Rain fell continuously as examinees lined up to enter the Ministry of Personnel for the imperial examination.

Feng Xianyu stood behind Yan Shang in line.

He noticed a civil official standing silently at the entrance, staring intently at Yan Shang, which stirred something in his heart.

He had already taken the imperial examination three times without success. Unlike Liu Wenji, who was full of hope for an official career and refused to believe anyone could cheat, and unlike Yan Shang, who was taking the exam for the first time and knew nothing of its inner workings like a “newlywed bride.”

Seeing that official staring at Yan Shang, his heart skipped a beat. Could this official be someone important? Perhaps Yan Suchen wasn’t as simple as he claimed, and had some powerful backing in Chang’an?

Feng Xianyu’s expression darkened.

He thought back to when they had been making their rounds presenting their writings. Wei Shu had his connections and never accompanied them, while Liu Wenji had always disdained such practices and kept his distance. Only Yan Shang and Feng Xianyu had tirelessly circulated among the feasts of various noble officials, seizing every opportunity to promote themselves…

But if Yan Shang had other opportunities, what did that make him, who had supported and encouraged Yan Shang all along?

As Feng Xianyu pondered this, he heard murmuring among the examinees. He snapped back to attention and looked back toward the source of the commotion, seeing Wei Shu approaching with an umbrella as everyone watched.

Most of the examinees were around twenty years old, but Wei Shu was undoubtedly the youngest among them. The young man carried himself with grace and refinement, completely unmoved by the various gazes fixed upon him. Even among noble families, few possessed such distinguished bearing and pride.

Everyone could see that he had alighted from Princess Danyang’s carriage.

It seemed the rumors were true – after arriving in Chang’an, Wei Qilang hadn’t relied on the Wei family’s influence but instead sought patronage from Princess Danyang.

People sighed with mixed feelings, while those from humble backgrounds felt particularly envious, thinking: What’s so special about gaining success through the princess’s patronage? If I had such an opportunity to gain Princess Danyang’s favor, I would surely do better than Wei Shu!

Feng Xianyu listened to the various reactions around him, watching as Wei Shu completely ignored everyone, paying no attention to either their admiration or attempts to curry favor. Wei Shu joined the line of examinees, casually taking out a scroll from his sleeve and reading it leisurely while holding his umbrella.

Feng Xianyu: “…”

How he envied that young nobleman’s composure, as someone who had failed the examination multiple times!

Just as he was lost in envy, the examining official impatiently called his name: “Next, Feng Xianyu.”

Feng Xianyu hurriedly shifted his attention back to his examination—

Mu Wanyao had already sent out her influence and stopped paying attention to matters concerning the examination.

The practice of presenting writings to officials was just something done in passing. She hadn’t intended to extend her influence too far, making the examination unfair while also crossing forbidden boundaries.

However for many without connections, having someone show all their works to the chief examiner in advance was already unfair.

However, even for noble families’ sons, presenting writings didn’t guarantee selection. It was merely seeking a favorable impression. While the imperial examination naturally had some unfairness behind the scenes, when official positions had originally been monopolized by noble families, having an opportunity for both common and noble candidates to participate in the examination was already progress.

All things in moderation – change couldn’t happen overnight.

The examination was held in mid-February, with results posted in early March. During the half-month interim, Mu Wanyao hadn’t met or greeted anyone from the Ministry of Personnel.

In late February, Mu Wanyao attended a flower-viewing banquet.

Many noblemen and women were present, along with some officials and their families. Many young gentlemen, seeing Princess Danyang’s beauty, approached with various intentions and attempts to curry favor. Mu Wanyao had no interest in such people and promptly avoided them.

The attendants blocked those trying to curry favor with the princess. Mu Wanyao sat by the water, lazily fanning herself with a feather fan while waiting to meet another princess.

At this time, an official somehow convinced the guards and squeezed his way to the princess’s side, bowing in greeting: “With the cool breeze and beautiful scenery, along with lovely servants, Your Highness seems to be in fine spirits.”

Mu Wanyao sat by the pavilion railing, watching the red-tailed golden carp in the spring waters. She turned her head, taking a moment to recognize him: “Oh, it’s the Personnel Evaluation Director.”

He smiled, “Indeed, it is your humble servant.”

He was the chief examiner for this year’s imperial examination.

Spring Hua stood nearby holding a plate of fish food to feed the carp, turning her head to see this official smiling rather ingratiatingly at Mu Wanyao.

Mu Wanyao gave a slight laugh.

She understood that this person was interested either in her connection to the Crown Prince or the Li family.

Mu Wanyao spoke with interest: “Do you have some business with me? Perhaps Third Brother isn’t treating you well, and you’d like to request a different position from me?”

The Director immediately broke into a cold sweat.

He hurriedly forced a smile: “Your Highness jests! This humble official has only recently become the Personnel Evaluation Director, and certainly wouldn’t want to lose such a fine position!”

The Ministry of Personnel was under the influence of the Third Prince, Prince Qin, and almost everyone there looked to Prince Qin for direction. If today’s conversation with the princess were to spread, suggesting he had betrayed Prince Qin, that would be quite problematic.

Seeing his fear, Mu Wanyao couldn’t help but laugh, her beautiful eyes curving like crescent moons over a clear lake.

The Director quickly stated his purpose: “The Ministry has finalized this year’s examination pass list, ready for review by the Department of State Affairs. If there are no issues, after passing through the Chancellery and Secretariat, the list will be posted in a couple of days.”

Mu Wanyao seemed to sense something, leaning forward slightly.

The Director lowered his voice: “Since the list is finalized, this official merely wished to inform Your Highness as a gesture of goodwill.

“This year there were two thousand examinees, with twenty-two selected. His Majesty gave no special instruction, so we won’t be selecting more this year. Your Highness has quite the discerning eye – both candidates you recommended made the list.”

Mu Wanyao couldn’t help but listen intently, her heart pounding. She held her breath, waiting for the Director’s next words.

Behind the princess, Spring Hua had forgotten to feed the fish, somewhat lost in thought, sighing: only twenty-two out of two thousand?

How difficult it was to pass the imperial examination.

However, hearing that both candidates recommended by Her Highness had made the list, Spring Hua couldn’t help but strain to listen, while privately worrying whether Liu was among the twenty-two.

If Liu failed again, with his pride and ambition, what a blow that would be!

The Director continued in a low voice, currying favor: “Young Master Wei needs no explanation – such talent at a young age, even Prince Qin himself praised his examination paper after reading it. We’ve named him this year’s Principal Graduate.

“As for Yan Suchen, whom Your Highness also recommended, his examination was quite good as well. Though he ranked only in the middle of the twenty-two, because of his outstanding appearance, after our deliberation and with the Minister’s approval, we’ve promoted him to Third Graduate.”

Mu Wanyao: “…”

She was so stunned she forgot to fan herself.

Wei Shu becoming Principal Graduate had already delighted her.

Yan Shang became the Third Graduate because of his good looks.

Her casual comment that day – the Ministry used it as a selection criterion?

No wonder there were no ugly officials in court. Being presentable was the minimum requirement, after all, these officials might have to appear before His Majesty in court – how could they let the Emperor face a group of unsightly officials every day?

The Director, seeing the princess lost in thought, called out: “Your Highness?”

“Good!” Mu Wanyao smiled as she came back to herself, “Thank you for informing me of this news in advance, I appreciate it. If you need anything in the future, feel free to come to me.”

Having achieved his goal, the Director withdrew with a smile.

Mu Wanyao sat contentedly by the water. After the Director left the pavilion, Spring Hua bit her lip, handed the plate of fish food to another attendant, and hurriedly left the pavilion with an excuse.

Mu Wanyao saw this but paid it no mind—

“Director Liu, please wait!”

Director Liu had just left the pavilion when a female voice called from behind. He stopped and turned to see it was that beautiful attendant of Princess Danyang’s who had been straining to hear their conversation earlier.

Spring Hua approached, curtsied to the Director, and said softly: “I have a request for Director Liu.”

The Director quickly replied: “I wouldn’t dare! You are the princess’s attendant – if it’s something even the princess cannot resolve, seeking my help would be useless.”

Spring Hua gave a short laugh.

She had tried to recommend Liu Wenji to Mu Wanyao when she heard the princess wanted to help candidates from humble backgrounds.

However, Mu Wanyao had said: “If he won’t come ask me himself, why should I help him voluntarily?”

How could someone as proud as Liu Wenji humble himself to beg for help from the princess? With that path closed, Spring Hua couldn’t say anything more.

Now, catching up with the Director, Spring Hua just wanted to inquire about the news.

Biting her lip, fighting her embarrassment, she asked: “I just wanted to ask Director Liu if there was someone named ‘Liu Wenji’ among this year’s twenty-two successful candidates?”

The Director stroked his beard in thought for a while, puzzled: “I don’t recall seeing that name. Why do you ask?”

Spring Hua’s eyes dimmed, but she smiled: “It’s nothing, this servant was just asking.”

She worried in her heart about how to console Liu Wenji after the results were posted—

Yan Shang passed on his first attempt, and as a Third Graduate no less.

They were both from Lingnan, and Liu Wenji had always considered himself superior to Yan Shang.

When these results came out, Liu Wenji would probably take it the hardest—

Feng Xianyu also found ways to attend this flower-viewing banquet through various connections. Of course, he couldn’t get close to someone of Princess Danyang’s status but merely sought opportunities to curry favor with minor officials. However, those officials all showed strange expressions upon seeing him and avoided him as if afraid.

While Feng Xianyu stood bewildered, he saw the official who had inspected them at the Ministry entrance standing with Princess Danyang’s attendant.

When Princess Danyang had escorted Wei Shu to the Ministry that day, her attendant had been dressed as a man riding a tall horse, so Feng Xianyu recognized her at a glance.

After so much time had passed, this year’s chief examiner had been announced after the examination ended.

Feng Xianyu recognized that it was this year’s chief examiner speaking with the princess’s attendant.

Observing their expressions, the chief examiner maintained a bright smile… Could he have come to bring early good news to the princess?

Feng Xianyu tensed, guessing: The examination list must be finalized!

The results will be posted soon!

This was his fourth year taking the examination, and if he still couldn’t pass… After standing dazed for a long while, Feng Xianyu no longer tried to curry favor with the avoiding officials around him, but decided in his heart—

That night, a carriage arrived outside Princess Luling’s temple.

Feng Xianyu emerged from the carriage wearing snow-white Daoist robes. With a jade hairpin securing his hair and flowing robes, his handsome features stood in the night wind with a somewhat desolate and melancholy air.

After sending his young page back with the carriage, he looked up at the princess’s temple, his heart filled with complex emotions.

Princess Luling was His Majesty’s blood sister and had helped His Majesty considerably when he first became Emperor. Later, after His Majesty fully consolidated power, he reciprocated her kindness and showed extreme favor to this elder princess.

After Princess Luling’s husband passed away, she never remarried, instead putting up her hair and becoming a Daoist priestess. Because the princess took the lead in becoming a priestess, for a time many noble ladies of Chang’an competed to follow her example, with voluntarily becoming Daoist priests becoming quite fashionable, which was rather amusing.

However, the princess becoming a Daoist priestess didn’t mean she was cultivating herself or abstaining from meat. Becoming a Daoist nun was merely Princess Luling’s way of saying “I don’t want to remarry.” Princess Luling had never been short of handsome young men by her side.

The current Emperor, to show support for this princess, had specially built her a temple. Princess Luling’s temple was luxurious and magnificent, completely lacking the simplicity proper to a Daoist temple, even more splendid than ordinary princess residences.

Four years ago, when Feng Xianyu first came to Chang’an for the examination, he caught this princess’s eye due to his youth and good looks.

But at that time, he had declared himself a married man and naturally refused the princess.

After that, Feng Xianyu’s connection to the imperial examination was severed. Though no one had explicitly said so, Feng Xianyu knew his years of exclusion must have been due to some instruction from this princess.

Now four years had passed… how many four-year periods could he waste in his life?

Feng Xianyu raised his head to gaze at the temple’s inscription before taking a step forward. From this step onward, there would be no turning back—

Princess Luling didn’t let Feng Xianyu leave empty-handed, nor did she make things difficult for him.

After the maid announced him, Feng Xianyu was led into the princess’s chambers.

Curtains billowed as red candles burned high, and Princess Luling emerged from behind the hazy drapes holding a tall candle, her hair flowing down to her ankles.

Looking at her, Feng Xianyu saw that though the princess was over thirty, she maintained herself well, without a single fine line on her face. Not only did she have the delicate, fair complexion of a twenty-year-old maiden, but her manner also carried the alluring charm unique to mature women.

The princess smiled: “Master Feng hasn’t crossed my threshold for four years, yet suddenly appears today – what favor do you seek?”

Feng Xianyu remained silent, lifted his robe, and knelt before her.

The princess smiled without speaking. With one hand holding the tall candle, she used the other to lift Feng Xianyu’s chin. In the candlelight, she observed his closed eyes and humiliated expression, finding it rather amusing.

The princess said: “My, this must be something important. But merely kneeling before me won’t do.”

Feng Xianyu still didn’t speak, but his hand moved to his collar, pulling his clothes down. Kneeling on the ground, his robe scattered around his waist, his young, smooth torso reflected in the firelight. He raised his face, his handsome features showing flickering starlight in his eyes.

As if with tears, a misty haze formed.

Princess Luling’s eyes grew passionate at the sight, her breathing slightly heavy. Having tasted many men’s flavors, she remained especially fixated on those she couldn’t have. On such a long night, with a beautiful man kneeling before her and disrobing, how could she maintain her composure?

The princess’s fingers held Feng Xianyu’s chin as she bent down to kiss him.

Feng Xianyu turned his face slightly, her kiss landing only on his cheek, disturbing a few loose strands of hair.

The princess gave a cold laugh, unhurried: “What’s this? Still putting on airs at this point?”

Feng Xianyu raised his eyes to look at her through the candlelight as if something within him was being driven out layer by layer. At this point, why bother with pretense?

He murmured: “I want an official position.”

The princess said: “Very well.”

She called out loudly: “Summon this year’s Personnel Evaluation Director to see me!”

Once again, the princess bent down, her face pressed close to the pale-faced man’s, smiling: “Master Feng, there’s still some time before the Director arrives. Let’s see if you can serve me satisfactorily during this time.

“Your rank will depend on how well you serve.”

Feng Xianyu looked at her for a long moment, then opened his arms and drew her into his embrace. Holding her, he walked toward the depths of the curtained chamber, into the layers of shadowy abyss.

Unbridled sensuality both disgusted and maddened. If one can’t refuse it, better to sink into it—

The Personnel Evaluation Director stood trembling outside Princess Luling’s chambers. Before he arrived, the princess’s messenger had informed him of her purpose. The Director’s face grew bitter as he wondered what to do.

As he worried, the door to the princess’s chambers opened, and the maids let him enter.

The Director kept his head down, only briefly raising his eyes before lowering them again. In that glance, he saw Princess Luling lounging on a couch, with a young man half-dressed, kneeling at her feet, peeling lychees for her.

Princess Luling didn’t waste words, immediately asking for this year’s examination list, saying lazily: “Twenty-two people, right? Remove one and add Feng Xianyu’s name. If His Majesty asks, I’ll take responsibility.”

He had known this would be the purpose of his visit.

The Director didn’t dare conceal anything, saying bitterly: “Your Highness, among this year’s twenty-two, most are from noble families. It’s not easy to remove someone from noble families – if it’s discovered later, this official’s career would likely be finished.”

Princess Luling exclaimed in surprise: “All twenty-two are from noble families? That’s impossible, isn’t it? Usually, even if just for appearance’s sake, don’t you include a few candidates from humble backgrounds? None this year?”

The Director persisted: “This year’s noble candidates were exceptionally outstanding, each showing remarkable talent.”

Princess Luling fixed him with a cold stare.

The Director’s forehead beaded with sweat before he finally admitted through gritted teeth: “There’s only one from a humble background.”

Princess Luling smiled: “Then remove that one and replace him with Feng Xianyu.”

The Director looked up: “But this person is under Princess Danyang’s protection! And his ranking as Third Graduate was personally designated by the Minister – it’s not as simple to handle as with others!”

Princess Danyang’s protection!

Kneeling at the princess’s knee, Feng Xianyu suddenly raised his head to look at the Director, speaking his first words: “I didn’t know Princess Danyang recommended anyone besides Young Master Wei. Who is this person?”

The Director naturally remembered the beautiful young man well: “Yan Shang from Lingnan, styled Suchen. His calligraphy is excellent, and he wrote both poetry and prose well this time. His selection as Third Graduate is well-deserved.”

Hearing the name “Yan Shang,” Feng Xianyu’s eyelid twitched violently as he thought of Yan Shang’s exceptionally refined features.

Third Graduate!

With Princess Danyang’s protection, why pretend and make the rounds with him? How utterly hypocritical!

Feng Xianyu was utterly disappointed, his usually elegant features turning somewhat fierce as he said through gritted teeth with a laugh: “So it was him!”

Princess Luling looked down at him: “You know this person?”

Feng Xianyu contained his emotions and said: “Just a hypocrite, stealing fame through deception!”

Princess Luling rested her chin on her hand, thoughtful: “Named as Third Graduate…”

Usually by custom, the one named Third Graduate was the most handsome… As Princess Luling pondered this, Feng Xianyu bit his lip and grasped her hand.

He looked up at her with a smile that was both twisted and self-pitying: “Has Your Highness forgotten what you promised me?”

Princess Luling looked down at him.

She was still quite pleased with Feng Xianyu and didn’t want to anger her new favorite.

She decided immediately: “Then remove this Yan whatever and replace him. My Feng is also a handsome and elegant young man, more than qualified to be a Third Graduate.”

The Director grew anxious: “But Princess Danyang…”

Princess Luling said disdainfully: “What’s there to fear from that little girl Danyang? She’s just a married princess – what can she use to compete with me? Don’t worry, I’ll keep that little girl in check.”

With the princess speaking so decisively, the Director could only agree and return to inform the Minister—

In early March, spring rain fell like fine powder.

Mu Wanyao, as usual with nothing to do, drove her carriage toward the Eastern Palace, planning to hear some teachings from the Crown Prince. She didn’t mind even though it was raining outside.

Sitting in the carriage, Mu Wanyao suddenly heard Spring Hua, who was riding outside, come to the carriage window with a whisper: “Your Highness, it’s Young Master Yan.”

The carriage stopped, and Mu Wanyao lifted the curtain to see that indeed, standing by the road holding an umbrella and bowing in greeting, was Yan Shang, whom she hadn’t seen in half a month.

The spring rain had soaked half his robe, yet he stood straight in the rain, still proper and beautiful.

Mu Wanyao leaned against the carriage curtain, her silk garments revealing half a fragrant shoulder. Raindrops flew onto her eyelashes, making her eyes sparkle clear and bright, moist and transparent. However, when she spoke, her tone was sarcastic: “Not seeing you for half a month, and today I get to see such a busy person – I must be truly blessed by three lifetimes of good fortune.”

Yan Shang politely replied: “Actually, I’ve come to visit several times this past half month. But Your Highness must have been too busy – my timing was poor. However, waiting all day at your residence for your return might invite unnecessary gossip. In this way, I’ve failed Your Highness.”

Mu Wanyao’s expression softened slightly.

She asked: “What are you doing today?”

Yan Shang replied helplessly: “I had intended to pay a visit… Today I had planned to stay longer at your residence, even if it seemed presumptuous, waiting for your return. I couldn’t bear not seeing Your Highness even once.”

Mu Wanyao said: “Look how unfortunate your timing is. I’m just about to leave, and I don’t know when I’ll return.”

Yan Shang immediately said: “Then I’ll come another day…”

Mu Wanyao stared at him for a moment before saying slowly: “Why do I feel like you’re deliberately timing your visits to avoid spending time with me?”

Yan Shang’s expression stiffened slightly.

He did indeed feel his relationship with Mu Wanyao was too strange… He wanted to make this strange relationship more normal.

But Mu Wanyao seemed to have grown cleverer and had seen through him.

Mu Wanyao said flatly: “Fine, get in the carriage. I have good news to tell you.”

As Yan Shang hesitated, Mu Wanyao had already pushed open the carriage door. She sat inside, unparalleled in beauty yet with cold eyes. She was unpredictable, sometimes distant, sometimes near.

After a moment of silence, Yan Shang closed his umbrella, lifted his robe, and climbed into the carriage. The carriage began moving again.

Sitting in the carriage, Yan Shang explained gently: “I just don’t want to compromise Your Highness’s reputation.”

Mu Wanyao glanced at him, not bothering to explain that she had no reputation to protect.

Between Young Master Yang and Young Master Wei, in the eyes of Chang’an society, she was a princess who kept multiple companions.

Mu Wanyao said to Yan Shang: “The results will be posted tomorrow, you know?”

Yan Shang: “Yes.”

Mu Wanyao looked at him, examining him for a while. She suddenly felt her judgment was indeed good – someone she had randomly encountered and casually recommended was about to pass the examination.

She immediately brightened up again, smiling: “The Personnel Evaluation Director told me in advance – Wei Qilang is a Principal Graduate, and you’re the Third Graduate.”

Yan Shang froze.

Then he bowed to her.

His eyes showed slight joy, yet remained very calm as he merely held his fist to his mouth and gave a light cough.

Mu Wanyao watched his affected manner and couldn’t help but sneer: “If you want to smile, just smile. Isn’t it tiring to hold back so much?”

Yan Shang looked up, meeting her eyes.

The princess winked at him.

Yan Shang shook his head but finally laughed. It was a gentle, subtle laugh, like a slowly flowing stream. Completely different from his usual polite, perfunctory smile…

He was a refined and self-controlled person who rarely laughed heartily. Even this slight smile now was quite different from his usual proper demeanor.

Mu Wanyao felt her heart warm at the sight and turned away, no longer looking at him.

She thought disdainfully: Smiling so enchantingly – not a proper Third Graduate.

Yan Shang said softly: “Thank you, Your Highness… Your Highness…”

Mu Wanyao scolded: “Stay away from me! Don’t come near!”

Yan Shang was startled by Mu Wanyao’s sudden change, quite bewildered, not knowing how he had offended her again—

Mu Wanyao was heading to the palace city, planning to get out at the palace while letting the carriage take Yan Shang back to the temple.

However, when they reached the palace, Mu Wanyao didn’t need to get out, as the Crown Prince’s people were already waiting at the palace gate.

The Crown Prince’s servant came over with an umbrella, and after announcing himself, Princess Danyang’s carriage lifted a corner of its curtain, revealing the princess’s bewitchingly beautiful face.

The servant vaguely saw someone else sitting in the carriage but couldn’t see clearly, as the princess’s snow-bright eyes were already fixed on him.

The servant said: “The Crown Prince has left the palace on other business and had us wait here to prevent Your Highness from making a wasted trip. Additionally, the Crown Prince has a message for Your Highness to consider.”

Mu Wanyao asked curiously: “What message does Big Brother have for me?”

The servant said: “The Crown Prince says tomorrow is the day the examination results will be posted. Today the Ministry of Personnel sent the list of successful candidates to the Secretariat, and the Crown Prince saw that the list was different from what was previously agreed upon.

“The Crown Prince hasn’t yet signed off on the list, which is why he had me inform Your Highness that of the two people you recommended, Young Master Wei remains the Principal Graduate, but the previous Third Graduate has been replaced. Young Master Yan’s name is no longer on the list. The Crown Prince asks Your Highness to handle this as you see fit.”

For a moment, there was only the sound of falling rain, and the world fell utterly silent.