"What is justice and benevolence? Are they defined by you? Must they depend solely on you?"
"You wish to speak for the people—but can your voice truly represent 'the people'? If those you represent, those you help, do not appreciate your efforts, how will you reconcile yourself? Or if you fail to aid those you intend to help, drawing widespread condemnation, how will you face yourself?"
"Since ancient times, we seek wisdom not popularity—how can you bring 'the masses' to the forefront? How will you make others acknowledge them?"
"You only wish to conceal your talents, not daring to choose a path. A sage who offends no one—how can such a person serve as an official?"
"If you aspire to be a sage, you should travel the world like Confucius. Why become an official?"
"Is the virtuous minister of today the same as yesterday's, or will he remain unchanged tomorrow?"
In Lord Liu's study at his residence, Lord Liu posed these questions, striking directly at Yan Shang's soul.
Perhaps he could answer one question momentarily, but then a second sharp query would follow, negating his initial response... leaving Yan Shang bewildered, beginning to wonder whether he was truly correct.
As a mere scholar who had journeyed from Lingnan to Chang'an, could he determine justice for the world? Would he never err? Would he never misunderstand or make mistakes? And if he did err, would anyone correct him, or be willing to?
Could he guarantee he would never lose his original aspirations amid life's vicissitudes, never lose his true self? And if he did lose his way, who could awaken him?
Yan Shang stared blankly at Lord Liu seated behind the desk, his heart pounding rapidly. The old man's hair and beard had turned white, years as chancellor rendering his countenance and demeanor profoundly stern. When he spoke, his gaze was bright and piercing, striking straight to the core.
Yet undoubtedly, Lord Liu was also gentle. When Yan Shang couldn't answer, he simply smiled at him without criticizing him for being too naive.
Yan Shang's mind was in turmoil. After a long silence, he slowly said, "These questions... I have answers at times, and at other times I don't. I need to reflect carefully before giving you my response."
Lord Liu stroked his beard and nodded. "Then think it through and come back to answer me."
He paused before adding, "I hope these questions will bring you clarity, enough to handle the matters awaiting you outside."
Danyang Princess's carriage had arrived at the ward entrance, naturally seeking Yan Shang. Lord Liu already knew about the incident caused by Danyang Princess yesterday. He had deliberately kept Yan Shang at his residence overnight to create a buffer...
Yan Shang didn't understand what Lord Liu meant, and with his mind in disarray, he couldn't read people as keenly as he usually did.
Yan Shang bowed deeply to Lord Liu as he would to his own parents. This level of courtesy was the most solemn, reserved only for parents and teachers. When Yan Shang performed this bow, Lord Liu raised an eyebrow but accepted it calmly.
If Yan Shang could truly comprehend his questions, even if he still didn't formally become Lord Liu's disciple, it would not waste the grace Lord Liu had shown by keeping him until last and speaking these words—
Yan Shang left the study, walking through the chancellor's residence grounds, approaching the inner quarters' exit.
"Erlang! Erlang!" a young woman's delicate voice called from behind.
Yan Shang turned to see a young woman in snow-blue robes, light gauze draped over her arms, lifting her skirts as she ran toward him. Her hurried pace left her maids struggling to keep up, calling after her repeatedly.This young lady was simply dressed, with only a single pearl hairpin adorning her dark hair, and the jade pendant fastened to her skirt fluttered gently as she ran. She was a delicate and unadorned young lady, her features imbued with a strong scholarly aura, strikingly different from the resplendent elegance of Mu Wan Yao.
This was naturally Liu Ruozhu.
Liu Ruozhu, slightly out of breath, stopped before Yan Shang. As she steadied herself, Yan Shang had already bowed to her: "Thank you, young lady, for the kindness of enlightening me earlier in the study."
Liu Ruozhu waved her hand, indicating that no thanks were necessary.
She couldn't resist adding: "Sir, the congee sent to your room last night was also something I instructed the cook to prepare."
Yan Shang was taken aback for a moment before expressing his gratitude again: "Then I must thank you for that as well."
Liu Ruozhu's cheeks flushed slightly, feeling bashful under his gentle and gracious words of thanks.
Yan Shang lifted his clear, gentle gaze to look at her: "Might I ask why you called for me to stay, young lady?"
Liu Ruozhu composed herself and told Yan Shang: "I chased after you because I was afraid you might choose the wrong path. Erlang, don't be fooled by how stern my grandfather appears now—everyone fears him, after all, he is the current Lord Liu. But when my grandfather was young, his temperament was actually quite similar to yours. He was also adept at handling social situations and treated everyone with great kindness."
Yan Shang was startled; this was something he truly hadn't known and hadn't detected.
Liu Ruozhu smiled warmly: "My grandfather couldn't help but take an interest in you precisely because you resemble his younger self. He fears you might take a wrong turn."
Yan Shang then bowed respectfully toward the direction of the study, regardless of whether Lord Liu was aware or not.
Witnessing such propriety, Liu Ruozhu felt her heart warm with affection, thinking her effort to come out had not been in vain.
Liu Ruozhu said: "Sir, following my grandfather is actually an excellent choice. As the Lord Liu, he would not easily select someone unsuitable. As a subject, one must be loyal to the sovereign and devoted to governance. When all matters converge, it is always right to adhere to these four words. Throughout history, those noble families that have endured have never sought to stir up turmoil in the world; instead, they have all followed the path of 'endurance.'"
Yan Shang's heart stirred, thinking of the Wei family of Luoyang, to which Wei Shu belonged.
The Wei family did not have particularly prominent figures in the court, but they consistently held important official positions. Perhaps this was the "path of endurance" that the young lady Liu Ruozhu spoke of.
Yan Shang watched as this young lady "endorsed" her grandfather, yet he also listened to her speak with such ease and confidence, and couldn't help but smile faintly.
Liu Ruozhu's cheeks reddened even more, but she widened her clear eyes: "What? Did I say something wrong?"
Yan Shang replied gently: "It's just that I never expected a young lady like yourself to have such clear insight into political matters, surpassing even my own understanding. It makes me feel ashamed."
Liu Ruozhu laughed lightly.
She clasped her hands behind her back and said: "It's nothing, really. I've just been by my grandfather's side since childhood and have seen a lot."
As if remembering something, she grew nervous, fearing Yan Shang might misunderstand her: "But I'm not forcing you to choose my grandfather. I only meant to say that this would be the best option... but if you feel it isn't suitable, you should judge for yourself. Don't be influenced by me."
Yan Shang smiled: "Then I must bow to you once more, young lady."
Liu Ruozhu quickly stepped aside, refusing to accept his bow.
After Yan Shang had left and his figure was no longer visible, Liu Ruozhu felt a sense of melancholy. A maidservant then whispered in her ear, saying that Danyang Princess's carriage had entered the district, likely coming to pick up Yan Erlang.
Liu Ruozhu let out a small, adult-like sigh, her worries deepening.She had roughly guessed what had happened these past two days and only hoped Yan Erlang wouldn’t be affected. A talent her grandfather had recognized… even if he couldn’t be used by her grandfather, he shouldn’t be broken so early—
Yan Shang hadn’t gone far from Lord Liu’s residence when he encountered Mu Wan Yao.
He was momentarily surprised, feeling touched, never expecting Mu Wan Yao to come here. He even wondered if she might be looking for Lord Liu… but when Mu Wan Yao dismounted and walked straight toward him, he realized she had truly come for him.
Setting aside the chaotic thoughts stirred by Lord Liu’s questioning, Yan Shang was momentarily moved by Mu Wan Yao’s kindness toward him, even feeling somewhat bashful.
After all, it had been two months since they last met.
But when he saw the look in Mu Wan Yao’s eyes… he knew things were likely not as he had imagined.
Mu Wan Yao composed herself and offered Yan Shang a faint smile, gesturing for him to follow her. She said cheerfully, "I heard Lord Liu had you stay overnight, so I knew your official career must be flourishing. But the Ministry of Personnel’s results haven’t been announced yet—have you already found out?"
Yan Shang replied gently, "Most likely, I’ll be assigned to the Secretariat. The specifics are unclear."
Mu Wan Yao, preoccupied with her worries, forced a smile and nodded.
She then added warmly, "My carriage is waiting at the end of the alley. It’s stocked with fruits and pastries, and charcoal is burning inside. The weather is so cold, and you’re from the south—you must be struggling to adapt…"
Yan Shang stopped walking and looked at her.
Mu Wan Yao stood rigidly.
Yan Shang asked, "What’s happened?"
Mu Wan Yao feigned ignorance, "What do you mean?"
Yan Shang let out a slightly self-deprecating laugh, "Perhaps Your Highness has moments of treating others with courtesy and humility, but you’ve never treated me this way. I’m well aware of my standing in Your Highness’s eyes. If something major hadn’t occurred, you would never have come to find me in person… Your Highness doesn’t treat me that well."
His words…
Made Mu Wan Yao feel deeply guilty.
She mumbled vaguely, "I do treat you quite well. It’s just that I’ve always had a bad temper—it’s not intentional."
Yan Shang said softly, "I know. So what exactly has happened… what kind of major event has made you act as if… you’re compensating me?"
He wondered if, after two months of reflection, she had decided to cut ties with him.
But if that were the case, why would she still be putting on a smiling face?
As Yan Shang’s thoughts raced, he noticed Mu Wan Yao’s evasive gaze and grew even more uneasy. Mu Wan Yao was a person of immense pride, always looking down on him from a height… What could have happened to make her act like this?
He was so alarmed that his face turned pale.
Mu Wan Yao lowered her eyelashes, unable to meet Yan Shang’s gaze, and whispered, "Liu Wenji has been castrated."
Yan Shang: "…"
Hearing no response from him, Mu Wan Yao grew even more anxious, feeling she had committed a grave mistake.
Yan Shang asked quietly, "Castrated? What does that mean? Were his tendons severed? Is he missing limbs?"
Mu Wan Yao flushed red, her palms sweating, her entire body stiff. She forced herself to say, "He was emasculated… made into a eunuch."
Yan Shang’s mind went blank.
He stood frozen, unable to hear anything for what felt like an eternity.
Seeing his expressionless face, Mu Wan Yao grew terrified. Disregarding everything else, she quickly grabbed his hand, wrapped her arms around his, and shook him weakly—as if, after losing her strength, she could only resort to acting coy.Mu Wan Yao said urgently, "This... this isn't my fault! I actually sent people to look after him, but he insisted on going to the Pleasure Quarter to drown his sorrows. So many nobles and officials frequent that place..."
Yan Shang's expression remained impassive, but Mu Wan Yao kept shaking his arm, tugging at it until he snapped back to reality and realized this wasn't a joke—it was real.
Mu Wan Yao's eyes reddened with anxiety. She had never seen Yan Shang angry before. Though she had once said she wanted to know what it would take to make him lose his temper, she never wanted to be the one to provoke him. She always felt that if he ever got angry, it would be a terrifying thing.
Mu Wan Yao: "This really isn't my fault! As a princess, you can't expect me to personally follow him around to protect him, can you? He offended someone he shouldn't have..."
Yan Shang gently pushed Mu Wan Yao away, preventing her from leaning against him.
His voice was stiff, but there was no sign of anger: "...I'm not angry. Don't be like this. I haven't figured out... what exactly happened? How did he offend someone he shouldn't have? Was he really ruined? You're not joking with me, are you?"
Mu Wan Yao: "I wish it were a joke too! He fought with the son of the Director of the Ministry of Revenue over a woman... and got ruined..."
Yan Shang looked at her, his gaze gentle yet cold.
Mu Wan Yao gritted her teeth and told the truth: "No, it wasn't over a woman. That man wanted the woman, and Liu Wenji went to save her, but ended up destroying himself instead..."
Yan Shang: "Then what does Your Highness mean by coming to tell me this now?"
Mu Wan Yao: "It's... it's... Liu Wenji wouldn't listen to my advice, ignored his own poor health, and insisted on going to the palace. He said he was afraid delays would bring trouble, that he couldn't wait a single day... I... I came to tell you. Are you really not angry with me?"
She still held his hand, imagining that her gentle, fragrant presence might have some effect.
Yan Shang's mind was in turmoil. Amid his anger, anxiety, and sorrow, Mu Wan Yao's little schemes made him feel somewhat amused. He placed his hand on her shoulder, signaling her to stop fussing.
Yan Shang: "Did you try to remedy the situation afterward?"
Mu Wan Yao widened her round eyes, truly like a kitten: "I did! I also sent people to ruin those who harmed him! But that old fox, the Director of the Ministry of Revenue, sent his son out of Chang'an to protect him. The old man then went to the Crown Prince, crying and making a scene. I was furious, so of course I went to demand justice..."
Yan Shang: "What justice did you get?"
Mu Wan Yao lowered her gaze, almost too afraid to meet Yan Shang's eyes. She stealthily let go of his hand, but Yan Shang caught it instead. Her wrist was held in his cold hand as he leaned closer and asked her again: "What justice did you get?"
Mu Wan Yao gritted her teeth.
After a long pause, she said: "You know I can't really get any justice. I could only use this incident to benefit myself... I had no choice but to listen to Liu Wenji and send him into the palace. If you blame me for this, then blame me. It's not my fault! I did nothing wrong!"
As if trying to convince herself, she kept repeating that she had done nothing wrong.
Yan Shang released her hand.
But she grew anxious again, on the verge of tears as she tugged at his sleeve once more: "Second Brother Yan..."Yan Shang: "Your Highness, I am not angry with you. You mentioned that Brother Liu is to be sent into the palace—may I see him one last time? On the way, could Your Highness explain in detail what exactly happened? There are many ominous implications in your words, and I truly do not blame you... I just want to know what kind of events have unfolded."
Yan Shang said softly: "I want to understand how Brother Liu was driven step by step into his current predicament."
In his mind, he recalled Lord Liu's thunderous question once more—how can a sage, who offends no one, serve as an official?—
Liu Wenji sat in the carriage, about to enter the palace.
As someone sent from the Danyang Princess Residence, his treatment might be slightly better than others. Yet he still had to face the most humiliating inspection—to check whether the castration had been thoroughly done.
Liu Wenji sat in the carriage, eyes closed, covered with a quilt, drifting in and out of sleep. Fearing complications, he was being sent directly into the palace before his body had fully recovered.
Since the castration, he had become much more sensitive to cold than before. Even wrapped in such a thick quilt, he still shivered uncontrollably in the carriage.
Once inside the palace, with no one to assist him and having to start from the very bottom, life would only become harsher.
Liu Wenji remained indifferent, having already thought everything through.
The first eighteen years of his life were to be abandoned entirely—he would treat it as starting anew. His previous life had been shallow, misjudging too many matters and too many people... those years as a prodigy had been a profound failure. Now, with this new chapter, he would live as a ruined man.
He dared not face his family back home, nor his former lover... everything would begin again from scratch.
"Brother Liu! Brother Liu... Wenji!" Outside the slowly queuing carriages waiting to enter the palace, someone called out.
The voice grew closer and clearer. Liu Wenji, who had been sitting expressionless in the carriage, immediately recognized whose voice it was. His closed eyelids trembled slightly before he opened them. The calls persisted, and after a while, Liu Wenji softly instructed the coachman to halt the carriage.
Liu Wenji lifted the carriage curtain and saw the young man in blue robes riding toward him, followed by Mu Wan Yao and others.
Liu Wenji watched quietly as Yan Shang dismounted and strode toward him with effortless grace. Since arriving in Chang'an, Liu Wenji had sunk deeper into the dust each day, while Yan Shang's aura had grown more refined like polished jade... Liu Wenji's path narrowed with each step, while Yan Shang's broadened.
It was the complete opposite of their time in Lingnan.
Liu Wenji thought indifferently, the will of heaven is truly amusing.
He lowered his gaze, concealing the gloom in his eyes. What did it matter? If heaven destined Liu Wenji to decline step by step, he would defy its will. What did it matter if he became a eunuch? Was there anything truly worthy of humiliation?
Liu Wenji slowly descended from the carriage, intending to bid Yan Shang a cold farewell, to say they need never meet again, and to tell Yan Shang to forget about him.
But as soon as he stepped down, Mu Wan Yao leaped from her horse and saw Yan Shang embrace Liu Wenji tightly.
Liu Wenji froze.
But he did not push him away.
Yan Shang whispered: "I already know everything... It's my fault for not keeping you with me. I should have forced you to stay in my residence, not letting you leave; even if you disliked it, I should have told you that Chang'an is not what you imagined. It's my fault for failing as a friend, for always being preoccupied with my own affairs and neglecting you. I wasn't there for you during your most painful moments, I didn't help you...""What's so great about the Imperial Examination? How could it compare to my friend? I was wrong..."
A light suddenly kindled in Liu Wenji's vacant eyes, followed by the glimmer of tears.
His lips trembled as if to speak, but only two streams of tears fell.
Yet Liu Wenji shook his head. He pushed Yan Shang away, then grasped his hand, still shaking his head while weeping silently.
Yan Shang! Yan Shang!
The Yan Shang who always blamed himself for everything! The Yan Shang who never blamed him no matter what he did!
They had studied together in Lingnan, recited texts together in his father's study, then journeyed together from Lingnan to Chang'an... And now, only Yan Shang remained to see him off!
Liu Wenji wept uncontrollably, finally managing to say after a long while: "Suchen, no matter what happens in the future, I will never blame you. You will always be my good friend, my sworn brother."
Through his tears, he continued: "I know you're skilled at socializing, with friends from all corners of the world. Everyone likes you. You have many good friends - I, Liu Wenji, am nothing special. But I hope... you can save a place for me in your heart. Remember me."
Pain flashed in Yan Shang's eyes.
He couldn't bear to witness today's scene, couldn't bear to see his friend's tear-streaked face. Couldn't bear to see the once high-spirited person reduced to such a state.
Yan Shang said: "Why talk about remembering you forever? You are naturally my friend. It's not like you're dying - you're just... entering the palace. We'll surely have chances to meet again. Wenji, live well, strive to create a new world. Life is mostly unsatisfactory, but heaven always leaves a thread of hope for mankind. We must strive against fate!"
Liu Wenji stared at him, bewildered: "How can you still acknowledge me as a friend? How can you befriend a eunuch?"
Light dimmed in Yan Shang's eyes as he whispered mournfully: "Why must you cling to this? What does being a eunuch matter? You're just missing something other men have, but you're still human. This wasn't your fault... Life doesn't require everyone to be the same. It's just a different way of living - why must you degrade yourself?"
Liu Wenji: "How ironic that after nearly two years in Chang'an, only you came to see me off."
Yan Shang forced a smile: "Am I not enough alone?"
Liu Wenji smiled vacantly: "Enough, enough... You, Yan Suchen alone, are worth thousands of others. Having been your friend, I've witnessed what a true gentleman looks like in this world - that's already enough!"
Yan Shang lowered his gaze: "The eleventh son of the Director of the Revenue Ministry..."
Liu Wenji said coldly: "Suchen, you needn't do anything for me. I heard from Her Highness the Princess that you excelled in the Imperial Examination and will soon receive an official post... You're just entering court - don't offend those people for my sake. I'll avenge myself.
"No matter what the future holds... Suchen, I will always remember how you treated me."
Yan Shang had no words, could only grasp Liu Wenji's hand again in silent understanding.
Mu Wan Yao stood by her horse, quietly watching Yan Shang and Liu Wenji. Her eyes shone like jade as she stroked the horse's thick white mane, her gaze fixed solely on Yan Shang.
Sorrow and bitterness permeated the scene.
Liu Wenji choked with emotion while Yan Shang continuously encouraged him, comforting him with his warm voice.
Mu Wan Yao thought, Yan Shang was truly someone you couldn't help but like. He had deliberately chased after them here, just to speak these words to Liu Wenji, merely fearing that Liu Wenji might degrade himself and fail to endure palace life... In truth, Yan Shang and Liu Wenji might have few opportunities to meet in the future.
Perhaps this would be their fate for life.
Yet Yan Shang still had to see Liu Wenji.He treated others well, not merely because he found them useful and sought to build connections.
He approached people with sincerity... No wonder so many liked him.
Mu Wan Yao lowered her gaze.
Thinking, I like him too—
Yan Shang was in a very poor mood.
Mu Wan Yao understood completely.
Having just met Liu Wenji, even if Yan Shang claimed he blamed no one, it was impossible for him to harbor no resentment at all.
Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang rode their horses in silence back to their respective residences. Unlike what Mu Wan Yao had previously envisioned—how she would celebrate with Yan Shang after his Imperial Examination—the two parted ways in the alley and returned home separately. Yan Shang was in no mood for celebration, and Mu Wan Yao, feeling she was not yet strong enough, also returned to her residence with a cold expression.
Yet Mu Wan Yao’s heart ached.
Yan Shang had not spoken more than a few words to her, and she wondered if he still blamed her. She had gone all the way to Lord Liu’s place to find him, hoping to prevent him from causing trouble… He must have understood her intentions, and he had done nothing. But now, with him shutting himself away, Mu Wan Yao was deeply saddened.
In the afternoon, Mu Wan Yao sat in the three-story pavilion, quietly watching the opposite residence, her gaze fixed on Yan Shang’s study.
She watched all afternoon until evening, when she noticed the lamp in his room remained unlit, while the lamp in his study was bright. From this, she knew he had been in the study all afternoon without leaving.
Mu Wan Yao continued to watch.
"Your Highness, please come inside and rest?" the maid Xiarong pleaded softly.
Mu Wan Yao sat with her arms crossed, shaking her head without a word, her eyes fixed on the lights of the opposite residence. She had sat there for hours without moving, worrying the servants greatly.
As Xiarong turned to leave, Mu Wan Yao’s cold voice stopped her: "No one is to go find Yan Shang."
She did not want Yan Shang to know, nor did she want him, in his sorrow, to have to gather his emotions to comfort her.
Xiarong had been about to discuss sending someone to the neighboring residence, but upon hearing the princess’s detached words, she paused, curtsied, and withdrew.
An hour after dusk, it began to snow.
It was the first snowfall of the year in Chang’an.
Mu Wan Yao remained seated in the pavilion, unmoving.
Xiarong came again to persuade her, saying it was snowing and urging Her Highness to rest in the warm indoors. But Mu Wan Yao, watching the steadily lit lamp in the study across the way, thought to herself: If Yan Shang isn’t resting, why should she, who had done nothing, rest?
So she continued to sit there.
Watching the snowflakes flutter down while keeping her eyes on the lamp in the opposite residence.
Time slowly passed until midnight.
The lamp in the study remained lit.
Mu Wan Yao’s gaze had grown somewhat numb when, suddenly, she saw the light flicker and shift. Someone had pushed open the study door, holding a lantern, and stood beneath the corridor.
The overlapping glow of the lanterns merged with the swirling snowflakes outside the corridor.
The night was silent and hazy, leaving only this faint light and the snow to fill the world.
Yan Shang stood beneath the corridor, holding the lantern, watching the heavy snow dance between heaven and earth. He stood there for a long time, head tilted upward, somewhat dazed, gazing at the snowflakes.
Suddenly, as if sensing something, his eyes pierced through the snow and lifted toward the opposite residence.
He saw the faint, bright light in the three-story pavilion.
He saw a blurry figure, as if seated there.
Yan Shang stared blankly—
Mu Wan Yao stared blankly at the lantern beneath the corridor—
They did not see each other clearly.
But the vague silhouettes and a hazy intuition told them that it was the person they were watching.
Beneath the windy, snowy corridor, Yan Shang stood watching for a long while before suddenly descending the steps and walking outward—
Mu Wan Yao saw the lantern light move. After a dazed moment, she abruptly stood and hurried down the pavilion.
She rushed downstairs, startling the maids and servants, her heart pounding as she ran toward the estate’s exit.
Xiarong panicked: "Your Highness? It’s time to sleep… Where are you going?"Mu Wan Yao shouted sharply all the way: "Open the gates! I wish to leave the residence!"—
Yan Shang opened the gates of the residence and, amidst the swirling snow, saw the doors of the opposite Princess Residence swing open. Mu Wan Yao, draped in a snow-white crane-feather cloak and wearing a crimson long skirt, gradually revealed her clear, delicate features behind the opened doors.
Their eyes met.
The two stood for a long time under their respective gates, gazing at each other.
Then Yan Shang descended the steps and walked toward her.
Mu Wan Yao waited for him.
He stood at the foot of the steps, composed himself, and offered her a smile. Looking up at her with gentle eyes, he said: "Your Highness, I need to go to Lord Liu's residence. Could Your Highness assist me in opening the ward gates?"
Mu Wan Yao nodded.
Yan Shang looked at her: "Would Your Highness accompany me?"
A light sparked in Mu Wan Yao's eyes, and she smiled at him. Her magnificent skirt swept over the white snow on the ground as she descended the steps, and he took her hand—
Deep in the night, the gates of Lord Liu's residence were knocked upon, with the announcement that Danyang Princess had accompanied Yan Erlang to seek an audience.
The household of the Lord was incredulous. Liu Ruozhu, who had been sleeping soundly, was awakened by the commotion outside. Hearing that Yan Erlang had come calling in the middle of the night, she grew intensely curious. Hastily throwing on her clothes, she sneaked out to take a look.
Liu Ruozhu stood with her parents and others in the corridor, watching from a short distance as Danyang Princess remained only at the entrance to the inner quarters. Without any attendants, snow settled on the Princess, who did not advance further.
It was Yan Erlang who approached.
Under the glow of numerous lanterns, Lord Liu, draped in his robes, stood at the door of the side chamber, his expression peculiar as he watched Yan Erlang step by step approach him.
Liu Ruozhu also watched stealthily.
Yan Shang looked up at Lord Liu and declared clearly and resonantly: "The question you asked me during the day, I have pondered it the entire day and can now give you an answer.
"Perhaps there is no justice or benevolence in this world that completely favors me. But the general standards are the same. I only need to act according to these general standards. Once I begin to act, I need not concern myself with others' words. I hold fast to my heart, and I know what I am doing.
"Since ancient times, governance has sought the wise, not the multitude. This is a principle that has persisted through the ages, and I cannot change it. However, this principle exists merely because those in power consider the common people ignorant and beyond education, hence they do not listen to the voices of the masses. Then we, as officials, ought to broaden the paths for the people. Establish private and public schools, promote education, employ those of humble origins, reform the imperial examinations... When more people are able to study, when more commoners become literate, when ignorant thoughts diminish... then this 'multitude' also becomes 'wise,' and they can come before us, allowing us to hear their voices.
"I once devoted myself to concealing my talents and aspired to become a sage, but this was wrong. Those who govern, those in power, are never saints. A saint cannot be an official. I was narrow-minded before, mistaken in my thinking. Cultivating my own character should not have confined me. When I trapped myself within the framework of a 'sage,' I became incapable of doing anything."
Lord Liu initially remained expressionless, but gradually, a smile spread across his face. Listening to Yan Shang speak eloquently, he felt not the slightest annoyance at being awakened in the middle of the night.
Lord Liu spoke slowly and deliberately, his weathered voice carrying through the snowy night: "Suchen, you must understand. Politics is a mutual compromise between the individual and the entire group. Politics is not meant for bearing deep grievances, but for playing."
Following his words, Yan Shang continued, finishing the unspoken second half of Lord Liu's sentence: "Those who play politics well are those who learn to make others compromise for them."Then, Yan Shang lifted his robe and knelt, kowtowing to heaven and earth before his esteemed teacher in front of everyone: "I, Yan Shang, am willing to follow you and take Lord Liu as my teacher!"
Lord Liu laughed heartily.
He boomed: "Excellent!"
The hale and hearty Lord Liu personally descended the steps and helped Yan Shang, who was kneeling in the snow, to his feet. He laughed loudly: "Quickly bring wine! This old man wishes to drink with my young student..."
A cool, feminine voice interjected: "He doesn't drink."
Lord Liu was taken aback, and the Liu household members were startled, only then noticing the Danyang Princess who had been standing quietly at the inner courtyard gate, watching them without approaching.
Lord Liu smiled gently: "Then let tea substitute for wine!"
Mu Wan Yao quietly watched Yan Shang pay respects to his teacher.
Liu Ruozhu stood smiling beside her parents, watching Yan Shang drink tea with her grandfather before turning to leave with the Danyang Princess. Though awakened by the commotion tonight, she was quite delighted. She just found it somewhat strange how well the Danyang Princess treated Yan Erlang—
Chang'an was tranquil, with heavy snow flying across the sky and sparse lantern lights.
Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao ascended the city tower, sitting on the railing to watch the vast snowfall together.
Yan Shang spoke softly: "Your Highness, have I told you..."
Mu Wan Yao turned her head lazily: "Hmm?"
Yan Shang's face appeared even more jade-white in the snow's glow, his snow-dampened eyelashes misty and clumped together, glistening with moisture.
Gazing at the snow filling the world, he said: "This is my first time seeing snow."
Mu Wan Yao: "Ah?"
Then Yan Shang turned to look at her, and Mu Wan Yao finally understood. Of course—this man came from Lingnan, where it's perpetually hot and warm, with no snow. He truly was seeing snow for the first time since coming to Chang'an.
Mu Wan Yao lowered her head and laughed, thinking how remarkably composed he had been.
Watching her laugh with her head bowed, Yan Shang's eyes also held a smile. Sitting on the city tower, observing Chang'an's sparse lantern lights and countless dwellings, Yan Shang slowly reached out and took Mu Wan Yao's hand.
Mu Wan Yao's cold hand was enveloped by his.
She trembled slightly and looked at him.
He asked: "Would Your Highness be willing to be with me?"
A blush spread across Mu Wan Yao's cheeks, her eyes curving into smiles. In the deep night's heavy snow, gazing into his eyes, she revealed her joy.
Both shy and nervous. Both fearful and delighted.
As if bewitched, she whispered: "I am willing."
He leaned in and kissed her.
Snowflakes intertwined like a starry river, lingering and pouring around them.
The endlessly winding city walls, lantern lights unchanged for millennia. Ants gazing at the sky, the cosmos illuminating the earth, flying snow filling the heavens.
This scenery of Chang'an—all lay before their eyes.
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