Mu Wan Yao admitted she was selfish.
When Liu Wenji was castrated, her first thought wasn't about what would happen to Liu Wenji himself, but about Chunhua.
A chill ran through her heart, and her immediate thought was: Chunhua must not know about this.
She couldn't let this affect the fetus in Chunhua's womb, couldn't let it affect Chunhua herself, and especially couldn't let Prince Jin's residence become a variable because of this.
Her second thought was: Yan Shang must not know.
First, it would affect Yan Shang's current Imperial Examination; second...
Second, during the incident caused by Chunhua last time, she had asked Yan Shang to mediate the conflict, but he directly shot and killed the Zheng Family Head with an arrow. This had sparked the vigorous suppression of powerful families, dragging everyone into the mess.
From that incident, Mu Wan Yao had ultimately become afraid of Yan Shang, fearing he might cause even greater trouble for her.
Faced with such a situation, Mu Wan Yao closed her eyes and contemplated for two breaths before deciding to handle this matter herself.
She first spoke coldly: "Take my fish-shaped tally and send someone to the Pleasure Quarter immediately to find the courtesan Liu Wenji was protecting. Prevent her from escaping the city tonight.
"Before I arrive, interrogate her to see if someone put her up to this. Figure out whether this was orchestrated or coincidental!
"Also, find out who castrated Liu Wenji! Regardless of whether we can touch them or not, as long as they're still in the Pleasure Quarter, bag their heads and beat them up—make sure those who laid hands on him are castrated too!"
"Where is Liu Wenji now! Court physicians! Imperial physicians! Go to the palace and fetch an imperial physician for me!"
In the dead of night, all the lanterns in Danyang Princess' Residence were lit.
The Princess herself, dressed in magnificent robes, personally handled the matter. Guards also left the residence under the Princess' orders to carry out her commands.
Mu Wan Yao took a deep breath, thinking she must resolve this matter before Yan Shang found out... or at least suppress it—
While Fang Tong and other guards went to the Pleasure Quarter to arrest people, Mu Wan Yao, led by two young servants, went to see the bloodied Liu Wenji.
The two servants who had been accompanying Liu Wenji for two months had grown accustomed to his daily heavy drinking. When the incident occurred tonight, they weren't present, having gone to banter and have fun with other courtesans.
Hearing the commotion, they rushed over but didn't have time to invoke Danyang Princess' name to protect Liu Wenji—everything was already beyond repair.
Pale-faced, the two servants knew it was over. The Princess would surely execute them. To atone for their crime, they immediately brought Liu Wenji out from that brothel, urgently knocked on the ward gate, and insisted on using the authority granted by the Princess to force the gate open before arriving at the Princess Residence.
Liu Wenji was settled in a guest room of the Princess Residence. Mu Wan Yao paced anxiously outside. After what felt like an eternity, the imperial physician finally arrived from the palace, and after another long wait, the physician emerged.
Mu Wan Yao urgently looked at the imperial physician.
The physician shook his head and sighed.
Mu Wan Yao's heart turned cold.
Speaking about such matters before a Princess was always somewhat awkward for the physician: "Fortunately he's still young, and medical treatment was sought promptly. In the future, he'll still be able to... well, relieve himself normally, without leakage... He won't lose his life over this, at least he'll survive. And since Your Highness is here... you could keep him in the Princess Residence as a eunuch."
There wasn't a trace of smile on Mu Wan Yao's face.
Of course there were eunuchs in the Princess Residence—she had even joked with Yan Shang about this several times before. But the eunuch shouldn't have been Liu Wenji.Mu Wan Yao's slender fingers dug into her palm, using the pain to calm herself.
She asked the imperial physician: "Has he... woken up?"
The imperial physician showed a pained expression: "He never lost consciousness."
Mu Wan Yao froze for a moment.
She asked: "From beginning to end?"
Physician: "Yes."
"Was he aware throughout the entire process?"
Physician: "Yes."
The imperial physician sighed: "I've never seen a young gentleman who endured so stubbornly without fainting. Drenched completely in sweat, yet he still managed to ask me if he was beyond saving. What could I say? I could only reply that everyone has their own fate. Then his eyes turned vacant, staring blankly at the ceiling, and he stopped speaking to me."
Mu Wan Yao signaled to her maids behind her, instructing them to arrange accommodation for the imperial physician in the residence. These next couple of days, Liu Wenji might still require this physician's services.
It was only thanks to her status as a princess that she could summon an imperial physician who normally attended to the Emperor. These physicians were accustomed to seeing castrated men and frequently prescribed medicine for palace eunuchs. Their familiarity with such cases allowed them to handle Liu Wenji's situation calmly.
No ordinary physician could have done better than the imperial doctor from the palace—
Mu Wan Yao lingered outside for another two quarters of an hour before finally pushing the door open to visit Liu Wenji, who had remained conscious throughout.
Before the princess entered, Liu Wenji had struggled to sit up with the help of two servants, changed his clothes, and tidied his appearance. When Mu Wan Yao entered and looked at him, she saw him weakly rising to pay his respects to her.
Mu Wan Yao urged him to lie down and rest. Just these few simple movements left him leaning against the pillow, pale and bloodless.
Mu Wan Yao remained silent for a moment, staring at this handsome youth. After all, he was a beautiful young man, and from outward appearance, one couldn't tell he had been castrated. Yet the aura he projected had changed once again.
If before he had been shrouded in dust, now he was veiled in frost.
A cold frost had settled over his soul, making him much colder. Different from Wei Shu's youthful aloofness—Wei Shu possessed the pristine, desirable chill of snow on a pagoda, while Liu Wenji resembled a living creature buried and suffering beneath snow after a blizzard.
That bone-deep coldness was merely fate's gift. Only this fate had treated Liu Wenji too harshly.
After a long silence, Mu Wan Yao said: "I will ensure that those who humiliated you are brought to justice."
Liu Wenji looked at the princess and replied tonelessly: "Can they be?"
Mu Wan Yao faltered slightly.
Seeing the young princess unable to even offer an assurance, Liu Wenji's lips curled into a faint, mocking smile as he said indifferently: "This is my own affair. Your Highness is only looking after me for Chunhua's sake—you have no reason to help me beyond that. Please rest assured, I won't cause trouble or bring you any inconvenience."
Mu Wan Yao remained silent for a long time.
She didn't know how to converse with Liu Wenji after what he had experienced. Sympathy? Or weeping together with him?
She wasn't close enough to Liu Wenji for that, nor could she empathize with people's suffering like Yan Shang could. She did find him pitiable, but... that was all.
She wanted to scold Liu Wenji for his despondency—couldn't he have drunk at home? Why did he have to go to the Pleasure Quarter?
But she knew there was no point in saying such things.
The Pleasure Quarter wasn't some forbidden place anyway.In Great Wei, far from considering places like the Pleasure Quarter as blights, public opinion held it to be the most prosperous and talked-about location in Chang'an. Anyone who came to Chang'an without visiting the Pleasure Quarter could not claim to have truly been there.
She herself went frequently, as did court officials. Even Yan Shang, who prided himself on his integrity, visited often.
Anyone who claimed never to have visited the Pleasure Quarter would not be seen as virtuous, but rather as antisocial and pretentiously aloof.
It was not some forbidden place... The tragedy lay in the fact that while court officials could go, so could common scholars like Liu Wenji. When conflicts arose between them, the loser was predetermined from the start.
Mu Wan Yao said coldly, "So what are your plans for the future? Imperial examinations are out of the question—your scholarly path is severed. If you wish to return to Lingnan, I'll provide you with funds and arrange a minor official post for your father or any relative there. This will ensure you live out your remaining years in peace and safety in Lingnan."
Liu Wenji replied softly, "I cannot return to Lingnan. If I go back now, the shock might kill my parents. As a son, failing to care for them in their old age is already unfilial. To let them learn what has happened to me would be like carving out their hearts. I cannot let them know."
Mu Wan Yao eyed him warily. "Then what will you do? Seek revenge? The other party is not someone you can afford to offend... And as I said, I intend to help you."
Liu Wenji looked at the princess and said, "Your Highness and I have no connection beyond a maid. How much could you truly help me? If this incident leads to greater consequences, you might have justification. But if it's merely a coincidence... I suppose that's all there is to it. Am I right?"
Mu Wan Yao's expression turned uncomfortable.
Her face darkened instantly.
She hated when people hit the nail on the head.
Liu Wenji had changed from before. Previously, he restrained himself, not daring to speak bluntly in front of the princess. Now, having cast aside all inhibitions, he directly voiced Mu Wan Yao's inner thoughts. Though both were aware of the vicious beast within, having it pointed out so openly was an unpleasant experience.
Forcing herself to tolerate it out of pity for his wretched state, Mu Wan Yao let it pass.
Mu Wan Yao asked, "Then what do you want?"
Liu Wenji, pale-faced, fixed his dark, clear eyes on Danyang Princess. Slowly, he pushed back the covers and struggled out of bed. Mu Wan Yao stood before him, haughty and composed, watching coldly as he knelt at her feet.
Liu Wenji said quietly, "Chunhua asked Your Highness to grant me an official post, but I declined; she asked for money, and I refused that too. I have never sought anything from Your Highness on Chunhua's account. Now, I wish to exercise that right. I wonder if Your Highness will permit it?"
Mu Wan Yao asked, "What do you want?"
Liu Wenji lowered his long lashes, their shadows completely obscuring the expression in his eyes.
He said, "I beg Your Highness to help me enter the palace and become a eunuch."
Mu Wan Yao stared at him in astonishment. "Why? Have you... thought this through? That is no good place. I cannot protect you there. The palace and the outside world must not have private dealings. I will not overstep this boundary by reaching into my Emperor's domain."Liu Wenji shook his head, saying he needed no care from Your Highness. He stated that as long as the princess agreed to his plea for help, she could use and handle this matter however she saw fit. In the future, he would not trouble the princess again, nor would he contact the Princess Residence anymore, much less attempt to reach out to Chunhua and ruin her.
Liu Wenji knelt on the ground.
The cold, pale moonlight streamed through the window, casting its glow on his frail, snow-like figure.
He knelt there quietly, murmuring: "After much reflection, it seems everything stems from a lack of power."
In a place like Chang'an, to survive, one must hold power in their hands; in a place like Chang'an, to seek revenge, one must hold power in their hands.
The days of being at others' mercy like fish on a chopping block—he had endured enough... more than enough!
Time and again, the cold blades of fate had pierced his heart. Who could remain oblivious and drift through life?
Liu Wenji lifted his face, his gaze meeting Mu Wan Yao's, bright and filled with bone-deep hatred.
It was unclear whether he hated this lawless world or the powerful figures who had ruined him—
The night passed, and news arrived from the Pleasure Quarter.
That courtesan was indeed just a delicate young woman who had recently arrived at the Pleasure Quarter. The incident involving Physician Zhang and Liu Wenji had unfolded before her eyes, leaving her terrified and stunned. She knew this matter was beyond what someone like her could bear.
Though she didn't know how things would unfold, she at least understood that even the eleventh son of a household like the Ministry of Revenue's Physician Zhang should not casually ruin others. And if it were discovered that the cause of the incident was a weak woman like her, she would face a fate worse than death—with no place to bury her remains.
The courtesan had been abducted by Physician Zhang earlier in the night but escaped harm thanks to Liu Wenji's intervention. Liu Wenji had spoiled the mood, and Physician Zhang lost interest in her. After seeking help, she managed to leave.
Upon returning, the courtesan began packing her belongings and stumbled out of the brothel she was in... But just as she opened the back door of the brothel, Fang Tong and other guards burst in with drawn blades.
The two sides collided, and it became easy to determine who had been involved in ruining Liu Wenji.
Physician Zhang truly lived up to being the leader of that group. He was sleeping soundly in his room while several of the young masters following him had already been ruined. Someone, terrified and fleeing in panic, came to warn Physician Zhang, urging him to escape quickly: "Young master, young master! Hurry, hurry! It's the people from Danyang Princess' Residence! We don't know what connection that ruined man has with Danyang Princess, but she sent her men to ruin us!"
Physician Zhang was jolted sober by fear. Trembling, he scrambled out of bed, hastily pulled on his trousers, and climbed out the window to flee.
The early winter was bitterly cold, and Physician Zhang froze stiff the moment he stepped outside. But he knew that if he didn't escape now and was caught by the Princess Residence's men, he might truly be ruined.
Because Danyang Princess was likely to act first and seek approval later!
Ruin him first, then make amends!
Having served as an official for some time, he knew he had committed a grave offense. Physician Zhang ordered his attendants to cover his retreat from behind while he, terrified, scaled the wall to escape the Pleasure Quarter. He mounted a horse and stumbled his way back to his residence to seek help—
Dawn broke.
The sounds of bells and drums echoed, ringing layer upon layer.
The residence of the Ministry of Revenue's Physician Zhang was just waking up.
Physician Zhang had no court attendance that day. He rose leisurely, practiced a set of martial arts in the backyard, exchanged a few casual words with his wife and concubines during the morning meal, and then went to his study to read. He planned to spend the morning reading at home and visit the Ministry of Revenue in the afternoon to check on the day's official duties.On an otherwise peaceful day, the door to Physician Zhang's study was violently pounded with urgent knocks.
His son's voice wailed outside: "Father! Save me! If you don't rescue me now, I won't survive!"
Physician Zhang flew into a rage, recognizing it was his eleventh son's voice. This boy had only been sent to the Ministry of Revenue for a few days of training, yet instead of focusing on his duties, he kept finding excuses to take leave. Today he actually claimed he wouldn't survive.
With a dark expression, Physician Zhang opened the door, ready to scold his son to be more diligent, but he was shocked to see his eleventh son in a pitiful state—clothes disheveled, neck skin purple from cold, his whole body trembling.
The eleventh son threw himself at his father's legs, crying hysterically: "Father, save me! Danyang Princess wants to castrate me! She'll surely come for me soon, father, save me!"
Physician Zhang: "Nonsense! Don't worry, I work for the Crown Prince alongside Danyang Princess..."
His son interrupted with loud sobs: "It's not like that, father! Last night I stayed in the Pleasure Quarter and fought with a man over a courtesan. In my anger, I castrated him. Later that night, guards from Danyang Princess's residence started knocking on every door in the Pleasure Quarter... That man I castrated might be Danyang Princess's lover, her paramour! She won't swallow this insult and will surely castrate your son in return!
"Father, father, save me!"
The Ministry of Revenue official shuddered, suddenly realizing the severity of the situation and what a disaster his son had brought upon him.
Fury overwhelmed him, but looking down at his son's tear-streaked, snot-covered face, anxiety gripped his heart. After all, this was his own flesh and blood—how could he not save him?
Gritting his teeth, the Ministry of Revenue official ordered: "Someone, dress the eleventh young master in servant's clothes! Eleventh son, you must flee Chang'an immediately and take refuge at your maternal grandmother's home. Don't return to Chang'an until this matter is resolved! Only when I've negotiated with Danyang Princess and offered satisfactory terms can you come back!"
The eleventh son hastily wiped his tears: "Yes! Father, you must save me..."
Physician Zhang fumed: "I don't even know if I can keep my official position! Saving your life is the most I can do!"
Less than an hour later, a servant reported that Danyang Princess had arrived.
Physician Zhang had already straightened his official robes and composed himself to receive Danyang Princess.
The eleventh son had escaped Chang'an... at least his life was preserved.
Now he could focus on negotiating with Danyang Princess about this matter.
Physician Zhang was remarkably straightforward. Upon meeting the princess, he admitted his son's fault and offered to resign from his position as apology.
Mu Wan Yao frowned, inwardly cursing this old fox—
No one in official circles was a fool.
Physician Zhang had held his position as Ministry of Revenue official for ten years.
If he resigned, finding a suitable replacement would be difficult immediately.
To atone for his son's offense, Physician Zhang offered money, fertile land, and even his official position.
Ultimately, this matter would inevitably reach the Crown Prince.
And what the Crown Prince currently valued most was the year-end ceremony. The most important card in the Crown Prince's hand was the Ministry of Revenue.
How could the Crown Prince allow anything to happen to the Ministry of Revenue?
This desperate measure of Physician Zhang's—cutting the ground from under his own feet—truly made Mu Wan Yao secretly resentful.At this moment, Mu Wan Yao desperately wished this matter was a trap set by Prince Qin or Prince Jin to ensnare them—that way she could still maneuver... Yet unfortunately, Guard Fang’s investigation throughout the night concluded that no one had interfered.
No one had ever cared about someone like Liu Wenji.
The Chunhua incident was already over.
Prince Qin had never known of Liu Wenji’s existence from start to finish, and Prince Jin likely didn’t either... A minor figure like Liu Wenji, even if he had entered their schemes, hadn’t left an impression.
Mu Wan Yao patted her cheeks to calm herself further. Next, she would have to fight a tough battle in the Eastern Palace—
Yan Shang was still taking the Imperial Examination that day. As the exam concluded in the evening and he exited the Ministry of Personnel, he encountered several other Awaiting-Decree Officials and ran into Lord Liu.
After offering them some encouragement, Lord Liu received a note.
He glanced at Yan Shang with a faint, knowing smile.
Lord Liu said leisurely, “I’ve just reviewed the exam papers of you Awaiting-Decree Officials—all of you performed quite well. Coincidentally, my wife is cooking personally today. Why not join us for dinner at my residence?”
Who would dare refuse an invitation from Lord Liu?
At Lord Liu’s residence, he urged them to drink. Yan Shang declined, earning several pointed looks from Lord Liu. Regardless, all the Awaiting-Decree Officials, thoroughly intoxicated by Lord Liu, were inevitably staying the night.
Being the discreet person he was, Yan Shang never sought to stand out. Since the others were staying, he would stay as well.
However, worried that Mu Wan Yao might be concerned after two days without news, Yan Shang sent his servant Yun Shu to the Princess Residence with a note, assuring her not to worry.
Everything happening at Lord Liu’s residence was known to him.
While playing chess with his granddaughter Liu Ruozhu, Lord Liu learned that Yan Shang had sent a servant to the Princess Residence. Stroking his beard thoughtfully, he pondered.
His granddaughter, kneeling across from him, was preoccupied with the handsome and dignified Yan Erlang.
Liu Ruozhu had assumed her grandfather’s invitation was to create an opportunity for her. But seeing his expression, she questioned coyly, “Grandfather, are you up to something? Bullying Yan Erlang?”
Lord Liu chuckled and scolded, “Up to something? I’m protecting him! The Eastern Palace is quite lively today... It’s best he stays out of it.”
Liu Ruozhu lowered her gaze, lost in thought, trying to decipher the situation.
She then heard her grandfather mutter to himself, “But why would Yan Erlang send a note to Danyang Princess’s residence? It’s clear he’s worked for Danyang Princess, but as a retainer or advisor, does he really need to inform her whether he’s returning to the residence? Isn’t that a bit odd?”
Liu Ruozhu retorted, “They share a ruler-subject bond. Why must you measure a gentleman’s heart with a petty ruler, Grandfather?”
Lord Liu laughed heartily. “Yes, yes. How could I compare to my fair and impartial granddaughter, who favors no one?”
Blushing, Liu Ruozhu grew restless under her grandfather’s teasing.
She sprang up, pouting, “I’m not talking to you anymore. I’m going to see Mother. She’s making hangover soup for our guests. I’ll help her bring a bowl to Yan Erlang.”
Lord Liu eyed her. “But Su Chen didn’t drink.”
Stamping her foot in flustered irritation, she snapped, “Then I’ll bring some other soup! Why are you being so stingy, Grandfather? Won’t you even let me offer him a bowl?”
That night, the Eastern Palace was once again ablaze with light.Only Yang Si, who was often at the Eastern Palace, was absent.
As Yang Si's grandmother had fallen ill, Yang Sanlang and his cousin had left Chang'an to visit her. The Crown Prince naturally granted them leave.
Tonight, the confrontation in the Eastern Palace was between Mu Wan Yao and the Director of the Ministry of Revenue.
Due to the dismissal of Liu Wenji, the Director of the Ministry of Revenue wished to resign. Mu Wan Yao stated that if the Crown Prince insisted on retaining the Director, he must compensate her by entrusting her with the organization of the year-end grand ceremony.
The Crown Prince fell into thoughtful silence.
Waving his hand, he said: "Both of you, stop arguing for now. Physician Zhang, you may withdraw. I wish to speak with Danyang alone."
After Physician Zhang left, the Crown Prince asked Mu Wan Yao: "What is the meaning of this? A mere commoner scholar undergoing root removal - how did his complaint end up before me? I've listened to your argument and understand that Liu Wenji likely became acquainted with you in Lingnan and earned your favor. But is this truly worth such a fuss?
"If he's been removed, then so be it. He's just an ordinary commoner."
Had Liu Wenji been merely a common scholar, Mu Wan Yao might have shared the Crown Prince's indifference. Yet even with her cold disposition, she momentarily froze upon hearing his casual dismissal of "if he's been removed, then so be it."
For the first time, she caught a glimpse of the Crown Prince's heartless detachment.
Mu Wan Yao said displeasedly: "Even for ordinary citizens, we shouldn't treat root removal so lightly. Tomorrow, the Censorate Inspector will surely impeach the Director of the Ministry of Revenue in court. I doubt Eldest Brother can protect him - it would be better to demote him by one rank. Let him remain in the Ministry of Revenue, but he can no longer serve as Director. His virtue no longer matches his position, and he has lost the people's respect."
The Crown Prince nodded.
"...That would be acceptable," he said.
Seeing the Crown Prince's indifferent attitude, Mu Wan Yao breathed a sigh of relief, realizing he didn't particularly care about this Ministry of Revenue official. She had worried he might be too invested, rendering her opinion completely insignificant.
Mu Wan Yao bit her lip and added: "Moreover, I intend to send Liu Wenji to the palace. Since he has undergone root removal, the palace is the most suitable place for him."
The Crown Prince's eyes flashed as he looked at her.
Mu Wan Yao immediately clarified: "I'm not planting anyone in the palace. He's not my agent, nor will he report palace affairs to me in the future. Rest assured, Eldest Brother, I'm not scheming anything - I merely wish to compensate him."
The Crown Prince found this strange: "Since your return from the peace marriage, I thought you had grown much colder. But now I see you remain so compassionate? Yaoyao, those who are kind-hearted cannot survive in politics."
Mu Wan Yao stated concisely: "It's not compassion. I'm doing this because although Liu Wenji holds no official rank, he is Yan Erlang's longtime close friend."
The Crown Prince stiffened, then became solemn.
He cared nothing for Liu Wenji, but when Yan Shang was involved... The Crown Prince happened to be seeking to win Yan Shang over, and certainly didn't want to alienate him over such a person.
The Crown Prince said: "You've handled this correctly. We mustn't let Yan Erlang become disheartened because of Liu Wenji. Arrange things as you see fit - placating Yan Erlang is what matters most. Yan Erlang is taking the Imperial Examination today, isn't he? He will become our asset in the future... We cannot allow complications at this time."
Mu Wan Yao agreed.
But she thought to herself that no matter what compensation she offered, Yan Shang would probably remain displeased.
How troubling—
The next day, when the group of Awaiting-Decree Officials departed from Lord Liu's residence, Yan Shang went to bid farewell.
Lord Liu was reviewing scrolls in his study, while Yan Shang stood respectfully nearby with hands at his sides. After waiting for some time, Lord Liu still hadn't dismissed him.
Liu Ruozhu was actually also in the study, hiding behind the inner chamber's screen. Watching her grandfather make things difficult for Yan Shang, she grew increasingly anxious. Liu Ruozhu quietly created some noise - the faint sound of pages turning.
Yan Shang, who normally wouldn't be disturbed by such sounds, eventually looked over when the noise persisted.Seeing a young maiden hiding behind the screen, she gestured to him with her hand. Before he could wonder why a young lady was hiding in Lord Liu’s study, he followed the direction of her finger and noticed that she was pointing at the scroll in Lord Liu’s hand.
Was there something strange about the scroll?
Yan Shang fixed his gaze on it and was slightly taken aback.
Because he had a feeling… the scroll in Lord Liu’s hand was his own examination paper from the Imperial Examination?
Lord Liu, of course, knew that his granddaughter had secretly helped Yan Shang. With a resigned sigh, he set down the scroll in his hand. “Only noticing it now?”
Yan Shang composed himself and lowered his eyes. “...Yes.”
Lord Liu sighed. “I’ve been holding your examination paper for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, and you’re only noticing it now. Yan Suchen, oh Yan Suchen, you excel in everything, but you are far too cautious, unwilling to take even a single misstep. However, how can a statesman always follow the rules? How can one never take an extra step?”
Yan Shang replied, “I will remember Your Excellency’s teachings.”
Observing Yan Shang’s consistently mild and respectful demeanor, Lord Liu couldn’t tell how much of his advice had truly sunk in. He tossed the scroll aside, a faint, wry smile tugging at his lips, suspecting that very little had been absorbed.
A young talent like Yan Shang carried a certain pride within him. Since arriving in Chang’an, he had walked every step with caution, encountering no setbacks… Naturally, Yan Shang did not believe that excessive caution could ever be a flaw.
Lord Liu said, “The Ministry of Personnel is reviewing your examination papers, but what they have is a hastily transcribed copy of your answers. The one I hold is your original.”
“I’ve reviewed your previous examination papers. Hmm, in just half a year, your calligraphy has improved significantly.”
Yan Shang stood with his sleeves lowered, listening attentively to the admonishment.
As Lord Liu rambled on at length, Yan Shang grew increasingly puzzled, unsure of what Lord Liu was truly trying to convey. Finally, Lord Liu stated, “I will arrange for you to remain in the Secretariat. What are your thoughts on this?”
When a high-ranking official made arrangements for a subordinate, it was not customary to ask for their opinion. Lord Liu’s amiable approach filled Yan Shang with gratitude, as he recognized the regard in which he was held.
He bowed deeply, signaling his acceptance of the arrangement. How could he possibly be dissatisfied with such a prestigious posting as the Secretariat?
Lord Liu studied him for a long moment. Though Yan Shang expressed his gratitude eloquently and profusely, he never uttered the words Lord Liu had hoped to hear. With a detached expression, Lord Liu remarked, “Well, Yan Suchen. After all I’ve done for you, am I still not worthy of being addressed as your teacher?”
Yan Shang replied, “It is only that I already have a teacher…”
Lord Liu said coolly, “Yan Suchen, propriety is a virtue, but it is not always beneficial. When a superior wishes to hear your honest thoughts, your constant evasion will only breed displeasure. If I were to take offense at your attitude right now, even if I did not have you executed, charging you with ‘glib talk and ingratiating manners’ would be entirely justified.”
Yan Shang’s expression grew solemn.
He felt a hint of pressure.
It could be said that, after all this time in Chang’an, Lord Liu was the first to make him feel this pressure… the sensation of being thoroughly outmatched, with every one of his actions laid bare.
In the presence of such an elder, attempts at cleverness only seemed childish.
Flushed with shame, Yan Shang bowed again and spoke truthfully, “...It is only that I am reluctant to align myself with a faction so soon after entering the court. Previously, I have always followed the Princess’s directives… To do so now would risk appearing disloyal to the Crown Prince, and I fear it would place Her Highness in a difficult position.”
Lord Liu let out a derisive laugh.However, Liu Ruozhu, who was hiding behind the screen, pouted, feeling that her grandfather was not giving Yan Erlang any face at all. He was only in his teens—why did her grandfather have to be so harsh?
Lord Liu said, "There is no suspicion involved. The Secretariat is not controlled by the Crown Prince, and no one can persuade the chancellors to take sides. You refuse to become my disciple because you think your previous teacher, a mere instructor at the Imperial Academy, has already taught you everything you need to learn? Very well, let me ask you this: why do you want to become an official?"
Yan Shang answered truthfully, "For the people, for justice, for goodness, for benevolence."
Lord Liu nodded. "Good, then I will take it as for justice, goodness, and benevolence. Let me ask you: whose justice, goodness, and benevolence are you striving for? Are justice and benevolence in this world absolute? Are they under the control of you, Yan Suchen?
"Can you be certain that what you do is right and others are wrong? Do you believe your stance is correct, and those who disagree with you are wrong?
"You also claim to speak for the common people, to voice the concerns of the masses. How laughable! Do you not know that governance throughout history has always sought the counsel of the wise, not the masses? Only the wise are consulted, not the common people! You may disagree, but this has been the principle since ancient times."
Yan Shang argued, "Yet it is a universal truth, known to all, that water can carry a boat but can also overturn it."
Lord Liu retorted, "Are you using an extreme example to refute ordinary conduct? When pushed to the brink, the people will rebel... but such extremes have always led to the downfall of nations throughout history. If you encounter such a situation even once in your lifetime, both you and I would perish, and there would be no need to discuss how to serve as an official here!"
Yan Shang was stunned, his face flushed with shame from his lack of foresight and pale with the bleakness of having his innermost thoughts laid bare. He stared wide-eyed at Lord Liu, forgetting all decorum.
It was the first time he had heard an elder teach him in such a manner, shattering the beliefs he had held all along.
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