The Pleasure Quarter blazed with night lights and ceaseless songs. The murmurs of men and women, along with their nocturnal revelries, were all shut out by a wooden door.
A courtesan named Chun Niang, supported by two matrons, ascended the stairs and entered the Elegant House. As she knelt with her head bowed anxiously, she heard a clear, gentle male voice from above: "Thank you. Please leave us for now."
The two matrons, delighted with their reward, closed the door and withdrew. The room fell silent. From her kneeling position, Chun Niang glimpsed the hem of the gentleman's robe stopping before her.
He lifted his gown and knelt opposite her.
Chun Niang cautiously looked up and froze momentarily. Not only was the gentleman exceptionally handsome, but his refined demeanor was even more remarkable. In her experience, men of such noble bearing rarely indulged freely in the Pleasure Quarter. And even if they did, they would not choose someone as lowly as a slave like her.
The gentleman sitting across from her was, of course, Yan Shang.
Yan Shang gazed at her for a long moment before explaining gently, "I am a fellow townsman and close friend of Liu Wenji."
Chun Niang, who had been numb with despair, suddenly widened her eyes. She covered her mouth, tears welling up as sorrow and joy collided, instantly recalling how she had ended up in this plight—
Over half a year ago, when she first arrived at the Pleasure Quarter, she had been drawn to Liu Wenji's good looks and moved by his heartbreak, so she had voluntarily attended to him.
Unexpectedly, a young master from the household of a Ministry of Revenue official had tried to force himself on her, but Liu Wenji intervened.
Liu Wenji was crippled on the spot. Terrified, she attempted to flee overnight. Later, she was captured and returned to the Pleasure Quarter, while Liu Wenji disappeared without a trace. She was then transferred from the Central Quarter to the Northern Quarter, where condemned slaves were sent. Over the past six months, she had suffered immensely, enduring frequent beatings and abuse, all while treading carefully to avoid being casually disposed of by the nobles.
Now, nearly a year later, when she had almost grown numb, a gentleman had extracted her from the Northern Quarter.
Yan Shang looked at her apologetically and handed her a document: "I have cleared your name from the Slave Registry and arranged a new identity for you. From now on, you can return to the Central Quarter. I had always intended to rescue you, but the surveillance was extremely tight, making it complicated. Recently, I seized the opportunity during the Emperor's grand birthday amnesty to secure your release from the Northern Quarter. You have endured much hardship these past months, my lady."
Chun Niang felt as if she were dreaming. When she saw that she had truly reclaimed her freedom from slavery, the tears she had been holding back streamed down her face.
Yet she grew anxious again: "I was condemned by the court itself. Won't rescuing me bring trouble upon you, Young Master? The one I offended is no ordinary noble..."
Yan Shang sighed. "None of this was your fault. It touches me that you still worry for me in your plight. But since I dared to save you, I naturally have ways to handle any repercussions. Please do not concern yourself."
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Chun Niang shuffled back on her knees and kowtowed to him. Yan Shang hurriedly bent to lift her, saying he did not deserve such reverence. But Chun Niang insisted, tearfully explaining that no one had ever treated her with such kindness. Yan Shang had no choice but to accept half of her gesture.
After a moment's hesitation, Chun Niang asked, "I wonder how Young Master Liu is now..."
Yan Shang replied gently, "You need not worry about him. It is better for you to start anew without any knowledge of his current state."
A shadow of sadness crossed Chun Niang's eyes, and she nodded in understanding.She gazed at this gentleman, captivated by his demeanor and grace, and mustered her courage: "Since you've saved me from the Slave Registry, why not let me follow you from now on..."
Yan Shang was startled.
He chuckled wryly: "I dare not, I dare not. I have a Ferocious Wife at home and wouldn't dare cause trouble outside."
Chun Niang was taken aback, but seeing how he had playfully phrased his rejection without making her feel humiliated or pressured, she relaxed and smiled sheepishly. She said, "Your wife must be as beautiful as a flower, a perfect match for your talent, complementing each other perfectly."
Yan Shang smiled faintly but said no more.
Clearly, he had developed some skill in rejecting women and was no longer as flustered as he had been initially.
Yan Shang spoke leisurely: "Let's not dwell on idle talk. I'm not entirely selfless either. In saving you, I do have some intentions. I wonder if you'd be willing to help me?"
Chun Niang replied softly, "From now on, my life is yours to command. I will follow your every order."
Yan Shang said, "You misunderstand. Your life has nothing to do with me, and there's no need to sacrifice yourself for my sake. I only ask for your assistance in certain matters... In the future, when you've saved enough money and wish to leave the Pleasure Quarter to make your own way, that will still have nothing to do with me, and I won't stand in your way. Live for yourself, not for me."
After a pause, he added slowly, "I only hope you will cooperate with me to become a Head Courtesan."
Chun Niang looked up in surprise, wondering if this gentleman was joking.
A Head Courtesan was the pinnacle among famous courtesans.
Head Courtesans in the pleasure quarters held significant power, frequently visiting the mansions of high officials and nobles, accompanying various court officials, ministers, and aristocratic gentlemen to all kinds of banquets. Those who became Head Courtesans were renowned courtesans known throughout the land. Mastery of music, chess, poetry, and painting were merely the basic requirements; in Great Wei, what was most valued in a Head Courtesan was talent.
In other words, Yan Shang was asking an ordinary courtesan who had only been accompanying guests for drinks to transform completely into a talented woman for his use—
Yan Shang naturally had his own considerations.
He needed a Head Courtesan in the Pleasure Quarter for his own convenience. For the past few months, he had been busy with envoy affairs, but now that the envoys' treaties were mostly settled and they had left Great Wei, Yan Shang had the mind to extend his influence here.
In the official circles of Great Wei, banquets were a frequent necessity. For someone like Yan Shang who couldn't drink, it had always been a struggle to cope. Moreover, consorting with courtesans was the trend; if he didn't follow the crowd, he would inevitably be ostracized by his colleagues. Yet if he did consort with courtesans, not only would he struggle with his own conscience, but Mu Wan Yao would likely turn against him.
Additionally, the Pleasure Quarter, as the most bustling area in Chang'an, was frequented by countless high-ranking court officials. Having a Head Courtesan as an insider would make it easier to detect shifts in the court's dynamics.
Yan Shang was increasingly realizing that as an official, one couldn't remain confined to the court. He understood the importance of balancing various connections and maintaining good relations with people from all walks of life.
After much thought, cultivating a Head Courtesan aligned with his interests seemed the best approach.
Yan Shang explained amiably to Chun Niang: "The evaluation for a Head Courtesan involves two aspects: Banquet Etiquette and poetry composition. In Banquet Etiquette, I cannot help you with drinking and wine-tasting skills, but perhaps we can discuss the art of reading people together. As for poetry... I must admit, I am quite poor at it myself. But even with my limited ability, I should be able to teach you the basics initially.""However, when it comes to composing poetry in the end, you must rely on yourself and cannot depend on me."
He hesitated: "I know someone skilled in this art, but I'm afraid she won't assist us. Let's not dwell on her for now."
Chun Niang acknowledged each point.
Yan Shang said gently: "In the future, when I frequently visit the Pleasure Quarter, I'll trouble you to attend to me."
Chun Niang quickly replied: "I dare not. Becoming the Head Courtesan would bring me great benefits as well, and I wouldn't be forced into desperate situations like last year... Thank you, sir, for being willing to spend time teaching me."
She hesitated: "But when you ask me to become the Head Courtesan, is it only to help you ward off drinks and gather some information?"
Yan Shang paused inwardly, marveling at how perceptive these women truly were.
He said quietly: "Perhaps I also wish to keep you as a hidden piece... but whether you'll be used remains uncertain. Don't overthink it—your safety is assured regardless."
Chun Niang felt relieved—
Afterward, Yan Shang held books and taught her to read.
That night, Yan Shang also stayed there.
Chun Niang studied with great diligence, wanting to repay his life-saving grace. She feared appearing too foolish and disappointing this gentleman, but upon careful observation, she saw Yan Shang's expression remained neutral. Whether she learned well or poorly, made mistakes or not, he rarely commented and showed no signs of disappointment.
Yet there were no encouraging expressions either.
He gave her no room for imagination, no sense that she could use their lessons to draw closer to him. Feeling disheartened, Chun Niang once again envied his wife.
Late at night, as Chun Niang was about to withdraw, Yan Shang hesitated slightly and called for her to stop.
Chun Niang didn't believe for a moment that this gentleman would ask her to serve him intimately, so she simply looked at him in confusion. She saw him sitting on the couch with downcast eyes, actually appearing embarrassed as he murmured: "There's one more matter... I'd like to ask you about... matters between men and women."
Chun Niang: "Ah?"
She was bewildered: What did he mean? Was he asking her to serve him? Had she misjudged his character?
Yan Shang kept his eyes lowered and said: "My wife and I... ahem... newly married... in this matter, not very... not very..."
Chun Niang: "Harmonious?"
Yan Shang breathed a sigh of relief: "Yes."
He frowned slightly: "I wish to understand the female body better, to prevent her from always getting angry with me without my knowing why, which would only make her angrier. Moreover, she has a delicate constitution and falls ill easily—I don't know how to be careful. Also..."
Chun Niang smiled and sat back down, full of confidence: "Then I can indeed assist you, sir. Who in this world would understand these matters better than those of our background?"
Yan Shang smiled faintly—this was precisely his intention.
He had only grasped half-understandings from books, and when discussing with other men, the conversations became too explicit and disrespectful toward women, which displeased him. After much thought, seeking guidance from a courtesan seemed most appropriate—
The lamplight flickered faintly, a curtain falling to the floor as Chun Niang and Yan Shang spoke through the divider.
Chun Niang leaned forward and asked: "May I ask how long you and your lady have been married?"
Yan Shang looked momentarily confused, wondering why this mattered, and said: "Over half a year."
By his muddled reckoning, ambiguity was equivalent to marriage—from the moment he told Mu Wan Yao "my heart is not pure," he had already accepted her in his heart. Wasn't that the same as being married?
Chun Niang calculated and thought this should be the honeymoon period for a young couple, so she asked: "Then your... um... marital relations... how is the experience?"
Yan Shang immediately blushed.The wide sleeve fell onto the couch, and his fingers hidden within the sleeve curled involuntarily from embarrassment, his body stiffening as he sat upright.
Fortunately, the curtain shielded his awkwardness from the lady outside. Only his calm voice could be heard: "It's quite good."
Chun Niang was puzzled, thinking that if it was quite good, what could this gentleman possibly want to ask.
After a moment's thought, she said: "But... perhaps the gentleman cannot last long? Or the frequency is too low, and your wife is dissatisfied?"
Yan Shang was bewildered.
Then he realized she had misunderstood.
He quickly interrupted: "That's not what I meant. My wife and I... are fine in that regard. What I wish to know are things like... certain positions, some... basic knowledge, some... about a woman's feelings. And also, whether it can lead to pregnancy... if the Child Aversion Soup is effective..."
He frowned and said: "My wife... seems to dislike the Child Aversion Soup."
Chun Niang: "How could any woman like the Child Aversion Soup? Sir, since you are already married, why are you unwilling to let your wife conceive?"
Yan Shang remained silent for a long while before saying: "It's not that I'm unwilling. I would very much like her to bear my child... but the timing is not right. I have some difficulties."
In truth, it was Mu Wan Yao who refused, though Chun Niang naturally didn't know this.
Chun Niang said softly: "All medicine is somewhat toxic. Sir, you should let your wife drink less of it."
Yan Shang: "But isn't the Child Aversion Soup meant to prevent pregnancy? If she doesn't drink it, how can we avoid conception?"
Chun Niang grew somewhat angry: "Can't you show some consideration for your wife? Must you engage in such activities? Can't you wait for a while?"
Yan Shang fell silent.
Thinking he was angry, Chun Niang immediately reflected on how she dared to be upset with her savior. Softening her tone, she said gently: "Actually, if you wish to avoid pregnancy, there are some methods that are less harmful. For example, avoiding such activities around the time of menstrual blood... Well, seeing how unfamiliar you seem with this, do you even know what menstrual blood is?"
Yan Shang stammered: "I-I know."
Chun Niang sighed, hearing that he probably didn't really understand.
Thus, Chun Niang explained carefully, and Yan Shang listened devoutly. The night passed—
Envoys from various countries gradually left Great Wei. By mid-March, the Uman King had also finalized a new alliance with Great Wei and was preparing to leave Chang'an.
Officials from Chang'an escorted Meng Zaishi out of the city. Since Yan Shang had been heavily involved in matters concerning the Black Barbarians, with many procedures passing through his hands, he was included in the farewell party despite his low official rank. As Yan Shang turned his head, he saw Danyang Princess Mu Wan Yao among the court officials who had come to see them off.
Besides the Uman King specifically requesting Danyang Princess to bid him farewell, she was also there representing the Crown Prince.
In the end, Great Wei sent a learned scholar to the Black Barbarians, along with three or four disciples, to accompany the Uman King back and help study the Black Barbarians' writing system. The Uman King also exchanged furs with Great Wei for jewelry, books, tools, and other goods.
Finally, the Uman King intended to borrow a passage to attack another state. Great Wei saw it as an opportunity to sacrifice a small country to support the Black Barbarians' development, which wasn't a bad outcome, and agreed. The Black Barbarians were to assist the Southern Barbarian King in unifying the Southern Barbarians, while internally, Great Wei hoped the Uman King and the Southern Barbarian King would fight each other as chaotically as possible.
Naturally, a stable neighbor was best; but if the neighbors were constantly fighting among themselves and had no time to bother you, that wasn't bad either.
Regardless of the reasoning, continuing to support the Black Barbarians' rise remained the best choice for Great Wei.Outside the city, beside the towering figure of the Uman King, the officials of Great Wei released the captured Uman warriors who had been detained after the Southern Mountain incident. Led by Ke Li Lu, the Uman warriors bowed to their king in shame.
Meng Zaishi casually helped them up, then narrowed his eyes to look at Mu Wan Yao on the other side.
On Mu Wan Yao's side, Fang Tong and the other guards of the Princess Residence had naturally been released as well. Observing Fang Tong and seeing that the injuries he had sustained on Southern Mountain had fully healed, Mu Wan Yao breathed a sigh of relief. She thought to herself that it was fortunate she had pestered Prince Qin daily, preventing Third Brother from daring to settle personal grudges, ultimately ensuring her people were returned safely.
Just as Mu Wan Yao was feeling pleased, she noticed from the corner of her eye that after exchanging pleasantries with the court officials, Meng Zaishi strode toward her.
She maintained an indifferent expression as she watched him, a sense of alertness rising within her.
Mu Wan Yao said, "The Crown Prince asked me to tell you that regarding Yang Sanlang's offense of injuring you on Southern Mountain, he has apologized on Sanlang's behalf by demoting him to a minor captain position. I wonder if this satisfies you?"
Meng Zaishi smiled ambiguously, "You people of Great Wei are full of cunning schemes. Who knows what your true intentions are? It matters not. I no longer care about such things."
Standing before her, Meng Zaishi stared at her for a long moment before saying, "Indeed, the climate of your Great Wei nurtures beauty. Despite all that has happened these past three months, I see you've grown even more beautiful."
Mu Wan Yao replied calmly, "Natural elegance is simply beyond one's control."
Meng Zaishi: "..."
He couldn't help but laugh, the scars on his face seeming less fearsome. Pointing at Mu Wan Yao with a teasing smile, he said, "You've even learned to joke. It seems you're quite happy that I'm leaving without taking you with me."
Mu Wan Yao's eyes lifted slightly as she glanced at him.
The natural innocence in her gaze flowed like spring water - how could it not stir one's heart?
Meng Zaishi paused before saying hoarsely, "Given our relationship, won't you offer me a farewell drink?"
A trace of impatience flashed in Mu Wan Yao's eyes. Though she had come today representing the Crown Prince and had shown the Uman King due respect, her inherently difficult temperament remained unchecked. With obvious perfunctoriness, she took a cup of wine from a nearby eunuch, drank it in one gulp, and toasted the Uman King: "May your journey be smooth."
Meng Zaishi: "Though in your heart, you'd rather something unfortunate befall me, wouldn't you?"
Mu Wan Yao: "Some thoughts are better left unspoken."
Meng Zaishi: "Just as some people are better left in the past, with no need to reappear?"
Mu Wan Yao looked at him for a long moment before saying, "I remain grateful for your help in saving me back then. But our two nations have different customs and cultures, ultimately..."
Meng Zaishi casually completed her sentence: "Cannot force each other."
Mu Wan Yao lowered her lashes and fell silent.
A nearby eunuch quietly reminded that the Uman King should return the toast to the princess.
Meng Zaishi casually took a wine vessel filled with clear liquor, his eyes fixed on Mu Wan Yao. As his gaze traveled over her face, he recalled their abandoned past together. Lowering his eyes, he smiled faintly and said, "In this lifetime, you remain my favorite."
"According to our Uman customs, I should simply take you back by force. But when in another land, follow its customs. Since you're unwilling, I don't want a reluctant wife who might stab me in my sleep."
"After returning to Uman this time, I will take a wife. I won't linger for you, but you will always be my favorite."
Mu Wan Yao remained silent for a moment.
Then she said: "Unnecessary."Meng Zaishi laughed heartily: "You truly are cold-blooded. I thought these words might coax a pleasant phrase or two from you."
He drained his cup in one gulp and said, "Since you wish me a smooth journey, I shall wish you a good husband and a blessed marriage in return."
Mu Wan Yao looked up at him in surprise, never expecting that he would bear no grudge despite her repeated attempts to kill him, and could actually let go.
Meng Zaishi drank another cup, then leaned in abruptly. Mu Wan Yao jerked backward, but he pressed down on her shoulder. Gazing into her eyes, he bent to her eye level and spoke with utmost sincerity in the Black Barbarian tongue: "May you never lay eyes on me again for the rest of your life, nor ever see your nightmare again."
"May you forever forget us father and son, these scoundrels. May you live in peace, obtain the happiness you deserve, and become a truly proud princess."
Mu Wan Yao’s eyes went vacant, staring at him in a daze.
Her gaze flickered, understanding that he had ultimately shown her mercy—that he did care for her after all... All his actions were justified by Black Barbarian standards, but she was from Great Wei, not one of them.
And in the end, he had chosen to release her, to grant her freedom.
Mu Wan Yao lowered her eyes and murmured, "...Thank you."
A hint of mischief surfaced in Meng Zaishi’s gaze.
Just as Mu Wan Yao grew wary and prepared to retreat, she heard him rapidly utter in the Black Barbarian tongue: "But I refuse to wish you and Yan Shang a happy ending. I hope with all my heart he never gets you."
He leaned in and kissed her forehead.
The eunuch nearby immediately raised his voice in alarm: "Uman King—! How dare you—!"
How could he kiss their princess in public!
Meng Zaishi laughed heartily, releasing her shoulder as soon as his lips left her skin. Her beautiful eyes blazing with fury, she shoved him forcefully, but he had already stepped back swiftly. Mu Wan Yao hastily grabbed a handkerchief offered by a maid and wiped her forehead, then guiltily shot a quick glance toward a certain someone among the rows of court officials.
Meng Zaishi had already mounted his horse. Without waiting for the Great Wei courtiers to react to his kissing their princess, he waved his hand and led his contingent galloping away. His clear laughter carried on the wind—
"Yan Shisheng! I’ve left a gift for you and Great Wei—you’ll find out what it is when you return. Tit for tat, no need for thanks!"
On the plains outside Chang’an, the crowd watched as the Uman King, radiating bold charisma, led his Black Barbarian warriors away on horseback. The horses sped off swiftly, kicking up clouds of dust. Their party rode light and fast, while the people and goods sent by Great Wei followed slowly behind.
The court officials watched the Uman King’s party disappear into the distance, then turned to look at Yan Shang, curious about the gift the Uman King had mentioned.
Yan Shang’s expression was unreadable, still unsettled by Meng Zaishi’s kiss on Mu Wan Yao’s forehead. Suppressing his emotions with effort, he shook his head at the others, indicating he had no idea.
The officials didn’t dwell on the matter.
Gazing at the rising dust, one official watched the Uman King’s retreating figure and the imposing sight of his cavalry, and couldn’t help but sigh: "The Uman King is quite the hero."
Yan Shang replied, "One man’s hero is another’s enemy. It remains to be seen."
The officials nodded thoughtfully, each lost in their own reflections, silent and pensive.
With the last foreign envoy finally seen off, the officials bid each other farewell and returned to their busy duties. As Yan Shang remained standing there, lost in thought, Mu Wan Yao walked over to him and glanced at him a couple of times.
She still felt guilty about Meng Zaishi kissing her forehead earlier.
Mu Wan Yao cleared her throat twice.
Yan Shang looked up at her.Mu Wan Yao said leisurely, "Where are you going?"
Yan Shang was taken aback for a moment before realizing that Mu Wan Yao was actually taking the initiative to show goodwill by speaking to him in front of the court officials outside. Compared to her previous attitude of wanting nothing to do with him the moment they stepped out, lest the court officials misunderstand, it was incredibly rare for Danyang Princess to now condescend to ask him a question in front of the officials.
Yan Shang was about to respond when a nearby official, barely containing his excitement, whispered: "Ah? Your Highness is speaking to me? I was just about to go to Prince Qin's residence with Yan Erlang. The central government has drafted an edict regarding Prince Qin, since he previously sided with the envoys - there must be an explanation after the fact."
Mu Wan Yao: "..."
She looked in surprise at the young official who had appeared from nowhere beside Yan Shang. This official was gazing at her delightedly, truly believing the princess had come to speak with him.
As for that useless Yan Shang, he remained silent for a moment before actually closing his mouth.
The young official asked curiously: "But why does Your Highness ask about this?"
Mu Wan Yao looked skyward: "I happen to be going to Prince Jin's residence. Seeing you have no carriage, I thought to offer you a ride. Would you be willing?"
Young official: "Of course we would!"
Mu Wan Yao turned to leave, hearing the official behind her pulling Yan Shang and saying excitedly: "Yan Erlang, come quickly with me! Today you're benefiting from my good fortune to ride in Danyang Princess's carriage. Shouldn't you thank me?"
Mu Wan Yao whirled around, looking at Yan Shang with an amused expression.
She saw Yan Shang ask the official: "Don't you know... about the Nanshan incident?"
After Nanshan, his relationship with Danyang Princess had been the subject of wild rumors. Even if people didn't think they were involved romantically, they would assume the two were quite familiar.
How could anyone think he didn't know Danyang Princess?
The official looked confused: "I left the capital to observe mourning for my father and only returned to Chang'an this month. I had the honor of seeing off the Uman King from Chang'an. What happened at Nanshan?"
Yan Shang fell silent for a moment, then unusually made a joke: "I see. Then I should thank you, brother, for letting me benefit from your good fortune to ride in Danyang Princess's carriage."
Yan Shang lifted his gaze and met Mu Wan Yao's eyes as she looked back at him, raising an eyebrow at him.
Understanding passed between them.
Somewhat flirtatious.
He turned his head as if to admire the scenery, a slight smile touching his lips, the tips of his ears turning slightly red.
OpenNovel