Mu Wanyao admitted she was selfish. When Liu Wenji was castrated, her first thought wasn’t about Liu Wenji himself, but about Chunhua. Her heart tensed, and her first thought was: Chunhua must not know about this.

She couldn’t let this affect the child in Chunhua’s womb, couldn’t let it affect Chunhua herself, and especially couldn’t let this become a variable for Prince Jin’s manor. Her second thought was: that Yan Shang must not know.

First, it would affect Yan Shang’s current imperial examinations; second… Second, during the previous incident involving Chunhua, she had sent Yan Shang to mediate the conflict, and he had directly shot the Zheng family head dead with an arrow, which sparked the tumultuous governance of the powerful families, dragging everyone into the water.

From that incident, Mu Wanyao had become truly afraid of Yan Shang, afraid he would cause even bigger troubles for her.

When such an incident occurred, Mu Wanyao closed her eyes to think for two breaths, then decided to take action to resolve this matter. She first said coldly: “Take my fish token and send people to the Northern District to find that lady Liu Wenji was protecting. Guard against her escaping the city at night.

“Before I go there, interrogate her first, see if someone instructed her. Whether someone used her or if it was a coincidence, get this clear for me!

“Also, who castrated Liu Wenji? Whether they can be touched or not, as long as they’re still in the Northern District, put sacks over their heads and beat them first, cripple those who laid hands on him!”

“Where is Liu Wenji? Physicians! Imperial physicians! Go to the palace and find imperial physicians for me!”

In the deep of night, all the lights in Princess Danyang’s manor were lit. The Princess herself, in her magnificent robes, personally handled this matter. The guards also left the manor under the Princess’s orders to execute her commands.

Mu Wanyao took a deep breath, thinking she needed to resolve this matter—or rather, suppress it—before Yan Shang learned of it.

While Fang Tong and other guards went to the Northern District to capture people, Mu Wanyao, led by two servants, went to see the blood-soaked Liu Wenji.

The two servants had accompanied Liu Wenji for two months, already accustomed to his daily drinking to drown his sorrows. Tonight when the incident occurred, they weren’t present, having gone to bandy words with other ladies for entertainment.

When they heard the commotion and hurriedly rushed over, they didn’t have time to announce Princess Danyang’s name to protect Liu Wenji—everything was already beyond salvaging.

The two servants’ faces ashen, knew it was over. The Princess would surely kill them. To atone for their crime, they first brought Liu Wenji out from that brothel, knocked on the district gates at night, and using the authority granted by the Princess, forced the gates to open and came to the Princess’s manor.

Liu Wenji was arranged in a guest room in the Princess’s manor. Mu Wanyao paced outside, anxious. After waiting forever for the imperial physician from the palace to arrive, she then had to wait forever for him to come out.

Mu Wanyao looked urgently at the imperial physician.

The imperial physician shook his head and sighed.

Mu Wanyao’s heart went cold.

The imperial physician felt somewhat awkward speaking of such matters before a princess: “Fortunately he’s still young, and medical attention was sought promptly. In the future, he can still normally… um, relieve himself, won’t leak… um. Won’t lose his life over this, he’ll still live. Moreover, Your Highness… can let him stay in the Princess’s manor as a eunuch.”

There wasn’t a hint of a smile on Mu Wanyao’s face.

Of course, there were eunuchs in the Princess’s manor, and she had even joked about this with Yan Shang several times before. However, this eunuch should not have been Liu Wenji.

Mu Wanyao’s long slender fingers dug into her palm, using the pain to keep herself calm.

Mu Wanyao asked the imperial physician: “Is he… awake?”

The imperial physician showed a pained expression: “He’s been conscious throughout.”

Mu Wanyao was stunned for a moment.

Asked: “From start to finish?”

Imperial physician: “Yes.”

Asked: “He was aware of the entire process?”

Imperial physician: “Yes.”

The imperial physician sighed: “I’ve never seen such a young lord who refused to faint despite the pain. His whole body was drenched in sweat, yet he still held on to ask me if he was beyond saving. What could I say? I could only answer that each person has their fate. Then his eyes went empty, staring blankly at the ceiling, no longer speaking to me.”

Mu Wanyao gave her waiting maids a look, having them arrange for the imperial physician to stay at the manor. Perhaps in the next few days, Liu Wenji would still need this imperial physician’s services.

It was only thanks to her status as a princess that she could summon an imperial physician who attended to the emperor. These physicians were accustomed to seeing castrated men and often prescribed medicine for palace eunuchs. Being used to such things, they could calmly handle Liu Wenji’s situation.

Any random doctor wouldn’t do better than the palace physicians—

Mu Wanyao paced outside for another quarter hour before pushing open the door to visit the fully conscious Liu Wenji.

Before the princess entered, Liu Wenji had changed clothes and tidied himself with the help of the two servants, struggling to support his body. When Mu Wanyao entered and looked at him, she saw him rise haggardly to bow to her.

Mu Wanyao let him lie down to rest. After just those few movements, Liu Wenji was leaning against the pillows on the bed, his face completely drained of blood, deathly pale.

Mu Wanyao quieted herself, staring at this handsome youth for a long while. Being such a beautiful man, and still so young, having lost his root, from the outside one couldn’t tell. However, the feeling Liu Wenji gave her had changed again.

If before he had been covered in a layer of dust, this time it was as if he were shrouded in frost.

A frost had covered his soul, making him much colder. Different from Wei Shu’s youthful coolness. Wei Shu’s was an admirable, pure coldness like snow on a Buddhist statue, while Liu Wenji’s was like a creature buried under snow after a blizzard, suffering bitterly.

That kind of coldness seeping from his very bones was nothing but a gift from fate. It’s just that fate hadn’t been kind enough to Liu Wenji.

After a moment of silence, Mu Wanyao said: “I will watch and help you take down those who humiliated you.”

Liu Wenji looked at the princess and said flatly: “Can you take them down?”

Mu Wanyao hesitated slightly.

Seeing the young princess couldn’t even make a promise, a hint of mockery appeared at the corner of Liu Wenji’s lips as he said indifferently: “It’s my affair. Your Highness is only looking after me for Chunhua’s sake, Your Highness has no reason to help me too much. Your Highness need not worry, I won’t cause trouble over this and create problems for you.”

Mu Wanyao remained silent for a long while.

She didn’t know how to converse with Liu Wenji after what had happened. Sympathize? Or cry together with him?

Her feelings for Liu Wenji weren’t that deep, and she couldn’t empathize with people’s circumstances as Yan Shang could. She did indeed find him pitiful, but… that was all.

She wanted to scold Liu Wenji for being dejected, asking why he couldn’t just drink at home instead of going to the Northern District.

But she knew there was no point in saying such things.

The Northern District wasn’t some place that couldn’t be visited.

Not only did Great Wei not consider places like the Northern District harmful, but in terms of popular opinion, the Northern District was Chang’an’s most prosperous place, and most talked about by people. Anyone who came to Chang’an without visiting the Northern District couldn’t be considered to have truly visited Chang’an.

She often went, and government officials often went. Even Yan Shang, though he kept himself pure, also went frequently.

If anyone said they never went to the Northern District, no one would consider them noble, they would only think this person was antisocial, putting on airs.

It wasn’t some place that couldn’t be visited… The tragedy was simply that while government officials could go, scholars in white like Liu Wenji could also go. When conflict arose between the two sides, who would lose was determined from the start.

Mu Wanyao said coldly: “So what are your thoughts about the future? You can forget about the imperial examinations, the path of scholarship is already cut off. If you still want to return to Lingnan, I will give you money, and arrange a minor official position in Lingnan for your father, or any relative. Ensure you live out your remaining years peacefully and safely in Lingnan.”

Liu Wenji said flatly: “I cannot return to Lingnan. If I returned now, my parents would be so shocked they might directly pass away. As a son unable to care for his parents in their old age, I am already unfilial. To let them know something like this happened to me, wouldn’t that be like cutting out the hearts of white-haired elders while they still live? I cannot let them know.”

Mu Wanyao looked at him warily: “Then what do you want to do? Seek revenge? The other party isn’t someone you can afford to offend… and I’ve already said I will help you.”

Liu Wenji looked at the princess and said: “Princess has no connection to me, how could you help me too much just because of one servant? If this matter leads to bigger implications, Princess would have reason to act. But if it’s merely a coincidence… I think, let it be so. Isn’t that right?”

Mu Wanyao’s expression became somewhat uncomfortable.

Her face suddenly darkened.

She hated it most when people hit the nail on the head.

Liu Wenji had become different from before. Before, he had still barely held back, not daring to speak the truth before the princess. Now he had completely let go, directly speaking out Mu Wanyao’s inner thoughts. That inner beast, known to both parties, being pointed out face-to-face, was not a pleasant experience.

Mu Wanyao barely tolerated it considering how pitiful he was, not bothering to take it up with him.

Mu Wanyao: “Then what do you want?”

Liu Wenji, face pale, stared at Princess Danyang with his pitch-black clear eyes. He slowly pulled back the blanket, and next got down from the bed. Mu Wanyao stood before him, noble and magnificent, watching coldly as he knelt at her feet.

Liu Wenji said softly: “Chunhua asked Your Highness to give me an official position, I didn’t take it; wanted Your Highness to give me money, but I also didn’t take it. I have never before used my connection to Chunhua to beg anything from Your Highness. Now, I want to exercise this right, I wonder if Your Highness will allow it?”

Mu Wanyao: “What do you want?”

Liu Wenji lowered his long lashes, the shadows beneath them completely covering the expression in his eyes.

He said: “I wish to ask the Princess’s help to enter the palace and become a palace eunuch.”

Mu Wanyao was surprised, looking at him: “Why? Have you… thought it through? That place is no good place to be. I also can’t look after you there. The palace and outside cannot have private dealings. I won’t violate this taboo by extending my hand into my father emperor’s domain.”

Liu Wenji shook his head, saying he didn’t need Your Highness’s care. Said that as long as the princess granted this request, this matter of his, the princess could use it however she wished, handle it however she wished. In the future, he also wouldn’t trouble the princess, wouldn’t contact the princess’s manor again, and especially wouldn’t try to contact Chunhua and ruin her.

Liu Wenji knelt on the ground.

The cold white moonlight shone through the window onto his thin body as white as snow.

He just knelt there, quietly: “Thinking it over, everything seems to have been caused by lacking power.”

In a place like Chang’an, if one wanted to stay, one needed power in hand; in a place like Chang’an, if one wanted revenge, one needed power in hand.

She then heard her grandfather mutter: “But why would Yan Second Lang send a message to Princess Danyang’s manor? It’s only apparent that he must have worked for Princess Danyang, but for a family retainer or advisor, does return to the manor or not require informing the princess? Isn’t that somewhat strange?”

Liu Ruozhu said: “Their relationship is that of lord and subject, why must grandfather use a petty person’s heart to measure a noble person’s belly?”

Minister Liu laughed heartily, saying: “Yes, yes, yes. I can’t compare to our young lady Ruozhu, clear-minded and fair, showing no bias toward anyone.”

Liu Ruozhu’s cheeks reddened, made somewhat restless by her grandfather’s words.

She jumped up, saying coquettishly: “I won’t talk with you anymore, I’m going to see my mother. Mother is making hangover soup for the house guests, I’ll help her send a bowl to Yan Second Lang too.”

Minister Liu glanced at her: “But Suchen hasn’t been drinking.”

Liu Ruozhu stamped her foot, angry with embarrassment: “Then can’t I send other soup? Grandfather, what are you doing, being so stingy, not even letting me send someone a bowl of soup?”—

That night the Eastern Palace was again bright with lights.

But Yang Si, who was often at the Eastern Palace, wasn’t present.

Because Yang Si’s grandmother had fallen ill, Young Master Yang Three and his cousin had left Chang’an to visit their grandmother. The Crown Prince’s side naturally allowed this.

Tonight, those confronting each other in the Eastern Palace were Mu Wanyao and the Director of Revenue.

Because of Liu Wenji’s castration, the Director of Revenue wanted to resign, while Mu Wanyao said the Crown Prince could keep the Director of Revenue if he wished, but she demanded the Crown Prince compensate her by giving her control over arranging the year-end ceremony.

The Crown Prince pondered thoughtfully.

He waved his hand: “Stop arguing, you two. Director Zhang, you may leave first, I need to speak with Danyang.”

After Director Zhang left, the Crown Prince asked Mu Wanyao: “What exactly is the meaning of this? It’s just a commoner scholar being castrated, how has it become a complaint brought before me? I’ve listened to you argue for half the day and understand now, that this Liu Wenji presumably knew you in Lingnan and gained your appreciation. But is that worth such a big fuss?

“If he’s castrated, he’s castrated. He’s just a commoner.”

If Liu Wenji’s identity had been just a commoner scholar, perhaps Mu Wanyao’s thoughts would have been similar to the Crown Prince’s. But even though she was cold-hearted when she heard the Crown Prince carelessly say “If he’s castrated, he’s castrated,” she still froze for a moment.

The Crown Prince’s ruthlessness and indifference, for the first time she glimpsed a corner of it.

Mu Wanyao said displeased: “Even for common people, there’s no such thing as ‘if castrated, then castrated.’ Tomorrow the censorate officials will surely accuse the Director of Revenue in court. I see that even Big Brother won’t be able to protect him, so why not demote the Director of Revenue one rank? Let him still work in the Ministry of Revenue, but he can no longer hold the position of director. His virtue doesn’t match his position, he can no longer command people’s respect.”

The Crown Prince nodded.

Said: “… That works too.”

Seeing the Crown Prince’s take-it-or-leave-it attitude, Mu Wanyao breathed a sigh of relief, knowing the Crown Prince didn’t care that much about a Revenue Director either. She had feared the Crown Prince would care too much, and her opinion would be completely disregarded.

Mu Wanyao bit her lip, saying: “Moreover, I want to send Liu Wenji into the palace. He has already been castrated, the palace is the best place for him.”

The Crown Prince’s eyes flashed as he looked at her.

Mu Wanyao immediately said: “I’m not trying to place someone in the palace. He’s not my person either, and won’t report palace matters to me in the future. Big brother, rest assured, I’m not trying to manipulate anything, I’m just compensating him.”

The Crown Prince found this strange: “Since returning from the marriage alliance, I feel you’ve become much colder. But looking at this now, are you so kind-hearted? Yaoyao, a kind-hearted person can’t play politics.”

Mu Wanyao said concisely: “I’m not kind-hearted, I’m doing this only because although Liu Wenji has no official position, he is Yan Second Lang’s close friend of many years.”

The Crown Prince started, then became solemn.

He didn’t care about Liu Wenji, but if Yan Shang was added to the equation… The Crown Prince was trying to win over Yan Shang, naturally, he didn’t want to push Yan Shang away from such a person.

The Crown Prince said: “You’ve handled this matter correctly. We can’t let Yan Second Lang become disheartened over Liu Wenji. Arrange it however you want, being able to pacify Yan Second is most appropriate. Yan Second went to take the imperial examination today, right? In the future he will be our help… we can’t have changes now.”

Mu Wanyao said yes.

But in her heart, she thought, perhaps no matter what compensation was made, Yan Shang wouldn’t like it.

How worrying—

The next day, as the group of officials awaiting orders left Minister Liu’s manor, Yan Shang also went to bid farewell.

Minister Liu was looking through scrolls in his study, while Yan Shang stood waiting with his hands lowered. He waited for a while but didn’t see Minister Liu dismiss him.

Liu Ruozhu was also in the study, hiding behind a screen in the inner chamber. Seeing her grandfather trouble Yan Shang like this, she couldn’t help but watch anxiously. Liu Ruozhu quietly made a small noise, the faint sound of turning pages in the ear.

Yan Shang found it strange. He was originally not affected by that sound, but as it continued without stopping, he looked over.

He saw a young maiden hiding behind the screen, pointing at something at him. Before he could be surprised at why a young lady was hiding in Minister Liu’s study, following the direction this lady pointed, he saw that she was pointing at the scroll in Minister Liu’s hand.

Was there something strange about the scroll?

Yan Shang looked carefully, and this look made him start slightly.

Because he always felt… the scroll Minister Liu held was his examination answer from the imperial examination?

Minister Liu naturally also knew his granddaughter had secretly helped Yan Shang. At his helpless moment, he put down the scroll in his hand: “Only now you notice?”

Yan Shang collected himself, lowering his eyes: “…Yes.”

Minister Liu sighed: “I’ve been looking at your examination paper for the time it takes to burn an incense stick, and only now you notice. Ah Yan Suchen, you’re good at everything except being too cautious, not willing to make even the slightest misstep. However, how can those who govern always follow rules strictly, always not take a single extra step?”

Yan Shang answered: “I will remember the Minister’s teaching.”

Minister Liu saw his usual gentle and agreeable attitude, not knowing how much Yan Shang had taken to heart. However, Minister Liu tossed the scroll aside, tugging at the corner of his mouth, thinking probably not much was taken to heart.

“The days of being meat on someone else’s chopping block… I’ve had enough… I’ve had more than enough!

“Again and again, fate’s cold blade pierces the heart, who could continue living in a daze?

Liu Wenji lifted his face, his gaze meeting Mu Wanyao’s, blazingly bright, filled with bone-deep hatred.

Who knew whether he hated this world where people did as they pleased, or those high officials with power who had castrated him—

A night passed, and news came from the Northern District.

That lady was indeed just a fragile woman who had newly arrived in the Northern District. When Zhang Lang and Liu Wenji’s incident happened before her eyes, she was frightened senseless. She knew this matter was beyond what someone like her could bear.

Though she didn’t know how this would unfold, she at least knew that even for the eleventh son of the Ministry of Revenue’s director, to casually castrate someone… that wasn’t right. And if people learned that the cause was a weak woman like her, she would die without a burial place.

That lady had been taken by Zhang Lang in the first half of the night, escaping trouble thanks to Liu Wenji’s protection. Liu Wenji was too dispiriting, Zhang Lang lost interest in her, and she managed to leave after begging.

After returning, that lady began packing her belongings, stumbling as she fled from the brothel… but just as she opened the brothel’s back door, Fang Tong and other guards broke in with swords drawn.

Running into each other this way, learning who had participated in castrating Liu Wenji was effortless.

Zhang Lang indeed lived up to being the leader of that group. While Zhang Lang was sleeping heavily in his room, several young lords who followed him had already been castrated. Someone fled in panic to find Zhang Lang, urging him to escape quickly: “Young lord, young lord! Hurry and run! It’s people from Princess Danyang’s manor! Who knows what connection that castrated one has with Princess Danyang, but Princess Danyang has sent people to castrate us!”

Zhang Lang was instantly shocked and sober. He scrambled down from bed trembling, hastily put on his pants, and climbed out the window to flee.

In early winter’s cold, Zhang Lang was frozen stiff as soon as he ran out. But he knew if he didn’t escape and was caught by the princess’s people, he might be castrated.

Because Princess Danyang might well act first and report later!

Castrate him first, then make amends!

Having been an official for some days, he knew he had caused big trouble. Zhang Lang had his people cover his escape while he, scared witless, climbed over walls to flee the Northern District, riding horseback all the way, stumbling back to his manor to seek help—

Dawn broke.

The sounds of bells and drums accompanied each other, ringing layer upon layer.

At the manor of Director Zhang of the Ministry of Revenue, they had just awakened.

Director Zhang wasn’t attending court today. He leisurely got out of bed, practiced a set of martial arts in the back courtyard, exchanged some idle chat with his wives while dining, and then went to his study to read. Director Zhang planned to read at home in the morning, then go to the Ministry of Revenue in the afternoon to check on today’s official business.

Just as it seemed like a peaceful day, Director Zhang’s study door was knocked “thud thud thud” violently.

His son’s voice wailed outside: “Father, father! Save me quickly! If Father doesn’t save me, I won’t survive!”

Director Zhang was furious, recognizing his eleventh son’s voice. This boy had only been sent to the Ministry of Revenue for a few days of training, spending every day avoiding proper work, finding excuses to take leave. Today he claimed he wouldn’t survive.

Director Zhang opened the door with a dark face, about to scold his son to be more ambitious, but was greatly shocked to see his eleventh son in such a miserable state—clothes disheveled, neck purple from cold, his whole body trembling.

The eleventh son threw himself at his father’s legs and wailed: “Father, father save me! Princess Danyang wants to castrate your son, Princess Danyang will surely come looking any moment, father save me!”

Director Zhang: “Nonsense! Don’t worry, I work with Princess Danyang for the Crown Prince…”

His son interrupted with loud crying: “It’s not like that, father! Last night I was staying in the Northern District, fighting over a lady with a man. I was angry and castrated that person. Late at night, Princess Danyang’s guards were already knocking on doors at every brothel in the Northern District… That castrated one must be Princess Danyang’s lover, her beloved! She won’t swallow this insult and wants to castrate your son too!

“Father, Father, save my life!”

Director Zhang shuddered, instantly realizing the gravity of this matter, realizing his son had caused him big trouble.

His anger had no outlet, but looking down at his eleventh son crying with tears and snot everywhere, he was extremely anxious. After all, this was his son, how could he not save him?

Director Zhang gritted his teeth: “Someone come, change the eleventh young master into servant’s clothes! Eleventh son, from now on flee Chang’an, and take refuge at your maternal family’s home. Don’t return to Chang’an until this matter is resolved! When your father has negotiated with Princess Danyang and given her satisfactory terms, then you can return!”

The eleventh son hurriedly wiped his tears: “Yes! Father, you must save me…”

Director Zhang was furious: “Your father’s official position may not even be kept, preserving your life is already the utmost!”

Less than an hour later, a servant reported that Princess Danyang had arrived.

Director Zhang had already properly arranged his official robes and went out with dignity to meet Princess Danyang.

The eleventh son had already fled Chang’an… at least his life was preserved.

So he could feel at ease negotiating with Princess Danyang over this matter.

And Director Zhang was very direct, upon seeing the princess, he admitted his son’s wrong and said he would resign his position to apologize.

Mu Wanyao frowned, inwardly resentful, cursing this old fox—

No one in officialdom was a fool.

Director Zhang had been the Ministry of Revenue’s director for ten years.

If he resigned, they really couldn’t find someone to replace him immediately.

To make amends for his son, Director Zhang offered money, good fields, and official positions.

In the end, this matter would inevitably have to be brought before the Crown Prince.

And what the Crown Prince cared most about now was the year-end ceremony. The Crown Prince’s most important card was the Ministry of Revenue.

How could the Crown Prince allow problems in the Ministry of Revenue?

Director Zhang’s move to remove support was truly hateful to Mu Wanyao.

At this moment how Mu Wanyao wished this matter was a trap set by the Prince of Qin or Prince of Jin for them to fall into, that way she could still maneuver more… but unfortunately, after Guard Fang’s night of investigation, no one had interfered.

No one had ever cared about Liu Wenji.

That matter with Chunhua was already over.

The Prince of Qin had never known of Liu Wenji’s existence from start to finish, and the Prince of Jin probably didn’t know either… someone as insignificant as Liu Wenji, even if he entered their schemes, they hadn’t remembered him.

Mu Wanyao patted her face, making herself calmer. Next, she would have to fight a hard battle in the Eastern Palace—

Yan Shang was still taking the imperial examination that day. In the evening when the exam ended, as Yan Shang left the Ministry of Personnel, he encountered several other officials awaiting orders and also ran into Minister Liu.

After Minister Liu encouraged them for a bit, he received a note.

Minister Liu glanced at Yan Shang, with an ambiguous smile.

Minister Liu said leisurely: “You several officials awaiting orders, I just looked at your examination papers, and all answered well. As it happens, my wife is personally cooking today, why don’t you come to my home for dinner?”

With Minister Liu personally inviting, who would dare not give face?

And arriving at Minister Liu’s manor, Minister Liu made them drink. Yan Shang didn’t drink, earning several looks from Minister Liu. Regardless, a group of officials awaiting orders who had been plied with drinks by Minister Liu would certainly have to stay the night at Minister Liu’s manor.

A low-key person like Yan Shang naturally never wanted to appear different from others. If others were staying at Minister Liu’s manor, of course, he would stay too.

However, Yan Shang worried that after two days, Mu Wanyao would worry about him, so he had his servant Yun Shu send a note to the princess’s manor, telling the princess not to worry.

Everything at Minister Liu’s manor was known to him.

When Minister Liu was playing chess with his granddaughter Liu Ruozhu, hearing that Yan Shang had sent his servant to deliver a message to the princess’s manor, Minister Liu stroked his beard thoughtfully.

His granddaughter knelt opposite him, her heart wholly concerned with that handsome and distinguished Second Lang Yan.

Liu Ruozhu still thought their grandfather had Yan Second Lang stay at home to create opportunities for her. But now seeing grandfather’s expression, Liu Ruozhu asked coquettishly with suspicion: “Grandfather, are you playing some trick? Bullying Yan Second Lang?”

Minister Liu laughed and scolded: “What trick? I’m protecting him! The Eastern Palace is very lively today… he shouldn’t get involved.”

Liu Ruozhu lowered her eyes thoughtfully, wondering what this was all about.

Young talents like Yan Shang all had some pride in their hearts. After coming to Chang’an, taking steady steps without setbacks… Yan Shang naturally didn’t feel that being cautious wasn’t always correct.

Minister Liu said: “The Ministry of Personnel is reviewing your examination papers, but they have overnight copies of your paper, while I have your original here.

“I’ve looked at your previous examination papers. Hmm, in just half a year, your handwriting has become much more beautiful.”

Yan Shang stood with lowered sleeves listening to the instruction.

Hearing Minister Liu speak of various scattered things, Yan Shang grew increasingly puzzled, not knowing what Minister Liu wanted to say. Finally, Minister Liu said: “I will arrange for you to work in the Secretariat, what do you think?”

When ministers arrange positions for officials, when is there ever a time to ask the subordinate’s opinion? Minister Liu being so friendly made Yan Shang grateful in his heart, knowing the other’s high regard for him.

He bent in a deep bow, naturally expressing that he would follow the minister’s arrangement. What dissatisfaction could he have with such a good position as the Secretariat?

Minister Liu looked at him for a long time, seeing Yan Shang speak many pleasant words, extremely grateful, but still not saying that one phrase he wanted to hear. Minister Liu’s expression became indifferent, saying: “How is it, Yan Suchen? Even with how I treat you, still, I cannot earn the title of a teacher from you?”

Yan Shang said: “It’s just that I already have a teacher…”

Minister Liu said flatly: “Yan Suchen, being courteous is good, but it’s not always good. When those in high positions want to hear your true words, you always deflect like this, it makes people displeased. I could right now, because of displeasure at your attitude, if not kill you, at least charge you with the crime of ‘flattering words and looks,’ and it would be nothing.”

Yan Shang’s expression became slightly solemn.

Feeling a hint of pressure.

It could be said that in all his time in Chang’an, this was the first time Minister Liu had made him feel pressure… that feeling of being steadily outranked, having all his actions seen through.

Before such an elder, trying to be clever only appeared very childish.

Yan Shang’s face reddened with shame, lowered his hands and bowed again, speaking the truth: “…It’s just that I don’t wish to choose sides right upon entering court. Before I’ve always followed the princess’s arrangements… this would seem like betraying the Crown Prince, I fear it would put Her Highness the Princess in a difficult position.”

Minister Liu snorted.

But Liu Ruozhu hiding behind the screen pouted, feeling grandfather gave Yan Second Lang no face at all. He was only in his teens after all, why must grandfather be like this?

Minister Liu said: “There’s no seeming about it. The Secretariat is not controlled by the Crown Prince, and no one can convince several grand councilors to take sides. You don’t want to take me as a teacher because you think your previous teacher, merely a National University teacher, could teach you everything you should learn? Fine, let me ask you, you want to be an official, for what purpose?”

Yan Shang spoke the truth: “For the people, for justice, for goodness, for benevolence.”

Minister Liu nodded: “Good, then I’ll take that as justice and benevolent goodness. Let me ask you, for whose justice and benevolent goodness? Is the justice and benevolent goodness of this world absolute? Is it controlled by you, Yan Suchen?

“Can you be certain what you do is right, and others are wrong? Do you feel your position is right, and others who don’t submit to you are wrong?

“You still want to speak for the common people, speak for the masses. How ridiculous! Do you know, in governing this world, since ancient times, we ask the wise and not the masses? Only ask the wise, don’t ask the common people! You may not submit to this, but this is the principle since ancient times.”

Yan Shang argued: “However, the ultimate principle of the world, known to all people, is that water can carry a boat but can also overturn it.”

Minister Liu counter-questioned: “You use an example of desperate circumstances to refute normal conduct? The common people will rebel when pushed to desperation… but desperate circumstances, since ancient times have always been disasters that destroy countries. If you encounter it once in your lifetime, you and I would both lose our lives, so there’s no need to discuss here how to be an official!”

Yan Shang was stunned, his expression showing both the embarrassed flush of insufficient consideration and the pale bleakness of having his inner thoughts directly struck. He stared at Minister Liu, eyes unmoving, forgetting propriety.

For the first time hearing an elder teach him thus, breaking his long-held understanding.