Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 90

Chapter 90

Yan Shang closed the door of his study and turned back to look at Mu Wanyao.

Mu Wanyao was feigning drunkenness with great dedication, yet she held the wine jar so tightly that she was terrified of dropping it. This made her true motives perfectly clear to Yan Shang.

Yan Shang sighed, "Does Your Highness think I'm a fool?"

Leaning against the bookshelf to maintain her act, Mu Wanyao rested her forehead on the back of her hand, her eyelashes fluttering twice. She did not want to face reality, so she continued to hum and mutter, "I really am a bit drunk; I feel so hot in here. My head is spinning, and you, Second Brother Yan, don't love me at all."

Yan Shang smiled, "Are you not so drunk that you don't even recognize who I am?"

Mu Wanyao: "..."

She covered her face and eyes with her hands, stealing a glance at Yan Shang through her fingers. Seeing him sitting on the other side of the long table, his gaze dropping to the wine cup she had placed there, Mu Wanyao’s heart leaped. Because she had been startled when Yan Shang knocked on the door, she had spilled some wine; there might still be traces left in the cup...

Before Yan Shang could look closely, a flash of moon-white fabric appeared as Mu Wanyao stumbled forward, collapsing onto the table. Her arm knocked against the wine cup, and as she winced in pain, Yan Shang hurriedly steadied the cup, fearing it would be pushed to the floor and shattered.

In this way, Yan Shang had no time to check if there was any wine left in the cup.

Concerned for her, he looked up once he had secured the cup, only to hear a "thump" as the wine jar in the princess’s arms was also tossed onto the table.

Mu Wanyao had been watching him the whole time through her fingers. Seeing him look over, she immediately sprawled out, rubbing her forehead and calling out that she had a headache.

Yan Shang said disapprovingly, "Your Highness!"

How could she toy with him like this?

Mu Wanyao was stubborn, "I really am drunk, really, my head hurts!"

Yan Shang hesitated. He didn't quite believe her, as he knew how high her alcohol tolerance was. However, seeing the young princess’s cheeks flushed like a sunset, clutching her face and complaining of discomfort—she looked so delicate and fragile—he began to worry that she might truly be in pain.

Yan Shang asked, "Shall I rub your forehead for you?"

Mu Wanyao lifted her face toward him, her charming eyes fluttering slightly.

Yan Shang sat closer, his cool fingers resting on her forehead. As he sat beside her, rubbing her temples, he lowered his head to observe her. Mu Wanyao lay on the table, humming and moaning in a way that left Yan Shang’s face hot and flushed, and he said, "Stop doing that."

His lowered eyes met the gaze of the young woman who was secretly peeking at him.

Yan Shang was startled; then he withdrew his hand and said, "I knew you weren't drunk; you were just trying to deceive me."

Seeing him about to leave, Mu Wanyao smiled and tugged on his sleeve, swaying it back and forth, "If I had known you weren't angry, I wouldn't have pretended. I only just confirmed that you really aren't angry anymore."

Her grip on his sleeve was light, yet he felt as if he had been pinned to the spot by some great force, unable to move. Yan Shang inwardly cursed his lack of resolve, but out loud, he only said, "I wasn't angry in the first place. You were the one who insisted on swearing to me that you would never drink again. I never made such a demand; I only asked you to drink a little less."

Mu Wanyao replied, "My memory isn't very good. And who told you to keep lecturing me about drinking? It’s all your fault—if you didn't keep nagging me, why would I have hidden the wine?"

Yan Shang glared at her, meeting her cat-like eyes, "So it’s my fault again?"

Mu Wanyao bit her lip and blinked at him. Flushing deeply, he lowered his voice, "Fine, I won't lecture you. Actually, I never intended to lecture you... because I have been secretly practicing drinking, too."

Mu Wanyao immediately looked up, her eyes wide, "Ah?"

Yan Shang’s face turned even redder from her surprise. He coughed, "Didn't you say that my inability to drink was a flaw? I knew it myself, so I have been training in secret. Sometimes, at night, I try to have a little. I figure if I keep practicing, at least I won't get dizzy the moment I touch alcohol."

Mu Wanyao asked, "You really... went as far as training to drink?"

Yan Shang did not answer.

Mu Wanyao grabbed his arm, as if sharing a little secret between the two of them, and asked excitedly, "Then how much can you drink now? Are you able to stay conscious without fainting?"

Yan Shang smiled, "I can sip a little unrefined wine, but I still cannot touch clear spirits. However, after some time, I should be better at it."

Alcohol in this world was divided into unrefined wine and clear spirits. Unrefined wine had a lower alcohol content and was not clear, making it harder to get drunk on. To Mu Wanyao, such wine was as bland as water. However, the fact that Yan Shang could manage it was still an improvement that deserved encouragement.

Mu Wanyao immediately pushed the wine cup and jar on the table further away and said, "Everything I have here is clear spirits; I dare not let you drink them."

Yan Shang smiled, "I know."

Mu Wanyao thought for a moment, still wanting to test him. She clapped her hands and sent word to the maids outside to fetch some unrefined wine from Yan Shang’s residence. Once it arrived, Mu Wanyao poured a tiny cup. She took a sip herself and found it indeed tasteless, barely even registering as alcohol.

She wrinkled her nose in disdain, then pushed the cup toward Yan Shang.

Yan Shang paused, looking at her.

Mu Wanyao looked down at the cup and urged him, "Drink. I want to see if you can really handle it."

Yan Shang hesitated, "But... didn't Your Highness just sip from this cup? Isn't this your cup? How can I use the same one?"

Mu Wanyao raised her eyes, her face falling, "What, are you disgusted by my saliva?"

Yan Shang replied, "Of course not. It just isn't proper..."

Mu Wanyao grew impatient, "We’ve laid on the same bed how many times, and now you’re afraid to drink from the same cup? Don't be so delicate. Drink!"

She held the cup to his lips, forcing him. Under such pressure, Yan Shang had no choice but to grab her arm and helplessly take a sip.

Silence fell between them as Mu Wanyao watched him tensely.

After sitting quietly for a long while, Mu Wanyao suddenly leaned against his chest, "Your heartbeat is a little faster."

She touched his forehead, making a fuss, "The temperature on your face has risen a bit, too."

She waved her hand in front of him, "Are you still conscious?"

Yan Shang was between laughter and tears; he took her hand and held it in his. He said he was fine and that a little alcohol was no problem. Mu Wanyao continued to observe him seriously, and Yan Shang looked down at her. After watching her for a long time, he couldn't help but smile.

It was a smile of extreme restraint, yet gentle and comforting.

Mu Wanyao was surprised by his laughter.

Yan Shang said in a low voice, "I just haven't seen you in a long time, and I haven't seen you care about me like this in a while. I was just missing it."

As he spoke, his face turned red again.

Mu Wanyao froze, then began to laugh along with him. Now that she was sure he was fine, she rested her chin on her hand, leaning against the table, "That’s because you’ve been busy lately. I’ve been very busy, too."

Yan Shang whispered, "But not so busy that we shouldn't be able to see each other a few times."

Quite a few times, when he had run into her in the alley, the two of them had only been able to share a passing glance, unable to say more than a few words.

And that was only because they were neighbors who bumped into each other often. If Yan Shang hadn't been living there, he truly didn't know how he would have managed to see her.

Yan Shang said softly, "I really wish I could see you every day and be with you."

Mu Wanyao slowly looked at Yan Shang, who was kneeling beside her. His eyelids lifted slightly, his ink-black eyes looking toward her with a gentle and focused expression. Like a pebble tossed into a lake, it caused a ripple in Mu Wanyao’s heart, and her cheeks burned under his gaze.

She turned her face away slightly and stuttered evasively, like a frightened quail, "You’re a little drunk; you’re saying such nonsense. We… we can see each other every day, anyway."

Yan Shang was silent for a moment.

He knew she had bypassed his suggestion once again—he wanted to talk about the future, but she kept avoiding it.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Mu Wanyao took the initiative to please him, "Why did you come to see me today? Surely it wasn't just to visit me?"

Yan Shang’s voice was soft and slow, "Is it impossible for me to come see Your Highness unless I have a reason? Does there always have to be something the matter every time I seek you out?"

Mu Wanyao was feeling so guilty she could die. Her eyes widened, "So, you didn't have any business, you just came to see me?"

Yan Shang paused, his tone becoming less firm, "…I actually do have a reason this time."

Mu Wanyao immediately shot him a knowing look, regaining her confidence, "See? I knew it."

Yan Shang was helpless; he also hated that he always had to find a pretext. This self-imposed behavior of his had given Mu Wanyao the impression that he only "visits when he has a request."

Yan Shang reminded himself to pay attention to this in the future, but for now, he had to focus on the main point: "Regarding that business at Nanshan last time, didn't you say you had a backup plan? That you found someone who looked remarkably like the King of Wuman, almost indistinguishable? Is that person still at the Princess’s estate?"

Mu Wanyao explained, "He wasn't that similar; he required some makeup to look the part. However, his build and height are exactly the same. The man is still at the estate because I cannot move him easily right now, fearing something might happen with the King of Wuman. But why are you asking about him?"

The corners of Yan Shang’s lips curled up, his eyes filled with a glimmer of joy, "Lend him to me. Tomorrow, when the military drills begin, perhaps he can be of great use."

Mu Wanyao: "As you wish."

She answered him so casually because his serious attitude toward official business reminded her that she had a few letters she hadn't responded to herself.

With the military drills starting tomorrow, the literary competition would naturally begin as well. The "merit stones" she had asked the Jinling Li family to transport from the south had already arrived in Chang'an and would be displayed tomorrow. She should write back to the Jinling Li family to update them on the situation in Chang'an.

Mu Wanyao pulled out some letter paper and began to write.

Having finished thinking through his own affairs, Yan Shang turned his attention back to Mu Wanyao, becoming somewhat mesmerized. The young woman sat right beside him, yet since he had sat down today, she hadn't leaned over to snuggle into his arms as she usually did.

She hadn't taken his arm, hadn't wrapped her arms around his neck, and furthermore... furthermore, she hadn't kissed him.

Yan Shang felt a sense of loss, staring at her profile, wondering why she hadn't come to kiss him.

Perhaps it was the aftereffects of that unrefined wine finally kicking in, but Yan Shang felt his heart racing. His fingers felt numb, and as he stared at her cherry-red lips that were curved into a slight pout, he found himself unable to tear his gaze away.

Mu Wanyao was writing when she sensed his stare and turned her head to look at him. With eyes like water, ruby-red lips, and porcelain skin, she turned her head toward him with such indifference that Yan Shang’s heart thundered, his throat turning dry.

Fearing he might lose control, Yan Shang lowered his gaze.

Mu Wanyao rolled her eyes and acted spoiled, "Second Brother Yan, look at me!"

Yan Shang looked over, his gaze again involuntarily falling on her lips. His voice was slightly hoarse, "What is it?"

Mu Wanyao began to rub her own wrist, displeased, "My hand hurts from writing; I don't want to do it anymore."

Yan Shang paused and said, "Then just stop writing."

Mu Wanyao: "I can't. This letter must be sent out before tonight."

Yan Shang fell into a daze.

Mu Wanyao pushed him, glaring at him for losing focus again.

He didn't dare look at her; his eyes darted around, and he kept his head lowered, embarrassed, "Then what would Your Highness like to do?"

Mu Wanyao laughed mischievously, "Second Brother Yan can help me write it."

Yan Shang: "How can that be…"

Mu Wanyao suddenly stood up, pushed him into her seat, and thrust the brush into his hand to have him write the reply for her. She knelt behind him, her hands resting on his waist and her chin propped on his shoulder, the fragrance of a young woman wafting over his flushed ear.

Mu Wanyao said slowly, "I will dictate the contents of the letter, and you will write it for me..."

With her hands resting on his waist, Yan Shang looked down and wondered if she was doing this on purpose or by accident. While he was debating whether his thoughts were too depraved, Mu Wanyao urged him to start writing.

Yan Shang’s heart thudded. He tried his best to restrain himself and steady his mind, but his head felt dizzy—whether from her actions or the wine, he couldn't tell. He felt he had written many words, and his palm was sweating as he gripped the brush.

Mu Wanyao, behind him, expressed her displeasure, "You’ve lost focus again! What is wrong with you?"

As if to punish him, she turned her face, and the golden, leaf-shaped earring on her ear swung out and slapped against Yan Shang’s face.

That crisp "snap," accompanied by the dim flicker of the candles on the table, rippled through both of their hearts.

Yan Shang stopped writing and sat there, stunned. Suddenly, he set down the brush, turned around, pulled Mu Wanyao—who had been secretly watching him—into his embrace, and wrapped his arms around her waist.

His strength was a bit much; he forcibly dragged her from behind into his lap. Mu Wanyao was caught facing him, her slender waist bumping against the table behind her. She was nearly pinned by Yan Shang, and just as her eyes widened, Yan Shang leaned in and buried his face against her, holding her tight.

Mu Wanyao shouted, "Yan Shang, what are you doing!"

She thought to herself: He is so agitated.

Yan Shang lowered his face to look at her. He likely didn't realize himself how straightforward his gaze was. His fingers brushed her face, and he whispered, "Your Highness, do you want to... do you want to..."

Mu Wanyao: "Want to do what?"

Yan Shang hesitated for a long moment, then, enduring his embarrassment, said, "Do you want to have a kiss?"

Mu Wanyao was stunned, then she cast a flirtatious glance at the reddened corners of his eyes and said, "I don't!"

Yan Shang: "..."

His disappointment was evident as he stared at her blankly. He still hesitated, "Weren't you flirting with me?"

Mu Wanyao: "Are you one of those 'lewd people who see lewdness everywhere'? When did I ever flirt with you?"

Mu Wanyao shouted loudly, teasing him in her heart while acting righteous with her words. She raised her eyebrows to see what he would do. Surely he wouldn't just give up because she said she didn't want to, would he?

Yan Shang seemed to calm down a little, saying, "I'm sorry."

Mu Wanyao was startled.

Watching as he actually let her go and pulled her up. He didn't look at her anymore, but picked up the brush to write the letter.

Mu Wanyao: "..."

Yan Shang had spent an hour with Mu Wanyao, and when he finally left the Princess’s estate, he hadn't achieved anything.

As he was about to leave, he wanted to say something to her, but Mu Wanyao only waved at him with a smile. Yan Shang had no choice but to depart.

Returning to his own residence and washing his face, his thinking became slightly more normal, and Yan Shang went over the military drills for tomorrow again before heading to bed early.

In the middle of the night, while he was half-asleep, he suddenly felt a rustling sound, and the moonlight from outside the curtains shone in. Yan Shang opened his eyes and was nearly frightened out of his wits by Mu Wanyao, who was kneeling by the bed and peering down at him.

He sat up, dazed, and Mu Wanyao made a "hush" sound at him.

Yan Shang asked confusedly, "Am I... dreaming?"

In the darkness, without a lamp lit, the curtains were illuminated by the white moonlight. Mu Wanyao leaned over the side of the bed and spoke in a breathy whisper, "I remembered I had something I didn't tell you, so I came specially to tell you."

Yan Shang: "What?"

Mu Wanyao said with all seriousness, "I wish you a victory of flying banners, that you may get what you wish, and that tomorrow's military drill achieves the results you desire."

Yan Shang sat up, supporting himself with his upper body, and looked at her in confusion, unable to understand why she had snuck over in the middle of the night just to say this.

Mu Wanyao even urged him, "Aren't you going to wish me well?"

Yan Shang was bewildered, "Then I... also wish the literary competition you are hosting a victory of flying banners?"

Mu Wanyao nodded in satisfaction. After saying this, she moved her knees away from the bedside, pulled the curtains down for him, and was about to leave.

Yan Shang: "..."

He was about to be driven mad by her!

As Mu Wanyao turned away, the bed curtains were yanked open again. Yan Shang grabbed her and pulled her inside. Even as she said "no," Yan Shang gritted his teeth and dragged her back onto the bed. She was pinned beneath him, his long hair falling across her face, causing a ticklish sensation.

Yan Shang: "Your Highness is leaving just like that? Leaving again? Are you deliberately torturing me?"

Mu Wanyao bit her lip and laughed. Pinned under him, she covered her eyes and laughed continuously. She was radiant, her face flushed red. He lowered his head to kiss her face and her eyes. His breathing was uneven, but she only laughed without end.

Mu Wanyao sighed, "You are a very strange person. When I get close to you, you are unbearably nervous, and when I don't get close, you moan and complain that I ignore you. You are such a troublesome person; how am I supposed to know what you want?"

Yan Shang blushed and cursed, "I have never disliked you getting close to me! Don't you know that!"

He was truly being driven mad by her, or perhaps the night brought a certain private courage that allowed him to say things he wouldn't dare say on any other day.

She was lying beneath him, so soft and so fragrant. He only wanted to kiss her, but he was dizzy with infatuation and couldn't help but want more.

Mu Wanyao narrowed her eyes and said loudly, "But you have never said you liked it either!"

Startled by the volume of her voice, Yan Shang covered her mouth with his hand, his face red, "Don't be so loud. Do you not want your reputation anymore?"

Mu Wanyao rolled her eyes.

In the darkness, it was as if Yan Shang could truly see her expression; he kissed her eyes, "My little lady shouldn't make such unrefined gestures."

Mu Wanyao hadn't blushed a moment ago, but now, being kissed on her eyelid, she felt her face heat up. She let out a soft sound and wrapped her arms around his neck, inviting him to lean down and press against her. But he refused, his arms still supporting his weight for fear of pressing down on her too hard. Moved and delighted, Mu Wanyao reached up and kissed the tip of his nose.

Mu Wanyao said, "I am telling you, if you want to get close to me in the future, you have to take the initiative. If you don't take the initiative, I won't pay attention to you."

Yan Shang: "...I can take the initiative?"

Mu Wanyao was both angry and amused, "Whenever I don't dislike it, you can."

Upon hearing this, he was a little unsure of when she would dislike it and when she would enjoy it.

Yan Shang hesitated, "Then... now?"

Mu Wanyao put on a stern face, "Now? Go to sleep."

Yan Shang: "...Oh."

He let go of her wrists and reluctantly rolled off. He was conflicted and wondered if she wouldn't be returning to her estate tonight, whether she intended to sleep with him. But he didn't dare ask; as soon as he got close to her, he couldn't help himself... Yan Shang sighed softly and turned over.

In the darkness, neither of them spoke.

After a while, Mu Wanyao stared at his stiff back, "You sleep like a dead person; a girl is sleeping right next to you, and you don't make a single sound."

Yan Shang kept his back to her, saying nothing.

Mu Wanyao’s eyes swiveled, and she likely guessed his intention—he was afraid he wouldn't be able to control himself. Mu Wanyao gently scooted over and leaned her head against his back.

His body was as stiff as a stone. Mu Wanyao chuckled, reached around to hug his waist, and closed her eyes with her forehead resting against his back.

Mu Wanyao said with a smile, "Second Brother Yan, after the military drills are over, after the King of Wuman and the envoys have all left Chang'an, I will give you a big gift. How does that sound?"

Yan Shang: "What kind of big gift? Are you sure I'll like it?"

In the bed curtains in the middle of the night, Mu Wanyao looked at his back and spoke with great solemnity, "You will definitely like it."

Thus, a night of good dreams.

The next day, the military drills and the literary competition began.

Before dawn, Mu Wanyao was nudged awake. Yan Shang reminded her to go back to her own princess estate to sleep while no one was watching. Mu Wanyao wanted to say that it really didn't matter—did none of the servants in their two households know about their relationship?—but worried about her reputation, she sighed, obeyed him, and went back to get some extra sleep while yawning.

By the time Mu Wanyao woke up again, Second Young Master Yan had already left the residence, and the literary competition had begun.

The literary competition and the military drills were held simultaneously, each lasting three days. For convenience, both were held in the outskirts of the city; the literary competition was at Le You Yuan, while the military drill was backed by the Southern Mountains, with nearly ten miles of space designated for the two sides.

When Mu Wanyao rode her horse to Le You Yuan, she could hear the vibrations in the ground.

When she dismounted, Le You Yuan was already crowded with nobles. There were many private residences belonging to nobles along the Fan River next to Le You Yuan, and those who could not go to the military drills were all gathered here. Hearing that the Emperor’s carriage had arrived, Mu Wanyao went to welcome him in person and asked a noblewoman beside her, "The vibrations are so strong; could they be using horses at the military drill?"

The noblewoman, her face full of fascination, smiled and answered the princess, "Yes. I hear both sides are using cavalry."

Mu Wanyao was stunned, then realized.

The use of cavalry meant that the Great Wei and the allied armies of the other nations all attached great importance to this drill, not just mixing in infantry and crossbowmen. Cavalry was nearly invincible on the plains; since both sides were using them, it was clear that both sides wanted to win.

The Emperor stepped down from his carriage and saw his youngest daughter speaking with the woman nearby. He beckoned to her, and Mu Wanyao went over to support him.

The Emperor said on his own, "I heard you came up with some 'merit stones'?"

Mu Wanyao paused and nodded. She hadn't expected the Emperor to take an interest in what she was doing; she had assumed she would have to lay a lot of groundwork before her Imperial Father would show any interest.

Yet, having only just arrived, the Emperor expressed interest, "Accompany Me to go see them."

The Emperor paused and looked at his youngest daughter, sighing, "You are the one hosting this literary competition? You have worked hard, Yao-Yao."

Mu Wanyao wasn't used to the fatherly affection the Emperor was displaying and gave a perfunctory smile. She didn't bother to disguise her expression. Behind her, the Crown Prince reminded her with a cough, but the Emperor turned and looked at the Crown Prince, his expression indifferent.

The Crown Prince paused slightly and stopped admonishing Mu Wanyao.

Mu Wanyao accompanied the Emperor to go look at the "merit stones." A eunuch arrived on horseback to report on the situation at the drill grounds: "Both sides have demarcated their territories and are preparing for battle."

The Emperor nodded, "Hmm... are you worried, Yao-Yao?"

He saw Mu Wanyao looking toward the direction of the military drill with a worried expression. The Emperor was lost in thought, "What are you worried about, Yao-Yao, or are you worried about someone?"

He had intended to be caring.

Mu Wanyao, however, became instantly alert, "I am only curious about the military drill; I am not concerned about anyone."

The Emperor was silent for a moment. After a dry chuckle, realizing his daughter’s guard against him, he spoke no more.

Meanwhile, within the territory designated for Great Wei at the military drill grounds, the generals were discussing offensive strategies in the main command tent when a minor incident occurred.

Yan Shang and Yang Si stared speechless at a soldier who had just been brought in by their men.

The soldier was forced to wipe their face clean and remove their helmet, only to reveal a delicate young woman—it was Yang Si’s cousin, Zhao Wuniang, Zhao Lingfei.

Yang Si looked up at the sky, "...How did you sneak in here?"

Zhao Lingfei stood smiling before the young generals, greeted her cousin, and then gave Yan Shang a shy glance before speaking quite confidently, "I’m not good at the literary competition, but I am very interested in what you all are doing. Second Brother Yan, don't blame my cousin; he didn't know I wanted to come. I snuck in."

Yang Si crossed his arms as the other generals cast disapproving glances, "I truly didn't know."

Zhao Lingfei patted her chest, guaranteeing, "Don't worry about me, just let me go onto the battlefield. My martial arts are quite good; if you don't believe me, ask my cousin."

Yang Si scoffed, "Why ask me? I don't know."

Zhao Lingfei was angry, "You! No sense of loyalty!"

Yan Shang had a headache, yet he also couldn't help but smile at Zhao Lingfei’s boldness.

Zhao Lingfei said they could just use her as a regular soldier, but who would dare bully a young girl like that?

As Yan Shang was deep in thought, the tent flap was pushed open and Wei Shu entered. Wei Shu was holding a ledger and was about to speak to the people there about military provisions.

The refined and handsome youth hadn't even looked up before Yan Shang made arrangements for him: "Juyuan, you are in charge of the rear and the task is heavy, so I will arrange for someone to protect you. Lingfei, you follow Juyuan and protect him."

Zhao Lingfei: "Why? Why won't you let me go to the battlefield! I don't want to protect anyone. Second Brother Yan, why are you like this? Cousin, aren't you going to say something for me?"

Wei Shu slowly looked up, bewildered: ...Did he just hear the voice of a girl in here?