Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 81

Chapter 81

Yan Shang’s mind was initially preoccupied with "war" and "political marriage," especially since he was aware that Mu Wanyao was currently maneuvering between various foreign envoys.

Therefore, although he saw Mu Wanyao with that tall man the moment he arrived, he truly did not think much of it.

But Mu Wanyao’s reaction caught him off guard, leaving him feeling deeply unsettled—

He had come here to attend to official business, not to spy on her. What was she deliberately hiding from?

If she didn’t have a guilty conscience, why hide from him?

Once this sense of discomfort intensified, Yan Shang’s mind couldn't help but fixate on the finer details.

He recognized that man; it was the same person who had caused trouble at the Court of State Ceremonies (Honglu Temple) that day.

Yan Shang had originally assumed the man held a rank similar to a Wuman general.

However, seeing Mu Wanyao together with this man, with the Wuman people following in their wake... Yan Shang immediately realized: this man was not a Wuman general; he was the Wuman King himself.

Mu Wanyao was with the newly enthroned Wuman King.

Mu Wanyao had known this man before, and had even wanted to kill him.

But now, it appeared they had reconciled. Mu Wanyao stood by the street vendor, clutching her muli (veiled hat), while the gauze curtains draped toward the Wuman King. She lowered her head bashfully, watching the man approach her. At such a close distance, it looked as if they were sneaking a kiss away from prying eyes. Once the veil was pushed aside, her eyes shifted with a natural, captivating charm.

Yan Shang’s heart suddenly felt hollow.

His mind struggled to keep up.

Why was it like this? In the past, there had been affection between them, but they had quarreled, which was why she had wanted to kill him. And now, looking at this, had they made up?

Then the Wuman King’s marriage proposal, and the events of the night of the ceremony, were not quite as Yan Shang had imagined... No, he shouldn't doubt Mu Wanyao. Because she had truly been very unhappy that night.

...So, why on earth was she with the Wuman King, smiling so happily, and even hiding from him?

In an instant, Yan Shang began to feel a profound sense of heartache—

Yan Shang searched the West Market for a long time but could not find Mu Wanyao or the Wuman King. Angry and heartbroken, he knew she must have been deliberately avoiding him; she might have already left the area.

Yan Shang returned to the ward where he lived and asked the princess’s residence staff if Princess Danyang had returned.

The staff said the princess had not yet returned. Yan Shang went back to practicing calligraphy in his residence, waiting for two hours. By the time the lanterns were lit and night had fallen, Mu Wanyao still had not returned.

His heart felt thoroughly chilled.

He had originally only wanted an explanation, but now he was genuinely angry at her irresponsible attitude. He also felt foolish—why was he waiting around for her like this? What was he waiting for? To be lied to again?

She had clearly said that she and the Wuman King were not lovers, so what was today’s display?

Yan Shang felt a surge of frustration. He could no longer focus on his books, nor could he continue his calligraphy. A sense of rebellious resentment grew in his heart. He thought that Mu Wanyao must be banking on his good temper, banking on the fact that he rarely got angry, and thus treating him this way on purpose.

Was she planning to drag this out until he forgot about it, pretending it never happened?

Or was she simply using this as an excuse to break up with him, to fulfill her desires with the Wuman King?

And he, who had been painstakingly busy with all kinds of government affairs, fretting and worrying over her, researching the Wuman people... it all felt like a joke.

Thinking this, Yan Shang felt he had likely been overthinking. It was in vain that he had sought to cultivate his character; today, he was completely unable to stay calm. But he truly had no other choice. Yan Shang simply stood up and opened the door.

Outside the door, Yun Shu was pacing, seemingly hesitant about whether he should go in to serve Yan Shang dinner. As soon as Yan Shang opened the door, Yun Shu greeted him: "Second Young Master..."

Yan Shang said, "Tonight I am going to discuss some official business with Juyuan; I won't be returning."

Better than coming back only to watch someone hide from him.

Yun Shu let out an "Ah" and hurried to fetch Yan Shang's horse. Now that his master was an official, it was true that he occasionally stayed out at night, and the servant was already accustomed to it.

Yan Shang headed straight to find Wei Shu. When he arrived, he saw Wei Shu writing a memorial. The youth, clear as spring snow, lifted his face from the desk beside the candle, his dark eyes locking onto Yan Shang. It made Yan Shang’s face flush slightly; he felt ridiculous.

Fortunately, although Wei Shu didn't talk much, he was very welcoming to Yan Shang.

Yan Shang tried to forget about Mu Wanyao, sat down, and discussed government affairs with Wei Shu. He asked, "Juyuan, you say that the Wuman climate and terrain must be different from the Central Plains; that would affect horsemanship, wouldn't it?"

Wei Shu looked blank, then replied, "...Maybe."

Yan Shang didn't ask this expecting an answer from Wei Shu; he was simply trying to recapture the inspiration he’d had that afternoon when he saw the horse behind Mu Wanyao. He focused on that horse, struggling to excise the image of Mu Wanyao from his mind.

Yan Shang secretly mused that he should go to the Ministry of War tomorrow to ask someone about it.

Having sorted out his next steps, Yan Shang’s agitation finally eased a little. Watching Wei Shu write his memorial, he asked, "Is Juyuan about to impeach someone?"

As a Censor, impeaching officials at will without incurring blame was Wei Shu’s duty.

From what Yan Shang knew, Wei Shu had offended quite a few people in the imperial court. He truly broke into a cold sweat for him.

Wei Shu said "Hmm," glanced at Yan Shang, and said with a touch of embarrassment, "Those officials who hope for Her Highness to marry into the alliance, I intend to impeach them all. Finding their faults is much easier than finding their virtues."

A glint passed through Yan Shang’s eyes; he could see that Wei Shu was also helping Mu Wanyao within the scope of his duties.

Yet, out of spite, Yan Shang thought: perhaps while he and Wei Shu were so busy, Mu Wanyao had already decided to leave with the Wuman King?

Wei Shu looked at him: "Second Brother seems to have something on his mind."

Yan Shang smiled, said it was nothing, and added, "Tomorrow, I’ll take Juyuan to a banquet with a few officials."

Wei Shu was initially confused, but then he saw Yan Shang staring at the memorial he was writing. Suddenly, Wei Shu understood: Yan Shang felt he had offended too many court officials and wanted to help him smooth things over so his future career wouldn't be hindered.

Wei Shu was very grateful for Yan Shang’s help, but the thought of eating with a group of people he disliked... Wei Shu said, "There is no need."

Yan Shang was incredibly sharp. He said gently, "Juyuan, don't worry. I will be the one doing the talking at the banquet; you only need to follow behind me. I guarantee you won't have to say more than ten words all night."

Wei Shu raised an eyebrow: "Yan Second Brother is very confident."

Yan Shang smiled. He thought to himself: as expected, once I stop worrying about Mu Wanyao’s affairs, my mind remains clear—

After parting with Mu Wanyao, the Wuman King, Meng Zaishi, went to meet with the Prince of Qin in secret.

The Prince of Qin had prepared a banquet at his residence, ostensibly inviting some officials, but he privately allowed Meng Zaishi to enter the inner quarters.

Meng Zaishi took his seat with a bold, unrestrained air. He stretched out his long limbs like a powerful leopard, lazy and wanton, watching the Prince of Qin sit opposite him after closing the door with a gaze that was vigilant yet smiling. Though his body was relaxed, there was a keenness that suggested he could leap up to kill at any moment.

The Prince of Qin said, "When Wuman and Great Wei were at war, the Ministry of War was not under my jurisdiction, and Wuman was not your territory. Although the Ministry of War and Wuman were at odds, neither you nor I were involved. Thus, we still have the possibility of negotiation and cooperation."

Meng Zaishi gave a careless laugh: "Naturally. Wuman and Great Wei are already in a cooperative relationship. I am wholeheartedly in support of peace; I do not wish for our two countries to go to war. I came to Great Wei myself as soon as I became King; I thought I had made my desire for peace quite clear."

The Prince of Qin cursed the man’s craftiness in his heart; he had phrased everything so flawlessly.

He spoke of cooperating with Great Wei, not with the Prince of Qin.

The Prince of Qin then went on about trivial matters, asking about Wuman customs, asking for Meng Zaishi’s opinion of Great Wei, and whether he liked Chang'an. Meng Zaishi also feigned interest, exchanging pleasantries with the Prince, and they chatted heatedly.

Ultimately, the Prince of Qin lacked the patience. Meng Zaishi began to describe with relish how the Chang'an markets had made him yearn for the city. The Prince of Qin gripped his wine goblet, his expression growing stiffer and stiffer.

"Enough!" the Prince of Qin interrupted with a cold face.

Meng Zaishi looked surprised: "Does Your Highness seem angry? Weren't we having a good time?"

After taking three deep breaths, the Prince of Qin looked at this Wuman King, feeling secret alarm. He hadn't expected the other party’s Great Wei language to be so fluent, nor had he expected the ruler of a barbarian minor state to be so composed... However, Meng Zaishi was in no rush, while the Prince of Qin was very anxious.

The Prince of Qin stated his true purpose: "I wish to cooperate with you, Your Majesty, in the hope that you will take Princess Danyang away. Princess Danyang remaining in Chang'an bolsters the Crown Prince’s influence, which is not what I want to see. But you need Great Wei’s culture and technology; these are things that, if you take Danyang into Wuman, Great Wei will grant to your kingdom. We shall cooperate, each getting what we need."

Meng Zaishi lowered his eyelids, swaying the goblet in his hand, and said slowly, "Since Your Highness is so sincere, I can also tell you the truth. Whether or not I seek to marry Princess Danyang is not that important to me. As you said, what I want is Great Wei’s knowledge and technology... I believe Great Wei would compensate me with these, even without Princess Danyang."

He raised his face, and the abrupt scar on his cheek struck at the Prince of Qin like a venomous snake: "Tell me, why should I cooperate with you?"

The Prince of Qin sneered.

He said: "Wuman is but a small country. You, a King, staying in Chang'an... If Great Wei really had any designs, how could a tiny Wuman survive?"

Meng Zaishi: "How about that? Do you dare to kill me?"

The Prince of Qin laughed: "How would Great Wei kill the King of a neighboring country? Wouldn't that chill the hearts of all the small nations attached to Great Wei? But if we invite you, Your Majesty, to be a guest in Chang'an for a few more days—as Great Wei is so hospitable—would it be hard for you to refuse? And if you stay in Great Wei for a few more days, the situation in the southern barbarians' lands might change."

As he said this, Meng Zaishi’s expression turned cold, his gaze piercing like a blade. In an instant, the Prince of Qin felt a chill hit his face; it was as if the man were about to explode into violence... The Prince of Qin braced himself against the saber at his waist, but he saw Meng Zaishi withdraw his killing intent and reveal an indifferent smile.

Meng Zaishi sighed: "You Great Wei people really are cunning."

The Prince of Qin said: "In that case, are you willing to cooperate with me? At the very least, as head of the Ministry of War, I can guarantee that you, Your Majesty, will leave Chang'an safely."

Meng Zaishi was silent for a moment and then said, "Cooperation is possible. But I want a 'tribute of allegiance' first."

The Prince of Qin was surprised: "You even know of a 'tribute of allegiance'... Fine, what do you want me to do for you?"

Meng Zaishi spoke casually: "Nothing troublesome. A few days ago, I saw an official of yours named 'Yan Shang.' I suspect he is an old acquaintance of mine. That acquaintance’s name is Yan Shisheng. I heard that you, Prince of Qin, oversee the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Personnel manages your Great Wei’s talent selection examinations. If one passes, one becomes an official."

"Your examination should require all sorts of information on the candidates. I would like you, Your Highness, to help me investigate whether that official named Yan Shang is indeed Yan Shisheng."

The Prince of Qin stood up in shock, his tone strange: "You say Yan Shang? Could it be Yan Second Brother? Yan Suchen?"

Meng Zaishi looked up, thoughtful: "How about that? Is this person very famous?"

The Prince of Qin said: "Yan Second Brother’s fame, his elegance... Ha."

He gritted his teeth, harboring a grudge against Yan Shang for spoiling his plans to drive a wedge between Mu Wanyao and the Crown Prince. After that incident, the scholars of Chang'an had propped up Yan Shang’s reputation very high, and the Prince of Qin was waiting for the day Yan Shang would make a mistake and be drowned in the spit of those arrogant scholars.

However, six months had passed, and the Prince of Qin had yet to see Yan Shang stumble.

And now... The Prince of Qin stared at Meng Zaishi and suddenly laughed: "If you want to ask about Yan Second Brother, I’m afraid you have a grudge against him? But I don't care... The Ministry of Personnel does indeed have the information on all candidates, though it is not easy to check. But since we are cooperating, I will naturally find a way to help you."

"Just wait for the good news, Your Majesty."

Meng Zaishi nodded.

He lowered his eyelids, looking at the wine goblet in his hand. He suddenly thought of Yan Shang at the Court of State Ceremonies, then suddenly thought of the waning lanterns, Mu Wanyao clutching Yan Shang’s arm, smiling so happily, and finally, he thought of the first time he heard the name Yan Shisheng—the person who had offered the strategy that ignited the war...

A savage smile emerged in Meng Zaishi’s eyes.

A grudge?

If Yan Shang was indeed Yan Shisheng, then the grudge between them was massive indeed—

Mu Wanyao hadn't expected her luck to be so bad; her first time strolling the West Market with Meng Zaishi, and she had run into Yan Shang.

She had hidden immediately.

Afterward, she dragged her feet in the Crown Prince’s palace, staying until very late before returning home. Mu Wanyao asked the gatekeeper of the opposite residence: "Has your master returned?"

The servant replied: "The master returned, but then left again, saying he was discussing business with Seventh Young Master Wei, and would not be back tonight."

The servant then saw that noble princess, who had been stiff-faced, relax slightly, looking as if she had let out a sigh of relief.

Before the servant could look closely, Mu Wanyao had already turned back into her residence.

Mu Wanyao thought to herself: I managed to hide tonight.

However, she remained very anxious, afraid that she could hide today, but not tomorrow. If she ran into Yan Shang tomorrow, what should she do?

Mu Wanyao secretly berated herself for losing her composure—why had she run? If she hadn't run, with Yan Shang’s tolerant and magnanimous temperament, he might not have thought much of it at all. But because she hid, she had only made herself look suspicious; Yan Shang would surely have sensed something.

Agitated and unsettled, she passed the day.

On the second day, she still maneuvered between the various envoys. That afternoon, she didn't dare go to the West Market with Meng Zaishi, only speaking with him briefly in the palace. Meng Zaishi noticed her distraction but pretended not to know. Meng Zaishi wasn't in Great Wei just to wait for her; he had to negotiate the terms of alliance treaties with Great Wei on behalf of other nations, so he was naturally busy as well.

Mu Wanyao returned home at dusk and asked across the street: "Is Little Yan here?"

The servant replied honestly: "Second Young Master has not returned."

Mu Wanyao relaxed and went inside. But as the sky grew dark, the maid Xia Rong, who had gone out a few times, told her that Yan Shang hadn't returned home. A sense of unease began to stir in Mu Wanyao’s heart, a rising, boundless sense of guilt, and she began to grow anxious.

She wondered if he was busy elsewhere, or if he was angry with her and didn't want to see her. But Yan Shang’s temperament was so good; others would get angry, but how could he?

Or were the servants lying to her?

The inner quarters of the Princess’s residence had a three-story pavilion. Before Mu Wanyao had cleared things up with Yan Shang, she would often sit there, watching the lights in the opposite residence to judge whether Yan Shang had returned and if he was reading late into the night. Since that night of heavy snow, when Yan Shang had seen the lights in the pavilion, Mu Wanyao hadn't sat there to watch him for a long time.

Tonight, consumed by suspicion, Mu Wanyao once again ascended to the third floor, gazing out to see if the lights were on across the street.

There were only a few sparse, star-like lights opposite, completely dim and pitch black. Evidently, the master of the house had not returned, and they were not lighting lamps in the residence.

Mu Wanyao felt a sudden sense of loss, and panicked even more.

She gritted her teeth, anxiously wondering what she should do if he were truly angry—

Yan Shang did not return all night. When he awoke the next day, after receiving word from Xia Rong, Mu Wanyao lay on her bed, feeling deeply depressed.

Oh, heavens.

Little Yan hasn't returned home for two days in a row; he must really be angry, right?

She just... just ran away a little bit. Why was he so angry?

Mu Wanyao listlessly waited for her maids to help her up, and after she washed and dressed, she went out to socialize. When she returned home again, it was already dusk.

Mu Wanyao now felt full of internal conflict and bitterness whenever she returned to her own residence. Outside the carriage, Fang Tong said they had arrived, and Mu Wanyao fidgeted in the carriage for a while before stepping out.

Standing at the gate of her residence, Mu Wanyao asked the opposite side coldly: "Is Yan Shang at the residence?"

The servant opposite stammered: "Although Second Young Master is not in the residence, but... the Second Young Master has returned."

Mu Wanyao: "..."

Everyone saw the noble Princess’s charming eyes widen suddenly, revealing a moment of panic. She was on the verge of jumping up as if sparked, but thanks to her good breeding, she tried hard to remain calm. Under the strange gazes of the crowd, they saw Mu Wanyao give a very casual "Oh" and ascend the steps to return to her own residence.

The servant at the gate of the opposite residence watched, confused.

He didn't know that after Mu Wanyao entered her own front gate, she had somewhat stealthily turned around and pressed herself against the door, secretly observing the gate behind the stone lions across the street. Fang Tong and the others were blocked outside by the princess with strange expressions, unaware that after Mu Wanyao had peered at the door for a long time, she patted her chest.

Mu Wanyao thought with relief: Thank goodness I hid fast. Otherwise, if Yan Shang had suddenly come out while I was talking, what would I have done?

Hmm, let me think... and then consider how to meet him.

Just as Mu Wanyao was patting her chest and encouraging herself, out of the blue, someone poked her back.

Mu Wanyao: "Don't bother me!"

The person poked her back again.

Mu Wanyao was already annoyed and turned around, furious, ready to scold the imprudent servant. Who knew that as soon as she turned, she would see the gentle and elegant youth, looking at her with his head tilted, his eyes as still as a deep lake. He looked at her and extended a hand toward her.

Mu Wanyao backed away in fright, stepped on her hem, and was tripped by her shawl. Yan Shang stepped forward, reaching out to block her with his arm, and she was pushed, her body tilting uncontrollably, crashing directly into his embrace.

"Ah!" she cried in annoyance, her nose hurting.

Before Yan Shang could speak, Mu Wanyao said righteously: "What are you doing hiding at the door to scare people? My nose is going to bleed because of you!"

Yan Shang held her shoulder, lowering his head to examine her, asking her to move her hand so he could look at her nose.

Yan Shang frowned with concern, but she just clutched her nose, refusing to show him, starting to fidget. Out of concern, he suddenly saw her secretly raise one eye to observe him, her pupils darting around. When she bumped into his downward gaze, she quickly averted her eyes, shouting again: "It’s all your fault!"

Yan Shang: "..."

In order to make maneuvering with the envoys easier, Mu Wanyao had not worn her usual, overly elaborate makeup. She was just wearing a begonia-red skirt, with a lotus-root-colored light silk sash and her hair loosely bundled. She clutched her nose, tilting her head up, her bangs blown up by the breeze.

She looked delicate and pretty; as crystal clear as the first drop of dew in the morning, and yet also like a naive, approachable neighbor’s little sister.

But Yan Shang thought to himself: What kind of approachable neighbor’s little sister is this?

This is clearly a wicked little sister who torments people!

Knowing her nose was perfectly fine, Yan Shang let go of his hand, his expression cooling. And as soon as he let go, Mu Wanyao sidled over and wrapped her arms around his waist, cuddling him to act spoiled: "What is it? You hit my nose so hard and you won't even apologize. Fine, fine, I’ll count it as me having a good temper; I forgive you. You should be as magnanimous as I am, you know?"

There were clearly hidden meanings in her words.

Yan Shang said: "The person with the big temper is actually accusing me of having a big temper."

His voice was clear and soft, and the volume was very low. As soon as she heard his voice, Mu Wanyao felt a jolt in her heart. She had only not seen him for three days, and she had missed him. She looked up at him, observing his expression. Yan Shang pursed his lips and said: "I was indeed busy with official business. I heard that you kept asking if 'he had returned'?"

Mu Wanyao felt aggrieved: "Yes, I did."

Yan Shang’s expression softened slightly. Seeing that she still cared about him, he was a little happy. But this man was very reserved in his happiness, so he didn't show anything, only telling himself not to relax and be led by her.

He really was helpless against Mu Wanyao. Every time she jumped up, he would be confused and distracted by her sudden outbursts, forgetting his original purpose.

He had been unhappy for two days outside, continuously amplifying the look in Meng Zaishi’s eyes when he looked at her. The more he thought, the more uncomfortable he felt, the more miserable he became. He really needed to solve this... He couldn't be fooled by Mu Wanyao in a muddled state.

Yan Shang said: "Shall we go inside to talk?"

Mu Wanyao: "If you have something to say, isn't it quite nice to walk outside and chat as we go?"

Yan Shang said gently: "I am afraid there is a lot to discuss; it is not very convenient."

Mu Wanyao: ...Just how many accounts does he have to settle with her?

Mu Wanyao pushed him away, sneering: "You’ve become quite bold now! Daring to enter my sleeping quarters in broad daylight, not even afraid that your reputation will suffer!"

Yan Shang was stunned. He blushed, but insisted: "It's not as if I haven't before... As long as I have no ghosts in my heart, why can't I talk to Your Highness in the room during the day? I have no ghosts in my heart, I just don't know if Your Highness is the same."

Mu Wanyao: "..."

She was terrified for a moment, almost wanting to flee. But meeting Yan Shang’s eyes, Mu Wanyao just gave a indifferent smile, as if she were perfectly righteous and not afraid of him investigating.

However, when she turned her back to lead the way, her face collapsed—What do I do?—

Closing the door and telling the servants to withdraw, Mu Wanyao sat down and poured herself a cup of tea.

Yan Shang leaned against the door, looked at her for a moment, and then walked over. He did not sit down, standing ten steps away from her to observe her every expression. Mu Wanyao let him look, and even threw a charming, alluring glance his way.

He was startled, blushed, and looked away.

Then he shifted back: "That man at the Court of State Ceremonies earlier, he is not a Wuman general at all, but the Wuman King, right?"

Mu Wanyao thought to herself: he is more than just the Wuman King; on the night he first arrived in Chang'an, he even shot an arrow to send me a clay figurine.

She rested her chin on her hand, listlessly: "Mhm."

Yan Shang paused and said: "You said earlier that you and he were not former lovers—you were lying to me, weren't you?"

Mu Wanyao hurriedly set down her teacup, opened her eyes wide as she looked at him, and seriously denied it: "Absolutely not! He is the one pestering me... I have never liked him. Yan Second Brother, you must believe me."

Yan Shang said: "How can I believe you? If you have no affair with him, then why did you run when you saw me that day?"

Mu Wanyao: "...It’s because I was afraid you would get jealous. Look, aren't you jealous right now?"

Yan Shang pursed his lips.

He said: "I wasn't originally... it was all caused by you."

It was all her making his heart go up and down, making him ponder repeatedly, making him toss and turn, unable to sleep at night!

Mu Wanyao looked at him with bewilderment. He suddenly turned his face away, appearing quite frustrated—it was unclear if it was with her, or with himself.

Yan Shang turned back to look at her again and asked: "You clearly have many things you are hiding from me. You clearly looked very familiar with the Wuman King that day. He leaned down to look at you and touched your face, and you didn't even dodge. Did he... did he... kiss you that day?"

Mu Wanyao found it ridiculous.

She said: "Of course not! We are familiar because we knew each other before."

Yan Shang looked down: "Yet you admit he pesters you, but you still go strolling in the market with him."

Mu Wanyao: "I have no choice. At the grand ceremony that day, I said I would let them pursue me; I can't just not give them a chance."

Yan Shang: "You said whoever captures your heart, you will marry into their kingdom. But! Do you really want to leave? Want to marry into an alliance? If you do this... what will happen to me?"

Mu Wanyao froze, looking up at him. A bit of sunlight filtered through the lattice, clear as snow, falling between Yan Shang’s furrowed brows. He kept his head down, not looking at her, as if deep in thought. He didn't realize that his words were shocking to her, didn't realize that his phrase "what will happen to me" had sent ripples through her heart.

Mu Wanyao watched him for a long time, and when he raised his eyes to look at her again, he said: "You cannot be like this. From what I hear, not only do you often stroll through the markets with the Wuman King, you do the same with other envoys."

While he was busy, her days were so leisurely!

Mu Wanyao replied blankly: "Ah."

Yan Shang furrowed his brows and began, slowly and tactfully, to say that she didn't need to be like this. He said that Meng Zaishi was a Wuman person, and his daily habits were different from hers. He understood that she had to maneuver, and she certainly didn't want to marry into an alliance, so since that was the case, she shouldn't get so close to the Wuman King.

Mu Wanyao listened to him talk, nodding at first, listening with an open mind. But perhaps her amenability invisibly encouraged Yan Shang, and he ended up saying even more.

He rambled on for a long time, saying she should be a little more careful, not to give people so many opportunities.

Mu Wanyao grew impatient: "I know, I know! You’re so annoying!"

Yan Shang was a little angry.

But seeing her displeasure, he shut his mouth and said nothing more.

When he stopped talking, Mu Wanyao secretly watched him again. Seeing him with his head lowered, his brows furrowed, and his expression somewhat dejected.

Seeing the handsome young man, clear as jade bamboo, so troubled and yet forcing himself to endure it, made Mu Wanyao feel that she had perhaps gone a bit too far. She was suddenly filled with pity for him, thinking of how he harbored so many thoughts, yet held them in without speaking... But if she let him speak, she would just be nagged again.

Mu Wanyao tested him in a whisper: "Yan Shang?"

Yan Shang didn't respond.

Mu Wanyao again: "Yan Second Brother?"

He still kept his head down, without responding.

Mu Wanyao thought to herself: It seems he really is a bit unhappy.

She stood up and walked toward Yan Shang. When Yan Shang looked up in surprise, Mu Wanyao had already wrapped her arms around him, raised her face, and kissed the corner of his mouth. She was exceptionally passionate, the tip of her tongue agile. When Yan Shang opened his mouth, she invaded, making his heart beat fiercely twice.

He grabbed her shoulders, turning his face to avoid her, but she wouldn't let go.

Pushed by her, Yan Shang went straight backward, forced onto the bed. Falling onto the mattress, the bed curtain was pulled by Mu Wanyao’s hand, layered and layered, covering all the light before their eyes.

She knelt in front of his knees, knelt on his wide sleeves, reaching out to hook his chin, kissing him incessantly.

Yan Shang’s breathing began to grow ragged; he grabbed her shoulders and pushed, his eyelashes trembling. When he opened his mouth, his tone was hurried and tinged with anger: "You’re doing this again, using this trick... Do you think this is useful? Can’t you just talk to me properly... Mmph."

Mu Wanyao paid no attention, focusing on kissing him, her breath moving downward, brushing against his flushed, tense neck, and bit down on his Adam’s apple.

His body stiffened, and he shivered violently.

Yan Shang was truly a bit angry: "Mu Wanyao!"

He said: "You are just banking on me, banking on..."

Mu Wanyao giggled, finally speaking: "I am just banking on the fact that you don't like to get angry. But I really am not bullying you; this time it is to make it up to you."

She thought for a moment: "Actually, I really like seeing you wear your official robes... but let's forget it this time."

Yan Shang propped up his upper body: "Then let me get up... let us have a proper talk..."

Mu Wanyao laughed with a humph, thinking to herself: Who wants to chat with you? When I let you be calm, you have a pile of principles, saying this is not good, that is wrong; only at times like this are you controlled by me.

Mu Wanyao raised her face from his slightly wrinkled collar and gave him a playful smile, her body sliding downward.

He frowned, looking at her blankly, not even knowing what she was going to do. But his collar was ripped open, her breath brushed against his waist, yet she did not stop. He suddenly panicked, pulling at her again: "Mu Wanyao!"

Mu Wanyao hooked her eyes and took one look at his slightly sweating face, and laughed vaguely—

Like an ancient vine and green creeper, growing well beneath the water, eternal and unchanging.

Yet a spirit snake came to disturb.

Twining around that green creeper, forcing the creeper to pull out a tendon. That naughty snake was a wicked seed, specializing in picking at others' weaknesses.

The sharp teeth extended, and with a single bite, it clamped down.

Biting into the green creeper.

As happy as drinking human blood and flesh—

Yan Shang’s waist arched upward involuntarily, and he heard Mu Wanyao’s mocking laughter. It was so shameful, so embarrassing; she was so bold that his heart stopped beating. He couldn't bear it; his fingers rested on the wooden bed frame, his veins jumping one by one. His slender fingers gripped the edge of the bed, gripping so hard they turned nearly white.

He suddenly grabbed Mu Wanyao, pulling her up. Mu Wanyao had just felt his excitement, and he lifted her up, suddenly pressing her down, lowering his head and kissing her regardless of anything else.

It was all scorching, all heart-thumping intensity.

The sunlight outside the tent was grey and hazy, and he didn't know how many times the heavy curtains were rolled and unrolled.

He was trembling violently, for the first time so emotionally unstable, almost frightening Mu Wanyao. But before she could recall the terrible memory of being suppressed by a man, he slumped his shoulders, falling upon her body, burying his head in her neck, his disheveled hair brushing against her face.

He even coughed twice, and when he raised his face, there was still a flush of red at the corners of his eyes that had yet to fade.

He then said: "You... went too far."