wan Yao truly envied Yang Si.
Her time among the Black Barbarians had been so humiliating. When she wanted to change her gentle disposition, she couldn't help but think of Yang Si. She wanted to be like Yang Sanlang - losing her temper when she felt like it, ignoring whoever displeased her...
So she began imitating Yang Si's behavior and speech. Unconsciously, Mu Wan Yao had truly transformed herself into someone quite different from before.
But what did such a drastic change in character matter? Many situations still required calm composure.
Mu Wan Yao lowered her gaze, avoiding further discussion about Yan Shang with Yang Si, instead asking: "Are you encouraging me like this because you don't want to marry me?"
Yang Si: "Didn't I say it before? I don't really care. I can still take concubines even after marrying you."
Mu Wan Yao glared at him: "You!"
He suddenly laughed.
Yang Si reached out to pat her head: "Alright, alright, I've said what needed to be said. I'll pretend I didn't see you secretly meeting Yan Er. But do you have any decent gifts suitable for giving to others here?"
He looked up at the sky: "I argued with the Crown Prince yesterday. I want to bring a gift to the Eastern Palace to apologize."
Mu Wan Yao glanced at him: "You're completely insincere. Coming to plunder my possessions for apology gifts - how heartbroken would the Crown Prince be if he knew?"
Yang Si smiled cheerfully: "How would he know? If you don't tell on me, he'll never know. If you do tell, I'll inform him that you don't want to marry me but prefer Yan Er instead. Let's see how the Crown Prince deals with you then."
Mu Wan Yao: "You're talking nonsense! Nothing like that ever happened!"
Yang Si: "So you're crying and begging to marry me then?"
Mu Wan Yao was so furious she nearly choked. She raised her hand to hit him, but he casually blocked with his arm, completely restraining her so she couldn't land a blow.
Mu Wan Yao fumed: "Get out! Get out! Fang Tong, give Yang Sanlang the wine I brought and make him leave immediately!"
Yang Si was driven off the carriage by Mu Wan Yao, accompanied by the young princess's flushed, angry face and the wine jar he now carried in his arms.
Yang Si casually waved his hand in farewell to Mu Wan Yao and was about to leave. Watching his retreating figure, Mu Wan Yao called out to him again: "Third Brother Yang!"
Yang Si's back stiffened slightly.
This was the first time she had addressed him like this since returning from her Peace Marriage. That address seemed to transport him back to their youth, as if that delicate little princess was still following him without worries, gently tugging at his sleeve and saying: "I can't let you go. Eldest Brother told me to watch you. If you leave, I won't be able to explain to Eldest Brother."
Back then, his cold expression had frightened her face pale, yet she stubbornly followed him: "Third Brother Yang, where are you going? Can you take me with you? Third Brother Yang, please don't ignore me, don't abandon me."
Third Brother Yang, Third Brother Yang.
Returning in midnight dreams.
Tormenting him like an obsession.
After she married into the Peace Marriage with the Black Barbarians, Yang Si would always dream of her from that time in his dreams. Yet he had still abandoned her, still ignored her... He couldn't take her away, couldn't help her. He had left her in the nightmare, lost her, never to be found again.
It was his fault. He didn't deserve to be called "Third Brother" by her. He wasn't a good brother.Yang Si stood rigidly for a long moment, quietly watching the bustling crowd before the imperial city. His heart ached unbearably at the address "Third Brother Yang," yet he forced himself to suppress it.
Turning around, he looked toward Mu Wan Yao, who had lifted the carriage curtain to gaze at him, and revealed a smile no different from usual.
He joked flippantly: "What's wrong, Yaoyao meimei?"
Mu Wan Yao glared at him, then whispered: "I know you refuse to marry to shield and protect me. Third Brother Yang, I know... thank you."
Yang Si tutted: "Overthinking, aren’t you? Who’s doing it for you? Someone as dashing as me just doesn’t want to marry early—what’s it got to do with you?"
Mu Wan Yao shot him an exasperated yet amused glare.
She said: "Then what kind of lady do you like? Shall I help you look?"
Yang Si stared at her: "So you’re admitting you want me to help you check out Yan Er, and now you’re bargaining with me?"
Mu Wan Yao flushed with anger: "No! I’m just concerned about your marriage! I want to find a lady who can keep you in line so you’ll stop irritating me all the time!"
Yang Si then tilted his head skyward, genuinely pondering what kind of wife he’d prefer.
He said: "I like someone gentle-natured, virtuous, obedient, soft-spoken, and meticulous in everything she does. But not some timid girl—preferably she’d be breathtakingly beautiful, dignified enough to be presented in society, share my aspirations, and understand my thoughts..."
Mu Wan Yao: "..."
She remarked sarcastically: "I was just asking casually, but you’ve put a lot of thought into this, haven’t you?"
Yang Si grinned at her: "Choosing a wife is serious business. Weren’t you going to help me look? Then do a proper job."
Mu Wan Yao fell silent for a while.
Seeing the sincerity beneath his jest, she murmured wistfully: "Your taste in the opposite sex and mine are surprisingly similar."
Yang Si paused.
Immediately, he thought of Yan Shang.
He hummed, resting his chin thoughtfully: "You mean Yan Er? If Yan Er were a woman, he’d fit my criteria perfectly... Does he have any sisters at home?"
Mu Wan Yao grew wary: "No, don’t go fantasizing about his sister!"
Yan Xiaozhou was still so young, even younger than Zhao Lingfei. Usually protected and cherished so meticulously by Yan Shang... Though Mu Wan Yao envied Yan Xiaozhou, if she dared scheme against her, Yan Shang would be displeased.
Seeing her defensive look, Yang Si wondered what she was guarding against. He rolled his eyes—after all, he’d only spoken offhandedly—and this time, he truly left.
Meanwhile, though surrounded by a concerned crowd, Yan Shang still divided a fraction of his attention toward the carriage tucked in the corner diagonally across from the imperial city.
He saw Yang Si being chased off the carriage, yet still chatting cheerfully with whoever was inside. When the curtain lifted, a fleeting glimpse revealed only a silhouette.
But Yan Shang couldn’t be mistaken.
He saw Mu Wan Yao’s face flush.
From a distance, he only saw her blush, not her expression, as the curtain quickly fell again.
Unaware that Mu Wan Yao’s flush was from anger at Yang Si’s teasing, Yan Shang considered another possibility... His heart faltered slightly, thinking how this could be.She had just been with him last night... and today she was with Yang Sanlang... Was she paying too little attention to the boundaries between men and women? When he saw her, he, he should really discuss this matter with her.
Since she was involved with him, she ought to maintain distance from other men.
Yan Shang was absentmindedly thinking these thoughts, his eyes still occasionally glancing toward that carriage. He saw Yang Si leave—because he had been staring in that direction, Yang Si casually looked up and noticed him.
Yang Si froze for a moment.
Yan Shang nodded in acknowledgment toward him. Seeing Yan Shang, Yang Si also broke into a smile. Instead of coming over to greet him, Yang Si raised the wine jar in his hand, indicating that he was going off to drink and would catch up with Yan Shang another day... Yan Shang nodded gently on the surface, but inwardly he thought, that wine jar seemed to have been taken from Mu Wan Yao’s carriage as well.
She had given wine to Yang Sanlang.
Yan Shang’s heart grew even more unsettled.
He even felt somewhat annoyed at himself for not drinking. Mu Wan Yao carried herself like a wine enthusiast, and he never drank—could it be that the gap between them was too wide? Was the reason Yang Sanlang got along so well with her because both of them loved to drink?
But drinking or not drinking... how could that possibly matter so much?!
Soon after, Yang Si left. Yan Shang waited a little longer and saw that the carriage had departed as well.
Yan Shang was taken aback, his last shred of hope shattered. He thought, so she hadn’t come to see him after all... When he first spotted the carriage, he had assumed... he had overthought it—
Mu Wan Yao had originally intended to see Yan Shang, but after Yang Si spoke with her—though Yang Si meant to encourage her—Mu Wan Yao realized through his words that she was being too impulsive.
Knowing it was impossible, she still wanted to see Yan Shang.
But when something is clearly impossible, one ought to restrain oneself.
So after Yang Si left, Mu Wan Yao sat dazedly in the carriage for a while, then had the driver depart as well, deciding against meeting Yan Shang.
After Yan Shang was released from prison, he quickly became a notable figure among the scholars of Chang’an, with everyone wanting to make his acquaintance.
That was one thing.
As for those who had worked to rescue him, true to his character, Yan Shang made sure to visit each one to express his gratitude. With all the back-and-forth, Yan Shang allotted himself two days to settle these social obligations.
Yan Shang also paid a visit to Lord Liu.
Although Lord Liu hadn’t said much during the triple tribunal that day, Yan Shang knew that his swift release must have been related to Lord Liu’s stance. Yan Shang deliberately chose a day to visit, and even if Lord Liu wouldn’t receive a minor figure like him, Yan Shang was determined to make the proper gesture.
The gatekeeper at the chancellor’s residence, upon receiving Yan Shang’s name card, did not make him wait long but eagerly invited him inside.
Yan Shang’s heart skipped a beat, thinking that given the constant stream of visitors at the chancellor’s gate, being received so quickly... Lord Liu must have wanted to see him as well—
In the main hall of Lord Liu’s residence, it wasn’t just Lord Liu present; another chancellor, Chancellor Zhang, was there as well.
Chancellor Zhang had once received Yan Shang’s submission of literary works but had not assisted him. This had forced Yan Shang to turn to Mu Wan Yao, seeking help from the Danyang Princess.
Lord Liu had invited Chancellor Zhang to his home for tea. When the steward reported that Yan Erlang was requesting an audience, and Lord Liu had him brought in, Chancellor Zhang was taken aback.
Chancellor Zhang said, “Well, I wondered why you invited me for tea out of the blue. So it was because of Yan Erlang?”
Lord Liu stroked his beard and smiled.Lord Liu said, "Three days ago during the triple-court hearing, this Yan Suchen left quite a favorable impression on me. I've been considering promoting him. I heard you received his submission of literary works back then but didn't assist him, so I wanted to ask your opinion of him."
Chancellor Zhang then recalled the submission he had seen back then.
Chancellor Zhang shook his head and said, "I truly have no impression of it. I'm afraid this man's literary talent is rather ordinary, making it impossible for me to remember."
Lord Liu responded, "A person's worth isn't solely determined by their literary talent. I think the court's official selection system needs reform sooner or later. Otherwise, keeping talented individuals like Yan Suchen out while recruiting those pedantic types who only know how to compose poetry without any practical governance skills makes no sense at all."
Chancellor Zhang remained silent. Of course, the official selection system needed gradual reform, but as they both came from prominent noble families, matters that affected their own interests—even if understood internally—were not to be discussed too openly.
Chancellor Zhang changed the subject: "It seems you truly think highly of this Yan Erlang. What, are you planning to take him as your disciple, or perhaps marry your precious granddaughter to him?"
As soon as Chancellor Zhang said this, a young girl's coy voice came from behind the screen: "Grandpa Zhang, how can you say such things? It's so embarrassing!"
Chancellor Zhang: "..."
He looked at Lord Liu, who raised his head stroking his beard, intently watching the white clouds in the sky. Chancellor Zhang turned his neck in astonishment to look at the plain screen to the south.
He hadn't noticed earlier, but now he could see faint shadows behind the screen—a young maiden was actually standing there.
The girl quickly peeked out from behind the screen, greeted Chancellor Zhang, then hearing footsteps, swiftly hid back behind the screen.
This was none other than Lord Liu's most cherished granddaughter, young lady Liu Ruozhu.
The young lady was already of marriageable age, but Lord Liu doted on his granddaughter so much that he found no young man worthy and was unwilling to marry her off.
And today... with this screen-viewing arrangement, Lord Liu's intentions were becoming quite evident.
Chancellor Zhang suddenly developed an interest in Yan Shang. Since Lord Liu had brought out his precious granddaughter, he wanted to carefully examine this Yan Erlang—what kind of remarkable qualities did he possess to earn Lord Liu's such high regard—
When Yan Shang arrived, he paid his respects to Lord Liu and Chancellor Zhang.
Chancellor Zhang looked at him: "Did you previously submit literary works to me that I ignored? Do you resent me now for not responding to you back then?"
Yan Shang smiled and said, "Your Excellency manages numerous affairs daily—how could you always focus on minor figures like myself? The submission of literary works is merely an opportunity—having it is good, not having it matters little. How could one bear resentment simply because others don't recognize one's worth? Moreover, Chancellor Zhang has selected so many talented individuals for the court over the years—I feel nothing but admiration. How could I blame you just because I failed to gain your recognition?
"Your Excellency's question makes me feel ashamed."
Chancellor Zhang looked at Lord Liu with a peculiar expression.
Lord Liu raised an eyebrow and smiled meaningfully at him: See? This is how skillfully he speaks. Otherwise, during the triple-court hearing, he wouldn't have been able to persuade all three parties single-handedly.
What's more, Yan Shang maintained his composure without being obsequious, his gentle demeanor far from the desperate flattery style, making him quite likable.
Chancellor Zhang exchanged meaningful glances with Lord Liu: I see why you appreciate him now. He conducts himself just like you did in your youth—the modest gentleman who handles all sides with perfect diplomacy.Lord Liu's smile deepened at the corners of his lips, yet he remained silent, allowing Chancellor Zhang to take charge and continue questioning Yan Shang with increasingly sharp and unconventional angles—
Liu Ruozhu, Lord Liu's granddaughter, hid behind the screen, secretly observing Yan Shang.
A few days prior, her grandfather had returned and spoken to her. He mentioned a certain Yan Erlang whom he held in high regard. If this Yan Erlang were sensible enough to pay a visit to their residence, she would have the chance to see him for herself. If Yan Erlang lacked such awareness and failed to come, the matter would be dropped.
Thus, for the past three days, Liu Ruozhu had been lost in reverie, imagining what kind of young man could earn her grandfather's favor so profoundly.
Her parents had no say in her marriage arrangements—it was entirely up to her grandfather. The entire Liu family trusted Lord Liu's judgment implicitly. After three days of envisioning this young man's appearance, she now peered at him from behind the screen—
His posture was dignified and refined, radiant like polished jade, carrying an air of classical elegance.
His voice was gentle, his speech flowing with a distinct rhythm, neither hurried nor sluggish. Even when Chancellor Zhang posed pointed questions, his tone remained unhurried, revealing a person of firm principles.
He occasionally turned his profile, occasionally smiled.
So his eyebrows were that elegantly arched, and his eyes held a hint of laughter even in silence. His nose was finely shaped, and the way he pressed his lips together exuded grace... Standing in the dappled light of the grand hall, Liu Ruozhu's heart was utterly captivated.
"Clear shores, evening breeze chills; green mountains, jade bones slender."
He was precisely that "green mountains, jade bones slender."
Blushing, Liu Ruozhu pressed a hand to her pounding heart, thoroughly pleased with the marriage her grandfather intended to arrange. She waited eagerly for her grandfather to broach the subject with Yan Erlang... Though Yan Erlang's background was currently modest, her grandfather's judgment was never mistaken, and Liu Ruozhu harbored no concerns about that.
Her only worry was whether this young gentleman would like her.
She hoped he would genuinely care for her, not merely nod in agreement out of deference to her grandfather—
Chancellor Zhang asked several questions, to which Yan Shang responded fluently.
Chancellor Zhang and Lord Liu quickly discerned that Yan Shang's scholarly knowledge was adequate, though his talent for poetry and rhymed prose was decidedly ordinary, with little brilliance to unearth. However, when questioned on governance and policy, Yan Shang's answers were far from the lackluster responses he gave on literary matters.
Chancellor Zhang nodded in approval.
Lord Liu grew even more satisfied.
Lord Liu smiled and said, "Having passed the triple tribunal review, you are already a rare talent in the court. How would you feel if I directly appointed you to an official post in the Secretariat?"
From the moment Lord Liu persistently questioned him about inter-ministerial affairs, Yan Shang had guessed that an official appointment was being considered. Yet Yan Shang had his own plans.
He replied gently, "I dare not refuse Your Excellency. However, I have been studying for several months and am about to take the Imperial Examination in October. Though I lack great talent, I still wish to test my abilities. The opportunity to study at the Institute for the Advancement of Literature is a rare privilege in life. I am reluctant to waste it and have many unresolved questions I would like to ask Lord Liu, though I fear I may trouble you."
The atmosphere chilled slightly.
Chancellor Zhang raised an eyebrow, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips. As someone long immersed in officialdom, he immediately recognized Yan Shang's refusal, however diplomatically worded.
Wow.
Old Man Liu had been rejected.
This was quite the spectacle—Lord Liu remained expressionless, staring at Yan Shang for a long moment before nodding. "You have a lifetime to read more books. It's not that you're studying at the Institute for the Advancement of Literature now for the Imperial Examination, and once you become an official, you can rest easy and never read again. You must keep books in hand your entire life to bridge the gap between you and others."
He subtly criticized Yan Shang's humble origins, implying the vast difference between him and those from noble families.
Yan Shang cupped his hands respectfully. "Thank you for your guidance, my lord."
Lord Liu responded, "Mm."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Yan Shang took his leave.
After he departed, Lord Liu's face darkened.
His granddaughter ran out from behind the screen, stomping her foot in complaint, "Grandfather! How could you! You didn't even mention my marriage!"
Chancellor Zhang deliberately remarked, "Why didn't Old Man Liu take him as a disciple? Why didn't he betroth his granddaughter to him? Is it because of one sentence he said that you now look down on him?"
Lord Liu shot a glance at his colleague who clearly enjoyed stirring up trouble.
Lord Liu said, "I truly didn't expect Yan Suchen to have such a proud side to his nature. Hah, since he has such pride, then I'll have to temper him thoroughly."
Chancellor Zhang clicked his tongue, "You're not even his teacher yet, and you're already talking about tempering him. Suchen is truly pitiable."
OpenNovel