In the lush forest, Yan Shang drew his bow, aiming directly at Meng Zaishi below. The arrow's trajectory posed a clear threat to the Uman King.
Just three zhang away from Mu Wan Yao, who sat trapped in the muddy water, massive splashes erupted as Yang Si and Meng Zaishi engaged in close combat.
The early spring currents ran icy cold, and the forest winds of the southern mountains carried an exceptional chill.
As the three faced off, Meng Zaishi knelt in the pool, his injured waist colliding with nearby rocks while the sudden impact from the young man left his chest aching. Recognizing Yan Shang among the two unexpected arrivals, Meng Zaishi grew contemplative.
Rather than fear, this ignited his innate fighting spirit.
Coughing and laughing, Meng Zaishi taunted, "Yan Erlang, has it only been two days? Do you miss me so much? Ha, seeing you here instead of the Princess Residence guards... it seems they've been detained after all."
Yan Shang stood on higher ground, his voice calm. "Uman King, if you cease now, we may still negotiate."
Meng Zaishi sneered, "Cease?"
His gaze snapped to Mu Wan Yao sitting in the water, her gloomy, clear eyes fixed on him. Bound at the wrists by his belt, her sleeves torn and disheveled, she appeared like a blossom amid the swirling yellow and crimson currents—a sight that stirred destructive desires in men.
Staring at Mu Wan Yao, he mocked, "Why not ask Danyang Princess if she wishes to spare me?"
Before Mu Wan Yao could retort with her sharp tongue, Meng Zaishi turned to the youth before him. Wiping blood from his mouth, he sighed with a laugh, "Young man, impressive skills. But you can't kill me yet—try again in a few years. May I know your name? Consider carefully: helping Danyang Princess now means nothing. That woman turns on allies without remorse. Even if you alter her fate, she'll still seek your death..."
Mu Wan Yao cut in sharply, "Why involve others? Leave innocents out of this! And don't flatter yourself—speaking of our cooperation so ambiguously! It was mutual consent then, and it's mutual enmity now! I want you dead, and no amount of sowing discord will change that... Before the Emperor himself, my answer remains the same!"
Yang Si interjected, "Enough!"
His gaze, deep as a still river, focused solely on Meng Zaishi. He stated coolly, "I am Yang Si, third son of the Chang'an branch of the Hongnong Yang clan! Uman King, today I intend to kill you. Should I fail, seek your revenge on me alone—spare the innocent!"
Meng Zaishi praised, "Yang Sanlang, is it? Admirable spirit!"
Without warning, he threw a punch that sent towering waves crashing. Yang Si twisted sideways, evading the blow while maintaining his stance. Arching backward in an extreme posture, he drew a horizontal blade from his waist, swinging it toward Meng Zaishi as the latter surged upward.
Meng Zaishi roared, "Superb skill! So Great Wei still breeds such talent!"
He met the blade barehanded.Both men possessed formidable martial prowess, and within a few exchanges, they burst out of the water. Spray shot three or four zhang high as they engaged in close combat. Meng Zaishi, who had refrained from using his blade until now, finally drew it. In mid-air, their weapons collided with a resounding "clang," shaking the trees so violently that leaves cascaded down in a rustling shower.
Their battle was intense and unrestrained, leaving onlookers dazzled and bewildered!
Even amidst the fierce fight, both Meng Zaishi and Yang Si spared a fraction of their attention for Mu Wan Yao. Meng Zaishi, already wounded, noticed her struggling to rise from the water and saw her strange, upturned gaze fixed on them. His heart sank at the sight.
That look in her eyes... her resentment was bleeding.
For a moment, he began to doubt all his memories. He wondered if the Mu Wan Yao in his memory was an illusion, and the one before him now was the reality. All the beautiful past they shared might have been his own wishful thinking. Mu Wan Yao had only ever used him, with no trace of genuine affection...
A sharp pain stabbed through his heart.
"Pfft—" Distracted, he found no mercy from his opponent. Seizing the opportunity, Yang Si swung his blade with a gust of inner-force-laden wind. Meng Zaishi was struck squarely in the chest and sent flying through the air, crashing into the thickest tree.
The ancient tree shuddered violently!
Sliding down the trunk, Meng Zaishi saw Yang Si closing in again. Gripping his blade, he forced himself to stand, trembling but resolute: He must not lose!
He could not die here!
He refused to let Mu Wan Yao see his death and feel relieved, to witness her joy at his demise...
His subordinates were still in Great Wei, the issues with the Black Barbarians and Southern Barbarians remained unresolved, the Black Barbarians had yet to develop and strengthen, their forces were not unified... With ambitions unfulfilled, how dare he seek death?!
His long hair disheveled, his martial robe torn and tattered, the scent of blood permeating the air, Meng Zaishi threw his head back and roared, "Exhilarating!"
He immediately spun his blade and charged forward to meet the attack, his heroic spirit soaring to the heavens!—
With Yang Si drawing Meng Zaishi away, Mu Wan Yao stumbled and struggled to climb out of the water.
The next moment, Yan Shang descended from the high slope above and waded directly into the water. Expressionless, Mu Wan Yao watched as Yan Shang placed his bow and arrows by the poolside and stood in the rushing current, bending down to untie the cloth binding her wrists.
Her gaze remained fixed on the distant battle, while Yan Shang looked down at her red, chafed wrists.
He glanced up at her, then removed his outer robe and wrapped it around her drenched and disheveled clothing, which Meng Zaishi had torn open. Unbeknownst to him, this considerate gesture trampled directly on Mu Wan Yao's dignity, causing her to explode with fury.
Mu Wan Yao glared at him angrily. "Why are you here? Did you hear everything I said to Meng Zaishi?"
Yan Shang's eyelashes fluttered slightly as he carefully chose his words to avoid provoking her. "...Third Brother and I rushed to rescue you. Thankfully, his martial skills are exceptional. I only overheard a little of your conversation..."
Mu Wan Yao sneered, "Yet from a single glimpse, one can grasp the whole picture! Who would dare underestimate the wisdom of Yan Erlang?"
Yan Shang's eyes narrowed faintly.
He gently moved to embrace her shoulders, saying, "Others will arrive soon. Let's leave this place first..."
The moment his hand touched her shoulder, she flinched and dodged his fingers, stumbling over a rock in the pool in her haste to avoid him. Yan Shang's heart ached at the sight, but he dared not approach her again.Her current state was utterly drenched, long hair plastered coldly against her face, clinging like seaweed over the clean men's robe he had draped over her. She had never been like this before... so disheveled, fierce in appearance but weak within.
Mu Wan Yao snapped sharply: "Leave? Why should we leave? Why miss such a perfect chance to kill? Where are the men? Didn't you and Yang San bring anyone? Are there only the two of you? Bring everyone here and kill Meng Zaishi!"
Stumbling through the water as she moved toward the shore, Yan Shang followed about three steps behind, worried she might fall, and replied: "A troop of soldiers has arrived. The guards from the Princess Residence can't handle them, so Yang Sanlang's men stayed behind to assist... Your Highness, let's leave quickly."
He almost pleaded with her: "We can discuss what comes later."
Mu Wan Yao paid no heed, turning back to look at Yan Shang and urging him to pick up his bow: "So it's Third Brother's men who came, huh? They follow closely indeed. Since those men are held up, aren't you a person? Go, take your bow and arrows and kill Meng Zaishi for me!"
Yan Shang froze for a moment.
Mu Wan Yao immediately retorted: "You won't go, is that it? If you won't go, I'll go myself!"
As they struggled, they reached the edge of the pond, about to step ashore. Mu Wan Yao bent down to grab the bow and arrows Yan Shang had left by the water, lowering her head to nock an arrow. Unable to stand it any longer, Yan Shang stepped forward, grabbed her wrist, and said with some severity: "Stop this nonsense, come with me!"
"Slap—" Her hand smacked his away.
Mu Wan Yao turned to face him, lifting her head to meet his gaze. Her eyes glistened, her voice trembling: "Finally couldn't hold back, could you? Think I don't know what's important, right? You heard it all, didn't you? You heard everything, didn't you?!"
Yan Shang's tone tightened: "Even if I heard... so what?"
She looked at him with a cold laugh: "So you pity me now, is that it? I don't need your cheap sympathy! Why pity me? Is this my shame? This is the shame of all of you! You men, all you care about is the greater picture, the grand cause. You tell me to understand what's important, to maneuver left and right... serving both father and son, in your eyes, that's normal too, isn't it?"
Yan Shang gritted his teeth: "I never thought—"
Mu Wan Yao interrupted hoarsely: "Of course it's normal! It's just a princess, exchanged for peace between two nations. What's so bad about that in the eyes of you men? Who will remember my sacrifice? Who will care about my sacrifice?"
Yan Shang: "You could have asked Great Wei for help—"
Mu Wan Yao cut in sharply: "When the new Uman King wanted me as his consort, I asked the border troops of Great Wei for help! The reply from Great Wei was: 'Your Highness, please prioritize the greater situation.'"
She let out a bitter laugh: "It's me who doesn't know what's important! It's me who asks for too much! Knowing full well that the Emperor only has eyes for the realm, and the Empress is gravely ill and unable to handle state affairs, the two of them fighting to the death... who would care about someone like me, married off to a distant land!"
Gazing into the void, watching the figures of Meng Zaishi and Yang Si still locked in combat, the leaves rustling as they fell, the wind seemed to grow colder.
Mu Wan Yao looked at Yan Shang, her expression sorrowful, the lake's shimmer in her eyes on the verge of collapsing.
Her frail, slender body swayed lightly in the wind as she demanded: "Must a beauty since ancient times only be seized by others?!"
Yan Shang stared at her in a daze, the empathy and pain in his eyes... such gentleness felt almost like forcing Mu Wan Yao to witness her own scars.
Such gentleness was, in fact, somewhat cruel.Mu Wan Yao abruptly turned her face away, unwilling to look into his eyes any longer, unwilling to decipher his emotions or see through her own accumulated scars reflected in them.
She murmured to herself, "It doesn't matter. No one in this world will protect me, so I'll protect myself. I don't need any of you."
Behind her, the water current quickened, and the roar of the waterfall grew louder.
Suddenly, as she was about to step ashore, her body stiffened—she was embraced from behind.
She struggled, but Yan Shang did not release her as he usually would at her slightest resistance. He held her tightly. Mu Wan Yao cried out sharply, "Let go! Let go!"
Yan Shang pressed his cold cheek against hers, holding her firmly from behind, and whispered, "How can you say no one in this world will protect you?"
Mu Wan Yao shouted, "Are you going to lecture me again? I don't want to hear it. Let me go. If you won't act, I'll kill Meng Zaishi myself!"
Yan Shang said, "I will protect you!"
Mu Wan Yao froze, ceasing her struggles. Held in his embrace, she tilted her head slightly to look at him.
He lowered his gaze. "As long as I live, I will protect you for a lifetime."
He released his arms from around her, took two steps through the water, and retrieved the bow and arrows he had earlier placed on the shore. Stringing the bow, he placed it in Mu Wan Yao's hands.
Firmly, the two stood in the pond, the splashing waterfall drenching them both. Yan Shang's hand guided Mu Wan Yao's, helping her grip the bow.
He declared, word by word, "Since ancient times, no one can take away a beauty's resolve!"
He continued, "I still oppose your killing the Uman King. However, you must eventually move beyond the past, beyond the shadows—"
The next moment, standing behind her, he guided her to draw the bow, aiming directly at the fight above. Calmly watching the battle overhead, the wind blew open, brushing against her cheeks and his serene eyes.
Yan Shang called out loudly, "Third Brother—"
Twang—
The arrow flew!
The mid-air fight froze. Though it was Yang Si's first time cooperating with Yan Shang, their collaboration had grown seamless since Yan Shang shot his arrow and Yang Si dismounted. Now, with just one call of "Third Brother," Yang Si immediately twisted and retreated.
A black arrow shot from the bow in Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang's hands, soaring into the sky—
Tears welled in Mu Wan Yao's eyes, falling drop by drop. They streamed down her cheeks, unceasing for a long while—
Meng Zaishi instantly retreated mid-air, but the arrow anticipated his escape route, and with Yang Si blocking him from the side, there was no time to evade. In that split second, Meng Zaishi could only desperately twist his shoulder aside, but the arrow pierced his chest.
Though it missed a vital spot, the arrow caused Meng Zaishi to cough up violent blood, and he plummeted from the sky.
With the enemy weakened, Yang Si stepped forward to deliver a finishing blow, but the sound of iron hooves arrived just in time.
A commander shouted, "Halt! Who dares to kill here…"
Yang Si paid no heed to the command. His blade was about to strike Meng Zaishi when a small dagger flew toward his vitals from behind. Forced to dodge, Yang Si had to step aside, and in that moment, he saw themselves surrounded by the thunder of hooves—the Great Wei army had arrived.
Immediately, two soldiers dismounted, seizing Yang Si's arms from left and right, preventing him from acting further.
Two others dismounted and hauled up Meng Zaishi, who lay sprawled on the ground, laughing maniacally. The commander dismounted and cupped his hands toward Meng Zaishi. "Your Majesty, forgive us. We came under Prince Qin's orders to assist, but we arrived a step too late, allowing you to be injured."Meng Zaishi, with an arrow piercing his chest, was in such agony that cold sweat drenched his forehead, rendering him speechless. Yet he continued to cough up blood while laughing, his gaze fixed on Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang, who were similarly surrounded.
But after all, this was Danyang Princess.
Even surrounded, no one dared lay a hand on those two.
Seeing Meng Zaishi drenched in sweat, the general hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, please come with us quickly to tend to your wounds."
Meng Zaishi: "What about them—"
The general: "We will certainly give Your Majesty an explanation!"
Meng Zaishi pointed a trembling finger at Yan Shang, clearly conveying "you just wait." His eyes swept past Mu Wan Yao standing beside Yan Shang, pausing briefly before looking away.
He had overheard Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang's earlier conversation...
Supported by guards, Meng Zaishi gritted his teeth and hoarsely called out to Mu Wan Yao: "With this arrow as repayment, could Your Highness's hatred for me diminish even slightly?"
Clad in Yan Shang's robe, Mu Wan Yao didn't even acknowledge him. With Yan Shang's arm around her shoulder, and after Yan Shang exchanged some words with the nearby guards, the soldiers actually made way, allowing Yan Shang to help Mu Wan Yao ashore.
From Meng Zaishi's perspective, he could only see Mu Wan Yao's pale profile, looking extremely fragile. Leaning weakly against Yan Shang, she was practically half-carried ashore, relying entirely on his support. She remained pressed against Yan Shang, her lashes lowered, completely ignoring everything happening behind her.
The air grew cold and tense.
Meng Zaishi laughed self-mockingly, realizing she truly hated him to this extent.
A woman hating him so deeply... meant their connection had essentially reached its end.
Even for Meng Zaishi, who had emerged from bloodshed and survived countless battles, he couldn't help feeling chilled, wondering if he should just let it be. She wasn't someone he absolutely had to possess, and he didn't want her to hate him the way she hated his father.
The general finally persuaded the dejected Uman King to leave.
Turning back, the general wiped his sweat and prepared to steel himself to question Danyang Princess about what had actually happened—
But he didn't find Mu Wan Yao.
Yan Shang had helped Mu Wan Yao onto a horse, and it was he who came to communicate with the general.
Yan Shang bowed to the general. Though missing his outer robe, Yan Erlang remained refined and courteous. After stating his official position, the general, upon hearing he was the renowned "Yan Erlang," returned the courtesy respectfully.
Yan Shang said, "General, were you sent by Prince Qin? Please hear me out. Regarding today's incident at South Mountain, let it be described as hunting-related, with the Princess and Uman King merely exchanging heated words after a quarrel. Under no circumstances mention drawn blades, killing, or injury."
The general replied, "But Prince Qin's orders were different."
Yan Shang responded gently, "I can guess what Prince Qin would say. His Highness undoubtedly hopes today's incident escalates, forcing the Princess to comply with the Peace Marriage. However, General, consider this: what if the outcome isn't as expected? If the Princess doesn't go through with the marriage, she will certainly hold you accountable for pressuring her today.
"I suspect Prince Qin's orders weren't very detailed, were they? Because His Highness wouldn't dare specify details, fearing it might leave evidence. If even Prince Qin fears leaving evidence, should you, General, be the one to handle this matter that offends people? Furthermore, even if the Princess does proceed with the marriage because of this, do you think the Crown Prince would let you off, or would the Yang family spare you?"The general shuddered and abruptly looked toward Yang Si, who had already risen on the other side. Though flanked by two soldiers, Yang Si stared back at him with icy intensity.
Yang Si’s robes were stained with blood, yet his gaze remained piercingly cold. These scions of prominent Chang’an aristocratic families, even if detained now, would inevitably be released later… Offending Yang Sanlang was unwise.
The general smiled bitterly, finally realizing how tricky this assignment was.
Facing Yan Shang, his tone softened involuntarily, and he proactively sought advice: “In your opinion, sir, how should I handle this matter? Please enlighten me!”
Yan Shang replied gently: “Seal off South Mountain, escort all envoys back, and ensure no one speaks of this. When reporting to Prince Qin later, you may state the truth plainly. As long as this incident isn’t widely publicized or known throughout Chang’an, the private negotiations between Prince Qin, the Uman King, the Crown Prince, and even the Secretariat will remain manageable.
“Prince Qin will not blame you. Nor will other factions hold you accountable.
“So long as you… suppress today’s events entirely, leaving no trace.”
After brief consideration, the general concluded this approach would indeed absolve him. Let the powerful resolve the conflict between the princess and the Uman King themselves… He clasped his hands: “Many thanks, Erlang! If this concludes smoothly, I must invite you for a drink when opportunity arises!”
Yan Shang smiled mildly in return: “I do not drink, but tea would suffice.”
Uncertain whether this was genuine, the general said no more and departed to execute his duties.
Yan Shang rubbed his temples, pondering: This matter must be resolved with utmost discretion.
Everyone assumed the Peace Marriage was a matter of state negotiation. Great Wei had been mired in internal debate, but Yan Shang now wondered—if Meng Zaishi withdrew his willingness for the marriage, wouldn’t that resolve everything?
After today’s events… Yan Shang began devising ways to compensate Meng Zaishi and persuade him to relent.
A cold sensation touched his forehead.
Looking up, Yan Shang realized it had begun to snow—
A drizzling spring snow fell at dusk.
In the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince was reviewing official documents when a eunuch entered and whispered in his ear. The Crown Prince’s face paled instantly. He sprang to his feet, not even pausing for shoes, and strode out to wrench open the hall doors.
There, in the courtyard beneath the corridor, knelt Yang Si.
Yang Si knelt on the ground, clad in narrow-sleeved black robes, the scent of blood thick in the air. In the dimming light, lanterns from the corridor cast their glow upon him. When Yang Si lifted his head, the Crown Prince’s eyes contracted sharply at the sight of blood smeared across the young man’s face.
The Crown Prince stood rigid, finally gritting out: “Who did you kill?!”
Yang Si: “No one.”
The Crown Prince exhaled slightly, only to hear Yang Si continue: “Nearly killed the Uman King. Yan Suchen also took action.”
The Crown Prince: “The Uman King lives?”
Yang Si’s “Mm” made the Crown Prince retreat two steps, gasping for breath.
Furious, the Crown Prince spat: “You bring nothing but trouble! Not a single day of peace!”
Yang Si hung his head.
Regaining composure, the Crown Prince descended the steps, snatched a whip from a guard, and lashed Yang Si once. Yang Si neither dodged nor flinched, enduring the strike steadily. The whip cracked through the air, making the maids under the corridor tremble.The Crown Prince roared, "You bastard! Have you gone mad? Did you even consider the consequences when you took a life? Acting on impulse for momentary satisfaction—did you spare a thought for what would come after?"
He kicked Yang Si to the ground.
The Crown Prince snarled, "Kneel back up!"
Gritting his teeth, Yang Si spat out the blood in his mouth and resumed kneeling. Another whip crack followed. Yang San lowered his head steadily to endure it, allowing the lash to knock off his hair crown, leaving his long hair disheveled.
No one in the courtyard dared to plead for mercy. With a frosty expression, the Crown Prince continued to beat, curse, and kick Yang Sanlang. Only after venting his rage for a full cup of tea’s time did he finally stop.
Afterward, the Crown Prince, panting, handed the blood-stained whip to the guard behind him and looked down at Yang Si. His gaze was icy, his cheek muscles taut. After fuming for a moment, he sighed and helped Yang Si up.
Yang Si endured the pain, grinned, and looked up with a smile: "Just minor injuries, I'm fine."
He knew this meant he had passed the test.
The Crown Prince stared at the blood on his face for a long while, his expression stern: "How dare you laugh! That Uman King—killing him would be troublesome, but letting him live is also troublesome... Still, since you didn’t kill him, there’s room to maneuver. It’s fine... I can handle it."
The Crown Prince fixed his eyes on him: "Was it because of Sixth Sister?... Hah, I knew it."
Yang Si lowered his head and remained silent for a while: "Did I cause you trouble again?"
The Crown Prince said coldly: "Are you willing to apologize and admit your mistake to the Uman King?"
Yang Si sneered: "Of course not! Even if you beat me to death today, I won’t apologize!"
The Crown Prince roared: "Stubborn mule!"
But in truth, the Crown Prince had never held out hope.
Having already vented his anger, the Crown Prince’s tone turned desolate: "You just returned to Chang’an and already caused trouble... What do you think? You might as well not have come back! Fine, if you won’t bow, then don’t. Since Yan Suchen was involved in this... if even someone like him took action, your problem isn’t that serious anymore... Tell me exactly what happened."
He pushed Yang Si into the hall, patting him twice on the back. Seeing no reaction from Yang Si, the Crown Prince confirmed he wasn’t seriously injured. Slightly relieved, he sighed: "Go wash off all this blood and change your clothes."
Yang Si: "Mm."
As he was about to leave the hall, he glanced back at the Crown Prince, hesitated, and said: "I’m sorry."
The Crown Prince, lost in thought, looked up at the young man standing at the door and waved impatiently: "Copy calligraphy to apologize to me later. For now, get lost."
At Danyang Princess Residence.
After washing up, Mu Wan Yao was putting on makeup and dressing in formal attire when Yan Shang came to visit.
Upon entering her chamber and seeing her so solemnly dressed, Yan Shang was taken aback and said: "Your Highness, what are you planning?"
Mu Wan Yao sat before the dressing mirror and said coldly: "Meng Zaishi isn’t dead. I have to deal with the aftermath. I need to leave the residence."
Yan Shang said: "I will handle this matter, Your Highness... You’re already injured today and shouldn’t trouble yourself with these affairs. Such trivial matters are hardly worth Your Highness’s attention."
Mu Wan Yao remained seated motionless as her maids nervously styled her hair. Suddenly, she stood up, pulled out the hairpin the maid had just secured, and threw it onto the dressing table.
She tore off her earrings and jade bracelets, let her hair cascade loose, her face pale, and turned to leave without a word.
Judging by the direction she took, she was heading straight back to her bedchamber.
Seeing the maids standing anxiously, Yan Shang shook his head at them, soothing them softly and telling them not to worry.
Yan Shang said: "Take good care of Her Highness. I need to leave the residence to meet a few people."
The maids asked anxiously: "Will Erlang not stay?"
Yan Shang, preoccupied, shook his head.
However, after stepping outside and standing under the deepening twilight, Yan Shang watched the falling snow for a long time. He had already left the Princess Residence, and horses were prepared for him at the opposite mansion. Just as he was about to depart, he suddenly turned back and returned to the Princess Residence.
He went straight to Danyang Princess’s bedchamber—
The bedchamber was unlit and silent.Yan Shang knocked on the door from outside and had the maid announce him, but there was no response from within the room.
The door pushed open, and Yan Shang entered the chamber, closing it behind him. Carrying a lantern, he made his way toward the inner quarters.
Placing the lantern on the low table, he lifted the bed curtain and leaned over to look at the lump beneath the quilt.
He knew she was hiding under the covers.
Yan Shang sat at the edge of the bed, bent down, and embraced her through the quilt, holding her in his arms. As he held her through the bedding, he could hear her muffled, faint sobs from within.
His heart ached unbearably.
Yan Shang only tightened his embrace around the quilt, pretending not to hear her cries. He whispered softly, "It's all right. Nothing matters, Your Highness.
"Just please don't push me away, all right?"
OpenNovel