Tigers Sniff the Rose

Yan Shang moved out of his own residence and went to stay at the county magistrate's office.

It was truly baffling that a host would leave his own home to accommodate a guest.

When Mu Wan Yao learned that Yan Shang had moved to the county magistrate's office, it was early morning, and she was sitting by the window arranging flowers.

Qiu Si's dark, darting eyes watched the princess, noticing that Mu Wan Yao's flower-arranging hands only paused for a moment before continuing.

If there was any reaction at all, it was merely a fleeting trace of mockery and desolation that flashed in Mu Wan Yao's eyes.

Mu Wan Yao understood perfectly well—this was Yan Shang's response to her.

He was the one who cared about her, who insisted on visiting her, but after she kissed him, he felt it was inappropriate. He said they would discuss their issues later, and this was his attitude of "discussing later"—he took the initiative to leave, thoroughly avoiding any suspicion.

He refused to cross the line, treating her like some fearsome threat, so why should she indulge in wishful thinking? If Yan Shang were gone from this world, there would be plenty of Zhao Shangs, Qian Shangs, Sun Shangs, and Li Shangs. When it came to men, as long as one held power, what did it matter how many similar ones could be found?

Yet when Pei Qing came again to discuss leaving Nanyang, Mu Wan Yao still refused.

Mu Wan Yao was determined to wait until the old imperial physician dispatched from Chang'an arrived. Only after the physician had examined Yan Shang's eyes and confirmed they were unharmed would she leave Nanyang.

Pei Qing could see the princess's resolute attitude. Unaware that Mu Wan Yao's persistence stemmed from concern over potential harm Yan Shang might have suffered during his imprisonment, he assumed the princess's feelings were entirely due to her lingering attachment to Yan Erlang.

Pei Qing felt bitter, but he could not defy the princess.

After all, the princess was his sovereign, and he was her subject. Though they were engaged, he was there to serve the princess, not to truly act as her man.

Pei Qing had always known that the princess was his ruler, and imperial authority outweighed everything. Not to mention the princess merely being unable to let go of Yan Erlang—even if after marriage she were to abduct Yan Erlang to the Princess Residence and keep him right before Pei Qing's eyes, he would have nothing to say.

Perhaps truly harmonious relationships existed between men and women in the world, but such relationships rarely existed between a princess and her Imperial Son-in-Law.

Like all Imperial Sons-in-Law in this world, Pei Qing carefully watched Mu Wan Yao's expressions, living under the pressure of imperial authority. Moreover, the princess had married him to grant him an official position—how could he dare show dissatisfaction?

Yet Pei Qing genuinely loved the princess and truly hoped she could let go of Yan Erlang and glance his way.

He dared not say this to the princess, but Pei Qing could seek out Yan Shang and make him withdraw.

After all, Pei Qing currently held a sixth-rank official position, while Yan Shang was merely a seventh-rank county magistrate. Pei Qing was a capital official, while Yan Shang was just a minor local official.

Thus, Pei Qing went to the county magistrate's office where Yan Shang was now staying and spoke to him about the princess.

Yan Shang was preparing to go out to discuss bandit suppression with the provincial governor when Pei Qing arrived for a visit, cornering him at the corridor entrance in the county office's rear courtyard. Yun Shu, who was supporting Yan Shang, immediately showed anger upon hearing what this Lord Pei had to say—their lord had already taken the initiative to move to the county office to avoid suspicion, what more did this Lord Pei want their lord to do?

Yan Shang, meanwhile, flushed with shame and irritation, uncontrollably feeling humiliated and resentful because of Pei Qing's words. After all, he and Mu Wan Yao had been like that... and now he was being confronted by Mu Wan Yao's actual fiancé.He had acted so improperly, violating his usual principles of conduct, that this sense of shame and regret made Yan Shang wish he could dash his head against a wall and die.

After steadying himself for a long moment, Yan Shang said awkwardly in a low voice, "Lord Pei, rest assured, while Her Highness remains in Nanyang, I will absolutely not see Her Highness again, so as not to cause trouble for Her Highness and you, my lord. I will leave my residence for the two of you to stay in. If you have any needs, feel free to inform the servants in the residence; there is no need to notify me. Later, I will be busy with the bandit suppression, and most of the time I will not be here. My lord... you can rest at ease."

Pei Qing praised Yan Shang's grace.

But he still hesitated for a moment: "I have heard that you have a fiancée, my lord. Is this true?"

Yan Shang sighed inwardly, thinking that this was merely a young lady he had seen from afar once, and now she had become his shield. Yan Shang confirmed it.

Pei Qing then demanded, "Since you have a fiancée, my lord, why not marry early so that Her Highness may give up hope? Because if you do not cut off all possibilities, I fear Her Highness will still not let you go."

Yan Shang was taken aback and remained silent for a long while.

Yun Shu, who was supporting Yan Shang, could no longer hold back and exclaimed loudly, "Lord Pei, are you not being too harsh? Our lord has only just become engaged; does a wedding not require preparation? Our lord is also a high official here in Nanyang; how can his wedding be rushed so carelessly just because of your precautions? Does our lord not need to inform his parents and brothers? You cannot handle the princess yourself, yet you force our lord to marry!"

Pei Qing felt ashamed, but he persisted, looking at Yan Shang and making another plea.

Yan Shang said softly, "...I cannot marry."

Pei Qing pressed urgently, "Are you afraid it would disrespect your fiancée? With me and Her Highness here, how could we possibly disgrace you?"

Yan Shang frowned.

He said, "I know Lord Pei thinks that I and Her Highness... which is why... In truth, I truly will not have any involvement with Her Highness. But... I really cannot marry. I cannot marry while you are here... it would upset Her Highness."

Pei Qing disagreed: "Then you must at least show some attitude? Your behavior only makes me think you have improper intentions and refuse to let Her Highness give up hope. How could Her Highness be upset by your marriage? She might be displeased for a while, but she would then lose hope. Only when Her Highness is completely disappointed in you will she leave with me. Or could it be that you still cannot let go of Her Highness?"

Yan Shang was momentarily speechless.

He thought to himself, why is this Imperial Son-in-Law so unaware of Mu Wan Yao's nature...

Yan Shang insisted that he could not marry, but Pei Qing pressed him step by step, appealing to his emotions.

Pei Qing seemed to recognize that Yan Shang had extremely high moral standards, so he repeatedly spoke of his own difficulties, his deep admiration for the princess, and his hope for a peaceful life with her—and how Yan Shang had ruined all of this...

Yun Shu was so angry several times that he wanted to curse, but Yan Shang stopped him each time.

In the end, trapped by Pei Qing's emotional coercion, though Yan Shang held firm that he could not marry, he made a concession, saying he would discuss with his future father-in-law about moving the wedding forward—

After Pei Qing left satisfied, Yun Shu was already furious.

Yun Shu said, "Erlang, why are you always like this? Always thinking only of others and not considering yourself? For the sake of Her Highness's well-being and to make Lord Pei happy, you are willing to wrong yourself... and even endure Lord Pei's insinuations. It's as if we are the ones who have wronged him.""He lacks the ability to keep watch over Your Highness himself, so he comes to us! We've already been forced to avoid living in our own residences, and now he's pressuring you into marriage, young master. When will you ever consider whether you're being wronged? You're simply too kind to others, which is why everyone turns to you.

"Your Highness is like this, Lord Pei is like this, and even your future father-in-law... didn't he also impose himself on you like this!

"Clearly, it was after hearing about Your Highness's marriage being settled that the county magistrate kept plying you with wine, and in your muddled state, you agreed to his persistent matchmaking. Young master, you probably weren't even prepared for marriage... yet now it has come to this... why must it be this way? Erlang, your wife shouldn't be like this—at the very least, she should be your equal..."

Yan Shang's face was pale, but he softly stopped Yun Shu: "Enough. Marriage isn't about imposing or not imposing. The county magistrate is a man of integrity, and his beloved daughter must be sincere and kind... The difficulty lies in Lord Pei hoping for me to marry early, but regarding Your Highness..."

He frowned slightly, ultimately deciding to let it be for now. At least it could sever Mu Wan Yao's hopes—

Yan Shang couldn't possibly marry so early; he was completely unprepared. After all, marriage was a lifelong commitment, and its weight of responsibility was immense to him. But after Pei Qing's earnest pleas, Yan Shang had the county magistrate come to the government office to discuss advancing the wedding.

For the county magistrate, this was naturally an overwhelming surprise.

Yan Erlang valued his family's simple and ordinary background, while he admired Yan Erlang's talent and capability.

Since Yan Erlang arrived in Rang County, many influential figures had attempted matchmaking without success. The county magistrate hadn't dared to aspire so high, never expecting that after one occasion of Erlang's drunkenness, he would actually relent. This marriage seemed to have fallen from the sky, and the county magistrate had been in a daze, fearing it was all a dream.

He had even prepared himself for the day Yan Erlang might say he had drunk too much that day and, without the formal betrothal gifts, the engagement wouldn't count.

Who could have guessed that Yan Shang rarely mentioned the marriage, and the first time he brought it up was to discuss moving the wedding forward? The county magistrate immediately rushed to the magistrate's government office, not even waiting for Yan Shang to visit... afraid that delays might bring complications and someone would interfere.

However, the magistrate's office and Yan Shang's residence were simply too close.

The county magistrate, beaming with joy, entered the county office dressed in a red robe, looking every bit like a bridegroom, which Qiu Si—who was crouched by the flowerbed outside Yan Shang's residence playing with ants—saw clearly.

Qiu Si, after all, was young and curious about everything. She ran over to inquire, then her expression changed, and she hurried back into the residence.

Qiu Si called out for Mu Wan Yao as she ran: "Your Highness! Your Highness! Something's happened!"

When Pei Qing returned to the residence, he saw Mu Wan Yao, adorned in a golden silk gown and glittering hairpins, her face stern, followed by Qiu Si and other maids, marching toward the county government office. The princess's imposing demeanor made Pei Qing's eyelids twitch; he had a premonition and quickly followed to see what was happening.

Across from the county office, the provincial inspector happened to be leaving and witnessed Danyang Princess's determined advance toward the county office.

The provincial inspector hailed from the Nanyang Jiang clan, the maternal family of the third prince, Prince Qin.

Seeing Mu Wan Yao, the inspector's eyelids twitched, and he murmured to himself: "So Danyang Princess really is staying in the magistrate's residence... Yan Suchen spread so much false information, I couldn't tell what was true, but he's hidden her remarkably well."

The provincial inspector laughed: "A princess, with all her entourage. Yan Suchen even went so far as to create a fake princess with the bandits... isn't that being overly cautious?"—Yan Shang was seated in the study, having just exchanged a few words with the county clerk without yet getting to the main point, when the door was abruptly pushed open from the outside.

The rudeness of the intrusion startled the county clerk, who snapped on behalf of their magistrate, "Who goes there! Have you no respect for our Prefect? How dare you barge into the county office like this..."

Yan Shang interjected, "County Clerk, you may leave for now. We can discuss our matter another day."

The county clerk was reluctant, having been on the verge of broaching the subject of marriage before being interrupted...

He turned and saw a young woman of dazzling brilliance and extraordinary beauty stride into the room with a stern expression, followed by several elegant maids and guards. The county clerk’s eyelids twitched nervously, sensing that this was likely the mysterious noble guest residing in the magistrate’s residence.

Perhaps even a princess.

Not daring to utter another word, the county clerk withdrew. Mu Wan Yao lifted the hem of her skirt and strode directly toward Yan Shang. She stood behind the desk, looking down at him.

Sunlight streamed into the study, casting a hazy, translucent glow over the gauze covering his eyes as he tilted his face slightly upward.

He sat quietly with his sleeves draped, his expression unchanged. Though he remained composed and refined, in Mu Wan Yao’s eyes, he was nothing but a despicable scoundrel.

Mu Wan Yao said coldly, "I heard you’re getting married ahead of schedule?"

Yan Shang responded softly with an "Mm," adding, "If time permits, Your Highness is welcome to stay for the wedding banquet."

His hands, hidden in his sleeves, curled into tight fists, trembling violently, yet he allowed no trace of emotion to show on his face.

Mu Wan Yao commanded, "Call off the engagement."

Yan Shang replied, "Without reason, why should I break it off? Would that be fair to the young lady?"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the small study gasped sharply, for without hesitation, Mu Wan Yao delivered a resounding slap across Yan Shang’s face.

The force of her blow turned his head to the side, leaving him momentarily stunned.

No matter how heated their arguments had been before, Mu Wan Yao had never struck him. Everyone spoke of her terrible temper, but Yan Shang had never actually seen her resort to physical violence.

But now... she had.

Pei Qing, who had followed the others and stood outside the window, arrived just in time to witness Mu Wan Yao slapping Yan Shang.

Pei Qing was horrified, his heart racing with panic. He hadn’t expected Mu Wan Yao to be this enraged. He began to fear that Yan Shang might reveal it was he who had pressured him to marry early, and that Mu Wan Yao would later hold him accountable...

After the slap, Mu Wan Yao demanded icily, "Will you call it off or not?"

Yan Shang turned his face slightly toward her, the red imprint of her hand stark against his jade-white skin. He said, "Marriage is no trivial matter. It cannot be treated this way."

"Pfft—" Another collective gasp echoed as Mu Wan Yao snatched a cup of tea from the desk and flung it at him.

Mu Wan Yao, her eyes red with fury, shouted, "Yes, I’m not calm. Because I’m not like you—you’re nothing but a coward! A spineless fool! If I were the one getting married today, you wouldn’t say a word. But I wouldn’t do that! You refuse to take even one step toward me... not a single step! Why? Do you expect me to chase after you? Do you look down on me that much?"

Yan Shang’s face paled. Humiliated by the tea splashed across it, his entire focus remained fixed on her, on her voice, which had grown unbearably hoarse.

Hate and fury surged to their extremes!

A gaping, bloody wound seemed to tear open in his heart, wrenching him apart.

Yan Shang’s voice turned raspy. "I have never looked down on you. We simply stand on different sides..."Mu Wan Yao yelled at him, "Don't give me that nonsense about different positions! What difference is there? Do you really think I treat human lives as worthless? Am I such an irredeemable monster in your eyes? Do you truly believe I'm beyond saving, that I'm not worth it? I've come all the way to Nanyang, I stayed here for you... and now you're getting married! Are you doing this on purpose? Do you hate me so much? What have I done wrong to make you despise me, to make you so eager to get rid of me... Why are you so cruel to me!

"Are you still Yan Shang? Are you still the Yan Shang who cherished and loved me? Don't you realize how cold and hard your heart has become... I hate you so much!"

Tears streamed down her face, her voice strained to the breaking point. Though he was the one who had been slapped and splashed with tea, her崩溃 appearance, her fragile state, was what made it impossible to let go... Yan Shang could no longer remain seated. He had to speak, he had to explain.

As she trembled uncontrollably, Yan Shang stood up and grasped her hand.

His voice was hoarse, trembling: "It's not like that! I never thought you were bad, I just feel I'm not worthy. You know exactly what kind of person I am, you don't know how terrified I am. I'm afraid that between the common people and you, I would abandon you again, making you tell me 'you make me feel like no one in this world loves anyone.' I've always wanted you to receive love, but I don't think I'm the right person... I've been haunted by countless nightmares, dreaming of letting go of your hand, dreaming of you looking at me with hatred in your eyes.

"What I fear is that we'll become strangers because of our different statuses, that I'm not the best person for you, that you'll be hurt by me, that you'll completely lose faith in human relationships..."

Mu Wan Yao stared at him blankly, never expecting this to be the reason holding him back. A tear welled in her eye as she once again realized the vast difference between her perspective and Yan Shang's.

She always focused on the present, while he constantly worried about the future. She sought immediate happiness, while he sometimes demanded status, sometimes future security... They were so different. Two people so dissimilar made her wonder how they had ever managed to get along before.

Mu Wan Yao said wearily, "Forget it."

Yan Shang's hand holding hers trembled.

She reached to push his hand away, closing her eyes to hold back tears: "Forget it, I don't want to have any more thoughts about you. Go ahead and marry if you want, get married early if you wish. I'm leaving... I want to leave Nanyang, I never want to see you again!"

Yan Shang gripped her wrist tightly, refusing to let go.

He sensed her despondency this time, and the fear in his heart made him feel that if he let go now, he might truly lose her forever... Despite all his thinking and efforts, he still couldn't bring himself to release her.

Yan Shang said in a trembling voice, "Actually, my marriage situation isn't what you think. I don't actually want to move it forward, it's because..."

Pei Qing's anxious voice called from outside the room: "Your Highness!"

Mu Wan Yao turned her face and saw Pei Qing entering from outside. Pei Qing's eyes were filled with concern for her, making Mu Wan Yao wonder if perhaps Pei Qing was the right person. Even if she didn't love him now, perhaps affection would grow over time.

In a daze, Mu Wan Yao felt Pei Qing put his arm around her shoulder, unaware of how Yan Shang's face behind her had turned even paler.

Yan Shang stepped forward: "Yao Yao, listen to me..."Mu Wan Yao turned her head wanting to look at Yan Shang, but Pei Qing blocked her view with a protective stance. Pei Qing glanced back, a warning smile playing on his lips as he said to Yan Shang: "Yan Erlang, you've gone too far, daring to act this way toward Her Highness. Have you forgotten the distinction between ruler and subject?

"You even dare to arrange an early marriage! What do you take us for? What do you take Her Highness's dignity for?

"Fortunately, Her Highness now has me by her side. I will accompany Her Highness from now on, and she will never have her heart broken by you again."

Yan Shang stood frozen. Actually, when he decided to help Pei Qing, he had considered that Pei Qing might ultimately use his rejection to grow closer to Mu Wan Yao. But Yan Shang never expected Pei Qing would go to such lengths... He remained unwilling, wanting to chase after them, wanting to tell Mu Wan Yao it wasn't like this.

But his eyes couldn't see, and this place was filled with their people. Mu Wan Yao, exhausted, was led away by Pei Qing. Perhaps she had been swayed by Pei Qing's words and completely didn't want to deal with him anymore.

The room that had been bustling with people moments ago was now suddenly empty. Yan Shang chased after them for two steps, stumbling and colliding with an antique shelf. Books from the study shelves came crashing down like a mountain, burying him. Enduring the pain, Yan Shang dodged and staggered out the door leaning against the wall, only to be stopped by Pei Qing's men.

The guards left by Pei Qing warned him: "Yan Erlang, our master advises you that some words should be spoken, while others should not.

"Her Highness has resolved to let you go. Since you claim to have Her Highness's best interests at heart, don't take any further action. Our master and Her Highness are a perfect match - talented man and beautiful woman. Her Highness and our master are mutually devoted. After all, Yan Erlang, you are... from the past.

"If you continue to disturb Her Highness, our master will have no choice but to employ official means against you."

Yan Shang stood stunned. He paid no mind to Pei Qing's threats, as he had ways to handle all of them. What made him hesitate was their claim that Mu Wan Yao and Pei Qing were mutually devoted, that he should let go—

After Mu Wan Yao returned, it was said she fell ill. Under Pei Qing's attentive care, he eventually managed to move her seemingly unfeeling heart.

Pei Qing requested to accompany the convalescing Mu Wan Yao for some fresh air. Thinking she should seriously begin a new life, Mu Wan Yao didn't refuse. Delighted that he was finally beginning to reach Mu Wan Yao's heart, Pei Qing immediately accompanied her out.

However, luck wasn't with them - as they were leaving, they happened to run into Yan Shang returning.

Mu Wan Yao kept her eyes downcast, not looking in that direction. On Yan Shang's side, his attending page said something, causing Yan Shang to turn toward them and bow in greeting.

Yan Shang "looked" toward Mu Wan Yao, speaking softly: "Has Your Highness recovered from your illness? If you're still unwell..."

Pei Qing interrupted: "There's no need for Yan Erlang to concern himself. But aren't you staying at the county office, Yan Erlang? Why have you returned?"

Yan Shang said: "I came back to retrieve some scrolls. You two... where are you headed?"

Pei Qing: "I'm accompanying Her Highness for some fresh air. After all, old wounds are slow to heal. Yan Erlang, please step aside."

Yan Shang didn't move aside, but instead "looked" at Mu Wan Yao, speaking softly: "You're going out right after recovering? That's not good for your health..."

Mu Wan Yao said impatiently: "With Pei Qing making arrangements, my affairs are no longer your concern from now on. Step aside."Yan Shang's face turned pale, and he finally stepped aside. Yun Shu, supporting his hand, felt the young master's fingers were icy cold. Yun Shu sighed inwardly, thinking that although the young master would grieve for a while, it would pass with time. Meanwhile, Yan Shang kept his head lowered, listening to the footsteps passing before him.

As she walked past him, he caught the faint fragrance from her.

Yan Shang was lost in thought for a moment. Only when Mu Wan Yao and the other had walked far and left the corridor did he snap out of it.

Frowning, Yan Shang asked Yun Shu, "Did I mishear earlier... The footsteps weren't right."

Yun Shu was bewildered: "What's wrong?"

Yan Shang: "I only heard the footsteps of Your Highness and Lord Pei. Are they going out with just the two of them?"

Yun Shu: "...They probably want a private rendezvous."

Yan Shang's jaw tightened—

Just as Mu Wan Yao was being helped into the carriage by Pei Qing, Yan Shang's voice came from the mansion: "Your Highness, Lord Pei... please wait a moment!"

Pei Qing, now fearful of Yan Shang's appearance, immediately urged the carriage to leave quickly.

But Mu Wan Yao said, "He's not the type to act without reason. Let's hear what he has to say."

Supported by Yun Shu, Yan Shang approached the carriage and asked, "Are you two going out for leisure with just one coachman? Rang County is not very peaceful these days. You shouldn't be so careless—you should bring more guards. Your Highness, you should have Guard Fang accompany you..."

Pei Qing was displeased, knowing that if Fang Tong were present, everything would revolve around Mu Wan Yao, and he, the future Imperial Son-in-Law, wouldn't even be able to secure a place by the princess's side.

Seeing Mu Wan Yao bow her head in thought, Pei Qing quickly pleaded with her: "Your Highness, I've finally managed to have a moment alone with you. Why let outsiders interfere? Yan Erlang, since this is your jurisdiction, we still have confidence in you."

Yan Shang tried to persuade them further, but Mu Wan Yao said casually, "Let Pei Qing decide. I trust him."

Yan Shang was stunned.

His heart ached intensely, but he insisted: "Your Highness... I would never harm you. Bringing a few more guards wouldn't hurt."

Seeing Mu Wan Yao's hesitant gaze toward Yan Shang, Pei Qing said, "Then let's bring a few of my guards."

Mu Wan Yao gave a soft "Mm" and lowered the carriage curtain. Yan Shang wanted to persuade them further, but the carriage drove off directly. The coachman deliberately steered the carriage into a puddle, splashing muddy water toward Yan Shang—clearly taking advantage of his blindness.

Fortunately, Yun Shu grabbed his master's hand and pulled Yan Shang back sharply, avoiding soiling his robes. Yun Shu cursed indignantly a few times, while Yan Shang sighed and could only anxiously turn to have the guards from his mansion follow them.

Even though he knew these guards would likely be driven away by Pei Qing's men, he had to try—

While Mu Wan Yao and Pei Qing went off to enjoy themselves, no matter how distressed Yan Shang felt, he still had to do what was necessary.

Yan Shang left the city and, according to plan, joined forces with the military governor to set an ambush in the mountains, waiting for the local bandits to appear so they could capture them all in one sweep. The warrior accompanying Yan Shang was Han Shu Xing, while Yun Shu was responsible for describing the surrounding situation.

They had arranged for some people to impersonate the princess and her attendants, driving a carriage into the mountains for leisure. After three consecutive days of acting, the officials had already figured out the bandits' patterns and planned to strike today.

At that moment, the fake princess's carriage was indeed intercepted by bandits in the middle of the road. The officials, disguised and hidden in the grass and bushes, waited for the right moment.

Just as the plan was about to succeed, with Yan Shang concentrating and everyone awaiting his order... the sound of galloping hooves shattered the moment. Several horses rushed down the mountain path, kicking up clouds of dust.

Seeing the bandits gathered around the fake princess in the middle of the road, the riders on horseback shouted: "Retreat quickly! That's not the real princess! The real princess is in our hands... This is a trap set by the officials! Run!""Listen up, government officials! If you dare make a move, we'll kill the real princess!"

Yan Shang's heart sank like a stone.

The heavily breathing military governor beside him immediately decided: "Kill—"

Yan Shang instantly countered: "Wait... what real princess? Yun Shu!"

Yun Shu widened his eyes, staring at the direction where billowing dust was approaching, and said tremulously: "Sir, it seems they've captured the princess... How can this be? Didn't Lord Pei and Her Highness go out for leisure together, never leaving the city... Sir, I can see clearly now - the one being held at knifepoint on horseback by the bandits is indeed Her Highness the Princess!"

Yan Shang pressed down the military governor's hand: "Stop! Her Highness is in their hands..."

The military governor said with a light laugh: "Yan Erlang, you're mistaken. There's only a fake princess here, no real one. This was the arrangement we made when planning this operation - it was the scheme you personally approved, have you forgotten?"

Yan Shang's expression froze for a moment, his heart instantly sinking as he realized something was wrong. Someone was muddying the waters, someone had other purposes.

He could already hear the sounds of fighting in his ears, and his heart burned with anxiety, knowing he couldn't rely on the military governor. Yan Shang stood up from the bushes where he had been hiding and led his own men toward the chaotic battlefield.

He had to save Mu Wan Yao!

Only he could save her here! The mountain bandits could be captured another time, but Mu Wan Yao must not come to harm!

Watching the young county magistrate turn and leave without another word, the military governor didn't know how much Yan Shang had guessed in that instant, but he merely smiled indifferently: "Just a scholar... pay him no mind."