Yan Shang moved out of his own mansion and went to live at the County Magistrate’s office. It was unthinkable that a host would leave his own home to accommodate guests.
When Mu Wanyao learned that Yan Shang had moved to the County Magistrate’s office, it was early morning, and she was arranging flowers by the window. Qiu Si watched the Princess with her bright black eyes, noting how Mu Wanyao’s flower arranging paused only briefly before continuing. If there was any reaction at all, it was just a fleeting glimpse of mockery and desolation in Mu Wanyao’s eyes.
Mu Wanyao understood clearly that this was Yan Shang’s response to her. He had been concerned about her and insisted on seeing her, but after she kissed him once, he felt it was inappropriate. He said they would discuss their situation later, and this was his way of “discussing” it—he took the initiative to leave, completely avoiding any suspicion.
He wouldn’t cross any boundaries, treating her like a dangerous flood. Why should she delude herself? In this world without Yan Shang, there were plenty of others—Zhao Shang, Qian Shang, Sun Shang, Li Shang. When it came to men, as long as one held power, what did it matter how many similar ones there were?
However, when Pei Qin came again to discuss leaving Nanyang with Mu Wanyao, she still refused. Mu Wanyao insisted on waiting for the elderly Imperial Physician traveling from Chang’an. Only after the Imperial Physician had examined Yan Shang’s eyes and assured her they were fine would she leave Nanyang.
Pei Qin saw the Princess’s resolute attitude. He didn’t realize that Mu Wanyao’s concern was about the potential harm imprisonment might cause Yan Shang; he only thought the Princess couldn’t let go of her feelings for Young Master Yan.
Pei Qin felt bitter, but he couldn’t oppose the Princess. After all, the Princess was his sovereign, and he was her subject. Although they were betrothed, he was here to serve the Princess, not truly consider himself as her man.
Pei Qin had always known the Princess was a ruler, and imperial power superseded everything else. Let alone the Princess merely being unable to let go of Young Master Yan—even if she were to kidnap Yan Er’lang to keep him in the Princess’s mansion right in front of Pei Qin after their marriage, he couldn’t say anything.
Perhaps in this world, there were truly harmonious relationships between men and women, but such relationships rarely existed between princesses and their consorts. Like all other prince consorts in the world, Pei Qin carefully watched Mu Wanyao’s mood, living under the pressure of imperial power. Especially since the Princess was marrying down to him to grant him an official position, how dare he be dissatisfied?
But Pei Qin truly liked the Princess and hoped she could let go of Yan Er’lang and look at him once. He dared not say this to the Princess, but he could find Yan Shang and ask him to step back.
After all, Pei Qin was currently a sixth-rank official, while Yan Shang was only a seventh-rank County Magistrate. Pei Qin was an imperial official, while Yan Shang was merely a minor local official.
So Pei Qin went to the County Magistrate’s office where Yan Shang now lived to discuss the Princess’s matter. Yan Shang was preparing to leave to discuss bandit suppression with the Provincial Governor when Pei Qin arrived, cornering him at the corridor entrance of the county office’s back courtyard.
Yun Shu, who was supporting Yan Shang, heard what this Young Master Pei said and immediately showed an angry expression—their master had already moved to the county office to avoid suspicion, what more did this Young Master Pei want their master to do?
Yan Shang’s face flushed with shame and anger; he couldn’t help feeling humiliated by Pei Qin’s words. After all, he and Mu Wanyao had… and now her real fiancé was confronting him. His behavior had been so improper, violating his usual principles of conduct. This feeling of shame made Yan Shang want to die from embarrassment.
After composing himself for a while, Yan Shang awkwardly said in a low voice, “Young Master Pei, rest assured that while Her Highness remains in Nanyang, I absolutely will not see her again or cause trouble for Her Highness and you. I’ve left my mansion for you both to stay in; if you need anything, just ask the servants there directly, no need to inform me. Later, I’ll be busy with bandit suppression matters and won’t be around much of the time, so Young Master… can be at ease.”
Pei Qin praised Yan Shang’s grace. But he still hesitated before asking, “I heard you have a fiancée, is that true?”
Yan Shang sighed, thinking how a lady he’d only seen once from afar had become his shield. He confirmed it was true.
Pei Qin then urged, “Since you have a fiancée, why not marry early to let Her Highness give up hope? Because if you don’t cut off all possibilities, I fear Her Highness still won’t let you go.”
Yan Shang was stunned and remained silent for a long while.
Yun Shu, who was supporting Yan Shang, finally couldn’t hold back and exclaimed loudly, “Young Master Pei, aren’t you pushing too far? Our master has only just gotten engaged—doesn’t a wedding need preparation? Our master is also a high official here in Nanyang, how can the wedding be so rushed because of your suspicions? Doesn’t our master need to inform his parents and brothers? You can’t handle the Princess yourself, yet you’re forcing our master to marry!”
Pei Qin felt ashamed, but he persisted in looking at Yan Shang and made one more plea.
Yan Shang said softly, “…I cannot marry.”
Pei Qin hurriedly asked, “Are you worried this would disrespect your fiancée? With Her Highness and me here, how could anyone dishonor you?”
Yan Shang frowned.
He said, “I know Young Master Pei thinks that the Princess and I… so that’s why… Actually, I truly won’t do anything with Her Highness. But… I really cannot marry. I cannot marry while you are here… it would upset Her Highness.”
Pei Qin disagreed: “Then you must at least show your stance? As things stand, I can only think you harbor improper thoughts and refuse to let Her Highness give up hope. How would Her Highness be upset by your marriage? Her Highness might be displeased momentarily, but Her Highness would become completely disillusioned because of this. Her Highness would be thoroughly disappointed in you and leave with me. Unless you say you still can’t let go of Her Highness?”
Yan Shang was momentarily speechless.
He thought to himself, why does this Prince Consort so completely misunderstand Mu Wanyao…
Yan Shang insisted he couldn’t marry, but Pei Qin pressed him step by step, appealing to his emotions.
Pei Qin had probably noticed that Yan Shang had extremely high moral standards, so he kept talking about how difficult things were for himself, how much he adored the Princess, how much he hoped to have a peaceful life with the Princess. And Yan Shang had ruined it all…
Several times Yun Shu was so angry he wanted to curse, but Yan Shang stopped him each time.
Finally, though Yan Shang maintained he couldn’t marry, he was cornered by Pei Qin’s emotional appeal and made a concession, saying he would discuss moving up the wedding date with his future father-in-law—
After Pei Qin left satisfied, Yun Shu was absolutely furious.
Yun Shu said, “Er’lang, why are you always like this? Always thinking of others and never considering yourself? For Her Highness’s sake, for Young Master Pei’s happiness, you’re willing to compromise yourself… and still get sarcastic comments from Young Master Pei. As if we’ve wronged him somehow.
“He doesn’t have the ability to keep Her Highness in check, so he comes to us! We’ve already avoided staying in our own mansion, yet he still forces you to marry. Young Master, when will you think about whether you yourself are being wronged? You’re too kind to others, that’s why everyone comes to you.
“Her Highness is like this, Young Master Pei is like this, and your father-in-law… didn’t he also impose himself on you this way?
“It was clearly when you heard about Her Highness’s marriage being settled, that County Assistant got you drunk, and you agreed to his constant matchmaking while in a daze. Young Master probably hasn’t even prepared yourself for marriage… yet it has to be like this… why must it be this way? Er’lang, your wife shouldn’t be like this, at least she should be compatible with you…”
Yan Shang’s face was pale, but he softly stopped Yun Shu: “Don’t say anymore. There’s no question of imposition regarding the marriage. The County Assistant is upright in character, his beloved daughter must also be sincere and kind… The difficulty lies in Young Master Pei hoping I marry early, but regarding Her Highness…”
His brows furrowed slightly, but in the end he thought to just leave it as is. At least it could end Mu Wanyao’s hopes—
Yan Shang couldn’t possibly marry early; he wasn’t at all prepared. After all, marriage was a lifelong matter, and for him, the meaning of responsibility was extremely heavy. But after Pei Qin’s pleading, Yan Shang had the County Assistant come to the office to discuss moving up the wedding.
For the County Assistant, this was naturally an immense joy.
Young Master Yan had accepted his simple, ordinary family background, while he admired Young Master Yan’s talent and ability.
After Young Master Yan came to Rang County, so many important people had tried to arrange matches but failed. The County Assistant didn’t dare hope for such a match, but who knew that during one drunken moment, Er’lang would actually agree. This marriage seemed to fall from the heavens; the County Assistant kept feeling dazed, afraid he was dreaming.
He had prepared himself for Yan Shang to one day say that he had drunk too much that day, and without the betrothal gifts it didn’t count as an engagement.
Who knew that Yan Shang rarely mentioned the marriage, and the first time he brought it up was to discuss moving up the wedding date. The County Assistant immediately rushed to the County Magistrate’s office, not even waiting for Yan Shang to visit him… afraid that if he waited too long, someone would interfere.
However, the County Magistrate’s office was too close to Yan Shang’s mansion.
When that County Assistant stepped into the county office, beaming with joy and wearing a red robe that made him look just like a bridegroom, he was clearly seen by Qiu Si, who was crouching by the flower bed outside Yan Shang’s mansion playing with ants.
Qiu Si, being young, was curious about everything. After running over to inquire, her expression changed, and she hurriedly ran back to the mansion. Qiu Si shouted all the way looking for Mu Wanyao: “Your Highness! Your Highness! Something’s happened!”
When Pei Qin returned to the mansion, he saw Mu Wanyao with a dark expression, wearing a golden silk gown and ornate golden hairpins, followed by Qiu Si and other maids, storming toward the county office. Seeing the Princess’s imposing manner, Pei Qin’s eyelid twitched, and with a premonition in his heart, he quickly followed to watch.
Opposite the county office, the Provincial Governor was just leaving when he saw Princess Danyang’s aggressive approach.
The Provincial Governor was from the Jiang family of Nanyang, the maternal family of the Third Prince, Prince Qin.
Seeing Mu Wanyao, this governor’s eyelid twitched as he muttered, “So Princess Danyang really is staying at the County Magistrate’s mansion… Yan Suchen spread so many false rumors, I couldn’t tell what was true or false. He hid her quite well.”
The Provincial Governor smiled: “It’s just a princess, surrounded by her entourage. Yan Suchen even arranged a fake princess with the mountain bandits… he was being overly cautious.”
Yan Shang was sitting in his study, having barely exchanged two sentences with the County Assistant without getting to the main topic, when the door was suddenly pushed open with a “bang.”
This discourteous behavior startled the County Assistant, who rebuked on behalf of their magistrate: “Who dares! Do you have no respect for our lord? How dare you barge into the county office—”
Yan Shang said: “County Assistant, you may leave first. We’ll discuss our matter another day.”
The County Assistant was reluctant, having finally gotten the chance to discuss the marriage, only to be interrupted…
He turned around and saw a stunningly beautiful woman with a cold expression enter the room, radiating brilliance, followed by several pretty maids and guards. The County Assistant’s eyelid twitched, knowing this must be the mysterious noble guest staying at the County Magistrate’s mansion.
Perhaps she was the Princess.
The County Assistant dared not make a sound. After he withdrew, Mu Wanyao lifted her skirts and went straight to Yan Shang. She stood behind the desk, looking down at him.
Sunlight filtered into the study; his slightly upturned face and the gauze bandage over his eyes were bathed in a translucent white glow.
He sat quietly with drooping sleeves, his expression unchanged. No matter how elegant and handsome he looked, at this moment in Mu Wanyao’s eyes, he was as hateful as a scoundrel.
Mu Wanyao said coldly: “I hear you’re planning to marry early?”
Yan Shang gave a soft “mm” and said: “If time permits, Your Highness can stay for the wedding feast.”
His hands curled into fists inside his sleeves, trembling violently, yet he didn’t let a single emotion show on his face.
Mu Wanyao commanded: “Cancel the engagement.”
Yan Shang: “Without reason, why should I break off the engagement? Would that be fair to the young lady?”
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the small study gasped, because without hesitation, Mu Wanyao’s hand flew across his face with a crisp slap.
Yan Shang’s face was struck sideways; he was somewhat dazed.
Because no matter how much they had argued before, Mu Wanyao had never slapped him. Everyone said she had a bad temper, but Yan Shang had never seen her hit anyone.
And now… she had struck him.
Pei Qin, following behind everyone else, stood outside the window. He arrived just in time to see Mu Wanyao slap Yan Shang.
Pei Qin was shocked, his heart suddenly panicking, not expecting Mu Wanyao to be so angry. He began to fear that Yan Shang would say it was him who forced the early marriage, and Mu Wanyao would turn back to settle accounts with him…
After the slap, Mu Wanyao said icily: “Will you cancel the engagement or not?”
Yan Shang’s face turned slightly toward her, the red handprint clearly visible on his jade-white skin. He said: “Marriage is not child’s play, it cannot be like this.”
“Poof—” Everyone gasped again, as Mu Wanyao grabbed a cup of tea from the desk and threw it at him.
Mu Wanyao’s eyes were red with anger as she shouted: “Yes, I’m not calm. Because I’m not like you—you’re a coward! You’re just a coward! If I were getting married today, you wouldn’t say a word. But I wouldn’t! You won’t take a single step toward me… not one step! Why? Do I have to chase after you? Do you look down on me that much?”
Yan Shang’s face turned pale. Though his face was splashed with tea, such humiliation notwithstanding, his attention was entirely on her, on her voice that had grown hoarse with emotion.
Hatred to the extreme, anger to the extreme!
His heart was torn open with a huge gash, bleeding and pulling at him.
Yan Shang’s voice grew hoarse: “I’ve never looked down on you. We just have different positions…”
Mu Wanyao shouted at him: “To hell with different positions! What’s different? Do you really think I take lives carelessly? Am I such an unforgivable person in your eyes? Do you think I’m beyond redemption, that I’m not worth it? I came all the way to Nanyang, I stayed here for you… yet you want to get married! Are you doing this on purpose? Do you hate me that much? What did I do wrong to make you so disgusted, to make you so desperate to get rid of me… Why are you being so cruel to me!
“Are you still Yan Shang? Are you still the Yan Shang who cared for me and loved me? Don’t you feel your heart is especially cold, especially hard… I hate you so much!”
Her tears fell as her voice grew hoarse with tension. Though he was the one she had slapped and splashed with tea, her breakdown, her vulnerability, was what made it impossible to let go… Yan Shang couldn’t sit still anymore; he had to speak, had to explain.
As she trembled all over, Yan Shang stood up and grasped her hand.
His voice was hoarse and shaking: “It’s not like that! I’ve never thought you were bad, I just felt I wasn’t worthy. You know what kind of person I am, you don’t know how afraid I am. I’m afraid that between the common people and you, I’ll abandon you again, making you say to me ‘you make me feel that in this world, no one truly loves anyone.’ I’ve always wanted you to receive love, but I don’t think I’m the right person… Countless nightmares plague me, dreams of letting go of your hand, dreams of you looking at me with hatred.
“What I fear is that our different positions will lead us to become strangers, fear that I’m not the best person for you, fear that you’ll be hurt by me, fear that you’ll completely despair of human emotions…”
Mu Wanyao stared at him blankly, never imagining this was the reason holding him back. With tears in her eyes, she once again realized the vast difference between her and Yan Shang’s perspectives.
She always thought about the present, while he always thought about the future. She always wanted immediate joy, while he worried about proper status one moment and the future the next… She and Yan Shang were so different. Two people so different, she had to wonder how they had gotten along before.
Mu Wanyao said wearily: “Forget it.”
Yan Shang’s grip on her hand trembled.
She reached out to push his hand away, closing her eyes to hold back tears: “Forget it, I don’t want to have any more thoughts about you. If you want to marry, then go ahead, get married early if you want. I’m leaving… I’m leaving Nanyang, I never want to see you again!”
Yan Shang held onto her wrist, refusing to let go.
He felt her dejection this time; his fear made him feel that if he let go now, he might truly lose her forever… After thinking so much, doing so much, he still couldn’t let go.
Yan Shang said tremblingly: “Actually, my marriage isn’t what you think. Actually, I’m not trying to rush it, I’m doing this because…”
Pei Qin’s anxious voice called from outside: “Your Highness!”
Mu Wanyao turned her face to see Pei Qin entering from outside. Pei Qin’s eyes were full of concern for her, and Mu Wanyao couldn’t help thinking that perhaps Pei Qin was the right person. Even if she didn’t love him now, feelings might develop over time.
Mu Wanyao stood in a daze as Pei Qin put his arm around her shoulders, unaware that behind her, Yan Shang’s face had grown even paler.
Yan Shang stepped forward: “Yaoyao, listen to me…”
Mu Wanyao turned her head to look at Yan Shang, but Pei Qin blocked her view with his caring gesture. Pei Qin turned back, wearing a slightly warning smile, and said to Yan Shang: “Young Master Yan, you’ve gone too far, treating Her Highness this way. Have you forgotten the distinction between ruler and subject?
“You dare to marry early! What do you take us for? What do you make of Her Highness’s dignity?
“Fortunately, Her Highness has me by her side now. I will accompany Her Highness in the future; she will no longer have her heart broken by you.”
Yan Shang stood there stunned. When he had planned to help Pei Qin, he had anticipated that Pei Qin would use his rejection to get closer to Mu Wanyao. But Yan Shang hadn’t expected Pei Qin to go to such lengths… He still couldn’t resign himself, wanting to step forward, wanting to tell Mu Wanyao it wasn’t like that.
But his eyes couldn’t see, and this place was full of their people. Mu Wanyao, exhausted, was led away by Pei Qin; perhaps she had been persuaded by him and now completely wanted nothing to do with Yan Shang.
The room that had been full of people moments ago was suddenly empty. Yan Shang took two steps to follow but stumbled, hitting the antique shelf. Books fell like an avalanche from the shelves, crashing down on his head. Yan Shang endured the pain as he tried to dodge, stumbling against the wall as he made his way out the door, only to be blocked by Pei Qin’s men.
The guards Pei Qin had left behind warned him: “Young Master Yan, our lord advises you that some things should be said, and others should not.
“Her Highness has already decided to let you go. If you truly want what’s best for Her Highness, don’t do anything more. Our lord and Her Highness are a perfect match, they’re in love with each other. Young Master Yan, after all… you’re in the past.
“If you disturb Her Highness again, our lord will have no choice but to use his official authority against you.”
Yan Shang stood stunned. He paid no attention to Pei Qin’s threats, as he had ways to deal with all that. What made him hesitate was their saying that Mu Wanyao and Pei Qin were in love, that he should let go—
After Mu Wanyao returned, it was said she fell ill. Under Pei Qin’s attentive care, it seemed he finally moved her iron heart.
Pei Qin asked to accompany the recovering Mu Wanyao for an outing to lift her spirits. Mu Wanyao, thinking she should seriously begin a new life, didn’t refuse. Pei Qin was delighted that he was finally beginning to enter Mu Wanyao’s heart, and he immediately accompanied her out.
However, their luck was poor—as they were leaving, they happened to run into Yan Shang returning.
Mu Wanyao kept her eyes down, not looking in that direction. On Yan Shang’s side, his servant boy said something to him, and Yan Shang turned toward them, bowing in greeting.
Yan Shang “looked” toward Mu Wanyao and said softly: “Has Your Highness recovered? If you’re still unwell…”
Pei Qin interrupted: “No need for Young Master Yan’s concern. But Young Master Yan, aren’t you staying at the county office? Why have you returned?”
Yan Shang said: “I came back to fetch some books. Where are you two… heading?”
Pei Qin: “Accompanying Her Highness for a walk to clear her mind. After all, old wounds are hard to heal. Young Master Yan, please make way.”
Instead of moving aside, Yan Shang continued to “look” at Mu Wanyao and said softly: “You’ve just recovered and you’re going out? That’s not good for your health…”
Mu Wanyao said impatiently: “With Pei Qin taking care of things, my affairs are no longer your concern. Step aside.”
Yan Shang’s face turned pale, and he finally moved aside. Yun Shu, holding his hand, felt his master’s fingers were ice cold. Yun Shu sighed inwardly, thinking that although his master would be heartbroken for a while, it would be better in the long run. Yan Shang kept his head down, listening to the footsteps passing before him.
As she passed by his side, he caught her familiar clear fragrance.
Yan Shang was lost in thought for a moment, and only came to his senses after Mu Wanyao and Pei Qin had walked far away, past the corridor.
Yan Shang frowned and asked Yun Shu: “Did I mishear just now… the footsteps weren’t right.”
Yun Shu was confused: “What’s wrong with them?”
Yan Shang: “I only heard the footsteps of Her Highness and Young Master Pei. Are they going out with just the two of them?”
Yun Shu: “…Perhaps they want to have a private meeting.”
Yan Shang’s jaw tightened—
As Pei Qin was helping Mu Wanyao into the carriage, they heard Yan Shang’s voice from the mansion: “Your Highness, Young Master Pei… please wait a moment!”
Pei Qin, now very afraid of Yan Shang’s appearances, immediately urged the carriage to leave quickly.
But Mu Wanyao said: “He’s not the type to speak without reason. Let’s hear what he has to say.”
Yan Shang, supported by Yun Shu, came to the carriage and asked: “Are you two going out for leisure with just one coachman? Rang County isn’t very peaceful right now; you shouldn’t be so careless. You should bring more guards. Your Highness, you should let Guard Fang accompany you…”
Pei Qin was displeased, knowing that with Fang Tong present, everything would revolve around Mu Wanyao, and he, the future prince consort, probably wouldn’t even be able to stand near the Princess.
Seeing Mu Wanyao lower her head in thought, Pei Qin quickly pleaded: “Your Highness, I finally have a chance to be alone with you. Why let outsiders interfere? Young Master Yan, since this is your jurisdiction, we have confidence in you.”
As Yan Shang tried to persuade them further, Mu Wanyao said casually: “Let’s follow Pei Qin’s arrangements. I trust him.”
Yan Shang froze.
Though his heart ached terribly, he persisted: “Your Highness… I won’t harm you. There’s no harm in bringing a few more guards.”
Seeing Mu Wanyao’s hesitant glance toward Yan Shang, Pei Qin said: “Then let’s take a few of my guards.”
Mu Wanyao made a sound of agreement and lowered the curtain. Yan Shang wanted to persuade them further, but the carriage drove straight past. The coachman deliberately drove through a puddle, splashing water toward Yan Shang, clearly taking advantage of his blindness.
Thankfully, Yun Shu was holding his master’s hand and yanked Yan Shang back hard, preventing his robes from being soiled by the muddy water. Yun Shu cursed angrily a few times, while Yan Shang sighed and anxiously sent his own mansion guards to follow them.
Even though he knew these guards would likely be driven away by Pei Qin’s men, he had to try—
While Mu Wanyao and Pei Qin went out for leisure, Yan Shang, despite his distress, still had to do what needed to be done.
Yan Shang left the city and, according to plan, joined up with the Military Commissioner to set up an ambush in the mountains, waiting to catch the local bandits in one sweep. The warrior Han Shuxing stayed by Yan Shang’s side, while Yun Shu was responsible for telling Yan Shang about their surroundings.
They had found some people to pose as the Princess and her servants, riding in a carriage through the mountains for sightseeing. After three consecutive days of this act, today the officials had figured out the bandits’ patterns and planned to take action.
At this moment, as expected, the fake Princess’s carriage was stopped by bandits in the middle of the road. The officials, wearing disguises, hid behind bushes and shrubs, waiting for the right moment.
Just as the plan was about to succeed, with everyone waiting for Yan Shang’s order… the sound of galloping hooves shattered everything as several horses came thundering down the mountain path in a cloud of dust.
They watched as the bandits surrounding the fake Princess on the road shouted while mounting their horses: “Retreat! This is a fake Princess! We have the real Princess… this is an official trap! Run!
“Listen up, you officials! If you dare make a move, we’ll kill the real Princess!”
Yan Shang’s heart sank heavily.
Beside him, the heavily breathing Military Commissioner made a quick decision: “Kill—”
Yan Shang immediately said: “Wait… what real Princess? Yun Shu!”
Yun Shu’s eyes widened as he looked toward the approaching dust cloud, his voice trembling: “Master, they seem to have captured the Princess… How is this possible? Weren’t Young Master Pei and Her Highness just going for a leisure trip, not even leaving the city… Master, I can see clearly, the one being held at knifepoint on horseback is indeed Her Highness!”
Yan Shang pressed down the Military Commissioner’s hand: “Stop! Her Highness is in their hands…”
The Military Commissioner said with a smile: “Young Master Yan, you’re mistaken. There is only a fake Princess, no real one. This was arranged when we planned the act, this was the plan you personally approved, have you forgotten?”
Yan Shang’s expression froze for a moment, and in an instant his heart sank as he understood something had gone wrong. Someone was muddying the waters, someone had other motives.
He could already hear the sounds of fighting, and his heart was burning with anxiety, knowing he couldn’t count on the Military Commissioner. Yan Shang stood up from the bushes where they were hiding and led his own men toward the chaotic battlefield.
He had to save Mu Wanyao!
Only he could save her here! The bandits could be captured another time, but Mu Wanyao couldn’t come to harm!
Watching the young County Magistrate leave without a word, the Military Commissioner didn’t know how much Yan Shang had guessed in that instant, but he just smiled indifferently: “Just a scholar… no need to worry about him.”