Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Yan Shang brought Mu Wanyao back into the carriage and instructed, "Head to the Southern Qu of the North Quarter."

Mu Wanyao, who had been dragged back into the carriage and hadn't bothered to struggle from the beginning, raised an eyebrow.

Since Princess Danyang offered no objection, the servants outside naturally had no dissent. The carriage started moving again, heading toward the place Yan Shang had specified.

Mu Wanyao stared at Yan Shang, mocking him coldly, "I didn't expect Second Young Master Yan to be so composed. Even at a time like this, you still have the leisure to go find women."

The North Quarter was a famous red-light district in Chang’an. If a scholar came to Chang’an and had never visited the North Quarter, they would be ridiculed.

The district was divided into the Central, Southern, and Northern Quarters. Among them, the Southern Qu ranked second and was a place where high-class courtesans resided.

One could see just how "spirited" this Second Young Master Yan was.

Yan Shang shook his head helplessly and said, "We are going to the Southern Qu of the North Quarter because we need to find someone there. Please allow me to explain in detail, Your Highness..."

Mu Wanyao interrupted his explanation, "I could have solved this issue just now by walking straight into my aunt’s residence. Who told you to come and block me?"

As the carriage traveled, the wind and rain occasionally slapped against the roof, accompanied by the swaying of the lanterns.

The carriage swayed gently. Yan Shang looked at the princess opposite him, his long lashes drooping: "Didn't I already say? I didn't want you to offend the Grand Princess for this."

Mu Wanyao replied, "Are you overthinking this? Does me offending my aunt have the same effect as a commoner like you offending the Grand Princess? What can my aunt do to me? That little bit of cost is worth paying."

Yan Shang said, "It is not worth it."

Mu Wanyao’s eyes spewed fire as she glared at this arrogant scholar who dared to contradict her.

He did not dodge her gaze, looking straight at her: "Why would Your Highness do this for me? We have only met a few times, and our relationship is truly ordinary. Why would Your Highness treat me so well?"

The light of the lanterns filtered through the gaps in the window, illuminating the young man’s cultured and elegant face, flickering on and off. The beauty of this blur of light and shadow, combined with his direct gaze that left no room for evasion, left Mu Wanyao stunned for a moment.

Mu Wanyao lifted her chin, looking slightly arrogant and nonchalant, "You think I did this for you? Wrong. I just cannot tolerate being bullied by others and having to swallow my pride and endure it. Let alone the Grand Princess today, even if it were the Crown Prince, I would still break in and provoke him just the same."

After a long pause, Yan Shang’s voice grew soft, "Is that so?"

Mu Wanyao watched the roof of the carriage. The corners of her eyes were illuminated by the firelight from outside, making them glisten like gold, unrivaled in beauty.

Yan Shang gazed at her as she arrogantly declared, "That is exactly so."

Yan Shang lowered his eyes.

A moment later, Mu Wanyao heard Yan Shang’s unhurried voice, clear as jade striking jade: "Then I am the same. Even though I know Your Highness is also a princess, and even if we were face-to-face with the Grand Princess, there is little she could do to you, I am still uneasy. The Grand Princess is the Emperor’s own younger sister, and her foundation in Chang’an is deeper than yours. If something were to happen, I am always afraid that others would side more with the Grand Princess."

Mu Wanyao remained expressionless, "What does that have to do with you? Do you think I wouldn't understand that?"

Yan Shang looked at her warmly, and after a quiet moment, he said, "Even if I know Your Highness won't be harmed, I must see it for myself. Only after seeing that Your Highness is safe and sound can I be at peace."

Mu Wanyao: "..."

What is the definition of "being smooth with words"?

This is what it means to be "smooth."

With just a few words, Yan Shang had managed to make it impossible for Mu Wanyao to maintain her icy face. She even felt a bit embarrassed; her cheeks flushed, and she awkwardly turned her face away and coughed.

Yan Shang continued, "Therefore, the best method is to ensure the breakthrough of this matter does not involve the Grand Princess. I still do not wish for Your Highness and the Grand Princess to turn against each other over such a trivial matter. Your Highness may not mind acting as a tool for the Crown Prince, but I do not wish to put you in a dilemma because of me."

Mu Wanyao turned her eyes back to him. Her liquid, flying gaze seemed to carry a hint of a smile.

On a quiet, rainy night, the young princess sat in the carriage with him, casting a playful, sidelong glance his way. With her clear, dark pupils and pristine whites of her eyes, she looked at him with an expression that was both coquettish and pleased. Yan Shang felt a burning sensation in his heart, a numbing tingle creeping up his spine.

It was too hot.

He turned his face away, not daring to meet her gaze.

Now, the one who remained calm and composed was Mu Wanyao. She shifted her posture leisurely, stretched out a finger, and poked Yan Shang’s shoulder lightly: "Hey, you."

Yan Shang turned his head to look at her.

She smiled brightly, "Even so, you might help me avoid offending the Grand Princess, but you still owe me a favor."

Yan Shang smiled, "Naturally, that should be the case."

Seeing that he had no intention of bargaining at all—this man was clearly full of schemes, yet at the same time, was incredibly upright—Mu Wanyao hummed. Feeling it was a bit dull, she didn't want to tease him anymore.

She turned her face away, ignoring him, acting willful and unreasonable.

Only then did Yan Shang reveal what he intended to do: "Your Highness may not know, but Feng Xianyu often spends the night at the Southern Qu of the North Quarter. He likes drinking and making merry. When I left today, I met a few friends who said they had invited Feng Xianyu to drink in the North Quarter. If we go to the North Quarter, we can find him."

Mu Wanyao immediately turned back to look at him, both surprised and gloating.

She covered her mouth, "Oh? Didn't he latch onto my aunt? How does he dare go to a place like the North Quarter? Isn't he afraid of being discovered by my aunt?"

Yan Shang said, "That is likely just drinking, nothing romantic."

Mu Wanyao glanced at him, "A man playing with women is playing with women. Why use such elegant language? Isn't that what it is?"

Yan Shang looked at her helplessly, "Does Your Highness still want to hear the rest?"

Mu Wanyao clamped her mouth shut, refraining from offering any more commentary.

Yan Shang continued, "Your Highness might not know that Feng Xianyu has a wife and daughter."

Mu Wanyao widened her eyes. Hampered by Yan Shang’s earlier annoyance at her talking too much, she covered her mouth, but her eyes were exceptionally round, looking quite charming and naive.

Yan Shang avoided her gaze, his hand gripping the small table tightly to keep his heart calm and undisturbed by her.

He said softly, "His wife passed away a year ago. I saw his daughter a while back. But two days ago, when I went to Feng Xianyu’s home to find him, he said his daughter had gone to stay with her great-uncle. This is highly unusual."

Mu Wanyao rested her chin in her hand, listening to him unravel the mystery as if it were a story. She thought to herself, it seems he really doesn't want her to get tangled in the Crown Prince’s schemes—

"...So, after he made the decision to cling to the Grand Princess, he feared she would make things difficult for his daughter, so he sent her out of Chang’an? But he was afraid even that wouldn't be secure, so he split them into two groups—making it look like he sent her to the great-uncle’s, while secretly having someone else take his daughter to a safe place?

"Tsk, he’s quite the calculating little fellow."

That was Princess Danyang’s assessment.

When the carriage reached the Southern Qu of the North Quarter, the door opened. Yan Shang stepped out first. Holding an umbrella, he turned back to see Mu Wanyao lifting her skirts, ready to step down as well.

Yan Shang was stunned, "...I can handle this matter myself. Why is Your Highness following me down?"

Mu Wanyao looked at him sidelong with her beautiful eyes. She jumped out of the carriage, and he had no choice but to hold the umbrella to support her. She said nonchalantly, "Such an interesting event, I must witness it with my own eyes."

Yan Shang felt a bit uncomfortable.

He said, "But this is the North Quarter..."

Rakes, swashbucklers, courtesans, travelers... just standing there, one could smell the thick, heavy scent of rouge in the air.

And this was only because the rain had kept the number of guests low.

Normally, the North Quarter would be lit up until dawn, far livelier than it was now.

Mu Wanyao pushed aside this stammering scholar who was blocking her way, feeling that she shouldn't be wandering the North Quarter: "Move aside, don't block the path!"

She walked forward with big strides.

After a few steps, she turned back, biting her lip as she looked at Yan Shang: "Which door are we going to?"

Yan Shang sighed and had no choice but to walk up and lead Mu Wanyao to their destination.

He should have known. Great Wei’s social mores were open, and Chang’an was even more outrageous. That famous Princess Danyang might have already wandered the North Quarter many times in men’s clothing... It was he who had been narrow-minded.

However, to avoid drawing attention tonight and to prevent the Grand Princess from investigating this later, they didn't want the carriage to remain. Once they reached the North Quarter, they had the princess’s carriage return and wait outside, and Mu Wanyao didn't bring a single servant.

Yan Shang and Mu Wanyao entered the Southern Qu of the North Quarter and knocked on a door. They didn't enter through the main gate, but drifted in through the back door.

To Mu Wanyao’s surprise, no sooner had Yan Shang knocked on that back door than it was opened from the inside. The person opening it for them was none other than the Chief of Guards from Mu Wanyao’s own mansion, Fang Tong.

After Fang Tong saluted and paid his respects, he said to Yan Shang, "Don't worry, Young Master, I have already tied up that bastard Feng Xianyu. Your Highness and Young Master Yan, please follow me."

Mu Wanyao glared at Yan Shang: "You had my men help you do things? Did you ask my permission?"

Fang Tong was afraid Yan Second Young Master would be scolded, and tried to explain with some anxiety. To his surprise, Yan Shang simply and directly said, "It is my fault."

Mu Wanyao stared at Yan Shang for a long while before walking past him: "Let this be the last time."

Yan Shang chuckled low and followed her: "Yes."

Fang Tong, who had opened the door, was dumbfounded, thinking only that Yan Second Young Master... was truly formidable—

Entering the building from the back door, the three wove through the garden paths. Because of the rain, they didn't encounter anyone. However, just as they were about to enter the main building, a young woman opened a window, bleary-eyed, and was stunned to see three people walking in the backyard.

It was one thing for a man to be there... but why was there a woman? Judging by her makeup and attire, she didn't look like someone from their establishment.

Fang Tong suddenly grew nervous, wondering if he should knock the woman unconscious.

Yan Shang faced the window that had suddenly opened and asked politely, "The three of us are lost here. May I ask, young lady, which room is the 'Honey Fragrance Pavilion'?"

The young woman, also foolishly stunned, actually pointed them in the right direction.

Yan Shang said politely, "Many thanks."

The young woman blushed, lowered her head stammering, and kept saying it was no trouble, then closed the window.

Mu Wanyao looked at Yan Shang: "Heh."

Yan Shang: "What does Your Highness wish to say?"

Mu Wanyao glanced at him, languidly saying, "Nothing. Just that this face of yours is truly useful."

The woman had clearly pointed the way because she saw Yan Shang was handsome, and closed the window because she was shy. Yan Shang could make a woman from a place of vice shy... He certainly lived up to his reputation.

Yan Shang had no choice but to pretend he didn't understand the sarcasm in Mu Wanyao’s words.

After walking halfway, Mu Wanyao said, "You come here often, don't you?"

Yan Shang said helplessly, "I just arrived in Chang’an; I’m too busy with my studies. Does Your Highness think I look like someone who enjoys coming to places like this?"

Mu Wanyao stared at him for a moment: "Indeed, you do not."

She said leisurely, "Others come here to enjoy themselves; you look like someone who is being enjoyed by others. Hmm, I misunderstood you."

Fang Tong snickered to the side, and Yan Shang could only pretend not to hear.

They entered the "Honey Fragrance Pavilion." Inside, a man was already bound hand and foot with a piece of cloth stuffed in his mouth. He was tossed in the pitch-black room, clearly in a panic.

When Fang Tong lit a candle and removed the cloth from his mouth, the bound man looked up. Upon seeing Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang enter, he froze for a moment, but then unexpectedly calmed down.

This man was naturally Feng Xianyu, who had been abducted by Fang Tong ahead of time.

Feng Xianyu had been drinking alone in the North Quarter tonight, and he didn't even know how he had been knocked unconscious. Now it seemed Yan Shang had come to settle scores.

Mu Wanyao sat down, examining Feng Xianyu—he was indeed a good-looking man.

She said coldly, "We tied you up to ask for your help with a task. Before dawn, you are to go knock on the Grand Princess’s door. No matter what method you use, you must have my aunt change the list back. That Third Flower Winner spot is not yours, and it will never be yours."

Feng Xianyu sat on the ground. Initially panicking, he now laughed in exasperation: "How simple the Princess makes it sound. How could I possibly sway the Grand Princess’s mind?"

Mu Wanyao said indifferently, "That is why you have the next few hours. I only want to see the list I want when it is posted."

 

Feng Xianyu: "What if I refuse?"

Yan Shang said, "Do you know who she is?"

He signaled Fang Tong with a glance. To Feng Xianyu’s surprise, Fang Tong went out, and a moment later, dragged in a burly old woman, also gagged, and threw her onto the ground. Seeing this woman, Feng Xianyu’s expression turned to panic in an instant.

He dared not face Princess Danyang, his resentful gaze fixed on Yan Shang like a viper: "Yan Suchen!"

The cloth in the old woman’s mouth was pulled out, and she knelt on the ground in a panic, kowtowing repeatedly: "Customer, I will say everything, I will hide nothing, please don't kill me! This Mr. Feng saved this old woman’s life three years ago, and ever since, I have helped Mr. Feng with things. Two days ago, Mr. Feng asked me to send his daughter out of Chang’an, so I entrusted someone to quietly do this for Mr. Feng..."

Accustomed to dealing with the dregs of society, seeing how beautiful and bright the young lady in the long dress was, the burly guards standing beside her, and the young scholar with the look of a divine sapling, she immediately knew these were people she couldn't afford to provoke.

Since she couldn't provoke them, she naturally said everything.

As she spoke, she kowtowed to Feng Xianyu: "Mr. Feng, I am sorry! But I also need to survive; they took my granddaughter, I had no choice..."

Feng Xianyu was furious: "Yan Suchen, are you really this despicable! How can you implicate the innocent!"

Yan Shang ignored his questions, only saying softly, "I have already sent people out of the city overnight, following this woman’s information, to find your daughter. If the list is not changed by dawn, you may never see your daughter again."

Hearing this, Mu Wanyao looked at Yan Shang in surprise: Hey? Did he send people to find this man’s daughter?

She looked at Fang Tong, who shook his head blankly.

Mu Wanyao understood immediately: Oh, Yan Shang is bluffing again.

Bound hand and foot and sitting on the floor, Feng Xianyu, his clothes and hair disheveled, glared at Yan Shang. Seeing that despite Yan Shang’s gentle appearance, he was so ruthless, Feng Xianyu’s heart turned cold.

He softened his stance, begging: "Yan Second, Second Young Master Yan! We have had an acquaintance; I haven't done anything to wrong you before, why must you force me to this point? You are so young, and have someone like Princess Danyang protecting you, why can't you let me go just this once? If you let me go this year, maybe next year you can become the top scholar!

"Isn't the top scholar better than the Third Flower Winner? Why must you fight me for this Third Flower Winner spot?!"

Yan Shang watched him silently.

Seeing him in such a wretched state, Yan Shang felt a tinge of pity. Yan Shang said slowly, "I never fought you for any Third Flower Winner spot; it was you who insisted on fighting me for it. If you had discussed it with me properly, if you had told me in advance, I might not have refused to help you. But you chose to latch onto the Grand Princess at this moment and snatched what originally belonged to me.

"If I wish to pursue the matter, that is not exactly a mistake, is it?"

Feng Xianyu laughed in anger: "Discuss it with you? How was I supposed to discuss it? Would you have helped me achieve my career? If I had told you, would you have conceded once for me? Fine, even if you, Yan Suchen, are truly as upright and honorable as the wind and moon, a rare gentleman in this world, then it is I, Feng Xianyu, who misjudged you! However, is a ranking in the imperial examination something you can concede just because you want to?

"What do you know? You know nothing! You just arrived in Chang’an and were able to latch onto someone like Princess Danyang. How could you know how many cold shoulders I’ve endured in my four years in Chang’an? Do you know how many doors were slammed in my face for the sake of getting a spot?"

He was incredibly agitated and angry.

As he reached an emotional peak, moisture even shimmered in his eyes: "I know, you look down on me, thinking I used underhanded methods to steal your rank. But do you think I wanted it to be this way? If I were like you, accepting the Princess’s overtures from the beginning, why would I have to go to such lengths today?"

Mu Wanyao said with dissatisfaction: "Hey, what are you saying."

She had not made any overtures to him.

Yan Shang looked at Feng Xianyu in bewilderment, saying, "Are you pouring out your grievances to me?"

Feng Xianyu sneered.

Then, he became dejected, muttering: "Yan Second, do you know, four years ago when I first came to Chang’an, I was newly married and my wife was pregnant—how high in spirits I was. At a banquet back then, when the Grand Princess gave me an overture, I was too proud and rejected her. I had such pride, thinking how could I betray my wife? And what did I get in return?

"Four full years of suppression! Four full years!"

Hatred rose in his eyes: "How did my wife die? It was because I couldn't pass the exams, and we didn't have enough money at home—all of it had been spent by me on socializing and studying. My wife was also a daughter from a wealthy family. In a place as prosperous as Chang’an, yet my wife was starved to death... actually starved to death!

"After my wife died, I figured it all out. What does reputation or integrity matter? What use are they? I am a scholar; all I want is a career! Only with a career, at the very least... I can support them. Do you think I don't feel ashamed to cling to the Grand Princess? Do you think I wanted to send my only daughter away?

"My heart is broken, but what use is that?"

Feng Xianyu slumped on the floor, the spark in his eyes flickering, moisture on the verge of falling.

Finally, he looked up at the high and mighty Princess Danyang. Her bright, beautiful face was breathtakingly glamorous—that was the nobility he desired.

He muttered: "Chang’an... Chang’an. How wonderful this place is, how many people want to stay here, but in the end, how many truly can stay?"

The room was quiet.

No one spoke.

Fang Tong sighed, a flicker of pity rising in his eyes. He had a military background, and Chang’an prized those who were equally skilled in literature and martial arts; he had always looked down on pure scholars like him. Seeing Feng Xianyu break down like this, he felt some sympathy.

He looked over to see Yan Shang gazing at Feng Xianyu with a shimmering light in his eyes, as if moved. Princess Danyang, however, remained expressionless, as if she hadn't listened to a word the man said.

Mu Wanyao said indifferently, "You have been complaining for half an hour. There isn't much time left for you. If I don't see the list by dawn, you will never see your daughter again."

Feng Xianyu: "Your Highness! Can’t Your Highness let me go just this once?"

Mu Wanyao said, "I sympathize with your hardships, but you are obstructing my path, and I cannot yield."

Feng Xianyu laughed miserably, slumping to the floor, thinking: How could a princess understand him?

At this moment, Yan Shang spoke slowly, "I am a scholar from a humble background, seeking knowledge and fame, which is naturally not easy. However, in the span of a lifetime, a gentleman must reflect upon himself nine times. Since one is a scholar, how can one even cast aside the integrity of a scholar? There are things in life that one can do, and things one must not do.

"I want to say many things to you, but the words reach my lips and I think you would just feel that I’m speaking from a position of ease, so I won't mention them. But the world is difficult, and everyone faces it. You can say it was the entire world that forced you to this point, but search your conscience... when your wife was ill, if you had put aside your studies to beg for a bowl of porridge for her, or taken her to see a famous doctor, perhaps she wouldn't have died?"

Feng Xianyu’s mind went blank, his face pale as he thought of his wife’s final appearance during her illness.

Yan Shang said in a low voice, "Go and make amends for your mistakes. If you fail the exam this year, there is next year, the year after... And even if you never pass, what of it? You can be a clerk, a strategist, or even join the army at the frontier... There are too many paths you could walk. You haven't reached a dead end; you just refuse to accept it."

He turned his back, not wanting to say anything more.

Mu Wanyao signaled Fang Tong to untie Feng Xianyu and let him go to the Grand Princess’s mansion immediately. Seeing that Yan Shang was in low spirits, she felt a rare surge of sympathy and stretched out her hand to stroke his back lightly, as if in comfort.

Yan Shang looked at Mu Wanyao with a sense of melancholy and smiled at her, signaling he was alright.

This scene fell into the eyes of Feng Xianyu, who had staggered to his feet behind them. Feng Xianyu sneered, "You speak so righteously, but what is the difference between your affair with Princess Danyang and my situation? Aren't you also becoming a subject beneath the princess’s skirts, kneeling to lick her boots, flattering her, and offering your body to her?"

Yan Shang turned around abruptly: "Shut up!"

His usually refined face displayed a rare solemnity. He said, "The Princess and I share a pure relationship; how dare you use your filthy conduct to speculate about us?"

He said to Mu Wanyao, "Your Highness, this person is spewing nonsense, there is no need to listen to his ravings!"

Feng Xianyu stared at the two of them, his expression growing strange.

Mu Wanyao cast a lazy glance at Yan Shang, seeing that his act was still an attempt to plead for Feng Xianyu, not wanting her to punish him.

Mu Wanyao couldn't be bothered with them; she only cared about getting the list changed back.

She said coldly, "Guard Fang, you personally take this Feng-what's-his-name to the Grand Princess’s mansion."——

Fang Tong took Feng Xianyu away, and the old woman who had been bound was also released. However, Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang left directly, paying no heed to the woman.

Yan Shang was somewhat distracted. When he stepped out, he walked aimlessly, looking as if he wasn't heading toward the back door, but was instead entering the main building.

Mu Wanyao stared at his desolate back for a long time, knowing that Feng Xianyu’s words tonight had left Yan Shang with much to reflect upon. Thinking it over, she didn't leave on her own, but followed Yan Shang to see where he was going.

Suddenly, lights blazed bright before them, and the sounds of strings and woodwinds drifted into their ears. Yan Shang, standing before the main hall, regained his senses and was startled to realize that he had walked into the main hall without realizing it.

Mu Wanyao’s giggling voice sounded from behind: "Have you come back to your senses?"

Yan Shang turned around and saw Mu Wanyao still following him. He felt immediately embarrassed; how could he lead a princess into such a place?

He said, "My mind was wandering. Let us go back and wait for news from Mr. Feng."

Mu Wanyao: "No, I’m tired after a long night, I want to watch the singing and dancing. Come with me."

What could Yan Shang say? He had no choice but to suppress the thousand thoughts in his heart and follow the princess upstairs.

As soon as they entered the hall, everything changed. Two servants standing by the hall watched with their own eyes as a young woman walked into their establishment with her head held high, looking as if she were not one of their own... but the young woman was so confident and forceful that she made others feel guilty and too embarrassed to stop her.

Yan Shang followed behind, hurriedly stuffing some copper coins into the hands of the dumbfounded gatekeeper before entering.

But Yan Shang had only just entered and hadn't quite recovered his wits when he saw the previously arrogant Mu Wanyao suddenly turn around and rush toward him in a panic.

While Yan Shang was bewildered, Mu Wanyao rushed over, wrapped her arms around his waist, turned her body so that she was against the wall, and used Yan Shang to shield herself. Yan Shang stiffened. The sudden rush of warmth and softness left him completely unprepared. By the time he reacted, he struggled, his face flushing crimson.

Mu Wanyao, head bowed in his embrace: "Don't move, don't move, there’s someone I know!"

Yan Shang: "...Someone else you know?"

Mu Wanyao was no longer answering him; clearly, the acquaintance was approaching.

She held Yan Shang tightly, burying her entire face in his chest. Yan Shang froze for a moment, but then cooperated, hesitantly resting his hands on her shoulders. They stood in the corner. People walked past behind them, glancing over and thinking it was just a customer grabbing a beautiful girl from the establishment.

There were steady footsteps behind them.

Yan Shang, while holding Mu Wanyao, steadied his mind and whispered softly, "Has my young lady missed me?"

Mu Wanyao lifted her face from his chest.

She still clung to his waist, looking up at his slightly reddened face, struggling to hold back her laughter: "If you don't know how to do this, don't mess around. Just shut up; don't make me laugh."

Yan Shang: "..."

Yan Shang had no choice but to be a silent customer.

However, as his gaze swept casually outward, he saw a broad-shouldered, long-legged, handsome young man leading several men who looked like warriors, walking over from the rear. Yan Shang’s heart skipped a beat; he had a vague sense that he had seen this person before.

As he pondered, his gaze met this person’s—

Yang Sanlang, Yang Si, looked at Yan Shang with an expressionless face.

The other man withdrew his gaze indifferently. Yang Si looked at the man holding a young woman in the corner and knew what this lustful person was doing.

Yang Si curled his lip and strode past Yan Shang after a turn.

However, Yang Si dropped his eyes, feeling that the person he had just seen was very familiar, and that he had seen him somewhere... A scene suddenly emerged, and Yang Si remembered Mu Wanyao, whom he had seen traveling with a young gentleman at Yongshou Temple.

Yan Shang was holding Mu Wanyao, just about to breathe a sigh of relief, when the footsteps behind him stopped, and Yang Si returned.

Yang Si stood behind him and said indifferently, "We have met. Turn around."

Mu Wanyao was incredibly nervous, pinching the flesh on Yan Shang’s waist tightly. She panicked, rubbing desperately against his chest, signaling him to find a way to avoid Yang Si.

Yan Shang’s waist was pinched tight by Mu Wanyao, his handsome face twisting slightly—he was almost choked to death by the princess.

...He knew she was hiding from someone.

But he was only human; if she pinched him to death, who would help her?