Wei Shu said: “But Second Brother Yan, didn’t you say you had matters to attend to tonight?”

Yan Shang cast a subtle glance at Mu Wanyao.

She sat leisurely, chin propped on her right hand, appearing completely oblivious to his predicament.

Faced with Wei Shu’s question, Yan Shang felt ashamed.

He made a fist and brought it to his lips, coughing once before saying vaguely: “I just realized that studying is more important. After all, it’s been a long time since I’ve studied with Juyuan.”

Wei Shu’s eyes flickered briefly.

He looked at Yan Shang, then at the smiling princess beside them. Wei Shu lowered his eyes, gently brushing away some leaf fragments scattered on the book.

Though young, he was sensitive enough to notice the strange atmosphere between the princess and Second Brother Yan. He had some suspicions… but dared not be certain.

Wei Shu frowned slightly, looking at the two with some concern. But being naturally reserved, and with the conversation having reached this point, he figured they must understand… so Wei Shu decided not to say more—

That night, the three shared a room, the scholarly atmosphere particularly thick.

At a long table, Wei Shu held the book, sitting together with Yan Shang. Mu Wanyao wore casual red silk robes, her long hair loosely pinned like clouds, chin propped on her hand as she sat across from them.

Wei Shu and Yan Shang were reading, but Mu Wanyao wasn’t looking at the book at all.

Yet whenever Wei Shu brought up some content from the book, just hearing the beginning was enough for Mu Wanyao to continue. She could effortlessly recite the book’s contents from memory, playing with her slender fingers while smilingly explaining the text to them with extensive references and citations.

Yan Shang spoke the least.

But he kept stealing glances at Mu Wanyao.

In his heart, he admired her scholarship.

Since knowing her, he had never seen her seriously study. When she occasionally picked up books, they were always casual reading like stories and novels.

However, Yan Shang had always known Mu Wanyao must be a talented woman. Because she could easily guide him, telling him about examination traps and the examiners’ preferences. She could casually point out flaws in his poetry, and after just glancing at his calligraphy, she would snicker.

But those were all things Yan Shang had guessed from Mu Wanyao’s daily behavior.

It wasn’t until tonight, seeing Mu Wanyao recite the book’s contents without looking, that he realized just how impressive she was.

While taking notes on Mu Wanyao’s casual instructions, Yan Shang asked: “When did Your Highness read this book?”

Mu Wanyao lifted her eyelids, thinking: “When I was thirteen or fourteen, I suppose.”

Wei Shu looked up: “Has Your Highness not reviewed it these past two years? Yet Your Highness still remembers the contents?”

Mu Wanyao said: “Back when I studied with my brother, to please my father and others, I studied very diligently. So even after all these years, I can’t forget… though I wish I could.”

Her tone carried a hint of melancholy as she fell silent.

There were many things she couldn’t remember.

Yet ironically, many books she had read before remained like imprints of her past, unforgettable even now.

Seeing Mu Wanyao’s expression, Wei Shu felt helpless for a moment. Realizing he might have touched upon a wound in her heart, he sat there bewildered, not knowing how to comfort her… then he saw Second Brother Yan casually push a teacup toward her with a gentle smile: “Your Highness must be thirsty. Have some tea.”

Mu Wanyao took a sip of tea, her eyes curving as she asked puzzled: “Why is there a strange taste?”

Yan Shang explained softly: “Good medicine tastes bitter. When I went out earlier, I added some herbs to the tea. I thought Your Highness might get thirsty from talking all evening.”

Mu Wanyao glanced at him sideways: “I didn’t say I wouldn’t drink it, why are you explaining so much?”

Yan Shang shook his head with a smile, rolling up his sleeves to pick up his brush again.

Wei Shu watched silently from the side, observing their exchanged glances and smiles.

Seeing Second Brother Yan’s skillful way of comforting Mu Wanyao… Wei Shu had a strange feeling that he was quite superfluous here.

Wei Shu suppressed the odd thoughts in his mind and lowered his head to continue reading. Yan Shang joined him, still taking notes.

Mu Wanyao thoughtfully watched Yan Shang, noting that from start to finish, it was Wei Shu turning the pages while Yan Shang watched beside him, not speaking at all.

Mu Wanyao’s eyes flickered.

Wei Shu, being a noble family’s son unaccustomed to considering others, naturally wouldn’t think that Yan Shang’s reading pace might differ from his. That was fine. But Yan Shang simply followed Wei Shu’s pace throughout, never speaking up… either Yan Shang didn’t want to show weakness, or he could completely keep up with Wei Shu’s speed.

And based on Mu Wanyao’s understanding of Yan Shang, the latter possibility seemed more likely.

He could keep up with Wei Shu?

Wei Shu was from the prestigious Wei family of Luoyang after all. His reading speed was completely different from ordinary poor scholars. If Yan Shang could keep up… it showed his ability to absorb and retain knowledge must be quite strong. This made sense… if Yan Shang were as poor a scholar as he claimed, even with Mu Wanyao’s guidance, becoming the third-ranked scholar in his first year would have been nearly impossible.

It was just that he was habitually modest and often spoke of his poor scholarship… giving Mu Wanyao the impression he was truly quite lacking.

Mu Wanyao smiled, feeling she had discovered one of Yan Shang’s hidden secrets, her heart leaping with joy.

Feeling playful, she stopped fidgeting with her fingers and rolled up her sleeves to pick up a brush, writing a line of characters on paper. She crumpled the paper into a ball and looked up at Yan Shang writing across from her, and Wei Shu quietly reading beside him.

When Wei Shu wasn’t paying attention, Mu Wanyao raised her chin, leaned forward, and threw her paper ball at Yan Shang.

The paper ball hit Yan Shang’s brow, his eyelashes trembling slightly as he looked up to see a paper ball roll into his lap. He looked across at Mu Wanyao, who was propping her chin up, smiling at him.

Yan Shang’s face reddened slightly as he glanced at Wei Shu beside him. Seeing Wei Shu hadn’t noticed, he discreetly picked up the paper ball to see what Mu Wanyao had written.

The note read: “Isn’t there a thrill in this secret affair behind Juyuan’s back?”

Yan Shang: “…”

He looked over at her, the ornaments in her hair swaying gently, and under the brilliant golden light, she winked at him. Her gaze was alluring, eyes like spring water, truly captivating and bewitching.

Yan Shang was speechless, his hand holding the paper ball beginning to go numb.

He smiled wryly, never expecting Mu Wanyao to be so bold. As he struggled with how to respond, Wei Shu asked: “What note did Your Highness and Second Brother Yan write?”

Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang were both startled as they looked over to see Wei Shu raising his head to look at them.

Like being caught in the act, both their faces stiffened.

Yan Shang reacted quickly, crumpling the note again as Wei Shu leaned over to look, casually telling him: “Her Highness was asking me about a historical reference in the book, checking if I remembered it.”

Wei Shu asked with interest: “Which reference?”

Yan Shang then proceeded to make up an explanation, successfully diverting Wei Shu’s attention.

Mu Wanyao sighed in relief, patting her chest. She saw Yan Shang glance up while turning pages with Wei Shu, giving her a slight glare.

Mu Wanyao coughed once, sat up straight, and stopped teasing him.

Yet this thrill of a secret affair lingered in her heart, making it flutter uncontrollably.

She truly enjoyed this kind of interaction with Yan Shang—how he would respond to her, cover for her… she found him wonderful in every way, so wonderful that she couldn’t wait to share intimacy with him.

Mu Wanyao somewhat regretted letting Wei Shu stay. If Wei Shu hadn’t stayed… tonight should have been a perfect moment for her and Yan Shang—

But it seemed fate had other plans.

That night Wei Shu stayed at the princess’s manor, not only missing the opportunity, but the next day Wei Shu left.

Mu Wanyao eagerly waited for the next chance.

But in the afternoon, when Mu Wanyao woke from her nap, her maid told her that Second Young Master Yan had come. Thinking Yan Shang had come to visit her, she had him brought in. However, Yan Shang said his teacher had asked him to stay in the mountains for ten days to visit a great scholar.

This great scholar had just arrived in Chang’an, and back then, the Great Wei’s examination subjects had been set by this scholar along with other prestigious families. Noble families rarely revealed examination rules, but this scholar traveled the world spreading teachings, and now staying temporarily in Chang’an, he might be willing to share some experience and knowledge.

Yan Shang’s teacher had asked him to come along for the visit.

When someone wanted to seek knowledge, Mu Wanyao naturally couldn’t hold them back.

She could only suppress her displeasure and let him go.

However, after Yan Shang left, Mu Wanyao came to appreciate just how considerate he was.

She had always envied Yan Shang’s friends, envying how they received his care. But now that Yan Shang was gone, he sent letters daily, chatting casually with Mu Wanyao, sometimes even including small gifts, which delighted her greatly.

For example:

“It rained in the mountains today, played chess with the master for half a day, secretly keeping a white piece. Wonder when I can play chess with Your Highness? Your Highness’s talent must command my respect.”

“The mountain climate is cool, yet I can’t help but recall the days of studying at Your Highness’s manor, Your Highness must have suffered in such stuffiness.”

“Saw mountain camellias, lovely and dear, couldn’t help but think of Your Highness. I wonder if Your Highness loves flowers?”

“Drank cold tea all day, tossed and turned all night with stomach pain, couldn’t sleep. Your Highness shouldn’t learn from my mistake of drinking cold tea.”

“In the dim morning light, saw misty mountain colors and singing girls picking mulberry leaves. In the haze mistook one for Your Highness for a moment. While laughing at myself, I realized how much I miss you.”

Mu Wanyao read his letters one by one, her heart filled with joy. Yan Shang’s letters were quite casual, thoughts flowing freely, often writing just a character or two, pausing for long periods before continuing to the next line.

From this habit of changing writing patterns, Mu Wanyao could tell that whenever he had free time or thought of her, he would write a character or two.

He didn’t just constantly ask about her welfare but often spoke of his situation too. Telling her what books he read today, and what principles he debated with his teacher tomorrow. His way of speaking was always appropriate, his casual conversational style carrying no hint of trying to curry favor.

It was as if he considered her a friend, just chatting casually with her.

Reading his letters gave me the same feeling as talking to him in person. Neither servile nor overbearing, neither pressuring nor hinting, his conversational way of speaking… yet showing care in every aspect.

This way of speaking… well, Mu Wanyao could never learn it.

But she could feel Yan Shang’s kindness toward her.

Mu Wanyao began to look forward to reading Yan Shang’s letters, counting off days on her fingers to calculate how many days he’d been gone and how many more letters she could expect to receive. This reminded her of when Yan Shang hadn’t yet arrived in Chang’an, writing to her monthly for over half a year.

But back then, Mu Wanyao had maids read his letters, never reading them herself.

Realizing she had never read Yan Shang’s letters before, Mu Wanyao felt intense regret and slapped the table, calling out: “Chunhua! Chunhua! Find all the letters Yan Shang wrote last year, I want to read through them properly.”

Chunhua entered from outside, acknowledging Her Highness’s command. She looked somewhat haggard, but Mu Wanyao, happily absorbed in Yan Shang’s letters, assumed Chunhua was merely ill for a few days and didn’t pay much attention—

Chunhua wasn’t ill.

She was pregnant.

Ten days ago, she had started feeling unwell, tired, and sleepy.

At that time, Chunhua also thought she was sick and took leave to rest. Then Chunhua began vomiting, feeling nauseous at the sight of food, and she started to suspect something was wrong.

Yesterday afternoon, while other maids attended to the princess, Chunhua finally couldn’t suppress her anxiety and secretly went to the West Market to find a countryside doctor, wanting to know what was wrong with her.

The doctor didn’t give her an indirect answer, but directly congratulated her on being pregnant. Chunhua’s face went pale, her head exploding with shock.

Thinking of the medicine her sister-in-law had given her… had it not worked?

The medicine not working… was normal.

Currently, the highest level of medical expertise is in the palace. Folk contraceptive medicines were unreliable at best. Chunhua guessed she had probably encountered the same situation as the princess years ago.

Men’s wantonness made women suffer, and women’s weakness aroused men’s cruelty. After passionate foolishness, not all children in the world were welcomed. Women endured humiliation and torment, and if they didn’t want the child afterward, could only take medicine. But what if the medicine didn’t work?

What should she do next?

Her mind was in chaos, Chunhua’s vision blurred, and she vaguely seemed to see the princess from years ago, sitting alone in her chambers, hugging herself and staring blankly for half a day. Afterward, the princess asked for another medicine…

Facing the countryside doctor, Chunhua’s voice trembled as she repeated the same words the princess had said across time: “…then give me some medicine for abortion.”

Vaguely, she was repeating the same path as the princess—

Late that night, after serving the princess to bed, Chunhua returned to the quarters she shared with other maids.

Everyone else was asleep, leaving her alone sitting at the table, staring blankly at the abortion medicine.

In her mind, images of Liu Wenji and Prince Jin alternated.

She knew clearly who the child’s father was.

For the sake of her peaceful life, she shouldn’t let this child exist.

But… this was Prince Jin’s child.

Royal bloodline.

How could a mere maid decide the fate of royal blood? If the Ministry of Rites or the royal family discovered she dared to abort Prince Jin’s child… even the princess couldn’t protect her.

Moreover, this medicine from a countryside doctor… would it work?

Would it be as ineffective as her sister-in-law’s medicine… or as violently potent as what the princess had used years ago, which had nearly killed her?

Chunhua sat in the night weeping, staring at the medicine, not knowing what choice to make. She was originally just a maid, freed from slave status by the princess’s favor, but under such power dynamics, did she have any choice?—

The next morning when Chunhua woke up, her eyes were swollen.

Other maids asked what was wrong with her lately, and she just claimed her illness hadn’t improved.

Chunhua’s heart was tormented, not knowing whom to consult about this matter. She stood in the corridor lost in thought, waiting for the princess to wake up, when she saw a second-rank maid lifting her skirts as she ran over, saying happily: “Is Her Highness awake? Second Young Master Yan has returned and is here to visit.”

The maids were all delighted to hear of Second Young Master Yan’s arrival. Not only was he graceful and pleasing to look at, but whenever he came, Her Highness’s temper would improve for quite a while. Who wouldn’t want Second Young Master Yan to visit more often?

Seeing everyone’s joy, Chunhua couldn’t help smiling too, saying: “Go ask if Her Highness is awake, I’ll go welcome Second Young Master Yan.”

Mu Wanyao heard the voices outside and coughed once, prompting the maids to quickly enter and attend to her. Hearing Yan Shang had arrived, she wasn’t in a hurry to see him, but slowly began her morning preparations instead.

As she sat at her dressing table while the maids did her hair, she heard Yan Shang’s voice outside. His voice was clear as flowing water, with that unique speaking pace that brought calm… Mu Wanyao couldn’t help glancing toward the window, seeing a blurry figure.

She pressed her lips together to suppress a smile, and under the maids’ watchful eyes, forcefully contained her joy, even slowing her preparations further.

However, Mu Wanyao did strain her ears to hear what Chunhua and Yan Shang were saying outside—

Yan Shang said: “These are some snacks I brought. I mentioned in my letter I wanted Her Highness to try them.”

Chunhua smiled as she had someone take them, saying: “Young Master is so good to our princess.”

Yan Shang sighed.

He said: “This is nothing, just basic courtesy. By rights, I should care for Her Highness more… but Miss knows I’m busy with studies now, truly having no spare time for other matters. So I’ve neglected Her Highness, letting her suffer disappointment in everything. I can only ask Miss to take good care of Her Highness.”

Chunhua: “…”

Before noting Chunhua’s reaction, Mu Wanyao, who had been eavesdropping inside, was already dumbfounded.

She had been leisurely taking a jade comb from her maid to brush her hair while the maids helped choose her earrings and hairpins. But hearing Yan Shang’s words, the comb slipped from her hand, falling onto the floor covering.

She was stunned, almost unable to believe her ears:

What? Yan Shang said he had neglected her. Said he had let her suffer disappointment? Said his treatment of her was merely basic courtesy? That he hadn’t cared for her enough? That he felt his treatment of her wasn’t good enough?

This… this… he had already done so much, yet he called this “busy with studies, having no spare time for other matters”?

Then what would it be like when he truly treated someone well? That would be… how incredible would that be?

Mu Wanyao swallowed, somewhat frightened by Yan Shang, even reflecting whether she had thought too little of this, how dare she play games with such a clever person… clever women should play games with fools. How could they play with clever people?

Had she overestimated herself?

Beyond the door, garden flowers dripped like jade.

Chunhua gazed at Yan Shang’s clear, composed beautiful eyes, her heart stirring. She thought that Second Young Master Yan was so wise, and always kept secrets well, never making things difficult for anyone… perhaps she could ask his advice about her predicament?

Just as Chunhua was gathering the courage to ask Second Young Master Yan for a private word, she saw his expression flicker slightly, as if hearing something. The jade comb falling on the floor covering made a “thump” sound—though not loud, it was still caught by Yan Shang, who had been attentive to the sounds from inside.

He had a slight smile on his lips, and though he couldn’t see inside, his gaze turned toward the window as he said softly: “Is Your Highness awake?”

Inside the room, Mu Wanyao glared resentfully at the two maids behind her, as if the dull sound of the comb falling was their fault.

Then, Mu Wanyao coughed once and said irritably: “What is it?”

She truly didn’t have a single kind word.

Outside, Yan Shang smiled slightly and asked: “Is Your Highness available to meet?”

Mu Wanyao played difficult: “Not available.”

She regretted it as soon as she said it.

Yan Shang fell silent.

He could only say: “Then this subject will go to the Imperial Library first and return in the afternoon to pay respects to Your Highness.”

Mu Wanyao said coolly: “Mm.”—

But that afternoon, a downpour began.

Trapped in the Eastern Palace unable to return home, Mu Wanyao drank cup after cup of wine, drawing several glances from Yang Si, who was boredly solving a nine-ring puzzle nearby.

Yang Si: “What’s wrong, had a date with your lover?”

Mu Wanyao glared at him, and just then the Crown Prince entered. Mu Wanyao immediately complained: “Brother, look how he talks about me! He’s falsely accusing me of having a lover!”

The Crown Prince looked at Yang Si.

Yang Si: “…I was just saying, what kind of princess doesn’t keep a few lovers?”

Crown Prince: “Chengzhi…”

Hearing the Crown Prince call him Chengzhi, Yang Si’s face stiffened as he sat up straight: “Fine, I was wrong. But why do you listen to that tattletale?”

Mu Wanyao: “Pah, you’re the tattletale!”

She grabbed a cushion from behind the couch and threw it at Yang Si, who retaliated mercilessly by throwing melon seeds back. Seeing these two start fighting again, the Crown Prince sighed, walking to the window to gaze at the torrential rain outside, pretending not to hear the commotion behind him.

The Crown Prince frowned, thinking about whether he should send people to monitor Father Emperor’s health when he goes to the suburbs to escape the heat.

And the year-end ceremony, with only a few months left, he needed to arrange for people to speed up preparations… if this year’s ceremony went well and firmly suppressed Prince Qin, his prestige in court should advance another step.

Only with the Father Emperor’s support would those opportunistic noble families lean more toward him.

Thinking of those noble families, the Crown Prince exhaled slightly, telling himself not to rush.

With the Li family of Jinling leading the southern nobles, as long as Mu Wanyao remained a card in his hand… there shouldn’t be too many variables—

The rain poured down heavily.

After returning to his residence in the afternoon, Yan Shang didn’t go out, staying in his room to study.

It was now late June, not much time left until the October examinations. He focused intensely during this period, single-minded in his studies, not leaving himself time for other matters, and declining even all social gatherings with friends.

He studied until deep into the night.

The rain seemed to have lightened somewhat, dripping from the eaves outside, and gathering into flowing streams.

Yan Shang finished his day’s studies and began his usual review of the day’s words and actions, his usual recording, and his usual self-reflection.

He wrote many dense characters on paper, and then finally added the three characters “Mu Wanyao,” his brush paused before continuing to write his plans and arrangements after Princess Danyang’s name. He wanted to improve his relationship with the princess, which naturally needed step-by-step planning, impossible to achieve overnight.

How long would it take to progress from friendship to marriage, plus his career path… Yan Shang needed to have a clear understanding.

He was just making his usual plans when he heard a knock at the door. Two knocks sounded, but no one spoke.

Yan Shang thought it was a servant with something to report, so he absently put down his brush, casually tucked his written papers into a book, and rose to open the door.

In his casual state of mind, when the door opened, the wind and rain hit his face, and unexpectedly, he saw a beautiful woman standing before him with her hands behind her back.

She wore a face veil, but her clothing was light and thin. In the night, the flickering firelight illuminated her exposed shoulder and jade-like neck.

A beauty on a rainy night, with skin like ice and bones like jade, standing at his door with a smile.

Seeing her, Yan Shang’s eyes brightened slightly: “Your Highness?”

It had been so long since he’d seen her, he couldn’t help looking at her a moment longer and was a beat late in stepping aside to welcome her in.

Mu Wanyao’s cheeks were burning as she also looked up at him once.

Seeing that the wound she had previously inflicted on his face had disappeared, she felt relieved—fortunately, she hadn’t disfigured a beautiful youth.

Yan Shang dared not look too much at Mu Wanyao’s light, flowing dress with its half-exposed shoulders, trying hard to keep his gaze on her face. After letting her in, he couldn’t help looking around to see if there was any outer garment he could give her to cover up.

Ahem.

But there were only his clothes here.

While Yan Shang was struggling bashfully, Mu Wanyao raised her hand, and he realized he’d been so focused on her face that he hadn’t noticed she was carrying a bamboo basket. As she entered, water dripped steadily from the basket.

Mu Wanyao said playfully: “Oh my, I’ve dirtied your floor. What to do, will you be angry?”

Yan Shang couldn’t help smiling: “Your Highness is joking again.”

How could he be someone who gets angry easily?

Mu Wanyao: “Hmph, one day I’ll find out what makes you angry.”

Yan Shang replied casually: “We have time ahead of us, why should Your Highness rush?”

Mu Wanyao started, wondering where this “time ahead” came from. While she hesitated, he had already taken the basket from her hands, asking if she was tired.

Before Yan Shang could ask what was in the basket, Mu Wanyao grabbed his arm and leaned in to look at its contents with him.

Mu Wanyao smiled: “Today at the Eastern Palace, an Imperial Uncle brought the Crown Prince some water lilies. I thought they were beautiful, so I secretly took some to show you. Do you like them?”

Her arm rested against his, her cool skin lightly touching his warm hand.

Yan Shang paused but didn’t pull away, saying softly: “Coming in the rain for such a small thing, Your Highness should dry your hair.”

Mu Wanyao glanced at him: “Do you understand my meaning?”

Yan Shang was silent for a moment, amused by how roundabout and cute she was being. Who else would think of other implications from a water lily?

He said gently: “I understand… mm, I haven’t washed up yet, can Your Highness wait a moment?”

Seeing how well he understood, Mu Wanyao finally followed him toward the inner chamber with a grin. She secretly made a fist to encourage herself.

Yes, tonight she had come to fulfill what she and Yan Shang had agreed upon but hadn’t yet done. Apart from sleeping, there was no other meaning.