Yan Shang was puzzled as to why a maid would come looking for him.
Usually, when there was something at the residence, it was Yun Shu who came to find him. He had only given Yun Shu a waist token, allowing her to present it at the imperial city gate and be escorted to the government office to see him. How could a maid have come?
Had something happened at the residence?
Was Yun Shu ill?
But it probably wasn’t anything urgent. The official who delivered the message had mentioned it casually… and didn’t seem particularly anxious.
Yan Shang had already retrieved a bottle of medicinal powder and sat down, intending to tend to his wounds before meeting the visitor. Shaking his head with a smile at the teasing gaze of the young official, he replied, "Brother Wang, don’t joke around."
The young official clicked his tongue. "You’re really no fun."
Still unsatisfied, he tidied the manuscripts on his desk, preparing to leave the Court of State Ceremonial and return home, while continuing to probe, "Are you sure she’s not your sweetheart? That maid is quite beautiful."
Yan Shang pulled open his collar slightly to examine the injuries beneath and sighed offhandedly, "Well, there aren’t many unattractive maids to begin with."
The maids Mu Wan Yao sent to his residence were all young and beautiful, without exception. It was common for nobles to prefer beautiful maids, and Yan Shang, having served Mu Wan Yao, had grown accustomed to such practices.
The official remarked, "But she wasn’t just ordinarily pretty. She had a very alluring, captivating charm."
Yan Shang paid no attention.
The official continued, reminiscing, "And that maid of yours was quite fierce. I just passed by and glanced at her, and her eyes shot daggers at me, startling me so much I didn’t dare ask why she was there. Only after I left did I realize—she’s just a maid, what was I afraid of? Why did I flee like that?"
Yan Shang froze, his eyelashes fluttering slightly. He had only just opened the medicine bottle and hadn’t yet applied the powder when he heard the official’s words.
A maid with a fierce demeanor—he had none like that at his residence. But a young lady with a fierce demeanor… he happened to know one.
His heart beat a little faster. Though he thought it unlikely, that slim possibility still stirred him.
Yan Shang’s dark, jade-like eyes fixed on the other man. Seeing Yan Shang’s interest, the young official grew somewhat pleased.
Yan Shang asked, "What did she look like?"
The young official recalled, "Her eyes were like a cat’s—round, and when she glared, it was as if she wanted to devour someone. But with such beautiful, captivating eyes, even her glares were lovely…"
"Crash—"
The young official looked over in surprise to see the usually poised Yan Erlang suddenly stand up, knocking over the books and scrolls on the nearby desk. Volumes scattered across the floor, but Yan Shang had no time to tidy them. In that glance, the official noticed Yan Shang’s face had flushed bright red.
Yan Shang looked both bewildered and flustered.
There was no time to tend to his wounds now.
Hastily fastening his belt, his face still burning, Yan Shang addressed the official, who was watching him strangely, "I—I—I’ll go see—"
With that, Yan Shang hurried out, leaving the young official puzzled but shaking his head and thinking no more of it.
In the main hall of the Reception Bureau of the Court of State Ceremonial, Mu Wan Yao stood before an antique shelf, looking up to admire the various rare treasures collected by the Court. Most were gifts from foreign envoys, each uniquely fascinating and reflective of their respective countries.
For instance: glass vessels, agate lamp trees over three feet tall, ostrich egg cups, jade wine pool bottles adorned with jewels…Many items were already available in the palace; those kept at the Court of State Ceremonial were either flawed or unsuitable for gifting. Yet it was precisely these imperfections that gave them character, and Mu Wan Yao found herself quite captivated by them.
Tilting her head, Mu Wan Yao studied the antique shelves intently, already planning to have someone summon the Chief of the Court of State Ceremonial the next day to request some of the treasures she had taken a liking to that day...
While Mu Wan Yao was amusing herself by admiring these treasures as she waited idly in the main hall, the officials coming and going saw her as an unusual sight.
As Mu Wan Yao had anticipated, only minor, unranked officials remained at the Court of State Ceremonial at this hour. Unfamiliar with the Danyang Princess, they genuinely mistook her for a maid from Yan Erlang's household. They simply thought this maid had quite the audacity, standing in their main hall and admiring the items on the antique shelves... Her arrogant demeanor was entirely unbefitting of a servant.
Yet she was very beautiful.
Men always tend to be more indulgent toward beautiful women, reluctant to criticize them harshly.
Thus, Mu Wan Yao waited boldly for nearly half an hour without a single official attempting to shoo her outside to wait. However, while some men were inclined to cherish a pretty young lady, others were more oblivious.
As Mu Wan Yao stood there peacefully, an official entered from outside carrying a stack of books. Without a second thought, upon seeing Mu Wan Yao, he shoved the entire pile into her arms.
Mu Wan Yao was stunned: "..."
Caught off guard with an armful of items, she hadn't even had a chance to look at them before some books slipped out due to her small embrace.
Wide-eyed, Mu Wan Yao watched as the official who had handed her the books brushed past her without a glance and issued instructions: "These are the documents needed for tomorrow. Deliver them to Administrator Han at the Protocol Office and have him assign fifteen people to translate the texts and memorize them overnight..."
What?
What Administrator Han? What Protocol Office?
As the official who had dumped the books on her was about to leave, Mu Wan Yao shouted sharply, "Stop!"
The official stiffened at the command and turned around, intending to reprimand the maid for daring to yell at him. But then he saw the young lady who had shouted walking toward him with a dark expression.
"Thud—"
Mu Wan Yao shoved the books right back into his arms. Under his bewildered gaze, she said coldly, "Do your own work. Am I one of your Court of State Ceremonial staff, that you'd assign tasks to me? Whose responsibility would it be if something went wrong? Don't shirk your own duties! You're in a hurry to return home—do you think I'm not?"
The official stared at this maid dressed in a man's short robe, thinking, What could a maid possibly be in a hurry for?
This maid even lectured him: "Is this how you work with the salary the court pays you? What kind of skill is it to trouble others? Take the books and find someone yourself! The Protocol Office is only a few steps from the Reception Office—can't even be bothered to walk that far? Your official airs are quite impressive!"
As Mu Wan Yao scolded him, other officials coming and going stopped to watch, whispering among themselves and focusing on the scene.
The reprimanded official, now the center of attention and being lectured by a young girl, flushed red with a mix of embarrassment and amusement. He wanted to snap and curse, but the maid's imposing presence completely overwhelmed him. Every time he tried to speak, her rapid-fire retorts cut him off.
Official: "I..."Mu Wan Yao: "You what? You still think you're in the right? Do you even know me before handing me the documents? What if I'm an enemy spy? You trust me so easily? How do you usually handle your duties? Why are you staring so wide-eyed—feeling resentful? What right does a mere ninth-rank official like you have to be resentful?"
The official inwardly shouted: I'm a ninth-rank official, but I'm resentful of you, a lowly maid without any rank at all!
But being scolded by Mu Wan Yao left him flushed with embarrassment. With colleagues watching and some even snickering audibly, he felt even more humiliated. The official had no choice but to say, "I was wrong. I shouldn't have assigned the task to you; I should have done it myself. But whose maid are you, to be so bold?"
Mu Wan Yao: "..."
Only then did she remember her supposed role.
She coughed lightly, feeling slightly guilty. Not wanting to cause trouble for Yan Shang, she coldly retorted, "Why ask whose maid I am? Planning to complain to my master? How can you be so irresponsible, needing to tattle over such a trivial matter?"
The official didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
He looked at her and chuckled, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. With such a sharp tongue, young lady, how could I dare complain to your master? I was actually hoping to ask your master to give you to me. A maid as eloquent as you—I could use your daily guidance to keep me from straying down the wrong path..."
His eyes lingered on her.
Mu Wan Yao's heart sank. She knew all too well the look of a man showing interest. That teasing, half-smiling gaze clearly meant he had taken a liking to her...
Her face stiffened slightly.
Just then, Yan Shang finally arrived panting at the main hall's entrance, witnessing the scene of Mu Wan Yao scolding the official and the official's amused reply. Seeing the maid's back and hearing her voice, his heart swelled with a mix of shock, joy, and dread.
Yan Shang: "...Yao Yao!"
Mu Wan Yao, still stiff from her earlier haughtiness, heard the familiar, gentle male voice behind her. She turned and saw Yan Shang standing at the door, immediately relaxing and flashing a meek, guilty smile.
Yan Shang met her gaze.
His feelings were indescribable.
Steadying himself, he decided to deal with the mess Mu Wan Yao had created first. He stepped into the hall, and the official she had scolded looked at him in surprise. Recognizing Yan Shang as the maid's master, the official couldn't help but laugh.
He found it amusing—a maid with such a temper paired with such a mild-mannered master—and thought it would be easy to ask Yan Shang for the maid.
Yan Shang approached, frowning at Mu Wan Yao. "...Why did you come here?"
Mu Wan Yao lowered her head obediently. "I missed you."
She tilted her head coyly, casting him a glance that shimmered like rippling light. Yan Shang's face grew warm. Stiffening, he felt uncomfortable with so many people watching as she dared to flirt with him so covertly in public. But what could he do?
Blushing, Yan Shang stepped forward, pulling her behind him, and chided softly, "Stop fooling around."
He then clasped his hands apologetically to the official. "My maid was being mischievous just now, elder brother. Please don't take it to heart. I'll discipline her later."
The official laughed heartily.
"No need, no need. Your little maid is quite entertaining. We hit it off right away—could you perhaps give her to me?"Yan Shang abruptly turned to look at Mu Wan Yao behind him, who was also startled and quickly waved her hands in denial: "It wasn't love at first sight! I wasn't!"
Yan Shang shot her a brief glare before turning back to the official with a polite smile: "I've spoiled her too much—she dares to say anything. I fear you've misunderstood, so I apologize on her behalf. However... I am quite fond of her and cannot possibly give her away."
When he uttered the word "fond," he paused slightly, immediately feeling Mu Wan Yao's finger gently poke his lower back through his robe.
The touch sent a shiver straight to his spine.
But with so many officials watching in the main hall, Yan Shang dared not show any reaction. He didn't even dare to grab her hand to stop her mischief—while her poking was hidden from view, any movement from him would be immediately noticed by everyone.
She's truly... incorrigible.
Seeing Yan Shang's refusal, the official sighed regretfully: "Could I purchase her contract then? Name your price—I'll pay multiple times the amount!"
Yan Shang stiffened his resolve: "I beg your understanding, elder brother."
With a resigned sigh, the official finally relented. He tried to steal another glance at Mu Wan Yao, but Yan Shang stood firmly blocking her from view.
After the official departed, the remaining spectators gradually dispersed once the excitement faded.
Only then did Yan Shang seize Mu Wan Yao's hand and hurriedly lead her away. Their silhouettes stretched long beneath the dappled sunlight filtering through corridor windows as twilight descended.
Her soft, delicate hand nestled in his grasp made his heart flutter with bewildered joy again.
His steadfast heart, usually impervious to disturbance, could no longer withstand her repeated teasing—
Upon reaching his office chamber and confirming it empty, Yan Shang securely closed the door. Turning to face Mu Wan Yao, he attempted a stern expression: "You've gone too far!"
But the moment he turned, she slipped into his embrace like a nimble fish, wrapping her arms around his neck. Trapped against the door, he gave a half-hearted push. Mu Wan Yao lifted her smiling face toward his.
Though striving to maintain severity, his naturally gentle disposition undermined any intimidating effect. Finding his attempted sternness endearing rather than frightening, she rose on her toes to kiss his chin, giggling: "I missed you, that's all."
Her coquettish declaration prompted a fascinating reaction—Second Brother Yan's cheeks instantly flushed crimson.
All his anger evaporated instantly.
Realizing she was exploiting his bashfulness, Yan Shang threw her a sidelong glance. In response, she clung tighter, showering him with repeated calls of "Second Brother Yan"—each "brother" melting his resolve further until his very soul seemed to liquefy.
His initial irritation not only vanished but transformed into frantic heartbeat. He murmured helplessly: "Don't do this. I can't bear it."
Tilting her face upward with sparkling eyes, she cooed: "Aren't you happy I came to see you?"
Yan Shang regarded her: "So this is your version of visiting me? The moment I looked away, I find you flirting with other men."Mu Wan Yao was embarrassed, her face flushed: "That was an accident... Even after being scolded by me, he still liked me. With such great charm, what could I possibly do?"
Yan Shang paused for a moment before murmuring: "Are you alluding to me?"
Mu Wan Yao tilted her head.
She saw Yan Shang with lowered eyes, his thick long lashes like curtains covering them, trembling slightly. He whispered: "I'm often scolded by you too."
After a pause, he added with a hint of complaint: "And I like you too."
Mu Wan Yao's cheeks turned red.
She said softly: "That's completely different."
Yan Shang: "How is it different?"
Mu Wan Yao: "Because I like you."
Yan Shang lifted his gaze to meet hers. When their eyes met, he finally couldn't maintain his composure, nor could he stay angry about her flirting in the main hall. Saying "don't do this again," he decided not to pursue the matter further. With her arms around his neck, he stood by the wooden door, a faint smile appearing between his brows.
His gentle demeanor made Mu Wan Yao, who had intended to tease him, feel her heartbeat quicken.
She whispered: "Does your head still hurt? Are you sober now?"
Yan Shang felt embarrassed.
He probably was the first person to ever get drunk from just a kiss.
Yan Shang said: "Thank you for Your Highness' concern, I'm fine now."
He paused before adding: "Could Your Highness refrain from drinking in the future?"
Mu Wan Yao glanced at him teasingly: "What, afraid you'll end up unconscious on my bed again next time?"
Yan Shang said: "Drinking isn't good for you anyway."
Mu Wan Yao scoffed.
Yan Shang: "Between me and alcohol, which would Your Highness choose?"
Mu Wan Yao looked at him sideways: "What do you think?"
Yan Shang: "You'd choose alcohol, right? You wouldn't choose me at all."
He said: "I'm not even as important as alcohol in your heart. How could I dare hope for anything else?"
Mu Wan Yao grew impatient: "Stop complaining. I came here specially to see you, why are you frowning and complaining? Can't you be happier? Act surprised? Let me kiss and hug you properly?"
Yan Shang wanted to say "Am I just someone you can summon and dismiss at will?" but he hesitated and swallowed the words.
Simultaneously, he felt a sudden chill.
As someone who never offended anyone with his words, he had nearly lost control and complained just now... When had he become so impatient? He shouldn't be someone who blurted out his true feelings so easily.
Yan Shang felt uneasy, wondering what had changed in him, and whether it was for better or worse. Frowning with a faint expression, he remained silent for so long that Mu Wan Yao thought he was angry. She secretly glanced up at him and saw him frowning as if deep in thought.
Mu Wan Yao nudged him with her elbow.
The nudge happened to hit his chest.
Yan Shang immediately hissed in pain, his body half-stiffening as he leaned back against the door.
Mu Wan Yao grew anxious: "What's wrong? What happened?"
Yan Shang took her hand and smiled at her: "It's nothing, just a minor injury."
Naturally, Mu Wan Yao didn't believe him - in his words, everything was minor. She insisted on checking, and he had no way to stop her -
Leaning against the door like this, with Mu Wan Yao blocking his way, Yan Shang had no choice but to sit down against the door, gradually letting Mu Wan Yao pull open his collar.
He turned his head away awkwardly, still unaccustomed to undressing in front of others. Especially since this wasn't in his own residence, but in a government office... He was so nervous he broke into a sweat, his tilted neck flushed red, while Mu Wan Yao sat straddling his legs, pulling down his collar as she leaned over him.Mu Wan Yao had only meant to tease him at first, but when she saw the long red mark stretching down his chest, her temper flared instantly.
Her voice turned sharp: "Who did this?"
She immediately sprang up with the air of someone about to go settle scores. Yan Shang quickly rose as well, wrapping his arms around her from behind to stop her from leaving.
His robes still disheveled, he held her tightly against his chest, his breath brushing her cheek as he soothed repeatedly: "It's nothing, really! It wasn't intentional! Just an accidental whip strike during archery practice this afternoon. The person didn't mean it and even gave me ointment afterward."
Mu Wan Yao fumed: "Archery should involve bows, not whips! No, I must return the favor with a whip myself!"
Yan Shang pleaded: "Don't do this, please. I'm truly fine... If Your Highness retaliates, how could I face anyone afterward? It's merely a minor injury, not worth escalating."
Mu Wan Yao remained unmoved, struggling vigorously to break free from his embrace. With her profile turned cold and stern, she clearly intended to exact revenge.
As their struggle intensified, Yan Shang found himself unable to calm her fury. Touched yet helpless, he finally feigned a sharp inhale, pretending her flailing arm had struck his wound, and stumbled backward two steps. Sure enough, Mu Wan Yao turned to look at him, her expression shifting to concern: "Did I hurt your injury? Let me apply the medicine for you."
Seizing the opportunity, Yan Shang grasped her wrist earnestly: "Your Highness, please don't go confront anyone."
Mu Wan Yao fell silent for a long moment.
She glanced up at him and murmured softly: "You're always like this—willing to bear minor grievances yourself rather than offend anyone."
Yan Shang paused briefly before smiling: "Is that so bad?"
Mu Wan Yao pondered this, then said: "I suppose not. I'm not afraid of you causing me trouble."
But after another moment's thought, she added quietly: "Yet it pains me to see you like this. You always swallow your grievances alone, blaming no one... How exhausting your life must be. Is there no one in this world who lets you lower your guard, rest awhile, and stop forcing yourself to maintain perfect decorum always?"
Yan Shang lifted his gaze, staring intently at her.
Mu Wan Yao whispered: "I wish you wouldn't exhaust yourself so, wish you had moments of true relaxation. With my terrible temper, why do you still restrain yourself around me? Can't you just act as you wish? After all, my temperament remains unchanged regardless—sometimes... you really could lose your temper with me."
He stared at her in stunned silence as she tilted her head up and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, murmuring tenderly: "Yan Shang, learn to indulge a little."
As she turned to fetch the medicine, Yan Shang caught her wrist firmly.
Mu Wan Yao looked back at him.
Yan Shang lowered his gaze, asking with utmost seriousness: "What you did just now—were you teasing me, or did you mean it?"
Mu Wan Yao blinked playfully, her voice coy: "Guess."
He released her wrist, watching as she turned away to get the ointment. His heart remained utterly bewildered. Yan Shang sat down with a bitter smile, observing her slender back as she busied herself by the desk. Slowly, he covered his face with his sleeve—
Mu Wan Yao settled back into his lap, bending her head attentively to apply the medicine.
Silence enveloped them both.
Yan Shang looked down at her with complicated emotions, still pondering her earlier words about allowing himself indulgence. Mu Wan Yao, fearing she might hurt him, worked with extra care. The golden light of sunset streamed through the small window above them, spilling across the floor three feet ahead.
A hazy glow of gold filled the space.After finishing the application of medicine, Mu Wan Yao finally felt at ease, silently reminding herself to pay attention to Yan Shang's injuries over the next few days. Her memory was poor, but she couldn't afford to forget this.
With that done, Mu Wan Yao set down the medicine bottle and finally had the mood to focus on other things. She looked down at him and suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "You have abs now?"
Yan Shang stiffened.
Without hesitation, Mu Wan Yao reached out: "I want to touch them."
Yan Shang grabbed her wrist to stop her from acting recklessly, but Mu Wan Yao paid no heed. She continued her playful assault on his abdomen, leaving him breathless and leaning against the door, his neck arched back. His face flushed like rosy clouds, sweat beading on his skin as he gritted his teeth and said, "Don’t do this... It makes me feel as if I’m serving others with my looks."
Mu Wan Yao chuckled dismissively. "How prudish."
A long while later, Yan Shang looked as though he had been fished out of water. Gasping for air, he complained, "Do you only like men with strong bodies? Do you prefer robust and imposing gentlemen..."
Suppressing a laugh, Mu Wan Yao coaxed him, "Whatever form Second Brother Yan takes, I’ll like it. I like you just as you are—a little muscle is enough... If there’s too much, I’d worry about getting beaten."
Yan Shang shot her a glare. "More nonsense."
Mu Wan Yao replied earnestly, "Not at all, I truly only have eyes for you. But if you want to practice martial arts, you could seek out Yang Sanlang. He’s skilled in martial arts, and with your abilities, you’d surely make him happy to teach you how to build a fine physique."
Yan Shang fell silent.
Mu Wan Yao remained oblivious.
Then, she heard Yan Shang murmur softly, "...Are you really that close with Yang Sanlang?"
Mu Wan Yao replied casually, "We grew up together, after all."
Yan Shang said nothing more.
He felt a surge of irritation and wanted to demand reassurance from her, but he found his own vexation ridiculous. Her hand still roamed freely over his waist and abdomen, completely indifferent to his discomfort. This inner turmoil made him restless, and he firmly grasped her hand, determined to stop her. "Enough of this," he said quietly. "This is, after all, my office. I don’t want to carry on like this."
Mu Wan Yao looked up and noticed he seemed somewhat dejected. Surprised, she wondered why he had suddenly become unhappy when everything had been fine moments before.
She reached out to cup his face, studying his expression, but he turned away, refusing to meet her gaze. Only then did Mu Wan Yao grow anxious. Thinking she had genuinely upset him, she felt a pang of guilt and offered, "You can touch me too, you know."
Yan Shang froze for a moment.
Mu Wan Yao watched him intently as he lowered his gaze to look at her. His face was flushed, his eyes avoiding hers, and he even stammered, "Wh-where can I touch?"
Mu Wan Yao raised an eyebrow, thinking, So he’s not dejected anymore? She hadn’t been shy before, but his gaze was making her feel bashful.
Biting her lip, she replied generously, "Anywhere you like. You can touch me wherever you want."
She straightened her posture slightly but then worried it might seem too forward. She glanced cautiously at Yan Shang, only to find him with his head bowed, completely unaware of her subtle movement. After struggling internally for a while, he lifted his head to look at her.
In a hushed voice, he said, "I’d like to touch your waist."
His gaze wavered.
Then, even more softly, he added, "I’ve never touched one before."
Mu Wan Yao sighed with a hint of amusement. "...It’s just a waist. Why are you blushing so much?"
Biting her lip, she teased, "You’re such a fool... I’m right here in front of you, and all you want is to touch my waist?"
Yan Shang looked puzzled. "...Then where else can I touch?"
Seeing how clueless he was, Mu Wan Yao leaned in close, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered a few words. Instantly, his face, which had only been flushed before, turned crimson all over.
Stiff and stammering uncontrollably, he exclaimed, "Th-that... th-that’s impossible!"
Mu Wan Yao glanced upward and mused, "I’ve always thought it’s a bit plain. I’d like to have a peony tattooed on my chest, but I haven’t found a skilled artist yet."Yan Shang lowered his head.
After a long pause, he said, "...You're truly audacious."
He hadn't even considered such a thing.
Mu Wan Yao glanced at him and chuckled, "What would someone with your impoverished imagination understand? I just wanted to paint a flower. Can you do it? Looking at you, I can tell you can't."
After another long pause, Yan Shang said, "...I'll practice."
Mu Wan Yao: "Practice what?"
Yan Shang looked at her, smiled somewhat sheepishly, and said, "Practice painting."
Mu Wan Yao laughed and threw herself into his arms, where his hand gently settled on her waist. As his palm pressed against her waist, Mu Wan Yao stiffened for a moment before relaxing. She realized this was truly the first time Yan Shang had touched her waist. He had always held her by the back before, maintaining propriety by not touching anywhere else.
But gradually, he was human too—he had desires as well.
Mu Wan Yao buried her face in his chest, feeling his arm around her waist.
She heard him whisper in her ear: "Your waist is so slender.
"So fine, so small, so soft."
Being praised by her beloved man about her waist made Mu Wan Yao shy, yet she scolded and hit him: "Is that all you can say? So uncultured!"
Mu Wan Yao let out a soft hum near his ear, the sound drilling into his consciousness. She noticed Yan Shang suddenly stiffen and tighten his embrace. Mu Wan Yao cried out again, this time from the pain of his grip.
Coming to his senses, he quickly loosened his arms, though his hand remained on her waist, reluctant to move away.
Yan Shang: "I'm sorry... I lost control."
Mu Wan Yao didn't speak, only buried her laughter in his chest—
Yan Shang told Mu Wan Yao he needed to go to the Pleasure Quarter that night.
Mu Wan Yao: "What, to play with women? Haven't I been letting you play with me all this time? Still not satisfied?"
Yan Shang gently rubbed her forehead and smiled: "Your Highness jokes again."
He said: "I'm looking for someone."
After pausing, he seemed hesitant about whether to tell Mu Wan Yao what he intended to do. Mu Wan Yao glanced at him and said she didn't care, that he needn't explain. Yet having spent this time with him, Mu Wan Yao clearly couldn't bear to part.
After struggling internally, she said: "I'll accompany you to the Pleasure Quarter. I'll leave after you go inside."
Yan Shang was also reluctant to part with her, but what needed doing must be done. He nodded—
Great Wei had a curfew.
But it only applied to the Western and Eastern Markets—the residential wards themselves remained lively.
Especially somewhere as famously musical as the Pleasure Quarter.
When Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang arrived by carriage, it was different from their previous visit together. That time had been a rainy night with fewer people. Tonight the place was brilliantly lit, with numerous street vendors filling the lanes.
Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang walked through the crowd.
A tall masked man brushed past them.
At that brief distance, merely a shoulder apart—
Wearing his mask, Meng Zaishi turned his head and looked at the little princess and her new lover with a mocking smile.
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