The North District blazed with light in the night, filled with endless songs. The whispers between men and women and their nightly indulgences were all kept behind wooden doors.

A woman called Chun Niang was helped upstairs by two elderly matrons. After entering the refined chamber, Chun Niang lowered her head nervously, she heard a clear, gentle male voice from above: “Thank you, you may withdraw now.”

The two matrons who had helped Chun Niang happily closed the door and left after receiving their reward. In the quiet room, Chun Niang, kneeling on the ground, saw from the corner of her downcast eyes the young master’s robes stopped before her.

He lifted his robe and knelt across from her.

Chun Niang carefully raised her head and was slightly startled. While this young master’s handsome features were already rare enough, even more outstanding was his refined bearing. In Chun Niang’s experience, people with such noble bearing rarely came to indulge themselves in the North District. Even if they did come, they wouldn’t choose someone as lowly as her.

The young master sitting across from her was, of course, Yan Shang.

Yan Shang looked at her for a while before explaining gently: “I am a fellow townsman and good friend of Liu Wenji.”

Chun Niang, who had been wooden until now, suddenly widened her eyes. She couldn’t help covering her mouth as tears filled her eyes. For a moment, joy and sorrow mingled as she recalled how she had ended up in this situation—

More than half a year ago, when she had just arrived at the North District, she had found Liu Wenji handsome and, feeling sympathy for his emotional troubles, had taken the initiative to serve him.

Unexpectedly, a young master from the household of a Ministry of Personnel official had tried to force himself on her, but Liu Wenji had intervened.

Liu Wenji had been crippled on the spot, and she, terrified, had tried to flee that night. Afterward, she had been caught and brought back to the North District. Liu Wenji had disappeared, and she had been sent from the Middle District to the North District where criminal slaves were kept. These past six months had been extremely miserable, with constant beatings and scolding. Yet she had to remain cautious, fearing that she might unknowingly be disposed of by those noble people at any moment.

Now, almost a year later, when she had almost become numb to it all, a young master had brought her out from the North District.

Yan Shang looked at her apologetically and handed her a paper: “I have already removed your slave status and arranged a new identity for you. From now on, you can return to the Middle District. I’ve wanted to save you all along, but the supervision was extremely strict, making it complicated. Recently, I found an opportunity during His Majesty’s birthday amnesty to find a way to rescue you from the North District. These past six months must have been difficult for you, miss.”

Chun Niang felt as if she were dreaming. When she saw that she had gotten back her papers freeing her from slave status, the tears that had been welling up in her eyes suddenly fell.

However, she became nervous again: “I was sentenced as a criminal woman by direct order of the court. Won’t young master get into trouble for saving me? The person I offended wasn’t an ordinary noble…”

Yan Shang sighed: “None of this was your fault. I’m touched that you still think of my welfare despite your difficulties, but since I dared to save you, naturally I have ways to deal with other matters. Don’t worry about it.”

Chun Niang was grateful and moved backward on her knees several steps to kowtow to him. Yan Shang quickly bent down to stop her, saying he didn’t deserve such a grand gesture. But Chun Niang insisted on kowtowing, saying tearfully that no young master had ever been so kind to her, so Yan Shang had no choice but to reluctantly accept half the ceremony.

Afterward, Chun Niang hesitated before asking: “May I ask how Young Master Liu is now…”

Yan Shang said gently: “You needn’t worry about him. You should know nothing about his current situation so you can start your new life.”

Chun Niang’s eyes dimmed for a moment, and she nodded.

She looked at this young master again, impressed by his bearing and demeanor, and couldn’t help gathering her courage: “Young master has already freed me from slave status, why not let this servant follow you from now on…”

Yan Shang was startled.

He laughed: “I wouldn’t dare. I have a fierce tigress at home, I dare not cause trouble outside.”

Chun Niang was stunned, but seeing how he had refused so playfully, without making her feel any shame or pressure, she also relaxed and laughed awkwardly. Chun Niang said: “A young master’s wife must be as beautiful as flowers, making a perfect match with the young master’s talents.”

Yan Shang smiled slightly without saying more.

He had now developed some skill in refusing ladies, no longer as flustered as he had been at first.

Yan Shang said deliberately: “Let’s not discuss idle matters. I’m not entirely selfless either. In saving you, I naturally want something in return. Would you be willing to help me?”

Chun Niang said softly: “This servant will dedicate her life to young master from now on, ready to follow your every command.”

Yan Shang said: “You’re wronging yourself. Your life has nothing to do with me, there’s no need to sacrifice yourself for me. I just need some help… In the future, when you’ve saved enough money and want to leave the North District to make your way in life, that also has nothing to do with me, I won’t stop you. Live for yourself, not for me.”

After a pause, he said slowly: “I just hope you’ll cooperate with me and become a Doushi.”

Chun Niang raised her eyes in surprise, wanting to see if this young master was joking.

Doushi was the highest rank among courtesans.

Among brothel women, a Doushi held enormous power, often moving between the mansions of officials and nobles, accompanying various court officials, ministers, and noble young masters to all kinds of banquets. Those who became Doushi were all nationally famous courtesans. Skills in music, chess, poetry, and painting were just the basic requirements; what the Great Wei valued most in a Doushi was talent.

In other words, Yan Shang was asking an ordinary courtesan who had only served drinks to customers to transform completely into a talented woman for his use—

Yan Shang naturally had his considerations.

He needed a Doushi in the North District for his use. In the previous few months, he had been busy with matters concerning foreign envoys. Now that the alliance treaties with the envoys were settled and they had all left Great Wei, he had the mind to extend his influence here.

The Great Wei official circles frequently required various banquets. For someone like Yan Shang who couldn’t drink alcohol, he had always had a hard time dealing with these situations. Additionally, consorting with courtesans was fashionable, and if he didn’t follow the crowd, he would inevitably be ostracized by officials; however, if he did consort with courtesans, not only would he not be able to face himself, but Mu Wanyao would likely turn against him.

Moreover, as the most prosperous area in Chang’an, countless important court officials frequented the North District. Having a Doushi as an insider would make it easier to detect fluctuations in court politics.

Yan Shang increasingly realized that an official couldn’t just stay in court. He recognized the importance of balancing various connections and maintaining good relationships with people from all walks of life.

After much consideration, cultivating a Doushi who favored him was the best option.

Yan Shang explained amiably to Chun Niang: “For the Doushi examination, first is the banquet test, and second is poetry composition. In the banquet test, I cannot help you with the skill of drinking and wine appreciation, but perhaps we can discuss the art of reading people. As for poetry composition, I’m embarrassed to say I’m quite poor at it… However, even though I’m poor at it, teaching you the basics shouldn’t be a problem.

“But when it comes to advanced poetry, you’ll have to rely on yourself, you can’t depend on me.”

He hesitated: “I know someone who excels in this area, but she probably won’t help, so we needn’t think about her for now.”

Chun Niang agreed to everything.

Yan Shang said gently: “In the future when I frequently visit the North District, I’ll trouble you to serve me.”

Chun Niang hurriedly replied: “I wouldn’t dare. Becoming a Doushi would be extremely beneficial for me as well, I wouldn’t have to be as desperate as I was last year… Thank you, young master, for being willing to spend time teaching me.”

She hesitated: “However when young master asks me to become a Doushi, is it just to help you avoid drinking and gather some information?”

Yan Shang’s heart paused slightly, marveling at how perceptive these women were.

He said softly: “Perhaps I also want to keep you as a hidden piece… but whether I can use you remains to be seen. You needn’t think too much about it, just know that your life won’t be in danger.”

Chun Niang felt relieved—

Afterward, Yan Shang held books to teach her to read.

That night, Yan Shang also stayed there.

Chun Niang studied very seriously, wanting to repay his kindness in saving her life. She feared that if she performed poorly, she would disappoint this young master, but when she carefully observed, she saw that Yan Shang maintained a calm expression whether she learned well or not, whether she made mistakes or not, he didn’t say much to her, nor did he show any disappointment.

But he didn’t show any encouragement either.

He gave her no room for fantasy, no possibility of getting close to him through these lessons. When Chun Niang felt disappointed, she once again envied his wife.

Late at night, when Chun Niang was about to withdraw, Yan Shang hesitated for a moment and called her to stop.

At this point, Chun Niang didn’t think this young master would ask her to serve him, so she just looked at him questioningly. Seeing him sitting on the couch with lowered eyes, he showed embarrassment and said softly: “I have one more thing, I’d like to ask you about some matters between men and women.”

Chun Niang: “Ah?”

She was confused: What did he mean? Did he want her to serve him? Had she misjudged this young master’s character?

Yan Shang kept his eyes lowered and said: “My wife and I… ahem, newly married, in this area, we’re not very… not very…”

Chun Niang: “Harmonious?”

Yan Shang sighed in relief and said: “Yes.”

He frowned slightly: “I want to understand more about women’s bodies, to prevent her from always being angry with me when I don’t know why, making her even angrier. Also, she has a delicate constitution and is prone to illness, I don’t know how to be careful. And…”

Chun Niang sat back down with a smile, full of confidence: “Then I can indeed help young master. In this world, who would understand these things better than those of us from this background?”

Yan Shang smiled slightly, this was exactly what he meant.

The books he read were only half-understood, and when discussing with other men, the topics became too crude and disrespectful to women, which he disliked. After much thought, it was more convenient to seek advice from a woman from the brothels—

In the dim lamplight, with a curtain dropped between them, Chun Niang and Yan Shang talked.

Chun Niang leaned forward and asked: “May I ask how long young master has been married to your wife?”

Yan Shang was confused for a moment, wondering why this was important, and said: “More than half a year.”

According to his muddled calculations, intimacy was like marriage, and from the moment he had told Mu Wanyao “My heart isn’t pure,” he had already accepted her in his heart. Wasn’t this just like being married?

Chun Niang calculated and felt that this was exactly the honeymoon period for newlyweds, so she asked: “Then how is your… um, bedroom experience?”

Yan Shang’s face immediately reddened.

His wide sleeve fell on the couch, and his fingers inside the sleeve couldn’t help but curl up in embarrassment, his body suddenly becoming rigid.

Fortunately, the curtain separated them, and the courtesan outside couldn’t see his discomfort. She only heard his composed voice: “It’s quite good.”

Chun Niang was puzzled, wondering what this young master wanted to ask if everything was quite good.

She thought for a moment: “Could it be… young master can’t last long? Or, the frequency is too low, and your wife is dissatisfied?”

Yan Shang was confused.

Then he realized she had misunderstood.

He quickly interrupted: “That’s not what I’m asking about. My wife and I… we’re quite good in that aspect. What I want to know are things like… positions, some… common knowledge, and some… women’s feelings. And, and whether pregnancy… whether contraceptive medicine is effective…”

He frowned and said: “My wife… seems to dislike contraceptive medicine.”

Chun Niang: “How could any woman like contraceptive medicine? Young master, since you’re already married, why don’t you want your wife to conceive?”

Yan Shang was silent for a while before saying: “It’s not that I don’t want it, I very much like the idea of her carrying my child… but, the timing isn’t right, I have some difficulties.”

In reality, it was Mu Wanyao who refused, but Chun Niang naturally didn’t know this.

Chun Niang said in a low voice: “All medicine has some poison, young master should let your wife drink less of it.”

Yan Shang: “But isn’t contraceptive medicine for preventing pregnancy? If she doesn’t drink it, how to prevent pregnancy?”

Chun Niang became somewhat angry: “Can’t young master be more considerate of your wife? Must you do this? Can’t you wait for a while?”

Yan Shang fell silent.

Chun Niang thought he was angry and immediately regretted getting angry with someone who had saved her life. She softened her tone and said gently: “Actually if you want to prevent pregnancy, there are some methods that won’t harm the body. For example, avoiding the act during and around the time of menstruation… um, seeing how unfamiliar young master is with these matters, do you know what menstruation is?”

Yan Shang stammered: “I-I know.”

Chun Niang sighed, hearing from his response that he probably wasn’t very clear about it.

And so, Chun Niang explained seriously while Yan Shang listened earnestly, and the night passed—

The envoys from various countries gradually left Great Wei, and by mid-March, the Wuman King had also negotiated a new alliance treaty with Great Wei and was preparing to leave Chang’an.

The Chang’an officials escorted Meng Zaishi out of Chang’an city. Because Yan Shang had been heavily involved in the Wuman affairs, with many procedures passing through his hands, even though his official position was still low, he was among those seeing them off. Yan Shang turned his head and saw Princess Danyang Mu Wanyao standing beside the court officials who had come to bid farewell.

Besides the Wuman King specifically requesting Princess Danyang to see him off, the Princess was also there representing the Crown Prince.

Great Wei ultimately sent a good scholar, leading three or four disciples, to go with the Wuman King to Wuman to help them research their writing system. The Wuman King also exchanged furs with Great Wei for jewels, books, tools, and other goods.

Finally, when the Wuman King wanted to attack another state by passing through their territory, Great Wei, seeing that sacrificing a small country to support Wuman’s development wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, agreed. Wuman would go help the Southern Barbarian King unite the Southern Barbarians, while internally, Great Wei only hoped that the more chaotic the fight between the Wuman King and the Southern Barbarian King, the better.

Naturally, a stable neighbor was best; but if the neighbor’s house was in constant fighting with no time to bother with others, that wasn’t bad either.

Regardless of the consideration, continuing to support the Wuman King’s rise to power was Great Wei’s best choice.

Outside the city, beside the Wuman King’s tall and mighty figure, the Great Wei officials released all the Wuman warriors who had been captured after the South Mountain incident back to him. Led by Kelilu, the Wuman warriors bowed to their king with shame.

Meng Zaishi casually helped them up, then squinted his eyes toward Mu Wanyao on the other side.

On Mu Wanyao’s side, Fang Tong and other guards from the Princess’s mansion were naturally also released. Looking at Fang Tong and seeing that the wounds he had received on South Mountain had all healed, Mu Wanyao breathed a sigh of relief, thinking it was fortunate that she had constantly urged the Prince of Qin, to prevent her third brother from taking personal revenge, and finally got her people back safely.

While Mu Wanyao was in good spirits, from the corner of her eye she saw Meng Zaishi finish exchanging greetings with the court officials and stride toward her.

She watched him with a blank expression, feeling wary inside.

Mu Wanyao said: “The Crown Prince wants me to tell you that regarding Yang Sanlang injuring you, he apologizes for Sanlang injuring you at South Mountain, and has specifically demoted Yang Sanlang and sent him to be a minor captain. Are you satisfied with this?”

Meng Zaishi smiled ambiguously: “You Great Wei people are full of schemes, who knows what your true intentions are? Whatever. I don’t care about those things anymore.”

Meng Zaishi stood before her, staring at her for a while before saying: “Indeed, Great Wei’s climate nurtures people well. These past three months, despite experiencing so much, I see you’ve become even more beautiful.”

Mu Wanyao said flatly: “Natural beauty, nothing can be done about it.”

Meng Zaishi: “…”

He couldn’t help but laugh, and the scar on his face somehow became less frightening. He pointed at Mu Wanyao, smiling ambiguously: “You’ve even learned to joke now. Seems you’re very happy that I’m leaving without taking you with me.”

Mu Wanyao’s eyes flickered slightly as she glanced at him.

Natural innocence, like flowing spring water, how could it not move one’s heart?

Meng Zaishi paused for a moment before joking hoarsely: “Given our relationship, won’t you toast me a cup of wine?”

Mu Wanyao’s eyes showed a trace of impatience. Today she had come representing the Crown Prince, giving the Wuman King enough face. But her originally poor temper hadn’t intended to be restrained. Mu Wanyao very perfunctorily took a cup of wine from a nearby eunuch’s hand, drank it in one gulp, and toasted the Wuman King: “Have a safe journey.”

Meng Zaishi: “But in your heart, you’re hoping something happens to me, right?”

Mu Wanyao: “Some things are better left unsaid, saying them out loud takes away the meaning.”

Meng Zaishi: “Just like some people are better left in the past, no need to appear again?”

Mu Wanyao looked at him and after a while said: “Back then when you helped save me, I’m still grateful for that. But our two countries have different customs, different cultures, ultimately…”

Meng Zaishi casually finished: “We can’t force each other.”

Mu Wanyao lowered her lashes and remained silent.

A nearby eunuch quietly reminded that the Wuman King should return the Princess’s toast.

Meng Zaishi casually took up a wine cup filled with clear wine, looking at Mu Wanyao. His gaze moved inch by inch across her face, thinking of their past that she had rejected. He lowered his eyes, smiled slightly, and said: “In my life, you’re still the one I’ve liked the most.

“According to our Wuman customs, I should have forcibly taken you back as my wife. But when in Rome, do as the Romans do. You’re unwilling, and I don’t want a wife who’s unwilling and ready to assassinate me in my sleep.

“After I return to Wuman this time, I will take a wife. I won’t wait for you, but you will always be the one I like the most.”

Mu Wanyao was silent for a moment.

She said: “There’s no need.”

Meng Zaishi laughed loudly: “You are cold-blooded. I thought these words might get you to say something nice.”

Meng Zaishi drained his cup in one gulp and said: “You wished me a safe journey, so I’ll wish you a good husband and a good marriage.”

Mu Wanyao raised her eyes in surprise to look at him, not expecting that he wouldn’t hold a grudge for her repeated attempts to kill him, and could let it go.

Meng Zaishi drank another cup of wine, then leaned forward. Mu Wanyao leaned back, but he held her shoulder. He looked into her eyes, bending down to be level with her, and very seriously said in the Wuman language: “I wish that in the rest of your life, you’ll never have to see me again, never have to see your nightmare again.”

“I wish you’ll forget forever about us bastards, father, and son, wish you peace all your life, that you’ll get the happiness you deserve, and be a truly proud princess.”

Mu Wanyao’s eyes went blank, staring at him dumbly.

Her eyes flickered, knowing that he had ultimately shown her mercy, that he truly did like her… all his actions, from the Wuman perspective, weren’t wrong, it was just that she was from Great Wei, not Wuman.

And he had finally decided to let go, to give her freedom.

Mu Wanyao lowered her eyes and said softly: “…Thank you.”

A hint of mischief appeared in Meng Zaishi’s eyes.

Just as Mu Wanyao was about to withdraw warily, she heard him quickly say in Wuman: “But I specifically won’t wish for you and Yan Shang to end up together. I hope he can’t have you.”

He leaned in and kissed her forehead.

The nearby eunuch’s voice immediately rose: “Wuman King—! What are you doing—”

How could he kiss their princess in public?

Meng Zaishi laughed heartily, releasing Mu Wanyao’s shoulders right after the kiss. Her beautiful eyes blazed as she angrily pushed at him, but he had already quickly stepped back. Mu Wanyao hurriedly took a handkerchief offered by a nearby maid to wipe her forehead, then nervously glanced at a certain person in the line of court officials.

Meng Zaishi had already mounted his horse, and before the Great Wei officials could react to his kissing their princess, he waved his hand and led his troops away on horseback. His loud laughter carried on the wind—

“Yan Shisheng! I’m sending Great Wei a gift, you’ll know when you get back. Back and forth, no need to thank me!”

On the plains outside Chang’an city, everyone watched as the Wuman King, in high spirits, led his Wuman warriors away on horseback. Their horses were swift, raising clouds of dust. Their group rode lightly ahead, while the people and goods Great Wei had sent followed slowly behind.

The court officials watched the Wuman King’s group disappear into the distance, then turned to look at Yan Shang, curious about what gift the Wuman King had mentioned.

Yan Shang’s expression was unclear, still uncomfortable about Meng Zaishi kissing Mu Wanyao earlier. He forced down his emotions and shook his head at everyone, indicating he didn’t know either.

The officials didn’t dwell on it.

Looking at the dust clouds and watching the Wuman King’s retreating figure, seeing the mighty bearing of that group of riders, one official couldn’t help but sigh: “The Wuman King is truly a hero.”

Yan Shang: “Whether he’s their hero or our enemy remains to be seen.”

The officials all nodded, each pondering silently to themselves.

Finally having sent off the last foreign envoy, the officials bid farewell to each other, each returning to their duties. As Yan Shang still stood there thinking about some matters, Mu Wanyao walked to his side and glanced at him twice.

She still felt guilty about Meng Zaishi kissing her forehead earlier.

Mu Wanyao coughed twice.

Yan Shang looked up at her.

Mu Wanyao said languidly: “Where are you going?”

Yan Shang was stunned for a moment, only then realizing that Mu Wanyao was taking the initiative to be friendly, speaking to him in front of the court officials. Compared to her previous attitude of wanting nothing to do with him as soon as they went out, not wanting the officials to misunderstand, it was remarkably rare for the Princess of Danyang to now condescend to actively ask him questions in front of the officials.

Just as Yan Shang was about to answer, a nearby official suppressed his wild excitement: “Ah? Is Your Highness speaking to me? I was just going to the Prince of Qin’s mansion with Young Master Yan. The central government has drafted an edict for His Highness the Prince of Qin, after all, the Prince previously favored the envoys, so there needs to be some explanation afterward.”

Mu Wanyao: “…”

She looked with surprise at the young official who had appeared out of nowhere beside Yan Shang. This official looked at her with delight, truly believing the princess had come to speak with him.

And that useless Yan Shang, stood beside them silently for a moment, actually keeping his mouth shut.

The young official asked puzzled: “But why is Your Highness asking about this?”

Mu Wanyao looked at the sky: “I happen to be going to the Prince of Jin’s mansion, and seeing you had no carriages, I was planning to give you a ride, asking if you were willing.”

The young official: “Of course we’re willing!”

Mu Wanyao turned and left, hearing behind her that official pulling Yan Shang, unable to contain his excitement: “Young Master Yan, quickly follow me! Today you’re fortunate because of me, only able to ride in Princess Danyang’s carriage thanks to me, shouldn’t you thank me?”

Mu Wanyao suddenly turned back, looking at Yan Shang with an ambiguous smile.

She saw Yan Shang ask that official: “Don’t you know… about the South Mountain incident?”

After South Mountain, all sorts of rumors had spread about him and Princess Danyang. Even if people didn’t think they had a private relationship, they would think the two had a good relationship.

How could anyone think he didn’t know Princess Danyang?

This official was very confused: “I was away from the capital mourning my father, only returning to Chang’an this month, fortunate enough to see the Wuman King off. What happened at South Mountain?”

Yan Shang was silent for a moment, then unusually made a joke: “Is that so? Then I must thank you, brother, for letting me have the fortune to ride in Princess Danyang’s carriage.”

Yan Shang raised his eyes, meeting Mu Wanyao’s gaze as she turned her head back, raising an eyebrow at him.

A knowing look passed between them.

Somewhat flirtatious.

He turned his head pretending to look at the scenery, the corners of his lips turning up slightly, his ears turning a bit red.