Tigers Sniff the Rose

After Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao had discussed their upcoming itinerary, it was time for them to disguise themselves.

The wooden cabin happened to have some coarse, simple garments stored away. The three changed into them and confirmed their respective identities. Finally, Han Shu Xing fetched cool water, and Mu Wan Yao assisted him in carefully removing the gauze covering Yan Shang’s eyes.

Initially, Mu Wan Yao hesitated, having heard from the servants earlier that Yan Shang’s eyes could not tolerate strong light. Now, they were about to… But Yan Shang reassured her it was fine, explaining that since he couldn’t see anyway, light exposure wouldn’t make much difference.

Mu Wan Yao knew deep down that it must still have an effect. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have kept his eyes bandaged all this time.

Yan Shang gently squeezed her hand. Mu Wan Yao lowered her gaze, studying his slightly prominent wrist bones for a moment, but ultimately did not pull away. Though Yan Shang appeared gentle on the surface, she had already witnessed the extent of his ruthlessness and determination. Even if she tried to stop him from following now, if he insisted, the outcome would inevitably align with his wishes.

A self-mocking smile tugged at Mu Wan Yao’s lips as, under Han Shu Xing’s watchful eyes, she leaned in and slowly began to lift the gauze from Yan Shang’s eyes. Layer by layer, the covering grew thinner, gradually revealing the outline of his eyes… Mu Wan Yao’s heartbeat quickened involuntarily for a few breaths.

Once the gauze was completely removed, Mu Wan Yao quietly observed him.

He sat with his eyes closed, taking a moment to adjust before slowly opening them. Mu Wan Yao’s heart raced as his eyelids lifted, but when his eyes were fully open, the gentleman’s thick, long lashes curled upward. Gazing into those eyes, the stirring sensation she had felt slowly subsided and faded away.

His eyes remained gentle and moist, yet they lacked the captivating spark that had once drawn her in. Sunlight could no longer gather in his eyes; they no longer seemed to speak.

Sensing the somber atmosphere, Yan Shang asked, “What’s wrong… Is it obvious at a glance that I’m blind?”

Just as Han Shu Xing was about to comfort Erlang, Mu Wan Yao replied coolly, “Yes, it’s very obvious. So be careful. If you’re discovered, I won’t lift a finger to help you.”

Han Shu Xing: …Truly, this was the Danyang Princess he knew—her words as sharp as ever.

Yan Shang lowered his gaze and murmured softly, “Your Highness is so heartless.”

Mu Wan Yao: “I’ve always been this heartless. It’s not the first day you’ve known me. You’ll have to fend for yourself.”

Yan Shang smiled faintly. “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.”

Mu Wan Yao: “You’re welcome.”

Han Shu Xing watched the two exchange words with such seriousness, feeling once again the complexity of the people of Great Wei. Perhaps he would never truly fit in—since when had the Princess ever shown concern for Yan Erlang?

In May, news of Danyang Princess’s attack in Nanyang reached Chang’an, causing an uproar throughout the official circles of the capital.

Pei Qing, the future Imperial Son-in-Law who had accompanied the Princess out of the capital, remained in Nanyang. Together with the Prefect and Military Governor of Nanyang, he was investigating the bandits in an effort to ransom the Princess from their clutches. Also missing and feared dead was Yan Erlang, the County Magistrate of Nanyang’s administrative seat. However, compared to the Princess, no matter how renowned Yan Erlang was, his fate seemed insignificant.

The officials of Nanyang thus petitioned Chang’an for forgiveness, requesting the Emperor to dispatch more troops to help Nanyang eradicate the bandits and rescue the Princess. The two highest-ranking officials in Nanyang were willing to remove their official caps and accept blame—but only after Her Highness the Princess was safely recovered.As a result, the official circles in Chang'an were clearly divided into two factions. Officials from humble backgrounds seized the opportunity to attack Prince Qin, and rumors spread so fiercely that he had no choice but to enter the palace to plead his case before the Emperor, swearing that he would never harm his own flesh and blood. Meanwhile, the Emperor, distraught over his daughter's unknown fate, fell even more gravely ill.

The influence and power Prince Qin had painstakingly regained in Chang'an were now compromised. To balance the pressure from the humble-born officials, he was forced to make concessions, and much of his authority was stripped away. Despite his frustration, he had to continuously send letters to Nanyang, inquiring about Mu Wan Yao's situation.

On this occasion, even eunuchs like Liu Wenji took advantage of the chaos to dispatch troops to Nanyang, aiming to seize the military tally from the Nanyang Jiedushi and replace the local army. As Prince Qin cursed those who kicked him while he was down, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of gratitude toward the Crown Prince—who seemed to be the only one in this incident who hadn't taken a swipe at him.

Prince Jin, who had never been involved in such matters, was completely overlooked by Prince Qin.

The conflict between Prince Qin and Danyang Princess, with its underlying tension between aristocratic families and humble-born officials, escalated so dramatically that not only did officials take sides, but the gossip also spread to the common folk, who eagerly crafted many fictionalized tales on the topic.

As a princess who had returned from a peace marriage, known for her charm and talent, and now wielding significant power, Danyang Princess enjoyed far greater popularity among the people than Princess Yuyang, who stayed at home raising children.

Yan Xiaozhou, wearing a face-covering veil, sat in a tavern in Chang'an, drinking wine. Her slender figure was entirely concealed by the snow-white veil that draped to the floor. Seated in a private room behind a bamboo curtain, she listened to the storyteller outside spinning an animated tale about Danyang Princess's perilous experience in Nanyang.

The story depicted the corruption in Nanyang's official circles and how a naive, charming princess outwitted her adversaries. To appeal to the masses, the tale also invented a scholar who provided comic relief amid the tense political struggles and engaged in a romantic subplot with Danyang Princess.

The patrons in the tavern, drinking as they listened, were utterly captivated, eager to know whether the fair-faced scholar would ultimately win the delicate princess's hand.

Behind the bamboo curtain, Yan Xiaozhou watched the crowd's reactions—sometimes sighing, sometimes applauding—and smiled faintly. Her Third Brother, after years of struggle, had finally passed the imperial examinations this year and become a jinshi, bringing relief to everyone.

Yan Sanlang was now an Awaiting-Decree Official, but according to their family's plans, he had no intention of joining the court. He merely wanted to leverage his jinshi status to quietly earn some money after returning to Lingnan. After all, the title of jinshi was highly useful... As for holding an official post, they already had their Second Brother for that.

Now, the siblings stayed in Chang'an, residing in Yan Erlang's residence, originally waiting for his return. Their latest worry, however, had become whether Yan Erlang, currently in Nanyang, was alive or dead. To uncover this news, not only did Yan Sanlang go out daily to mingle with the Awaiting-Decree Officials, but Yan Xiaozhou also ventured out every day.Yan Xiaozhou glanced at today's audience for the storytelling session and, finding none particularly remarkable, left a few copper coins on the table before rising to exit the tavern. She walked through the marketplace as usual, but upon entering an alley, she spotted a tall man leaning against the wall ahead, dressed like a wandering warrior and wearing a straw hat.

Through the straw hat and face-covering veil, the young man turned his head to look at her.

Yan Xiaozhou’s heart skipped a beat. She curtsied in greeting and was about to gently dismiss him when the man drew a black-lacquered waist token from his belt, flashing it before her eyes. His voice was icy and detached: "Northern Agency of the Imperial Guards. Here to investigate a matter. This tavern has quite the audacity, daring to fabricate tales about a princess of the court. You’ve frequented this tavern—speak! What is your purpose?"

Yan Xiaozhou curtsied again. "Sir, if I may explain, this humble woman has no ulterior motives. I merely found the stories entertaining."

The young man replied coolly, "Is that so? But someone reported to the authorities that a young woman wrote these tales. My investigation points to you as the author."

Yan Xiaozhou asked gently, "What if I did? It’s just a story. I haven’t slandered any of the royals. I’ve heard tales in other taverns claiming Prince Qin is vicious and conspired against Her Highness, the Danyang Princess... I only write romances about talented scholars and beautiful ladies. What harm is there?"

The young man scoffed. Through the straw hat, his gaze felt tangible—sharp and frigid. "The pot calling the kettle black? You may not have targeted Prince Qin, but you maligned the Jiang Clan of Nanyang. If such stories spread, Prince Qin will not spare you. And you still claim to have no purpose?"

Yan Xiaozhou replied softly, "If you are determined to accuse me, any excuse will do. The court is already sharply divided between noble clans and commoners, their conflict at its peak. How could one story of mine possibly incite either side? You’re only targeting me because I’m vulnerable, using me as a pawn to intimidate the opposition."

"Very well, since you refuse to believe me, take me to prison then."

She appeared utterly unruffled, knowing full well that the customs in Chang’an were far more liberal than in Lingnan. Before crafting her stories, she had verified that the people of Chang’an were bold and that the authorities had never interfered with commoners’ gossip about the royal family. At worst, offenders were detained for a few days or given a light beating.

Yan Xiaozhou’s true aim was to make contact with officials, hoping to glean information about her Second Brother. While Third Brother pursued other avenues of inquiry, she, barred from official circles, had resorted to this unorthodox method to engage with government offices.

The young man studied her intently, then suddenly laughed. "What a sharp-tongued girl."

He lifted the black cloth straw hat from his head, revealing a handsome face. Still leaning against the wall, he looked at her with a faint, mocking smile. Surprised, Yan Xiaozhou also removed her face-covering veil, exposing her own features.

Yang Si stared at her.

Yan Xiaozhou lowered her eyes. "Sir, shall we not go?"

He raised an eyebrow. "I heard a tavern was spreading wild tales, and the Capital Office is rounding up suspects. I had nothing better to do, so I came to assist. I wanted to see which girl had such nerve—never thought it’d be you... You’ve got quite the audacity."

Yan Xiaozhou paused, catching the inconsistency in his words. "You claimed to be from the Northern Agency of the Imperial Guards, but now you say you’re with the Capital Office. Which side are you truly on?"

Yang Si looked up at the sky.He chuckled, "I'm not from either side. It's just that I don't command troops at the moment, and being idle in Chang'an, I'm helping someone with a task to test you a bit."

Yan Xiaozhou was slightly taken aback, her eyes widening slightly. Clearly, he wasn't here to arrest her, and the fact that she wouldn't end up in prison made her somewhat flustered. Unconsciously pursing her lips, she bowed to him and turned to leave the alley.

Yang Si clicked his tongue in disapproval. Now that she had fallen into his hands, how could he let her escape again?

Yang Si stood lazily in place, watching her retreating figure, and said, "So eager to get into prison and be interrogated? Tell me your name, where you live, and why you've come to Chang'an, and I'll help you once."

Yan Xiaozhou stopped and looked back. Her eyes were clear as water, a slight smile playing on her lips, with a hint of innate playfulness.

She asked, "Is that all?"

Yang Si suddenly felt a bit uneasy. He coughed and straightened his posture, but his tone remained cool and detached. "Also... if you go out with me during the Dragon Boat Festival to release river lanterns, as long as you don't get into trouble under my jurisdiction, I won't investigate your identity."

As for whether he investigated her or not, Yan Xiaozhou didn't really care. She was a law-abiding citizen, not a spy. Her second brother was so famous that even if she ended up in prison, no one would dare to torture her. But clearly, Yang Sanlang thought she had ulterior motives... Yan Xiaozhou sighed and said sincerely, "I only came to Chang'an to find my brother."

Yang Si: "Brother?"

Yan Xiaozhou: "...Not a lover."

Yang Si burst out laughing, teasing her, "You know quite a lot."

Yan Xiaozhou's cheeks instantly burned, feeling embarrassed by his laughter. She didn't need to study for imperial exams, so the books she read at home were quite varied... Yang Si walked toward her, and Yan Xiaozhou, feeling pressured, took a step back, but he blocked her path.

He said calmly, "Let's go, I'll accompany you, brother.

"Don't forget our Dragon Boat Festival agreement, little sister."

—

Before the Dragon Boat Festival, Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao arrived in a city while being pursued by officials across Nanyang.

Although they were being pursued, with Pei Qing maneuvering behind the scenes in Nanyang and Mu Wan Yao's status as a princess, the officials didn't dare to arrest them openly.

They could only say they were searching for the princess.

In reality, overt searches and covert assassinations were not uncommon.

As Mu Wan Yao's life and death remained unconfirmed, Nanyang was constrained, and the common-born officials in the Chang'an court were putting Prince Qin in a difficult position, the Nanyang side grew increasingly anxious. When Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao entered this city and saw the notice at the city gate about capturing mountain bandits, they knew that while entering was easy, leaving would be difficult.

Clearly, the Nanyang officials were being driven to madness. It would be better if the princess were dead; her current state of neither living nor dying kept them passive. To capture or kill Mu Wan Yao, they began employing all means—for example, cutting off the three medicinal herbs needed for Yan Shang's eye treatment throughout the entire Shannan Circuit.

Yan Shang hadn't applied any medicine along the way.

Mu Wan Yao grew increasingly irritable because of this. Being unable to find the herbs anywhere made her cold-faced all day, and even Han Shu Xing didn't dare to meet her eyes. However, when they arrived in this city and made inquiries, they discovered that the Pujiu Temple here actually had the herbs they had been searching for everywhere.

The authorities blatantly placed the herbs on the Buddhist altar. Every day, worshippers entering and leaving the temple to pay respects to the Buddha could see the three herbs as long as they approached to burn incense for the Bodhisattvas and Buddha.With all pretense now stripped away, it was clearly being used as bait. The Nanyang authorities weren't certain Yan Shang was with Mu Wan Yao, but they had to try. The ambiguous rumors about Yan Erlang and Danyang Princess from years past couldn't possibly have escaped Nanyang's notice.

After Han Shu Xing brought back news about three rare medicinal ingredients being available at Pujiu Temple to their rented cottage, Yan Shang immediately said: "We can't risk major losses for minor gains. My eyes aren't important. If you take risks for this and we lose everything we've achieved, the cost would far outweigh the benefit."

Mu Wan Yao gave a noncommittal "Hmm."

Hearing her indifferent tone, Yan Shang grew anxious and couldn't help saying: "I came on this journey to help you. If my presence causes you difficulties, I might as well not have come at all. Don't take risks... My eyes will recover after we return and resume the medicine application. This temporary delay won't cause lasting harm."

Mu Wan Yao: "I know. Don't worry. You're not important to me."

Yet every day, watching his dull, lifeless eyes—perhaps because the three of them now relied on each other for survival—Mu Wan Yao found herself paying more attention to Yan Shang. She noticed the increasing bloodshot veins in his eyes, how they frequently grew sore, how he often needed to rest with them closed...

When Yan Shang wasn't looking, Mu Wan Yao pressed Han Shu Xing for details and learned what the previously consulted physician had said: continuous application of medicine for two months was required for full recovery. Yan Shang had nearly recovered before, but this interruption in treatment would inevitably affect him... The growing bloodshot veins in his eyes were proof.

If he developed permanent eye problems because of this delay, Mu Wan Yao feared she would regret it for the rest of her life.

Fortune favors the bold.

Mu Wan Yao began secretly planning how to obtain the medicine right under the government office's nose—

That afternoon, Mu Wan Yao and Han Shu Xing went out as usual to gather information, leaving Yan Shang alone.

In the side room of their rented accommodation, Yan Shang bent over the desk writing letters. Being blind, he had devised a wooden tool with grid patterns. When he needed to write, he would place this tool on the paper, using the raised patterns to ensure his characters stayed straight and within boundaries.

Though this method wasn't as convenient as having someone else write for him, Yan Shang couldn't possibly depend on others for everything. He felt embarrassed always asking Mu Wan Yao to write for him, as it made him seem useless. Besides, the official correspondence he was handling concerned Rang County affairs. Some confidential matters simply couldn't be shared with Mu Wan Yao.

After spending the entire afternoon writing letters in his room—having completely finished his work—Yan Shang grew uneasy when Mu Wan Yao and Han Shu Xing still hadn't returned. Never one to sit idle when something felt wrong, he decided to take action.

Feeling his way along the wall, Yan Shang left the house. Using his friendly disposition and handsome features, he gave some copper coins to the family's young son and sent the child to gather information according to his instructions.

Half an hour later, the boy returned with exciting news—

"There are so many people at Pujiu Temple! Officials in uniforms are checking everyone going in and out. Brother Yan, will Sister Mu go there to see the Bodhisattva too? It's really safe there now..."Yan Shang's jaw tightened slightly as he spoke softly to the child, asking to be led outside. He feared that the Pujiu Temple was too secure, filled with government officials... Perhaps he was overthinking, but knowing Mu Wan Yao as he did... Yan Shang let the child guide him by the hand, claiming he wished to stroll through the streets.

The child, pitying his blindness, generously supported Yan Shang as they wandered the market. There, Yan Shang effortlessly used a few pieces of candy to distract the child with street performances while he summoned several beggars.

Handing each beggar a string of coins, Yan Shang pondered briefly before saying, "Tonight is the county magistrate's mother's birthday celebration. Pujiu Temple is distributing free rice to all, but only for the poor. The government office hasn't announced it citywide to avoid chaos.

"Spread this news."

The beggars, initially gathered to mock a blind man, were taken aback but grew excited: "Sir, is this true? Will they really give out free grain?"

Yan Shang replied without hesitation, "My wife serves as a maid in the magistrate's household—she told me this herself. How could it be false?"

As the beggars spread the word, the city's destitute flocked to Pujiu Temple, where chaos would create opportunities for mischief.

Even if Yan Shang's judgment proved wrong—if Mu Wan Yao and Han Shu Xing weren't planning anything reckless—having the authorities deal with the city's beggar congregation wouldn't be a bad outcome—

Mu Wan Yao sat drinking in a small tavern diagonally across from Pujiu Temple. From her seat, she had a clear view of the temple's activities.

It was the Dragon Boat Festival, and the city buzzed with holiday fervor. Crowds streamed through Pujiu Temple despite officials inspecting entrants under the pretext of capturing bandits, unable to dampen the people's devotion.

Mu Wan Yao had subtly altered her makeup to resemble a modest young woman. Only when convinced her appearance sufficiently differed from official portraits of Danyang Princess did she dare emerge, boldly observing from the tavern.

She was determined to obtain those three medicinal herbs.

Missing this Dragon Boat Festival—a perfect opportunity with masses gathered—meant no other ideal timing in the near future. Yan Shang's eyes couldn't wait any longer.

As lanterns glowed at dusk, temple lights ignited one by one, blazing crimson through the night. Though surges of people filled Pujiu Temple, officials failed to identify anyone resembling the princess. With deepening darkness, their operations intensified. Mu Wan Yao watched as officers who initially only screened temple visitors began inspecting patrons in surrounding taverns.

This was precisely her plan: make the authorities believe their target wasn't inside the temple, but nearby.

Timing her move, Mu Wan Yao donned her face-covering veil, left a silver ingot on the table, and exited the tavern. Descending the stairs, she encountered officers posted at the entrance scrutinizing every passerby—men and women alike—with prolonged stares.

Keeping her eyes lowered, she joined the queue to leave. Calculating the timing, she estimated that by her turn, the woman she'd hired and sent into the temple would attempt to enter Pujiu Temple—just in time to draw the government officials' attention.One by one, young ladies and gentlemen left the tavern under the watchful eyes of the officials. When it was Mu Wan Yao's turn, she removed her face-covering veil and put on a timid expression, cautiously glancing at the clerk inspecting her.

She shook the jug of wine she had just purchased and pleaded softly, "My husband sent me to buy wine..."

The clerk gave her a casual glance. Seeing the woman heavily made up and reeking of cheap perfume, he concluded she couldn't possibly be the princess. He waved his hand to let her go, but Mu Wan Yao pretended to be momentarily stunned before showing delight, quickly stepping out of the tavern.

Her sudden haste caught the attention of the officials: "Wait!"

Feigning fear, Mu Wan Yao didn't look back after exiting the tavern. Lifting her skirts, she broke into a run. This immediately alerted the previously slightly suspicious clerks, who shouted: "After her!"—

"They might have found the criminal outside the temple!"

"Hurry, go check!"

Yan Shang was led near the Pujiu Temple. After alighting from the carriage, amid the surrounding clamor, these voices suddenly rang out. His heart tightened, and he quickly tried to identify the speakers while recalling the terrain of the area in his mind.

Whenever he arrived in a city, he would memorize its layout with Han Shu Xing's assistance. Though it had not been particularly useful before, tonight it proved crucial—

A group of officials had surrounded Mu Wan Yao in the middle of the road. Her face was pale, as if she were frightened: "Gentlemen, I merely came to buy wine. Why are you pursuing me so relentlessly?"

The officials encircled her, and their leader retorted, "If you weren't guilty, why would you run?"

Mu Wan Yao, feeling wronged, cried out in protest: "That gentleman spoke so harshly; I was frightened."

The crowd held torches aloft, staring at her heavily made-up face. For a moment, they thought she bore a strong resemblance to the portrait provided by their superiors, yet the thick makeup made it difficult to be certain. The lead official coldly ordered, "No tricks! Someone, take her to wash her face and see what she really looks like!"

Naturally, Mu Wan Yao resisted, sobbing and pleading for mercy, which only made the officials more suspicious. One minor official stepped forward, grabbed her hand, and began pushing and pulling her toward the wine shop's backyard to wash her face. The official held her tightly, and almost everyone was convinced that Mu Wan Yao was the person they were looking for.

Suddenly, another minor official came running from afar, shouting, "Eldest Brother Chen, hurry! We've found the person! At the entrance of Pujiu Temple—someone disguised tried to enter the temple, and we caught them!"

The official holding Mu Wan Yao froze, turning to see his companions stunned. Gritting their teeth, they decided to leave only that one official with Mu Wan Yao while the rest rushed to the temple entrance to apprehend the suspect—

Chaos erupted at the temple gate, where a stranger disguised as Mu Wan Yao was weeping and claiming she simply preferred heavy makeup and had done nothing wrong.

All the officials gathered at the temple entrance, interrogating the stranger as if she were a criminal, which lessened the scrutiny inside the temple. Just as the authorities focused their efforts there, Han Shu Xing, using his lightness skill, quietly leaped over the back wall, slipped into the grandest hall of the temple, and stole the three medicinal ingredients...

The deception could only last for a short while. After about a quarter of an hour of the stranger's wailing at the temple gate, the officials began to sense something amiss. When the stranger's identity was uncovered and news of the stolen ingredients spread, they were horrified: "Search! The thieves can't have gotten far!"

Amid the chaos, the authorities resolved to seal off the entire area around Pujiu Temple, prohibiting civilian movement for the night. But as the order was issued, a swarm of beggars surged forward like locusts. In the ensuing uproar, officials, commoners, and beggars mingled together.

Openly, they were capturing suspects; covertly, killings were taking place.

Yet, in the utter confusion, everyone lost their bearings.

Seizing the opportunity during the turmoil, Mu Wan Yao broke free from the distracted official holding her and turned to flee. The official gave chase, but a crowd surged toward them. In the disorder, Mu Wan Yao suddenly spotted Yan Shang, standing helplessly amid the bustling throng...Yan Shang felt the surroundings descending into chaos. Unable to see, he was jostled from all directions, swept along by the surging crowd. Lean and slender, he could no longer cope with the situation, straining only to discern the information he sought amid the disorder... Constantly pushed aside, his wrist was suddenly seized by someone.

Yan Shang paused slightly: "... Yao Yao?"

Mu Wan Yao spoke in a breathy whisper: "Come with me... The officials are chasing me."—

They ducked into a narrow alley, leaning against the wall. Mu Wan Yao wiped the sweat from her face and, under the dim moonlight, noticed the white powder staining her palm. Pressing her forehead against his shoulder and inhaling his scent, her frantically beating heart gradually calmed.

Yan Shang gently held her arm, letting her rest against his chest to steady her breathing: "I knew you were here."

Mu Wan Yao flared up instantly, lifting her face to glare at him: "Why are you running around recklessly? If it weren't for me earlier, you would have been knocked over..."

Yan Shang: "You promised me you wouldn’t act rashly..."

Mu Wan Yao: "I’m not acting rashly! My plan is perfectly fine..."

Yan Shang, slightly annoyed: "You clearly said I wasn’t important. How can you go back on your word like this?"

Mu Wan Yao, impatient: "You just aren’t important! Why are you here interfering with me?"

She suddenly fell silent, hearing the shouts of the officials drawing closer to the alley where they hid. As the officials continued their search, Mu Wan Yao looked up at Yan Shang, stamped her foot in frustration, and whispered: "... Hide yourself well. I’ll go draw them away."

As she tried to leave, her wrist was caught by him.

Yan Shang’s voice was very low: "There’s no need for such trouble."

He pulled her back, holding her against his chest. He removed his outer robe and draped it over her. While Mu Wan Yao was still bewildered, he fumbled to remove the hairpin from her hair, letting her silken tresses cascade down, spilling over the moon-colored robe he had wrapped around her.

Yan Shang lowered his head, cupping her face as he leaned in to kiss her.

An indigo glow fell upon the long alley, behind them scattered haphazardly with bamboo baskets, crates, and other clutter. Mu Wan Yao stood thunderstruck, stumbling back in shock until she leaned against the vine-covered wall. Her loose hair tangled in his hands, his face pressed close to hers, their breaths mingling softly.

His scorching breath brushed the corner of her lips, his hand drifting down to caress her delicate neck as he whispered softly: "I’m sorry... Under these circumstances, I can only ask Your Highness... to play the role of a courtesan once more."