Tigers Sniff the Rose

Mu Wan Yao was truly excessive.

Her way of apologizing to Yan Shang was indeed to send him a great many gifts.

Born into the imperial family, the only form of apology she had ever witnessed was the Emperor bestowing gifts upon others with a wave of his hand. The Emperor never offered verbal apologies. Having grown up in such an environment, Mu Wan Yao was incapable of humbling herself. In the end, she resembled the father she despised, showering gifts upon the neighboring residence like rewards to a favored consort, one after another in an endless stream.

When Yan Shang returned and saw his courtyard filled with treasures sent from next door, he was both exasperated and amused.

Exasperated that her apology only involved sending things, with no sincerity in her approach; amused that she had nearly filled his courtyard to the brim, all for the sake of his forgiveness.

Couldn't she have come in person, even if just to give him a glance, to let him know? Wasn't she usually quite skilled at feigning pitifulness? Why did she fail at it now? No, he had to correct this bad habit of hers.

Now, having served as an official for half a year, Yan Shang had long since left his former poverty behind. The salaries of Great Wei officials were substantial, and even as a low-ranking eighth-grade official, with the court's frequent rewards and gifts from all directions, he had almost saved enough to purchase the residence outright, no longer needing to pay monthly rent to the neighbor.

Since Mu Wan Yao insisted on sending gifts, Yan Shang simply had the estate steward bring the account books to tally the finances. After settling the estate's accounts, he instructed the steward to reallocate funds, planning to gather the money to buy the residence completely.

Mu Wan Yao waited eagerly but saw no sign of Yan Shang accepting her apology. Puzzled, she wondered if she had sent too few gifts.

So, she redoubled her efforts in bestowing rewards.

This time, even when Yan Shang encountered her in the alley, he only bowed formally, refusing to be intimate with her. Frustrated and somewhat irritated, Mu Wan Yao grew restless.

But she was not without other matters to attend to. Suddenly recalling something, she beckoned Fang Tong inside and instructed him to discreetly investigate Yan Shang's relationship with that woman named Chun Niang.

Fang Tong: "Who is Chun Niang?"

Mu Wan Yao glared: "How should I know?"

She paused, then added a few more words: "She probably isn't a noble lady—more likely a famous courtesan from the Pleasure Quarter. Go to the Pleasure Quarter to inquire, and make sure you find out everything. For instance, who she is, where she's from, when she came to Chang'an, and when she met Yan Shang. Get to the bottom of what's going on between Yan Shang and her, and whether Yan Shang stayed with her when he spent the night in the Pleasure Quarter."

She gritted her teeth, seething with anger: "Yan Shang still dares to be angry with me! If he shared a room with this Chun Niang at night, I won't let him off easily!"

Fang Tong: "That will take some time. One or two days might not be enough."

Mu Wan Yao shot him a glance: "Then why aren't you hurrying off?! Waiting for me to invite you?!"

Seeing the princess slam the table in anger, Fang Tong hastily excused himself, gathered a few guards, mounted his horse, and rode off—

Yan Shang was working in the Secretariat and had just submitted a memorial.

It still addressed the lingering issues from the previous envoys' visits.

Yan Shang pointed out that Great Wei, positioned at the center, relied on documents and records from many years ago to understand the surrounding small states. As the old ministers aged one by one, Great Wei's relations with these neighboring countries were no longer as solid as in the past. Among the envoys who had recently visited Great Wei, there were several from small states that Great Wei had never heard of, as well as a few that should have attended but had since been annihilated.

Yet Great Wei, ever hospitable, received them all the same, whether they were known or unknown.Take the Uman King for example. When the Uman King attempts to "borrow a passage to conquer Guo," another small kingdom will inevitably vanish without a trace. This time, Great Wei is aware of the Uman King's actions, but there are undoubtedly many more that remain unknown.

Yan Shang believed it necessary for Great Wei to send envoys to various states, reassess the current political landscape, and strengthen ties with smaller kingdoms.

Furthermore, with the Ministry of Revenue perpetually short of funds, officials from the ministry could accompany these envoys, supported by military forces from the Ministry of War, to establish trade routes between Great Wei and neighboring countries.

Great Wei lacked official channels for commerce, relying entirely on foreign and local merchants who risked treacherous journeys to conduct business discreetly. Yan Shang provided data showing that over the years, seven out of ten merchants perished on trade routes, either from banditry or other hazards. The court ought to enhance control and prioritize this issue.

Yan Shang spent three days drafting this memorial, yet three days after submitting it, there was no response. He felt disheartened, thinking his low rank rendered his words insignificant, and that the high-ranking officials in charge couldn't be bothered with his lofty discussions. As a minor functionary in the Secretariat, he was treated like a mere errand boy, scarcely involved in substantive matters.

This official post left him utterly bewildered and bored.

One day, while Yan Shang was polishing a memorial in the government office, a colleague of the same rank entered and greeted him: "Suchen, your mentor has returned."

Yan Shang looked up in surprise. Had Lord Liu, busy with his daughter's divorce affairs, finally managed to send that quarreling young couple away from Chang'an?

The official who had just sat down at his own desk turned and smiled amiably at him. "Lord Liu wants you to come see him."

Lord Liu was having tea with the other three chancellors of the Secretariat.

Great Wei had precisely five chancellors in total—four in the Secretariat, one in the Chancellery, while the Department of State Affairs had no possibility of producing any.

Now, these four Secretariat chancellors sat together. When Lord Liu received the memorial passed to him by the others and saw Yan Shang's signature, he clicked his tongue.

Chancellor Zhang, who was on better terms with Lord Liu, laughed. "This student of yours is just a low-level clerk in the Secretariat, yet he refuses to settle for mundane tasks. He keeps submitting memorials constantly, annoying all of us. If we scold him, given his diligence and out of respect for you, we can't very well accuse him of meddling. But if we don't, these daily memorials are truly tiresome."

Lord Liu said, "Just reject his memorials."

Another chancellor who hadn't spoken yet remarked, "You make it sound easy. Don't you know your own student? If we could easily dismiss them, we would have done so long ago."

The other was indirectly praising Yan Shang's talent, which made it impossible to simply reject his proposals. Hearing this, Lord Liu stroked his beard, and a faint smile broke through his stern expression.

Chancellor Zhang said, "Old Liu, don't smile. Look at how you're handling your role as mentor? You don't restrain your student, and your student doesn't consult you. I bet you weren't even aware of these memorials Yan Suchen submitted, were you? Your hands-off approach might be a bit too relaxed."

Lord Liu replied, "If you had a student like mine, you'd also be inclined to let him handle things independently. When a student accomplishes everything without relying on his teacher and only informs him afterward... Aren't you envious of such capability?"The other ministers all thought of the military exercise and the role Yan Shang had played in it. The intelligence on various countries' military strengths that Yan Shang later submitted to the Ministry of War was even more detailed than what Yang Sanlang—who had actually engaged in combat with the Uman King—had provided.

Then there were matters concerning the princess's peace marriage and the alliance between the two nations, both arising from the Nanshan incident... Yan Shang handled them all flawlessly.

All this was achieved without Lord Liu's presence in the Secretariat and without anyone to assist him.

One minister remarked, "I'm baffled. He's from the Secretariat, yet he collaborates quite well with the Ministry of War? Wasn't he previously assigned to assist at the Court of State Ceremonial? Guess what the Chief of the Court of State Ceremonial said to me the other day? He asked if Yan Suchen's role in the Secretariat wasn't particularly significant, why not transfer Yan Shang to the Court of State Ceremonial instead. They genuinely like him there and want him."

Another minister added, "What a coincidence—the Vice Minister of War said the same thing."

Lord Liu smiled faintly, "The Vice Minister of War said that because they believe Yan Shang is the Crown Prince's man and don't want him staying here to assist the Crown Prince. What use would a civil official like Yan Shang be in the Ministry of War? To grind ink for a bunch of military men? Or draft memorials for them?"

Chancellor Zhang deliberately provoked, "Why not? Isn't that essentially the kind of miscellaneous work Yan Er does in the Secretariat?"

Lord Liu murmured, "To find meaningful tasks amid trivial duties, to involve himself in matters that have nothing to do with him... Is that what ordinary miscellaneous work looks like?"

The ministers fell silent.

After a long pause, one sighed, "I have a feeling, Gong Liu, that among your students, this youngest one's future achievements will be limitless. As for us... we're already old. There's no use denying it."

Lord Liu raised an eyebrow, "You may be old, but I'm not! I can still serve the court for at least twenty more years—don't lump me in with you."

Knowing Lord Liu's stubborn pride, the speaker shook his head and didn't argue. Instead, he brought up another matter: "The few of us have discussed with the Ministry of Personnel and agree that Yan Shang deserves a promotion this time. His Majesty has also inquired about it... Our suggestion is to have Yan Shang rotate through the Six Ministries first. If he still performs well after that, he should return to the Secretariat."

Lord Liu feigned ignorance, "Return to the Secretariat for what?"

The minister replied with a meaningful smile, "To become a Secretariat Drafter. A fifth-rank official—surely that wouldn't disgrace him?"

Everyone paused.

All four ministers present had once held the position of Secretariat Drafter themselves. Because the Secretariat Drafter was essentially a preparatory post for future chancellors. Under normal circumstances, one must serve as Secretariat Drafter before becoming Secretariat Director. And as long as nothing went wrong, being a Secretariat Drafter almost guaranteed a path to becoming chancellor.

In short, all the ministers present recognized Lord Liu's plans for his youngest student and were quietly supporting them.

Chancellor Zhang said, "If nothing goes wrong, Yan Suchen could become Secretariat Drafter by age thirty."

Lord Liu sighed, "This student of mine cannot be measured by ordinary standards. He's bound to encounter some troubles... How about we make a bet? Perhaps this student of mine could reach the position of chancellor by thirty."

The other ministers all laughed.

None of them believed it."Has old Liu had too much drink? Very well, since you trust your student so much, we'll take this bet with you."—

When Yan Shang came to pay respects to Lord Liu, he heard boisterous laughter from several chancellors inside the room. Upon entering, he calmly paid his respects with unchanged composure.

The chancellors all nodded approvingly at his demeanor.

Lord Liu produced the memorial Yan Shang had written days earlier about diplomatic missions and opening trade routes: "I have some questions for you."

Lord Liu casually questioned Yan Shang about military provisions along trade routes and paths to various diplomatic destinations. Yan Shang could answer some questions but not others. For those he couldn't answer, he expressed regret and promised to research them. However, seeing all these chancellors gathered here, Yan Shang sensed an opportunity.

He enthusiastically elaborated on the ideas in his memorial, hoping to gain support from these chancellors.

Chancellor Zhang, the most good-natured among the four, laughed: "Enough now. We old men have been studying this memorial for several days. If we weren't interested, we wouldn't have summoned you for questioning. Congratulations are in order—you're being promoted. Unfortunately, you won't witness our decisions in the Secretariat afterward."

Yan Shang was momentarily stunned, feeling slightly regretful.

Seeing his disappointment rather than delight, the chancellors exchanged glances and chuckled. One chancellor remarked: "Are you reluctant to part with your memorial? Afraid that after you leave, no one will implement what you've proposed?"

Yan Shang replied gently: "To be frank with you honorable chancellors, I truly believe that if the court intends to adopt this memorial's proposals, my remaining in the Secretariat would be most beneficial."

Lord Liu sternly sneered: "Why stay in the Secretariat? To wait until this matter succeeds and claim more credit? Are you complaining that we're transferring you out, blocking your promotion path and stealing your achievements?"

Yan Shang maintained his composure and said softly: "How can service to the nation be measured solely by achievements? I'm not that narrow-minded. I simply believe I understand this memorial best and could be most useful in the Secretariat. It's not about credit—if I stay here, I wouldn't mind others taking the credit."

Another chancellor remarked: "It seems you've grown fond of the Secretariat and want to linger here."

Yan Shang bowed his head in acknowledgment of the criticism.

After maintaining stern expressions for a while, Chancellor Zhang finally broke into laughter: "Enough, we're done teasing you. Old Liu, you explain it to him."

Yan Shang had never truly believed these chancellors would steal his credit, so he remained composed when they dropped their act, simply looking toward his mentor.

Lord Liu said: "We're transferring you to the Ministry of Revenue as a Department Director."

Yan Shang paused momentarily before bowing in acknowledgment, somewhat surprised by this development.

The position of Department Director in the Ministry of Revenue was a seventh-rank upper grade position. His current position as Section Manager in the Secretariat was only eighth-rank lower grade. This promotion skipped an entire major rank, jumping directly from eighth to seventh rank—quite a substantial leap.

Noticing his confusion, Chancellor Zhang explained with a smile: "You're quite fortunate. The previous Department Director in the Ministry of Revenue just lost his father and returned home for mourning. When the Crown Prince heard you were going to the Ministry of Revenue, he directly assigned you to that position, saying lower positions would disgrace your talents. While we merely intended to transfer you to the Ministry, the Crown Prince promoted you by a full rank. You should thank the Crown Prince."Yan Shang still expressed gratitude to the several chancellors: "If I can be assigned to the Ministry of Revenue, with the Secretariat preparing to dispatch envoys and the Ministry of Revenue establishing official trade routes... the fact that you gentlemen still wish for my involvement in this matter is precisely why I’ve been assigned to the Ministry of Revenue. I must thank you for your grace."

Yan Shang thought to himself, had the Crown Prince promoted him by one rank? Was this what Mu Wan Yao meant by pulling strings behind the scenes? Was this the official position she had requested from the Emperor? But judging by the expressions of the chancellors, it seemed they were the ones who had decided on this appointment, with no interference from His Majesty?

The chancellors felt pleased by his flattery and smiled without responding. Promoting someone was gratifying enough, but when the promoted individual immediately recognized their efforts, it felt even more rewarding. They felt their cultivation of him had not been in vain.

After a pause, Lord Liu adopted a serious tone: "Well, there’s more. Your official position, to be precise, is Director of the Ministry of Revenue, concurrently serving as Palace Censor."

Yan Shang was taken aback. He glanced at his mentor’s overly solemn expression and instantly understood that the concurrent position of "Palace Censor," also ranked Upper Seventh Grade, was the one Mu Wan Yao had requested for him. Yan Shang’s face flushed red, realizing that these chancellors were clearly aware it was the princess’s doing yet were pretending ignorance... Suppressing his embarrassment, he bowed once more.

The chancellors maintained their solemn facades, acting as though they had no idea about the origin of this concurrent appointment.

With the transfer and promotion matters to be settled that very day, Yan Shang had to report to the Ministry of Revenue immediately. However, after stepping out, he returned to inform the chancellors about Luo Xiu:

"...I sent a man of Black Barbarian origin to test Luo Xiu. This Luo Xiu dispatched someone to deliver messages and maps to the Southern Barbarians—all pertaining to Great Wei... I suspect that officials of Great Wei are colluding with Luo Xiu..."

The chancellors nodded, indicating they had taken note, and were pleased that Yan Shang had seen the matter through to the end by informing them. Had Yan Shang left without mentioning this, no one could have blamed him, as he was no longer part of the Secretariat.

Chancellor Zhang stated directly: "Then continue investigating this matter. Since you now hold the position of Palace Censor, investigating officials falls within your duties. Henceforth, there’s no need to report to us. Once uncovered, this case will fall under the jurisdiction of the Censorate."

Yan Shang acknowledged and bid them farewell. Afterwards, he took leave of his other colleagues in the Secretariat, who congratulated him on his promotion and held farewell banquets for him over two consecutive days—details unnecessary to recount—

Luo Xiu had been forcibly retained in Chang’an with the title of Great General of the Right Guard, unable to leave. He had hired Han Shu Xing to deliver maps and messages to the Southern Barbarian King, unaware that Yan Shang intercepted the plan—Han Shu Xing was actually on Yan Shang’s side.

Standing in the study of Yan Erlang’s residence, Han Shu Xing finished his report and awaited Yan Shang’s next instructions.

After a moment of contemplation, Yan Shang said amiably to Han Shu Xing: "Since Luo Xiu hired you to leave Chang’an and deliver messages to the Southern Barbarians, why not take this opportunity to depart Chang’an? You needn’t concern yourself with Luo Xiu’s affairs any longer."

Luo Xiu must have been receiving intelligence from a Great Wei official to obtain such detailed information. Yan Shang was now waiting for that person to reveal themselves and make contact with Luo Xiu again.

As long as Luo Xiu remained in Great Wei, he was an unstable element. The collaborator who had worked with him would grow restless and eventually slip up.

And for all this, Han Shu Xing was no longer needed.Han Shu Xing stood in a daze for a while before realizing Yan Shang's meaning—that he was being granted freedom. He could leave Chang'an and go wherever he wished. Overwhelming joy surged first, followed by confusion and bewilderment.

Han Shu Xing: "Erlang, I don't know where to go."

He lowered his head and remained silent for a long moment before saying, "All these years, I've never gone anywhere of my own accord. I've already... become unaccustomed to the outside world. Erlang, my martial skills are excellent. Please keep me as a guard. I don't need monthly pay—just provide me with meals."

Yan Shang said gently, "I don't have any guards with martial skills as exceptional as yours. I would naturally be pleased if you're willing to stay. However, I cannot hold you back because of this.

"You've simply been confined for many years and lost your purpose, so you don't know where to go for the time being. This isn't normal. I hope you can leave Chang'an—it doesn't matter where you go. Wander around, and perhaps you'll find what you truly want to do and the meaning of your existence. Han Shu Xing, you are no longer a slave. Don't see yourself as one anymore.

"Go out and explore this vast world. If, after many years, you still have no goals and don't know the meaning of life, it won't be too late to come find me again. No matter when, I will never abandon an old acquaintance."

Han Shu Xing stared at him blankly for a long time before finally nodding. He didn't understand many principles, but he felt that Yan Erlang's words were always pleasant to hear and somehow resonated deeply within him. He didn't comprehend this skill with words, yet Yan Shang's heartfelt sincerity still warmed his heart.

Han Shu Xing knelt and performed a formal Great Wei salute to Yan Shang before pushing the door open and leaving—

After resolving Han Shu Xing's matter, Yan Shang continued working in his study. He pondered his schedule but felt restless.

He hadn't forgotten that this afternoon, Yang Si had invited Mu Wan Yao to Ci'en Temple to watch a play.

That day, trapped in the carriage, he had been utterly humiliated, hating Mu Wan Yao to the core for forcing him into such a hiding place. Later, when he recalled Yang Si's appointment with Mu Wan Yao, his heart alternated between heat and cold.

He wanted to ask about it, but he was still angry with Mu Wan Yao and felt he shouldn't inquire.

Yet Yan Shang cared far more about Yang Si than he did about Meng Zaishi's presence. Because Mu Wan Yao didn't like Meng Zaishi, but she and Yang Si were so close. Yang Sanlang was young and dashing, with an elegant demeanor—the young ladies of Chang'an chased after him daily. Mu Wan Yao must like him too, right?

Yan Shang felt that if he hadn't intervened... perhaps Mu Wan Yao and Yang Si would have ended up together.

His concern for Yang Si made his heart ache with sourness, leaving him unable to sit still.

Yan Shang worked on memorials for a while but still couldn't calm his mind. He had no choice but to summon his attendant Yun Shu and casually ask, "Has Your Highness returned yet?"

After a moment, Yun Shu returned and reported that Her Highness had left at noon and hadn't returned since.

Yun Shu looked at Yan Shang: "Does the young master need Her Highness for something?"

Yan Shang lowered his gaze and sat quietly, saying, "It's nothing."

But after a while, Yan Shang couldn't resist sending his attendant to ask again, and Mu Wan Yao still hadn't returned. After several rounds of this, as evening approached, the woman remained absent. Yan Shang grew agitated, wildly guessing why she was taking so long and what the two of them were doing.

He naturally trusted their character.

But... but...The young master was working in his study when Yun Shu, standing beneath the corridor, sighed: "It's almost dark, the ward gates will close soon. Could it be that Your Highness won't return tonight?"

No sooner had these words been spoken than the study door opened.

Yan Shang appeared somewhat uncomfortable, yet spoke with earnest softness: "I'm going to the Temple of Compassionate Grace."

Yun Shu: "To bring His Highness back?"

Yan Shang said, "Of course not. It's... I made a donation to the Ci'en Temple, and the abbot has been wanting to thank me, but I've been avoiding him. Now I suddenly remembered this matter and need to take care of it."

Yun Shu went to prepare the horse, then glanced back at his master returning to his room and couldn't help but sigh inwardly, feeling indignant on his master's behalf.

He thought to himself: Erlang is far too good-natured.

What kind of young master would amiably answer his servant's questions?

And what kind of young master, clearly angry, would still go to fetch someone?

Yun Shu never believed Yan Shang was going to see the Ci'en Temple abbot. Someone like Yan Shang, who did good deeds without expecting anything in return, would simply make the donation and not wait for gratitude. Yan Erlang's visit to Ci'en Temple could only be for Danyang Princess... His master is so gentle—he hoped Danyang Princess wouldn't betray that kindness—

As Yan Shang left the residence, a courier from the post station entered Chang'an's city gates.

One letter was delivered to Young Master Wei the Seventh's residence, another to Mu Wan Yao's residence.

In the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince had been closely monitoring this matter. The moment the courier entered Chang'an, the Eastern Palace was already aware.

Since the military exercise concluded, it could be said the Crown Prince had been waiting for this courier's arrival. A man of deep cunning, he knew that once relations between the Li Family and the imperial family eased, the Li Family would certainly take the next step.

Now he had his confirmation.

Though he couldn't intercept the letter from the Li Family, the fact that it was sent simultaneously to Young Master Wei the Seventh and Mu Wan Yao conveyed a clear message.

The Crown Prince pondered deeply.

If he were the head of the Jinling Li Clan, as Mu Wan Yao's influence in Chang'an gradually grew and the Emperor began reconciling with the Jinling Li Clan, he would immediately push for a marriage alliance between Mu Wan Yao and Wei Shu, uniting the great southern and northern clans.

With such an alliance, the Wei Family would help the Li Family return to Chang'an.

This was an outcome the Crown Prince naturally wished to avoid. He had recalled Yang Si precisely to win over the Li Family. Unfortunately, the Li Family's stance remained ambiguous, and both Mu Wan Yao and Yang Si's attitudes kept shifting, preventing the marriage alliance from progressing.

Moreover, since Wei Shu was still young, the Crown Prince thought there was no hurry—he could afford to wait.

Now Wei Shu was only sixteen. But from the Li Family's perspective, the timing for the marriage alliance was likely ripe.

Yet the Crown Prince was about to let Yang Si leave, unable to use him to secure Mu Wan Yao's allegiance.

The Crown Prince murmured to himself, "I cannot allow Sixth Sister to marry into the Wei Family. Their alliance would strengthen both houses, but I would gain little. After marriage, Sixth Sister would lean toward the Wei Family's neutral stance, weakening my faction... It would be best to keep Sixth Sister here and draw the Li Family to my side."

He tapped the desk, a faint smile appearing. "Fortunately, Mu Wan Yao likely has no romantic feelings for Young Master Wei the Seventh. The one she cares for... is Yan Shang. And now, Yan Shang has joined the Ministry of Revenue, which falls under my jurisdiction.

"If I arrange for Sixth Sister to marry Yan Shang, wouldn't I both play the benefactor and gain the Li Family's resources?"

Didn't the Li Family want to return to Chang'an's political center? He could help with that too.

Having reached a decision, the Crown Prince rose to seek an audience with the Emperor—

Meanwhile, Mu Wan Yao remained unaware, enjoying a play at Ci'en Temple with Yang Si.

Yan Shang rode into the temple, merging into the bustling crowd as he searched for the two.

At Young Master Wei the Seventh's residence, Zhao Lingfei lay listlessly over her desk, troubled by her forced marriage arrangements. Wei Shu sat across from her, unfolding a letter from his teacher—Mu Wan Yao's uncle, Li Zhi.No other reason.

He wished to be engaged to Mu Wan Yao immediately.

Outside the window, a sudden crackle—raindrops like beans pelted the wooden eaves. The sky darkened, wind and rain arrived with the evening, clouds rolled like tides.