Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Yan Shang could not explain his current state of affairs, and Mu Wanyao, fuming with anger, stepped off the carriage and returned to her estate.

Yan Shang sighed, left with no choice but to turn back and look helplessly at Zhao Lingfei.

When Zhao Lingfei saw him turn, she smiled brightly and showing her teeth in a very sensible manner.

A girl of fourteen or fifteen like her was in the prime of her youth, and her smile was both generous and radiant, leaving the servants in the entire alley dumbfounded.

Yan Shang could only let out another low sigh, feeling a headache coming on—

Zhao Lingfei had been grounded at home by her father for two months. After fighting and causing such a scene with him for so long, she had finally learned how to play the obedient daughter.

And so, Duke Zhao had released her.

After all, his daughter was lively and extroverted, and being cooped up at home all day, she had already withered away.

Zhao Lingfei had pretended to be well-behaved in front of her father, but as soon as she turned back, she happily went to seek out Second Master Yan once again. She thought to herself that since her father couldn't win against her stubbornness, perhaps he would agree after she pestered him for another two years.

After all, Second Master Yan had told her that he had no plans for marriage in the next two years, so she could wait for two years, couldn't she?

What mattered was making Second Master Yan like her and grow accustomed to her presence.

A person as gentle and jade-like as him surely found it difficult to proactively take a liking to any young lady. Zhao Lingfei intended to seize this opportunity and accompany him every single day.

With a fair companion to share the scent of books, affection would grow over time; she did not believe he wouldn't be moved.

Zhao Lingfei had first gone to Yongshou Temple to find him, only to panic for quite a while upon discovering he had moved away. Fortunately, she lingered in the temple for a while longer and happened to run into some children from the temple’s infirmary.

Learning that Yan Shang still frequently returned to visit them, bring them food, and teach them to read, it was easy for her to find out where he now resided.

Watching the anticipation and affection those children held for Yan Shang, Zhao Lingfei felt even happier for him and proud of her own judgment:

The man she liked was such a kind person!

And so, naturally, Zhao Lingfei came to find Yan Shang.

It was easy enough to stop ordinary commoners from entering the district where Princess Danyang resided, but it only took Zhao Lingfei a little extra time to easily make her way in. Feeling she hadn't seen Yan Shang in a long time, she had come to celebrate his housewarming and had even prepared many gifts.

Yan Shang could only thank her and invite her into the residence for a cup of tea.

Zhao Lingfei followed behind Yan Shang, watching his clean, solemn back and his peerless temperament; she excitedly clenched her fists, encouraging herself to continue working hard to step into Second Master Yan’s heart—

Yan Shang invited Zhao Lingfei to drink tea in the main hall.

He could not help but bring up the old topic once more.

Yan Shang: "Why must you do this, Lady? Your constant searching for me each day is genuinely distressing."

Zhao Lingfei said: "Young Master, just pretend I’m not here. I will only follow you from afar and will not approach you to speak unless you initiate it, all right? If you don't speak to me, I won't come forward, okay?"

Yan Shang frowned slightly.

He said: "I truly fall short of your generous affection. With you like this, yet me unable to respond, does that not make me feel guilty? There are many unmarried men in Chang'an who are a perfect match for you in status. Why must you insist on associating with me?"

Zhao Lingfei sighed: "When you see someone for the first time and your heart is stirred, how could such fate be something one encounters easily?"

Yan Shang paused.

He said: "But I truly do not like you being like this."

Seeing his expression turn stern, Zhao Lingfei panicked. She whispered: "Then, then... I will come to see you once every three days, okay? You don't have to talk to me; I will just look at you, and my heart will be filled with joy."

Yan Shang whispered: "...Why must you do this?"

Zhao Lingfei said: "Just give me a chance. Either you keep refusing me until I lose confidence and stop pursuing you, or you will eventually be moved by me and see my good points. Young Master, you are not yet married, so why not give me even the slightest chance?"

Yan Shang said: "...I fear my view on marriage differs from yours."

Zhao Lingfei’s eyes lit up, thinking he was at least willing to discuss marriage with her. She quickly pricked up her ears, listening to what a person of his stature thought about marriage so that she could change herself accordingly.

Yan Shang said: "Marriage, to me, is nothing more than a responsibility for continuing the family line; I truly have no interest in romance."

Zhao Lingfei was stunned.

She said: "Do you mean that whoever you marry, whatever temperament your future wife has, it doesn't matter to you at all?"

Yan Shang nodded.

He thought that with such a cold and emotionless declaration, this young lady would surely know to retreat in the face of difficulties, right?

Who would have guessed that Zhao Lingfei would blush and, very boldly and enthusiastically, reply: "I, I... it’s not as if I can’t bear children for you."

She was more formidable than Yan Shang had imagined: "Young Master, how many children do you want to have in a few years? Do you prefer boys or girls? I can do either. I have a very healthy body! Because I have practiced martial arts since I was young—you can’t tell now, but you will understand in the future..."

She blinked at him, hinting.

Yan Shang was holding a mouthful of tea, and he was so choked by her words that he could neither swallow nor spit it out out of politeness. He covered his mouth with his sleeve, coughed, and quickly moved the tea away.

He looked helplessly at Zhao Lingfei, while she looked back at him with joy.

Yan Shang held his forehead, and his head began to ache—

Zhao Lingfei began to habitually find opportunities to run over here.

To avoid her, Yan Shang spent most of his time hiding in the Hongwen Pavilion. After all, the pavilion was inside the Imperial City, and without a tally or waist medallion, it was very difficult for Zhao Lingfei to enter.

Zhao Lingfei naturally begged her cousin to take her in, as Yang Si went to the Eastern Palace almost every day and would naturally pass through the Imperial City. But Yang Si, having been cautioned by Duke Zhao, refused his cousin’s request without hesitation.

Yet Zhao Lingfei pestered her cousin, begging him to help her find a way. Most importantly, she wanted Yang Si to use his connections in the Eastern Palace to get her a waist medallion so she could enter the Imperial City freely.

Yang Si was annoyed.

Yang Si said: "What use is begging me? Can I kidnap Second Master Yan and put him in your bed so you can make things official?"

Zhao Lingfei stiffened her neck: "...That might not be such a bad idea!"

Yang Si: "..."

He was shocked for a long moment, staring at Zhao Lingfei: "You like Second Master Yan that much?"

Zhao Lingfei nodded.

Yang Si thought of Yan Shang, whom he had met, and could not understand: "What exactly do you like about him?"

Zhao Lingfei began to list them as if they were treasures: "He is good-looking, and he pays great attention to self-cultivation. Every time I see him, no matter what clothes he wears, his demeanor is clean and bright. He speaks unhurriedly, he listens to what I have to say, and he knows when to shut up and listen at the right time—unlike you foul men who only care about your own satisfaction when you’re talking.

"His heart is exceptionally good. When he sees others in trouble, whether he knows them or not, he helps if he can. He doesn't ask for a reward; he treats those who remember his kindness well, and he doesn't mind those who forget it.

"He has many friends. Everyone who knows him speaks highly of him. Just take yourself, cousin—last time you were dismissive of him, and this time you don't even talk about him anymore, do you?

"And there’s more..."

Yang Si looked coldly and covered Zhao Lingfei’s mouth.

He saw it now; Second Master Yan simply had too many virtues, and it was perfectly normal for Zhao Lingfei to like him.

Yang Si frowned slightly.

But he felt that the relationship between Yan Shang and Mu Wanyao was also strange...

Yang Si rested his chin in his hand, lost in thought.

He rarely saw Mu Wanyao get close to any young men. In the past, when Mu Wanyao was younger, she was obedient and quiet and would never actively provoke any young men. Now that Mu Wanyao had grown up, she interacted with men with a purpose, yet she also held no man in high regard.

However, Yang Si had already seen Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang together twice.

Once was at Yongshou Temple; the other time was when Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang were in the same carriage going to the Eastern Palace.

Moreover, the Emperor had once arranged a marriage for the two, only for Mu Wanyao to reject it.

Under normal circumstances, even to avoid suspicion, Mu Wanyao should not be getting close to Yan Shang again.

Yet that day they shared a carriage... and Yan Shang had even become Mu Wanyao’s house retainer.

Was that truly the extent of their relationship?

"Cousin, can you help me or not?" Zhao Lingfei tugged at his arm, shaking him back to reality.

Yang Si lowered his head to look at Zhao Lingfei for a moment and said slowly: "I cannot give you a tally to enter and exit the Imperial City as you please. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, the Crown Prince will have to clean up the mess for you. However, I can help you stall your father. When you go to find Second Master Yan to play, tell your father you are coming to find me. That way, at least your father won't stop you all the time."

Although Zhao Lingfei hadn't gotten exactly what she wanted, seeing Yang Si so resolute, she could only nod.

Her cousin had a strong and stubborn personality; it was very difficult to persuade him.

Zhao Lingfei lowered her head and muttered: "Every time I see Princess Danyang, I feel like her eyes are like knives looking at me; it’s terrifying. Aren't you on good terms with Princess Danyang? Can you plead with her for me? I’m only going to see Second Master Yan, so why does she have a sullen face every time she sees me?"

Yang Si was startled.

Then, he burst into laughter.

A hint of warmth flowed into his eyes.

He said: "Yaoyao...

"You don't need to pay her any mind. Her temper is just like that now; she doesn't seem happy seeing anyone."

Thinking of someone, he even smiled, his voice softening: "...But she hasn't reached the point of being unreasonable and pestering others. If you don't provoke her, she won't find an excuse to deal with you."

Zhao Lingfei nodded, appearing to understand but not quite, and after staring at Yang Si for a long time, she suddenly asked: "Cousin, are you truly not marrying a wife all this time just to wait for Princess Danyang?"

Yang Si: "Ah?"

He froze for a moment and said vaguely: "You could say that."

Zhao Lingfei sighed sympathetically and said: "Then you should go and talk to Princess Danyang more. If you leave her alone, will a beauty just fly into your arms?"

Yang Si scoffed and reached out to ruffle Zhao Lingfei’s hair. He said calmly: "You don't need to worry about my affairs. I know what I’m doing."

In his heart, he felt sorry for his parents.

As long as Mu Wanyao remained unmarried, he would not marry, so he could continue being her shield.

Behind him were the Crown Prince and the Yang family. The scope of his willfulness was too small... he was not a man of superior intellect; he had nothing but his martial arts.

Yet, these skills were not enough to withstand the biting winds and swords, nor could they protect Mu Wanyao.

Not marrying and not taking a wife meant that every time Mu Wanyao was pressured to marry, he could be pulled out—this was the only thing he could do to help her.

He would rather the world think it was he who didn't like her and was dragging his feet, unwilling to marry her.

He would not have people think that he had long ago agreed, and that all the pressure was forced onto Yaoyao alone.

Yang Si lowered his eyes, falling silent in contemplation.

Zhao Lingfei said anxiously: "You aren't in a hurry, but your father and mother are very anxious, coming to my house to talk about it all day. They are even a bit dissatisfied with the Crown Prince, feeling that it is the Crown Prince who forced you to marry Princess Danyang, delaying your marriage. Young men from other families of your age should have already started talking about marriage."

Yang Si was indifferent: "What does it have to do with the Crown Prince, and what does it have to do with Yaoyao?"

He narrowed his eyes, stood up, and went to the window, looking out toward the distant horizon through layers of clouds.

He stood with his arms crossed, his voice faint: "Whether or not the Crown Prince summons me back to Chang'an, I would not be marrying at this time. If I were not in Chang'an, I would be in the Northern Desert, in Longxi, at the border... I should be sleeping under the stars at night, leaning against the high mountains by day. I should be going through life and death with the soldiers, fighting bravely on the battlefield..."

He peered into the distance, unfocused, as if peering at places beyond Chang'an, peering at those thousands of horses and soldiers, those things that made his blood boil and filled him with drive.

Zhao Lingfei gazed at his tall, imposing back, lost in a daze. He was straight as a sword, but that sword was shackled by iron chains, not daring to leave its scabbard.

She felt her cousin was a figure like a great eagle; such an eagle should be flying high in the sky, flying out of Chang'an. Yet in reality, Yang Si was imprisoned in Chang'an, trapped here.

He could not exert his ambitions and could not abandon Chang'an...

One day... may there one day be a day...

Yang Si turned back to look at Zhao Lingfei; his eyes were bright, unrestrained and fearless.

In this instant, meeting his calm gaze, Zhao Lingfei felt as if she understood him a little, and felt some pity that he was trapped here.

Zhao Lingfei did not want to show the pity of a young girl, for what right did she have to pity her cousin?

Even if he was shackled now and trapped in Chang'an... one day, her cousin would rush out of here and head toward the stage he truly wanted to reach.

Zhao Lingfei’s eyes shimmered, and she smiled sweetly: "I have never left Chang'an, never been to the Northern Desert of Longxi, never been to the border, and never seen a real battlefield or soldiers. I hope that one day, I have the chance to follow cousin out to see them. I also want to see what cousin has seen!"

Yang Si said dismissively: "You? You had better busy yourself with getting married. Once you are married, it will be even more impossible for you to come and see the world with me."

Zhao Lingfei glared at him: "Then you try hard to get out of Chang'an before I marry. The Crown Prince dotes on you so much that as long as the situation in Chang'an stabilizes a little, he will let you go. Or you can beg him a few more times; he can’t bear to truly trap you... anyway, can’t you let me see your brilliance before I marry?"

Yang Si was stunned and said: "What do you know?"

Then he walked back, smiling as he draped an arm over Zhao Lingfei’s shoulder, saying with a rogue’s air: "Alright then. I’ll try my best to bring you out of Chang'an before you marry. Don't be so embarrassing, being married and still having seen nothing of the world."

Zhao Lingfei kicked him immediately, and he dodged easily.

Zhao Lingfei was suddenly eager, chasing Yang Si to exchange blows—her martial arts were naturally not as good as her cousin’s, but she had liked practicing since she was young. Although she was always being suppressed by her cousin, she still wanted to try and see if she had improved even a little—

After discussing with Yang Si, Zhao Lingfei continued to go to the alley where Yan Shang lived, crouching there every day to wait for him.

It was difficult for Zhao Lingfei to encounter Yan Shang, as he would leave early and return late to avoid her. After all, the district gates were closed at night; if Zhao Lingfei wanted to return home, she could not stay out too long.

So be it.

The pitiful thing was that while Zhao Lingfei could barely encounter Yan Shang, she could frequently run into Mu Wanyao, who was leaving and returning to her estate.

Mu Wanyao rode a horse most of the time, followed by numerous male and female riders. This princess was always unrestrained and charming, adorned in gold and silver, and extremely eye-catching.

Yet, every time Mu Wanyao saw Zhao Lingfei, her face would sink instantly, and she would pierce her with a gaze like a knife.

Zhao Lingfei was confused, not knowing where she had provoked Mu Wanyao. However, she remembered her cousin’s instructions to not provoke Mu Wanyao proactively, and every time they met, she would obediently greet her with a smile.

Thus, she watched as Mu Wanyao’s face grew uglier with each passing day, yet for some reason, she never found a reason to lose her temper at Zhao Lingfei.

Zhao Lingfei rejoiced, thinking that indeed, cousin understood this princess well.

Mu Wanyao got angry whenever she saw Zhao Lingfei, but she had no reason for it. She was so furious that she made herself ill, and sores broke out in her mouth.

And because of this, she became even angrier.

In this state of anger, at a banquet in her estate, Mu Wanyao was startled when she saw Yan Shang, her eyes widening.

She could not believe he actually dared to appear in front of her!

Because this banquet was to invite officials of the court, such as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Mu Wanyao had planned two days ago to let Yan Shang build good relations with her subordinates—to let everyone recognize each other’s faces, know they were all on her side, and make things convenient for each other.

But when she invited Yan Shang, Zhao Lingfei hadn't appeared yet!

Now that Zhao Lingfei had appeared... how could Yan Shang have the face to come to her banquet?

When Yan Shang appeared, wearing a turmeric-colored gown that trailed on the floor and a sheer silk scarf, he was so elegant and romantic. When he turned his head to look at her alongside the other court officials while they were conversing, everyone’s gaze couldn't help but flicker.

She was truly suited for this kind of opulent and magnificent beauty.

Yet, while Mu Wanyao was lazy and casual with others, dancing in her long sleeves; when it turned to him, she was spitting fire, wishing she could devour him.

Yan Shang could not help but smile.

Seeing that he actually had the face to smile, Mu Wanyao felt the tightness in her chest grow even more, feeling that the sores in her mouth were hurting even more.

The banquet lasted for an hour, and Mu Wanyao was displeased the entire time watching Yan Shang. She had originally intended to introduce these people to him, but now she was not going to introduce anyone at all; it was entirely up to Yan Shang to meet them himself.

But seeing that Yan Shang could truly converse with officials whose ranks were far higher than his own relying on his own merits... Mu Wanyao’s mouth hurt even more.

She thought to herself: Why are all these people so easy to talk to? Didn't a single one give Yan Shang a hard time?

Perhaps there were difficulties, but relying on Yan Shang’s ability, it was hard for Mu Wanyao to appreciate them.

As the banquet concluded, Mu Wanyao couldn't wait to rush people away. The officials assumed the Princess was unwell today, so they did not stay longer.

Mu Wanyao turned to head back to her backyard, hearing footsteps chasing after her from behind.

Yan Shang sighed: "Your Highness... what kind of anger is this?"

Mu Wanyao walked through the long corridor, the flowers falling in the empty gallery, the poplars bright and willows dark. Layers of light slanted in, mottled and extremely messy, dragged along by that gorgeous turmeric dress.

Mu Wanyao turned abruptly and looked at Yan Shang.

She said: "Did some young lady come crying and begging to marry you again today?"

Yan Shang was slightly bewildered.

Then he realized instantly.

His gaze lifted slightly, looking at her, and he whispered: "...Your Highness is angry at Zhao Wuniang (Fifth Daughter Zhao)?"

Mu Wanyao: "So you know she’s ranked fifth! When are you two getting married? Do you want my Princess estate to send you a grand gift?"

After finishing, she turned and left.

Now that Yan Shang knew what she was angry about, he naturally had to follow and explain.

He followed behind her, speaking in a gentle voice: "What is so difficult about knowing her rank? Don't we have to introduce ourselves when we meet? Besides, I am not getting married. Haven't I said that I won't be getting married for the next year or two?"

Mu Wanyao walked extremely fast, her speech equally rapid: "Back then, you said it was because I was delaying your marriage, so you had no choice and couldn't get married. It’s different now; Zhao Wuniang is practically dying to live in your residence, showering you with affection every day, right? Then what are you waiting for, why not hurry up and marry her? The young lady has even taken the initiative to chase after you, so why aren't you taking any initiative yourself?

"Are you truly a person who can only let others take the initiative?"

Yan Shang felt a headache from her rapid-fire speech, listening to her talk about this and that. On the left, she was telling him to marry quickly—he hadn't even processed that—and on the right, she was asking him about taking initiative...

Yan Shang was completely baffled.

Seeing her so angry, he grabbed her wrist from behind, making her stop so they could talk properly.

Mu Wanyao was turned around by him; she was grabbed by the wrist through her sleeve, and she glared at him.

Yan Shang looked at her like this and blurted out: "Why... are you so angry?"

Mu Wanyao froze.

Then she immediately remembered that she had no standing to be angry.

She was furious and wanted to shake off his hand, not even wanting to hear his explanation. Fortunately, Yan Shang immediately realized he had said the wrong thing; he shouldn't have asked Mu Wanyao that, as his question left her with no words to say.

He quickly gripped her wrist tighter, not letting her leave.

He patiently explained: "I have no intention of marrying anyone, whether it is Zhao Wuniang or anyone else. If I had such thoughts, why would I have moved house?"

Mu Wanyao stood dazed, and then her eyes widened even further.

She wasn't stupid; usually, all it took was a hint for her to understand. She couldn't help but shout: "What? You mean you moved out of Yongshou Temple to avoid Zhao Wuniang? You didn't want to be neighbors with me at all, you didn't want to help me at all—you were just trying to avoid her? From beginning to end, it was all for her?"

Yan Shang was also stunned.

He said: "That is true... but what Your Highness said, that is likely not what I meant."

Mu Wanyao: "In short, it was for her."

She shook off his hand and walked faster this time, leaving Yan Shang exhausted and lost.

He followed her, unable to help but speed up his speech: "How could it be for her? It was nothing more than avoiding someone. These past two days I’ve been leaving early and returning late, isn't that just to..."

Mu Wanyao: "It’s for her again!"

Yan Shang: "..."

He said helplessly: "Then what should I do?"

During their exchange, Mu Wanyao had already entered her room, and Yan Shang followed to the doorway.

The maids looked at each other, seeing the Princess lose her temper, and hurried off to hide in the distance, fearing that the Princess’s fire would sweep onto them.

They watched as the good-tempered Second Master Yan stood at the door, speaking in a low, gentle voice to the young lady inside the room.

Mu Wanyao’s voice, however, was merciless: "You don't know what to do, right? I think you’re very happy. Do you know why she likes you? I’ll give you an idea: go and destroy your face, then she won't be chasing after you anymore!"

Yan Shang sighed: "Your Highness..."

Mu Wanyao stood in front of the dressing table, extremely displeased, grabbed a hairpin and tassel that had been neatly arranged in a box under the copper mirror, and threw them at Yan Shang behind her.

Yan Shang retreated in astonishment, and most of the hairpins landed with a clatter two or three steps in front of him, but one hairpin had tremendous force, flying directly at Yan Shang’s face. Yan Shang hurriedly turned to avoid it; the sharp tip of the hairpin grazed his face.

Mu Wanyao’s eyes opened wide, and she stood frozen.

When Yan Shang turned back, she immediately saw a bloodstain scratched onto his face.

Mu Wanyao was instantly flustered and anxious, forgetting her anger as she ran over to check on him: "Your, your face... oh my!"

She covered her mouth instantly.

She was caught by the arm by Yan Shang.

A scratch had appeared on Yan Shang’s face, oozing beads of blood. He hadn't felt it himself, but then he saw Mu Wanyao run over. Then she cried "Oh my" and covered her face; Yan Shang thought she had scratched herself with the hairpin, so he quickly grabbed her arm to look at her.

Mu Wanyao covered her cheek, wailing: "It’s nothing... it’s just that I’ve been getting internal heat these past two days, and sores have broken out in my mouth. You made me so angry I bit my mouth, and now it hurts."

Yan Shang lowered his head to look at her.

He asked: "Have you applied medicine?"

Mu Wanyao glared: "How do I apply medicine? Let people see my mouth?"

Yan Shang was speechless.

He couldn't help but smile bitterly: "Then I suppose we are both injured now."

Mu Wanyao covered her cheek, blinking quickly as she looked at his face; with every look, she felt a bit more guilty. Yan Shang couldn't see it himself, but she saw the blood seeping from the scratch...

Yan Shang touched his face and looked at the blood on his hand in silence. Mu Wanyao pulled back his arm, as if afraid he would be angry, and said guiltily: "I didn't mean to hurt you."

Yan Shang paused and looked up with a smile: "I know. Shall we call it even?"

Mu Wanyao: "What do you mean, call it even?"

Yan Shang: "Your Highness got internal heat from my anger and got sores in your mouth, and I got my face scratched by your hairpin. Since we are even, could Your Highness please stop being angry with me?"

Mu Wanyao was dazed for a long moment, thinking that she couldn't forgive him so easily. But Yan Shang was standing there with a bleeding face, looking at her with a gentle gaze... she could not bear to act arrogant anymore.

After a long moment, Mu Wanyao said: "Sit down, I’ll help you apply medicine."

She paused: "And you will help me apply medicine."

Yan Shang was stunned, his face instantly flushing red, and he stammered: "This, I’m afraid that’s... not very good..."

The place where she needed medicine applied was not the same as his face.

Mu Wanyao squinted at him: "If you refuse, then you still like Zhao Wuniang and want to marry her, and you never truly intended to ask for my forgiveness. You are a gentleman; you do not take advantage of people. I trust you, so do you not trust yourself?"

Yan Shang had nothing left to say and looked at her with a helpless smile: she was now using "gentleman" at every turn to block him.

Seeing him smile at her, Mu Wanyao gave a cunning smile. Seeing that he still had no way to deal with her, she felt that she was still the powerful one.

Yet, while she frowned and pulled him into the room to sit down, she worriedly pondered: How exactly was she going to drive that Zhao Wuniang away?

Although it made no sense... she simply was not happy having other women surrounding Yan Shang.