Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 87

Chapter 87

For a long time, no one spoke in the study; Meng Zaishi’s breathing was slightly labored.

Standing outside the window, Mu Wanyao felt a touch of concern, fearing that Meng Zaishi might be provoked by Yan Shang into resorting to violence... Meng Zaishi was naturally no fool, but when it came to strategy and calculation, he truly could not compare to Yan Shang.

Mu Wanyao could not help but follow Yan Shang's line of reasoning: Indeed. Meng Zaishi’s desire to marry her was not that intense.

A truly overwhelming, burning passion would not be like Meng Zaishi’s reaction—after the assassination attempt at the Southern Mountains, he had simply left. He hadn't confronted Mu Wanyao on the spot when there were so many soldiers present.

He had given both sides a buffer period.

This buffer period could not be because Meng Zaishi was cowardly; it could only mean that Meng Zaishi did not wish to worsen his relationship with Great Wei. Even with the Prince of Qin’s help, Meng Zaishi had always seen things clearly—as the Wuman King, he could not have any genuine support within Great Wei.

Thinking of this, Mu Wanyao felt a sense of relief, feeling that the possibility of her not needing to go through with the marriage alliance was higher.

While the Princess was lost in thought, the Wuman King in the study finally spoke again: "Second Young Master Yan, I wonder how much you know about the relationship between my Wuman and the Southern Barbarians?"

The tension in Yan Shang’s eyes eased.

He knew his bluff had worked—Meng Zaishi truly did not want to go to war with Great Wei.

He replied politely: "I didn't know much before, but now I know quite a lot. I know that the five tribes of the Southern Barbarians have become four, and that the Southern Barbarian King is conquering in all directions; sooner or later, he will unify the Wuman as well."

He had learned these details from the Hu people who helped him gather information in Wuman. It had to be said that these Hu people, who delved deep into Wuman territory, understood the situation far better than the officials of Great Wei.

Yan Shang paused, and seeing that Meng Zaishi’s expression remained unchanged, he continued: "This is one of the reasons why I oppose the Wuman King seeking a marriage alliance with a Great Wei Princess. The alliance between Wuman and Great Wei is known to all under heaven. May I ask, in the future, if a Great Wei Princess were to go to Wuman, how would she be expected to conduct herself? Would she hope for the Southern Barbarians to unify, or oppose it?"

"And how would you, Great King, conduct yourself? Would you support the Southern Barbarians' unification, or continue to be close to Great Wei?"

"Please forgive my bluntness, Great King. Your natural position lies with the Southern Barbarians. However, I know you have great ambitions and would surely not be satisfied with merely that, which is why you insist on allying with Great Wei. As for Great Wei’s intentions... you should be clear on those as well. Thus, it can be seen that the alliance between Wuman and Great Wei is already established; there is no need to take it a step further, and naturally, there is no need to insist on a marriage alliance with a princess."

The smile on Meng Zaishi’s lips deepened. He flicked his eyes upward, revealing a look of sharpness and admiration: "Great Wei’s intention is to hope that the Wuman can unify the four tribes of the Southern Barbarians. That is why Great Wei supports the Wuman; I naturally know this. If one follows your analysis, Second Young Master Yan, how should I position myself between Great Wei and the Southern Barbarians?"

He had only grasped these things after taking power.

His father had allied with Great Wei reluctantly, riding a tiger and unable to get off, completely unaware that the true intent behind the alliance between Great Wei and Wuman was to dismantle the Southern Barbarians.

Yan Shang was slightly surprised, saying: "Isn't your original intention, Great King, in perfect alignment with Great Wei’s goal? Since both parties have the same intention, you only need to say what exactly you want Great Wei to do."

Meng Zaishi was silent for a moment before swearing in the Wuman tongue.

Mu Wanyao, eavesdropping outside the window, covered her face, unable to stop a smile from forming. The phrase Meng Zaishi used was: Cunning jackal.

She wondered if Yan Shang understood.

Whether Yan Shang understood was unimportant; Meng Zaishi couldn't be bothered to probe him further and said directly: "The Wuman have just finished the war with the Chiman and made a great profit from it. The Wuman do not need to fight any longer. A nation can grow rich from short-term war, but long-term war will only drag our country down. Moving forward against the Southern Barbarian King, I must clarify my stance."

"The Wuman are too weak. As one of the four tribes of the Southern Barbarians, it is natural that I should submit to them. My intention is to borrow troops to help the Southern Barbarian King conquer the four tribes and unify the Southern Barbarians."

Yan Shang said faintly: "You are putting me in a difficult position, Great King. Great Wei cannot possibly support the unification of the Southern Barbarians."

Meng Zaishi laughed: "I know. Great Wei hopes that the Wuman will unify the Southern Barbarians. Hmm... I can only say, Second Young Master Yan, your guess is correct; our goals are indeed the same."

Yan Shang remained silent for a long time, then suddenly lifted his gaze, saying softly: "How does the Great King hope for Great Wei to assist you? Should the Great Wei army be lent to you?"

Meng Zaishi watched him for a moment, leaned back, clicked his tongue, and then laughed loudly: "Second Young Master Yan, I truly appreciate you more and more! Even at a time like this, you try to dig a pit for me... How could I dare let Great Wei soldiers into my territory? If you took the opportunity to annex Wuman, to whom would I go to air my grievances?"

Hearing his inner thoughts exposed, Yan Shang did not change his expression.

Meng Zaishi then said: "You Great Wei people have a saying: 'Borrow a road to destroy the State of Guo.'"

Yan Shang nodded: "So you intend to borrow a road from the small nations neighboring Great Wei, annexing them in the process, while outwardly claiming you are merely passing through to assist the Southern Barbarian King in unifying the Southern Barbarians. Following your line of thinking, you intend to depart from Longyou in Great Wei."

Below Longyou were the small nations that relied on Great Wei. And further down were the four tribes of the Southern Barbarians that had yet to be unified.

Meng Zaishi nodded.

Yan Shang said: "I will convey your intentions to the court officials and discuss it with my sovereign and his ministers."

Meng Zaishi paused and said: "I want to borrow other countries as a battlefield to wage war; I do not want the Wuman heartland to suffer damage. You must know, I also need..."

Yan Shang continued: "Culture and technology."

He looked down: "It seems the Wuman do not have their own writing system, correct?"

Meng Zaishi looked at him with cold eyes.

Yan Shang smiled: "That is simple. You can simply learn the language and writing of our Great Wei."

Meng Zaishi said coldly: "Second Young Master Yan, know when to stop. I did not allow Great Wei troops into my Wuman territory earlier, and naturally, I will not let your Great Wei culture consume my Wuman either. The Wuman have our own culture; it is simply that no one has unearthed it yet... All I need is for you to have someone with great talent to accompany me as an envoy to Wuman and help my people create a writing system."

Yan Shang sighed. Seeing that Meng Zaishi would not fall for any traps, he realized this king could not be underestimated and stopped probing.

The two sides finalized various conditions, which Yan Shang recorded to discuss with the Great Wei ministers upon his return.

With Yan Shang remaining so indifferent and controlling the pace throughout, Meng Zaishi’s expression grew increasingly ugly, feeling that his every word and action was already within the other’s expectations—this feeling of being seen through was truly terrible.

Meng Zaishi sat kneeling in the fashion of a Great Wei native, watching Yan Shang bow and take his leave after the discussion. Just as Yan Shang turned his back and was about to reach the door, Meng Zaishi said abruptly: "I wonder if Princess Danyang has told you about the relationship between her and me?"

Yan Shang’s back stiffened, but he did not turn around.

Meng Zaishi turned his face toward the window, looking at the eavesdropping shadow. With lowered eyelids, he said with retaliatory malice and mockery: "She surely hasn't told you, right? She was once my woman, taught by my own hand. Every aspect of her that you see today has my shadow on it. Do you know what she looks like when she is moved, do you know what she sounds like when she gasps..."

Yan Shang interrupted: "Shut up!"

He turned back to look at the Wuman King who sat with his arms crossed, watching him with a mocking smirk. The man’s malice was unconcealed, and Yan Shang stared at him for a moment: "If you had even an ounce of affection for her, you would not discuss her in such a way in front of another man."

Meng Zaishi’s pupils contracted, his expression sinking.

Yan Shang continued: "And if you have no affection for her, you are even less qualified to speak of her in this way."

"What does this amount to, Great King? Are you comparing yourself to me, seeing who is better suited to be with her? Do you know what it means to respect, to cherish, to like? In your eyes, is it that one can obtain everything through force and robbery, and that wanton humiliation is a man’s right? You say you want to learn Great Wei culture, but deep down, you remain a narrow-minded barbarian."

Yan Shang looked at Meng Zaishi and said softly: "You are not worthy of discussing her with me."

Meng Zaishi’s face turned livid. He slammed a fist onto the table and rose to strike, but Yan Shang gave him a cold look and pushed the door open to leave. Then, Meng Zaishi heard Yan Shang’s startled and slightly panicked voice: "Yo, Your Highness?"

Meng Zaishi’s face remained livid, but his feet seemed as if they were nailed to the spot. He did not want to go out; he did not want to face Mu Wanyao.

Is his love disgusting?

He did not think so.

But he did not want to see the way Mu Wanyao looked at him—

Yan Shang never expected that Mu Wanyao had overheard every word of his impassioned speech. She stood beneath the window, looking at him with deep affection in her eyes. He turned his head away, feeling a sudden surge of embarrassment.

Mu Wanyao smiled at him without a word and turned to leave. Yan Shang thought for a moment before following her.

The two left the embassy and boarded the Princess’s carriage. Mu Wanyao asked Yan Shang: "Are you returning to the Secretariat?"

Yan Shang observed her expression, and seeing that she seemed neither sad nor happy, he gave a slight nod. Mu Wanyao ordered the driver to take a different route. Upon hearing her instructions, Yan Shang said: "This is not the road that leads directly into the Imperial City."

Mu Wanyao glanced at him: "Second Young Master Yan has grown sharper. When my aunt took you away in the past, you were too muddled to recognize the road, but now you know this route is wrong. What shall I do? How will I trick you in the future?"

Yan Shang watched her lift her chin in a haughty, indifferent manner, unable to help but shake his head and laugh.

Seeing him lower his head to laugh, Mu Wanyao felt her heart thumping, wanting to draw close to him. Yet, for once, she remained reserved, saying: "I am just going to the East Market to pick up something. The large stone I ordered is arriving soon, and I want to go and see it."

Yan Shang understood: "I have heard the Crown Prince mention it; is it the 'Merit Stone' inscribed with His Majesty’s virtues? Does such a stone truly exist in this world?"

Mu Wanyao nodded perfunctorily.

Yan Shang bowed his head in thought: "It must have been tampered with; is this a signal that the Li family is bowing their heads to His Majesty? His Majesty..."

Mu Wanyao interrupted unhappily: "Are you going to discuss government business with me for the entire journey?! Are you not annoying?"

Yan Shang looked up in astonishment.

Mu Wanyao looked at him with cold eyes. After meeting her gaze for a moment, he realized that his official, business-like attitude had made her unhappy. Yan Shang hesitated, his face slightly flushed, and he said in a low voice: "Then, t-then what should I do?"

Mu Wanyao leaned against the carriage wall: "Before, when I ignored you, you were always finding excuses to come to the Princess’s residence to look for me. Now that our relationship seems much better, I see your reaction is tepid, and you don't even take the initiative to see me anymore. What is it? We haven't even progressed that far, and you are already bored?"

Yan Shang furrowed his brow slightly and said: "Don't talk nonsense... I have just been busy lately."

He cleared his throat to defend himself: "And I have not been as unreserved as you claim. I have always been this way."

Mu Wanyao flicked her eyes at him: "Then what should you be doing now?"

Yan Shang looked at her.

Yan Shang hesitated: "Does Your Highness want me to come over?"

Mu Wanyao: "What do you mean by 'come over'? Am I a puppy to you!"

Yan Shang: "..."

He had no choice but to move over himself.

He bent his back inside the carriage, slowly shuffling over from the opposite side until he was sitting beside her. Mu Wanyao leaned her head on one hand, her other hand resting against her face, turning her head to look at him.

Her brows and eyes were enchanting, with waves of light rippling in her gaze.

For Mu Wanyao, a woman's charm was not merely about pouting or acting cute, but in the ripple of her eyes and a slight tilt of her head. She placed her hand against her cheek, looking over with liquid, brimming eyes... it was enough to make anyone unable to hold their ground.

Yan Shang looked down, his hand resting on her shoulder as he hugged her gently, touching his lips to hers.

Before she could react, he had already blushed. With trembling eyelashes, he lifted his gaze to look at her.

Mu Wanyao could not help but laugh, her attitude softening: "...Why is there anything to blush about?"

His current shyness and tension were completely different from the way he had sparred with Meng Zaishi earlier. Mu Wanyao liked this version of him even better in private.

She hugged Yan Shang’s shoulder, preparing to kneel on his lap. The hair ornament struck the carriage roof; as the carriage swayed, she veered into his arms and took the opportunity to brush her hand against his throat. She looked at him mischievously, biting her lip with a smile, and lowered her head to kiss him.

She was stirring up such a commotion that Yan Shang panicked and hugged her waist, repeating: "Enough, enough... don't mess around."

After the carriage entered the market district, it stopped at the East Market. Inside the carriage, they dared not make too much noise, and Yan Shang kept dodging, yet his robes were still disheveled by Mu Wanyao’s playful antics. By the time the carriage stopped, his appearance was such that he could not possibly get out. The wicked little Princess was biting her lip in amusement, leaning against his ear: "Do you want me to use my hand to help you..."

Yan Shang was terrified of her. He flushed beet red and glared: "No."

How could one behave so recklessly outside? How could she be like this?

After waiting for the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, Yan Shang finally got out of the carriage. Once he climbed out, he did not dare meet the gaze of the guards standing nearby. Fortunately, the others did not dare meet his gaze either, fearing the mutual awkwardness.

Yan Shang stood by the carriage, straightening his robes, but as he turned back to help Mu Wanyao down, a pleasant, surprised female voice sounded from behind him: "Second Brother Yan?"

Yan Shang looked back to see a girl in a yellow robe standing amidst the bustling crowd, holding several scrolls of scriptures, followed by a sulking maid. She was waving in his direction with surprise in her eyes.

Yan Shang bowed and performed a salute.

From inside the carriage, Mu Wanyao scoffed: "You really do have acquaintances everywhere; you bow to everyone you meet."

Yan Shang saluted the lady across the crowd, and the lady smiled as she walked toward them. Yan Shang then explained to Mu Wanyao in the carriage: "It is my teacher’s granddaughter, Young Lady Liu Ruozhu."

Mu Wanyao paused in the carriage: "Oh."

She asked: "What is she doing here?"

Yan Shang said in a low voice: "I don't know yet. But Young Lady Ruozhu is carrying books, so perhaps her purpose is related to books?"

Mu Wanyao thought to herself: As expected of Liu Ruozhu from a noble family. She makes my own vulgarity pale in comparison.

After all, the "Merit Stone" that Mu Wanyao had come here for was extremely utilitarian.

Yan Shang looked toward the carriage, hesitating as he asked: "Young Lady Liu is kind-hearted and has an excellent temperament. Does Your Highness wish to get out and speak with her?"

Through the curtain, Mu Wanyao’s gaze met Yan Shang’s.

Originally, she had wanted to get out of the carriage, but the look in Yan Shang’s eyes clearly indicated that he wanted her to meet his friends... This signal undoubtedly showed that he wanted her to enter his social circle and understand the people around him.

Mu Wanyao felt a sense of panic, fearing such an intimate connection.

She pursed her lips and said nonchalantly: "No need. You can entertain your friends yourself."

Yan Shang remained silent for a long time, and Mu Wanyao dared not look at him. She knew he could not miss her resistant attitude. After a long while, Mu Wanyao heard his low voice: "...Alright."

Mu Wanyao felt a sudden pang of regret but did not change her words—

Liu Ruozhu had already walked over; leading her maid, she exchanged salutations with Yan Shang once more. Liu Ruozhu looked at the carriage behind Yan Shang with great curiosity, her eyes flickering. Yan Shang, however, invited her to walk further away to speak, so as not to stand by the carriage.

Liu Ruozhu nodded.

Watching Yan Shang and Liu Ruozhu walk away, Mu Wanyao in the carriage felt as if her heart was being clawed at. Originally, she could have pressed against the curtain to eavesdrop on their conversation, but now she stretched her ears only to hear the chaotic sounds of the crowd drowning out their voices.

She could not help but hate that Yan Shang and Liu Ruozhu were speaking in such low tones, and wondered why the people by the East Market had to be so talkative.

Yan Shang was asking Liu Ruozhu why she was here, and Liu Ruozhu sighed, saying: "I heard that a batch of books from a small neighboring country had flowed into the East Market, and among them were books in the Great Wei script. Upon exploring, I discovered that many were books that had been lost for many years. I felt it a great pity, so I wanted to buy these books back for my collection."

"However, the peddler is too clever. Seeing that I wanted the books, he likely sensed my urgency and refused to sell them. I wandered around the East Market for many days and struggled immensely before I managed to snatch up a batch of them."

Liu Ruozhu felt slightly frustrated, but quickly became encouraged again, self-persuading that as long as she persisted, she would eventually be able to buy back the lost books and preserve them well.

Liu Ruozhu looked at him: "When I have finished organizing the books, I can lend them to you to read, Second Brother."

Yan Shang expressed his thanks, then mocked himself: "I am merely a glutton who swallows dates whole; I only understand half of what I read. When it comes to scholarly study, I see that I am not cut out for it."

Liu Ruozhu pursed her lips and laughed. Clearly, she was also aware of Yan Shang’s limited academic standard, and she had heard her grandfather feeling puzzled—"How can such a smart person be so clueless about writing poetry? How did he pass the imperial examination? Did the chief examiner select him based on his looks?"

Yan Shang asked again how Chancellor Liu had been lately, feeling ashamed that because of the heavy official duties in the Secretariat recently, he had not gone to the residence to visit his teacher.

Liu Ruozhu said: "Don't worry, Grandfather is in good health. The reason Grandfather asked for leave is because one of my aunts who is married has had a falling out with her husband and was making such a scene that she insisted on a divorce, coming to my grandfather to preside over the matter. My grandfather was almost angered to death by them... However, my uncle has already chased after her to Chang'an, and the matter should be resolved in a couple of days."

Yan Shang said: "In that case, I certainly should not visit the teacher at this time. Please extend my greetings to him, Young Lady."

After all, he did not want to be dragged into the Liu family’s domestic affairs.

Liu Ruozhu smilingly agreed.

Liu Ruozhu then tiptoed, looking over Yan Shang’s shoulder at the carriage behind them. Liu Ruozhu was curious: "Second Brother Yan, is the person riding in the carriage with you Princess Danyang? The carriage looks familiar to me; it seems to be Princess Danyang’s carriage."

Yan Shang paused.

He thought to himself: Mu Wanyao is unwilling to meet his friends, but Liu Ruozhu is his teacher’s granddaughter; showing where he stands shouldn't be wrong, right?

Yan Shang nodded.

Liu Ruozhu: "Then why doesn't Her Highness get out of the carriage? Does she not want to see me?"

Yan Shang said: "...It is rare for her to ride in the carriage with me; she is feeling a bit shy."

Liu Ruozhu: "..."

She widened her eyes, staring at this Second Young Master Yan who spoke so solemnly about Princess Danyang being shy. Liu Ruozhu had met Mu Wanyao at the entrance of Yan Shang’s residence before; Mu Wanyao had been fierce and aggressive—where was the shyness?

Liu Ruozhu thought for a moment, bit her lip, and said in a low voice: "Second Brother Yan, I want to ask, so that I can truly give up hope. Are you, are you... in love with the Princess?"

Yan Shang was stunned, looking at Liu Ruozhu.

The young lady’s eyes were as clear as water, gazing at him with intense focus. Her cheeks were crimson, her eyelashes fluttering lightly—she was both shy and filled with a touch of sorrow.

Yan Shang remained silent for a moment. In an instant, he understood, guessing the subtle feelings Liu Ruozhu held for him. He was a bit surprised, wondering how the young lady’s affection had originated. Could it be that he frequently went to his teacher’s house, or had his speech and behavior been improper, giving Liu Ruozhu some misunderstanding?

Yan Shang engaged in self-reflection.

He felt both ashamed and reluctant to hurt Liu Ruozhu. Yan Shang bowed, performing a salute toward her once more, and Liu Ruozhu stepped aside to avoid it.

Yan Shang’s hairband drifted over his shoulder, tangling with his robes. He lifted his gaze and said gently: "Yes, I am in love with Her Highness. It is just that Her Highness... due to certain considerations, does not wish to make it public. I would trouble you to keep this a secret, Young Lady."

The light in Liu Ruozhu’s eyes dimmed. She lowered her head, fearing she might cry; she bit her lip to suppress her feelings and nodded.

When she looked up, she could not stop her eyes from misting over.

A handkerchief was already presented before her.

Liu Ruozhu looked up to see Yan Shang holding out the handkerchief with one hand, his face turned away, and his body slightly retreating—clearly maintaining a stance to avoid suspicion.

Liu Ruozhu sighed lightly, took the handkerchief to wipe her eyes, and smiled: "Don't worry, Second Brother Yan. You and the Princess are a match made in heaven; you will surely have a happy ending. I will not speak of this... hmm, not even to my grandfather."

Yan Shang smiled, thinking to himself that Chancellor Liu had already known for some time.

Liu Ruozhu thought mischievously that her grandfather had probably guessed it long ago.

Yan Shang lowered his eyes: "Do you truly think I am a match for Her Highness, Young Lady?"

Liu Ruozhu praised: "Naturally. Second Brother Yan is humble and knows how to advance and retreat; I think the 'gentle gentleman' spoken of by the ancients is exactly someone like you. As for Her Highness, she is a princess who has been sent for a marriage alliance; for the sake of the country, she sacrificed herself—something an ordinary girl could not do. Even after returning to Great Wei, Her Highness did not abandon herself to despair and remains as brilliant as ever. And now I hear that the Wuman envoy is even forcing a marriage upon Her Highness? And Her Highness was at the Southern Mountains... hmm, and together with you, Second Brother Yan, she wounded the Wuman King."

"Although my grandfather was very angry when he heard this news, I greatly admire Her Highness for having such courage. In this world, there are many wise people, but few with courage. Many things in this world, in the end, are held back by that single lack of courage. In this world, what people obtain, most of the time, relies on courage rather than wisdom. Her Highness dared to resist, and in my eyes, that is already very extraordinary."

Yan Shang was stunned, quietly watching Liu Ruozhu.

In the government circles, most of what he heard were dismissive remarks about Mu Wanyao; it was the first time he had heard someone admire her in such a way.

Yan Shang said softly: "That you would think this way, Young Lady, is truly the mark of a daughter from a noble family."

Liu Ruozhu blushed and waved her hand in shame: "What does this amount to? I merely understand, but I cannot empathize. I do not know what the Princess has been through, and I am only saying this out of theory. The reason I cannot fully understand is simply because I am luckier than the Princess and have not experienced what she has. What is there to be proud of? I should be the one feeling ashamed."

Yan Shang said softly: "You are already very kind... Hmm, I have a request."

Liu Ruozhu: "Please speak, Second Brother Yan."

Yan Shang bowed to her and whispered: "Since the Princess returned to Great Wei, her temperament has changed a great deal; she does not interact much with girls of her age and only associates with court officials and young gentlemen. I am worried about the Princess’s state. I believe she should have one or two close friends to help guide her. I am, after all, a man and cannot fully understand the Princess. Many times when I see her like this, I can only stand at a loss, not knowing what to do."

"I think a young lady is much more sensitive in this regard than a man like me."

"If you admire the Princess, Young Lady Liu, could you try to become her friend? Although she has a bit of a temper, she is extremely protective of those she considers her own. If you are unwilling..."

Liu Ruozhu interrupted gently: "How could I be unwilling? I simply lacked the opportunity. The Princess does not wish to interact with us young ladies, so I could only admire her from afar. If you are willing to make the introduction, Second Brother Yan, I would naturally be happy to be the Princess’s friend."

Yan Shang smiled: "Good."

He paused: "Then I must go against her wishes for once."——

Yan Shang led Liu Ruozhu back to the carriage, inviting Mu Wanyao to step out in a gentle, soft voice, saying he wanted to introduce Young Lady Liu to her.

Mu Wanyao was furious: This man wants to introduce the girl who admires him to her? What is wrong with him?

But she had stretched her ears for half a day earlier and could not hear what the two were whispering about; she only saw them with their heads bowed, looking as if they were crying and laughing. Mu Wanyao had already been feeling extremely anxious. Therefore, when Yan Shang returned, although Mu Wanyao still did not want to enter his social circle, she thought: At the very least, I must put this girl who likes Yan Shang in her place, right?

What is going on with Yan Shang? A girl likes him, and he has no idea?

How can he be so dense?

Mu Wanyao stepped out of the carriage, and, feeling reluctant, was led over by Yan Shang to be introduced to Liu Ruozhu.

The three of them were in the middle of talking when the sound of galloping hooves approached rapidly. The sound grew closer and closer. None of them paid much mind until they heard the person on horseback shout loudly: "Yan Er!"

Yan Shang looked up.

Mu Wanyao turned her head, seeing that the person riding the horse was Meng Zaishi.

She immediately grew alert, standing in front of Yan Shang to shield him, refusing to let Meng Zaishi hurt him. The Princess’s guards also surrounded them, staring as Meng Zaishi dismounted and walked toward them step by step.

Under the sun, Meng Zaishi saw their appearance as if facing a great enemy and could not help but sneer.

Meng Zaishi stood across from the Princess’s guards, looking at them without moving any closer.

He tilted his chin, his tone indifferent: "I have thought it over. In terms of strategy, I am inferior to you, but in terms of martial prowess, you may not be my match. During the last period of time that I remain in Great Wei, I am unwilling to suffer a complete defeat at your hands. Yan Shang, do you dare to compete with me?"

Mu Wanyao countered mockingly: "Compete with you in what? Martial arts? If so, we naturally concede defeat immediately. If you want to compete in martial arts, why look for Yan Shang? Go look for that Young Master Yang who was locked in a fierce struggle with you the other day. Aren't you intentionally bullying us?"

Meng Zaishi laughed and said: "Of course I wouldn't bully you. We won't compete in martial arts; how about... a military drill?"

Mu Wanyao found it laughable: "What kind of military drill? Go find a Great Wei general. Even if there is a military drill, it has nothing to do with us. Yan Shang is a civil official, not a military one. He simply cannot participate in your affairs."

Meng Zaishi said: "I will request permission from your Imperial Majesty tomorrow, asking for all envoys and Great Wei people to conduct a military drill together. For both sides, the age must not exceed twenty-five. I will not use Wuman people; I will use envoys from other small nations to face off against your Great Wei... In this way, that isn't bullying you, is it?"

He stared at Yan Shang, his gaze unwavering: "Yan Shang, do you dare to step into the arena?"