Sharing the same carriage, it was not only Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang inside. With an additional official, the carriage instantly felt cramped.
Moreover, this official was exhilarated by his first time riding in Princess Danyang’s carriage. He chattered incessantly, clearly intending to engage Mu Wan Yao in conversation throughout the journey—
“Your Highness looks exceptionally radiant today, showcasing the grandeur of our great nation.”
“Why did Your Highness invite this humble official to share the carriage? Could it be that Your Highness recognizes me? The last time I saw Your Highness was three years ago, when you had just returned to Chang’an…”
Mu Wan Yao impatiently fanned herself with a round silk fan, her expression icy as she attempted to silence the official with her demeanor. Why couldn’t he just sit quietly? Why so much talk?
The official, oblivious to her displeasure, continued chattering excitedly to the princess.
In contrast, Yan Shang remained exceptionally quiet.
Mu Wan Yao glanced at him and saw him sitting opposite her with his head lowered. As he listened to the official pestering her, a faint smile touched the corners of Yan Shang’s lips. Mu Wan Yao glared at him, and as if sensing her gaze, he lifted his eyes and interjected before the official could launch into his next topic: “We’re almost at Prince Qin’s residence.”
Mu Wan Yao seized the opportunity immediately: “Is the central government planning to punish Prince Qin? He held onto my people for two months before releasing them—he ought to be dealt with properly!”
The official quickly chimed in, thumping his chest as he assured Mu Wan Yao: “Your Highness need not worry. The two of us are here precisely to deliver the decree and hold Prince Qin accountable. At the very least, he will be confined to his residence for reflection in the near future.”
Mu Wan Yao: “He oversees three ministries. If he takes a break, there might be issues in those departments. I think the central government could take this chance to investigate further. If needed, I have a few officials I could recommend…”
The young official grasped the princess’s intention to install her own people and smiled: “Such a minor matter—if Your Highness has recommendations, the Secretariat will certainly consider them.”
Mu Wan Yao was instantly delighted.
So what use was Yan Shang’s position in the Secretariat? He showed no regard for personal connections and couldn’t even help with small favors. In the half-year he had been there, Mu Wan Yao had gained no advantages from the Secretariat—at most, she received news of court developments a little earlier than others.
Yet this young official, newly returned to the capital, had casually agreed to assist her with a minor matter.
Mu Wan Yao smiled, setting aside her fan and leaning slightly toward the official: “Might I ask your name, sir?”
The princess’s stunning beauty, with eyes like shimmering lakes, made the young official blush: “This humble official’s surname is Jiang.”
Mu Wan Yao exclaimed in realization: “Could you be from the prominent Jiang clan of Qinghe Commandery?”
The young official: “Indeed.”
Mu Wan Yao beamed: “I know of them. One of my cousins married into your family. I haven’t seen her in years—is she doing well in Qinghe?”
Thus, the two finally found a topic of conversation. The princess’s opportunistic shift left Yan Shang speechless as he watched from the side. He attempted to cough as a reminder, but Mu Wan Yao shot him a warning glare, signaling him not to interrupt her important business.
At first, Yan Shang found their conversation acceptable, but as it delved deeper into discussions about future court arrangements and movements… The two were growing increasingly imprudent, forcing Yan Shang to play the role of the third wheel disrupting their budding rapport—
He cautioned: “Sir Jiang, you must not divulge the Secretariat’s arrangements recklessly.”The young official was taken aback, then realized Mu Wan Yao had tricked him into revealing more than he intended. She shot Yan Shang a fierce glare, clearly annoyed at his meddling.
Amidst this dawdling, they arrived at Prince Qin's residence. The two officials alighted, the young one first with Yan Shang following. Before stepping down, Yan Shang glanced back at Mu Wan Yao. Hesitating at her icy expression, he gently tugged her sleeve.
Yan Shang whispered, "Your Highness, I meant well..."
Mu Wan Yao cast him a haughty look, her lips curling in a faint smile. "Yan Shang, just you wait."
Yan Shang sighed, assuming that was the end of it.
But suddenly, Mu Wan Yao leaned in and swiftly bit his ear. His face flushed crimson, stiffening in shock as he whipped his head around, afraid the young official outside might see.
Mu Wan Yao then traced his ear with her finger, her voice dripping like honey, "Wait for me in bed."
Yan Shang: "..."
She shoved him abruptly, sending him stumbling backward until he tumbled out of the carriage. Looking up at her, he saw her hiding behind a round fan, only her autumn-pool-like eyes visible—seductive and shimmering. His throat tightened, startled by the sudden desire that surged within him, and he quickly averted his gaze.
The princess's carriage departed leisurely. After composing himself to avoid embarrassment, Yan Shang went to greet the young official nearby.
The young official was gazing wistfully at the dust stirred up by the carriage, lamenting, "Erlang, do you think Her Highness fancies me? First, she invited me to share her carriage, then chatted so warmly with me. We got along so well—does she intend for me to become her... intimate companion?"
He fretted, "Should I accept or not?"
Yan Shang: "..."
He replied, "How could you accept?"
The young official glanced at him. "Are you jealous that Her Highness and I hit it off?"
Yan Shang: "...Sir, say less. I fear you'll regret it when you learn the truth later."
—
When Mu Wan Yao arrived at Prince Jin's residence, a faint smile lingered in her eyes. A gauze shawl draped over her arms, her rose-red dress trailed behind, its overly long hem carefully held by a maid. The sash at her waist fluttered lightly, accentuating her slender, graceful figure.
From a distance, she resembled a tree ablaze with brilliant blossoms, radiant and captivating.
As Danyang Princess walked, her movements were both languid and dignified, stirring envy among Prince Jin's concubines over how such an alluring demeanor was cultivated. Any man who saw her would surely be spellbound, willing to give his life for her.
Mu Wan Yao had come to visit Chunhua.
Chunhua had just given birth to Prince Jin's first son, delighting him so much that he entered the palace before dawn to request the Emperor to bestow a name. Mu Wan Yao learned of the birth from the Emperor and came to pay a visit.
Since Chunhua entered Prince Jin's household, this was only Mu Wan Yao's second visit. As she herself had stated, she wished to avoid getting too close to Prince Jin—her presence now was solely out of respect for Chunhua's childbirth.Chunhua had been confined indoors all day for her postpartum recovery, constantly worrying about Princess Danyang outside. She heard from Princess Consort Jin that the princess was seeing the Uman King off on behalf of the Crown Prince today. Upon learning this news, Chunhua felt both happy for the princess's current status and concerned that meeting the Uman King might put her in a terribly foul mood, causing her to hide away and suffer in secret.
Yet as Mu Wan Yao sat by Chunhua's bedside, Chunhua noticed a smile in the princess's eyes, with no trace of gloom whatsoever.
Mu Wan Yao urged, "Quick, let me see your son."
Chunhua promptly had the maid bring the swaddled infant to Mu Wan Yao. Leaning in for a closer look, Mu Wan Yao remarked, "Clear-eyed and fine-featured—quite handsome. But I heard newborns are all rather ugly, aren't they?"
Chunhua explained with a gentle smile, "They might look a bit plain at first before their features settle, but they grow more appealing as they develop. Your Highness, look—Yue'er is smiling at you."
Mu Wan Yao raised an eyebrow. "Did the Emperor bestow the name 'Mu Yue'? The character 'Yue'... it's acceptable."
She thought the character seemed a bit grand but, considering this was the firstborn son of Prince Jin's household, decided it was fittingly ambitious.
Studying Chunhua, Mu Wan Yao noticed the warm sunlight streaming in, illuminating the young mother as she cradled her child, humming softly to lull him. Chunhua had filled out considerably compared to before, radiating a maternal kindness and affection that only motherhood could bring.
This version of Chunhua suggested Prince Jin treated her well, which set Mu Wan Yao's mind at ease.
Fortunately, her own status was high enough that the tragedies she had endured would not befall Chunhua. For Chunhua's sake alone, she ought to climb even higher. Only by being sufficiently powerful could she ensure no one dared touch those close to her.
Chunhua smiled and suggested to the princess, "Your Highness, why not hold Yue'er for a while?"
Mu Wan Yao recoiled in distaste, hiding her hands behind her back and retreating further. "I don't like children. I won't hold him."
Knowing the princess's reservations, Chunhua made the suggestion softly, hoping to help her open her heart.
Perhaps due to their close relationship or the cozy atmosphere of the room making Mu Wan Yao feel secure, she gradually inched closer and, under Chunhua's guidance, awkwardly and stiffly picked up the child.
The baby in her arms blinked his clear, grape-like black eyes and smiled at Mu Wan Yao.
Her heart instantly melted into a puddle, yet she stiffened almost imperceptibly.
Turning her head away, she complained, "My arms are sore. I don't want to hold him anymore."
Chunhua, who had been closely watching Mu Wan Yao's expression, quickly took the child back the moment she stiffened, afraid of upsetting her. She cautiously observed the princess, expecting her to become despondent or cold, but Mu Wan Yao simply settled back comfortably, fanning herself with a smile.
Clearly, that slight discomfort hadn't provoked much of a reaction in her.
Puzzled, Chunhua thought: Her Highness seems truly much better than before, as if she's let go of many burdens.
What had brought about such a change in the princess?
A thought struck Chunhua, and she had the maids take the child away. Once the servants were dismissed and only the two of them remained in the room, she quietly asked the princess, "Your Highness, how are things with Yan Erlang...?"
Mu Wan Yao's eyes instantly brimmed with unrestrained delight—a mix of a young woman's pride and a girl's charming shyness.
She replied openly, "Quite well."She couldn't resist sharing again: "I slept with him!"
Then frowned: "Unfortunately, it was only once before he became too busy to be seen. I suspect he's avoiding me, yet he pays his respects to me daily. I wonder if I'm overthinking it... But it doesn't matter. Since he lives next door, he can't hide for long anyway."
Chunhua, unlike the proper Princess Yuyang, satisfied Mu Wan Yao's desire to confide in someone.
Chunhua covered her mouth in surprise: "Really? I thought Your Highness and Erlang had long since, long since..."
Mu Wan Yao sighed regretfully: "He's becoming harder to fool. At first, he believed everything I said. Now if I don't show some skill, he's truly difficult to deceive. Being with such a clever person puts me under so much pressure."
Chunhua laughed: "It's alright. Erlang likes Your Highness. Someone like Yan Erlang - whoever he likes should feel assured of his character."
Mu Wan Yao bit her lip and smiled.
Sitting on the couch, she swung her legs somewhat improperly. Without royal dignity, she resembled more of a young girl.
Mu Wan Yao's expression relaxed: "I think so too. If even he becomes untrustworthy, I would truly lose all faith in this world. But..."
She tilted her head to look at Chunhua, somewhat curious yet embarrassed: "Do you think he really likes me?"
Chunhua said: "Erlang does like Your Highness. We can all see it."
Mu Wan Yao hesitated: "But he's good to everyone. I've noticed that both men and women all like him..."
Chunhua: "But Erlang only follows behind Your Highness, constantly asking 'What have I done wrong now?'"
Seeing Chunhua imitate Yan Shang's speech, Mu Wan Yao was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter and pinching Chunhua's cheek: "Oh, you've become so mischievous, actually making jokes now..."
Mu Wan Yao herself felt Yan Shang treated her differently, but she needed confirmation from others to see if she was seeing things through rose-colored glasses. Chunhua understood her hesitation and distrust towards men, knowing this was actually the princess's first time liking a gentleman, filled with confusion and reservations.
Therefore, Chunhua firmly encouraged Mu Wan Yao.
Chunhua hoped Her Highness could live well. Having suffered such misfortune in her early life, she deserved enough happiness in her later years - only then would heaven be fair.
After talking with Chunhua for a long time, Mu Wan Yao finally asked: "I suggested to the Emperor that Yan Shang be promoted. Do you think he would feel insulted if he knew?"
Chunhua: "I don't think Erlang is the type to misinterpret others with ill intent. But if Your Highness lacks confidence, you could ask him directly. I now believe that between men and women, some things should be made clear to avoid any regrets."
A trace of sorrow clouded her expression.
Mu Wan Yao's eyes paused, meeting Chunhua's gaze. Both women fell silent, understanding the source of Chunhua's sudden emotion.
In the quiet moment, Chunhua's voice trembled slightly: "Your Highness, he... is he still..."
Mu Wan Yao said calmly: "Don't ask about someone unrelated to you. It's best for everyone if you honestly remain as Prince Jin's concubine."
Chunhua forced a smile and nodded.
Mu Wan Yao turned to look at her, speaking softly: "After your confinement period ends, you still need to follow Princess Consort Jin, understand? As a concubine who bears the eldest son, you need protection."Chunhua said, "I understand. I was also thinking... if after another year, the princess consort still cannot bear a child, I will beg for grace, asking the princess consort to raise Yue'er and have Yue'er recorded under her name. This would be best for everyone."
Mu Wan Yao remained silent for a moment before asking, "How does Fifth Brother treat you?"
Chunhua replied, "Well enough."
Mu Wan Yao nodded. As they spoke, someone outside announced that Prince Jin had returned to the residence and was inquiring about the princess.
Mu Wan Yao said with disgust, "I won't be dining here. He needn't concern himself with me; he should attend to his own affairs."
The servant outside went to deliver the message, while Chunhua looked at the princess, puzzled. "Prince Jin is actually quite proper and disciplined. Why does Your Highness seem to dislike him so much?"
Mu Wan Yao said, "Because I can see that he's always pretending."
Chunhua chuckled, "So what? Feigned 'benevolence and righteousness' are still 'benevolence and righteousness.' A feigned sage is still a true sage."
Mu Wan Yao replied, "Because he doesn't pretend well enough. I can see the traces. I don't like insincere people. Such people, once their true nature is exposed, are bound to cause major trouble. And if they spend their entire lives suppressing their true selves, pretending like this, they are finished."
Mu Wan Yao frowned, "He wants to give others the impression of a gentleman who doesn't contend. He has been like this all these years... Actually, Yan Shang is like this too. But Yan Shang's usual behavior gives a very genuine feeling. Yan Shang confides in others and shows consideration for everyone... Fifth Brother can't do this, and it feels very awkward.
"The difference between the two is that Yan Shang wants to be a true gentleman, while Fifth Brother only uses gentlemanliness as a means... That's why I accept Yan Shang but dislike Fifth Brother. Don't get too attached to him, understand?"
Chunhua, confused, simply nodded and said she would remember—
Yan Shang returned from Prince Qin's place and, upon hearing a piece of news, went back to the Secretariat.
At the Secretariat, he encountered the gift left for Great Wei by the Uman King—an Uman envoy named Luo Xiu.
This Luo Xiu was clearly a native of Great Wei, yet he served as an Uman envoy. Yan Shang had met this person before but hadn't expected Meng Zaishi to leave him behind in Great Wei.
The Secretariat officials were unclear about this man's identity, so after Yan Shang arrived, they handed this troublesome figure over to him—since Yan Shang had dealt with the Uman King the most, let him decipher the Uman King's true intentions.
After speaking with Luo Xiu, Yan Shang informed the other officials in the Secretariat that Luo Xiu was actually an envoy sent by the Southern Barbarian King, not the Uman King.
The officials were surprised, "You found out through probing?"
Yan Shang replied gently, "Yes."
The officials nodded. After months of working together, they had great faith in Yan Shang's eloquence and did not doubt him, instead pondering the Southern Barbarian King's intentions.
After a long while, one official said, "In that case, this man is indeed a significant gift. The Southern Barbarians sent him here clearly to drive a wedge between us and the Uman. We should keep this man in Chang'an and assign him some position, but under no circumstances should we let him return to the Southern Barbarians."
This was a matter for the senior officials to deliberate on; Yan Shang only needed to follow orders.
After the officials had decided on an official position for Luo Xiu, Yan Shang was assigned to appease him and threaten him into staying quietly in Chang'an, with no thoughts of returning to the Southern Barbarians.After completing his duties as usual, Yan Shang found Luo Xiu in a dazed state, yet the man trusted him implicitly. After all, Yan Shang held a low-ranking official position, spoke gently, and had an honest appearance... Yan Shang easily persuaded Luo Xiu to remain peacefully in Chang'an, reassuring him that he would help him return to the Southern Barbarians.
Luo Xiu pleaded, "Sir, you must help me! I'm not from your Great Wei—I can't adapt to living here long-term! If anything happens to me, our king will be displeased."
Yan Shang chuckled amiably and agreed—
After handling these matters, Yan Shang returned to his residence and summoned Han Shu Xing.
Han Shu Xing, who had previously been taken by Mu Wan Yao to impersonate the Uman King, had been under Yan Shang's care since the military exercise concluded. He had remained with Yan Shang ever since.
In his study, Yan Shang lowered his head in contemplation while Han Shu Xing stood rigidly before him.
Yan Shang raised his eyes to observe the other man's sturdy frame cast in shadow, pondering thoughtfully:
Luo Xiu possessed the appearance of a Great Wei native yet yearned for the Southern Barbarians; Han Shu Xing bore the distinct high-nosed, deep-eyed features of the Black Barbarians yet held no affection for them nor any sense of belonging to the Southern Barbarians.
The contrast between these two men was rather intriguing.
Han Shu Xing remained silent under Yan Shang's scrutiny, his years of enslaved life having forged a numb and taciturn disposition. He had grown accustomed to noblemen's beatings and scoldings. Recently, however, Yan Erlang's respectful treatment had left him deeply unsettled.
He suspected Yan Erlang had ulterior motives.
Han Shu Xing believed that whenever anyone treated him kindly, they inevitably sought something requiring his life in return.
He thought indifferently: So be it. Since Erlang has treated me well, even if he demands my death, it matters not.
As Han Shu Xing stood there numbly, he heard Yan Shang speak in gentle tones, apologizing, "I originally promised you that after the military exercise concluded and the Uman King departed Chang'an, when your safety was secured, I would return your Slave Registry and release you from Chang'an. But now I have a favor to ask of you..."
Han Shu Xing thought: Just as expected. These nobles never keep their word. Yan Erlang is no different.
Yan Shang placed a slave contract on the desk and pushed it forward, indicating Han Shu Xing could take it. He said, "I need to entrust you with a matter before you leave Chang'an. Since there's no precedent, I shall treat you as a wandering knight for now. May I inquire what price a wandering knight would charge for performing a non-life-threatening task?"
Han Shu Xing started, suddenly lifting his head to gaze at the gentleman behind the desk.
Staring at the document Yan Shang had pushed toward him, he asked hoarsely, "...What is this?"
Yan Shang replied, "Your Slave Registry. Didn't I say I'd grant you freedom?"
Han Shu Xing stared blankly for a moment before saying, "Erlang, you shouldn't return the Slave Registry to me now. You should only give it to me after I complete your task. That way, you can be assured I won't betray you."
Yan Shang smiled, "I'm merely hiring you for a business transaction—there's no talk of betrayal. I've said you should be free, that your life shouldn't be controlled by me. As long as you don't harm Great Wei, you may do whatever you wish."
Han Shu Xing asked, "...Will you truly let me leave Chang'an? You won't send assassins after me? I'm a Black barbarian—born opposed to your Great Wei. Don't you all say 'treacherous hearts abound' and 'those not of our kind must have alien intentions'? How could you genuinely let me go?"These were words Han Shu Xing would never normally utter, for he fundamentally distrusted these noble figures. But Yan Erlang... facing Yan Erlang, he wished to ask this one question.
Yan Shang said: "Though that may be so, the innocent should be freed. Having been a slave for many years, you don't know what you wish to do, nor have any particular aspirations. You may leave the capital and try living for yourself. Whether I would send assassins after you midway, or what guarantees I might give now - you wouldn't believe them anyway. Why not simply try and see?
"Han Shu Xing, in this world... there does exist the path of righteousness."
Han Shu Xing gazed at Yan Shang for a long while before speaking slowly, "What do you need me to do?"
Yan Shang: "Not for me, but I'm hiring you. Recently, an official named Luo Xiu will arrive in Chang'an. He was originally an envoy sent by the Southern Barbarian King, but the Uman King detained him, claiming he was a gift to Great Wei. I tentatively believe in the Uman King's boldness and trust that he truly presented Great Wei with a gift—under this premise, Luo Xiu must have done or planned to do something harmful to Great Wei, which prompted the Uman King to reciprocate by leaving him as a gift.
"Luo Xiu is bound to be incompatible with Great Wei's official circles. If he urgently wants to return to the Southern Barbarians, he will likely try to contact the Black Barbarians in Chang'an, perhaps to relay messages or similar tasks. I'm hiring you to gain Luo Xiu's trust. With your Black Barbarian appearance, it will be easy for him to trust you. Once you're by his side, engage him in conversation... I want to know what exactly Luo Xiu has done or plans to do in Great Wei."
Han Shu Xing nodded. This task was indeed straightforward and carried no life-threatening risks.
He took the Slave Registry that Yan Shang had placed on the table. Being illiterate, he planned to have someone check later whether the document was truly his slave registry.
After Han Shu Xing left, Yan Shang rubbed his temples and pondered for a moment, then laughed self-deprecatingly, "Still manipulating human psychology."
He had exploited Han Shu Xing's mindset, making him wholeheartedly grateful... He wasn't the truly upright and noble person Han Shu Xing believed him to be.
Yan Shang sat in his study and continued handling other official duties.
Suddenly, muffled thunder rumbled outside, and rain began to patter down. Yan Shang turned his face to look at the rain through the window, his brow twitching slightly.
He called Yun Shu in and asked whether the princess from the neighboring Princess Residence had returned.
The answer was: not yet—
Mu Wan Yao was stranded at Prince Jin's residence by the heavy rain.
She had no choice but to stay for dinner.
After the meal, Prince Jin wanted to chat with Mu Wan Yao, but she retreated back to Chunhua's room. Her blatant disregard made Prince Jin visibly uncomfortable, though he restrained himself.
In Chunhua's room, Mu Wan Yao snacked on melon seeds and pastries with her. Chunhua worried, "Your Highness, aren't you returning yet?"
Mu Wan Yao: "Absolutely not."
Chunhua was puzzled, unable to grasp the princess's intentions. But she soon understood.
Fang Tong entered from outside and reported to the princess from the doorway, "Your Highness, the weather has turned cold. The Princess Residence sent a hand warmer. They also brought an umbrella to escort you back."
Mu Wan Yao's lips curved into a smile.
She tossed aside the melon seeds and grinned at Chunhua, "See? Someone is overly concerned and sent a hand warmer."
Chunhua sighed with relief, "The maids at the residence are finally being considerate."
Mu Wan Yao stood up cheerfully, signaling for Chunhua to accompany her. She pushed the door open and took the hand warmer from Fang Tong. Fang Tong held an umbrella while Chunhua and the other maids also shielded her with theirs, escorting the princess out of the residence.
Outside the gate, in the pitch-black rainy night, puddles on the ground were illuminated like daylight by the carriage lanterns.
A figure stood beside the carriage holding an umbrella. As he turned, his face revealed a refined and elegant demeanor. Chunhua exclaimed without thinking, "Yan Erlang!"
Mu Wan Yao walked toward Yan Shang.Yan Shang gave a slight nod towards Chunhua's direction, and after paying his respects, he assisted the princess into the carriage. Rain soaked the corner of his sleeve as he turned his back to them, reaching out to support Mu Wan Yao's arm and help her board. Tilting his face upward, raindrops splattered onto his eyelashes.
Chunhua watched quietly. The princess truly needed someone as versatile and thoughtful as him to care for her. Mu Wan Yao had even guessed that Yan Shang would come looking for her... It showed that Erlang was becoming increasingly involved in the princess's life.
As the carriage moved away, everyone returned to the palace. A maid nearby, confused, whispered to Chunhua, "Isn't Danyang Princess unmarried? But that gentleman... he seemed almost like the Imperial Son-in-Law."
Chunhua scolded her softly, "Don't speak nonsense."
But in her heart, she thought, perhaps he really would become the Imperial Son-in-Law.
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