Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Yang Si jumped onto the carriage and sat opposite Mu Wanyao. Mu Wanyao merely frowned but did not drive him away.

Given their relationship, that was simply how things were between them.

However, when he mentioned Yan Shang and spoke of hoping she would be happy, she was momentarily stunned. She turned her face away, looking at him with a strange expression. Having known him for so many years, this did not sound like something he would say.

Mu Wanyao: "...Why are you telling me this?"

She countered: "What does it matter if I like him or not?"

Yang Si smiled.

His smile was clear and bright, like the winter sun, possessing that fearless and unconventional style typical of a young man, quite unlike the reserved and haughty nature of other noble scions in Chang'an.

Yang Si looked at Mu Wanyao very seriously: "If you don't like him, just pretend I never said anything. But if you do like Yan Er, then tell me. I will observe him carefully for you and see if he is a good match for you. You don't need to think about status or standing; just listen to your heart, and then tell me. Yaoyao, we have known each other for so many years. Even if I am helping the Crown Prince, you should know that I would never harm you, right?"

Mu Wanyao watched him quietly. For a moment, her eyes shimmered like sunlight dancing on the surface of a lake, brilliant and colorful.

She lowered her eyes and clenched her hands tightly.

She murmured: "It wouldn't be appropriate."

Yang Si: "Why do you care if it’s appropriate? Just ask yourself if you like him or not. You shouldn't have to sacrifice every relationship for the sake of interests, should you? You are a Princess, after all; must you always listen to others when it comes to marrying a man?"

Mu Wanyao felt a bit lost.

This was the second time since Yan Shang that a man had encouraged her to pursue what she truly wanted.

Mu Wanyao let out a dry laugh: "What are you talking about? How could I not care?"

Yang Si said calmly: "Then what are you striving for power for right now? Isn't the reason you want power so that you can make your own decisions? If you have power but still can't be with the one you like, then why are you working so hard? A person stands in this world not just to follow rules or convince themselves otherwise—you should always act on impulse at least once and live for yourself."

Mu Wanyao looked at him, dazed.

He leaned down to look at her, his indifferent eyes suddenly softening. He bent over and extended his slightly rough fingertips, rubbing her cheek gently.

Mu Wanyao was startled and leaned back; she hadn't expected him to pinch her face. She was annoyed: "If you want to talk, then talk! Why are you laying hands on me?"

Yang Si teased: "What’s this? Can’t I even touch you now? Are you going to keep saying you don't like Yan Er?"

Mu Wanyao was stubborn: "I don't! It’s none of your business!"

Yang Si: "Tsk."

He wore a half-smile: "You little copycat. You learn to speak like me, you learn to act like me... why don't you learn my temperament? If I were you, I wouldn't be afraid to admit it like you are."

Mu Wanyao widened her eyes, looking like a cat—charming yet guarded. She flushed red, wanting to retort, "Who is copying you?" but when she met Yang Si’s eyes, which seemed to see through everything, she swallowed her words.

She lowered her head, mocking herself with a smile, and gripped her palms even tighter.

It was true—how could Yang Si not see it? She was indeed copying him. He probably realized it the moment she returned to Chang'an.

Why did she copy him?

Because among the people she knew around her, he was the most unrestrained and carefree. Since childhood, he had been climbing onto roofs and tearing off tiles; he did whatever he wanted. Yang Si’s father and the Crown Prince had been tethered behind this "ancestor" since they were young, always cleaning up the messes he left behind.

Mu Wanyao envied Yang Si.

She had suffered so much during her time in Wuman. When she wanted to change her gentle temperament, she couldn't help but think of Yang Si. She wanted to become like Yang Sanyuan, to vent her anger whenever she felt like it, and to ignore whoever she didn't like...

So she mimicked Yang Si’s actions and speech. Without realizing it, Mu Wanyao had truly become very different from her past self.

However, even if her personality changed, many things still required a calm head.

Mu Wanyao lowered her eyes and stopped talking to Yang Si about Yan Shang, asking instead: "Is the reason you're encouraging me like this because you don't want to marry me?"

Yang Si: "Didn't I say that already? It doesn't matter to me. I can just take a concubine if I marry you anyway."

Mu Wanyao glared at him: "You!"

He burst into laughter.

Yang Si reached out to pat her head: "Alright, alright. I've said what I needed to say. I’ll pretend I didn't see you sneaking around to meet Yan Er, but do you have any good gifts here that one could give away?"

He looked toward the sky: "I had a fight with the Crown Prince yesterday. I want to bring a gift to the Eastern Palace to apologize."

Mu Wanyao glanced at him: "You really are insincere. You want to use my things to apologize? How disheartening for the Crown Prince if he found out?"

Yang Si smiled slyly: "How would he know? If you don't go and tell him, he won't know. If you do go and snitch, I'll tell him you don't want to marry me and want to marry Yan Er instead, and see how the Crown Prince deals with you."

Mu Wanyao: "You’re spouting nonsense! That never happened!"

Yang Si: "Then does that mean you’re crying and begging to marry me?"

Mu Wanyao was infuriated; she raised her hand to hit him, but he blocked her with his arm, controlling her so she couldn't reach him at all.

Mu Wanyao was fuming: "Get out, get out! Fang Tong, take the wine I brought and give it to Yang Sanyuan, make him leave quickly!"

Yang Si was chased out of the carriage by Mu Wanyao, gifted with the sight of the young princess’s face flushed red with anger and the jar of wine in his arms.

Yang Si waved casually to bid Mu Wanyao farewell and began to walk away. Mu Wanyao watched his retreating back and called out to him: "Brother Yang San!"

Yang Si’s back stiffened slightly.

It was the first time she had called him that since she returned from the marriage alliance. This one call seemed to transport him back to their youth, as if the delicate little Princess was still trailing behind him without a care in the world, gently tugging at his hem and saying: "I can't let you go. Big Brother told me to watch you; if you leave, I won’t know how to answer to Big Brother."

Back then, she had been deathly pale, frightened by his cold expression, yet still stubbornly followed him: "Brother Yang San, where are you going? Can you take me with you? Brother Yang San, don't ignore me, don't leave me behind."

Brother Yang San, Brother Yang San.

In the middle of the night, in his dreams.

It haunted him like a curse.

After she left for the marriage alliance in Wuman, Yang Si would always dream of her from that time. But he had left her behind after all; he hadn't looked after her... He couldn't take her away, couldn't help her. He had abandoned her in a nightmare, lost her, and could never find her again.

It was his fault. He wasn't worthy of her calling him "Third Brother." He wasn't a good brother.

Yang Si stood stiffly for a long while, quietly watching the bustling crowd in front of the Imperial City. His heart was in agony because of that one "Brother Yang San," a pain he had to force back down.

Yang Si turned around, looked at Mu Wanyao, who was peering at him from behind the carriage curtain, and revealed a smile no different from usual.

He joked lazily: "What is it, Sister Yaoyao?"

Mu Wanyao glared at him, then lowered her voice: "I know you aren't marrying because you are standing in front of me, protecting me. Brother Yang San, I know. Thank you."

Yang Si clicked his tongue: "You’re overthinking it, aren't you? Who is doing this for you? I’m so handsome and dashing, not wanting to marry early—what does that have to do with you?"

Mu Wanyao rolled her eyes at him, both angry and amused.

She said: "Then what kind of woman do you like? Should I help you look for one?"

Yang Si stared at her: "Is this you admitting that you want me to help you check out Yan Er, and now you’re trying to make a trade with me?"

Mu Wanyao was embarrassed and angry: "No! I’m just concerned about your marriage! I want to find a lady who can keep you in check so you stop teasing me all day!"

Yang Si looked up at the sky, really considering what kind of wife he liked.

He said: "I like someone gentle in temperament, virtuous, obedient, someone who speaks in soft whispers and is meticulous in her ways. But she shouldn't be too timid; she should be as beautiful as a fairy, with a generous personality so I can take her out to meet people, someone who shares my ambitions and can understand my thoughts..."

Mu Wanyao: "..."

She said sarcastically: "I was just asking casually; you really have a lot of requirements, don't you?"

Yang Si looked at her with a smile: "Marriage is a big deal, of course I have to think about it seriously. You said you wanted to help me look, so do a good job of it."

Mu Wanyao was silent for a moment.

Seeing that even his teasing carried a hint of truth, she said softly: "Your taste in women and mine are truly surprisingly consistent."

Yang Si froze.

He immediately thought of Yan Shang.

He said "Hmm," resting his chin on his hand in contemplation: "Are you talking about Yan Er? If Yan Er were a woman, he would actually fit my requirements quite well... Does he have any sisters in his family?"

Mu Wanyao was alert: "No, don't you dare covet other people's sisters!"

How old was Yan Xiaozhou anyway? She was even younger than Zhao Lingfei. Yan Xiaozhou was usually protected and loved so well by Yan Shang, nurtured with such meticulous care by her brother... Although Mu Wanyao was very jealous of Yan Xiaozhou, if she dared to have designs on her, Yan Shang wouldn't be happy.

Yang Si saw that guarded look in her eyes and wondered what on earth she was so defensive about. Yang Si rolled his eyes; he was just saying it for the sake of it, and this time, he really did leave.

On Yan Shang’s side, although he was surrounded by crowds showing their concern, a part of his mind was still fixed on the carriage in the corner of the alleyway diagonal to the Imperial City.

He saw Yang Si chased out of the carriage, yet still smiling and chatting with the person inside. When the curtain lifted for a brief, fleeting moment, he only saw a silhouette.

But Yan Shang could not have been wrong.

He saw Mu Wanyao blush.

Across the distance, he only saw her flush, not her other expressions, because the curtain was quickly lowered.

Yan Shang did not know that Mu Wanyao was blushing from being annoyed by Yang Si; he thought of another possibility... His heart felt slightly troubled, thinking, how could things be like this?

She was with him just last night... and today she was with Yang Sanyuan... Was she not paying enough attention to the boundaries between men and women? When he saw her, he—he would have to speak to her about this.

Since she was with him, she should keep her distance from other men.

Yan Shang thought about this distractedly, his eyes still occasionally darting back to that carriage. He saw Yang Si leave. Because he had been staring in that direction, Yang Si happened to look up and saw him.

Yang Si paused for a moment.

Yan Shang nodded to acknowledge him, and seeing this, Yang Si smiled. Yang Si didn't come over to greet him, but instead raised the jar of wine in his hand, as if to say he was going off to drink and would reunite with Yan Shang another day... Yan Shang nodded gently on the surface, but in his heart, he thought, that wine jar seemed to have been taken from Mu Wanyao’s carriage.

She had gifted wine to Yang Sanyuan.

Yan Shang’s heart became even more chaotic.

He was even annoyed at himself for not drinking. Mu Wanyao seemed to be a heavy drinker, and since he never drank, would the gap between them be too wide? Was Yang Sanyuan’s close relationship with her because both of them loved to drink?

However, whether one drank or not... how could that be so important?!

Immediately after, Yang Si left. Yan Shang waited a little longer and saw the carriage depart as well.

Yan Shang was stunned, the last lingering hope in his heart shattered. So, she wasn't here to see me after all... When he first saw the carriage, he had thought... I must have overthought it.

Mu Wanyao had originally intended to see Yan Shang, but after her conversation with Yang Si—though he meant to encourage her—Mu Wanyao realized through his words that she had been acting far too impulsively.

Knowing it was impossible, yet she still wanted to see Yan Shang.

Knowing that something was impossible, she should control herself.

So after Yang Si left, Mu Wanyao sat blankly in the carriage for a while, then had the driver leave. She no longer planned to see Yan Shang.

Since Yan Shang’s release from prison, he had become a famous figure among the scholars of Chang'an, and everyone wanted to get to know him.

That was fine.

As for those who had helped save him, Yan Shang would, true to his character, pay a visit to every one of them to express his gratitude. With that back and forth, Yan Shang set aside two days to handle these social obligations.

Yan Shang also went to visit Minister Liu.

Although Minister Liu hadn't said anything during the joint trial, Yan Shang knew that his quick release must have been related to Minister Liu’s attitude. Yan Shang specifically chose a day to visit; even if Minister Liu didn't want to see a lowly person like him, Yan Shang had to at least show the proper gesture.

When the guard at the Prime Minister’s residence received Yan Shang’s name card, he didn't make him wait long but instead invited him in enthusiastically.

Yan Shang paused, thinking that given the bustling nature of the Prime Minister’s residence, being received so quickly... Minister Liu must want to see him as well.

In the main hall of Minister Liu’s residence, there was not only Minister Liu but also another Prime Minister, Minister Zhang.

Minister Zhang had once received a submission from Yan Shang, but he had never helped him, forcing Yan Shang to turn to Mu Wanyao and have Princess Danyang help him instead.

Minister Liu had invited Minister Zhang over for tea, and when the steward reported that Yan Erlang requested an audience, Minister Liu had him sent in, which caught Minister Zhang by surprise.

Minister Zhang said: "Well now, and I was wondering why you were so keen on inviting me for tea. So it was all for Yan Erlang?"

Minister Liu stroked his beard and laughed.

Minister Liu said: "At the joint trial three days ago, this Yan Suchen left a truly excellent impression on me, and I have the intention to promote him. I heard you received his work back then but didn't help him, so I wanted to ask your opinion of him."

Minister Zhang recalled the work he had seen back then.

Minister Zhang shook his head: "I have no impression of it. I’m afraid this person’s talent is mediocre, so he didn't stick in my memory."

Minister Liu then said: "How a person is cannot be judged solely by their literary talent. I think this system of selecting officials for the imperial court needs to change. Otherwise, blocking talents like Yan Suchen out while only recruiting pedantic people who only know how to chant poems and compose odes but don't know a lick of administration makes no sense."

Minister Zhang did not speak. Of course, the official selection system had to change bit by bit, but since they were both from great noble families, even if they knew what needed to be done, they wouldn't say too much about things that touched their own interests.

Minister Zhang changed the subject: "It seems you really think highly of this Yan Erlang. Tell me, do you want to take him as a disciple, or do you want to marry your precious granddaughter to him?"

As soon as Minister Zhang said this, a girl's coquettish voice drifted from behind the screen: "Grandfather Zhang, how can you say that? It’s so embarrassing!"

Minister Zhang: "..."

He looked at Minister Liu; Minister Liu looked up, stroking his beard and studying the white clouds in the sky earnestly. Minister Zhang twisted his neck in utter astonishment, looking toward the plain screen to the south.

He hadn't noticed before, but now he saw the shadowy figure of a young girl standing behind it.

The girl quickly poked her head out from behind the screen to greet Minister Zhang, but upon hearing footsteps, she quickly hid back behind the screen again.

This was none other than Minister Liu’s most cherished granddaughter, Lady Liu Ruozhu.

The young lady was already of marriageable age, but Minister Liu doted on her so much that he wasn't satisfied with any of the young men and was unwilling to marry her off.

And now... since they were already conducting a "viewing" from behind a screen, Minister Liu’s intentions were clear.

Minister Zhang was suddenly interested in Yan Shang. Since Minister Liu had brought out his own treasure of a granddaughter, he would have to take a good look at this Yan Erlang to see what kind of bearing he had that could make Minister Liu value him so much—

When Yan Shang arrived, he paid his respects to Minister Liu and Minister Zhang.

Minister Zhang looked at him: "Did you submit your work to me, and I ignored you? Are you holding a grudge against me for not paying attention to you back then?"

Yan Shang smiled and said: "You are busy with state affairs; how could you always be watching small people like us? A submission is just an opportunity; if it works, it works, if not, it’s nothing. How could one feel resentment just because the other party didn't appreciate them? Moreover, Minister Zhang has selected so many talents for the court over the years; I admire you enough as it is, how could I blame you for not appreciating me?

"You asking me this puts me to shame, Minister."

Minister Zhang’s expression was strange as he looked at Minister Liu.

Minister Liu raised an eyebrow and smiled at him, full of meaning: See that? This person is just that good with words. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to convince all three parties single-handedly during the joint trial.

Yan Shang’s attitude was neither servile nor overbearing, gentle and calm—not the sort of person desperate to curry favor—which made it very easy to like him.

Minister Zhang signaled Minister Liu with his eyes: I see why you admire him. He’s just like you were when you were young, a humble gentleman, adept at navigating all sides.

Minister Liu’s smile deepened, but he kept silent. He let Minister Zhang take the lead and continue to ask Yan Shang several questions, all of which were extremely tricky—

Minister Liu’s granddaughter, Liu Ruozhu, hid behind the screen, secretly watching Yan Shang.

A few days ago, when her grandfather returned, he had told her. He said there was an Yan Erlang now whom he thought very highly of. If this Yan Erlang was sensible and knew to come and pay a visit, she should take a look at him. If Yan Erlang wasn't sensible and didn't even know to come, the matter would be dropped.

So, three days ago, Liu Ruozhu had begun to fantasize about what kind of youth could make her grandfather admire him so.

Her parents couldn't decide her marriage; it was all up to her grandfather. The whole Liu family trusted Minister Liu’s judgment. Liu Ruozhu had imagined for three days what this young man would look like, and now, peeking from behind the screen—

She saw his figure was solemn, his bearing brilliant and elegant, possessing a classic charm.

His voice was very gentle, and there was a rhythm to his speech; he was unhurried. When the "Grandfather Zhang" asked sharp questions, his tone didn't quicken, showing he was a person of his own discipline.

He would turn his face occasionally, smiling from time to time.

So his eyebrows were that long, and his eyes held a hint of a smile even when he wasn't speaking. His nose was beautiful, and the way he pursed his lips had such elegance... Standing there in the dappled light of the hall, Liu Ruozhu’s heart was deeply stirred by him.

"Clear breeze at dusk on the harbor, a jade-boned, lean mountain."

He was truly that "jade-boned, lean mountain."

Liu Ruozhu flushed, holding her pounding heart, feeling very satisfied with this marriage her grandfather was planning for her. She was just waiting for her grandfather to mention it to Yan Erlang... Although Yan Erlang’s background was a bit lower for now, her grandfather’s judgment would not be wrong; Liu Ruozhu didn't worry about that at all.

She only worried about whether this young man would like her.

She hoped he liked her for who she was, not just nodding his head to appease her grandfather—

Minister Zhang asked several questions, and Yan Shang answered them fluently.

Minister Zhang and Minister Liu quickly saw that Yan Shang’s learning was solid, though his poetry and fu were quite ordinary, showing no particular genius. However, when asked about his views on administration, Yan Shang’s answers were anything but ordinary.

Minister Zhang nodded.

Minister Liu was even more satisfied.

Minister Liu smiled and said: "Having survived the joint trial, you are already a talent the court can ill afford to lose. If I were to have you directly enter the Secretariat to serve as an official, what would you think?"

Yan Shang had guessed that the other party intended to grant him a position from the way Minister Liu kept badgering him about questions between the ministries. However, Yan Shang had his own thoughts.

He said gently: "I would never dare to contradict you, Minister. However, I have only been reading for a few months and am about to participate in the Imperial Examination in October. Although I lack talent, I still want to test my own abilities. It is rare to have so much time to study at the Hongwen Academy; it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I do not wish to waste it, and I have many questions I don't understand that I wish to consult with you, Minister—I am only afraid that I might be a bother to you."

The atmosphere turned cold instantly.

Minister Zhang raised an eyebrow, a mocking smile playing on his lips. As someone who had spent years in official circles, he immediately understood Yan Shang’s refusal, no matter how politely he phrased it.

Wow.

Old Man Liu got rejected.

This show is going to be good—

Minister Liu’s expression remained unchanged. He stared at Yan Shang for a long while, then nodded: "You have a lifetime to study. It is not as if you only have to study now while in the Hongwen Academy for the examinations; once you become an official, you can sit back and relax without ever having to study again. You must keep your hand on a book for your entire life to make up for the gap between you and others."

He was subtly insulting Yan Shang for his humble origins and his vast gap compared to noble scions.

Yan Shang bowed: "Thank you for your teachings, Minister."

Minister Liu: "Hmm."

After exchanging a few more polite pleasantries, Yan Shang took his leave.

After he left, Minister Liu’s face darkened.

His granddaughter ran out from behind the screen, stomping her feet in accusation: "Grandfather! How could you! You didn't even mention my marriage!"

Minister Zhang said intentionally: "Why don't you take him as a student anymore, Old Man Liu? And why not marry your granddaughter to him? Could it be that just because of one sentence from him, you don't think he’s good enough for you?"

Minister Liu glanced at his colleague who loved to stir up trouble.

Minister Liu said: "I truly didn't expect that Yan Suchen would have a streak of pride in him. Hah, since he has a backbone, I will have to grind/temper him a little more."

Minister Zhang clicked his tongue: "You’re not even his teacher yet, and you already want to 'temper' him. Suchen truly is a pitiful soul.”