Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 91

Chapter 91

The "Merit Stone" was transported to Leyou Plain. The Emperor, along with Mu Wanyao and the other imperial children, ascended the high viewing pavilion, while the noble men and women, as well as the common people below, all craned their necks in anticipation.

Everyone gazed at the vast plain where an object, dark and imposing like a mountain, was shrouded in cloth. Everyone knew this was the "Merit Stone," but the sheer scale of it still left them gasping in awe, even as they strained their necks upward.

Mu Wanyao stood by the Emperor and smiled gently: "Father, please take a look—"

At her signal, the guards who had been appointed as "Stone Guardian Generals" pulled together in unison, dragging down the cloth covering the stone. A roar of astonishment erupted from the commoners below; they were stunned to see the stone so towering and majestic, its surface a cold, deep, cyan hue.

The surface of the stone was uneven, densely pitted with holes. Yet, from a distance, these pits truly looked as if they were carved into characters.

The tallest pavilion of this era was only three stories high, but this stone reached the height of five stories. It would take a hundred people holding hands to circle it. One could only imagine the immense amount of grueling labor and the vast expanse of time required to transport such a giant stone from the south all the way to Chang'an, perfectly intact.

The Crown Prince squinted, eyeing the dense pits on the "Merit Stone," and asked pointedly: "Yao-yao, what characters are written on this stone?"

The Crown Prince was playing his part to support her, and Mu Wanyao naturally appreciated it.

She nodded to the Crown Prince in acknowledgement before explaining in a clear, ringing voice: "What is carved above are ancient characters, different from the ones we use today. I will read them for Father: 'For a thousand years the mandate is held, all things under heaven witness it. The four corners of the world submit in homage, ten thousand nations come to court. Here stands a stone, towering and grand, at the head of the Great River. With this stone, we commemorate the merit...'"

As the Princess explained to the Emperor and the royal family on the pavilion, the clever eunuchs flanking the Emperor immediately passed her explanation down layer by layer.

The young woman’s voice was clear and melodious. People above and below the pavilion stretched their necks, while the eunuchs ran up and down, back and forth, trip after trip—

The nobles below asked: "What else? What did the Princess say?"

The eunuch panted, wiping away sweat: "The first line: 'For a thousand years the mandate is held, all things under heaven witness it.'"

The scholars and noble ladies murmured to themselves, nodding repeatedly.

"The four corners of the world submit in homage, ten thousand nations come to court."

The noble men and women grabbed the eunuchs, their eyes reddening with urgency: "And then? What else?"

The eunuch replied: "I will go and listen again!"

While the people below urged them on, the royals above also nodded frequently. The envoys trailing behind the Emperor and his party were confused, largely because their most linguistically gifted members had gone off to participate in the "Literary Tournament." However, seeing the eunuchs running until they were drenched in sweat and witnessing the awe on the faces of the Chang'an residents, the envoys realized these must be words of praise and hastily ordered their own people to record them.

A gust of willow catkins drifted past the pavilion, the water and sky gleaming under the sun, shimmering like gold and silver.

The Emperor listened quietly to the exclamations of the crowd and the explanations of his youngest daughter. Everyone seemed highly agitated, crowding toward the stone, eager to see it more closely.

A smile appeared on the Emperor's face.

Mu Wanyao observed him. Seeing his smile, she said smoothly: "Father, this stone is massive and difficult to transport into Chang'an. Why not leave it here on Leyou Plain? We can build a garden surrounding this stone. Once the garden is established, with the Merit Stone at its center, everyone in future generations will be able to see Father’s contributions."

The Emperor looked at Mu Wanyao and said: "Your hard work, Yao-yao."

Mu Wanyao smiled: "My grandfather’s family helped quite a bit as well."

The Emperor replied with an "Hmm": "They worked hard as well."

Mu Wanyao added: "And there was the support of the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince hadn't kept the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works opening the roads, this stone would never have reached Chang'an."

The Emperor looked at the Crown Prince and said: "The Crown Prince has also done very well."

The Crown Prince was startled and felt a sense of pleasant surprise. He quickly replied that it was his duty and that it was merely to celebrate Father’s birthday, hardly worth mentioning.

The Emperor stated: "The Crown Prince has handled matters well. From now on, I will hold court once every five days; for the remaining time, the Crown Prince shall act as regent in my stead."

The Crown Prince quickly agreed.

Once he turned away, the Crown Prince looked at Mu Wanyao, who offered him a smile. The Crown Prince also showed a hint of a smile, knowing that his efforts had not been in vain.

Looking elsewhere, the Crown Prince and the Prince of Qin exchanged a glance.

The Li clan had used the Merit Stone to signal their submission to the Emperor, and the Emperor had accepted their concession. From now on, the conflict between the Emperor and the southern aristocratic families would likely not be as rigid as before. Does this mean the Emperor will stop pressuring the families?

At the very least, at this moment, both the Crown Prince and the Prince of Qin hoped the Emperor would not continue to suppress the aristocratic families.

The Prince of Qin’s mother’s family were major landowners in Nanyang—an aristocratic family in their own right. Even if the Crown Prince’s background was inferior, he still had the backing of the Yang family. If the Emperor were to blindly suppress the families, it would be detrimental to both of them.

The Prince of Jin, however, did not care.

Because his Princess was a second wife, her background was inevitably not very noble. The Prince of Jin, at least on the surface, did not compete with his two older brothers. When they probed the Emperor’s intentions, he merely followed behind the Emperor, purely focusing on appreciating the poetry carved on the stone.

The Emperor turned back and saw the Prince of Jin instructing his own men to record the poem.

The Emperor was surprised: "Fifth son, why are you recording this?"

The Prince of Jin hastily replied: "This poem praises Father; naturally, I must record it so that when I return to my estate, I can savor it daily."

The Emperor remarked: "It is just common prose, not a good poem."

The Prince of Jin countered: "Regardless of whether it is good or bad, it is all praise for Father. To me, it is already precious..."

The Emperor watched him silently for two breaths before shifting his gaze.

The Prince of Qin cursed in his heart: "Sycophant."

Naturally, the Crown Prince would not let the Emperor’s attention be drawn away by the Prince of Jin. The Crown Prince said: "Father, let us go and see the real Literary Tournament."

The Emperor turned and left first, and the others followed. Mu Wanyao deliberately lagged a step behind, waiting at the very end to watch the Prince of Jin.

Mu Wanyao said to the Prince of Jin with a half-smile: "Fifth Brother, the flattery just now was a bit over the top."

The Prince of Jin looked confused: "What is Sixth Sister saying? What I said just now was from the bottom of my heart. Surely you all aren't misunderstanding me?"

Actually, the two times the Emperor had watched him silently, he had suddenly realized that he had gone a bit too far. Today was Mu Wanyao’s stage, and it was the Crown Prince’s stage. For him to praise so bluntly... the Prince of Jin felt a twinge of annoyance, thinking he had been too hasty.

Because the Emperor had given the Crown Prince so much authority, he had, in the end, been anxious.

Seeing the frustration in the Prince of Jin’s eyes, Mu Wanyao knew he had received her warning, so she smiled slightly and said nothing more. She sighed in her heart, not expecting that one day, she would actually be able to understand the meaning behind their subtle, unspoken words and glances, and even be able to offer a warning to the Prince of Jin.

As she walked down the pavilion with the Prince of Jin, she asked: "Is Chunhua doing well?"

The Prince of Jin felt a stir in his heart and smiled: "She is about to give birth... When will you come to my manor to see her, Sixth Sister?"

Mu Wanyao rested her chin on her hand, smiling mischievously: "When I am free. Unless, if I don't go, will Fifth Brother abuse her? I am not in a hurry."

The two chatted until they left the pavilion, caught up with the main group, and went together to watch the Literary Tournament.

Everyone was respectful toward Mu Wanyao. When they boarded their carriages, hers was only one rank below the Emperor and the Crown Prince.

A dispute broke out during the boarding. Originally, after seeing the Crown Prince board his carriage, the Grand Princess of Luling naturally expected to follow, but to everyone’s surprise, the eunuchs had assigned the third position to the Princess of Danyang. Naturally, the Grand Princess of Luling refused to accept this and made a great scene. The eunuchs, however, remained as steady as mountains, saying only that it was a "capital offense" to deviate from the order, refusing to let the Grand Princess go ahead.

The Grand Princess of Luling was so angry her whole body trembled: "Every time before this, I went first! I am the Emperor’s own sister! You dog servants, is it because you see I have lost favor that you dare to bully me? You just wait until I report this..."

"What is the matter?" A cold male voice followed.

Hearing a familiar voice, Mu Wanyao, who was sitting in her carriage, lifted the curtain and saw a eunuch in yellow robes, his features delicate and clean. It was Liu Wenji, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.

Liu Wenji understood the situation and said to the Grand Princess: "I ask that Your Highness do not cause a disturbance before the Emperor. Regarding the arrangements we have made for Your Highness, does Your Highness really think the Emperor is unaware? If the Imperial Palace is a family, then the Emperor is the head of the house, we are all servants of the house, and you are the relatives of the head. When we arrange seating for the head’s relatives, we naturally seek instructions from the head."

The Grand Princess was stunned: "You mean, the Emperor has known all along... How could he treat me this way..."

Liu Wenji lowered his eyes: "That, this servant does not know."

The Grand Princess felt lost and forlorn, standing blankly under the carriages, watching the forest of banners and the procession of vehicles driving past her. Yet, in her spot, it was as if snow were falling in the sixth month; her heart felt chillingly cold.

She had clearly returned to the Emperor’s side during the ceremony, the Emperor had forgiven her, and she had been able to socialize in Chang'an once again. But now, her position had been replaced by the Princess of Danyang, by that little girl... Why was the Emperor so ruthless to her?

Could it be, perhaps... The Grand Princess of Luling’s heart skipped a beat, wondering if the Emperor had found out about her cooperation with the Crown Prince?

But... didn’t the Princess of Danyang also cooperate with the Crown Prince? Why did he allow his daughter to touch politics but not his own sister?

Liu Wenji said: "This servant offers Your Highness one piece of advice: whatever Your Highness intends to do, please be consistent. If you change your path halfway, do not blame others."

The Grand Princess of Luling remained in a daze for a long time, her mind empty. As a fragrant breeze blew and the curtains fluttered, she looked up and saw Mu Wanyao peering out from a carriage filled with treasures and incense.

The Grand Princess of Luling instantly thought of Yan Shang and realized that the beginning of her downfall—the very first step—was that night she met Yan Shang... and it was also Yan Shang who suggested she defect to the Crown Prince!

In Chang'an now, after the incident at South Mountain, who could not see that the relationship between the Second Young Master Yan and the Princess of Danyang was far from simple?

The Grand Princess gritted her teeth: "Mu Wanyao!"

Mu Wanyao, sitting in her carriage, smiled at the person below. Being too lazy to say anything more, she let down the curtain, blocking the Grand Princess's resentful gaze.

Golden sunlight shone through the curtains into the carriage. Mu Wanyao examined her slender fingers, a feeling of immense gratification rising in her heart.

With gold leaf and gold powder applied to her forehead and the corners of her eyes, her beautiful eyes rippled with light as she squinted, admiring the wretched Grand Princess below, along with the gawking crowd of commoners. She knew clearly that she would no longer need to be sent off for a political marriage, the Emperor had to listen to her, and the Grand Princess dared not look down on her anymore—

And all of this was brought about by power.

This was all obtained because she participated in politics.

Power was so intoxicating; Mu Wanyao had only just begun to emerge, and she was already deeply moved, wanting more and more power. She had chosen this path correctly, and she would walk it with even greater determination.

The look in Mu Wanyao’s eyes turned cold and firm—

Over at the military exercise grounds, Concubine Zhao Ling was fuming. Reluctant and unwilling, she didn't want to protect Wei Shu at all. However, she looked up, wanting to see with aggressive momentum just who it was she was supposed to protect. Upon seeing Wei Shu, she suddenly froze.

The young lady’s face flushed red instantly. As she secretly thought that this person was truly good-looking, she also felt annoyed that the Second Brother Yan was so cruel, as if he knew her weaknesses perfectly and was deliberately using this to target her. She glared at Yan Shang, but Yan Shang only looked back at her with a gentle expression.

Zhao Ling could not bring herself to vent her anger on Yan Shang. Finally, she kicked Yang Si and ran out of the camp tent.

Yang Si: "..."

Damn.

Collateral damage, innocent bystanders.

Yan Shang had used a Wei Shu to dismiss Zhao Ling, and then he and Yang Si went out to inspect the troops. They had watched for less than a quarter of an hour when a soldier came to report: "The enemy army has charged down the mountain! The sentries have already seen them!"

Yan Shang let the people beside him begin to record the time and said: "The Wuman King reacts very quickly."

Yang Si said: "Then let us move out, too. We should order the cavalry to form ranks and meet the attack."

Yan Shang: "Split into several groups."

Yang Si: "Hmm, right. A good way to test them."

Yang Si looked up and surveyed the surroundings, feeling dissatisfied with the temporarily constructed city tower. He said bluntly: "Let us leave the city and find a good spot on the mountain; it will be more convenient to observe the battle."

Soldiers moved in and out of the camp. Yang Si had no intention of entering the battle himself, and Yan Shang had his own thoughts, so he naturally agreed.

An hour later, the two sides were engaged in battle beneath the city walls. The Great Wei side was well-equipped, and their numbers were similar to the opponent. However, the army led by the Wuman King possessed an intense momentum. As soon as they clashed, the Great Wei’s morale was dampened.

Yan Shang and Yang Si stood on a mountain near the city tower—a vantage point Yang Si had chosen—from which the two of them could see the situation clearly.

Seeing the Great Wei side faltering immediately, Yan Shang shook his head and ordered the soldier behind him: "Write that down."

Yang Si crossed his arms and said thoughtfully: "Both sides have the same equipment, the same horses, and even the same number of people. Yet, the Great Wei side is still lacking. Since they are at a disadvantage, give the order for them to retreat and return to the city."

Yan Shang looked at him: "What is your plan?"

Yang Si: "Since we cannot fight head-on, we can only divide our troops and squads to harass them from the sidelines."

Yan Shang nodded, listening to Yang Si, who was leaning his chin on his hand: "However, the situation has only just begun, and Meng Zaishi is rushing in so impatiently. Could it be only because the Wuman King is brave and wants to catch the Great Wei off guard?"

Yan Shang replied: "It is due to the environment."

Yang Si raised an eyebrow.

Yan Shang: "I previously investigated the situation in Wuman specifically. I even wrote a report to my teacher about it, though he has yet to reply. I was not certain before, but seeing the Wuman King so anxious now, my guess has been confirmed to some extent."

"The terrain and climate of Wuman are different from those of Great Wei. They cannot fight in Great Wei for long. If the conflict drags on, their bodies will react poorly. Therefore, when the Wuman King set the terms for this military exercise with our side, he stipulated only three days. The fact that he charged his formation as soon as the battle began shows that he cannot afford to wait."

Standing in the lush greenery, the two looked at the dust swirling beneath the makeshift city tower, watching the Great Wei troops withdraw into the city. The Wuman side did not retreat but began to charge the city gates.

Yang Si casually ordered them to defend the city. He wasn't anxious, knowing that on the very first day, with Great Wei prepared, the Wuman could not possibly break through. Compared to the battle below, Yang Si was more interested in Yan Shang’s words.

Yang Si: "Doesn't your reasoning mean that if our war with Wuman can be dragged out, Great Wei is very likely to win? Because the Wuman cannot adapt to our climate."

Yan Shang countered: "What constitutes a victory?"

Yang Si did not hesitate: "Drive them back to their own land. Follow up on the momentum and, if possible, occupy their territory as well."

Yan Shang: "But they cannot adapt to our climate, and we cannot adapt to theirs. Great Wei people who go to Wuman will also get sick; in severe cases, they die within twelve hours of entering. I asked Her Highness the Princess about this, and she confirmed my suspicions. Many of the people who followed the Princess to her political marriage died from the change of climate."

Yang Si was stunned, his lips thinning into a sharp line.

Yan Shang concluded: "That is why we must form an alliance with Wuman. They cannot defeat us, and we cannot defeat them. Since we are evenly matched, it is better to cooperate."

Yang Si: "I never expected that an alliance between two countries would have so many underlying reasons."

He added: "But fortunately, this is not a problem I have to worry about now."

He rubbed his wrists and signaled for Yan Shang to return to the city: "Let us send some troops to harass the enemy camp. Reciprocity is courtesy."

Yan Shang agreed to Yang Si’s plan and had the soldier record it. He didn't intervene much in matters of strategy. But as he walked down the mountain with Yang Si, Yan Shang shared his own plan: "Since we intend to harass them, why not go straight for their grain and supplies?"

Yang Si paused. He didn't always seem clever, but at this moment, Yan Shang only had to say a single sentence for Yang Si to react instantly: "We cannot fight them head-on, so you want to scare them in multiple waves? And then, when they lose patience, concentrate our forces to attack their grain supplies in the rear?"

Yan Shang nodded.

Yang Si: "But if I am not mistaken, the Wuman King is thinking the same thing. He will also strike at our supplies."

Yan Shang said calmly: "Didn't you say your cousin is good at martial arts? I have no other requests; as long as Concubine Ling can protect Juyuan from injury, that is enough. If Juyuan cannot hold out, he can simply concede."

Yang Si laughed: "That will have to be a last-resort concession. In the meantime, we fully intend to put up a good fight."

Yan Shang asked: "Then I wonder when the Third Young Master intends to enter the fray?"

Yang Si casually plucked a grass stem and shook it in his hand. His silhouette was cut into a very long shape by the sunlight. Yan Shang followed behind him, watching him turn his head and offer a teasing smile: "Naturally, I will coordinate with your final strike on the grain stores."

"The center wants us to lose, but I still want to spar with Meng Zaishi. My intention is to map out their military strength. I don't know what your intention is? Yan Er, we have come this far; you can at least tell me the bottom line, can't you?"

Yan Shang whispered: "The center’s order is for us to lose, but I want the Wuman King—to be defeated even in victory."

On the side of the Literary Tournament, the noble ladies of Chang'an held the fort, responding to the challenges of the envoys in many batches over three consecutive days.

To preside over this competition, Mu Wanyao naturally stayed at Leyou Plain for three days straight. She often watched from the side during the competitions, sometimes acting as a judge.

At the same time, the tremors on the ground never ceased, and the situation from the military exercises was constantly being reported here. Even without sending people, news came via fast horses, one after another—

"Reporting to Your Majesty, today our army raided the envoys' rear grain supplies three times in succession. Taking advantage of the chaos, our men shouted that 'the Wei army has arrived,' causing the enemy to panic. A minor victory for our side!"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Wuman King personally approached the city walls, shot a Wei general down with an arrow, and dragged him for a mile. That general conceded and withdrew from the exercises."

"Report: The Wuman King was dragged off his horse by our men, but he fought a hundred men alone until reinforcements arrived to rescue him."

"Report: The Third Young Master of the Yang family in the Wei army took only ten men to charge the enemy. Both sides engaged beneath the city walls, and in the end, he brought a hundred of the enemy to surrender!"

"Report: The Wei army suffered a minor defeat today and reached an agreement with the Wuman King for a ceasefire, yet both sides have gone off for night raids..."

As reports of the battlefield situation came in one after another, the people at the Literary Tournament were also stirred, their poetry, calligraphy, and paintings filled with clashing martial intent.

Mu Wanyao was also worried about the situation over there. She constantly sent people to quietly ask if Yan Shang had been injured, or if Yang Si had been hurt. She also privately ordered the messengers to tell Yan Shang not to run into the battlefield if he didn't have to, and just to command from the outside...

With the situation unstable, Mu Wanyao listened in anxiety, while the children of Chang'an listened with their blood pumping, excited and agitated.

Over the course of two or three days, the names of the Wuman King and the Third Young Master Yang spread among the youths of Chang'an. Both were young talents with such strong martial prowess that these spirited noble men and women of Great Wei wished they could witness the military exercises in person to see how the two sides fought.

However, war is not child's play; even a military exercise is not a theatrical performance for outsiders. The scholars and poets could only wring their hands and regret being unable to watch.

They regretted not being friends with the Third Young Master Yang, and they regretted not seeing the Wuman King’s demeanor with their own eyes!

The Hanlin Academy reacted very quickly. With the Prince of Qin’s arrangements, just as the crowd’s souls were stirred by the wars, the Hanlin Academy began writing books to report the progress of the military exercises in real-time, while writing poetry and prose to sing the praises of those involved.

The key was that the books from the Hanlin Academy were not for the noble men and women; they were directly aimed at the common people.

When Mu Wanyao heard this, she immediately arched her brows, feeling that the Prince of Qin was stealing the limelight from the Literary Tournament. It was just writing about the battle situation! The Literary Tournament side could do that too!

Mu Wanyao ordered people to inquire about the situation at the Hanlin Academy and told those scholars to stop writing.

Liu Ruozhu had just finished a painting competition with someone and had witnessed the Princess’s outburst the whole time. Mu Wanyao had cursed the Prince of Qin through gritted teeth and sent people to the Hanlin Academy, saying she wanted to find an excuse to have those scholars locked up so they wouldn't disrupt things.

Liu Ruozhu requested: "Your Highness, may I go?"

Mu Wanyao glanced at her, her eyes flashing. She thought that the Hanlin Academy would likely be embarrassed to bully the young daughter of the Chancellor, so she sent Liu Ruozhu as well.

After Liu Ruozhu left, Mu Wanyao had an idea and wanted to seek the Emperor’s intervention, so she also headed out.

When Liu Ruozhu arrived, the Hanlin Academy had set up their stage like storytellers, unfolding desks where pens and paper flew. Several scholars were busy writing. A young official sat to one side, and the books they wrote were handed to him; only when he nodded would these books be circulated for the Chang'an men and women standing outside the tents to read.

This young official not only reviewed the writings of others, but he also held his own pen.

The people sent by the Princess arrived and told the Hanlin scholars to stop, while the Chang'an men and women blocked them discontentedly outside the tents.

Liu Ruozhu stood in the crowd, looking left and right.

The person sent to deliver the message spoke to the young official who controlled the pens and ink. He said this was the Princess’s wish. The young official frowned and said perfunctorily: "As you can see, the people outside are waiting to read, and the Hanlin Academy is reporting for everyone’s sake. Everyone is interested in the exercises. Why must the Princess stop us?"

The young men and women below immediately chimed in: "That’s right! The Literary Tournament side has already monopolized the aristocratic families. Those of us from humble backgrounds can't get close, but surely we should be allowed to know how the exercises are going? We are very concerned about the Wei army as well."

They spoke all at once, leaving the Princess’s messenger flustered and at a loss. He could only scowl: "Presumptuous!"

Liu Ruozhu stood in the crowd, watching the young official, who was sitting calmly on a low stool and stirring up trouble, reveal a hint of a smile. He handed a booklet he had just finished writing—still smelling of ink—to a minor official, ordering him to continue passing it on.

Taking advantage of the chaotic argument, Liu Ruozhu squeezed to the very front. While the others were busy quarreling, she stood on tiptoe and snatched the newly written booklet. Pushed and shoved by the crowd, Liu Ruozhu swayed left and right, but she struggled to lower her head and opened the book to read.

She saw the title was "Record of Chang'an Heroes."

Liu Ruozhu frowned, thinking: What an arrogant name.

She looked up at the person. She paused, noticing that the young official was staring at her; clearly, he had already noticed her.

Liu Ruozhu’s heart leaped in a panic, and she quickly pretended not to see him, bowing her head to read rapidly. The person’s literary talent was excellent, and what he wrote was quite interesting. Reading through it in a hurry, it was hard to find fault, but—Liu Ruozhu shouted as loudly as she could: "Since it is a 'Record of Heroes,' why only record the military exercises and not the Literary Tournament? Why only record the men and not the women? In the eyes of the Hanlin scholars, is our women’s literary contest meaningless, and only your military exercises worth interest?"

The young official was startled.

He realized this young lady hiding in the crowd must be the person sent by the Princess to trouble the Hanlin Academy. He hadn't expected that this young lady would actually dare to speak up, staring at him with wide eyes.

Holding the booklet, Liu Ruozhu summoned her courage and raised her voice to override the sound of everyone else: "What you have written is unjust! If what you write yourself is unjust, what right do you have to review others'? We want to see a true 'Record of Heroes,' not an 'Record of Heroes' that only includes men like yours."

The young official sneered: "Young Lady, stop joking. This was meant to be written for the military exercises..."

Liu Ruozhu grit her teeth: "Whatever, what you wrote is wrong, and I refuse to accept it!"

The young official said perfunctorily: "Heroes are only men. That is all I have ever seen. Don't be unreasonable..."

The men and women glared angrily at Liu Ruozhu, discovering that this chattering woman had actually appeared in their crowd. Fearing that the Hanlin Academy might listen to her and stop the books, they immediately turned on Liu Ruozhu. Liu Ruozhu was flushed with fright by the crowd, yet she clutched the booklet and refused to budge.

The young official stared at Liu Ruozhu in surprise, seeing that she still would not run away.

The area outside the Hanlin Academy’s tent was chaotic until a clear, ringing female voice was heard: "What are you arguing about? What is wrong with what Lady Liu said? There is both the military exercise and the Literary Tournament. There are both men and women. How can you produce a 'Record of Chang'an Heroes' with such an arrogant name, yet there are no heroes who are women among them?"

Everyone turned back in unison, ready to explode in anger, only to see it was the Princess of Danyang.

And then, they became even more panicked.

Because it was not just Mu Wanyao who had come; the Emperor had come, too.

Mu Wanyao had brought the Emperor along to watch the show—

The two sides argued, each holding to their own words.

The Emperor mused.

Finally, he said to Mu Wanyao: "In that case, this is indeed unjust.

"For the literary contest of you women, you shall write a book titled 'Song of the Daughters of Chang'an';

"For the battles of the military exercises, the Hanlin Academy shall write 'Song of the Youths of Chang'an';

"And I, too, would like to join in on the fun of you young people. You..."

The Emperor looked at the young Hanlin scholar, who bowed hastily: "Your subject’s name is Lin Dao, courtesy name Yanzhi."

The Emperor nodded: "Then, Minister Lin, I shall borrow the title 'Record of Chang'an Heroes' to commemorate today’s grand event."

Lin Dao naturally agreed.

Pen and ink were brought forth. Mu Wanyao spoke again, requesting the Emperor to provide a preface for all three books. The Emperor glanced at her and agreed with a smile—

Night fell. At the military exercise grounds, Yan Shang and Yang Si had split their troops.

A man named Han Shuxing came from the Princess’s manor. His figure was very similar to Meng Zaishi’s, and he was originally intended to be used by the Princess to impersonate the Wuman King. Since that was no longer needed, Yan Shang had used him, mixing him into the army several times to harass the enemy’s rear camps and intercept their supplies.

But the first two days, Han Shuxing had acted alongside other soldiers.

That night, Yan Shang led them to personally raid the enemy’s army.

Yang Si did not combine forces with them; instead, he took only about a hundred men and left the formation, his whereabouts unknown.

The Wuman King had left men to guard the camp, while he himself, taking advantage of the dark night, went to raid the Wei army’s grain supplies, determined to wipe out the Wei army that night.

Inside the Wei army, with the main force gone, Wei Shu was sitting in the tent looking over account books when he suddenly heard the horses and men outside turn chaotic, and a fire ignited... He slowly set down the books, knowing that for this final array, he would have to buy time for Yan Shang and Yang Si—

In Leyou Plain, wine was being passed back and forth, and people from all walks of life waited, anticipating the Emperor’s inscription.

The Emperor closed his eyes for a moment, then spoke slowly, reading the same preface for the three texts:

"In the twenty-third year of Youhe, in the spring, the winds are favorable and the rains are timely. A hundred envoys have come to court to celebrate my birthday.”

"The singing does not cease, the pen does not pause in its history, singing and chanting... the merits and faults over a thousand autumns, let three books be recorded: 'Song of the Daughters,' 'Song of the Youths,' and 'Record of Heroes.' May my Great Wei enjoy the mandate of the Nine-Five, its grace bestowing blessings for ten thousand generations!"