Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 141

Chapter 141

Setting aside the familial aspect, the Emperor had begun to use Mu Wanyao and her husband purely as tools.

Mu Wanyao could not afford to idle at home, lest she give the Yan family the illusion that she was an exceptionally virtuous wife. She became as busy as she had been before her marriage, summoning various ministers daily to discuss state affairs. The carriages in front of the Princess’s residence were endless, with officials queuing all the way out of the alley. Every envoy had someone waiting to plead for an audience with the Princess, leaving Yan’s father, who lived next door, marveling at his daughter-in-law.

But the elder Yan could say nothing, because his own second son was arguably just as busy as the Princess.

In the tenth month, both Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang fell ill. The Yan family never quite figured out what illness that couple had contracted, but once they recovered, both threw themselves back into their respective frenzies of work.

The Ministry of Personnel, being the head of the Six Ministries, had its officials referred to as "Heavenly Officials," and Yan Shang’s position as Director of the Bureau of Evaluations was known as the "Heavenly Official’s Deputy." He was summoned to the Secretariat and the Imperial Study almost daily to report. Furthermore, after his recovery, Yan Shang was given the additional title of Cavalry Commandant of the Imperial Carriage. This was a position of the fifth rank, but it was an office directly in the Emperor’s presence; not only could he see the Emperor every day, but he also held authority over a portion of military affairs.

In the eleventh month, Yan Shang was bestowed the rank of Hanlin Scholar, concurrently serving as the Director of the Hongwen Academy.

Other official posts were one thing, but Yan Shang’s appointment as Director of the Hongwen Academy caused an uproar in the officialdom of Chang'an. Yan’s father, a scholar who had once resided in Chang'an, was deeply worried for his second son. He knew his own son’s limitations: while Yan Shang was absolutely exceptional in practical matters, his grasp of literature was shallow and perfunctory—how could he possibly be qualified to lead the Hongwen Academy?

As the repository of the most extensive collection of books in Chang'an, what business did the Hongwen Academy have with someone like Yan Shang?

However, those Chang'an officials who were well-versed in the rules of the bureaucracy all knew that the position of Director of the Hongwen Academy had historically been held concurrently by future Grand Councilors. The Emperor was paving the way for Yan Shang, yet considering Yan Shang’s age, he was unqualified. All previous directors had been great scholars learned in the classics; Yan Shang was young and lacked a reputation in the literary world—how could he command any respect?

Councilor Liu even specifically sought out Yan Shang to ask what the Emperor intended.

The Emperor was simply exhausting all utility, waiting to see if Yan Shang could prove himself competent. If Yan Shang could not even handle the current situation, there would be no point in discussing his future.

Thus, although the Yan family had lived in Chang'an for half a year, they rarely caught sight of Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang. The two were each caught up in their own affairs. The Princess had it slightly easier, as she only had to wait for officials to queue to see her; Yan Shang, however, was nowhere to be found all day, and even when he was free during his occasional days off, the number of officials queuing at his residence to seek his counsel on state affairs was no less than those at the Princess’s.

The Yan family felt humbled by this incredibly busy couple, suspecting that the husband and wife barely saw each other even once a day.

Be that as it may, Chang'an was generally calm lately, except for the growing agitation of the Prince of Qin. Meanwhile, a matter of some significance had occurred in Youzhou.

Youzhou was vast, rugged, sparsely populated, and rich in resources. By the count, Yang Si had been there for two months.

For the past two months, through an exchange of letters, the Yang family in Chang'an had been negotiating a marriage with the Qin family, the Military Governor of Youzhou. The Chang'an branch of the Yang family had become a sacrificial lamb in the recent power struggle between the Crown Prince and the Prince of Qin; their position was precarious and easily besieged by other aristocratic clans. Securing the situation in Chang'an by leveraging an alliance with the Qin family was not only the Crown Prince’s intent, but also a necessity for the Yang family itself.

This marriage, however, was likely something the groom did not much care for.

Regardless of how the two families planned the negotiations or when the wedding would take place, whenever the Military Governor of Youzhou asked Yang Si about it, the Third Young Master Yang’s answer was always simple: "Do as you see fit."

Yang Si’s energy was entirely spent on the back-and-forth border skirmishes with the northern nomadic tribes. He trained his troops daily and led his own elite cavalry to repel border incursions. Yang Si even developed a vast horse ranch, used exclusively for raising horses and trading with merchants from the borderlands.

Most of the time, Yang Si stayed at the ranch and did not return. His mind was filled with war, and his entire focus was on the conflict, which left his prospective father-in-law, the Military Governor of Youzhou, quite dissatisfied.

Yet, Yang Si was handsome and imposing.

It was said that one dusk, the Military Governor’s daughter saw the Third Young Master Yang riding languidly through the streets on his horse, with his capable soldiers following closely behind. In the brilliant glow of the setting sun, the young lady’s face flushed hot, and from that moment on, she could not forget him; she was determined to marry this young general.

On this day, Yang Si had just returned from a patrol along the border. He had led several thousand of his personally trained troops to engage a ten-thousand-strong enemy force, winning a minor victory. On the way back, everyone was in high spirits, cracking jokes and trading banter while mounted.

Yang Si was summoned by an envoy sent by the Military Governor of Youzhou.

The young men whistled and exchanged knowing winks: "General Yang, why not hurry? It must be that the young lady of the Qin family came to sneak a peek at our General again, and the Governor, pressured by her, has called for you."

Yang Si pulled at the corner of his mouth indifferently. He had never been proactive about this marriage, but his subordinates were all from Youzhou, so he naturally couldn't appear too dismissive.

Yang Si went to report to the Military Governor, steeling himself, expecting that the Governor would again ask him to accompany his daughter to shop for rouge and powder. Yang Si didn't understand such things, yet the young lady always asked him which color looked better…

Yang Si glanced casually at the mess of rouge pastes, recognizing only two colors: one was crimson, the same color as the Great Wei’s military flags; the other was white, which anyone could recognize.

Yang Si thought that a woman’s face the color of a military flag would certainly look terrible, so he said, "White."

Miss Qin then cried as she complained to the Governor: "The Third Young Master must despise me for being dark."

Yang Si: "..."

He felt irritable, a surge of disgust rising within him. He thought he disliked such delicate, pretentious women, but he suspected that even if she were a heroic, spirited woman, he would only see her as a comrade—it was unlikely he would like her regardless. So, whoever she was, he found it hard to stir any emotion for her.

Because of his simmering anger, because of his deep-seated unwillingness. He knew that no one was in the wrong, but caught in the midst of these fragmented, mundane trifles, he could not help but recall the young maiden who had felt like a clear, flowing spring in his heart.

Alarm bells rang in Yang Si’s mind, urging him to stop, to not think about it.

But this time was different. When Yang Si arrived at the residence to see the Governor, he did not encounter his fiancée.

The Governor was opening a letter and told Yang Si: "With the year’s end approaching, refugees fleeing from Jizhou have appeared around the borders of Chang'an. Jizhou is already handling it, and the Crown Prince has ordered us to coordinate with them. Jizhou has blockaded their counties and is settling the refugees. I will head straight to the vicinity of Chang'an, coordinating with local officials to first settle the refugees in Taiyuan Prefecture and Wannian County. The remaining matters of pacification will be dealt with after the new year."

Yang Si frowned.

As the Governor spoke, he mentally sketched out a map and felt that something was wrong. Why should Youzhou assist with affairs in Chang'an? The troops in Youzhou were naturally well-equipped, but they were border guards meant to deal with incursions. Pacifying refugees? How could such elite forces be squandered on such a task?

But Yang Si considered that this was the military the Crown Prince could deploy, so he listened in silence. The forces the Crown Prince could command were fewer than those of the Prince of Qin; being able to utilize the Youzhou troops was already quite significant.

The Governor said, "In this way, I will lead thirty thousand men to handle this. You stay in Youzhou and hold the border. Those barbarians know that our Great Wei values this time of year, so do not let them find an opportunity to invade."

Yang Si was slightly surprised.

He said, "The Crown Prince ordered the Governor to go?"

The Governor: "Correct."

Yang Si: "He didn't mention me?"

The Governor confirmed: "He did not."

Yang Si’s lips tightened, and he said, "This letter is wrong."

The Governor was displeased: "This is a personal letter from the Crown Prince, bearing the seal of the Eastern Palace. I have checked it multiple times, how could it be fake?"

Yang Si stood straight, his expression detached as he said, "The Governor has been in Youzhou for over a decade, living as a neighbor to the surrounding rebellious peoples, and you are very familiar with them. At such a critical juncture near the end of the year, it should be someone like the Governor, who is familiar with Youzhou, who remains to guard this place. I, however, am familiar with Wannian County and the terrain within the passes… it should be me who leads the troops into the pass, not the Governor."

Hearing him put it this way, the Governor also felt it was strange.

Yang Si: "I fear there are changes in Chang'an. Please, Prefect, remain unmoved and guard Youzhou; I will lead the troops to Wannian County in your stead to pacify the refugees. I will personally write a letter to His Highness explaining this; he will not blame me."

Thinking of the relationship between his son-in-law and the Crown Prince, the Governor hesitated for a moment, then agreed.

Yang Si returned to his residence, intending to write the letter, but then paused, pen in hand. Although he was not as cunning as Yan Shang, the keen intuition he had cultivated over years of military life told him that something had changed. He did not believe that the Crown Prince trusted the Governor of Youzhou more than he trusted him.

Yang Si decided to return to Chang'an himself—

At the end of the twelfth month, the Great Wei delegation that had been visiting surrounding nations for four years returned to Great Wei.

The common people lined the streets to welcome them, and the Chang'an officialdom was overjoyed; the central government specifically held a banquet to entertain those who had drifted abroad for four years. When they had left the pass, there were a hundred people, all pillars of the court; now, upon their return, only a few dozen remained, a heart-wrenching sight.

They had not only brought back complete maps of the surrounding regions and news that various minor nations wished to resubmit to Great Wei, but they also brought back intelligence regarding the Southern Barbarians—

The Southern Barbarian enemy was too massive, constantly eyeing Great Wei like a tiger. After the King of Wuman, Meng Zaishi, returned to the Southern Barbarians, Great Wei only knew that they were in a civil war, but the information brought back by the envoy group told Great Wei: once the Southern Barbarians subdued the last tribe, the entire South would be unified.

The King of Wuman, who had left Great Wei years ago, was now the Southern Barbarian King’s right-hand man, following him in his southern conquests.

These matters were reported to the central government by the lead envoy and his deputy, Wei Qilang, also known as Wei Shu. The lead envoy had intended to groom Wei Shu, and he did not claim a single one of Wei Shu's contributions. As a result, the central government turned its gaze toward Wei Shu, suddenly discovering that the youth, Wei Juyuan, who had achieved the status of top scholar at merely fourteen, was now a man in his prime.

Like clear snow upon a stupa, the youth was radiant, magnificent, and brilliant; having leapt out of the cage the Wei family had built for him, he was no longer the person he had been.

While Wei Shu was being watched by the central government at court, Zhao Lingfei stood in front of her family mansion, staring up at the plaque above the gate with a sense of bewilderment. The character "Zhao" filled her with deep emotion, yet she was struck by the shyness of a traveler returning home, and for a long while, she dared not take a step.

She stood frozen at the gate for a long time until, suddenly, the gate opened. Her father was stepping out, and their eyes met.

Lord Zhao stared at her, his majestic face trembling. His voice shook: "W-Wuniang?"

Clear waves shimmered in Zhao Lingfei’s eyes. When she was beyond the pass, everyone called her "Lingfei," and no one remembered she was the Fifth Daughter of the Zhao family. Returning to Chang'an, the "Zhao Wuniang" carved into her bones had returned, and she realized she didn't seem to despise the name as much as she thought…

Zhao Lingfei’s voice trembled: "Father..."

Lord Zhao stepped forward: "Wuniang, is it really you? You’ve returned? You, you, you… come here and let your father get a good look at you!"

As Zhao Lingfei choked with sobs, she wanted to smile, but tears fell from her eyes. She gazed at her father’s graying temples and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, seeing that he had aged significantly and had become much more stern. Yet, when he began to grumble, he was still her father.

Zhao Lingfei rushed forward, embracing her father as tears streamed down her face. She acted just like any young daughter in the world, pampering herself with her parents without the weight of any burdens: "Father, where is Mother? I missed you both so much…"

While the Zhao father and daughter were reuniting, the streets of Chang'an were sparse, and Yan Xiaozhou was with her third brother heading to the East Market to buy some New Year’s supplies.

Originally, Yan Xiaozhou was supposed to go with her two sisters-in-law, but Yan Sanlang had stubbornly tagged along. Her third brother wanted to make some money secretly and was therefore interested in market prices. Knowing her third brother’s intentions, Yan Xiaozhou didn't refuse. Walking on the street with her brother, the Yan siblings were in high spirits.

Walking in the cold wind, Yan Sanlang shouted with his loud voice: "This is my first time spending the New Year in Chang'an. It looks no different from back home in Lingnan. Second brother said it would be especially cold here in winter, but I don't think it’s anything much."

Yan Xiaozhou tilted her head, watching her second brother’s cheeks turn red from the cold while he still insisted on being stubborn, and couldn't help but smile faintly.

She said softly: "The best part is being able to spend the New Year with Second Brother."

Yan Sanlang said the hard truth: "How could we possibly spend the New Year with Second Brother? You don't understand; a high-ranking official like him has to attend the imperial banquet on New Year’s Eve. He won't be with us at all. We’ll just close the door and spend it by ourselves, just like we did in Lingnan… Achoo!"

Yan Xiaozhou frowned: "Third Brother, have you caught a cold?"

Third brother was stubborn and tough: "No!"

Just as Yan Xiaozhou was about to persuade him further, a cold gust swept across from the right. Having a sudden intuition, Yan Xiaozhou looked over. She saw a person wearing a hood, entirely cloaked in a cape the color of the night, galloping past on horseback.

The person was crouched low on the horse’s back, moving at high speed, not slowing down in the slightest even through the alleys of Chang'an. His horsemanship was masterful; as the pedestrians were still panicking, man and horse had already flashed by like a bolt of black lightning.

When Yan Xiaozhou looked toward the person, he was hidden under his hood, revealing only a pair of indifferent, ruthless eyes that met hers.

Their eyes met, the man paused, then looked away.

Yan Xiaozhou took a step toward that direction, but the man had already ridden away. The time spent passing each other was less than a single breath. The wind grazed Yan Xiaozhou’s cheeks; she turned her head, her sleeves fluttering in the wind, her eyes flowing like ripples as she chased after the man and horse that had turned into the alley and disappeared.

Yan Sanlang was bewildered: "Xiaozhou, what’s the matter?"

Yan Xiaozhou slowly shook her head, pursing her lips slightly.

That person was Yang Si.

She had been hesitant at first, but the fact that he looked away after making eye contact confirmed that she hadn't been mistaken.

But Yang Si should have been in Youzhou; how could a general in command of tens of thousands of troops leave without an official order and secretly return to Chang'an?

Yan Xiaozhou was afraid that if she spoke, she would cause trouble for Yang Si. Faced with Yan Sanlang’s questioning, she remained silent for a moment and then said she had mistaken him for someone else. But she felt uneasy, fearing that this new year would not be peaceful—

On New Year’s Eve, Yan Shang attended the imperial banquet for the first time as a fifth-rank official.

As the favorite pupil of the retiring Councilor Liu and holding multiple concurrent positions, he was clearly an acquaintance in the Emperor’s eyes. At the banquet, officials flocked to network with him. Yan Shang handled them with a gentle tone, and finding an opportunity, he sought out Wei Shu, who was sitting quietly in a corner.

Yan Shang smiled: "Juyuan still likes to keep to himself so much."

Wei Shu looked up, seeing Yan Shang standing before him. The jade-bright youth looked at him and bowed.

In the light of the palace lanterns, Yan Shang’s figure looked slender, his brows clear and calm, his complexion slightly pale. Yet, when he smiled at people, that excellent bearing blended with his exhaustion, making one feel immediately bathed in a gentle breeze.

Wei Shu stood up and offered Yan Shang a cup of wine.

Years had passed, and even if Wei Shu was happy inside, he found himself even more at a loss for words. Fortunately, Yan Shang didn't mind; even if Wei Shu was sparing with his words, Yan Shang could steer the conversation without a hint of awkwardness, prompting Wei Shu to speak. Sitting with Yan Shang for a while, Wei Shu regained their old friendship; his expression relaxed, and he became willing to talk more.

Wei Shu looked at Yan Shang: "I haven't had the chance to congratulate Second Brother Yan on finally becoming a couple with Her Highness."

A shallow smile appeared in Yan Shang’s eyes as he offered him a cup: "Thank you."

Wei Shu said: "Why don't I see Her Highness with you?"

Yan Shang said warmly: "Her Highness is with the noblewomen in the inner palace, and I am with the ministers; naturally, we are not in the same place. Does Juyuan wish to see her? I can have someone find her and bring her over."

Wei Shu shook his head: "I just feel that you two are each so busy. Can you even see each other during your daily lives?"

Yan Shang sighed: "We can only snatch moments of leisure from our busy schedules."

Wei Shu frowned, observing Yan Shang. He saw that Yan Shang’s complexion was pale, his spirit not as bright as in his youth, relying only on his good temperament to hold it all together. He hadn't been back in Chang'an for half a month, yet he had already heard of Second Brother Yan’s fame. There was plenty of fame, but he was simply too busy… His Majesty was using Yan Shang like three men.

Wei Shu advised: "Second Brother should still watch over his health. No matter how busy court affairs are, you shouldn't gamble with your life."

The smile in Yan Shang’s eyes deepened, and he sighed with a laugh: "Who would have thought that Juyuan would become one to offer such advice. I know my own limits, Juyuan, don't worry. Um… are you returning to your eldest brother’s house to keep vigil tonight?"

Having long been at court, he naturally knew about the current change in the Luoyang Wei family’s attitude toward Wei Shu.

Wei Shu, however, shook his head: "I’m not going. I’ll be spending it alone."

Yan Shang was slightly stunned.

Wei Shu looked at him, his gaze clear, deep, and focused.

Yan Shang raised his eyebrows slightly, guessing what Wei Shu was thinking, and then invited him with a smile: "Then why doesn't Juyuan come to the Princess’s residence and keep vigil with me and Her Highness?"

Wei Shu smiled immediately: "Good."

The banquet for the ministers ended earlier. After the imperial feast, Yan Shang invited Wei Shu to share his carriage. Originally, Yan Shang had wanted to wait for Mu Wanyao, but she had been summoned by the Emperor, so Yan Shang had no choice but to head back first with Wei Shu.

As for Mu Wanyao, she had been called away because the Eldest Princess of Luling and a Noble Consort had gotten into an argument at the banquet; neither was willing to yield, so they had gone to the Emperor to judge who was right. The Emperor had a headache over their petty squabbles and called Mu Wanyao to mediate. After asking for clarification, Mu Wanyao quickly realized that the Eldest Princess of Luling had likely been baited this time and was innocent.

Recently, the Prince of Qin had been very agitated at court, leading the Noble Consort in the inner palace to become anxious as well, wanting to use this opportunity to test the Emperor’s attitude.

Mu Wanyao naturally had to soothe the Noble Consort, which meant the Eldest Princess of Luling had been wronged. The Princess was furious, claiming they were bullying her, and after a loud argument with Mu Wanyao, she had left the palace.

Mu Wanyao was also exhausted by these tiresome affairs; having been scolded by the Eldest Princess of Luling while trying to resolve the issue, she was in a bad mood. Light snow fell, elegant and cold. Mu Wanyao left the palace with a dark expression, but when her carriage arrived at the gate of her residence, the thought of Yan Shang being there lifted her mood.

Come to think of it, she hadn't had a proper conversation with Yan Shang upon waking up for several days.

Looking up at the snow in the sky, Mu Wanyao’s mood improved, and she quickened her pace—

Yan Shang was inside the residence accompanying Wei Shu in conversation. When he heard a maid say that Her Highness’s carriage had returned, he stood up to go outside and greet Mu Wanyao.

Wei Shu hadn't seen Mu Wanyao in a long time, and he was excited as well, standing up to follow Yan Shang.

When Yan Shang stepped out of the residence, he happened to meet Mu Wanyao. He was the first to appear at the door, wearing a jade crown and long robes, clear and solemn. Wei Shu, who was behind him, was not seen by Mu Wanyao. Seeing Yan Shang, Mu Wanyao felt a stir in her heart.

In front of her own home, there was no need to be formal.

The wine from the banquet made her footsteps unsteady. Mu Wanyao rushed over and threw her arms around Yan Shang’s neck. Before Yan Shang could tell her that Wei Shu was there, Mu Wanyao leaned in, kissing him on the lips. She pushed forward slightly, forcing him to open his mouth.

The surrounding maids and guards all lowered their heads in unison.

Yan Shang was startled. His hands were originally supporting her waist, acting composed, but at this moment he immediately acted, covering her mouth and pushing her away. Yan Shang maintained one hand on her waist to keep her from falling, while the other held her mouth, pushing her face away.

He lowered his head calmly and smiled at Mu Wanyao: "Her Highness must have had too much to drink, your steps are unsteady, and you almost fell. Don't let Juyuan laugh at you."

Wei Shu stood behind him and bowed, eyes cast down, pretending not to see anything: "Your Highness."

Mu Wanyao: "..."

She slowly pulled away Yan Shang’s hand that was covering her mouth, feeling quite embarrassed for a moment. She looked at Yan Shang and saw that he was wearing a polite smile, but his earlobes were completely red—it was clear he was even more uncomfortable than she was. Mu Wanyao glared at him, annoyed that he spoke so slowly, making her lose face in front of Wei Shu.

Mu Wanyao coughed, her voice gentle: "Why has Juyuan come?"

Wei Shu kept his head down: "Second Brother Yan invited me to come and keep vigil with you both. I hope Your Highness does not mind."

Mu Wanyao teased: "I don't mind, but there’s no need to keep your head down and not dare to look up."

The Crown Prince was not in the Eastern Palace tonight.

He appeared at the Yang residence, in the sleeping quarters of the Third Young Master Yang, sitting against the wall and watching as the youth before him removed his hood to reveal his true face.

The Crown Prince stared at him: "Returning to Chang'an in private; you have quite a lot of nerve."

Yang Si said: "If I hadn't returned to Chang'an, I wouldn't know what you were planning to do. Your Highness, are you trying to cut me out?"

He stepped forward, his eyes turning suddenly red, his voice suppressed: "So, forcing me to marry, forcing me to stay in Youzhou… it was all to untie yourself from me?!"