Tigers Sniff the Rose

Yan Shang did not recognize Yang Si.

But when Yang Si stood behind him telling him to turn around while the princess was nearly choking him to death, in that split second, he suddenly remembered who this person was.

Back at Yongshou Temple, Mu Wan Yao had pulled him aside to hide from this very person.

Now, Mu Wan Yao was hiding again...

Yan Shang couldn't help but feel somewhat strange, wondering what relationship existed between these two. Was the princess annoyed by the person behind them, or was she afraid of him...

Though his mind was filled with chaotic thoughts, it didn't prevent Yan Shang from helping the princess. Following the pressure of Mu Wan Yao's grip, he relaxed his spirit slightly, deliberately let out a soft hiss of pain, took half a step back, and let his sleeve brush across the face of the young woman he held in his arms.

Mu Wan Yao, who had been keeping her head down in his embrace, felt the slap of fabric against her face and froze:... Was she being hit?

Before she could determine whether Yan Shang had actually struck her, he pushed her away, turned his body, and spoke with concealed anger: "You foolish woman, you don't even know how to properly serve a gentleman. Get lost!"

With that pull, he shoved Mu Wan Yao half a step away from his embrace, then shifted his shoulder to perfectly block Yang Si's line of sight to her.

Only then did Mu Wan Yao react. Not daring to make a sound lest Yang Sanlang, who knew her too well, recognize her, she covered the spot where Yan Shang's sleeve had struck her face, kept her head down, hunched her back, and scurried away, her footsteps tapping rapidly as she fled upstairs.

She didn't dare look back at the situation behind her throughout the entire escape.

Distracted and unsettled, she stumbled on the stairs but immediately gathered her skirts and continued running.

Making Yan Shang, who remained behind, sweat with anxiety for her.

When Mu Wan Yao finally reached the upper floor, from Yan Shang's perspective, Danyang Princess was at last out of sight.

Only then did Yan Shang turn around and offer a formal salute to Yang Si, who had demanded he turn around earlier.

When he raised his head, Yan Shang perfectly feigned surprise: "This gentleman, have we met before?"

Yang Si stood tall and straight like an upright sword. He wasn't looking at Yan Shang but rather gazing upward at the young woman who had just covered her face and been chased away by Yan Shang with rapid footsteps.

Though she was already out of sight, Yang Si felt something was odd.

Yang Si said: "In a place like this, could any young woman afford clothing of such fine material and hairpins of that quality?"

Yan Shang paused slightly, about to explain, when one of Yang Si's attending servants interjected: "Third Young Master, the young ladies residing in the Southern Quarter are quite wealthy. Not to mention those from the Central Quarter."

Yang Si reluctantly accepted this explanation and finally turned his gaze to Yan Shang.

Yan Shang's expression remained gentle and composed, as if he had been waiting for him all along.

Yang Si stared at him for a long moment before slowly saying: "Are you trying to climb the social ladder through Danyang Princess?"

Yan Shang: "..."

His expression unchanged, he smiled: "How did you come to that conclusion, sir? This humble scholar merely requested Her Highness to submit my literary works on my behalf..."

Yang Si snorted, cutting off his explanation.

Yang Si said: "Do you think I don't know what people like you are thinking? Especially someone like you... thinking you have some talent and wanting to marry a princess. Weren't you hanging around with that girl Yaoyao at Yongshou Temple before?"

Yaoyao.

Yan Shang's heart stirred slightly, and he frowned a little.

He asked: "I know my own limitations and would never attempt the impossible. You've truly misunderstood, sir. But may I ask who you are to be so familiar with Danyang Princess..."

Yang Si said indifferently: "Third Son of the Chang'an branch of the Hongnong Yang clan, Yang Sanlang."

Yan Shang then expressed his apologies for not recognizing him earlier.However, Yang Si noticed that this man did not rush forward enthusiastically like others upon learning his identity. There was a certain detached politeness in his demeanor... Perhaps it was precisely because of this that Mu Wan Yao had agreed to help him with his submission of literary works?

But Yang Si couldn't be bothered to care about the man's name or how close his relationship with Mu Wan Yao was.

Yang Si only lectured him: "You've just arrived in Chang'an, and by the look of you, you intend to take the imperial exams. Yet you spend your days idling in places like the Pleasure Quarter? Dazzled by Chang'an's romantic allure—what qualifications do you have to cling to Yaoyao?"

Yan Shang remained silent.

But to avoid revealing matters about Mu Wan Yao, he said shamefacedly, "...You are right to admonish me."

Yang Si glared at him coldly: "I don't care what petty schemes you have, but if I find out you've taken advantage of Yaoyao or mistreated her, I will surely kill you.

"For me, Yang San, killing someone in Chang'an is no great matter!"

Yan Shang's brow twitched slightly. After a long pause, he said, "It seems you have some misunderstanding about me..."

Yang Si scoffed. With the demeanor of a stern judge of the underworld, he found Yan Shang's refined and elegant air utterly tiresome and couldn't be bothered to deal with such a person. He was only threatening him because he'd seen him recently at Yongshou Temple. He had no interest in getting to know this man.

Besides, in a few days, someone like him would probably disappear from Danyang Princess's side.

Having delivered his threat, Yang Si turned and strode away, his followers quickly catching up with this arrogant third young master. A group of courtesans swarmed around Yang Sanlang, pressing their perfumed powders close: "Sanlang, it's been so long since you've visited..."

Through the cloud of perfume, Yang Si's impatient voice rang out: "Get lost! Don't block my way!"

Standing where he was, Yan Shang's eyelashes fluttered slightly as he sharply looked toward Yang Sanlang, who was about to leave the building.

That "Don't block my way"—the unbridled arrogance in the tone was strikingly similar to how Mu Wan Yao usually spoke.

These two shared an unusual relationship.

But who was imitating whose manner of speaking?

Yan Shang, extremely perceptive, detected something extraordinary from Yang Sanlang's casual remark. His mind grew unsettled, and it was only after Yang Sanlang had left that Yan Shang smiled wryly to himself.

Why was he thinking about this?

Whether Mu Wan Yao was imitating Yang Si, or Yang Si was imitating Mu Wan Yao, or whether the two had known each other for so long that they unconsciously grew similar—what did it have to do with him?

What truly mattered was tomorrow's exam results announcement.

What truly mattered was whether his earlier sleeve-flicking had angered Mu Wan Yao—

After asking around, Yan Shang found Mu Wan Yao in an elegant house upstairs.

Since the building was illuminated throughout the night, he didn't need to light any lamps when he closed the door and entered. He saw Mu Wan Yao immediately.

Yet she wasn't waiting haughtily as usual to scold him. Instead, she was curled up small on a long couch, her arm resting on an armrest she had moved to her left side, propping her cheek with her hand. Her eyes were closed—she had likely fallen asleep.

Her cloud-like hair was slightly disheveled, her lips slightly parted. On her snow-white face, specks of gold powder sprinkled near the corners of her eyes shimmered faintly. A sleeping beauty under the lamplight, most flawless and captivating.

Even in sleep, she maintained the elegant and proper demeanor of a princess, leaving no room for any impropriety.

Seeing her asleep, Yan Shang was momentarily stunned. His first instinct was to turn away, feeling he shouldn't behold her so innocent appearance. But after standing with his back to her for a moment to compose himself, he hesitated, then turned back to look down at her.At a glance, he saw that her arm could no longer support her cheek, and she swayed drowsily, on the verge of toppling over... Yan Shang hurried over, and just as she tilted and was about to fall with a thud, he braced his hand on the armrest, catching her face as it slumped downward.

Mu Wan Yao’s face landed squarely on Yan Shang’s hand, jolting her awake as her eyes snapped open.

Her gaze was hazy, still carrying a dazed, sleep-laden confusion as she stared blankly up at the young man who had suddenly knelt before her.

Mu Wan Yao was bewildered: Huh? How come, after waking up, there’s a handsome young man by the bed? Is he here to attend to me?

Seeing her bleary-eyed state, Yan Shang sighed, supporting her face with his hand to help her sit up, and explained gently, “I’ve kept Your Highness waiting too long. You fell asleep and nearly toppled over just now. I only steadied you—I didn’t mean to offend.”

Mu Wan Yao snapped back to her senses. “Oh.”

She straightened up, covering her mouth as she yawned, so tired that tears nearly welled in her eyes. “Has Yang San left?”

Yan Shang: “Yes.”

He paused briefly, then ventured, “Yang Sanlang seems quite concerned about Your Highness.”

Mu Wan Yao: “He’s not concerned about me—he’s just harsh and finds me irritating. If he’d seen me here just now, not only would he have scolded me for being improper, he’d definitely have reported me to the Crown Prince.”

Yan Shang stared at her in a daze, murmuring softly, “I’ve caused Your Highness trouble.”

Seeing how exhausted she was yet still forcing herself to speak with him, his heart inexplicably ached.

Yan Shang took out a clean handkerchief from his sleeve and said gently, “Your Highness, please wipe the tears from the corner of your eyes.”

Mentioning how tired she was to the point of tears, Mu Wan Yao had just touched her cheek when she remembered something.

She suddenly perked up.

Glaring at Yan Shang: “Earlier, downstairs, did you hit my face with your sleeve?”

Yan Shang sighed. “It was careless of me. Does it hurt, Your Highness?”

Mu Wan Yao slapped the couch board. “It hurts terribly! What do you plan to do about it?”

Yan Shang hesitated. “Does Your Highness wish to strike back?”

Mu Wan Yao rolled her eyes upward, gazing into empty space. “Just compensate me. I can’t be bothered to hit you—wouldn’t my hand hurt too?”

Recognizing the gentleness beneath her haughtiness, Yan Shang smiled faintly and asked softly where exactly he had struck her. Mu Wan Yao herself had already forgotten, since it didn’t hurt at all. But she randomly pointed at her cheeks, saying here and there, everywhere.

Basically, her whole face hurt from the strike.

Maybe it would swell by tomorrow.

So Yan Shang, with infinite patience, apologized for the offense and went out to fetch some borneol, wrapping it in a handkerchief to gently wipe her face. Mu Wan Yao shrank back, unwilling, so Yan Shang assured her it was his own clean handkerchief, not one used by any of the other ladies in the building.

He cupped her face, almost embracing her lightly, and softly wiped her cheek with the cloth.

He knew she was making a fuss but said nothing about it.

Seeing how terribly sleepy Mu Wan Yao was—yawning behind her hand after just a few words—Yan Shang grew even more tender. “Your Highness, please go and sleep. I’ll keep watch outside; I can wait for news alone. You’ve already done so much for me—I’m truly ashamed.”

Mu Wan Yao really couldn’t hold on any longer.

She wobbled as she got up. “Fine, I’ll sleep for a bit. You guard outside—don’t let anyone in.”She didn't forget to threaten: "This princess hates having her sleeping face seen the most. If you dare..."

Yan Shang said: "Your Highness need not worry."

Mu Wan Yao turned her head to glance at him. He stood beside the candle, bearing the elegant demeanor of jade bamboo.

Mu Wan Yao then pursed her lips, feeling an inexplicable softness blossom in her heart. Without saying another word, she directly went behind the screen and got into bed to sleep.

As for whether Yan Shang would sleep tonight or intended to stay up all night—Princess Danyang had no thought of concerning herself with him—

Morning drumbeats sounded.

From the main gate tower of Taiwei Palace, the first dawn drum rang out, followed by successive waves of drumbeats spreading outward from the central drum tower like ripples.

Three thousand drumbeats resonated, and with these sounds, the gates of the imperial palace, the imperial city, and the residential wards opened in sequence. Simultaneously, morning bells tolled in over a hundred temples throughout the city.

The rain that had fallen all night had long ceased. The entire city of Chang'an awakened under the three thousand drumbeats and the morning sunlight.

As the new day began, the streets and markets filled with flowing crowds, once again becoming bustling and lively.

Mu Wan Yao pushed open the window and stood on the second-floor balcony of the Northern Quarter Southern District building, gazing out at the vibrant, revived Great Wei. Such a prosperous and lively Chang'an stirred pride in every heart across the empire.

It was precisely this Chang'an that made Feng Xianyu unable to forget and unwilling to leave; and made her, a princess of peace marriage, yearn day and night to return.

Someone knocked on the door outside. Mu Wan Yao indifferently acknowledged with an "Mm," and the door opened to admit Fang Tong.

Fang Tong reported quietly: "Your Highness, last night Young Master Feng visited the Eldest Princess's residence. At dawn, the Eldest Princess personally drove her carriage into the central palace compound. It seems the list is going to be changed back."

Mu Wan Yao: "What about Yan Shang?"

Fang Tong: "Since he needed to check the results, Yan Erlang left right after I returned. Before leaving, Yan Erlang instructed the establishment to prepare breakfast for Your Highness and already paid for it. Would Your Highness like to go down for the meal now?"

Mu Wan Yao chuckled, her tone suddenly teasing: "Oh? I thought he was so composed yesterday that he didn't care about the examination results. So he does care after all?"

The princess turned her head and gestured with her chin toward Fang Tong: "After breakfast, we'll enter the palace. Wait until my Emperor Father finishes court session, then I'll pay him morning respects. Regarding today's results announcement, I should avoid suspicion and won't go watch.

"But remember to report the outcome to me."

Fang Tong naturally agreed. He attended to the princess during her meal, then they secretly exited through the back door to reunite with Chunhua and other attendants who had waited all night outside the Pleasure Quarter gate. Mounting their horses, Princess Danyang and her entourage majestically proceeded toward the palace—

At the examination results announcement, countless scholars and talents had already gathered beneath the posted list.

By the time Yan Shang arrived, the area was completely packed. Not only were scholars waiting for the results—many powerful families and wealthy households had stationed carriages nearby, ready to see who would pass the imperial examinations this year.

Every year, those who passed became extremely precious talents fiercely contested by these influential families. If any caught their eye, they would immediately arrange marriages.

This trend was called "Catching a Son-in-Law Under the Golden List."

Having studied at the Imperial Academy for half a month, Yan Shang had become acquainted with many people. As he made his way through the crowd, he continuously exchanged greetings—his popularity so notable that Wei Shu, sitting alone in the tavern opposite the posting area, watched him intently for a long time.

Various voices called out to Yan Shang:

"Yan Suchen, we looked for you at Yongshou Temple today but couldn't find you!""Yan Er, why are you only arriving now?"

"Yan Suchen is certain to achieve excellent results this time."

Yan Shang smiled and returned each greeting one by one, politely responding to everyone's perfunctory concerns.

Sitting on the second floor of the tavern, the page boy beside Wei Shu stared dumbfounded at the sociable Yan Erlang below, who was surrounded by people.

Page boy: "Seventh Young Master... how does he know so many people? Hasn't he only been in Chang'an for a month?"

Sunlight fell like snow. The fourteen-year-old Wei Shu drank his tea with detached calm, unconcerned: "Some people are naturally more sociable. Just as I am naturally less sociable."

Wei Shu had arrived in Chang'an nearly a year earlier than Yan Shang, yet he had truly made few friends in the capital.

Firstly, he was too young—ordinary scions of noble families his age were still studying and wouldn't normally come to take the imperial examinations. Secondly, well, he was indeed aloof and reserved. It was Yan Shang who had actively insisted on becoming friends with him; left to his own nature, Wei Shu wouldn't have befriended anyone.

The page boy immediately protested on his master's behalf: "Young Master, it's not that you're unpopular—you just can't be bothered with socializing..."

Wei Shu glanced at his servant, and the page boy fell silent. His master said mildly, "Yan Suchen has his strengths, and I have mine. Each person's fortune differs, and the paths we walk are not the same. I don't envy him, so there's no need to make excuses for me."

As they chatted idly, a grand procession of horsemen arrived with gongs and drums. The clerk in the drum tower saw the dust kicked up by the horses from afar and hurried up to ring the bell, signaling the crowd below to disperse—the results were about to be posted!—

The "Records of Imperial Examination Candidates" noted the successful candidates of that year.

Out of two thousand participants, the central government selected twenty-two.

Zhuangyuan (Top Graduate): Wei Shu (aged fourteen), passed in his first attempt;

Bangyan (Second Graduate): Zheng Hanming (aged thirty-three), had taken the exam for ten years;

Tanhua (Third Graduate): Yan Shang (aged eighteen), passed in his first attempt;

The remaining nineteen jinshi (advanced scholars) were...

After the results were posted, the area beneath the announcement erupted in chaos. Some were overjoyed, others bitter and angry. Some were grabbed by the sleeve and asked if they were married; others sat on the ground wailing...

Wei Shu didn't even show his face. He sent his page boy to check the results and then quietly departed, avoiding being caught up in the crowd.

Meanwhile, Yan Shang below saw his name listed as the Tanhua. He breathed a slight sigh of relief, then thought of the hardships he'd endured to achieve this result and of Feng Xianyu, who had broken down in despair the previous night, covering his face with his sleeve. A sense of melancholy washed over him.

Collecting himself, he skimmed past his own name to see if any other acquaintances had passed.

Unfortunately, aside from Wei Shu, he recognized no one else. Liu Wenji had failed once again...

The difficulty of the imperial examinations could never be fully expressed in words.

As Yan Shang turned around, he seemed to catch a glimpse of Liu Wenji in the crowd, his expression sorrowful. Hesitating briefly, he saw Liu Wenji glance at him before turning and walking away. Yan Shang chased after him a few steps but was swallowed by the crowd.

To his alarm, he found himself surrounded by a group of servants—

"Are you Yan Shang, styled Yan Suchen? Does the young master have a wife at home? My master wishes to arrange a marriage for you..."

"Hey, young master, where are you going? Do you look down on our Lu family?"

"If you don't want to marry, taking a concubine is fine too. Our household has ladies from thirty years old down to thirteen—all available for your selection, young master."

"Young Master Yan, Young Master Yan! Don't run away!"The passionate and unrestrained enthusiasm of the people of Chang'an left Yan Shang, a country bumpkin from Lingnan, utterly dumbfounded. He had indeed heard of the custom of "catching a son-in-law under the announcement board," but he never imagined it would be so exaggerated.

Eager Chang'an residents desperately threw name cards into his arms, urging him to visit their daughters. Others clung to Yan Shang's arm and refused to let go. Despite Yan Shang's skill in social interactions, he struggled several times to free his hand, yet still couldn't break away...

There were even exaggerated bookboys who knelt on the ground, hugging his legs and wailing, begging him to meet their masters. They claimed their masters were especially eager to befriend the newly appointed Tanhua (Third Place Scholar) and become "family friends."

Even someone as even-tempered as Yan Shang grew somewhat flustered and exasperated: "Gentlemen, I am but one man, and one man cannot possibly commit to so many marriages... Please let me pass. I must return home to discuss this with my father. Is that acceptable?"

Yan Shang lied without batting an eye: "Give me half an hour, and I will surely return to give you all an answer."

After much persuasion, Yan Shang finally managed to extricate himself from the encircling crowd.

The truth was, as soon as people heard "Tanhua," they knew this person must be exceptionally handsome. Which of Chang'an's glamorous young ladies wouldn't want to marry a handsome and ideal husband?

Thus, while the other successful candidates could barely manage the situation, Yan Shang emerged from the crowd with his back drenched in sweat, sighing bitterly.

He was grateful to his Eldest Brother for constantly making him exercise; otherwise, in that tumultuous crowd, he would surely have been crushed or suffocated.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Yan Shang glanced back at the still-enthusiastic Chang'an crowd, shook his head, and prepared to make his escape. By chance, his casual gaze fell upon Feng Xianyu standing pale-faced at the entrance of a tavern across the street, staring fixedly at him—

Yan Shang paused for a moment, then walked over. Without a word, he bowed to Feng Xianyu.

Feng Xianyu continued to stare at the enthusiastic crowd under the announcement board and said, "Can you return my daughter to me now?"

Standing beside him, Yan Shang replied softly, "I lied in the heat of the moment last night. I never sent anyone to kidnap your daughter. I merely knew how much you care for the young lady and used her to provoke you."

Feng Xianyu glanced at the young man beside him and, in his despair, felt a wave of relief.

Yan Shang continued, "In truth, the way you arranged your daughter's whereabouts so discreetly should tell you that even Danyang Princess lacks the ability to find her overnight. You were simply too concerned to think clearly, and with your daughter's safety at stake, you dared not take any risks. I exploited your state of mind, and for that, I am truly ashamed."

Leaning against the tavern's flagpole, Feng Xianyu said calmly, "She is my only daughter, and I may never have another child in the future. Of course, I cherish her. Using her to threaten me—I must admit, for someone so young, your ability to read people's minds leaves me utterly impressed."

Yet Feng Xianyu sneered coldly, "However, Yan Suchen, do not underestimate the people of this world! Do not think that with such petty tricks, you can manipulate everyone as you did me. Mark my words—Chang'an will teach you a lesson."

Yan Shang replied gently, "Thank you for your advice, Brother Feng. But you are still young—why do you say you will never have other children?"

Feng Xianyu looked at him calmly. Despite his own harsh words, Yan Shang remained composed and mild. Even though Feng Xianyu was furious with him, he couldn't help but admire Yan Shang's remarkable self-restraint.Feng Xianyu said, "You, Yan Suchen, can't guess why?"

Yan Shang paused briefly and said softly, "Is it because Brother Feng still intends to continue serving The Eldest Princess, so... you will never have any other children in this lifetime?"

Feng Xianyu: "Mm."

Both of them fell silent and spoke no more.

Clearly, Feng Xianyu had already abandoned other paths. Having climbed his way to The Eldest Princess, he refused to let his previous efforts go to waste. He was determined to secure a future through her... With The Eldest Princess’s protection, even if he failed this year, his name would undoubtedly appear in next year’s imperial examination roster.

Feng Xianyu had developed an obsession with the imperial examination.

He had never attained it, so he was determined to seize it, even if the outcome might be unfavorable—he simply had to experience it once.

Feng Xianyu asked Yan Shang, “Yan Erlang lectured me at length last night with all sorts of lofty principles. Why are you silent today? Why aren’t you advising me against serving The Eldest Princess? Did you change your mind overnight and decide I’m no longer despicable?”

Yan Shang looked at him. “Brother Feng, there’s no need for such words. Since you’ve chosen this path, why should I say more? I don’t believe serving The Eldest Princess makes you a contemptible person. Since you’ve made your choice, follow it through. No one has the right to question your decisions—only you can determine what’s right for yourself.”

Feng Xianyu stared at him blankly.

Yan Shang smiled. “As long as Brother Feng refrains from resorting to substitution schemes in the future, you need not concern yourself with others’ opinions. Stay true to your own path.”

Feng Xianyu studied Yan Shang for a long time.

After a while, he let out a bitter laugh and averted his gaze.

Squinting at the bustling crowd beneath the announcement board and the sunlight overhead, Feng Xianyu murmured, “Yan Er, Yan Er... I always thought you were a hypocrite—kind to everyone, remembering everyone. I secretly mocked you as nothing more than a social climber. But now it seems... perhaps you are a true gentleman, and I simply failed to see it.

“I failed to see it.”

Feng Xianyu said, “I hope we’ll have the chance to serve in the same court someday. I want to see what kind of person you truly are.”

——

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace, Yan Shang was also being discussed.

At dawn, The Eldest Princess had entered the palace to revert the name change. With the Crown Prince’s approval, the final roster was officially settled.

According to The Eldest Princess, Feng Xianyu had wept and lamented, emphasizing his deep friendship with Yan Shang and expressing guilt over betraying his friend... The Eldest Princess, annoyed by his persistence yet fond of her new favorite, had simply gone to the palace to reverse the decision.

The Crown Prince sighed as he discussed the matter with his advisors. “What a pity. I had hoped to see Danyang and our aunt clash over this.”

One of the advisors remarked, “The Eldest Princess’s sudden reversal is highly unusual. I suspect Danyang Princess still employed some tactic, but this time she was surprisingly subtle—choosing not to make a scene, which is quite unlike her temperament.”

The Crown Prince pondered. “Investigate whether Danyang has taken on any new advisors who might be guiding her. This approach is too gentle... I refuse to believe it aligns with Danyang’s nature.”

“What are you all saying about Danyang Princess?”

As the Crown Prince and his advisors conversed in the hall, a bold young voice echoed from outside. Without waiting for announcement, the youth strode in confidently—it was Yang Sanlang.

The advisors rose to bow, inwardly noting that only Yang Sanlang could enter the Eastern Palace unannounced.

The Crown Prince glared at Yang Si as the latter flopped down cross-legged, reeking of sweat. “You skip the announcement—fine. But now you can’t even be bothered to wash up before coming? Why don’t you just laze yourself to death?”Yang Si glanced at the Crown Prince and said, "I've been running around all night for the Ministry of Revenue without a wink of sleep, and you still want me to freshen up? If I go back to my residence to wash up, I might just collapse into bed. If I end up delaying Your Highness's affairs, don't blame me."

The Crown Prince waved his hand impatiently, signaling a maid to bring a towel to wipe Yang Si's sweat.

Only then did Yang Si lazily continue, "I spent the whole night talking with the Minister of Revenue, and he finally agreed to turn a blind eye and let Your Highness's people into the ministry. The old man is nearly at retirement age anyway—I suspect he doesn't even want the job anymore, so it's a perfect opportunity to do the Crown Prince a favor."

The Crown Prince nodded in satisfaction.

The old Emperor had previously struggled against the Jinling Li Clan, finally managing to defeat them and force their return to Jinling. After the Empress passed away, the old Emperor aged overnight and lost all interest in state affairs. This was precisely the opportunity the Crown Prince needed to rise.

The Crown Prince intended to gradually replace court officials with his own people. The day the entire court was under his control would be the day the old Emperor should retire as Supreme Emperor.

Thus, the advisors continued discussing for a while longer until noon, when it was time for the midday meal, and they all took their leave.

But Yang Si remained seated cross-legged, not moving at all—clearly planning to eat at the Eastern Palace.

The Crown Prince shot him several glances, but seeing the man completely oblivious, he finally said impatiently, "If you're staying for the meal, at least go change your clothes first?"

Only then did Yang Si reluctantly rise and follow a maid to change.

When the midday meal began, the Crown Princess had specially prepared a dish and came to dine with His Highness. Noticing Yang Sanlang was also present, her eye twitched slightly, though she'd grown accustomed to it.

This Yang Sanlang visited the Eastern Palace so frequently that joining them for a meal was hardly unusual.

During the meal, out of respect for the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess felt obliged to show concern for Yang Si: "Sanlang, you're not getting any younger. Has your family arranged a marriage for you?"

Yang Sanlang looked up and gave the Crown Princess a cool glance.

Before Yang Si could respond, the Crown Prince interjected, "His marriage is my decision to make."

The Crown Princess's smile nearly faltered, her lips stiffening slightly. She thought the Crown Prince treated Yang Sanlang far too well—almost as if he were raising Yang San as his own son... Except Yang San wasn't actually the Crown Prince's son!

The Crown Prince didn't even show this much care toward his own biological sons!

But the mention of marriage reminded the Crown Prince of Danyang Princess.

He asked Yang Si, "Have you seen Sixth Sister recently?"

Yang Si replied with utter nonchalance, "No."

The Crown Prince, seeing him answer briefly before lowering his head to continue eating, felt exasperated. "Haven't you even visited her once?"

Yang Si looked surprised. "Why should I visit her? If she cares, she ought to visit me."

The Crown Prince: "..."

The Crown Prince slammed his chopsticks on the table, slightly angry. "You stubborn mule, you'll be the death of me!"

The Crown Princess beside him flinched, thinking the Crown Prince was about to erupt in anger. But after a moment, the Crown Prince calmed down and picked up his chopsticks again.

He couldn't help adding, "Eat more vegetables. How can you survive on just meat?"

The Crown Princess watched sourly, wondering suspiciously: Is Yang San actually the Crown Prince's illegitimate son? But the ages don't match—the Crown Prince couldn't have fathered a son this old.