After presenting his fish-shaped tally and waist token, Yan Shang entered the imperial city. He first went to the Court of State Ceremonial, then carried a stack of documents obtained from there to deliver to the Hanlin Academy.
Since the Crown Prince was overseeing this grand ceremony, all matters related to the foreign envoys coming to Chang'an to offer congratulations fell under his sole responsibility. Prince Qin felt somewhat sidelined, but when he tried to intervene, he realized the Crown Prince had been orchestrating this for months—it was too late to seize control.
After making a fuss in court for half a day, Prince Qin was assigned a minor role overseeing the Hanlin Academy’s task of recording the event’s proceedings.
At least he could play a peripheral part in the ceremony, so Prince Qin grudgingly accepted. He noted that Prince Jin next door was merely sitting at home waiting for his concubine to give birth, with no significant duties to speak of.
Indeed, half a year had passed, and since Chunhua, several of Prince Jin’s concubines had successively become pregnant. His most pressing concern now was hoping for the safe delivery of his children. Meanwhile, Princess Consort Jin’s daily routine shuttled between their residence and various temples in Chang'an—an amusing sight.
Regarding Prince Qin’s maneuver to take charge of the Hanlin Academy affairs, the Crown Prince was unperturbed. He remarked casually with a laugh, "If I’ve eaten the meat, I ought to let others have a sip of soup."After cracking down on the powerful elites, the Crown Prince’s standing in court had grown more stable, and his relations with many noble families had eased." He attached great importance to this gathering of foreign envoys, personally overseeing every detail, hoping to elevate his status in the Emperor’s eyes afterward.
However, astute observers noticed that Yang Si, the third son of the Yang family who was usually always by the Crown Prince’s side, was absent during this critical period.
The Crown Prince explained, "Yang San’s maternal grandaunt fell ill, so the whole family went to visit her."
Since Yang Si’s father couldn’t leave Chang'an to visit a non-blood-related aunt, he sent his son instead. It was said that Zhao Lingfei, the fifth daughter of Imperial Academy Chancellor Zhao, had clamored to tag along.
With Yang Si away, the Crown Prince’s side was unusually tranquil, much to the relief of his advisors and officials, who thought, "Finally, no one is causing untimely disruptions."
As Yan Shang made his way from the imperial city gates to the Court of State Ceremonial, and then to the Hanlin Academy, friends who recognized him kept greeting him—
"Su Chen, I heard you took two days off because of drinking? Is that true? Your alcohol tolerance is really poor. Won’t you leave your bride alone on your wedding night? Haha."
"Yan Er, did you mess up because of drinking? Did your superiors punish you? Are you alright? But are you taking orders from the Secretariat or the Court of State Ceremonial now?"
"Erlang, I heard you fell ill? I was just about to visit you at home, but you’re already out? If you’re seriously sick, why not rest properly?"
"Did you contract an incurable disease?"
The rumor had morphed from drinking to an incurable disease, growing increasingly absurd. Had Yan Shang taken a couple more days off, they might have spread news of his demise. Walking along, he repeatedly explained that he had merely accidentally had a couple of drinks, was sober now, and perfectly fine.
Everyone shared sympathetic concern.
Yan Shang grew weary from explaining and gradually shortened his responses: "Just drank, took one day off. Didn’t mess up, no incurable disease."
Alas, he had too many friends. On the day he took leave, many had already visited him at home, and now that he was back, even more came to inquire. Quite a few had intended to visit him while he was ill, but before they could, Yan Erlang had already recovered.Yan Shang felt quite helpless, thinking it was all the Princess's fault.
After getting drunk, he would have normally recovered by noon the next day, but Mu Wan Yao insisted on having his servants spread the word that he was drunk and needed to take leave.
The people of Chang'an were known for their bold and straightforward temperaments, and none were incapable of drinking. Although Yan Shang's friends knew he didn't drink, they never imagined that even getting drunk could warrant taking leave. So, one by one, they came to visit him with deep concern. And after his friends returned and spread the word... well, now everyone knew.
Braving the cold wind, Yan Shang walked briskly, his eyes fixed on the gate of the Imperial Academy. He felt a slight lift in his spirits, thinking that once inside, he wouldn't feel the cold anymore.
But as soon as he entered the academy's courtyard and stood on the path, he saw four or five eunuchs standing under the eaves of the main hall, separated by several rows of locust trees. In the imperial city, these government offices often used eunuchs to deliver messages and documents, so their presence in the Imperial Academy was not unusual.
What made Yan Shang stop in his tracks at the courtyard entrance was that among those four or five eunuchs, he immediately spotted Liu Wenji.
It had been two months since they last met, and Liu Wenji had grown drastically thinner. Standing in the wind, his face was pale, his cheeks gaunt and cold. He had become so emaciated that he was almost unrecognizable, and the charm of the handsome youth he once was had faded by half.
The castration had clearly taken a heavy toll on him.
The eunuchs standing under the eaves, braving the cold wind, were the lowest-ranking ones, used for menial tasks and running errands. Among them, Liu Wenji stood out—unlike the others who were hunched and timid, his back was straight, and his posture was exceptionally upright.
Yet, he was still just a eunuch.
The officials coming in and out of the main hall did not spare a single glance at these eunuchs.
Holding his documents, Yan Shang stood quietly behind the locust trees, watching for a long while. Suppressing the pity in his heart, he calmly reasoned that, given Liu Wenji's current rank, he shouldn't even have been able to secure a position serving in the Imperial Academy.
He must have used some money to pull strings, Yan Shang thought.
Lowering his gaze, Yan Shang considered lending Liu Wenji some money but then remembered he had just donated his own funds to Yongshou Temple and was currently relying on Danyang Princess for his daily sustenance... Besides, it wouldn't be good for either of them if an official became too close to a eunuch.
The Emperor kept a strict watch on eunuchs.
After standing there for a long time, Yan Shang could only pretend he hadn't seen Liu Wenji. He couldn't bear to enter through the main hall and cross paths with him. Since they couldn't acknowledge each other, why torment Liu Wenji? Liu Wenji had once been so proud and arrogant, and now one of them stood as a eunuch under the eaves, braving the wind, while the other could come and go freely... The contrast was truly painful.
So, Yan Shang took a long detour and entered through a small side door at the back of the main hall.
Once inside, he could still vaguely make out the desolate figures of the eunuchs standing under the eaves through the curtains.
Yan Shang handed the documents he had brought to an Academician of the Imperial Academy, who nodded repeatedly, asked a few questions, and then said directly, "The Court of State Ceremonial has some disorganized materials that we're having trouble understanding. Stay behind and help us clarify and transcribe them."
Yan Shang replied, "Yes."
He followed the academician into a room and glanced around, seeing everyone seated at desks, transcribing documents. Officials coming and going moved in a hurried flurry.
Yan Shang asked the academician he was following, "Seeing how busy everyone is, are we short on manpower?"
The academician complained, "When is manpower ever enough?"Yan Shang said, "This year's grand ceremony coincides with the busiest period at year-end, so only a few government offices are affected. Most offices aren't that busy—the Imperial Academy could borrow some personnel."
He spoke trivialities.
The Academician of the Imperial Academy replied casually, "Naturally. But this matter offers no benefits, unlike the Court of State Ceremonial which deals directly with envoys from minor states... Those with connections all go to the Court of State Ceremonial. Who'd be willing to come to the Imperial Academy just to copy books?"
Yan Shang smiled faintly, "In future historical records, the Imperial Academy will always be renowned."
The guiding Academician became even more perfunctory: "Only a few individuals achieve fame—most people end up in the 'et al.' following those names."
Yan Shang sighed, "You all face such difficulties too. I can't offer much help, but I know some Imperial College students. Though they hold no official rank, they're generally literate. Would it be possible to invite them to assist?"
The Academician pondered, "That might be feasible."
As he sat before the desk, rolling up his sleeves to write, he finally looked seriously at Yan Shang and suddenly asked, "Are you Yan Suchen?"
Yan Shang was taken aback, "What? Has the news of my drunken mishaps reached the Imperial Academy already?"
The Academician looked equally confused, "What drunken mishaps?"
Yan Shang, slightly embarrassed, quickly dismissed it as insignificant rumors. Curious how the other recognized him, the Academician laughed, "Before you entered officialdom, your feat of shooting the Zheng Family Head with an arrow spread throughout Chang'an. Who in Chang'an doesn't know you?"
Yan Shang flushed, "I'm ashamed."
The Academician looked him up and down, "And after you became an official... recognizing you became easier. Do you know your reputation for 'handsome appearance and graceful demeanor' has nearly spread throughout the entire bureaucracy?"
Yan Shang: "...How could this be?"
Academician: "Blame it on us Chang'an folks preferring bold and straightforward types—we rarely see your modest and gentle style. When encountering it, people find it novel. They're even betting on when you'll be assimilated by our kind."
Yan Shang felt both bewildered and helpless, could only repeat his shame.
But these were merely idle chats. Yan Shang's purpose in speaking so much with this official certainly wasn't to steer the conversation toward himself.
Yan Shang gradually guided the Academician until they began addressing each other as brothers. When Yan Shang also sat at a desk, rolling up his sleeves to write, he casually revealed his true intention: "Since we're short-handed and no one's available at the moment, why not ask the few eunuchs standing outside? Perhaps some among them write excellent calligraphy and could come help?"
The Academician responded contemptuously, "A bunch of rootless sycophants who delude their masters—what could they possibly understand?"
Yan Shang fell silent.
This was the orthodox scholar-officials' genuine view of eunuchs.
He gently persuaded, "Those who can be utilized are all talents—what does background matter? Besides, aren't we currently short-handed? Would you rather maintain appearances and toil here all day? Didn't you just tell me your wife gave you the cold shoulder for returning home late yesterday? Do you want a repeat today?"
Though the Academician felt ashamed to associate with eunuchs and dismissed Yan Shang's "all are talents" argument, when Yan Shang invoked his domestic situation, he began to hesitate.Seeing the other party somewhat moved, Yan Shang refrained from further persuasion. He was well-versed in the temperament of these scholars, each holding themselves in high regard—especially those serving in the Imperial Academy, who all looked down on everyone else. A few words were enough; saying too much would only make the other party stubbornly resist.
After speaking those words, Yan Shang focused on copying the documents beside him. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the Academician of the Imperial Academy sitting nearby quietly writing for less than the time it takes an incense stick to burn before cursing in a Chang’an dialect phrase used to scold livestock, then getting up and leaving.
Yan Shang smiled faintly and continued writing his own—
The Academician asked if any of the eunuchs present were literate, and two stepped forward. With a stern expression, he had them enter the room and write a few characters each. When he saw one of their handwriting, the look of disdain in his eyes faded.
He looked at Liu Wenji: "Your handwriting... have you studied?"
Liu Wenji replied softly, "I studied for nearly twenty years. It was only after my family fell into decline that I entered the palace."
The Academician’s disdain vanished completely, replaced by sympathy. Twenty years of study, combined with this eunuch’s appearance... he could have become an official.
He sighed and said, "Stay in the main hall and help with copying documents. Before the foreign envoys leave Chang’an, the Imperial Academy is short-handed everywhere. Would you be willing to assist? The work here should be more leisurely compared to the Internal Affairs Office."
Liu Wenji was stunned.
Since entering the palace, he had encountered nothing but scornful and disgusted looks everywhere. The palace was full of people currying favor with the powerful and trampling on the weak, hardening his heart until it grew increasingly cold. He had gone to great lengths to pull strings to get to the Imperial Academy... and never expected it would actually work.
Serving in the Imperial Academy was far better than doing odd jobs in the Internal Affairs Office!
Without another word, he bowed deeply.
The Academician sighed, explained the documents to be copied, left him in the main hall to work, and then turned to enter the inner chambers.
Liu Wenji knew he could not enter the inner chambers to be among the officials. Being allowed to stay in the main hall, sheltered from the cold wind outside, was already something to be grateful for.
Rubbing his hands, Liu Wenji glanced at the chilblains on them, gritted his teeth to endure the discomfort, knelt before the long desk, and began writing—
Liu Wenji spent the entire morning copying documents in the hall, feeling somewhat nervous, afraid of making mistakes and being punished. Having been in the palace for over a month, he already knew how much these orthodox scholars and officials despised eunuchs. They viewed eunuchs as thieves, hardly even wanting to look at them.
Liu Wenji quietly huddled in a corner, copying texts. When officials passing in and out noticed him and were about to erupt in anger, a servant would whisper something in their ear, and they would suppress their anger and enter the inner chambers.
They treated Liu Wenji as if he didn’t exist, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
Gradually, more people arrived at the Imperial Academy. Many grew tired of copying and emerged from the inner chambers to stand in the hall, drinking tea and chatting. As Liu Wenji copied, he pricked up his ears to listen to their conversation—
A young official said, "Regarding the earlier crackdown on the powerful local families, my grandfather was so timid and fearful that he severed ties with all the families our household was dependent on." Later, we found out that other families still had powerful connections and were far more influential than ours. My grandfather was so furious he cursed at home every day."
Another person looked at him disdainfully: "So your grandfather went to complain to the Crown Prince, demanding stricter measures? Just because your family’s situation is bad, you want to drag everyone else down with you?"The previous official snorted, "Everyone has powerful families attached to them, so why is it only my family that suffers? It would be better if everyone suffered together."
Another joined the conversation, "Ah, times are tough, and noble families are struggling. Ever since the Li Family... well, everyone has been keeping their heads down, living in fear. The Crown Prince's move is truly alarming. Brother Wang, you're closer to the Crown Prince—could you find out if His Highness dislikes noble families as much as the Emperor does?"
The one addressed as Brother Wang quickly replied, "You're mistaken there; the Crown Prince is not that kind of person. Rest assured, it's been several months now, and the Crown Prince has only targeted the powerful families, not the noble ones. While the Emperor dislikes noble families, the Crown Prince understands that governing the country still relies on us noble families."
Opinions varied widely.
They were all discussing the earlier crackdown on the powerful families.
The general idea was that the noble families were now carefully assessing the situation, trying to judge the political climate.
Back when the Emperor had taken drastic measures, even sacrificing the Empress to drive the Li Family back to Jinling, it had sent shivers down the spines of those noble families who had sought to unite and suppress imperial authority. Just as they were beginning to recover over the past few years, the Crown Prince's crackdown on the powerful families once again unsettled them, prompting them to make inquiries.
When the crackdown on the powerful families began, no one had expected it to affect the noble families.
Now that the noble families were growing uneasy, the Crown Prince felt he had gone too far and began to reassure them one by one.
As Liu Wenji listened to their discussions, a strange thought arose in his mind. These matters they were debating had nothing to do with him... yet these events had all started with the sacrifices made by him and Chunhua.
Without Chunhua's sacrifice, the entire situation would not have reached this point.
There would have been no crackdown on the powerful families.
No unease and confusion among the noble families.
Nor would these officials be running around, seeking answers and probing the intentions of the Emperor and the Crown Prince.
A slight move in one part can affect the whole situation.
Lost in thought, Liu Wenji realized, "So this is politics." It started with the most insignificant person, the most trivial event... yet it triggered a shift in the entire political landscape. And without even asking, he knew that nine out of ten people involved had no idea who Chunhua was, or who Liu Wenji was.
Politics... this cruel beauty, no wonder people are drawn to it.
Only with power in hand can one do as one pleases.
As Liu Wenji pondered this, a new eunuch arrived, announcing that lunch had been prepared for the gentlemen.
Just then, the Academician of the Imperial Academy, who had earlier instructed Liu Wenji to stay and copy documents, lifted the curtain of the inner chamber and casually remarked, "Prepare an extra portion. Yan Suchen will also be having lunch here today."
The eunuch who had come to inquire about lunch bowed and acknowledged the order. Seated in the corner copying documents, Liu Wenji froze, his brush nearly snapping in his grip—
Suchen?
Why is Suchen here?
If Suchen is here, how come I haven't seen him?
With just that thought, based on his over-a-decade-long understanding of Yan Shang's conduct, a suspicion began to form in his mind. Seizing the moment as the Academician who had assigned him the copying task turned to re-enter the inner chamber, Liu Wenji stood up and hurriedly presented the documents he had copied for review.
The Academician flipped through the pages and nodded, "Well done."
Liu Wenji seized the opportunity to ask, "Sir, the Yan Suchen you mentioned earlier—is he the current head of the Secretariat, Yan Erlang?"The Academician of the Imperial Academy glanced over, his gaze profound. Liu Wenji explained, "This humble servant heard about a certain 'handsome and elegant Yan Erlang' while delivering charcoal to the Secretariat."
The Academician smiled and said, "Indeed. He truly is 'handsome and elegant.'"
Liu Wenji remarked, "This humble servant has been stationed here all morning but hasn't seen that gentleman. What a pity."
The Academician continued reviewing the copied documents in his hand, speaking casually, "Well, if you're sincere, you should thank him. It was his suggestion to have literate eunuchs copy books."
Liu Wenji thought, just as expected.
He feigned surprise, "That gentleman is truly kind."
The Academician glanced at him but found nothing probing, so he merely smiled and turned to enter the inner chambers. Seeing the Academician's meaningful smile, Liu Wenji stiffened, realizing the other's seemingly indifferent remarks had been testing him... None of these officials were fools.
Each one was difficult to deal with.
Fortunately, Liu Wenji's temperament had changed drastically. Recalling his words, he felt he hadn't revealed any connection to Yan Shang and relaxed.
After much thought, Liu Wenji went out and discussed with his companions, deciding to double the charcoal supply to the inner chambers of the Imperial Academy that day.
Yan Shang was here. Liu Wenji knew this was Yan Shang's first winter in Chang'an, and he must be extremely cold and unaccustomed to it. More charcoal would just correspond to Yan Shang.
After the Academician left, Liu Wenji had considered doing nothing to avoid suspicion. But then he realized that doing nothing would instead confirm his guilt and confirm he knew Yan Shang... It was better to treat Yan Shang as a kind official who had helped him and appropriately repay him with charcoal.
No need to do anything extra.
That Academician wouldn't bother checking whether Yan Shang knew a eunuch.
Having thought it all through, Liu Wenji sat back down to copy documents. With the rustling of his brush, his heart settled, and he began learning to spar with these people—
By evening, Mu Wan Yao emerged from the palace in high spirits.
This visit to the palace had completely defeated Xian Fei, securing the responsibility for organizing the grand ceremony banquet. Sitting in her carriage, Mu Wan Yao reviewed the information on the various foreign envoys, calculating whether their seating arrangements were appropriate.
Hmm, the palace arrangements needed to coordinate with the Crown Prince's preparations outside the palace.
Not seeing the Black Barbarians on the list of visiting minor states, Mu Wan Yao couldn't deny she felt slightly relieved. Hosting the Black Barbarian envoys was, after all, awkward. Their absence was for the best... Mu Wan Yao silently prayed for the Southern Barbarians' chaotic warfare to continue, keeping the Black Barbarians too occupied.
Let that person remain utterly tied up.
The situation with the Black Barbarians was complex and could not be easily resolved.
As Mu Wan Yao pondered these matters in the carriage, she felt it halt, knowing they had exited the palace grounds. When the carriage started moving again, she suddenly had a thought and asked outside, "Have we reached the imperial city?"
Xiarong, the maid riding outside in a round-collared robe, replied, "Yes, we've reached the imperial city and will soon exit the imperial city gates."
Mu Wan Yao said, "Stop the carriage. Come inside."Xiarong was puzzled, but still had the carriage stop and climbed inside. Mu Wan Yao examined her maid dressed in men's narrow-sleeved attire, lost in thought: "Yan Shang should be at the Court of State Ceremonial at this time, I suppose."
Xiarong tried to keep up with the princess's train of thought: "Logically, that should be the case."
Mu Wan Yao's eyes lit up with interest: "I've never been to the Court of State Ceremonial before. I want to see how he handles official business."
Xiarong was slightly startled and quickly said: "Your Highness, you mustn't do this! What if someone recognizes you?"
Mu Wan Yao glanced at her and said, "At this hour, the high-ranking officials should have all returned home. Those still busy at the Court of State Ceremonial are likely only minor officials of the eighth or ninth rank. Such low-ranking officials are unlikely to recognize me."
Xiarong anxiously pleaded, "Just in case..."
Mu Wan Yao smiled at her. "Just in case, let's swap clothes. I'll disguise myself as you and make a trip to the Court of State Ceremonial."
Xiarong was stunned. "What?"—
Xiarong sat pitifully in the carriage, forced by the princess to change into her own elaborate and ornate garments. Throughout the process, Xiarong was terrified, not daring to wear the princess's clothes.
In the end, Xiarong sat disheveled in the carriage, compelled to wear the princess's layered high-waisted long skirt. The vibrant skirt spilled over the carriage cushions, its flowing golden brilliance spreading like sunset glow along the hem, shimmering with dazzling radiance.
Without needing to style her hair, Xiarong clung to the carriage door after the princess, now dressed in convenient men's attire, leaped down. With tearful eyes, she pleaded, "Your Highness, please return quickly. Don't abandon your servant."
Mu Wan Yao, dressed in a proper men's short robe, was adjusting her collar when she turned back and flashed Xiarong a carefree smile. Disguised like this, her features appeared delicate and charming, with rosy lips and white teeth—truly handsome and approachable.
She smiled brightly. "You may return now. There's no need to wait for me."
With that, Mu Wan Yao clasped her hands behind her back and strolled leisurely toward the Court of State Ceremonial.
Mu Wan Yao had Xiarong's waist token. She casually fabricated a reason, claiming she had orders from the palace, and entered the Court of State Ceremonial. The guiding clerk first escorted her inside, then called for a young official to inquire what business this maid had.
Mu Wan Yao stood with her hands behind her back, watching them without a trace of timidity. "I am a maid from Yan Erlang's household. Is my... young master here?"
As she said "young master," her face flushed deeply.
The young official asked, "Are you referring to Yan Erlang, Yan Suchen?"
Upon hearing this, Mu Wan Yao's eyes lit up subtly. Suppressing her inner excitement, she nodded with restraint. She imagined Yan Shang's shock upon seeing her visit him in this disguise, certain he would be startled by her.
The thought of his startled reaction made her smirk mischievously.
However, the young official said, "You've come at an unfortunate time, miss. Yan Erlang accompanied a foreign envoy for archery this afternoon and hasn't returned yet."
Mu Wan Yao felt slightly disappointed but replied, "Then I'll wait for him."
With that, she strode confidently into the main hall of the Court of State Ceremonial, showing none of the demeanor expected of a maid.
The young official stared in astonishment, watching her enter so casually without giving him a chance to stop her... Shaking his head, he thought, "Yan Suchen is so humble and modest. How does his maid carry such an imposing air?"—
Yan Shang had finally managed to settle his own affairs and returned to the Court of State Ceremonial to rest. After organizing the day's tasks, he would be able to leave the Court of State Ceremonial, exit the imperial city, and return home.
Sitting in his inner chamber, Yan Shang was searching for medicinal ointment when a young official entered and, seeing he had returned, asked, "What are you looking for, Erlang?"
Yan Shang replied, "Some medicine for injuries."
The official expressed surprise. "Are you injured?"
Yan Shang smiled. "Just minor injuries. It's nothing serious."
The official gave him a sympathetic look, knowing how difficult it was to serve those envoys. Returning to his seat, the official suddenly remembered something. "By the way, a maid from your household came looking for you. She had quite an imposing presence."
Yan Shang looked up. "Huh?"
What maid from his household?The minor official teased him, "Is she really your family's maid? Why does she seem more imposing than the mistress? Have you secretly been carrying on an affair with your own maid without telling us?"
Yan Shang: "...Huh?"
OpenNovel