Tigers Sniff the Rose

Chunhua had no need to bare her soul.

At her core, she wanted to question the princess, to ask why she was being so cruel to her. With the matter ending so abruptly, she returned to her own palace in despair and spent the entire afternoon sitting in the empty, silent hall, lost in thought. She paid no attention to the crown prince's cries, ignored the probing glances of the palace attendants, and had no interest in discovering who had sent the young eunuchs peeking around outside her palace gates to spy on her.

She had rejected Mu Wan Yao, without a doubt.

As a consort, her husband was the supreme Emperor, and her son was her anchor, her sole solace. She did not particularly like these circumstances, but neither did she dislike them. She had grown accustomed to this life; she could not leave it behind.

Upon hearing her refusal, Mu Wan Yao gave a faint, cold smile. The princess's expression was icy, yet her gaze held a touch of sorrow. Mu Wan Yao lamented the passage of time and grieved the abandonment by her former maid. More than anything—and both Mu Wan Yao and Chunhua knew it—from that moment on, the former mistress and servant would go their separate ways, never to walk the same path again.

Chunhua's heart felt as though it were pierced with needles, sharp and painful.

Liu Wenji had said he looked down on her, and the princess had called her vulgar and dull... Had she truly become so wretched that she would lose both her loved ones and friends? If she could not escape this cage, would she wither away in silence, dying unnoticed in this magnificent yet suffocating palace?

What woman with a mind of her own would not wish to possess a soul as resilient and brave as Mu Wan Yao's, to steadfastly pursue what she desired, to remain true to herself even after marriage?

What woman would genuinely be content to become a faded wife, a burden, the unwanted chaff despised by all?

Bathed in the lingering glow of the sunset for a long while, Chunhua gradually grew to hate herself, yet also pitied herself. She felt she had come to understand some things, yet also felt she had never truly understood anything at all. It was not until deep into the night that the young eunuch lingering outside her residence could no longer contain himself and whispered that Gong Liu would come to visit Her Ladyship that evening.

Startled, Chunhua hurriedly composed herself.

Before Liu Wenji's arrival, he had just left the Emperor's presence. The Emperor had completely forgotten that Chunhua had been wronged, and it was only after Liu Wenji reminded him that he perfunctorily bestowed some gifts upon her as compensation for the injustice she had suffered.

The Emperor was deeply troubled by Yan Shang's request to resign from his post. No matter how the Emperor ranted or pleaded, it was to no avail. Yan Shang insisted on stepping down, but the Emperor refused to grant his approval. Panic gnawed at the Emperor—

Often, he felt that Yan Shang overstepped his bounds, meddling in too many affairs and leaving him with no authority. But now that Yan Shang wished to leave, the Emperor realized just how much he had come to rely on him. If Yan Shang departed, he would once again be mired in the overwhelming burden of mundane affairs.

And this time, there might be no one to help him sort through those matters.

Even if there were ministers willing to take on such a role, the Emperor would not trust them.

Only after ascending the throne did he understand what it meant to be a solitary ruler, to realize that not a single official in the entire court could be fully trusted. He had obtained the throne through luck and ease, yet he could not hold it securely. Amidst storms and turmoil, the Emperor lay awake night after night. For years, he had feigned incompetence, but now he had truly become incompetent—and he feared his ministers would discover his inadequacy...

Did all those who newly ascended the throne feel as lost and helpless as he did?

As for Liu Wenji, this day had been one of chaos and upheaval for him as well.Yan Shang's interference muddled the originally distinct three factions. Initially, each faction sought to form alliances to isolate and defeat one another. Now, all three were scrambling for opportunities to regain their footing. The aristocratic families had been weakened by the Pleasure Quarter incident, the eunuchs lost the support of the nobles and became isolated once more, and the common-born officials, deprived of Princess Danyang and Yan Shang's backing, were utterly adrift.

All three factions had fallen into disarray.

Was this what Yan Shang wanted?

Because of this disruption, Liu Wenji could no longer swallow up the power of either the aristocratic families or the common-born officials in one go. Having lost the Hai family, he had to seek new allies. Faced with the aristocratic families led by the Wei and Liu clans, and an indecisive Emperor who dared not take sides, Liu Wenji had to regroup.

No matter.

Liu Wenji thought to himself, the Zhao family was still at his disposal. With the Zhao family's support, he could gradually undermine the foundations of the aristocratic families.

And then there was the Emperor. As long as the Emperor remained as he was now, the eunuchs would continue to hold sway over the court. So what if they seized fine estates and fertile lands? So what if they engaged in corruption and bent the law? To survive, one could not remain pure or care only for oneself. The expansion of power required sacrifices, and what Liu Wenji sacrificed... was merely his personal integrity and reputation!

It was all of no consequence!

As Liu Wenji pondered these court affairs, he resolved to actively push for Yan Shang's departure from Chang'an. Only with Yan Shang gone would he have a chance to rise. If Yan Shang remained in Chang'an, he would constantly find ways to suppress him... Liu Wenji never underestimated Yan Suchen's capabilities!

Yan Shang was returning to Lingnan to recuperate—what a perfect opportunity!

Let him go! It would be best if he stayed in Lingnan for the rest of his life and never returned to Chang'an!

These thoughts swirled in Liu Wenji's mind as he went to pay his respects to Xian Fei. He was bold in his lawlessness, even coveting the Emperor's woman—what did he have to fear? Yet when he saw Chunhua, he paused for a moment, a faint crack appearing in his expressionless face.

Liu Wenji stood with his hands at his sides, putting on a show as he had the eunuchs leave behind the treasures bestowed by the Emperor. After the eunuchs withdrew, he looked at Chunhua and saw her dressed in light silk robes, her black hair simply styled in two coiled buns. Golden and jade hair ornaments dangling from the ends of her hair reflected the rouge at the corners of her eyes. In the dim candlelight, she stood gracefully, her makeup reminiscent of a young maiden of sixteen.

She was shy and anxious, swallowing nervously out of fear and tension.

Liu Wenji: "...What does Your Highness mean by this?"

Chunhua lowered her head: "Do I... look beautiful like this?"

Instead of praising her peach-blossom radiance that set his heart ablaze, he stared at her and sneered: "Did Princess Danyang teach you this?"

Chunhua whispered: "No. From now on, Her Highness will likely no longer care for me."

She sighed wistfully: "Her Highness has found the Yan Erlang she loves. She is spirited and triumphant, her path growing ever brighter, her future increasingly clear. As for me, she no longer spares me any thought. I am but a resentful woman in the deep palace, endlessly prattling about my son, the mistress, and the concubines...

"She has grown very impatient with me, very unwilling to listen to such things.

"Just like you, my lord."

Chunhua gazed at Liu Wenji, lost and dazed. As the curtains fluttered, she looked past this unflappable, powerful favorite of the Emperor to see the young man who had once been infatuated with her. She could find no trace of that youth, and it was utterly tragic.Chunhua said sadly, "I've become someone none of you like anymore, haven't I? But you've all become terrifying too. You've advanced... too quickly. I don't recognize any of you anymore."

Liu Wenji remained silent.

After a long while, he turned his face away, his voice slightly hoarse: "Why bring this up now."

Chunhua stepped forward: "Your Highness offered to take me away today, but I refused. I cannot leave the deep palace, yet I'm struck with terror. The Emperor doesn't love me, Her Majesty the Empress despises my Yue'er for being the eldest son, blocking her own son's path. The other consorts consider me useless - they treated me well before because I was the princess, but that will likely change soon.

"Looking back, I realize I've lost everything. I want to make some changes, within my limited capacity, make some changes..."

She choked up: "Eunuch Liu, now... you're my only reliance.

"I'm just a resentful woman in the deep palace, with nothing to my name. If you too wish to abandon me, please just tell me in advance, so I can prepare myself mentally."

Liu Wenji turned to face her, looking down at her. The shadows of plane tree leaves danced sparsely on the ground, like swaying seaweed, engulfing them both.

The scenery remained but people had changed; affection had worn thin.

He despised how Chunhua had become his weakness, the leverage Mu Wan Yao held over him. He wanted to torment Chunhua, yet when he saw this woman, countless tender feelings still surged in his heart, making him hate himself.

Those past joys and times together both made him resentful and reluctant to let go.

Perhaps he had long stopped loving Chunhua.

But Chunhua was more than just Chunhua.

Liu Wenji slowly curved a faint smile. With hatred, fondness, disgust, and delight, he reached out his hand to her and said softly: "Your Ladyship need not worry, this servant will never abandon you.

'Though parted, never forget; strive to cherish the spring blossoms.'

"I remember it all in my heart. I'll remember it for a lifetime, and dare not fail Your Ladyship. I support you, only asking that you stand with me in this mire, and not abandon me either."

His gaze was sinister and peculiar as he grabbed her wrist, pulling her close. His face was pale and stern, yet his eyes contained a blizzard, fierce and terrifying. Chunhua mustered her courage to look at him, watching as he pressed close with a dark smile against her lips: "You've already abandoned me once. If you dare betray me again, I..."

Chunhua trembled: "Will you kill me, or make me wish I were dead?"

Liu Wenji smiled tenderly: "What's interesting about those?"

He caressed her face lovingly - this beautiful woman belonged to the Emperor, yet she was in his embrace. How satisfying.

Liu Wenji said: "Your Ladyship cares not for life or death. What use would threatening you with that be? Your Ladyship... if you betray me... I'll grind your son, your Yue'er, to dust! A crown prince disliked by the Empress and ignored by the Emperor - how miserable his life would be, would you like to know, Your Ladyship?"

After Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang discussed Chunhua and Liu Wenji, they didn't say much more.

With leverage over Liu Wenji in their hands, he wouldn't dare act too arrogantly. Only after putting this restraint on him did Yan Shang feel secure enough to leave Chang'an.

The Emperor wouldn't permit Yan Shang to resign, so Yan Shang first took leave, submitting repeated petitions. Meanwhile, both Liu Wenji and the noble families hoped Yan Shang would leave. Only with the common-born officials losing their leader would there be opportunity for balanced power among the factions.The Emperor likely understood their intentions and said angrily, "Yan Suchen holds a fifth-rank position as my Secretariat Drafter and is a key official in the Ministry of Personnel! How can he resign? If such a young man resigns, the world will say I cannot tolerate capable ministers! Blame Yan Suchen's excessive reputation—I cannot permit his resignation!"

Lord Liu spoke up for his disciple: "Suchen's health truly requires rest…"

The Emperor: "Can he not rest in Chang'an? Must he return to Lingnan? Lingnan has always been a place of exile. If he goes there, others will think I have grown tired of him. How will I explain this to my father before our ancestors? My father left me a talent fit to be chancellor, and I am to drive him to Lingnan? Yan Erlang is only twenty-five, in his prime, and holds the title of Tongpingzhangshi. Tongpingzhangshi is also a chancellor! How can a chancellor resign so easily?

"I know what you are scheming! You think with Yan Suchen gone, it will be easier to control me!"

The ministers immediately knelt, crying out in protest. Who would dare control the Emperor? Who would want to be a traitor?

Lord Liu grew so furious his face flushed crimson. Advanced in years and naturally hot-tempered, even the late Emperor had treated him with respect, offering him a seat of honor. Now, he was nearly driven to rage by the Emperor's willfulness.

Liu Wenji interjected, "Yan Erlang has the reputation of a renowned minister throughout the land. Whether in Guanzhong or Chang'an, his fame is such that Your Majesty cannot easily allow his resignation."

The Emperor's eyes lit up, thinking he had found support.

However, Liu Wenji continued, "Why not appoint Yan Erlang as Prefect of Guangzhou? A upper fourth-rank position would not disgrace him, would it? Since he wishes to return to his hometown in Lingnan, he might as well govern Guangzhou. Last year, due to Vice-Director Wei opening trade in Hexi, Guangzhou also began maritime trade.

"Yet initially, it was chaotic. The previous Prefect of Guangzhou was killed by pirates at the end of last year, and the central government has yet to find a replacement.

"Court officials, upon hearing of an assignment to Guangzhou, value their lives and decline. But a pillar minister like Yan Erlang would surely not refuse such a duty due to hardship, would he? It is his hometown—he would not neglect it. For a Tongpingzhangshi to serve as Prefect of Guangzhou seems quite fitting."

The Emperor was greatly displeased and frowned. After all this talk, they still aimed to remove Yan Shang from Chang'an.

Yet the ministers pondered thoughtfully, and even Yan Shang's teacher, Lord Liu, stroked his beard and nodded, finding the proposal excellent. Though convalescing, he could still manage some duties.

Noble families and eunuchs exchanged glances, deciding to cooperate in ousting Yan Shang. The Emperor resisted fiercely, but the outcome seemed unlikely to be favorable—

Since resolutely deciding to resign, Yan Shang had not gone to the imperial city for days to handle daily affairs. Initially unaccustomed, he endured through sheer willpower, restraining himself from inquiring or intervening.

Mu Wan Yao was overjoyed. Freed from administrative duties, Yan Shang could finally sleep through the night without being roused at midnight to handle emergencies. Though he remained preoccupied and unaccustomed to such idleness, she believed he would adapt.

The imperial decree had not yet arrived, and the Emperor remained stubborn, but she happily busied herself in the residence, packing their belongings for the journey to Lingnan.

Watching her bustling about, even turning away visiting court officials, Yan Shang could not help but smile.Mu Wan Yao was a princess who, apart from the two or three years of her Peace Marriage, had never been away from Chang'an for an extended period. Yet she had been to Lingnan before, and this time she was determined to stay there long-term with Yan Shang. Yan Shang had worried she might be unhappy, fearing she would be reluctant to relinquish the power she held, but Mu Wan Yao treated this resignation from office as a long-term journey.

She was as delighted as if playing house, eagerly experiencing the joy of moving.

However, the couple's tranquil life was interrupted one night.

In early April, one night shortly after Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao had retired, the Princess Residence was knocked upon, and officials from the Ministry of Justice came seeking an audience with the Vice Chief Councilor, Yan Erlang.

Mu Wan Yao was visibly displeased but had to light the lamps and watch as Yan Shang was called away in the dead of night. After all, his resignation had not yet been finalized, and he still had to handle these matters. That night, the Ministry of Justice officials sought him out because Hai Sanlang, who was imprisoned, had attempted suicide in jail and requested to see Yan Shang.

Mu Wan Yao said, "Why see him? If you do, won't anyone who threatens suicide and demands to see Yan Erlang, Second Brother Yan, get an audience? Do you have any authority at all? Are you that easy to approach?"

Yan Shang sighed, "After all, I was the one who selected him as the top scholar, and I used him in my plans regarding the Hai family. Now that the entire Hai family is imprisoned, I owe Hai Sanlang some accountability. Let him have his audience; he probably has some grievances to vent."

Unwilling to let him go alone, Mu Wan Yao accompanied him out the door and into the carriage, heading to the Ministry of Justice—

Late at night, during the interrogation, Hai Sanlang had hidden a bowl from his daytime meal and, taking advantage of the interrogating officials' inattention, smashed it to use the sharp ceramic shards to harm himself, threatening to see Yan Shang. He had not held out much hope, but to his surprise, Yan Shang actually came to see him.

Yan Shang took a seat as the cell door opened, the area brightly lit. He looked at Hai Sanlang, who was bound tightly to prevent further suicide attempts. In just one month of imprisonment, Hai Sanlang had lost half his weight. The young man's eyes no longer held the spirited brilliance of before; now, they were bloodshot and filled only with numbness and exhaustion.

This reminded Yan Shang of his own two-month imprisonment years ago.

Prison wears a person down.

Yan Shang sighed and asked, "You wanted to see me. What did you want to say?"

Hai Sanlang, his hands shackled and kneeling on the straw, looked up bitterly and said, "Now that I've been brought to this state, Teacher, are you pleased?"

Yan Shang paused briefly before replying, "Why would I be pleased?"

Hai Sanlang exclaimed agitatedly, "The court speaks of your prowess, but I haven't witnessed it. What I've seen is you eliminating dissent! Anyone who disagrees with you is silenced. In court, you only allow voices that align with your ideals! Though I haven't yet entered the court, my father has made it clear to me... the Hai family's downfall is entirely because you didn't want us to remain in Chang'an!

"My sister never plotted against the crown prince! Our family has been wrongfully accused! You and the powerful eunuch Liu Wenji conspired to destroy us! Teacher, when you taught me before, you spoke so righteously, telling me to think about how to be a proper official... but is this how you act? How can I trust you?"

Yan Shang said calmly, "Factional strife in the court does not benefit the people. I still believe that and have not deceived you."

Hai Sanlang said, "Then you..."Yan Shang gazed at him: "Do you wish to claim your innocence? Then what of the Second Prince who died as a sacrifice to the power struggles between noble families and the throne—was he not innocent? Had Xian Fei, whom your elder sister exploited, died without her case being overturned, would she not have been innocent? The Hai family, working under Liu Wenji, profited immensely from their dealings! What of those who were exploited—were they not innocent?

"And am I not innocent? As your mentor, I was publicly challenged by you in court. Countless people waited to see me humiliated. Though my temperament is mild and I seldom show anger, that does not mean I cannot be angered. Hai Sanlang, am I not innocent?

"Over the years in the Pleasure Quarter, how many laws have been broken by the private dealings of officials? Behind those laws, how many wronged souls lie hidden? Those unseen lives... are they not human lives?

"For the Hai family to rise, others must fall. When noble families form alliances, the court struggles inevitably claim lives. Factional conflicts are the most brutal and meaningless; once accusations are fabricated, countless innocent officials are swept into the turmoil... and by continuing your cooperation with Liu Wenji, you were treading precisely that path! The esteemed lords of the court, sucking the marrow from bones—if I allowed you to proceed, who knows how many unseen lives would be lost?

"In this world, the cheapest thing is human life!"

The prison fell into dead silence. Yan Shang's voice was not loud, his tone even calm, but by the end, the fire in his eyes and the slight urgency in his voice betrayed his agitation. He coughed, while Hai Sanlang stared blankly, forgetting what he had meant to say.

After a long pause, Yan Shang composed himself and rubbed his forehead. "There are matters I must address, or the world's chaos will never be restrained. Since I have the capability, why should I stand by and do nothing? Before my wife's maternal grandfather passed away, he said, 'Who would willingly sit in filth and mire when they could dwell in purity and clarity?' No matter how distasteful the methods, if they benefit the world, I will employ them.

"Now, is there anything else you fail to understand and wish to ask me?"

Hai Sanlang slumped in defeat, his shoulders drooping. His questions seemed as shallow as a child's before a mature adult, shaming him with their naivety. He could not voice them, only murmuring in despair, "So I am to be destroyed for this? I was the top scholar! I could have entered the court, had a bright future, I..."

Yan Shang cut him off: "You still can."

Hai Sanlang: "I am to be exiled! Our Hai family is finished! I..."

Yan Shang gave a faint, calm smile. "So what? Heaven and earth nurtured you. Life spans decades—if you cannot endure a few short years of setback, you might as well end it all tonight."

Hai Sanlang: "..."

Yan Shang rose, saying no more to the youth. He walked out of the prison, knowing Mu Wan Yao waited for him outside. His conversation with Hai Sanlang had also vented the grievances and indignation pent up in his own heart.

Everyone has their own path to walk, their own aspirations. Life's road is long—let us each tread it and see!—

By late April, Yan Shang's resignation had not been approved, but his appointment arrived. The central government transferred him to be the Prefect of Guangzhou, sending him to Lingnan to recuperate while managing maritime trade and bandit suppression. As long as the central authorities were willing to let him go, Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao accepted these minor tasks.

Accompanying them on their journey was Zhao Lingfei.Zhao Lingfei had come to ask Yan Shang and his wife if she could travel with them. She disagreed with her father's principles and could no longer bear the Zhao family becoming lackeys for the eunuchs. She wished to accompany the couple on their journey, not to Lingnan, but to Jiannan.

Zhao Lingfei wanted to find her cousin, Yang Sanlang Yang Si.

She was attempting to seek more possibilities in life and distance herself from her parents. Having abandoned her marriage and lover, she thought of her cousin's misfortunes and desired to travel across the lands. The first step was to see Yang Si.

Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao agreed.

When Zhao Lingfei met the couple at the gates of Chang'an, not only was the princess's traveling carriage and retinue impressively grand, but Wei Shu stood atop the city wall watching her depart.

Mounted on her horse, Zhao Lingfei turned back to look at Wei Shu. He stood tall on the high tower, serene and composed, a figure of refined elegance.

Mu Wan Yao lifted the carriage curtain to glance at Zhao Lingfei, her expression tinged with amusement. "If you're reluctant to leave, then don't go."

Zhao Lingfei snapped back to reality, reining in the emotions in her eyes as she proudly tightened her grip on the reins. "Brother Ju Yuan has already made a promise with me! Once the situation stabilizes and he can surpass my father, he will wait for me in Chang'an. That we cannot be together now... doesn’t mean we never will be!

"Brother Ju Yuan and I have made a vow!"

Mu Wan Yao smirked maliciously. "What is a verbal promise worth? Agreements between people are but empty words on paper. Love can vanish in an instant. You are leaving for distant lands, while Ju Yuan remains alone in Chang’an, facing turbulent times. Having seen all the charming beauties of Chang’an, do you truly believe he won’t be tempted? Men are all the same."

Zhao Lingfei declared loudly, "Brother Ju Yuan is like pure snow atop the Pagoda! He is different from all other men in this world... And even if Brother Ju Yuan changes his heart and falls for another maiden, what does it matter? I would still wish him happiness!"

Mu Wan Yao was taken aback.

This proud young woman, Zhao Lingfei, lowered her head, her eyes unusually gentle. Her gaze shimmered as she repeatedly glanced back at the young man watching her departure from the city tower, and she smiled sincerely. "As long as Brother Ju Yuan is well, I will harbor no resentment."

Mu Wan Yao bit her lip in silent frustration, momentarily speechless.

She thought to herself that if Yan Shang were happy, but without her by his side, she would surely stir up trouble. Yan Shang could be happy, but it had to be happiness shared with her!

Having watched the banter between his wife and Zhao Lingfei from the carriage for some time, Yan Shang couldn’t help but smile when he saw Mu Wan Yao losing the upper hand. He reached out and patted her hand, signaling her not to mind it.

Yet when Mu Wan Yao turned to see Yan Shang’s elegant and innocent expression, she grew angry in an instant. His gentleness only made her seem wicked in comparison.

Mu Wan Yao grabbed Yan Shang’s hand and said, "Are you still thinking of Zhao Wuniang in your heart? Is that why you aren’t angry even when she bullies me?"

Yan Shang: "..."

He was astonished. "When were you bullied?"

Mu Wan Yao: "..."

He shifted the focus so innocently, so cunningly detestable... How could someone so gentle be so skilled with words?

Seeing him smile, Mu Wan Yao couldn’t help but smile along. Her spirits lifted as she thought of the two of them leaving Chang’an behind, free and unburdened, an Immortal Couple. Filled with exuberance, she called for the carriage to stop and pulled Yan Shang out. "Let’s ride horses with Zhao Lingfei!

"Wuniang, let’s see whose horsemanship is better!"

Yan Shang: "You two compete. I’ll pass..."

Mu Wan Yao: "No! Second Brother Yan, we’ll ride together. Even with you as an extra passenger, I can still beat Zhao Wuniang!"—

On the vast, boundless plains, two horses initially rode side by side, soon joined by more horses and young men.

Under the clear moonlight, with sparse shadows cascading around, Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao shared a horse, while Zhao Lingfei rode alone.

Fang Tong and other guards followed behind, and Qiu Si along with other maids also rode on horseback. The sound of hoofbeats mingled with the laughter and chatter of the young men and women, scattering fragrance along the path.

The wind swept across thousands of miles, and everything was bathed in brightness. The young men and women rode on horseback, their sleeves billowing in the wind as they journeyed south together, singing joyfully as they galloped.

Their songs rose high and spirited, unrestrained and bold—it was the poem inscribed by the Emperor in "The Record of Chang’an’s Heroes"—

"Heaven covers me, earth bears me,

Did heaven and earth give me life with purpose or not?

If not to ascend the heavens without sustenance,

Then to wander the imperial capital with jade adornments.

How can I neither seek honor nor depart,

Merely existing as a lofty man in vain?

A man, oh a man,

A thousand lifetimes of ambition are the true plan.""Pray look upon the deeds of a hundred years—when achievements are done, a lone boat sails the five lakes!"