Tigers Sniff the Rose

Setting aside familial bonds, the Emperor thoroughly utilized Mu Wan Yao and her husband as tools.

Mu Wan Yao could not idle at home, lest she give the Yan family the illusion of her being a virtuous wife. She resumed her pre-marital busy schedule, summoning various ministers daily to discuss state affairs. Carriages lined up endlessly before the Princess Residence, with officials queuing down the alley. Every envoy had someone waiting to seek an audience with the princess, leaving Yan Father next door in awe of his princess daughter-in-law.

Yet Yan Father could say nothing, for his second son Erlang was likely just as occupied as the princess.

In October, both Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang fell ill. Before the Yan family could discern the nature of their ailments, the couple recovered and plunged back into their respective duties.

As the foremost of the Six Ministries, the Ministry of Personnel's officials were called Celestial Officials. Yan Shang, as Appraisal and Merit Secretary, was dubbed "Celestial Official Gentleman," summoned almost daily to report at the Secretariat and the Imperial Study. Upon recovery, he was additionally appointed Cavalry Commandant. Though also a fifth-rank position, this was an imperial attendant role granting daily access to the Emperor and partial authority over military affairs.

By November, Yan Shang gained another post as Academician of the Imperial Academy, concurrently serving as Director of the Institute for the Advancement of Literature.

While other appointments drew little remark, Yan Shang's directorship of the Institute sent tremors through Chang'an's official circles. Even Yan Father, a former imperial scholar familiar with the capital, grew deeply concerned for his second son. He knew Yan Erlang excelled in practical governance but was mediocre in literary arts—hardly qualified to lead the Institute housing Chang'an's richest collection of texts. What connection did Yan Erlang have with such scholarly prestige?

Yet seasoned officials understood: the Institute's directorship had always been held by future chancellors. The Emperor was paving Yan Shang's path, but his youth made him unqualified. Past directors were all erudite Confucians, while Yan Shang was young and obscure in literary circles—how could he command respect?

Even Lord Liu specially questioned Yan Shang about the Emperor's intentions.

The Emperor was merely utilizing resources to their fullest, testing Yan Shang's capability. If he couldn't handle current pressures, future prospects were moot.

Thus, after half a year in Chang'an, the Yan family seldom saw Mu Wan Yao or Yan Shang. Both were consumed by their duties—the princess comparatively better off, merely receiving queues of officials; Yan Shang vanished daily, and even during rare breaks, his residence saw no fewer officials seeking his counsel than the princess's.

The Yan family blushed at the couple's extreme busyness, wondering how often the two even met.

Regardless, beyond Prince Qin's growing agitation, Chang'an remained largely tranquil. Meanwhile, Youzhou witnessed a minor yet notable incident.

Vast and rugged, Youzhou was rich in resources but sparse in population. By rough count, Yang Si had stayed there two months.

During this period, correspondence flowed between the Chang'an Yang family and the Youzhou Governor's Qin Family discussing marriage. The Yang family's Chang'an branch had become collateral damage in the recent Crown Prince–Prince Qin rivalry, their position precarious and vulnerable to other aristocratic families. A marriage alliance with the Qin Family would stabilize their standing—a move endorsed by both the Crown Prince and the Yang family's own interests.

Of all involved, only the prospective groom seemed indifferent to this union.Regardless of how the two families planned to discuss the marriage or when the wedding would take place, when the Youzhou Governor went to question Yang Si, Yang Sanlang's answer was simple—just handle it as you see fit.

Yang Sanlang's energy was focused on the border skirmishes with the northern nomadic tribes. He drilled troops daily, leading his elite cavalry to quell the disturbances along the frontier. Yang Si even established a vast horse ranch, dedicated to breeding horses and conducting trade with merchants at the border.

Yang Si often stayed at the ranch and did not return, his mind entirely occupied with warfare. His whole heart and soul were devoted to battle, which left his future father-in-law, the Youzhou Governor, deeply dissatisfied.

Yet Yang Si was handsome and imposing.

It was said that one evening, the Youzhou Governor's daughter caught sight of Yang Sanlang lazily riding his horse through the streets, followed closely by his capable soldiers. The setting sun blazed brilliantly, and the young lady's face flushed with fervor. From that moment on, she could not forget him and insisted on marrying this young general.

One day, Yang Si had just returned from a patrol along the border. Leading the thousands of troops he had personally trained, he had negotiated with an enemy force of ten thousand and even achieved a minor victory. Upon their return, everyone was in high spirits, exchanging crude jokes and casual banter on horseback.

Yang Si was summoned by an envoy sent by the Youzhou Governor.

The young men whistled and winked, teasing him: "General Yang, hurry along! It must be Lady Qin sneaking another peek at you. The Governor is only calling for you because she's pestering him."

Yang Si smirked casually. He had never been enthusiastic about this marriage, but since his subordinate officers were all from Youzhou, he could not appear too dismissive.

When Yang Si reported to the Youzhou Governor, he mentally prepared himself, expecting to be asked to accompany the Governor's daughter on a shopping trip for cosmetics. Yang Si knew nothing about such things, yet the lady always asked him which colors looked best...

Glancing indifferently at the chaotic array of rouge shades, he recognized only two: vermilion red, the same color as the Great Wei military flag, and white, which anyone could identify.

Yang Si thought a woman's face the color of a military flag would surely be unappealing, so he said, "White."

Lady Qin promptly burst into tears and complained to the Governor: "Sanlang must think I'm too dark."

Yang Si: "..."

Irritation welled up inside him, accompanied by waves of disgust. He realized he did not care for such delicate, affected young ladies, but even if she were a heroic and spirited figure, he would likely see her as a comrade rather than feel any affection. So, no matter who she was, he found it difficult to muster any emotional investment.

Anger and resentment simmered within him. He knew no one was at fault, yet trapped in these fragmented, mundane trivialities, he could not help but recall the girl who had once made his heart flow like a clear spring.

A warning bell rang loudly in Yang Si's mind, urging him to stop and not dwell on it.

But this time was different. When Yang Si met with the Governor at his residence, he did not encounter his fiancée.

The Governor was opening a letter and informed Yang Si: "The year's end approaches, and refugees from Jizhou have appeared near Chang'an. Jizhou is already handling the situation, and the Crown Prince has instructed us to coordinate with them. Jizhou has sealed off its prefectures and counties to settle the refugees. Our task is to go directly to the outskirts of Chang'an and work with local officials to temporarily house the refugees in Taiyuan Prefecture and Wannian County. The remaining matters of pacifying the refugees will be addressed after the New Year."Yang Si furrowed his brow.

When the Governor said this, he mentally sketched out a map and felt something was wrong. How could matters in Chang'an require assistance from Youzhou? While the military equipment in Youzhou was naturally excellent, these were border troops meant to defend against frontier incursions. Deploying them to pacify refugees? It seemed a waste of resources.

Yet, considering these were troops the Crown Prince could mobilize, Yang Si listened in silence. The Crown Prince had fewer forces at his disposal compared to Prince Qin, so being able to utilize Youzhou's troops was already quite an advantage.

The Governor said, "Very well, I shall lead thirty thousand soldiers to handle this matter. You remain in Youzhou to guard the frontier. The barbarians are aware that Great Wei values this year-end period—do not give them any opportunity to invade."

Yang Si was inwardly surprised.

He asked, "The Crown Prince wants the Governor to go?"

The Governor: "Correct."

Yang Si: "No mention of me?"

The Governor confirmed: "None."

Yang Si's lips tightened slightly. "This letter is suspicious."

The Governor grew displeased. "This is the Crown Prince's personal letter, bearing the Eastern Palace seal. I verified it repeatedly—how could it be fake?"

Yang Si stood straight, his tone detached. "The Governor has been in Youzhou for over a decade, living alongside the turbulent locals and knowing them intimately. At such a critical time as the year's end, it should be someone familiar with Youzhou like yourself who remains here. Whereas I am well-acquainted with Wannian County and the terrain within the passes... It should be me leading troops through the passes, not the Governor."

Hearing this, the Governor also found it strange.

Yang Si continued, "I fear there may be changes in Chang'an. I request that the Prefect hold your position and remain in Youzhou. I shall take the troops to Wannian County in your stead to pacify the refugees. I will personally write to His Highness explaining the situation—he will not blame me."

Considering his son-in-law's relationship with the Crown Prince, the Governor hesitated briefly before agreeing.

Yang Si returned to his residence intending to write the letter, but then paused. Though not as exceptionally clever as Yan Shang, his years of military service had honed sharp instincts that told him something had changed. He refused to believe the Crown Prince trusted the Youzhou Governor more than him.

Yang Si decided to return to Chang'an personally—

By late December, Great Wei's diplomatic mission, which had been dispatched to surrounding states for four years, finally returned to Great Wei.

Citizens lined the streets to welcome them, and the Chang'an officialdom rejoiced. The central government specially hosted a banquet for these envoys who had wandered for four years. When they had departed through the passes, there were over a hundred individuals—all talents selected by the court. Now, only a few dozen remained, evoking sighs of regret.

They brought back not only complete maps of the surrounding regions and news of minor states seeking to reattach themselves to Great Wei, but also intelligence regarding the Southern Barbarians—

The Southern Barbarians were a formidable enemy that had long cast covetous eyes upon Great Wei. After Meng Zaishi, King of Wuman, returned to the Southern Barbarians, Great Wei only knew that the Southern Barbarians were embroiled in internal conflict. The envoys' report revealed: once the Southern Barbarians subjugated their final tribe, the entire Southern Barbarian territory would be unified.

The Uman King who had departed from Great Wei was now a key minister to the Southern Barbarian King, accompanying him in campaigns north and south.

These matters were reported to the central government by the chief envoy along with his deputy, Young Master Wei the Seventh, Wei Shu. The chief envoy, intending to mentor Young Master Wei the Seventh, did not claim any of Wei Shu's achievements for himself. Consequently, the central government's attention turned to Wei Shu, suddenly realizing: that young prodigy Wei Juyuan, who had topped the imperial examinations at just fourteen, was now a young man coming of age.The youth atop the pagoda, pure as freshly fallen snow, radiated brilliance and elegance, having already broken free from the cage the Wei family had confined him in—no longer the person he once was.

While Wei Shu was gaining attention from the central court, Zhao Lingfei stood at the gate of her family estate, gazing up at the plaque above in a daze. The character "Zhao" stirred complex emotions within her, evoking both nostalgia and trepidation, making her hesitate to step forward for a long time.

As she stood frozen at the entrance, the estate gate suddenly swung open, revealing her father stepping out. Their eyes met.

Duke Zhao stared at her, his stern face trembling abruptly. His voice quivered, "Wu, Wuniang?"

Tears shimmered in Zhao Lingfei's eyes. Beyond the frontier, everyone called her "Lingfei," and no one remembered she was Zhao Wuniang. But now, back in Chang'an, the identity of Zhao Wuniang ingrained in her bones resurfaced. She realized she didn't despise the name as much as she thought...

Zhao Lingfei whispered tremulously, "Father..."

Duke Zhao stepped forward, "Wuniang, is it really you? You've returned? You, you, you... come here and let your father take a good look at you!"

Choking back tears, Zhao Lingfei tried to smile, but tears streamed down her cheeks. She noticed the white hair at her father's temples and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes—he had aged significantly and grown more solemn. Yet, when he grumbled and scolded, he was still the father she knew.

Zhao Lingfei rushed into his arms, embracing him tightly as her tears fell. Like any beloved daughter in the world, she nestled against her parents without bearing any burdens: "Father, where is Mother? I've missed you both so much..."—

At the moment of the Zhao family reunion, the streets of Chang'an were sparsely populated. Yan Xiaozhou was heading to the East Market with her Third Brother to buy New Year's supplies.

Originally, Yan Xiaozhou was supposed to go with her two sisters-in-law, but Yan Sanlang had stubbornly tagged along. Her Third Brother was secretly trying to make money, so he was keen on checking market prices. Knowing his intentions, Yan Xiaozhou didn't refuse him. Strolling through the streets with her brother, the Yan siblings were in high spirits.

Braving the cold wind, Yan Sanlang boisterously exclaimed, "This is my first time celebrating the New Year in Chang'an. It doesn't seem much different from our Lingnan. Second Brother said winters here are especially cold, but I don't think it's that bad."

Yan Xiaozhou tilted her head, observing her Third Brother's reddened cheeks from the cold and his stubborn denial. She couldn't help but smile softly.

She said gently, "The best part is being able to celebrate the New Year with Third Brother."

Yan Sanlang bluntly replied, "How could we possibly celebrate with Second Brother? Ah, you don't understand. Officials like Second Brother have to attend palace banquets on New Year's Eve—they won't be with us. We'll just close our doors and celebrate on our own. I told you it's similar to Lingnan... Achoo!"

Yan Xiaozhou frowned, "Third Brother, have you caught a cold?"

Sanlang stubbornly insisted, "No!"

As Yan Xiaozhou was about to persuade him further, a chilling gust of wind swept past from the right. A sudden intuition made her turn her head. She saw a figure clad in a cloak the color of night, wearing a hood, galloping past on horseback.

The rider leaned low over the horse's back, maintaining breakneck speed without slowing down even on Chang'an's streets. His horsemanship was exceptional—pedestrians had barely registered their alarm before the horse and rider flashed by like a black lightning bolt.

When Yan Xiaozhou looked toward the rider, his hooded face revealed only a pair of indifferent, emotionless eyes that met her gaze.

Their eyes locked for a moment before the rider paused in surprise and averted his gaze.Yan Xiaozhou took a step in that direction, but the rider had already spurred his horse away. Their passing lasted no longer than a single breath. The wind brushed against Yan Xiaozhou’s cheek as she turned her head, her sleeves fluttering in the breeze. Her gaze, fluid as ripples, chased after the figure and horse until they vanished into a narrow alley.

Yan Sanlang asked, perplexed, "Xiaozhou, what’s wrong?"

Yan Xiaozhou shook her head slowly, pressing her lips together slightly.

That man was Yang Si.

She had been somewhat hesitant at first, but the way he averted his eyes the moment their gazes met confirmed she hadn’t mistaken his identity.

But Yang Si should have been in Youzhou. As a general commanding tens of thousands of troops, how could he return to Chang’an without official orders, and in secret?

Yan Xiaozhou feared that speaking up might cause trouble for Yang Si. Faced with Yan Sanlang’s questioning, she remained silent for a moment before saying she had mistaken him for someone else. Yet, an unease lingered in her heart—she couldn’t shake the feeling that this New Year’s Eve might not pass peacefully.

On New Year’s Eve, Yan Shang attended the palace banquet for the first time as a fifth-rank official.

As the favored disciple of the soon-to-retire Lord Liu, Yan Shang now held multiple positions and had become a familiar face before the Emperor. At the banquet, officials flocked to engage with him. After gracefully handling their conversations, Yan Shang seized an opportunity to seek out Wei Shu, who was sitting quietly in a corner.

Yan Shang smiled. "Ju Yuan, you still prefer solitude as always."

Wei Shu looked up to see Yan Shang standing before him. The jade-like young man greeted him with a cupped-hand salute.

Under the glow of palace lanterns, Yan Shang appeared slender, his features clear and bright, though his complexion held a faint pallor. Yet when he smiled, his impeccable poise tempered his weariness, radiating a warmth that put others at ease.

Wei Shu rose and toasted Yan Shang.

Years apart had made Wei Shu even more reticent, despite his inner joy. Fortunately, Yan Shang paid it no mind. Even with Wei Shu’s sparse words, he effortlessly steered the conversation, encouraging him to speak. Sitting together for a while, Wei Shu soon relaxed, rediscovering their old camaraderie and growing more willing to talk.

Wei Shu looked at Yan Shang. "I haven’t yet congratulated Second Brother Yan on your union with Her Highness."

A faint smile touched Yan Shang’s eyes as he raised his cup. "Thank you."

Wei Shu asked, "Why isn’t Her Highness with you?"

Yan Shang replied gently, "Her Highness is with the ladies in the inner palace, while I am here among the officials. Naturally, we are in separate areas. Would you like to see Her Highness? I can send for her."

Wei Shu shook his head. "I just thought both of you seem so busy. Do you get to see each other often?"

Yan Shang sighed. "Only when we steal moments from our duties."

Wei Shu frowned, studying Yan Shang. He noted his pallor and how his vitality seemed dimmer than in his youth, sustained only by his graceful demeanor. In the short time since returning to Chang’an, he had heard of Yan Erlang’s brilliance—yet it came at such a cost. The Emperor was working Second Brother Yan as hard as three men.

Wei Shu advised, "Second Brother, you must take care of your health. No matter how demanding court affairs are, they aren’t worth risking your life for."

Yan Shang’s smile deepened as he chuckled softly. "I never thought Ju Yuan would be the one to offer such advice now. I know my limits, so rest assured. Speaking of which… are you returning to your eldest brother’s home for the New Year’s vigil?"

Having long been in court circles, Yan Shang was well aware of the changing attitudes toward Wei Shu within the Luoyang Wei clan.

Wei Shu shook his head. "No. I’ll spend it alone."

Yan Shang was taken aback.Wei Shu looked at him, his gaze serene and focused.

Yan Shang's eyebrows lifted slightly as he guessed Wei Shu's thoughts, then he smiled and invited, "In that case, Ju Yuan, why not come to the Princess Residence to celebrate the New Year's Eve with Her Highness and me?"

Wei Shu immediately smiled. "Very well."—

The banquet for the court officials concluded rather quickly. After the palace feast ended, Yan Shang invited Wei Shu to share his carriage. Originally, Yan Shang had intended to wait for Mu Wan Yao, but she had been summoned by the Emperor, so Yan Shang had no choice but to return first with Wei Shu.

As for Mu Wan Yao, she had been called away because The Eldest Princess and the Noble Consort had gotten into a dispute during the palace banquet. Neither was willing to yield, and both went to the Emperor to seek judgment. The Emperor found their petty squabbles quite a headache, so he summoned Mu Wan Yao to mediate. After inquiring into the matter, Mu Wan Yao quickly realized that Luling Grand Princess was likely being deliberately provoked this time and was innocent.

Recently, Prince Qin had been growing increasingly anxious in court, which in turn made the Noble Consort in the rear palace anxious as well. She seemed to be using this incident to test the Emperor's stance.

Naturally, Mu Wan Yao had to placate the Noble Consort, which unfortunately meant Luling Grand Princess was wronged. The Grand Princess, infuriated, accused them of bullying her, had a heated argument with Mu Wan Yao, and stormed out of the palace.

Mu Wan Yao was also weary of these trivial conflicts. Having been scolded by Luling Grand Princess while handling the matter, her mood was foul. A light snow fell, drifting and crisp. Mu Wan Yao left the palace with a dark expression, and it was only when her carriage arrived at the gates of her residence and she remembered Yan Shang was inside that her spirits lifted.

Come to think of it, she hadn't had a proper conversation with Yan Shang upon waking for several days.

Gazing up at the falling snow, Mu Wan Yao's mood improved, and she quickened her pace—

Inside the residence, Yan Shang was keeping Wei Shu company in conversation when a maid announced that Her Highness's carriage had returned. He rose and went out to greet Mu Wan Yao.

Wei Shu, who hadn't seen Mu Wan Yao in a long time, was also excited and stood up to follow Yan Shang.

As Yan Shang stepped out of the residence gates, he happened to meet Mu Wan Yao approaching. He was the first to appear at the entrance, wearing a jade crown and long robes, looking composed and dignified. Wei Shu, who was behind him, went unnoticed by Mu Wan Yao. At the sight of Yan Shang, her heart fluttered.

At her own doorstep, there was no need for formalities.

The wine from the banquet made her steps unsteady. Mu Wan Yao hurried over and threw her arms around Yan Shang's neck. Before he could inform her of Wei Shu's presence, she leaned in and kissed him on the lips, gently pressing to part them.

The surrounding maids and guards all lowered their heads in unison.

Yan Shang was startled. His hands had been resting leisurely at her waist, but he immediately raised one to cover her mouth and pushed her away. He maintained his composure, one hand supporting her waist to prevent her from falling, the other covering her mouth as he turned her face aside.

He looked down at Mu Wan Yao with a calm smile. "Your Highness must have had too much to drink. You're so unsteady on your feet, you nearly fell. Let's not give Ju Yuan a reason to laugh."

Wei Shu, standing behind, cupped his hands and lowered his eyes as if he had seen nothing. "Your Highness."

Mu Wan Yao: "..."

She slowly pulled Yan Shang's hand away from her mouth, feeling somewhat embarrassed. She glanced at him and saw the polite smile on his face, but the tips of his ears were completely red—clearly, he was even more uncomfortable than she was. Mu Wan Yao shot him a glare, blaming him for not speaking up sooner and causing her to lose face in front of Wei Shu.

Clearing her throat, she spoke in a gentle tone, "What brings Ju Yuan here?"

Wei Shu kept his head lowered. "Second Brother Yan invited me to celebrate New Year's Eve with you. I hope Your Highness does not mind."Mu Wan Yao teased, "I don't mind, but you don't have to keep your head down and not dare to look."

The Crown Prince was not in the Eastern Palace tonight.

He appeared at the Yang residence, in Yang Sanlang's bedchamber, leaning against the wall as he watched the young man before him lift his hood, revealing his true face.

The Crown Prince stared at him. "Returning to Chang'an without permission—how bold of you."

Yang Si replied, "If I hadn't returned to Chang'an, I wouldn't have known what you were planning to do. Your Highness, are you trying to cut me out?"

He took a step forward, his eyes suddenly reddening, his voice strained. "So forcing me to marry, forcing me to stay in Youzhou... was all to sever our ties?!"