Tigers Sniff the Rose

At the end of February, the spring rain fell like a shuttle.

Late at night after the rain ceased, a thin mist rose in the courtyard. The moon hung in the sky, clear and translucent like a serene lake.

Everything was veiled in a hazy beauty.

Just like the dream Yan Shang was having at this moment.

In his dream, there was this indistinct, indescribable dimness, yet the dream was not solely composed of scenery.

Ripples gently spread across the lake's surface, and the fragrance of flowers quietly permeated the darkness. The breaths of a man and a woman hidden indoors—soft, intense—became exceptionally clear in the obscurity.

The bed curtains were like gauze, their limbs gentle, entwined in tender affection. The moonlight was cool and pale, while strands of love lingered in the air. The young woman pressed beneath the man had hair spread like silk, nestling against his shoulder, her brows slightly furrowed. She parted her lips softly, her dark hair caressing her face, the peach-red hue at the corners of her eyes glistening as if with tears.

Under the sparse stars and bright moon, the pale glow beneath her neck was exquisitely beautiful and soft. Like delicate, crystalline snow and lustrous mountain light, her black hair cascaded beneath her neck, flowing leisurely. The other’s spine arched like a mountain, reuniting with the water-like softness.

Black and white intertwined in chaos, tearing the bed curtains into a deep crimson.

Yan Shang stepped closer to the bed curtains, staring blankly, his heartbeat distinct and eerie.

The couple turned their faces toward him. The woman, enchantingly alluring, need not be described further, while the man, tilting his neck back, lost in overwhelming ecstasy… was none other than Yan Shang’s own face.

Yan Shang’s heart jolted, and he stumbled backward.

In an instant, he was jolted out of the dream.

The faint moonlight hung in the sky. Yan Erlang, clad only in his inner garments, sat on the edge of the bed, head bowed, clutching his collar as he gasped for breath. The damp, stifling heat from the dream still clung to his chest, a restless urge waiting to be released, while his throat felt parched.

After closing his eyes to calm himself for a while, Yan Shang threw off the covers, annoyed and embarrassed by his own wretched state.

Ever since that night, he had been plagued by such dreams. What used to be an infrequent nuisance now visited him almost every night. If this continued, he feared he would go mad.

Yan Shang pressed his hand to his forehead, jaw clenched, forcing himself to ignore the discomfort in his body as he waited for it to gradually settle. After sitting rigidly for a quarter of an hour, the stirred reaction subsided, and Yan Shang rose to bathe, changing into a clean set of inner garments.

Outside, the night-watch servant Yun Shu, who had just dozed off, was startled awake by the sound of water from the bathing chamber.

Yun Shu glanced at the grayish sky, surprised. "Erlang?"

The room fell silent, as if the person inside was feeling awkward.

After a moment, Yan Shang’s voice, gentle and composed as usual, sounded. "It’s nothing. I just remembered some official duties I haven’t attended to. I’ll take a look at them now and then go back to sleep."

Yun Shu believed him immediately.

After all, his master was the type to overwork himself.

Yun Shu only worried about Yan Shang’s health. "Young master, you burden yourself too much. Truly, there aren’t that many matters to attend to. I’ve seen other officials of your rank who aren’t half as busy as you. Erlang, you should get more rest. If you keep this up, while you’re still young it’s manageable, but what will happen when you fall ill from exhaustion later on?"

Yan Shang replied with a light laugh, "I understand. Thank you for your concern. I’ll only look for a short while before going back to sleep."

Yun Shu sighed and said no more.

In his heart, he wished the household had a mistress to properly take care of Erlang. Erlang was perfect in every way, except that he set his standards too high and was far too hard on himself.Inside the chamber, after a mortified bath, Yan Shang truly lit a lamp and sat at his desk. He began practicing calligraphy with some agitation, vainly hoping to find answers to his own questions.

He loathed how every thought of Mu Wan Yao inevitably drifted toward indecent paths.

How filthy and defiling that was to her.

Yet he truly couldn't help himself.

While awake he could maintain control, but once night fell, these desires tormented him in dreams. This frequent occurrence startled even himself. He despised his own lack of restraint, wondering why he couldn't resist being controlled by such urges.

For two days, Yan Shang hadn't dared to visit Mu Wan Yao, fearing that even her smile would trigger chaotic thoughts and unspeakable imaginings. Yet avoiding her made Mu Wan Yao suspicious about what kept him so occupied.

Caught between dilemmas, Yan Shang endured genuine torment these past days.

Frustrated, he felt certain that continuing like this would eventually lead to humiliation. For someone like him, public disgrace would be as unbearable as death.

After practicing calligraphy for a while, Yan Shang looked down at his writing and froze at the sight of "Mu Wan Yao" covering the entire page. Staring at his own handwriting, he unconsciously opened the window to gaze toward the opposite estate.

He remembered the Princess Residence had a three-story pavilion that used to be always lit.

But tonight Yan Shang was destined for disappointment - it stood dark and silent.

Clearly, he alone suffered this torment, while Mu Wan Yao remained utterly untroubled by similar concerns.

Sighing, Yan Shang began his daily self-reflection on why he felt this way. After some contemplation, memories of that night's indiscretions surfaced, bringing an involuntary smile and slight relaxation to his features. With newfound tranquility, he started recording the events of that evening.

After writing, Yan Shang studied his calligraphy awhile, feeling utterly ridiculous.

Shaking his head, he burned the paper, burying his feelings as deeply as the ashes.

At most... he stealthily wrote to his Eldest Brother, awkwardly asking whether his condition was abnormal; he sought advice on how to master his desires without becoming a laughingstock...

While writing to his brother, Yan Shang took out more stationery and composed separate letters to his father, third brother, and younger sister.

He advised his father to drink less; inquired after Eldest Brother and his wife's wellbeing, asked what his young nephew looked like now, and whether the household lacked anything;

Severely criticized Third Brother's idle wandering, urging him to study seriously - promising that if Third Brother passed the provincial exams and came to Chang'an, he could care for him and share family burdens;

Finally, his tone softened considerably when writing to his younger sister.

But after some thought, Yan Shang realized his sister had reached fourteen or fifteen - the age of budding romance and youthful infatuation. He urged his father, brothers, and third brother to pay more attention to their sister, ensuring she wouldn't stray during this vulnerable age.

Yan Xiaozhou was still young - no need to rush marriage matters.

One thing leading to another, the letters grew increasingly lengthy—

Envoys from various kingdoms were preparing to depart the Great Wei capital, though this concerned few ordinary citizens.

For instance, in Imperial Academy Chancellor Zhao's household, Duke Zhao remained more preoccupied with his youngest daughter Zhao Lingfei, since diplomatic affairs didn't concern him. And regarding Zhao Lingfei, Duke Zhao's constant concern naturally revolved around his daughter's marriage prospects.In the past, Duke Zhao would always find fault with Zhao Lingfei, but these past two days, hearing that she had gone to participate in the military exercise, others naturally praised his daughter for being as brave as any young man. While Duke Zhao felt a sense of pride, he was also filled with anxiety, thinking that with such behavior, his fifth daughter would be even harder to marry off.

One day, Duke Zhao encountered Zhao Lingfei at the estate. She had just returned from the practice field. Zhao Lingfei gave her father a perfunctory salute and turned to leave, knowing full well that he disapproved of her martial training.

Unexpectedly, this time, Duke Zhao sternly said, "Fifth Daughter, come back here!"

Zhao Lingfei glanced back at him curiously but still followed him to the study.

After closing the study door, Duke Zhao spoke mysteriously, "How is your relationship with Yan Erlang progressing?"

Zhao Lingfei was taken aback, a scene flashing in her mind. A blush of embarrassment and a trace of awkward annoyance spread across her face.

She recalled that night after the military exercise and scholarly duel, when Danyang Princess had come to drink with them. Among the group of youths, only Liu Ruozhu was a girl. Seeing Liu Ruozhu's delicate and obedient demeanor, Zhao Lingfei felt a surge of protectiveness and took the initiative to chat with her.

During their conversation, Zhao Lingfei turned her head and saw Danyang Princess sitting beside Yan Erlang.

All the young men had drunk quite a bit, and the atmosphere was lively, so no one paid attention. But Zhao Lingfei noticed Danyang Princess gently leaning her head on Yan Shang's shoulder, and Yan Shang, as if unaware, did not move away at all.

That scene was painfully glaring, and Zhao Lingfei froze on the spot.

The Yan Shang she knew would never allow a young lady to lean on his shoulder. He was always measured in his actions, gentle to others, but if he had no such intentions, he would never lead others on or cause a girl unnecessary heartache.

Yet this Yan Shang had let Danyang Princess lean on him.

In that instant, Zhao Lingfei remembered many past events—the days she had spent trying to intercept Yan Shang, the time Danyang Princess had confidently argued with her until she cried and persuaded her to step back... She suddenly felt angry. Had the princess persuaded her to retreat only to take advantage of the situation herself?

And those two were even neighbors!

How could the princess be so excessive!

Liu Ruozhu noticed Zhao Lingfei's strange expression and followed her gaze. In the dim light of the bonfire, Mu Wan Yao and Yan Shang nestled together, looking utterly cozy. Liu Ruozhu was stunned for a moment, then instantly guessed—could it be that Zhao Lingfei also liked Second Brother Yan?

Had Zhao Lingfei now realized Second Brother Yan's feelings?

A shadow crossed Liu Ruozhu's eyes as she nudged Zhao Lingfei's shoulder and said worriedly, "Fifth Daughter..."

Zhao Lingfei glanced back at her, smiled self-deprecatingly, and took a sullen sip of wine. She muttered quietly, "The princess is truly wicked."

Liu Ruozhu whispered, "The young lady Second Brother Yan likes would never be wicked."

Zhao Lingfei puffed out her cheeks, "I don't care! She deceived me... she's a villain!"

Zhao Lingfei remained sullen for a long time, and now Duke Zhao was asking about her progress with Yan Shang. What progress was there? Before, there wasn't even a hint of possibility; now, it seemed even further away.

Seeing his daughter's gloomy expression, Duke Zhao understood. Unperturbed, he chuckled cheerfully, "It's alright. Think about it carefully—although Yan Er is decent, he's still from a humble background and isn't worthy of us. I've found you an excellent match, from a top-tier noble family!"

Duke Zhao exclaimed excitedly, "Once you marry into that family, our branch will rise in status!"Zhao Lingfei now felt somewhat disillusioned with matters between men and women, and she didn't even refuse the marriage her father proposed: "What kind of family is it?"

Duke Zhao coughed lightly: "Well, the other party is slightly older than you... and already has a child. But his first wife has passed away. If you marry him, although you'd be a stepmother, you'd still be the legitimate wife. Moreover, their family has promised me that once you marry, I won't have to serve as an academic official anymore and can participate in practical governance..."

Zhao Lingfei stared blankly at her ambitious father.

She knew her father had always been obsessed with climbing into upper-class society—to the extent that the Yang family had become their distant relatives. But she never imagined her father would sink to such depths...

Zhao Lingfei raised her voice: "I'm only sixteen! And you want me to become someone's stepmother! Am I so undesirable? So unmarriageable? How could you treat your own daughter like this!"

Duke Zhao displeased: "What's wrong with being a stepmother? The family already has children, so you wouldn't need to bear children early. It's not good for girls to have children too young... They've said they want you to marry mainly to care for the child. They're in no hurry for you to bear children—how many men in this world would be so considerate? I'm doing this for your own good!"

Zhao Lingfei retorted: "If you let me marry at seventeen or eighteen, this wouldn't even be an issue! What terrible matchmaking—I shouldn't have trusted your judgment. I won't marry him!"

Tilting her chin stubbornly, Zhao Lingfei declared: "With your terrible taste, I'd rather become a nun than marry!"

Duke Zhao: "How dare you become a nun! If you do, I'll make your mother join you in the convent, chanting your name every day!"

Zhao Lingfei: "Pah! Go ahead and try! Using your daughter's marriage as a business transaction—how could you even conceive of such a thing!"

Duke Zhao turned livid with rage at her bluntness, berating her that without his social climbing, she wouldn't be enjoying her current comfortable life. Zhao Lingfei mocked him in return, saying he couldn't walk straight whenever he saw a powerful family, that he went mad for marriage alliances with top-tier clans... calling him utterly insane.

As usual, father and daughter descended into mutual shouting.

Zhao Lingfei stood with arms akimbo, provoking Duke Zhao until he started throwing books and inkstones at her.

The study echoed with crashing noises, frightening the servants outside. Upon hearing reports from the servants, Madame Zhao rushed over to intervene, urging both sides to calm down and stop arguing.

Zhao Lingfei stood by the bookshelf with her face turned away, refusing to look at her father.

Soothed by his wife, Duke Zhao gradually regained some composure: "Fine, if you dislike this match, I have another prospect. The Crown Prince has a cousin who's reached marriageable age..."

Zhao Lingfei couldn't take it anymore: "The Crown Prince's maternal family were butchers! That cousin is an illiterate butcher too. Now the whole family's risen through the Crown Prince's influence... To curry favor, you'd either marry me off as a replacement wife or to an illiterate butcher... This is too much!

"Is raising a daughter just business for you? Something to be sold off?"

Madame Zhao tried to mediate: "Your cousin serves the Crown Prince, and the Yang family maintains good relations with him. Why must you be so disdainful..."

Zhao Lingfei suppressed her anger in silence.

Duke Zhao: "You look down on this one and scorn that one, yet the one you fancy doesn't want you either!"Zhao Lingfei flared up instantly. She slammed her fist against the bookshelf, causing it to wobble and all the books to tumble down with a clatter. The sheer force of it made Mr. and Mrs. Zhao's eyes twitch, inwardly startled by their daughter's strength and wondering if she was truly their own flesh and blood...

Zhao Lingfei declared, "You're looking down on Second Brother Yan's humble origins again, aren't you? Aside from his background not meeting your standards, he's ten thousand times better than anyone you'd approve of in every other way!"

Duke Zhao retorted, "Say whatever you want... Fifth Daughter, let me make this clear: your marriage must be to a top-tier noble family that can elevate our Zhao family's status. If it doesn't meet this requirement, I will not consent to your marriage. Without my consent, any union would be an illicit affair. Don't even think about marrying!"

Tears welled in Zhao Lingfei's eyes as boundless despair filled her heart.

She had never seen eye to eye with her father, but never before had she realized how utterly detestable he could be. What was wrong with the Zhao family remaining among the virtuous officials? Of course, supreme nobility would be ideal, but if that wasn't possible, wouldn't facing reality be better?

Why must they constantly curry favor with the powerful and covet what wasn't rightfully theirs?

Her sisters' marriages, her brothers' marriages... and now it was her turn!

While Mrs. Zhao tried to calm her husband, she turned to comfort her daughter, but the study door swung open as Zhao Lingfei dashed out. Enraged, Duke Zhao shouted after her, "If you dare run away, don't come back! I'm the head of this household! A mere girl, eating my food and spending my money, yet so ungrateful!"

Mrs. Zhao soothed, "Lingfei is still young, she'll understand in time..."

Outside the study, Zhao Lingfei heard the words echoing from within, tears instantly filling her eyes and streaming down uncontrollably.

She wept from shame.

Though she couldn't tell whether she was ashamed of failing to understand her parents' perspective, or ashamed that her parents were such people.

But on that afternoon, the day she fled her home, she suddenly realized what a profoundly disappointing father she had.

This household suffocated her, made her feel trapped. Living here, she would either be driven mad by her father or, like her sisters and brothers, be assimilated by him and become just like them.

Perhaps people truly do grow into the versions of themselves they despise. But before that day arrived, she ought to resist with all her might.

She should expend every ounce of her strength to resist!—

But where could she go?

Seek out her cousin Yang Si?

Zhao Lingfei went to the Yang residence, only to learn that her cousin hadn't returned for several days. The Yang family even attempted to pry information from her about Yang Sanlang, asking what he'd been doing since returning to Chang'an, and urging her to persuade her cousin to marry.

Zhao Lingfei suddenly felt that her cousin was equally pitiable. The atmosphere in the Yang household made her uncomfortable, so she claimed she was returning home and rushed out again. She visited her close friend's home, but found no solace there either.

Hesitantly, she went to the Yan residence, hoping to find Second Brother Yan. In her confusion, she always sought someone trustworthy to confide in and help unravel her doubts.

However, Yan Shang wasn't home either.

A servant informed her that Yan Erlang was at the Secretariat, where they had been extremely busy lately with matters concerning international treaties and agreements, and that Yan Erlang had been occupied with official duties constantly.

With Yan Shang unavailable, Zhao Lingfei didn't dare approach the Princess Residence next door, as Mu Wan Yao was so fierce-tempered that she feared the princess would simply scold her away.Zhao Lingfei left the place in a daze, ultimately unsure of where to go. She crouched by a wall outside a teahouse, watching as lanterns gradually lit up and hearing the drums and bells, knowing that the ward gates were about to close. Once the ward gates closed, one could no longer wander about freely.

Yet Zhao Lingfei still did not want to return home.

She crouched by the roadside for a long while, staring blankly at the pedestrians coming and going on the street. Suddenly, she spotted a familiar face. The person was riding on horseback, his complexion as fair as jade, pure and translucent, yet cold and aloof.

He shone like a thin layer of clear snow in the dim evening, making the air feel less oppressive.

However, as he rode, he kept his head lowered, completely ignoring the admiring glances from the surrounding pedestrians.

Zhao Lingfei's eyes lit up, and she immediately waved her hand: "Young Master Wei the Seventh! Young Master Wei the Seventh!"

Wei Shu turned his face and looked in her direction. He gazed indifferently at the young girl crouching by the wall for a long time, making Zhao Lingfei suspect he had forgotten who she was. Only then did Wei Shu slowly dismount and walk over. He stopped a full ten feet away from her.

Zhao Lingfei glanced at the distance between them and was left speechless.

Nevertheless, she pitifully said, "Could you do me a favor? During the Military Exercise, I saved you. Could you repay me?"

Wei Shu looked at her for a long moment.

Just as she suspected he might turn and leave, she finally heard Wei Shu say softly, "Speak."

Zhao Lingfei: "......?"

She froze for a moment before realizing he was telling her to state what favor she needed. She muttered to herself, thinking this person was far too reticent. With a smile on her face, Zhao Lingfei continued to feign pitifulness: "Could you take me back to your residence and let me stay for one night?"

Wei Shu remained silent for a while, then turned to leave. After walking a few steps, he looked back and saw Zhao Lingfei nimbly jump up and follow him, nearly bumping into him. Startled, Wei Shu took a step back and gestured for her to keep her distance, before remounting his horse—

Setting aside Zhao Lingfei's situation and Yan Shang's official duties, Mu Wan Yao had been in an exceptionally good mood lately.

Mu Wan Yao was in the palace with her fourth sister, sitting by the clear lake in the garden. Princess Yuyang was pregnant, already showing a noticeably large belly, her expression radiant with maternal love. Mu Wan Yao sat beside her, leisurely waving a feather fan, adorned with pearls and jade, completely at ease.

The Emperor was still taking his afternoon nap, so the two princesses simply waited in the palace courtyard.

Princess Yuyang had come to the palace for her routine audience, but she had no idea why her sixth sister had come. As far as she knew, the sixth sister did not particularly enjoy visiting the palace to see the Emperor.

However... recently, it seemed the Emperor had been showering the sixth sister with favor.

He continuously sent tonics and treasures to the Princess Residence, frequently summoned the Danyang Princess, and even when the Danyang Princess lost her temper and openly contradicted the Emperor, he never grew angry.

Princess Yuyang, who had never received the Emperor's favor and had always been as inconspicuous as a shadow, felt both curious and envious, wondering what her sixth sister had done to make the Emperor treat her so well recently.

Mu Wan Yao turned her face and noticed her fourth sister staring at her. Mu Wan Yao pursed her lips into a smile and raised her eyebrows slightly. She had a secret she longed to share with someone, but she had no close friends to confide in. Now that Princess Yuyang was here, though she couldn't share such things with just any young lady, she could discuss them with her own sister.

Mu Wan Yao smiled and said, "Fourth Sister, do you know why I came to the palace today?"Princess Yuyang shook her head, "I was trying to guess, but I couldn't figure it out."

Mu Wan Yao smiled radiantly, leaned closer to her sister, and whispered in her ear, "I slept with someone."

The gentle and virtuous Princess Yuyang, who aspired to be a model wife, widened her eyes in shock, covered her mouth, and stared at her younger sister. Her face flushed crimson, and after a long pause, she managed only a dry, "...Oh."

She whispered, "Isn't this... a bit improper?"

Mu Wan Yao raised an eyebrow, "What's improper about it?"

Princess Yuyang stiffly said, "You're not yet married, how can you speak of such things so casually..."

Mu Wan Yao replied indifferently, "I've been married before. It just didn't work out."

Unbothered by her sister's awkward and shocked reaction, she leaned closer and cheerfully discussed: "I want to repay him. I plan to request an official position for him before the Emperor. Since he made me happy, I should make him happy too."

Princess Yuyang spoke with difficulty: "...You slept with someone and now want to reward him with an official position?"

Mu Wan Yao's charming eyes sparkled like spring water, full of vivacity: "Exactly."

Princess Yuyang asked: "Wouldn't this humiliate him?"

Mu Wan Yao displeasedly retorted: "How is this humiliation? This is returning favor for favor!"

Princess Yuyang advised: "If you like him, why not speak to the Emperor about making him your Imperial Son-in-Law?"

Mu Wan Yao immediately lost interest, feeling she and her proper sister were incompatible.

The smile faded from her face as she said: "My marriage has nothing to do with affection. I either won't marry at all, or my marriage must serve the greatest purpose. Without benefits to gain, why should I marry again? Haven't I been married enough?"

Princess Yuyang said: "Ah, but..."

Mu Wan Yao grew impatient: "Oh, stop talking! You're so proper, we can't see eye to eye."

She turned away ignoring her sister. Princess Yuyang, accustomed to being timid and gentle, could only watch her worriedly without daring to say more. Just then, they heard footsteps as a eunuch announced someone's arrival. Both looked over to see Princess Yuyang's Imperial Son-in-Law, the Capital Governor, carrying a cloak over his arm as he followed the eunuch in.

Princess Yuyang rose in delight: "What brings you here?"

The Capital Governor, also a refined nobleman, greeted the seated Mu Wan Yao with a smile before draping the cloak over his wife's shoulders. "The spring weather is chilly, and you're pregnant - you mustn't catch cold."

Princess Yuyang blushed shyly, lowering her head as her husband held her. The couple exchanged soft, sweet words.

Mu Wan Yao snorted and turned away, disdainful of the couple. She thought there was nothing special about them - she too had someone who loved her now, no less than Princess Yuyang.

She also had a lover now, her neighbor living so close by that it was almost like sharing the Princess Residence... actually, almost like being married.

No need to envy others at all.

No need to marry at all.

Naturally, she and Yan Shang could revel night after day, making others green with envy! When she found the opportunity, she would also show off!

As Mu Wan Yao was indignantly thinking this, her sharp eyes spotted four or five officials being led by eunuchs across the lake to see the Emperor. Among them, she immediately recognized Yan Shang. After all, he was handsome, and though he walked silently at the back, he still stood out remarkably.

When Mu Wan Yao saw Yan Shang, the officials on his side also noticed the two princesses and the Imperial Son-in-Law. The officials stopped to pay respects to the princesses.

Naturally, Yan Shang also looked over.

Mu Wan Yao waved her round fan, gazing at Yan Shang with full delight. Meeting his eyes, she gave him a subtle wink, confident he would see her charm and allure.

Unexpectedly, Yan Shang's face instantly reddened, and he immediately lowered his gaze.He flustered as if he shouldn't have seen her, hurriedly following his fellow officials away.

Mu Wan Yao stared blankly: "..."

Just one glance at her, and he blushed?

She turned back to look at Princess Yuyang and her Imperial Son-in-Law being openly affectionate beside her.

Mu Wan Yao secretly fumed: Where was her own nightly revelry?

With Yan Shang's level of reserve, would she never get to experience it?

Would she still have the chance to make Princess Yuyang envy her for having a good lover?—

In the Eastern Palace, Yang Si remained kneeling.

Over several days, he had only drunk some water without touching any food.

The young man knelt upright, and throughout these days, countless officials passing by had seen him time and again, each shaking their heads while pleading with the Crown Prince on his behalf, yet the Crown Prince paid no heed. The palace servants couldn't help but worry, watching as Yang Sanlang's complexion grew increasingly pale, his eyes filled with red veins.

Clearly, after days of suffering, even with a constitution as strong as Yang Si's, he was nearing his limit.

That night, Yang Si continued kneeling in a daze. Having knelt for so long, he had almost forgotten his original purpose, knowing only that he couldn't give up. At some point, a palace servant came to support him, calling him Sanlang.

Yang Si rasped: "Go away."

Behind the servant, the Crown Princess watched this stubborn young man with complex emotions. She sighed and said, "Sanlang, get up and eat something. His Highness has agreed to see you."

Yang Si lifted his face. On his gaunt, pale features, his eyes suddenly shone like stars.

This light made the Crown Princess pause. She wondered if her husband valued Yang Sanlang so highly precisely because of this radiance he possessed.

A brilliance that could burn everything—including himself.

Would such brightness one day consume even Yang Si himself?—

After washing up and regaining some strength from eating a little, Yang Si entered the inner chamber to pay his respects to the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince, wearing a jade crown and white robe, was sitting under the lamplight cleaning a sword. Yang Si closed the door and stood before his desk, but the Crown Prince continued lowering his head to clean his sword without acknowledging him.

So Yang Si simply stood in silence.

The lamplight cast their figures against the wall.

The Crown Prince suddenly shifted his gaze to their shadows on the wall.

He stopped cleaning his sword and said slowly, "Although I am the eldest son, I am a concubine's child. Not just any concubine's child—my maternal family is humble, far inferior to those of Prince Qin and Prince Jin. The Emperor never favored me since childhood, especially during Empress Li's time. He often resented why I was the eldest son, why his favorite son wasn't the legitimate eldest. He preferred my second brother. Everyone preferred my second brother. With Empress Li's powerful influence, it was natural that my second brother became Crown Prince from birth.

"Unfortunately, my second brother's fate was ill. Too many people wanted him dead, and indeed he died. After his death, for convenience, the Emperor directly appointed me, the eldest son, as Crown Prince. This position fell into my lap like a windfall. The Emperor never had faith in me. For many years, I believe he kept hoping I would commit some major mistake so he could discard me outright."

The Crown Prince said mockingly, "Unfortunately, I've performed decently as Crown Prince. He never found the opportunity to demote me, so I've remained Crown Prince all this time."

Yang Si lowered his eyes and said, "I've always believed in your capability. You just... want that position too much."The Crown Prince murmured, "Yes, I want it too much. More than anyone else. If Third Brother and Fifth Brother fail, they still have their maternal families for protection. But what do I have? Everything I've achieved today, I've done entirely on my own. You always say I'm ruthless, that I don't care for the people, don't care for anyone... but Sanlang, do I even have the privilege to worry about such things?"

He fell into reminiscence, saying, "I still remember when we began our studies as children, Second Brother's study companions were all young gentlemen from great noble families. When it was my turn, the Emperor just casually picked one for me, as if brushing me off. I refused to accept it and proactively begged the Emperor, wanting someone from a noble family to be my study companion. The Emperor, perhaps moved by my rare plea, arranged for a young gentleman from the Yang family to accompany me."

He laughed self-mockingly, "The Chang'an branch of the Hongnong Yang clan is also a great noble family. I was overjoyed, thinking the Emperor was finally being good to me. But I only found out later that the one who came to be my study companion... was your Eldest Brother. He was in poor health, and after just two months of studying with me, he passed away at a young age."

Yang Si's voice tightened slightly, "...I've heard my father mention it."

The Crown Prince murmured, "And then your Second Brother was actually sent by your father to be raised by your childless uncle. In the end, the main lineage of the Yang family was left with only you, who had just been born. When the Emperor wanted to arrange a new study companion for me, I knew that if I gave up then, I might never have another chance to advance. I gritted my teeth and insisted that I wanted the third son of the Yang family. Even if Yang Sanlang had just been born and was still an infant... I could wait for this study companion."

He suddenly turned his head to look at Yang Si.

Just as Yang Si looked up at him.

Seeing tears glistening in the Crown Prince's eyes as he gave a bitter smile, "Sanlang, I've watched you grow up since childhood, eagerly awaiting your growth day after day. Whenever I had the chance, I would go to the Yang residence to see you, wondering when you would finally enter the palace to study with me. You were my hope, the hope I desperately clung to maintain some connection with the Yang family. When your Eldest Brother passed away due to poor health, I constantly worried you might too. Did you know how often I came to see you?"

"When you finally reached studying age, you turned out to be such a troublemaker. I felt utterly desperate, but had to endure it. The funny thing is, enduring became a habit. By my teens, I already felt like I had a son to worry about. Sanlang... battlefield weapons have no eyes, why must you be so fond of this path?"

Yang Si knelt, his robes sweeping the ground, and after a long while said hoarsely, "...Your Highness!"

The Crown Prince stood and walked over to him, placing his hands on the young man's shoulders. Slowly, he handed Yang Si the sword he had been cleaning earlier, saying softly, "If you want to go to the battlefield, then go."

"My only instruction is this: weapons have no eyes on the battlefield. You must come back alive."