Tigers Sniff the Rose

The more Mu Wan Yao cared, the more she felt that Yan Shang might not like her.

He treated her with great consideration.

But didn't he treat everyone the same way?

Mu Wan Yao thought... perhaps she lacked that fatal attraction for Yan Shang.

Maybe she was missing something that could stir his emotions.

Beauty, talent, status—all were enough to make Yan Shang treat Mu Wan Yao very well. But this wasn't love. Love should be... that kind of excitement, intensity, the kind of emotion she felt, right?

But Yan Shang didn't have it.

Her Imperial Son-in-Law was someone who appeared gentle but was actually exceptionally detached. In the deepest part of his heart, perhaps only he himself existed. He treated Mu Wan Yao well enough, but she couldn't share in his true self.

He belonged only to himself.

Yet Mu Wan Yao wanted all of him—

Mu Wan Yao had never gone through Yan Shang's things before, but once suspicion took root, she began searching for clues. She read his letters with friends, his correspondence with his family... She had to admit that Yan Shang rarely mentioned her.

His love was different from hers.

His feelings for her were not the same as hers for him.

How could a little princess who had been doted on since childhood bear such a blow? She sobbed and choked up, heartbroken over a love that didn't exist. She didn't dare return to the palace to complain to the Emperor and Empress, nor did she dare seek out others. She feared that if the Emperor and Empress found out, they would punish Yan Shang.

But why punish Yan Shang? Was it wrong not to love someone?

Mu Wan Yao went to Yang Si's residence to drink. After a while, urged by Yang Si, she tearfully poured out her troubles. As soon as Yang Si heard, he immediately drew his sword and stood up, ready to confront Yan Shang. Mu Wan Yao stopped him: "Don't!"

Yang Si said coldly, "How dare he not like you!"

Mu Wan Yao choked back a sob: "He can't control it himself. If he could, he would have liked me at first sight. But he didn't.

"Third Brother Yang, I've checked—he has no romantic interests outside, and he's extremely cautious about such matters during social engagements. He's just very meticulous, avoiding any trouble for himself."

Mu Wan Yao said blankly, "It's the same with me. He brings me pastries, picks me up to go home, and whenever I go to him to play, he puts aside his work to accompany me... But Third Brother Yang, am I just another trouble to him? Does he need to deal with me the same way he deals with others?"

Yang Si saw her eyes and nose red from crying and felt a sudden softness in his heart. He was indignant—how could Yan Shang not love Yao Yao, such an adorable and beautiful girl, especially when he had no other intentions?

But at the same time, he felt confused.

Could emotions really be controlled?

Emotions follow the heart. If the heart remains unmoved, how can feelings flow like tides or streams? A person can restrain themselves from doing something or force themselves to do something, but they can't force themselves to love someone.

Yang Si said gloomily, "Then what will you do? Will you divorce him?"

Mu Wan Yao widened her eyes in shock: "Are you crazy? I like him so much, and I haven't even won him over yet. Why would I divorce him and let someone else have him? If I can't have him, why should I give him to someone else!"

Yang Si: "..."

He was stunned: "Then what do you want to do?"

Mu Wan Yao said gloomily, "I want to make him like me."She was quite indignant: "I'm so remarkable, how can he remain so unperturbed?"

Yang Si looked at her: "...Then if you're not asking me to beat him up for you, what do you want?"

Mu Wan Yao smiled and moved closer: "Third Brother Yang, here's the thing. You know I've been strictly controlled by my brothers since childhood, I've hardly met any young men. I don't understand men and don't know how to interact with people. You're the only one I know well... Could you help me figure out what kind of woman my husband likes?"

Yang Si understood.

Sitting together on the corridor railing, he rested his hand on his bent knee and said with a teasing smile: "Let me tell you, all men like well-behaved, sensible, virtuous and gentle girls!"

Mu Wan Yao was baffled: Wasn't she well-behaved and sensible? She might fall short in virtue, but she was quite gentle too.

Yang Si hooked his arm around her shoulder and said dreamily: "Come, come, silly sister, let's discuss this over drinks. Seducing a man requires careful planning..."

Mu Wan Yao blushed and defended herself: "It's about pleasing my own husband! Not seduction! I would never do such things!"—

Yang Si pulled Mu Wan Yao along, and they drank themselves into a stupor. The two fools initially remembered to discuss "what kind of woman Yan Erlang likes," but later, Mu Wan Yao became too drunk, dizzy and confused, having forgotten her original purpose.

When Yan Shang came to the Yang residence that night, he found the two drunkards hugging wine jars in a foolish state.

Seeing them sitting under the corridor with arms around each other's shoulders, Yan Shang froze momentarily, his face stiffening slightly.

The servant leading the way quickly spoke up for his master: "Imperial Son-in-Law, please don't misunderstand. Our Third Young Master and Her Highness have called each other brother and sister since childhood, they're very close, but there's no other meaning."

Yan Shang forced a smile, a thorn piercing his heart. Seeing Mu Wan Yao and Yang Si like this made him deeply uncomfortable. Surprised and self-reflective, he tried to convince himself not to overthink.

Yan Shang crouched before Mu Wan Yao, gently lifting her wine-flushed chin and patting her cheek lightly: "Your Highness... Your Highness..."

Mu Wan Yao opened her eyes, vision blurred by drink. Seeing her awake, Yan Shang smiled, but unexpectedly, her eyes instantly welled with tears full of resentment.

No longer the well-behaved young lady he usually knew, she pushed him in the chest, knocking the unprepared Yan Shang to the ground. Stunned, Mu Wan Yao shouted: "You hateful man!"

Yan Shang's face instantly turned red, then quickly pale.

For someone so consistently proper, being seen in such an undignified state by the Yang family servants was mortifying. And Yang Sanlang beside Mu Wan Yao was also watching with hazy, amused eyes... Yan Shang's face shifted between green and white before he finally said: "It's me."

Mu Wan Yao: "I know it's you! Hateful man! Why do you always call me 'Your Highness' instead of 'Yao Yao'? Everyone likes me, only you don't. You're truly detestable!"

Under the astonished gazes of the Yang servants, Yan Shang blushed as if dripping blood. Supporting himself up, he gently tried to lift her by the shoulders. Humbly, he whispered: "Yes, it's my fault... Let's go home and talk, alright?"

Mu Wan Yao: "Then call me 'Yao Yao'!"

Yan Shang: "Alright, Yao Yao."Mu Wan Yao sat on the ground, spreading her arms and lifting her face toward him: "Carry me."

Yan Shang hesitated for a moment before bending down to scoop her up horizontally. He tried to ignore the Yang family servants as he carried his drunken wife out of the residence. Nestled in his embrace, Mu Wan Yao tilted her head, gazing at him with a mix of surprise and smugness.

She was thoroughly intoxicated.

Yet her mind remained strangely clear.

Staring at her husband’s handsome profile and jade-like jawline, the usually demure little princess grew unusually bold that night. Suddenly, she cupped his face and leaned in, pressing her lips against his with a loud, smacking "mwah."

Yan Shang stumbled mid-step, nearly falling. Flustered, he glanced at her, only to find the young lady in his arms pouting, tilting her head, and grinning at him adorably.

His face flushed even deeper.

After a long pause, he managed to stammer, "Don’t do that in public."

Mu Wan Yao’s eyes instantly welled up with tears as she sniffled, "You’re mine. I was just marking you, and you scold me. You really don’t like me."

Yan Shang panicked: "I—I didn’t mean it that way... When did I scold you?"

But he was no match for her in arguments.

Not that he needed to be.

Because with just that one kiss, Yan Shang’s head began to spin. He inwardly groaned, realizing he was likely getting drunk from her touch. He usually avoided alcohol entirely—even the scent could make him tipsy, let alone a direct kiss from the young lady.

Fearing embarrassment at the Yang residence, Yan Shang didn’t dare linger and quickened his pace while holding Mu Wan Yao.

But after managing only a few steps, the girl in his arms grew restless. Seeing him ignore her, Mu Wan Yao began to grieve again, sobbing that he didn’t care about her. Yan Shang, already too overwhelmed to speak, flushed crimson—this time not from emotion but physical distress.

Sweat beaded at his temples, his body stiffened, and his face burned scarlet.

Mu Wan Yao wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling his chin gently.

Yan Shang pleaded hoarsely, "Don’t... stop..."

Mu Wan Yao: "You won’t even let me touch you now... Ah."

Yan Shang’s steps finally faltered. Unable to hold on, he swayed before even passing the screen wall and collapsed to the ground with a thud. His head struck the cold wall, and before losing consciousness, he managed to cradle Mu Wan Yao’s head against his chest, shielding her from injury.

The last thing Yan Shang remembered before blacking out was Mu Wan Yao’s wide, startled eyes.

He laughed bitterly inwardly.

He’d wanted to avoid humiliation, yet ended up disgracing himself anyway—

Mu Wan Yao sat dumbfounded on the ground, watching as blood instantly seeped from Yan Shang’s forehead where it had hit the wall. Frozen in shock, she was abruptly shoved aside by Yang Si, who hoisted the unconscious Yan Shang onto his back and rushed him indoors.

Yang Si: "What happened to Yan Er?"

Mu Wan Yao mumbled blankly, "I don’t know..."

After a night of chaos at the Yang residence, Mu Wan Yao eventually brought the unconscious Yan Shang back to the Princess Residence. Her drunkenness had half subsided from the scare of his collapse, and after drinking hangover soup, she returned home heavy-hearted. Sitting by the bed, she stared at the bandage wrapped around her husband’s forehead.

Anxious and remorseful—she knew Yan Shang never drank.

But she never imagined his tolerance was this poor.

Clutching his hand tearfully, Mu Wan Yao wept for a long while, praying he would wake up without a scar on his forehead—and without resentment toward her for her capriciousness.Mu Wan Yao suddenly ordered again: "Chunhua, Chunhua! Smash all the wine jars in our residence—from now on, not a single drop of wine shall remain in our home!"—

When Yan Shang woke the next day, he saw his wife bustling about taking care of him.

Leaning against the bedside, she appeared extremely guilty, instructing the maid to bring soup and medicine while keeping her head lowered: "I asked Second Brother Yan for leave on your behalf. Rest well for a couple of days. Isn’t the imperial examination early next year? You can focus on studying at home..."

Yan Shang watched her for a moment, then touched his forehead: "Did I scar my face?"

Mu Wan Yao immediately looked up and glared at him: "Of course not! I used the best medicine on you—you won’t scar!"

Yan Shang chuckled softly, then asked gently: "Then why all this fuss, Your High... Yao Yao?"

Hearing him call her "Yao Yao," Mu Wan Yao stared at him in a daze.

Yan Shang blushed, embarrassed, and said: "Didn’t you want me to call you that last night? They say words spoken while drunk come from the heart, so it seems Yao Yao has been dissatisfied with me for a long time. I’ve neglected your feelings, I..."

Mu Wan Yao interrupted: "Don’t reflect on yourself."

Yan Shang froze.

Mu Wan Yao pressed her lips together.

She said: "I don’t like it when Second Brother Yan keeps reflecting on himself and always yielding to me. Why do you always yield to me? Is it because, in your eyes, I’m no different from anyone else? You’re someone who constantly reflects on yourself, always holding yourself to strict standards, never allowing a single mistake. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I... I also want more."

She drifted into thought.

Her heart was in turmoil, unsure of what she truly wanted. She could only try her best to express her feelings: "I want... I want Second Brother Yan to treat me as his wife, to treat me as one of his own. You can ignore me, you can laugh at me, you can lose your temper with me...

"No one can be without a temper. If someone has no temper, it must be because they keep all their frustrations to themselves, forcing themselves to endure, to suffer in silence.

"I... I also want to be one of Second Brother Yan’s own.

"Second Brother Yan losing his temper with me would make me happier than him speaking gently to me."

Yan Shang frowned as he looked at her—this didn’t sound like something she would usually say. Mu Wan Yao had been raised innocent and naive—how could she have such thoughts? Had he changed her?

After a long silence, he took her hand and said softly: "Yao Yao, do you... have some grievance against me?"

Mu Wan Yao: "Not at all!"

Yan Shang said gently: "We are husband and wife. If I’ve done something wrong, just tell me. There’s no need to beat around the bush and be angry with me. Both Your Highness and I are very busy—why waste time on this?"

Mu Wan Yao was stunned.

She actually lowered her head and seriously considered his words. After a while, she said softly: "Second Brother Yan is perfect in every way. The only flaw is that you don’t love me."

Yan Shang: "Nonsense..."

Mu Wan Yao interrupted: "Listen to me! You really don’t love me. Your kindness to me is like that toward a younger sister. Your concern for me is like that for family. But this isn’t love, is it? Your heart doesn’t race when you see me, right? I don’t know what kind of woman you truly like, but it’s certainly not someone like me!"

Yan Shang said with difficulty: "Yao Yao..."Mu Wan Yao hastily interrupted, afraid that if she didn't continue speaking, she would lose her courage: "I'm not blaming you, I'm just saying I'll work hard to make you fall in love with me! Just watch, Second Brother Yan, you will definitely like me... But first tell me, what kind of girl do you actually like?"

Yan Shang: "I, I... Please don't be like this..."

Mu Wan Yao: "Just tell me!"

Yan Shang was unwilling to say, but Mu Wan Yao clung to him urging, persistently asking until she pretended to cry. He had no choice but to lower his head and say very helplessly: "I really don't have anyone. What do you want me to say?"

Mu Wan Yao was utterly astonished: "You mean you've never looked twice at anyone? You've never admired a young beauty?"

Yan Shang, extremely embarrassed and annoyed, raised his voice: "No, really not! Stop pressing me!"

Mu Wan Yao: "You raised your voice at me..."

Yan Shang immediately softened his tone: "I'm tired, I need to rest..."

He pulled over the quilt to sleep, but Mu Wan Yao reacted swiftly, pouncing from behind to hug him. She shook his arm excitedly: "You really did raise your voice at me just now! Second Brother Yan, you have emotions, right? Try expressing them more openly, try again..."

Yan Shang covered his face with the quilt, so entangled by her that he couldn't help but laugh, yet felt too embarrassed to let her see.

What kind of love she wanted, he didn't truly understand. But he was willing to try to give it to her... As husband and wife for life, he would naturally strive to treat her well—this was no empty promise—

Thus, from that day on, Yan Shang began watching his little princess Your Highness cause daily commotions.

He didn't like her spending all day with Yang Si, but given the current situation, he couldn't openly object, only thinking he would find an opportunity later.

And Mu Wan Yao was right—the imperial exams were approaching. He stopped helping the Crown Prince with administrative affairs and began seriously studying at home. Although no one held any hope for his exam performance, merely expecting him to go through the motions, Yan Shang refused to do so.

He was determined to prepare earnestly, determined not to tarnish Your Highness's or his own reputation.

This gave Mu Wan Yao the opportunity to pester Yan Shang all day long.

While Yan Shang was studying in the library, Mu Wan Yao suddenly rushed in to find him: "Second Brother Yan, look at me, look!"

Yan Shang looked up and was momentarily speechless. He saw Mu Wan Yao dressed in men's clothing, with narrow sleeves and a long robe, her hair tied up like a man's. She even twirled in front of him, then leaned forward with a smiling bow: "Do you like it very much?"

Yan Shang, holding a book scroll, chuckled: "Of course."

Mu Wan Yao humphed, stood up straight and stopped smiling: "You're just humoring me again. You don't genuinely like it."

Yan Shang continued smiling: "How am I not genuine? Are you me, to judge my feelings so well?"

Mu Wan Yao fumed.

She wasn't joking with him—she was utterly serious. Leaning against the desk, she reached out very deliberately to touch the corner of his eye: "I can tell! Your usual smile is very shallow, very polite, very reserved. But your smile just now was slightly more open, your eyes crinkled a bit.

"But I feel... it's still not enough..."She cupped her face in a daydream: "There must be a time when your eyes light up upon seeing me, when you can't help but walk toward me. There must be a time when your gaze follows me, drawn to me. At that moment, you won't need me to seek you out—you'll come to me yourself... You'll be utterly captivated by me!"

Yan Shang gazed at her, lost in thought.

He said softly, "Don't speak foolishly. Don't use imagination to decide whom I love."

Mu Wan Yao huffed, "Hmph, you don't understand. I don't want to talk to you anymore!"

She turned to leave, but Yan Shang, a faint smile still on his lips, reached out and grasped her wrist, gently pulling her back. Still too shy to hold her in his arms, he drew her to sit beside him, his face flushing slightly.

Yan Shang sighed, "Your Highness, you truly put me under great pressure like this."

Mu Wan Yao studied him, "Then hurry up and love me."

She wrapped her arms around his neck, suppressing her shyness as she boldly leaned in to kiss him. Startled, he stiffened and leaned back slightly, but he cooperated and didn't push her away. After several kisses, just as he was beginning to feel dazed, she looked up from his embrace, utterly docile, and asked, "Are you utterly enchanted by me now?"

Yan Shang burst into laughter.

Mu Wan Yao fumed, "You're laughing at me again!Yan Shang soothed her by holding her in his arms, then took the initiative to lean down to plant a kiss on her cheek. His fingers traced her brows and eyes as he thought, how could he bear to mock such an adorable and beautiful girl.

Yan Shang said, "Who's laughing at you? I adore you."

Mu Wan Yao retorted, "I don't believe you!"

Yet she hesitated, remaining seated in his lap, unwilling to leave. It was rare for him to hold her, and she clung to his neck, thoroughly enjoying it. After a while, the impatient little princess couldn't resist pointing a finger at her own rosy lips.

She lifted the corners of her eyes, her gaze shimmering like clear ripples, "Do you want to kiss me again?"

Yan Shang suppressed a laugh.

He leaned down and gently brushed his lips against hers—

By the end of February in the new year, the imperial examinations were held at the Ministry of Personnel. Mu Wan Yao had been losing sleep since the previous night, even more nervous than Yan Shang himself.

It was a rainy day. The Princess Residence's carriage stopped outside the Ministry of Personnel. Yan Shang stepped out with an umbrella, then turned and said gently to Mu Wan Yao, "Go back, Yaoyao. Don't wait here—it's not good if you get drenched."

Mu Wan Yao shook her head, gazing at him with pleading eyes, determined to be a good wife. As Yan Shang tried to persuade her in a low voice, Mu Wan Yao suddenly brightened up, pointing in a direction, "Second Brother Yan, that person is really handsome."

Yan Shang was taken aback.

He turned and followed her finger to see an elegant, handsome youth stepping out of a simple, ancient-style carriage. The youth was as pure and translucent as fresh snow, and from the moment he arrived, everyone seemed to glance at him subtly. However, the youth used his umbrella to shield his face, avoiding the prying eyes of the crowd.

Chunhua, standing nearby, quickly realized and whispered to Mu Wan Yao, "Your Highness, that is Young Master Wei the Seventh, a disciple taken in by your uncle. Young Master Wei is only fourteen this year, and your uncle asked you to look after him."

Yan Shang froze, standing under the carriage with his umbrella, half of his robe sleeve damp from the rain, and looked at Mu Wan Yao.

Mu Wan Yao said blankly, "I think there was such a matter... but Young Master Wei never visited our residence, so I forgot. Only fourteen years old..."

She gazed in that direction and smiled, "But he really is good-looking."

Her view was blocked as her eyes fell on Yan Shang.

Yan Shang coughed lightly.Mu Wan Yao's eyes suddenly lit up: "Second Brother Yan, now that you've finished your exams, why not invite Young Master Wei the Seventh to our house? Didn't my uncle ask me to look after him? But that Young Master Wei the Seventh is so young and seems quite shy... Second Brother Yan, could you take extra care of him?"

Yan Shang: "..."

Mu Wan Yao whispered: "What's wrong? Why aren't you saying anything?"

Yan Shang smiled: "Your Highness can rest assured, I will take care of him."

Mu Wan Yao was displeased: "Why do you keep calling me 'Your Highness'? Call me Yao Yao."

Yan Shang ignored her and turned to walk toward the examinees. A question began forming in his mind: A princess of Great Wei can only have one Imperial Son-in-Law, right?

But if a princess were to change her heart, how should he respond?