The spring rain fell densely, fine as sand.

The two lanterns hanging from the carriage cast an eternal glow through the mist and night rain.

Princess Imperial Luling’s carriage left the imperial city before the palace gates closed.

Inside the carriage, the Princess Imperial personally poured a cup of tea for Yan Shang, who politely expressed his thanks.

Leaning against the carriage wall, Yan Shang held the teacup, breathing in the heady fragrance that filled the carriage while studying Princess Imperial Luling sitting across from him.

In truth, he had never closely observed this Princess Imperial before.

At the Qujiang night banquet, Princess Imperial Luling must have been seated with the other royal relatives. However, at that time, Yan Shang’s attention had been focused on the Emperor’s marriage decree and Mu Wanshao’s stubborn, defiant response.

There were so many royal relatives present that Yan Shang hadn’t even properly looked at Princess Yuyang who sat next to Mu Wanshao, let alone Princess Imperial Luling who sat even further away.

Yan Shang’s knowledge of this Princess Imperial came only from the scattered remarks of Feng Xianyu and Mu Wanshao. Mu Wanshao had said her aunt liked to keep handsome young men, and Feng Xianyu had caught the Princess Imperial’s eye. While Yan Shang had inwardly sighed at this, he had no intention of associating with this Princess Imperial.

However, since Feng Xianyu said the Princess Imperial seemed to have some misunderstanding about him, given Yan Shang’s usual diplomatic nature, he would naturally want to clear up this misunderstanding.

So under the Princess Imperial’s steady gaze, Yan Shang very politely took just a small sip from his teacup before setting it down, assuming a posture ready for conversation.

The Princess Imperial wore an ambiguous smile.

Yan Shang clasped his hands in greeting: “Your Highness said you had some questions about this subject. May I ask what they might be?”

The Princess Imperial had merely found an excuse – how could she have questions to ask?

She stared at the incense burner on the table, watching the wisps of smoke drift upward, and casually asked Yan Shang: “I hear you and Feng Xianyu are good friends. Feng Xianyu often praises you in my presence.”

Yan Shang’s heart skipped a beat as he privately pondered whether Princess Imperial knew that Feng Xianyu’s reversal of the nomination had been due to pressure from him and Mu Wanshao.

For now, he could only probe carefully…

Perhaps because the carriage space was cramped, or because the Princess Imperial’s perfume was too strong, Yan Shang felt somewhat uncomfortable, his head starting to spin.

But he was someone who never showed his cards on the surface, so he continued: “I am truly humbled. Though this subject held the title of Third Scholar that day, to me, Brother Feng has more of the talent befitting that position…”

Princess Imperial Luling made two sounds of acknowledgment.

She didn’t know that Feng Xianyu’s reversal of the nomination had been Yan Shang’s doing.

Right now she was only anxious about why Yan Shang could still maintain his composure.

The Princess Imperial said: “That day, Master Feng had asked a favor of me regarding you – something not in your favor. But later he seemed to feel guilty and recommended you again. Do you know the reason?”

Yan Shang probed and discovered that Princess Imperial didn’t know the truth.

He smiled faintly and asked with appropriate confusion: “What matter might that be? I should personally thank Brother Feng. Brother Feng is warmhearted, helping me privately without my knowledge…”

Unobtrusively, he began filling in the cause and effect of what had happened that day, gradually planting it in the Princess Imperial’s memory. However, as he did this, he felt his heartbeat suddenly quicken and a wave of irritation wash over him, along with considerable thirst. These subtle changes left him feeling increasingly anxious.

The Princess Imperial stared at Yan Shang without blinking.

As Yan Shang lowered his eyes and spoke to her gently and harmoniously, she didn’t hear a single word. The faint light of the rainy night cast a thin layer of illumination on the young gentleman’s face.

His eyelashes lay over his eyes, his features clear and distinct. Though naturally blessed with fine skin, his bearing overshadowed his appearance.

His speech was refined, his manner composed when speaking, with an ancient and distant air. At first glance, one wouldn’t find him too handsome, but rather notice Yan Shang’s tranquil bearing, his scholarly elegance. Only after appreciating this fine bearing would one notice his graceful and refined features…

Yan Shang’s heart beat faster, sweat beginning to form on his back.

His speech remained steady, but internally he grew alarmed. Being someone accustomed to self-reflection, his every word and action came only after careful deliberation, so this kind of panic and confusion was quite unusual for him… Yan Shang quickly ended the conversation and asked for the carriage to stop.

The Princess Imperial asked in surprise: “What’s wrong, Master Yan?”

Yan Shang said gently: “I suddenly remembered I need to meet a friend… I trouble Your Highness to stop the carriage.”

The Princess Imperial observed how he sat ramrod straight, his face slightly flushed. He maintained his proper bearing, but it had become somewhat rigid… Having known many men carnally, she understood inwardly that he had succumbed to the drug. The Princess Imperial leaned slightly toward him, and Yan Shang pressed back against the carriage wall.

The Princess Imperial asked in surprise: “Master Yan, why are you sweating?”

Yan Shang’s voice grew slightly hurried: “Please, Your Highness, stop the carriage…”

The Princess Imperial took out a handkerchief from her sleeve and tenderly wiped his sweat. Those threads of fragrance once again surrounded his nose, and Yan Shang found it nearly unbearable… Usually, when Mu Wanshao came this close to him, he had never found a woman’s powder and perfume so nauseating.

He grew more agitated, his head spinning more severely.

In a flash, Yan Shang grabbed Princess Imperial’s hand as she brushed his face, lifting his face with eyes sharp as lightning. His grip on her wrist was extremely tight – the Princess Imperial cried out, feeling as if her bones would break.

When he fixed her with his cold stare, Princess Imperial felt guilty, but after just a moment of shock, Yan Shang’s grip on her wrist loosened.

Thud!

Yan Shang closed his eyes, his head hitting the carriage wall. Unable to resist the drug’s power hidden in the incense burner, he lost consciousness.

The Princess Imperial patted her chest and looked down at the beautiful young man whose face was flushed, his breathing heavy even in unconsciousness. She smiled softly, using her toe to nudge the unconscious Yan Shang in the carriage, her gaze falling to the area below his waist. Seeing subtle signs of change there, the Princess Imperial’s eyes filled with desire, her breathing growing heavy.

She urgently urged the carriage: “Quickly, back to the manor!”

She crouched down, lovingly caressing the unconscious young man’s face, murmuring in intoxication: “Master Yan… how could you possibly resist my incense?”

It was precisely through this type of incense that she had never failed.

After all, she was the Princess Imperial – as long as she wasn’t plotting rebellion or meddling in politics, the Emperor would turn a blind eye… Now she merely coveted Yan Shang, enjoying his youthful vigor, what harm was there in that?

The carriage’s hazy fragrance cast the Princess Imperial’s face in murky shadows—

At Princess Danyang’s manor.

Mu Wanshao was using chopsticks to adjust the incense burner, mixing incense ingredients.

Chunhua had already taken leave from the princess’s manor, and now the maids serving at Mu Wanshao’s side were led by Xiarong. These maids were clumsy, helping the princess mix incense, but the more they tried, the more dissatisfied the princess became.

Mu Wanshao frowned: “This isn’t the right fragrance! Wrong!”

Xiarong was nearly in tears: “Your Highness, this is the most orthodox method of mixing incense that this servant learned from the palace…”

As Mu Wanshao was scolding her maids, Guard Fang Tong reported from outside the princess’s chambers: “Your Highness, Young Master Wei Seven has come to call.”

Mu Wanshao was quite surprised.

Hadn’t Wei Shu just said he was going next door to visit Yan Shang? Perhaps after visiting Yan Shang, that young man who usually paid no attention to external matters or people had been prompted by him to come to pay his respects.

Mu Wanshao let out a light snort and put down the incense chopsticks. She didn’t think Wei Shu would come to see her without reason – it was probably Yan Shang’s doing. And she had no interest in Yan Shang right now.

Mu Wanshao said: “Don’t see him.”

But after just a moment, Guard Fang came again: “Young Master Wei Seven says he has urgent business with Your Highness.”

Mu Wanshao sneered, pursing her lips at her maids: “See? I knew Jushen wouldn’t come to the Three Treasures Temple without cause. He didn’t come specifically to see me.”

Speaking thus, Mu Wanshao went to change clothes and fix her hair, leisurely heading to the front hall, curious about what business Wei Shu had with her.

Wei Shu stood in the hall, his figure extremely thin, bearing the clear and handsome appearance of one still young. His pure and unblemished bearing made Mu Wanshao pause for a moment before Wei Shu turned around, saw her, and his eyelashes lifted slightly, his gaze brightening.

Wei Shu spoke directly: “Your Highness, I come from next door.”

Mu Wanshao entered the main hall, irritated: “I know. Didn’t we just meet in the alley?”

Wei Shu watched the princess enter: “Second Brother Yan isn’t at his residence.”

Mu Wanshao’s steps faltered as she said: “Then he must be at the Hongwen Academy. It’s probably raining and he forgot to bring an umbrella, so he’s stuck at the academy.”

Wei Shu said: “But Second Brother Yan had agreed to spend the night with me, reading together.”

Mu Wanshao: “…”

She stared deeply at Wei Shu, surprised: “I didn’t know you two were so close?”

Wei Shu gave her an odd look, not understanding why she focused on such an irrelevant point. What Wei Shu wanted to say was not this: “Your Highness may not understand Second Brother Yan, but I know he’s not someone who would casually break an appointment. Even if something came up, he would send someone to tell me.

“I waited at his residence for half an hour but he never returned. Your Highness, Second Brother Yan might be in trouble. I can only come to ask Your Highness for help!”

The mocking expression left Mu Wanshao’s face as she grew thoughtful.

Indeed, someone as extremely cautious as Yan Shang would never break an appointment he had made with someone.

Last time when he and Mu Wanshao had agreed to see the Buddha’s relics on Buddha’s Birthday, Mu Wanshao had deliberately played tricks, neither setting a specific time nor place. Even then, when Mu Wanshao arrived late in the afternoon, Yan Shang hadn’t been much later.

If he broke an appointment, it might be something serious…

Mu Wanshao pressed her lips together, saying she wouldn’t get involved in Yan Shang’s affairs anymore, but now sensing he might be in trouble, she still couldn’t help but pace anxiously in the hall.

Wei Shu spoke directly: “Your Highness, even if I’m overthinking this, please help me this once. Though you refused to marry Second Brother Yan last time, Your Highness misunderstood him, he’s not what Your Highness described…”

Mu Wanshao looked at Wei Shu, silent.

She had known Wei Shu for so long and knew how aloof he was, normally not caring about others’ affairs. Yet Wei Shu would come to ask for her help because of Yan Shang… Yan Shang’s ability to win people over once again gave Mu Wanshao strange feelings.

Mu Wanshao’s beautiful eyes fixed on Wei Shu as she said softly: “How do you wish me to help?”

Wei Shu said: “Please accompany me out of the manor – the imperial city has begun its nightly curfew, and only Your Highness’s token can get us in. I ask Your Highness to come with me to enter the imperial city’s Department of State Affairs and check if Second Brother Yan is at the Hongwen Academy.”

Mu Wanshao hesitated.

Wei Shu clasped his hands, his tone growing urgent: “Your Highness, we must act quickly, we cannot delay!”

Mu Wanshao: “Why do you care so much about Yan Shang?”

Wei Shu paused, then said: “If it were me in trouble today, Second Brother Yan would certainly rush about like this for me.”

Mu Wanshao grew frustrated.

But she had been implored by Wei Shu, and among her attending maids, Chunhua who had urged her to stay away from Yan Shang was absent, while the other maids had been won over by Second Young Master Yan’s bearing and cared about him. Now hearing that Second Young Master Yan might be in trouble, they all joined in pleading with Mu Wanshao.

Mu Wanshao’s already wavering resolve quickly crumbled.

She also truly, possibly, maybe, perhaps… was a bit worried about Yan Shang.

Mu Wanshao made a swift decision: “Let’s go! Come with me!”—

Having made up her mind, she naturally had to see Yan Shang safe and sound tonight.

Mu Wanshao and Wei Shu took a carriage into the imperial city. Arriving at the Hongwen Academy, they found it had long since closed. Mu Wanshao sat in the carriage, sending people to gather information with Wei Shu who stood outside holding an umbrella.

After a while, Wei Shu stood outside the carriage: “They say Second Brother Yan got into Princess Imperial Luling’s carriage.”

Mu Wanshao froze, then said: “…I see.”

The carriage door was open, and Wei Shu heard the odd tone in Mu Wanshao’s voice, suddenly looking up.

Mu Wanshao stared into the space above, lost in thought: “My aunt… she likes handsome young men. You can relax now, he won’t come to harm. Second Young Master Yan probably caught her fancy, perhaps they’re sharing a spring night, shouldn’t we avoid disturbing them?”

Anger flashed in Wei Shu’s eyes.

He rarely got angry, but now he stepped forward, hand on the carriage shaft, and countered: “Does Your Highness think Second Brother Yan is the type to curry favor with the Princess Imperial? Does Your Highness think it doesn’t matter if Second Brother Yan is humiliated?”

Mu Wanshao froze, and then her expression tightened. Thinking of Yan Shang… even though she didn’t want to get involved, just thinking about someone usually so composed being humiliated like this, imagining him in such a pitiful state, anger welled up in Mu Wanshao’s heart… This was someone she had promoted, what right did the Princess Imperial have to touch her person?

Ice formed in her heart as she suddenly clenched her fist, blurting out: “No, no… I can’t let him come to harm!”

Her brows frosted over as she made a swift decision: “Jushen, get in! We’re going to the Princess Imperial’s manor to get him back!”

Wei Shu’s heart relaxed.

But he still said: “If Your Highness becomes enemies with the Princess Imperial…”

Mu Wanshao pondered for a moment.

She shook her head, saying: “I won’t become enemies with my aunt. I’m no longer the person from that night who would foolishly just go demand someone back…”

She was a princess who was gradually learning politics. What happened with Feng Xianyu that night, Yan Shang’s methods had taught Mu Wanshao another possibility. Often, she didn’t need to take things to extremes; she could deal with enemies in a more balanced way.

The wind and rain urged the carriage forward as it set off again.

Mu Wanshao instructed the guards outside: “Before we enter the Princess Imperial’s gate, help me find a cat.”

She would go to her aunt’s manor to look for her lost cat, using this excuse to enter the Princess Imperial’s residence!—

The night rain fell heavily as the carriage raced through the streets.

Racing against time!

Mu Wanshao’s voice was urgent in the cold rain: “Faster! Even faster!”

The carriage moved so quickly that even Wei Shu had to hold onto the wooden table to keep his balance. The lantern light shone into the carriage, illuminating the frost-like face of the young woman.

Wei Shu watched the princess furrow her brows in thought, constantly twisting her sleeves… He was somewhat stunned, not expecting Mu Wanshao to show even more concern than himself.

At this time in Princess Imperial’s bedroom chamber, Yan Shang slowly regained consciousness.

The curtains hung to the floor, red candles burned high. He lay on a bed, and as he propped himself up, he already felt his mouth dry, his body changing.

Hazily, the Princess Imperial’s laughter came from behind the curtain: “Is Master Yan awake?”

There was no one else in the hall.

The Princess Imperial lifted the curtain, holding a cup of tea, walking gracefully toward Yan Shang. The Princess Imperial now was different from how she had been in the carriage.

Then she had maintained some dignity and elegance, but now her hair was loose, wearing thin gauze robes, and snow-white shoulders half-exposed. As she walked toward Yan Shang, her expression was full of soul-stirring allure.

She sat on the edge of the bed, offering him the tea.

Yan Shang remained silent.

The Princess Imperial’s eyes fixed on his lower body as she smiled: “There’s no drug in it. Now that you’re here, do you think I still need drugs?”

Yan Shang naturally bent his legs, using his clothes to hide his body’s changes. His expression remained unchanged as he took the tea from the Princess Imperial, using it to calm his wildly beating heart.

When the Princess Imperial sat beside him, his body’s instinctive response made him grow rigid with alertness, darkness rising in his eyes as inappropriate fantasies arose… Yan Shang turned his gaze away, not letting himself look at the Princess Imperial even once, focusing entirely on drinking the tea.

His mind raced with thoughts.

The Princess Imperial observed him, wondering why at this point Yan Shang hadn’t pounced on her. Why was his reaction so calm when he saw her? Had the drug not taken effect?

However, as the Princess Imperial observed Yan Shang, she suddenly smiled.

She saw that though Yan Shang tried to hold the teacup steadily, his long fingers were trembling slightly – he could barely hold the cup.

His breathing was steady, but sweat had formed on his neck; he didn’t speak, but he didn’t dare even look at her.

The Princess Imperial suddenly grabbed Yan Shang’s hands holding the teacup.

Yan Shang’s hands trembled, unable to hide their shaking, and the teacup fell from his grasp, tea staining his robes. Where the tea fell on his clothes, it left dark marks.

The Princess Imperial’s breathing quickened, her voice hoarse: “Young sir, why are your hands so cold? Let me warm them for you.”

She lowered her head to kiss his fingers.

Yan Shang quickly pulled his hand away: “Your Highness!”

The Princess Imperial laughed coldly, her breath brushing his ear. With a gentle push, she pressed down his already unsteady body, pinning him among the curtains. Holding his hands, seeing sweat fall from his brow and his parted lips dry from heavy breathing, the sight made her heart flutter.

She lifted her face to kiss his lips.

He covered her mouth with his hand.

Yan Shang struggled to breathe: “Your Highness, please have some self-respect.”

The Princess Imperial said: “At this point, you still don’t understand? What self-respect? Young sir, you’d better not waste this beautiful moment.”

The curtains swayed.

Inside, man and woman struggled like fighters.

The Princess Imperial grew impatient, her tone carrying a warning: “Second Young Master Yan, I’m only letting you stay conscious for some entertainment. Don’t refuse my kindness only to face punishment. This won’t harm you in any way, so stop putting on this act of nobility in refusing me…”

She smiled, her breath brushing his neck: “If you serve me well, tomorrow I’ll speak to His Majesty about promoting you to the official…”

Yan Shang suddenly opened his eyes.

The Princess Imperial could no longer control him – Yan Shang suddenly found strength, grabbing her wrists and pulling her off himself. His emotions are unstable, constantly walking on the edge of losing control, even this simple movement made sweat pour down his forehead more heavily, his mind momentarily going blank.

The Princess Imperial fell onto the bedding, furious: “Second Young Master Yan, you…”

Yan Shang cut off her voice: “Your Highness indulges in pleasure, humiliating this subject like this – are you so certain this subject will have no chance to settle accounts with Your Highness in the future?”

The Princess Imperial narrowed her eyes, finding it amusing: “What accounts could you settle with me? Are you referring to that little girl Shaoshao? How could she possibly…”

Yan Shang said: “Ten years of study to become an official for one day. Your Highness is so unrestrained – can blocking my official career block me for life? Does Your Highness know that all you rely on today is His Majesty’s protection? Once His Majesty no longer protects you, would you push yourself into the abyss for today’s moment of impulse?”

The Princess Imperial: “How could my brother possibly because of such a small matter…”

Yan Shang looked at her coldly: “Is Your Highness so certain His Majesty will live to a hundred years and protect you for life? After His Majesty passes, does Your Highness plan to die by dashing your head against his coffin, following His Majesty? Will Your Highness not leave yourself a way out? Do you not wonder if Your Highness’s glory today… can continue in the future?”

The Princess Imperial’s expression suddenly changed.

The speaker meant nothing, but the listener took it to heart.

Yan Shang didn’t know about the Emperor’s health, but as the Emperor’s sister, Princess Imperial Luling knew best about her royal brother’s condition – he probably wouldn’t last more than a few years. Just two days ago there was news of him coughing blood and showing signs of hysteria… The Princess Imperial relied entirely on the Emperor; she had gone to great lengths to recommend famous doctors to treat her brother’s illness, however…

The Princess Imperial suppressed her desire, her voice hoarse: “What do you mean? Can you help me?”

Yan Shang: “I can offer Your Highness a strategy.”

The Princess Imperial grew agitated: “No… I can’t touch politics. If I did, I wouldn’t even have the tolerance my brother shows me now. You don’t understand… I still have wine today.”

Yan Shang spoke quickly: “I’m not asking Your Highness to touch politics – if you don’t touch politics, are there no other ways? Does Your Highness truly have no connection to politics in daily life? Is Your Highness seeking eternal existence, great wealth, and honor? Then I cannot help Your Highness – I can only help ensure Your Highness won’t face retribution after His Majesty passes… Your Highness, think carefully!”

Yan Shang leaned against the bedpost; when she approached again, he grabbed her wrists. As he pushed her away, his hands suddenly lost strength.

A sense of bitter defeat rose in Yan Shang’s heart – he couldn’t think of a better way. Was tonight destined…

He closed his eyes in endurance; that previous speech had drained all his strength, and now Yan Shang didn’t even have the strength to push her away. But the Princess Imperial, lying against his body, suddenly raised her head after a while: “Tell me how you can help me.”

Yan Shang suddenly looked up at her.

He said: “Please let me rise, Your Highness, and I will write it for you. And please, Your Highness, give me the antidote.”

The Princess Imperial gazed at him languidly.

She smiled teasingly: “Master Yan, I can let you rise, can let you write, can let you speak properly with me. But Master Yan, what antidote? In this world of man and woman’s pleasure, what antidote is there?”

Her lips pressed against his ear, seducing: “Tonight’s passion is a reward this palace grants you. You may refuse it, but this palace will not take it back.”—

The rain poured down.

Mu Wanshao and Wei Shu got out of the carriage one after another. Mu Wanshao brought Muli with her, holding a cat, while Wei Shu held an umbrella. The two of them stood at the back gate of Princess Imperial Luling’s manor.

Mu Wanshao crouched down, letting the cat in her arms slip out. The cat naturally wanted to escape the rain, looked around, climbed the wall, and slipped into the Princess Imperial’s manor.

Mu Wanshao sighed in relief, then called out loudly: “My cat is lost! Let me enter the Princess Imperial’s gate to find my cat!”

Wei Shu followed behind Mu Wanshao, but she stopped him, saying: “Don’t follow me in now. I need you to help tell a lie – when the time is right, come into the princess’s manor to find me.”

Wei Shu said: “I usually don’t lie.”

But he paused: “But tonight, for Second Brother Yan’s sake, lying is acceptable.”—

The Princess Imperial sat on the couch, watching Yan Shang struggle to sit up and bend over the desk to write.

Drenched in sweat, he wrote while explaining to her.

During this, he constantly stopped writing, constantly closed his eyes, and his hand holding the brush kept trembling.

The drug’s effects continued to erode his will.

Making his mind frequently blank, often unable to resist improper thoughts…

The Princess Imperial admired his wretched state, but gradually her expression grew serious.

In all these years, Yan Shang was the first person who, even after being drugged, could still force himself to negotiate with her. Yan Shang’s strong willpower at first made her like him more, made her covet him more, but later it began to frighten her.

If given a choice, it would be best not to become enemies with such a person.

Yan Shang said softly: “…This is the way. Acting thus will keep Your Highness safe.”

He turned to look at her, supporting himself against the wall as he stood, managing to bow to her.

The Princess Imperial looked at his pale, haggard appearance, his slightly trembling body, and felt pity, saying: “…I won’t touch you then. I see you really can’t hold on – why don’t I lend you one of my beautiful maids?”

Yan Shang shook his head, saying: “This subject is eager to return home. Your Highness’s kindness, this subject acknowledges.”

Several breaths after Yan Shang left, the Princess Imperial held the note he had left her, reading it repeatedly, growing hesitant. Feeling Yan Shang was too frightening, wondering if she should have him brought back and simply killed…

As she wavered in indecision, she received a report from outside: “Your Highness, Princess Danyang has come looking for her cat.”

The Princess Imperial was startled, suddenly remembering that Princess Danyang had refused to marry Yan Shang, and now Princess Danyang had come at this time… The Princess Imperial’s interest was piqued, and she ordered the gates opened to see what this niece wanted.