Tigers Sniff the Rose

Three years passed, swift as flowing water—

In the twenty-seventh year of Youhe, just after New Year’s Day, Chang’an was bathed in misty, radiant scenery.

For three years, the Longyou Pass of Great Wei had been continuously harassed by small forces of Southern Barbarians. That spring, a newly promoted young general adopted a strategy of digging tunnels to outflank the enemy from the rear. The armies of Great Wei and the Southern Barbarian harassing forces clashed at Longyou, with a front stretching dozens of miles, the conflict lasting over a month.

After three successive enemy commanders were killed, the Southern Barbarian troops, who had been troubling Great Wei’s borders, reluctantly withdrew and never invaded again. Upon receiving the battle report, the central authorities were overjoyed and summoned the young general to Chang’an, bestowing upon him an official title and nobility.

It was only then that the central authorities realized this young general, who had risen from the ranks, was no unknown figure but the long-unheard-of third son of the Yang family of Chang’an—Yang Si.

While the central authorities deliberated on what military rank to confer upon Yang Si, he gathered his troops and set out from Longyou toward Chang’an. Dozens of miles from the city, the troops encamped. Naturally, under ordinary circumstances, these soldiers were only for show and would not enter Chang’an.

Only Yang Si alone would receive the summons.

That night, Yang Si was plied with drink by his jubilant soldiers in the tent. Though he had a formidable capacity for alcohol, he could not withstand the relentless toasting. The soldiers grew thoroughly drunk, and Yang Si, too, was intoxicated. His head throbbed violently, yet his spirits were unusually exhilarated.

Four years had passed since he last set foot in Chang’an or saw his parents. Now, returning in glory, how could he not rejoice?

Drunk and euphoric, Yang Si untethered his horse, ignoring the inebriated soldiers filling the camp. He mounted his steed and, swept up in the excitement, galloped southward toward Chang’an.

As dawn approached, the horse slowed from exhaustion. Yang Si, supporting his aching head, grew irritable and wrestled with his mount. Man and horse nearly came to blows in the dim light of daybreak, a farcical struggle that ended with Yang Si being thrown from the saddle.

Tossed off by his horse, the masterless steed whinnied excitedly, kicked up its iron-shod hooves, and bolted into the distance, leaving Yang Si stranded in the wilderness. Cursing under his breath, Yang Si dusted himself off, staggered to his feet, and stumbled forward. Not far along, he collapsed beside a small stream, his upper body submerged in the water, and fell into a deep, oblivious slumber.

At daybreak, a brother and sister rode along the path from the opposite direction. The stream murmured softly, and the spring scenery was serene. The siblings spotted the young man lying unconscious by the water’s edge.

The sister exclaimed in surprise and, ignoring her brother’s protests, dismounted and knelt by the stream to examine the sleeping youth.

Yang Si’s face was handsome yet stern, flushed with the aftermath of drink. He slept soundly, but years of ingrained habit made him reach for his blade at the slightest approach. Unfortunately, he had lost his sword in a drunken wager the night before. Finding nothing at his waist, Yang Si twisted his hand and seized the wrist of the girl who had touched him.

The girl cried out in pain.

Yet her voice remained gentle: “Sir, sir? What’s wrong? Are you drunk? I mean no harm. My brother and I are on our way to Chang’an—he’s there to take the imperial examinations.”

Her brother boomed: “Xiaozhou! This man looks dangerous. Leave him be and let’s hurry on our way.”Yang Si groggily opened his eyes and caught a glimpse of a yellow-robed maiden's silhouette—neither a soldier nor an enemy from the battlefield. The battle-ready tension in his blood eased slightly as he hazily saw the girl offer him a gentle smile and softly comfort him once more.

In his drunken stupor, Yang Si thought: Her voice is so soft, like a song.

He released his tight grip on her wrist, tilted his head back, and fell asleep again—

Yan Sanlang had no choice but to yield to his younger sister's pleading and helped Yang Si onto their horse. The young man slumped over the horse while Yan Sanlang held the reins, chatting with Yan Xiaozhou as they walked. On horseback, Yang Si drifted in and out of consciousness, vaguely hearing their conversation.

Yet his exhaustion was too profound to bother opening his eyes.

On the mountain path, Yan Sanlang chided his sister: "You're too meddlesome. How do we know if he's good or bad? What if he's a bandit or outlaw?"

Yan Xiaozhou grinned mischievously: "That's why I tied him up with rope."

She then wheedled her brother: "We'll take him to the nearest post station so he can rest there. Isn't that fine? Brother, how can we ignore someone in distress? What if this gentleman has urgent business or troubles? Wouldn't we be failing him if we didn't help?"

Yan Sanlang glanced sideways at his sister.

At seventeen or eighteen, she possessed the radiance of spring—fair skin, willow-slender waist. Her beauty shone like morning light, eyes curving into crescents when she smiled, pupils dark yet clear and pure. Both her appearance and her luminous, transparent demeanor held irresistible charm for men.

Having traveled north with his sister from the south, how could Yan Sanlang not notice how men looked at her?

Hence his vigilance.

He secretly regretted bringing her on this trip.

Perhaps Eldest Brother should have accompanied them.

Yan Xiaozhou smiled sweetly: "Third Brother, I think you're silently scolding me again."

Yan Sanlang started.

Then he exclaimed: "Nonsense! You're becoming like Second Brother now—always imagining things. Stop it! It's not endearing at all."

Yan Xiaozhou pressed her lips together in a soft smile, thinking there was nothing wrong with resembling Second Brother. Yet—

She sighed faintly, murmuring: "But I haven't seen Second Brother in over five years. He's not in Chang'an either."

Yan Sanlang's mood dampened, but as her elder brother, he quickly comforted her: "Didn't Second Brother promise? He told us to settle well in Chang'an—he'll definitely return this year."

He kept unspoken thoughts from his sister: Their journey to Chang'an served both his imperial examinations and the hope that Second Brother would return to help arrange a good marriage for her here.

Lingnan offered no worthy matches.

If Second Brother remained in Chang'an long-term, and their sister could marry into the capital under his protection, their family would rest easier—

By the time Yang Si sobered completely, dusk had fallen.

Barefoot and grim-faced in a post station room, he pondered briefly, only vaguely recalling the siblings who helped him chattering about "Eldest Brother" and "Second Brother" during the journey—nothing noteworthy.

Just that the maiden's voice remained etched in memory—exceptionally gentle.After thinking for a long time without recalling anything useful, Yang Si simply set the matter aside. Going downstairs, he greeted the stationmaster and borrowed a horse from him, then rode straight into Chang'an city without stopping.

He estimated he would be staying in Chang'an for about half a year this time.

On one hand, the old Emperor was wary and wouldn't let him return to the frontier immediately; on the other hand, well, Princess Danyang was about to get married—

The wedding garments for the princess were being woven by the Imperial Wardrobe.

Since the beginning of spring this year, the Imperial Wardrobe and the Ministry of Rites had begun preparing for Princess Danyang's wedding. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Princess Danyang would marry in September of that year. Half a year was barely enough time to prepare for the princess's wedding and renovate the Princess Residence.

After returning to Chang'an, Yang Si spent one day at home and half a day at the Eastern Palace before visiting Princess Danyang's residence, curious to see who Mu Wan Yao had chosen as her Imperial Son-in-Law.

Over the years, many things had changed.

For instance, the Crown Prince now studied the ways of governance by the Emperor's side. Although the Ministry of Revenue had returned to the Crown Prince's control, he was much more cautious and no longer interfered in every matter as he used to;

For example, the most prominent figure in Chang'an now was Prince Qin;

Moreover, although Prince Qin had gained influence, the suppression of his faction had intensified compared to when Yang Si left Chang'an. Those who contributed most to this were the humble-born officials in court who had united as one.

While Prince Qin enjoyed his glory, he also faced daily pressures, leaving him with mixed feelings.

As for Mu Wan Yao... over the years, she had become much more steady in her actions and quieter. The Crown Prince no longer wielded absolute authority as he once did, and Mu Wan Yao no longer sought the spotlight in every matter. While she still supported the humble-born officials in court, her methods had become more subtle and gentle.

Yet her power had actually grown stronger, and for now, no one dared challenge her.

Princess Danyang had firmly established herself in Chang'an's power circles. With her position secured, she began to consider marriage.

Although Yang Si regretted that things hadn't worked out between Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang, he was genuinely happy that she was finally getting married. So, just two days after returning to Chang'an, Yang Si came to Mu Wan Yao's place to enjoy some wine—

In the main hall of the Princess Residence, Mu Wan Yao smiled warmly and invited Yang Si to sit, offering him some newly acquired fine wine to taste.

Their banter wasn't as playful as in their childhood, but despite years apart, and even though Mu Wan Yao and the Crown Prince still ignored each other, her relationship with Yang Si remained largely unaffected.

Mu Wan Yao observed Yang Si, noting that his features had grown stern and his posture more upright. His imposing presence, having shed the recklessness of his youth, now truly resembled that of a general who had emerged from the battlefield.

Yang Si suddenly turned to her and asked calmly, "Is that your intended Imperial Son-in-Law?"

Following his gaze, Mu Wan Yao saw spring blossoms drifting in the courtyard as a young gentleman was led closer by maids—

Pei Qing, introduced by the princess, respectfully took his seat behind her.

Knowing who Yang Sanlang was, he suppressed his nervousness and smiled as he struck up a conversation: "I've heard that Sanlang and Your Highness grew up together and that you've returned specifically for Her Highness's wedding. I truly envy such a close bond between you."

Yang Si's expression remained cold as he glanced at Mu Wan Yao.Mu Wan Yao swayed the wine cup in her hand, a careless smile playing at the corners of her lips. Yang Sanlang glanced at her, and only then did she turn her head: "Pei Qing, pour wine for Yang San. He finds no joy without wine; to win his favor, simply offer him wine."

Pei Qing instinctively felt that Yang Si disliked him. Suppressing the chill of being scrutinized, he smiled and agreed.

Later, Yang Si stayed for the meal.

Pei Qing’s gaze remained fixed on Mu Wan Yao. Whatever she wanted, he noticed immediately. A wine cup, a dish—each was placed within her closest reach.

Yang Si watched coldly.

Pei Qing seemed eager to speak with him, but the icy aura around Yang Si repeatedly unsettled the young scholar, leaving him visibly uneasy. He glanced uncomfortably at Mu Wan Yao several times, and she smiled at Yang Si: "Don’t bully Pei Qing."

Yang Si scoffed.

But after the meal, Yang Si gestured outward with his arm and said calmly, "Leave."

Pei Qing stiffened slightly and looked toward Mu Wan Yao. Her faint smile remained elusive as she narrowed her eyes lazily and replied casually, "You may go."—

Only Yang Si and Mu Wan Yao remained in the hall.

Yang Si then dropped all pretense of politeness: "This is the Imperial Son-in-Law you’ve chosen? What kind of taste is that?"

Mu Wan Yao replied nonchalantly, "What’s wrong with him? He listens to me, is obedient and sensible, follows my every command, prioritizes me in everything, keeps his eyes on me at all times, and even tries to connect with those around me. Even when someone like you gives him a hard time, he endures it.

"Where else could I find such a good Imperial Son-in-Law?"

Yang Si’s expression grew colder.

He said, "Are you selecting an Imperial Son-in-Law, a puppet, or keeping a male favorite?"

Mu Wan Yao looked at him.

Yang Si stared back, but after a long moment facing her captivating, watery eyes, he finally relented slightly. Yang Si asked, "What exactly are you up to?"

Mu Wan Yao swayed her wine cup and said nothing.

Yang Si thought poorly of Pei Qing, but she found him acceptable.

Pei Qing came from a humble background and had been under her control since the imperial examinations. Now, as she sought influence in the Ministry of Personnel, she planned to place Pei Qing there. If Pei Qing could have a say in the annual exams, she would gain more useful connections.

However, Pei Qing was young, and securing him a position as a vice director in the Ministry of Personnel would require considerable effort from both Mu Wan Yao and him.

But if Pei Qing could marry the princess… this appointment would undoubtedly be secured.

In the end, it all came down to power.

Moreover, an alliance with a common-born family would help Mu Wan Yao signal her stance toward the humble classes.

Mu Wan Yao wielded her marriage as a political tool with practiced ease. Though Yang Si didn’t know her motives, he could see her indifferent, perfunctory attitude toward marriage and couldn’t help but feel angered.

Yang Si lowered his voice: "When I left Chang’an, you weren’t like this. Have you been regressing all these years? Marriage is a lifelong matter—are you planning to treat it so lightly?"

Mu Wan Yao retorted, "What’s wrong with it? Pei Qing is very obedient and loves me deeply. You just don’t know him well enough. Once you understand him, you’ll see that I’ve made an excellent choice for an Imperial Son-in-Law."

Yang Si said, "I can see his eyes are always on you, but I’ve never once seen you look at him properly. Do you realize that whenever you glance at him, your gaze just drifts past?"Mu Wan Yao said, "Nonsense. I've looked at him seriously. Why don't you summon Pei Qing over, and I'll take a proper look for you to see?"

Yang Si replied indifferently, "But when you look at him, who are you thinking of in your heart?"

Mu Wan Yao turned her face away.

Her snow-white face carried a somewhat cold expression, yet her eyes still held a trace of a smile. She retorted, "Who am I thinking of?"

Others wouldn't dare to say.

But Yang Si had never been afraid of this little girl.

Yang Si said, "You're thinking of the person Pei Qing resembles so much."

Mu Wan Yao was momentarily stunned. Standing under the corridor, Xiarong heard Yang Sanlang point it out so bluntly and immediately grew anxious, fearing the princess might flip the table in anger. For the past three years, none of them had dared to mention that person in front of the princess... What was Yang Sanlang doing?

However, Mu Wan Yao did not get angry.

Mu Wan Yao rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought as she gazed at the spring scenery outside the window.

Casually and indifferently, she said, "What does it matter? Perhaps my taste is just like that—I like the same type of person. I just prefer those who are obedient and well-behaved."

Yang Si mocked her, "You don't even have a bit of passion. You say you like him?"

Mu Wan Yao hadn't intended to lose her temper; she had rarely done so in the past three years. But Yang Si provoked her again and again, and she finally grew furious, pointing at the door: "Get out! What does it have to do with you? You don't understand a thing!"

Yang Si never indulged her.

He stood up tall, turned to leave, and as he went, he sneered, "I don't understand this life of yours where you're just making do. You're a princess, after all—if you can't even get what you want, what kind of princess are you?"

Mu Wan Yao was enraged. She shouted for Fang Tong and the other guards, ordering them to throw Yang San out of the Princess Residence and forbidding Yang San from returning. She and Yang Sanlang stood on opposite sides of the corridor, hurling insults at each other, their argument growing increasingly heated. Mu Wan Yao wished she could grab a stick and drive Yang Sanlang out herself, and in the end, she managed to chase him away—

After the quarrel with Yang Si, Mu Wan Yao slammed the door shut and returned to her room in a huff, forbidding anyone from disturbing her. Xiarong gossiped with Fang Tong, who was leaning against a corridor pillar watching the scene: "Your Highness seems to have some energy now."

Fang Tong: "Mm."

Xiarong actually felt somewhat relieved: "It seems our Your Highness is still suited to being with someone like Yang Sanlang. We should have Sanlang visit more often to argue with Your Highness. Maybe then she won't always be alone like she usually is."

Fang Tong sighed.

Xiarong muttered, "And they say she's choosing an Imperial Son-in-Law. Your Highness doesn't even allow the Imperial Son-in-Law to stay overnight at the residence. It's nothing like... nothing like with the previous one."—

Mu Wan Yao paid no attention to Yang Si.

Yang Si looked down on the Imperial Son-in-Law she had chosen, but this was her marriage, not his. If he didn't approve, so be it.

But perhaps influenced by Yang Si, when she looked at Pei Qing again, Mu Wan Yao felt even less enthusiasm.

She could discuss official matters with Pei Qing, but once they had talked about court affairs, she wanted to send him away and be alone... She felt that being by herself was much more comfortable than having a man in the residence. Mu Wan Yao suspected there was something wrong with her, but she wasn't unhappy either.

Just neither good nor bad.

One day, as soon as Mu Wan Yao returned from outside, Pei Qing came to the Princess Residence. Mu Wan Yao's expression was cold. When she got out of the carriage, she didn't even glance at Pei Qing, lifting her skirt to ascend the steps.From her expression, Pei Qing could tell she was in a poor mood today, likely after quarreling with some official. As he hesitated, Mu Wan Yao turned to him: "If you have something to say, speak quickly. I'm rather tired today and won't be keeping you for dinner."

Pei Qing gently pulled forward a plainly dressed youth from behind him: "It's like this—I've just made this young gentleman's acquaintance and was impressed by his considerable talent. He may well rank highly in this year's imperial examinations. I thought to bring him to pay his respects to Your Highness."

Though he phrased it so delicately, Mu Wan Yao understood perfectly—this was about helping the youth submit his literary works.

The corner of her lips curled slightly as she dismissed him: "You're a court official yourself. Use my name to approach the Minister of Personnel if you must. Such trivial matters don't require my instruction."

The youth behind Pei Qing flushed with humiliation and resentment.

He could hear the princess's disregard.

Pei Qing likewise felt awkward, as Mu Wan Yao's attitude made his earlier endorsement seem ridiculous. Stepping forward to follow her, he made another attempt: "Your Highness, he's a renowned talent from Nanyang. Wouldn't you care to inquire further...?"

Mu Wan Yao, standing on the steps, suddenly halted.

The words "Nanyang" echoed in her ears.

Whether influenced by Yang Si's earlier admonishments or feeling the effects of wine drunk that afternoon, she turned to look at the displeased youth as if compelled by some unseen force.

With a faint smile that seemed both teasing and genuinely curious, she asked: "A talent from Nanyang? Then do you know someone named Yan Shang?"

Pei Qing's expression stiffened. He looked at Mu Wan Yao, but she appeared merely curious, her smile still casual.

The youth looked bewildered.

Mu Wan Yao added offhandedly: "He's the magistrate of Rang County in your Nanyang..."

The young man suddenly understood: "Does Your Highness mean the esteemed Yan Lang, renowned as 'a minister celebrated throughout the land'? Are you speaking of our Prefect Yan Suchen?"

Mu Wan Yao: "..."

Her gaze fixed on him, then she laughed in disbelief: "Yes. That's him. What, is he very famous?"

Pei Qing's smile was now strained. He lowered his sleeves, watching Mu Wan Yao, but her dark eyes remained fixed on the youth behind him, completely unaware of him.

The youth spoke admiringly: "Our Prefect is naturally extremely renowned. Your Highness may not know, but Nanyang's official and private schools now surpass even those in Chang'an. Many esteemed scholars and masters teach in our academies—all invited by our Prefect.

"Not only has our Prefect engaged famous teachers for us, but he's also established elementary schools and personally compiled textbooks. For impoverished scholars like myself who lack travel funds to come to Chang'an, he even provides financial assistance..."

Mu Wan Yao studied the yearning in the youth's eyes for a long moment.

She smiled: "Stay for dinner."—

This youth brought by Pei Qing clearly sensed the princess's interest in their Prefect. To secure her patronage for his literary submission and enter her circle, he naturally needed to please Her Highness.

Thus throughout the evening meal, despite Pei Qing's repeated subtle hints to stop, whenever the princess showed interest, the youth would exhaustively recount their Prefect's deeds.

After the meal was cleared, Mu Wan Yao showed no intention of ending the conversation. Resting her chin in her hand, her eyes sparkling like swaying stars, she laughed delightedly at the youth's stories.She asked with a playful smile, "Really? You've truly seen him? Could it be that he even taught you how to read? That can't be, right? He shouldn't have such skills."

The young man exclaimed excitedly, "How could we trouble the Prefect to teach us reading? It was once when the Prefect visited the academy—everyone rushed to catch a glimpse, and I managed to see him among the crowd. Your Highness is an old acquaintance of our Prefect, aren't you? Then Your Highness must know that our Prefect's demeanor and grace... his cultivation and bearing are truly beyond reproach."

Mu Wan Yao's cheeks flushed.

She lowered her long lashes somewhat sheepishly, softly uttering an "Mm," and said with a blushing face, "He is indeed very handsome."

The youth said, "Your Highness knows who our Nanyang Prefect is, right? He's a young master from the prominent Jiang family in Nanyang. The Nanyang Prefect wanted to marry his daughter to our Prefect, but after talking with our Prefect all night, the next day he shamefully admitted his daughter wasn't worthy of the Prefect."

Mu Wan Yao pursed her lips in a smile, the light in her eyes growing brighter.

She asked, "So you've actually seen him?"

The youth: "Seen him? Of course! Not only have I seen him, but I've also spoken with the Prefect."

Mu Wan Yao: "Is his voice very pleasant? That kind of low and gentle tone, like... like whispering secrets to you, or like a spring breeze brushing past."

The youth laughed: "Probably so. I've never heard the Prefect raise his voice."

Mu Wan Yao: "He never speaks loudly! Because he has excellent self-restraint, he rarely gets angry. And even if you make him angry, it doesn't matter much - he rarely embarrasses anyone. When you make a mistake, he just looks at you and sighs with particular helplessness, like this—"

Mu Wan Yao closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, her entire demeanor had become extremely gentle. She gazed softly at the two people seated, sighing lightly like a mist gently rising and softly dispersing.

The youth said, "I've never seen him sigh."

Mu Wan Yao was displeased, feeling his knowledge was too limited.

Yet she remained quite interested in speaking with this youth. She asked, "Then have you seen him when he's lost in thought?"

The youth thought for a long while before saying, "Once! Once when I went to the academy, I saw the Prefect standing outside our school building. All the teachers had left, but he remained standing there motionless - he must have been lost in thought."

Mu Wan Yao's cheeks grew warm.

She smiled delightedly: "Isn't he adorable when he's lost in thought? His eyes gazing at the sky, just standing there blankly for a long time. He becomes all muddled, and after spacing out for a while, you can hear him let out a long sigh. This kind of sigh is different from his helpless sighs... I love watching him when he's lost in thought."

And so it went, back and forth.

Throughout the evening, Mu Wan Yao and the youth conversed happily about this one person. When Pei Qing excused himself midway, it didn't dampen Mu Wan Yao's spirits.

After all, she was a princess - she could do as she pleased.

But Pei Qing began to feel uneasy... began to sense that something, somehow, was about to happen—

Mu Wan Yao talked with the youth all night, invited him to stay at the Princess Residence that evening, and the next day actively helped him with his submission of literary works. Unfortunately, this youth knew very little about Yan Shang's affairs, and since Mu Wan Yao couldn't learn more from him, she quickly lost interest.

That night, Mu Wan Yao drank alone in the residence. Xiarong came to report: "Young Master Pei requests an audience with Your Highness."

Mu Wan Yao frowned and said, "If it's not important, there's no need to see him."

So Xiarong went out, and when she returned, she found the princess still drinking by herself. Xiarong knelt beside the princess and, after hesitating for a moment, advised: "Your Highness is about to get married soon, why are you still treating Young Master Pei so coldly?"

Without turning her head, Mu Wan Yao said, "Did he give you money, bribe you to speak well of him in front of me?"

Xiarong shamefully replied: "...No. Young Master Pei did attempt such, but this servant didn't dare accept his money. I just feel somewhat sympathetic toward him, that's why I'm speaking like this."

Mu Wan Yao muttered: "Yan Shang would never do such things."

Xiarong froze for a moment, almost thinking she had misheard.The hazy moonlight streamed through the window, casting a cold, pale glow upon Mu Wan Yao. After watching the princess for a while, Xiarong remarked, "Your Highness has been mentioning Yan Erlang quite often lately."

Mu Wan Yao remained silent.

Xiarong continued, "This servant doesn't understand... After what happened back then, doesn't Your Highness hate Yan Erlang anymore? How could it be that now... When that gentleman spoke of Yan Erlang the other day, I've never seen Your Highness so happy in all these years. Young Master Pei looked quite displeased at the time, but I noticed Your Highness seemed almost carried away."

A faint smile touched Mu Wan Yao's lips.

Resting her chin on her hand, she gazed down at the wine in her cup with some confusion. "I don't know either... Perhaps it's because Yang San has returned, or perhaps because the wedding is approaching... I just keep thinking of him, more and more often.

"Do you know, even when I look at Pei Qing now, I find myself thinking of Yang San's words. When I first supported this man, was it because Pei Qing resembled Yan Shang in some way?

"But then I feel Pei Qing isn't good enough. I often think he's fundamentally different from Yan Shang. He's not as shy as Yan Shang; though reserved, he doesn't have Yan Shang's constant unease. His eyes always follow me, but Yan Shang often wouldn't look at me... Whenever I turned around, Pei Qing would be there. Yet I, I loved watching Yan Shang sitting there lost in thought.

"Clearly Pei Qing has only me in his heart, so why do I feel indifferent? Clearly Yan Shang doesn't have only me in his heart, yet why do I never feel indifferent when I'm with him? I don't enjoy sitting with Pei Qing, don't enjoy talking with him, don't enjoy how he agrees with every word I say...

"He's very obedient, but I... I don't know. I just feel..."

Mu Wan Yao laid her head on the table, murmuring, "When Yan Shang was around, I felt very safe, my emotions would rise and fall. When Pei Qing is around, my heart remains calm, like dead ashes."

After a moment of silence, Xiarong asked, "Why does Your Highness feel Yan Erlang is safe? He clearly, clearly treated Your Highness that way."

Mu Wan Yao immediately lifted her head, perhaps due to drunkenness, quickly retorting, "That's different! He didn't leave me for other reasons—it was just that our positions differed back then, we couldn't continue. He never meant me harm; after leaving, he even left me memorials advising me what to do...

"Xiarong, you don't understand Yan Shang. You don't know what kind of person he is. But I do. I've known from the very beginning."

She turned to her maid with a secretive smile, whispering:

"Let me tell you quietly—if I were blind or crippled, if I were no longer a princess, all of you would treat me differently because of that. But Yan Shang wouldn't. Even when he's not by my side, I know if something happened to me, he would help me, without reservation."

Her eyes shimmered as she looked up at the bright moon. The moonlight reflected in her eyes, falling into her dark world.

She wasn't lost, nor helpless.

She wasn't sad, nor sorrowful.

She was just lonely. Just often feeling the nights were too quiet. Just holding a lantern, suddenly unsure whom to look for.

Gazing at the moonlight as if enchanted, Mu Wan Yao murmured, "He's the best person I've ever seen in this world. No one compares to him."Mu Wan Yao leaned over the desk, her shoulders trembling slightly. Xiarong thought she was sobbing, so she gently nudged the princess to see her face. Yet, there were no tears—the princess merely whimpered like a kitten, plaintive and resentful, clawing at the air—

She wanted someone.

Desperately so.

But she could never show it openly—

That night’s drunken confession from Mu Wan Yao had been fleeting, like a flash in the pan. The next day, when Xiarong tried to discuss it, Mu Wan Yao brushed it off lightly, leaving no room for conversation.

Until this day, as Mu Wan Yao and her retinue returned and stood in the alley where the Princess Residence was located, she suddenly froze.

A carriage was parked in the alley—a standard model, clearly not one Mu Wan Yao would use. Servants were bustling in and out, moving things into the neighboring estate… Mu Wan Yao felt her heartbeat grow abruptly erratic.

Before Xiarong and the others could react, Mu Wan Yao had already stepped into the neighboring estate. The place had been neglected for three years and was overgrown with weeds, but Mu Wan Yao’s eyes weren’t searching for scenery—they were searching for a person… Just as she failed to find the one she expected and couldn’t articulate her feelings, a soft, surprised voice called from behind, “Is that… Your Highness? Danyang Princess?”

Mu Wan Yao turned to see a young woman holding a stack of books, offering her a gentle smile. A young man hurried over, loudly exclaiming something, but upon spotting Mu Wan Yao, he fell silent like a duck whose neck had been wrung.

Mu Wan Yao didn’t recognize the young man as Yan Sanlang, but after staring at the graceful young woman for a moment, she exclaimed, “You’re… Yan Xiaozhou!”—

Yan Xiaozhou and Yan Sanlang were somewhat embarrassed.

They had intended to tidy up the estate while the princess was away, never expecting to run into her.

Yan Xiaozhou spoke in a soft, measured tone: “It’s like this—I accompanied Third Brother to the capital for the imperial exams. Second Brother doesn’t want us staying here; he plans to sell this estate. So, Third Brother volunteered to help clean up the courtyard a bit, to make it easier for Second Brother to sell. After all, Second Brother is about to get married and will need the money…”

Mu Wan Yao was stunned.

She frowned. “Married?”

Yan Xiaozhou’s dark, clear eyes watched her. Gazing at the princess, she keenly discerned her thoughts and hesitated, choosing not to reply.

But Yan Sanlang, bewildered, blurted out, “Your Highness, what do you mean? Can’t my second brother get married? My eldest brother already has three children, and my second child is on the way… It took us so long to persuade Second Brother to marry—he’s already late! He can’t delay any longer!”