This is An Jin's real name. But in this world, no one remembers, and no one cares anymore.

"In our Duan Family, only my lineage remains. That year, during the family catastrophe, my whole family fought to send me out, to Chang'an… This Capital City, where even prostitutes and entertainers have a place, cannot accommodate me!"

At that moment, Ran Yan seemed to see glistening teardrops falling from those lively eyes.

An Jin covered her face with a book, her voice hoarse, "Is it very useless?"

"In adversity, death is a release, living requires courage," Ran Yan said. She suddenly understood why Li Dejian got involved in this affair, he was the one who offered An Jin to the Crown Prince!

Originally, An Jin was only a musician and entertainer at the music institute known as Duan Yunzai. Although of low status, at least he was a complete person, a complete man. Even though escaping his lowly birth was as hard for him as reaching the heavens, he could still hold on to hope in his heart. Even if he struggled for that hope all his life and never achieved it, he could go meet his ancestors with confidence after death.

However, even this meager hope was but a pipe dream.

Everything started with that celebration, ending with his entrance to the Eastern Palace. His world collapsed thunderously, and from then on, all he had was endless darkness, endless despair! Even the favor from Li Chengqian was a nightmare to him!

Seven years ago.

During a court celebration, Li Dejian happened to see the exceptionally talented Duan Yunzai.

At the time, Li Dejian was an undeniable profligate, having seen countless beautiful men and women. Although Duan Yunzai's appearance was disguised, he was still recognized by Li Dejian at a glance.

Duan Yunzai was still a boy then, with some feminine features, and Li Dejian mistook him for a girl. After deliberately approaching him once or twice, he finally realized he was a boy. While regretting the mistake, he was also deeply moved by his talent and scholarship.

Therefore, he helped Duan Yunzai several times, and at that time, Duan Yunzai was grateful. He felt that someone like Li Dejian, a scion of a noble family, who could stoop to show him respect, was truly rare. Thus, even a reclusive person like him began to talk more with Li Dejian.

A year after becoming acquainted with Li Dejian, one day, Li Dejian told him there might be a chance to leave the music institute.

Duan Yunzai was overjoyed and hastily asked what kind of opportunity it was.

Li Dejian said, "The Crown Prince has recently taken a great interest in music. As long as you can win his approval, I will put in some good words for you. It is but a simple matter for him to help you leave your lowly status once he is pleased."

He pondered for a long time and finally decided to take the chance.

Under the arrangement of Li Dejian, the fifteen-year-old Duan Yunzai appeared before the Crown Prince, Li Chengqian.

Li Chengqian was indeed very passionate about music and greatly admired Duan Yunzai's talents. He frequently invited him to the Eastern Palace to play music, and sometimes, when inspired, he would ask him many questions about music theory. Later on, it wasn't just about music; he also asked Duan Yunzai what he liked to do in his free time, what books he liked to read, whether he understood poetry…

Duan Yunzai kept his performance just right, showing excellence in music but only average in other areas. As expected, Li Chengqian valued him more and more.

However, at the same time, Duan Yunzai noticed something that terrified him: the way Li Chengqian looked at him was tender and doting, not at all like how a normal man would look at another man!

But Duan Yunzai could not be certain. He had also mentioned this subtly to Li Dejian, but whether Li Dejian understood or not, he didn't respond.

After that, when Li Chengqian summoned him twice, he claimed to be ill and did not go.

A month later, Duan Yunzai thought Li Chengqian must have developed other interests and gradually relaxed, returning to his usual life.

The music institute did not recruit performers who were too young, typically between twelve and sixteen years old. After sixteen, the entertainers had to start performing, which meant there wasn't much time left for practice.

Therefore, in the music institute, life was very hard and dull for performers who had not yet mastered their art. But Duan Yunzai's skills in playing the zither were almost unrivaled, and his knowledge was extensive, so his life was relatively more comfortable. Most people had to memorize scores until midnight, but he didn't have to.

However, in order not to seem too out of place, Duan Yunzai often stayed in the scoring room until midnight just like everyone else.

The water clock struck deep into the night, yet the scoring room was still brightly lit.

Duan Yunzai frowned and stared down at the score in front of him. His cheeks were dotted with many marks, but still, his outstanding appearance was difficult to conceal.

"Yunzai, the instructor wants you in the Room of Qin Bing," someone called out loudly.

Duan Yunzai expressed his thanks and closed the book, walking out of the scoring room and quickly down the long corridor towards the Room of Qin Bing.

Circular lanterns with bamboo frames hung along the corridor, covered with Goryeo paper, shining bright as the moon.

"Teacher," Duan Yunzai called from outside the door.

Footsteps sounded from inside the room. Duan Yunzai was a bit surprised; usually, the instructor had eyes only at the top of his head, so how could he personally come to open the door?

As he was thinking this, the door was pulled open. Duan Yunzai refrained from lifting his head immediately; it would be reckless to look the instructor straight in the eye, and it would only anger him, making future days difficult to bear.

He bowed even lower, "Teacher."

As soon as he spoke, he was abruptly pulled inside. He stifled a cry of alarm in his throat and, once he had regained his footing, he quickly looked up at the person who had pulled him in, and couldn't help but be stunned.

It was Li Chengqian, with a teasing smile on his face.

"Your Highness," Duan Yunzai quickly bowed to pay his respects.

Li Chengqian extended a hand to lift him up, "I have said there's no need for such excessive formality, lift your head so I can have a good look at you."

Duan Yunzai hesitated for a while but eventually, lifted his head slightly, only to cast it down again shortly after. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.