Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 67

Chapter 67

"Youthful gallantry, mingling with the heroes of the five capitals. Liver and gallbladder pierced through. Hair standing on end. In the midst of standing talk. Life and death as one. A single promise worth a thousand gold. Pushing for heroism. Boasting of wild abandon. Light carriages and embrace. Linking flying reins. Fighting in the east of the capital city. Roaring with wine at the wine shop, spring colors floating in the cold urn. Suctioning the sea like a hanging rainbow. Lazily calling for eagles and setting dogs, white feathers plucking the carved bow. The wily den suddenly empty. Joy is hurried."

—— "Liu Zhou Ge Tou · Youthful Gallantry" ——

In the middle of the tenth month, the results of the imperial examination were released. Those who passed were to take office immediately.

Yan Shang’s start was exceptionally good.

The Ministry of Personnel arranged for him the position of Assistant in the Secretariat. This rank was low eighth grade, second class. In the current dynasty, scholars just starting their official careers, even the top scholars (Zhuangyuan), had to honestly begin as humble ninth-grade officials. For Yan Shang to start at the eighth grade was certainly enviable.

What was even more enviable was that this position was under the Secretariat. The Secretariat was the hub of the imperial court; starting from this vantage point, it was not impossible for him to have a chance to become a Chancellor in the future.

Moreover, all the scholars in Chang’an knew that Prime Minister Liu had just taken Yan Shang as his junior disciple. With Prime Minister Liu—who had held the reins of government for decades—as his teacher, the resources of his numerous students and followers would naturally lean toward Yan Shang.

In this way, he truly incited the envy of everyone.

The number of people in Chang’an rushing to make friends with "Yan Erlang" (Second Young Master Yan) was more than a hundred times greater than before. For a time, the alley where Princess Danyang’s residence was located was filled with a constant stream of carriages and horses, as bustling as a marketplace. Ironically, these people were all coming to visit Yan Erlang next door, not Princess Danyang.

It was said that Princess Danyang was so furious about this that she scolded Yan Erlang, telling him to move out.

However, Princess Danyang, Mu Yaoyao, was also in high spirits recently.

Although Yan Erlang, whom she had recommended, had not entered into a marriage alliance with her, he had entered the Secretariat. After remaining silent for two days, the Crown Prince also put on a happy face and sent people to offer congratulations.

Because of the private deal between Mu Yaoyao and the Crown Prince, the Prince was now helping her take over the management of the year-end palace banquet and grand ceremony.

Because of this, Consort Xian, the birth mother of Prince Jin, was somewhat displeased.

But Consort Xian had never vied for power in the palace against the Imperial Concubine for all these years, and now the Imperial Concubine was being dragged into a mess due to her son's affairs in the court. After hesitating, Consort Xian still tried to contend with Mu Yaoyao... even though she felt she could not win.

After all, Mu Yaoyao had the Crown Prince’s protection.

Yet, that was not all that made Mu Yaoyao happy.

Yan Shang’s official career was smooth, and her own affairs were progressing well. But beyond that, the person currently being talked about most in Chang’an was not Yan Shang, but Wei Qilang (the Seventh Young Master Wei), Wei Shu, from the Luoyang Wei clan.

Yan Shang’s initial entry into the court was merely a menial task as an Assistant in the Secretariat.

However, Wei Shu had also passed the Erudite and Great Scholar examination with excellent grades. Wei Shu’s start in the imperial court was as an Investigating Censor.

Yan Shang’s position as a Secretariat Assistant was only the low eighth grade, while Wei Shu’s Investigating Censor was directly the high eighth grade.

Furthermore, the Investigating Censor was under the Censorate. The most interesting aspect of this position was that, despite being an eighth-grade official, they could impeach and investigate all other officials. Thus, the position of Investigating Censor was once referred to as "Little Chancellor."

It was quite reasonable to call it a Chancellor with a lower rank.

Wei Shu was currently barely fifteen. How could the court and the public not be surprised by such a young person becoming an Investigating Censor? How could they not want to make his acquaintance?

But this start brought joy to some and sorrow to others—

"What?" Wei Shu’s eldest brother, Wei Kai, a Secretary Aide, returned to his mansion and heard his wife talking about Wei Qilang, saying he was now an Investigating Censor.

The tea in Wei Kai’s mouth sprayed out immediately.

His wife reproached him: "My lord! Why are you so surprised?"

Wei Kai was both angry and amused, taking a handkerchief to wipe the tea stains from his lapels, still finding it unbelievable: "The central government arranged for Qilang to be an Investigating Censor?"

His wife said: "Yes. My lord, Qilang is very capable now. Should we also send gifts and try to improve our relationship with Qilang?"

Wei Kai glanced at his wife and snapped: "Do you think this position is called 'Little Chancellor' because it is truly good?"

He said thoughtfully: "This is a position that offends everyone."

It looked glorious, but for a small eighth-grade official to be able to investigate every official from top to bottom—was that a good thing? The rank was low but the power was great; it was truly a difficult position to be in.

And such an office was clearly reserved for powerful families. And not just any ordinary family, but only a son of a high-status prestigious family would have the courage to take on such a position.

Because it offended all the officials in the court, only a great family could protect them.

Wei Kai said: "The central government is putting the Wei family on the fire... could the Emperor have personally approved this?"

His wife did not understand politics and naturally could not offer an opinion.

Wei Kai was slightly irritable, frowning. The Wei family wanted to arrange a different path for Wei Shu, so Wei Kai had no intention of supporting this seventh brother of his in the court from the beginning. At the Qujiang Banquet, he had even deliberately worsened his relationship with Wei Shu.

However, now the central government had directly put Wei Shu on the fire, clearly not wanting him to fare well, and also testing how the Wei family truly stood with him.

Wei Kai pondered for a moment and decided to send a letter to the family head in Luoyang to explain the situation. Chang’an did not trust the Luoyang Wei clan, so the Wei family still needed to remain low-key. As for the difficulties Wei Shu faced now, it depended on whether he could handle them himself.

Having never liked that seventh brother born to a mistress since childhood, when Wei Kai prepared to write the letter, he still felt a trace of schadenfreude.

He smiled: "The old Emperor is truly an interesting man. He let my seventh brother, who is not good with words, go out to talk to people and offend everyone everywhere... isn't this making things difficult for Qilang?"

The court’s move was truly exquisite.

Outsiders saw a glorious facade, but Wei Shu himself was not very happy.

Fortunately, he had Mu Yaoyao to help him.

As soon as Mu Yaoyao learned that this poor little thing had been thrown into the pit of fire that was the Investigating Censorate the moment he entered the court, she began to feel sorry for Wei Shu. It would be fine if it were someone else, but how could they let a young man who didn't like to talk or mingle with others hold a position that required constant talking and mingling?

Moreover, this position supervised high-ranking ministers, which was too offensive. If he offended too many people, he might never be promoted in the future.

Such a position would be best given to someone smooth and slick like Yan Shang.

How could it be given to Wei Shu?

The malice the court held toward Wei Juyuan (Wei Shu) was so great that it made Mu Yaoyao’s heart ache.

Therefore, to help Wei Shu, Mu Yaoyao specially held a banquet at her residence, inviting Wei Shu and those ministers who were on her side in the court.

It wasn't to ask them to look after Wei Shu—these ministers listened to the Crown Prince and were not on the same path as Wei Shu—but within their capability, turning a blind eye to Wei Shu was always possible, right?

Wei Shu came to the banquet feeling rather unhappy, and Mu Yaoyao took him to meet the people.

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue was the highest official under the Minister of Revenue. Since the Minister of Revenue was currently hands-off and waiting for retirement, the Vice Minister was the head of the ministry. Better yet, compared to others, the Vice Minister of Revenue was someone who had truly emerged from Princess Danyang’s residence.

This Vice Minister had previously been a political aide for Mu Yaoyao.

Mu Yaoyao led Wei Shu over. The Vice Minister looked at the quiet and indifferent young man and smiled, promising the Princess: "Your Highness, please rest assured. At least in my Ministry of Revenue, I can ensure that the ministers do not make trouble for Juyuan. Juyuan, at such a young age, carries such heavy responsibilities; his future is limitless."

Mu Yaoyao smiled slightly.

If he performed well, his future would indeed be limitless; but if he failed, he might be ruined forever.

Didn't Liu Wenji’s father use to be a Censor? Now he was demoted to Lingnan, and his own son was... forget it, better not think about it.

The banquet in the courtyard was lively, but Mu Yaoyao only accompanied them for a while at the start. After the Vice Minister of Revenue led away Wei Shu, who kept a cold face, Mu Yaoyao returned to her sleeping quarters to rest.

She poured herself a cup of tea and said to the person behind the screen: "You see, your teacher and the others are truly detestable. In order to balance the Luoyang Wei clan, they threw Juyuan in to be an Investigating Censor. It sounds glorious, but look at Juyuan's temperament—is he capable of being that kind of official?

"And this is the best rank the court could give someone upon entry! Outsiders can't even say anything bad about it. That old fox, your teacher, is just too much."

Behind the screen decorated with calligraphy, a figure could be vaguely seen.

The person was rustling as he changed clothes, listening to Mu Yaoyao grumble incessantly and express pity for Wei Shu.

Mu Yaoyao said: "This kind of position that offends people shouldn't be given to Juyuan; it should be given to someone like you. Juyuan cannot handle things that you can. You can offend people and then win them back, but once Juyuan offends people, he probably just severs ties forever. It's clear your teacher favors you, shielding you on his own turf while throwing Juyuan out to attract external attention.

"Juyuan was just a shield for you."

After a long while, when Mu Yaoyao stopped complaining, she heard the person behind the screen say helplessly: "How can you say that? An Investigating Censor is known as a 'Little Chancellor,' which is truly the glory a top scholar of the dynasty should have. Juyuan is a bit quiet... but this is also a form of training. If you enter the court to be an official, how can you be afraid of talking to people? This is also the practice given by the teacher."

This clear, moist, and gentle voice naturally belonged to Yan Shang.

The teacher he spoke of was, naturally, Prime Minister Liu.

Mu Yaoyao rested her chin on her hand, turning her head and squinting at the screen. Seeing the figure was unhurried, still not fully dressed, she scoffed.

Yan Shang paused again and said: "Besides, why should I be the one to hold such an offensive position? Because Your Highness pities Juyuan, you feel... I deserve it? If I offend people, you think it doesn't matter?"

Mu Yaoyao raised her eyebrows, looking seriously at the screen, smiling half-heartedly: "What, is Yan Erlang jealous? I’m just speaking based on the facts. Juyuan is not suitable for this position."

Yan Shang said slowly: "I will naturally find an opportunity to speak with Juyuan more. The position of Investigating Censor... it truly is difficult for him."

Mu Yaoyao happily agreed: "Yes, you should teach him how to get along with others. How to sell someone out and have them happily count the money for you... sigh, the more I say it, the more I feel you should be the one... never mind, you don't like it when I say that, so I won't."

It was quiet behind the screen.

Mu Yaoyao grew impatient, tapping the table: "Have you finished changing clothes yet? Does it take years to put on an official robe? If you don't know how to wear it, tell me, and I’ll go in and help you."

Yan Shang quickly replied: "Almost done, almost done."

He seemed flustered, as if worried she might actually go in to watch.

Mu Yaoyao turned her head to look at the scenery outside the window, boredly fiddling with the incense burner in front of her.

A while later, she heard footsteps. Mu Yaoyao turned her head languidly to look at Yan Shang, who walked out from behind the screen dressed in green official robes.

Watching him walk out slowly, tall and slender, his green robes giving him an air of grace and elegance... Mu Yaoyao’s eyes lit up like stars.

Due to the customs of the Great Wei, the Emperor did not wear his dragon robe when holding court, and neither did his ministers wear their official robes. For low-ranking officials of the eighth or ninth grade who didn't even need to attend court, they never had the habit of wearing official robes at all.

In the Great Wei, ministers usually wore their official robes in only two cases:

First, for extremely important occasions such as great sacrifices, grand ceremonies, or major banquets.

Second, when the minister intended to do something momentous, they would wear the official robe as a warning to other ministers, such as "remonstrating to the death."

So, although Yan Shang had an official position and had entered the Secretariat, he possessed several sets of official robes, but unless he intended to cause trouble, he would normally never wear them.

However, Mu Yaoyao found this incredibly rare. This was likely the first time she had seen a living, breathing eighth-grade official standing in front of her, and she felt a sense of joy, as if she were watching him grow up.

Moreover, Yan Shang was exceptionally good-looking.

Mu Yaoyao urged Yan Shang to wear the official robe in private for her to see—

Seeing Mu Yaoyao staring at him unblinkingly, Yan Shang lowered his eyes, his fair, jade-like skin flushing slightly, feeling somewhat shy under her direct gaze.

He said: "Is this enough?"

Mu Yaoyao replied slowly: "Why are you in such a hurry? Though you look just about the same in official robes... hmm, I still think you look better without clothes."

Yan Shang: "..."

His face turned even redder, but he gave her a helpless look.

He had originally intended to take off the robe, but after Mu Yaoyao said that, it was as if taking off his clothes would prove he was impatient to show himself to her... Yan Shang kept his hand on his belt, hesitating slightly.

His gentlemanly nature was acting up again.

Mu Yaoyao chuckled, stood up abruptly, and left the incense burner on the table behind. She walked over, not as hesitant as Yan Shang, and easily wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him.

She walked forward nonchalantly, kicking off her pearl slippers and stepping on his feet. He was slightly startled and forced to retreat.

Retreating step by step, his knees hit the edge of the bed behind him, and Yan Shang tumbled backward, falling onto the side of the bed. Mu Yaoyao followed him onto the bed with a smile, kneeling between his legs and looking down at him.

Her slender fingers hooked around his collar, her eyes sparkling with laughter: "Why are you always so flustered? As if we’re doing something bad."

Yan Shang: "Your Highness... this really isn't right. In broad daylight..."

Mu Yaoyao hummed: "I’m not practicing lewdness in the daytime, what is wrong with it? What, is even kissing you a crime of mine?"

After saying this, she leaned down, gripped his chin to make him look up, and bit the corner of his lip.

Yan Shang: "Mm!"

When he opened his mouth in pain, a fragrant, soft tongue began to mischief. Afterward, his breathing became hot and unsteady, tormented by Mu Yaoyao holding his chin. He was blushing uncontrollably, lying stiffly on the bed, eyes closed, clearly somewhat enjoying it, but feeling even more embarrassed.

His long green sleeves lay on the edge of the bed; his robes were pulled open, and his black jade belt hung in disarray.

The official robe, originally a symbol of dignity and prestige, had been snatched by the girl hovering above him, her hands crumpling the fabric and bending the wings of the robes in a most unseemly manner.

It was truly scandalous.

Mu Yaoyao loved the way he looked lying below her with a red face. His non-resistance, his willingness to let her do as she pleased, made her want to kiss him again and again, finding him more delightful each time.

She liked his clean scent, his soft lips and tongue, and his forgiving way of letting her bully him.

Mu Yaoyao still hadn't figured out what to do about the future. But she couldn't resist Yan Shang’s temptation, and she felt that if she missed out on him and cheaply gave him away to someone else, it would be a huge pity...

Don't think that because the snowy night was dark, she hadn't seen clearly; she had seen very clearly the look of appreciation and liking Prime Minister Liu’s granddaughter had cast upon Yan Shang.

Yan Shang’s gentle temperament was very attractive to young women. After Mu Yaoyao had impulsively agreed to be with him that night, she decided to bite the bullet and go along with it for now.

Anyway, Yan Shang said he wasn't in a hurry to get married for a year or two.

And in a year or two, who knew what the situation would be? Perhaps by then, Mu Yaoyao and Yan Shang would have parted ways peacefully, with no further relationship between them.

Perhaps it wouldn't be her abandoning Yan Shang, but rather Yan Shang unable to stand her terrible temper and wanting to leave her.

In any case... it was better to enjoy life while one could.

Mu Yaoyao decided to be an irresponsible, "bad" woman. She wouldn't make promises, but she would have a good time with Yan Shang. She wouldn't waste the intense feelings she had for him...

While Mu Yaoyao’s mind wandered, she felt her waist being gently hooked.

She looked down at the person below her, smiling half-heartedly, and pulled her lips away from his: "What are you doing?"

Yan Shang’s hand, which had finally managed to touch her waist, stiffened slightly before moving away. He looked at the charming woman above him and said, "Nothing."

Mu Yaoyao glanced at him sideways, secretly regretting it in her heart. Why did she have to say that? If she hadn't spoken up, Yan Shang might have wrapped his arms around her waist.

Sigh, she really wanted to know when he would have the courage to touch her. He only had the courage to play with her hands. Anything more... was non-existent.

Yan Shang lowered his eyes and whispered: "Your Highness, don't mess around anymore. I should go to the front courtyard to see Juyuan. I’ve been back for so long without going out; it’s not right."

Mu Yaoyao moved aside, letting him sit up. She knelt on the mattress, watching him sit up and adjust his robes. Watching him look so serious and ready to go out and see people, she felt unhappy again.

She felt he only cared about those ministers, and she wasn't important.

Mu Yaoyao: "Do you know what I’m thinking?"

Yan Shang lowered his head, smiled slightly, and said softly: "Your Highness, please rest assured, I will help Juyuan. The position of Investigating Censor is not that hard to hold... if Juyuan does well, his future will be bright."

Mu Yaoyao froze for a moment.

Then, speechless, she looked up at the ceiling of the bed, dazed.

After playing on the bed for a while, his mind was already back on state affairs.

Yan Shang added in a gentle, hushed voice: "Given our relationship, Your Highness, I naturally know what you are thinking."

Mu Yaoyao thought, you have no idea.

She mocked: "And what kind of relationship do we have?"

Yan Shang still lowered his eyes, but he was already fully dressed, neat and tidy, ready to go out at any time. He whispered: "Naturally... a relationship of sharing the same bed."

Mu Yaoyao couldn't help it and laughed out loud.

She lunged at him from behind, hugging his shoulders, her face flushing red: "You are so subtle... 'sharing the same bed'! I’m not even sure if we have that kind of relationship, but one thing is certain: you have no idea what is going on in my head."

Yan Shang frowned slightly.

He turned his head to look at her, humbly seeking instruction: "May I ask what Your Highness is thinking about?"

Mu Yaoyao whispered a few words into his ear. Hearing them, Yan Shang blushed, looked astonished, couldn't help but laugh, and felt very embarrassed.

Sure enough, he said: "This... is not very good."

Mu Yaoyao hummed, pushed his shoulders away, stepped back, and said unhappily: "You are truly the most boring person ever! Go away, go on, go find Juyuan."

Yan Shang sat on the bed, watched her for a long time, and then compromised: "That should also be prepared for."

Mu Yaoyao glanced at him: "How? Are you going to bathe and burn incense for three days, or fast for three days, to show your determination? Just going to bed—how hard can it be?"

Yan Shang was left speechless by her casual attitude; he had always felt her attitude was very problematic... as if the only important thing in a relationship was that one thing. Previously he didn't understand, and when she wanted him, he followed her lead. But later, he discovered she didn't value him at all, she just wanted to sleep with him... and Yan Shang changed his own attitude.

It couldn't be casual.

Yan Shang: "I hope it could be on our wedding night..."

Before he could finish, a pillow flew over and hit the back of his head.

Yan Shang turned back in pain to see Mu Yaoyao lookiing at him with wide eyes: "Wedding night? Then you have a long wait. You’d better dream it; that’ll be faster."

Yan Shang saw her eyes wide, round, and bright, and very charming. The way she looked at him when she was angry was actually quite beautiful... Yan Shang stared into her eyes, dazed and lost in thought, until he was hit by another pillow.

Mu Yaoyao: "Why are you zoning out? The maid outside is looking for you; why aren't you going?"

Yan Shang lowered his eyes and stood up, and before leaving, he added: "You should come out later, too."

Mu Yaoyao: "I don't need you to remind me."

Yan Shang sighed and had no choice but to leave—

When the Great Wei was preparing for the year-end grand ceremony, the small neighboring states that paid tribute to the Great Wei were naturally the most important guests.

However, the officials of the Great Wei were hesitant, unsure whether to include the Wuman tribe in the invitation.

In theory, since the Wuman had a marriage alliance with the Great Wei, they should be included; but the princess who had been sent for the alliance had returned, and she was even presiding over this year’s grand ceremony. If the Wuman came to court, would there be conflict between them and the princess?

Moreover, the southern barbarian region was in war; the Wuman had previously been locked in an endless struggle with the Chimans, and no one knew if that war had ended...

After much hesitation, the Great Wei sent out the invitation anyway. As for whether the Wuman would come... we shall see.

At this time, in the southern wilderness, where the Chimans resided, rocky ridges stood and green fields stretched infinitely.

In the middle of the night, in the royal tent of the Chiman King, a tall man sprawled on a tiger-skin throne, leisurely tearing open the letter sent by the Great Wei’s official of rites.

He had deep-set eyes, a high nose, and wore a massive, bright silver hoop in his left ear. A long, deep scar ran across half of his face.

The scar was a souvenir from the war of the past two years, but it did not diminish the young man’s handsomeness. Although he looked lazy, the way he casually smiled while reading the letter contained an unspoken, overbearing power.

Below him, a middle-aged barbarian was being held down by guards on both sides, trembling as he knelt on the ground. This barbarian was still wearing the royal robes of the Chiman King, having been dragged from his bed in the middle of the night.

Now that the royal court belonged to someone else, the Chiman King, kneeling at his enemy’s feet, had no other choice.

The Chiman King struggled: "Wuman King, do not kill me... we can cooperate..."

The Wuman King, Meng Zaishi, who sat slumped on the tiger-skin throne, having just finished reading the Great Wei’s letter, couldn't help but laugh upon hearing the Chiman King’s words: "What are you thinking? If I wanted to cooperate with you, why would I have spent the last two years at war? Do you think I was just playing with you... Kill him!"

The first half of his sentence was spoken with a laugh, which had made the Chiman King flush red with the hope of negotiation, but as the final word "Kill" fell, his eyes held not a trace of mirth.

The Chiman King had no time to react before the guards on both sides struck, and his head rolled to the floor.

A generation of Chiman Kings died quietly in this moment.

Meng Zaishi stared expressionlessly at the blood snaking across the floor.

His subordinate asked: "Great King, what did the letter from Great Wei say?"

Meng Zaishi replied absentmindedly: "The old Emperor of Great Wei is having a birthday and holding a grand ceremony; he has invited all nations to court."

The subordinate asked: "Then... shall we go?"

Meng Zaishi rested his chin on his hand, a teasing smile in his eyes: "Hard to say. On one hand, we have good relations with Great Wei; on the other, we are ultimately subordinates of the Southern Barbarians. Recently, the Southern Barbarian King has been incredibly powerful, seemingly on the verge of unifying the five southern barbarian tribes... We, the Wuman, are in a position where no one trusts us."

He tore the letter in his hand, piece by piece, his expressionless eyes contradicting the amused tone of his voice: "However, I miss my little princess so much.

"This is truly a difficult dilemma.”