Tigers Sniff the Rose

Yan Shang and Meng Zaishi stood in confrontation, but due to their statuses, Meng Zaishi held the upper hand.

Meng Zaishi’s mocking gaze fixed on Yan Shang, blatantly pressuring him to resign from office.

Once Meng Zaishi learned that Yan Shang was Yan Shisheng, he could not possibly let him go. Yet, targeting a court-appointed official was nearly impossible. His only recourse was to force Yan Shang to resign—once stripped of official status, Yan Shang could be killed without consequences.

Given that Yan Shang was Yan Shisheng, he likely surmised Meng Zaishi’s intentions.

Now, it was merely a matter of choice.

Meng Zaishi demanded that Yan Shang abandon his official post and renounce Mu Wan Yao; in return, Meng Zaishi would also give up Mu Wan Yao. Meng Zaishi was deeply curious whether Yan Shang would go to such lengths for Mu Wan Yao—

That day at the battle on South Mountain, Yan Shang had stood alongside Mu Wan Yao. A mere civil official, absurdly claiming to protect a princess.

Meng Zaishi longed to know: when his own interests were at stake, would Yan Shang still choose Mu Wan Yao, even at his own expense?

Yan Shang stared at Meng Zaishi for a long moment before saying, “…Your demand is exceedingly harsh, and it has unsettled me. I cannot provide an answer immediately and need a couple of days to consider.”

A relaxed, scornful smile surfaced on Meng Zaishi’s face, the tension within him easing slightly. He leaned back, thinking: So that’s all there is to him.

Simultaneously, he seethed with anger toward Mu Wan Yao: So this is all Yan Shang amounts to!

His affection for you is just this meager!

…And what made you think he was better than me? Clearly, when faced with his own interests, Yan Shang would prioritize himself!

Meng Zaishi replied dismissively, “Then take your time to consider carefully. As you in Great Wei say, my word is as good as gold. As long as you resign and vow not to wed the princess, I will immediately abandon the peace marriage, leave Great Wei, without a single word of dissent.”

Yan Shang remained silent, bowed in a proper salute, then turned and strode toward the door.

The official sent by the Eastern Palace, who had been following Yan Shang, hastily saluted the Uman King and hurried out after Yan Shang.

The official anxiously pursued him, saying, “Erlang, you must not listen to that Uman King and actually resign. Your future is boundless now. As long as you remain steadily in your post without error, even by seniority alone, you could rise to the upper echelons of the Secretariat… You absolutely must not resign!”

This official was from the Eastern Palace.

The Crown Prince’s current stance toward Yan Shang was primarily supportive. The Crown Prince could not extend his influence into the Secretariat, yet the Secretariat was of utmost importance. At present, Yan Shang was the only one there from their side.

Yan Shang had not made any mistakes so far. The Crown Prince hoped Yan Shang would rise steadily within the Secretariat, thereby enhancing the Crown Prince’s influence.

Resigning now would be sheer folly.

Walking along the corridor, listening to the official’s incessant dissuasion, Yan Shang patiently reiterated that he needed time to consider and was not giving an immediate reply. The official, reassured by Yan Shang’s gentle tone and unaware of any annoyance, grew increasingly verbose, muttering on and on.

Dense green shadows cast upon the corridor, light pouring in from outside like flowing clouds and waterfalls, illuminating the blue Bamboo Leaf Pattern Robe and then falling upon Yan Shang’s profile.

Even from behind, his demeanor exuded nobility and grace.

The chattering official, momentarily captivated, felt a surge of genuine regret—

Yan Erlang was merely nineteen this year.Neither in appearance nor temperament had he reached the prime of his life.

If such a young and talented official were to resign, it would truly be a loss to the central government.

Yan Shang maintained a gentle exterior, but inwardly he was restless and agitated. Meng Zaishi's words had indeed affected him—that man was using the princess to pressure him. Yet if he resigned, he would likely be hunted down by the Black Barbarians... With cliffs on both sides, the path was truly difficult to tread.

Yan Shang's mind raced as he pondered Meng Zaishi, analyzing every expression and word the man had uttered. His thoughts drifted hazily to the events on Southern Mountain that day—Meng Zaishi being struck by an arrow, that subtle expression when he pointed at Yan Shang while departing...

Yan Shang suddenly halted, sensing something amiss.

The look Meng Zaishi had given him and Mu Wan Yao when glancing back upon leaving Southern Mountain—

That attitude of making a grand gesture only to gently set it down!

Yan Shang's heart pounded violently as he realized he had grasped a thread of inspiration. He desperately tried to calm himself, following this train of thought downward. Suddenly, he recalled the examination question Lord Liu had recently posed him regarding the differences between the Great Wei army and the Black Barbarian forces.

Yan Shang had ultimately submitted an answer to Lord Liu that anyone would reasonably overlook... With his teacher preoccupied by household matters these past two days, he likely hadn't concerned himself with Yan Shang's recent activities, nor probably found time to review the answer Yan Shang had provided.

But as Yan Shang connected that answer with Meng Zaishi's subtle attitude, his palms grew damp with sweat, leading him to a bold conclusion—

Meng Zaishi was bluffing him!

Meng Zaishi had no real intention of opposing Great Wei, nor any genuine desire to pursue Mu Wan Yao's attempt on his life.

Mu Wan Yao might have been merely a minor consideration in Meng Zaishi's visit to Great Wei. Obtaining her would be nice, but losing her mattered little... The Uman King's purpose in coming to Great Wei was never about Danyang Princess!

Realizing this, Yan Shang unconsciously quickened his pace. He urgently needed to return to the Secretariat, to organize his thoughts, and then use his reasoning to persuade the high officials there...

As Yan Shang hastened his steps and descended the corridor steps, he collided with someone.

Yan Shang promptly apologized and bowed.

The other person returned the courtesy, replying in flawless Great Wei speech: "No matter, it was I who bumped into you, sir."

As the man shifted his shoulder, Yan Shang's eyelashes fluttered slightly as he looked up at the middle-aged man he had collided with.

The other appeared amiable, with the typical features of a Great Wei native, unlike the deep-set facial contours of the Black Barbarians. Yet his clothing and manner of dress were distinctly Black Barbarian in style... Yan Shang mused thoughtfully: "A Great Wei native?"

The other's eyes narrowed as he coldly and warily stepped back, bowed once more, and disappeared into the corridor.

An official behind Yan Shang remarked disdainfully: "I remember that man. He's one of the envoys who came with the Black Barbarians this time. He looks like a Great Wei native, yet he acknowledges the foe as father—considers himself a Black Barbarian and has made himself an enemy of our Great Wei. A spineless creature, disgraceful to behold."

Yan Shang said softly: "Everyone has their difficulties. Since we cannot see the full picture, we should refrain from easy judgment."

The official sighed: "Ah, Erlang, you're simply too kind. This won't do."

Yan Shang smiled faintly before finally withdrawing his gaze and departing—

The man who had collided with Yan Shang was none other than Luo Xiu, the Southern Barbarian envoy sent to the Black Barbarians who had accompanied them to Chang'an.Upon hearing that the Uman King had been struck by an arrow, Luo Xiu hurried over to sow discord between the Black Barbarians and Great Wei, preparing impassioned words to urge the Black Barbarians to demand an explanation from Great Wei.

Luo Xiu had readied many stirring arguments about how Great Wei looked down upon the Black Barbarians.

But when he was led into the study and saw a wild-haired, rough-looking young man sitting there in loose robes, Luo Xiu was stunned: "Why are you here? Where is the Uman King?"

Meng Zaishi smiled faintly.

Only then did Luo Xiu realize that this was the true Uman King.

Luo Xiu's face turned pale as he understood the Black Barbarians' distrust toward him.

That day in the study, Luo Xiu gained no advantage from the Uman King. Knowing the Black Barbarians didn't trust him, he understood the information he sought would be withheld. Thus, Luo Xiu decided to leverage his identity as the "Black Barbarian envoy" in the eyes of Great Wei to act on his own behalf—

In the Hanlin Academy, Liu Wenji had been scolded by an impatient eunuch for staying too long.

The discrimination among eunuchs themselves was no less severe than that from scholars toward eunuchs.

Luo Xiu frequently visited the Hanlin Academy to gather information about Great Wei and had seen this eunuch named Liu Wenji many times—often being punished.

Luo Xiu's expression shifted, and he called out to the older eunuchs pushing the frail one: "What are you doing?!They turned and, seeing the Black Barbarian envoy, their expressions became subtle, bowing their heads and apologizing for disturbing the noble guest.

Luo Xiu reprimanded them in the haughty manner of the Black Barbarians and took Liu Wenji away from them. Once outside the Hanlin Academy and on the main road, near an ancient tree at a bend, Liu Wenji stopped.

Liu Wenji looked at him sideways with a strange expression: "Sir deliberately saved me—what is your purpose?"

Luo Xiu: "...Why do you say that?"

Liu Wenji smiled faintly. His eyes were cold, his words carrying a sense of detached realism: "I've seen you many times in the Hanlin Academy. Before, when I was punished repeatedly, you never intervened. I've witnessed plenty of cold indifference in this world. If you saved me, you must want something. What is it?"

Luo Xiu was no longer truly a man of Great Wei. He didn't even notice that Liu Wenji referred to himself as "I" instead of "this humble servant."

He only felt that this eunuch didn't give off the gloomy aura typical of others. But this wasn't because Liu Wenji had a better disposition or was different from other eunuchs... What Luo Xiu sensed in Liu Wenji was a bone-deep chill.

An indifference to worldly affairs.

Luo Xiu tentatively spoke a few words to Liu Wenji, but the eunuch was truly cold, barely responding. Left with no choice, Luo Xiu revealed his true intention: "...Actually, this matter isn't troublesome for you. I just want to know the real situation in Great Wei—such as military strength, financial status, and how officials and the Emperor view forces outside Great Wei... I want detailed information about Great Wei. Someone like you, who frequently moves between the palace and government offices, must know more secrets than others."

Liu Wenji looked down at him thoughtfully.

Luo Xiu pressed on: "And in return, I can do you a favor."Liu Wenji: "Why do you need to know the true situation of Great Wei? Do the Black Barbarians intend to wage war against Great Wei, or ally with neighboring states to attack?"

Before Luo Xiu could explain, Liu Wenji interrupted again: "It doesn't matter. You needn't tell me. Regardless of whether you're telling the truth, knowing too much brings me no benefit."

Luo Xiu: "Then...?"

A faint, elusive smile played on Liu Wenji's lips.

He narrowed his eyes, gazing at the blazing, magnificent sunset on the horizon at dusk, watching as darkness enveloped the land and night approached.

Liu Wenji said slowly: "I can cooperate with you. What I need from you is simple. The Grand Steward by His Majesty's side has three most valued disciples whom he has trained to succeed him. Among them, I am the weakest in influence."

"I want you to approach the other two. Then praise one of them in front of His Majesty and the Grand Steward. His Majesty is highly suspicious, and the Grand Steward dare not disobey him. He will suspect the eunuch you praised of colluding with the Black Barbarians. That eunuch will be secretly executed."

"Then the furious Grand Steward will investigate who was behind it. And since you frequently interact with the other eunuch, the Grand Steward will easily suspect the surviving eunuch of framing the deceased one."

Luo Xiu murmured: "With both capable disciples gone, you'll be the only one left by the Grand Steward's side. He'll have no choice but to use you."

Liu Wenji curled his lips slightly, his eyes icy cold, his lowered eyelashes concealing his expression—

There was no other way.

If one wanted to climb higher, one's hands couldn't remain clean.

This was merely the beginning of his ascent—

Luo Xiu agreed to Liu Wenji's proposal. Liu Wenji stated that once the first eunuch was dead, he would provide Luo Xiu with the requested materials.

Their meeting was brief, and in subsequent encounters, they maintained the pretense of being strangers, arousing no suspicion within the Imperial Academy—

But Liu Wenji once encountered Danyang Princess at the Imperial Academy.

At noon that day, when most officials had left for meals, Liu Wenji was grinding ink when someone announced Danyang Princess's arrival.

Liu Wenji's heart raced wildly, but he hid in a corner while Mu Wan Yao, that noble and beautiful princess, surrounded by officials in all her jeweled splendor, didn't even notice Liu Wenji.

Mu Wan Yao only stood briefly in the outer hall of the Imperial Academy, casually observing their work. Learning that the Imperial Academy was following Prince Qin's orders to compose praises for the grand ceremony and His Majesty, Mu Wan Yao's lips curved slightly.

Mu Wan Yao remarked sarcastically: "You all certainly have plenty of free time."

Accompanying her was a young, refined official who, despite his youth, already held the title of Academician of the Imperial Academy. Rumor had it he was a former top imperial scholar, though Mu Wan Yao couldn't quite recall. Hearing her words, this top scholar actually showed a hint of displeasure.

The young Academician replied with neither humility nor arrogance: "We merely wield our brushes to write essays and poems for the court. Our duties, whatever they may be, are all dictated by the central authority. What does Your Highness mean by mocking us so inexplicably?"

Mu Wan Yao always took a closer look at anyone who dared confront her directly.

Mu Wan Yao said: "From your tone, are you also implying that your duties are too idle and meaningless?"

The young Academician was taken aback and was about to clarify that wasn't his meaning when Mu Wan Yao straightened her expression and said calmly: "You won't be idle for much longer."With that, Mu Wan Yao didn't linger in the Hanlin Academy any longer, turning to leave.

After the princess departed, a middle-aged official sighed and nudged the young official who had earlier contradicted her: "Yan Zhi, you're truly bold. Speaking to Her Highness like that—aren't you afraid she might charge you with disrespect?"

Two days later, Prince Qin grew increasingly frustrated as Meng Zaishi continued to evade firmly removing the peace marriage princess, making him suspect his collaborator wasn't truly committed to the matter.

In the midst of his distress, Prince Qin received word that Mu Wan Yao and Wei Shu had arrived at his residence.

Fuming, Prince Qin exclaimed, "...How did those two end up coming together?"

He ordered, "Tell them I'm ill and not receiving guests... Ugh!"

Before he could finish, his steward gave him a helpless look. In the main hall, Mu Wan Yao, adorned in luxurious robes, had already glided in gracefully, with the young Wei Shu following behind her.

Mu Wan Yao cast a glance at Prince Qin, her beautiful eyes sparkling like stars scattered across a lake under the sunlight. Such radiant eyes made Prince Qin deeply uncomfortable.

Prince Qin said, "I heard you fell ill after returning from South Mountain, little sister... Why aren't you resting properly and instead coming out?"

Mu Wan Yao smiled warmly, "I heard the Ministry of War has been withholding my guards. I was too ill to leave my bed before and intended to ask Yan Suchen to speak on my behalf at the ministry. Unfortunately, he seems to have been preoccupied lately and likely forgot about it... So I thought I'd come in person.

"Third Brother, isn't it time to release them?"

Prince Qin retorted, "You're one to talk! If you hadn't acted recklessly and injured the Uman King... I'm detaining them to give the Black Barbarians an explanation, aren't I?"

Mu Wan Yao's eyes turned cold, "So, Third Brother, you mean you won't release them unless the Uman King agrees to reconciliation and leaves Great Wei?"

Avoiding her gaze, Prince Qin said guiltily, "Sixth Sister, there's no need to worry. Not only are your people detained, but the troublesome envoys from the Black Barbarians are also confined. You have no one to use, and neither does the Uman King. I'm detaining both your parties to prevent further incidents. They will naturally be released afterward."

Mu Wan Yao sneered, "You're not still dreaming that once I'm sent off in the peace marriage, you'll release them and let me leave Great Wei with the Uman King, all while playing the part of a caring older brother, are you?"

Prince Qin snapped sharply, "What nonsense are you spouting! How could I treat you like that? We are siblings—is our bond of flesh and blood false?"

Mu Wan Yao replied indifferently, "Bond of flesh and blood? If it were Fourth Sister's people detained today, even if you didn't release them, you'd rush to explain yourself. But for me, even when I come in person, you refuse to relent. So this is what our bond amounts to."

Prince Qin paused, then surprisingly said, "Your fourth sister is currently pregnant and resting at her residence. If you have any matters, discuss them directly with me. Do not disturb her and risk alarming her pregnancy."

Mu Wan Yao remained silent.

Wei Shu, who had been sitting quietly in a lower seat beside Mu Wan Yao, finally spoke up, "Your Highness, speaking up for one sister in front of another is rather cold-hearted."

Prince Qin turned angrily toward him, "Wei Juyuan, I was just about to address you! What right do you, an outsider, have to eavesdrop on private conversations between me and my sister?"

Wei Shu tilted his head and looked at him.

The clear, cool light fell upon the youth, highlighting his elegant and refined beauty.Wei Shu said, "I have come today to present memorials to Your Highness. The Ministry of Personnel has had far too many cases of misconduct among officials recently. As the supervising censor, I can no longer keep up with the investigations. I specifically brought these memorials for Your Highness to review."

He presented the memorials. When Prince Qin saw the hefty stack of documents carried by Wei Shu's page, his eyelids twitched involuntarily, silently cursing Wei Shu's peculiar fixation. He refused to believe that other ministries were completely faultless—why did Wei Shu always target the Ministry of Personnel for suppression?

With visible irritation, Prince Qin flipped through the memorials from beginning to end, his expression growing increasingly grim. He had to admit that despite his youth, Wei Shu possessed remarkable discernment and exceptional talent... Prince Qin truly struggled to find grounds to refute these memorials.

He took a deep breath. "What is your intention in specifically bringing these memorials to me? What must I do if I wish to dismiss them?"

Wei Shu tilted his head toward Mu Wan Yao.

Mu Wan Yao slowly lowered her gaze and said leisurely, "It's nothing much. I merely wish to borrow the Hanlin Academy that Third Brother currently oversees."

Hearing it was only the Hanlin Academy, Prince Qin first breathed a sigh of relief. The Hanlin Academy was far less important than the Ministry of Personnel. To him, preserving the Ministry while sacrificing the Academy was acceptable.

He simply wondered, "Those in the Hanlin Academy merely write poetry and compose rhapsodies. What do you need them for?"

Mu Wan Yao's lowered eyes lifted slightly, shimmering with a captivating golden light. "Naturally, to have them write poetry and rhapsodies."

Sitting beside Prince Qin, she watched the maids pour tea, her voice as melodious as an oriole's song. "Precisely—I want the Hanlin Academy to lead scholars across the land in writing poetry and rhapsodies. But vague, grandiose compositions are dull. I wish to assign them a theme."

She tilted her head toward Prince Qin, lifting her face with playful innocence, her dark pupils sparkling like obsidian. "How about making the theme 'Peace Marriage'?"

Prince Qin's eyes narrowed abruptly.

After a moment, he said slowly, "You intend to use these scholars' brushes to plead your own case. You want these literati to employ public sentiment to pressure the court officials who oppose you. Because you know that scholars—especially those detached from state affairs and those with unrecognized talents—are most sympathetic toward princesses in Peace Marriages."

"Since ancient times, Peace Marriage princesses have been figures of sympathy, often used as metaphors in literary works."

"If I am not mistaken, you also plan to select the best-written piece, promote its author, and spread the composition throughout the realm. Once public sympathy for you grows, combined with the support of southern aristocratic families led by the Li clan... you will win this battle."

Mu Wan Yao curved her eyes in a smile.

Prince Qin turned to Wei Shu and snapped, "Wei Juyuan! You are a court-appointed official—how can you willingly play into another's hands like this? Aren't you afraid I will charge you with a crime?"

Wei Shu looked at Prince Qin and replied calmly, "What crime does Your Highness intend to charge me with?"

Prince Qin was speechless for a long moment, only managing a blustering threat: "Then I can block your promotions! Or find some fault and demote you!"

Wei Shu said, "Then I shall return to my hometown in Luoyang and live in seclusion."

Prince Qin was left speechless. "..."

He wanted to curse.

This was the audacity of great aristocratic families!

If they didn't want to serve as officials, they could simply return home and rest. And after a few years of rest, they could reemerge... Even though Prince Qin himself relied on several major families, he found these scions of great clans utterly unreasonable and detestable!

After leaving Prince Qin's residence, with the negotiation successfully concluded, Mu Wan Yao let out a long sigh of relief.She looked at Wei Shu, who gave her a faint smile. Mu Wan Yao felt touched, knowing he wasn't fond of speaking—this assistance was already his way of expressing support.

Without saying more, Mu Wan Yao patted his shoulder twice and invited him to visit her residence for tea another day.

Wei Shu said, "It's nothing. Not only would I assist Your Highness, but I believe if Second Brother Yan were in my position, he too would aid Your Highness."

Mentioning Yan Shang made Mu Wan Yao's heart sink with gloom.

After returning from South Mountain, he had comforted her on the first night, coaxing and soothing her repeatedly. After that, he seemed to have vanished—leaving early and returning late every day, with no one knowing what he was busy with.

Mu Wan Yao had even fallen ill for two days in her weakened state, yet she only saw Yan Shang send someone to inquire after her, never coming himself.

So infuriating!

Amid her anger, there was also a trace of unease—

Had he only been comforting her that night? Did he actually still look down on her?

Now that Wei Shu brought up Yan Shang, Mu Wan Yao’s expression turned displeased, and she said irritably, "Don’t mention him to me. He hasn’t come to see me all day—does he think he’s in the right?"

Wei Shu looked at her and said softly, "Second Brother is in the Secretariat. The Secretariat is the central hub of the court and must be extremely busy. If Second Brother Yan is too occupied to attend to Your Highness, you should be considerate."

Mu Wan Yao glanced at him, about to question why Wei Shu was so partial to Yan Shang, when she noticed the young man blushing and avoiding her gaze.

Knowing he was easily embarrassed, Mu Wan Yao could only sigh helplessly, "Fine, I understand. You may return to the Censorate to attend to your duties. I’ll go see for myself what Yan Shang is so busy with."—

After seeing Wei Shu off to the Censorate, Mu Wan Yao made her way to the Secretariat. There, papers were flying everywhere, documents were in disarray, and officials of all ranks hurried in and out to deliver reports—it was indeed a scene of intense activity.

They sent someone to receive the princess, and the official guiding her was drenched in sweat. When he heard Mu Wan Yao’s inquiry, his expression turned peculiar: "Yan Suchen? Didn’t he go to negotiate with the Uman King today on behalf of the Secretariat?"

At the mention of "Uman King," Mu Wan Yao’s heart skipped a beat before she replied calmly, "What are they negotiating about?"

The official’s expression grew even stranger: "...Isn’t it about Your Highness’s matter? Since Suchen is your neighbor, didn’t he inform you?"

Another official passing by chimed in, "Originally, Your Highness was supposed to negotiate with the Uman King personally. But Yan Suchen said you were ill and it wouldn’t be convenient. Seeing you now, have you recovered?"

Mu Wan Yao was stunned. After brushing them off with a few words, she left the Secretariat, got into her carriage, and instructed the coachman, "...Take me to the embassy to see the Uman King."

The imposing presence of Danyang Princess made the embassy staff dare not stop her.

An official from the Court of State Ceremonial followed Danyang Princess, insisting that the Uman King must be notified before she could enter the courtyard. Mu Wan Yao snorted coldly. The guards behind her blocked the obstructing official, while she lifted her skirts and stepped over the threshold as naturally as ever, entering the courtyard where the Uman King resided.

She strode straight inward.

Anyone who tried to shout or warn was stopped by the princess’s attendants.

The official from the Court of State Ceremonial could only smile wryly, thinking that this princess had even dared to shoot the Uman King—what was such a small matter to her?—

Meanwhile, in the Uman King’s quarters, it was the same study as before, and once again, Yan Shang found Meng Zaishi sitting there in loose robes, waiting for him.

Seeing that Yan Shang had come alone this time, without any other officials, Meng Zaishi clicked his tongue, thinking idly that Yan Shang must have come to yield to him.

Meng Zaishi possessed exceptional martial skills. As he sat there, his ears twitched at the chaotic noises coming from the courtyard outside.Meng Zaishi tilted his head, pensively noticing a slender figure standing beneath the window. The light was faint, and the person stood in an extremely obscure position, yet it couldn’t escape the notice of Meng Zaishi, a trained martial artist.

Raising his gaze, he glanced at Yan Shang standing in the courtyard. Seeing Yan Shang’s oblivious expression, Meng Zaishi sneered inwardly: Of course, Yan Shang didn’t know that Mu Wan Yao was eavesdropping outside the window.

Good.

Then let Mu Wan Yao see Yan Shang’s true nature.

Let Mu Wan Yao realize… among all the men in the world, Yan Shang was no better than him!

Meng Zaishi drawled lazily, “About the matter we discussed last time—abandon your official position and give up on marrying the princess, and I’ll agree to relinquish Danyang Princess. Judging by your demeanor, sir, it seems you’ve come to refuse?”

Yan Shang looked at him, his tone gentle, “Indeed, I’ve come to refuse.”

Meng Zaishi saw the delicate shadow outside the window tremble slightly, and the smile on his lips deepened. Just as he was about to say “good,” Yan Shang continued, “Since the King and Great Wei have already developed a rift, let’s not discuss matters of princesses or Peace Marriages. A princess means nothing in the affairs between two nations.”

Meng Zaishi asked, “What do you suggest?”

Yan Shang smiled, “I suggest the King directly declare war on Great Wei.”

Meng Zaishi: “...?”

Mu Wan Yao outside the window, who had been on the verge of leaving in sorrow: “...?”

What nonsense was this?

After a long pause, Meng Zaishi replied coldly, “Are you insane? Do the officials of your Great Wei know about this? Inciting war between two nations—can you take responsibility for it?”

Yan Shang said, “I am precisely here to take responsibility for this matter. Rest assured, Your Majesty, our conversation today has the approval of the Secretariat—the most important department in our Great Wei court. Great Wei believes that matters between nations cannot be treated lightly. Although the princess has offended your kingdom, she is still our princess and cannot be insulted in such a manner.”

Meng Zaishi retorted coldly, “War between nations is no trivial matter. Do you think Great Wei can afford it? You’ve never been able to defeat us.”

Yan Shang stood his ground, his voice calm, “Even if we cannot win, we must fight. If the King agrees, the central government will immediately issue orders to prepare for war. The King should leave Great Wei at once to avoid any unfortunate incidents here. Since we are now enemies, if anything happens to the King in Great Wei, I will not be held responsible.”

Meng Zaishi exclaimed, “Your princess nearly killed me!”

Yan Shang’s expression turned stern, and he enunciated each word clearly, “In that case, war is even more necessary! Our princess endangered the King’s life, while your kingdom insulted the dignity of our princess… The conflict is irreconcilable. Only through war can we settle this clearly.”

The two exchanged words, each retort sharp and confrontational. But after a moment, Meng Zaishi fell silent, glaring coldly at Yan Shang.

His earlier nonchalance vanished completely. His breathing grew heavy, his muscles tensed, and an ominous chill enveloped him as he stared at Yan Shang with fierce intensity.

Yan Shang had spoken at length, projecting an image of righteous integrity and national pride.

Then he lowered his gaze, observing Meng Zaishi’s expressionless face behind the desk. Pausing briefly, Yan Shang’s demeanor softened.

With a faint smile, he asked, “What’s the matter? Is the Black Barbarian King unwilling?”

Yan Shang’s smile was subtle.

He spoke politely and courteously, “There’s no need to look at me like that. You don’t have the skill to play this game with me.

“If you want something, you might as well be straightforward. When it comes to these tactics, you are no match for me… Uman King.”Listening outside the door, Mu Wan Yao was already stirred with surging emotions—

Her husband was wise and sharp-witted.

It made her heart flutter uncontrollably.