Tigers Sniff the Rose

Yan Shang said, "I'm not sure how to put it."

Mu Wan Yao: "But I insist on hearing what you have to say."

Seated in the carriage, Yan Shang remained silent for a long while.

Yet Mu Wan Yao clearly had no intention of letting him off—she kept staring at him, demanding an answer.

After a good while, Yan Shang finally spoke slowly: "Does Your Highness wish to hear my personal thoughts, or my analysis?"

When Mu Wan Yao heard him say "personal thoughts," her heart skipped a beat. But she quickly realized she was probably overthinking it—someone like Yan Shang, how could his personal thoughts be the same as what she imagined?

She chuckled indifferently; after all, she had long given up on any ideas or expectations about marriage. Asking Yan Shang now was merely to tease him.

Mu Wan Yao said lazily, "Then just give me your analysis."

Yan Shang looked at her and said softly, "If we set aside personal feelings, I think both might be suitable."

Mu Wan Yao: "...Are you joking with me?"

Yan Shang sighed helplessly, "But if I were to speak more personally, I believe that although Wei Juyuan is a bit younger, if Your Highness waits for him a couple more years, he would be very suitable for you."

Mu Wan Yao glanced at him: "Are you saying this because you're close with Wei Shu?"

She asked suspiciously, "Are you opposing my marriage to Yang San because you don't get along with Yang Si?"

Yan Shang couldn't help but frown slightly.

Even with his exceptionally good temper, he paused for a moment at her assumption.

Fortunately, his temperament was extremely mild—he only hesitated for a breath before regaining his composure.

Yan Shang said, "I would not let personal feelings influence Your Highness. Moreover, Yang Sanlang and I merely have some misunderstandings—once cleared up, all will be well. Why would I slander him without reason?"

Mu Wan Yao smiled playfully, "Yes, you would never slander anyone. I'll just wait for the day when the Imperial Son-in-Law moves into my Princess Residence, and you and my Imperial Son-in-Law get along harmoniously, full of affection every day."

Yan Shang fell silent.

He steered the conversation back to the previous topic: "I recommend Your Highness choose Wei Juyuan because, compared to the Crown Prince, the Li Family's arrangements for you are actually better. Although the Crown Prince will be the future ruler... Your Highness is already a princess, and maintaining surface-level respect is sufficient. What the Crown Prince can offer you, the Wei and Li families can provide as well.

"Furthermore, the Wei family follows a path of 'longevity.' Such an aristocratic family would not easily involve itself in any inappropriate matters. If Your Highness chooses Wei Juyuan, with the Wei and Li families cooperating and two major families joining forces, Your Highness would be better positioned between them.

"Even better, Wei Juyuan's relationship with the Wei family isn't particularly close. So even if Your Highness chooses Wei Juyuan, it would only signify cooperation with the Wei family. The members of the Wei family, due to their indifference toward Wei Juyuan, would not easily interfere with the princess. This way, even after marriage, Your Highness could still live quite freely. Your Highness and Ju Yuan could reside in Chang'an, while the Wei family is in Luoyang and the Li family in Jinling... far from the Emperor's reach, life would always be more relaxed."

Mu Wan Yao was somewhat stunned.

She had only meant to tease Yan Shang—how could she have expected him to actually analyze so much for her?

After hearing his analysis... Mu Wan Yao adjusted the hairpin in her bun and looked at him strangely: "Were you sent by Ju Yuan to speak on his behalf? You keep praising how good he is—how many favors did he promise you? Does Ju Yuan have feelings for me?"

She covered her mouth and murmured to herself, "Is he already developing crushes at such a young age? Isn't that a bit too early..."Yan Shang endured her gaze, turning his face aside as he clenched the book in his hand, lips pressed tightly together.

Mu Wan Yao glanced over and saw his straight nose bridge, his features half-concealed in shadow, casting a layer of gloom... He remained silent, but for someone of his gentle temperament, this demeanor already hinted at displeasure.

Mu Wan Yao let out a soft chuckle.

She said, "What's wrong, Yan Shang? Are you angry?"

Yan Shang replied softly, "I wouldn't dare."

The two were seated at a distance in the carriage. Mu Wan Yao stretched out her hand but couldn't reach him. Feeling lazy, she simply lifted her leg, her skirt swaying like a lotus blossom. Inside the carriage, the lady's shoe rose, and the tip of her foot gently tapped his knee.

Yan Shang stiffened, lowering his gaze to the beaded shoe resting on his knee. The vibrant color swayed lightly, her delicate foot hidden beneath it as she tapped once, then again...

His knee grew somewhat rigid under her touch. Yan Shang had no choice but to look at her, still attempting to persuade her: "Your Highness, please don't do this."

Mu Wan Yao said, "Go on, then. I was just teasing you. I don't believe you were really here to propose a match for Ju Yuan."

Yan Shang sighed helplessly and met her gaze as he continued, "I truly wasn't here to plead on Ju Yuan's behalf. In my opinion, if Your Highness were to marry Yang Sanlang... it might actually be acceptable."

Mu Wan Yao grew curious: "How so?"

Yan Shang pursed his lips and lowered his eyelashes, as if analyzing her marital prospects with utmost seriousness: "Although I generally disapprove of taking sides, if the Crown Prince is to be the future ruler... and Your Highness wishes to take a great gamble, it may not be entirely unwise. Moreover, you and Yang Sanlang grew up together since childhood, as close as bamboo horses, with a bond no one else can match.

"From the way you interact with Yang Sanlang, I can tell... you trust each other deeply, and he treats you well. If... you were to marry, even with the Crown Prince overseeing things, Yang San would likely protect Your Highness. From an emotional perspective, with your shared history, marrying him would indeed be a stable choice."

Mu Wan Yao retorted, "You've said nothing of substance."

She continued, "You think Wei Shu is quite suitable, and Yang Si is also acceptable. You truly offend no one. It seems whoever becomes the Imperial Son-in-Law, you'd find them agreeable. Don't you have any personal opinion? As my retainer, do you plan to remain this noncommittal forever?"

Yan Shang lowered his gaze.

Mu Wan Yao scolded him further, lecturing him at length. Only after she finished did he speak: "I do have personal thoughts. Would Your Highness care to hear them?"

Accustomed to his cautious, inoffensive manner, Mu Wan Yao replied impatiently, "Go on, then."

Yan Shang said, "If we speak of my private feelings... the truth is, in my heart, I would prefer Your Highness not to choose any of them."

Mu Wan Yao was momentarily stunned.

She turned to look at him and found his gaze fixed intently on her.

Just then, the carriage arrived outside the Eastern Palace and came to a halt. Servants outside requested the princess to disembark, but they heard her urgent reply: "Wait!"

Inside the carriage, Mu Wan Yao stared intently at Yan Shang, not missing a single detail: "Don't leave your words half-finished. Why don't you want me to choose any of them?"

Yan Shang leaned against the carriage wall, utterly still. His gaze was gentle as he looked at her, his voice soft: "If possible... my private wish is for Your Highness not to be swayed by any interests, but to marry someone you truly love, to share a life of mutual respect and affection with the person who genuinely holds your heart.

Your first marriage was one of benefit and sacrifice. Must the second be the same?""If possible, I hope Your Highness has her own preferences and someone she truly wishes to marry. There must be someone in this world who genuinely cherishes Your Highness, making you feel that no benefit could surpass choosing him. Personally, I hope Your Highness encounters such a person and attains true happiness.

"So, speaking from personal sentiment, I am unwilling for Your Highness to choose either of them."

Yan Shang said sincerely, "I hope Your Highness marries someone she likes."

Mu Wan Yao stared at him blankly, gazing at him transfixed.

His tone was gentle, his gaze gentle, his demeanor gentle... yet his words pierced her heart like a sharp blade, striking the long-sealed depths of her emotions. She felt somewhat aggrieved, somewhat sorrowful. No one had ever spoken to her like this before...

Then Yan Shang extended his hand to her, smiling: "The carriage has stopped. Does Your Highness not wish to alight?"

Mu Wan Yao blinked, concealing the momentary daze in her eyes. His palm was upturned in a supporting gesture. She placed her wrist in his hand, and he gently supported her as he helped her descend from the carriage—

By the time they reached the Eastern Palace to see the Crown Prince, Mu Wan Yao had fully composed herself.

Her brief moment of soft-heartedness had only surfaced momentarily; when she stepped into the Eastern Palace, she completely resumed her facade, becoming the cold and haughty Danyang Princess once more.

Yan Shang accompanied her inside but did not enter to see the Crown Prince. As Yan Shang currently held no official position, he was not yet qualified to have an audience with the Crown Prince.

While waiting for Mu Wan Yao in the outer hall, Yan Shang once again encountered Yang Sanlang, Yang Si.

Yang Si sat cross-legged under a peach tree in the Eastern Palace courtyard, squinting as he looked at Yan Shang: "Yan Suchen, right? The Crown Prince ordered me to receive you."

As he spoke, Yang Si was fiddling with a nine-linked puzzle, creating clattering noises for a long while.

An Eastern Palace maid couldn't stand it and whispered to Yang Si: "Sanlang, could you keep it down? His Highness punished you to reflect in the courtyard. Even if you insist on playing with the puzzle, don't make so much noise—it puts us in a difficult position with the Crown Prince."

Yang Si waved dismissively: "Understood, understood."

He did lower the volume somewhat.

But as he manipulated the nine-linked puzzle, Yang Si wore an expression of profound frustration, clearly unable to solve it.

Yang Si: "..."

He had originally intended to solve the puzzle while condescendingly warning Yan Shang. However, he got stuck at the very first step.

Yan Shang watched him silently for a long time, having initially greeted this Yang Sanlang with a formal salute. But Yang Sanlang, too embarrassed, focused on solving his puzzle and ignored Yan Shang.

After Yan Shang stood nearby for a while, Yang Si's face grew increasingly stiff.

Increasingly tense.

Anyone trying to show off in front of another person only to end up so humiliated... would feel uncomfortable.

Yang Si was annoyed at himself for choosing to play with the puzzle. Thinking it over, he could only blame himself for seeing Yan Shang enter and wanting to intimidate the seemingly refined scholar... Ah, but why hadn't he chosen to practice boxing instead of messing with this puzzle!

Being unable to solve it was truly embarrassing.

Just as Yang Si reached the peak of his embarrassment, he heard Yan Erlang's irritating voice speak up: "Take the ring below where your right thumb is resting, loop it three times to the right, then transfer it to the ring where your left middle finger is placed..."

Yang Si shot him a hostile glance: "Do you think a child's toy like this could stump me? Are you implying I can't solve it?"Yan Shang had already noticed him circling the same spot three times—three instances of emulating Yu the Great who passed his own home without entering during the flood control. It was only when Yang Si’s expression grew increasingly strained, with sweat beading on his forehead, that Yan Shang finally spoke up to remind him.

Now, as Yang Si glared at him, Yan Shang smiled gently and said in a soft voice, "Of course, you can solve it—it just requires a bit more time. However, for someone as distinguished as you, wasting time on such trivial matters seems like a misuse of your talents. You ought to be focusing on more important affairs."

Yang Si: "..."

He was left speechless.

Not only was he unable to retort or scold the other, but he also felt as if a gentle spring breeze had swept into his heart, soothing him completely... As a troublemaker who had been scolded by the Crown Prince since childhood, Yang Si rarely received praise from others. Hearing Yan Shang’s words, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of self-satisfaction.

He couldn’t resist justifying it to himself inwardly: What he says makes sense.

Although he agreed internally, Yang Si showed no sign of it on his face. He casually set down the nine-linked rings, no longer wanting to embarrass himself. The young man sat beneath the flowering tree, studying Yan Shang with a probing gaze. Even in a seated, upward-looking posture, Yang Si exuded an imposing aura—sharp as a sword, intense as lightning—firmly overshadowing Yan Shang.

Yang Si said, "Don’t think that just because you’re eloquent, I’ll agree with you. This is the Eastern Palace, not some random place."

Yan Shang sighed, "It seems you have some misunderstanding about me. Allow me to explain."

Yang Si scoffed, "Are you joking? What misunderstanding could I possibly have about you?"

Yan Shang felt a subtle discomfort stir within him.

Pacifying Yang Si felt almost like placating another Mu Wan Yao. Because Yang Si’s tone... was strikingly similar to Mu Wan Yao’s.

So similar that it unsettled Yan Shang, who was meticulous by nature.

Just how close were they... to be so alike?

Suppressing his unease, Yan Shang maintained his gentle smile and said, "Then, please tell me first, why do you hold such a deep prejudice against me? If it’s merely because you saw me last time in the Pleasure Quarter and thought my character questionable, I can explain."

Yang Si retorted, "On one hand, you’re on good terms with the princess; on the other, you’re indulging in drinking and entertainment. Do you really think there’s nothing wrong with your character?"

Yan Shang replied, "And aren’t you, on one hand, standing up for the princess, while on the other, sitting in the Pleasure Quarter and running into me?"

Yang Si’s eyebrows shot up as he demanded coldly, "What do you mean by that?"

Yan Shang said, "You have your reasons, and I am no different from you in that regard."

Yang Si fell into thoughtful silence.

He then asked, "Back at Yongshou Temple, I ran into you and Yao Yao together. Why were the two of you avoiding me then?"

Yan Shang naturally wouldn’t reveal that Mu Wan Yao was afraid Yang Si would report to the Crown Prince. Feigning surprise, he said, "That must have been a coincidence, wasn’t it? I didn’t even know you at the time."

Yang Si let out a derisive snort, unconvinced, though he had no proof.

Yang Si pressed on, "And you’re also entangled with my cousin."

Yan Shang was taken aback, genuinely puzzled this time. "Who is your cousin?"

Enraged, Yang Si sprang to his feet. "Have you forgotten her so quickly? She’s Zhao Wuniang, Zhao Lingfei! My cousin talks about you constantly. Are you toying with her?"

Yan Shang finally understood.

He smiled wryly and sighed in frustration. "To be honest with you, Third Young Master, I have been rejecting Zhao Wuniang all along. I even moved residences just to avoid her... Given that I’ve gone to such lengths, what more do you expect me to do?"Yang Si was taken aback, his expression turning peculiar: "...You actually moved to avoid her? Could it be that you truly are a man of integrity?"

As for being recognized as a man of integrity, that should come from others—self-praise would be rather meaningless.

Yan Shang remained silent.

Yang Sanlang circled him twice before posing his final question: "Then how is it that after your marriage arrangement with Yao Yao fell through, you still remain so close to her?"

Yan Shang replied, "Out of gratitude for Her Highness's support, and since I have no foundation in Chang'an, I had no choice but to align myself with the Crown Prince."

Yang Si: "...Align yourself with the Crown Prince?"

Yan Shang said curiously, "Isn't the princess on the same side as the Crown Prince? Serving as the princess's retainer—isn't that essentially the same as aligning with the Crown Prince?"

Yang Si frowned.

He wanted to say that the princess and the Crown Prince were certainly not the same, but seeing Yan Shang's straightforward expression... he held back his words. Perhaps this country bumpkin genuinely believed they were one and the same.

After this clarification, Yang Si found that he no longer harbored any misunderstandings toward Yan Shang... When Yan Shang bowed and inquired again, Yang Si merely snorted.

Yang Si: "You still need to explain why you appeared in the Pleasure Quarter that day."

Yan Shang's eyelid twitched slightly.

He thought to himself that this Yang Sanlang was probably not one to use his brain. After so much time had passed, he still demanded an explanation for such a matter.

Though Yan Shang now had a deeper understanding of Yang Si's character, he showed no sign of it on his face and calmly explained the reason for his presence in the Pleasure Quarter—

Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Eastern Palace, Mu Wan Yao had just finished presenting her idea: "...This is my proposal. Since Eldest Brother needs funds, starting with our own family is the best approach. Over the years, our aunt has relied on the Emperor's favor to amass treasures and keep handsome young men. The valuables she has accumulated are certainly not few. My suggestion is for Eldest Brother to communicate with our aunt.

"Ask her to yield some profits. With the Eldest Princess setting an example, once you obtain funds from her, wouldn't it be perfectly natural to request money from other prominent families in Chang'an?"

The Crown Prince pondered.

He said, "That is precisely the most difficult part. In truth, I've long considered that with so many aristocratic families and nobles in Chang'an, if the national treasury is short of funds, we could simply ask them for contributions. Unfortunately, as you know, I am on good terms with very few of these families... Starting with our aunt would indeed be the most appropriate approach. But the trouble is, why would our aunt help me? Wouldn't she go to the Emperor to report me?"

Mu Wan Yao smiled: "Eldest Brother need not worry about that. I will help you plead with our aunt. I will surely handle this matter well for you and make her willingly contribute. In truth, our aunt is not in an easy position either—isn't she afraid that after the Emperor passes away, she will have no one to rely on? She has merely been suppressed by the Emperor for so long that she dares not seek ties with you.

"If I help you intercede, our aunt will certainly relent."

The Crown Prince seemed thoughtful.

He glanced at Mu Wan Yao with a faint smile: "It's just that after the incident with the Tanhua candidate, you had some conflict with our aunt. I thought you had long forgotten, but it turns out you were waiting for this opportunity to take revenge on her. Yao Yao, you've become quite vindictive now."

Mu Wan Yao retorted: "Eldest Brother, that's not a fair thing to say. I am helping you. What's wrong with mixing personal grievances with public affairs?"

The Crown Prince laughed.

He truly didn't care about mixing personal grievances with public affairs—in fact, he was quite pleased that Mu Wan Yao bore a grudge against the Eldest Princess.The struggle for the heir apparent was fundamentally a matter of choosing sides. Remaining neutral, in the Crown Prince’s eyes, was almost equivalent to being an enemy. And given Luling Grand Princess’s usual conduct, which was somewhat questionable... the Crown Prince, eager to establish his authority, very much needed to make an example of her.

It was only out of consideration for the Emperor that the Crown Prince hesitated to take action.

But if Mu Wan Yao could help him pacify the Grand Princess, making her willingly submit to being exploited, the Crown Prince would naturally be pleased.

The Crown Prince rose and patted Mu Wan Yao’s shoulder, saying with relief, "Sixth Sister, you’re finally able to do something for your Eldest Brother."

A faint smile touched Mu Wan Yao’s lips as she cast an indifferent glance out the window.

When she had no other use, the Crown Prince believed her only purpose was to marry Yang Si as soon as possible. Now that she had other uses, he wouldn’t press her so hard about marriage.

The idea Yan Shang had given her... was truly excellent.

Mu Wan Yao made up her mind, thinking that she would definitely keep Yan Shang as her advisor.

However, what began as a casual glance out the window suddenly froze her in place. In the courtyard, she saw Yan Shang and Yang Si standing together, with Yang Si’s arm draped over Yan Shang’s shoulder as they both bent over, fiddling with something...

As Mu Wan Yao wondered about this, the Crown Prince also noticed.

The Crown Prince: "...Is Yang San causing trouble for me again?"

Mu Wan Yao: "..."

She glanced at the Crown Prince’s jumpy reaction and couldn’t help but press her lips together to suppress a laugh. Just how many times had Yang Si gotten the Crown Prince into trouble for him to have such a bad feeling every time he saw Yang Si doing something?

Yet Mu Wan Yao couldn’t help but marvel at Yan Shang’s remarkable social skills.

Earlier on the road, Yan Shang had mentioned there was a misunderstanding between him and Yang Si, but now... it seemed the misunderstanding had been resolved—

After Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang left the Eastern Palace, Yang Si went in and told the Crown Prince what Yan Shang had said to him.

The Crown Prince said casually, "Very well. By helping Sixth Sister, he is, for now, effectively helping me."

Yang Si then added, "But there’s one thing you surely don’t know. This Yan Suchen is quite remarkable. He told me that the reason he appeared in the Pleasure Quarter that night was because he already knew about the Grand Princess replacing the Tanhua candidate. He went there specifically to find someone and resolve the matter."

The Crown Prince gave him a silent look.

Yang Si, who thought he had uncovered a major secret, was taken aback and asked, "What’s wrong?"

The Crown Prince replied, "...So you only found out that Yan Suchen was behind it because he told you himself?"

Yang Si: "..."

He said, "You already knew? Did you investigate it deliberately?"

The Crown Prince said offhandedly, "Not deliberately. I just inquired about a few people’s whereabouts that night and pieced together what happened. Otherwise, why do you think I tried to win Yan Suchen over at the Qujiang Night Banquet? Just because he was the Tanhua? There are plenty of Tanhua every year."

Yang Si’s face fell, and he sat down cross-legged.

After a moment, he couldn’t contain his anger and slammed the table.

The Crown Prince glanced at him.

Yang Si fumed, "So you knew all along and watched me make a fool of myself for so long? You... all of you..."

He suddenly paused, realizing, "Yan Suchen must have known that you were already aware, which is why he felt free to tell me today. Because he assumed you knew... So, in fact, both of you knew that the other knew, and I was the only one in the dark? All this time, I thought he had just gone there for drinks and entertainment?"The Crown Prince paused for a long moment, then finally threw his head back and burst into laughter.

He said, "I truly never expected you to remain foolish for so long! If I must explain everything to you... what use are you to me at all?"

Yang Si grew even more furious at his laughter, his eyes reddening and neck bulging as he overturned the table before him. Enraged, he lunged forward: "You clever types are truly insufferable! Scoundrels!"

In the courtyard, peach blossoms drifted down while maids remained silent, crouching under the eaves to feed the cats—

Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang returned by carriage. Along the way, Yan Shang said gently, "Your Highness has just recovered from illness, you should rest upon returning. Regarding the matter with The Eldest Princess, since I caused it, I shall naturally go to the Princess Residence to facilitate connections between The Eldest Princess and the Crown Prince."

Mu Wan Yao remained silent for a moment: "The Eldest Princess failed to seduce you, so this is your plan to have her align with the Crown Prince? Making her sacrifice some treasures and suffer public humiliation by the Crown Prince in Chang'an?"

Yan Shang smiled.

He said: "Only this method can make The Eldest Princess, who avoids all politics, owe the Crown Prince a favor."

Mu Wan Yao: "Yet I see you're settling personal scores through official means. I don't believe you couldn't think of a better approach—you clearly dislike The Eldest Princess and want to see my aunt suffer losses."

Yan Shang said: "How can you say that."

Yet he didn't deny it.

Mu Wan Yao glanced at him, noticing his gentle expression and a smile more sincere than before. Clearly, he now sided with her, no longer restrained by excessive propriety as in the past, where he would withhold many words and conceal numerous actions.

The distance between them had narrowed somewhat.

Seeing him smile made Mu Wan Yao's heart unconsciously rejoice. Even when he schemed, he did so so openly that she couldn't help but... admire him.

She chided: "But are you just making my aunt suffer this one loss? You have no follow-up plans, just letting her off? That doesn't seem like you."

Yan Shang looked over and countered: "Why does Your Highness think I wouldn't let it go at that?"

Mu Wan Yao gazed at the sky and murmured: "Because you resisted so fiercely that day."

Yan Shang: "..."

Mu Wan Yao maintained an expressionless face, as if speaking of someone else: "You were so disoriented, when you saw me you didn't even bother with formalities. Your condition then... made me feel you were completely at your limit. After being tormented by my aunt to that extent, if you only retaliated this slightly, it doesn't match your style."

She looked skyward in thought: "Your face was so flushed, your body so feverish, you gripped my hand tightly, you were so tense, you..."

A trace of embarrassment colored Yan Shang's face as he quickly interjected: "Your Highness, please say no more!"

Mu Wan Yao looked at him teasingly.

Watching him turn his face away, his earlobes slightly reddening. He coughed and rather deliberately steered the conversation back: "Actually, once the Crown Prince begins handling The Eldest Princess's affairs, her subsequent situation won't improve. Because once matters floodgate open, they're hard to contain. And your aunt has far too many vulnerabilities...

"Whenever the Crown Prince needs funds in the future, whenever he remembers, he'll make use of The Eldest Princess. With such gradual indulgence, eventually the Crown Prince will be unable to resist taking action against The Eldest Princess, and all her current power will be completely reclaimed by him."

Mu Wan Yao widened her eyes: "You're truly terrifying. She merely wanted to sleep with you once, and you retaliate by having everything taken from her... You're too harsh on women who want to sleep with you!"

Yan Shang glared at her.

Seeing the mockery and full amusement in her eyes.He had been bullied by her all day and subjected to her verbal jabs for so long that he finally couldn't hold back and retorted, "Am I really too harsh on maidens who want to sleep with me? Every single one of them?"

Mu Wan Yao was taken aback, then her face instantly flushed red.