With youthful chivalric spirit, I befriended heroes from five capitals. Our loyalty ran deep, our hair bristling with righteousness. In standing conversations, we pledged shared life and death. A single promise carried the weight of gold. We acclaimed the bravest, prided ourselves on heroic abandon. Light carriages gathered, bridles flying side by side, we raced to the eastern combat city. Boisterous drinking in taverns, spring hues floating in cold wine jars. We drank like whales swallowing seas, rainbows hanging low. At leisure, we summoned hawks and hounds, plucking white-feathered arrows from carved bows. Fox dens were swiftly emptied. Joy rushed by in a flash.
— "Six States Song: Youthful Chivalric Spirit" —
By mid-October, the Imperial Examination results were announced. Those Awaiting-Decree Officials who passed could immediately assume official posts.
Yan Shang's starting point was exceptionally favorable.
The Ministry of Personnel assigned him the position of Secretariat Clerk. This official post held the rank of Lower Eighth Grade. In our dynasty, newly appointed scholars—even the top scorers—typically began their careers humbly as Ninth Grade petty officials. For Yan Shang to start directly at the Lower Eighth Grade was undoubtedly enviable.
What made it even more enviable was that this Lower Eighth Grade position belonged to the Secretariat. As the central administrative body of the court, beginning one's official career from such a starting point suggested future potential to become a chancellor.
Moreover, all Chang'an scholars knew that Lord Liu had recently accepted Yan Shang as his youngest disciple. With Lord Liu—a current chancellor—as his mentor, and given Lord Liu's decades of ministerial experience and vast network of disciples, resources would naturally flow toward Yan Shang.
Thus, he became the object of widespread envy.
The number of people in Chang'an eagerly seeking to befriend Yan Erlang increased a hundredfold overnight. For a time, the lane where Danyang Princess Residence was located saw an endless stream of carriages and visitors, creating a bustling scene. Yet these visitors specifically came to call on the neighboring Yan Erlang, not Danyang Princess.
It was said Danyang Princess had flown into a rage over this, demanding that Yan Erlang move away.
However, Danyang Princess Mu Wan Yao herself was currently riding a wave of success.
Although the Yan Erlang she had recommended didn't become her romantic partner, his entry into the Secretariat prompted the Crown Prince—after two days of silence—to feign delight and send congratulations.
Due to their previous private agreement, the Crown Prince was now assisting in transferring the management rights of the year-end palace banquet to Mu Wan Yao.
Regarding this matter, Prince Jin's birth mother, Xian Fei, expressed some displeasure.
But throughout her years in the palace, Xian Fei had never contested authority with the Noble Consort. Now that the Noble Consort was embroiled in troubles related to her son's court affairs, Xian Fei hesitated before ultimately attempting to challenge Mu Wan Yao... though she privately believed she stood little chance of success.
After all, Mu Wan Yao had the Crown Prince safeguarding her interests.
Yet Mu Wan Yao's joys extended beyond this.
While Yan Shang's official career flourished and her own affairs progressed smoothly, the recent talk of Chang'an actually centered not on Yan Shang, but on Young Master Wei the Seventh from Luoyang's Wei Clan—Wei Shu.
Though newly entered into court, Yan Shang only held a clerical position as Secretariat Clerk.
Wei Shu, however, had not only passed the Erudite and Eloquent Examination but achieved outstanding results. His starting appointment was as Censorate Inspector.
While Yan Shang's Secretariat Clerk was merely Lower Eighth Grade, Wei Shu's Censorate Inspector directly ranked at Upper Eighth Grade.
Moreover, as part of the Censorate, this position held particular interest because despite being only an Eighth Grade official, it held supervisory authority over all officials. Consequently, the Censorate Inspector was often nicknamed "Little Chancellor."
Calling it a lower-ranked chancellor position was quite fitting.
Wei Shu, barely fifteen years old, becoming a Censorate Inspector at such a tender age—how could the court and public not marvel? How could they not seek his acquaintance?Yet such a beginning brought joy to some and sorrow to others—
"What?" Wei Shu's eldest brother, Wei Kai, a mere Secretary of the Grand Secretariat, returned to his residence and heard his wife mention Young Master Wei the Seventh, saying he had now become a Censorate Inspector.
The tea in Wei Kai's mouth sprayed out instantly.
His wife chided, "Husband! Why are you so shocked?"
Wei Kai, both angry and amused, took a handkerchief to wipe the tea stains splashed on his lapel, still finding it unbelievable: "The central government appointed the seventh brother as a Censorate Inspector?"
His wife replied, "Yes. Husband, the seventh brother is quite capable now. Should we also send gifts to ease our relationship with him?"
Wei Kai glanced at his wife and scoffed, "Do you think this position, nicknamed 'Little Minister,' is truly a good one?"
He mused thoughtfully, "This is a role that offends everyone."
It may seem glorious, but as a mere eighth-rank official, he can investigate officials from top to bottom—is that really a good thing? The position is low in rank but wields great power, making it quite a challenge.
Such a role is clearly reserved for aristocratic families. And not just any aristocratic family—only those of the highest status would have the courage to take on such a position.
Because offending the entire court requires the protection of a powerful family, which only the greatest clans can provide.
Wei Kai remarked, "The central government is roasting the Wei family over the fire... Could it have been personally approved by the Emperor?"
His wife, unfamiliar with politics, naturally had no opinion to offer.
Wei Kai felt somewhat agitated and frowned. The Wei family intended to pave a unique path for Wei Shu, so from the start, Wei Kai had no plans to support his seventh brother in court. During the Qujiang Banquet, he had even deliberately worsened his relationship with Wei Shu.
But now, the central government had placed Wei Shu directly in the line of fire, clearly intending to make things difficult for him and testing the Wei family's true stance toward Wei Shu.
After a moment of contemplation, Wei Kai decided to write a letter to the family head in Luoyang, explaining the situation. Chang'an did not trust the Wei family of Luoyang, and the Weis needed to lie low. As for Wei Shu's current predicament, it would depend on whether he could handle it himself.
Having never liked that seventh brother born to a concubine, Wei Kai felt a hint of schadenfreude as he prepared to write the letter.
He chuckled, "The old Emperor is quite the character. Sending my inarticulate seventh brother to negotiate and offend people everywhere... Isn't that just making things hard for him?"—
The court's move was truly ingenious.
To outsiders, it seemed like a glorious appointment, but Wei Shu himself was not pleased.
Fortunately, Mu Wan Yao was there to help him.
As soon as Mu Wan Yao learned that this poor soul, newly entered into court, had been thrown into the fiery pit of the Censorate Inspector role, her heart ached for Wei Shu. Anyone else might have managed, but how could they assign such a position—one that required constant communication and networking—to a young man who disliked speaking and socializing?
Moreover, this role involved overseeing all the ministers, which was bound to offend many. With too many enemies, he might never advance in the future.
Such a position would be best suited for someone like Yan Shang, who was smooth and diplomatic.
How could it be given to Wei Shu?
The court's malice toward Wei Juyuan was so profound it pained Mu Wan Yao.
Thus, to help Wei Shu, Mu Wan Yao specially hosted a banquet at her residence, inviting Wei Shu and those court officials who shared her political stance.It wasn't about asking them to take special care of Wei Shu—these ministers ultimately answered to the Crown Prince and followed a completely different path from Wei Shu. But within their capabilities, couldn't they at least turn a blind eye to him?
Wei Shu attended the banquet somewhat reluctantly, guided by Mu Wan Yao as she introduced him to people.
The Vice Minister of Revenue was the highest-ranking official below the Minister of Revenue. Currently, the Minister of Revenue was inactive, merely waiting for the right time to resign, making the Vice Minister the de facto head of the ministry. Even better, compared to others, the Vice Minister had genuinely risen from the ranks of the Danyang Princess Residence.
This Vice Minister of Revenue had once served as an advisor to Mu Wan Yao.
When Mu Wan Yao brought Wei Shu over, the Vice Minister glanced at the quiet, aloof young man and assured the princess with a smile, "Your Highness, rest assured. At the very least, within the Ministry of Revenue, I can ensure that no one causes trouble for Ju Yuan. Despite his youth, Ju Yuan shoulders such great responsibilities—his future is boundless."
Mu Wan Yao smiled faintly.
If he performed well in this position, his future would indeed be boundless; but if he failed, his career could be ruined here forever.
Hadn't Liu Wenji's father once served as a censor? Now, he had been demoted to Lingnan, and his son... Well, it was better not to dwell on that.
The courtyard banquet was lively, but Mu Wan Yao only participated briefly at the beginning. After the Vice Minister of Revenue led away the perpetually expressionless Wei Shu, she returned to her chambers to rest.
Pouring herself a cup of tea, she said to the person behind the screen, "So, you see, your teacher and his ilk are utterly detestable. To counterbalance the Luoyang Wei family, they thrust Ju Yuan into the role of Censorate Inspector. It sounds prestigious, but have they considered whether Ju Yuan's temperament is suited for such a position?
"And this position offers the highest rank one can attain upon entering the court!" Outsiders can't even criticize it. That old fox, your teacher, is truly outrageous."
Behind the screen adorned with calligraphy, a faint silhouette was visible.
The person was rustling as they changed clothes, listening all the while to Mu Wan Yao's incessant complaints and her pity for Wei Shu.
Mu Wan Yao continued, "This kind of position that offends people shouldn't be given to Ju Yuan—it should be given to someone like you. You can handle such situations, but Ju Yuan cannot. You can offend people and then win them back, but if Ju Yuan offends someone, it’s likely they’ll never speak again. Clearly, your teacher favors you, keeping you under his protection while throwing Ju Yuan out to draw attention.
"Ju Yuan is just taking arrows for you."
After a long while, when Mu Wan Yao finally stopped complaining, the person behind the screen spoke helplessly, "How can you say that? The Censorate Inspector is known as the 'Little Lord'—it is indeed the honor befitting the top scholar of the court. Ju Yuan may be quiet by nature... but this is also a form of training. To serve in the court, how can one fear speaking with others? This is also a trial given by our teacher."
This clear, mellow voice naturally belonged to Yan Shang.
The "teacher" he referred to was, of course, Lord Liu.
Mu Wan Yao rested her cheek on her hand and turned her head, squinting at the screen. The shadowy figure moved leisurely, still not fully dressed.
Yan Shang paused for a moment before adding, "Besides, why should this kind of position that offends people fall to me? Your Highness pities Ju Yuan, so you think... that I deserve it? If I offend people, you wouldn’t care at all?"Mu Wan Yao raised her brows, studying the screen intently with a faint, teasing smile. "What, is Yan Erlang jealous? I'm merely speaking objectively. Ju Yuan isn't suited for this position."
Yan Shang replied calmly, "I'll find an opportunity to speak with Ju Yuan further. The role of Censorate Inspector... truly does not suit him well."
Mu Wan Yao brightened. "Yes, you should teach him how to interact with others. How to sell someone out and still have them happily counting coins for you... Ah, the more I say, the more I think you're the one who should... Never mind, you'd just get upset if I continued. I'll stop."
Silence fell behind the screen.
Growing impatient, Mu Wan Yao drummed her fingers on the desk. "Have you finished changing yet? How many years does it take to put on one official robe? If you don't know how, just say so—I'll come in and help you."
Yan Shang hurriedly responded, "Almost done, almost done!" His flustered tone betrayed his fear that she might actually enter.
Mu Wan Yao tilted her head to gaze out the window, idly toying with the incense burner on the table.
After a moment, footsteps sounded. Mu Wan Yao glanced back casually to see Yan Shang emerging from behind the screen, clad in his jade-green official robes.
Watching him shuffle out slowly, his tall frame somehow making the simple green robe appear elegantly poised... Mu Wan Yao's eyes began to sparkle like starlight, gradually lighting up.
Due to the customs of Great Wei, the Emperor did not wear dragon robes to court, nor did officials wear their formal attire. Lower-ranked eighth and ninth-grade officials—who didn't even attend court—had no habit of wearing official robes at all throughout the year.
In Great Wei, court officials typically wore their formal robes only under two circumstances:
First, during grand sacrifices, ceremonies, or banquets of utmost importance;
Second, when a minister intended to undertake significant actions and wore the robes to alert fellow officials—such as "remonstrating at the risk of death."
Thus, although Yan Shang held an official post, had joined the Secretariat, and received several sets of robes, he would never wear them under normal circumstances unless he intended to make a statement.
Yet Mu Wan Yao found it utterly novel. This was likely her first time seeing a living eighth-rank official standing before her, giving her a peculiar sense of joy as if witnessing his growth firsthand.
Especially since Yan Shang was so pleasing to the eye.
Mu Wan Yao had persistently urged Yan Shang to privately don his official robes just for her to see—
Noticing Mu Wan Yao's unwavering stare, Yan Shang lowered his gaze, his jade-like complexion flushing slightly under her direct scrutiny.
He asked, "Satisfied?"
Mu Wan Yao drawled, "Why the rush? But you look just ordinary in official robes... Hmm, I still think you look better undressed."
Yan Shang: "..."
His face reddened further as he shot her a helpless glance.
He had initially intended to remove the robes, but after her remark, it seemed as if undressing would imply eagerness to show off for her... Yan Shang hesitated, his hand resting on his belt.
His gentlemanly sensibilities were troubling him again.
Mu Wan Yao burst into laughter, springing to her feet and abandoning the incense burner. She strode over without his hesitation, lightly looping her arms around his neck and embracing him.
Carelessly stepping forward, she kicked off her pearl-embroidered shoes and stood on his footwear. Startled, he was forced to retreat.Retreating step by step, his knee bumped against the bed rail behind him, and Yan Shang stumbled backward, collapsing by the bedside. Mu Wan Yao followed him onto the bed with a playful smile, kneeling between his legs as she looked down at him with laughter in her eyes.
Her slender fingers hooked onto his collar, her gaze teasing: "Why are you always so flustered? It makes it seem like we're doing something wrong."
Yan Shang: "Your Highness... this isn’t proper. In broad daylight..."
Mu Wan Yao snorted: "I’m not indulging in daytime impropriety, so what’s wrong with it? What, is even kissing you a crime?"
With that, she leaned down, cupped his chin to lift his face, and bit the corner of his lip.
Yan Shang: "Mm!"
As he gasped in pain, her soft, fragrant tongue mischievously slipped in. Soon, his breathing grew hot and unsteady, tormented by Mu Wan Yao’s grip on his chin. His face flushed deeply, lying rigidly on the bed with closed eyes—clearly enjoying it, yet overwhelmed by shyness.
Her emerald sleeves draped over the edge of the bed, his official robe torn open, the black jade belt tangled and askew.
The once dignified official robe, embroidered with quails winding around his collar and waist, their necks curved and wings bent, was now clumsily tugged by the young woman hovering above him.
Utterly improper.
Mu Wan Yao adored the sight of him blushing beneath her—his unresisting, yielding demeanor always made her kiss him again and again, growing fonder with each glance.
She loved his clean scent, his soft lips and tongue, and the way he endured her teasing so tolerantly.
Mu Wan Yao still hadn’t figured out what to do about the future. But she couldn’t resist Yan Shang’s allure, feeling that if she missed her chance and let someone else have him, it would be a true waste...
Don’t think she hadn’t seen clearly that snowy night—she had witnessed all too well the admiring, fond gaze Lord Liu’s granddaughter had cast toward Yan Shang.
His gentle temperament naturally attracted women, and after impulsively agreeing to be with him that night, Mu Wan Yao had steeled herself to go along with it for now.
After all, Yan Shang had said he wasn’t in a hurry to marry for a year or two.
And who knew how things would stand in a year or two? Perhaps by then, she and Yan Shang would have parted amicably, with no further ties.
Perhaps it wouldn’t be her abandoning him, but him growing weary of her difficult temper and ending things.
In any case... it was best to seize the moment and enjoy life.
So Mu Wan Yao decided to be an irresponsible, wicked woman—making no promises but having a good time with Yan Shang. She wouldn’t waste the intense feelings she’d always harbored for him.
Lost in her thoughts, Mu Wan Yao felt a light touch at her waist.
She immediately glanced down at the man beneath her, a teasing smile on her lips as she pulled away: "What are you doing?"
Yan Shang’s hand, which had tentatively rested on her waist, stiffened slightly before withdrawing. Gazing up at the enchanting woman above him, he said, "It’s nothing."
Mu Wan Yao shot him a sidelong glance, inwardly regretting her words. If she hadn’t spoken, he might have kept his arm around her waist.
Ah, she wondered when he would ever muster the courage to touch her. He only dared to play with her hands—nothing more.Yan Shang lowered his gaze and spoke softly: "Your Highness, don't be unreasonable. I should go to the front courtyard to meet Ju Yuan. It's inappropriate for me to remain here after returning for so long without showing myself."
Mu Wan Yao moved aside to let him sit up. Kneeling on the mattress, she watched him adjust his collar, her displeasure growing as she saw how seriously he intended to meet others.
She felt he only cared about those court officials, that she meant nothing to him.
Mu Wan Yao: "Do you know what I'm thinking?"
Yan Shang bowed his head with a faint smile, murmuring: "Your Highness need not worry, I will assist Ju Yuan. The position of Censorate Inspector isn't that difficult... With success in this role, Ju Yuan's future prospects will improve."
Mu Wan Yao froze momentarily.
Then, wordless, she tilted her head back to stare blankly at the bed canopy.
They had just been intimate moments ago, yet his mind was already occupied with official matters.
Yan Shang continued gently: "Given the relationship between us, naturally I understand what Your Highness is thinking."
Mu Wan Yao thought to herself that he understood nothing.
She mocked: "What exactly is our relationship?"
Yan Shang still kept his eyes lowered, but had already dressed properly, neat and presentable enough to leave at any moment. He whispered: "Naturally... the relationship of sharing a bed."
Mu Wan Yao couldn't suppress her laughter, bursting out giggling.
She lunged forward from behind, wrapping her arms around his shoulders while blushing with amusement: "How euphemistically you put it... 'sharing a bed'! Whether we're bedmates or not remains unclear, but you definitely don't know what's actually on my mind."
Yan Shang frowned slightly.
Turning to look at her, he humbly inquired: "Might I ask what occupies Your Highness's thoughts?"
Mu Wan Yao then whispered in his ear, uttering a few soft words that made Yan Shang blush, gasp in surprise, suppress laughter, and feel thoroughly embarrassed.
Indeed, he said: "That... wouldn't be proper."
Mu Wan Yao snorted, releasing his shoulders and retreating backward, displeased: "You're utterly boring! Get out, go find Ju Yuan."
Yan Shang remained seated on the bed, watching her for a long moment before conceding: "Even so, we should make proper preparations."
Mu Wan Yao glanced at him: "What preparations? Will you bathe and burn incense for three days, or fast for three days to show your determination? How difficult can sharing a bed be?"
Yan Shang fell silent at her casual attitude. He had always felt her perspective was problematic... as if their relationship revolved solely around physical intimacy. Initially unaware, he had acquiesced to her demands. But upon realizing she didn't truly value him—that she merely wanted to sleep with him—Yan Shang had adjusted his approach.
He couldn't be careless.
Yan Shang: "I wish it could be like a wedding night..."
Before he could finish, a pillow struck the back of his head.
Yan Shang turned in pain to see Mu Wan Yao glaring at him with wide eyes: "A wedding night? You'll be waiting forever. Dreaming would be faster."
Yan Shang watched her round, bright eyes, finding them remarkably alluring. Her wide-eyed anger was unexpectedly captivating... He stared at her eyes, momentarily entranced, until another pillow hit him.
Mu Wan Yao: "Why are you spacing out? The maid is waiting outside—aren't you leaving yet?"
Yan Shang lowered his eyes and stood up, adding before departing: "You should come out later too."
Mu Wan Yao: "No need to remind me."
Yan Shang sighed and had no choice but to leave—As Great Wei prepared for its year-end grand ceremony, the various small states that paid tribute to it naturally became important guests of honor.
However, Great Wei officials were deeply hesitant about whether to include the Black Barbarians.
In principle, since the Black Barbarians had a Peace Marriage relationship with Great Wei, they should be included. Yet the peace marriage princess had already returned and would be presiding over this year's ceremony. If the Black Barbarians came to court, might conflicts arise between them and the peace marriage princess?
Moreover, with the Southern Barbarians embroiled in war, and the Black Barbarians having fought intensely against Chiman previously, it remained unclear whether this conflict had truly concluded...
After much hesitation, Great Wei still sent out the invitation. As for whether the Black Barbarians would come... that remained to be seen.
Meanwhile, in the Southern Barbarian wilderness where Chiman resided, stone cliffs and steep ridges stood amidst boundless green fields.
Deep in the night, inside the Chiman royal tent, a tall man lounged lazily on a tiger-skin throne, leisurely tearing open the letter delivered by Great Wei's ceremonial official.
He had deep-set eyes and a high nose bridge, wearing a large silver ring in his left ear, with a long scar running across half his face.
The scar was a souvenir from the wars of the past two years, yet it did little to diminish the young man's handsome features. Though he appeared indolent, even the simple acts of reading a letter and casually curling his lips into a smile carried an unspoken aura of dominance.
Below him, a middle-aged barbarian knelt trembling on the ground, held firmly by guards on both sides. This barbarian still wore the royal robes of the Chiman King, having been dragged from his bed in the dead of night.
Now that the royal court had been taken over by others, the Chiman King could only kneel at his enemy's feet, powerless to change his fate.
The Chiman King struggled desperately: "Uman King, spare me... we can cooperate..."
Meng Zaishi, the Uman King lounging on the tiger-skin throne above, had just finished reading the letter from Great Wei. Hearing the Chiman King's plea, he couldn't help but chuckle: "What are you thinking? If I wanted to cooperate with you, what were these two years of fighting for? Was I just amusing myself... Kill!"
His first half of the sentence was delivered with laughter, making the Chiman King flush with hope for negotiation. But as the final word "kill" fell, all traces of humor vanished from his eyes.
Before the Chiman King could react, the guards holding him raised their blades and struck. His head fell to the ground.
Thus, a generation of Chiman Kings died silently in that moment.
Meng Zaishi watched expressionlessly as blood snaked across the ground.
His subordinate asked: "Your Majesty, what does the letter from Great Wei say?"
Meng Zaishi answered distractedly: "The old Emperor of Great Wei is celebrating his grand birthday, holding a major ceremony, and inviting various countries to pay tribute."
The subordinate inquired: "Then... shall we go?"
Meng Zaishi rested his chin on his hand, a hint of mockery in his eyes: "Hard to say. On one hand, we maintain friendly relations with Great Wei; on the other, we're ultimately subordinate to the Southern Barbarians. Recently, the Southern Barbarian King has been growing increasingly powerful, clearly aiming to unify the five Southern Barbarian tribes... Our Black Barbarians are caught between both sides."
He slowly tore the letter in his hands to pieces, his eyes now completely devoid of emotion, though his tone remained light: "Yet I miss my little princess so much.
"What a difficult decision."
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