The Emperor summoned everyone in the high tower. Mu Wan Yao sat beside the qin, plucking its strings. When she saw them ascending the stairs, she briefly met their gaze before lowering her eyes and paying no further attention.
The qin melody in the pavilion was breathtakingly beautiful. Yet upon witnessing the princess’s aloof demeanor, the young men all felt this was exactly how a princess ought to be.
As the victor, the Uman King was lavishly praised. As for the young generals of Great Wei who had lost, the Emperor showed no anger. After the Uman King received his rewards and left with the envoys to distribute them, the Emperor asked the young men how they had fought.
Their accounts highlighted the talents of Yan Shang and Yang Si.
Yang Si’s military prowess went without saying. With just a hundred men, he had blocked the Uman King’s thousand-strong force in the canyon. Though terrain played a role, his own ability was clearly the decisive factor.
The Emperor looked down at the spirited, upright young man from the Yang family and nodded. “Yang Si? Very good.”
The Crown Prince listened expressionlessly as merits and rewards were discussed. When he heard about the critical moment in the canyon, he leaned forward slightly and frowned. Yet when the Emperor praised Yang Si, the Crown Prince’s expression remained neutral, though a hint of relieved laughter flickered in his eyes as he settled back into his seat.
The Crown Prince and Yang Si exchanged a glance. Yang Si smiled back at him, still with that carefree, unrestrained air.
The Emperor turned to Wei Shu. “Minister Wei, guarding the rear was somewhat beneath your talents. But with your steady demeanor, everyone felt assured leaving the rear to you.”
Finally, the Emperor looked at Yan Shang, his gaze growing complex.
The name Yan Shang had reached his ears repeatedly since the death of the Zheng Family Head. Even if the Emperor did not deliberately pay attention to this man, his talents could not be overlooked. A mere Secretariat clerk had executed central commands so flawlessly during the military exercise.
This man… The Emperor glanced at his young daughter playing the qin beside him. She coldly bowed her head, plucking the strings as if entirely indifferent to Yan Shang.
But the Emperor did not quite believe her indifference.
When he had arranged the marriage between them, Mu Wan Yao had refused. Yet after last month’s incident at South Mountain, how could she still deny it?
The Emperor fell silent for a moment, then sighed. “Yang San is indeed a talented commander, but who could have imagined you possess the ability of a grand strategist?”
Commanders lead troops; strategists lead commanders. Soldiers are easy to find, but strategists are rare.
The new generation of Great Wei’s youth had already grown… The Emperor couldn’t help but think that after his passing, once the issue of the noble families was fully resolved, these young people would have their time to shine on the borders and in dealings with neighboring states.
Mu Wan Yao listened with a tense heart.
Prince Qin also stiffened.
A talented commander? A grand strategist?
Such praise was excessive.
Prince Qin feared the Emperor would praise Yang Si and Yan Shang so highly that he would assign them to the Ministry of War, causing trouble for him. Wouldn’t that just benefit the Crown Prince?
Fortunately, the Emperor only offered praise and showed no intention of appointing them on the spot. However, everyone understood that Yang Si, Yan Shang, and Wei Shu would all be promoted. The specifics would require deliberation by the Secretariat and the Ministry of Personnel.
Prince Qin considered obstructing them in the Ministry of Personnel… but he was still hesitating.The Emperor bestowed fertile lands, fine residences, rare treasures, and wealth upon several individuals. Even Zhao Wuniang, Zhao Lingfei, was questioned by the Emperor and rewarded generously. One could imagine that if Zhao Lingfei’s father knew what his daughter had done, he would faint from fright once again.
After the imperial banquet, the eunuchs, noticing the Emperor’s weary expression, dismissed the young attendees, announcing that His Majesty needed to take his medicine.
Mu Wan Yao also seized the opportunity to leave. She noticed the Emperor’s momentary hesitation as she prepared to depart, as if he intended for her to stay. But Mu Wan Yao pretended not to understand his hint and left without a trace of reluctance, hearing the middle-aged man’s bitter sigh behind her.
Once downstairs, Mu Wan Yao began searching for someone. She wandered beneath the shade of willow trees, craning her neck to look around. Her maid, Xiarong, gently tugged at her sleeve, and Mu Wan Yao followed her gaze to a young man leaning against a weeping willow.
At the sight of the handsome youth, her eyes instantly lit up with a smile.
Xiarong and the other maids waited several yards away, keeping watch for the princess. Mu Wan Yao cleared her throat and walked toward the willow tree.
Yan Shang leaned against the trunk, gazing up at the gaps between the leaves overhead. He seemed lost in thought, his mind wandering to some distant place.
Like a pine or bamboo, he appeared pure and serene, so tranquil that even the sunlight seemed reluctant to disturb him.
But Mu Wan Yao tugged sharply at his sleeve, pulling him off balance and nearly causing him to stumble.
Yan Shang turned to see her, a faint smile beginning to form in his eyes. Before it could fully appear, Mu Wan Yao scowled and said, “What are you thinking about again? Are you scheming against someone, planning to do something bad?”
Yan Shang chided softly, “Nonsense again.”
Earlier, when she was upstairs, she had ignored him. Now, she had sought him out specifically, stirring a flicker of joy in his heart. Having not seen her for days, Yan Shang found himself gazing at her with lingering fondness. He wanted to draw closer but restrained himself, mindful of the people coming and going.
So he simply watched.
As he lowered his gaze, a gentle smile gracing his lips, his affectionate eyes made Mu Wan Yao’s heart race. The young princess turned her face away, her cheeks flushing with a delicate pink.
Yan Shang coughed.
Mu Wan Yao glared at him. “Coughing again! Are you embarrassed to be seen?”
Yan Shang sighed helplessly. “Your Highness, why do you always criticize me?”
Mu Wan Yao thought to herself: It’s because I like you and find you easy to tease that I always pick on you.
Her expression unchanged, she tugged at his sleeve, trying to pull him closer. She dragged him behind the tree to talk, running her hands over him as she bombarded him with questions about whether the battlefield was exciting and if he had been injured.
When she spotted a small cut below his neck, her eyebrows shot up, and she cursed Yang Si for failing to protect him and the guards for being useless.
Yan Shang said, “Enough, enough. It’s just a minor injury.”
Mu Wan Yao looked back at him, noticing how he adjusted his collar and smoothed out the robes she had rumpled. She studied him, observing his lowered head, slightly tense expression, and the redness spreading across his ears and beneath his eyes.
Mu Wan Yao tilted her head. “You’re getting nervous again.”
Yan Shang sighed. “I’m sorry.”
Mu Wan Yao pressed her lips together. “Don’t apologize for things like that.”
Her eyes darted around as she considered leaning into him, but he stiffened and took a step back, glancing at her. Mu Wan Yao fell silent for a moment, inwardly fuming: One of these days, I’ll have my way with him out in the open, so he stops acting like this!
Frustrated, she would normally have scowled and scolded him by now. But perhaps because she hadn’t seen Yan Shang for several days, her fondness for him made her reluctant to berate him for his reserve.Mu Wan Yao’s eyes darted mischievously before she suddenly smiled and asked, “Did you hear the qin I just played?”
Yan Shang nodded.
A flicker of yearning shone in his eyes as he murmured softly, “I only knew Your Highness played the konghou beautifully, but I never imagined your qin skills were just as exceptional.”
Mu Wan Yao chuckled lightly. “I’m not just good at the qin—I sing folk tunes beautifully too.”
Yan Shang’s lashes fluttered as he turned his gaze toward her, his eyes clear as spring water.
Mu Wan Yao inquired, “Do you play the qin?”
Yan Shang shook his head and replied quietly, “Studying alone is already a struggle for me. How could I spare the energy to learn the qin and cultivate refinement?”
Mu Wan Yao beamed, reaching out to grasp his wrist. “Then let me teach you!”
Yan Shang smiled gently. “Alright.”
Mu Wan Yao declared, “Come find me tonight.”
Caught off guard by her abrupt shift in topic, Yan Shang paused. “Huh?”
Mu Wan Yao cast him a flirtatious glance. “To teach you the qin, of course.”
Yan Shang hesitated. “…Teaching me the qin doesn’t have to be rushed, does it? I’ve already made plans with someone tonight…”
Mu Wan Yao cut him off impatiently. “Cancel them!”
Yan Shang reasoned politely, “Your Highness, that wouldn’t be proper. I’ve already promised someone…”
She glared at him instantly. “I made plans with you first! If there’s an appointment to keep, it should be mine! Everyone else can wait.”
Perplexed, Yan Shang asked, “When did I make plans with Your Highness?”
Mu Wan Yao shot him a disdainful look. “That day, I promised you a grand gift after the military exercise. Have you forgotten? You must come to me tonight—I’m giving you that gift.”
Yan Shang was momentarily speechless. “…”
Silence fell between them.
The atmosphere grew peculiar.
Mu Wan Yao, assuming his innocence meant he hadn’t grasped her meaning, stepped closer uneasily. She shook his wrist and emphasized again, “You must come find me tonight! The offer won’t stand if you’re late!”
After a long pause, Yan Shang lifted his gaze and glanced at her softly.
In her frantic state, Mu Wan Yao met his eyes and felt a sudden calm. She instantly understood—Yan Shang had comprehended her meaning.
Ah… yes. He was very clever.
The tense mood faded, replaced by a subtle tenderness. Mu Wan Yao’s anger dissipated, and she poked his arm playfully. “What’s wrong?”
Yan Shang felt both awkward and stiff, flushed with embarrassment. At times, he truly despised his own perceptiveness for allowing him to grasp Mu Wan Yao’s implication so quickly. So this was the “grand gift” she meant… He spoke slowly, “…Must it be tonight?”
Mu Wan Yao glanced at him sidelong. “What? Does Yan Erlang have any objections?”
Yan Shang murmured, “…I’m not prepared…”
Mu Wan Yao found it absurd. “What is there to prepare? Are you really going to bathe and burn incense? Or do some research? There’s no need—I’ll be there.”
Yan Shang fell silent.
As he remained wordless, Mu Wan Yao firmly decided the time and place herself. Just then, Xiarong, waiting outside, called out that someone was approaching. Mu Wan Yao immediately released Yan Shang and hurried off. After a few steps, she glanced back and saw Yan Shang still standing there, watching her with gentle eyes—
Yan Shang, Wei Shu, and Yang Si headed together to the evening banquet. The palace eunuchs naturally seated those involved in the military exercise together.
Interestingly, Zhao Lingfei tagged along, bouncing excitedly behind the group. “I just heard that His Majesty has commemorated us! The talents of the Hanlin Academy wrote a poem titled ‘The Heroes of Chang’an Record’ about recent events! I heard they’re already setting it to music—soon, this poem will spread far and wide, won’t it?”Yang Si said impatiently, "What's it to you? Why are you so excited?"
Zhao Lingfei fantasized, "I haven't seen the 'Records of Heroes' yet, but I heard about the dispute between Princess Danyang and the Hanlin Academy. I think maybe I could be written into a poem too."
Yang Si sneered, "You're dreaming."
Zhao Lingfei fumed, "You jerk!"
Ignoring Yang Si, she caught up with Yan Shang. "Second Brother Yan? Second Brother Yan, what are you spacing out about? What do you think?"
Yan Shang snapped back to attention, his expression slightly withdrawn. Wei Shu, standing nearby, immediately noticed Yan Shang had been distracted and quietly came to his rescue: "That lady was talking about the 'Records of Chang'an Heroes.'"
Zhao Lingfei turned to Wei Shu, incredulous. "We've known each other for some time, and you call me 'that lady'?"
Wei Shu looked puzzled and pressed his lips together.
Yan Shang smiled and smoothed things over: "Ju Yuan, this is the fifth daughter of the Zhao family, Yang Sanlang's cousin. Her given name is Zhao Lingfei."
Zhao Lingfei clutched her chest, feeling somewhat hurt: ...After protecting Young Master Wei for several days, he still hadn't remembered her name?
Were all of Second Brother Yan's friends as heartless as he was?
Just as she was feeling this melancholy, a clear, gentle female voice came from nearby, explaining to the group: "What Lady Zhao said about the 'Records of Chang'an Heroes' is true. All of you have been written into it. The Hanlin Academy has already begun setting it to music. I have the original manuscript here - would any of you young masters or ladies like to see it?"
Yan Shang turned and saw it was Liu Ruozhu with her maid, smiling at them.
After exchanging greetings with Liu Ruozhu, Yan Shang introduced everyone to each other. Zhao Lingfei was very interested in the poetic works Liu Ruozhu mentioned, but Yang Si didn't care: "Just flattering verses, what literary merit could they possibly have? No need to recite them to me."
Liu Ruozhu frowned slightly. Yang Si's disdain only strengthened her resolve. "How can you judge the writing as poor without even hearing it? Wouldn't that render the Hanlin Academy's hard work meaningless? Please wait a moment, gentlemen and ladies - I'll fetch someone from the Hanlin Academy to explain it to everyone."
A young man's curious voice interjected from nearby: "May I listen as well?"
They turned to see Meng Zaishi, King of Wuman, who had been standing nearby listening to their conversation without their notice.
Liu Ruozhu smiled at Meng Zaishi and said softly, "Your Majesty is also mentioned in the poems, so naturally you may listen."
Half an hour later, several young men and women who had met during the military exercises gathered for an open-air banquet, seated at their respective tables for the meal. A central space had been cleared where a bonfire burned.
Liu Ruozhu bustled about and specifically brought over a young gentleman from the Hanlin Academy.
Before Liu Ruozhu could introduce him, Yan Shang bowed first: "Yan Zhi, why is it you?"
Lin Dao, the Hanlin academician, had initially appeared indifferent, having been somewhat reluctantly dragged over by Liu Ruozhu with little interest in this group of military exercise participants. After all, scholars and warriors had traditionally looked down upon each other since ancient times. However, when Lin Dao spotted Yan Shang among the guests, he smiled and quickly clasped his hands in greeting: "Is Suchen here too?"
Liu Ruozhu looked surprised. "Second Brother Yan, you know each other?"
Yan Shang smiled. "I met Brother Lin when I went to the Hanlin Academy to borrow some materials."
Liu Ruozhu nodded somewhat uncertainly, while Wei Shu glanced over sideways. He watched as Yan Shang politely conversed with the other man and introduced him to everyone. But after observing for a while, Wei Shu felt that his own relationship with Second Brother Yan was still closer. So he unconcernedly turned his face away again and sat quietly.Zhao Lingfei, feeling utterly stifled beside them, glanced gloomily at Wei Shu on her left and then at Yang Si seated on her right. After a moment's thought, she finally leaned over to strike up a conversation with Yang Si.
Meanwhile, Liu Ruozhu had not only invited scholars from the Hanlin Academy but also summoned court musicians and singing girls. The musicians and singers sat to the side, holding their respective instruments, poised to begin performing.
The gathering expressed surprise.
Lin Dao from the Hanlin Academy cast a glance at Liu Ruozhu and, out of respect for Yan Shang, explained with a faint smile, "Lady Liu mentioned you wished to hear 'The Ballad of Chang'an's Heroes.' Coincidentally, we have just finished composing the music. This will be its first performance—please listen and share your thoughts."
Liu Ruozhu added softly, "Young Master Lin's talent is exceptional, so the composition must be exquisite as well."
Lin Dao offered a reserved smile, clasped his hands behind his back, and signaled the musicians to begin.
Melodious music rose, led by the strings and pipes. The young gentlemen initially listened out of politeness, paying little mind, but as drums and chimes joined in, the melody instantly gained a resolute, vigorous tone. Someone like Yang Si immediately set down his wine cup and turned to observe the musicians.
Before the singing girls beside the musicians began their vocals, Lin Dao recited the Emperor's inscription in a cool, detached voice:
"In the spring of the twenty-third year of Youhe, with favorable winds and rains, envoys from all lands came to court, celebrating Our longevity.
"Praises never cease from artisans, histories flow unending from brushes... thus we sing and chant... Deeds spanning millennia, specially recorded in three volumes: Deeds of Women, Deeds of Youth, and The Ballad of Heroes. May our Great Wei uphold the mandate of the throne, its blessings enduring for ten thousand generations!"
Yan Shang remarked quietly, his gaze steady, "Truly stirring—the spirit of heroes washes over us."
Then, the singing girls began their performance.
Yang Si rested his fingers on the table, bowing his head to listen, his profile icy and detached. The singer's voice, unlike its usual softness, was clear and bright, rising higher with each sustained note. The music quickened, the song growing more passionate... All present, men and women alike, ceased their clinking of cups to listen intently.
As the first section of the music faded, Yang Si commented coolly, "What a poem of immense spirit."
No sooner had he spoken than he rose abruptly, drew the sword at his waist—gleaming like a white rainbow—and swept into the cleared space at the center.
As the second section of "The Ballad of Chang'an's Heroes" began, Yang Si started performing a sword dance in time with the music.
The young man's swordplay was sharp and relentless, matching the singer's voice in breathtaking vigor!
Meng Zaishi immediately shouted, "Bravo!"
He laughed heartily, "Splendid music, splendid feast! This prince shall join in the merriment—"
Meng Zaishi sprang forward, drawing his own sword, its cold gleam like snow as he thrust toward Yang Si. Yang Si turned to parry, and Meng Zaishi pressed his attack! The two danced with their swords amid the banquet, fighting and singing, whirling and exulting... The crowd cheered: "Magnificent sword dance! A rare sight indeed!"—
Mu Wan Yao, attending the banquet with the Emperor, heard the boisterous commotion from below. Unable to resist, she sent someone to inquire. Upon learning what entertained the crowd downstairs, she grew restless.
She snatched a jar of wine from the Emperor's banquet and, seizing on a flimsy excuse, headed down to drink with the young men.
The Emperor failed to stop her, and she slipped away once more. The Grand Eunuch, noticing the Emperor's sullen expression, hastily arranged for Liu Wenji to follow and investigate what amusement had lured the princess from such a distance.—
Yang Si and Meng Zaishi continued their unrestrained sword dance, their momentum soaring like a rainbow.
The crowd gathered around their banquet grew larger and larger.Yan Shang sat quietly, watching them practice swordplay with a faint smile, when suddenly he heard a soft, languid female voice behind him: "What are you all doing? Such a lively scene?"
Yang Si and Meng Zaishi both stopped and looked toward her.
They saw a maiden with a willow-like waist approaching gracefully, both dignified and alluring.
The courtesan's singing continued. Mu Wan Yao listened for a moment, then said thoughtfully with a smile, "Are you listening to 'The Ballad of Chang'an's Heroes'? Then you should also hear 'The Maiden's Journey' and 'The Youth's Journey'."
Academician Lin Dao, standing nearby, remarked, "They haven't been set to music yet."
Mu Wan Yao raised an eyebrow. "What's so difficult about that? I'll compose them for you right now. Fetch ink and brush."
Everyone was instantly delighted.
Even Lin Dao couldn't contain his joy: "I've long heard that Danyang Princess is erudite in talent, exquisite in music, and peerless in beauty, yet I never had the chance to witness it. To have such an honor today?"
Mu Wan Yao curled her lips into a smile and sat down. She deliberately took a seat beside Yan Shang, handing him the wine jar while adding pointedly, "Don't sneak a drink."
Yan Shang shook his head with a laugh.
After the ink and brush were brought, he knelt beside her, personally grinding the inkstone for her. Mu Wan Yao glanced at him, then noticed all the young men and women waiting expectantly. She simply pursed her lips in a smile, lowered her head, and began composing the melodies—
The orchestral music resumed, "Chang'an Maiden's Journey" and "Chang'an Youth's Journey" coming to life before everyone that night.
The courtesan and musicians tried playing and singing, while Yang Si danced with his sword in the center, accompanied by Meng Zaishi.
Wei Shu sat quietly to the side.
Zhao Lingfei and Liu Ruozhu had somehow ended up sitting together, whispering secretly. An extra seat was added to the banquet, where Lin Dao sat nearby, keeping an eye on the two maidens to ensure they didn't drink too much.
Mu Wan Yao leaned against Yan Shang amidst the laughter and chatter, secretly extending her sleeve to clasp his hand within.
His gaze remained fixed ahead, as if completely unaware.
Mu Wan Yao chuckled softly, pretending to be overcome by the wine, and gently rested her head on his shoulder—
The night was cold, but the songs and music were enchanting, the banquet unmatched in its elegance.
Cups clinked, and the laughter of the young men and women drifted endlessly over the clear pool of wine, carried by the warm night breeze—
Standing in the shadowy corner where darkness and lamplight intertwined, Liu Wenji stared blankly at the unrestrained joy of those young men and women.
He saw their charm and freedom.
He saw brilliant futures and a prosperous era unfolding in the hands of these youths.
They had promising futures to look forward to, while he had only endless darkness to consume him.
Suppressing the jealousy, despair, resentment, and envy churning in his heart, Liu Wenji turned away, lantern in hand, and left to report his duties—
The banquet remained lively until late at night before finally winding down. As nobles, they all had residences in Fanchuan. Even Yan Shang... had just been granted a mansion by the Emperor.
Yet Yan Shang didn't need to return to his newly bestowed residence. After bidding farewell to everyone in Fanchuan, he went to the Princess's private estate to keep his appointment with Mu Wan Yao.
Led by her maids into her bedchamber, he found Mu Wan Yao clad only in a thin ruqun, her long hair cascading to the floor, devoid of any makeup, smiling radiantly at him.
She sat by the bed combing her beautiful hair, the air fragrant with the scent of her recent bath.
Yan Shang was momentarily stunned, for he had never seen Mu Wan Yao so unguarded. Mu Wan Yao rose and pushed him. "Go bathe. Hot water has already been prepared for you."
Yan Shang hesitated, but before he could voice his thoughts, Mu Wan Yao shooed him away, paying no heed to whatever he might have to say.When Yan Shang returned again, his footsteps halted before the dormitory, almost unable to step inside. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
His face flushed, thinking back to the last time when he had been completely clueless, lured by Mu Wan Yao into bed while she held a water lily—though nothing much had happened afterward, at the very least, he had been coaxed away by her. But today was different from the past. If last time he had been muddle-headed, this time he already knew a great deal.
He couldn't help but wonder if this wasn't quite right... Shouldn't they get married first?
At the threshold, he hesitated. Just as he couldn't bring himself to take that step, Yan Shang heard the tinkling sound of a zither coming from inside the room. He froze for a moment, listening to the music for a long while, captivated by the melody, and finally pushed the door open and entered.
He saw the curtains fluttering, and Mu Wan Yao, wearing only a white ruqun with a long blue silk ribbon hanging from her waist, her hair cascading like a waterfall. She knelt before a zither, her head bowed as she plucked the strings.
The moonlight streamed in from outside, making the curtains flutter even more wildly.
Mu Wan Yao looked up and saw Yan Shang standing at the door, his gaze fixed intently on her. She gave him a charming smile, beckoned him over, and gestured for him to come closer.
Yan Shang stiffly approached and was pushed by Mu Wan Yao to sit before the zither. She held his hand, knelt behind him, pressed her cheek against his shoulder, and breathed softly like orchid fragrance as she taught him how to pluck the strings.
The music came in fits and starts, sometimes sharp, sometimes halting.
Just like Yan Shang's tormented heart, caught between fire and water.
A fine layer of sweat formed on his neck, unsure whether it was because she was pressed against him from behind or because his zither playing was truly awful. The music was too unpleasant to hear, so Yan Shang moved his hand away and stopped plucking.
Mu Wan Yao paid it no mind, smiling as she nibbled his ear, her voice husky: "Did you learn it?"
Yan Shang shook his head.
Mu Wan Yao then laughed and pulled him up, leading him into the inner chamber, where she took down the konghou leaning against the wall. She pulled him to sit again, placed his hand on the strings, and lowered her head to teach him.
Mu Wan Yao: "Did you get it now?"
Yan Shang knelt stiffly and whispered, "Who could learn it in just one try?"
Mu Wan Yao lowered her head and chuckled, reaching over his hand. Her slender fingers casually plucked the konghou strings twice, and the music instantly became exceptionally beautiful.
Mu Wan Yao: "I learned it in one try back then. But it's alright, as long as I teach you, you'll eventually learn it just the same. Are you willing to learn from me?"
Yan Shang lowered his gaze with a faint smile: "Naturally."
He tentatively plucked the strings lightly, and this time the sound was not as sharp and unpleasant as before. The tension in Yan Shang's expression eased, and he turned his face to look at her. His dark, gentle eyes met hers, as if asking for her opinion.
What opinion was there to give?
Mu Wan Yao leaned in and kissed him.
Yan Shang let out a soft "mm," parting his lips. His hands still held the konghou, afraid of dropping her instrument, so he only leaned his upper body back slightly, controlling the intensity of the kiss, keeping it light. But Mu Wan Yao didn't care at all whether the konghou fell. She pushed against him, wrapped her arms around him, and tangled with him in an extremely intimate embrace—
"Thud!"
The konghou fell to the ground, its sound piercingly clear in the silent night.
Mu Wan Yao cupped Yan Shang's chin, pressing him down as if to overpower him. He stubbornly resisted being pinned down, but when he turned his face aside, his cheeks were flushed, his lips glistening, and his breath unsteady: "N-Not here."
Mu Wan Yao tilted her head back, spreading her arms coquettishly: "Carry me."—
Flowers and grasses embroidered on the bed curtains swayed, layer by layer shaken loose.
The bedding was a mess of tangled colors.
Yan Shang lowered his head to kiss Mu Wan Yao, his movements somewhat urgent. Mu Wan Yao pulled him down, and even as she struggled to breathe, she didn't forget to say: "I—I want to be on top!"Yan Shang's mind was a tangled mess, his breathing already labored. Hearing her words, he felt tormented yet still resignedly allowed her to push him down. Covering his eyes with the back of his hand, he clenched his jaw, sweat beading densely at his temples. The enchantress above him tugged at his hand again, utterly disregarding whether he could endure it.
She commanded imperiously, "No closing your eyes, no covering them! Look at me!"
As she seized his hand, Yan Shang stole a fleeting glance and rasped with difficulty, "Maybe... we should stop..."
Mu Wan Yao glared at him. "We can't stop... I've wanted this for so long, and it's all your fault... You're not allowed to back out now!"
Seeing him so tense, drenched in sweat, his eyelashes fluttering incessantly as he clenched his fists in discomfort, Mu Wan Yao paused. A wave of tenderness washed over her. She leaned down and gently kissed his lips.
Cupping his face, she showered him with kisses until he finally lifted his gaze, frowning in patience.
Mu Wan Yao softened her voice. "Don't be afraid. I'm loving you."
Yan Shang watched her silently. After a long moment, he suddenly pulled her shoulder, dragging her down, and couldn't resist giving a light nip on her cheek. Mu Wan Yao let out a startled "Ah!" like a kitten.
He tightened his embrace, released a muffled gasp, and shuddered violently—a wave of soreness shooting through his waist—
His neck damp with hot sweat, it ended abruptly in an instant.
Mu Wan Yao stared in disbelief.
Silence enveloped them.
She looked down at him: eyes closed, breath still ragged, the corners of his eyes tinged peach-blossom pink. Holding her in the darkness, his closed lashes were misted with moisture. Intense desire had shattered him, leaving him drained afterward.
Mu Wan Yao began to laugh softly. She brushed aside his damp black hair, kissing his brows, his eyes, his face, patiently waiting for him to recover—
It took a while before Yan Shang opened his eyes and looked at Mu Wan Yao, who was secretly kissing his chin in his arms.
Mu Wan Yao cleared her throat.
Feigning solemnity, she declared, "Second Brother Yan, I need to tell you something."
Yan Shang murmured, "Hmm?"
Mu Wan Yao asked, "Haven't you noticed... you finished rather quickly?"
Yan Shang didn't comprehend. He might not even have understood what she meant. "What?"
Drawing circles on his chest with her finger, her voice coy and mischievous, she said, "Of course, I don't mind. But... but I have a theory... Could it be that you're... inadequate?"
Yan Shang froze.
Then his face stiffened. "Nonsense!"
Mu Wan Yao widened her eyes dramatically, insisting, "I'm serious! Many men have this problem—it's called 'kidney deficiency,' you know? Since you've never been with anyone, you wouldn't understand. But if it's kidney deficiency, you need treatment early. If it doesn't get better, it could be a lifelong issue.
"Luckily, I'm a princess. The palace has many secret remedies for this. I can quietly get you some tonic medicine."
Yan Shang chided softly, "More foolish talk."
Mu Wan Yao giggled.
He held her close for a long time. Mu Wan Yao adored him beyond measure, continuously tilting her head up to kiss his chin. She had already forgotten her earlier words. Drifting into drowsiness, she faintly heard Yan Shang whisper, "...Do I really need medicine?"
Mu Wan Yao jolted awake.
Her eyes widened as she stared at him.
She burst into uproarious laughter.
Rolling out of his embrace, she kicked her legs wildly, clutching her stomach and shaking with laughter, nearly fainting from amusement—she had never met a man so easily fooled!Yan Shang immediately realized he had been fooled again. Annoyed, he reached out to pinch her cheek: "Mu Wan Yao! Is there a single truthful word that ever comes out of your mouth?"
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