Tigers Sniff the Rose

In mid-August, Danyang Princess and Yan Shang returned to Chang'an.

They each entered the palace to pay respects and report to the Emperor.

By this time, the princess's wedding preparations were nearly complete, becoming the latest topic of enthusiastic discussion among Chang'an's commoners. Not only was this the first royal princess wedding in many years, but this particular princess had an extraordinary history—having returned from a peace marriage and now smoothly remarrying, which astonished everyone.

As Yan Shang walked through the streets, he noticed that no one in Chang'an mentioned the previous Imperial Son-in-Law Pei Qing anymore. The commoners of Chang'an had short memories—an unsuccessful Imperial Son-in-Law was not considered a real one. Though Yan Shang was naturally reserved, hearing his name and deeds frequently mentioned by the people made him struggle to suppress his joy, reminding himself to remain humble.

Dismounting at the lane entrance, a servant came to take his horse. Yan Shang looked up at the residence he hadn't returned to in three years, his emotions churning with complexity. When he had left Chang'an back then, he had been utterly dejected—how could he have imagined returning like this?

His residence opposite the Princess Residence still hadn't been sold—Mu Wan Yao refused to have anyone else as neighbors.

Yan Shang now pondered: After he and Yaoyao married, he would naturally move into the Princess Residence with her. Shouldn't this property be sold then? Why keep it and incur unnecessary expenses?

As he stood lost in thought at the entrance, he heard hurried footsteps inside. Thanks to the old imperial physician's exceptional skills and experience, his vision had recovered eighty percent. Turning toward the sound, the sight of the approaching figures made his eyes widen, stirring countless emotions in his heart.

Rushing toward him was a distinguished, elegant middle-aged man of handsome appearance, leading two young gentlemen, followed by two unfamiliar young women with married hairstyles. Children pattered after the adults, clutching their parents' clothes, their dark eyes curiously fixed on Yan Shang.

Yan Xiaozhou walked the slowest. Seeing her second brother standing dazed below the steps, she couldn't help but beam with joy. She called out: "Second Brother!"

Yan Xiaozhou quickened her pace, passing her father and elder brothers with their wives, her eyes misty as she flew toward her second brother. Among her brothers, she was closest to him—when she was young and their mother fell ill, their father cared for their mother, and of her two brothers, only Second Brother was attentive enough to wholeheartedly play with her every day.

When Second Brother left home, she was only thirteen; now that he was about to marry, she was already eighteen.

Five years had passed!

Yan Shang stretched out his arms and embraced his sister as she threw herself into his hold. His sister had grown up—her arched brows and delicate features now reflected a gentle, ladylike grace—yet her eager rush into his arms instantly transported him back to their childhood.

Yan Xiaozhou's voice choked: "Second Brother, you've grown so thin. How did you become this thin?"

—His years as an official must have been extremely difficult, right?

Yan Shang gently urged her not to cry. His soft, gentle way of speaking remained unchanged, making Yan Xiaozhou smile through her tears as she stepped back from her brother's embrace. Only then did Yan Shang step forward to face his tearful father, along with his eldest and third brothers.

He began to kneel after lifting his robe, but Yan Father rushed forward to grasp his arm.

Yan Father, though middle-aged, remained handsome and elegant—he had been quite popular with young ladies back in Lingnan. But now, with tears in his eyes, he bore no resemblance to his usual self: "Erlang, rise quickly."Yan Shang choked up, "It is this unfilial son who has caused Father to travel such a long distance..."

Yan Father's eyes were even more tearful, with tears streaming down both cheeks. "What does it matter? We finally have the chance to meet because of your wedding. I am truly happy to attend your marriage ceremony..."

Yan Shang suppressed his surging emotions and tried to comfort his father, urging him not to cry. His father had a soft nature, even somewhat timid, and was often more emotionally expressive than him. While Yan Shang was just beginning to feel teary-eyed, his father was already weeping uncontrollably. This somewhat amusing scene instantly brought Yan Shang back to his youth when he was still at home—not only having to worry about his brothers' affairs but also needing to care for and look after his father...

Yan Shang coaxed his father, supporting him as they entered the residence. He smiled at his eldest brother and paid his respects to his sister-in-law. The third brother did the same. Finally, when meeting the children, he felt regretful for not having prepared any gifts due to his hasty return.

Yan Shang first escorted his father back to his room, while the two sisters-in-law lingered behind, whispering about the family's second son: "Eldest Sister-in-law, Second Brother seems to have a very gentle temperament, not at all like those officials."

"Erlang holds a rather high official position, doesn't he?"

"Isn't the residence next door the Princess Residence? I haven't dared to go out these past two days, afraid of running into the princess. Coming from the countryside, I don't want to embarrass Erlang... Ah, Chang'an is so prosperous. The people here are exceptionally beautiful, and their clothes are made of fabrics and styles we've never seen before. It's nothing like our Lingnan."

After receiving the imperial decree announcing their second son's betrothal to a princess of the imperial family, the Yan family traveled thousands of miles from Lingnan to Chang'an. Even before Yan Shang arrived in Chang'an, Yan Father and the others had already set out from Lingnan. They had been staying in Yan Shang's residence for half a month, gazing daily at the neighboring Princess Residence with anxious hearts, feeling somewhat unreal about the situation.

At the beginning of the year, Yan Father had learned from correspondence that Erlang was engaged. He had just prepared the betrothal gifts that the groom's family should provide, planning to send them to Nanyang, when he received the imperial decree stating that Erlang was to marry not an ordinary young lady but a princess of the imperial family. Thus, Yan Father and the others changed their route midway, heading directly to Chang'an instead of Nanyang.

After exchanging pleasantries for some time, Yan Shang briefly explained his marriage to Yan Father and the others, with the third brother and Yan Xiaozhou—who had arrived in Chang'an earlier—adding details. Finally, everyone acknowledged the reality: Erlang was truly going to marry the princess.

The two Yan sisters-in-law exchanged glances, feeling dazed. When they married the eldest and third brothers, they only knew that Yan Father was a jinshi graduate and that the family's second son held an official position in Chang'an. They never imagined that Yan Erlang had such capability... to actually marry a princess.

Setting aside their excitement and timidity, Yan Father was filled with unease about this marriage.

Yan Father murmured, "Marrying a princess of the imperial family is no easy matter... They say you're marrying her, but what difference is there from becoming a royal consort?"

In Great Wei, princesses held immense power as long as they didn't plot rebellion. Traditional Confucian scholars would shudder at the thought of marrying a princess. Having once lived in Chang'an, Yan Father knew well the temperaments of those princesses. Moreover, the princess Erlang spoke of was someone they had met back in Lingnan—recalling Mu Wan Yao's demeanor that disregarded everyone, Yan Father grew even more apprehensive.

Yan Shang comforted them, "Father need not worry. Your Highness and I... are deeply in love. I was not forced into this."Yan Father sighed, gazing at his second son's handsome, slightly flushed face. After a moment of observation, he could tell that Erlang was still very fond of this marriage arrangement. In that case... they would have to muster their courage and support their second son.

Yan Father instructed Yan Shang, "In that case, when you go to the Princess Residence in the future, you must be considerate towards the princess and serve her well. Be diligent and careful, so you won't be driven out..."

Yan Shang: "..."

He had to emphasize, "I am marrying a wife, not becoming a live-in son-in-law."

Yan Father waved his hand dismissively, thinking to himself that you dare to call it marrying a wife, but I wouldn't dare to have a princess bow to me or fulfill filial duties in my presence.

From this moment on, Yan Father felt a sense of helplessness, as if he had sold his second son to the imperial family... but there was really no other way—

Upon hearing that her father-in-law and others had arrived in Chang'an, and that Yan Shang had gone to receive them, Mu Wan Yao, who was in the palace listening to the Emperor, became somewhat distracted.

Her previous marriage was different from this one; she had no experience interacting with the male family's elders and brothers. Now, thinking back to her brief stay in Lingnan, where she had arrogantly troubled the Yan family, Yan Father and the others probably had a poor impression of her...

Mu Wan Yao thought: What does it matter? Do they dare to refuse me entry into their family?

"Yao Yao," the Emperor sighed with a laugh, "Yao Yao, why are you distracted again?"

Mu Wan Yao snapped back to attention and put on a childish demeanor, giving her Emperor father an embarrassed smile. The Emperor sighed, "I was asking you about the southern troops entering Chang'an through the noble families. Have you discussed it with your maternal uncle's family?"

Mu Wan Yao replied, "Yes, Father Emperor, rest assured. The Li Family and I are mutually dependent now; this matter will not go wrong."

The Emperor nodded. He was about to say more when he noticed his daughter's wandering eyes and distracted gaze toward the window, and he couldn't help but chuckle. The Emperor said, "Never mind, it seems your mind is elsewhere today. Is it because Yan Suchen's family has arrived in Chang'an? If you want to go see them, then go."

Mu Wan Yao played the part of the obedient daughter in front of the Emperor, shyly saying, "Father Emperor, you're making fun of me."

Seeing her happiness, the Emperor's mood lifted as well. Originally, everything was part of his political calculations, and even his children's marriages were part of his schemes. But seeing how much Mu Wan Yao liked this marriage, he felt as if he had genuinely done a good deed.

He smiled and said, "It's fine to like Yan Shang. Just remember, you are the ruler, and he is the subject. If anything goes wrong, come directly to your father, and I will stand up for you."

Mu Wan Yao knew that the Emperor's warning was meant to keep her and Yan Shang in check, but the fact that she could rely on her father for everything still moved her. Her father was the sovereign of the realm; his mind was not on trivial family matters, and he was not a doting father concerned with his children. Thus, his occasional displays of genuine affection were all the more precious.

Mu Wan Yao leaned against the Emperor's knee and whispered, "Father Emperor, don't worry. This time, my marriage will surely be a good one."

The Emperor's heart ached slightly, and he stroked her dark, thick hair. Then he murmured softly, "A Nuan, did I do the right thing this time?"

Mu Wan Yao was startled and looked up abruptly, only to see her father turn his face away, gazing into the empty space beside him. He murmured to an imaginary person, his eyes filled with tender affection, his words rambling. Mu Wan Yao stared blankly at his weathered, weary face, noticing his occasional coughs. But the way he looked into the void carried infinite warmth amid his pain...Tears silently fell from Mu Wan Yao's eyes as she bent down to embrace her Emperor father's knees.

While thinking this was all retribution, her heart ached that he had ultimately become so confused—

After leaving the palace, Mu Wan Yao didn't return directly to her residence but went to the imperial ancestral temple to offer incense to her deceased mother.

Gazing at her mother's memorial tablet, she silently shared news of her marriage. It was difficult to describe her current feelings toward her parents—she understood their difficulties in sending her for the Peace Marriage, she didn't hate them, yet she couldn't bring herself to forgive them either.

Her tone was detached: "...I will marry Yan Shang. This marriage is my own choice. Someone like him is different from all of you—once we're married, he will never betray me. So even if I have to die, I'll drag him down and force him to marry me."

The abbot standing nearby lowered his head, thinking to himself that everyone in Chang'an said the princess and her Imperial Son-in-Law were a match made in heaven, so why did the princess speak of her marriage so coldly.

After finishing her words, Mu Wan Yao turned to leave the ancestral hall and happened to encounter someone entering.

When Luling Grand Princess saw her, Mu Wan Yao merely nodded and prepared to leave. Luling Grand Princess said with sarcasm: "Yao Yao really puts on airs now. Just a nod when you see your aunt? Have you forgotten all etiquette?"

Supported by her maid Qiu Si, Mu Wan Yao had already stepped outside the temple gate and was about to descend the stairs. Hearing this, she turned back and smiled leisurely at her aunt: "I thought Aunt didn't want to acknowledge me."

Luling Grand Princess glared at her bitterly, gritting her teeth: "You're riding high now and look down on me. Without power or influence, I can't say much. But let me advise you—a married princess should be like your fourth sister, obediently staying home to bear children, not going out and showing yourself in public all the time, making people say our imperial princesses lack upbringing!"

Qiu Si grew angry listening nearby.

But Mu Wan Yao laughed indifferently: "How have I lacked upbringing? My future husband and I are deeply attached. I neither plan to keep male favorites nor search for handsome young men to bring to my bed. I haven't done any truly improper things. Even if people criticize imperial princesses' upbringing, they probably aren't referring to me."

Looking at Luling Grand Princess's stiff expression, she said with utmost calm: "Besides, Aunt, you know perfectly well that Yan Shang and I have known each other for years. We understand each other exceptionally well. He's not the type of conservative man who wants me to stay home bearing children every day. Having dealt with him before, shouldn't you understand this?"

Luling Grand Princess suppressed her anger: "You're always putting on an act in front of others—I know that better. Someone like Yan Erlang..."

Mu Wan Yao leaned closer, a smile in her eyes: "Aunt must deeply regret not being able to have him, right?"

Luling Grand Princess: "When I was fooled by your schemes back then, letting Yan Erlang go and ending up in my current situation—yes, I do regret it..."

She referred to how she now dared not keep male favorites recklessly, having even driven away agreeable men like Feng Xianyu. Though honored as The Eldest Princess, she had no intimate companions, couldn't seek pleasure, and had to worry about her future...

Mu Wan Yao's eyes still held traces of a smile, but her gaze was cold: "Regret or not, that's Aunt's business. But if you dare covet him like before, I won't let you off."Luling Grand Princess took a step back, startled by the coldness in her eyes. The stubbornness and suppressed ferocity in Mu Wan Yao's gaze made her wary. Only after retreating two steps did she realize how ridiculous it was for an Eldest Princess to be intimidated by a junior's aura—"How dare you speak to me like this?! Let's go to your Emperor father and settle this!"

Mu Wan Yao smiled at her, ignoring the Eldest Princess's hysterical ranting behind her. Supporting herself on Qiu Si's hand, she walked away just like that.

As Qiu Si helped the princess into the carriage, she muttered indignantly on her behalf: "The Eldest Princess is truly looking for trouble. We didn't provoke her, yet she came charging at us..."

Mu Wan Yao said calmly, "She is also a pitiable person. Seeing me like this now, she's merely jealous. Besides, she was reminding me out of goodwill, even if her words were unpleasant. I won't stoop to her level."

Qiu Si didn't understand: "As an Eldest Princess, why would she be jealous of Your Highness? And where was she reminding you? This servant cannot see it."

Stepping onto the carriage stool, Mu Wan Yao gazed at the sunset on the horizon and softly explained to Qiu Si: "You don't know, but my aunt has had a difficult life. When she married back then, she was deeply favored and immensely glorious. After marriage, she and her Imperial Son-in-Law were perfectly harmonious. But the conflict between the royal family and noble clans stood between them. She repeatedly reported to my Emperor father back then, which made her Imperial Son-in-Law quite dissatisfied with her.

"Though the Imperial Son-in-Law didn't dare take concubines, he had another woman outside. When my aunt was pregnant and learned the news, she ordered that woman beaten to death. The Imperial Son-in-Law had a fiery temper too and came to demand an explanation. No one knows exactly how they argued, but in the end, the Imperial Son-in-Law took his own life, and my aunt gave birth to a stillborn child.

"Since then, my aunt decided to become a female Taoist priest and refused to marry again. She began indulging in pleasures, surrounding herself with handsome young men. She has always preferred gentle and clever men—I suspect this is because they resemble her Imperial Son-in-Law.

"When I was young, I met my uncle—he was a man of good temper too. Who would have thought he'd be so fierce in the end, taking his own life?

"My aunt came to remind me—she thinks my flamboyant and unrestrained nature resembles hers back then. She fears I won't consider my Imperial Son-in-Law's feelings, won't know how to be a proper wife, might disrupt the balance between the royal family and other powers, and end up causing the death of my beloved."

Qiu Si let out a soft "ah," her lips drooping pitifully: "So that's how it is. The Eldest Princess has had a hard time too."

Mu Wan Yao nodded.

She said, "We royal princesses all have it difficult, because from birth, our marriages are just transactions. I'm just lucky to have met Yan Shang."

The sky was filled with rosy clouds. She gazed at it for a long time, swearing in a murmur: "I will be good to Yan Shang."—

In September, leaves flew and maple red covered the heavenly palace.

It was at this time that Danyang Princess married.

The Emperor was unwell, but on this day, he pushed himself to appear before the green curtain to see his exquisitely adorned daughter. When the auspicious hour arrived, Yan Shang, dressed in wedding robes and accompanied by groomsmen, knelt to receive the Emperor's marriage edict.

After obtaining the edict and performing three kneels, Yan Shang looked toward the bride holding her ceremonial fan.

Under the candlelight, she didn't look at him but kept her eyes lowered, focused on the fan in her hands, attentively listening to the master of ceremonies' instructions. Mu Wan Yao took this marriage extremely seriously. Only when the master of ceremonies instructed the Imperial Son-in-Law to bow did she finally turn to face Yan Shang.Yan Shang cupped his hands and performed a grand bow to her, then escorted the princess to her carriage. The entire procession swept out of the palace gates, boarding carriages to head for the Princess Residence. The Emperor had dispatched Liu Wenji to oversee their wedding banquet, so the palace gates swung wide open as the Imperial Son-in-Law took the reins to drive the princess’s carriage, followed by a host of palace attendants, with lantern lights stretching for ten miles.

Chang’an that night was ablaze with lanterns like stars, a shimmering sea of constellations. Commoners thronged the streets, crowding to witness the princess’s grand wedding. The princess’s maids and palace eunuchs scattered gold leaf coins along both sides of the road, while the people scrambled for them behind the imperial guards, creating a scene of great excitement.

They were also led in shouting auspicious blessings, the clamor of voices rising to a crescendo.

The central figures of the wedding banquet circled the city in a grand carriage before entering the Princess Residence. The Imperial Son-in-Law walked ahead, with the princess following in her carriage.

The Princess Residence was open to all that night, allowing minor officials who usually had no chance to glimpse the princess to see her on this occasion. These officials, much like the commoners outside, watched the royal wedding with keen interest. Having heard many rumors about the princess and her consort, they felt a mix of emotions seeing the two actually wed.

The Crown Prince, Prince Qin, and Prince Jin—despite their usual strained relations with Mu Wan Yao—all put on the act of devoted elder brothers to support their sister on this night. The most sincere well-wisher for Mu Wan Yao’s marital happiness was likely the Fourth Princess, Princess Yuyang. Watching her younger sister marry moved Princess Yuyang to tears, earning her a teasing laugh from her own consort.

Amid the noisy, chaotic crowd of officials, Yan Shang was seen holding Mu Wan Yao’s hand as they walked along the carpeted path. When the princess and her consort passed by officials from the Court of State Ceremonial, one among them let out a soft exclamation—

“Your Highness… you look so familiar.”

His voice was very quiet, but it happened that the master of ceremonies had paused, and no one else was speaking at that moment. Thus, this minor official’s murmur reached the ears of the newlyweds.

Yan Shang glanced over, recognized his former colleague, and nodded with a smile. Beside him, Mu Wan Yao also turned to look. Adorned with gold and jade, a magnificent headdress shading her forehead, the gold foil at the corners of her eyes shimmering with a captivating, majestic glow, her radiant gaze was heart-stopping.

She didn’t recall this official, but Yan Shang leaned close and whispered a few words in her ear. Mu Wan Yao’s expression cleared with sudden understanding, and she gave the official a teasing smile, even winking.

In that instant, as if struck by lightning, the official remembered—

Back when Yan Erlang was assisting at the Court of State Ceremonial, a maidservant had boldly claimed to be his attendant, arrogantly lecturing them and scolding him harshly.

He had even asked Yan Erlang for that maidservant back then, but Yan Erlang refused.

Now it seemed… now it was clear… she was no mere maidservant!

So early on, Yan Erlang had hidden the princess behind him, shielding her from view.

So early on, the princess and Yan Erlang had already been involved!

The official stood dumbfounded, watching the newlyweds walk toward the brightly lit wedding chamber, where they were to offer a toast to the Imperial Son-in-Law’s father… Suddenly, he chuckled to himself, feeling both wistful and enlightened, with a touch of melancholy.

Shaking his head, he muttered, “How amusing.”

Afterward, the couple performed the rituals: presenting offerings, sharing the nuptial cup, and partaking of the wedding feast. Thus, step by step, the marriage was solemnized!—

Yan Shang was called away to the front to entertain guests with drinks, while Mu Wan Yao sat alone in the chamber.

In the front courtyard, the Yan family was helping the Princess and Imperial Son-in-Law entertain guests. Amid the bustle, Yan Xiaozhou bumped into someone. Turning around, she felt the person steady her shoulders. As she lowered her head to thank them, the person gently rubbed her shoulders—an abrupt gesture.

In the flickering candlelight, the two unexpectedly met at an inappropriate time for a private encounter. Yan Xiaozhou looked up and saw it was Yang Si.

Yang Si asked, "What are you doing here?"

Yan Xiaozhou smiled with curved eyes, having long anticipated their meeting. Just as she was about to reply, her Third Brother's loud voice called from behind, "Xiaozhou, Second Brother is looking for you..."

Yan Xiaozhou acknowledged the call. Yang Si, surprised, then revealed a look of delight and said, "So you’re Yan Erlang’s sister? Yaoyao lied to me, saying Yan Erlang had no sister. There isn’t a single truthful word from her..."

Yan Xiaozhou blushed and smiled. She curtsied slightly in his direction before turning to leave. Yang Si stared intently at her retreating figure, lost in thought, until the Crown Prince approached from behind with a displeased expression.

The Crown Prince frowned: Could Yang Si’s dream goddess actually be Yan Shang’s sister? This wouldn’t do—

Prince Jin’s family was also at the wedding banquet. Chunhua followed Prince Jin and the Princess Consort, keeping a low profile and striving not to provoke either of them that day.

During the feast, while Prince Jin and the Princess Consort mingled with officials, the children running around below had disappeared. Chunhua heard that her son had led Prince Jin’s son off to play somewhere amid the chaos. Anxious and fearing reprimand from the Princess Consort later, she quietly left her seat without alerting the maids to search for the two children.

Chunhua was very familiar with the Princess Residence and needed no directions. Though the venue had been altered for the wedding, traces of familiarity everywhere gave her a sense of disorientation. Walking by the lake in the rear courtyard, she softly called her son’s and Prince Jin’s son’s names, worried the little rascals might cause trouble.

In the darkness, some distance from the banquet, she noticed an elderly woman with white hair standing confusedly by the lakeside reeds and kindly approached to inquire.

The old woman, seeing Chunhua’s friendly face, urgently grasped her hand and pleaded, "Madam, this old woman went out earlier but can’t find my way back. Could you help..."

Chunhua smiled gently and, thinking the children couldn’t have left the Princess Residence, decided to escort the elderly woman back first. Her accommodating nature made the old woman immensely grateful.

Chunhua wondered why an elderly woman who didn’t seem like nobility was at such an elite banquet—could she be related to Yan Erlang? But Yan Erlang’s mother had long passed away. Who was this elderly lady?

Though puzzled, Chunhua refrained from asking. She could tell the old woman was nervous and timid, so she chatted lightly to put her at ease. Before they reached the banquet, they encountered a stern-faced middle-aged man who had come out searching.

Assuming the old woman was his mother, Chunhua was taken aback when the man whispered reproachfully, "Don’t wander off! Yan Zimei kindly brought us here secretly to catch a glimpse of Wenji. If you’re discovered, how will the Yan family explain it to anyone?"The old woman released Chunhua's hand and repeatedly apologized to the man. The middle-aged man glanced at Chunhua, then hesitantly bowed: "This is my wife. Thank you, young lady, for your assistance. May we trouble you not to speak of meeting us to others?"

Chunhua's face turned pale as she stared at the couple.

The man's temples were frosted with white, while his wife's hair had turned completely silver. At first glance, they appeared to be mother and son, yet they were husband and wife... and they had spoken of "Wenji."

Liu Wenji.

They were Liu Wenji's parents.

Amidst the dazzling lights, banquet aromas, and bustling voices, Chunhua stared blankly at the middle-aged couple supporting each other. She vaguely tried to find traces of Liu Wenji in their features, but her vision blurred. As the couple walked away, Chunhua covered her face and crouched on the ground.

Her heart swelled with sorrow and remorse. Those years could neither be overcome nor reclaimed. Tears fell from her eyes unexpectedly as countless memories and laughter surfaced in her mind—

That couple had already become white-haired elders!

"Your Highness, are you facing some difficulty? Why are you crouching here?"

Hearing the eunuch's voice, Chunhua looked up. Through tear-filled eyes, she saw Liu Wenji standing coldly behind the eunuch. He gazed indifferently at the scene, as if looking at a complete stranger.