Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 40

Chapter 40

The spring rain was dense, falling as finely as sand.

The two lanterns hanging in front of the carriage illuminated the fog and the night rain, making them seem eternal.

Before the palace gates closed, the Princess of Luling’s carriage departed the Imperial City.

Inside the carriage, the Princess personally poured a cup of tea for Yan Shang, and he offered a polite word of thanks.

Sitting against the carriage wall, Yan Shang held the teacup in his hands. He took in the dissipating, warm fragrance inside the carriage and sized up the Princess of Luling sitting across from him.

In truth, he had never closely examined this Princess before.

On the night of the Qujiang Banquet, the Princess of Luling had certainly been seated among the other imperial relatives. However, at that time, Yan Shang’s attention had been focused on the Emperor’s decreed marriage and on Mu Wanyao’s stubborn, unyielding demeanor.

There were so many imperial relatives; he hadn’t even looked closely at the Princess of Yuyang, who was seated right next to Mu Wanyao, let alone this Princess of Luling, who was seated even further away.

Yan Shang’s knowledge of this Princess came only from the scraps of information provided by Feng Xianyu and Mu Wanyao. Mu Wanyao said her aunt enjoyed keeping handsome young men, and that Feng Xianyu had caught the Princess’s eye. While Yan Shang had sighed inwardly at the time, he had no intention of associating with this Princess.

However, since Feng Xianyu said the Princess seemed to have some misunderstanding about him, according to Yan Shang’s usual style of trying to maintain amicable relations with everyone, he was bound to clear up this misunderstanding.

Thus, under the Princess’s gaze, Yan Shang took a very polite sip of tea, then set the cup down, putting on a posture ready to converse with her.

The Princess wore a look that was half-smile, half-not.

Yan Shang cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Highness said you had some things you wished to ask me. I wonder what you mean?"

The Princess had just made up an excuse—how could she truly have something to ask?

She stared at the incense burner on the low table, watching the wisps of smoke drifting from the burner, and asked Yan Shang casually: "I heard you and Feng Xianyu are close friends? Feng Xianyu often praises you in front of me."

Yan Shang’s heart skipped a beat. He pondered secretly whether the Princess knew that it was he and Mu Wanyao who had forced Feng Xianyu to change the ranking back.

Now, he could only test the waters a little...

Perhaps because the space in the carriage was narrow and the scent on the Princess was too strong, Yan Shang felt slightly uncomfortable, and his head began to swim.

But as he was someone who never showed his hand on the surface, he continued: "I am truly ashamed. Although I was the Third Scholar that day, in my view, Brother Feng has even more of the talent required for that position..."

The Princess of Luling uttered a couple of "Mm-mm" sounds.

She truly did not know that it was Yan Shang’s doing that Feng Xianyu had changed the ranking back.

Right now, she was only anxious about why Yan Shang was still holding up.

The Princess said: "Feng Lang once asked me for a favor, something that wasn't very good for you, but after that, he seemed ashamed and re-recommended you. Do you know the reason?"

Yan Shang confirmed that the Princess did not know the truth.

He smiled slightly, asking with appropriate confusion: "I don't know what you are referring to? I really ought to thank Brother Feng in person. Brother Feng is a passionate person; he helped me in private, yet I was unaware..."

Without changing his expression, he supplemented the events of that day with a backstory, implanting it bit by bit into the Princess’s memory. Yet as he did so, he felt his heartbeat suddenly accelerate, a wave of irritability washed over him, and he became quite thirsty. These minute changes made him feel deeply anxious.

The Princess stared at Yan Shang, never blinking.

Yan Shang lowered his eyes, speaking to her in a gentle, warm tone, but she didn't hear a single word. The faint light of the rainy night shone in a thin layer across the young gentleman’s face.

With his eyelashes cast down, his brows and eyes were clear, his lips and nose distinct. He had been born with a fine appearance, yet his temperament actually overshadowed his looks.

He spoke with eloquence, and when he did so, his demeanor was calm, as if from a distant, ancient time. Upon seeing him for the first time, one wouldn't think him too handsome; instead, one would first feel Yan Shang’s detached, scholarly, and quiet nature. Only after noting this fine temperament would one notice his refined and gentle features...

Yan Shang’s heart beat faster, and sweat began to seep from his back.

His speed of speech remained unchanged, but his heart began to grow vigilant. Because he was accustomed to self-reflection and every word and action was carefully considered before being taken, this kind of panicked, flustered state was not common for him... Yan Shang simply brought the conversation to an end and asked for the carriage to stop.

The Princess was surprised: "What is wrong, Yan Lang?"

Yan Shang said gently: "I suddenly remembered I have to see a friend... I apologize for the trouble, Your Highness, but please stop the carriage."

The Princess looked at his straight sitting posture, his face slightly flushed. He was still proper, but proper to the point of rigidity... Having known all types of men, she understood in her heart that this man had been caught in her trap. The Princess leaned slightly toward him, and Yan Shang leaned back against the carriage wall.

The Princess said with surprise: "Yan Lang, why are you sweating?"

Yan Shang’s voice was slightly hurried: "Please stop the carriage, Your Highness..."

The Princess pulled a handkerchief from her bosom and, with pity, wiped the sweat from him. That lingering, swirling fragrance once again filled his nostrils, and Yan Shang found it almost unbearable... In daily life, Mu Wanyao was often this close to him, but he had never felt that a woman’s cosmetic scent could be so sickening.

He became more irritable, and his head swam more.

In a flash of lightning, Yan Shang grabbed the Princess’s hand as it brushed against his face and raised his head, his eyes piercing like electricity. He gripped her wrist so tightly that the Princess cried out, feeling as though her bones were about to break.

And yet, as he looked at her with cold eyes, the Princess felt a pang of guilt. But just as she was stunned, Yan Shang’s grip on her wrist loosened.

Thud!

Yan Shang closed his eyes, his head hitting the wall of the carriage. He had not resisted the drug hidden in the incense burner and had passed out.

The Princess patted her chest, looking down at the beautiful youth whose face was flushed red and whose breathing was heavy even in his unconscious state. She smiled lightly, nudging the unconscious Yan Shang with the tip of her foot, her gaze flickering to the area below the youth’s waist. Seeing the subtle changes, the Princess’s eyes revealed greed, and her own breathing began to grow heavy.

She urged the carriage on impatiently: "Hurry back to the manor!"

She crouched on the ground, affectionately caressing the face of the unconscious youth, whispering in a daze: "Yan Lang... how could you possibly resist my incense?"

It was by relying on this scent that she had never failed.

In any case, she was a Princess; as long as she wasn't plotting treason or meddling in politics, the Emperor would turn a blind eye... Now, she was merely lusting after Yan Shang, fond of his youth and vigor; what did that matter?

The fragrance in the carriage grew thick, reflecting the Princess’s face in a chaotic, ugly light—

At the Princess of Danyang’s manor.

Mu Wanyao was holding a pair of chopsticks, toying with the incense burner, adjusting the spices.

Chunhua had already asked for leave and left the Princess’s manor. At this moment, those serving Mu Wanyao were a few maidservants led by Xia Rong. These maids were clumsy, helping the Princess adjust the fragrance, but the more they tried, the less satisfied the Princess was.

Mu Wanyao’s face was dark: "This is not the scent! It’s wrong!"

Xia Rong was on the verge of tears: "Your Highness, this is the most orthodox method of blending incense that this servant learned in the palace..."

Just as Mu Wanyao was scolding her maids, the guard Fang Tong reported from outside the Princess’s bedroom: "Your Highness, Seventh Young Master Wei is at the door."

Mu Wanyao was surprised.

Didn't Wei Shu just say he was going to the house next door to visit Yan Shang? Could it be that after visiting Yan Shang, Yan Shang had prompted this little youth, who usually ignored everything and everyone, to come and pay his respects to her?

Mu Wanyao gave a light hum and set down the incense-blending chopsticks. She didn't think Wei Shu would voluntarily come to see her if he didn't have a reason; that was likely something only Yan Shang would do. And she had no interest in Yan Shang right now.

Mu Wanyao said: "Do not see him."

But after only a short while, the guard Fang returned: "Seventh Young Master Wei says he has an urgent matter to discuss with Your Highness."

Mu Wanyao suddenly sneered, curling her lip at her maids: "Look, I knew Juyuan wouldn't make a move without a reason. He definitely didn't come specifically to see me."

Saying this, Mu Wanyao went to change her clothes and fix her hair, then walked leisurely to the front hall, curious about why Wei Shu was looking for her.

Wei Shu stood in the hall, his back incredibly thin, possessing that clear and handsome look typical of someone so young. His clear, untainted temperament made Mu Wanyao pause for a moment. Then, Wei Shu turned around, saw her, lifted his eyelashes slightly, and his eyes brightened.

Wei Shu was direct and concise: "Your Highness, I come from next door."

Mu Wanyao walked into the main hall, testy: "I know. Didn't I just run into you in the alleyway a moment ago?"

Wei Shu watched the Princess walk in: "Second Brother Yan is not at his residence."

Mu Wanyao paused in her steps and said: "Then he must still be at the Hongwen Hall. It’s raining outside; perhaps he forgot his umbrella and is trapped there."

Wei Shu said: "But Second Brother Yan and I had an appointment to sleep over and study together tonight."

Mu Wanyao: "..."

She stared deeply at Wei Shu, surprised: "You two have such a close friendship?"

Wei Shu gave her a strange look, not knowing why she was focusing on such a peripheral matter. What Wei Shu had to say was clearly not this: "Your Highness might not understand Second Brother Yan, but I know that he is not someone who would break an appointment. Even if something truly came up, he would definitely have entrusted someone to let me know.

"I waited at his residence for half an hour, and he never returned. Your Highness, Second Brother Yan might have had an accident. I have no choice but to ask for your help!"

The mocking expression on Mu Wanyao’s face faded, and she became thoughtful.

It was true; someone as cautious as Yan Shang, if he made an appointment with someone, would never break it.

Last time, when he and Mu Wanyao had arranged to go see the Buddha bone on the Buddha’s Birthday, Mu Wanyao had deliberately tried to be difficult, neither setting a specific time nor a specific location. Even then, when Mu Wanyao arrived late in the afternoon, Yan Shang hadn't been late by much at all.

If he broke his word, something serious must have happened...

Mu Wanyao pursed her lips, saying she wouldn't concern herself with Yan Shang’s affairs anymore, but now that she realized something had likely happened to him, she couldn't help but feel anxious, pacing the hall.

Wei Shu said directly: "Your Highness, even if I am being overly worried, I beg you to help me this once. Although you rejected Second Brother Yan’s marriage proposal last time, you misunderstood him; he is not the person you described..."

Mu Wanyao looked at Wei Shu and fell silent.

She had known Wei Shu for so long and knew how cold he was; he usually paid no attention to others’ affairs. Yet, Wei Shu was begging her to help because of Yan Shang... Yan Shang’s popularity once again put Mu Wanyao in a strange mood.

Mu Wanyao fixed her beautiful eyes on Wei Shu and said softly: "How do you wish for me to help you?"

Wei Shu said: "Please accompany me out of the manor, Your Highness. The palace gates are now closed for the night, and only your waist token will get us in. I wish to beg you to come with me to the Imperial City’s Gate Administration Office and go to the Hongwen Hall to see if Second Brother Yan is there."

Mu Wanyao hesitated.

Wei Shu cupped his hands, his tone slightly urgent: "Your Highness, time is of the essence; we cannot delay!"

Mu Wanyao: "Why are you like this toward Yan Shang?"

Wei Shu was stunned for a moment, then said: "If something had happened to me today, Second Brother Yan would certainly have rushed about for me in this same way."

Mu Wanyao felt irritated.

But because she was being asked by Wei Shu, and because Chunhua, the maid who usually followed her and encouraged her to stay away from Yan Shang, was absent—while the other maids were clearly all won over by Yan Erlang’s charisma and very concerned for him—everyone joined in to request Mu Wanyao’s help.

Mu Wanyao’s already wavering resolve was quickly destroyed.

She also, truly, really, possibly, perhaps... was a little worried about Yan Shang.

Mu Wanyao made a quick decision: "Let’s go! Come out with me!"—

Since she had made up her mind, she naturally had to see an unscathed Yan Shang that very night.

Mu Wanyao and Wei Shu traveled by carriage into the Imperial City. Upon arriving before the Hongwen Hall, they found it had long since been closed. Mu Wanyao sat in the carriage and sent people to inquire about the situation, along with Wei Shu, who was holding an umbrella outside.

A moment later, Wei Shu stood outside the carriage: "It is said that Second Brother Yan boarded the Princess’s carriage."

Mu Wanyao was stunned, then said: "...Is that so."

The carriage door was open, and hearing the odd tone in Mu Wanyao’s voice, Wei Shu suddenly looked up.

Mu Wanyao was staring into the void above, lost in thought: "My aunt, well... she enjoys handsome young men. You can rest assured now; he won't be in danger. It is likely that Yan Erlang has caught her fancy; perhaps the two of them are sharing a night of passion right now, so why don't we avoid disturbing them?"

Anger appeared in Wei Shu’s eyes.

He was rarely this angry, but he took a step forward, put his hand on the carriage shaft, and countered: "Does Your Highness believe Second Brother Yan is the type of person who would cling to a Princess? Does Your Highness believe it wouldn't matter if Second Brother Yan were humiliated?"

Mu Wanyao was startled, and her expression tightened. Thinking of Yan Shang... even if she didn't want to care about him, as soon as she thought of someone as in-control as him being humiliated like this, and imagined him looking desolate, anger surged in Mu Wanyao’s heart... This was a person she had promoted; what right did that Princess have to touch her person!

Cold ice rose in her heart, and she clenched her hands suddenly, blurting out: "No, that won't do... I cannot let anything happen to him!"

Her expression turned frosty, and she made a swift decision: "Juyuan, get on the carriage! We’re going to the Princess’s manor to demand him back!"

Wei Shu’s heart relaxed.

But he asked: "If Your Highness ends up at odds with the Princess..."

Mu Wanyao pondered for a moment.

She shook her head and said: "I will not end up at odds with my aunt. I am no longer the Princess who would only foolishly demand people back on that night..."

She was a Princess learning politics bit by bit. The events of that night with Feng Xianyu and Yan Shang’s methods had taught Mu Wanyao another possibility. Often, she didn't have to push things to the brink; she could deal with enemies in a more balanced way.

Wind and rain urged the carriage forward.

Mu Wanyao instructed the guard outside: "Before we enter the Princess’s manor, help me find a cat."

She was going to her aunt’s manor to find a lost cat—an excuse to enter the Princess’s residence!—

The night rain was dense, and the carriage sped rapidly through the streets and lanes.

Every second counted!

Mu Wanyao’s voice was urgent in the cold rain: "Faster! Go faster!"

Because the carriage was moving fast, it was unstable inside, and even Wei Shu had to hold onto the table to balance himself. The light of the lantern shone into the carriage, illuminating the woman’s face, which was like ice and frost.

Wei Shu watched the Princess frowning as she thought, constantly twisting her sleeves... He was somewhat stunned, not expecting Mu Wanyao to be more worried than he was.

 

At this time, in the Princess’s sleeping chambers, Yan Shang slowly regained consciousness.

The curtains draped to the floor, and red candles burned brightly. He was lying on a bed. As he propped himself up, he felt his throat dry and parched, and changes were occurring in his body.

Vaguely, the Princess’s laughter drifted from behind the curtains: "Yan Lang is awake?"

There was no one else in the palace.

The Princess lifted the curtains and, holding a cup of tea, walked toward Yan Shang with a swaying gait. At this moment, the Princess was different from the woman in the carriage just now.

Back then, the Princess had still maintained a bit of dignity and elegance, but now her hair was loose, she was draped in thin, translucent silk, with her snowy shoulders and breasts half-exposed. As she walked toward Yan Shang, her brows and eyes were filled with a seductive charm that could soul-snatch.

She sat by the edge of the bed and handed him the tea.

Yan Shang remained silent.

The Princess stared at the area below his waist and laughed: "No drug was used. Now that you are here, do you think I still need to use drugs?"

Yan Shang naturally bent his legs, using his clothes to block the physical changes. His expression remained unmoved as he took the tea from the Princess, using the drink to calm his racing heart.

When the Princess sat beside him, the instinctive feelings of his body made him stiffen. Darkness grew in his eyes, and he had inappropriate fantasies... Yan Shang averted his gaze, refusing to let himself look at the Princess again, focusing entirely on drinking his tea.

Thoughts raced through his mind.

The Princess of Luling observed him, feeling confused and wondering how, even at this point, Yan Shang hadn't lunged at her? How was his reaction so flat when he saw her? Could it be that the drug hadn't worked?

However, as the Princess of Luling observed Yan Shang, she suddenly laughed.

She saw that although Yan Shang was trying his best to hold the teacup steadily, his long, slender fingers were trembling slightly; he couldn't even keep a grip on the cup.

His breathing was steady, yet sweat was already seeping from his neck; he didn't say a word, yet he didn't even dare to look at her.

The Princess of Luling suddenly grabbed Yan Shang’s hand that was holding the teacup.

Yan Shang’s hand trembled; the shaking could not be hidden, and the teacup slipped from his grasp, tea staining his robes. The liquid landed on his clothes, leaving dark, wet marks.

The Princess’s breathing quickened, and her voice turned husky: "Langjun, why are your hands so cold? Langjun, let me warm your hands for you."

She lowered her head to kiss his fingers.

Yan Shang quickly pulled his hand away: "Your Highness!"

The Princess sneered, her breath brushing against his ear. With a light push, she pressed his already unstable body down, pinning him among the curtains. She held his hands and watched the sweat beads fall from his forehead, watched his parted lips, which were dry from heavy panting, and she felt her heart flutter in excitement.

She lifted her face, about to kiss his lips.

He covered her mouth with his hand.

Yan Shang gasped, finding it hard to endure: "Please respect yourself, Your Highness."

The Princess said: "At this point, do you still not understand? What respect do you want me to have? Langjun, you really shouldn't let this beautiful scenery go to waste."

The curtains swayed.

The man and woman inside fought as if in a life-or-death struggle.

The Princess grew increasingly impatient, her tone carrying a warning: "Yan Erlang, I am just acknowledging that you are conscious and having a bit of fun with you. Do not refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. This doesn't cost you anything, so stop putting on this high and mighty act to reject me..."

She smiled, her breath brushing his neck: "If you serve me well, tomorrow I will find His Majesty the Emperor and recommend you for a promotion..."

Yan Shang suddenly opened his eyes.

The Princess was already out of control, but Yan Shang suddenly found his strength and grabbed her wrists, dragging her off his body. His emotions were unstable, walking on the edge of losing control; a simple movement caused more sweat to fall from his forehead, and his consciousness blurred for a moment.

The Princess fell onto the bedding, furious: "Yan Erlang, you..."

Yan Shang cut off her voice: "Your Highness is obsessed with pleasure, and in humiliating me like this, are you certain there is no chance for me to settle accounts with you in the future?"

The Princess narrowed her eyes, finding it funny: "What accounts are you settling with me? Are you referring to that little girl, Yaoyao? How could she possibly..."

Yan Shang said: "Ten years of study to serve as an official for one day. Your Highness is being so reckless; do you think that by blocking my official path, you can block it forever? Does Your Highness know that everything you possess today relies on His Majesty the Emperor, and once His Majesty no longer protects you, will you push yourself into an abyss because of today’s momentary lapse in judgment?"

The Princess: "How could my brother because of such a small matter..."

Yan Shang looked at her with cold eyes: "Is Your Highness so certain that His Majesty will live for a hundred years and protect you forever? After His Majesty passes, does Your Highness plan to smash your head on His Majesty’s coffin and follow him to the grave? Does Your Highness not want to leave a way out for yourself? Not thinking about your current splendor... and whether it can continue later on?"

The Princess’s face suddenly changed.

The speaker had no intent, but the listener did.

Yan Shang did not know the state of the Emperor’s health, but as the Emperor’s sister, the Princess of Luling knew best that her royal brother’s health probably wouldn't last many more years. She had heard in the past two days that he was coughing up blood and exhibiting symptoms of delusion... Everything the Princess had relied on the Emperor; she had exhausted all her efforts recommending famous doctors to treat her brother, yet...

The Princess withdrew her desire, her voice husky: "What do you mean? Could it be that you can help me?"

Yan Shang: "I can offer you strategies, Your Highness."

The Princess was irritable: "No... I cannot touch politics. If I do, the tolerance my royal brother currently grants me will vanish. What do you know... I’ll just have some wine today."

Yan Shang’s tone was hurried: "It is not asking you to touch politics. Is there no other way without touching it? Is it possible that your daily life has absolutely nothing to do with politics? Is it the case that what you seek is eternal life and endless wealth? If so, I cannot help you. I can only help you ensure that after His Majesty passes, you will not be liquidated... Your Highness, think carefully!"

Yan Shang leaned against the bedpost, and as she leaned in again, he grabbed her wrists. When he pushed her away, his hands loosened, and he lost his strength.

A sense of crushing defeat rose in Yan Shang’s heart; he could not think of a better way. Was it truly fated for tonight to...

He closed his eyes and endured; those words had exhausted his energy, and Yan Shang now lacked the strength even to push her away. But after the Princess hovered in front of him for a long time, she suddenly looked up: "Tell me then, how will you help me."

Yan Shang suddenly opened his eyes to look at her.

He said: "Allow me to get up, Your Highness, and I will write it down for you. And please, give me the antidote."

The Princess looked at him leisurely.

Laughing as if mocking him: "Yan Lang, I can allow you to get up, I can allow you to write, and I can allow you to speak nicely to me. But Yan Lang, where would an antidote come from? In this world of men and women, what antidote could there be?"

Her lips brushed his ear, seductively: "The passion of tonight is a reward I grant to you. You may refuse it, but I will not take it back."——

Rain poured down.

Mu Wanyao and Wei Shu stepped out of the carriage one after the other. Mu Wanyao was wearing a veil and cradling a cat in her arms, while Wei Shu held an umbrella. The two of them stood at the back gate of the Princess of Luling’s manor.

Mu Wanyao crouched on the ground and let the cat in her arms climb out. Naturally, the cat wanted to hide from the rain. After looking left and right, it climbed up the wall and burrowed into the Princess’s manor.

Mu Wanyao breathed a sigh of relief, then shouted: "My cat is lost! Enter the Princess’s manor with me and find my cat!"

Wei Shu followed behind Mu Wanyao, but she stopped him, saying: "Do not come in with me right now. I need you to help me tell a lie; look for the right time, and then come into the Princess’s manor to find me."

Wei Shu said: "I do not usually lie."

But he paused for a moment: "But for the sake of Second Brother Yan tonight, telling a lie is no issue."——

The Princess sat on the daybed, watching Yan Shang struggle to sit up and lean over the table to write.

Sweat dripping, he wrote while explaining to her.

During this time, he constantly stopped his pen, constantly closed his eyes, and his hand holding the wolf-hair brush never stopped trembling.

The effects of the drug continued to erode his willpower.

It kept causing his mind to go blank and kept triggering inappropriate desires...

The Princess admired his disheveled appearance, and gradually, her expression grew grave.

For so many years, Yan Shang was the first person she had drugged who could still forcefully manage to negotiate terms with her. Yan Shang’s strength of character had initially made her like him and covet him even more, but afterward, it had begun to make her feel afraid.

If there was a choice, it was best not to become an enemy of such a person.

Yan Shang whispered: "...It is just like this. Acting in this manner will keep you safe, Your Highness."

He looked back at her, leaned against the wall to stand, and bowed to her with difficulty.

The Princess looked at his pale, haggard appearance and his trembling body, and a sense of pity arose in her heart: "...I will not touch you. I see you truly cannot hold up any longer; why don't I lend you some of the beautiful maids from my manor."

Yan Shang shook his head and said: "I am anxious to return home. I accept your kindness, Your Highness."

Several moments after Yan Shang left, the Princess held the note he had left her, reading it repeatedly, and feeling hesitant. She felt Yan Shang was too terrifying and wondered if she should track him down and simply kill him...

As she wavered, she received a report from outside: "Your Highness, the Princess of Danyang has come looking for her cat."

The Princess was dumbstruck, suddenly recalling that the Princess of Danyang had once rejected a marriage to Yan Shang, and that the Princess of Danyang was showing up at this time... The Princess of Luling was filled with interest and ordered the doors opened, wanting to see what this niece of hers wanted.