Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Yan Shang did not understand where a maid would have come from to look for him.

Usually, it was Yun Shu who handled matters at the estate and came to find him. He had only given Yun Shu a waist badge, which allowed her to present it at the Imperial City gate and be led to the official bureau to find him. How could it be that some other maid came?

Had something happened at the estate?

Was Yun Shu ill?

But it probably wasn’t an emergency, because the official who passed on the message had just mentioned it casually... he didn’t look worried at all.

Yan Shang had already found a bottle of medicinal powder and sat down, intending to apply it before going to see the person. He shook his head and smiled at the young official’s teasing gaze: "Brother Wang, please, stop joking."

The young official tutted: "You are really a bore."

Yet, he was still not satisfied. As he packed up the manuscripts on his desk to leave the Court of State Ceremonial and return home, he still probed: "Really not your lover? That maid looked very beautiful."

Yan Shang opened his collar bit by bit to inspect his injuries and sighed offhandedly: "There aren’t really many ugly maids to begin with, are there?"

The maids Mu Wanyao sent to his estate were all young and beautiful; there wasn’t a single ugly one among them. The nobility of this world all liked to use beauties as attendants, and Yan Shang, having followed Mu Wanyao for some time, was already very accustomed to it.

The official said: "That was not just 'good-looking.' She was the kind of charming, alluring sort."

Yan Shang ignored him.

The official continued to reminisce: "Your maid was also very fierce. I just passed by and glanced at her, and her eyes stabbed right at me like knives. It scared me, and I didn't even dare to ask why she dared to appear there. It was only after I walked away that I realized—she was just a maid, what was I afraid of? Why was I scared off like that?"

Yan Shang froze, his eyelashes fluttering gently. The medicine bottle in his hand had just been opened, but before he could apply it, he heard the official’s words.

A fierce maid—he didn’t have one at his estate. A fierce young lady... he happened to know exactly one.

His heart beat a little faster. Although he felt it was impossible, that shred of possibility was still thrilling.

Yan Shang’s dark, jade-like eyes stared at the other man. Seeing that Yan Shang was interested in his story, the young official was somewhat pleased.

Yan Shang: "What did she look like?"

The young official recalled: "Those eyes, they were like cat’s eyes, round and glaring at people as if she wanted to eat them. But such a beautiful 'charming gaze,' even when glaring, it looked so good..."

"Clatter—"

The young official looked over in surprise, only to see the usually poised Yan Er-lang stand up abruptly, knocking over the books and scrolls on the desk beside him. The papers fell all over the floor, but Yan Shang had no time to clean them up. As the young official looked over, he discovered that Yan Shang’s face had flushed red all of a sudden.

Yan Shang looked both dazed and flustered.

He didn’t even have time to apply his medicine.

Hurriedly fastening his belt, his face burning, Yan Shang said to the official who was staring at him strangely: "I, I, I am going to go take a look—"

With that, Yan Shang left, leaving the young official confused. He shook his head and didn’t think much more of it—

In the main hall of the Bureau of Reception at the Court of State Ceremonial, Mu Wanyao stood before an antique rack, tilting her head to admire the various rare treasures collected by the court. Most were gifts from envoys of various nations, which were exceptionally interesting and featured distinct regional characteristics.

For example: glassware, a three-foot-tall agate lamp tree, ostrich egg cups, jewel-encrusted jade wine basins...

Many of these items were also in the palace, but the ones kept here at the Court of State Ceremonial were those with minor flaws that were unsuitable for gifting. Yet, those flaws were what gave them character; at the very least, Mu Wanyao found them quite alluring.

Mu Wanyao tilted her head, gazing earnestly at the antique rack, already pondering how to have someone look for the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial tomorrow so that he would gift her some of the treasures she had picked out today...

While Mu Wanyao stood in the main hall boredly waiting for someone, admiring these treasures with great interest, in the eyes of the officials passing in and out, she was also a peculiar sight.

As Mu Wanyao had expected, those still at the Court of State Ceremonial at this hour were all minor officials and petty clerks without rank. They did not recognize Princess Danyang, so they truly believed that Yan Er-lang’s maid had come. They just felt that this maid had such haughty airs, standing in their main hall and admiring the items on the shelves... that indifferent, arrogant demeanor was too unlike a maid.

Yet, she was very beautiful.

Towards beautiful young ladies, gentlemen always had a bit more tenderness and could not bear to be harsh.

Thus, Mu Wanyao stood there waiting for a good half-hour, and yet not a single official came to chase her out. However, for every man who felt pity for a beautiful girl, there was naturally a blunt, coarse one.

Mu Wanyao was standing there perfectly fine when an official entered from outside holding a stack of books. Without a word, seeing Mu Wanyao, he shoved the armful of books right into her arms.

Mu Wanyao was stunned: "..."

Being suddenly shoved with a heap of things, she hadn’t even looked before, because her embrace was too small, and some books fell out.

Mu Wanyao’s eyes widened, and she watched as the official who had shoved the books at her passed her without even looking, instructing her as he walked: "These are documents needed for tomorrow. Take them to Han Zhangke in the Ceremonial Office and tell him to find fifteen people to translate them and memorize them overnight..."

What, what?

What Han Zhangke? What Ceremonial Office?

As the official who had dumped the books on her was about to leave, Mu Wanyao shouted sharply: "Stop!"

The official’s back stiffened at the shout. He turned his head, just about to scold the maid for daring to yell at him, only to see the young lady who had shouted at him walking toward him with a dark face.

"Bang—"

Mu Wanyao shoved the books the man had dumped into her arms right back at him, exactly as they were. Under the man’s dazed gaze, Mu Wanyao said coldly: "Do your own work! Am I a member of your Court of State Ceremonial that you should dump your chores on me? If something goes wrong, whose responsibility is it? Don’t shirk your own duties! You are in a rush to return to your estate, and I’m not?"

The official stared at the maid wearing a man’s slit-sleeved robe, thinking, You’re a maid, why are you in such a rush?

The maid even lectured him: "Is this how the imperial court pays you to work? What kind of skill is it to bother others? Take your books and go find someone yourself! The Ceremonial Office is only a few steps away from the Reception Bureau and you are too lazy to go? Your official arrogance is quite something!"

As Mu Wanyao lectured him, other officials passing through saw it. They stopped in their tracks, whispering and paying attention to the scene.

The lectured official was being watched by a crowd, and on top of that, being schooled by a little girl. His face turned crimson, and he was caught between anger and amusement. He wanted to pull a long face and scold her, but he was firmly suppressed by the aura of the maid. He tried to open his mouth several times, but was blocked by the maid’s rapid-fire words.

Official: "I..."

Mu Wanyao: "You what? You think you’re in the right? Do you even know who I am to be dumping documents on me? What if I were a spy from an enemy state? Is that how you trust people? How do you even handle your duties on a normal day? Why are you opening your eyes so wide—not convinced? You are just a ninth-rank petty official, what is there not to be convinced about?"

The official screamed in his heart: I am a ninth-rank official, and I am not convinced by you, a little maid without even a rank!

But being scolded by Mu Wanyao until his face was red and hot, with colleagues around watching the show and some even unable to hold back their snickers, he felt even more humiliated. The official could only say: "It is my mistake. I should not have dumped my work on you; I should do it myself. But whose maid are you, to be so bold?"

Mu Wanyao: "..."

She finally remembered her persona.

She coughed, feeling slightly guilty. Not wanting to bring trouble to Yan Shang, she shouted with a cold face: "What’s it to you whose maid I am? Want to find my gentleman and complain? How can you have no sense of responsibility—even complaining about such a small matter?"

The official was caught between laughter and tears.

He looked at her and smiled: "I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare. The young lady has such a sharp tongue, how would I dare complain to your gentleman? I actually wanted to ask your gentleman to give you to me. I truly need such a quick-witted little maid to teach me every day so that I don’t lose my way..."

He looked at her with his eyes.

Mu Wanyao’s heart skipped a beat. She knew all too well what a man’s look of interest meant. This sort of half-smiling gaze was clearly showing interest in her...

Mu Wanyao’s face stiffened slightly.

Just at that moment, Yan Shang finally ran to the door of the main hall, panting, and saw the entire scene of Mu Wanyao lecturing the official and the official’s smiling reply. Yan Shang saw the maid’s back and heard her voice, his heart filled with shock, joy, and panic.

Yan Shang: "...Yao Yao!"

Mu Wanyao was in the middle of her haughty confrontation when she heard the familiar, gentle male voice behind her. She turned her head, saw Yan Shang standing at the door, and instantly let out a sigh of relief, revealing a well-behaved, guilty smile.

Yan Shang met her gaze.

It was hard to say what he felt in his heart.

He calmed his emotions, intending to deal with the mess Mu Wanyao had stirred up for him first. He stepped into the main hall, and the official who had been lectured by Mu Wanyao looked at him in surprise. When he realized that the little maid’s master was Yan Shang, the official couldn't help but smile.

He felt that the maid had a big temper while the master had a gentle one—a very interesting combination—and he also felt that with Yan Shang’s gentle temperament, it would be very easy to ask him for the maid.

Yan Shang walked over, looking at Mu Wanyao with a dark face: "...Why did you run here?"

Mu Wanyao lowered her head, acting obedient: "I missed you."

She tilted her head coquettishly, glancing at him with eyes rippling like flowing water. Yan Shang’s face grew hot. He was stiff, feeling unaccustomed to so many people watching, and yet she dared to secretly tease him with her gaze in public. But what could he do?

Yan Shang had no choice but to stand out with a reddened face, pulling her behind him, and chided slightly: "Don’t be mischievous."

Yan Shang cupped his hands to the official, looking embarrassed: "It was my maid who was naughty just now. Please don't hold it against her, sir; I will punish her later."

The official laughed out loud.

He said: "No need, no need. This little maid of yours is very interesting. I felt like I’d known her for years at first sight; could you give her to me?"

Yan Shang instantly turned his head to look at Mu Wanyao behind him. Mu Wanyao was also startled and quickly waved her hands: "I did not! I don't!"

Yan Shang glared at her briefly, then turned back to explain to the official with a smile: "She is usually spoiled by me, daring to say anything. I fear you may have had some misunderstanding; I apologize on her behalf. However, I am extremely... fond of her, so I cannot give her away."

When he said "fond," his tone paused, and he felt his lower back being poked gently by Mu Wanyao’s finger.

The poke made his spine instantly melt.

But with so many officials in the main hall watching the show, Yan Shang didn't dare to show any sign of discomfort. He didn't even dare to hold her hand to stop her from moving. Since Mu Wanyao was secretly poking him from behind, no one else could see... but if he dared to grab her hand, everyone would see.

She was truly... too wicked.

Seeing that Yan Shang refused to give her away, the official felt very regretful and asked: "Can I buy her contract with money? How much? I can pay several times the amount, can’t I?"

Yan Shang bit the bullet: "Please forgive me, sir."

The official sighed and had no choice but to accept it. He regretfully wanted to take one more look at Mu Wanyao, but Mu Wanyao was shielded behind Yan Shang, and he couldn't see her at all.

After the official left, the others had no more spectacle to watch and naturally drifted away.

Only then did Yan Shang grab Mu Wanyao’s hand and lead her quickly away from there. In the setting sun, the two figures passed through the gallery under the dappled light and shadow, their backs casting long lines.

Yan Shang held her hand tightly; her soft, delicate little hand held in his, Yan Shang felt that familiar, chaotic mix of confusion and joy in his heart again.

His heart, usually as still as stagnant water, was being toyed with in her palm over and over, and he could no longer bear it—

Returning to the office room where Yan Shang worked, Yan Shang waited until he saw there was no one in the room to safely close the door. Yan Shang turned back to look at Mu Wanyao, forcing a dark face: "You went too far!"

However, the moment he turned around, Mu Wanyao slipped into his arms like a fish, cuddling against him and wrapping her arms around his neck. Behind her was the door; he had nowhere to retreat, so he gave her a gentle push, but Mu Wanyao smiled and lifted her face.

Although he tried hard to keep a straight face, he truly was never angry, and even when he deliberately tried to look angry, he lacked any real imposing power. Seeing him like this, Mu Wanyao only thought he was cute and wasn't afraid of him at all. She lifted her head and kissed him on the chin, giggling: "I missed you."

After such a delicate, coaxing sentence, she raised an eyebrow with interest, because it was visibly clear that her "Brother Yan Er" was rapidly blushing.

He simply couldn't get angry.

Yan Shang also discovered that his thin skin was being exploited by Mu Wanyao. He shot a glance at her, and she affectionately held him, continuing to call him "Brother Yan Er." With every "brother" here and "brother" there, Yan Shang’s soul was almost being melted by her calls.

He hadn't been very angry in the first place, and now, not only could he not get angry, but his heart was pounding wildly. He whispered helplessly: "Don’t be like this. I can’t handle it."

Mu Wanyao tilted her head, her eyes rippling with light, acting like a spoiled child: "I came to see you, aren’t you happy?"

Yan Shang looked at her: "So you came to see me. I didn't see you for a moment, and I saw you teasing another man."

Mu Wanyao felt awkward, and her face turned red too: "That was an accident... he liked me even after I scolded him. My charm is just that great, what can I do?"

Yan Shang paused for a moment and said in a low voice: "Are you implying me?"

Mu Wanyao tilted her head.

Watching Yan Shang lower his eyes, his thick, long lashes covering his eyes like curtains, flickering. He said softly: "I get scolded by you quite often."

He paused, sounding slightly resentful: "I like you, too."

Mu Wanyao blushed.

She whispered: "That’s not the same."

Yan Shang: "How is it not the same?"

Mu Wanyao: "I like you, too."

Yan Shang raised his eyes to look at her. Once they met, he finally couldn't hold it, and he wasn't angry about her flirting in the main hall anymore. He said "Don’t be like that again" and decided not to dwell on it. He was hugged by her around the neck, standing in front of the wooden door, a faint smile on his face.

His gentle, soft demeanor made Mu Wanyao, who wanted to tease him, feel her heart beat faster as well.

She whispered: "Does your head still hurt? Are you sober?"

Yan Shang was embarrassed.

He estimated he was probably the only person who had ever gotten drunk from a kiss.

Yan Shang said: "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness; I am already well."

He paused and said: "Your Highness, could you please not drink alcohol anymore in the future?"

Mu Wanyao glanced at him, teasing: "Why, afraid you’ll end up unconscious on my bed again next time?"

Yan Shang said: "Drinking is inherently bad."

Mu Wanyao scoffed.

Yan Shang: "Then, between me and the wine, which one does Your Highness choose?"

Mu Wanyao looked at him sideways and said: "What do you think?"

Yan Shang: "It’s the wine, right? You would never choose me."

He said: "I am not even as important to you as wine. How dare I hope for anything else?"

Mu Wanyao said impatiently: "Stop complaining. I came all this way to see you, what are you complaining about with that long face? Can’t you be happy? Can’t you pretend to be pleasantly surprised? Can’t you just obediently let me kiss you and hug you?"

Yan Shang wanted to say, "Am I just someone you can summon and discard at will?" but he paused and swallowed the words back.

At the same time, a sense of shock gripped his heart.

Someone like him, who never offended anyone, had just almost been unable to refrain from complaining... Since when did he become so impatient? He shouldn't be the kind of person who blurts out his inner thoughts like that.

Yan Shang felt unsettled, suspecting that something about him had changed, though he didn't know if it was for the better or for the worse. He frowned, his expression indifferent. Mu Wanyao hadn't heard him speak for a while and thought he was angry. She peeked at him and saw him frowning as if deep in thought.

Mu Wanyao reached out and nudged him with her elbow.

The nudge hit him right in the chest.

Yan Shang let out a hiss immediately, his body half-stiffened as he leaned back against the door.

Mu Wanyao was instantly nervous: "What’s wrong, what’s wrong?"

Yan Shang grabbed her hand and smiled at her: "Nothing, just a minor injury."

Mu Wanyao naturally didn't believe him; in his mouth, everything was a minor matter. She insisted on seeing, and he had no way to stop her—

Leaning against the door like that, Mu Wanyao wouldn't budge, so Yan Shang had to sit down against the door, letting Mu Wanyao pull open his collar bit by bit.

He turned his head away, feeling embarrassed—he was still not used to disrobing in front of others. Especially since this wasn't his own room; it was an official bureau... He was so nervous he broke out in a sweat, his turned-away neck bright red, while Mu Wanyao was straddling his lap, lowering her head to pull open his collar.

Mu Wanyao had only intended to tease him, but when she saw a long red mark on his chest, her temper flared.

Mu Wanyao said sharply: "Who did this?"

She immediately jumped up, looking as if she were about to go out and settle the score. Yan Shang hurriedly followed her up and hugged her from behind, not letting her leave.

His clothes were in disarray; he hugged her tightly from behind, his breath fanning against her cheek as he coaxed her incessantly: "It’s okay, it’s okay! It wasn’t on purpose! I just accidentally got hit by a whip while shooting arrows this afternoon. That person didn’t mean it and even gave me medicine for the wounds."

Mu Wanyao was furious: "If you’re shooting arrows, just shoot arrows—what are you doing with a whip? No, I’m going to take a whip and whip them back!"

Yan Shang: "Don’t do that, don’t do that. I’m really fine... If Your Highness whips them back, how can I hold my head up? It’s just a minor injury, there’s no need to make such a big deal out of it."

Mu Wanyao still wouldn't listen; she struggled to break free from Yan Shang’s embrace. Watching her side profile, her brows and eyes cold, she clearly intended to go and strike back.

The two struggled intensely, and Yan Shang really couldn't suppress her anger. He felt both moved and helpless. He had no choice but to let out a hiss, pretending that her arm had brushed against his wound, and stumbled back two steps. Sure enough, Mu Wanyao turned her head back to look at him, and seeing him like this, she said nervously: "Did I hit your wound? Let me help you apply the medicine."

Yan Shang took the opportunity to grab her wrist and plead: "Your Highness, please don’t go and strike anyone."

Mu Wanyao was silent for a long moment.

She looked up at him and whispered: "You are always like this, preferring to suffer a little loss yourself than to offend anyone."

Yan Shang went quiet for a second and smiled: "Is that not good?"

Mu Wanyao thought for a moment and said: "There’s nothing wrong with it. I’m not afraid of you bringing trouble upon me."

But she thought again and whispered: "But I feel heartbroken for you. You always swallow all your grievances alone, never blaming anyone... How tired you must be. Is there truly no one in this world who makes you let down your guard and rest, without always forcing yourself to be perfect in all manners?"

Yan Shang raised his eyes and stared steadily at her.

Mu Wanyao whispered: "I hope you don’t have to be so tired; I hope you have times when you can truly relax. I have such a big temper, yet you tolerate everything in front of me—can’t you do as you please? My temper is what it is anyway; sometimes you... you really could vent your anger on me."

He stared at her, stunned, watching her lift her head and kiss his lips, saying softly: "Yan Shang, be a bit more indulgent."

She turned to get the medicine, and Yan Shang grabbed her wrist.

Mu Wanyao turned back.

Yan Shang looked down, very earnestly: "Was that you flirting with me just now, or were you sincere?"

Mu Wanyao winked mischievously and said coquettishly: "Guess."

He let go of her wrist and watched her turn to get the medicine. As for his heart, it was impossible to guess. Yan Shang smiled bitterly and sat down, watching her slender back as she busied herself at the desk, and slowly, he covered his face with his sleeve—

Mu Wanyao sat back in Yan Shang’s lap, lowering her head to apply medicine to him earnestly.

Both of them were silent.

Yan Shang lowered his head, his gaze complex as he watched her, still thinking about her words about letting himself be a bit more indulgent. Mu Wanyao was being extra careful, afraid of hurting him. The golden glow of the setting sun shone in through the small window above their heads, scattering across the three inches of ground in front of them.

It was a misty, golden expanse.

After applying the medicine, Mu Wanyao finally felt truly relieved, and silently vowed to herself to remember to pay attention to Yan Shang’s injuries for the next few days. She had a poor memory, but she couldn’t forget this, too.

Once that was done, Mu Wanyao put down the medicine bottle and finally had the mood to focus on other things. She looked down at him and suddenly exclaimed in wonder: "You have abdominal muscles now?"

Yan Shang stiffened.

After Mu Wanyao finished speaking, she reached out: "I want to touch."

Yan Shang grabbed her wrist, telling her not to mess around, but Mu Wanyao wouldn't listen. She poked and prodded at his abdomen, causing Yan Shang’s breath to hitch, his whole body leaning against the door, his neck arched. His face was stained like rouge, covered in sweat, and he gritted his teeth: "Don’t do this... this makes me feel like I’m serving you with my body."

Mu Wanyao chuckled: "Preposterous."

After a long time, Yan Shang looked as if he had been fished out of the water. Yan Shang panted, complaining: "Do you only like those who are physically strong? You like majestic and valiant gentlemen..."

Mu Wanyao suppressed her laughter and coaxed him: "I like Brother Yan Er no matter what he looks like. I like Brother Yan Er just the way he is; having a little muscle is fine... I’m afraid I’ll get beaten if you have too much."

Yan Shang glared at her: "Nonsense again."

Mu Wanyao said seriously: "I’m not, I truly like you just as you are. But if you want to practice martial arts, you could actually find Yang San-lang. He is skilled in martial arts; given your talent, he would definitely be happy to teach you how to train for a good figure."

Yan Shang went quiet instantly.

Mu Wanyao remained unaware.

She heard Yan Shang say in a low voice: "...Are you really that close with Yang San-lang?"

Mu Wanyao said offhandedly: "We grew up together, after all."

Yan Shang stopped speaking.

He felt troubled and wanted to ask her for a guarantee, but he also felt that his anxiety was ridiculous. Her hand was still moving across his waist and abdomen, regardless of how uncomfortable she was making him. The irritation in his heart made Yan Shang feel a bit upset. He grabbed her hand, firmly wanting to stop her behavior: "Don't."

He whispered: "This is, after all, my office. I don’t want this."

Mu Wanyao looked up, noticing that he seemed a bit dejected. She was surprised, not knowing how he could be unhappy now when he had been fine just a moment ago.

She reached out to cup his face, observing his expression, but he turned his face away, refusing to let her see. Only then did Mu Wanyao panic. Thinking that it was because she had been messing around that he was truly uncomfortable, she felt guilty for a long time, and compensated: "You can touch me, too."

Yan Shang was stunned.

Mu Wanyao kept staring at him, seeing him looking down at her. His face was a bit red, his eyes didn't dare to meet hers, and he even stuttered a little: "Where, where can I touch?"

Mu Wanyao raised an eyebrow, thinking, He’s not dejected anymore? She hadn't been shy before, but she was made shy by his gaze now.

She bit her lip and said generously: "Anywhere. You can touch wherever you want."

She straightened her chest, but then felt that seemed a bit too frivolous. She looked at Yan Shang cautiously, only to see him with his eyes lowered, not noticing her little actions at all. He lowered his head, struggling for a long time, before looking up at her.

He whispered: "I want to touch your waist."

His gaze flickered.

He added even more quietly: "I’ve never touched it before."

Mu Wanyao: "...It’s just a waist, why are you blushing?"

She bit her lip and sighed with a laugh: "You really are a complete fool... I’m right here, and you only want to touch my waist?"

Yan Shang was confused: "...Then where else can I touch?"

Seeing that Yan Shang was so clueless, she had no choice but to lean over, pressing against his ear, and whispered a few words into it. It was then that she saw his face go from merely blushing to becoming completely crimson all over.

He was stiff and stuttering horribly: "Th-that, how, how can that be!"

Mu Wanyao looked up at the sky: "I’ve always felt it was quite monotonous; I wanted to paint a peony on my chest. I just haven’t found a good painter yet."

Yan Shang hung his head.

After a long time, he said: "...You truly are bold."

He hadn't even thought about such a thing.

Mu Wanyao glanced at him and laughed: "What do you know, with your barren imagination? I just wanted to paint a flower, are you capable of it? Just by looking at you, I know you can’t."

Yan Shang said after a while: "...I will practice."

Mu Wanyao: "Practice what?"

Yan Shang looked at her and laughed a little, looking somewhat embarrassed: "Practice painting."

Mu Wanyao laughed and threw herself into his arms, being gently held around the waist by his hands. His palm pressed against her waist, and Mu Wanyao also stiffened for a moment before relaxing. Because she discovered that Yan Shang was truly touching her waist for the first time. He used to always hold her back, politely refraining from touching anything else.

But gradually, he was a person too; he had desires as well.

Mu Wanyao buried herself in his arms, being held by him around the waist.

She heard him whisper in her ear: "Your waist is so narrow.

"So slender, so small, so soft."

Being praised for her waist by the gentleman she liked, Mu Wanyao felt shy, yet scolded and hit him: "Is that all you know how to say? Uncultured!"

Mu Wanyao hummed softly into his ear, and when the sound entered his ear, she realized Yan Shang had instantly stiffened and pulled her tight. Mu Wanyao cried out once more—this time, it was from the pain of being gripped too hard.

He regained his composure and quickly loosened his arms, not holding her so tightly. But his hand still rested on her waist, reluctant to move it away.

Yan Shang: "I’m sorry... I lost control."

Mu Wanyao didn’t speak, just buried herself in his arms and laughed—

Yan Shang told Mu Wanyao that he was going to North Alley at night.

Mu Wanyao: "What, whoring? I’ve let you play for so long, and you’re still not satisfied?"

Yan Shang gently rubbed her forehead and smiled: "Your Highness is joking again."

He said: "I am looking for someone."

He paused, as if hesitating whether he should tell Mu Wanyao what he was doing. Mu Wanyao glanced at him and said she didn’t care and that he didn’t have to say anything. However, Mu Wanyao had been with him for a while now and obviously didn't want to leave him.

She struggled for a long time and said: "I will see you to North Alley; I’ll leave once you go inside."

Yan Shang was also somewhat reluctant to part with her, but the things that needed to be done had to be done. He nodded—

Great Wei had a curfew.

But it only applied to the West and East Markets; the wards themselves were still lively.

Let alone North Alley, a place for music and dance that was famous throughout Chang’an.

Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang arrived there by carriage, which was different from the last time they had come together. That time was a rainy night, and there were fewer people. Tonight, the place was brilliant with lights, and the stalls in the streets and alleys were numerous.

Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang walked through the crowd.

A tall man wearing a mask brushed past them.

For a moment, they were only a shoulder’s breadth apart—

Wearing the mask, Meng Zai Shi turned his head, watching the little Princess and her new lover with a look that was half-smile, half-mockery.