The events that unfolded on South Mountain during the day were handled by the general who intervened that evening amid light snowfall. He detained and interrogated members from both sides, summoned the envoys for reprimands, and even requested the imperial physician for the Uman King.
After completing these tasks, the general went to Prince Qin’s residence to report on the progress.
Since both Danyang Princess and the Uman King had departed, the only people the general could detain were the princess’s guards and the Uman King’s subordinates. However, reminded by Yan Erlang, the general understood that these individuals would eventually be released and thus dared not offend them, providing them with good food and accommodations.
Believing he had handled the matter well, the general went to report to Prince Qin with great satisfaction.
Prince Qin was drinking tea. As he listened to the general’s report, the veins on his forehead throbbed with anger. When he heard that Yan Shang and Danyang Princess had both left, he finally lost his temper and hurled the teacup in his hand.
Scalding hot water and tea stains splashed directly onto the general’s head.
Dazed by the tea leaves and hot water, the general looked up at Prince Qin’s grim expression and realized he had likely made a mistake, so he fell silent.
Prince Qin was so furious he nearly laughed. "You let Yan Er and Sixth Sister go? After such a major incident on South Mountain, you just let them leave? Who killed whom? Who struck first? Who shot the Uman King? The Uman King is currently injured by an arrow! And you let the person who shot him get away? Are you an idiot?"
The advisors seated on both sides shook their heads and sighed, casting disdainful glances at the general, thinking, "These martial types really lack brains."
One advisor hypocritically advised, "Your Highness, please calm your anger. General Ye may not have had the audacity to release them. It’s likely someone whispered something in his ear... General Ye, why don’t you truthfully inform His Highness?"
General Ye shuddered and hurriedly explained, "It... it was my incompetence! The reason I let them go was because Yan Erlang kindly analyzed the situation for me..."
He no longer dared to conceal the truth and repeated Yan Shang’s original words.
At first glance, Yan Shang’s words had seemed reasonable. But as General Ye recounted them now, even he sensed something odd without Prince Qin pointing it out.
Prince Qin sneered, "So you were fooled by a few words from him... When you arrived, you saw him and Sixth Sister shooting arrows together, didn’t you? You didn’t dare arrest Sixth Sister, you let Yang Sanlang go, and you didn’t even dare detain Yan Er, a mere eighth-rank official?
"He tricked you with words, making you too afraid to even question Sixth Sister. Then you felt grateful to him and watched him leave with Sixth Sister... You’re utterly foolish! He was the one who shot the arrow! He’s the suspect in the attempted murder of the Uman King! At the very least, we could have pinned the entire blame on Yan Er alone!
"If you didn’t dare touch a princess, how could you not dare touch Yan Er? But you failed to arrest him on the spot, and now it’ll be troublesome to pursue this matter further!
"After all, he’s an official in the Secretariat, and his mentor is the current chancellor. Without arresting him immediately, what justification do we have to detain a court-appointed official later?
"And you! For your own selfish fear of future punishment, you let a great achievement slip away... a golden opportunity for promotion!"General Ye was drenched in cold sweat from the reprimand, inwardly filled with regret. From a common soldier to a general, then maneuvering in Chang'an—how difficult it had been... And just like that, he had been fooled by Yan Shang.
In an instant, General Ye no longer saw Yan Erlang as gentle and jade-like, solely concerned for his welfare. Instead, he began to perceive the man as profoundly sinister.
How could such a treacherous person exist in this world?
Why would someone who appeared so sincere and caring on the surface harbor such ulterior motives?
Furious, General Ye turned to leave the hall: "This subordinate will go recapture them at once!"
Prince Qin sneered, "Come back! Do you think you can still catch them now? How would you proceed? Arrest the Sixth Princess, interrogate Yang San, or target Yan Erlang alone? Now the Secretariat and the Crown Prince are both involved in this matter... A golden opportunity has been lost, and reclaiming it won't be so easy!"
General Ye retorted indignantly, "But the guards from the Princess Residence are still in our custody! Many witnessed the killings on South Mountain today! Someone must be held accountable for the Uman King's injuries."
Prince Qin's eyes darkened.
He said, "...This must be left to the Uman King to decide."
After a moment's contemplation, he instructed a strategist to deliver a message: "Take some precious medicinal herbs and visit the Uman King on my behalf. Also inform him that whatever resolution he seeks, I stand on his side."
The appointed strategist rose, bowed, and was about to depart when Prince Qin called him back.
After a pensive pause, Prince Qin curled his lips into a mocking smile: "Also tell him that I have verified—Yan Shang, also known as Yan Suchen, is the Yan Shisheng he spoke of."
The strategist didn't understand the implication but nodded in acknowledgment.
The Ministry of Personnel had long since confirmed Yan Shang's identity as Yan Shisheng.
But Prince Qin had withheld this information from the Uman King.
He was deeply curious why Yan Shang mattered so much to the Uman King and what exactly Yan Shang had done.
Prince Qin had been waiting for the right moment to reveal this to the Uman King.
And now... it seemed that moment had finally arrived—
Just then, a servant knocked outside: "Your Highness, the Eastern Palace summons you for questioning."
Prince Qin's expression remained unchanged as he asked, "Am I the only one summoned?"
The reply came from outside: "It is said Yan Erlang has also been summoned."
Prince Qin murmured, "Just as I expected. This signals an intention for reconciliation between both sides."
A strategist anxiously interjected, "Does this mean the Crown Prince and the Secretariat are joining forces? If they unite to suppress the matter, wouldn't Danyang Princess slip beyond our control? Would she then be exempt from the Peace Marriage?"
Prince Qin mused, "Not necessarily. To appease the Uman King, they might still send Sixth Sister away... I shall assess the situation firsthand."
The strategists exchanged worried glances, murmuring among themselves—
In Danyang Princess's bedchamber, the lantern on the low table flickered weakly, its flame dim.
Yan Shang sat by the bedside, holding the bundled quilt, speaking softly. Outside, envoys sent by the Crown Prince continued urging him to proceed to the palace, yet he couldn't bear to leave Mu Wan Yao alone.
But since he had begun speaking, the faint, choked sobs that had initially emanated from beneath the quilt had ceased.
Silence enveloped the room, as if he were merely talking to himself, with no one there to respond.Yan Shang knew that since he had already said so much and Mu Wan Yao still paid no heed, even if he said more, she would likely not emerge from the blankets. He couldn't bring himself to force her out by pulling her, so he had to try another approach.
After a moment's thought, he sat in the darkness and asked softly, "May I ask, Your Highness, in your original plan, after killing the Uman King, what was the next step? Surely the Uman King's death isn't the end of it. Things aren't that simple. Someone must take responsibility for the aftermath. I wonder what Your Highness originally intended?"
He lowered his gaze to the lumpy quilt.
Still, no one responded.
Yan Shang said, "Now that I'm involved in this matter—today's arrow that struck the Uman King had my contribution. Even if I were to take the blame for Your Highness, shouldn't you let me die with a clear understanding?"
A muffled voice came from under the covers: "You won't die. Don't treat me like a fool."
The voice was hoarse, slightly damp, but at least she had spoken.
Yan Shang's eyes brightened slightly, and he leaned forward involuntarily. Afraid of startling the person hiding under the covers, he restrained himself from getting too close, coughed lightly with a hand to his lips, and said with a hint of amusement, "Even if I don't die, once they figure it out, it wouldn't be hard for them to throw me in prison, would it?
"Am I going to end up in prison again?
"Won't Your Highness help me?"
He reached out and gently tugged a corner of the quilt. The edge of the quilt slipped from his grasp as if startled, shifting further toward the inner side of the bed. Pretending not to notice, he sat on a small corner by the bedside and sighed, "But if I knew what Your Highness originally intended, I'd have a foundation to work with, and perhaps I could manage this situation."
Mu Wan Yao muttered gloomily, "Knowing it is useless. My original plan is completely different from the current situation. You can't use it at all."
Yan Shang said, "If the Uman King doesn't survive the arrow wound and dies tonight, wouldn't I be able to use it then? Wouldn't I have to pay with my life?"
His words finally stirred Mu Wan Yao.
Yan Shang sat by the bed curtain, not daring to approach, and watched as the lumpy quilt, which had retreated to the innermost part of the bed, slowly lifted a corner. He remained motionless in the darkness. Feeling perhaps that she was safe, the quilt was tentatively, bit by bit, pushed aside.
She hugged the quilt, wrapping herself in it, and knelt upright to look at him.
In the faint lamplight, she appeared so slender and small, entirely enveloped in the quilt, with only a vague glimpse of her disheveled long hair. Her eyes were red as she looked over, her lashes tangled messily. The princess's face was delicate, her skin soft and pale, glowing with a milky halo under the light.
And because she had been crying heavily, tear stains still marked her cheeks, giving her a sickly, fragile beauty as she gazed out.
Yan Shang's eyes narrowed slightly.
Ripples of disturbance stirred in his heart, causing his body to tense. In the loose sleeves hanging idly to the floor, his fists clenched abruptly, filled with hatred for those who had bullied her.
Yet, Yan Shang's expression remained unchanged, his posture unaltered, and he made no attempt to move closer. He simply smiled at her as usual, waiting for her explanation.Feeling relatively secure, Mu Wan Yao gathered the quilt around herself and told him in a hoarse, weary voice, "I arranged for someone who closely resembles Meng Zaishi. Originally, if Meng Zaishi died, I intended to replace him with this person. I wanted to establish a puppet king for the Black Barbarians, one who would follow all of Great Wei’s directives.
"I’m quite familiar with Meng Zaishi, and I could have someone imitate him perfectly from the start. And by the time it becomes impossible to maintain the deception, the person I arranged should already have gained enough influence among the Black Barbarians to control the narrative. As long as this person is a puppet, a fake, he will never truly be able to control the Black Barbarians. He will always need Great Wei’s support.
"There would still be no need for war. Great Wei could easily dismantle the Black Barbarians. And I wouldn’t have to enter a peace marriage. Isn’t that better?"
Yan Shang was stunned, momentarily shaken, never expecting Mu Wan Yao’s idea to be so audacious.
What could he say?
Should he say… as expected of a princess? That she truly possesses the boldness unique to a princess?
Such a plan, if proposed by anyone else, would seem far-fetched, like a fool’s fantasy… Yet Mu Wan Yao had already established her own influence in the court. If given free rein, she might indeed execute this plan flawlessly.
Especially if the real Uman King were truly dead, all the court officials of Great Wei would have no choice but to unite, holding their noses and following Mu Wan Yao’s plan.
Seeing Yan Shang remain silent, Mu Wan Yao murmured softly, "What, is my plan not good enough?"
Yan Shang lowered his gaze. "In that case, I was mistaken."
Mu Wan Yao remained indifferent, her eyes fixed on the void, paying him no heed.
She heard Yan Shang whisper, "It was my lack of courage that disrupted Your Highness’s plan. If only I had mustered more bravery today and helped Your Highness carry out the plan… the situation might truly have been reversed."
Mu Wan Yao was taken aback.
Her vacant eyes shifted back to him, watching as he bowed his head in genuine apology. She stared at him for a long moment. "You think my original plan could have been executed?"
Yan Shang said, "Though it was overly bold… it wasn’t entirely without a chance. If only I had trusted Your Highness a bit more. It’s all my fault for delaying Your Highness’s affairs."
Mu Wan Yao gazed at him for a while, her eyes gradually misting over. She murmured, "It’s not your fault. It’s because I’m usually too harsh, making you think I’m reckless and act without considering the consequences. I also don’t trust you enough to discuss anything with you. Even your coming to South Mountain today was something you deduced on your own, not something I told you."
She lowered her long lashes and said self-deprecatingly, "And if you and Yang Sanlang hadn’t come, perhaps today I would have… Meng Zaishi, I truly underestimated him. I thought my arrangements were sound, but he’s also quite cunning. He had already secretly colluded with Prince Qin. Even without you, my plan would likely have failed.
"Meng Zaishi is formidable. Even I, who both despise him and was taught by him, know that. He’s not so easy to kill. I overestimated myself."
Yan Shang remained silent for a long moment before saying, "Your Highness, rest assured. Focus on recovering. I will not allow Your Highness to enter a peace marriage. Besides, Yang Sanlang has returned today… With Sanlang by the Crown Prince’s side, the Crown Prince will also clearly support Your Highness. Your most urgent task now is to rest well and not dwell on these matters.
"These troublesome matters… should be left to us men to handle."Mu Wan Yao lowered her head, kneeling with the quilt wrapped around her, her face hazy in the dimness. After hiding in the darkness for a long while, staying silent for a long while, her voice came out soft and trembling: "Second Brother Yan."
Yan Shang: "Hmm?"
He saw the mist clinging to her lowered lashes, heard her hoarse voice: "Do you ever think... that I'm not good enough?"
Yan Shang remained silent for a moment, his heart aching as if gripped and squeezed by a violent force. He smiled, though his voice carried a slight change: "Why would you say that?"
Mu Wan Yao: "I have a terrible temper—always scolding you, hitting you, criticizing you, mocking you. I've been with more than one man. My past with the Black Barbarians is so filthy I don't even want to mention it myself. I put on a fierce front, telling you I don't care, but deep down I still do. My relationship with Meng Zaishi... is also anything but ordinary.
"I came to bother you without resolving these matters first. You were originally untroubled, not fond of anyone, unaware of love or attachment... You could have peacefully continued as an official, yet I constantly drag you into my troubles. Have you... have you ever once thought of cutting ties with me?"
Yan Shang stared at her blankly and said: "What kind of person I am, Your Highness should know well."
Mu Wan Yao gave a faint "hmm": "I know. That's why I dared to bother you. I know you're extremely serious—once you make a decision, you rarely go back on it or turn away. So no matter how terrible I am, as long as I don't bring it up, you won't break it off with me, right?"
Yan Shang: "It's not for that reason. Your Highness always thinks it's out of sympathy, out of tolerance... but in this world, there are too many people I sympathize with and tolerate. Sympathizing with someone doesn't mean I would sacrifice myself to love them.
"Am I really some kind of saint? How good am I anyway? In others' eyes, I'm just a lowly eighth-rank official, untalented and unremarkable, yet I'm entangled with Your Highness—truly overstepping my bounds.
"Your Highness is learned and talented, while I'm like an ignorant country bumpkin. Before you, I haven't read any remarkable or unusual books. I've heard Your Highness is exceptionally gifted in poetry and painting, yet I'm dull and slow-witted. In the art of poetry, I fear I'll never be your equal in this lifetime, unable to compose verses alongside you.
"Your Highness plays the konghou masterfully. When I first heard it, it was like celestial music descending to earth. And I can do nothing. I only know Your Highness plays the konghou beautifully, but I can't even articulate why. That day, I was utterly captivated by you, and it remains unforgettable. It's just that Your Highness seldom touches these things ordinarily, and I don't know when I'll have the chance to hear you play the konghou again."
Mu Wan Yao turned her face to him, gazing at him intently.
Yan Shang finally said: "...It is I who am unworthy of Your Highness."
Mu Wan Yao looked at him for a long time before the tears she had just held back began to fall again in silent streams.
Perhaps hearing her soft sobs, he lifted his eyes to look at her.
Mu Wan Yao choked out: "I really didn't want to tell you about my past, didn't want you to see who I used to be. There are so many things from my time with the Black Barbarians... I never wanted you to know."
Yan Shang replied hoarsely: "It doesn't matter. I never wanted to know either... If Your Highness never wishes to speak of it in your lifetime, I will never ask."
Mu Wan Yao covered her face, trembling: "You said... you said that the past follows like a shadow, it never truly goes away."
Yan Shang's heart ached once more, remembering those words he had spoken back when they were still in Lingnan.He hated himself for saying those words back then. How heartbroken Mu Wan Yao must have been when she heard them.
Yan Shang said: "I was young and foolish then. The past is but an illusion, it shouldn't carry much weight. What matters is the future. Let us live our remaining years well, without letting the past affect us."
Mu Wan Yao lifted her tear-streaked face from her hands, her eyes glistening with moisture as she gazed at Yan Shang through a misty haze.
She choked out: "Second Brother Yan."
Yan Shang: "Mm."
Slowly, Mu Wan Yao pushed aside the quilt covering her, revealing her snow-white undergarments. Kneeling on the bed, she crawled bit by bit toward Yan Shang who sat at the bedside. When she reached him, she lifted her face to look at him, and Yan Shang leaned down.
Tentatively, she moved closer and gently brushed her lips against his.
Yan Shang's eyes curved into a smile.
Only then was she certain he was still the Second Brother Yan from her heart - forever tolerant, forever wonderful, different from all other men in the world. He was the best person in her heart, the finest person she had ever seen.
Mu Wan Yao wrapped her arms around his waist and buried herself in his embrace. She began weeping softly with her arms around his neck, while Yan Shang held her, gently patting her back without speaking. She cried quietly in his arms, her whole body trembling, tears dampening his neck.
Yan Shang's heart felt as if it were raining along with her soft sobs.
Mu Wan Yao said intermittently: "I like Second Brother Yan so much."
Yan Shang held her tighter.
Just then, a maid knocked outside. Mu Wan Yao sniffled and looked up confusedly. Yan Shang said: "I asked Xiarong to prepare some medicinal soup. Your Highness stood in the icy pond for so long today, and with Your Highness's delicate health, I feared you might fall ill. Would Your Highness drink the medicinal soup?"
Mu Wan Yao nodded.
Yan Shang sighed: "Such a good Yao Yao."
Xiarong entered carrying the medicinal soup. Seeing the princess obediently wrapped in blankets, held in Yan Erlang's arms, actually allowing Yan Erlang to feed her the medicine, Xiarong marveled at how Yan Erlang always knew how to handle the princess.
Leaning against Yan Shang's shoulder, Mu Wan Yao suddenly said: "What about Fang Tong and the others..."
Yan Shang said gently: "Your Highness needn't worry. I'll find a way to have them released."
Mu Wan Yao fell silent.
Xiarong hesitated for a long moment before mustering her courage: "Erlang, the Eastern Palace messengers have been urging for quite some time, asking whether you still plan to enter the palace."
Mu Wan Yao looked up at Yan Shang questioningly. Yan Shang said: "My apologies, please have the Eastern Palace escorts return first. I'll go myself later."
Mu Wan Yao: "Are you leaving now?"
Yan Shang looked down at her gently: "I'll leave after you fall asleep."
Only then did Mu Wan Yao feel reassured, lowering her head to obediently drink her medicine. She added: "I want to eat that candy you gave me before."
Yan Shang paused, apologetically saying: "I'll have my family send more another day."
Mu Wan Yao pursed her lips, her face clearly showing "unhappy." Yan Shang leaned down and gently kissed her forehead.
She looked up at him in surprise, then lowered her head and touched her forehead. The little princess curled the corners of her mouth upward, feeling somewhat happy again—
The Eastern Palace's intention was that Yang Sanlang wouldn't make an appearance. For the reconciliation of this matter, the Crown Prince dispatched another official to accompany Yan Shang in apologizing to the Uman King.In private, the Crown Prince expressed concern that if Yang Si were to meet with the Uman King again, he might offend the Uman King. He suggested it would be better to confine Yang Si and have him reflect on his mistakes behind closed doors, to prevent him from causing trouble outside.
Yan Shang naturally agreed.
The Secretariat was also quite dissatisfied with Yan Shang's actions. However, Lord Liu had been absent from the Secretariat for the past two days due to some family matters. As a result, the Secretariat could only discuss the issue and refrained from taking action against Yan Shang, who was Lord Liu's student, while Lord Liu was away.
Both the Eastern Palace and the Secretariat urged Yan Shang to apologize to the Uman King. Being a man of such mild temperament, Yan Shang naturally complied, accompanying the officials sent by the Eastern Palace to apologize every day.
However, the Uman King refused to see them.
The officials dispatched by the Eastern Palace could not endure this treatment, and three of them were replaced within three days. In contrast, Yan Shang remained unwavering, bringing gifts and visiting the Uman King's residence daily. Even when the Uman King refused to see him and he had to stand in the courtyard all day, being turned away, his expression never changed.
Those who accompanied him were left in awe.
Admiring this person's self-restraint, which is truly extraordinary.
On the fourth day, the Black Barbarians side had likely been reminded and felt the torment had gone on long enough. They finally allowed Yan Shang to enter, present the gifts, and meet with the Uman King.
Meng Zaishi, who had suffered an arrow wound just days prior, was already able to get out of bed. His expression was stern, appearing no different from before.
The two sides met in the study. Meng Zaishi sat draped in his robes, coldly watching Yan Shang and another official from the Eastern Palace enter. They defined Mu Wan Yao’s attempt to shoot him as a misunderstanding, hoping the Uman King would forgive and settle the matter privately.
As Meng Zaishi observed Yan Shang standing with lowered eyes, he recalled the information Prince Qin had shared with him—this man was Yan Shisheng.
Hah, no wonder.
Meng Zaishi said lazily, “You think you can smooth over an attempt on my life with a few gifts? My subordinate is still imprisoned by you to this day.”
Yan Shang replied, “If Your Majesty wishes for his release, we can arrange it at any time.”
Meng Zaishi said, “That arrow you shot… and you don’t even have to spend time in prison? Isn’t your Great Wei’s custom a bit too bullying?”
Yan Shang raised his eyes, studying the rugged Uman King, who sat casually toying with an inkstone on the desk. “How does Your Majesty wish to punish me?”
Meng Zaishi glanced at him slowly, nursing a grudge over the war provoked by the other’s scheme, which had forced the Black Barbarians to fight for two years. Although the Chiman were destroyed and the Black Barbarians benefited, Yan Shang’s initial plan had clearly been ill-intentioned.
Meng Zaishi answered evasively, “While recuperating these past few days, I read some of your Great Wei’s books. It was only then that I learned the character '蛮' (barbarian) in '乌蛮' is not a complimentary term in your culture.”
He sneered and slammed the inkstone onto the desk, causing the official behind Yan Shang to tremble.
Meng Zaishi glared darkly at Yan Shang. “So, even though our two nations are allied, Great Wei has always looked down on us. You regard us as barbarians, calling us 'barbarians'—a term that carries no respect. Yet, we were unaware and even took pride in it. How many years have you Great Wei people been laughing at us in your hearts?”
Yan Shang remained unperturbed. “I truly do not know how your nation’s name came to be. I was not present during the alliance negotiations, nor was I responsible for the matter. If your nation wishes to change its name, you are free to do so. I will persuade our monarch and officials to cooperate fully without objection. It is merely a name, entirely at Your Majesty’s discretion.”
Meng Zaishi stared coldly at him.
He said, “Danyang Princess…”
As expected, the moment these words were uttered, Yan Shang’s gentle eyes shifted slightly, his gaze sharpening as he looked at him.
Meng Zaishi sneered. “I can overlook Danyang Princess’s attempt to kill me. But since you also took action, if you wish to protect her, you must pay the price. I’ve heard you lack talent and only advanced to your current position due to Danyang Princess’s patronage. If you want me to quell my anger and not implicate the innocent, I offer you a choice.
“Resign from your official post and refrain from serving Great Wei for five years. Then, I will never mention the matter of South Mountain again.”
The official behind Yan Shang paled and immediately protested, “Your Majesty goes too far! Erlang, you need not agree to this!”
Yet, Yan Shang looked at Meng Zaishi for a long moment before speaking calmly, “If I resign, will you also cease mentioning the peace marriage?”Meng Zaishi found it laughable: "You, a mere eighth-rank official, think yourself important enough to be compared with the matter of a princess's Peace Marriage? Very well, if you want me to abandon the Peace Marriage, I'm afraid you'll have to add one more condition."
Yan Shang smiled and asked, "What additional condition do you require?"
Meng Zaishi's eyes lost their teasing glint as he stared seriously at Yan Shang. After a long pause, he declared, "As long as you resign from office and vow never to marry the princess in your lifetime, I shall cease troubling you!"
Without changing expression, Yan Shang replied with a faint smile, "Why doesn't Your Majesty simply ask me to return to the Black Barbarians with you, to assist in planning strategies and handling affairs?"
Meng Zaishi responded with an equally faint smile, "This king fears that the more you assist me, the more thoroughly I'd be deceived into making disastrous decisions... Yan Shisheng."
The air froze solid.
Both men maintained smiling expressions, yet their smiles turned icy cold, tearing away the last vestige of pretense.
Meanwhile, the minor official standing behind Yan Shang nearly fainted from terror at their audacious exchange.
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