Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 168

Chapter 168

As the ministers turned their sights toward Liu Wenji, one man took advantage of the cover of night to flee.

This was the Minister of War, Lord Zhao, who had been under house arrest in his own mansion while awaiting trial.

Having served as a tiger’s accomplice for many years, Lord Zhao knew full well that if everything came to light, he would face the death penalty. He lived in constant, panicked terror. A servant at his gate quietly informed him that Yan Shang and Mu Wanyao had returned and that everyone had gone to the imperial palace together.

Lord Zhao realized this was likely the only chance he had to escape.

He ordered the guards who had remained loyal to him for years to coordinate with him, knocked out his captors with drugged wine, and swapped clothes with the servant outside. It was the first time in his life he had worn such coarse garments and a reed hat, but in this life-or-death moment, he simply led three or four guards and plunged headlong out of Chang'an.

Guanzhong was no longer safe; perhaps by going to the chaotic lands of Hexi, he could evade the Great Wei’s manhunt.

The war between Great Wei and the Southern Barbarians had just concluded, and the area outside Chang'an was already peaceful.

Lord Zhao fled through the night, terrified beyond measure. Several miles outside Chang'an, seeing no pursuers behind him, he finally began to relax. However, the mounted guard following him turned pale, his eyes bulging wide as he uttered a hurried cry: "Lord Zhao!"

They were horrified, as if they had seen something truly terrifying.

Lord Zhao followed their gaze and saw, before a forest by a stream ahead, several people on horseback waiting for them. They were bathed in the faint light of dawn, appearing as though they had been waiting for a long time.

When they locked eyes with Lord Zhao, the group spurred their horses forward. As he watched them charge across the stream, their speed as swift as arrows and each movement lethal, his heart filled with terror. His face turned an ashen blue, and he could barely catch his breath.

But as the group drew closer, Lord Zhao widened his eyes and, contrary to his expectations, relaxed.

The leader he saw was his own daughter, Zhao Lingfei.

Zhao Lingfei led several guards to stand watch here, blocking her father’s path to survival. Lord Zhao had not seen his daughter for a long time; in fact, one could say that in the last ten years, he had rarely seen her, with too many partings between them.

Seeing her again, his daughter was still beautiful, yet the naive, childish air in her brows was entirely gone. Her cheeks were gaunt and sharp, her long hair bound beneath a jade crown. The young woman, much like the other men on the battlefield, had a firm, cold gaze. Seated on her horse, she possessed a dashing and heroic bearing.

Joy surged in Lord Zhao’s heart, and he hurriedly said, "Lingfei, hurry and help your father! Yan Er has entered Chang'an, and the Princess... no, now the Grand Princess has also entered Chang'an. The two of them are certain to kill me; you must help me."

Zhao Lingfei looked at Lord Zhao.

Her eyes were like a clear river, like the stars. As the starlight and jade rivers swirled, looking at him felt exactly like the moment she failed to save her cousin, the moment she crouched on the ground weeping, unable to bring him back.

Her heart was filled with shame and hatred, pain and guilt. Did her father understand why she was standing here?

Lord Zhao looked at his daughter’s shimmering eyes and suddenly understood. His smile faded, and he wanted to scold her, but he felt fear instead. He gripped his reins and said dryly, "Lingfei, if you won't save me, then move aside and let your father go. I raised you for over a decade, and you’ve been away for nearly ten years—surely there is still affection between father and daughter?

"I am your own biological father!"

Zhao Lingfei’s eyes seemed to brim with tears.

Yet, not a single drop fell.

In the morning breeze, strands of hair brushed against her cold, firm cheek. She was in agonizing pain, yet she still spoke every word clearly: "You cannot leave."

Lord Zhao’s face changed drastically: "What did you say?!"

Zhao Lingfei raised the long spear in her hand, and the soldiers behind her raised their blades and swords in unison, facing the man before them.

Lord Zhao understood.

He said, "Are you going to kill your father?"

Zhao Lingfei’s voice trembled: "I did not wish to reach this point. I listened to Second Brother Yan’s instructions and waited here all night. I hoped so much that Second Brother Yan had judged wrongly, that I would not have to wait for my father. I even thought that if I saw you, I wouldn't be able to stop myself from letting you go, from letting you flee far away to where you would never return to Great Wei again..."

Lord Zhao’s eyes shone with hope.

However, the expression in Zhao Lingfei’s eyes became increasingly desperate.

She said sharply: "But I cannot do it!

"Whenever I see you, I think of my cousin’s death! You gave birth to me and raised me, but you were wrong! I am unfilial, and I will be reviled by all the world. How cold-hearted must someone be to refuse to spare their own father... Everyone seeks grand justice, but in private, they always seek personal grievances.

"I would have been like that, too. But I truly cannot do it! If I let you go, how can I answer for the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who lost their lives? How can I answer for my cousin’s death, or for the death of the two-dynasty Prime Minister, Prime Minister Liu? So many common people died because of your selfish desires! I cannot answer for it, and I cannot face it...

"If I let my father go, I can never have peace of mind! If I keep him, I am an unfilial daughter! Either way is a mistake, but I would rather be an unfilial daughter from this day forth!"

She roared, agitated and furious, wanting to pour out the grievances in her heart. But there was no end to them; they were countless. She had grown from a young girl into a young woman; she knew exactly what she wanted... but those who had died could never come back to life.

The soldiers behind her thought of the battlefield; their hearts filled with sorrow, and they looked at Lord Zhao with even greater hatred.

Lord Zhao was panic-stricken.

Seeing Zhao Lingfei shed tears, she spoke a final sentence to him: "Your daughter has come to see you on your final journey!" —

At daybreak, Lord Zhao was escorted back to Chang'an by Zhao Lingfei.

When the sun rose, the new little emperor had been on the throne for two months, but it was his first time attending the morning court. The Empress Dowager had set up a screen behind the throne, sitting behind it with a heart full of fear. As she thought about how her family was going to rise to power because of her son, she remembered the tragic death of Liu Wenji the night before and felt a sense of dread toward these ministers.

The ministers of this court were all incredibly powerful and, frankly, terrifying.

She and her son were orphans and widows; they had to be careful.

The little emperor was too young and needed care, so in the haste of the moment, the Grand Eunuch of the Inner Palace had been replaced by Cheng An. Cheng An kowtowed to Mu Wanyao and her husband, his face covered in tears, swearing that he would serve the little emperor until death and would never let what happened with Liu Wenji repeat itself.

The little emperor’s first time presiding over court went exceptionally smoothly.

He was incredibly well-behaved; before anyone else could react the night before, he had been the first to call out "Minister Yan."

Today at court, the little emperor, through Cheng An, brought out the imperial decree left by his grandfather in the ancestral temple. His father had been hot and cold toward Yan Shang, trusting and suspecting him by turns. Although the old emperor had clearly left a decree, his father had deliberately looked for loopholes, giving Yan Shang only the title of "Chancellor of Joint Administration."

Now, the little emperor used his grandfather’s decree to elevate Yan Shang to the position of Prime Minister.

This was something his mother had taught him.

With Yan Shang now the figurehead of the court, if he did not seal Yan Shang as Prime Minister, could the little emperor actually command these big figures? He was still too young to understand what these ministers were talking about.

Wei Shu was promoted to Junior Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

Afterward, the ministers began to discuss announcing the truth about Liu Wenji’s actions to the world, to give the common people an answer. The power of the inner eunuchs was attached to the imperial power; once an emperor truly wished to reclaim it, the eunuchs were the easiest to control. The central government judged the crimes of the eunuchs, case by case, decreeing their fates.

Furthermore, now that the war had ended, Great Wei intended to execute King Ale to pay tribute to the soldiers who had died. At the same time, they needed to choose a new king for the Southern Barbarians from the living captives to negotiate with Great Wei.

Negotiation matters naturally required the Prime Minister, and officials from the Ministry of Rites would also be involved.

At the same time, to prevent the Southern Barbarians from being forced into war due to poverty and having no other options, Great Wei decided to take over the Southern Barbarian economy. Great Wei had long decided to implement a "loose rein" policy toward the Southern Barbarians, controlling them through various aspects such as culture, economy, religion, and military.

In truth, Great Wei had long entertained such ideas, but the timing was not right, and it had been hindered by the turmoil of the succession and imperial suspicion. Now that Yan Shang was Prime Minister, he naturally intended to push forward the policies he had thought about countless times over the years.

The little emperor stretched his neck on the stiff, hard imperial throne, trying hard to listen to the discussions of the ministers below. He saw that all those old gentlemen and uncles were surrounding Yan Shang, who was young, eloquent, and possessed an excellent demeanor. The little emperor didn't understand much of what he heard, only thinking that his uncle-in-law was truly amazing.

So capable of speech.

So dashing and elegant.

This was the "demeanor of a gentleman" described in books, right?

Behind the bamboo curtain, the Empress Dowager saw the little emperor almost jumping out of the imperial throne and gave a subtle cough to remind him.

Yan Shang turned back and saw the little emperor staring down at the ministers with wide eyes. When the little emperor met his gaze, he hurriedly leaned back and sat properly, trying his best to look like a mature monarch. But he was only six or seven years old; no matter how he pretended to be mature, he was still just a child.

Yan Shang smiled gently.

He pondered for a moment and said, "It is time to find His Majesty a Grand Tutor so he can study properly."

The little emperor was terrified that his uncle-in-law would think he was unteachable, so he immediately said, "I... I have been enlightened since I was four, and I have been studying well!"

Yan Shang said warmly, "Not that kind of book. It is to teach Your Majesty how to be a good emperor."

He paused: "Also, starting from today, Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager must live in separate palaces; Your Majesty can no longer sleep in the Empress Dowager’s sleeping quarters. I will discuss Your Majesty’s studies with several other ministers today, and tomorrow I will arrange new study companions for you. How does Your Majesty feel about this?"

The little emperor was still naive; hearing that he could no longer sleep with his mother, he felt a little disappointed. But hearing that Yan Shang was going to find him new friends, he became excited again, and after hesitating, asked, "Can I let Brother A-Yue study with me?"

Yan Shang smiled: "What could be wrong with Your Majesty being close to your own brother?"

The little emperor loved how good-tempered he was and kept asking many questions about his future life. He became increasingly satisfied, easily bowing to the demeanor of his uncle-in-law. After the morning court, he had already begun to call Yan Shang "Uncle-in-law" in private, no matter how much Yan Shang tried to stop him.

The Empress Dowager was somewhat unhappy.

Yan Shang’s move was to cut off the interference of the inner court, forcing the little emperor to leave her so early; it was blocking the path of the imperial in-laws. Yan Shang also didn't want the little emperor to be raised by women in the inner palace, intending to start teaching him from the perspective of the outer court. If this continued, when the little emperor grew up, he would likely not be very close to her.

Moreover, with someone like Yan Shang, the Empress Dowager vaguely felt that the little emperor seemed completely conquered by him and was particularly fond of him, which made her feel even more insecure.

She couldn't help but make frequent small moves, wanting to take her son back to her side. But this did not succeed, because Mu Wanyao, now the Grand Princess, had entered the palace and had a long, deep conversation with the Empress Dowager for an entire night.

The next day, the Empress Dowager began to close off her palace, keeping to a vegetarian diet and praying, no longer interfering with the young prince’s education.

Everyone was looking forward to what kind of person an emperor who did not grow up in the hands of deep-palace women or eunuchs, but was educated by the ministers of the outer court, would become in the future —

Afterward, Great Wei negotiated peace with the Southern Barbarians.

At the end of August, Lord Zhao was beheaded in public.

Amidst the chaotic curses of the crowd, Zhao Lingfei watched her father die. After watching, she left quietly. By the time Wei Shu received the news and tried to find her, she had already left Chang'an. Her whereabouts were uncertain, and she had not left a word for anyone, telling Wei Shu only that she was going to Hexi.

She had figured out what she wanted to do with her life and what kind of person she wanted to become.

The death of Yang Si had made her mature and grow up overnight, while the death of Lord Zhao had left her heart cold and desolate. She wanted to become a knight-errant, to help everyone who needed her. She had no face to face her old friends, nor any face to lead the life of an ordinary person. She could only leave Chang'an and travel far into the desert.

In her letter, she said she was sorry to Wei Shu... Wei Shu did not need to wait for her anymore.

She whispered softly: "I hope Brother Juyuan marries and has children, lives a life of peace, and finds happiness. Although Brother Juyuan and I are not together, we are both in Great Wei. Even if we never meet again, just knowing the other person is alive is already good enough."

In September, Great Wei chose a new Southern Barbarian King they were satisfied with.

Yan Sanlang, who was in Hexi, wrote to his second brother, saying that he was going back to Lingnan to see his family, and sent Yan Shang many exotic goods from the Western Regions. In his busy schedule, Yan Shang wrote to Jiannan and Lingnan, asking about Yan Xiaozhou. If his little sister still hadn't moved past her heartache, Yan Shang wanted her to come to Chang'an and live with him and Mu Wanyao for a few years.

A letter from Lingnan said that Yan Xiaozhou had returned once, and after a night of conversation with their father, she had gone to Liaodong under the protection of Han Shuxing.

When Yan Shang saw the contents of the letter, his heart felt sour.

Liaodong was the place where Yang Si’s family had been exiled.

His little sister looked calm; she looked as if she hadn't shed a single tear, but Yan Xiaozhou could never let go of Yang Si. She always remembered, always kept him in her thoughts.

Yan Shang wrote a letter to Han Shuxing, who had learned to read a little, telling him not to worry about what his sister did, as long as he protected her and kept her safe. Yan Shang couldn't worry more about Yan Xiaozhou, because he was stretched too thin. Mu Wanyao had not been feeling well recently and had been nursing her health; Yan Shang was busy with the peace negotiations between Great Wei and the Southern Barbarians at court, and he was also being forced by Mu Wanyao to drink medicine every day.

His concern for his relatives could only reach this extent.

On the Double Ninth Festival, under pressure from Mu Wanyao, Yan Shang finally found time to rest for a day. He had agreed to go with Mu Wanyao to pay tribute to the martyrs, to pay tribute to his teacher, Prime Minister Liu.

The Liu family had erected a cenotaph for the Prime Minister at the foot of the Southern Mountains in the suburbs, and Yan Shang was determined to pay his respects.

However, although Mu Wanyao had agreed with Yan Shang, when she woke up in the morning, she felt unwell and decided not to go, telling Yan Shang to go alone.

Yan Shang sat on the couch, looking at her frail, pale appearance, feeling a pang of heartache. "You keep saying that I’m the one with the poor health now, but I haven't been sick once since returning to Chang'an, while you have been listless the whole time. Let the imperial physician come by."

Mu Wanyao rested her hand on her forehead and hummed, "No need! It’s just my old ailment; I suppose I’m just not used to the local water and soil. I’ll be fine after I sleep."

Yan Shang found it strange: "You grew up in Chang'an; how could you not be used to the water and soil?"

Seeing him sitting by the bed speaking gently, it was clear he intended to keep talking to her for a long time. She was used to his routines and found him annoying, so she grumbled, pushing his waist and telling him to leave quickly —

"I know, I know! You just keep nagging and nagging; you’re so long-winded. Go and pay tribute to your teacher; you’ll definitely find me better when you get back. Don't I know my own body?"

Yan Shang was helpless. He knew she didn't want to see a doctor, mainly because she had been drinking medicine for years and found it disgusting; she didn't want to take any medicine for minor illnesses.

He pondered that he would check on Mu Wanyao after he returned; if she was still lying in bed all day like this, he would have to invite an imperial physician to the residence, even if he had to force her. After instructing the maids, such as Qiusi, on how to take care of the Princess, Yan Shang finally dragged himself away.

The autumn rain drizzled on.

Yan Shang stood before Prime Minister Liu’s tombstone. He paid his respects to his teacher with the utmost propriety, silent and quiet. After offering three sticks of incense, he whispered about the events that had occurred in the court over the past few months, saying how his fellow students had taken care of him.

When he reached the painful parts, he barely held back, speaking only of happy things, reporting only the good news and not the bad.

A woman’s voice came from behind: "Second Brother Yan."

Yan Shang turned back, his headband brushing across his green robe, his eyelashes dampened by the mountain rain. His clear and profound temperament caused Liu Ruozhu and her husband, Lin Dao, who were climbing the mountain, to pause.

Seeing him like this, Liu Ruozhu was stunned for a moment, her mind drifting away as she thought of the first time she saw Yan Shang.

Liu Ruozhu’s eyes grew warm as she smiled: "No matter how many years pass, I can always see Second Brother Yan before Grandfather’s grave."

Yan Shang exchanged greetings with Lin Dao and asked the couple, "Did you just return to Chang'an?"

Lin Dao said, "My wife and I only returned yesterday, just to pay tribute to Grandfather. We’ll stay for two days, and then we’ll head back to Hexi."

Yan Shang asked, "Do you want to return to Chang'an to serve as officials?"

A hint of a smile appeared on Lin Dao’s cold face: "There’s no need to trouble yourself, Minister Yan. It’s quite good outside... Ruozhu and I can collect more ancient books and protect some ancient artifacts..."

Yan Shang was silent.

After a while, he said softly: "I heard about you and Ruozhu burning the books... Was everything burned, not a single one preserved? I’ve troubled you both."

Lin Dao shook his head. He said, "Years of effort were turned to ash; it seemed hard, but this was to save the common people, and Ruozhu and I are both very happy. Nothing, no matter how good or precious, is more important than human life."

Liu Ruozhu had been quietly listening to her husband and Yan Shang speak; she gazed at the tombstone, her mind filled with the sounds and smiles of her grandfather.

Her eyes began to sting again, but she didn't want to shed tears. Liu Ruozhu turned her head, using a smile to cover the tears in the corners of her eyes, and said to Yan Shang: "Second Brother Yan, do you know? My grandfather and the other ministers once made a bet because of you. It seems they all lost. You should go down the mountain and ask them for a reward!"

Yan Shang followed Liu Ruozhu’s lead: "What?"

Liu Ruozhu smiled brightly: "Minister Zhang and the others bet that you would be a Secretariat Drafter by the age of thirty, and my grandfather bet that you would be Prime Minister by thirty. But you are only twenty-seven this year, and you are already Prime Minister.

"Now, haven't they all lost, and are you the only winner?"

Yan Shang was stunned, turning his gaze toward the silent tombstone.

The tombstone was bathed in the wind and rain, calm and serene, just like Prime Minister Liu’s austerity.

Yan Shang said softly: "What is the point of me winning such a bet?"

The smile on Liu Ruozhu’s face faded, and she also fell silent.

After a while, she said softly: "It is meaningful to win. Great Wei needs Second Brother Yan, we all need Second Brother Yan... My grandfather’s spirit in heaven will be happy for you. His student is so capable; in the underworld, Grandfather must be pulling the other ministers to drink heavily, proud of the good student he taught."

Her eyes brimmed with tears as she laughed, "Grandfather looked stern, but he was very lively in private."

She spoke of many stories about her grandfather; Lin Dao stood by her with an umbrella, and Yan Shang’s servants did the same for him. Half their bodies were drenched in rain, but no one interrupted Liu Ruozhu.

The green mountains stand forever, the deceased never return, and the newcomer blossoms.

Perhaps this is what meaning is —

That evening, after Mu Wanyao woke up, she learned that the Imperial Son-in-law had already returned. The maid said that Yan Shang had come to check on her but had already left, which caused Mu Wanyao’s eyes to dim. She had slept for a day, and since her body didn't feel as uncomfortable, she got out of bed to wash and groom, planning to go see Yan Shang.

He had seen his teacher today, and encountered Liu Ruozhu and her husband at the tomb. His heart must be very heavy.

Mu Wanyao found Yan Shang in a vacant pavilion behind a long corridor in the backyard. He was still in the bamboo-green robe he had worn when he left, but his hair was a bit disheveled, falling from his headband onto his shoulders. He sat alone at a table, eyes closed, pouring himself drink after drink.

The wind blew the maple leaves red, romantic and unconstrained. He was a sight to behold.

As Yan Shang was drinking, the wine cup in his hand was snatched away. He tilted his head to see Mu Wanyao sitting beside him, scolding him tenderly: "You’ve really learned to be bad; now you’ve learned to drink away your sorrows like other men. You’re all stinking; don't think about sleeping in my bed tonight!"

The corners of Yan Shang’s eyes were slightly red from the alcohol; his skin was fair, and his slightly parted lips were incredibly red.

Yan Shang was actually good-tempered, letting Mu Wanyao snatch his cup away in her displeasure. He supported his forehead and chuckled, "I haven't drunk much, and I’m not drinking away my sorrows. I’m just having a little, I won't let myself get drunk."

Mu Wanyao: "As if I’d believe you!"

Yan Shang smiled: "Why would I lie to you? Come and smell, is the alcohol on me heavy? I really am only having a little; I won't drink anymore after five cups."

Mu Wanyao was stunned. She crinkled her nose to sniff his neck; he tilted his head back, watching her arch over like a little kitten, and couldn't help but smile, pulling her into his arms. Mu Wanyao was instantly hit by the pungent smell of alcohol; she felt nauseated and hurriedly held her breath, enduring it.

After that wave of discomfort passed, Mu Wanyao pushed Yan Shang away: "You stink, don't hold me! How many cups have you had?"

Yan Shang was very obedient: "Only three."

Mu Wanyao thought for a moment and then generously let him pour his drink. She said, "Then I’ll drink with you. Men, sometimes drinking is nothing; it’s good to vent a little. It’s because you saw your teacher’s granddaughter today, and thought of your teacher and so many others, that you’re in a bad mood, right?"

Yan Shang responded with a low, muffled sound.

Seeing him like this, Mu Wanyao didn't stop him from drinking.

But Yan Shang’s tolerance for alcohol really hadn't improved much after all these years.

He hadn't had another cup when his body swayed, and he rested his head on Mu Wanyao’s shoulder. Mu Wanyao laughed, just about to push him up, when she felt her waist being hugged by Yan Shang, his face buried in her neck, staying still for a long time.

Mu Wanyao calmed down; she became gentle, letting him hold her without pushing him away.

Yan Shang lifted his face from her neck, his eyes lustrous and misty. He whispered, "I actually... I actually, at one point, really thought... I really had some particularly bad thoughts."

Mu Wanyao: "Second Brother Yan wouldn't have bad thoughts. What did you think?"

He quieted down.

Mu Wanyao thought he wouldn't say it, but he leaned against her ear, his voice very low, mixed with pain. He said, "At one point, I truly thought, what does it matter if everyone else dies? I only want you to live, I only want my teacher to live, I only want Yang Si to live. I only want you all to live; what does it matter to me if others die? What has that to do with me?"

Mu Wanyao was stunned.

She looked down at him.

He was buried behind her ear and beneath her neck, refusing to look up.

He hugged her waist tightly, whispering: "I cannot say these things; these bad thoughts cannot be produced when I am sober... I can only take advantage of being drunk to tell you quietly. When I wake up, then I will have said nothing.

"Yao-Yao, I only want you to live. In my heart, you are the most important; you are more important than everyone else, more important than the world, the country, the people... more important than everything.

"When I wake up... I will not admit this."

Mu Wanyao’s eyes brimmed with tears.

A storm seemed to rise in her heart as she let him hold her. It was the first time she had heard him say this, and perhaps it would be the only time. When tomorrow came, he wouldn't admit it; when tomorrow came, he would still tip the scales toward the country, the world, and the people.

But in the deepest part of his heart, he said she was ranked first.

Mu Wanyao held back her tears.

She suddenly laughed: "Worth it."

Yan Shang’s eyelashes fluttered lightly against her ear, tickling her.

Mu Wanyao was focused and intent: "I have obtained the love I wanted, and I have become the person I wanted to be. I am grateful all my life that I held onto you tightly. You are the best gift the heavens have sent me."

She poured herself a drink, and Yan Shang turned his head, lifting his face from her neck to look at her.

Mu Wanyao was full of spirit: "A toast to the heavens and earth!"

Yan Shang rested his chin on his hand, watching her with a smile. Seeing his arrogant wife pick up her wine cup, without any of the refined demeanor he had, she downed it in one go, a true heroine among women. Yan Shang looked at her with envy, thinking to himself when he would be able to drink like her.

Just as he was admiring her, he saw Mu Wanyao’s expression suddenly change, and she turned her head and vomited.

Yan Shang panicked, his face changing, and he hurriedly checked on her —

That night, the Princess’s residence invited imperial physicians throughout the night; three waves of physicians came to feel the Grand Princess’s pulse.

After conferring, the physicians looked at the Imperial Son-in-law sitting on the bed and the Princess, who was pale and listless in his arms.

Mu Wanyao was weak: "Is it another serious illness?"

She was quite frustrated, simply hating her own body.

Having spent so many years nursing it, usually she was lively, but the moment something happened, she would collapse.

The physician smiled: "What serious illness could there be? Congratulations to Your Highness and the Imperial Son-in-law; this is a pulse of joy."

The physicians waited for the Princess and the Imperial Son-in-law to give them a great reward.

A strange silence fell in the room.

The physicians looked up, confused, seeing that Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang both looked very strange.

Mu Wanyao suspected they were quacks: "Did you diagnose it wrong? How is that possible? I must have just come down with another illness."

Yan Shang also said, "Would you gentlemen mind checking again?"

The physicians: "..."

They were angry: "Can we old men not even discern such a simple pulse? Are Your Highness and the Minister doubting our medical skills? If you distrust us so much, why summon us here at all!"

Mu Wanyao insisted they had misdiagnosed, and Yan Shang gently coaxed them to check again.

In the end, it was still a pulse of joy.

The couple looked at each other, both incredibly bewildered. It was Qiusi who reacted fastest, happily leading the maids to ask for rewards: "Congratulations to Your Highness, congratulations to the Minister! Your Highness, such a happy event; you should give the gentlemen red envelopes."

Yan Shang came back to his senses and hurriedly said yes.

Holding back his bewilderment, Yan Shang wondered how Mu Wanyao could possibly be pregnant. As he sent the physicians out, he couldn't help but pull one into a corner to ask again if they had misdiagnosed. Only after receiving their repeated assurances did Yan Shang ask about the necessary precautions.

Watching the young couple’s bewildered state, the physician sighed internally. He had been checking the Princess’s pulse for years, so he naturally knew her health, not to mention that Minister Yan had been fed medicine by the old emperor back then...

The physician stroked his beard and smiled: "Minister Yan need not doubt further. Perhaps that medicine was really forced out a bit back then, perhaps the Princess’s body has already been nursed back to health over these years... In short, the Princess is truly pregnant. However, as the Princess has had... hmm, this pregnancy might be difficult, and she will be prone to miscarriage. You both must be extremely careful."

Yan Shang was stunned: "Will it be very difficult?"

The physician nodded.

Yan Shang thought for a moment, bowed to thank the physician, and told the maids to go with him to get the medicine. He returned to the room and spoke to Mu Wanyao with deep worry about what the physician had said.

Mu Wanyao, shedding her earlier doubt, was now full of joy. Hearing that her pregnancy would be prone to miscarriage, she immediately nervously covered her still-flat stomach.

Yan Shang hesitated: "If it is really like this, perhaps it would be better to..."

Mu Wanyao: "No!"

Yan Shang laughed: "I haven't even finished speaking, and you already know what I was going to say?"

Mu Wanyao: "You must have been saying forget it, since you and I have already accepted it, and since the fetus is not stable, it would be better for me to suffer less. But I don't want to; I want this child."

She was focused and stubborn, and fearing Yan Shang would still try to persuade her, she inched over and knelt on the bed, facing him.

Mu Wanyao held his face, making him look into her eyes: "I insist on bearing a child for Second Brother Yan. I must have a child of our own. I will be very, very careful... Second Brother Yan will take good care of me, won't you?

"We haven't even tried yet; why should we give up? I think I can endure this hardship; what are you afraid of?"

Yan Shang watched her quietly.

He said, "You want it that much?"

Mu Wanyao: "Especially want it, extremely want it, want it to the point of going crazy! If there wasn't one, I could accept it, but since there is one, I will definitely not let it go! Second Brother Yan and I are so good, Second Brother Yan is so excellent, and I am so capable; why can't we have children?

"This is the heavens' compensation for me. No matter how difficult, I want it!"

Yan Shang said no more; he bent down and pulled her into his arms.

Mu Wanyao mumbled in his arms: "But His Majesty didn't give you... why can there still be a child?"

Yan Shang was distracted: "Perhaps the medicine was forced out a little."

He frowned: "I don't know if it will affect the fetus."

Mu Wanyao also began to get nervous: "Then I won't drink anymore."

The two began to rejoice, starting to discuss these matters. One answer was avoided by both of them — perhaps, just as Liu Wenji had said, he had helped the couple when they didn't know it.

But that was all in the past —

Thus, another half year passed.

Great Wei and the Southern Barbarians successfully negotiated peace, and the Great Wei officials had originally expected Wei Shu to be promoted for this. Wei Shu was young and promising; occupying a Prime Minister’s position was not impossible.

Moreover, Wei Shu represented the influence of the noble families.

The noble families vaguely hoped that someone from their ranks would rise, capable of standing up to Minister Yan. However, Wei Shu submitted a memorial to the little emperor, requesting to be sent on another mission. Wei Shu did not care about the expectations and schemes the noble families had for him; he only did what he wanted to do.

The young man explained his philosophy, his voice ringing out in the court: "...Although the Southern Barbarians are pacified, the surrounding countries are uneasy because of this. Moreover, Great Wei has only negotiated the terms with the Southern Barbarians, but the Southern Barbarians are poor, and the specific situation still requires the citizens of Great Wei to go and see for themselves, to take care of them. I am willing to be that person."

His eldest brother was anxious for a moment and said immediately in court: "This trip will take several years, and you won't be able to return to court! Your future is bright; why do this?"

Why not stay in the central government and stabilize for a few years, waiting to become Prime Minister? Why not marry and have children, becoming a husband and a father?

Why was Wei Juyuan always like this!

Wei Shu bowed and faced Yan Shang, performing a salute to him: "Please approve my memorial, Minister Yan. I make this choice for the millions of common people of Great Wei, for the path of life of Great Wei. Court infighting is not what I wish for; my wish is merely this — just do good, don't ask about the future."

Yan Shang examined Wei Shu, slowly helping him up, and said warmly: "How could I dare not to acknowledge Minister Wei’s heart for the country and family?"

The little emperor in the upper seat watched the back-and-forth exchange between his ministers and couldn't help but feel his blood boil, shouting a "Bravo!" in his heart. He couldn't wait to grow up; he couldn't wait to participate in the politics of these ministers — with so many capable ministers in Great Wei, why wouldn't it prosper? —

At the beginning of the new year, Yan Shang presided over the new year imperial examinations, and Wei Shu, holding his official tally, set out on a grand mission amidst the ten-mile farewell of the little emperor.

Compared to last time, Wei Shu was now the lead envoy. If he were gone for several years, ten years, or several decades... even if he were to face these twists and turns for a lifetime, he was already prepared.

Chang'an was drizzling with spring rain.

Yan Shang and the heavily pregnant Mu Wanyao went to visit Princess Yuyang’s family, sitting in a carriage on their way back to the residence. As the couple sat in the carriage talking about politics, a young scholar suddenly ran out from an alleyway outside, a scroll in his hand, chasing the Princess’s carriage.

The scholar shouted: "Minister Yan, Minister Yan! I have come to you to submit my essays! I saw you once at the Northern Banquet, and you even praised me. Do you remember?

"Princess, Princess! Please help me look at my poetry! I heard that Your Highness is a famous talented woman; please help me!"

Pedestrians on the street stopped to watch the scholar chasing the carriage like a drowned rat. The onlookers showed sympathetic glances, thinking that this person must have had no path to the gates of the Princess’s residence and could only intercept the carriage on the road.

However, what was Minister Yan’s status, and what was the Grand Princess’s status; would they ever stop the carriage for an ordinary scholar?

Only this scholar was obsessed, chasing the carriage with all his might, shouting in despair and expectation:

"I caught a glimpse of a masterpiece! Last night in a dream, I saw an immortal, and the immortal granted me a sentence; the literary talent is outstanding! This is a poem written by an immortal, not written by me; it is really an immortal! Minister Yan, Your Highness, please listen..."

He couldn't keep up with the carriage, and feeling sad, he gradually stopped. He watched blankly as the carriage drove away, and just as he had lost hope, the carriage stopped.

He saw Yan Shang holding an umbrella, helping Mu Wanyao down.

The couple turned back to look at this poor scholar.

Yan Shang smiled: "You didn't catch a glimpse of a masterpiece, and it wasn't a poem granted by an immortal? Since you shouted so loudly, why don't you let the Princess and me listen to it?"

After becoming pregnant, Mu Wanyao’s temperament became much gentler, and her temper improved, as if she truly had some maternal love. She also laughed with Yan Shang at the poor scholar: "Read it."

The rain drifted diagonally, the mouth of the alley was wet, and the scholar was greatly inspired —

Yan Xiaozhou was in Liaodong, and after seeing Yang Si’s parents, she settled down there.

She went out to gather medicine during the day, following the doctor to treat people, and came back at night to talk to the two old people. Yang Si’s parents advised her that she didn't have to do this, but she smiled happily, claiming she was very happy and very content.

The mountains were towering and lush.

Yan Xiaozhou stood in the mountain stream with a bamboo basket on her back, followed by Han Shuxing. She supported herself on a crutch while walking on the mountain path, making the journey difficult, when something fell. She didn't notice, but Han Shuxing, who was behind her, picked it up.

Han Shuxing: "Young Lady, you dropped something."

Yan Xiaozhou turned back in confusion, her eyes suddenly going still. She saw that in Han Shuxing’s hand lay a golden bell that had had its golden pellet removed.

After this bell had its golden pellet removed, it would never ring again. It would never again make a crisp sound, and it would never again affect the soldiers on the battlefield or startle the enemy.

Yan Xiaozhou looked down at the bell, then slowly reached out and took the bell into her palm. She rubbed her cheek lightly against it and closed her eyes.

The mountains and plains were covered in flying clouds and mist.

She thought of that person, thinking of how that person said he liked hearing her voice the most. He liked hearing her voice the most, so she gave the bell to him.

In this lifetime, what exactly is love?

Can it be ground down, or can it be forgotten? Can it fade away, or can it be etched into the bones?

Is it as booming and roaring as a tidal wave, unforgettable, or is it as gurgling as spring water, endless and living?

Han Shuxing looked at the young lady in confusion, seeing Yan Xiaozhou suddenly cup her hands around her mouth and shout toward the great mountain: "Sanlang —

"Sanlang! Sanlang —!"

Her voice was hoarse and desperate, her feelings like spring water!

The whole mountain trembled, and birds flew up in alarm.

The forest responded, and the clouds flew over. Yan Xiaozhou held the bell, staring blankly at it all. Tears suddenly fell from her eyes, and then she suddenly revealed a smile. She shouted again toward the heavens and earth:

"Sanlang —"

She would wait for him forever, forever... forever! —

Zhao Lingfei rode her horse through the desert.

Her face was covered by a veil, and she was dressed in martial attire. Several horses followed her, and the people on them were just like her, traveling through Hexi with a heart of chivalry. Zhao Lingfei kept her men in check; she gradually made a name for herself in Hexi, and in such a chaotic place as Hexi, the imperial court could not maintain order completely, so knight-errants like her were needed.

Rolling yellow sand swept over, and the journey was lonely and desolate. A little brother behind her pointed in a direction: "Young Lady, look, are those the diplomatic delegation from Great Wei?!"

Zhao Lingfei suddenly turned back.

She turned back in the yellow sand, she turned back under the setting sun.

She saw the vast yellow sand, saw the wide road, and saw Wei Shu leading a team of people, walking silently along this path. He also saw her, and he looked toward her, the sunlight falling upon him, rustling like flying snow.

He looked over quietly, and slowly, a smile appeared for her.

Through him, Zhao Lingfei saw the shadows of many old friends. She saw Prime Minister Liu die on the battlefield, saw her cousin die a tragic death, saw her father beheaded in public... She sat on her horse, locking eyes with Wei Shu.

Years of time shuttled between them.

Someone from the Great Wei envoy team sent word: "This young lady, our young master would like to hire you all; may we ask if you could assist us in our mission together?"

Zhao Lingfei stared for a long time at the young man who stood in the desert like clear snow, her eyes flashing, watching him without moving —

In the pouring rain of Chang'an, the scholar took the silk scroll he had brought to submit out of his pack, and facing the noble Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang, he recited aloud —

"Apes and humans bow in parting. Just a few stones ground, during childhood. In the copper-iron furnace, flames flip, asking when can one guess? Just a few cold and hot winters. It is hard to meet a laugh in the world, on the battlefield, bending bows like the moon at one another. Blood flows all over, the suburban plains red.

"One reading finished, the head flies snow, only remembering the spots and dots, a few lines of old traces. The sacred deeds of the Five Emperors and Three Sovereigns, cheated the endless passers-by. How many romantic figures are there? After the fame of Dao Zhi and Zhuang Qiao flowed, and even the King of Chen rose up, waving his yellow axe. The song is not yet finished, the east is white!"

Ten thousand years of fleeting time, ten thousand people traveling together. The passing of time is slow, heroes compete and chase.

Everything is today!