Tigers Sniff the Rose

Meng Zaishi accompanied Mu Wan Yao on a stroll through the Pleasure Quarter.

He lagged two steps behind, watching her figure from the rear. He observed her carefree demeanor, her curiosity toward all things, and the bright, spring-like radiance of her smiles.

This was a Great Wei princess who had been thoroughly doted upon.

She differed from the impression Meng Zaishi had held.

Meng Zaishi had once had a dream.

Mu Wan Yao called it a nightmare, and perhaps it was.

In that dream, despite his vaulting ambitions, he ultimately failed to achieve his aspirations. Due to a moment of negligence, he perished together with Yang Si.

And in that dream, the woman Meng Zaishi yearned for was not his wife or concubine, but Mu Wan Yao, a Great Wei princess sent in a Peace Marriage whom he could not obtain.

She married his father, yet shared a secret affair with him. They used each other while toying with one another. Meng Zaishi harbored the thought that once he ascended the throne, he would make this princess his consort.

Such was the tradition of the Black Barbarians since ancient times; he saw nothing wrong with it.

But to Mu Wan Yao, this was humiliation.

Seizing a slim opportunity, she killed the new king, sowed discord between him and the new king, and returned to Great Wei. Once back in Great Wei, she never wished to return to the Black Barbarians.

She loathed the land of the Black Barbarians, despised his father, and detested him as well.

To that princess, Meng Zaishi’s love was not love, but a nightmare she could not shake off.

Upon waking from the dream, Meng Zaishi felt a sense of loss—both for his unfulfilled ambitions and premature death, and for the Great Wei Danyang Princess he could not possess.

He did not know whether the dream was real or false, but by cautiously testing its revelations against reality, he discovered it was a prophetic dream. Utilizing this foreknowledge, he preemptively eliminated his father and younger brother, ascending the throne himself.

He also ceased following the Southern Barbarian King, planning instead to ally with Great Wei ahead of time to jointly conquer the Southern Barbarians. Great Wei had outstanding men like Yan Shang, Yang Si, and Wei Shu—individuals Meng Zaishi admired, respected, and could not help but acknowledge. Opposing such men might only repeat the dream’s outcome.

Better to cooperate.

Yet simultaneously, some things diverged from Meng Zaishi’s dream.

For instance, Mu Wan Yao was not sent in a Peace Marriage to the Black Barbarians. Nor was she the pitiable princess abandoned by her mother, bereaved of an elder brother, and exploited by the Emperor, forced to seize power to secure her place in the world.

Meng Zaishi believed that with his prophetic dream, he could come to Great Wei and cautiously seek to marry this princess. Without the shadow cast by his father in the dream, he would love her properly, court her earnestly, and never let her suffer again. She might not be unwilling to return to the Black Barbarians with him.

Because she was such a princess of profound righteousness.

She was such a princess who would sacrifice her own marriage for the peace between two nations.

However, in reality, Mu Wan Yao’s second elder brother had not passed away but was the current Crown Prince; there was no rift between the Emperor and Empress, leaving no opening for ministers to exploit and overthrow. The imperial couple steadily suppressed the noble families while promoting those of humble origins, trusting each other implicitly. The state of Great Wei flourished in a golden age, far from being unstable or precarious.

Moreover, Mu Wan Yao gave Meng Zaishi no opportunity.

At merely eighteen, she hastily married. And her Imperial Son-in-Law was none other than Yan Shang.

Always Yan Shang.

This left Meng Zaishi feeling rather defeated—as if, regardless of the circumstances, whenever she had a choice, she would always choose Yan Shang.

She always chose Yan Shang.

Whether she, having endured hardships, yearned for a gentle man, or having been spared hardships, still adored a gentle man.Yan Shang was an emotional hurdle she could never overcome; she always stumbled over this man.

Just as Mu Wan Yao was Meng Zaishi's insurmountable barrier. Though he told himself to let go and not trouble her, whenever his eyes saw her, his ears heard her, or his heart sensed her presence, he would inevitably be drawn to her.

Whether she was the enchanting yet cold-hearted princess, or the charming, approachable, and innocent princess she appeared to be now.

Her essence remained unchanged.

And he loved her.

—

As Mu Wan Yao walked through the streets, she remained wary of the Uman King following behind.

She vaguely sensed that this Uman King seemed to admire her, but couldn't be certain, so she maintained her distance. Growing suspicious, Mu Wan Yao even considered ending her outing.

But then she thought: Fang Tong and the others were accompanying her, she was still a princess—what was there to fear? With Second Brother Yan by her side, why should she appear timid before strangers?

Moreover, Meng Zaishi was merely following her without causing disturbance or pressure... This man didn't seem malicious.

Since Meng Zaishi made no advances from behind, Mu Wan Yao soon relaxed and continued enjoying her stroll.

Meng Zaishi suddenly asked casually, "Your Highness, with your noble status, what brings you to a place like the Pleasure Quarter?"

Completely unguarded, Mu Wan Yao answered bluntly, "I'm looking for Second Brother Yan."

Meng Zaishi raised an eyebrow.

Estimating that Yan Shang would arrive soon, he couldn't resist sowing discord: "It seems the Imperial Son-in-Law has wronged you, and Your Highness has come to catch him in the act."

Mu Wan Yao instantly flushed crimson, whipping around to glare at him.

Her fiery eyes mirrored exactly the arrogant, willful Mu Wan Yao from Meng Zaishi's memories.

She retorted angrily, "Nonsense! My Second Brother Yan would never wrong me! Every other man in the world might, but he never would! You know nothing about his character!"

Meng Zaishi replied impassively, "Your Highness is too young. Is there any man in this world who doesn't stray?"

Mu Wan Yao stubbornly insisted, "That's you people! Some men possess noble morals, maintain strict self-discipline, and reflect daily on their faults... Such men are like towering mountains and clear streams—what ordinary men could never comprehend!"

Meng Zaishi chuckled leisurely, "Perhaps he's just deeply cunning and hides it from you. Wouldn't it be effortless for him to deceive you?"

Mu Wan Yao's eyes reddened with rage.

With just a few words, Meng Zaishi had provoked her to fury. She could only stubbornly insist Yan Shang wasn't like that, but how could she convince Meng Zaishi about matters of marital intuition?

She kept repeating, "He's not that kind of person."

Meng Zaishi watched Mu Wan Yao quietly, noting her glistening eyes and bitten lips—she was on the verge of tears from his provocation.

He laughed softly, "Your Highness is too young."

Raising his gaze, he spotted Yan Shang approaching. Seizing the moment, he flicked his finger, sending an invisible force that struck a passerby's knee, causing them to stumble toward Mu Wan Yao.

As Mu Wan Yao staggered from the impact, Meng Zaishi smoothly stepped forward, reaching out to steady her. To shield her from further collision, he almost enveloped her in a loose embrace.

With perfect decorum, he said, "Do be careful, Your Highness."

Mu Wan Yao blushed instantly, murmuring awkwardly, "Thank you..."

Suddenly feigning surprise, Meng Zaishi called toward a direction, "Oh? Isn't that Yan Erlang?"

Mu Wan Yao immediately turned to look.Her eyes lit up as she truly spotted the green-robed handsome youth walking toward them through the crowd.

Meng Zaishi had assumed Mu Wan Yao would feel embarrassed and avoid Yan Shang after being embraced by another man, creating a misunderstanding between them.

He never expected Mu Wan Yao to be this naive.

Without any guile, she pushed Meng Zaishi away and ran toward Yan Shang: "Second Brother Yan!"

Meng Zaishi had also underestimated Yan Shang. He thought Yan Shang would be angry with Mu Wan Yao after seeing him hold her.

Instead, when Yan Shang saw the little princess running toward him, a gentle smile appeared in his eyes. He actually proactively opened his arms and bent down, allowing Mu Wan Yao to throw herself into his embrace.

Yan Shang held Mu Wan Yao tightly in his arms.

Mu Wan Yao was surprised that he would hold her in public, with people all around watching. Puzzled, she tilted her face up to look at him from within his embrace, while Yan Shang gazed down at her.

He spoke softly: "I saw you from afar but wasn't sure it was you. What brings you here to play? Are you having fun?"

Mu Wan Yao pouted coquettishly: "I don't know yet, I haven't even gone upstairs. Oh, and someone's accompanying me."

Mu Wan Yao turned her head, while Yan Shang lifted his gaze, his eyes steady as he watched Meng Zaishi approach. He wrapped his arm around Mu Wan Yao's shoulder, pulling her behind him, while simultaneously nodding with a subtle smile toward this man who coveted his wife: "So it's Your Majesty."

Meng Zaishi looked at the married couple, feeling rather defeated.

One was too foolish, the other too tolerant. Such petty provocation proved useless between these two.

Meng Zaishi: "I happened to meet Her Highness on the road. Seeing her shopping alone, I feared she might be disturbed, so I came to protect her."

Mu Wan Yao peeked out from behind Yan Shang: "That's right, Second Brother Yan, he was protecting me. Once he retrieved a jade pendant for me, and another time when someone bumped into me, he helped me up."

Yan Shang asked Mu Wan Yao gently: "Did Guard Fang and the others not accompany you?"

Mu Wan Yao pouted: "They're following, but staying behind. I told them not to shadow my every step - if they did, everyone would know my identity and I wouldn't be able to have fun."

Yan Shang stroked her cool cheek and smiled: "Mischievous."

He then asked if she was hungry, thirsty, or tired, and Mu Wan Yao answered him obediently. Her heart held deep attachment to Yan Shang - she would answer whatever he asked, showing complete trust in her Imperial Son-in-Law.

Meng Zaishi slowly turned his head away with a faint smile. He knew Yan Erlang was putting on this show for his benefit.

Tsk tsk.

Truly worthy of Yan Shang.

That unflappable style, always the same.

After ensuring Mu Wan Yao was well, Yan Shang took her hand to lead her away. At this moment, Meng Zaishi spoke up: "I'm afraid that might not be convenient? Since Yan Erlang is here, you must be attending a banquet with court officials. Bringing a woman back to the feast abruptly might make certain government affairs difficult to discuss."

Mu Wan Yao immediately agreed: "Ah, that's right. Second Brother Yan, I shouldn't go back to the banquet with you. You can come pick me up after your banquet ends. I'll just play by myself for a while."

Yan Shang slightly furrowed his brows, about to refuse, when Meng Zaishi stepped forward: "Don't worry, Erlang, I'll stay by Her Highness's side until you return to fetch her. If anything happens to Her Highness, I'll pay with my life."

Mu Wan Yao nodded repeatedly, being sensible: "Brother, you should hurry back!"

Yan Shang: "..."

He stared at Mu Wan Yao for a long moment: "Yao Yao, do you realize what you're doing?"

Openly cooperating with another man in front of her husband, even planning to leave with another man.Mu Wan Yao blinked: "I'm being a virtuous wife. Am I not virtuous?"

Yan Shang: "...You're being overly virtuous."

Mu Wan Yao looked puzzled. Yan Shang reached out to ruffle her hair, then withdrew his own attitude with a sigh and a smile: "Alright, go have fun if you want. I'll come pick you up when I'm done.

"Troubling the King to protect my wife."

Seeing Yan Shang define him as a "bodyguard," Meng Zaishi snorted disdainfully and cupped his hands in acknowledgment. As long as he could spend a bit more time with Mu Wan Yao, bodyguard it was.

But Yan Shang wasn't finished yet.

In front of Meng Zaishi, he summoned Fang Tong and gave quiet instructions. Fang Tong glanced at Meng Zaishi and agreed. Meng Zaishi guessed Yan Shang was ordering someone to watch him, to prevent him from offending the princess.

Meng Zaishi couldn't be bothered to care and let them be.

—

After Yan Shang left this time, Meng Zaishi led Mu Wan Yao upstairs, ordered a feast, and called for singing and dancing girls to accompany them, giving the little princess a full view of the Pleasure Quarter's style.

Only when Mu Wan Yao hemmed and hawed about keeping one singing girl did Meng Zaishi ruthlessly send her away.

Mu Wan Yao glared at Meng Zaishi: "What are you doing? I had something to ask her."

Meng Zaishi laughed: "If you have questions, ask me. I can't let you interact with the women of the Pleasure Quarter. If you pick up bad habits, Yan Erlang will come settling scores with me."

Mu Wan Yao flushed with frustration, sulkily propping her chin in her hands.

Meng Zaishi poured her wine, smiling: "Don't be angry, have a drink."

Mu Wan Yao refused: "I don't drink. Second Brother Yan can't stand the smell of alcohol. For him, I decided long ago not to touch a drop."

Meng Zaishi froze, murmuring: "You changed even that for him."

Mu Wan Yao turned her face: "What did you say?"

Meng Zaishi snapped out of it: "Nothing."

He downed the poured wine himself, then drank cup after cup.

The atmosphere at the table grew heavy.

Mu Wan Yao looked at him with her beautiful eyes: "Are you unhappy? Then you should go. I'll wait for Second Brother Yan by myself."

Meng Zaishi's face darkened: "Yan Erlang, Yan Erlang, is he the only one in your heart! Don't you crave power, don't you try to win people over, don't you maneuver in all directions! You only remember Yan Shang! What's so good about him anyway?"

Mu Wan Yao watched him for a long moment.

What Meng Zaishi truly wanted to ask was simply, "Can't you really consider me?"

Mu Wan Yao was exceptionally clever; she ultimately discerned the Uman King's feelings. She stood up as if avoiding impropriety: "You're drunk. I'm leaving."

Meng Zaishi reached out and grabbed her wrist.

She scolded him to let go.

After a long silence, Meng Zaishi smiled bitterly: "It's fine, sit down. Let me guess—you came to the Pleasure Quarter for a man's sake. Asking the women here about a man's thoughts is worse than asking me, a man.

"You only came here because of issues between you and Yan Erlang."

Mu Wan Yao was astonished. Hesitating for a moment, she still sat back down.

—

Mu Wan Yao hemmed and hawed. She felt it improper to ask Meng Zaishi such questions, but with him suddenly putting on a confidant's demeanor, she couldn't refuse.

Finally, hesitantly, she told Meng Zaishi that she and Yan Shang were fine in every way, except for one matter where things were rather unsatisfactory.

Meng Zaishi bluntly said: "Bedroom matters?"

Mu Wan Yao glared at him.

Meng Zaishi laughed.He laughed until he collapsed forward, resting his arms on the table, his shoulders trembling. Everything was so ridiculous, so absurd. The princess he yearned for was troubled by intimate matters with another man.

And he was listening!

A violent urge surged within him—he briefly considered taking her by force and carrying her away. Then bitterness washed over him as he thought: wouldn't that make him no different from the man in his nightmares?

Wouldn't it be better if she remained carefree?

Why must she become the true Mu Wan Yao?

The real Mu Wan Yao had suffered through bloodshed and hardship—did she choose that path willingly?

Seeing him slumped over the table with shaking shoulders and laughter that sounded like choked sobs, Mu Wan Yao grew terrified and rose to leave again.

Meng Zaishi said: "No need to go. Let me tell you—those bedroom matters aren't troublesome at all."

He lifted his head from the table, gazing at her through hazy eyes: "The clumsy method would be like what you originally planned—seeking advice from the courtesans in the Pleasure Quarter, learning how to seduce men and achieve harmony in bed."

Mu Wan Yao flushed crimson but immediately understood: "So there are other methods?"

Meng Zaishi replied tonelessly: "There's a permanent solution."

He twirled a pill between his fingers before the reseated Mu Wan Yao: "Men are mostly the same. Women too. The problem between you and Yan Erlang is simply lack of... practice. I won't speculate why you haven't adjusted to each other—discovering the reason would only anger me."

"The permanent solution is for you to take this pill. It's an aphrodisiac. I'll send for Yan Erlang. To save you, and as your husband, he'll inevitably have to perform the act with you."

"A few repetitions should resolve your issues."

Mu Wan Yao stared blankly at the pill in Meng Zaishi's hand, her heart pounding, until finally she reached out her hand.

—

When Meng Zaishi left the pavilion, he brushed past Yan Shang who was rushing upstairs.

Yan Shang whispered his thanks, but Meng Zaishi offered no response.

Dazed, as if trapped between nightmare and reality, he stumbled down the stairs and wandered through the bustling streets perfumed with rouge.

Lanterns glittered on both sides of the street, where singing girls and dancers beckoned from upper floors.

Meng Zaishi suddenly burst into laughter, utterly wretched, his shoulders slumping.

So be it... let it end here!

They would remain the Immortal Couple, while he would forever be a passing stranger.

The greatest help he could offer her was to disappear from her life completely.

If given the choice, would he ever wish to become her nightmare?!

—

After that night, Yan Shang and Mu Wan Yao indeed became as harmonious as honey blending with oil.

The couple sent an invitation to host a banquet for Meng Zaishi, who attended calmly. He discussed government affairs with Yan Shang, speaking of the Black Barbarians' difficulties and the cooperation between Great Wei and the barbarians.

Regarding Mu Wan Yao—Meng Zaishi never mentioned her again.

After the grand ceremony, Meng Zaishi, King of Wuman, led various foreign envoys in military exercises with Great Wei's court officials. For fairness, civil officials like Yan Shang and Wei Shu also participated.

In these exercises, Meng Zaishi exerted his full effort. He desperately wanted to know—when giving his all and with Great Wei holding nothing back—whether he could defeat Yang Si, whether he could surpass Yan Shang.Thanks to Meng Zaishi's all-out efforts, this military exercise was exceptionally thrilling. Mu Wan Yao spent the entire day outside worrying, while Yang Sanlang stole the spotlight during the exercise, greatly pleasing the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince and Mu Wan Yao, who had never been on good terms, found common ground during this military exercise—they both feared injuries on the field and dreaded any mishaps.

The exercise concluded with Great Wei narrowly emerging victorious. However, in the final battle, Meng Zaishi resorted to treachery, causing Wei Shu, Yan Shang, and Yang Sanlang to sustain injuries.

The wounded were carried off the field unconscious, leaving both the Crown Prince and Mu Wan Yao grim-faced and ready to confront Meng Zaishi. Fortunately, the Crown Prince intervened to mediate, preventing further bloodshed off the field.

As Yang Sanlang's cousin, Zhao Lingfei naturally went to visit him after he was injured and unconscious. To her disappointment, however, he was taken into the palace by the Crown Prince immediately after leaving the field.

In her melancholy, she came across the severely injured Wei Shu. The young man lay pale and listless with closed eyes, and for some reason, her mind went blank as a sudden, aching numbness gripped her heart.

Unable to help herself, Zhao Lingfei approached Wei Shu and stood before him. She bent down and whispered softly, "What's wrong with you?"

—

Meanwhile, the three injured youths all fell into a shared nightmare.

They remained unconscious for three days, causing immense anxiety among those around them. In their dreams, they witnessed storms raging, grand structures collapsing, the ravages of war, and fleeting romances cut short by fate... far too complex to be captured in mere words.

—

Three days later, Yang Sanlang was the first to awaken from the nightmare.

After coming to, he remained dazed for a while before bidding farewell to the Crown Prince. He then mounted his horse and left Chang'an, heading straight for Jiangnan.

Urging his horse onward with relentless speed, he could not shake off the blurred lines between dream and reality. After changing several horses, he finally reached Lingnan days later and found Yan Shang's family home.

There, the fourteen-year-old Yan Xiaozhou was squatting by the well. She turned her head to see the gate outside the fence swing open, revealing a travel-worn Yang Sanlang drenched in sweat, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at her.

Crouched by the well under the sunlight, she appeared pale and delicate, her almond-shaped eyes widening in surprise.

Yang Sanlang walked toward her step by step until he stood before her.

He thought of the vivid scenes from his dream, of her waiting for him in vain, of the ending that never came.

His eyes reddened, and the corners stung. Suddenly, a tear fell as he reached out and embraced Yan Xiaozhou.

Yan Xiaozhou blushed in astonishment. "Y-You... let me go... Did you mistake me for someone else?"

Yang Sanlang closed his eyes in sorrow.

He murmured, "I didn't mistake you. It's my fault.

"Little Sister Xiaozhou, scold me, fear me, hate me. In our past life, I made you wait for me in vain. This time, I'll be the one waiting—for you to grow up, for your heart to awaken, for you... to love me."

—

In the Wei residence in Chang'an, Wei Shu sat wrapped in his robes, while Zhao Lingfei blushed as she sat by his bedside.

She said awkwardly, "I haven't been visiting you every day, just occasionally... Even though we don't know each other yet, I—"

Wei Shu interrupted softly, "My name is Wei Shu, courtesy name Ju Yuan, seventh in my family line. I'm fifteen this year, half a year older than you.

"Let's start over and get to know each other."

Zhao Lingfei looked at him in surprise, then her eyes curved into a smile as she recalled the rumors she had heard—that Young Master Wei the Seventh was a man of few words.

But he was speaking to her.

How wonderful.

Zhao Lingfei beamed openly and extended her hand. "I'd be happy to be friends with Seventh Brother Wei."In the residence of Danyang Princess, Mu Wan Yao was sitting before the mirror, doing her makeup.

Upon hearing the news that the Imperial Son-in-Law had awakened, she hastily pushed aside the maid who was styling her hair and rose to go see Yan Shang. But as soon as she stepped out the door, she saw Yan Shang approaching with disheveled clothes, and they collided into each other's arms.

He embraced her.

Mu Wan Yao asked with concern, "What's wrong with you?"

Yan Shang lowered his head, cupped her face in his hands, and gazed at her intently.

His gaze traced over her inch by inch, comparing her to the Mu Wan Yao from his dreams. That unrestrained, captivating princess had not appeared in his reality, had not made him fall for her instantly... yet he was grateful she hadn't.

Only now did he understand how precious the innocent, naive Mu Wan Yao truly was.

He drew her into his embrace and whispered softly, "I had a dream. In that dream, we were wonderful... but in reality, we are even better this way.

"Yaoyao, don't change, just stay like this. I loved that version of Yaoyao, and I love this version of Yaoyao too. Let's always be together, alright?"

The young princess in his arms, both delighted and shy, obediently agreed before boldly lifting her head to plant a kiss on his cheek. She watched his expression with a mix of playfulness and apprehension, her eyes blinking like dewdrops.

Yan Shang couldn't help but chuckle, holding her even tighter.

He cherished this Mu Wan Yao beyond measure.