Mu Wanyao hid behind the folding screen, clearly sensing that Chunhua outside was also very nervous. She coughed once, and only then did Chunhua come to her senses and ask someone to invite Yan Erlang inside.

Chunhua had some guesses in her heart, thinking that Yan Shang was looking for her undoubtedly because of Liu Wenji. Her heart was tangled and pained – she didn’t dare tell anyone about her affair with Prince Jin. She felt relieved that the Prince hadn’t come to the Princess to claim her. However, she didn’t know how to face Liu Wenji.

She felt she had betrayed her lover. Although it wasn’t voluntary, she had become another man’s woman while still involved with Liu Wenji. Compared to this, how could Liu Wenji’s harsh words be considered any real fault? At least… even when he went to Beili, he hadn’t slept with other women, hadn’t betrayed her.

Instead, she had become the betrayer.

Liu Wenji came to the Princess’s residence daily to find Chunhua, but she no longer had the face to meet him. Now that Yan Shang had come… if he was here to plead Liu Wenji’s case, how could she bear it?

Under such torment, Yan Shang knocked and entered, seeing Chunhua standing seemingly lost in thought in the room.

Both composed themselves and greeted each other.

Mu Wanyao leaned against the jewel-inlaid, mica-decorated brocade screen, listening to them exchange pleasantries outside—

Yan Shang politely asked: “How has Her Highness been these past days?”

Chunhua replied: “Her Highness has been attending banquets with the Crown Prince. Apart from returning late each day, there’s nothing else unusual.”

Yan Shang said in a low voice: “Since her health isn’t good, you should advise her to drink less wine. She needn’t attend banquets so frequently – more rest would be better.”

Chunhua smiled: “This servant understands. Thank you for your concern about our Princess.”

Yan Shang coughed awkwardly.

Behind the screen, Mu Wanyao’s lips curled slightly: she felt quite pleased that Yan Shang was using her as small talk to build rapport with Chunhua.

However, his advice about drinking less wine would have to be ignored.

Firstly, her alcohol tolerance was beyond his imagination, and secondly, she had to drink at banquets, and to participate in political affairs, she had to constantly attend banquets.

She must actively strive for and participate in political affairs.

Because she was just a princess sent for a political marriage, her only remaining value was her status as a member of the Li family and the status left by the Empress. The Crown Prince wanted to use her as a blade, to have her step forward and kill people. If she didn’t go along, she would once again be forced into marriage, exploiting what little heat remained of her status.

Yan Shang could progress steadily, step by step. He could become an official and get promoted normally just by studying. But Mu Wanyao had no time – if she didn’t make a show of force, she would be married off; if she wasn’t the butcher, she would be the fish on the chopping block.

Although she had told her uncle that it didn’t matter who she married, if she had a choice now… she didn’t want to marry anyone.

She had grown to despise marriage, despised being bound to any man, despised that feeling of lying in any man’s bed, subordinate and powerless.

While Mu Wanyao was lost in thought, Yan Shang and Chunhua had indeed begun discussing Liu Wenji’s matter.

Chunhua originally didn’t want to listen, but Yan Shang’s unhurried, gradual negotiation style was really hard to refuse – one couldn’t help but listen to him finish and then be persuaded by him.

Yan Shang said: “…In short, who doesn’t make mistakes? Since Brother Liu hasn’t committed any fundamental errors, and he’s willing to change for you, why won’t you give him a chance?”

Chunhua lowered her eyes in embarrassment.

Seeing her expression different from usual, Yan Shang observed her. Though Chunhua’s face seemed fine, her hands were unconsciously twisting her sleeves round and round – she was anxious to the extreme.

Yan Shang pondered – surely Liu Wenji’s mistake wasn’t serious enough to warrant this level of distress?

Yan Shang asked: “If you have any difficulties, perhaps you could share them, and I could help you think of solutions?”

Chunhua pressed her lips together but firmly shook her head.

She didn’t want anyone to know of her disgraceful defilement.

Chunhua said softly: “Young Master Yan, if I did something wrong, though not of my own will, that would hurt Liu Lang… what should I do?”

Yan Shang looked down at her and after a while asked: “What kind of mistake?”

Chunhua: “I don’t want to say.”

Yan Shang thought for a moment, then asked: “Then how serious is the mistake?”

Chunhua closed her eyes in shame: “…The kind that would devastate Liu Lang if he knew.”

Yan Shang’s expression grew slightly solemn. After a while, he asked: “Can you resolve this problem yourself?”

Chunhua said: “It’s already resolved.”

Yan Shang stared at her for a moment, then repeated: “Can you resolve this problem yourself?”

Chunhua was puzzled as to why he repeated the question and looked at him.

Yan Shang spoke even more slowly as if to deepen her memory: “Are you certain that you have truly resolved this problem?”

Chunhua had originally thought she had resolved it, but with Yan Shang questioning like this, she became less certain.

Seeing Chunhua’s expression turn somewhat confused and uneasy, Yan Shang sighed and said: “I understand. In any case, it seems you’re facing some difficulty. I suggest you truly resolve this matter thoroughly. Either face it together with Brother Liu or completely resolve the trouble before reconciling with him.

“If you don’t want him to know, then you must resolve it thoroughly. Since you don’t wish to speak of it, I naturally won’t ask further. However, I want to tell you that your master is a princess. Usually, your master’s status in all of Great Wei is high enough – she should be able to help you resolve your troubles.”

Chunhua started, quickly thanking Yan Shang.

Having discussed this matter, Yan Shang still didn’t leave. Chunhua looked at him curiously, seeing this usually clear and bright young master showing a somewhat awkward and troubled expression.

Chunhua watched him with interest.

After seeing Yan Shang struggle for a while, he said: “A month has passed, and I should give Her Highness my monthly salary as I previously promised.”

Mu Wanyao, who had been eavesdropping from behind and pondering what Chunhua had done, suddenly realized when she heard Yan Shang’s words: Oh right, Yan Shang had promised to give her his salary because she had rented the neighboring residence to him.

Because Mu Wanyao never lacked money and never took houses seriously, she had completely forgotten about this.

But from Yan Shang’s tone… he didn’t want to pay.

Mu Wanyao’s long eyebrows raised as she thought he was being rebellious. But she also secretly reminded herself to instruct Chunhua that in the future, Yan Shang’s monthly salary should be handed directly to her for personal review.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t even know if Yan Shang had paid the rent. She would muddle-headedly let him live in her house and even pay monthly wages to the servants in his courtyard… Even if the Princess of Danyang didn’t lack money, she wasn’t a fool, was she?

Outside, Chunhua voiced Mu Wanyao’s thoughts: “Does the young master not wish to pay the rent?”

Yan Shang hurriedly replied: “Absolutely not! It’s just that I’ve been a bit tight on money recently, busy with other matters… Please give me ten more days, I will pay.”

Chunhua thought about it and felt it wasn’t a big deal – she could pay for him first, so she nodded.

But behind the screen, Mu Wanyao was so angry she stamped her foot, almost wanting to rush out and push Chunhua aside to point at Yan Shang’s nose and scold him: Why delay? What’s the reason for delaying?

Chunhua was just too easy to talk to… didn’t even ask for a reason.

Why didn’t Chunhua think… maybe Yan Shang had spent the money on prostitutes? This… this… was visiting prostitutes more important than paying rent?

At this moment, Yan Shang hesitated, then asked Chunhua: “…Could you lend me some money?”

Chunhua: “…”

Mu Wanyao: “…”

Chunhua finally seemed to hear her princess’s nearly collapsing thoughts and asked another question: “Young Master, I know living in Chang’an isn’t easy, but my princess has already solved your housing problem for you. Even if your monthly salary isn’t enough, you should have other income.

“You’re the Third-Place Scholar, surely there are many families in Chang’an who invite you to feasts and seek connections with you. Even if just for the face, they would give you money. So why are you still short of money? What exactly have you spent it on?”

Chunhua said seriously: “Young Master if you want to live in Chang’an long-term, you should have a plan. I don’t see you as someone who spends money recklessly, so why are you so poor at managing finances?”

Yan Shang was ashamed.

He only said: “To be honest with you, actually my third brother is skilled at managing finances, and my family sends money every month. I usually don’t lack money… it’s just that I’ve been busy with something recently, which is why I’m short. Once I finish this matter, I’ll be able to catch up with the payments.

“But your advice is right. I’ll pay attention to this aspect in the future.”

Chunhua then agreed to lend him money.

This made Mu Wanyao, eavesdropping behind the screen, so angry she felt like vomiting blood: …Why not ask what matter he’s busy with?

Is it visiting prostitutes?

Mu Wanyao was only maintaining her dignity as a princess by not rushing out to question Yan Shang. But she was quite angry with both Yan Shang and Chunhua – one being good-tempered was fine, but two good-tempered people together—

After seeing Yan Shang out, Chunhua returned to see Mu Wanyao. Mu Wanyao had changed back into her elegant robes and was sitting drinking tea to calm her mood. The princess sat on the beauty couch, her robes trailing on the ground, her face frost-like. As she drank cup after cup of tea, the maids serving beside the princess signaled to Chunhua with their eyes, indicating the princess was unhappy and not to provoke her.

Chunhua steeled herself to approach. Mu Wanyao glanced at her and suddenly asked: “Did someone of high position and authority sleep with you?”

Chunhua was startled, her face turning deathly pale as she dropped to her knees with a thud.

She stammered: “How… how did Your Highness know…”

Mu Wanyao’s lips twisted: “With that expression of yours, only someone as unconcerned with matters of love as Yan Shang wouldn’t see where your problem lies. If he couldn’t see it, does that mean I can’t?”

Chunhua knelt on the ground, her whole body going weak. Her lips trembled, wanting to beg the princess, but not knowing where to begin…

After watching her like this, Mu Wanyao was speechless for a while before saying: “What are you so afraid of? As Yan Er said, I am still a princess after all. You’re just a maid, not some heavenly beauty – who would dare provoke me over you?

“Get up. Go about your business as usual. No one can take you away from me.”

She couldn’t even be bothered to ask who the man was who had slept with Chunhua.

Because it could only be one of a few people anyway.

And regardless of everything else, Mu Wanyao was still a princess. Chunhua was ultimately just a maid who didn’t want to cause trouble for the princess.

However, Chunhua didn’t understand that in Chang’an, although Mu Wanyao might say she was living unhappily, there were only a few people who could make her unhappy… Unless Chunhua had caught the eye of her father the Emperor, no matter who else took a fancy to Chunhua, if Mu Wanyao was unwilling, no one could force the issue.

As for Mu Wanyao’s father… Mu Wanyao thought maliciously, she’d heard that her father was now suffering from hysteria – how would he have the mind to leave the palace to sleep with women?

However, thinking of her father, Mu Wanyao realized she hadn’t gone to the palace to pay her respects for several days. She composed herself and made an impromptu decision to visit the palace to show her filial piety to the Emperor.

It was just a matter of keeping up appearances.

But princes and princesses couldn’t forget these appearances.

When Mu Wanyao suddenly entered the palace that night to pay respects to the Emperor, it gave him a pleasant surprise.

In the vast imperial palace, the Emperor now lived alone in one palace, not receiving anyone. Perhaps due to poor health, he didn’t even want the palace women to attend him.

The Emperor had been lonely for a long time. When his young daughter came to the palace to share an evening meal with him, he was extremely happy and ate half a bowl more soup, making the close eunuch grateful to the princess.

When that palace servant escorted Mu Wanyao out of the palace, excited that the Emperor had eaten more, he couldn’t help chattering to the princess: “Since the Late Empress passed away, His Majesty’s health hasn’t been good. His Majesty has no spirit, and at first, he would spend all day staring blankly at the Late Empress’s portrait… It’s good that Your Highness is back in Chang’an now, you should come to the palace more often to keep His Majesty company.”

Mu Wanyao really couldn’t hold back anymore and retorted: “Wasn’t Mother mutually tormenting each other with him, losing a move in chess and dying? And why is he happy to see me? Didn’t he always hope I would die of old age in Wuman and never return?”

The palace servant was startled and then stared at the Princess of Danyang.

The servant said softly: “Does Your Highness seem to blame His Majesty? Among the princes and princesses now, His Majesty likes…”

Mu Wanyao said stiffly: “Anyway, he and Mother only loved my second brother. When my second brother was gone, they were devastated. When I was married off to Wuman, not one of them felt heartache.”

The servant tried to explain to the Emperor: “That was because…”

Mu Wanyao was annoyed and interrupted: “Alright, I know. It was because of political choices, right? He needed to pacify the realm and avoid border conflicts, my mother needed to stabilize the Li family’s position in Chang’an… I already know! Since Father Emperor isn’t well, you should hurry back to attend to him, don’t come out to see me off.”

Her tone was harsh – at first, she had just been cold-faced, but later her chest heaved with grievance.

Mu Wanyao turned her gaze aside. Behind her were only servants, and beside her was empty. When she looked up again, she saw the brilliant starry river and the deep palace. She stood within it all, feeling so insignificant, not knowing where to return to.

Mu Wanyao showed a somewhat lost and helpless expression. When she came back to her senses, she looked at the palace servant beside her. Seeing that bewildered expression on the princess’s face, the servant couldn’t help feeling bitter but could say nothing more.

Royal family affection was never just a family matter, but a matter of state. Princess Danyang was simply unlucky, she was the sacrificed chess piece…

The servant stood on the imperial steps, watching as the princess boarded her sedan chair and departed towards the palace gates under the glow of rows of red lanterns.

As for when the princess would think to come to see His Majesty again, who knew how long it would be—

Mu Wanyao’s temper came quickly and went quickly. She had been somewhat unhappy in the palace, but after just one night, she forgot about it the next day and continued following naturally by the Crown Prince’s side.

The situation between the Crown Prince and Prince Qin was interesting. On one hand, Prince Qin’s backing forces were strong and should have been able to suppress the Crown Prince; but the Crown Prince was deep in thought, and even though the noble families supporting him weren’t as numerous as Prince Qin’s, the Crown Prince currently still firmly had the upper hand over Prince Qin.

On this day, Mu Wanyao and several officials were to discuss political affairs. Usually, according to custom, they would either meet at the princess’s residence or one of the officials’ homes or go directly to Beili.

Mu Wanyao had changed into men’s clothes, already prepared to go to Beili with everyone. Who knew that halfway through their ride, the men would suddenly decide to go to the Western Market?

They carefully persuaded the princess: “Recently we heard that several beautiful Hu women have arrived at the taverns in the Western Market, and you can watch them dance and sing without paying. They say if you sit in the hall drinking wine, for every jar of wine you buy, a Hu woman will come to serve you… Of course, Your Highness certainly wouldn’t care about Hu women. But Your Highness probably hasn’t seen them before, why not go experience it together?”

Hearing their words, Mu Wanyao suddenly remembered that next door it was said Yan Shang often went to the Western Market lately, and she had been wondering herself what he was doing there.

Mu Wanyao’s heart stirred, and she nodded: “Then let’s go to the Western Market. I also want to see just how charming these Hu women are, to entrance you all like this.”

The men were embarrassed.

Fortunately, Great Wei’s customs were open. They were only embarrassed for a moment before enthusiastically starting to discuss, and Mu Wanyao didn’t show any attitude of being annoyed or not wanting to listen. The princess being so sensible made the officials much more relaxed.

After all, working with a woman was always inconvenient… if this woman was more open-minded, everyone would be more at ease.

Mu Wanyao went with them to a tavern to experience those beautiful Hu women. Perhaps because she was present, the gentlemen only purely appreciated the performance. However, Mu Wanyao quickly found it uninteresting – the Hu women’s bare-chested and bare-bellied dance only made her blush for a moment before she felt it wasn’t anything special.

Their dance was just more passionate and unrestrained, but what was so difficult about it?

There weren’t any high-difficulty movements at all.

Just swaying the waist and lifting the legs… Mu Wanyao could do that herself.

Mu Wanyao watched the group of men thoroughly enjoying themselves while she was completely bored. After drinking two cups of wine without interest, she got up and left.

Mu Wanyao went down to the counter, and after her similarly male-dressed maid delivered a few words, she followed the shopkeeper to the back courtyard.

Only then did Mu Wanyao ask the shopkeeper: “My maid says that Yan Shang was entertained at your establishment before. Was it him? There was no mistake?”

The shopkeeper smiled apologetically: “My lady, with the appearance your maid described, there’s no possibility of a mistake. More handsome young masters naturally draw attention. If he often comes to my establishment, even if he’s doing nothing, everyone would take extra notice. How could we mistake him?”

Mu Wanyao nodded.

The maid behind her then gave the shopkeeper a tael of silver.

The shopkeeper was delighted, and as he was about to hide the silver, Mu Wanyao smiled sweetly: “But did he come here alone?”

The shopkeeper looked at Mu Wanyao: “What is your relationship with him? My apologies, even if you are generous with money, we shouldn’t reveal our customers’ movements.”

Mu Wanyao said casually: “I am his lover.”

The maids and guards following the princess all looked at her: “…”

Watching Mu Wanyao fabricate lies absent-mindedly without changing expression left her followers in deep admiration: “I suspect he’s seducing other women behind my back, so I came to investigate.”

The shopkeeper was stunned and then stared at Mu Wanyao for a long while before seeming to understand. He laughed: “My lady, aren’t you overthinking? With looks like yours, who would go behind your back to associate with other women?”

Mu Wanyao gave a perfunctory smile that didn’t reach her eyes, which remained fixed intently on the shopkeeper.

Seeing this lady’s extreme persistence in wanting to clarify the matter, the shopkeeper hesitated for a long while but finally gave in after Mu Wanyao had someone give another tael of silver.

He said in a low voice: “My lady, please follow me.”—

By evening, the Western Market was about to close its wards. Following the shopkeeper through the Western Market, Mu Wanyao saw many shops had already packed up and were starting to close their doors.

The shopkeeper led Mu Wanyao into a shop and called inside: “Old Han Seven, there’s a customer!”

A loud voice rang out from inside the shop: “What customer? What do you want when we’re about to close? If you want to buy horses or hire people, come early on regular days!”

Mu Wanyao was stunned. Even in ordinary men’s clothing, she couldn’t hide her natural grace and beauty. She was completely out of place in this dark shop, standing there seeing the smoke and soot everywhere, marks where sparks had burned… After standing there for a moment, Mu Wanyao felt the dirty smoke settling on her.

She stepped back uncomfortably, standing at the doorway unwilling to enter, somewhat bewildered.

Her words became hesitant: “…Yan Er comes here to find women? That’s impossible…”

Yan Shang didn’t seem like someone who would be so unrefined.

Just as the shopkeeper who had led Mu Wanyao here was about to explain, a curtain inside the shop was lifted and a burly man with a scar on his face walked out. He walked out like a mountain, cursing under his breath, his face full of impatience, seeming to mutter about how they were about to close, and why were there still customers.

However, when this man lifted his head and saw the person standing at the shop entrance.

That lady was wearing men’s clothing, yet shone like a bright pearl.

The man’s expression immediately improved greatly, and his voice softened, afraid of frightening such a beauty: “M-my lady, what brings you here? I’m afraid we don’t have anything my lady would want.”

Mu Wanyao asked: “Who are you people?”

The guide shopkeeper explained: “This is the biggest place in the entire Western Market for selling horses and merchant services. Many Hu merchants and people come here for business. Whether it’s hiring people for killing or delivering goods and transporting grain, as long as the price is right, there are people here who will take the job.”

Mu Wanyao nodded. By this point, she already knew that whatever Yan Shang was doing in the Western Market probably had nothing to do with women.

So she had nothing to hide anymore: “I want to know what Yan Shang is having you do here.”

Her followers presented a box of silver ingots, making everyone’s eyes light up at the sight.

Since this lady was so generous, there was nothing that couldn’t be discussed. The mountain-like man led Mu Wanyao inside to meet several other similarly burly men.

He spoke concisely: “Actually, there’s nothing we can’t say. It’s just business. I know the Yan Er you mentioned, he’s indeed been discussing a business deal with us recently. He’s paying enough money, and lately, the brothers have just been being selected by him – once he picks suitable people, the brothers will naturally set out.”

Mu Wanyao’s heart thundered.

Her palms were sweating from her grip.

Listening to this person talk about setting out, about traveling… she stood rigid, with an answer faintly forming in her heart.

That answer was pulsing in her chest, stirring restlessly.

She felt she had guessed what Yan Shang was planning to do.

Mu Wanyao’s mumbled words and the other’s answer, their different voices mixed: “…Finding people to go to Wuman.”—

“Bang.”

Fang Tong, following behind the princess, trembled and dropped the wooden box full of silver ingots she was carrying. Everyone in the room looked over, staring at the silver pieces rolling across the floor. Fang Tong stood dumbfounded for a long while, looking at Mu Wanyao.

She saw tears seemingly glistening in the princess’s eyes, their light flowing.

When Mu Wanyao had spoken to this point, even Fang Tong could guess what Yan Shang was doing—

He was sending people to Wuman to gather information.

Wuman was so far from Chang’an, which was why he needed to spend such large sums of money to get people to go there.

The people in the shop said: “He’s arranging for several of our brothers to go to Wuman, to stay there for at least half a year, to investigate Wuman’s current situation, what the current situation is with the Southern barbarians… Because we have Hu people here, it’s relatively safer than Wei people. So he’s only hiring Hu people for this job.”

The shop people asked puzzledly: “Is that Yan Erlang some high official in the court? Why is he investigating Wuman?”

The shop people looked at Mu Wanyao, asking uneasily: “My lady, is Great Wei going to war with Wuman again? But didn’t we… didn’t we send a princess for political marriage? When we’ve already married a princess there, why would we still go to war?”

Another person said: “Your information is outdated! I heard Wuman seems to be in chaos, and our princess who married there has already returned… Maybe it’s because the princess has returned that they want to go to war.”

The shop people grew increasingly afraid as they spoke.

Fang Tong rebuked: “Don’t make wild guesses! The court has no plans for war, just focus on your business.”

Mu Wanyao seemed not to have heard their words at all. Her face was as white as snow, her eyelashes drooping like wings. She stood in a daze for a while, then suddenly turned and ran outside. She mounted her horse, decisively leaving this place—

“Hyah!”—

Mu Wanyao first rode to the Hongwen Academy inside the imperial city, but it was already closed. She turned her horse around and went directly back to her princess’s residence.

When the horse reached the alley, she jumped down. As the princess’s residence guards took hold of the horse, Mu Wanyao looked toward the opposite door: “Has Yan Shang returned?”

The princess residence people quickly answered: “We saw Young Master Yan return earlier. Does Your Highness wish to see him? This servant will send someone to invite him over. Your Highness, ah Your Highness…”

Hearing that Yan Shang was in, Mu Wanyao strode directly up the steps of the opposite entrance.

Strictly speaking, everything about the residence where Yan Shang lived had been arranged by Mu Wanyao. But after renting out the house, she had never managed it once, never set foot in it once.

Mu Wanyao’s direct intrusion startled the servants in the courtyard. Fortunately, many of them had occasionally seen this princess when visiting the princess’s residence, so no one dared block her way.

But not daring to stop the princess was one thing, and not being able to let the princess barge in was another.

A servant quickly caught up with the princess, saying urgently: “Your Highness, are you looking for Young Master? Why doesn’t Your Highness wait briefly in the main hall while this servant goes to invite Young Master…”

Mu Wanyao: “Get out of the way!”

Servant: “Your Highness! Your Highness! You can’t barge in like this, it’s not appropriate…”

However, no one could defy the princess.

The servants closed their mouths, watching as Mu Wanyao directly pushed open Young Master Yan’s room door and strode in. The servants wanted to speak but could only watch helplessly as the princess gave them no chance to open their mouths…

Mu Wanyao entered the room, her eyes sweeping around once before spotting a figure behind the screen.

She went directly behind the screen, saying: “Yan Shang, why are you inquiring about Wuman affairs? That’s my business, who told you to meddle…”

Her words stopped abruptly.

The person she saw standing in the room turned around when hearing her voice, immediately becoming somewhat flustered as he tried to cover his inner garment.

But he had just finished bathing, wearing only a middle garment, his long hair loose and falling, the moisture creating patterns on the thin middle clothing. His attempt to cover himself didn’t cover anything…

Mu Wanyao saw a flash of snow-like softness, flowing like moonlight. Wet and glistening – so beneath the young man’s scholarly grace, there were such moments of delicate beauty.

She was instantly speechless.

Their eyes met.

They stared at each other.

Both their faces instantly turned red, but Mu Wanyao stood there like a fool staring at him, actually not knowing to turn around and face away.

Yan Shang’s long fingers holding his clothing ties trembled slightly. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes then opened them again: “…Please close the door first.”

Mu Wanyao, face flushed red, hurriedly and obediently went out from behind the screen to close the door: “Oh.”