Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 55

Chapter 55

The summer resort villa where Mu Wanyao followed the Emperor was located in Fanchuan, on the outskirts of Chang'an.

Fanchuan was situated at the foot of the Zhongnan Mountains, and noble officials and royal relatives were all fond of living in seclusion there, as well as building private gardens.

Naturally, the Emperor also had his own private villa in this area.

As for the other garden, which the Crown Prince was currently building with great fanfare by scouring the world for treasures, no one yet knew how it would turn out. But for the moment, this villa in Fanchuan was the Emperor's current favorite. Every year when the weather turned hot, the Emperor would come to live here for two months.

This year, it was Mu Wanyao who accompanied him.

Although Mu Wanyao was following the Crown Prince's instructions and had come over to curry favor with the Emperor in order to avoid Yan Shang, the old Emperor's lonely, solitary life was made much brighter by the addition of a young daughter who looked remarkably like his late wife. Consequently, the old Emperor was in an excellent mood.

Fanchuan was indeed much cooler.

In the mansions of the nobility in Chang'an, ice was being used to escape the heat, but in the Fanchuan villa, the plums and melons served by the attendants had only been stored in the cellar and never chilled with ice. Eating fruits like this, which were not overly cold, was very much to Mu Wanyao's liking.

Mu Wanyao was sitting under the same tent as the Emperor, playing a board game called "Liubo."

Liubo was a game that used thrown dice-like pieces to determine movement, and it was quite popular among the nobility of the Great Wei Dynasty.

As Mu Wanyao played chess against the old Emperor, she was lost in a chaotic train of thought.

She thought that she must follow her Imperial Father, gather as much information as possible regarding his attitude toward the Crown Prince, and strive to add chips for the Crown Prince in his eyes. Because as a princess sent for political marriage, Mu Wanyao had absolutely no power to choose her side. With only the Crown Prince as the heir apparent and her natural choice, she naturally had to help him wholeheartedly.

If she could just hold out until the Crown Prince ascended the throne and bestowed upon her the title of a Grand Princess, she might finally be liberated.

A moment later, Mu Wanyao suddenly thought of Yan Shang, and her heart felt a brief sense of panic.

She thought that with her current attitude, someone as intelligent as Yan Shang should be able to understand her meaning. Once she stayed here for a month and returned to Chang'an, and both sides had calmed down, she would be able to restore a normal monarch-subject relationship with him.

It was simply that her heart itched unbearably for him right now... if she didn't use distance to forcibly interrupt this, she was afraid she would cling to Yan Shang and never let go.

As for Yan Shang, who was so resolute in his actions, his marriage plans were completely different from hers. Having been frightened by him, she hoped to use her attitude to signal her position.

Yan Shang... should be able to understand, right?

But whenever Mu Wanyao thought of him, her heart became a tangled mess. The thought of him drawing a clear line between them again left her feeling unwilling; thinking of his quiet sleeping face that night, which she had sat in the tent hugging her knees and watching secretly for so long... if only he were truly her elder brother.

She could let him be good to her without a shred of guilt.

And she wouldn't have to worry about him walking away.

Now, three days had passed; Yan Shang should have understood by now.

Would he be angry? Would he be sad?

At the mere thought that a person like him might be sad, Mu Wanyao’s heart felt as if it were being pierced by knives, and she became even more restless...

"Yaoyao, when you play chess, you are quite like your mother, the Empress." The Emperor’s conversational tone pulled Mu Wanyao back to reality from her thoughts.

Mu Wanyao looked at the Emperor across from her.

The Great Wei had open-minded customs, and from top to bottom, people admired a spirit of heroism. This open atmosphere meant that despite being the Son of Heaven, the Emperor rarely wore the yellow robe and did not use his clothing to flaunt the status of an emperor.

In the past, when the Emperor was in good health, he often wore riding attire, which led the ministers to follow suit and make riding gear the trend; in recent years, as his health declined, he simply draped himself in loose, casual robes.

Looking from where she sat, Mu Wanyao saw that the Emperor’s temples were grey, his face thin, and his robes oversized. There was a languid look in his eyes, yet he played with his pieces and smiled at her.

In that instant, she suddenly realized that this man was truly old. In the past, he was decisive in killing and never allowed his emotions to show; now, he could actually smile at his young daughter.

Mu Wanyao followed the Emperor’s lead and asked: "How am I like Mother?"

The Emperor narrowed his eyes, saying as if reminiscent: "Anuan was different from other women. When Anuan played chess with me, she never regretted a move once it was placed. Unlike other women who enjoy taking moves back. She was exceptionally focused when she played; she wouldn't talk to me, nor did she like me to disturb her. A woman with such depth of heart is hard to find nowadays."

Anuan was the maiden name of the late Empress.

In all the world, perhaps only the Emperor still dared to use the late Empress’s maiden name.

Mu Wanyao thought to herself that it seemed she was not like her mother at all. Her mother was focused on the game, while she was merely distracted, thinking of other things.

Mu Wanyao saw the worried look in the eyes of the eunuch behind the Emperor, and her heart skipped a beat. She thought it seemed the Emperor’s repeated reminiscing about the late Empress made those around him very worried about his state of mind.

After throwing a counter, Mu Wanyao made another move. She said: "Never regretting a move is indeed a good style. It seems I should learn from Mother."

The Emperor chuckled: "Why learn from her? To be as cold and indifferent, filled with ice and snow as she was? To be as..."

He looked slightly dazed, but Mu Wanyao did not listen any further.

Because she saw the figure of a handmaiden appear outside the tent, looking toward them with anxiety and restlessness. That handmaiden was one of the maids Mu Wanyao had brought along. Mu Wanyao’s heart sank, thinking something had happened, so she told the Emperor she was going to change her clothes and went out.

As soon as Mu Wanyao stepped out, the handmaiden reported in terror: "Your Highness, Sister Chunhua seems to be failing... she is dying!"

Mu Wanyao’s mind went blank for a second, and then she said sternly: "Nonsense! Wasn't she perfectly fine when I left? How can someone perfectly fine suddenly be failing?"

The handmaiden looked left and right, seeing that the area around the Emperor’s tent was perfectly still, with countless maids and eunuchs waiting.

The handmaiden dared not speak aloud, so she leaned close to Mu Wanyao’s ear and whispered in a very low voice: "It seems to be pregnancy," "heavy hemorrhaging," "only breathing out and not breathing in," "everyone is crying in fear."

Mu Wanyao’s expression turned grim, and she immediately prepared to go back and check.

On her way back, she remembered something and had the handmaiden find the Emperor’s personal eunuch to ask for an old imperial physician to follow her. She only said the Princess was not feeling well, and that nothing else needed to be mentioned—

Mu Wanyao returned to her quarters and pushed open the door to the maid’s room. Along the way, she had already learned the gist from the handmaiden, so now her mind was clear; she had already guessed what was going on.

The handmaidens dared not make a sound, standing in terror under the porch as they watched Mu Wanyao push the door open. Around the bed curtains inside, many maids were kneeling, sobbing uncontrollably while gripping the hands of the woman inside.

"Your Highness!" they turned their heads to see Mu Wanyao enter.

Mu Wanyao was filled with anger; she was incensed that Chunhua would want to abort the child without even daring to tell her.

Was she afraid she wouldn't agree?

Or was she afraid she would make things difficult?

Filled with rage, Mu Wanyao lifted the bed curtains, but seeing the pale girl lying under the covers, drenched in cold sweat, she was stunned, and every harsh word vanished. Under the shocked cries and attempts to stop her by the maids, she tore back the quilt to see the blood staining the sheets... Mu Wanyao’s eyes instantly reddened.

She trembled and said: "You are crazy! You are crazy! Can medicine just be taken at will? Can village quacks be trusted? You, you... you are throwing your life away!"

Chunhua was in the throes of miserable, extreme pain, her vision blurred by tears as she dimly saw the Princess.

She twitched and reached out a hand, desolate and fearful: "Your Highness, Chunhua can no longer serve you... Chunhua will go first..."

Mu Wanyao grabbed her wrist, her voice cold and severe: "This Palace does not allow it! I absolutely do not allow it!"

Chunhua was gasping for air, and if she didn't say what she had to say now, it would be too late.

Covered in cold sweat, her face pale, she choked out between shivers: "I know, I made the same choice as you once did, Your Highness. I did not mean to hurt your heart... it’s just that I really did not want this child. I have my Liu; I did not want to fail him. I did not want to enter the Prince’s mansion; I did not want to be with someone I don't like...

"I know my wishes were too extravagant. Since even you, Your Highness, could not achieve them, how could I? But I also dream; thinking that I am merely a maid, I am not that important... I only wanted to be with the man I like, to marry, to have children... to be with him forever.

"Even if we were poor, even if we were destitute. I am not a big shot like a Princess; I don't have to make any choices. I only needed to get rid of this child... Your Highness, Your Highness, please do not blame Liu. After I go, please look after him more. I failed him; I am the one who wronged him. I know you do not like him... but he is not a bad person."

The girl curled up in the quilts; she was still bleeding, and the hand Mu Wanyao held became ice cold. The beauty that had once made everyone adore her was now dim and haggard, devoid of its former radiance.

The other maids in the room kept their heads lowered, some sobbing, others weeping silently.

Mu Wanyao sat on the couch, her gripped hand trembling slightly.

She watched as a ghostly smile appeared on Chunhua’s face, and she muttered to herself: "My Liu is very good; he has always been very good to me. Last time, I even found out he wanted to marry me and bring me home. I am going to get married; I do not want to fail him... Liu, Liu... in the underworld, a hundred years from now, when will we see each other again?"

Mu Wanyao squeezed her hand back: "Chunhua! Do not be like this... you came out of Wuman with me; we came through such difficult times together. Now that life has gotten better, I am finally able to protect all of you. Why didn't you tell me? Why did you have to bear it all alone?"

Mu Wanyao’s lips turned pale: "You are only a maid! You are only a maid, that is all!"

Amidst the sobbing, outside the room came the cry of a guard: "Your Highness, the imperial physician has arrived!"

Mu Wanyao immediately said: "Please, bring him in quickly!" —

The imperial physician said that Chunhua’s pregnancy was not progressing well, and currently, the lives of both the mother and the child were linked. If the fetus was not saved, Chunhua might survive, but looking at the current degree of hemorrhaging... she might never be able to conceive again in the future.

Inside, Chunhua had already fainted, and the only person who could make decisions was Mu Wanyao.

Hearing that if the fetus was not saved, Chunhua might never have children, felt like a thunderbolt striking the top of her head; Mu Wanyao’s mind went empty for a moment.

She inevitably thought of the scene two years ago in Wuman, where maids knelt all over the tent, surrounding her bed and crying until they could barely breathe.

Without saving the fetus, she would never have children again.

Mu Wanyao had been driven to a dead end; she had no choice. If she had died back then, everyone around her would not have survived in Wuman. And she could not have children; if she had had a child and been tied by blood, she would never have been able to leave Wuman...

That was only two years ago, but now it felt like a lifetime had passed.

Back then, she had no choice, and no one could make decisions for her. But now, Chunhua had a choice. Chunhua had her.

She couldn't protect herself, so could she not even save the life of her own maid?

Mu Wanyao said softly: "Physician Zhang, please do your best to save Chunhua’s life first."

She turned around and instructed Fang Tong: "With speed, I need you to return from the Princess’s Mansion within half an hour and bring me that fetal-protection miracle drug I specially had made."

Fang Tong bowed solemnly, without a word of nonsense, and turned to leave.

Mu Wanyao stood in front of the maid’s quarters, scolding the maids not to cry and ordering that what happened here must not be spread.

She stood alone for a long time, clutching her sleeves, thinking of the reason why the Princess’s Mansion possessed such a drug.

Thanks to a state of mind she didn't know where it came from before—even though whether one was pregnant or not had nothing to do with her—she had always kept in mind that bitter plight she had faced in Wuman.

After returning to Chang’an, she had asked the top imperial physicians to join forces and make this fetal-protection medicine.

Perhaps Mu Wanyao would never have been able to use this medicine in her entire life.

But Mu Wanyao had been stubbornly determined back then to have this medicine exist.

Now, looking at it... perhaps Chunhua’s life could be saved by this—

In the Hongwen Academy, a book was laid out before the desk where Yan Shang sat.

His hand supported his forehead, a lock of hair sweeping between his long, slightly curved fingers. He stared at the page, but his mind was agitated and restless; he hadn't been able to take anything in for a long time.

After being lost in thought for quite a while, an official came in, greeted him, and said someone was looking for him outside.

Yan Shang closed the book and went out. It wasn't until he reached the outside of the academy that he saw the person looking for him was actually Feng Xianyu.

In the Great Wei official system, the official robes for the eighth and ninth ranks were deep turquoise. But because of the Great Wei’s bold customs, even the Emperor did not wear a yellow robe, and ministers did not wear official robes for their daily duties—they were all in casual wear.

Therefore, when Feng Xianyu was standing upright in the Hongwen Academy wearing deep turquoise ninth-rank official robes waiting for Yan Shang, the people passing by were already looking at him with curiosity. Feng Xianyu didn't mind; when Yan Shang came out, he revealed a smile.

Feng Xianyu: "Suchen, trust you’ve been well."

Yan Shang surveyed him from top to bottom, put away his previously chaotic state of mind, and revealed a smile as warm and natural as usual, sincerely congratulating him: "Brother Feng has finally achieved his wish. I cannot help but ask, is wearing these official robes comfortable for you?"

Feng Xianyu had finally become an official, and although it was thanks to the Princess, he was also secretly proud. Coming to see Yan Shang, of course, was not to show off. Having spent a long time with Yan Shang, Feng Xianyu naturally knew Yan Shang’s ambitions did not lie here.

Therefore, Yan Shang’s banter naturally had no other meaning.

Feng Xianyu was shy, a rarity for him: "These official robes... well, they do feel quite good."

Yan Shang could not help but laugh.

Yet he still advised: "Brother Feng is riding the wind of success, and it’s fine to enjoy it for a couple of days. But since the other officials do not wear official robes, dressing like this is overly conspicuous and a bit too flashy."

Feng Xianyu said: "As expected, Suchen, you prefer a low profile. But what you suggest makes sense; I’ll just enjoy it for two days, and tomorrow I’ll put it away and stop wearing it randomly. I really don't know what the Emperor is thinking—official robes are meant to be worn, yet instead, everyone is trying to be eccentric."

Yan Shang smiled without a word.

Feng Xianyu glanced at him; he naturally knew that Yan Shang never picked up on such ambiguous topics, which made him admire him greatly.

Feng Xianyu walked to the side with Yan Shang and smiled: "Actually, I didn't come for anything else; I’ve gotten to know a few friends who are hosting a banquet at Beili tonight. Would you like to come along? I can help introduce you to a few people in the officialdom."

Yan Shang hesitated for a moment.

Yet he still said it was unnecessary, stating he had been busy with studies recently, and that he thanked Feng Xianyu for his kind intentions.

Feng Xianyu nodded and whispered to Yan Shang that the Princess of Luling was currently very unhappy because the Eastern Palace asked for money too frequently. The Princess could erupt at any time, and although Feng Xianyu would try his best to stop her, he asked Yan Shang to be psychologically prepared.

Yan Shang nodded his thanks, intending to write this into the memorandum he gave the Princess tonight.

As a retainer, of course, some things should be brought to the Princess’s attention.

However... Yan Shang went into a trance for a moment, thinking that Mu Wanyao probably wouldn't even read his memorandum now.

Feng Xianyu had finished what he came to say and bowed to take his leave. Yan Shang stopped him: "Brother Feng."

Feng Xianyu turned his head and saw Yan Shang frowning, revealing a look that was somewhat conflicted.

This was the first time Feng Xianyu had seen Yan Shang looking conflicted, and he was quite surprised.

Feng Xianyu: "Is there something I can help you with? Suchen, don't overthink it, just say it. Our friendship is here; even if I can't help, I will speak plainly, so you don't have to feel embarrassed."

Yan Shang sighed: "It’s nothing to be embarrassed about... actually, I just don't know how to say it."

He lowered his head and was lost in his own thoughts for a while. Feng Xianyu became increasingly interested, wanting to know what kind of matter could make Yan Shang feel troubled.

After a good long while, Yan Shang stuttered in a slow, drawn-out way: "Brother Feng, how do you usually get along with the Princess?"

Feng Xianyu: "..."

If someone else asked this, Feng Xianyu would suspect the other party was implying he was seducing his master. But since Yan Shang said it, Feng Xianyu was truly at a loss. Feng Xianyu asked curiously: "We get along just like that, Suchen, what do you mean by asking this?"

Yan Shang was silent for a moment.

Enduring the awkwardness in his heart, he vaguely pursued the question: "How do you get along when you are together? When you are with the Princess, does the Princess ever dislike that you are... not good enough?"

Feng Xianyu was even more confused: "Not good enough in what way?"

Yan Shang: "...not good enough in technique."

Feng Xianyu: "..."

He was stunned.

He stared at Yan Shang.

A quiet awkwardness permeated between the two of them.

Yan Shang abruptly looked away, his expression stiffening. He laughed at himself and said, offering an excuse: "I just asked casually; Brother Feng, do not overthink it."

Having said this, he prepared to leave. Feng Xianyu hurriedly took two steps to catch up and stop him.

Feng Xianyu observed Yan Shang for a long time and said: "...Are you referring to the Princess of Danyang?"

Yan Shang said nothing.

Feng Xianyu’s heart skipped a beat, and he felt even more astonished. He had actually long felt there was a problem between Yan Shang and Mu Wanyao, but since Yan Shang hadn't admitted it before, Feng Xianyu had thought he was mistaken... yet now it seemed he hadn't been mistaken at all.

Feng Xianyu was silent for a good while and said: "...Your future is bright, far better than mine. It’s not like there are no other paths; why must you get entangled with the Princess of Danyang?"

Yan Shang was even more silent.

Feng Xianyu watched him for a long time and was unable to understand Yan Shang even more. He was so angry on Yan Shang’s behalf that his face turned blue: "And she actually dislikes that your technique is not good?"

Yan Shang moved his gaze away and said: "No. I am not talking about her. I was just chatting idly, Brother Feng, do not overthink it."

Feng Xianyu: "A man with integrity shouldn't ask me such questions, but should turn and walk away, never to get entangled with such a woman again."

Yan Shang lowered his eyes, his shoulders stiff.

Seeing him not express his stance, Feng Xianyu sighed in his heart. He said helplessly: "Then what are you going to do? Why not come with me to the Beili banquet tonight and practice your technique?"

Yan Shang’s face flushed red, and he waved his hands repeatedly.

He said: "Forget it, forget it. I said it off the cuff; Brother Feng, please really don't overthink it. I still have to be busy with my studies; these trivial matters shouldn't occupy my mind. I ask that Brother Feng keep this confidential for me."

Feng Xianyu: "Hey, you..."

When his eyes met Yan Shang’s clear, dark gaze, he swallowed the rest of his persuasion and shook his head.

Affairs of the heart are like drinking water—only the one who drinks knows its temperature. How could outsiders persuade him?

He only felt that someone with such a great future as Yan Shang—why be like this? Why get involved in that mess of the Imperial Family? —

After separating from Feng Xianyu, Yan Shang sat in the Hongwen Academy for another hour. He forced himself to barely finish reading one article, knowing that in his current state, it was impossible to absorb anything.

Since that was the case, there was no need to stay here and waste time.

Yan Shang tidied up his books, left the Hongwen Academy, and returned to his mansion early. He thought that after washing up and calming his mind, perhaps he could continue studying.

Yunshu, the young attendant following Yan Shang, saw that his master had been quiet all day, barely speaking a word, which was quite different from the master’s usual gentle and friendly demeanor. Yunshu felt aggrieved for his master.

When the Second Master went to pay his respects at the Princess’s Mansion this morning, the answer he gathered was also heard by Yunshu.

That Princess had clearly abandoned his Second Master!

As expected, the Princesses of the Great Wei were all this abominable! They flirted with people, but then refused to be responsible. His own Second Master was of high moral character, in both appearance and talent, and in both person and temperament—which point was not good? Why would the Princess humiliate him like that?

As Yan Shang was about to enter the mansion, he heard the sound of horse hooves echoing in the alley, extremely rapid.

He suddenly turned his head, his eyes brightening slightly as if starlight were flowing through them, and looked toward the alley entrance.

However, he had thought too much; the one galloping on horseback was not the person he hoped for, but Fang the guard.

Fang Tong couldn't even bother to speak to anyone; he dismounted and went straight into the mansion. It didn't matter that the people in the Princess’s Mansion were bewildered, but by the time Yan Shang had spent a moment pondering at his own doorway, Fang Tong had already come back out of the Princess’s Mansion.

Fang Tong was covered in sweat and leaped onto his horse in a single motion.

Yan Shang knew that if he didn't speak now, he wouldn't have another chance. He bowed: "Guard Fang."

Fang Tong, riding the horse, looked down to see Yan Shang and, without time for pleasantries, said rapidly: "I have received a death order from the Princess; I must return to Fanchuan within half an hour. I don't have time to catch up with you, Second Master, I hope you will forgive me!"

Yan Shang’s heart sank, and he asked: "Why such a rush? Did something happen to the Princess?"

Fang Tong replied in a rush: "The Princess is fine; she sent me back to get a fetal-protection medicine."

Having said this, even while his voice still lingered in mid-air, Fang Tong had already galloped out of the alley, leaving behind the sound of hooves and dust.

Yan Shang stood frozen in place.

He saw that the guards and maids in front of the Princess’s Mansion were also very bewildered, whispering and discussing: "Fetal protection? Who needs fetal protection?"

Their eyes all turned simultaneously toward Yan Shang, who was standing at the doorway of the mansion across the street, filled with suspicion.

Yan Shang: "..."

His face instantly flushed deep red, and he said with effort: "The Princess and I are innocent."

The people of the Princess’s Mansion felt embarrassed: "Naturally, naturally."

But in their hearts, they were thinking, well, who knows?

Yan Shang was both angry and ashamed, yet he couldn't stop the suspicious gazes of others. He couldn't go and explain to the people at the Princess’s Mansion that although he was close to the Princess, they had always been very formal and had never done anything.

However, it wasn't as if Yan Shang hadn't stayed in the Princess’s room at night before.

Although Yan Shang knew himself that he stayed in the outer room and had never shared a bed with Mu Wanyao. But the attendants didn't know that.

Yan Shang could only wave his sleeve, turn, and enter his own mansion.

And as Yunshu followed behind him, he even asked with concern: "Master, the Princess is ignoring you; is it because... she is pregnant?"

Yan Shang sighed: "...The Princess and I are truly innocent."

The servants were half-doubting, but although Yan the Second was good-tempered, they couldn't be too presumptuous and start prying. Yan Shang closed the door, cutting off the sounds from the outside.

Back in the solitude of his room, sitting down, Yan Shang also began to feel restless.

Fetal protection?

Who needed fetal protection?

What had happened at the summer resort villa?

He believed in Mu Wanyao’s character; the person who was pregnant should not be her... but she had just abandoned him, so he wasn't very certain about her character at the moment.

In short, Yan Shang’s thoughts were also in chaos, with a thousand threads, and he didn't know where to begin.

He couldn't help but take up his brush and write a letter to Mu Wanyao, asking what had happened there.

...Although he knew she might never read his letter at all, he still felt he should ask—

After a night, both Chunhua and the child in her belly were saved.

Chunhua leaned against the bedpost weeping and was lectured by Mu Wanyao.

Mu Wanyao hated that Chunhua was timid, not daring to tell her anything, yet choosing to trust those folk remedies; and she hated that now that things had come to this, there was no room for maneuver.

Mu Wanyao gritted her teeth: "Keep this child. I will find a manor, secretly raise this child, and keep him away from all of this, so no one will know. You can still be with your Liu, without anyone knowing."

Now that things were as they were, while Chunhua was sad, she was also very lost.

She asked the Princess in a low voice: "If I didn't have this child, and could never have children again, would a gentleman truly never accept me?"

Mu Wanyao turned to look at her.

Mu Wanyao said softly: "No one would accept it."

Chunhua’s face turned pale instantly, her fingers clutching the bedding below. Her eyelashes were once again stained with tears as she gathered the courage to ask: "Then, Your Highness..."

Mu Wanyao said coldly: "I am different from you."

She stood under the window, looking out.

The summer sun was brilliant, but the room was cool.

Mu Wanyao’s side profile was as cold as ice and snow, and she repeated in a low voice: "You are different from me... you do not need to destroy yourself."

No one in the room spoke. After a moment of silence, Mu Wanyao couldn't stand the depressing atmosphere and was just about to tell Chunhua to rest well and plan to go out herself when a knock on the door sounded.

A maid said: "Your Highness, a letter has been sent from the Princess’s Mansion." —

It was probably a letter sent daily by her staff.

Mu Wanyao let the maid bring the letter in.

Among the many letters, she saw Yan Shang’s name. Her fingertips trembled, her heart gave a tug, and then she immediately passed over this letter with an expressionless face, not even opening it to take a look.

However, among the many letters, Mu Wanyao suddenly let out an "eh," half-smiling: "Why is there also a letter for you, Chunhua? There isn't even a name, is it from Liu Wenji?"

She laughed lightly: "He is quite punctual with his letters."

Chunhua’s face was pale, and she couldn't even manage a smile. The Princess threw the letter over, and Chunhua endured for a long time before her trembling hands tore the letter open.

However, this letter was not from Liu Wenji.

Chunhua read the letter, her expression quite dazed, her voice trembling: "...Your Highness, my brother sold me to the Prince of Jin! He said I am the Prince of Jin’s concubine! Because my brother offended someone, and someone came to tear down their house, they said I was the Prince of Jin’s concubine to protect themselves... This letter is from the Prince of Jin asking me about it!"

Mu Wanyao: "..."

She snatched the letter paper and sat down, somewhat angrily: "What on earth is going on?" —

There were local tyrants and bullies who wanted to seize the house and farmland of Chunhua’s brother and sister-in-law, claiming they were to be requisitioned for the use of the imperial court.

Chunhua’s brother and his wife were terrified and said that their younger sister was a maid at the Danyang Princess’s Mansion, but the other party sneered and didn't believe them.

It just so happened that the Prince of Jin was supervising the Ministry of Works’ operations in that area, so Chunhua’s brother and sister-in-law, in a desperate move, sent Chunhua’s deed of sale to the Prince of Jin’s mansion.

The Prince of Jin was quite strange and asked if there was anything he needed to help Chunhua with.

And because of this inquiry, the Princess of Jin had already been sent by the Prince of Jin to the summer resort villa, and she believed they would all meet shortly to discuss what was going on—

Mu Wanyao suppressed her anger: "These useless fellows who can’t achieve anything and only ruin things!"

To actually sell their own sister like this!

Yet, who was it that was occupying the houses and fields of ordinary people in the name of the imperial court?

Mu Wanyao: "...I will go and deal with the Princess of Jin first, and let the staff go and ask what is going on."

Let the staff represent her and make the trip... it was only staff, after all.

She directly bypassed Yan Shang.

Thinking to herself that he was not indispensable.