Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 66

Chapter 66

"What is defined as righteousness and benevolence? Is it determined by you? Must it be done by you alone?"

"You wish to speak for the people, but can your voice truly represent 'the people'? And for the people you represent, the ones you assist—what will you do if they do not appreciate your kindness? Or if you fail to help those you intended to, and invite the abuse of thousands instead, how will you conduct yourself then?"

"Since ancient times, governance has sought the 'wise' rather than 'the crowd.' How can you bring 'the crowd' to the forefront? How can you make others acknowledge them?"

"You only wish to hide your light and bide your time, afraid even to choose a path. If a sage offends no one, how can he be an official?"

"If you want to be a sage, you should travel the world and study, just as Confucius did. Why bother being an official at all?"

"Is the 'Suchen' of today the same as the 'Suchen' of yesterday, or will he be the same as the 'Suchen' of tomorrow?"

In the study of Prime Minister Liu’s mansion, the Prime Minister threw these questions out, striking directly at Yan Shang’s soul.

Perhaps he could answer one question at a time, but immediately, a second, sharper question would be thrown out, negating the answer to the first... causing Yan Shang to begin to waver, to begin to wonder: Was he truly in the right?

He, a mere student who had traveled from Lingnan to Chang’an—could he judge the righteousness of the entire world? Could he not be wrong? Could he not misunderstand, or make mistakes? And if he did make a mistake, would there be someone to correct him, or anyone even willing to?

Could he guarantee that his original intent would remain unchanged forever, that he would never lose himself or his fundamental principles while adrift in the currents of life? And if he were to lose his way, who would be there to wake him up?

Yan Shang gazed blankly at Prime Minister Liu, who sat upright behind the desk, his heart pounding rapidly. This old man’s hair and beard were already white, and his many years of holding the position of Prime Minister had made his expression and demeanor incomparably severe. When he spoke, his gaze was bright and sharp, piercing straight into one’s heart.

However, there was no doubt that Prime Minister Liu was also gentle. Whenever Yan Shang could not answer a question, he would simply smile and watch him, without criticizing him for being overly naive or anything of that sort.

Yan Shang’s mind was in chaos. After a long while, he slowly said: "These questions... I have answers for them in my heart at times, but at other times, I do not. I need to think carefully before I can give you an answer, Prime Minister."

Prime Minister Liu stroked his beard and nodded: "Then think it through before you come to answer me."

He paused for a moment and added: "I hope that after I have posed these questions, it will make you a bit clearer-headed, enough to handle the affairs waiting for you outside."

Princess Danyang’s carriage had arrived at the ward gate; she had naturally come to find Yan Shang. Prime Minister Liu already knew of the incident Princess Danyang had caused yesterday. Keeping Yan Shang at his residence for the night was also meant to serve as a buffer...

Yan Shang did not know what the Prime Minister was referring to, and furthermore, his mind was in such a state of confusion that he could not insightfully read people as he usually did.

Yan Shang bowed deeply to Prime Minister Liu, just as one would to their parents. This level of etiquette was the most solemn, one that could only be accepted by parents or teachers. As Yan Shang performed this act, the Prime Minister raised an eyebrow, but he accepted it calmly.

As long as Yan Shang could think through his questions, even if he still did not acknowledge Prime Minister Liu as his teacher, it would not have been a waste of the Prime Minister’s kindness in keeping him until the end to say those words—

Yan Shang left the study and walked through the Prime Minister’s residence, about to exit the inner courtyard.

"Erlang! Erlang!" a girl’s delicate voice called out from behind him.

Yan Shang turned and saw a young maiden in a snow-green dress with light gauze wrapped around her arms, running toward him while lifting her skirt. She was running so fast that the maids behind her were struggling to keep up, calling out to her.

The young lady was dressed simply, with only a pearl hairpin in her black hair, and the jade pendant hanging from her skirt fluttered gently as she ran. She was a delicate and unpretentious young lady, and between her brows lingered a rich scholarly air, quite different from the grand and gorgeous style of Mu Yaoyao.

This was naturally Liu Ruozhu.

Liu Ruozhu was panting as she reached Yan Shang. As she stood still, Yan Shang bowed to her: "Thank you, young lady, for your guidance in the study just now."

Liu Ruozhu waved her hand, saying it was unnecessary to thank her.

She couldn't help but add: "Young Master, the porridge sent to your room last night was also something I instructed the cook to make."

Yan Shang was startled, then thanked her again: "Then I thank you for that as well, young lady."

Liu Ruozhu’s face turned slightly red, feeling embarrassed by his gentle, breeze-like words of gratitude.

Yan Shang raised his clear, moist eyes to look at her: "May I ask, young lady, is there a reason you called for me to stop?"

Liu Ruozhu composed herself and told Yan Shang: "I chased after you because I was afraid that you might choose the wrong path. Erlang, don’t look at my grandfather as being so severe that everyone fears him, just because he is the Prime Minister of the current dynasty. But when my grandfather was young, his temperament was actually just like yours. He was also smooth and slick, and treated everyone with great tolerance."

Yan Shang was stunned. This, he truly did not know, and had not been able to see.

Liu Ruozhu smiled brightly: "My grandfather couldn't help but look after you also because you are very much like he was when he was young; he is afraid that you will take the wrong path."

Yan Shang bowed toward the direction of the study, regardless of whether the Prime Minister knew or not.

Because this person was so knowledgeable in etiquette, Liu Ruozhu also felt a sense of affection, feeling that her running out here had not been in vain.

Liu Ruozhu said: "Young Master, following my grandfather is actually quite good. My grandfather is a Prime Minister; he will not easily choose an unsuitable person. As a subject, one should be loyal to the ruler and the administration, and when all things overlap, choosing those four words is never wrong. Since ancient times, those noble families that have been able to endure for a long time are none of them trying to stir up the winds and clouds of the world, but are all walking the path of 'endurance'."

Yan Shang’s heart stirred, and he thought of the Luoyang Wei family, where Wei Shu resided.

The Wei family did not have anyone overtly prominent in the court, but they always had people holding important official positions. Perhaps this was the path of "endurance" that young lady Liu Ruozhu spoke of.

Yan Shang watched this young lady "backing up" her grandfather while speaking eloquently, and could not help but smile slightly.

Liu Ruozhu’s cheeks grew even redder, but she opened her clear eyes wide: "Why, did I say something wrong?"

Yan Shang said gently: "It is just surprising that a young lady such as yourself sees things more clearly regarding politics than I do. It makes me feel ashamed."

Liu Ruozhu laughed once.

She put her hands behind her back and said: "It’s nothing, I’ve just seen too much, having grown up by my grandfather’s side."

She seemed to think of something, then nervously worried that Yan Shang might misunderstand her: "However, I am not forcing you to choose my grandfather. I just think this is the best... but if you don’t think so, you can judge for yourself; there is no need to be influenced by me."

Yan Shang smiled: "Then I must also offer you a bow, young lady."

Liu Ruozhu quickly moved to the side to avoid his bow.

After Yan Shang left and his figure was no longer visible, Liu Ruozhu felt a sense of disappointment. Another maid whispered into her ear that Princess Danyang’s carriage had entered the ward, and it was likely she had come to pick up Yan Erlang.

Liu Ruozhu sighed like a little adult, her worries growing even deeper.

She had roughly guessed what had happened over the past two days, and only hoped that Yan Erlang would not be affected. The talent her grandfather looked upon favorably... even if he could not be used by her grandfather, he should not be broken so early—

Yan Shang had not gone far from the Prime Minister’s residence when he ran into Mu Yaoyao.

He was stunned, a sense of being moved stirring in his heart, never imagining that Mu Yaoyao would come here. He even wondered if she had come looking for the Prime Minister... but when Mu Yaoyao dismounted and walked straight toward him, he realized she had truly come to find him.

Shielding his brain from the ten thousand chaotic thoughts born from the Prime Minister’s questioning, Yan Shang was, for a moment, moved by Mu Yaoyao’s kindness toward him, and felt quite shy.

After all, it had been two months since they last met.

Yet, when he saw the look in Mu Yaoyao’s eyes... he knew that things were likely not as he had imagined.

Mu Yaoyao collected her emotions, showed a trace of a smile to Yan Shang, and gestured for him to follow her. She smiled brightly: "I heard you were kept overnight by Prime Minister Liu, and I knew your official career would surely be prosperous. However, the results from the Ministry of Personnel haven't been released yet, did you already know?"

Yan Shang answered gently: "Likely the Secretariat, I don't know the specifics."

Mu Yaoyao was burdened with worries and only managed to nod with a strained smile.

She was attentive again: "The carriage is parked at the mouth of the alley; there are fruits and snacks inside, and the charcoal is lit. It is so cold, and since you came from the South, you must be very unaccustomed to it..."

Yan Shang stopped walking and looked at her.

Mu Yaoyao stood stiffly.

Yan Shang: "Did something happen?"

Mu Yaoyao feigned ignorance: "What are you talking about?"

Yan Shang laughed with a bit of self-deprecation: "Perhaps there are times when Your Highness treats people with courtesy, but you have never treated me this way. I still know the weight I hold in your heart. If it weren't for a major event, Your Highness would never come to find me personally... Your Highness has never treated me that well."

The way he said this made Mu Yaoyao feel very guilty.

She said vaguely: "I have always treated you very well. It’s just that I have always had a bad temper; it wasn't intentional."

Yan Shang said gently: "I know. So, what happened... what kind of major event could make you act this way... as if you are compensating me?"

He wondered if she had thought about it for two months and finally decided to end her relationship with him?

But if that were the case, she couldn't possibly come to offer a fawning smile, right?

As Yan Shang’s thoughts ran wild, he saw Mu Yaoyao’s eyes drifting, and his heart sank even further. Mu Yaoyao was such a proud person, always looking at him with her chin held high... for her to be like this, how big must the disaster be?

He was so frightened by her that his complexion turned a bit pale.

Mu Yaoyao lowered her eyelashes, not daring to meet Yan Shang’s gaze, and said softly: "Liu Wenji has been ruined."

Yan Shang: "..."

Mu Yaoyao did not hear his voice, which made her even more nervous, feeling she had done something terribly wrong.

Yan Shang said in a low voice: "Ruined? What do you mean? Were his tendons cut? Did he lose an arm or a leg?"

Mu Yaoyao’s face flushed red; her palms were sweating, her whole body stiffened, and she bit the bullet: "It means he was castrated, ruined into a eunuch."

Yan Shang’s brain went blank instantly.

He stood stiffly for a full two moments, unable to hear any sound in his ears.

Mu Yaoyao looked up at his expressionless face and was suddenly very afraid. She couldn't care about anything else and quickly grabbed his hand, clutching his arm, shaking it—a gesture that, after feeling utterly powerless, could only be seen as acting spoiled.

Mu Yaoyao said hurriedly: "Th-this is not my fault! I actually had people look after him, but he insisted on going to Beili to buy his drunkenness. So many powerful nobles often frequent that place..."

Yan Shang’s face remained expressionless, but he was constantly being shaken by Mu Yaoyao’s arm; her tugging on him finally brought him back to his senses, making him realize this was no joke—it was real.

Mu Yaoyao was so anxious her eyes turned red; she had never seen Yan Shang angry before. Although she had said before that she wanted to know what would make him angry, she did not want to be the one to make him angry. She always felt that if he were to be angry, it would be a terrifying thing.

Mu Yaoyao: "This really isn't my fault! I am a princess; you can’t expect me to follow him around personally to protect him? He offended someone who could not be offended..."

Yan Shang pushed Mu Yaoyao gently, telling her not to keep leaning on him.

His voice was a bit stiff, but there was no sign of him actually losing his temper: "...I am not angry, don’t be like this. I haven't figured it out yet... what exactly is going on? How did he offend someone who couldn't be offended? Is he really ruined? Are you not joking with me?"

Mu Yaoyao: "I wish it were a joke, too! He fought over a woman with the son of the Director of the Ministry of Revenue... and was ruined by them..."

Yan Shang looked at her, his gaze gentle yet cold.

Mu Yaoyao bit her lip and told the truth: "No, it wasn't fighting over a woman. That man wanted the woman, and Liu Wenji went to save her, but ended up destroying himself instead..."

Yan Shang: "Then what did Your Highness mean by running over to tell me this?"

Mu Yaoyao: "It, it is... Liu Wenji refused to listen to my advice; without even waiting for his body to recover, he insisted on entering the palace. He said he was afraid that if the night grew long, more problems would arise, and that he couldn't wait even one more day... I, I came to tell you. Are you really not angry with me?"

She was still holding his hand, imagining that the warmth of her touch might be of some use.

Yan Shang’s mind was in chaos; filled with anger, anxiety, and sorrow, Mu Yaoyao’s little attempt at manipulation made him feel a sense of irony. He placed his hand on her shoulder, telling her to stop fussing.

Yan Shang: "Did you take any remedial action after the fact?"

Mu Yaoyao opened her large eyes, looking truly like a cat: "I did! I sent people to ruin those who harmed him, too! But that old fox, the Director of the Ministry of Revenue, sent his son out of Chang’an to protect him. That old man then ran to the Crown Prince to cry and make a scene, and I was so angry, I naturally went to demand an explanation..."

Yan Shang: "What explanation did you get?"

Mu Yaoyao lowered her gaze, almost not daring to meet Yan Shang’s eyes. She let go of the hand she was holding, but Yan Shang grabbed hers back. Her wrist was held by his icy hand, and he lowered his face, asking her again: "What explanation did you get?"

Mu Yaoyao gritted her teeth.

After a long while, she said: "You know I couldn't really get any explanation; I could only use this matter to plot benefits for myself... I could only listen to Liu Wenji and send him into the palace. If you want to blame me for this, then go ahead. This is not my fault! I did nothing wrong!"

As if persuading herself, she kept repeating that she had done nothing wrong.

Yan Shang released her hand.

Yet she became anxious again, as if she were about to cry, and went to tug at his sleeve once more: "Yan Er-gege..."

Yan Shang: "Your Highness, I am not angry with you. You said Brother Liu is going to be sent into the palace by you—can I go to see him one last time? On the way, please tell me in detail what exactly happened, Your Highness. There are many unclear points in your words, and I truly am not blaming Your Highness... I just want to know what exactly happened."

Yan Shang said softly: "I want to know how Brother Liu was pushed, step by step, to his current circumstances."

In his mind, Prime Minister Liu’s thunderous question rang out once more—A sage who offends no one—how can he be an official?—

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

He was someone sent into the palace by Princess Danyang’s residence; the treatment he received might be slightly better than that of others. But he would still have to face the most insulting examination—to check if he had been fully castrated.

Liu Wenji sat in the carriage, eyes closed, covered by a quilt, feeling sleepy. Afraid that more complications would arise if he delayed, he insisted on entering the palace even though his body had not yet recovered.

Since his castration, he was much more afraid of the cold than before; now, even covered in such a thick quilt, he was still shivering in the carriage.

However, once inside the palace, without anyone to help him, starting from the bottom would only be more miserable than now.

Liu Wenji was indifferent, thinking he had already made up his mind.

He would discard his past eighteen years of life as if he were starting over. His previous life had been shallow, and he had misjudged too many things, too many people... how miserable a life for a genius to have spent a dozen years. Yet, as he turned the page now, he would live as a ruined man.

He did not dare to face his parents back home, nor his past lover... everything would start from scratch.

"Brother Liu! Brother Liu... Wenji!" A voice called from outside the carriage as it slowly waited in line to enter the palace.

The voice traveled from far to near, gradually becoming clearer. Liu Wenji, who had been expressionless in the carriage, instantly recognized whose voice it was. His eyelashes, which had been closed, trembled slightly, and he opened his eyes. The voice continued to call out, and after a while, Liu Wenji softly told the coachman to stop the carriage.

Liu Wenji lifted the carriage curtain and saw the young man in green robes riding toward him, followed by Mu Yaoyao and others.

Liu Wenji watched silently as Yan Shang dismounted and saw the spirited young man walk toward him with long strides. Since arriving in Chang’an, Liu Wenji had sunk into the dust day by day, while Yan Shang’s aura had become more and more like jade... the path of Liu Wenji’s life grew narrower and narrower, while Yan Shang’s grew wider and wider.

It was the exact opposite of how it had been when they were in Lingnan.

Liu Wenji thought indifferently that the will of Heaven was truly interesting.

He lowered his eyes, masking the gloom in them. So what? If Heaven wanted his life to go wrong step by step, he would not go along with Heaven’s will. So what if he became a eunuch? Was there anything about that worthy of being ashamed?

Liu Wenji slowly dismounted the carriage, originally intending to bid Yan Shang a cold farewell, to tell him they need not meet again, and to ask Yan Shang not to think of him anymore.

But the moment he dismounted, Mu Yaoyao jumped off her horse, and he saw Yan Shang throw his arms around him.

Liu Wenji was stunned.

Yet, he did not push him away.

Yan Shang said in a low voice: "I already know everything... it is my fault; it is my fault I didn't keep you here. I should have forced you to stay in my mansion, not to leave; even if you didn't like it, I should have told you that Chang’an is not what you thought it was. It is my fault; I didn't do what a friend should have done; I was always busy with my own affairs, ignoring you. When you were in the most pain, I was not by your side, I didn't help you...

"What is the point of the recruitment exam? How is it more important than my friend? It is my fault..."

In Liu Wenji’s hollow eyes, light suddenly appeared, followed by a sense of tears.

His lips trembled; he wanted to say something, but only two lines of tears fell.

Yet Liu Wenji shook his head; he shoved Yan Shang away and gripped Yan Shang’s hand, but only shook his head, his eyes brimming with tears, speechless.

Yan Shang! Yan Shang!

Yan Shang, who always blamed himself for everything! Yan Shang, who never blamed him no matter what he did!

They had studied together in Lingnan, back in his father’s study, and together they had traveled from Lingnan to Chang’an... and now, the only one who came to see him off was still Yan Shang!

Liu Wenji wept endlessly, only speaking after a long while: "Suchen, no matter what the future holds, I will never blame you. You will always be my good friend, my good brother."

He said through his tears: "I know you are skilled at socializing; you have friends all over the world, and everyone likes you. You have more than enough friends, and I, Liu Wenji, count for nothing. But I hope that you can leave a place for me in your heart... remember me."

Yan Shang’s eyes were filled with pain.

He could not bear to look at the situation today, nor could he bear to see his friend streaming with tears. He could not bear to see a person who was once high-spirited fall to such a fate.

Yan Shang said: "What do you mean, 'remember you forever'? You are naturally my friend. You aren't dead; you are only... entering the palace. We will surely have the chance to meet again in the future. Wenji, live well, and strive well to forge a new future for yourself. Life is rarely perfect, but the world naturally leaves a glimmer of life for all people. You must struggle against the heavens!"

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

The light in Yan Shang’s eyes flickered, and he said in a low, sorrowful voice: "Why must you obsess over this? So what if you are a eunuch? It just means you have lost one thing that other men have, but you are still a person. This is not your fault... life does not always have to be the same for everyone, you are just living a different way, why must you belittle yourself?"

Liu Wenji: "How ironic that after coming to Chang’an for nearly two years, you are the only one who came to see me off."

Yan Shang smiled reluctantly: "Is it not enough that I am here?"

Liu Wenji smiled blankly: "It is enough, it is enough... you, Yan Suchen, one person, are worth more than thousands. To have known you, I have already seen what a true gentleman is like in this world; that is already enough!"

Yan Shang lowered his eyes: "The eleventh son of the Director of the Ministry of Revenue..."

Liu Wenji said coldly: "Suchen, you don't need to do anything for me. I heard from the Princess that your recruitment exam was very successful and you are to have an official position... you have just entered the court, don't offend those people for my sake. I will take my own revenge.

"No matter what the future holds... Suchen, I will always remember your kindness toward me."

Yan Shang had no words; he could only grip Liu Wenji’s hand again, remaining silent.

Mu Yaoyao stood by her horse, watching Yan Shang and Liu Wenji quietly. Her gaze was as bright as jade; she stroked the long, thick mane of her white horse, her eyes fixed solely on Yan Shang.

The sorrow was truly pitiable.

Liu Wenji was choked with sobs and could not speak; Yan Shang continued to encourage him, using his warm voice to soothe him.

Mu Yaoyao thought, Yan Shang is truly someone one cannot help but like. He had traveled all the way here just to say these words to Liu Wenji, just because he was afraid that Liu Wenji would fall into depravity and be unable to endure the life in the palace... in fact, the chances of Yan Shang and Liu Wenji meeting again in the future might truly be slim.

Perhaps this was the way it would be for the rest of their lives.

Yet Yan Shang still wanted to see Liu Wenji.

He treated people kindly not because he felt they were useful to him, but because he met them with sincerity... it was no wonder so many people liked him.

Mu Yaoyao lowered her eyes.

She thought, I like him, too—

Yan Shang was in a very bad mood.

Mu Yaoyao could fully understand that.

Having just seen Liu Wenji, even though Yan Shang himself said he blamed no one, it was impossible for him not to hold a trace of resentment in his heart.

Mu Yaoyao and Yan Shang each rode their horses in silence back to their respective residences. Unlike what Mu Yaoyao had imagined—how she would celebrate with Yan Shang after his recruitment exam—the two bid farewell in the alley and returned home separately. Yan Shang was not in the mood for celebration, and Mu Yaoyao also felt that she was not strong enough yet; she, too, returned to her residence with a cold face.

However, Mu Yaoyao felt uncomfortable in her heart.

Yan Shang hadn't said much to her, and she wondered if he still blamed her. She had run to Prime Minister Liu’s residence so anxiously to find him, also to prevent him from causing a scene... he must have understood her meaning, and he had done nothing. But now that he was shutting himself away, Mu Yaoyao felt very sad.

In the afternoon, Mu Yaoyao sat on the third floor of the pavilion, watching the residence across the way, looking at the study where Yan Shang was staying.

She watched for the entire afternoon, and by dusk, when she saw the lights in his room were not lit, but the lights in the study were, she knew he had been in the study all afternoon and had not left.

Mu Yaoyao continued to watch.

"Your Highness, why not go inside and rest?" the maid Xia Rong asked softly.

Mu Yaoyao sat with her arms crossed, shaking her head and saying nothing, her eyes fixed only on the lights of the residence across the way. She had sat there for several hours without moving, causing her servants to be extremely worried.

Xia Rong turned to leave, only to hear Mu Yaoyao say coldly: "No one is allowed to go to find Yan Shang."

Do not let Yan Shang know; do not make it so that Yan Shang, in such grief, still has to pull himself together to comfort her.

Xia Rong, who had intended to consult others about inviting someone over, froze after the Princess’s cold remark and retreated with a curtsy—

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

This was the first snowfall in Chang’an this year.

Mu Yaoyao was still sitting in the pavilion and had not left.

Xia Rong came to advise her again, saying it was snowing and asking the Princess to rest in the warm interior. However, Mu Yaoyao looked at the bright lights in the study across the way, thinking that if Yan Shang could not rest, and she had done nothing, what was there for her to rest?

So she continued to sit there.

As she watched the snowflakes falling, she watched the lights of the residence across the way.

Time slowly reached midnight.

The lights in the study remained on.

Mu Yaoyao was becoming numb from watching when, suddenly, she saw the lamp light flicker and move. Someone pushed open the door of the study, holding a lantern, and stood on the corridor.

The heavy light of the lanterns mingled with the snowflakes flying outside the corridor.

The night was silent and hazy; only this light and the snow-light remained in the world.

Yan Shang held a lantern and stood in the corridor, watching the heavy snow dancing in the world. He stood in the corridor for a long time, looking up, his expression somewhat vacant as he watched the snowflakes.

Suddenly, as if sensing something, his gaze traversed the snowflakes and he looked up at the residence across the way.

He saw the blurry, bright lights of the pavilion on the third floor.

He saw a blurry silhouette, as if someone were sitting there.

Yan Shang watched blankly—

Mu Yaoyao watched the lantern in the corridor blankly—

They did not see each other.

But the blurry silhouette and the hazy feeling told them that that was the person they were looking at.

In the wind and snow of the corridor, Yan Shang stood watching for a long time, then suddenly descended the steps and walked outward—

Mu Yaoyao saw the light of the lantern move; she watched blankly for a moment, then suddenly stood up and quickly descended the pavilion.

She ran down the pavilion, her heart thumping, running out of the residence amid the surprise of the maids and servants.

Xia Rong said in a panic: "Your Highness? It’s time to sleep... where are you going?"

Mu Yaoyao barked out: "Open the door! I’m leaving the residence!"—

Yan Shang opened the front door, and in the falling snow, he saw the main gate of the Princess’s residence open. Mu Yaoyao, wrapped in a snowy white crane cloak and wearing a rouge-red dress, appeared, her clear features visible little by little behind the opened door.

She stood opposite him, gazing at him.

The two stood for a long time in their respective doorways, gazing at each other.

Then, Yan Shang descended the steps and walked toward her.

Mu Yaoyao waited for him.

He stood at the bottom of the steps, composed himself, and smiled at her. He looked up at her, his gaze gentle: "Your Highness, I am going to Prime Minister Liu’s residence. Could Your Highness help me open the ward gate?"

Mu Yaoyao nodded.

Yan Shang looked at her: "Could Your Highness come with me?"

The light in Mu Yaoyao’s eyes lit up, and she smiled at him. Her gorgeous skirt swept across the white snow on the ground; she descended the steps and was gripped by the hand by him—

In the middle of the night, the main gate of Prime Minister Liu’s residence was knocked open, and it was said that Princess Danyang had accompanied Yan Erlang to request an audience.

The people of the Prime Minister’s residence found it unbelievable. When Liu Ruozhu was sleeping soundly, she heard the commotion outside and was woken up. Hearing that Yan Erlang had come to the door in the middle of the night, she was genuinely curious and hurriedly put on her clothes to sneak out and see.

Liu Ruozhu and her parents stood in the corridor, seeing Princess Danyang standing alone at the entrance of the inner courtyard from a short distance away. She had brought no servants, and snow fell upon the Princess, but she did not come any closer.

It was Yan Erlang who walked over.

Amidst the flickering lights, Prime Minister Liu stood at the entrance of the guest room, wearing a robe, looking at Yan Erlang, who walked step by step to stand before him, with a strange expression.

Liu Ruozhu also watched quietly.

Yan Shang looked up at Prime Minister Liu, his voice clear and resonant: "I have thought about the questions you asked me during the day for an entire day, and I can give you an answer now.

"There is likely no righteousness and benevolence in this world that is perfectly tailored to me. But the general standards are the same. As long as I act according to the general standards, once I begin, there is no need to worry about the words of others. I will hold my heart firmly, knowing what I am doing is enough.

"Since ancient times, politics has sought the 'wise' rather than 'the crowd.' This is a truth from ancient times to the present, and I cannot change it. However, this truth is merely because the power-holders believe the people are ignorant and beyond teaching, and therefore do not listen to the voices of the masses. If that is the case, those of us who are officials should open up the path for the people. Build private schools, government schools, promote education, utilize the underprivileged, reform the imperial examinations... when more people are able to read, when the people are literate, when ignorant thoughts are diminished... then this 'crowd' will also be 'wise,' and will be able to stand before us, allowing us to hear their voices.

"My desire to hide my light and bide my time, to be a sage, was wrong. For those who govern and hold power, there are absolutely no sages. Sages cannot be officials. It was my previous narrow-mindedness, my error in thinking; I should not restrict myself while cultivating my own character. When I am trapped in the framework of being a 'sage,' I can do nothing at all."

Prime Minister Liu had been expressionless at first, but toward the end, a smile slowly appeared on his face. He listened to Yan Shang speak eloquently, and no longer felt any annoyance at being woken up in the middle of the night.

Prime Minister Liu spoke slowly, at a leisurely pace, his aged voice carrying through the flying snow: "Suchen, you should know. Politics is a mutual compromise between an individual and the entire group. Politics is not meant to be used for bitter struggles, but for playing."

Yan Shang followed his words, finishing the second half of the sentence that the Prime Minister had left unsaid: "Those who are good at playing politics must learn to let others compromise for them."

Immediately following this, Yan Shang lifted his robe and knelt, knocking his head to the heavens and earth in front of everyone, bowing to his master: "Student Yan Shang is willing to follow you and acknowledge Prime Minister Liu as my teacher!"

Prime Minister Liu laughed aloud.

He said in a clear voice: "Good!"

The hale and hearty Prime Minister personally descended the steps to help Yan Shang, who was kneeling in the snow, to his feet. He laughed aloud: "Quickly, bring the wine! I want to drink with my youngest student..."

A cool female voice sounded: "He doesn't drink."

Prime Minister Liu was stunned, the people of the Liu household were stunned, and they only then noticed Princess Danyang, who had been standing at the entrance of the inner courtyard the entire time, watching them quietly without stepping forward.

Prime Minister Liu smiled: "Then we shall substitute wine with tea!"

Mu Yaoyao watched quietly as Yan Shang acknowledged his teacher.

Liu Ruozhu smiled brightly as she stood beside her parents, watching Yan Shang drink tea with her grandfather and then turn to leave with Princess Danyang. Being woken up tonight, she was truly happy. It was just a bit strange that Princess Danyang was truly good to Yan Erlang—

Chang’an was silent, heavy snow fell, and the lights were sparse.

Yan Shang and Mu Yaoyao climbed the city tower and sat on the railing, watching the heavy snow together.

Yan Shang said softly: "Your Highness, have I told you..."

Mu Yaoyao turned her head, lazily: "Hmm?"

Yan Shang’s features were rendered even more jade-like by the reflection of the snow; his eyelashes, misted and clumped together by the wet snow, were soaked through.

He looked at the snow between the heavens and earth: "This is the first time I have seen snow."

Mu Yaoyao: "Ah?"

Then Yan Shang turned to look at her, and Mu Yaoyao realized. That’s right, this person came from Lingnan, where it was hot and warm year-round; where would there be snow? He had indeed seen snow for the first time since coming to Chang’an.

Mu Yaoyao lowered her head and smiled, thinking to herself that he was truly calm.

Yan Shang watched her lower her head and smile, and his own eyes held a trace of a smile. Sitting on the city tower, looking at the sparse lights of Chang’an, looking at the thousands of houses, Yan Shang extended his hand little by little to grip Mu Yaoyao’s hand.

Mu Yaoyao’s icy hand was held by him.

She trembled slightly and looked at him.

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

A rosy flush stained Mu Yaoyao’s cheeks, and her eyes curved. In the heavy snow of the night, gazing into his eyes, she smiled.

Bashful, yet nervous. Fearful, yet joyful.

As if bewitched, she said softly: "I am willing."

He leaned down and kissed her.

The snow shimmered like a galaxy, lingering and glistening behind them.

The meandering city, the lights that had not changed for thousands of years. Ants watching the sky, the universe illuminating the earth, snow flying everywhere.

This Chang’an scenery was all before their eyes.