Sharing the carriage with Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang was another official, making the space feel rather cramped.

What’s more, this official was so excited about his first time riding in Princess Danyang’s carriage that he couldn’t stop talking, seeming determined to chat with Mu Wanyao the entire journey—

“Your Highness looks particularly radiant today, truly displaying our great nation’s dignity.”

“Why would Your Highness invite this humble official to share your carriage? Could it be that Your Highness remembers me? The last time I saw Your Highness was three years ago when you had just returned to Chang’an…”

Mu Wanyao impatiently fanned herself with her round fan, her expression cold, trying to use her attitude to silence this official. Why couldn’t he just sit quietly for the ride?

The official, however, failed to read her mood and continued chattering with the princess in fascination.

In contrast, Yan Shang remained exceptionally quiet.

Mu Wanyao looked toward Yan Shang, seeing him sitting opposite with his head lowered. As he listened to the official pestering her, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips. Mu Wanyao glared at him, and as if sensing her gaze, he raised his eyes and interjected before the official could start another topic: “We’re almost at Prince Qin’s residence.”

Mu Wanyao immediately seized the opportunity: “Is the Central Government going to punish Prince Qin? He kept my people captive for two months before releasing them—he should be dealt with properly!”

The official immediately spoke up, patting his chest as he assured Mu Wanyao: “Your Highness, rest assured, we two are carrying the imperial edict to question Prince Qin about his crimes. At the very least, Prince Qin should be confined to reflect on his actions.”

Mu Wanyao continued: “He oversees three departments. If he takes a break, some positions in those departments might become problematic. I think the Central Government should take this opportunity to investigate thoroughly. If needed, I have several officials I could recommend…”

The young official understood the princess’s intention to place her people and smiled: “Such a small matter—if Your Highness has recommendations, the Department of State Affairs will consider them.”

Mu Wanyao was immediately delighted.

So what use was Yan Shang in the Department of State Affairs? He showed no personal favor and couldn’t help with even small matters. In the half year he had been there, Mu Wanyao hadn’t gained any benefits from the department, at most just learning about court movements slightly earlier than others.

Yet this young official, newly returned to the capital, casually agreed to help Mu Wanyao with a small favor.

Mu Wanyao smiled, stopped fanning herself, and even leaned slightly toward the official: “May I ask how to address you, sir?”

The princess’s beauty was overwhelming, her eyes like rippling lakes. The young official immediately replied bashfully: “This official’s surname is Jiang.”

Mu Wanyao exclaimed in recognition: “Could you be from the prominent Jiang clan of Qinghe Commandery?”

The young official replied: “Indeed.”

Mu Wanyao smiled sweetly: “I know of them. One of my cousins married into your family. I haven’t seen her in many years—is she doing well in Qinghe?”

Thus, the two finally found a topic of conversation. The princess’s obvious interest in gaining advantage left Yan Shang speechless as he watched from the side. He tried to cough once as a reminder, but Mu Wanyao shot him a warning glare, signaling him not to disturb her important business.

Initially, Yan Shang found their conversation content acceptable, but as the topic delved deeper and they began discussing future court arrangements… Since these two were being so indiscreet, Yan Shang had no choice but to play the role of the third wheel interrupting their friendly exchange—

He reminded them: “Master Jiang, we shouldn’t freely discuss the Department of State Affairs’ arrangements.”

The young official started, then realized he had been led on by Mu Wanyao and had said too much. Meanwhile, Mu Wanyao shot Yan Shang a fierce glare, clearly annoyed at his interference.

After this delay, they arrived at Prince Qin’s residence. The two officials dismounted, the young official first, followed by Yan Shang. Before getting down, Yan Shang looked back at Mu Wanyao. His expression hesitant, seeing her cold face, he gently tugged at her sleeve.

Yan Shang said softly: “Your Highness, I’m doing this for your good…”

Mu Wanyao glanced at him, her expression haughty, lips curved in a faint smile: “Yan Shang, you just wait.”

Yan Shang sighed, thinking this was the end of it.

However, Mu Wanyao suddenly leaned forward and quickly bit his ear. His face turned bright red, frozen in shock as he whipped his head around, afraid the young official outside might have seen.

Mu Wanyao traced his ear again, her voice dripping with honey: “Wait for me in bed.”

Yan Shang: “…”

She then pushed him away, causing him to stumble backward and tumble out of the carriage. When he looked up at the carriage, she was hiding behind her fan, showing only her autumn-pool-like eyes, gazing at him enticingly, rippling with light. His throat bobbed as he was startled to find desire suddenly rising within him, and he quickly averted his gaze, not daring to look longer.

The princess’s carriage gradually departed, and Yan Shang composed himself, making sure he wouldn’t embarrass himself before turning to address the young official beside him.

But he saw the young official staring at the dust trail left by the princess’s carriage, lost in thought: “Second Brother, do you think Her Highness might have feelings for me? She invited me to share her carriage and chatted so warmly with me. Given how well we conversed, could Her Highness be thinking of making me her confidant?”

He fell into worried contemplation: “Should I accept or not?”

Yan Shang: “…”

He said: “How could you accept?”

The young official glanced at him: “Are you perhaps jealous of how well Her Highness and I got along?”

Yan Shang: “…Sir, please say less. I fear you’ll regret it when you learn the truth later.”

When Mu Wanyao arrived at Prince Jin’s residence, her eyes still carried traces of laughter. Her arms were wrapped in gauze, her rose-red dress trailing behind, the overly long hem carefully held up by her maid. Her waist sash fluttered lightly, accentuating her slender, graceful figure.

From afar, she was like a tree in full bloom, clusters of dazzling flowers.

As Princess Danyang walked along, her movements were graceful yet lazy, both elegant and noble, making Prince Jin’s concubines envious of how she cultivated such a charming demeanor. Any man who saw her would surely have his soul captivated, willing to give his life for her.

Mu Wanyao had come to Prince Jin’s residence to visit Chunhua.

Chunhua had just given birth to a son, Prince Jin’s firstborn, and Prince Jin was overjoyed, entering the palace before dawn to ask the Emperor to bestow a name. Mu Wanyao learned of Prince Jin’s firstborn son while with the Emperor and came to Prince Jin’s residence to visit.

Since Chunhua entered Prince Jin’s residence, this was only Mu Wanyao’s second visit. As Mu Wanyao herself said, she didn’t want to be too close to Prince Jin, and she came here now only out of consideration for Chunhua giving birth.

Chunhua spent her days confined to her room for postpartum recovery, constantly worried about Princess Danyang outside. She heard from Prince Jin’s wife that the princess represented the Crown Prince in sending the Wuman King out of the city today. Upon hearing this news, Chunhua was both happy for the princess’s current high status and worried that seeing the Wuman King would make the princess extremely upset, causing her to hide away and suffer in private.

However, as Mu Wanyao sat beside Chunhua’s bed, Chunhua saw the princess’s eyes filled with laughter, without a trace of melancholy.

Mu Wanyao urged: “Quick, let me see your son.”

Chunhua immediately had the maid bring over the swaddled infant for Mu Wanyao to see. Mu Wanyao leaned closer to look a few times, saying: “He has clear features, quite handsome. But I heard newborn babies are all ugly?”

Chunhua explained with a gentle smile: “Right after birth before their features develop, they might look a bit ugly. But as their features develop, they become increasingly handsome. Look, Your Highness, Yue’er is smiling at you.”

Mu Wanyao raised an eyebrow: “Father Emperor bestowed the name ‘Mu Yue’? The character ‘Yue’… it’s acceptable.”

She thought the character ‘Yue’ was a bit grand, but considering this was Prince Jin’s firstborn son, she felt it wasn’t inappropriate.

Mu Wanyao studied Chunhua, seeing the warm sunlight streaming in from outside as the lady held her child, softly humming a song to soothe him. Compared to before, Chunhua had become much more voluptuous, and her demeanor now carried the gentle love unique to mothers.

Seeing Chunhua like this, it seemed Prince Jin treated her well. This put Mu Wanyao’s mind at ease.

Fortunately, her status was high enough that her past tragedy wouldn’t befall Chunhua. For Chunhua’s sake alone, she should continue to rise in position. Only when she was powerful enough would no one dare harm those close to her.

Chunhua smiled again and said to the princess: “Your Highness, would you like to hold Yue’er?”

Mu Wanyao recoiled in disgust, hiding her hands behind her back and keeping her distance: “I don’t like children, I won’t hold him.”

Chunhua knew of the princess’s inner turmoil, so she only made the gentle suggestion, hoping the princess might open her heart.

Perhaps because of her close relationship with Chunhua, or perhaps because the room’s warm atmosphere made Mu Wanyao feel safe, she gradually moved closer and, under Chunhua’s guidance, awkwardly and stiffly picked up the child.

The baby in her arms blinked his clear eyes, black as grapes, and smiled at Mu Wanyao.

Mu Wanyao’s heart instantly melted, yet she noticeably stiffened for a moment.

She turned her head and huffed: “My arms are tired, I don’t want to hold him anymore.”

Chunhua had been observing Mu Wanyao’s expression the whole time, and as soon as Mu Wanyao stiffened, she quickly took the baby back, afraid of triggering Mu Wanyao. Chunhua carefully watched Mu Wanyao, expecting her to become dejected or suddenly cold-faced, but Mu Wanyao merely sat back down casually, fanning herself and smiling.

That moment of discomfort hadn’t greatly affected Mu Wanyao.

Chunhua was puzzled, thinking: Her Highness seems much better than before, much more forgiving of herself.

What caused such a change in the princess?

Chunhua had a thought, and after having the maids take the child away and dismissing the servants, leaving just the two of them in the room, she quietly asked the princess: “How are things between Your Highness and Second Brother Yan?”

The smile in Mu Wanyao’s eyes became impossible to hide.

It contained both a lady’s self-satisfaction and a young girl’s coquettish shyness.

Mu Wanyao said frankly: “Quite good.”

She couldn’t help but share again: “I slept with him!”

Then she frowned: “Unfortunately, it was only once, and then he became so busy he was nowhere to be seen. I suspect he’s avoiding me, but he still pays his respects to me daily, so I’m not sure if I’m overthinking it… But it doesn’t matter, he lives next door anyway, so he can’t hide for long even if he wants to.”

Unlike the rule-abiding Princess Yuyang, Chunhua satisfied Mu Wanyao’s desire to confide in someone.

Chunhua covered her mouth in surprise: “Really? I thought Your Highness and Second Brother had already… already…”

Mu Wanyao said regretfully: “He’s becoming harder and harder to fool. At first, he believed whatever I said, but now if I don’t show some skill, he’s really difficult to trick. Dealing with such a clever person puts so much pressure on me.”

Chunhua smiled: “It’s alright. Second Brother likes Your Highness. With someone like Second Brother Yan, if he likes someone, that person should trust in his character.”

Mu Wanyao bit her lip and smiled.

She sat on the couch, swinging her legs, quite unladylike. She looked more like a young girl than a princess.

Mu Wanyao’s expression softened: “I think so too. If I couldn’t trust even him, I would truly lose faith in this world. However…”

She tilted her head to look at Chunhua, somewhat curious and somewhat embarrassed: “Do you think he likes me?”

Chunhua said: “Second Brother likes Your Highness. We can all see it.”

Mu Wanyao hesitated: “But he’s kind to everyone, I’ve noticed that men and women alike all like him…”

Chunhua: “But Second Brother only follows behind Your Highness, constantly asking ‘What did I do wrong again?'”

Mu Wanyao watched Chunhua imitate Yan Shang’s way of speaking and was momentarily stunned, then couldn’t help but laugh, reaching out to pinch Chunhua’s cheeks: “My, you’ve learned to be naughty, even making jokes now…”

Mu Wanyao herself felt that Yan Shang treated her differently from others; she just needed confirmation from others to verify that she wasn’t seeing things through rose-colored glasses. Chunhua understood her hesitation and distrust of men and knew that this was the princess’s first time like a gentleman, so she would naturally have many uncertainties and concerns.

So Chunhua very firmly encouraged Mu Wanyao.

Chunhua hoped Her Highness could find happiness. Her Highness had such an unfortunate first half of her life, her latter half should be filled with enough happiness for Heaven to be fair.

After talking with Chunhua for a while, Mu Wanyao finally asked: “I suggested to Father Emperor that Yan Shang should be promoted. Do you think when Yan Shang finds out, he’ll feel I’m humiliating him?”

Chunhua: “I don’t think Second Brother is the type to assume ill intentions from others. But if Your Highness isn’t confident, you can ask him directly. I now feel that between men and women, some things should be spoken clearly, we shouldn’t leave any regrets.”

A trace of worry clouded her features.

Mu Wanyao’s eyes paused, meeting Chunhua’s gaze. Both women fell silent, knowing for whom Chunhua’s sudden sentiment was meant.

In the quiet moment, Chunhua’s voice trembled: “Your Highness, is he… is he still…”

Mu Wanyao said flatly: “Don’t ask about people who no longer concern you. Just be content as Prince Jin’s consort, it’s better for everyone.”

Chunhua forced a smile and nodded.

Mu Wanyao turned to look at her, saying softly: “After your confinement period ends, you still need to follow Prince Jin’s wife, understand? Being a consort who bore the firstborn son, you can’t survive without protection.”

Chunhua said: “I know. I’ve been thinking… if after another year, the Princess Consort still hasn’t had children, I’ll ask for her grace to raise Yue’er, to have him registered under her name. This way, it’s better for everyone.”

Mu Wanyao was silent for a moment, then asked: “Does Fifth Brother treat you well?”

Chunhua: “Well enough.”

Mu Wanyao nodded, but as they were speaking, someone announced from outside that Prince Jin had returned and was asking about the princess.

Mu Wanyao said with disgust: “I won’t be dining here, he needn’t concern himself with me, let him attend to his own business.”

The servant outside left to relay the message, while Chunhua looked at the princess and asked curiously: “Prince Jin follows proper etiquette, why does Your Highness seem to dislike him so much?”

Mu Wanyao said: “Because I can see he’s always pretending.”

Chunhua laughed: “So what? Even pretended ‘righteousness and morality’ is still ‘righteousness and morality.’ A pretend sage is still a true sage.”

Mu Wanyao: “Because he doesn’t pretend well enough. I can see the traces of it. I don’t like such disingenuous people. When such disingenuous people finally reveal their true nature, it will surely cause great trouble. And if they spend their whole life suppressing their true nature, pretending like this, they’re also finished.”

Mu Wanyao frowned: “He wants to give others the impression of being an unambitious gentleman. He’s been like this for years… Yan Shang is similar. But Yan Shang’s daily behavior gives people a genuine feeling. Yan Shang will open his heart to others and will be considerate of everyone… Fifth Brother can’t achieve this, it feels very awkward watching him.

“The difference between them is that Yan Shang wants to be a true gentleman, while Fifth Brother just wants to use being a gentleman as a means… That’s why I accept Yan Shang but don’t like someone like Fifth Brother. Don’t take him too seriously, understand?”

Chunhua was bewildered but nodded, saying she would remember—

When Yan Shang returned from Prince Qin’s residence, he heard some news and went back to the Department of State Affairs.

There, he saw the gift Wuman King had left for Great Wei—a Wuman envoy called Luo Xiu.

This Luo Xiu was clearly from Great Wei, yet he was a Wuman envoy. Yan Shang had met this person before but hadn’t expected Meng Zai Shi to leave him behind for Great Wei.

The Department of State Affairs couldn’t figure out who this person was, so after Yan Shang arrived, they dumped this troublesome figure on him—since Yan Shang had dealt with the Wuman King the most, let him guess the Wuman King’s true intentions.

After talking with Luo Xiu, Yan Shang told the other officials in the Department of State Affairs that Luo Xiu was an envoy sent by the Southern Man King, not the Wuman King.

The officials were surprised: “You figured this out through probing?”

Yan Shang replied mildly: “Yes.”

The officials nodded. After several months of interaction, they had complete faith in Yan Shang’s eloquence and didn’t doubt him now, only privately pondering the Southern Man King’s intentions.

After a while, one official said: “In that case, this person is indeed a great gift. Southern Man sending this person clearly shows they want to drive a wedge between us and Wuman. We should keep this person as an official in Chang’an, assign him any position, but absolutely cannot let him return to Southern Man.”

This was what the high officials discussed, and Yan Shang only needed to follow orders.

After the officials decided on a position for Luo Xiu, Yan Shang was assigned to placate him and threaten him to stay put in Chang’an, not thinking about returning to Southern Man.

After Yan Shang completed his task as usual, Luo Xiu was in a daze but quite trusting of Yan Shang. After all, Yan Shang’s position was low, his tone gentle, and he looked like a good person… Yan Shang easily coaxed Luo Xiu to stay contentedly in Chang’an, while also comforting him by saying he would help him return to Southern Man.

Luo Xiu: “My lord, you must help me! I’m not from your Great Wei, I’m not used to staying here permanently! If anything happens to me, our King will be unhappy too.”

Yan Shang laughed softly and agreed pleasantly—

After finishing these matters and returning to his residence, Yan Shang called for Han Shuxing.

After Han Shuxing was taken by Mu Wanyao to impersonate the Wuman King and then claimed back by Yan Shang, after the military exercise ended, Han Shuxing stayed at Yan Shang’s place.

Yan Shang sat in his study with his head lowered in thought, while Han Shuxing stood straight before him.

Yan Shang raised his eyes to look at the burly figure standing in the shadows, pondering:

Luo Xiu had the appearance of a Great Wei person but his heart belonged to Southern Man; Han Shuxing had the high-bridged nose and deep-set eyes characteristic of the Wuman people, yet had no fondness for Wuman, nor any sense of belonging to Southern Man.

Comparing these two was quite interesting.

Han Shuxing silently allowed Yan Shang to study him, saying nothing. Years of being sold as a slave had bred his numb and taciturn nature. He was used to nobles beating and scolding him. Rather, recently at Second Young Master Yan’s place, Second Young Master Yan’s courteous treatment had made him very uncomfortable.

He suspected the Second Young Master had grand designs.

Han Shuxing thought that anyone who was kind to him surely had intentions requiring his death in return.

He thought indifferently: Whatever. After all, the Second Young Master treated him well, so even if he wanted him to die, it didn’t matter.

As Han Shuxing stood there numbly, he heard Yan Shang speak gently, apologetically: “I originally promised you that after the military exercise ended, after the Wuman King left Chang’an, when your existence was safe, I would return your slave registry and let you leave Chang’an. But now I have a matter I need your help with…”

Han Shuxing thought: As expected. These nobles never keep their word. Second Young Master Yan is no different.

Yan Shang placed a slave contract on the desk and pushed it forward slightly, indicating Han Shuxing could take it. He said: “I need to entrust you with a matter before you leave Chang’an. There’s no precedent for this, so I’ll treat you as a wandering warrior first. I wonder what price a wandering warrior would charge to help someone with a task that doesn’t involve life-threatening danger?”

Han Shuxing started, suddenly raising his head to look at the young lord behind the desk.

Han Shuxing looked at the paper Yan Shang had pushed over, his voice hoarse: “…What is this?”

Yan Shang: “The slave registry. Didn’t I say I would set you free?”

Han Shuxing stared blankly for a while, then said: “Second Young Master, you shouldn’t give me the slave registry now. You should wait until I finish helping you, then give it to me. This way, you can be assured I won’t betray you.”

Yan Shang smiled slightly: “I’m just hiring you for a business matter, there’s no question of betrayal. I said you should be free, your life shouldn’t be controlled by me. As long as you don’t harm Great Wei, you’re free to do whatever you want.”

Han Shuxing: “…Will you let me leave Chang’an? Won’t you send people to kill me on the way? I’m Wuman, born to be your Great Wei’s enemy. Don’t you all say rebels are ambitious, that ‘those not of our kind must be of a different heart’? How could you let me go?”

This was something Han Shuxing would never normally say, because he simply didn’t trust these nobles. But Second Young Master Yan… facing Second Young Master Yan, he wanted to ask this question.

Yan Shang said: “Even so, the innocent should be freed. You’ve been a slave for many years, not knowing what you want to do, having nothing you want to do, you can leave the capital and try for yourself. Whether or not I’ll send people to kill you on the way, no matter how I guarantee it now, you won’t believe me. Why not try and see?

“Han Shuxing, in this world, there isn’t a lack of righteous paths.”

Han Shuxing looked at Yan Shang for a long time, then slowly said: “What do you want me to help you with?”

Yan Shang: “Not help me, but work for me. Recently in Chang’an, there was an official called Luo Xiu, he was originally an envoy sent by the Southern Man King, and the Wuman King left him behind, saying he was a gift to Great Wei. I choose to believe in the Wuman King’s magnanimity, believe he truly gave Great Wei a gift—under this premise, this Luo Xiu must have done, or be planning to do, something harmful to Great Wei, for the Wuman King to reciprocate by leaving this person as a gift.

“Luo Xiu will surely be out of place in Great Wei’s officialdom, and if he’s eager to return to Southern Man, he will try to contact the Wuman people in Chang’an, perhaps to help transmit messages or such. I’m hiring you because you have Wuman features, and you can easily gain Luo Xiu’s trust. By getting close to Luo Xiu, you can talk with him… I want to know exactly what Luo Xiu has done in Great Wei, or what he’s planning to do.”

Han Shuxing nodded. This task was indeed very simple, with no life-threatening danger.

He took the slave registry Yan Shang had placed on the desk, though he couldn’t read it, he planned to find someone later to help him check if this paper was his slave registry.

After Han Shuxing left, Yan Shang rubbed his forehead, pondered for a while longer, then laughed self-mockingly: “Still manipulating people’s hearts after all.”

Using Han Shuxing’s psychology to make him wholeheartedly repay him… he wasn’t the purely righteous person Han Shuxing thought him to be.

Yan Shang sat in his study, continuing to handle other official business.

Suddenly, dull thunder rumbled outside, and rain began to pour down with a pitter-patter. Yan Shang turned his face to look at the rain outside the window, his brow twitching slightly.

He called Yun Shu in and asked if the princess had returned to her residence next door.

The answer was: Not yet—

Mu Wanyao was trapped by the heavy rain at Prince Jin’s residence.

She had no choice but to dine there.

After dinner, when Prince Jin wanted to chat with Mu Wanyao, she fled back to Chunhua’s room. Mu Wanyao’s lack of courtesy made Prince Jin’s expression somewhat uncomfortable, but he still endured it.

In Chunhua’s room, Mu Wanyao ate melon seeds and snacks with her, while Chunhua worried: “Isn’t Your Highness going back yet?”

Mu Wanyao: “I refuse to.”

Chunhua was puzzled, not understanding the princess’s thoughts. But she soon found out.

Fang Tong came in from outside, standing outside the room to report to the princess: “Your Highness, it’s gotten cold, people from the princess’s residence have sent hand warmers. They also brought umbrellas, saying they’ve come to escort Your Highness back.”

The corner of Mu Wanyao’s lips curved up.

She tossed aside her melon seeds and looked at Chunhua with a smile: “See? Someone’s being thoughtful, sending hand warmers.”

Chunhua was gratified: “The palace maids are indeed considerate.”

Mu Wanyao smiled as she got up, gesturing for Chunhua to come with her to take a look. She opened the door and took the hand warmer from Fang Tong. Fang Tong held an umbrella, while Chunhua and the maids also held umbrellas, escorting the princess out of the residence.

Outside the gate, on the pitch-black rainy night, the puddles on the ground were lit up like daylight by the carriage lamps.

A person stood holding an umbrella by the carriage, and when he turned his face, his features were refined and elegant. Chunhua blurted out: “Second Brother Yan!”

Mu Wanyao walked toward Yan Shang.

Yan Shang nodded slightly to Chunhua’s group, and after paying his respects, helped the princess into the carriage. The rain had wet the corner of his sleeve as he turned his back to them, his hand supporting Mu Wanyao’s arm as he helped her up. Looking up, raindrops splashed onto his eyelashes.

Chunhua watched quietly. The princess needed someone like this—resourceful and thoughtful—to take care of her. Mu Wanyao had even predicted that Yan Shang would come looking for her… It showed that Second Brother was indeed becoming increasingly involved in the princess’s life.

As the carriage disappeared into the distance and everyone returned to the prince’s residence, a maid beside them who didn’t understand asked Chunhua quietly: “Isn’t Princess Danyang unmarried? But that young lord… he seems to act like a Prince Consort?”

Chunhua reprimanded softly: “Don’t talk nonsense.”

But in her heart, she thought, perhaps he really would become the Prince Consort.