“What defines righteousness and benevolence? Is it determined by you? Must it be you?”

“You wish to speak for the people, but can your voice truly represent them? And those you represent, those you help—how will you handle it if they show no gratitude? Or if those you try to help reject your aid, bringing scorn upon you from thousands—how will you face that?”

“Since ancient times, the wise have been consulted, not the masses. How can you bring the ‘masses’ to the forefront? Make them acknowledged?”

“You only wish to keep a low profile, afraid to even choose a path. How can one be an official if they try to offend no one while attempting to be a sage?”

“If you wish to be a sage, you should travel and study across the lands, as Confucius did. Why become an official?”

“Is today’s Su Chen the same as yesterday’s Su Chen, or will he be the same as tomorrow’s Su Chen?”

In the study of Minister Liu’s residence, the Minister posed these questions, striking directly at Yan Shang’s soul.

Perhaps he could answer one question momentarily, but then the second sharp question would immediately follow, negating his answer to the first… making Yan Shang begin to doubt, and wonder if he was right.

He was just a scholar who had traveled from Lingnan to Chang’an—could he truly judge what was righteous for the world? Would he never make mistakes? Would he never misunderstand or err? And if he did make mistakes, would anyone correct him, or even be willing to?

Could he guarantee that his original intentions would never change, that he wouldn’t lose himself amid life’s ups and downs, lose his true heart? And if he lost his way, who would awaken him?

Yan Shang stared blankly at Minister Liu, who sat formally behind his desk, his heart pounding rapidly. The elderly man’s hair and beard had turned white, and years of serving as Prime Minister had given him an extremely serious demeanor and bearing. When he spoke, his gaze was bright and sharp, piercing straight to one’s heart.

However, without a doubt, Minister Liu was also gentle. When Yan Shang couldn’t answer the questions, he merely smiled at him, without criticizing him for being too naive.

Yan Shang’s mind was in chaos. After a long while, he slowly said, “These questions… sometimes I have answers in my heart, sometimes I don’t. I need to think carefully before I can give Minister Liu a proper response.”

Minister Liu stroked his beard and nodded: “Then think it over and come back to answer me.”

He paused, then said: “I hope these questions I’ve posed will help you think more clearly, enough to handle the matters waiting for you outside.”

Princess Danyang’s carriage had arrived at the ward gate, naturally coming to find Yan Shang. Minister Liu already knew about the incident Princess Danyang had caused yesterday. He had deliberately kept Yan Shang at his residence overnight, partly to buffer the situation…

Yan Shang didn’t understand what Minister Liu meant, and his mind was now in such confusion that he couldn’t be as perceptive about people’s hearts as he usually was.

Yan Shang bowed deeply to Minister Liu, as one would to their parents. This level of ceremony was most solemn, reserved only for parents and teachers. When Yan Shang performed this bow, Minister Liu raised an eyebrow but accepted it calmly.

As long as Yan Shang could think through his questions, even if he didn’t formally become Minister Liu’s disciple, the Minister’s kindness in specifically keeping him till last and saying these words would not have been wasted—

Yan Shang left the study, walking through the Prime Minister’s residence compound, about to exit the inner quarters.

“Young Master! Young Master!” a feminine voice called from behind.

Yan Shang turned around to see a young woman in a snow-cyan-colored dress, arm carrying light gauze, lifting her skirts as she ran toward him. The young woman’s running had her serving maids struggling to keep up, calling out repeatedly.

This young lady was dressed simply, with only a pearl hairpin in her black hair, and the jade pendant at her skirt hem flew lightly as she ran. She was a clean and simple young lady, with an intense scholarly air about her features, entirely different from Mu Wanyao’s gorgeous style.

This was naturally Liu Ruzhu.

Liu Ruzhu arrived before Yan Shang, slightly out of breath. As she steadied herself, Yan Shang had already bowed to her: “Thank you, young lady, for your enlightening kindness in the study earlier.”

Liu Ruzhu waved her hand, saying it wasn’t necessary to thank her.

She couldn’t help but add: “Young Master, the congee sent to your room last night was also made at my request to the cook.”

Yan Shang was startled, then thanked her again: “Then I must thank the young lady again.”

Liu Ruzhu’s face reddened slightly, embarrassed by his gentle, spring breeze-like words of thanks.

Yan Shang raised his clear, moist gaze to look at her: “May I ask why the young lady called me to stay?”

Liu Ruzhu composed herself and told Yan Shang: “I came after you because I feared you might choose the wrong path. Young Master, don’t be fooled by how stern my grandfather appears now, with everyone fearing him since he’s the current Prime Minister. When my grandfather was young, he had the same temperament as you. He was also diplomatic and gentle with everyone.”

Yan Shang was stunned—this he truly didn’t know, nor had he noticed it.

Liu Ruzhu smiled brightly: “My grandfather can’t help but look after you because you’re so similar to how he was when young, and he fears you might take a wrong turn.”

Yan Shang bowed again, facing the direction of the study, regardless of whether Minister Liu knew it or not.

Seeing him so courteous, Liu Ruzhu felt pleased, feeling her trip out hadn’t been in vain.

Liu Ruzhu said: “Young Master, following my grandfather would be quite good. My grandfather is the Prime Minister; he wouldn’t casually choose unsuitable people. As an official, one should be loyal to both the ruler and the government. When all matters overlap, choosing these four characters is never wrong. Since ancient times, those family houses that could endure weren’t ones that wished to stir up worldly storms, but rather those who walked the path of ‘lasting existence.'”

Yan Shang’s heart stirred, thinking of Wei Shu’s Luoyang Wei family.

The Wei family didn’t have anyone too prominent in court, but they always had people holding important official positions. Perhaps this was the “path of lasting existence” that Young Lady Liu Ruzhu spoke of.

Yan Shang watched this young lady “vouching” for her grandfather, listening to her speak confidently, and couldn’t help but smile slightly.

Liu Ruzhu’s cheeks reddened even more, but she opened her clear eyes wide: “What is it, did I say something wrong?”

Yan Shang said gently: “I just didn’t expect that a young lady would understand political matters more clearly than I do. It makes me ashamed.”

Liu Ruzhu laughed lightly.

She clasped her hands behind her back and said: “It’s nothing special, I’ve just seen a lot growing up by my grandfather’s side.”

She seemed to think of something and quickly worried that Yan Shang might misunderstand her: “But I’m not forcing you to choose my grandfather. I just wanted to say this would be best… but if you think it’s not good, make your judgment, don’t be influenced by me.”

Yan Shang smiled: “Then I must bow to the young lady again.”

Liu Ruzhu hurriedly stepped aside, refusing to accept his bow.

After Yan Shang had left and his figure could no longer be seen, Liu Ruzhu felt a sense of melancholy. A serving maid came to whisper in her ear, saying that Princess Danyang’s carriage had entered the ward, probably coming to pick up Young Master Yan.

Liu Ruzhu sighed like a little adult, growing more worried.

She roughly guessed what had happened these past two days, only hoping that Young Master Yan wouldn’t be affected. For someone her grandfather approved of as talented… even if he couldn’t be used by her grandfather, he shouldn’t be broken so early—

Not far after leaving the Prime Minister’s residence, Yan Shang encountered Mu Wanyao.

He was surprised for a moment, feeling touched, never expecting that Mu Wanyao would come here. He even wondered if she might have come to see Minister Liu… but when Mu Wanyao dismounted and walked straight toward him, he realized she had truly come to find him.

Blocking out the chaotic thoughts in his mind caused by Minister Liu’s questioning, Yan Shang was momentarily moved by Mu Wanyao’s kindness toward him, feeling quite shy.

After all, they hadn’t seen each other for two months.

But when he saw how Mu Wanyao looked at him… he knew things must be different from what he’d imagined.

Mu Wanyao composed herself, gave Yan Shang a slight smile, and gestured for him to follow her. She smiled sweetly: “When I heard Minister Liu kept you overnight, I knew your official career must be progressing well. But the Ministry of Personnel hasn’t announced results yet, how do you already know?”

Yan Shang replied gently: “Probably going to the Central Secretariat, but I’m not sure of the details.”

Mu Wanyao was heavy-hearted, only managing a forced smile and nod.

She continued attentively: “The carriage is stopped at the alley entrance, with fruits and pastries prepared inside, and charcoal burning. The weather is so cold, and you’re from the south, you must find it quite uncomfortable…”

Yan Shang stopped walking and looked at her.

Mu Wanyao stood stiffly.

Yan Shang: “What has happened?”

Mu Wanyao pretended not to understand: “What do you mean?”

Yan Shang gave a slightly self-mocking laugh: “Perhaps Your Highness has moments of treating talented scholars with courtesy, but Your Highness has never treated me this way. I know my worth in Your Highness’s heart well enough—if something major hadn’t happened, Your Highness would never come to find me personally… Your Highness doesn’t treat me that well.”

His words made Mu Wanyao very conscience-stricken.

She mumbled: “I treat you very well, don’t I? I just always have a bad temper, it’s not intentional.”

Yan Shang said gently: “I know. So what exactly has happened… what kind of major event has occurred to make you act this way… as if trying to compensate me?”

He wondered if perhaps after thinking for two months, she had still decided to end their relationship.

But if that were the case, she wouldn’t still come smiling apologetically, would she?

While Yan Shang was lost in thought, he noticed Mu Wanyao’s gaze floating away, making his heart sink further. Mu Wanyao was such a proud person, always looking down her nose at him… what kind of major event could make her act this way?

Her behavior had scared him so much his face had gone slightly pale.

Mu Wanyao lowered her eyelashes, not daring to meet Yan Shang’s gaze, and said softly: “Liu Wenji has been deposed.”

Yan Shang: “…”

Mu Wanyao didn’t hear him respond, making her more nervous, feeling she had made a grave mistake.

Yan Shang asked softly: “What do you mean by ‘deposed’? Were his tendons cut? Are his arms or legs broken?”

Mu Wanyao’s face flushed red, her palms sweating, her whole body rigid as she forced herself to continue: “It means he was… made into a eunuch.”

Yan Shang’s mind went completely blank.

He stood frozen for what seemed like ages, unable to hear anything around him.

Mu Wanyao looked up at his expressionless face and suddenly became very afraid. Disregarding everything else, she quickly grabbed his hand, hugged his arm, and shook it, showing a kind of helpless coquettishness that came from having no other recourse.

Mu Wanyao hurriedly said: “This- this isn’t my fault! I had people looking after him, but he insisted on going to the North District to drink. Some so many officials and nobles frequent that place…”

Yan Shang’s face remained expressionless, but Mu Wanyao kept shaking his arm, pulling at it, finally bringing him back to his senses, making him realize this wasn’t a joke—it was real.

Mu Wanyao was so anxious her eyes turned red. She had never seen Yan Shang angry before, and although she had previously said she wanted to know what would make him angry, she didn’t want to be the one to cause it. She felt that once he became angry, it would be a terrifying thing.

Mu Wanyao: “This isn’t my fault! I’m a princess, you can’t expect me to personally follow him around to protect him? He offended someone who couldn’t be offended…”

Yan Shang gently pushed Mu Wanyao away, telling her to stop leaning against him.

His voice was a bit stiff, but still showed no signs of anger: “…I’m not angry, don’t be like this. I just haven’t understood clearly… what exactly happened? How did he offend someone who couldn’t be offended? He was made into a eunuch? You’re not joking with me?”

Mu Wanyao: “I wish it were a joke! He fought with the son of a Ministry of Revenue official over a woman… and was mutilated…”

Yan Shang’s eyes looked at her, gentle yet cold.

Mu Wanyao bit her lip and told the truth: “No, it wasn’t fighting over a woman. That person wanted the woman, Liu Wenji went to save her, but ended up sacrificing himself…”

Yan Shang: “Then what is Your Highness’s purpose in running over to tell me this?”

Mu Wanyao: “It’s, it’s… Liu Wenji wouldn’t listen to my warnings, wouldn’t wait for his body to recover, and insisted on entering the palace. He said he feared that time would bring changes, that he couldn’t wait even a day… so I- I came to tell you. Are you not angry with me?”

She was still holding his hand, imagining that perhaps her soft feminine charm might have some effect.

Yan Shang’s mind was in chaos, feeling angry and anxious and sad all at once, and Mu Wanyao’s little ploy made him want to laugh somewhat. He put his hand on her shoulder, telling her to stop fussing.

Yan Shang: “Did you try to remedy the situation afterward?”

Mu Wanyao opened her round eyes wide, truly like a cat: “I did! I also had people mutilate those who harmed him! But that old fox from the Ministry of Revenue sent his son out of Chang’an, protecting him. That old man then went crying and wailing before the Crown Prince, I was so angry, naturally, I went to reason with them…”

Yan Shang: “What kind of reason did you get?”

Mu Wanyao lowered her gaze, almost unable to meet Yan Shang’s eyes. She secretly let go of the hand that she had been holding, but Yan Shang caught it in reverse. Her wrist was gripped by his cold hand as he leaned down his face and asked her again: “What kind of reason did you get?”

Mu Wanyao bit her lip.

After a while, she said: “You know I couldn’t get any justice, I could only use this matter to gain benefits for myself… I could only listen to Liu Wenji and send him into the palace. If you blame me for this, then blame me. This isn’t my fault! I’m not wrong!”

She kept repeating that she wasn’t wrong, as if trying to convince herself.

Yan Shang released her hand.

But she grew anxious again, almost crying as she grabbed his sleeve again: “Brother Yan…”

Yan Shang: “Your Highness, I’m not angry with you. You say Brother Liu is to be sent into the palace by you, may I see him one last time? On the way, please tell me in detail what exactly happened. There are many unclear points in Your Highness’s words, I truly don’t blame Your Highness… I just want to know what exactly happened.”

Yan Shang said softly: “I want to know how Brother Liu was forced step by step into his current situation.”

In his mind, he thought again of Minister Liu’s thunderous questioning—how can one be an official if they try to offend no one while attempting to be a sage?—

Liu Wenji sat in the carriage, about to enter the palace.

As someone being sent into the palace from Princess Danyang’s residence, his treatment might be somewhat better than others. But he still had to face the most humiliating inspection, to verify if he was properly… prepared.

Liu Wenji sat in the carriage, eyes closed, covered with quilts, and drowsy. Fearing changes might come with time, he insisted on entering the palace directly even though his body hadn’t recovered.

Since the operation, he had become more sensitive to cold than before, and even now, covered with such thick quilts, he was still shivering in the carriage.

However, once in the palace, with no one to help, starting from the bottom, things would only be more difficult than now.

Liu Wenji remained detached, thinking he had figured it all out.

Abandon the previous eighteen years of life, start over from scratch. His previous life had been shallow, he had misjudged too many things, too many people… how unsuccessful those dozen or so years of being a genius had been. But now his life was turning a new page, he would live as a ruined man.

Unable to face his hometown folks, unable to face his former love… everything starts anew.

“Brother Liu! Brother Liu… Wenji!” Outside the carriage slowly queuing to enter the palace, someone called out.

The call came from far to near, the voice gradually becoming clearer, and Liu Wenji, sitting expressionless in the carriage, immediately recognized whose voice it was. His closed eyelashes trembled slightly, and he opened his eyes. The calling continued to follow, and after a while, Liu Wenji softly asked the driver to stop the carriage.

Liu Wenji lifted the carriage curtain to see a young man in cyan robes approaching on horseback, with Mu Wanyao and others following behind.

Liu Wenji quietly watched as Yan Shang dismounted, as that graceful young man strode toward him. Since coming to Chang’an, Liu Wenji had fallen day by day into the dust, while Yan Shang’s bearing had grown more refined day by day… Liu Wenji’s path in life had grown narrower and narrower, while Yan Shang’s path had grown wider and wider.

Opposite to how things had been in Lingnan.

Liu Wenji thought indifferently, how interesting heaven’s will truly was.

He lowered his eyes, hiding the gloom within them. So what if that was the case? Heaven wanted Liu Wenji to fall step by step, but he wouldn’t comply with heaven’s will. So what if he became a palace servant? What was there to be ashamed of?

Liu Wenji slowly got down from the carriage, originally intending to bid a cold farewell to Yan Shang, to say they need never meet again, to tell Yan Shang to forget about him.

But as soon as he got down, Mu Wanyao leaped down from her horse and saw Yan Shang suddenly embrace Liu Wenji.

Liu Wenji was stunned.

But he didn’t push him away.

Yan Shang said softly: “I know everything now… it’s my fault, I shouldn’t have let you leave. I should have forced you to stay at my residence, not let you go; even if you didn’t like it, I should have told you Chang’an wasn’t what you imagined. It’s my fault, I didn’t do what a friend should do, I was always busy with my affairs, neglecting you. I wasn’t with you in your most painful moment, couldn’t help you…”

“What meaning is there in the imperial examination, how could it be more important than my friend? I was wrong…”

Suddenly, a light appeared in Liu Wenji’s empty eyes, followed by tears.

His lips trembled, wanting to say something, but only tears flowed down.

However, Liu Wenji shook his head, pushed Yan Shang away with one hand, and held Yan Shang’s hand, but just shook his head, crying without words.

Yan Shang! Yan Shang!

Yan Shang who always took the blame upon himself! Yan Shang who never blamed him no matter what he did!

They had studied together in Lingnan, recited books together in his father’s study, and together had come from Lingnan to Chang’an… and now, the only one who came to see him off was still just Yan Shang!

Liu Wenji couldn’t stop his tears, and after a long while finally said: “Su Chen, no matter what happens in the future, I will never blame you, you will always be my good friend, my good brother.”

Crying, he said: “I know you’re good at socializing, you have friends from all over, and everyone likes you. You have plenty of good friends, Liu Wenji doesn’t count for much. But I hope you can keep a place for me in your heart… remember me.”

Pain showed in Yan Shang’s eyes.

He couldn’t bear to see the current situation, couldn’t bear to see his good friend’s tear-stained face. Couldn’t bear to see someone once so spirited reduced to such a state.

Yan Shang said: “What do you mean ‘remember you forever’? You are naturally my friend. You haven’t died, you’re just… entering the palace. We will surely have a chance to meet again in the future. Wenji, live well and strive for a new world for yourself. Life is disappointing eight or nine times out of ten, but heaven always leaves a thread of hope for people. One must contend with heaven!”

Liu Wenji looked at him, stunned: “How can you still acknowledge me as a friend? How can you acknowledge a eunuch as a friend?”

Tears fell from Yan Shang’s eyes as he said softly: “Why must you be bound by this? What does being a eunuch matter? You’re just missing one thing compared to other men, but you’re still human. This wasn’t your fault… life doesn’t have to be the same for everyone, it’s just a different way of living, why must you consider yourself inferior?”

Liu Wenji: “It’s laughable that after nearly two years in Chang’an, only you came to see me off.”

Yan Shang forced a smile: “Am I not enough by myself?”

Liu Wenji smiled blankly: “Enough, enough… you, Yan Su Chen alone, are worth ten thousand others. Having known you as a friend, I have seen what a true gentleman looks like, in this world, that is enough!”

Yan Shang lowered his eyes: “The eleventh son of the Ministry of Revenue…”

Liu Wenji said coldly: “Su Chen, you don’t need to do anything for me. I heard from Her Highness that you did very well in the examination, you’re about to become an official… you’re just entering the court, don’t make enemies with those people for my sake. My revenge, I’ll take it myself.

“No matter what the future brings… Su Chen, I will always remember how you treated me.”

Yan Shang had no words, and could only grasp Liu Wenji’s hand again, silent.

Mu Wanyao stood by her horse, quietly watching Yan Shang and Liu Wenji. Her gaze was bright as jade, her hand stroking the thick white horse’s mane, her eyes fixed only on Yan Shang.

Such deep sorrow here.

Liu Wenji was too choked up to speak, while Yan Shang kept encouraging him, comforting him with warm words.

Mu Wanyao thought Yan Shang was truly someone impossible not to like. He had specially come here just to say these words to Liu Wenji, just fearing that Liu Wenji might give up on himself and be unable to endure life in the palace… though in reality, there might not be many chances for Yan Shang and Liu Wenji to meet in the future.

Perhaps this was how it would remain for life.

Yet Yan Shang still had to see Liu Wenji.

His kindness to others wasn’t just because he found them useful and wanted to befriend them.

He treated people with sincerity… no wonder so many people liked him.

Mu Wanyao lowered her eyes.

Thinking, I like him too—

Yan Shang was in a very bad mood.

Mu Wanyao could completely understand.

Having just seen Liu Wenji, even though Yan Shang said he didn’t blame anyone, he couldn’t possibly have any resentment at all in his heart.

Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang each rode their horses, silently returning to their respective residences. Unlike what Mu Wanyao had planned to celebrate after Yan Shang’s examination, the two bid farewell in the alley and returned to their residences. Yan Shang wasn’t in the mood to celebrate, and Mu Wanyao, feeling that she wasn’t powerful enough, also returned to her residence with a cold expression.

However, Mu Wanyao felt terrible inside.

Yan Shang hadn’t said much more to her, and she wondered if he still blamed her. She had rushed so eagerly to Minister Liu’s place to find him, partly to prevent him from causing trouble… He must have understood her meaning, and he didn’t do anything. But now he was shutting himself away, and Mu Wanyao was very hurt.

In the afternoon, Mu Wanyao sat in the three-story pavilion, quietly watching the residence opposite, watching Yan Shang’s study.

She watched all afternoon, and by evening, she saw that the light in his quarters hadn’t been lit, but the light in his study was on. So she knew he had been in the study all afternoon, and hadn’t left at all.

Mu Wanyao continued watching.

“Your Highness, won’t you come in and rest?” the maid Xia Rong pleaded softly.

Mu Wanyao sat with her arms crossed, shaking her head without speaking, her eyes fixed only on the lights of the residence opposite. She had sat there for several hours without moving, making the servants extremely worried.

As Xia Rong turned to leave, she heard Mu Wanyao say coldly: “No one is allowed to go find Yan Shang.”

Don’t let Yan Shang know, don’t let him have to compose himself to comfort her when he was already so distressed.

Xia Rong had been planning to discuss with others about going next door to request someone’s help, but hearing the princess’s indifferent words, she hesitated, then curtsied and withdrew—

Another hour passed after evening, and it began to snow.

This was Chang’an’s first snow of the year.

Mu Wanyao still sat in the pavilion, not leaving.

Xia Rong came to persuade her again, saying it was snowing, and asking Her Highness to rest in the warm interior. However, Mu Wanyao watched the constantly bright light in the study of the residence opposite, thinking if Yan Shang wasn’t resting, she who had done nothing had no right to rest.

So she continued sitting there.

Watching the snowflakes fall silently while watching the lights of the residence opposite.

Time slowly crept toward midnight.

The study’s light remained on.

Mu Wanyao had grown almost numb from watching when suddenly, she saw the light flicker as if moving. Someone had opened the study door, holding a lantern, standing in the corridor.

The heavy lamplight merged with the swirling snow outside the corridor.

In the silent, hazy night, only this bit of lamplight and snow light remained in heaven and earth.

Yan Shang held the lantern, standing in the corridor, watching the heavy snow dancing between heaven and earth. He stood there for a long time, head raised, somewhat dazed, watching the snowflakes for a long while.

Suddenly, as if sensing something, his gaze pierced through the snowflakes, looking up toward the residence opposite.

He saw the hazy, bright lights in the three-story pavilion.

Saw the blurred figure, seeming to sit there.

Yan Shang stared blankly—

Mu Wanyao stared blankly at the lantern in the corridor—

They couldn’t see each other.

But the blurred figures, a hazy feeling told them that was the person they were watching.

Under the snowy corridor, Yan Shang stood watching for a long while, then suddenly descended the steps, walking outward—

Mu Wanyao saw the lantern light moving, stared blankly for a moment, and then suddenly stood up, quickly descending the pavilion.

She ran down the pavilion, amid the servants’ surprise, her heart pounding, running toward the outside.

Xia Rong panicked: “Your Highness? It’s time for bed… where are you going?”

Mu Wanyao shouted sternly: “Open the gate! I’m going out!”—

Yan Shang opened his residence gate, and in the flying snow, saw the main gate of the Princess’s residence opposite open, revealing Mu Wanyao in a snow-white crane cloak and crimson dress, her clear features gradually appearing behind the opening door.

They gazed at each other.

The two stood under their respective gates, looking at each other for a long time.

Then Yan Shang descended the steps, walking toward her.

Mu Wanyao waited for him.

He stood at the bottom of the steps, collected himself, and smiled at her. Looking up at her, his gaze gentle: “Your Highness, I need to visit Minister Liu’s residence, could Your Highness help me open the ward gate?”

Mu Wanyao nodded.

Yan Shang looked at her: “Would Your Highness accompany me?”

The light brightened in Mu Wanyao’s eyes as she smiled at him. Her magnificent skirts swept over the white snow as she descended the steps, and he took her hand—

In the deep of night, Minister Liu’s residence gate was knocked upon, with word that Princess Danyang was accompanying Young Master Yan requesting an audience.

The minister’s household was incredulous, and Liu Ruzhu, sleeping sweetly, was awakened by the commotion outside. Hearing that Young Master Yan had come calling in the middle of the night, she was truly curious, hurriedly dressed, and secretly went to look.

Liu Ruzhu stood with her parents and others in the corridor, watching from a distance as Princess Danyang just stood at the inner courtyard gate. Without servants, and snow falling on the princess, she didn’t come forward.

The one who came forward was Young Master Yan.

In the heavy lamplight, Minister Liu stood wearing a robe at his wing room door, watching this Young Master Yan who walked step by step before him with a strange expression.

Liu Ruzhu also watched quietly.

Yan Shang looked up at Minister Liu, his voice clear and resonant: “The questions Minister asked me during the day, I’ve thought about them all day, and now I can give answers.

“There may not be perfect righteousness and benevolence that completely aligns with me in this world. But the general standards are the same. I only need to act according to these general standards, and once I begin to act, I needn’t mind others’ words. I hold my own heart steady, knowing what I’m doing is enough.

“Since ancient times, in matters of governance, the wise have been consulted, not the masses. This is a principle from ancient times until now, and I can’t change it. However, this principle exists only because those in power believed the common people were ignorant and beyond education, so they didn’t listen to the people’s voices. Then we who become officials should broadly open paths for the people. Establish private schools and government schools, promote education, employ those from humble backgrounds, reform the examination system… When more people can study, when more common people can read, when ignorant thoughts decrease… then these ‘masses’ will also be ‘wise,’ and can come before us, letting us hear their voices.

“I was wrong to focus solely on keeping a low profile and trying to be a sage. In governance, those in power, there are no sages. A sage cannot be an official. I was narrow-minded before, and thought wrongly, that I should cultivate my character but not limit myself. When I trapped myself in the framework of being a ‘sage,’ I could do nothing at all.”

Minister Liu’s face was initially expressionless, but finally, a smile slowly appeared. Listening to Yan Shang speak eloquently, he no longer felt any annoyance at being awakened in the middle of the night.

Minister Liu slowly, leisurely began to speak, his weathered voice spreading through the snowy night: “Su Chen, you should know. Politics is a mutual compromise between individuals and the entire group. Politics isn’t for harboring deep grudges, but for playing.”

Following his words, Yan Shang continued with the unspoken second half: “Those who play politics well must learn to make others compromise for them.”

Immediately after, Yan Shang lifted his robe and knelt, before everyone was present, bowing to heaven and earth, paying respects to his named teacher: “Student Yan Shang wishes to follow Minister Liu, taking Minister Liu as my teacher!”

Minister Liu laughed heartily.

Loudly saying: “Good!”

The still-vigorous Minister Liu personally descended the steps to help Yan Shang, who was kneeling in the snow, to his feet. He laughed loudly: “Quickly bring wine, I want to drink with my young student…”

A cool female voice rang out: “He doesn’t drink.”

Minister Liu started, and the Liu household members started, only now noticing that Princess who had been standing quietly at the inner courtyard gate, watching them without coming forward.

Minister Liu smiled: “Then let’s substitute tea for wine!”

Mu Wanyao quietly watched as Yan Shang took his teacher.

Liu Ruzhu stood smiling by her parents’ side, watching Yan Shang drink tea with her grandfather, then leave together with Princess Danyang. Though awakened tonight, she too was very happy. Just that it was a bit strange how remarkably good Princess Danyang was to Young Master Yan—

Chang’an was quiet, snow flew through the sky, and lights were sparse.

Yan Shang and Mu Wanyao climbed the city wall, and sat by the railing, together watching the great snow between heaven and earth.

Yan Shang said slowly: “Your Highness, have I told you…”

Mu Wanyao turned her head, languidly: “Hmm?”

Yan Shang’s face was made even more jade-white by the snow’s reflection, his eyelashes, misty and tangled from being wet with snow, were dewy.

He looked at the snow between heaven and earth: “This is my first time seeing snow.”

Mu Wanyao: “Ah?”

Then Yan Shang turned to look at her, and Mu Wanyao realized. That’s right, he came from Lingnan, where it was warm year-round, how could there be snow there? He truly was seeing snow for the first time since coming to Chang’an.

Mu Wanyao lowered her head and smiled, thinking he was very composed about it.

Yan Shang watched her smile with her head lowered, his eyes also carrying a smile. Sitting on the city wall, watching Chang’an’s sparse lights, watching the thousands of buildings, Yan Shang slowly extended his hand, taking Mu Wanyao’s hand.

Mu Wanyao’s ice-cold hand was held by him.

She trembled slightly, looking at him.

He said: “Would Your Highness be willing to be with me?”

Mu Wanyao’s cheeks flushed red, her eyes curved slightly. In the deep night snow, gazing into his eyes, she smiled.

Both shy and nervous. Both afraid and joyful.

As if enchanted, she said softly: “I am willing.”

He leaned down and kissed her.

The snow crossed like the Milky Way, lingering and pouring behind them.

The meandering city walls, the lights unchanged for thousands of years. Mortals observing heaven, the universe illuminating earth, snow flying through the sky.

This splendor of Chang’an lay before their eyes.