Yan Shang's mind had been entirely preoccupied with "warfare" and "peace marriage," especially since he knew Mu Wan Yao was maneuvering among various envoys.
Thus, when he first spotted Mu Wan Yao with that tall man, he genuinely didn't think much of it.
But Mu Wan Yao's reaction stunned him, stirring discomfort in his heart—
He was here on official business, not to investigate her. Why was she deliberately avoiding him?
If she had nothing to hide, why evade him?
As this unease intensified, Yan Shang's mind couldn't help but notice more details.
He recognized that man—the one who had caused trouble at the Court of State Ceremonial that day.
Yan Shang had initially assumed the man held a position like a general among the Black Barbarians.
Yet seeing Mu Wan Yao with him, followed by the Black Barbarians... Yan Shang immediately realized this wasn't a Uman general—he was the Uman King.
Mu Wan Yao was with the newly appointed Uman King of the Black Barbarians.
Mu Wan Yao had known this man before and had even wanted to kill him.
But now, Mu Wan Yao stood by a vendor's stall holding her face-covering veil, the gauzy fabric fluttering toward the Uman King. She coyly lowered her head as the man drew near. The proximity was so intimate, like a clandestine kiss hidden from view. When the veil was removed, her eyes shimmered with a captivating, flirtatious glow.
Yan Shang's heart instantly felt hollow.
His mind struggled to process it.
Why was this happening? Had she once been involved with this man, then quarreled, leading her to want him dead? And now, were they reconciled?
If so, the Uman King's marriage proposal and the events of the grand ceremony's night differed from what Yan Shang had assumed... No, he shouldn't doubt Mu Wan Yao. She had been truly unhappy that night.
...So why was she with the Uman King now, laughing so joyfully and hiding from him?
In that instant, Yan Shang began to ache with sorrow—
Yan Shang searched the Western Market for a long time but found no trace of Mu Wan Yao and the Uman King. Furious and heartbroken, he knew she must have deliberately avoided him, likely having already left the area.
He returned to the neighborhood where he resided and inquired at the Princess Residence if Danyang Princess had returned.
The staff said Danyang Princess had not come back. Yan Shang practiced calligraphy in the residence, waiting for two hours. As lanterns lit up and night fell, Mu Wan Yao still hadn't returned.
His heart grew utterly cold.
Initially, he had only wanted an explanation, but now her irresponsible attitude genuinely angered him. He felt foolish for eagerly waiting. What was he waiting for? More lies to deceive himself?
She had clearly stated she and the Uman King weren't lovers, so what was the scene he witnessed today?
Frustrated, Yan Shang found himself unable to read or practice calligraphy, a rebellious impulse rising within. He thought Mu Wan Yao was taking advantage of his good temper, his reluctance to anger, deliberately handling him this way.
Was she planning to drag this out until he forgot, pretending it never happened?
Or using this as an excuse to part with him, fulfilling her and the Uman King?
While he toiled day and night over government affairs, worrying and caring for her, researching all things Uman... it all seemed like a joke.
Reflecting on this, Yan Shang realized he might be overthinking. Despite his usual self-cultivation, he had lost his composure today. But he truly had no recourse left. Resigned, Yan Shang stood up and opened the door.Outside the door, Yun Shu was pacing, seemingly hesitant about whether to enter and attend to Yan Shang during his evening meal. As soon as Yan Shang opened the door, Yun Shu approached him: "Erlang..."
Yan Shang said, "Tonight I'm going to discuss some official matters with Ju Yuan, so I won't be returning home."
This way he wouldn't have to come back and see someone avoiding him.
Yun Shu made an "ah" sound and hurried to fetch Yan Shang's horse. The young master, now an official, occasionally didn't return to the residence at night, and the servant had grown accustomed to it.
Yan Shang went straight to find Wei Shu. When he arrived at Wei Shu's place, he saw him writing a memorial. The youth, pure as spring snow, lifted his face from the desk beside the candlelight, his dark eyes fixed on Yan Shang, making Yan Shang blush slightly and feel rather foolish.
Fortunately, although Wei Shu didn't speak much, he was quite welcoming of Yan Shang staying over.
Yan Shang thus made an effort to forget Mu Wan Yao and sat down to discuss government affairs with Wei Shu. He asked Wei Shu, "Don't you think the climate and terrain of the Black Barbarians' land must be different from the Central Plains? Wouldn't that affect cavalry techniques?"
Wei Shu looked blank, then replied, "...Probably."
Yan Shang's question wasn't really meant for Wei Shu to answer, but rather to recapture the inspiration that had struck him that afternoon when he saw the horse behind Mu Wan Yao. He thought about that horse, trying hard to remove Mu Wan Yao from the same mental image.
Yan Shang thought to himself that it seemed he would have to visit the Ministry of War tomorrow to ask someone.
Having clarified what he needed to do next, Yan Shang's restlessness finally eased somewhat. Watching Wei Shu write his memorial, he asked, "Is Ju Yuan planning to impeach someone?"
As a Censorate Inspector, Wei Shu had the duty to impeach officials at will without bearing responsibility.
From what Yan Shang knew, Wei Shu had offended quite a few people in the court. He truly worried for him.
Wei Shu gave an "mm" of acknowledgment, glanced at Yan Shang, and said somewhat sheepishly, "I'm planning to find ways to impeach all those ministers who hope Your Highness will go through with the Peace Marriage. Finding their faults is much easier than finding their merits."
A flicker passed through Yan Shang's eyes as he realized Wei Shu was also helping Mu Wan Yao within the scope of his duties.
Yet Yan Shang thought resentfully, what if Mu Wan Yao had actually become willing to leave with the Uman King while he and Wei Shu were so busy?
Wei Shu looked at him: "Second Brother Yan seems preoccupied."
Yan Shang smiled and said it was nothing, then added, "Tomorrow I'll take Ju Yuan to dine with several officials."
Wei Shu looked puzzled at first, but when he saw Yan Shang staring at the memorial he was writing, he suddenly understood - Yan Shang thought he had offended too many court ministers and wanted to help him navigate social situations to avoid future career difficulties.
Wei Shu was grateful for Yan Shang's help, but the thought of dining with a group of people he disliked... Wei Shu said, "That won't be necessary."
How perceptive Yan Shang was - he immediately said gently, "Don't worry, Ju Yuan. I'll do the talking at the banquet. You just need to follow behind me. I guarantee you won't have to speak more than ten sentences all evening."
Wei Shu raised an eyebrow: "Second Brother Yan is quite confident."
Yan Shang smiled. He thought to himself that indeed, when he didn't concern himself with Mu Wan Yao's affairs, his thoughts remained clear—
After parting from Mu Wan Yao, Meng Zaishi, King of Wuman, secretly met with Prince Qin.
Prince Qin had prepared a banquet at his residence, ostensibly inviting several ministers, but privately had Meng Zaishi enter the inner quarters.
Meng Zaishi sat down with imposing presence, his tall frame stretching out like a powerful leopard - casual yet alert, watching with an amused smile as Prince Qin closed the door and sat opposite him. Though completely relaxed, he maintained the sharp awareness of someone ready to spring up and kill at any moment.Prince Qin said, "When the Black Barbarians were at war with Great Wei previously, the Ministry of War was not under my jurisdiction, and the Black Barbarians were not Your Majesty's territory either. Thus, although the Ministry of War and the Black Barbarians were at odds, neither you nor I were involved. This shows that there is still potential for negotiation and cooperation between us."
Meng Zaishi chuckled nonchalantly, "Naturally. My Black Barbarians and Great Wei are already in a cooperative relationship. I wholeheartedly support peace and do not wish for our two nations to go to war. As soon as I became king, I personally came to Great Wei. I thought I had made my desire for peace quite clear."
Prince Qin inwardly cursed the other's cunning, noting how flawlessly he had phrased his words.
He spoke of cooperating with Great Wei, not with Prince Qin.
Prince Qin then engaged in idle chatter, asking about the customs of the Black Barbarians, Meng Zaishi's views on Great Wei, and whether he liked Chang'an. Meng Zaishi also put on a show, exchanging pleasantries with Prince Qin as if they were having a lively conversation.
Ultimately, Prince Qin's skill fell short. While Meng Zaishi was still enthusiastically describing how the streets of Chang'an fascinated him, Prince Qin, gripping his wine cup, grew increasingly stiff-faced.
"Enough!" Prince Qin interrupted coldly.
Meng Zaishi feigned surprise, "Your Highness seems angry? Were we not having a pleasant conversation?"
After taking three deep breaths, Prince Qin looked at this Uman King, secretly astonished. He had not expected the other to speak the language of Great Wei so fluently, nor had he anticipated that the ruler of a small barbarian state could be so unreadable... But while Meng Zaishi was in no hurry, Prince Qin was growing anxious.
Prince Qin stated his true purpose: "I wish to cooperate with you, hoping Your Majesty will take Danyang Princess away. Her presence in Chang'an strengthens the Crown Prince's influence, which is not something I wish to see. As for you, you need Great Wei's culture and technology. By sending Danyang to the Black Barbarians, Great Wei will provide these to your people. Our cooperation serves both our interests."
Meng Zaishi lowered his eyelids, swirling the wine cup in his hand, and said leisurely, "Since Your Highness is so sincere, I can also be frank with you. Whether I seek to marry Danyang Princess or not is not of great importance to me. As you said, what I want is Great Wei's knowledge and technology... Even without Danyang Princess, I believe Great Wei would compensate me with these."
He raised his head, the prominent scar on his face like a venomous snake striking toward Prince Qin: "Tell me, why should I cooperate with Your Highness?"
Prince Qin sneered.
Prince Qin said, "The Black Barbarians are but a small state. As its king, staying in Chang'an... if Great Wei truly had any ill intentions, how could such a small state protect you?"
Meng Zaishi: "What, would you dare to kill me?"
Prince Qin laughed: "How could Great Wei kill the ruler of a neighboring state? Would that not disillusion the smaller nations that rely on Great Wei? However, if we were to invite Your Majesty to extend your stay in Chang'an for a few more days, given Great Wei's hospitality, you would find it hard to refuse, would you not? And if Your Majesty stays in Great Wei a little longer, the situation of the Black Barbarians among the Southern Barbarians might undergo some changes."
At these words, Meng Zaishi's face abruptly turned cold, his gaze sharp as a blade. In that instant, Prince Qin felt a chilling aura surge toward him, as if the man wanted to leap up violently... Prince Qin gripped the sword at his waist, but then saw Meng Zaishi rein in his aggression and resume his indifferent smile.
Meng Zaishi sighed, "You people of Great Wei are truly cunning."
Prince Qin said, "In that case, are you willing to cooperate with me? At the very least, as the head of the Ministry of War, I can ensure Your Majesty's safe departure from Chang'an."Meng Zaishi remained silent for a moment before saying, "Cooperation is possible. But first, I need a 'Pledge of Allegiance.'"
Prince Qin was surprised. "You even know about 'Pledge of Allegiance'... Very well, what do you want me to do for you?"
Meng Zaishi said casually, "It's not too troublesome. A couple of days ago, I saw one of your Great Wei officials named 'Yan Shang.' I suspect he might be an old acquaintance of mine. That old acquaintance was named Yan Shisheng. I heard that Prince Qin oversees the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Personnel manages that talent selection examination of yours in Great Wei. Passing it qualifies one to become an official.
"Your examination must require various details about the candidates, right? I’d like Prince Qin to help me check whether that official named Yan Shang is actually Yan Shisheng."
Prince Qin stood up abruptly, his tone strange. "You said Yan Shang? Could it be Yan Erlang? Yan Suchen?"
Meng Zaishi looked up, thoughtful. "What, is this person famous?"
Prince Qin said, "Yan Erlang’s reputation, Yan Erlang’s charisma... Hah."
He gritted his teeth, still resentful over Yan Shang’s interference in his scheme to drive a wedge between Mu Wan Yao and the Crown Prince. After that incident, the scholars of Chang'an had elevated Yan Shang’s reputation to great heights. Prince Qin had been waiting for Yan Shang to make a mistake and drown in the scholars’ scorn.
Yet half a year had passed, and Prince Qin had not seen Yan Shang stumble.
Now... Prince Qin stared at Meng Zaishi and suddenly smiled. "You’re asking about Yan Erlang—surely you have a grudge against him, don’t you? But I don’t really care... The Ministry of Personnel does have records of all the candidates, though they’re not easy to access. Still, since we’re cooperating, I’ll naturally find a way to help you, Great King.
"Please await good news."
Meng Zaishi nodded.
He lowered his eyelids, gazing at the wine cup in his hand. His thoughts drifted to Yan Shang at the Court of State Ceremonial, then to the dimly lit night where Mu Wan Yao clung to Yan Shang’s arm, laughing so joyfully, and finally to the first time he’d heard the name Yan Shisheng—how Yan Shisheng’s strategy had sparked a war...
A cruel smile flickered in Meng Zaishi’s eyes.
A grudge?
If Yan Shang was indeed Yan Shisheng, the enmity between them ran deep—
Mu Wan Yao hadn’t expected her luck to be so poor. The first time she went to the Barbarian Market with Meng Zaishi, she ran into Yan Shang.
She immediately hid.
Later that evening, she lingered at the Crown Prince’s palace until very late before returning to her residence. Mu Wan Yao asked the gatekeeper of the opposite mansion, "Has your lord not returned yet?"
The servant replied, "The lord returned but left again. He said he was discussing official matters with Young Master Wei the Seventh and wouldn’t be back tonight."
The servant noticed the noble princess across the way relax slightly, as if relieved.
Before the servant could observe further, Mu Wan Yao had already turned and entered her mansion.
Mu Wan Yao thought to herself that she had managed to avoid him tonight.
Yet she remained uneasy, fearing that while she might evade today, she might not escape tomorrow. If she ran into Yan Shang tomorrow, what should she do?
She silently scolded herself for her lack of composure—why had she run? If she hadn’t fled, given Yan Shang’s tolerant and magnanimous nature, he might not have thought much of it. But by hiding, she had only drawn more attention to herself, and Yan Shang would surely notice something was amiss.
Distraught and unsettled, she spent the day in such turmoil.The next day was again spent dealing with various envoys. In the afternoon, she didn't dare go to the West Market with Meng Zaishi and only exchanged casual conversation within the palace. Meng Zaishi noticed her distracted state but pretended not to. After all, he wasn't in Great Wei solely for her—he also had to negotiate alliance terms with Great Wei alongside other nations, so he was naturally busy as well.
When Mu Wan Yao returned to her residence at dusk, she asked across the street: "Is Yan Xiao Er at his residence?"
The servant answered honestly: "Erlang hasn't returned."
Mu Wan Yao felt relieved as she entered her residence, but as night gradually fell, her maid Xiarong—who had made several trips outside—informed her that Yan Shang still hadn't returned. Restlessness began to stir within Mu Wan Yao, accompanied by endless guilt and growing anxiety.
Was he staying away due to official business, or was he angry with her and avoiding her? But Yan Shang had such a gentle temperament—while others might get angry, how could he?
Or were the servants lying to her?
The inner quarters of the Princess Residence contained a three-story pavilion. Before she and Yan Shang had cleared the air, Mu Wan Yao would often sit there observing the lights from the opposite residence, using them to determine whether Yan Shang had returned home and whether he was again studying late into the night. However, ever since that snowy night when Yan Shang had noticed the light in her pavilion, Mu Wan Yao hadn't sat there watching for him in a long time.
Tonight, driven by suspicion, Mu Wan Yao once again ascended to the third-floor pavilion to check if lights were lit across the way.
Only a few scattered points of light flickered opposite—dim and utterly dark. Clearly, the master of the house hadn't returned, and no lamps were lit in his residence.
Mu Wan Yao's heart sank immediately, and her panic intensified.
Gritting her teeth, she fretted inwardly: if he was truly angry, what should she do—
Yan Shang didn't return all night. When Mu Wan Yao woke the next day and received Xiarong's report, she lay face down on her bed, utterly dejected.
Heavens.
Yan Xiao Er hadn't returned to his residence for two consecutive days—he must really be angry, right?
She had only... run off for a little while. How could he be this upset?
Listlessly, Mu Wan Yao waited for her maids to help her up and prepare her for the day before heading out for social engagements. By the time she returned to her residence, evening had fallen once more.
Now, every time Mu Wan Yao returned to her own residence, she was filled with inner conflict and torment. When Fang Tong announced their arrival from outside the carriage, Mu Wan Yao hesitated inside for a while longer before finally alighting.
Standing at her own residence's entrance, she asked coldly toward the opposite side: "Is Yan Shang home?"
The servant across the street stammered: "Although Erlang isn't in the residence... Erlang has returned."
Mu Wan Yao: "..."
Everyone saw the Danyang Princess's enchanting eyes widen suddenly, revealing a flash of panic. She nearly jumped as if startled, yet struggled to maintain composure through her cultivated dignity. Under everyone's astonished gazes, they watched Mu Wan Yao give a very casual "Oh" before turning to ascend the steps back into her own residence.
The servant boy at the opposite residence's entrance watched in confusion.
Little did they know that once Mu Wan Yao passed through her residence's main gate, she somewhat furtively turned around immediately, pressed against the door, and secretly observed the entrance behind the stone lions across the street. Fang Tong and the others found themselves strangely blocked outside by the princess, watching as Mu Wan Yao peered through the door for a long while before patting her chest in relief.
Mu Wan Yao thought with relief: Fortunately, she had hidden quickly. Otherwise, if Yan Shang suddenly emerged while they were speaking, what would she have done?
Hmm, she needed to think it over... and consider how to meet him properly.
Just as Mu Wan Yao was patting her chest to encourage herself, unexpectedly, someone poked her from behind.
Mu Wan Yao: "Don't bother me!"The person poked her back again.
Mu Wan Yao was already irritated, and immediately turned around in a fury, ready to scold the thoughtless servant. But as she turned, she saw an elegant, jade-like young man tilting his head to look at her, his eyes as calm as a deep lake. He gazed at her and reached out his hand.
Startled, Mu Wan Yao retreated two steps, stepped on the hem of her skirt, and got tangled in her silk shawl. Yan Shang stepped forward, extending an arm to block her back, and with a push, she lost her balance and uncontrollably leaned forward, crashing right into his embrace.
"Ah!" she cried out in frustration, her nose aching from the impact.
Before Yan Shang could speak, Mu Wan Yao justified herself indignantly, "Why are you hiding by the door to scare people? My nose is about to bleed from your bump!"
Yan Shang held her shoulders, looking down to examine her, and asked her to move her hand so he could check her nose.
Worried, he furrowed his brows, but she kept covering her nose and refused, beginning to squirm awkwardly. As he showed concern, he suddenly noticed her secretly peeking at him with one eye, her pupils darting around. When she met his lowered gaze, she quickly averted her eyes and started complaining again, "It's all your fault!"
Yan Shang: "..."
To make it easier to deal with the envoys, Mu Wan Yao hadn't dressed as extravagantly as usual. She wore only a begonia-red long skirt with a lotus-colored light shawl, her hair loosely tied up. Holding her nose and lifting her face, the bangs in front of her hair were blown askew and fluttering.
She looked charming and delicate, like the first dewdrop of the morning—fresh and sparkling—or like a naive, approachable girl next door.
But Yan Shang thought to himself: What kind of approachable girl next door is this?
Clearly, she's a tormenting little troublemaker!
Realizing her nose was perfectly fine, Yan Shang let go of her, his expression slightly cool. As soon as he released her, Mu Wan Yao sidled up to wrap her arms around his waist, hugging him and acting coquettishly: "What's wrong with you? You bumped my nose and won't even apologize. Fine, fine, I'm good-tempered, so I forgive you. You should be as magnanimous as me, you know?"
Her words were clearly loaded with implication.
Yan Shang said, "The one with the bad temper is accusing me of having a bad temper."
His voice was clear and gentle, spoken very softly. Just hearing it made Mu Wan Yao's heart skip a beat. It had only been three days since they last met, yet she already missed him a little. She looked up at him, studying his expression. Yan Shang pursed his lips and said, "I really have been busy with official duties. I heard you kept asking if I 'had returned'?"
Mu Wan Yao pouted, "Yes."
Yan Shang's expression softened slightly; seeing that she still cared about him made him a bit happy. But he was very restrained even in his happiness, so he didn't show it, only reminding himself not to let his guard down and be led by her.
He was always helpless against Mu Wan Yao. Whenever she got excited, he would inexplicably get drawn in by her dramatics and forget his original intentions.
He had been unhappy for two days outside, constantly magnifying the look he saw Meng Zaishi give her that day. The more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable and upset he felt. He really needed to resolve this matter... He couldn't let Mu Wan Yao muddle through it vaguely.
Yan Shang said, "Shall we go inside to talk?"
Mu Wan Yao: "What's wrong with taking a walk outside and chatting as we go? Isn't that nice?"
Yan Shang said gently, "I'm afraid there's a lot to say, and it might not be convenient."
Mu Wan Yao: ...Just how much does he have to settle with me?Mu Wan Yao pushed him away with a scoff, "You've really become bold now! How dare you enter my bedchamber in broad daylight—aren't you afraid of damaging your reputation if word gets out?"
Yan Shang froze, his cheeks flushing, yet he insisted, "It's not as if I haven't done so before... As long as my conscience is clear, why shouldn't I speak with Your Highness in your room during the day? My conscience is clear—I wonder if the same can be said for Your Highness."
Mu Wan Yao: "..."
For a moment, she felt a surge of timidity and almost wanted to flee through the door. But meeting Yan Shang's gaze, Mu Wan Yao simply smiled faintly, as if she were entirely justified and unafraid of his scrutiny.
However, as she turned her back to lead the way, her expression fell—what should she do?—
Closing the door and dismissing the servants, Mu Wan Yao sat down and poured herself a cup of tea.
Yan Shang leaned against the door, watching her for a moment before walking over. He didn’t sit but stood ten steps away, the better to observe every nuance of her expression. Mu Wan Yao let him look as he pleased and even cast him a charming, flirtatious glance.
He froze, blushed, and averted his gaze.
Then he looked back: "That man from the Court of State Ceremonial earlier wasn’t just a general of the Black Barbarians—he was the Uman King, wasn’t he?"
Mu Wan Yao thought to herself, He’s not just the Uman King—on the very night he arrived in Chang’an, he even shot an arrow to deliver a clay figurine to me.
Resting her chin in her hand, she replied listlessly, "Mm."
Yan Shang paused, then said, "Earlier, when you said you and he weren’t former lovers, you were lying to me, weren’t you?"
Mu Wan Yao hastily set down her teacup, widened her eyes, and earnestly denied it: "Absolutely not! He was the one pestering me... I never had feelings for him. Second Brother Yan, you have to believe me."
Yan Shang said, "How can I believe you? If there’s nothing between you, why did you run away when you saw me that day?"
Mu Wan Yao: "...I was afraid you’d be jealous. See, aren’t you jealous right now?"
Yan Shang pressed his lips together.
He said, "I wasn’t originally... It’s all because of you."
It was all her doing—making his heart restless, causing him to ponder endlessly, tossing and turning, unable to sleep at night!
Mu Wan Yao looked at him, bewildered and uncomprehending. He abruptly turned his face away, seemingly quite vexed, though it was unclear whether his frustration was directed at her or himself.
Yan Shang turned back to look at her and asked, "You’re clearly keeping many things from me. That day, you and the Uman King seemed very familiar. He leaned down to look at you, touched your face, and you didn’t even avoid him. That day, did he... did he... kiss you?"
Mu Wan Yao found it ridiculous.
She said, "Of course not! We’re familiar because we knew each other before."
Yan Shang lowered his eyes: "Yet you admit he pestered you, and you still went strolling through the market with him."
Mu Wan Yao: "There was no other way. During the grand ceremony that day, I said they could court me. How could I not give them a chance?"
Yan Shang: "You said whoever won your heart, you would go with them in a Peace Marriage. But! Do you really want to leave? Do you really want to go through with a Peace Marriage? If you do this... what am I to do?"
Mu Wan Yao was stunned and looked up at him. A sliver of sunlight, clear and snow-like, streamed through the window lattice, falling upon Yan Shang’s furrowed brow. He kept his head down, not looking at her, as if lost in thought. He seemed entirely unaware that his words had shaken her, that his phrase "what am I to do" had stirred ripples in her heart.
Mu Wan Yao watched him for a long while. When he lifted his eyes to look at her again, he said, "You can’t do this. From what you’ve said, not only do you often stroll through the market with the Uman King, but you do the same with other envoys."
While he was busy, her days were so leisurely!
Mu Wan Yao murmured blankly, "Ah."
Yan Shang frowned and began to speak slowly and tactfully, advising her that she didn’t need to act this way. He said that Meng Zaishi was a Black barbarian and that his daily customs differed from hers. He understood that she had to navigate social circles and that she surely didn’t want a Peace Marriage. If that was the case, then she ought not to grow so close to the Uman King.Mu Wan Yao listened to him speak, initially nodding and humbly accepting his advice. But perhaps her agreeable attitude inadvertently encouraged Yan Shang, and he ended up saying even more.
He went on and on for a long time, telling her to be a bit more careful and not give others so many opportunities.
Mu Wan Yao grew impatient: "I know, I know! You're so annoying!"
Yan Shang was a bit angry.
But seeing her displeasure, he fell silent.
Once he stopped talking, Mu Wan Yao secretly glanced at him. She saw him with his head lowered, brows persistently furrowed, looking somewhat dejected.
The beautiful youth, pure as jade bamboo, was so troubled yet forcibly restraining himself, making Mu Wan Yao wonder if she had been a bit too harsh. For a moment, she actually felt a pang of pity for him, thinking that he had so many thoughts but kept them bottled up... Yet if she let him speak, she would only be lectured again.
Mu Wan Yao tentatively whispered: "Yan Shang?"
Yan Shang didn't respond.
Mu Wan Yao tried again: "Second Brother Yan?"
He remained with his head down, giving no reply.
Mu Wan Yao thought to herself, it seems he's genuinely a bit upset.
She stood up and walked over to Yan Shang. When Yan Shang looked up in surprise, Mu Wan Yao had already embraced him, tilting her face up to kiss the corner of his mouth. She was exceptionally passionate, her tongue agile. When he parted his lips, she invaded, making his heart suddenly pound fiercely twice.
He grabbed her shoulders, turning his face to avoid her, but she wouldn't let go.
Pushed by her, Yan Shang kept moving backward until she shoved him onto the bed. Falling into the bedding, the bed curtains were yanked down by Mu Wan Yao's hand, layer upon layer, blocking out all the light before them.
She knelt before his knees, on his wide sleeves, reaching out to hook his chin, continuously kissing him.
Yan Shang's breath began to grow ragged. Gripping her shoulders to push her away, his eyelashes fluttered, and when he spoke, his tone was urgent and slightly angry: "You're doing this again, using this move again... Do you think this will work? Can't you just talk to me properly... Mmm."
Mu Wan Yao ignored him, focusing on kissing him, her breath drifting downward, brushing over his flushed, taut neck, biting his Adam's apple.
His body stiffened, shuddering violently once.
Yan Shang was truly a bit angry now: "Mu Wan Yao!"
He said: "You're just taking advantage of me, taking advantage of..."
Mu Wan Yao giggled, finally speaking: "I'm just taking advantage of you not liking to get angry. But I'm really not bullying you; this time, it's to make it up to you."
She thought for a moment: "Actually, I really like seeing you in your official robes... but forget it this time."
Yan Shang propped himself up: "Then let me get up... Let's talk properly..."
Mu Wan Yao snorted a laugh, thinking, who wants to chat with you? When I let you calm down, you just spout a bunch of reasons, saying I'm not good here, not right there; only at times like this are you under my control.
Mu Wan Yao lifted her face from his slightly wrinkled collar, giving him a playful smile, then slid her body downward.
He frowned, looking at her in confusion, not knowing what she intended to do. But as his collar was pulled open and her breath brushed against his waist without stopping, he panicked again, pulling her back: "Mu Wan Yao!"
Mu Wan Yao glanced at his slightly sweaty face with a seductive look, laughing softly with a muffled voice—
Like ancient wood and green vines, growing peacefully underwater, unchanging for eternity.
Yet a cunning snake comes to disturb.
Entangling the green vines, forcing them to stretch their tendons. That mischievous snake is a troublemaker, specifically targeting others' weaknesses.
Baring sharp fangs, it opens its mouth and bites down.
Biting into the green vines.
As pleasurable as drinking human blood and flesh—Yan Shang involuntarily arched his waist upward, hearing Mu Wan Yao's teasing laughter. Such shame, such embarrassment—her boldness made his heart stop. He couldn't endure it, his fingers resting on the bed board, veins throbbing visibly. His slender fingers gripped the edge of the bed, turning almost white from the force.
Suddenly, he yanked Mu Wan Yao, pulling her up. Just as she sensed his agitation, he lifted her, pressed her down abruptly, and lowered his head to kiss her recklessly.
All was scorching heat, all was wildly pounding hearts.
Outside the canopy, the daylight was dim and hazy, the heavy curtains billowing and coiling endlessly.
He trembled violently, his emotions so unstable for the first time that Mu Wan Yao was nearly frightened. But before she could recall the terrifying memory of being pinned down by a man, his shoulders slumped, and he collapsed onto her, burying his face in her neck, his already disheveled hair brushing against her cheek.
He actually coughed twice, and when he lifted his face, the redness at the corners of his eyes had yet to fade.
Only then did he say, "You... are too much."
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