For the first time in three years, Mu Wanyao entered the neighboring mansion.

Weeds filled the garden, and the trees stood bare. The water in the pond had become stagnant, with wisps floating on its surface like shadows of the past.

Standing there, seeing the siblings Yan Sanlang and Yan Xiaozhou and hearing them speak, Mu Wanyao felt as if time had reversed itself. But time hadn’t gone backward, because Yan Sanlang mentioned that Yan Shang was getting married…

Mu Wanyao felt empty inside. For a moment, she didn’t know what she was thinking.

She seemed lost in thought as if her spirit had wandered away.

When she came back to her senses, she found herself standing in Yan Shang’s former chambers. The furniture remained as it was before, except for a layer of dust and cobwebs filling the corners.

But Mu Wanyao wasn’t looking at any of that. She stood beside a writing desk, her lowered gaze fixed on a pot containing a water lily that had withered long ago.

As she stared at the flowerpot, she suddenly remembered that rainy night when he opened the door and saw her, his eyes bright and clear like shooting stars.

Looking at the silt in the pot, she hazily recalled the billowing curtains, the dim candlelight, how she propped herself up on his back to look at him, and he asked her, “Has the water lily bloomed?”—

The water lily never bloomed.

The water lily had died—

When Pei Qin arrived at the Princess’s mansion and saw unfamiliar carriages parked in the alley, he knew something was wrong. Upon learning that Mu Wanyao had gone next door, he hurried over. The path was clear, and he saw all the servants and two strangers standing outside a room.

Using his status, Pei Qin pushed through the crowd. Through the window, he saw Mu Wanyao standing before a flowerpot.

She just stood there, the setting sun floating on her profile. Her long lashes lowered, her expression cold.

But in that moment, Pei Qin saw in her a deep sense of sorrow.

The words caught in his throat, his heart soaking in bitter anguish… Pei Qin couldn’t help but despair, feeling that three years of companionship couldn’t compare to the thoughts stirred in her by a single glimpse of past shadows.

What did he amount to in Her Highness’s eyes, after all?—

That day, Mu Wanyao had no desire to spend time with Pei Qin. Instead, she invited the Yan siblings to stay at the Princess’s mansion. Pei Qin returned to his residence and tried to calm himself in his study, but the jealousy wouldn’t subside.

He couldn’t help but mock himself.

In just three years, he had become a sixth-rank official. Though it couldn’t compare to Yan Erlang’s multiple promotions in a single year, it was still a promising achievement.

Yet everyone around him couldn’t help but mention “Yan Erlang” or “Yan Suchen.”

Because Yan Suchen was a renowned minister; because even though he wasn’t in Chang’an, the two major accomplishments he achieved there were unforgettable; because Yan Suchen was so young, because Yan Suchen once had an ambiguous relationship with Princess Danyang.

Because at first glance, Pei Qin looked so similar to Yan Suchen.

Only Mu Wanyao never mentioned Yan Suchen.

Pei Qin had thought that with Yan Shang in Nanyang, people would eventually forget that man. Unfortunately, the longer Yan Shang stayed in Nanyang, the more impressive his political achievements became, and various rumors flowed into Chang’an… everywhere was filled with talk of Yan Suchen again!

Sitting in his study, Pei Qin’s handsome face twisted for a moment. He couldn’t accept it… couldn’t accept what made him inferior.

He was about to marry the Princess, but the Princess could never forget another man… what kind of marriage would that be?

Yan Suchen had merely appeared earlier. Had merely left earlier.

That’s why Mu Wanyao’s heart was full of that man’s virtues, forgetting his faults. But as a man, Pei Qin didn’t believe the Princess’s ideal could truly be perfect. Perhaps… only by shattering the Princess’s perfect image of him could he truly enter her heart.

Otherwise, this marriage… Pei Qin felt something would go wrong—

Two days later, as continuous rain fell in Chang’an, Mu Wanyao went to the palace to see the Emperor.

She brought up matters concerning the Ministry of War and Ministry of Personnel, intending to give advance notice to her father. She wanted influence in the Ministry of Personnel but feared Prince Qin would be too vigilant, so she planned to feint toward the Ministry of War, making Prince Qin think she wanted power there.

Speaking of this, Mu Wanyao’s heart still beat rapidly, fearing the Emperor wouldn’t allow it: “The Li family recommended a military genius to me, wanting this person to serve in Chang’an… I want to use this person to attract Third Brother’s attention.”

This person was also a step in the Jinling Li family’s probe of Chang’an’s circles.

No one knew if the Emperor would allow it.

From behind the bed curtains came the Emperor’s weak coughing. After coughing for quite a while, Mu Wanyao finally heard the Emperor’s faint voice: “…Granted.”

Mu Wanyao pondered for a moment before continuing: “Also… the Li family sent word that my maternal grandfather is near death. Your child… wishes to go to Jinling. First, to… to see grandfather one last time; second, to discuss my marriage; third, to personally meet and discuss the Ministry of War matters; fourth… the Li family’s leadership will change, and I want to establish contact with them.”

The Emperor’s voice was weak: “We trust your current abilities. *cough cough* Yaoyao, whatever you want to do… *cough* go ahead.”

Mu Wanyao said: “May I use the Li family to bring troops into Chang’an? I see Third Brother’s influence rising lately, and fear just in case…”

The Emperor laughed weakly: “Just in case what? That We haven’t arranged everything and die first?”

Mu Wanyao quickly said: “Father…”

The Emperor sighed tiredly: “It’s fine, do as you wish. Don’t worry, Yaoyao, We will arrange the path for you. We only hope to personally see you in red wedding clothes, leaving in glory. *cough cough* Return early from Jinling, don’t delay your wedding.

“We always wanted you to marry someone you love most. Now, *cough cough* it’s up to you. Whatever you willingly choose, *cough* that’s what shall be.”

Tears welled up in Mu Wanyao’s eyes. She seemed overwhelmed with grief, throwing herself beside the bed, clutching the Emperor’s hand that extended from behind the curtain, sobbing and begging Father to take care of his health—

Half an hour later, Mu Wanyao washed her face and left the Emperor’s chamber, heavy with the scent of medicine. Standing under the night sky, she let out a long breath.

But her heart wasn’t particularly happy.

Because she felt the Emperor’s health deteriorating.

Liu Wenqi quietly appeared behind her, softly calling “Princess” and saying: “This servant will escort Your Highness out of the palace.”

Mu Wanyao’s face showed no expression, not even sparing a glance at the powerful chief eunuch behind her.

Liu Wenqi now controlled the Northern Army and had scholars like Zhao Gong supporting and flattering him. In court, Liu Wenqi was no ordinary figure. But back in the palace, Liu Wenqi was still just a eunuch serving the Emperor, still having to respectfully call himself a “servant” before Mu Wanyao.

Liu Wenqi personally escorted Mu Wanyao out of the palace, other palace servants keeping their distance. Liu Wenqi lowered his head and whispered a few words: “The Imperial Physician says His Majesty won’t live past this year.”

Mu Wanyao’s face remained expressionless as if she hadn’t heard his words.

But she had received the most important information.

Indeed.

As the Emperor’s health worsened, Liu Wenqi needed a patron, and Mu Wanyao needed someone to relay the Emperor’s most subtle conditions to her. Mu Wanyao and Liu Wenqi cooperated very discreetly, each with their purposes, merely using the Emperor as a stepping stone for their futures.

Of course, all this had to be kept from the Emperor.

After escorting the Princess, Liu Wenqi returned to serve at the Emperor’s side. Receiving word from a minor eunuch that Prince Jin had come with his family to see His Majesty, he grew thoughtful.

A useless man who only knew how to be filial… would have such a useless person as Emperor be better for him?

Liu Wenqi’s eyes flashed with dark thoughts, his expression heavy as he let out a troubled breath.

After all, his relationship with the Crown Prince was poor, as was Mu Wanyao’s. That’s why he could cooperate with Mu Wanyao… but the Emperor currently had no intention of deposing the Crown Prince, and the Crown Prince was now so patient. If the Crown Prince truly endured until the Emperor’s death and naturally ascended the throne, would Liu Wenqi’s current glory be affected?

Liu Wenqi only dared think about this; while the Emperor still lived, he didn’t dare to do anything under the old Emperor’s nose. This period required the utmost caution.

However, as Liu Wenqi was about to enter the hall, he saw Princess Jin in the outer hall. Princess Jin was harshly scolding a woman behind her. That woman stood trembling in the shadows, her voice tearful as she responded.

Princess Jin raged: “Why are you crying? Can’t even take a few words of criticism? Always acting pitiful, going to my husband to complain about me. If I hadn’t taken pity on you back then and helped you, could you have become the current side princess? You and your son would have been killed by those women in the back palace long ago! You useless thing…”

Liu Wenqi said coldly: “Princess, shouldn’t you avoid such loud commotion in the imperial palace? What if it disturbs His Majesty’s peace?”

Princess Jin startled, quickly putting on a smiling face for this currently powerful eunuch in the Emperor’s favor, asking about the Emperor’s health and if he could receive visitors. In the shadowy corner, Chunhua quietly raised her eyes, giving Liu Wenqi a grateful look.

Liu Wenqi didn’t turn back, didn’t look at her—

Hearing that Mu Wanyao was going to Jinling, Pei Qin felt even more that she gave no importance to their marriage.

They were to marry in half a year, yet she still had time to go to Jinling.

It was as if… the marriage was just an afterthought, not affecting her daily life at all.

Although Pei Qin knew the Princess agreed to marry down to help him advance in his career, her acting this way, wasn’t she treating him as nothing? How could he continue in court?

Pei Qin immediately came to plead with the Princess, but Mu Wanyao was stone-hearted, refusing to compromise her power for his feelings. With no other choice, Pei Qin said: “If Your Highness must go to Jinling, so be it, but as your future Prince Consort, you can’t always leave me behind with no authority. Please allow me to accompany Your Highness to Jinling.

“Besides! Since it’s the Princess’s maternal family, shouldn’t I have the right to visit?”

Mu Wanyao said indifferently: “As you wish.”

Seeing her unconcerned, Pei Qin suddenly brightened and began helping arrange the Princess’s journey to Jinling. He was just testing if Mu Wanyao would let him get involved, and seeing her indifference, he grew even happier.

Amusingly, while some like Pei Qin wanted to go to Jinling with Mu Wanyao, others didn’t want to go to Jinling.

This unwilling person was Fang Tong.

When Fang Tong came to request leave, Mu Wanyao became very unhappy. Over these years, from Wuman to Chang’an, wherever she went, Fang Tong as head guard would follow. She was used to Fang Tong’s presence, and Fang Tong was familiar with her habits, working in seamless coordination with the Princess to prevent many accidents.

If Fang Tong didn’t go and something went wrong, no one would have that tacit understanding to help her manage the situation—what was the point?

Seeing the Princess’s displeasure, Fang Tong was also troubled. He smiled bitterly: “Your Highness, I’m no longer a young man, always dragging along family. Each journey takes months, it’s truly inconvenient. Recently my eldest son returned from my wife’s family, and I haven’t spoken with the boy for a year. If I go to Jinling again, by the time I return, that boy will surely have been sent away by my wife for martial arts training again.

“I just… just want to spend more time with that boy. Our father-son relationship is quite distant. I don’t want to remain so distant.”

Mu Wanyao finally understood.

A sudden thought struck her: “Ah, I remember now. I’ve met your son, isn’t he still quite young? Only four this year, right? You’ve already sent him for martial arts training? You could let your son travel with us. He hasn’t been to Jinling, right? It would be good for him to enjoy the journey.”

Fang Tong was stunned.

He said: “Doesn’t Your Highness dislike children?”

Mu Wanyao fell silent for a moment.

She recalled some past events and smiled slightly: “Not that much.

“Actually… I haven’t minded these things for a long time.

“It’s fine, let him come along, I won’t be bothered.”—

At the county magistrate’s office in Rang County, Nanyang, though it was deep into the night, lights still burned brightly.

Rain fell steadily, having started at the beginning of the month and continuing on and off for half a month now.

A stern-faced young nobleman ignored his servants’ attempts to stop him and barged into the county magistrate’s office, pushing open the door. He saw Yan Shang sitting behind a desk piled with books, still reviewing official documents by a small lamp. As he burst in, Yan Shang raised his head from behind the desk and looked at him thoughtfully.

Yan Shang’s lips carried a slight smile as he said: “Brother Ziwang.”

Like clear moonlight, elegant and serene, he smiled politely at the man who had burst in, immediately smoothing over the man’s agitation.

Yan Shang then nodded to Han Shuxing who followed behind the man, saying: “You may withdraw.”

Han Shuxing nodded and withdrew. The man who had burst in felt pleased, thinking Yan Shang dismissing his guard was showing him respect. But Han Shuxing, lowering his head behind them, thought that the Wei people were cunning, and Yan Erlang was the most cunning he’d ever met.

Yan Erlang was clearly working here waiting for this person to come, yet still had them block him first, putting on an appearance of difficulty.

This person who barged into the magistrate’s office late at night was Jiang Family’s Sixth Young Master, born of the main family line. Through his abilities, he now served as the Military Commissioner of Shannan Circuit, overseeing military affairs in the Nanyang region.

Sixth Young Master Jiang burst in late at night because Yan Shang had just issued an official document ordering the elimination of eighty bands of mountain bandits near Nanyang. Since this involved military matters, the Sixth Young Master was naturally indignant, feeling Yan Shang was overstepping his authority, and came to argue with him—

Jiang Sixth paced the room, suppressing his anger: “Fine, you Yan Erlang are quite capable. Since you became magistrate of Rang County, promoting education, encouraging farming, and maintaining order… how has the Jiang family not cooperated with you? All for Nanyang’s good—you came to our family several times begging my grand uncle to emerge from retirement, to have the great families vote to support your educational initiatives… seeing that you truly work for the dynasty’s future, we’ve cooperated all along.

“But now you want to eliminate bandits! Yan Erlang, you’re just a county magistrate! Isn’t this kind of thing my duty? I’m not in a hurry, so why are you? You…”

Yan Shang smiled as he watched him, thinking how the Jiang family’s agreement to his actions was only because they would split these political achievements in the end. It had nothing to do with the dynasty’s future.

Seeing the other had finished speaking, Yan Shang said softly: “Brother Ziwang, as I understand, you were born to the Jiang family’s main line, but the current Nanyang Prefecture Governor isn’t from the main line. These years, you should be looking for opportunities to gain merit. Why refuse such a task that both benefits the common people and brings achievement?”

Jiang Sixth explained earnestly: “Because you don’t understand how difficult these mountain bandits are to eliminate, they’re like wildfire that won’t burn out… without spending several years, they can’t be eliminated. I’m content being a Military Commissioner, why do such thankless work?

“Besides, if I agree to your plan, it’s competing for achievements with the Governor. Currently, our family supports him, if I so obviously work against him… Ah, I know you may not understand our great families’ affairs, but I really can’t so blatantly disrespect him.”

Yan Shang said softly: “Do you know what level Rang County’s affairs have reached?”

Jiang Sixth asked puzzled: “Rang County is just a middle-ranked county, what level could it reach?”

The Wei Dynasty’s prefectures and counties were all ranked by household registration into upper, middle, and lower. Nanyang was among the middle prefectures, and its administrative center Rang County was also middle-ranked.

When Yan Shang suddenly brought this up, Jiang Sixth’s eyelid twitched as he laughed dryly: “Don’t tell me Rang County’s household registration has changed greatly…”

Yan Shang said softly: “If nothing unexpected happens, when rankings are reassessed this year, I will leave Nanyang, and the Nanyang Governor will also be promoted… But with the Jiang family’s influence in Nanyang so great, how could they be content to leave? As you said, eliminating bandits isn’t a one-year task. I can’t avoid leaving, but if you undertake the bandit elimination, it’s understandable and can keep you stationed in Nanyang without promotion.”

Jiang Sixth mumbled: “This way, the Jiang family would support me…”

He cupped his hands in thanks to Yan Shang. Without further words, Yan Shang had given his branch a way forward while leaving the Jiang family nothing to complain about. He wondered why Yan Shang would help him like this… Jiang Sixth guessed it must be because years ago when Yan Shang first took office, the Governor tried to force a marriage on him to curry favor, so Yan Shang held a grudge—

After sending away Jiang Sixth and handling this matter, Yan Shang continued working.

Although he had a residence in Rang County not far from the magistrate’s office, Yan Shang spent most of the year living in the office. Just like this night.

Yan Shang sat thinking in the darkness.

Silently considering matters in Chang’an.

His Majesty had just sent him a secret decree, ordering him to keep the Jiang family tied up in Nanyang, unable to leave for a year.

Receiving such a secret decree, Yan Shang knew the situation in Chang’an had changed, and the Emperor wanted him to control things in Nanyang. After much thought, eliminating bandits was the best way to keep the Jiang family occupied. And if the bandits were truly eliminated, the common people would benefit.

However… did His Majesty’s decree mean Chang’an was about to move against Prince Qin?

Yan Shang slightly furrowed his brow, wondering if this would affect Mu Wanyao’s marriage.

He lost himself in thought in the darkness, thinking how in Chang’an they said she and her Prince Consort were inseparable, and he treated her extremely well… had she finally found someone she truly liked?

Yan Shang felt both sad and happy for her. How he hoped she could move past old influences, be a happy princess, have a blessed marriage, have a Prince Consort wholly devoted to her with only her in his heart.

Given her current position, if she was willing to marry, it must mean she truly loved him, right? Only when she married could he set his mind at ease.

Yan Shang sat quietly with lowered head. In the darkness, he felt his way up, steadied himself against the wall, and from a hidden compartment in the wall, took out a black sandalwood box. Sitting back down, he opened the box.

Outside the eaves, raindrops fell steadily. Inside, the candlelight flickered across the pouch in the box.

Yan Shang reached out to take the pouch, his fingers tracing the patterns he had touched countless times over these years. He looked down at the pouch, still unable to guess what she had embroidered.

It looked like waterweeds, but also like large beasts.

But perhaps… what she embroidered back then was mandarin ducks.

Mandarin ducks returning in pairs—that must have been what she was thinking then.

He bent over the desk, his shoulders trembling slightly, then supported his forehead with his hand, trying to calm his emotions.

Yan Shang closed his eyes, suppressing the bitter emptiness in his heart. He just sat in the darkness looking at this pouch, as he had countless times before.

But now she was going to marry.

He had promised to let her be well.

That meant he should never disturb her, should forever walk out of her life.

Besides, he would marry soon too… always pining for someone in his heart wasn’t fair to anyone.

Like a patch of white mist sitting in dim light. Yan Shang’s fingers traced the pouch as he closed his eyes, seeming to persuade both himself and others. He murmured softly: “Yaoyao, you must be well.

“From now on, I won’t look after you anymore. You must be well.”—

He thought how Yaoyao was someone with so many distracting thoughts.

He feared she would get angry thinking of him, feared she would question the meaning of marriage and love when thinking of him.

He also feared she would yearn for him when thinking of him, feared she would be trapped in the past unable to move forward.

So he had to sell all his houses in Chang’an, so he couldn’t appear before her at all.

So he had to make a clean break—

Love was like fierce fire, also like cold water.

Fierce fire burned endlessly, cold water froze deep.

He wanted to be with her, but being such an inadequate person, helping her forget him was the best thing he could do for her—

Meanwhile, Mu Wanyao’s group departed Chang’an.

During their midday rest, while others dined outside, Mu Wanyao sat in her carriage without getting out. As she studied an ancient music score, Xiarong opened the door with an odd expression and whispered a few words in her ear.

Mu Wanyao raised an eyebrow, still looking down at her book: “Have Pei Qin come over.”

After Pei Qin came, he paid his respects to Mu Wanyao. Seeing her reading music scores, he thought of what a talented lady she was. Having heard Princess Danyang excelled in both talent and music, how could he get to hear her play the konghou and guqin?

Mu Wanyao, still looking down at her book, said: “I hear the route you arranged differs somewhat from the path to Jinling. This doesn’t seem to be the shortest route to Jinling.”

Pei Qin pressed his lips together.

He said: “Yes.”

Mu Wanyao said flatly: “Why is that?”

Pei Qin: “This route isn’t the shortest to Jinling because we’ll pass through somewhere along the way. We’ll pass through… Nanyang.”

He stared at the Princess in the carriage without looking away.

Mu Wanyao slowly raised her eyes, her attention finally leaving the book and focusing on him.

Mu Wanyao said icily: “You’re seeking death.”

Pei Qin said: “Your servant feels that Your Highness’s lingering thoughts of the past person might just be from over-idealized memories. As I’m about to become Prince Consort, I truly want to help Your Highness remove that thorn. When Your Highness sees that person again, you’ll know the past is past.”

Pei Qin emphasized: “Some people do change.”

Mu Wanyao said coldly: “He won’t change.”

Pei Qin: “No one remains as good as memory paints them.”

Mu Wanyao just looked at him without speaking.

Pei Qin felt nervous, deeply afraid she would become angry. After all, she was a princess, after all she was the ruler and he the subject. If she firmly refused to go to Nanyang, he had no way to stop her.

Mu Wanyao said slowly: “Do as you wish.

“But you’d better be prepared… some people aren’t what you think.”—

In mid-March, Mu Wanyao’s group entered Nanyang territory.

It had been raining this whole month, the continuous downpour affecting their progress. The endless rain made people irritable.

Fortunately, they had carriages.

However, Princess Danyang and future Prince Consort didn’t share a carriage, as the Princess said she liked quiet, wanted to read, and didn’t want to hear anyone breathing. The future Prince Consort, always compliant, naturally rode in another carriage.

As they traveled the mountain road and entered Nanyang territory, Pei Qin nervously came to inform the Princess. Pei Qin was much more nervous than Mu Wanyao herself, but Mu Wanyao just sat quietly in her carriage reading her book, completely unconcerned about where they were.

Sometimes she could act on impulse, but more often she could control her impulses.

Suddenly, the carriage jolted with a thud and began shaking violently, startling Mu Wanyao inside as her head hit the carriage wall, the pain bringing tears to her eyes—

The procession of carriages had become stuck in the pitted mountain road.

People held umbrellas as they struggled to help the Princess out of the carriage. Mu Wanyao was furious, lifting her skirts with Xiarong’s support as she glared at the carriages stuck in the large holes in the road.

Mu Wanyao suppressed her anger: “What’s going on? The road was fine, where did these huge holes come from?”

Looking ahead, she saw the whole mountain path was pitted with holes. Even if the carriages didn’t get stuck now, they would soon.

Everyone was puzzled, no one knowing what Nanyang was doing.

While people were stuck here, with Xiarong holding an umbrella for the Princess and Pei Qin leading people to figure out how to dig the carriages out of the holes, Fang Tong standing beside the Princess suddenly went: “Uh.”

Mu Wanyao turned her head: “What is it?”

Following Fang Tong’s gaze, she instantly fell silent—

On the winding path ahead, a group of people seemingly having heard the commotion were coming this way. Most wore minor official robes, appearing to be local officials.

But their leader, in white robes, didn’t look like an official.

His features were elegant and refined, with servants holding umbrellas behind him, though his robes were still splattered with mud. A white gauze covered his eyes, with the gauze bands extending behind his head floating lightly in the wind and rain.

Supported by a servant boy and guided by others, he walked toward them.

His voice was clear and gentle: “Honored guests, having just arrived in our humble region, we failed to welcome you from afar, causing your difficulties. I am truly ashamed—”—

Mu Wanyao stood sideways, quietly watching as Yan Shang was helped closer. Before seeing anyone, he bowed and apologized first.

Seeing the white gauze over his eyes, seeing his dignified bearing.

Seeing the smile at his lips, seeing the misty rain veiling his brow and eyes, blocking the view—

Countless snow-like lights flew down from beneath the pine trees, heaven and earth interwoven, mountains and forests like smoke.

Throughout heaven and earth, she stood in the mud while he stood like jade in white.

When they met again, it was as torrential rain poured down from the sky.