Tigers Sniff the Rose

Yan Shang had been drunk for who knew how long when Mu Wan Yao forcibly roused him by persistently feeding him hangover soup.

In his dazed state, he found himself lying on his bed in his residence's sleeping quarters. Mu Wan Yao sat at the bedside, holding him as she helped him sit up. His head still throbbed violently; he kept his eyes closed and frowned, barely managing to open them to see the gauze curtains still drawn low, with the faint light outside indicating dawn had yet to break.

Yan Shang pressed a hand to his forehead.

Mu Wan Yao asked, "Is your head hurting badly? Drink a bit more hangover soup—it should help you feel better."

Without speaking, Yan Shang allowed her to guide the bowl to his lips and drank under her insistence. Through the gauze curtains, Mu Wan Yao looked down at him, noting his disheveled hair and the inner robe he wore as he leaned against her shoulder. His usually jade-pale complexion appeared haggard and wan, while the corners of his eyes and cheeks remained flushed as if scorched by fire.

His mind remained clouded, his brow persistently furrowed—likely from the relentless headache.

Yet, true to his gentle nature, no matter how much he suffered, he never showed it outwardly nor vented his frustration on others, enduring everything in silence.

The sight of this beautiful youth in such distress—frail yet tinged with self-pity—revealed a startling, breathtaking beauty unlike anything seen before.

Mu Wan Yao felt reluctant to wake him midway, especially since the last time he drank, he had slept straight until noon. But she hardened her heart, knowing she must overlook his weakness and rouse him now.

After drinking another bowl of hangover soup, Yan Shang seemed slightly more conscious, though he felt so ill he nearly vomited. He also felt deeply embarrassed by his current state, particularly under Mu Wan Yao’s scrutinizing gaze. Yet he lacked the energy to dwell on it.

Suppressing the nausea induced by the soup, Yan Shang’s long hair brushed against Mu Wan Yao’s neck as he mumbled, "Has the sky not brightened yet…"

Mu Wan Yao replied sternly, "No, it hasn’t, but you must get up. Freshen up, have a little to eat, and then you must leave. Today is the New Year’s court assembly—not only court officials and capital officials, but all regional officials must attend.

"This is your first year in office; you absolutely cannot make a mistake today. I’ve had your servant prepare your official robes. It’s a rare day when you must wear them for the court assembly. You cannot afford any errors.

"No matter how much your head hurts, you must endure it."

Yan Shang closed his eyes, rested a moment, and said, "I know."

Propping himself up with his elbows, he gripped the bedpost to stand. The lingering effects of the alcohol made his hands tremble slightly, and he swayed unsteadily. Mu Wan Yao quickly steadied him. Yan Shang gave her a grateful smile before calling for Yun Shu to assist him in washing up.

Watching his slender, frail back as he continuously massaged his temples, the redness at the corners of his eyes refusing to fade… Mu Wan Yao’s heart softened again. Hesitantly, she suggested, "Perhaps you shouldn’t go. Take sick leave instead."

Yan Shang replied, "In my first year as an official, how can I err in such an important matter? Your Highness, don’t worry. I’ll be fine soon."

Mu Wan Yao muttered regretfully, "I shouldn’t have let you indulge so recklessly last night."

Yan Shang had already opened the door. The faint morning light streamed in, and he stood still for a moment before turning back to look at the lady still bowing her head in regret inside the room.

Yan Shang said, "If anyone is to blame, it’s me for yielding to temptation. How can it be Your Highness’s fault?"Mu Wan Yao had no choice. Having already roused him, she knew that with Yan Shang's nearly terrifying demands on himself, he would definitely push through to attend the court assembly and do so without a single mistake. As Yan Shang went out to wash up, Mu Wan Yao stood in the room for a while. At this moment, she had no time to worry about her own affairs, only praying fervently that today's New Year's court assembly wouldn't last too long.

Simultaneously, she privately marveled at how extreme Yan Shang's constitution was—getting drunk at the slightest touch of alcohol.

Was he born this way?

While Mu Wan Yao was pondering, the door knocked, and a maid came to report. After the maid spoke a few words, Mu Wan Yao showed a surprised and thoughtful expression. She said, "I'll go out and see."—

Mu Wan Yao descended the steps and encountered the young lady of the Liu family, who had just alighted from a carriage at the estate gate, wearing a face-covering veil.

A maid assisted Liu Ruozhu as she stepped down from the carriage. Liu Ruozhu was looking up to see what Yan Erlang's residence looked like when she saw Danyang Princess emerging from Yan Erlang's home.

Liu Ruozhu was startled for a moment, then curtsied in greeting. Her snow-white veil reached all the way to her feet, intertwining with her plain-colored skirt. As Liu Ruozhu bowed, the morning breeze lifted a corner of her veil, revealing her elegant and delicate features—the very image of the most exquisite young lady one might only see in ancient paintings.

Mu Wan Yao stared at Liu Ruozhu, knowing she was the granddaughter of Yan Shang's teacher and not someone to offend. But currently, she was particularly sensitive to any young woman coming to see Yan Shang, so she asked, "Are you here to see Yan Shang, Miss Liu? Did Lord Liu send you?"

Liu Ruozhu found it strange that Danyang Princess was coming from Yan Erlang's residence. A vague thought made her heart race, but she didn't dare dwell on it.

Liu Ruozhu replied obediently, "Because Second Brother Yan hurriedly took his leave yesterday evening, saying he had to meet someone else. He seemed so rushed that I grew a bit worried, so I came early today to check on him. And also... right now, the 'Fire City is ablaze with light.' When the chancellor travels, the entire city is illuminated. I thought Second Brother Yan might not have seen it before and was afraid he'd miss this rare annual spectacle, so I wanted to invite him to watch it together."

Every New Year in Great Wei, before the morning water clock, all the ward gates in Chang'an opened early. The chancellor, the Three Department commissioners, and the Chief Imperial Guard, surrounded by officials on horseback bearing torches, would parade through the entire city to drive away diseases for the people.

The flames would spread like a symbolic city, shining brightly for miles. The chancellor, who usually worked within the palace walls, rarely appeared before the common people. Citizens would compete to catch a glimpse—this was the only chance in the year for ordinary folks to see the "head of all officials."

This was what Liu Ruozhu referred to as the "Fire City."

Hearing Liu Ruozhu mention it, Mu Wan Yao recalled the tradition of the "Fire City." With Yan Shang now having Lord Liu as his teacher, he might be able to follow behind Lord Liu and witness the chancellor's majesty and the brilliance of the Fire City firsthand.

But Mu Wan Yao only felt a flicker of temptation before thinking of Yan Shang's current condition... She refused, "He's fallen ill and isn't feeling well. I'm afraid he can't accompany you to see any 'Fire City.'"

Liu Ruozhu immediately expressed concern about what illness Yan Erlang had contracted. Mu Wan Yao gave vague answers, merely stating that he wouldn't miss the court assembly.

Throughout the exchange, Mu Wan Yao remained cold, speaking in clipped phrases. Her face was stern, faintly revealing impatience, as if she might lose her temper at any moment. She was only restraining herself to avoid causing trouble for Yan Shang with his teacher.

Fortunately, Liu Ruozhu was gentle. Seeing the princess's displeased expression and confirming that Yan Shang wouldn't miss the court assembly, she didn't press further.At that moment, the attendant Yun Shu emerged from the residence and whispered behind the princess, "Your Highness, Erlang heard there was a visitor and asked who it was."

Mu Wan Yao: "..."

She stood at the entrance, reluctant to let Liu Ruozhu enter.

Previously, with Zhao Wuniang and Zhao Lingfei, Mu Wan Yao hadn't been overly concerned.

Because Zhao Lingfei was lively and unrestrained, constantly bouncing around, while Yan Shang was extremely reserved and low-key. Zhao Lingfei didn't quite match Yan Shang's aesthetic preferences for women. Her daily pestering of Yan Shang likely wouldn't please him but rather make him want to avoid her.

But Liu Ruozhu was different.

Mu Wan Yao faintly sensed that, according to Yan Shang's own tastes, someone with Liu Ruozhu's temperament and cultivation would likely resonate deeply with him and earn his favor. Yan Shang appreciated those who shared his interests—she herself did not, but Liu Ruozhu did.

With such a threatening young lady standing at her doorstep, Mu Wan Yao found it hard to muster a welcoming expression.

Noticing the princess's displeasure and her prolonged silence without an invitation to enter, Liu Ruozhu smiled gently and said, "I've conveyed my message. Knowing that Second Brother Yan is well after his abrupt departure yesterday puts my mind at ease. Please inform him of my visit, Your Highness. I must go watch the 'Fire City' and will not disturb you further."

Mu Wan Yao looked at her and replied, "Lord Liu has worked hard instructing Yan Shang. Since you're here, Miss Liu, we might as not trouble another. Xiarong, prepare a generous gift of gratitude for the tutor and have Miss Liu deliver it to Lord Liu."

Nodding to the surprised Liu Ruozhu, a faint smile touched Mu Wan Yao's eyes and brows as she said, "Miss Liu, you may not know, but Yan Shang has just taken office and is renting next to my residence. He's currently in straitened circumstances, so any gift he gives Lord Liu would hardly express his gratitude adequately. Naturally, I must help him ensure the gift is proper.

"You're kind-hearted, Miss Liu. Please don't reveal the truth to your grandfather. Simply say it's from Yan Shang."

Hesitantly, Liu Ruozhu nodded. Watching Mu Wan Yao's relaxed expression, she couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness... why are you helping Second Brother Yan with the tutor's gift?"

Mu Wan Yao turned her shoulder, already preparing to return inside. Her gaze, fluid and captivating, swept over the young lady below the steps. Even Liu Ruozhu, herself a woman, was struck by her stunning beauty.

She heard Danyang Princess say offhandedly, "Find any reason to convince yourself."

Leaving Liu Ruozhu standing in the alley, Mu Wan Yao returned to her residence. Watching Xiarong lead the maids out with the congratulatory gifts, she felt a surge of excitement and patted her cheeks in self-encouragement.

Though she had initially felt outmatched by Liu Ruozhu's refinement, she had later carried herself with nobility and generosity, casual yet sincere, firmly overpowering the other... She was quite satisfied with her performance.

This round, she hadn't lost!

She wasn't unworthy of Yan Shang!—

Yan Shang had missed the "Fire City" ceremony before the morning water clock, but fortunately, he managed the court assembly without error.

For the first time all year, Yan Shang witnessed all officials of Great Wei in their court robes, attending the assembly together. Standing outside the Hanyuan Hall among the Secretariat ranks, chilled by the winter wind, he endured his headache while peripherally noting the array of official robes.Apart from a few officials like his mentor who could wear purple robes with gold and jade belts, the rest were dressed in red, green, or blue according to their ranks, all neatly aligned as they followed the chancellor in performing the grand ceremonial bow to the Emperor above.

Having just concluded the grand ceremony the previous night, the New Year's Day court assembly continued the celebrations. Foreign envoys were also in attendance.

However, these foreign envoys were currently outside the Hanyuan Hall, craning their necks alongside local officials to pay respects to the Son of Heaven. Only those officials of the fifth rank and above who regularly attended court could stand inside the Hanyuan Hall at this moment. The Emperor seated on the throne appeared weary, clearly drained from last night's ceremony, and seemed somewhat listless during today's New Year's court assembly.

Afterward, Lord Liu, as the head of all officials, read the congratulatory memorial aloud and led the officials in bowing to the Emperor.

While suffering from a headache, Yan Shang could feel the profound silence of heaven and earth, hearing only his mentor's resonant voice carrying from the Hanyuan Hall. Following all the other officials under the director's guidance, he knelt, bowed, and advanced in steps at intervals.

Hunting banners fluttered in the wind, causing official robes to wrinkle against their wearers.

Yan Shang gazed toward the Hanyuan Hall, steadying himself with effort to listen to his mentor's voice.

Other officials of his same rank who couldn't enter the Hanyuan Hall looked up enviously, thinking that if they could ever attend court inside the Hanyuan Hall in this lifetime, they would die without regrets. Meanwhile, Yan Shang listened to the content of his mentor's speech, which beyond the customary congratulations, quoted sage teachings to admonish both civil and military officials.

"When Confucius wrote the Spring and Autumn Annals, rebellious ministers and wicked sons feared."

The way of ruler and subject, the way of people's livelihood.

All were written in this thousand-word congratulatory memorial.

Yet observing the expressions of the surrounding officials, Yan Shang sighed softly, wondering how many were truly listening to the memorial's content.

...This congratulatory memorial had been written by Yan Shang himself.

But this was an internal matter of the Secretariat, not something to be publicly announced—

After half a day attending court and enjoying song and dance performances, Yan Shang had originally intended to inquire about what happened during last night's ceremony after the assembly concluded. However, he simply couldn't endure any longer, fearing he might disgrace himself, and had to leave immediately after court dismissal. In his haste, he only managed to apologize to Lord Liu.

Having eaten nothing all day, he vomited upon returning to his residence, bringing up only acidic fluid.

But he felt better after vomiting.

Forcing himself to wash up, he then collapsed on the couch, panting with closed eyes, intending to rest for a while. In his dazed state, finally feeling somewhat better, he drifted in and out of sleep.

He didn't know how much time had passed when he felt a cool hand placed on his forehead.

Opening his eyes, he saw Mu Wan Yao leaning over him. With one hand on his forehead and her shoulder turned aside, she was consulting the physician about his condition.

When Yan Shang opened his eyes, she immediately noticed and turned to look at him, the worry in her eyes fading into pleasant surprise: "You're awake? Yun Shu said you vomited as soon as you returned and hadn't eaten all day. Are you feeling better now?"

Blushing with embarrassment, Yan Shang apologized to Mu Wan Yao and insisted he was fine and fully recovered. Unconvinced, Mu Wan Yao compelled the physician to check Yan Shang's pulse. Only when the physician hesitantly stated, "The gentleman was likely just suffering from drunkenness earlier," did she reluctantly let the physician leave.

Then having servants bring porridge, Mu Wan Yao watched Yan Shang eat until the pallor of his face regained some color before finally feeling reassured.Yan Shang set down the porridge bowl and looked apologetically at Mu Wan Yao. Gently placing his hand on her sleeve, he said, "It's my fault for making Your Highness worry."

Mu Wan Yao continued fuming, "If I'd known you'd end up like this, I would have rather requested leave for you than let you attend any court assembly. What's so important about it? When you become a fifth-rank official, you'll have to attend court assemblies every day—it's nothing special at all."

Yan Shang replied gently, "I'm actually grateful that Your Highness woke me up. During the New Year's court assembly, I made several new friends among the attendees, making the trip worthwhile. I'm probably just feeling slightly unwell from being exposed to the wind during the day, but I'm better now."

Seeing him like this, Mu Wan Yao said coldly, "Anyway, including yesterday and today, officials have a total of seven days off. I want you to stay in the residence for the next five days to properly rest and recover. If you still go wandering around, I'll... I'll..."

Because just a small amount of alcohol had caused this situation, Yan Shang felt both happy about Mu Wan Yao's concern for him and deeply embarrassed that taking leave for such a reason seemed frivolous and ridiculous.

Yan Shang negotiated with her, "Three days of rest should be enough. I still need to exchange New Year's greetings with other officials, don't I? There are also banquets among friends—at most I can plead illness and return early... but I can't avoid them entirely. Your Highness, please don't be angry."

Mu Wan Yao widened her eyes, "You still want to negotiate with me? No, you'll do as I say!"

Growing stern, she lifted her chin, ready to argue with him. Yan Shang watched her with his dark eyes for a long moment, then simply sighed and conceded, "Then at least let me write some letters to explain the situation to people, alright?"

Mu Wan Yao smiled and nodded in agreement.

Later, Mu Wan Yao forced Yan Shang to lie down on the bed to sleep. Though she chased him into bed, he couldn't fall asleep. He opened his eyes to find her leaning over the bedside. When she saw him open his eyes, she glared as if to say "caught you."

Mu Wan Yao said sternly, "I told you to rest. Why aren't you sleeping properly?"

Yan Shang lowered his gaze and whispered, "How can I sleep with Your Highness here?"

Mu Wan Yao was taken aback, then blushed and burst out laughing. Smiling brightly, she said, "Then I'll keep you company and chat with you."

She reached out and took his hand. As she played with his fingers, her pinky gently hooked with his, again and again. Yan Shang grew flushed and breathless from her teasing, coughing lightly, but Mu Wan Yao held his hand firmly, not letting him pull away.

Keeping her head down, she asked, "Speaking of which, it's really strange. Ordinary people wouldn't react to alcohol like you even if it was their first time drinking. How did you end up with such poor alcohol tolerance?"

Yan Shang hesitated.

Mu Wan Yao looked up at him, raising an eyebrow, "What, can't you tell me?"

Yan Shang sighed and shook his head, "It's not that. They're just some trivial matters—if Your Highness wants to know, you might as well know."

Leaning against the wooden bedframe, he lowered his eyes, his eyelashes fluttering like feathers, and began recounting the past: "It happened when I was young, around seven or eight years old. My mother's health began to decline. My father was busy taking care of her, seeking medical help everywhere for her illness. My eldest brother was always practicing martial arts, and my third brother was rather careless. At that time, my younger sister was only three or four years old. To help share my father's burden, I was the one who took care of my little sister.""Probably I wasn't very good at taking care of others back then, and I was afraid my younger sister might not be well cared for by me either. So I was always forbidding her from doing this and not letting her touch that. Once, Xiaozhou became very unhappy and, while play-fighting with me, accidentally pushed me into a wine barrel.

"Every household there brewed wine, and the wine barrels were taller than half an adult's height. I don't know how I fell in, but the wine immediately went over my head, and I couldn't struggle my way out."

Mu Wan Yao's eyes widened instantly, and she tightened her grip on his wrist. He lifted his gaze and gave her a comforting smile before continuing his recollection:

"Later, my Eldest Brother rescued me. According to what he told me afterward, Xiaozhou cried so hard she fainted. After that, I was sick for a month. Afraid that Xiaozhou would be scolded by our parents, I made a pact with my younger sister not to tell anyone about the incident, claiming I had accidentally fallen in by myself."

Mu Wan Yao said, "Your sister looks so well-behaved now, but she was so harsh as a child! That's terrible!"

Yan Shang laughed: "Actually, it turned out to be a good thing. Since then, my younger sister has been exceptionally obedient to me, making it much easier for me to take care of her.

"Unfortunately, although my father took us children to seek medical treatment for our mother, she still passed away early. As for me... ever since I nearly drowned in that wine, I haven't been able to touch any alcohol. It's probably some instinctive physical aversion—there's nothing I can do about it."Mu Wan Yao immediately grabbed his hand and shook it, both annoyed and guilty, assuring him: "I promise I won't drink anymore in the future.""

Yan Shang smiled gently and said, "...Occasional small drinks are still fine. I..."

He hesitated before adding, "Not being able to touch a drop of alcohol isn't really a good thing. I should still strive to overcome it... I ought to overcome it.Mu Wan Yao was amazed by his almost torturous self-discipline, but since she couldn't change it, she didn't press further. However, mentioning his younger sister reminded her of something: "But when I was in Lingnan, your sister gave me wine, saying it was brewed by your family. If you can't drink, why does your sister still brew wine?"

Yan Shang sighed: "How could I let Xiaozhou carry a lifelong shadow just because I can't touch alcohol? Naturally, I coaxed and tricked my younger sister into forgetting about the childhood incident, making her think my abstinence from alcohol came later. Besides, just because I can't touch it doesn't mean I should prevent everyone else in the family from doing so."Mu Wan Yao looked up, her eyes glistening under the candlelight, gazing dreamily at him."

Yan Shang blushed under her intense gaze and, after some self-reflection, asked, "...Did I say something wrong?"

Mu Wan Yao held his hand, looked up, and murmured softly: "I really wish I could be your sister."

Yan Shang couldn't help but laugh.

He chuckled and scolded lightly: "More nonsense."

Mu Wan Yao grabbed his hand and placed it against her chest, letting him feel her heartbeat and her sincerity: "It's true. Being your sister would be so wonderful. I'm so jealous of the care you give Yan Xiaozhou."

Yan Shang abruptly pulled his hand away, adjusted her collar for her, and moved his hand aside. His flustered movements left Mu Wan Yao staring at him in confusion. She watched as he shifted several steps toward the inner side of the bed, his cheeks even redder than before.

Mu Wan Yao stared at him blankly. He glanced up at her and, after a long pause, said: "You... just now, just now... my hand touched your chest."

Mu Wan Yao: "..."She lowered her head to glance at her partially exposed jade-like bosom and half-bare fragrant shoulders, then lifted her gaze to Yan Shang’s evasive eyes. Mu Wan Yao remained silent for a long while.

After a good while, she finally scoffed, "You really don’t have the nerve for pleasure."

Then, with a playful shift in her eyes, she smiled brightly, "Shall your elder sister help you get a taste?"

Yan Shang: "Don’t talk nonsense. Who is my elder sister?"

Mu Wan Yao widened her enchanting eyes and said, "You’re so quick to deny it now. Who was it that called me ‘Sister Yao Yao’ back then? Now that you’re off the bed, you won’t admit it?"

Yan Shang flushed red: "...Don’t talk nonsense. We never got on the bed."

Without another word, Mu Wan Yao kicked off her shoes and climbed onto the bed, not even bothering to draw the curtains. She leaned over and pinned him beneath her. She caressed his neck, gently kissed behind his ear, and whispered things like suggesting he touch her.

He stubbornly refused, so Mu Wan Yao bit her lip and laughed, "If you don’t even dare to touch me, how will you ever dare to paint ‘peonies’ on my chest someday?"

Yan Shang was taken aback: "You... truly wish to paint? You're not teasing me?"

Mu Wan Yao found his reaction rather dull. She lifted the bed curtain and whimsically declared, "Forget it, I'll find someone else... Ah."

She was pulled back by the young man behind her, who wrapped his arms around her waist. Yan Shang embraced her from behind, whispering against her neck, "...I'll do my best. Don't seek others."

Mu Wan Yao lowered her head with a laugh, her beautiful eyes sparkling as she pressed her fingers over his hand. "Don't just talk without action, Second Brother Yan."

The red candles flickered, the bed curtain fell, filling the room with warm fragrance that intoxicated the senses—

Yan Shang soon learned what had happened during the New Year's Eve ceremony.

Though the officials' seven-day holiday wasn't yet over, he frequently visited Lord Liu's residence to consult his mentor. When the central government finally resumed operations, Yan Shang returned to the Secretariat and immediately discussed with his teacher the Uman King's proposal for Princess Danyang to enter into a peace marriage.

After consulting texts in the Secretariat, Yan Shang carried scrolls to find Lord Liu.

As they strolled through the courtyard discussing the peace marriage, Yan Shang said, "Since ancient times, there has never been a precedent for a princess to marry for peace twice. This violates ritual propriety and would bring shame upon Great Wei."

Lord Liu hummed in agreement, "But throughout history, there has also never been a case where a peace marriage princess returned midway. If we strictly follow ritual propriety, Princess Danyang should be in Uman territory now, not in Chang'an of Great Wei, nor should she be so actively involved in government affairs or discussing her own fate during ceremonies."

Yan Shang asked, "Does teacher mean the princess should go for the peace marriage? That a minor state like Uman received a genuine princess for marriage was already ridiculous, especially when she was the legitimate princess. Though I don't know the details of what happened back then, I only know that sending the princess for peace marriage again would demonstrate Great Wei's incompetence, our sovereign and officials' incompetence. Great Wei cannot suffer such humiliation."

Lord Liu gazed thoughtfully at the locust tree in the courtyard, "It cannot simply be called humiliation. The Black Barbarians have traditions of 'shared wives' and 'inheriting queens.' Their customs are simply different. To them, welcoming the princess back to Uman is perfectly reasonable. They wouldn't understand our concepts of ritual propriety."

After a moment of silence, Yan Shang said, "I will research texts and consult people these coming days to fully understand their traditions."

Lord Liu looked at him, "And then?"

Yan Shang spoke deliberately, "Then I will persuade everyone that the princess cannot go for peace marriage."

Lord Liu regarded his student with a stern expression, slowly asking, "Why are you so concerned about this matter? This shouldn't be within your purview... Do you have an improper relationship with Princess Danyang?"

Yan Shang lifted his gaze.

"Yes."

Lord Liu's pupils contracted, his gaze instantly turning sharp. He had long suspected but dared not confirm. Yet Yan Shang's personal admission... After a long pause, Lord Liu could only sigh bitterly, "Su Chen, your courage is truly immense. To dare have an affair with a peace marriage princess, and to admit it to me... I truly cannot tell whether you're being discreet or audacious."