Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 34

Chapter 34

The scholars were led by imperial eunuchs to wait behind the palace doors, where they could only catch a small glimpse of the Emperor’s family banquet inside.

Because he was the third-place scholar, Yan Shang stood in front of the other scholars alongside Wei Shu, allowing him to see much more than those behind him:

He saw that the lamps in the room had been extinguished; only a tree-like, waist-high lotus lamp with entwined branches stood behind Mu Wanyao, providing her with light. The royal relatives in the hall remained silent, all admiring the konghou performance of Princess Danyang within the dim glow.

He saw Princess Danyang kneeling on the floor, her long dress embroidered with phoenixes in golden silk and her plain, slightly translucent shawl spread out behind her.

The phoenix-headed konghou, as tall as her kneeling posture, was held in front of her. The instrument was shaped like a dragon and a phoenix, adorned with golden decorations. As Mu Wanyao lowered her head and her slender fingers plucked the strings, a sound as clear as spring water cascading from the heavens resonated through the pavilion in an instant.

The sound of the konghou was bright, ethereal, and carried a sense of transcendence, like ripples on the surface of water. The music was vast and hollow, yet it was soul-stirring and pleasant.

Everyone who heard Princess Danyang playing let out a soft sigh, staring blankly at the young princess who sat with lowered head, lost in her performance.

The Emperor’s youngest daughter, Mu Wanyao, had been renowned in her youth for her immense talent, her mastery of music, her unparalleled beauty, and her gentle, wholesome temperament; she was clever, adorable, and exquisite.

How many fine young men in Chang’an had once dreamt of marrying this princess?

Now, as time had passed and Mu Wanyao played the konghou once again, everyone in the hall—including the Emperor, who wore a weary expression—seemed to see the Princess Danyang of yesteryear once more.

Standing outside the door, Yan Shang watched Mu Wanyao and listened to her play. Amidst the darkness, she alone was surrounded by a clear, gentle light.

In that instant, Yan Shang felt as if he were nailed to the spot; his mind went blank for a brief moment, and the blood in his body seemed to freeze. Slowly, a tingling sensation crept up his back, and he found that he had actually begun to break into a sweat.

When Mu Wanyao had teased him during the day, she had said that his experience with the opposite sex was too shallow.

At the time, Yan Shang had disagreed.

But now, seeing the serene beauty of her playing the konghou, he finally understood just how shallow he truly was…

Yan Shang struggled to pull his gaze away, forcing himself not to look any longer. He did not dare to take another glance, nor did he dare to dwell on it for even another second. In his peripheral vision, he saw that the other scholars were all listening to the music in a daze, though Wei Shu appeared cool and composed, faring better than the rest.

Feeling embarrassed, Yan Shang lowered his eyes and began to silently recite books to distract himself.

Once the music in the pavilion concluded and Mu Wanyao rose, and the attendants carried the konghou away, the people finally came to their senses and began to offer sparse words of praise.

Mu Wanyao pursed her lips and smiled. Naturally, she played very well; it was just that she no longer liked playing the konghou. However, playing it at a family banquet was nothing of note.

The candles in the hall were relit. As the room brightened, Mu Wanyao returned to her seat and sat down.

Amidst the endless praise from the crowd, the Prince of Qin sighed, "With Yaoyao being so talented and beautiful, I wonder which lucky young man will benefit."

Mu Wanyao’s hand, which held the wine cup, paused. The room fell silent instantly. She raised her eyes and glanced at the Prince of Qin.

The Prince of Jin, sitting next to the Prince of Qin, felt that his third brother was deliberately looking for trouble. As he quietly moved away from him, he carefully added a word for Mu Wanyao: "Yaoyao has not been back in Chang’an for long; she can take a couple more years to rest. As for marriage, that is a matter for Father to decide."

The Prince of Qin sneered.

He glanced at the Prince, who wore a strange expression, and then looked at the cowardly Prince of Jin beside him.

Mu Wanyao’s marriage was naturally being watched by many, but she and the Prince of Qin were not on the same side. The Prince of Qin, looking for any opportunity to strike, wanted to irritate the Prince. Or perhaps, he was probing the Prince in front of the Emperor.

After all, everyone knew that the Prince was courting Mu Wanyao, plotting to gain the power of the Li family behind her. The Prince of Qin himself was not envious—the forces behind him were much stronger than the Prince’s… yet with his own power so great, the Prince was the eldest son, and he could not feel reconciled!

The Prince of Qin then said, "Did I say something wrong? A woman should be married when she is of age; our Great Wei does not follow the saying that 'a virtuous woman does not marry twice.' Is it because Yaoyao was married once that she shouldn’t marry again? Father, did I speak incorrectly?"

The Emperor ignored the Prince of Qin’s provocation, looking at the treacherous people in the room, then at his youngest daughter, who held her wine cup with a cold expression.

The Emperor remained silent.

He looked at the Prince, whose expression was slightly strained, and naturally knew that because the Prince’s maternal family was of low status, he had always wanted to expand his power. Relying on Mu Wanyao to win over the Jinling Li clan was naturally a superior strategy.

However, the Emperor had fought the late Empress for so long before finally suppressing the Li clan—how could he allow them to flourish again?

In the royal family, here in Chang’an, only Mu Wanyao remained of the Li family. They could not give her up, and they must have arranged other plans for her… hoping for a resurgence of the Li family.

Yet, as he had said, the Emperor did not want this result.

The Emperor mused silently. When he looked at his youngest daughter again, he suddenly saw Mu Wanyao look up, her ice-like eyes meeting the Emperor’s.

The Emperor was startled; there was a look of sighing regret in his eyes.

In that instant, Mu Wanyao’s expression changed slightly. She pulled back her gaze and drained the wine in her cup. The liquid was hot, making her lungs uncomfortable, and she coughed twice. Princess Yuyang, who was next to her, handed her a handkerchief; this princess still had not figured out why everyone had suddenly stopped talking.

As the Emperor looked at Mu Wanyao, he thought to himself: What a pity.

Following his wishes, the Li family had already returned to Jinling. If Mu Wanyao had spent her whole life in Wuman as that princess sent for marriage, it would have been best for the situation.

However, Wuman was in chaos, and a war was currently raging. Since her former husband had passed away, the marriage alliance in the midst of Wuman’s turmoil seemed meaningless. Since Mu Wanyao had returned to Chang’an, then so be it.

However, why did there have to be such trouble regarding a marriage?

Whether it was the Prince’s side or the Li family’s side, the preparations they had made for Mu Wanyao were all too good, and all would lead to the Li family’s resurgence. According to the Emperor’s wishes, it would be best if Mu Wanyao married someone who would never achieve anything, or simply did not marry at all.

Living happily as a princess, keeping a few male favorites, and enjoying life, just like the Grand Princess of Luling—wouldn't that be good?

Naturally, perhaps once he passed away, the Grand Princess of Luling’s current status would no longer exist… yet, the things an ordinary woman could never enjoy in a lifetime, the Grand Princess of Luling had seen long ago.

Why did Mu Wanyao have to take a side? Why did she have to have status, why did she have to have longevity?

The Emperor did not respond to the Prince of Qin’s words, so everyone in the hall lowered their heads, each harboring their own thoughts. The eunuch serving the Emperor, being incredibly quick-witted, chimed in at this moment to ease the atmosphere in the hall: "Your Majesty, the scholars are here to pay their respects."

The Emperor nodded: "Let them enter."

The scholars, who had been waiting behind the door, entered one by one to pay their respects to the host of the hall.

The Prince and other princes had already met these scholars, so that was aside for now; they were deep in thought, wondering what the signal was from the Emperor staying silent on Mu Wanyao’s marriage just now. The others in the hall, however, looked curiously at this year’s scholars.

When they first saw the young man at the lead, Wei Shu, they were impressed by his youth and elegant demeanor, sighing at the refined style of the Luoyang Wei clan.

The second-place scholar was an old man, and after a casual glance, they moved on.

Then came the third-place scholar, Yan Shang, and the crowd was startled once more.

They had thought the top scholar’s demeanor was already excellent, but the top scholar was simply too young, which left people with no particular thoughts. This third-place scholar, however, had truly gentle brows and eyes, a stature like pine and bamboo; he was a beautiful man who looked like a precious branch or a fine tree, illuminating the entire hall.

The Grand Princess of Luling gave a soft "Ah," her eyes suddenly brightening; she nearly dropped the cup in her hand. She was so excited she almost stood up, but fortunately, the maid beside her tried her best to restrain the Grand Princess, preventing her from losing her composure in the hall.

The Grand Princess of Luling had seen many beautiful men, but the third-place scholar was so handsome yet so clear and solemn that he truly made her heart itch.

Even the Emperor’s first glance fell on Wei Shu, and his second glance fell on Yan Shang. The Emperor had seen this batch of scholars before, and seeing them again today, he felt that this third-place scholar, who had perhaps leapt up from a humble background in one go, had a much better temperament than his previous impoverished appearance.

The Emperor said, "This year’s scholars of the Son of Heaven are all very good. Let me test you. Prince, Prince of Qin, what were you two arguing about just now?"

Before the Prince and the Prince of Qin could answer, they heard Mu Wanyao’s laughter.

Yan Shang stood with his eyes cast down, his eyelashes trembling slightly, but he remained upright and did not dare to look up or steal even a single glance. This attitude made the Emperor, who was facing other scholars who couldn’t help but peek at the princess, feel somewhat satisfied with him.

Mu Wanyao laughed softly: "Father, you just said you wouldn't talk about state affairs tonight, so why are you bringing them up now? Father should be punished with three cups of wine."

The Emperor was taken aback, then smiled: "You are the only one who would be so calculating, child."

He did not deny it, and the people below hurriedly poured wine for His Majesty.

Princess Danyang’s playful remark finally eased the tense atmosphere in the hall.

When the Prince replied to the Emperor, he also wore a smile: "It is like this. Your son has recently taken charge of the Ministry of Revenue, and Third Brother asked the Ministry of Revenue for money. However, the national treasury truly cannot provide it, so I argued with Third Brother a bit."

The Prince of Qin joined in: "Father, your son is in charge of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War; which one doesn't need money? Big Brother is blocking the funds, and I am not convinced."

The Prince said: "It is not that I am blocking them, but that there truly is no money."

The Prince of Qin sneered: "Big Brother, are you trying to deceive me? Just two days ago, I saw Big Brother approve a large sum of money for the Ministry of Works. If even a small, insignificant house like the Ministry of Works can get money, why can’t the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War?"

Yang Si, behind the Prince, retorted with a sneer: "How does Your Highness, the Prince of Qin, not see that besides the Ministry of Works, even our Ministry of Revenue did not approve money for themselves? There is a reason for approving money for the Ministry of Works!"

The Prince of Qin stared coldly at the Prince’s follower, Yang Sanlang, knowing that what Yang Sanlang said represented the Prince. He said unhappily: "The five tribes of the Southern Barbarians are in rebellion; does the border not need grain and fodder? These are major affairs. Since Big Brother is in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, he should manage them clearly."

Seeing Yang Sanlang about to argue back again, the Emperor said: "Enough, I roughly understand what you both mean. Let’s take this as the exam question. Let the scholars speak freely today and see if they can provide a solution."

The scholars were immediately overwhelmed. They had not yet entered the officialdom, and were they to choose a side now? It would be best to help neither side. But to help neither side, they had to find a way to generate wealth… this was truly difficult for everyone.

Arithmetic was originally considered a lowly craft.

Perhaps there were those in the world who were truly skilled at managing money. But the Ministry of Revenue did not have them, and His Majesty’s Inner Palace Office did not have them… most noble families just bought land or shops and left them be; who would actually study how to generate wealth?

The Emperor looked at them, waiting for their reply.

As the top scholar, Wei Shu had to be the first to speak.

He was also momentarily stunned, having not thought of any way to generate wealth. Fortunately, he was quick-witted, and in the span of a few moments, he roughly thought through all the ways of managing money he had seen: "The Ministry of Revenue’s last general census of the Great Wei population seems to have been ten years ago. In these ten years, I fear many have become thieves or drifters, and much farmland has gone to waste. The Ministry of Revenue could conduct a new census, redistribute the land, and recalculate the land taxes; perhaps that would yield much more.

"Also, the corrupt officials can be dealt with.

"Furthermore, some powerful families in the countryside have also developed quite a bit over these years…"

Wei Shu spoke one by one. The Prince above nodded repeatedly, and the Emperor’s expression also softened, showing appreciation.

Because this child’s reasoning was clear and his logic was excellent, he had organized his thoughts well as he spoke… After Wei Shu finished, the Prince felt it was a pity, thinking how good it would be if Wei Shu could be used by him.

 

The Prince looked at Wei Shu: "Juyuan, submit a memorial to me later, reorganizing what you said tonight."

Wei Shu bowed in assent.

But since Wei Shu had stolen the spotlight, the scholars behind him were all pale and looking ghastly, hating Wei Shu to death.

They blamed Wei Shu for being too clever, saying everything they wanted to say—what else could they say? This person was truly leaving no way out for others!

Sure enough, when the second-place scholar answered the exam question, he stammered, broke into a sweat, and his words were incoherent, making the Emperor stare for a long time: Is this the standard of a second-place scholar?

The Prince waved his hand, understanding that Wei Shu had said everything these people could say. The Prince figured Wei Shu had covered it all, and he didn't expect the other scholars to say anything else. The Prince let the second-place scholar go, and next was the third-place scholar, Yan Shang.

The Prince stared at Yan Shang, not holding much hope. Because this person had not even read many books… to have achieved third place, perhaps it was really as Yang Sanlang had guessed: he was protected by Mu Wanyao, and it was just good luck.

Yan Shang was also deep in thought.

He should hide his talents.

After all, he had just displayed a lack of great talent in front of the Prince, and if he were to suddenly talk freely now, the inconsistency would likely make him a target of the Prince. In a few months, when he revealed his talent, he could use the excuse of having read more books, and the Prince would not fixate on him so much.

However, Yan Shang did not intend to say nothing at all. If he said nothing and became a mediocrity, no one here would remember him.

So, saying something useful but not stealing Wei Shu’s thunder was the best approach.

Yan Shang then said in a measured tone: "Your subordinate believes that to generate wealth, apart from common methods like land and shops, trade with other countries is even more useful. Not only land trade, but maritime trade is equally important. Being from Lingnan, many people in the imperial court think Lingnan is a desolate place. When I first came to Chang’an, some were even curious if people in Lingnan were not uncivilized savages, and why they were educated. Yet, Lingnan has some unique specialty items that the Central Plains do not have. For example, lychees; in Chang’an they are valued, but in our Lingnan, they are everywhere and extremely common."

When he said this, the people sitting here all laughed.

Yan Shang continued: "If trade routes were widely opened, and common items were exchanged with uncommon ones, wouldn't that be much better? Furthermore, this subordinate believes that money need not be left in the treasury to grow mold. If it flows and human and material resources are mobilized, only then can it function effectively."

He said these few things casually, and the Emperor’s gaze, which had not been focused, fixed on him.

The Prince leaned forward, wanting to hear him continue.

However, Yan Shang raised his eyes and smiled: "These are just some crude opinions, and they are not yet mature. This is all this subordinate can think of for now."

The Prince felt disappointed. He thought that in the end, as a scholar from a humble background, his insights were novel, but still too crude.

Yet, he was different from the others, so the Prince nodded: "You also write a memorial and submit it to me."

Yan Shang said he would.

Afterwards, for the other scholars, everyone stammered and couldn't say anything of substance. Thus, after everyone had finished speaking, the Prince only asked for the memorials of Wei Shu and Yan Shang, which everyone felt was normal.

After the circle was complete, the Emperor’s examination of the scholars concluded. With Wei Shu and Yan Shang ahead to shield them, the Emperor was barely satisfied and ordered rewards to be given to the scholars, with the rewards for Wei Shu and Yan Shang being the most generous.

The Prince’s expression darkened slightly, wondering why his father gave Yan Shang such generous rewards? Could it be that Yan Shang was more outstanding than he thought… The Prince looked back, intending to exchange a look with Yang Sanlang and discuss it with Yang Si.

He saw Yang Si drinking with his mind elsewhere, his gaze drifting as if he had started daydreaming again.

The Prince: "..."

He only felt anger that his expectations were not met.

The Emperor looked at Yan Shang with a chuckle: "Yan Suchen, I see you have a bright and youthful demeanor, and I am somewhat moved. I wonder if you have a wife at home?"

The Prince was shocked, then suddenly understood. He realized that the reason his father gave Yan Shang such generous rewards, equal to Wei Shu’s, was not because he had other thoughts, but because he simply wanted to bestow a marriage. However, who did he want to bestow her to… The Prince’s eyelids jumped, and he had a bad premonition.

Yan Shang was startled; he truly had not expected his marriage to be a matter of concern to so many people.

It was one thing to be asked every day for the last two days, but now even the Emperor was concerned.

Yan Shang could only answer: "I do not yet have a wife."

He resisted the urge to look at Mu Wanyao’s expression.

He had just told Mu Wanyao that he would not marry, but if the Emperor bestowed a marriage… he could not refuse.

What would Mu Wanyao think of him?

He was anxious, and as he frantically thought of a way out, the Emperor laughed above him: "That is truly excellent, Yan Suchen. How do you feel about my youngest daughter, Danyang, as a match for you?"

Yan Shang looked up instantly, his eyes full of bewilderment.

The more the Emperor looked, the more satisfied he became.

Yan Shang had no one behind him, was a scholar from a humble background, and did not know when he would enter the officialdom. Furthermore, Yan Shang was young, handsome, and talented; this was the third-place scholar of the year.

Didn't everyone hope he would arrange a marriage for Mu Wanyao? Then he would match Mu Wanyao with Yan Shang.

In this way, at least for the next three or four years, Mu Wanyao could allow him to rest easy.

Upon hearing the Emperor’s words, Mu Wanyao looked up abruptly at her father.

The Prince’s heart sank, and he clenched his fists slightly. And Yang Sanlang, who had been daydreaming for half the day, suddenly came to his senses, looking at Yan Shang and then at Mu Wanyao. Yang Si suddenly felt a surge of anger, thinking that the Emperor was truly bullying Mu Wanyao too much.

The first marriage was a political alliance; for the second, was he just going to dismiss her by matching her with a third-place scholar with no background?

Was it not too cruel to Mu Wanyao?

To the Emperor, was Mu Wanyao only left with interests, without even a shred of familial affection?

Yang Si was about to stand up, almost instantly wanting to say that he was willing to marry Mu Wanyao, and that he wanted to compete with the third-place scholar for her.

If there wasn't a single person in this world good to Yaoyao, what did it matter if he entered the game?

Yang Si was grabbed by the Prince, who held him down firmly, not letting him step forward at this time. Yang Si glared at the Prince, and the Prince shook his head at him, signaling him to watch first and not enter the fray at this time—

Everyone was quiet, and Yan Shang was in a trance.

If, if… the Emperor bestowed Mu Wanyao upon him, he could not refuse. Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad thing?

Between him and Mu Wanyao…

Just as Yan Shang’s heart was in turmoil, he heard a lazy and wanton laugh from Mu Wanyao. Her voice was like jade clashing, carrying a hint of decisiveness: "What is Father saying? I am not willing to marry this country bumpkin."

Yan Shang was stunned and looked toward her.

She was staring coldly at him, and slowly stood up.

The two locked eyes, and many scenes surfaced and then dissipated between them.

Yan Shang looked at her, seeing her stubborn, enduring, and coldly averted gaze, refusing to look at him anymore.

She stepped out from her seat, knelt beside Yan Shang, and bowed: "Given his background and shallow talent, if Father truly loves your daughter, you should not let me marry such an unworthy person."

The Emperor was silent.

He asked: "Yan Suchen, what do you think?"

Yan Shang said softly: "Her Highness is a branch of gold and a leaf of jade; it is this humble servant who is unworthy of Her Highness."

Mu Wanyao knelt beside him, and hearing him say this, her eyelashes trembled, nearly spilling tears. Yet, she pursed her lips in silence, her eyes shimmering with waves of light. He glanced at her; she didn't know if she had misread it, but she felt that Yan Shang was not angry with her.

There was a gentleness and inclusion in that glance—

It’s okay, don't be afraid.

No one can force you—

No one could force her.

At least at this moment, Yan Shang was helping her.

He was so good, so very, very good.