Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Yan Shang did not know Yang Si.

But the moment Yang Si stood behind him, ordering him to turn around just as the Princess was nearly strangling him, the realization struck like a bolt of lightning—he suddenly recognized who this man was.

Back at Yongshou Temple, Mu Wanyao had pulled him away to avoid this very person.

And now, Mu Wanyao wanted to hide again...

Yan Shang couldn't help but feel a strange sense of unease. He wondered what kind of relationship existed between the two, and whether the Princess was merely annoyed by the man behind her, or if she was truly afraid of him...

With these chaotic thoughts racing through his mind, he did not forget to assist the Princess. Following the pressure of Mu Wanyao’s grip, he let his guard down just a fraction, let out a soft cry of pain, and took a half-step back, his sleeve brushing against the face of the woman he held in his arms.

Mu Wanyao, who had been bowing her head in his embrace, felt her face get struck. She was stunned: ...Did she just count as being hit?

Before she could figure out whether Yan Shang had hit her on purpose, Yan Shang shoved her away, spun his body, and spoke with hidden irritation: "You woman, how utterly tactless. You don't even know how to serve a gentleman. Why haven't you scrammed yet?"

With that pull, he threw Mu Wanyao half a step out of his embrace, and by angling his shoulder, he perfectly blocked Yang Si from seeing her.

Only then did Mu Wanyao snap back to reality. She didn't dare make a sound, fearing that Yang Sanlang, who knew her too well, might recognize her. Clutching her face where Yan Shang's sleeve had struck her, she kept her head down, hunched over, and scurried away with quick, light steps, heading upstairs.

Throughout the whole ordeal, she did not dare look back at the situation behind her.

Distracted by her nerves, she even stumbled while running up the stairs, but she simply lifted her skirts and kept running.

This left Yan Shang, standing behind her, breaking into a cold sweat on her behalf.

Once Mu Wanyao reached the upper floor, she was finally out of sight from Yan Shang’s vantage point.

Only then did Yan Shang turn back and offer a polite bow to Yang Si, who had ordered him to turn around.

As he lifted his head, Yan Shang displayed just the right amount of surprise: "This gentleman, have we met?"

Yang Si was a tall, strapping youth, as straight and sharp as a sword. He didn't look at Yan Shang, but instead looked up, gazing toward the young woman who had been clutching her face and scurrying away under Yan Shang's dismissal.

Though the person was already out of sight, Yang Si felt something was off.

Yang Si said: "In a place like this, is there any woman who can afford to wear clothes of such fine material and use such an exquisite hair ornament?"

Yan Shang paused briefly, about to explain, when one of the servants following behind Yang Si spoke up for him: "Sanlang, the young ladies living in the Southern Quarters are quite wealthy. Not to mention those in the Middle Quarters."

Yang Si reluctantly accepted this explanation and withdrew his gaze, turning his attention back to Yan Shang.

Yan Shang, his expression gentle, had been waiting for this.

Yang Si stared at him for a long moment before saying slowly: "Are you trying to cling to Princess Danyang?"

Yan Shang: "..."

His expression did not change; he smiled: "How did you arrive at that conclusion, sir? I am merely relying on the Princess to assist in submitting my scrolls..."

Yang Si scoffed, interrupting his explanation.

Yang Si continued: "Do I not know what you people are thinking? Especially someone like you... thinking that just because you have a bit of talent, you can marry a princess. Back at Yongshou Temple, weren't you already mixed up with that girl, Yao Yao?"

Yao Yao.

A ripple moved through Yan Shang’s heart, and he frowned slightly.

He asked: "I know my own worth; I would never attempt the impossible. You have indeed misunderstood, sir, though I do not know who you are to be so familiar with Princess Danyang..."

Yang Si replied coldly: "The Yang family of Hongnong, the Chang'an branch. I am the third son of the Yang family."

Yan Shang then offered his polite respects.

However, Yang Si noticed that this man did not react with the eager enthusiasm others usually displayed upon hearing his identity. There was a certain distance and courtesy in his demeanor... Perhaps it was because of this that Mu Wanyao had agreed to help him with his scrolls?

But Yang Si couldn't be bothered to care who this person was or how close he was to Mu Wanyao.

Yang Si only admonished him: "You've just arrived in Chang'an, and judging by appearances, you intend to take the imperial examinations, yet you spend your days loitering in places like the Northern Quarters? Dazzled by the romantic indulgence of Chang'an, what right does someone like you have to cling to Yao Yao?"

Yan Shang was speechless.

But in order to avoid revealing anything about Mu Wanyao, he said with feigned shame: "...What you say is true, sir."

Yang Si glared at him with cold eyes: "I don't care what little schemes you have, but if I find out you are using Yao Yao or bullying her, I will surely kill you."

"Killing someone in Chang'an is not a big deal for me, Yang San!"

Yan Shang’s brow twitched. After a long moment, he said: "You seem to have some misunderstandings about me..."

Yang Si let out a scoff. Like a cold-faced judge, he couldn't be bothered to interact with someone of such refined and suave manners. It was only because he had seen him at Yongshou Temple recently that he bothered to issue a threat. He had no interest in getting to know this man.

Besides, in a few days, this kind of person would likely disappear from Princess Danyang’s side anyway.

Having finished his threat, Yang Si turned and walked away, his entourage hurrying to follow the arrogant third young master. A group of women swarmed around, their rouge and powder scents trailing toward him: "It's been so long since you visited, Sanlang..."

Through the scent of rouge, Yang Si’s impatient voice rang out: "Scram! Don't block the road!"

Yan Shang, standing where he was, felt his eyelashes flutter lightly as he stared intently at the retreating figure of Yang Sanlang.

That "Don't block the road"—the arrogance in those words was so similar to the tone Mu Wanyao used when she spoke...

The relationship between these two was clearly not simple.

So, who was imitating whose tone?

Yan Shang’s perception was sharp; he heard something unusual in just that one casual remark from Yang Sanlang. His heart could no longer find peace, and it was only after Yang Sanlang had departed that Yan Shang let out a self-deprecating laugh.

Why was he dwelling on this?

Whether Mu Wanyao was imitating Yang Si, or Yang Si was imitating Mu Wanyao, or if the two had simply known each other for so long that they had unconsciously become similar... what did it have to do with him?

The crucial thing was the posting of the examination results tomorrow.

And whether that sleeve-swipe of his had enraged Mu Wanyao—

After asking around, Yan Shang found Mu Wanyao in a private room upstairs.

Because the building was lit all night, he closed the door and entered. Without needing to light a candle, he saw her.

However, she was not waiting to scold him with her usual arrogance. Instead, she was curled up small on a long couch, her arm propped on the armrest she had moved to her left side. Her hand was supporting her cheek, eyes closed, appearing to have fallen asleep.

Her hair was slightly disheveled, her lips parted slightly, and a hint of gold powder from the corners of her eyes shimmered like light on snow. A sleeping beauty under the lamplight, she was flawlessly moving.

Even in her sleep, she maintained the elegant and proper appearance of a princess, leaving no room for anyone to call it unrefined.

Seeing her asleep, Yan Shang was stunned for a moment. His first instinct was to turn away, feeling he shouldn't be looking at her so unguarded. But after turning away to steady himself, he hesitated, then turned back to look down at her.

With this look, he saw that her arm was likely struggling to support her cheek; she swayed in her sleep, about to fall. Yan Shang quickly hurried over, and just as she was about to topple over with a thump, he placed his hand on the armrest, catching her face before she could fall.

Mu Wanyao’s face landed on Yan Shang’s hand. At this, she opened her eyes, startled awake.

Her eyes were misty, still carrying the dazed confusion of someone just waking up. She looked up blankly at the young man who had suddenly knelt before her.

Mu Wanyao was dazed: Eh? Why is there a handsome youth at the bedside when I wake up? Is he here to serve me?

Seeing her sleepy-eyed, Yan Shang sighed, used his hand to support her face to help her sit up, and explained softly: "I have kept Your Highness waiting for a long time. You were asleep and almost fell just now, so I supported you. I did not mean to offend you."

Mu Wanyao regained her senses: "Oh."

She sat up straight, covered her mouth, and yawned, so sleepy that tears were about to fall: "Is Yang San gone?"

Yan Shang: "Yes."

He hesitated, then probed: "Master Yang seems very concerned about Your Highness."

Mu Wanyao: "He isn't concerned about me; he’s just fierce and doesn't like the sight of me. If he had seen me here just now, not only would he have scolded me for being unrefined, but he would certainly have gone to the Crown Prince to complain about me."

Mu Wanyao yawned, her speech slurred: "We both entered through the back door tonight; it was quite secretive. Clearly, you don't want to get involved in the Crown Prince's affairs, so what we did tonight cannot be known by that big-mouthed Yang Si."

Yan Shang looked at her blankly, saying softly: "It is I who have made things difficult for Your Highness."

Seeing how sleepy she was, yet still straining to talk to him, his heart ached for some reason.

Yan Shang took a clean handkerchief from his robes and said softly: "Your Highness, please wipe the tears from your eyes."

At the mention of her sleepy tears, as soon as Mu Wanyao touched her cheek, she remembered something.

She was suddenly wide awake.

She glared at Yan Shang: "Downstairs just now, did you hit my face with your sleeve?"

Yan Shang sighed: "It was my carelessness. Does it hurt, Your Highness?"

Mu Wanyao tapped the couch board: "It hurts a lot! What do you say we do about it?"

Yan Shang hesitated: "Does Your Highness wish to hit me back?"

Mu Wanyao rolled her eyes upward, looking at the void: "You just need to compensate me. I can't be bothered to hit you—won't my own hand hurt?"

Noticing the gentleness beneath her imperiousness, Yan Shang smiled slightly. He asked her where it hurt. Mu Wanyao had already forgotten, as it didn't hurt at all, but she pointed randomly at her cheeks, saying here and here.

Anyway, my whole face hurts from being hit.

Maybe it'll be swollen tomorrow.

Yan Shang was incredibly patient. Saying "pardon me," he went out to fetch some ice, wrapped it in a towel, and helped her wipe her face. Mu Wanyao backed away, refusing, but Yan Shang assured her it was his own clean handkerchief, not one used by any other woman in this establishment.

He supported her face with his hands, almost holding her in a phantom embrace, gently wiping her face with the towel.

He knew she was just picking a fight, but he didn't say anything.

Just seeing that Mu Wanyao was too sleepy, yawning after every two words, Yan Shang became even gentler: "Your Highness, go get some sleep. I will keep watch outside; it is enough that I wait for the news alone. You have already worked so hard for me, and I feel truly ashamed."

Mu Wanyao was indeed at her limit.

She climbed up shakily: "Fine, I’ll go sleep for a while. You keep watch outside; don't let anyone in."

She didn't forget to threaten him: "This Princess hates it most when someone sees my sleeping face. If you dare..."

Yan Shang said: "Your Highness, rest assured."

Mu Wanyao turned back and glanced at him. He stood beside the lamp, his grace like jade bamboo.

Mu Wanyao pressed her lips together, a sense of softness rising in her heart for no reason. She didn't say anything more and went behind the screen to sleep on the bed.

As for whether Yan Shang would sleep that night or if he intended to stay up all night, Princess Danyang had no consciousness of caring about him—

At the dawn drum, the first report sounded from the city tower of the Taiji Palace. Wave after wave of drumming rippled outward from the central drum tower.

With three thousand drum beats, the gates of the Imperial Palace, the Imperial City, and the wards were opened in succession. At the same time, the morning bells of the hundred-plus temples in the city began to toll.

The rain that had fallen all night had long since stopped. All of Chang'an awakened in the morning sunlight to the sound of three thousand drums.

A new day began, and the streets and markets filled with crowds, becoming bustling and prosperous once again.

Mu Wanyao pushed open the window, standing on the second-floor pavilion of the Northern Quarters, overlooking the vibrant, living Great Wei. Such a bustling and lively Chang'an stirred pride in the heart of everyone in the Great Wei.

It was this very Chang'an that made Feng Xianyu pine and refuse to leave; it was also the Chang'an she, a princess sent for marriage, missed day and night, longing to return to.

Someone knocked on the door, and Mu Wanyao said a faint "Mm." The door opened, and Fang Tong entered.

Fang Tong whispered: "Your Highness, last night Feng Lang went to the Grand Princess's residence. At dawn, the Grand Princess personally drove into the palace hub. I imagine the list is being changed back."

Mu Wanyao: "And Yan Shang?"

Fang Tong: "Because he wanted to see the results, Yan Erlang left just after waiting for me to return. Before leaving, he instructed the house to prepare breakfast for Your Highness, and it has already been paid for. Does Your Highness wish to go down for breakfast now?"

Mu Wanyao smiled, her tone suddenly teasing: "Oh? I thought he was so steady yesterday that he didn't care about the exam results. So, he does care after all?"

The Princess turned back and lifted her chin at Fang Tong: "After breakfast, we will go into the palace. After my father finishes the morning court session, I will pay him a morning greeting. As for the results, I must avoid suspicion, so I won't go see them."

"But whatever the result is, you must remember to report it to me."

Fang Tong naturally agreed. He served the Princess breakfast, and the two secretly slipped out the back door to rendezvous with Chunhua and other servants who had waited outside the Northern Quarters gate all night. Boarding the carriage, the Princess Danyang processionally entered the palace—

With the imperial examination results posted, countless scholars and literati were already crowded beneath the list. By the time Yan Shang arrived, the place was packed to the point where not even a drop of water could get through. It wasn't just scholars waiting; many powerful and wealthy families had parked their carriages there, preparing to see who would make the grade this year.

Every scholar who passed was incredibly precious, and they would be fought over by these influential families. If they saw someone they liked, they would immediately drag the person into a betrothal and marriage.

This trend was called "catching a son-in-law under the list."

Yan Shang had studied at the Imperial Academy for half a month and had come to know quite a few people. As he walked along, he greeted everyone he passed. His sociability caught the eye of Wei Shu, who was sitting coldly and aloofly in a tavern opposite the posting site, watching Yan Shang for a long time.

Everyone was talking to Yan Shang:

"Yan Suchen, I went to look for you at Yongshou Temple today, why didn't I find you?"

"Yan Er, why are you only just now arriving?"

"Yan Suchen will surely have great results this time."

Yan Shang smiled and returned their courtesies one by one, answering their polite concerns.

Sitting on the second floor of the tavern, the page boy beside Wei Shu looked at the long-sleeved, dancing Yan Erlang below and was stunned speechless.

The page boy: "Qilang... how does he know so many people? Hasn't he only been in Chang'an for a month?"

Sunlight fell like snow. Fourteen-year-old Wei Shu sipped his tea faintly, indifferent: "Some people are just born with better social skills. Much like how I was born with poor social skills."

Wei Shu had arrived in Chang'an nearly a year earlier than Yan Shang, yet Wei Shu hadn't really made any friends.

First, he was too young—ordinary noble youths his age were still studying and wouldn't even think to take the exam. Second, well, he was indeed cold and aloof; it was Yan Shang who had actively insisted on being his friend. According to his original nature, Wei Shu wouldn't have befriended anyone.

The page boy immediately stood up for his master: "Master, it's not that you have poor social skills; you just can't be bothered to interact with people..."

Wei Shu looked at the servant, and the page boy shut his mouth. He heard his master say faintly: "Yan Suchen has his strengths, and I have mine. Everyone’s destiny is different, and the paths they take are different. I don't envy him, so you don't need to find excuses for me."

As they spoke idly, a group of magnificent knights arrived, beating gongs. The minor officials on the drum tower saw the dust kicked up by the hooves from afar and hurriedly climbed the tower to strike the bells, signaling the crowds below to disperse—the list was about to be posted!—

The Dengke Records recorded the successful candidates for that year.

Two thousand people participated in the exam, and the central government admitted twenty-two.

The Top Scholar: Wei Shu (14 years old), passed on the first attempt;

The Second Place: Zheng Hanming (33 years old), had been taking the exam for ten years;

The Third Place: Yan Shang (18 years old), passed on the first attempt;

The remaining nineteen scholars were...

After the list was posted, the crowd below was in an uproar. There were those who were happy and those who were filled with grief. Some were grabbed by the sleeves and asked if they were married; others sat on the ground wailing...

Wei Shu didn't even show his face; he let his page boy check the results and then quietly left, avoiding being snagged by anyone.

 

As for Yan Shang, seeing his name appear as the Third Place, he felt a slight relief in his heart. Then, thinking of the hardships he had endured to reach this point and the sight of Feng Xianyu's collapse the previous night, a feeling of melancholy rose in him.

He steadied himself, passed over his own name, and checked the list for other acquaintances.

Unfortunately, besides Wei Shu, there was no one else he knew. Liu Wenji had failed the exam once again...

The difficulty of the imperial examinations could not be expressed in words.

When Yan Shang turned back, he seemed to catch a glimpse of Liu Wenji in the crowd with a sorrowful expression. As he hesitated, Liu Wenji looked at him, turned, and walked away. Yan Shang took two steps to chase after him, only to be swallowed by the crowd.

He was terrified to find himself surrounded by a group of servants—

"Is this Yan Shang, Yan Suchen? Does the young master have a wife at home? My master wants to play matchmaker for you..."

"Hey, young master, why are you leaving? Do you look down on our Lu family?"

"Not married is fine, take a concubine. Our young ladies, from thirty to thirteen, are all available for you to choose from."

"Yan Lang, Yan Lang! Don't run!"

The enthusiasm and boldness of the people of Chang'an left Yan Shang, a bumpkin from Lingnan, stunned. He had heard of the "catching a son-in-law" custom, but he hadn't expected it to be this exaggerated.

The enthusiastic people of Chang'an threw name cards into his arms, insisting he must visit their young ladies. Others held onto Yan Shang’s arms, refusing to let go. Even Yan Shang, who was so good at socializing, struggled several times to break free, but couldn't...

There was even an exaggerated page boy who knelt on the ground, hugging his thigh and wailing, begging him to go meet his master, saying his master really wanted to get to know this new Third Place scholar and wanted to become a "family friend."

Even the good-natured Yan Shang was getting desperate: "Everyone, Yan only has one body—one body cannot promise so many families... Please let me pass, and I will go back to discuss it with my father to see if it's feasible?"

Yan Shang lied without blinking: "Give me half an hour, and I will definitely come back to give you all an answer."

After much talking, Yan Shang finally managed to break out of the circle.

It was simply because as soon as people heard "Third Place scholar," they knew he must be handsome. Among the decked-out ladies of Chang'an, who didn't want to marry a good-looking, ideal husband?

So while the other scholars could barely cope, by the time Yan Shang squeezed out of the crowd, his back was soaked with sweat, and he wore a bitter smile.

He thanked his older brother for making him exercise every day; otherwise, in that fierce human tide, he would have been crushed or suffocated to death.

Yan Shang wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked back at the still-boisterous people of Chang'an. He shook his head and prepared to hide. Unexpectedly, he took a casual glance and saw Feng Xianyu standing at the entrance of the tavern opposite, looking at him intently—

Yan Shang paused and walked over. Without a word, he bowed to Feng Xianyu.

Feng Xianyu was still staring at the enthusiastic crowds beneath the list and said: "Can you return my daughter to me now?"

Yan Shang stood beside him and whispered: "I lied in my haste last night; I never sent anyone to kidnap your daughter. I only knew you cared about her and used the girl to provoke you."

Feng Xianyu looked at the young man beside him, and in his despair, he actually felt a sense of relief.

Yan Shang said: "In fact, you arranged your daughter's residence so secretively that you should know that even Princess Danyang would not have had the ability to find her overnight. You were only blinded by concern for your daughter's safety and couldn't risk any accidents. I exploited your psychology; I am truly ashamed."

Feng Xianyu leaned against the tavern flagpole and said faintly: "I have only this one daughter, and in the future, I might not have any other children, so of course I cherish her. I have to say, you used her to threaten me—at such a young age, your ability to fathom the human heart is something I must bow down to."

Feng Xianyu then sneered: "However, Yan Suchen, don't look down on the people of this world! Don't think that with your little tricks, you can play with the people of the world like me. Take care of yourself; Chang'an will teach you a lesson."

Yan Shang replied gently: "Thank you for the lesson, Brother Feng. But since you are still young, why do you say you won't have any other children?"

Feng Xianyu looked at him with dull eyes. Even when he was pushing Yan Shang like this, Yan Shang remained gentle. Even though he was angry at Yan Shang, Feng Xianyu couldn't help but admire Yan Shang’s self-control.

Feng Xianyu said: "Yan Suchen, can't you guess why?"

Yan Shang paused and said softly: "Is it because you still intend to continue serving the Grand Princess, so... you will not have any other children in this life?"

Feng Xianyu: "Yes."

Both fell silent and spoke no more.

Clearly, Feng Xianyu had already given up on other paths. He had climbed onto the Grand Princess and did not want all his efforts to go to waste. He was determined to earn a future under the Grand Princess... With the Grand Princess's protection, even if he failed this year, there would surely be a place for Feng Xianyu's name on next year's exam.

Feng Xianyu had developed a certain obsession with the imperial examinations.

He hadn't achieved it, so he had to try. Even if the result might not be good... he just had to succeed once to see it.

Feng Xianyu asked Yan Shang: "You lectured me all night yesterday with so many grand principles; why aren't you saying anything today? Why aren't you urging me not to serve the Grand Princess? Is it that after one night, you no longer feel I am base?"

Yan Shang looked at him: "You don't have to be like this, Brother Feng. Since you have chosen this path, why should I say more? I don't feel that serving the Grand Princess makes you a base person. Since you have chosen this path, just walk it well. No one has the right to question your choices; you only need to be firm in your own mind."

Feng Xianyu stared at him.

After a long while, Feng Xianyu gave a bitter smile and withdrew his gaze.

Feng Xianyu squinted at the bustling crowd beneath the list and looked at the sunlight overhead. He murmured: "Yan Er, Yan Er... I used to think you were a hypocrite, being good to everyone and keeping everyone in your heart. I mocked you in my heart, thinking you were just a person who fawned over the powerful. Now it seems... perhaps you are a true gentleman, and I am the one who couldn't see it."

"I am the one who couldn't see it."

Feng Xianyu said: "I hope that in the future, there will still be an opportunity to serve in court with you. I want to see exactly what kind of person you are."——

In the East Palace, they were also discussing Yan Shang at this time.

Because the Grand Princess entered the palace at dawn to change the quota back and the Crown Prince signed off on it, the list was finally settled.

According to the Grand Princess, it was Feng Xianyu who wept and wailed, insisting on the deep friendship he had with Yan Shang and feeling he had failed his friend... The Grand Princess was bothered by his pestering and, doting on her new favorite, simply went into the palace to change the name.

The Crown Prince spoke of this matter with his advisors and sighed: "A pity. I had hoped to see that girl Danyang and my aunt have a big fallout."

One of the advisors said: "The Grand Princess suddenly wanting to change the list back is really unusual. I fear Princess Danyang did use some means; it's just that this time it was more subtle, and she chose not to make a huge scene—it really doesn't fit Princess Danyang’s temper."

The Crown Prince was thoughtful: "Investigate and see if a new advisor has entered Danyang’s residence to give her ideas. The method this time was truly gentle... I don't believe that is a tactic the Danyang with that personality would use."

"What are you all saying about Princess Danyang?"

As the Crown Prince and his advisors were talking in the palace, a boisterous boy’s voice came from outside. Without needing to be announced, the boy entered the hall, walking with big, confident strides—it was indeed Yang Sanlang.

The advisors stood up to offer their respects, thinking to themselves that only Yang Sanlang could enter the East Palace without being announced.

The Crown Prince watched Yang Si sit cross-legged directly, smelling of sweat, and couldn't help but glare at the boy: "Not announcing yourself is one thing, but now you're even too lazy to go back to the residence to wash up? Why don't you just die of laziness?"

Yang Si glanced at the Crown Prince and said: "I ran outside for the Ministry of Revenue all night; I haven't closed my eyes once, and you still want me to wash up? If I go back to the residence to wash, I might just fall asleep. If I delay your affairs, don't blame me."

The Crown Prince waved his hand impatiently, signaling a maid to take a towel to wipe Yang Si’s sweat.

Only then did he hear Yang Si say lazily: "I chatted with the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue all night, and he finally agreed to turn a blind eye and let your people into the Ministry. That old man is almost at the age to resign anyway, and I see he doesn't want to work anymore, which just happens to provide a convenience for the Crown Prince."

The Crown Prince nodded with satisfaction.

The old Emperor had previously fought against the Jinling Li clan and finally managed to topple them, sending them back to Jinling. After the Empress passed away, the old Emperor aged overnight and could no longer muster the spirit for political affairs. This was the opportunity for the Crown Prince to come forward.

The Crown Prince intended to slowly replace the people in court with his own; the day the entire court was under his control would be the day the old Emperor should become the Retired Emperor.

And so, after the advisors talked for a while, when it was time for lunch, they all took their leave.

Yang Si, however, sat cross-legged where he was, not moving at all, clearly intending to have lunch at the East Palace.

The Crown Prince glanced at him several times, seeing that he had no self-awareness, and could only say impatiently: "Having lunch is fine, but can you go change your clothes before coming back?"

Only then did Yang Si reluctantly stand up and follow the maid to change his clothes.

Lunch began. The Crown Princess had specially prepared a dish that day to have with the Crown Prince. Seeing Yang Sanlang there too, the Crown Princess’s eyelid twitched, though she was already used to it.

This Yang Sanlang came to the East Palace too often; having lunch was just a common occurrence.

However, during the meal, the Crown Princess, for the Crown Prince's sake, couldn't help but show concern for Yang Si: "Sanlang, you're not getting any younger; has anyone in your family spoken of marriage for you?"

Yang Sanlang looked up and glanced coldly at the Crown Princess.

Before Yang Si could answer, the Crown Prince had already said: "His marriage is for me to decide."

The smile on the Crown Princess’s face could barely be maintained; she pursed her lips stiffly. She felt the Crown Prince was too good to Yang Sanlang—he was practically raising Yang San like a son... The problem was, Yang San wasn't the Crown Prince’s son!

The Crown Prince didn't even show that much concern for his own real sons!

However, when it came to marriage, the Crown Prince remembered Princess Danyang.

The Crown Prince asked Yang Si: "Have you seen the Sixth Sister recently?"

Yang Si replied very frankly: "No."

Seeing him say one word and then look back down at his food, the Crown Prince couldn't help but feel he was failing to meet expectations: "You haven't even gone to visit her?"

Yang Si was surprised: "Why should I go visit her? If she had any heart, she should have come to visit me."

The Crown Prince: "..."

The Crown Prince slammed his chopsticks on the table, slightly angry: "You stubborn mule, you'll be the death of me!"

The Crown Princess beside him shook in fear, thinking the Crown Prince was about to lose his temper. Instead, the Crown Prince calmed down after a while and picked up his chopsticks again.

The Crown Prince couldn't help but continue: "Eat more vegetables; how can you just eat meat?"

The Crown Princess wondered acidly to herself: Is Yang San really the Crown Prince’s illegitimate son? But the ages don't match, and the Crown Prince couldn't have had a son that old…