Since he had already taken leave, Tang Shen, dressed in his wrinkled official robe, fled back home in a panic.

Yao San had gone to Ningzhou a few days earlier to handle logistics for Baibao Pavilion, leaving only Tang Huang and Aunt Yao at home. Both were startled to see Tang Shen. Tang Huang asked, “Don’t you have to go to the office today, Brother?” She thought for a moment, “Isn’t today a workday?”

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Tang Shen brushed it off casually, “I had something to attend to, so I came back early.” But after taking a few steps, he suddenly turned back, “Aren’t you curious why I didn’t come home last night?”

Tang Huang smiled and countered, “Why should we be curious? Yesterday afternoon, Minister Wang sent someone to our house, saying you would be having a drink with him at the Minister Residence and would likely stay the night. Brother, it’s not like you haven’t slept at the Minister Residence before. What’s so strange about that?”

Tang Shen: “…”

Returning to his study, Tang Shen fumed, “You really had it all planned out, Wang Zifeng!”

Tang Shen couldn’t help but sigh, feeling that he might never outwit Wang Zifeng in this lifetime. Yet, his future was now irrevocably tied to the man. A pang of regret rose in his heart—was it too late to change his mind…?

Whether it was too late or not, Tang Shen didn’t know, but one thing was certain: he had no chance.

At this point, Tang Shen hadn’t considered that several high-ranking officials in the court had already guessed the nature of his relationship with Wang Zhen. Early the next morning, he went to court. Just after the court session ended, Chief Eunuch Ji Fu came to fetch him. Wang Zhen was busy talking with Right Prime Minister Wang Quan, but from a distance, he noticed Tang Shen being led away by Ji Fu, and a meaningful expression appeared on his face.

Wang Quan, seeing this, glanced at Tang Shen’s retreating figure and immediately understood, “Worried?”

Wang Zhen feigned surprise, “Worried about what?”

Wang Quan, “His Majesty wouldn’t summon Tang Jingze to Chuigong Hall for no reason. You publicly requested leave for him yesterday. I’ve already guessed it. If His Majesty asks around, he’ll probably figure it out too. Aren’t you afraid that when he meets His Majesty, he might say something wrong and provoke His Majesty?”

Wang Zhen smiled leisurely and countered, “Uncle, what do you think I like about him?”

“Oh, what?”

“He never needs me to worry about him. He is Tang Jingze. His current position isn’t truly dependent on me.”

Wang Quan was momentarily speechless.

Meanwhile, Tang Shen was led to Chuigong Hall. Along the way, he pondered why Zhao Fu wanted to see him. Was it about a new assignment related to the Silver Pull Division? Or perhaps about Second Prince Zhao Shang’s activities in Gusu, where he had interfered with the Military Silver Exchange Bank?

When he arrived at Chuigong Hall, Tang Shen bowed and remained silent. Unexpectedly, Zhao Fu also said nothing, simply smiling at him.

Ji Fu, standing nearby, was quite surprised.

Since the Empress Dowager’s passing, the Emperor had rarely been in such a mood. At this moment, Zhao Fu seemed to have regained some of his former vitality, no longer spending his days listening to the monk Shanting recite sutras or tapping his wooden fish, his intentions inscrutable.

Tang Shen felt Zhao Fu’s gaze on him and wondered what he had done to warrant such attention. However, since Zhao Fu remained silent, Tang Shen couldn’t speak first.

After a long while, Zhao Fu’s gentle voice finally broke the silence, “I recall Jing Ze came of age this year, didn’t you?”

Tang Shen, “Yes.”

“You’re already twenty. Why haven’t you married yet?”

Tang Shen’s heart skipped a beat. A possibility dawned on him, but he didn’t dare dwell on it.

Zhao Fu sighed deeply, “You all always make me worry! Fei Ran is already twenty-six and still shows no intention of marrying. Last month, I called him over and asked him about it. Guess what he said? He claimed there wasn’t a single woman in Shengjing worthy of his attention—not even my princess!”

Tang Shen was startled. He cautiously observed Zhao Fu’s expression. He believed Su Wenyun might dare to tell the emperor that he wasn’t marrying because he hadn’t found the right woman, but he doubted Su Wenyun would dare say that even a princess wasn’t good enough for him. This was likely Zhao Fu’s casual remark, but the fact that he said it in front of Tang Shen showed just how much he favored Su Wenyun.

“Jing De also worries me. His wife passed away last year. I suggested he remarry, but he said he already had an heir, so why bother?”

By now, Tang Shen understood what Zhao Fu was getting at. He kept his head bowed, wishing he could bury it in the floor tiles.

Zhao Fu leaned forward, resting his upper body on the table, and peered at the back of Tang Shen’s head with a mix of kindness and teasing, “So now I want to know, Jing Ze, why haven’t you married? And what about your senior brother? He’s already twenty-nine. Why hasn’t he married either?”

Tang Shen felt like his head was about to explode. He kept his head down and replied loudly, “I… I don’t know.”

Zhao Fu burst into laughter.

Tang Shen was at a loss.

After laughing, Zhao Fu looked at Tang Shen’s flustered expression, and a genuine fondness of an elder for the younger generation flickered in his eyes. He spoke earnestly, “Ten years ago, when I learned of Zi Feng’s preference, I was worried for him. I know Zi Feng’s character. If he truly loves someone, he would give them his heart and soul. What if he fell for a scoundrel? But now that I know it’s you, I’m at ease. I never thought that before I closed my eyes, I would see the two of you together. It’s a relief to have one less thing on my mind.”

Tang Shen looked up at Zhao Fu.

Zhao Fu waved his hand, “Since I’ve called you here and teased you, I naturally have a reward for you. It’s already been sent to the Minister Residence.”

Tang Shen bowed respectfully, “I thank Your Majesty for your grace.”

“You may go.”

As Tang Shen stepped out of Chuigong Hall, he paused for a moment before continuing forward. In the vast palace, a small figure in red walked steadily away from the heavy palace gates, his steps firm and resolute, showing no hesitation.

After Tang Shen left, Ji Fu stood quietly to the side, cautiously observing Zhao Fu.

Having served Zhao Fu for over fifty years, there were times when Ji Fu felt he understood this emperor, and other times when he was utterly baffled. For instance, just now, whether Zhao Fu’s words to Tang Shen were genuine or feigned, Ji Fu couldn’t tell. Ji Fu thought that Tang Jingze probably didn’t understand either. Even Wang Zifeng, if he were here, might only sigh and say, “The Emperor’s heart is inscrutable.”

However, Ji Fu had one advantage over Tang Shen and Wang Zhen. After Tang Shen left, the emperor caressed the warm celadon teacup and murmured as if to himself, “I like them even more now.”

Ji Fu memorized these words, planning to ponder them later.

The emperor had said that the imperial gifts had been sent to the Minister Residence, but Tang Shen had no intention of going to see them. When he left the Censorate that day, he spotted the sedan chair of the Senior Grand Secretary of the Left from the Department of State Affairs, a first-rank official, waiting at the gate. Tang daren glanced sideways at it, then walked past with his head held high, not even looking inside.

Wang Zhen stepped out of the carriage and called, “Jing Ze.”

Tang Shen ignored him and kept walking.

Wang daren sighed, “Still angry.”

In matters of strategy, it’s all about tension and release.

Wang daren, being a reasonable man, naturally wouldn’t add fuel to the fire. He gave Tang Shen two days to cool off.

However, on the third day, Fu Wei suddenly sent invitations to his two students, saying he had acquired a particularly fine painting and wanted them to come to his residence to appreciate it together. Tang Shen couldn’t refuse and had to go to the Fu Residence that night. When he arrived, Wang Zifeng was already seated in the flower hall.

Tang Shen kept his eyes down and silently sat down across from Wang Zhen.

Tang Shen, “Sir, where is the painting?”

Fu Wei, “The painting? Of course, there’s a painting. Wen Shu, go fetch the painting.”

Wen Shu immediately ran to the study and brought back a scroll. The painting wasn’t very long, and Wen Shu could hold it open with both hands. At first glance, Tang Shen was stunned, feeling a wave of confusion. But when he saw the seal at the end, he couldn’t help but laugh, “I never expected it to be a masterpiece by the Master of Insignificant Talent. Truly a fine painting.”

Fu Xiru, the Master of Insignificant Talent, stroked his beard and laughed, “Jing Ze has also noticed the brilliance of this painting. Excellent, excellent. You have a discerning eye. What do you think, Zi Feng?”

Tang Shen also glanced discreetly at Wang Zhen.

Wang Zhen’s gaze lingered on the painting for a moment, then he turned to Fu Wei and smiled, “Sir, how did you find out?”

Tang Shen was taken aback.

Fu Wei looked embarrassed, “I don’t understand what you mean.”

Wang Zhen, “His Majesty hasn’t summoned you to the palace recently, so it couldn’t have been him. You’re not close with Ji or Xu xianggong, so it couldn’t have been them either.” After a pause, Wang Zhen sighed, “So it was Second Uncle.”

Fu Wei: “…”

Tang Shen also suddenly understood: “…”

What kind of “bad news travels fast” is this!

The flower hall fell into silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Suddenly, Fu Wei said, “Hai, I was just concerned about you two. What’s wrong with that! How could you plan to keep this from me? You’re both my students. How could you not tell your teacher about such an important matter? Is this proper etiquette? Is this proper conduct!”

Tang Shen thought to himself: My relationship with Wang Zifeng is the most improper thing of all!

Tang Shen, “It’s Jing Ze’s fault.”

Fu Wei immediately gained confidence and turned to scold Wang Zhen, “And you, why did you hide it from me? What were you thinking?”

Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow slightly, but after glancing at Tang Shen, who was bowing his head in apology, he smiled and also bowed, “This student was wrong.” Then he added, “This feels a bit like bowing to parents.” (TN: a step in marriage rites)

Fu Wei was stunned.

Tang Shen also didn’t react immediately, but when he did, he was furious, “Wang Zifeng!”

Wang Zhen laughed heartily.

Fu Wei, watching from the side, was even more stunned. He had never seen Wang Zifeng like this before. After a long while, he stroked his beard, feeling deeply gratified.

Soon, dinner was served, and the three of them ate at the residence. During the meal, Fu Wei chatted with them for a while, but being older, he soon retired to rest.

Tang Shen and Wang Zhen walked together through the garden of Fu Residence. Gradually, Tang Shen realized, “Are you taking me to the pond?”

Wang Zhen, “To be precise, little Junior Brother, it’s that pavilion.”

The two quickly passed through layers of bamboo and flowers, arriving at the pavilion. Five years ago, Tang Shen had followed the sound of a zither here and met the “page boy Fu Qin (TN: literally zither-playing boy).” That brief encounter had been unexpected, and neither of them could have imagined the present they were in now.

Tang Shen was moved by the familiar scene, filled with nostalgia.

Wang Zhen suddenly embraced him from behind. Tang Shen stiffened, about to move, when cool lips pressed against the exposed skin of his neck.

“Don’t move.”

Tang Shen held his breath, “Senior Brother…”

“Why don’t you call me Fu Qin anymore?”

Tang Shen was speechless.

Wang Zhen chuckled softly, “It’s been three days. Are you still angry with me?”

Tang Shen, “How could I dare be angry with Senior Brother?”

“Then you are angry. It’s been three days. In this lifetime, how many more sets of three days do I have to spare for you to be angry at me?”

Tang Shen was momentarily stunned. He thought Wang Zhen was referring to his age. In a way, this wasn’t wrong—Wang Zhen was nine years older than Tang Shen. Tang Shen had never considered this before, but now, hearing Wang Zhen’s despondent tone, he wondered if the man might actually feel some insecurity.

Tang Shen’s heart stirred, and he immediately grasped Wang Zhen’s hand, “Senior Brother, why would you think that? I’ve never thought that way.”

Wang Zhen said sadly, “Really? You’ve never thought that?”

Tang Shen replied urgently, “Really!”

“Then promise me you won’t be angry anymore.”

“Alright.”

Wang Zhen kissed him a few more times, then whispered, “In a few days, I’ll be going to Youzhou. The Silver Pull Division’s affairs need to move forward. Leaving it all to Qin Si alone isn’t feasible. Ah, little Junior Brother, life is already so short, and yet we’re busy with other matters, spending little time together. This trip to Youzhou will take at least a month. A month is ten sets of three days. How many more sets of three days do I have?”

Tang Shen suddenly understood, “Wait, when you said that earlier, was it because you’re going to Youzhou?”

Wang Zhen smiled, “Yes, what did you think I meant?”

Tang Shen: “…”

Without hesitation, Tang Shen elbowed Wang Zhen in the stomach. Wang Zifeng grunted in pain and let go.

Tang Shen strode away.

Wang Zhen said weakly, “It… it hurts. I think something’s bruised.”

Tang Shen didn’t even look back as he walked away.

Seeing that Tang Shen was already far away, Wang Zhen straightened up and sighed, “I went too far this time. Look, he doesn’t even care about me anymore.”

Soon after, Wang Zhen left Shengjing for Youzhou.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

In late November, three memorials arrived in Shengjing from three different locations. Normally, local memorials had to pass through Right Vice Minister Xu Bi before reaching the emperor’s desk. But this time was different. These three memorials were sent directly to Chuigong Hall, presented to the emperor as personal letters.

Zhao Fu opened the memorials and first said, “What is this pretentious, incoherent nonsense!” After saying this, he tossed the memorials onto the desk. But several hours later, he picked them up again to read.

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After entering the gate, Tang Shen saw that the entire ground was paved with broad, smooth granite.

He waited in the entrance hall for a while, but Wang Zhen was nowhere to be seen. Left with no other choice, he ventured into the garden.

Passing through the moon gate on the left, he was greeted by a vast, shimmering pond. The pond extended eastward, winding beneath small bridges. With nowhere else to go, Tang Shen followed the pond’s edge.

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The second courtyard bore a plaque with three words: “Drunken Moon Hall.”

No need to guess—it was Wang Zifeng’s own calligraphy. Tang Shen looked up at it for a moment and murmured, “Drunken by the moon, enchanted by flowers, I no longer serve the king.”

Fifteen minutes passed, and Wang Zhen still hadn’t appeared. Tang Shen searched the garden for a while, calling out, “Senior Brother, where are you?”

The Wang family estate in Jinling was enormous. Tang Shen had spent a day and a night there once and still hadn’t explored it all. But this Liuqi Courtyard was different—it was about a quarter the size of the Wang family’s estate. Wang Zhen, previously a second-rank official and now a first-rank one, was limited to a residence with three main halls and five bays. This Liuqi Courtyard naturally adhered to those restrictions.

Tang Shen quickly searched the entire estate but still couldn’t find Wang Zhen.

He suddenly realized that Wang Zifeng was playing hide-and-seek with him. Otherwise, how could he not find him?

Tang Shen was utterly exasperated and decided to stop searching. Instead, he found a stone bench in the garden and sat down.

“Aren’t you coming out?”

“Senior Brother?”

“Wang Zifeng!”

Suddenly, he heard the sound of grass being crushed underfoot behind him. Tang Shen turned around, but he was too slow. Wang Zhen covered his eyes with both hands from behind.

“Senior Brother…” Tang Shen said, startled.

Wang Zhen leaned down and whispered in Tang Shen’s ear, “I wanted to come out earlier, but seeing you search for me so eagerly and pretty, I couldn’t look away and stayed hidden a little longer.”

Tang Shen: “…”

He forcefully pulled Wang Zhen’s hands away, his face stern, but Wang Zhen burst into laughter.

Tang Shen pretended to be serious, “Since I opened up to Senior Brother, you’ve changed.”

Wang Zhen looked puzzled, “Opened up about what?”

“…Just opened up.”

Wang Zhen suddenly understood, “Opened up about your feelings for me?”

Tang Shen gritted his teeth, knowing he was no match for Wang Zifeng, so he reluctantly changed the subject. He feigned disdain and annoyance, “Senior Brother used to be like an immortal in my eyes, a celestial being from the moon palace, distant and unattainable. But now, Senior Brother keeps ruining that image. Where is the ethereal, otherworldly figure you once were?”

Wang Zhen sighed deeply, “So little Junior Brother liked me so much that he thought I was a celestial being. In that case, perhaps you fell for me first.” After a pause, he added with certainty, “It must be so.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Wang Zifeng, where did you learn this skill of twisting truth and lie, black and white?!

Seeing Tang Shen both angry and flustered, yet unable to find a good comeback, Wang Zhen was in high spirits. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around Tang Shen’s waist. Tang Shen patted his hands, and Wang Zhen asked in surprise, “What does little Junior Brother mean?”

Tang Shen, “I can walk on my own.”

Wang Zhen, “And sneak kisses on your own?”

Tang Shen: “…”

Tang Shen didn’t dare to say another word. Wang Zhen led him on a tour of the entire Liuqi Courtyard. When he first arrived, the sun was setting, and the sky was still light. By the time they finished their tour, the moon hung high, casting its silvery glow over the vast pond in the estate, creating a shimmering reflection.

“Jiangnan gardens emphasize changing scenery with every step. Little Junior Brother, being from Gusu, must be well-versed in this.”

Tang Shen came from a humble background and had never lived in a grand garden courtyard estate, but Liang Song had, so Tang Shen had some knowledge of it. Although Wang Zhen’s estate wasn’t large, every corner was meticulously designed, each view unique and thoughtfully arranged.

What was even more remarkable…

Tang Shen looked up at the plaque on the pavilion in the pond.

“Pushing Stones.”

Tang Shen, “Unable to bend the pines, I can only push the stones for now. Even these characters—were they written by Senior Brother yourself?”

Every courtyard, pavilion, and terrace in the entire Liuqi Courtyard bore Wang Zifeng’s calligraphy! His care and attention were evident everywhere.

Suddenly, Tang Shen understood what Liuqi Courtyard meant to Wang Zhen. But Wang Zhen said nothing about it. Instead, he took Tang Shen’s hand and led him to the Pushing Stones Pavilion. On the round table inside the pavilion were fine wines and dishes, all of Tang Shen’s favorites.

After they sat down, Wang Zhen said, “Little Junior Brother has already voiced the origin of this pavilion’s name. What about the others?”

Both of them had eidetic memories. Tang Shen closed his eyes and recalled the names of the other courtyards and pavilions. “The ‘Sleet Gate’—is it from ‘Without the sun and moon turning, sleet falls together’? The ‘Fragrant Cold Hall’—probably from ‘Bright and serene as the moon, its fragrance cold, not chasing the wind’…”

Tang Shen spoke each line carefully. Amidst the flowers and under the moon, with fine wine and a beloved companion, the gentle breeze stirred. Minister Wang hadn’t even drank any wine yet, but he was already intoxicated.

When Tang Shen finished, Wang Zhen said, “You got most of them right.”

Tang Shen was puzzled, “Was I wrong?”

Wang Zhen, “No, but you missed the most important one.”

Tang Shen thought for a long time, hesitating before finally remembering what he hadn’t mentioned. But after some consideration, he said, “The name ‘Liuqi Courtyard’—where does ‘Liuqi’ come from? It’s not hard to guess, but… why would Senior Brother use ‘Liuqi’ to name this estate?”

“The spring waters flow into the Qi River.”

It comes from The Book of Songs: Odes of Bei – Spring Waters.

The poem itself isn’t problematic—it’s a beautiful, melancholic piece about longing. But the issue is, the poem is about a woman from the state of Wei who married far from home and yearned for her homeland. Wang Zifeng, married far from home? Wang Zifeng, like the woman from Wei, filled with longing and sorrow?

Tang Shen shuddered.

…What kind of nonsense is this?!

Wang Zhen looked disheartened. He seemed to want to say something but couldn’t, so he let out a long sigh.

Seeing this, Tang Shen immediately understood that there must be a story behind the name “Liuqi.” He asked with concern, “What’s wrong, Senior Brother?”

“The name ‘Liuqi’ wasn’t chosen by me.”

“Huh?”

“You guessed correctly. How could I use ‘Liuqi’ to name this estate? It was Sir who named it.” Wang Zhen sighed nostalgically, “Over a decade ago, Sir heard I had built an estate and came to visit. He jokingly said, ‘The spring waters flow into the Qi River’. Zi Feng, you’re far from home, building this estate out of longing for your homeland. Such sincere feelings—let’s call it ‘Liuqi’!”

Wang Zhen looked at Tang Shen, “When an elder bestows a gift, one dare not refuse. How could I decline?”

Tang Shen thought to himself, if you really didn’t want it, what could Sir have done to you?

But Wang Zhen’s rare display of melancholy was too captivating. Tang Shen couldn’t look away, entranced by his beauty, and nodded vaguely.

Wang Zhen pointed to a large Taihu stone in the pond, “So a few months ago, I found a fine porous stone. I didn’t dare breathe a word about it, fearing Sir might see it. This stone still hasn’t been named. Would little Junior Brother like to name it?”

Tang Shen snapped out of his thoughts, “Me?”

Wang Zhen smiled, his joy radiating from within, making him appear even more cheerful and bright.

He asked gently, “Are you full?”

Tang Shen was taken aback and looked up at him. After a long moment, he said, “I’m full.”

Wang Zhen took his hand and led him through the winding corridors, walking above the shimmering pond, past the porous stone, and to a house by the pond. Half of the house was built over the water. Opening the windows revealed a vast expanse of water, blending with the sky in a sea of blue.

By the window was a long desk, filled with an array of brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.

Wang Zhen led Tang Shen to the desk. He carefully spread out a sheet of rice paper and began grinding ink.

“Little Junior Brother, will you name it?”

Tang Shen looked at him for a while, then turned to gaze at the rugged Taihu stone through the window.

After a long time, he picked up a brush and wrote two characters.

“Warm Jade.”

The calligraphy was taught by Wang Zifeng himself. Though Tang Shen had developed his own style, the essence of Wang Zifeng’s influence was unmistakable.

Wang Zhen stared at the two characters, his heart stirred. He stopped grinding ink and looked up, “Where does ‘Warm Jade’ come from?”

Tang Shen looked at him and said slowly, “Thinking of the gentleman, warm as jade. In his wooden house… it stirs my heart.”

Wang Zhen stepped forward and embraced him tightly. He held Tang Shen in his arms, his voice soft, like the evening breeze brushing through the grass on a spring night, “You came here straight after leaving the office, still wearing your official robes.”

Tang Shen, “Senior Brother sent me a peony. I thought you had something to say to me.”

Wang Zhen chuckled lightly, “Official robes are inconvenient. Shall I help you change?”

Tang Shen’s fingers tightened. He remained silent. Wang Zhen took his hand and led him to the bed. He untied Tang Shen’s belt and removed his deep red official robe. As his hands moved to undo Tang Shen’s undershirt, Tang Shen grabbed his wrist.

Wang Zhen looked up at him.

“My heart is filled with many things—for Senior Brother, for many people.”

Wang Zhen gently kissed him, “But my heart holds only you.”

Tang Shen stared at Wang Zhen in a daze. Unconsciously, he released the hand that had been holding Wang Zhen back.

Outside the window, the pond’s water flowed, and the wind entered the bamboo house, scattering the clothes on the floor. The bed curtains had been drawn early by Wang Zhen. Throughout the night, the sounds of joy and pleasure never ceased.

The next day, before dawn, the steward of the Minister Residence stood outside the door, holding Wang Zhen’s court robes. Wang Zhen got up quietly, and Tang Shen woke with a start. He tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through his lower back. He hissed in pain—it hadn’t hurt much the night before, but now the ache was overwhelming.

Wang Zhen pressed his shoulders, gently pushing him back down, “Rest. I’ll request leave for you today.”

Tang Shen, still half-asleep, thought it would be just like a colleague helping him take a day off. Without overthinking, he nodded and drifted back to sleep.

Wang Zhen changed into his court robes and left for the morning court.

When Wang Zifeng arrived at Chongzheng Hall, no one thought anything was amiss. But then he told the chief eunuch, “Tang daren is unwell and won’t be attending court today”.

In the main hall, Right Prime Minister Wang Quan was the first to glance at Wang Zhen. The other officials didn’t react, but Left Prime Minister Ji Wengji overheard and murmured in surprise, “Is that so?” Soon, Right Vice Prime Minister Xu Bi also caught on.

Ordinary people wouldn’t read too much into a single sentence, but these seasoned officials, who had long suspected Wang Zhen’s inclinations, could read between the lines.

The matter was like a breeze rippling the surface of a lake—it caused a stir but quickly settled. Most people remained unaware.

However, Emperor Zhao Fu was no ordinary man. During the morning court, with Wang Zhen now a first-rank official standing closer to the throne, Zhao Fu could observe his every move. Surprised, he asked his chief eunuch, Ji Fu, after the court session, “Did you notice how radiant Wang Zifeng looked today? Quite different from usual.”

Ji Fu thought to himself, different? He looked the same as always.

But Ji Fu was shrewd. He inquired about Wang Zifeng’s activities that day and discovered he had requested leave on Tang Shen’s behalf. Ji Fu, unable to grasp the implications, reported this to Zhao Fu. Upon hearing this, Zhao Fu was stunned for a moment before saying, “Even I didn’t see it coming?”

By mid-morning, Tang Shen finally woke up.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

The room was already prepared with clean clothes, and his body also felt refreshed. Recalling the previous night, Tang Shen realized Wang Zhen had personally cleaned him. His face flushed, and he quickly dressed, hurrying to the Censorate.

As soon as Tang Shen arrived at the Censorate, the guard at the gate looked at him in surprise, “Tang daren, didn’t you request leave today?”

Tang Shen’s groggy mind stirred again as he remembered Wang Zhen’s words that morning.

In an instant, Tang Shen felt his vision darken.

…Wang! Zi! Feng!!!

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The next morning, Minister of Rites Meng Lang, holding a jade tablet and dressed in a brand-new deep red official robe, strode into the main hall of Chongzheng Palace.

Chongzheng Palace was where officials waited before court sessions. First- and second-rank officials gathered in the main hall, while third- and fourth-rank officials waited in the left and right side halls, respectively. As soon as Minister Meng entered, he saw someone he hadn’t seen in a long time. Seeing this person and recalling the upcoming negotiations with the Liao envoys at the guesthouse, Meng Lang felt a headache coming on.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

However, the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Revenue had always been grouped together. In Qinzheng Hall, the ministers of the two ministries shared a common office, and even during court sessions, Meng Lang had to stand next to Wang Zifeng!

Minister Meng pursed his lips and stepped forward with a smile, “When did Wang daren return?”

This was just a polite remark, something Meng Lang said casually. However, he didn’t expect Wang Zifeng to stand up, salute respectfully, and reply in a gentle voice, “Meng daren, I just returned yesterday morning.”

Meng Lang was both surprised and flattered. He scrutinized Wang Zhen.

What was going on with Wang Zifeng? Why had he suddenly become so polite and gentlemanly?

As the saying goes, one doesn’t hit a smiling face. Meng Lang had no choice but to say, “It’s good to have you back. I’ve missed you, Wang daren.” The words sounded awkward—while the words expressed longing, the tone carried no hint of nostalgia, merely politeness.

Wang Zhen, however, replied, “Meng daren‘s kindness fills me with gratitude.”

Meng Lang: “…”

What was wrong with Wang Zifeng today? Why was he being so agreeable?

After all, Meng Lang was a second-rank official who had weathered the ups and downs of the court for many years. After a while, he tentatively asked, “Wang daren seems to be in a good mood today?”

Wang Zhen sighed, “Meng daren has noticed. Indeed, good fortune brings joy. Please forgive my lack of composure.”

Meng Lang: “???” Wang Zifeng, act normal!

By the time the morning court session began, Meng Lang finally understood what good fortune Wang Zifeng had encountered.

As soon as the court session began, the emperor issued an edict promoting Wang Zhen to Senior Grand Secretary of the Left, concurrently serving as Minister of Revenue and Commander of the Silver Pull Division, holding a first-rank position. When this decree was announced, Zichen Hall fell into silence. The officials bowed their heads, their expressions calm and unreadable. Tang Shen, standing at the back of the crowd, was deeply shocked. He couldn’t help but look up.

In the grand hall, no one moved a muscle. Even Wang Zhen’s uncle, Wang Quan, kept his eyes downcast, calmly staring at the golden bricks on the floor.

Wang Zhen stepped forward, bowed, and accepted the decree.

Next, Zhao Fu issued another edict, promoting Zhao Yun, the Minister of Personnel, to Senior Grand Secretary of the Right.

Zhao Fu smiled and said, “Ministers Wang and Zhao are both my trusted confidants, my right-hand men. With the Department of State Affairs in your hands, I am at ease.”

Wang Zhen and Zhao Yun stepped forward together, bowing and accepting the decree.

After the court session ended, the officials immediately crowded around to congratulate Wang Zhen and Zhao Yun.

Zhao Yun, in his early fifties, was a jinshi from the previous dynasty and one of Zhao Fu’s old ministers. His promotion to first-rank, while somewhat unexpected, was justified given his lifelong dedication to Great Song. Wang Zhen, however, was a different story. The treasury’s current prosperity was largely due to his efforts as Minister of Revenue. The Silver Pull Division’s affairs had also been handled flawlessly. His promotion had been anticipated by many, but no one expected him to achieve first-rank before the age of thirty.

This was Zhao Fu’s answer.

After turning thirty, Wang Zhen’s promotion to first rank would have raised no eyebrows.

But achieving it before thirty was a sign of Zhao Fu’s favor and the emperor’s unparalleled trust.

However, even so, Zhao Fu had also promoted Zhao Yun, which was worth pondering.

Wang Zhen was the nephew of Right Prime Minister Wang Quan, while Zhao Yun was a close friend of Left Vice Prime Minister Chen Linghai.

After all the officials had finished offering their congratulations, Wang Zhen and Wang Quan walked together in Qinzheng Hall. The Right Prime Minister sighed, gazing at the increasingly vast sky, and remarked, “The winds of change in the court are becoming more unpredictable.”

On the same day, a secret letter was rushed to Shengjing and delivered to the Liao envoys’ guesthouse.

The Liao envoy, Xiao Zhang, received the letter and was visibly shaken. He hurriedly sought out Yelü Shege and showed him the letter. “Your Highness, what should we do? Yelü Qin daren has sent a letter from Xijin Prefecture. News of your departure from Liao has somehow leaked and is spreading like wildfire. Once it reaches Shangjing, Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding will surely seize this opportunity to demand an explanation for your whereabouts.”

Yelü Shege was stunned, “How could this happen?!”

Yelü Shege had been injured in a hunting accident a month ago and had gone to Xijin Prefecture to recuperate, using this as an excuse to avoid the scandal involving the Fourth Prince and Princess Anding. If news spread that he wasn’t in Xijin Prefecture, Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding would easily connect this to him. Although Yelü Ding had no love for the Fourth Prince and wouldn’t care if he died, if this incident could be used to gain leverage over Yelü Shege, he wouldn’t let it go easily.

Yelü Shege read Yelü Qin’s letter several times carefully. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his gaze was fierce. “I will return to Liao immediately.”

Xiao Zhang, “What about the matter of marrying another Song princess?”

Yelü Shege, “Let the matter go. It’s just one less pawn.”

Xiao Zhang nodded, “Yes, and not every Song princess is as foolish as Princess Anding. Your Highness only needed to make a few promises, and she was completely devoted, never realizing what was happening until her death.”

Yelü Shege smiled, “Xiao daren.”

Xiao Zhang felt a chill run down his spine and immediately knelt, “This subject misspoke. Please forgive me, Your Highness.”

Yelü Shege sighed regretfully, “Actually, Princess Anding wasn’t a bad girl. It’s just a pity she was a woman.” For a moment, Yelü Shege’s mind flashed with the image of a radiant face, and a surge of desire and possessiveness welled up within him. But he quickly suppressed it.

“My great task is not yet complete. How can I waste time on such trivial matters?”

Hearing this, Xiao Zhang felt a surge of admiration, secretly glad he had chosen the right master.

Yelü Shege, “This trip to the Song State hasn’t been without gains. The Song Emperor isn’t as incompetent as you all imagine. It’s just that he’s getting old and no longer needs to be closely guarded against. I hear he’s started believing in Buddhism this year, so his time is likely running out. But we still need to be cautious of his three princes and his trusted ministers.”

Xiao Zhang, “Before I return to Great Liao, I will gather as much information as possible.”

Yelü Shege, “Li Jingde goes without saying—he’s a major threat to our Great Liao. And then there’s Wang Zifeng. His Silver Pull Division is also suspicious.”

“This subject understands.”

That same day, Yelü Shege left Shengjing under cover of night, heading northwest.

Tang Shen had already informed Meng Lang about this matter, asking whether they should detain Yelü Shege or at least partially seal the city to prevent him from leaving easily, as Tang Shen had experienced in Xijin Prefecture. However, upon hearing this, Meng Lang was first shocked, then carefully questioned Tang Shen to confirm the accuracy of the information. After receiving confirmation, he instead said, “No need.”

Tang Shen was puzzled, but then he suddenly remembered something. “Daren, your foresight far surpasses mine.”

Letting Yelü Shege go had two advantages.

First, Yelü Shege was the backbone of the Liao envoys. Capturing him would be of no benefit to the Song Dynasty. Now that he was gone, the Liao envoy Xiao Zhang was no strategist and posed no threat. Without the resourceful Yelü Shege, Meng Lang would find it easy to deal with the remaining Liao envoys.

Second, this was related to Tang Shen. Meng Lang didn’t know that Tang Shen’s spy was planted within Yelü Shege’s ranks. If Yelü Shege was harmed by Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding and lost power in the Liao court, all the efforts Tang Shen and his allies had made would likely go to waste.

Tang Shen hadn’t thought of this at first, but now, suddenly enlightened, he realized that they had to let Yelü Shege go and ensure he returned safely to the Liao State.

After coming to this realization, Tang Shen glanced behind Meng Lang and noticed that the desk that had belonged to Wang Zhen was now empty. Surprised, he asked, “Will Wang daren no longer work in this room?”

Meng Lang, who was pondering how to deal with the Liao envoys, turned around and said, “Don’t you know, Tang daren, that your senior brother was promoted to Senior Grand Secretary of the Left overseeing the Department of State Affairs this morning, holding a first-rank position? From now on, he will have sole authority over the six ministries.”

Tang Shen, “Of course I know.”

Meng Lang, “First-rank officials in Qinzheng Hall have their own private offices. From now on, I’ll likely be sharing an office with Minister Yuan Mu of the Ministry of Works.”

Tang Shen chuckled awkwardly and took his leave.

Before he could leave Qinzheng Hall, a government worker approached him and asked respectfully, “Are you Tang Shen, Tang daren?”

Tang Shen was surprised, “Yes, I am.”

“This humble servant has been ordered by Wang xianggong to wait here for you. Wang xianggong noticed that you went to Meng daren‘s office and stayed for a long time, presumably discussing important matters. Coincidentally, the Ministry of Revenue had some urgent business to tend to, so Wang xianggong left first. He asked me to deliver this invitation to you.”

Tang Shen took the invitation, and the government worker bowed before leaving.

Tang Shen opened the invitation and found a dried peony tucked inside. Beneath the petals, Wang Zifeng’s elegant calligraphy was written in black ink on white paper:

“With this flower, I gift it to you. Let us meet at Liuqi.”

“Wang Zifeng.”

Tang Shen’s heart warmed, but then he cursed inwardly. How could Wang Zifeng be so bold? In broad daylight, in Qinzheng Hall, he dares to send me something like this? Isn’t he afraid of being discovered?

Tang Shen shook his head in irritation, carefully tucking the invitation into his robe. However, as he left, he didn’t notice someone who always seemed to cross paths with him watching from a distance. But before he could greet him, Tang Shen had already stepped out of Qinzheng Hall’s gates.

Yu Chaosheng entered Xu Bi’s office, bowed, and said, “Your student pays his respects, Sir. Just now, I saw Tang Shen, Tang daren in the courtyard and remembered what you once said—that your student and Tang Jingze seem to have some fateful connection. Every time he leaves, I always seem to arrive. I used to think it was just a joke, but now it seems there really is some coincidence.”

Xu Bi put down the memorial in his hand and smiled, “You and he do seem to share a deep connection. Now, one of you is the Left Deputy Imperial Censor of the Silver Pull Division, and the other is the Right Deputy Imperial Censor. Isn’t that fate?”

Yu Chaosheng, “At today’s morning court, I never expected His Majesty to promote Wang Zifeng to Senior Grand Secretary of the Left overseeing the Department of State Affairs.”

Xu Bi, “There were signs.”

“Sir?”

“You are now the Left Deputy Imperial Censor of the Silver Pull Division, subordinate to Wang Zifeng. As the acting head of the Silver Pull Division, do you understand what your duties truly entail?”

Yu Chaosheng pondered for a long time, “Please enlighten me, Sir.”

Xu Bi smiled, “How would I know? His Majesty has never allowed my people to interfere in this matter. However, the affairs of the world and the changes in the court are always predictable. Nothing happens without reason, and there are always signs. The Silver Pull Division emerged because the Revenue And Expenditure Department was abolished. So, what was the Revenue And Expenditure Department originally meant to do?”

Yu Chaosheng was shocked, “So that’s what the Silver Pull Division is about! Your student has learned much!”

The teacher and student chatted for a while longer before parting ways.

By evening, Tang Shen hesitated for a moment but ultimately decided to take the invitation. Without changing out of his official robes, he followed the address on the invitation to a quiet and beautiful estate in the outskirts of the capital. Standing at the gate, Tang Shen looked at the unassuming entrance and exclaimed in surprise, “Is this where Senior Brother wants me to come?”

He looked up and saw the plaque: Liuqi Courtyard.

The characters on the plaque were written with the elegance of a bright moon and the swiftness of a shooting star—undoubtedly Wang Zifeng’s calligraphy.

Tang Shen stood at the gate for a moment before the door of Liuqi Courtyard opened from the inside. A servant ran out and said, “Greetings, Tang gongzi. Gongzi has been waiting for you for some time. Please follow me.”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Tang Shen was led inside by the servant, but once he entered, the servant did not follow.

Tang Shen turned back in confusion.

The servant said, “I will take my leave here. Tang gongzi, please go ahead.”

With that, the door creaked shut behind Tang Shen.

Caught off guard, Tang Shen could only turn around and take in the serene and beautiful estate.

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Tang Shen fell silent for a moment, then said, “Thank you, Senior Brother, for giving me a ride.”

Wang Zhen replied, “It’s nothing.”

The sedan chair was quiet for a while, neither of them speaking. Finally, Tang Shen broke the silence, “Senior Brother, you’ve been in Jinling for quite some time. Did something important happen?”

At first, Tang Shen had thought Wang Zhen had returned to Jinling because he was angry with him, avoiding him. But after five or six days, he realized that Wang Zhen’s trip couldn’t have been solely because of that. It made sense for Wang Zifeng to return to Jinling, but it was impossible for him to stay away for over ten days just because of personal feelings.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Wang Zhen glanced at Tang Shen. What he loved about Tang Shen was his intelligence and caution. He answered simply, “The Military Silver Exchange Bank in Gusu.”

Tang Shen was surprised, “So Senior Brother returned to Jinling for this matter?”

Wang Zhen countered, “If not for this, then for what?”

Tang Shen was left speechless.

He had thought Wang Zhen had returned to Jinling in a fit of anger because of his words. Now it seemed it had nothing to do with him at all. Wang Zhen had always planned to return to Jinling. He had used the pretext of visiting family to handle official business privately. That was his true purpose.

A bittersweet feeling welled up in Tang Shen’s heart. Wang Zhen hadn’t left because he was angry with him, which relieved Tang Shen. But if he hadn’t left because of him, then what had Tang Shen been thinking and feeling during those ten days in Shengjing? And what about what happened ten days ago… Had Wang Zifeng really not cared at all?

Tang Shen’s heart was in turmoil, but when it came to expressing his thoughts, he couldn’t find the words.

Wang Zhen lifted the sedan chair’s curtain, “It seems we’ve reached Caiqi Villa.”

Tang Shen, “Huh?”

“I remember when you first came to Shengjing five years ago, I often sent you pastries from Caiqi Villa. Back then, you were just a boy.” Wang Zhen looked at Tang Shen with gentle eyes, no longer filled with affection but more with tolerance and nostalgia. He said to the sedan bearers, “Go buy some pastries.”

The sedan chair stopped, and the bearers quickly returned with a package of warm pastries, handing them to Wang Zhen.

Wang Zhen, “Do you still like pastries, little Junior Brother?”

Tang Shen instinctively replied, “Actually, I never really liked pastries.”

Wang Zhen was taken aback, “Is that so… Back then, I saw you eating quite a lot, so I thought you liked them.” He sealed the package again and chuckled lightly, “So it turns out you only ate them because I gave them to you. As the saying goes, ‘When an elder gives, one dare not refuse.’ You had no choice but to eat them every time?”

Tang Shen’s eyes widened. He suddenly realized he had said the wrong thing.

An ordinary person might not have read too much into Tang Shen’s words, but Wang Zhen immediately understood. Tang Shen had accepted all the pastries he had given him back then simply because he wanted to please Wang Zifeng and didn’t dare to reject his kindness. Wang Zhen was still giving Tang Shen face by attributing it to “an elder’s gift.”

Wang Zhen stored the pastries in a hidden compartment of the sedan chair and closed his eyes to rest, saying nothing more.

Outside the window, the snow fell heavier, and for some reason, the sedan bearers moved slower than usual.

Tang Shen’s heart was heavy. Finally, he couldn’t hold back and spoke, “Senior Brother…”

Wang Zhen acted as if he hadn’t heard.

“Senior Brother…”

Wang Zhen still didn’t open his eyes.

Tang Shen clenched his teeth and said, “Senior Brother Zi Feng!”

Wang Zhen opened his eyes, looking surprised, “What is it?”

Tang Shen, “Are you still angry with me?”

Wang Zhen’s elegant eyes widened in astonishment, “When was I ever angry with you?”

Tang Shen, “…Really?”

“Of course.”

The sedan chair continued forward, jolting slightly, causing the backs of their hands to brush against each other. Tang Shen’s body temperature was naturally higher, while Wang Zhen’s hand was slightly cold. The touch startled Tang Shen, but before he could react, Wang Zhen subtly moved his hand away.

Tang Shen’s heart plummeted into an icy abyss. It felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head, chilling him to the bone in the midst of winter.

He suddenly realized something. Since returning from Jinling, Senior Brother had changed. It seemed… he no longer liked him.

Scenes from the past flashed before his eyes.

Five years ago, by the lotus pond, they had first met. Tang Shen had been eloquent and resourceful, doing everything he could to leave a deep impression on the other.

After that, it was this person who had guided him step by step in the treacherous world of officialdom, clearing the thorns from his path.

That was Wang Zifeng. How could he not know that Tang Shen had been using him all along?

He had known from the start.

From the very beginning, Tang Shen had intended to use Wang Zhen as a stepping stone to climb to great heights. However, fate had other plans. He came to respect and admire his senior brother, and he could no longer be that heartless, ungrateful person. He began to genuinely see Wang Zhen as his elder brother and close friend.

Who in this world had been kinder to him than Wang Zifeng?

At the Xuji Tower, it was this person who had said to him, “Comrades in the same school are called friends; those with the same aspirations are called companions.”

In Cizhou City, it was this person who, under the stars, had taken him in his arms and saved him from danger.

Wang Zifeng had once owned a painting he adored. He had treasured it, cherished it, and couldn’t bear to part with it. For many years, he had never made up his mind about the painting’s fate. Back then, Tang Shen had thought his senior brother was hiding some secret. Now he finally understood: he was that painting, and Wang Zhen was the one who was in love with the painting.

Wang Zhen had long harbored feelings for him, but this path ahead was fraught with difficulties. He couldn’t bear to drag Tang Shen into it, so he had endured for years, never revealing his true feelings.

For Tang Shen’s sake, he had endured for so long, yet Tang Shen had done nothing in return. Instead, he had repeatedly hurt this person’s heart.

Wang Zhen had asked him, “Did you see it? My sincere heart.”

Tang Shen’s eyes suddenly welled up with tears.

He had seen it long ago. For the past five years, day and night, he had seen Wang Zifeng’s sincere heart and how well he had treated him!

“Senior Brother…”

Wang Zhen still had his eyes closed and didn’t respond.

Tang Shen called out urgently, “Senior Brother!”

Wang Zhen was inwardly planning to open his eyes after one more call. He believed in moderation—teasing too much would backfire. He needed to proceed carefully.

Tang Shen whispered, “Wang Zifeng…”

Wang Zhen was slightly surprised. He sensed that he might have teased a bit too much this time. Just as he was about to open his eyes, a warm touch pressed against his cheek. All thoughts of strategy and planning vanished in an instant. Wang Zhen’s eyes flew open to see Tang Shen avoiding his gaze, lips tightly pressed, fingers clenched in his sleeves.

The moment Tang Shen kissed him, he regretted it.

If Wang Zhen really didn’t like him anymore, this would only shatter the delicate balance between them.

Sure enough, after being kissed, Wang Zhen didn’t show any signs of joy. He looked at Tang Shen expressionlessly. Tang Shen’s heart sank. He clenched his teeth and explained, “Senior Brother, don’t take it to heart. I was too impulsive. I… I didn’t expect this. Please don’t dwell on it.”

“Don’t take it to heart?”

Tang Shen, “Yes, Senior Brother, please don’t be angry…”

Wang Zhen suddenly laughed. He said joyfully, “Don’t take it to heart? How can I not take it to heart!”

“Tang Jingze, you’re mine now.”

Tang Shen looked up at Wang Zhen in shock, but before he could see clearly, a scorching kiss descended, silencing all his words.

Almost without any surprise, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Wang Zhen caressed Tang Shen’s lips while kissing him gently. He did it so effortlessly, so smoothly, it was almost infuriating. Tang Shen’s body stiffened, unsure of how to respond.

Finally, Wang Zhen released him but continued to stroke his lips with his fingers.

“I’m so happy.”

Tang Shen’s lips parted, but no words came out.

Wang Zhen said sincerely, “I had already given up hope, no longer daring to ask for more. I never expected you to say such things, to do such things… Jing Ze, how could I resist? Yes, I couldn’t resist.” After justifying himself, Wang Zhen leaned in to kiss him again, but a hand suddenly blocked his path.

Wang Zhen was slightly surprised, then he kissed Tang Shen’s palm instead. He looked up, “En?”

After the initial shock, Tang Shen’s sharp mind finally started working again.

He had only said one sentence, and Wang Zifeng had reacted like this, leaving no room for argument. How could this be the behavior of someone who didn’t like him? How could this be the same cold, indifferent person from before?

Tang Shen’s teeth ached with frustration. He glared at the man before him and asked, “Senior Brother, I suddenly have some questions. Could you answer them for me?”

Wang Zhen, “Oh? What questions?”

“Why were you so cold to me today?”

Wang Zhen looked astonished, “Cold? Was I? Why do you say that, little Junior Brother?”

Tang Shen: “…”

“Earlier, Senior Brother said you had given up hope and didn’t want to talk about…” Tang Shen paused, then continued, “Didn’t want to talk about us anymore.”

Wang Zhen sighed, his gaze sincere, “Yes, but I never expected that you also had feelings for me.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Tang Shen, “Then let me ask another question. Senior Brother said today that you gave me a ride because the snow was heavy and it was on your way?”

Wang Zhen’s smiling eyes rested on Tang Shen. He seemed to know what Tang Shen was going to say next, but he didn’t mind. Instead, he gently responded, “En.”

Tang Shen said indignantly, “On your way? Senior Brother, you probably don’t know this, but before I saw you, I had just come from the Ministry of Revenue. The officials there said you had gone to the palace! How could you be on your way? How could you go from the palace to the Censorate to give me a ride?”

Wang Zhen said delightedly, “Little Junior Brother, you went to the Ministry of Revenue? Were you looking for me?”

Tang Shen: “…”

Tang Shen, flustered and angry, exclaimed, “Wang Zifeng!!!”

Wang Zhen hugged him and laughed heartily, completely shedding the graceful demeanor of a nobleman. Even his brows and hair were filled with joy, an irrepressible joy. Unfortunately, Wang Zhen’s joy didn’t last long. No matter how slowly the sedan chair moved, it would eventually reach its destination.

Tang Shen broke free from his embrace and quickly got out of the sedan chair to head home. After taking just one step, he heard Wang Zhen’s voice behind him, “Little Junior Brother.”

Tang Shen turned around to see Wang Zhen holding the sedan chair’s curtain with one hand, looking at him with a gentle smile.

“Did you see the peony I gave you?”

Tang Shen was stunned.

Zhen and Wei, flowing wide and clear; men and women, holding orchids fair…

So the scholars and maidens, make sport together…

Gifting each other peonies.

Wang Zhen smiled leisurely. This time, he didn’t hide it from Tang Shen. Right in front of him, he said to the sedan bearers, “No need to walk so slowly anymore. Just go at a normal pace.”

The sedan bearers: “Yes.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Wang Zifeng, happy and carefree, drifted away. Tang Shen returned home in a daze. An hour later, Tang Shen looked up at the sky and sighed, “Wang Zifeng, Wang Zifeng, how could I have fallen for your tricks!”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Tang Shen’s actions had proven a universal truth to the masses: Not a single punctuation mark in Wang Zifeng’s words could be trusted!

AN: Little Tang Lang: This is too much! Wang Zifeng, you’re too much!

Old Wang: To be honest, today’s events weren’t part of my plan. It’s because you love me too much, little Junior Brother.

Little Tang Lang: ???? I love you too much????

Old Wang [regretfully]: Yes, so I hadn’t even used many of my tactics before you willingly took the bait.

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The next day, Tang Shen saw Li Jingde among the officials receiving the Liao envoys.

General Li had once again shaved off his thick beard and was now dressed in the attire of a civil official, hiding behind Meng Lang. When he saw Tang Shen, he gave him a meaningful look but did not deliberately engage him in conversation.

Tang Shen sighed inwardly—look at Li Jingde, now he, too, had his own schemes! Whether it was being used by Tang Shen or being used by Meng Lang, in the end, he was still being used. The difference was that he could always find an excuse to pull a sack over Minister Lang’s head and give him a good beating, but he couldn’t do the same to Tang Shen. So this time, he went straight to Meng Lang instead of trying to get through Tang Shen.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

That day, negotiations between the envoys once again ended in discord.

After court, Tang Shen visited Su Wenyun again. This time, he recalled the distinctive features of the young Liao official, “His earlobes are thin, his left eye is slightly larger than his right, and he has a small black mole on his right cheek.”

Su Wenyun gave him a sidelong glance. “Tang daren may have an eidetic memory, but I do not.”

In other words, he had only seen Yelü Shege once in Xijin Prefecture—how could he remember so clearly?

Tang Shen realized his approach was lacking in consideration. He was just pondering how to confirm the man’s identity—should he take the risk of bringing Su Wenyun to see him in person? But before he could decide, Su Wenyun sneered and said, “Of course, Yelü Shege does have a small black mole on his right cheek.”

Tang Shen was startled. “But, Su daren, you just said you didn’t have an eidetic memory?”

Su Wenyun replied matter-of-factly, “So what? I may not have an eidetic memory, but I can certainly remember if Yelü Shege has a mole on his face.”

Tang Shen: “…”

This man was truly insufferable!

Now that he had confirmed the man was indeed Yelü Shege, Tang Shen quietly devised a plan.

He sought out Li Jingde privately and said bluntly, “Among the Liao envoys, one is actually the Second Prince of Liao, Yelü Shege.”

Li Jingde was shocked, rubbing his freshly shaved chin. “Really?”

Tang Shen nodded. “Yes. But before we continue, may I ask, General, why have you returned to the capital this time?”

Li Jingde hesitated for a moment before replying, “My return to Shengjing is actually unrelated to the arrival of the Liao envoys. It’s a personal matter, and it doesn’t concern you, Tang daren. There’s no need for you to ask. However, since I happened to encounter these shameless Liao officials, I decided to stay a few more days. Once they leave, I’ll return to Youzhou.”

So Li Jingde had other business in the capital?

Tang Shen was momentarily suspicious but then saluted and said, “From what you’re saying, General, it seems you’ve already accomplished what you came to do. Now you’re staying only for these envoys. In that case, I have a plan…”

That night, Tang Shen quietly entered the palace and met with the emperor in Funing Palace.

Zhao Fu looked much better. He sat on a soft couch, sipping bird’s nest porridge as he listened to Tang Shen’s report. When Tang Shen finished speaking, Zhao Fu took another sip of porridge, then gently placed his jade bowl on the yellow pearwood table. The delicate white jade bowl made a crisp sound as it touched the surface.

Zhao Fu sighed. “It seems the Liao people always like to send envoys during the coldest months of winter.”

Tang Shen lowered his head and replied calmly, “Liao is in the north. Once winter sets in, the land freezes three feet deep, making travel difficult. Our Great Song controls the Central Plains, vast and rich, with varied winter landscapes. It’s understandable that the Liao people would admire it.”

Hearing this, Zhao Fu burst into laughter.

As Tang Shen was leaving the palace, he was stopped at the palace gates.

He halted and saluted respectfully. “Greetings, Li daren.”

The man before him was none other than Li Xiaoren, the Chief Astronomer of the Astronomical Bureau.

As a third-rank official, Li Xiaoren outranked Tang Shen, who held a nominal fourth-rank title with actual third-rank authority. Li Xiaoren returned the greeting and then scrutinized Tang Shen with his beady eyes, smiling. “Tang daren, did you just come from His Majesty’s chambers?”

“Indeed.”

Li Xiaoren put on a concerned expression. “His Majesty’s recent cold has had me deeply worried. Fortunately, as the Son of Heaven, he is blessed by divine protection and has recovered swiftly.” Then, after a brief pause, he asked, “It has been a long time since I’ve seen Wang daren. Has he not returned from Jinling yet?”

For a moment, Tang Shen’s body tensed. He answered, “Not yet.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed Li Xiaoren’s face, but he quickly resumed his conversation with Tang Shen. Originally just a Taoist priest from Qingyun Temple in Huaizhi Mountain, Li Xiaoren had risen to power through the emperor’s favor. Though he was barely literate, he was a master of flattery.

Since he seemed eager to establish rapport, Tang Shen saw an opportunity as well.

The two chatted for some time, and then a round-faced monk in a simple robe approached, led by a eunuch. Li Xiaoren immediately fell silent. When the monk reached them, he saluted calmly to both Li Xiaoren and Tang Shen. “Taoist Li.” He then turned to Tang Shen.

Tang Shen nodded slightly. “I am Tang Shen, Court Gentleman Consultant of the Imperial Censorate.”

The monk had a kind face and a serene voice. “Tang daren.”

Tang Shen returned the greeting. “Master Shanting.”

Shanting’s gaze lingered briefly on Tang Shen’s eyes. Tang Shen thought he was about to say something but, instead, the monk turned to Li Xiaoren and asked, “Taoist Li, are you also heading to Funing Palace to pray for His Majesty’s health?”

Li Xiaoren replied with a forced smile, “Indeed.”

“Then let us go together.”

Li Xiaoren pretended to be pleased. “That would be wonderful.”

With that, the two bid farewell to Tang Shen and proceeded to Funing Palace.

The next day, when Tang Shen visited the diplomatic residence again, Li Jingde was absent. Without his support, Meng Lang immediately became hesitant and found an excuse to postpone the discussions until the next day.

Meanwhile, Li Jingde was already on horseback, riding swiftly back to Youzhou.

Upon arriving in Youzhou, he did not go to the northwest military camp but headed straight to the Silver Pull Division, summoning Wang Xiao.

Wang Xiao felt a sudden chill—he hadn’t offended this fearsome general, had he?

Li Jingde casually scratched his ear and asked, “I heard from Tang daren that the affairs of the Silver Pull Division are all under your management?”

Wang Xiao was instantly alarmed. He didn’t know how to respond.

Li Jingde wasn’t a Silver Pull Division official—he was the Marshal of the Western Expedition. Could Wang Xiao even discuss the empire’s secret agents in Liao? And just how much did Li Jingde already know?

Seeing Wang Xiao’s hesitation, Li Jingde slammed the table, feigning anger. “Do you think I would lie to you? Of course, Tang daren personally told me!”

Wang Xiao, “…Yes, this lower official is in charge.”

Li Jingde cut straight to the point. “Where is the Second Prince of Liao now?”

Wang Xiao thought to himself, General Li actually knows about their biggest spy planted in the Liao State—Xiao Zhen, the Left Minister under the command of the Liao Second Prince, Yelü Shege. It seems Li Jingde truly knows the inside story.

So he said, “Yelü Shege should be in Nanjing’s Xijin Prefecture.”

“He’s gone to Shengjing!”

“What?!”

Li Jingde’s eyes narrowed, and he beckoned Wang Xiao closer, whispering, “Even Xiao Zhen doesn’t know about this. It seems this is a secret operation, unknown to others. Yelü Shege sneaking into Shengjing must have some ulterior motive. Those Liao princes are fiercely competing, even using our Princess Anding as a pawn and getting her killed. Why not play along with their schemes? In that case, why not leak Yelü Shege’s whereabouts? Who in the Liao State hates Yelü Shege the most? It’s Yelü Yin, the former Grand Protector who was dismissed from office, and behind him, the third prince Yelü Han and Grand Preceptor Yelü Ding. Wang daren, do you know what to do now?”

Wang Xiao looked at Li Jingde in surprise. He hadn’t expected General Li to be both brave and resourceful, capable of turning the situation to their advantage with such a plan.

Wang Xiao immediately replied, “This lower official understands!”

Li Jingde nodded in satisfaction.

In Shengjing, Yelü Shege was in the guesthouse, secretly plotting with the Liao envoy Xiao Zhang. Unbeknownst to him, a secret letter had already been sent to Xijin Prefecture in the Liao State, hidden in a shipment of tea, and delivered to his subordinate, Left Minister Xiao Zhen.

Three days later, news of Yelü Shege’s absence from Xijin Prefecture spread throughout Nanjing, though no one knew where the rumor originated.

Xiao Zhen, panic-stricken, hurriedly sought out Yelü Qin to inform him. “Yelü daren, is it true that the Second Prince is not in Xijin Prefecture? Wasn’t he recovering from a hunting injury at your residence?”

Yelü Qin was equally shocked upon hearing this. “How could such rumors spread?”

Xiao Zhen exclaimed, “So the Second Prince really isn’t in Xijin Prefecture?”

Yelü Qin urgently replied, “No, he’s not! This is bad. His Highness came to Xijin Prefecture a month ago to recover from his injury, using it as an excuse to leave the capital and avoid the scandal involving the Fourth Prince and Princess Anding. Now that this news has reached Shangjing, even if His Majesty doesn’t inquire, Yelü Han and Yelü Ding will seize this opportunity to question the Second Prince’s whereabouts. This is critical. You’ve done well. I’ll go find the Second Prince immediately.”

Xiao Zhen anxiously said, “We mustn’t ruin the Second Prince’s plans!”

On the 27th of October, the first snow of the year fell in Shengjing.

The Liao envoys remained in the guesthouse, demanding an explanation from the Song Dynasty.

Tang Shen stepped out of the Censorate, opening his oil-paper umbrella, ready to step into the snow. Just then, the sedan chair of Imperial Counsellor Liu Dushan emerged from the gate. As a third-ranking official, Liu Dushan was Tang Shen’s superior. Tang Shen immediately stopped and saluted slightly in respect.

Liu Dushan noticed Tang Shen through the sedan chair’s curtain and called out, “Halt the chair.”

Tang Shen looked at him in surprise as Liu Dushan lifted the curtain and smiled, “Tang daren, are you heading home?”

Tang Shen replied, “Yes, daren.”

Liu Dushan glanced at the falling snow and remarked, “The snow is quite heavy. Why isn’t Tang daren taking a sedan chair?”

Tang Shen smiled wryly, “Daren must be teasing me. According to Song law, only third-ranking officials are allowed to use official sedan chairs.”

Liu Dushan was momentarily taken aback. “Ah, I forgot.”

It wasn’t entirely Liu Dushan’s fault. Everyone in the court knew that Tang Shen, despite holding a fourth-rank position, wielded the authority of a third-rank official. Due to his young age, Zhao Fu wouldn’t promote him too quickly, so he deliberately sent Yu Chaosheng to serve as the Left Deputy Imperial Censor of the Silver Pull Division, placing him on equal footing with Tang Shen and subtly elevating his status.

Liu Dushan said, “The Censorate and the Ministry of Revenue are quite close. Perhaps Tang daren could wait and return with Wang daren?”

Tang Shen was startled. “Senior Brother is back?!”

Liu Dushan smiled. Indeed, Tang Shen and Wang Zifeng were very close, as Tang Shen had instinctively referred to the other as “Senior Brother.”

Liu Dushan continued, “This official went to Qinzheng Hall at noon today and happened to run into Wang daren. It seems he just returned from Jinling Prefecture. The snow is heavy, so Minister Tang could also go directly to the Ministry of Revenue to find Wang daren.”

Tang Shen saluted in gratitude. Liu Dushan closed the sedan chair’s curtain and departed.

The snow fell heavily from the sky, and the biting cold wind cut through the air. Yet, Tang Shen’s heart burned with anticipation. He tightly gripped the umbrella handle, pondering for a long time in the snow. Finally, he made up his mind, turned around, and headed toward the Ministry of Revenue. Summoning great courage, he arrived at the Ministry of Revenue, only to be told by a government worker, “The Minister left for the palace half an hour ago and hasn’t returned yet. It’s already past office hours, so the Minister might not come back to the Ministry today.”

The fiery anticipation in Tang Shen’s heart was instantly extinguished by the heavy snow.

He softly muttered, “Oh,” and silently turned back, holding his oil-paper umbrella.

The snow fell gently, softly landing on the umbrella, silent and serene. As Tang Shen approached the Censorate, he noticed a sedan chair parked at the entrance from a distance. He glanced at it briefly before lowering his gaze to the accumulating snow on the ground, feeling both calm and desolate.

As he reached the Censorate’s gate, a clear, gentle voice called out. Tang Shen’s heart skipped a beat. For a moment, he thought he had misheard and continued walking.

Until the voice, filled with amusement, called again, “Little Junior Brother.”

Tang Shen abruptly turned around. In the vast, white snow, Wang Zifeng stood beside a sedan chair, draped in a snow-white fox fur cloak, smiling at him. Snowflakes settled on his jet-black hair like delicate ornaments, making him appear both cold and radiant, a striking contrast of black and white.

Tang Shen stood frozen, staring at Wang Zhen in the distance.

Seeing him like this, Wang Zhen sighed inwardly. How could he bear to see him distressed?

He reached out his hand and said softly, “Come here, Jing Ze.”

Tang Shen stood still, as if he hadn’t heard, and didn’t move.

Wang Zhen gazed at him with a quiet intensity. After a long while, he finally conceded. He let out a long sigh, then stepped forward and took Tang Shen’s hand, holding the umbrella for him as he led him into the sedan chair.

The warm air inside the sedan chair jolted Tang Shen awake. He realized he was now sitting beside Wang Zhen, their hands still clasped in the confined space.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Tang Shen instinctively tried to pull away. “Senior Brother…” His voice trailed off as he realized Wang Zhen had already released his hand without any resistance.

Tang Shen slowly looked up at Wang Zhen.

Wang Zhen smiled at him, as gentle as ever, and said softly, “I happened to pass by the Censorate. The snow is heavy, so I thought I’d give you a ride.”

AN: Little Tang Lang: Has my senior brother… stopped liking me?

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At the end of October, Zhao Fu fell ill again, suspending the morning court sessions.

Li Xiaoren, the Chief Astronomer of the Astronomical Bureau, and the monk Shanting prayed daily for the emperor’s health in Funing Palace. Throughout the palace, one could see Taoist priests in their robes and bald-headed monks in their cassocks.

This time, Zhao Fu’s illness struck fiercely. Apart from a few top-ranking officials, no other officials were granted an audience. Not even Tang Shen or Su Wenyun could see Zhao Fu.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

One day, Tang Shen returned home from the Censorate to find Accountant Lin, Yao San, and Tang Huang going over the account books.

Upon seeing Tang Shen, the three immediately handed him the books. Tang Shen flipped through them casually and was surprised to find that this quarter’s profits had increased by nearly twenty percent compared to usual. He called Tang Huang into the study and, after careful questioning, learned that the additional profit wasn’t due to increased revenue but rather reduced costs.

“I’ve been thinking, our biggest business is Baibao Pavilion. Now, the Xixia Pavilion has opened branches in Gusu, Jinling, and even Shengjing, with another branch in the capital. But Baibao Pavilion is different—it’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Only in Shengjing can we attract so many customers. To reduce costs, I thought about hiring more people.”

Tang Shen already understood what his sister had done but still asked, “Wouldn’t hiring more people increase labor costs?”

Tang Huang replied, “But efficiency would also improve.” She brought out an abacus, clicking the beads to demonstrate, “Take the glass workshop, for example. We’ve already tried to divide the labor among the craftsmen. But if one craftsman handles all the raw material preparation, he can only produce one barrel of material a day. If we assign one craftsman to grind the inkstone, another to mix the materials, and a third to check the proportions, the three of them can produce three barrels of material a day. The profit from this far outweighs the wages paid to the three craftsmen.”

At sixteen, Tang Huang had grown into a young woman, no longer resembling the fierce girl from Zhao Family Village who jealously protected her fruit juice and chased away thugs. Yet, as Tang Shen looked at his sister, he felt she had become even stronger.

After a long silence, Tang Shen asked, “Did Brother Yao find what I asked him to look for earlier?”

Tang Huang sighed, “No. It’s probably gone in the Song Dynasty, or no one has discovered it yet. We’ll have to look in the Liao State.”

The siblings chatted for a while longer before bidding each other goodnight and parting ways.

Naturally, Tang Shen didn’t tell Tang Huang about the spies he had planted in the Liao State. This wasn’t exactly using public resources for private gain. Qiao Jiu was a merchant, and having him search for something in the Liao State wasn’t difficult, but Tang Shen decided against it.

However, Tang Shen didn’t expect that the very night he discussed the Liao State with Tang Huang, an urgent secret report would arrive in Shengjing the next morning.

The courier had exhausted two fast horses, delivering the secret report to the palace in a state of exhaustion. That afternoon, Tang Shen and Su Wenyun received a confidential letter from Wang Xiao. The letter contained only a brief sentence, but upon reading it, both were shocked and incredulous, exchanging uneasy glances.

The next day, the matter could no longer be concealed.

Three days prior, in the Liao capital of Shangjing, Princess Anding was caught in an affair with the Liao Emperor’s fourth son, Yelü Longzhen, by the emperor himself. Yelü Longzhen was exiled from the palace, while Princess Anding was whipped a hundred times and beaten to death. The Liao Emperor then turned his wrath on the Song Dynasty, sending an envoy who would soon arrive in Shengjing.

Princess Anding was the princess Zhao Fu had sent to the Liao State for a political marriage a year earlier.

The Ninth Prince had passed away many years ago, and the princess from his household had long been neglected by Zhao Fu. The only time Zhao Fu remembered her was when he sent her to the Liao State for the marriage alliance. He bestowed upon her the title “Princess Anding,” but this time, there was no peace to be found—she had caused a major scandal.

Zhao Fu was still ill and unable to attend court, but he summoned several high-ranking officials to Funing Palace for a lengthy discussion.

Left Prime Minister Ji Wengji stepped out of the Funing Palace gates, pausing to gaze at the vast blue sky. Right Prime Minister Wang Quan walked past him, stopping to ask, “What are you looking at, Prime Minister Ji?”

Ji Wengji averted his gaze, “Just looking around, nothing important, Prime Minister Wang.”

Behind them, Chen Linghai, Xu Bi, and others also exited the palace.

Ji Wengji let out a long sigh and left with a flick of his sleeve.

That night, Tang Shen and Su Wenyun entered the palace together to report the truth about Princess Anding’s scandal in the Liao imperial harem.

Zhao Fu lay on his pillow, his eyes slightly closed, listening to Tang Shen’s report.

After Tang Shen finished, Zhao Fu spoke in a low, weak voice, “According to Jing Ze, this niece of mine may not have actually done anything. A false accusation is easy to make—she was merely a pretext for someone to eliminate the Liao Fourth Prince?”

Tang Shen remained silent.

Zhao Fu asked, “Fei Ran, what do you think?”

Su Wenyun lowered his peach-blossom eyes, bowed, and said bluntly, “Princess Anding was a princess of Great Song. Whether she truly committed any wrongdoing is known only to the deceased princess, her executed maid, and the Fourth Prince of Liao, who has been stripped of his title. The truth no longer matters. What is crucial is the arrival of the Liao envoy in two days.”

Zhao Fu’s eyes drooped, and he said softly, “The Liao Emperor has only four sons. Now that one is gone, only three remain. Just like me.”

Tang Shen and Su Wenyun bowed their heads in silence.

Two days later, the Liao envoy arrived in the capital.

Zhao Fu was still unable to attend court, so the task of receiving the Liao envoy fell once again to the Minister of Rites, Meng Lang. Fortunately, the Liao Emperor had not sent a prince this time, so the three Song princes, who were not in the capital, did not need to return to receive the envoy.

Tang Shen was naturally assigned by Zhao Fu to join the envoy’s reception team, while Su Wenyun, having previously been exposed in the Liao State, feigned illness and stayed home, no longer leaving his residence.

This time, the Liao envoy was even more arrogant than the previous year.

A year ago, the Liao State, relying on its military strength, had attacked Youzhou City and then blamed the Song Dynasty for it. That time, their actions were unjustified. Now, with the scandal of Princess Anding, the Liao Emperor was furious. As soon as the Liao envoys saw Meng Lang, they berated him, “Is this how you Song people apologize? No wonder you have such a licentious princess! The behavior of Song people is disgraceful!”

Every Song official present was shocked and angered by these words, but the Liao envoys were so arrogant that even Meng Lang could do nothing about them.

Meng Lang tried his best to placate the envoys, waiting for Zhao Fu’s health to improve so he could seek guidance on how to handle the situation.

After seeing off the cursing Liao envoys, Meng Lang returned to Qinzheng Hall, sighing, “What are we to do?”

Tang Shen followed behind him, keeping his head down, equally helpless.

The next day, Tang Shen found some free time and accompanied Meng Lang to the guesthouse to receive the Liao envoys.

This time, the Liao envoy was not Yelü Qin but another tall, thin Southern official named Xiao Zhang. Xiao Zhang spoke harshly to Meng Lang, showing no respect for the second-rank official. Meng Lang, already seething with anger, finally responded with a smile, “May I ask, where is our Great Song’s Princess Anding now?”

Xiao Zhang was taken aback, “That adulterous princess was naturally beaten to death by our Liao Emperor and thrown out of the palace.”

Meng Lang stepped forward, furious, “A princess of Great Song cannot be dealt with so casually! Even if she married into the Liao State and committed a grave crime, she should have been handed over to our Ministry of Justice for trial. At the very least, where is her body? No one has seen her alive or dead. The Liao Emperor’s claim that ‘the princess committed adultery in the harem’ is a flimsy excuse. There is no justice in this!”

Xiao Zhang, “You…!”

Meng Lang said, “I will take my leave now. I hope the Liao envoy can provide a detailed explanation tomorrow.” With that, he flicked his sleeve and left.

The Song officials followed Meng Lang out of the guesthouse, glaring at the Liao envoys as they left, venting their anger.

Tang Shen also pretended to feel vindicated, scanning the dozen or so Liao envoys in the guesthouse. Suddenly, his gaze paused on a young man standing behind Xiao Zhang. After Meng Lang left, Xiao Zhang leaned over and whispered something in the young man’s ear.

This wasn’t particularly unusual, but Tang Shen felt that Xiao Zhang seemed to be seeking the young man’s opinion.

The scene felt familiar. Tang Shen pondered it after returning home, and suddenly it hit him—

Half a year ago, when he had secretly gone to the Liao State, wasn’t this exactly how Qiao Jiu had spoken to him?

Tang Shen immediately had a thought. Under the cover of night, he quietly went to Su Wenyun’s residence. Su Wenyun, upon seeing him, teased, “Tang daren gracing my humble abode truly brings it honor. To what do I owe this visit?”

Tang Shen got straight to the point, describing the young man he had seen at the guesthouse and sharing his suspicions.

Su Wenyun’s expression changed. After a moment of thought, he asked, “The Liao State rarely has young high-ranking officials. Xiao Zhang is already a third-ranking official in the Liao court. Anyone above him is at least thirty years old. This person is definitely not a Liao official.”

The two exchanged glances.

Tang Shen, “Which prince is it?”

Su Wenyun, “Describe his appearance.”

Tang Shen, “Fair-skinned, handsome, not as burly and muscular as other Liao officials, more like a scholar from our Great Song. However, his demeanor was sinister, with a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes, suggesting he has blood on his hands.”

Su Wenyun was momentarily stunned, then sneered, “This person is almost certainly the Liao State’s Second Prince, Yelü Shege!”

Tang Shen quickly asked, “Why would he come here?”

Su Wenyun pondered for a long time before looking up and asking, “You mentioned earlier that the Liao envoy came to the capital to condemn the Great Song for sending Princess Anding to the Liao State. Besides that, did they make any other demands?”

“Nothing more than ceding territory and paying reparations. Ceding territory is out of the question, and the reparations are still under discussion. Apart from that…” Tang Shen paused, “The Liao State also wants to marry another princess!”

Could Yelü Shege’s secret visit to Shengjing be related to the princess the Liao Emperor wants to marry?

Tang Shen was baffled, and Su Wenyun couldn’t figure it out either.

As Tang Shen was leaving, Su Wenyun said, “By the way, Tang daren, did Minister Meng show great courage at the guesthouse today, no longer fearing the Liao envoys?”

Tang Shen was startled. During their conversation, he hadn’t mentioned what had happened at the guesthouse earlier.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Tang Shen remained silent, but Su Wenyun, seeing his expression, already knew the answer. He scoffed, “Aren’t you curious why?”

Tang Shen, “Why?”

“A year ago, Meng Lang suddenly gained confidence because someone secretly returned to Shengjing to back him up. What else could it be now?” Su Wenyun snorted, “A certain someone has secretly snuck back again.”

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