Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang bowed to her uncle. Though years had passed with only letters between them, seeing him now, Mu Wanyao felt her uncle remained as dignified and elegant as before. If not for the Grand Duke’s serious illness, her uncle would never have returned to Jinling.

Li Gong sat wrapped in his robes on the couch, smiling inquiringly at Li Zhi: “Oh? You know Yaoyao’s Prince Consort?”

Instead of Li Zhi answering, Yan Shang spoke gently: “Years ago in Chang’an, due to the Wuman threat, this student requested the Princess’s help in seeking the Lord’s protection for my family. I have deeply admired the Lord’s bearing since then.”

Li Zhi merely smiled without speaking. He stared at this mild-mannered young nobleman, and seeing how neither servile nor arrogant he was, showing no anxiety despite his humble origins, finally let the matter drop with Yan Shang.

However, Li Zhi explained to his father: “Young Master Yan is being too modest. The reason he sought my help in Chang’an then was because earlier, when Yaoyao was threatened by the Wuman king, Yan was still in the southern countryside. During those uncertain times, he offered Yaoyao and me a strategy to outmaneuver the Wuman.”

Li Gong grew interested: “A strategy? You had dealings that early?”

Li Zhi gazed coolly at Yan Shang and Mu Wanyao standing shoulder to shoulder, noting how Mu Wanyao stood ever so slightly forward, clearly protecting the young man. Li Zhi said mildly: “Back then, Young Master Yan had not yet entered official service. At such a young age, the strategy he offered was crude and shallow. Yaoyao, thinking back now, don’t you find yourself naive then?”

Though Mu Wanyao’s eyes showed displeasure, she smiled: “Yes. I didn’t understand politics then, and relied entirely on my uncle’s guidance, which helped me greatly.”

Li Zhi sighed: “You needn’t put it that way. The fact that I agreed to Young Master Yan’s crude strategy that day wasn’t entirely for your sake. I found it interesting that someone so young dared to offer a strategy to a princess. Though the plan was simple, given time, if he worked for me, I could have potentially trained him well.

“I directly presented that strategy to the border command, not expecting it to succeed. I had been demoted to Nanhai and had no possibility of leaving, so if I wanted to use Yan, I could only have him come to Nanhai to see me. What I had in mind was that when the plan failed and enraged the Wuman into attacking Great Wei, someone would need to take responsibility.

“I would have put forward Yan, then as his lord, taken responsibility for him. This way he would have been genuinely convinced, moved to tears by my grace in taking the fall for him. Having Yan submit to me and follow me in Nanhai wouldn’t have been a bad path.

“Unfortunately, the barbarians proved stupider than I expected.”

The room fell silent for a moment as Mu Wanyao’s eyes widened slightly.

In her early days entering politics, she had still been inexperienced and hadn’t thought much about it. How could she have imagined that her uncle’s casual “alright” had concealed so many sinister intentions.

Indeed, looking back now, Yan’s strategy then was too simple, but Yan Shang had only been seventeen at the time… Li Zhi had been too cruel.

After a long moment, Yan Shang smiled and cupped his hands: “I’m ashamed. Thank you for the lesson, Lord.”

Li Gong watched their exchange, stroking his beard and smiling. He pointed at his son Li Zhi and sighed for a while, finally saying “Why don’t you come pour a drink for these two young people.” Everyone in the room laughed, and the awkwardness caused by Mu Wanyao’s sudden change of Prince Consort was selectively forgotten.

Yan Shang sighed inwardly at how much he still had to learn. Uncle didn’t have to break down the past events for them, but Li Zhi chose to do so. Because as Yan Shang and Mu Wanyao matured, that old matter would become a thorn. Li Zhi might as well remove this thorn himself, eliminating the gap of suspicion between both parties.

As expected of Li Zhi, once Chang’an’s influential figure.

As he thought this, he felt Mu Wanyao gently squeeze his hand through their sleeves. Knowing he couldn’t see, she used this method to comfort him. Yan Shang felt warmth in his heart and gently squeezed Mu Wanyao’s hand back, telling her he didn’t mind. Back then he had been so young, Li Zhi manipulating them was like manipulating children…

But today, Li Zhi being frank with them, wasn’t this showing he no longer dared underestimate them?

Yan Shang couldn’t see Li Zhi’s appearance, only guessing from his voice that he must be a cold person. As he thought this, he drank the wine Li Zhi offered, but Li Zhi seemed focused on him today and after Yan Shang drank, Li Zhi asked again: “As Yaoyao’s Prince Consort, you’ll help her lead the common-born officials in the future, won’t you?”

Yan Shang thought to himself, what Prince Consort? Mu Wanyao had never discussed this with him.

He only smiled and cupped his hands, neither confirming nor denying.

Li Zhi stared at him: “The famous minister Yan Suchen – with such a name, your path must have been difficult, and I respect you somewhat for that. Though Yaoyao is an honored princess, she is also my niece. You should know I’ve worried about her marriage for many years. Unfortunately, Yaoyao is willful and didn’t like who I chose for her, even driving him out of Great Wei, beyond our reach. I imagine Yaoyao choosing you means you must have extraordinary qualities, so I won’t ask too much. However, from what I know, you were promoted to magistrate of Nanyang because you drove the Left Vice Minister of Revenue to his death.

“We all know the Left Vice Minister’s dying words now. Having committed such a grave wrong against Yaoyao back then, I’m truly curious – how do you have the face to seek her hand now?”

Yan Shang’s face turned slightly pale.

Mu Wanyao immediately said: “Uncle! I don’t blame him!”

Li Zhi gave her a cool look, saying: “You may not blame him. But as your uncle, I must ask him this.”

After a long while, Yan Shang answered hoarsely: “Regarding what happened then, I was young and hadn’t considered things thoroughly. If it happened again, I wouldn’t let Your Highness fall into such circumstances. I would discuss it with Your Highness…”

Li Zhi interrupted: “With different positions, what is there to discuss?”

Yan Shang fell silent instantly.

After a long moment, he said with difficulty: “It’s not necessarily completely different. Deep down, Yaoyao is the same as me, just too busy with trivial matters to attend to it. I only need to sweep away the dust for her – our positions are aligned.”

Mu Wanyao immediately said: “Right! I told Grand Uncle before, I want to be a hero too. It wasn’t just idle talk – don’t you remember, Grand Uncle?”

She appealed to Li Gong, not wanting her uncle to keep pressing Yan Shang. Yan Shang was tormented inside – he already regretted it deeply. Because of that incident, he felt unworthy of loving anyone and had finally gathered the courage to convince himself to approach her… Why did Uncle have to force him back there?

The room fell silent as a servant quietly entered to bring Li Gong his medicine. Li Gong drank his medicine while gazing intently at them.

Seeing that Mu Wanyao had appealed to his father, Li Zhi smiled and stopped pursuing the matter.

He asked Yan Shang again: “Young Master Yan, don’t mind it. Now that you’re marrying Yaoyao, with your reputation, Yaoyao’s influence, plus our Jinling Li family – this represents our Jinling Li family joining with the common-born officials in marriage, supporting them. I ask more questions only to understand you better.”

Yan Shang said softly: “It’s fine. I should be frank with everyone.”

Li Zhi: “Then let me ask Young Master Yan, in your heart, which is more important – the ruler or the people?”

Yan Shang: “The people. In the character for ‘people,’ the mouth is above; in ‘ruler,’ the mouth is below. This asks those who would be rulers to listen more to the people’s appeals. And we who serve as officials, eating the ruler’s salary, should convey the people’s voice to the emperor’s ears. I serve as an official for the people’s livelihood, and this heart will never change.”

Li Gong raised an eyebrow slightly, unable to help looking at Mu Wanyao’s extremely thin fiance. It had been many years since he’d seen someone so pure – he found it both laughable and moving.

Li Zhi: “Can you keep your initial heart unchanged?”

Yan Shang: “At least until now it hasn’t changed.”

Li Zhi: “If one-day Yaoyao opposes your people’s livelihood, whose side will you take?”

Yan Shang was quiet for a moment, then said: “The world is murky, politics fluctuate, there’s really no pure black and white division. Positions can change anytime, all maneuvering is just tactics. Yaoyao and I won’t reach that point – she’s… not that kind of person.”

Li Zhi didn’t let up: “What if she is that kind of person? What if for her selfish desires, she demands millions of common people die with her? Would you kill her?”

Yan Shang’s face grew paler.

Mu Wanyao looked at him, feeling a trace of desolation emanating from his whole being. She held Yan Shang’s hand, feeling the coldness of his palm. Her heart ached, wondering why uncle had to press someone like this.

As Mu Wanyao was about to answer for Yan Shang, he said softly: “I would kill her.”

Mu Wanyao trembled, about to let go of his hand. But Yan Shang gripped hers back, turning toward her. Though his eyes were covered by gauze and others couldn’t see his expression, they could still feel the lonely sorrow around him. He said softly to Mu Wanyao: “If it truly came to that point, I would pay with my life.”

Mu Wanyao was quiet for a moment, then a slight smile appeared at her lips. She gently squeezed his hand, indicating he needn’t worry – they wouldn’t reach that point.

She didn’t want his life as payment. She and Yan Shang living well together was enough.

Li Zhi asked coolly: “Oh, very well then. But as an official, there’s the matter of loyalty to the ruler. I have another question – if the emperor you serve opposes your intentions, constantly suppressing you, preventing you from using your talents, instead constraining you – what would you do?”

His question was undeniably malicious.

However, this question, compared to making Yan Shang choose between the people’s livelihood and Mu Wanyao, was already much easier. After brief consideration, Yan Shang gave his answer: “The ancients said, serve when the state follows the Way, withdraw and keep to yourself when it doesn’t. If the emperor cannot be relied upon, naturally one should withdraw.”

He meant that if their ideals aligned, he would serve; if not, he would not serve. It was that simple.

Li Zhi nodded, about to ask more when Mu Wanyao interrupted impatiently: “Uncle, how much more will you ask? We’ve just arrived and barely spoken with Grand Uncle, yet you’ve only asked questions. Even as an elder, this is too much bullying.”

Li Zhi smiled, cupping his hands and saying he had been impolite, clearly intending to stop questioning.

Mu Wanyao sighed in relief, but this time, though Li Zhi had let them off, Yan Shang pursued the matter: “With two families joining in marriage, uncle’s caution and many questions are appropriate. But I also have questions I don’t understand and wish to ask uncle if uncle would answer?”

Li Zhi’s brow raised as he looked at this young man who bowed to him neither servile nor arrogant. He thought to himself that it seemed Yan Suchen wasn’t simply someone who let others bully him.

Li Zhi didn’t mind, laughing: “Ask freely.”

Yan Shang spoke word by word: “Back then, because the Li family struggled with the emperor, the princess was forced into a political marriage, and the common people suffered for years. Your court struggles brought no benefit to the common people, or the princess. But it was precisely because of your power struggles that the border army had no generals to use, Great Wei suffered defeat after defeat, and the princess was forced to marry for peace between the two countries.

“Dragging the world’s common people into your two factions’ struggle, making your family members marry for your man-made disasters… I wonder if Uncle has ever regretted it?”

In an instant, the hall grew so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Not to mention Li Zhi’s stunned silence – even Li Gong on his sick bed suddenly opened his eyes wide, shooting a fierce glare at this presumptuous madman who dared question them.

Mu Wanyao lightly tugged at Yan Shang’s sleeve, saying: “Don’t say more.”

Yan Shang turned to her, speaking gently: “Your Highness has suffered grievances for years, never receiving a word of repentance from you all. You used her marriage, used her value, as she struggled between the Crown Prince and the Jinling Li family. During those years, how did a teenage girl survive? Did you ever think about it?

“Today you question me for her sake, so let me ask you one thing for her – have you ever regretted it?”

He stepped forward, his long sleeves flowing, facing all the Li family members in the hall, facing the gravely ill Li Gong.

Yan Shang stood tall as Jade, his tone taut, his usually quiet voice now raised and trembling: “Don’t you owe her an apology?!

“Since you question me for her today, why not give her an apology?!”

No one in the hall spoke. Li Gong’s gaze at Yan Shang was initially sharp, then turned complex as he sighed softly. Li Zhi watched Yan Shang without speaking, while below Li Zhi, other Li family descendants glared at this Young Master Yan, some even wanting to kill him.

They all felt a painful regret – as expected of the “Famous Minister” who made Chang’an’s official circles change color at the mention of his name. With such a great reputation, how did they provoke him? How did they not think that a common-born scholar with such a reputation must be extraordinary in speech and unbending to power?

As for Mu Wanyao, her eyes no longer looked at the Li family members. Without Li Gong’s signal, none of them dared speak, even her uncle seemed to want to speak but stopped, finally looking at Yan Shang with complex eyes. Mu Wanyao didn’t care about those things – she hadn’t cared about them for a long time.

She stood behind Yan Shang, looking at his back tenderly and lovingly. Her eyes glistened with tears, rippling with emotion as she stared at him unblinkingly. In her heart, only he remained.

Only he spoke up for her.

Only he cherished her.

Even if everyone in the hall didn’t care about her, as long as Yan Shang cared for her, why should Mu Wanyao mind about them?

That day in the hall, Mu Wanyao didn’t receive an apology, but it didn’t matter, because from that day on, while they lived in the Li household, all the Li family members would unconsciously avoid Yan Shang when facing him.

They had all become afraid of Young Master Yan, no longer daring to look down on him as they had at first, thinking a common-born scholar unworthy of standing in the Li household.

As for Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang, setting aside their relationship, after arriving at the Li family territory, the two couldn’t help but discuss some important matters in private. For instance—

Yan Shang sat on the couch while the old Imperial Physician examined his eyes and applied medicine.

After the physician applied the medicine, Yan Shang closed his eyes, hearing Mu Wanyao exchange a few words with the physician outside before entering. She said quietly: “I had the Imperial Physician go examine Grand Uncle. Grand Uncle initially declined, but after I insisted, he couldn’t refuse and accepted treatment. The physician just told me that though Grand Uncle’s illness seems urgent, with proper care for two or three years, he might well live to a hundred.”

Yan Shang turned his face toward her, saying softly: “But your Grand Uncle said he was terminally ill, using this excuse to have you come to Jinling to see him one last time. If the physician isn’t wrong, then… is your Grand Uncle choosing not to live?”

Mu Wanyao fell into deep thought.

Yan Shang said quietly: “Your uncle was demoted to Nanhai, and forbidden to return to Jinling. But your uncle is the Li family’s outstanding figure – your Grand Uncle needs him back to lead the family. The Li family is in disgrace. Only if your Grand Uncle dies can he shamelessly petition His Majesty to let your uncle return to Jinling for mourning.

“Three years of mourning – even without an official position, it doesn’t matter to your uncle. And what of after three years? Everyone knows your father’s health is poor… Your Grand Uncle is betting your father won’t live past three years. After three years, your uncle can still stay in Jinling, supporting the Li family’s resurgence.

“Moreover, your influence in Chang’an has been growing these years. Now convincing the Li family to marry into the common-born means having the Li family support the common-born. But the Li family has precedent – His Majesty won’t trust their rise. So your Grand Uncle can only let himself die, let your uncle take over… New replacing old, using this way to tell His Majesty the Li family has changed its head, put new people in charge. A new family head can implement new policies. The Li family supporting the common-born won’t make His Majesty turn to suppress them again.”

Mu Wanyao nodded slowly.

As she thought, she said: “The Li family and I now depend on each other. My coming to Jinling was also at my father’s instruction, to have troops move through Li family private forces to Chang’an. Because the South respects the Li family, under these noble families’ cover, not using border troops, Chang’an won’t know. Since my father needs something from the Li family, naturally the Li family must seek position too.

“My uncle recommended two Li family youths to return to Chang’an with us, letting me arrange positions for them as I see fit. When relations between me and the Li family are at their most harmonious, of course, I won’t refuse such things.”

Mu Wanyao walked to Yan Shang’s side as he sat on the couch, placing her hand on his shoulder.

Her cheek could feel the wind blowing from outside, hearing faint voices from the corridor. Yan Shang calmly moved aside slightly, his expression unconcerned: “Then what do you think? Will you have the physician treat your Grand Uncle?”

Mu Wanyao pondered for a moment, saying softly: “If he doesn’t want to live, why should I force the old man to live? He won’t thank me. Since he doesn’t want to live, I’ll pretend I don’t know anything.”

Yan Shang lowered his head silently.

Mu Wanyao suddenly looked down at him, leaning close to his face. He felt her breath and leaned back unexpectedly: “What are you doing?”

Mu Wanyao: “Why are you blushing?”

Yan Shang: “…”

He tensed slightly: “The window is open, people are coming and going outside, this is your Grand Uncle’s home! You ask why I’m blushing?”

Mu Wanyao found it curious, her fingertip lightly brushing his burning cheek as she looked down at him, half-smiling: “What are you afraid of? Didn’t you already acknowledge being my Prince Consort in front of Grand Uncle and uncle that day? Since you’ve acknowledged it, why are you still afraid of people seeing us intimate?”

Yan Shang: “Who’s being intimate with you? I just didn’t want to contradict you because of your Grand Uncle’s illness. Who’s your Prince Consort? Where’s the official document, where’s the formal notice? Who discussed it with me, and who asked my opinion? You decided on your own, never asked me – who wants to be your Prince Consort.”

Mu Wanyao laughed: “News of this Prince Consort won’t arrive for a while. Perhaps the edict from Chang’an has already changed? What does it matter if I didn’t discuss it with you? At this point, could you refuse?”

Yan Shang countered: “Why wouldn’t I refuse?”

Mu Wanyao’s expression suddenly darkened.

She gritted her teeth: “Keep being stubborn then.”

She pushed him. Yan Shang was pushed aside, thinking she wanted to sit, so he had to make room for her. But just as he moved, fragrant breeze entered his embrace as Mu Wanyao sat on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. Yan Shang’s already somewhat red face instantly turned redder.

Under his black hair, his ears were as red as beans, extremely adorable. Mu Wanyao loved it immensely, hearing him say softly: “What are you doing now?”

Mu Wanyao lowered her head to brush her lips against his, smiling: “Brother Yan, don’t you feel very hot?”

Yan Shang uncomfortably adjusted his sleeves, which were wrapped tightly even in midsummer. His heart was cool and body clear, originally not sweating, but with Mu Wanyao sitting on his lap teasing him like this, he did feel somewhat hot. He hesitated for a long while, suddenly realizing: “…You didn’t drug me again, did you?”

Mu Wanyao laughed smugly a couple of times.

Yan Shang immediately flushed red: “Too reckless! How can you… this is the study! The study!”

Mu Wanyao smiled with narrowed eyes, coming to lick him like a kitten stealing cream. He both disliked and liked it, both pushing her away and holding her. He was like a contradiction, hating this troublemaking kitten, but when she threw herself into his arms, he couldn’t bear to throw her out.

While previously holding her tight as she hugged him, he had to endure being pressed and kissed.

As Yan Shang pushed and pulled, struggled back and forth with her, he was still forced by Mu Wanyao to the round shelf where the vase had been. She casually pushed the vase to crash on the floor, the crisp sound making Yan Shang tense and rigid. But she passionately embraced him, her bare feet lightly brushing his waist, and Yan Shang could only surrender step by step.

Yet he still tilted his head back to negotiate with her between breaths: “…Can’t we go back to the room?”

Mu Wanyao was coquettish and deliberate: “No! I’ve long wanted to play with you in the study… mmm…”

Her sandy moan made his blood surge, unable to control himself.

While half-intoxicated, Mu Wanyao embraced him, her chin resting on Yan Shang’s shoulder. She turned her face, lightly brushing against his slightly sweaty cheek. Vision blurry, pleasure coming in waves, Mu Wanyao’s fingers hooked Yan Shang’s shoulder, suddenly coming to bite his ear: “I have a secret to tell you.”

In his dazed entrancement, his ear being bitten by her was both stinging and comfortable. He couldn’t help but hold her tighter, taking a while before helplessly saying hoarsely: “What is it now?”

Mu Wanyao whispered: “I didn’t drug you.”

Yan Shang: “…Mu Wanyao!”

She laughed heartily, lying on his shoulder patting it, doubled over with laughter at his reaction, then was nervously pulled into his embrace as he reached to cover her mouth, telling her to stop laughing – laughing so carelessly!

As if afraid others wouldn’t know what they were doing!

A few days later, Li Gong held a feast on the Qinhuai River, inviting Yan Shang and Mu Wanyao. When the two arrived, they saw all the Li family children present. Li Gong had rarely left his bed, wearing casual clothes and smiling kindly at them. The two young people naturally paid their respects. Li Zhi sat beside his father, making room for Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang to sit next to Li Gong.

Li Gong first had someone pour wine for the two: “Young Master Yan’s questions the other day were enlightening. Yaoyao, this cup is from all of us to you – we owe you an apology. Today, as head of the Li family, I apologize to you here. I hope you can forgive us.”

Mu Wanyao accepted his wine, smiling: “I don’t mind.”

The political marriage had passed too many years ago. When times were bitter and hard to endure, she had borne it alone. She didn’t care for this late apology, didn’t mind it. Drinking Li Gong’s wine now was just to show reconciliation on the surface, so both sides could continue cooperating without misgivings.

Li Gong then toasted Yan Shang: “Thank you, Young Master Yan, for your words that woke up this old man.”

Yan Shang said he didn’t dare, respectfully drinking the cup of wine.

Li Gong sighed.

Seeing how unruffled the two young people were, Li Gong increasingly marveled at their limitless potential, while he was declining with age. Yet though declining with age, he still had to pave the way for the Li family’s descendants.

Li Gong smiled and told everyone to start eating. The atmosphere at the feast was excellent. As they talked and laughed, they naturally began speaking of some past events. Li Gong’s voice was aged: “I know you’ve always blamed us in your heart, Yaoyao, but I must also defend myself – deeply trapped in this situation, we had to think of the family.

“We were all pushed along. If there had been another way, who wouldn’t want to be a good person? Who would willingly sit in mud and filth rather than dwell in pure moonlight?”

Mu Wanyao smiled, saying softly: “I’ve already said I don’t mind.”

Li Gong said: “I know, you’re a sensible good child. You now look exactly like your mother did back then… when your mother was sixteen or seventeen, she was just like you. I’m in a daze, always thinking of things from back then, seeing your mother when I look at you.”

Mu Wanyao looked at Li Gong, saying slowly: “When mother passed away from illness, Grand Uncle must have been very sad?”

Li Gong’s face darkened slightly.

He was truly somewhat heartbroken. He turned his head to look at the gray sky outside the cabin, murmuring: “I had five children, your mother was my only daughter. In middle age, for the white-haired to send off the black-haired – how could I not be heartbroken? Ask your uncle and the others, among all the children, I loved your mother most.”

Mu Wanyao looked toward Li Zhi.

Li Zhi seemed also lost in memories, saying: “Third Sister back then… was indeed father’s favorite.”

Li Gong choked more: “The Li family’s glory rested on her alone – how could I bear it? Such a daughter, cherished in my palm daily. Thinking back now I regret – when she was in her teens, back then, I shouldn’t have let her run wild. If she hadn’t met your father… met His Majesty! Everything would have been completely different!”

Mu Wanyao was quiet for a moment, then said: “I thought mother and father’s marriage was an alliance between noble families and the royal family.”

Li Gong said: “No. When she was fifteen, she dressed as a man, wandering all around Jinling.”

A trace of a distant smile appeared on his lips: “Back then everyone knew the Li family’s third son, who knew of the Li family’s third daughter? Perhaps it was because she played around all day that she met your father on his private tour among the common people. Your father and she became sworn brothers, only later learning they were brother and sister. Your father was overjoyed, coming to me that very night to ask for your mother’s hand. I refused then, thinking your father was some wild boy – how could the Li family, lying low in Jinling for a hundred years, marry their daughter to a common peasant?

“That day, your mother went out to watch plays… when she returned, she told me she would marry your father. She went on a hunger strike and fought with me. Your father also came to kneel outside our gate refusing to leave, and then after that, his identity as a prince was revealed.

“They truly loved each other, they truly rebelled against me, truly wanted to become husband and wife. Your mother had grand ambitions, said your father was the great hero in her heart, that she and your father were kindred spirits, wanting to do great things together for the common people.

“Their hearts were full of the people! I laughed at how ridiculous they were then, but they remained unrepentant. I was moved by them… but Yaoyao, look at the outcome now. The gates of your royal family truly shouldn’t have been entered. My sweet Nuan, destroyed by your father’s hands. And did your father love the people? How laughable – what he loved was Great Wei, the people were just one part of it.

“Yaoyao, Yan Suchen, Yan Suchen’s love for the people that he spoke of in the hall that day made me think of Yaoyao’s parents back then… One cycle after another, through the vicissitudes, thirty years have passed in between. Who can turn back? Who can bear to look back?”

The atmosphere at the feast grew heavy.

Li Gong, trembling, supported by others, walked to the cabin window. He sat beneath the window as all the young people looked at him. But he didn’t turn back, watching the flowing water outside the cabin, as if watching the surging river of time flowing past.

People heard him humming a little tune, his voice extremely soft, probably a Jinling folk song. The Li family children’s expressions all grew pained hearing it, some unable to hold back their sobs. Among the intermittent choking sounds at the feast, Yan Shang heard clearly but couldn’t understand the Jinling tune.

Mu Wanyao softly told him: “He’s singing this –

‘Young heroic spirit, joining with five cities’ heroes. Hearts and guts pierced through. Hair standing on end. Standing in discussion. Living and dying together. One promise worth a thousand gold. Pushing forward bravely. Proud and unrestrained. Light canopies gathered. Flying stirrups linked. Fighting in the east city. Drinking at wine shops, spring colors floating in cold wine jars. Drinking seas hanging rainbows. Idly calling hawks and hounds, white feathers plucking curved bows. Crafty burrows suddenly empty. Joy hurrying by.'”

Yan Shang said softly: “He’s singing of your parents, and also of that generation’s passing and aging.”

Mu Wanyao felt pain in her heart, softly making an “mm” sound.

The old man’s song gradually weakened until it couldn’t be heard. The whole feast was silent as Li Zhi pushed away from the table and rose, walking to the window. Li Zhi reached his hand under the old man’s nose, then after a while said softly: “Father has gone.”

He turned back, looking at his wife, giving her a faint smile: “From now on, I have no father.”

His wife had been wringing her handkerchief the whole time, worried the princess would make a scene at tonight’s feast. But she never imagined tonight’s feast would end like this. Tears immediately rolled down in large drops as she walked toward her husband with blurry eyes.

All the Li family descendants left their seats, throwing themselves toward Li Gong in grief.

The round moon hung high, the cabin floating on the Qinhuai River. The golden glittering water, distant songs, and laughter drifting over. But nearby, a room of crying, a hall full of sorrow.

Yan Shang held Mu Wanyao in his embrace, saying softly: “Even if you resent him, he’s still family. They say life and death are ordinary matters, but when it comes, who can look through it without feeling?”

Mu Wanyao buried her face in his embrace, closing her eyes as a tear fell.