Tigers Sniff the Rose

Mu Wan Yao received Liu Wenji in her bedchamber.

Liu Wenji still appeared absent-minded and disoriented. Even though Mu Wan Yao had kept him waiting for so long, he seemed not to mind at all. Under normal circumstances, with his pride, he would have inevitably shown some signs of displeasure.

It was precisely because he was too arrogant, unlike Yan Shang's gentle and tactful nature, that Mu Wan Yao disliked him.

Yet now, with his pride gone, sitting blankly by the candlelight in the bedchamber, Mu Wan Yao found it somewhat distressing to watch.

After all, he was a young prodigy who had been praised since childhood—unlike her, who had experienced so much, or Yan Shang, who had traveled extensively with his parents from a young age and witnessed many different walks of life... For such a young prodigy to come to Chang'an only to realize he was just one among many was painful enough, and now he had even lost the lover who constantly encouraged and supported him.

How agonizing.

The maids filed in, and someone announced her arrival. Only upon hearing the sound did Liu Wenji lift his head and see Danyang Princess enter. His eyes instinctively looked behind Mu Wan Yao, then he froze for a moment, his gaze dimming as he withdrew his line of sight. Both Mu Wan Yao and he knew exactly whom he couldn't help but look for.

After Mu Wan Yao entered and Liu Wenji paid his respects, she had him seated. Yan Shang had already helped soothe this man beforehand. Liu Wenji's emotions were much more stable now. Mu Wan Yao didn't waste words on unnecessary talk and only conveyed Chunhua's wishes: "...She hoped I would take care of you a little, so you could realize your ambitions—become an official, marry a beautiful wife, and live a peaceful, harmonious life."

Liu Wenji remained silent.

Mu Wan Yao gazed into the void, utterly detached: "So what kind of official do you want to be? Do you wish to continue with the imperial examinations, or would you like me to arrange an official position for you now? I can arrange one for you at present, but it certainly won't be a position with real power. Still, it's better than competing with so many others for a jinshi rank."

Unexpectedly, after Yan Shang had repeatedly refused her, Liu Wenji also declined: "...Thank you, Your Highness. But this was bought with Chunhua's lifelong happiness—I don't want to use it. I suppose I'll continue with the exams... I don't know."

He drifted off for a moment, then said, "Perhaps I don't want to stay in Chang'an anymore. I want to return to Lingnan."

He added dryly, "For the sake of the exams, I haven't seen my family in almost two years. Staying in Chang'an... my heart is shattered now, and my grief is beyond words. I might not be able to endure it any longer."

Mu Wan Yao thought to herself: His resilience is too weak.

How difficult it is to bestow an official position these days. Yan Shang disdains it, and Liu Wenji disdains it too. She couldn't even exercise her princess privileges—official positions truly held little value.

Mu Wan Yao disliked dwelling in sorrow; she would distract herself chaotically to avoid overthinking. Looking at Liu Wenji's state again, she said, "Chunhua also asked me to give you money."

Liu Wenji: "I don't need it for now."

Mu Wan Yao advised him: "Don't overthink it. What in life doesn't pass? Just forget about it. Make your memory a little worse, and it'll be fine."

Liu Wenji stared blankly at the princess.

The princess, with her bright eyes and snow-white skin, was radiant and captivating. It seemed as though Chunhua's departure had not affected her in the slightest. Liu Wenji felt indignant about this, yet... he was no longer the person he used to be.

He lowered his eyes, lost in thought: "It won't pass. And I won't forget."

Mu Wan Yao insisted: "It will pass. You will forget."Liu Wenji: "At least for now, I don't want to forget her. I can't move past it, I can't forget. I want to remember."

Mu Wan Yao was momentarily stunned.

Then she turned her face away in embarrassment, refusing to look at him any longer.

She said coldly, "Do as you please."

After that, she rose and left the bedchamber, paying no further attention to Liu Wenji. However, before leaving, after much deliberation, Mu Wan Yao dispatched two servants to look after Liu Wenji, to prevent him from doing anything foolish in the near future—

Mu Wan Yao's latest vexation came from Yan Shang.

Ever since Yan Shang had indirectly confessed his feelings to her, his attitude had shifted rapidly, and he became very proactive in befriending her. Then, after their meeting in prison, it seemed Yan Shang had let go of something else... Now, he frequently lingered at her place, seeking opportunities to be alone with her.

For instance, he insisted on studying at her place in the evenings.

Since they lived in the same alley, just a few doors apart, Mu Wan Yao couldn't even use the excuse, "Don't stay too late, it's inconvenient for you to go back."

Moreover, whenever their eyes met occasionally, he would smile at her.

Sometimes, even when Mu Wan Yao deliberately avoided looking at him, she could feel Yan Shang quietly watching her from behind.

It seemed... he had fully embraced a mode where their relationship was something extraordinary. This new mode made him feel he could be less formal and allow himself a little indulgence.

Mu Wan Yao's frustration lay in the fact that Yan Shang had already entered this mode, while she had not.

Yet, she didn't want to clarify things.

Perhaps if she did, he would realize she had no intention of pursuing a serious relationship with him, and then he would no longer pay her any attention.

Reflecting on herself, Mu Wan Yao felt she wanted to enjoy Yan Shang's meticulous care and kindness, but was too afraid of the future to take things further with him... So now, their interactions felt awkward.

It had become a situation where Yan Shang actively tried to get closer, wanting to hold her hand; while Mu Wan Yao, who was originally much more open by nature, had become exceptionally reserved and proper, not daring to let her gaze wander for fear he might misunderstand her—

That evening, Yan Shang again asked to stay at Mu Wan Yao's place to study.

Mu Wan Yao was at a loss for words and couldn't find an excuse to refuse. After all, he was genuinely studying... He only occasionally initiated conversation with her or tried to hold her hand. She couldn't accuse him of going too far and send him away just for that.

With Mu Wan Yao's silent consent, the night unfolded in her bedchamber: she reclined on the daybed flipping through a music score, while Yan Shang sat upright at the desk, reading his books.

From time to time, he would ask her about things he didn't understand. Mu Wan Yao would casually answer what she knew, and for what she didn't, she left it for him to consult his teacher about.

For a while, the two coexisted peacefully.

After some time, Mu Wan Yao closed the music score and leaned back on the daybed, closing her eyes as if dozing off. In her mind, she silently recited the music score, automatically placing each note on an instrument and listening to what the melody should sound like... For someone like Mu Wan Yao, who had shown exceptional musical talent since childhood, silently memorizing a music score was no challenge.

Then, as she recited with her eyes closed, Mu Wan Yao suddenly felt the daybed sink slightly as someone sat down beside her.

The clear, mellow scent of Jiangzhen incense wafted down from the person, and a blanket was draped over her... Mu Wan Yao immediately knew it was Yan Shang.

Mu Wan Yao, with her eyes still closed: "..."

How vexing.

He was bothering her again.Mu Wan Yao sensed Yan Shang's gaze fixed upon her, forcing her to maintain a calm facade and continue feigning sleep. In her drowsy state, she heard him murmur as if to himself, "I've been feeling like you've been avoiding me lately."

Mu Wan Yao: "..."

She froze in terror, steadying her mind and not daring to let her eyelashes flutter. His perceptiveness frightened her.

She then heard him muse further, "But it's probably just my imagination. I don't understand much about romantic feelings between men and women... Perhaps you're just shy, not avoiding me."

Mu Wan Yao agreed inwardly, thinking it would be best if he continued to believe that.

Shortly after, she caught his bashful whisper: "Yet you always keep your distance... Yao Yao, I want to be closer to you."

Mu Wan Yao: ...Who gave you permission to secretly call me "Yao Yao" behind my back? Don't you dare.

What does he mean by "closer"? Aren't we already close enough studying together all day? How much closer does he want? This person has exams coming up—shouldn't he be focusing on that instead of constantly thinking about her!

As Mu Wan Yao's thoughts raced and she mentally scolded Yan Shang, she suddenly felt a tickle at her knuckles. The next moment, her hand was taken in his. His fingers gently brushed against hers, and with apparent curiosity, he lightly hooked her pinky finger.

Mu Wan Yao felt her heartbeat grow erratic under his teasing.

After an internal struggle, she resigned herself with a sense of righteousness: Fine, fine, why bother avoiding him? If Yan Shang wants this, then let him have his way.

If he intends to do anything improper to her, she'd just go along with it... Let things take their natural course, so she wouldn't have to wrestle with it anymore—

But Yan Shang wasn't that kind of person.

Just as Mu Wan Yao had convinced herself to yield to him, in reality, Yan Shang merely sat by her bedside holding her hand without advancing further.

Under Mu Wan Yao's quiet anticipation, Yan Shang bowed his head, turning her hand over and over as he examined it. With focused attention, he traced each of her fingers one by one. The gentle, lingering caresses raised goosebumps on her skin, yet Yan Shang seemed completely unaware of how excessive his actions were.

He simply played with her hand, holding it while a faint smile touched his lips.

He realized he had never properly looked at her hand before.

How exquisitely shaped Mu Wan Yao's hand was—each finger slender and pale, with delicate, evenly proportioned joints. Faint blue veins showed beneath her porcelain skin, and when she occasionally lifted a finger, the fine bones on her hand became visible... Her skin was so smooth and soft. Yan Shang cradled her hand, comparing it with his own, growing more enamored the longer he looked.

Suddenly, he lifted his gaze to the sleeping beauty.

His eyes roamed over her face for a long while before he slowly leaned closer.

Mu Wan Yao felt his breath draw near and assumed he meant to steal a kiss. A mix of embarrassment, alarm, and a triumphant "I knew it" / "caught you" delight surged within her. Yet Yan Shang merely leaned down to gently brush a stray lock of hair from her cheek and tuck it behind her ear before sitting back, satisfied.

Mu Wan Yao: "..."

Contentedly, he took her hand again. Mu Wan Yao wondered what could possibly be so fascinating about a single hand. She lay there completely still, having already talked herself into surrendering to him... So why wasn't he making a move?

Mu Wan Yao had had enough.

To tease without following through is a crime. Her heart had been tossed and turned by his repeated antics—he might not be in a hurry, but she simply couldn't endure his half-hearted, unresolved flirtation any longer.Yan Shang was still delightedly playing with Mu Wan Yao's hand as he bowed his head. He wouldn't dare do this when she was awake, for she was too enchanting and too mischievous—often leading him astray before he could even properly look at her hand.

Based on Yan Shang's limited understanding of romance, he believed lovers should know each other thoroughly.

He simply wanted to take a good look at her hand first...

But the more he gazed at these jade-like hands, nurtured since childhood in the princess' care, the more fond he grew. Unable to resist, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. Just that brief contact made him slightly uneasy, feeling he had overstepped with such boldness.

While guiltily reflecting, he lifted his eyes to check if Mu Wan Yao was still asleep... and froze at what he saw.

For Mu Wan Yao's dark, clear eyes were wide open, watching him hold her hand—fondling it, squeezing it, and even impulsively kissing it.

Mu Wan Yao gazed at him with an ambiguous half-smile.

She watched Yan Shang's jade-pale face flush crimson. He released her hand and turned away with feigned nonchalance. After composing himself, he turned back to see Mu Wan Yao sitting up against her pillow, still watching him with sparkling laughter in her eyes.

Mu Wan Yao teased: "What were you doing just now?"

Yan Shang paused before drawling: "Nothing much."

Mu Wan Yao arched an eyebrow.

Yan Shang: "Between lovers, isn't this perfectly normal?"

Mu Wan Yao stiffened, now feeling uncomfortable about his "lovers" remark. Fortunately, Yan Shang was too preoccupied with his own embarrassment over presuming intimacy to notice her fleeting conflicted expression.

Having settled his emotions—perhaps partly to win her favor—Yan Shang looked at her with a soft smile: "I lost control of myself somewhat... because it's been nearly a month since Your Highness returned from the mountain retreat, and I'm truly happy to see you."

Mu Wan Yao found herself pinned by his unwavering gaze. This elegant young lord sat beside her bed, their sleeves overlapping, having just secretly kissed her hand. His eyes held the depth of still lakes—gentle, accepting, brimming with unspoken affection.

Suddenly her cheeks warmed, and the room felt stifling.

With characteristic willfulness, she lifted her chin to retort: "You're not allowed to be happy!"

The corners of Yan Shang's lips quirked upward as he amiably replied: "As you wish."

His voice softened: "...Yet this isn't something I can control. To be honest with Your Highness, I never imagined I'd become like this. I always felt you kept your distance, unwilling to draw near. But I long to be close to you. I want to gradually understand you—learn your preferences, comprehend your temperament. I wish to become one with you."

Mu Wan Yao: "...Become one?"

Yan Shang started, then flushed crimson as he hurriedly explained: "Not in that way, I meant..."

Before he could finish, Mu Wan Yao sighed: "I understand."

Yan Shang watched as she knelt up on the bed, reached out to wrap her arms around his neck, and pressed her delicate form against his chest. Stiff with mingled panic and delight, he dared not move when he heard Mu Wan Yao sigh softly beside his cheek.

Her beautiful eyes fixed on him: "You're far too innocent and foolish in these matters. It makes me almost ashamed to take advantage."

Yan Shang: "..."He lowered his gaze and said, "Your Highness actually has moments of shyness too."

Mu Wan Yao: "..."

What kind of remark was that?

Just how casual did he think she was in his eyes?

Mu Wan Yao said, "Anyway, I'm more experienced than you. Why don't you call me 'sister'? Sister knows what you're thinking and can help you."

Yan Shang's eyelashes veiled his eyes as he refused to look up at her. She knelt on the couch leaning against his chest, her fragrant breeze brushing past him. While he dared not touch her recklessly, he wasn't foolish enough to completely obey her either.

Yan Shang murmured softly, "You're only half a year older than me—why should I call you 'sister'? Are you teasing me again?"

Mu Wan Yao cooed, "But I always call you 'Second Brother Yan'! What's wrong with you calling me that once?"

Yan Shang sighed helplessly, "Our generational titles are so messy... Mmph."

His lips were sealed.

She was kissing him.

Her playful, provocative gaze met his calm, lake-like eyes as she looked up. Glance after glance, their exchanged looks flowed like gentle ripples.

As Yan Shang wrapped his arms around her back, intending to respond, she turned her face away, refusing to kiss further. Yan Shang pressed his lips together, slightly displeased that she was always so self-centered, never considering him... Meanwhile, Mu Wan Yao felt quite pleased: "Did that kiss make you happy?"

Yan Shang thought to himself—what was there to be happy about? She always left things half-finished; he hadn't even...

But Yan Shang offered a faint smile and didn't voice his discontent.

Mu Wan Yao grew smug, convinced she had him utterly captivated and that he must have adored the kiss. Though Yan Shang didn't understand romance well, he was exceptionally skilled at reading people's emotions. He immediately discerned what Mu Wan Yao was thinking and, after a moment of silent resignation, found her utterly endearing, unable to bring himself to say anything harsh.

Mu Wan Yao gently stroked his neck with her fingers, pressing close to whisper by his ear, "Second Brother Yan, I know you like me, but you shouldn't keep seeking me out like this."

Yan Shang stiffened, his heart cooling slightly.

After a long pause, he asked, "You don't like it?"

Unable to bear seeing him hurt, Mu Wan Yao quickly explained, "What I mean is, if you keep coming to me like this, teasing me, it's hard for me to control myself."

Yan Shang blushed: "...Nonsense. I'm not teasing you."

Mu Wan Yao chuckled, "But just standing in front of me is teasing enough. When I see you, I want to be close like this, have you hold me, kiss me, and... well, do even more improper things with you."

Yan Shang shot her a small glare but remained silent.

Mu Wan Yao was most unsettled by this kind of silent acceptance from him—the more he acquiesced, the more it signaled his tolerance for her mischief. And if she continued down this path, it would be endless... Mu Wan Yao hurriedly clarified her true intent: "I understand how you feel. But you're busy with the Imperial Examination right now—it's not good for your focus to be so divided, you know?"

Mu Wan Yao spoke with feigned seriousness: "If you're always thinking of me, you can't concentrate on your studies. I feel like ever since I returned, you've become much less focused, not at all like before. Yan Shang, you came all the way from Lingnan to Chang'an—every step of this journey has been incredibly difficult. Matters of the heart should never hold you back, control you, or prevent you from moving forward.

"So please stop seeking me out so often. Gather your thoughts and focus on your studies. Once the Imperial Examination is over... isn't there still a long future ahead?"

Yan Shang looked at her, his gaze flickering as if assessing the sincerity behind her words.

He slowly replied, "Is there really a long future ahead?"Mu Wan Yao made herself appear exceptionally sincere: "Of course. Second Brother Yan, do you intend to rely on me? Shouldn't you become an official, properly repay my money, truly purchase the neighboring estate, and turn it into your own private property? Do you expect me to support you? Shouldn't you hurry and become an official to earn money to repay me?"

Yan Shang smiled.

He nodded, accepting her suggestion.

He said: "Alright, then I won't seek you out for the next two months."

Mu Wan Yao breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that if he didn't seek her out, he wouldn't keep leaving her feeling unsettled.

Yan Shang lowered his gaze, then after a long moment said: "Then I'll... leave now?"

Mu Wan Yao was taken aback. Hearing this, she felt reluctant again, realizing that with Yan Shang's formidable self-discipline, she might truly not see him for the next two months.

Mu Wan Yao said wistfully: "Forget it tonight. Stay a while longer. Starting tomorrow, don't seek me out."

Only then did Yan Shang show a smile, raising his eyes to look at her, his gaze shimmering like starlight.

He said: "Alright."

Finally, he reached out to embrace her, holding her close for a moment.