Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 149

Chapter 149

Yan Shang led his sister back to her room and poured her tea. Sitting with his cup in hand, he studied her, carefully weighing his words.

Yan Xiaozhou was a girl as delicate and beautiful as a blooming flower; her face was fair, her lips crimson, her eyes dark and lustrous. She was a woman of bright spring days, and when she smiled, her eyes shimmered without a trace of worldly cynicism or hardship.

Her beauty was different from the seductive, enchanting allure of Yan Shang's wife. Mu Wanyao was soul-stealing and captivating, yet possessed an air of detachment; Yan Xiaozhou, however, was gentle in her solitude, yet would turn to look back only for you.

In truth, most people in this world preferred the company of a woman like Yan Xiaozhou. The masses could never hope to tame a woman like Mu Wanyao, but they always felt they could easily govern one like Yan Xiaozhou.

Ignoring how opinionated and stubborn Yan Xiaozhou actually was beneath her gentle exterior, Yan Shang knew that with her looks and talent, his sister would never lack suitors.

Furthermore, his own reputation in Chang'an was formidable.

Thus, although their father had entrusted his sister's marriage to him, Yan Shang had not paid much attention to her romantic life.

He was simply too busy. Although he had learned roughly from Mu Wanyao about the entanglement between Yang Si and Yan Xiaozhou, he had never believed the two of them would end up together, and so he had not pried.

Until tonight, as he gazed at his sister’s face, he was suddenly struck by shame: he had been arrogant, underestimating the weight of her feelings. Was it possible that a story he thought had already ended, had not truly ended at all?

Afraid that his bluntness might wound her heart, Yan Shang asked softly: "Are you going to Jiannan specifically to find Third Young Master Yang? I heard from Yaoyao that you and San-lang have only known each other for half a year in total. Xiaozhou, a youthful, hazy infatuation cannot be taken as truth. You are a young woman traveling thousands of miles to Jiannan. San-lang is a man of integrity; given his current situation, even if you go to him, he will never accept you, for he would not want to implicate you."

He paused before continuing: "In my private opinion, I know that men like Yang San-lang and women like Yaoyao are naturally drawn to people who are clean, beautiful, and seem simple. Because those people are different from everyone in their own worlds, the novelty creates a false sense of connection. But once reality returns, they behave with absolute coldness.

"I do not mean that San-lang is a bad man... but rather that their kind are not people who would throw everything away for the sake of love. To San-lang, and to Yaoyao, love is important, but it is not a necessity, because there are simply too many things that can replace it. Xiaozhou, our background is different from theirs, and you are a woman... throwing caution to the wind like this will only lead to your own hurt."

Yan Xiaozhou’s face flooded with crimson.

She had anticipated all of her brother’s objections—such as the mismatched status, the potential to invite political suspicion, or the disapproval of a woman traveling thousands of miles for a man—but she had not expected him to oppose her for this reason.

She felt a burning internal shame, her earlobes turning bright red instantly. Her elder brother was a man of keen psychological insight. She wanted to refute him by claiming she had no such intentions, but as she looked into his gentle, worried eyes, Yan Xiaozhou quieted down, realizing that her heart perhaps did harbor such thoughts.

Yan Xiaozhou whispered: "Brother, since you say this, do you not love Sister-in-law? Do you find it exhausting to be with her? Are you denying everything you have been through to get to this point?"

Yan Shang chuckled.

He said gently: "It is precisely because I have experienced it myself that I say this. Forgive me for being this way. If it were your sister-in-law, she would certainly encourage you to move forward boldly, without regard for anything. As for me... I do not regret meeting her, nor do I regret the long, arduous journey it took for us to finally be together.

"But if I were to go back to the beginning, if I did not remember her, I would still think the road ahead was difficult and would weigh whether it was worth it. I believe it is worth it now, but that is only because the outcome was good, and because your sister-in-law is stubborn... her attachment is very deep, which is still different from San-lang."

Yan Xiaozhou lowered her eyes, appearing to ponder his words earnestly.

A moment later, she lifted her bright eyes, still resolute: "I am still going to Jiannan."

Yan Shang watched her with tenderness, remaining silent.

Yan Xiaozhou’s cheeks burned, yet she smiled shyly and said with calm determination: "Brother, I don't see it exactly the way you do. San-lang left last month, and I spent an entire month thinking before I made this decision.

"This is not a whim, nor an act of reckless bravado. On the contrary, I have thought a great deal. I recently met a friend in Chang'an, a little older than me. She says her name is Zhao Lingfei, and she mentioned that you know her."

Yan Shang raised an eyebrow and smiled: "You mean Wuniang."

Yan Xiaozhou’s eyes curved like autumn streams. Her voice, usually soft, became more lively as she spoke of her new friend: "Yes, her. She is incredibly bold. She told me that when she was young, she even chased after you, and was once made to cry by Sister-in-law."

Yan Shang shook his head with a smile.

Yan Xiaozhou continued: "And later, to escape an arranged marriage, she chased after an embassy mission by herself, leaving the Great Wei for four years. She only just returned to Chang'an."

Yan Xiaozhou grew lost in thought, saying quietly: "Brother, I envy her courage. Brother, you are a man; you have never had to deal with the conflicting thoughts we women have. You only think Lingfei is bold and admirable, but you don't know the impact she has had on me. She made me think about what kind of life I truly want.

"Do I want to stay obediently in Chang'an, following your arrangements, and marry and have children early? Or do I want to decide my own path?

"What kind of life do I want, and what do I want to accomplish? Brother, can you understand why I was hesitating?"

A flicker of light passed through Yan Shang’s eyes. He thought of his wife, Mu Wanyao, who was never one to be content with domesticity. Even after marriage, she had never sat at home playing the role of a virtuous wife. Liu Ruozhu had followed her father to Hexi, but in reality, she went to protect ancient, rare books. Zhao Lingfei had impulsively fled her marriage for years and even left the empire entirely. And Yan Xiaozhou... she, too, seemed to have no interest in a life of domestic virtue.

Yan Shang felt perplexed, yet in a subtle way, he vaguely understood the difficulties they faced. Although he didn't fully grasp it, Yan Shang possessed the virtue of being a skilled listener who respected others' life paths.

So Yan Shang said: "You are going to Jiannan not entirely for Yang San-lang's sake?"

Yan Xiaozhou smiled, her eyes sparkling: "I knew you would understand, Brother. I don't necessarily have to be with San-lang; I just feel it’s a tragedy. As an old friend, I think San-lang’s current state is a waste. Even standing in my position, you would never abandon an old friend, would you? Have you not encouraged your own old friends, or made efforts for them?"

Yan Shang smiled but did not speak.

The tea he held had already gone cold—much like some people who, once they have walked too far away, will never return.

He had made efforts for Liu Wenji, but as of today, Yan Shang had already given up on that old friend.

Yan Xiaozhou remained resolute yet soft: "I have thought it through carefully. I asked Sister-in-law for help, and I plan to study medicine and work with herbs once I reach Jiannan, to see what I can contribute. I don't know what the future holds, but I want to try.

"I want to stay by San-lang’s side through this most difficult time, to help him through this crisis until he can stand tall again. Brother, the court struggles and the rise and fall of emperors—what do those have to do with San-lang? The late Crown Prince is gone; his business in Chang'an is finished. His new journey has only just begun.

"I want to find my own path, and I want to witness his. I am not going to marry him; I am going as a friend to support him. If he is exiled to Jiannan and never returns to Chang'an, so be it.

"That is not San-lang’s true life.

"Brother, there is a poem that goes: 'Fine wine in Xinfeng costs ten thousand dou, the wandering knight of Xianyang has spent many a year. Meeting in high spirits, I drink for you, hitching my horse by the high tower and the weeping willows.'

"That is the first act of Yang San-lang’s life.

"But his second act should be—‘Born a servant to the Han, I followed the cavalry to fight in Yuyang. Who knew the hardship of the frontier? Even in death, the spirit of the knightly bones remains fragrant.’

"He belongs to the 'knights'; he belongs at the frontier; he belongs as a general. That is his true life!

"And I? I only want to accompany him, encourage him, support him... to help him emerge and become who he was truly meant to be."

Yan Xiaozhou held her head high. Under the candlelight, the girl’s face was beautiful, fresh, and pure. There was light in her eyes and depth in her heart. She was no longer a simple, innocent girl needing to be protected for a lifetime.

Yan Shang had never realized so clearly that the sister he had coddled, loved, held, and cared for for so many years had truly grown up. He could not control her; he could not bind her. He had to give her the road she chose, and if she were right, he ought to support her.

Yan Shang stood up, his robes sweeping the floor. He reached out to stroke the top of her head, his fingers finally resting on her elegant, flying brow bone.

Yan Shang said: "Go find San-lang."

Yan Xiaozhou’s eyes lit up. Zhao Lingfei had a father who did not understand her, but Yan Xiaozhou had a brother who supported her.

Yan Shang: "But you are a young girl, alone out there; I am still not at ease. Let Han Suxing follow you and protect you. Once you reach Jiannan, you must write to me often. Xiaozhou, no one knows what the future will bring, so just walk the path you have chosen. If you have any needs, come find me.

"I have only one sister. We don't need to say more; your brother always hopes for your happiness."

Yan Xiaozhou whispered: "If I never marry, will you still say the same?"

Yan Shang was startled, then smiled gently. He said: "You are still so young; saying such things is quite excessive. Let’s speak of it later. If that is truly what you seek... although I may not understand it, I can still listen to your reasoning."

Yan Xiaozhou laughed, her eyes dampening as she thought of how fortunate she was to have such a wonderful brother. She choked out a cry of "Brother" and threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly.

—

After Yan Xiaozhou left, Yan Shang found no relief.

He wanted to coax Mu Wanyao back, but the new Emperor immediately assigned him a new post—Secretariat Drafter, and concurrently, Acting Chancellor.

For a time, the entire court was buzzing. Yan Shang had earned merit for saving the Emperor and should have been promoted long ago. Even now, it was already late. However, his new position was a subject of much debate—

Yan Shang kept his old post; the Emperor still insisted he manage the Ministry of Personnel. In other words, he was still in charge of the Ministry.

The Emperor added the title of Secretariat Drafter. This position belonged to the Secretariat, meaning after some maneuvering, Yan Shang was back in the Secretariat. Being a Fifth-Rank official, this post was situated directly before the Emperor; historically, most Prime Ministers had to pass through this position to gain experience.

What was more interesting was the additional title the Emperor bestowed: "Acting Chancellor."

"Acting Chancellor" essentially meant he held authority similar to a Prime Minister. Generally, anyone with this title was inducted into the cabinet and addressed as "Minister." However, Yan Shang could clearly not be considered a Prime Minister—because although he held the concurrent title, his primary office was merely that of a Secretariat Drafter. The Drafter role was not low, but it did not carry the weight of a Prime Minister.

After his promotion, Yan Shang’s status as Acting Chancellor allowed him to enter the Cabinet Hall where the Prime Ministers worked, but his status as a Drafter denied him the right to speak.

In short, Yan Shang’s new post was in an awkward, ambiguous position.

One could call him a Prime Minister, or one could say he was not.

The new Emperor had played a word game with the late Emperor’s posthumous decree—the late Emperor wanted to give Yan Shang the post of Prime Minister, and "Acting Chancellor" was essentially that. But the Emperor was unwilling to let Yan Shang hold the true power of a Prime Minister, so he had followed his own will and made him a Secretariat Drafter instead.

As for how the officials in the court should treat him—whether to call him "Minister" or address him as they always had—that was not something the Emperor cared to consider.

Yan Shang held the imperial decree and smiled: "Very well. It does show a bit of petty wit."

The fact that the new Emperor could devise such a position meant he still had a bit of learning. Yan Shang held a glimmer of expectation for the new Emperor. From now on, he would have no choice but to dash between the Secretariat and the Ministry of Personnel.

Since the Emperor wanted him to serve well, Yan Shang naturally submitted several memorials concerning the current political situation to help the Emperor consolidate his power.

However, after Yan Shang’s memorials were submitted, there was no follow-up.

The imperial intention Yan Shang received was not the Emperor adopting his suggestions, but rather the Emperor ordering an aristocratic family to return to Chang'an—the Hai clan.

The Hai clan had no relation to Yan Shang, but back when Mu Wanyao was not yet the Princess of Danyang, her second brother had been framed for death by none other than the Hai clan.

The Hai clan had been forced to flee Chang'an because of this, their family withered, their future darkened, and not a single member was allowed to hold office.

This clan could be said to be Mu Wanyao’s enemies, yet the new Emperor had allowed them to return.

Yan Shang sat in silence and tossed his newly written memorial for the Emperor into the stove. He measured the new Emperor’s behavior—alternating between fawning and suspicion—his tactics were so clumsy and sycophantic that they were truly repulsive.

The new Emperor had inherited the late Emperor’s paranoia but lacked his broad, sweeping vision—he was only capable of such petty, nauseating tricks.

Yan Shang sat alone in the dark for a while, contemplating. When the bell rang for the third watch, his legs felt stiff from sitting too long. He came back to his senses, propped himself up on the desk, and after a moment of brow-furrowing, asked Yun Shu, who was waiting outside: "It is so late; has the Princess not returned to the mansion yet?"

Yun Shu replied sheepishly: "Master was working just now, and you had warned that unless it was a matter of extreme importance, I should not disturb you until you finished. So I did not tell you—the Princess sent word half an hour ago that she would not be coming home to sleep, and that you need not wait for her."

Yan Shang froze.

Then he said: "She hasn't been back for ten days."

Yun Shu knew the two were quarreling and could only remain silent.

Yan Shang said with mild annoyance: "The Hai clan’s return to Chang'an is such a major affair, and she won't even come back to discuss it with me?"

He threw on a coat, pushed open the wooden door, and stood face-to-face with Yun Shu. Under Yun Shu’s gaze, Yan Shang coughed: "Is she staying at Princess Yuyang’s residence, or at some other villa?"

Because her own elder brother had rebelled, Princess Yuyang had not received the title of Eldest Princess; she remained, as she had in the late Emperor’s time, merely a Princess.

In the new Emperor’s reign, Mu Wanyao was the only Eldest Princess.

The former Princess Luling was now the Grand Eldest Princess of Luling. The title sounded intimidating, but she had no power and no influence; the Grand Eldest Princess spent her days huffing behind closed doors, and it was said she had recently been bored enough to secretly consort with handsome youths.

Yun Shu watched the young master as if he were about to go out and fetch the Princess again, feeling a surge of sympathy. He said: "Master, why bother? You won't be able to bring her back, and the Princess won't listen to you. It will only make people laugh."

Yan Shang’s face flushed slightly.

He turned his head away and said: "Don't talk nonsense. Prepare the carriage quickly."

He was so introverted that he could not go around telling people he lay awake in a cold bed, missing Mu Wanyao. Before they were married, he had been used to sleeping alone and thought nothing of it. But now, after only a few days without her, he felt a void, unable to sleep through the night.

Perhaps he had always secretly delighted in her teasing and proximity; now that she ignored him, he felt anxious, short of breath, and uncomfortable in every way.

—

Yan Shang still did not succeed in bringing Mu Wanyao back.

She was clearly truly angry this time. No matter how softly he promised he could get time off, she merely swayed her fan, listening to operas and admiring flowers with others, paying him no heed.

Yan Shang was at a loss.

He was gentle, kind, and universally liked, yet he did not know how to make Mu Wanyao happy. He was adept at observing facial expressions, but she had a temper that was beyond him. If she did not love him, his humility was useless; he only felt dull and insipid, not knowing what to do.

With no other options, Yan Shang visited Princess Yuyang’s residence three times a day to report for duty, begging Mu Wanyao to return.

—

Princess Yuyang now relied on Mu Wanyao’s patronage; if Mu Wanyao was willing to stay with her, it was a favor, and she welcomed it.

Mu Wanyao loved to play and stir up trouble, and Princess Yuyang finally got to witness her younger sister’s prowess. She listened to operas and viewed flowers without letting a single one fall out of favor; a moment later, ministers would queue to see her, yet she would not let go of state affairs; then, when her husband Yan Shang came to plead, she wouldn't even grant him a glance.

Princess Yuyang was struck with wonder.

Watching Yan Shang coax Mu Wanyao with a soft, gentle voice—a man so refined and elegant, so upright and suave before others, yet reduced to such supplication before Mu Wanyao in private—Princess Yuyang felt embarrassed on his behalf.

She had been showered with gifts by Yan Shang and implored with a pleasant countenance, so while Mu Wanyao was watching the opera, she offered to help: "...I know you and the consort have a misunderstanding. But you have been at this for so long; to continue like this is to give him no face. If a man loses face and takes a wrong turn, you will regret it too late."

Mu Wanyao fanned herself, watching the performance intently. She was not watching the play, but the beautiful actors and beauties on stage, competing in glamour with heavy makeup. Once the play ended, Mu Wanyao dismissed the actors, ordered them to remove their makeup, and seriously studied their figures and appearances.

Simultaneously, she was studying the new Emperor’s tastes.

After she had seen enough, Mu Wanyao pointed to a few of the actors: "Sister, I quite like these few. I will take them back to the Princess’s mansion for training; you don't mind, do you?"

Princess Yuyang hesitated for a moment before saying she didn't mind. She was anxious, feeling that by eyeing these young boys and girls, Mu Wanyao clearly intended to surround herself with beauties.

Princess Yuyang tried to persuade Mu Wanyao to settle down, reminding her tactfully: "Aren't a few actors less important than your husband? These children are clean and pretty, but what is lacking in your husband... you married Yan Er-lang, and he is a high official in the court now. How can you treat him this way?"

Mu Wanyao did not realize her Fourth Sister was accusing her of liking the actors; she was busy thinking of other matters. She replied distractedly: "I have my own plans."

She absolutely insisted that Yan Shang reflect on himself, to make him truly bow to her, and not just pay lip service while continuing to ignore her instructions. Yan Shang was a man who seemed willing to throw his entire being into his official duties, which shocked and infuriated Mu Wanyao.

She had repeatedly warned him not to overwork himself; since he couldn't do it, she would use force to ensure he did.

And then there was the return of the Hai clan to Chang'an.

Mu Wanyao smiled. She knew everyone in Chang'an was waiting to see her make a fool of herself, to see her quarrel and turn against the new Emperor. But she wouldn't do that... The Hai clan had returned, and it was likely that the noble families hadn't yet settled on their own stance. Mu Wanyao might just be able to win the Hai clan over to her side.

Politics, after all.

Yesterday's enemy could very well be today's friend.

Moreover, the Hai clan bore the sin of framing a former prince, so they were likely cautious. She would wait and see what their attitude was before acting.

—

The new Emperor was pleased that Mu Wanyao was being so reasonable. He used the Hai clan to suppress Mu Wanyao’s influence, and she did not come to quarrel with him.

The new Emperor was merely learning to balance the various forces, trying to maintain a equilibrium as the late Emperor had. Yan Shang had submitted several memorials to him, but honestly, he found them exhausting to read... he felt Yan Shang was meddling too much, and he felt Yan Shang was treating him like a child.

The new Emperor was displeased; he did not like being taught how to govern by his subjects. He tossed Yan Shang’s memorials aside and ignored them, yet he knew Yan Shang was highly capable, so he continued to use him.

Thus, Yan Shang held multiple posts and grew busier by the day. The Emperor gave him everything to handle, yet did not trust him, naturally assuming that a man of Yan Shang’s temperament would surely be void of desire and dedicate his life to the throne.

The new Emperor had never seen such a useful minister as Yan Shang.

Obedient, not prone to improvisation, everything handled with perfect competence. Since he started using Yan Shang, the new Emperor felt his control over the court had become much stronger.

Liu Wenji reminded the new Emperor: It was not Your Majesty’s control that had grown stronger; it was Yan Er-lang helping you manage it—it was his mastery that was formidable.

The new Emperor did not care, thinking Liu Wenji was merely jealous. The status of Emperor made anyone inflate; once one enjoyed the benefits, one took them for granted. The new Emperor’s initial timidity had faded, and now he was beginning to learn how to enjoy the privileges of being an Emperor.

—

Rumors began to circulate in Chang'an that the Princess of Danyang was fond of operas and kept several beautiful actors to sing for her all day. Princess Yuyang could not watch it any longer. The Princess of Danyang lived in her own private villa, feasting and enjoying herself every night, having forgotten her husband completely.

Everyone felt great sympathy for Yan Shang.

At first, Yan Shang had not heard these rumors; it was only the lingering, unspoken looks from those around him that struck him as odd. It wasn't until his teacher, Minister Liu, specially called him in and tactfully asked about his marital life that Yan Shang, feeling awkward, realized Mu Wanyao had likely concocted something.

With his capabilities, a little inquiry was all it took for Yan Shang to learn that all of Chang'an was buzzing with the romantic exploits of the Princess of Danyang, and how he had fallen out of favor.

Yan Shang laughed; he thought the rumors were too ridiculous.

Could Mu Wanyao ever be that kind of person?

She must have some other reason; she would never treat him that way.

—

That afternoon, Yan Shang returned to the Princess’s mansion and habitually asked where Mu Wanyao was. He and his wife hadn't had a proper moment together in a month, and he wanted to return early today to talk to her about the Hai clan, and about the recent rumors.

Although he trusted her character, she couldn't allow such rumors to spread about him.

When he arrived, he saw Qiu Si, Mu Wanyao’s current personal maid. As he entered the room to change his clothes, he saw her and lifted his gaze slightly. Sure enough, Qiu Si bowed upon seeing him and whispered: "The Princess is at the mansion today."

Yan Shang felt a surge of pleasant surprise.

He didn't bother changing his clothes, fearing that if he delayed for even a moment, she would be gone again. He went straight to find her, and hearing she was in the back garden listening to an opera, he furrowed his brow, though he didn't take it to heart.

The autumn scene in the garden was deepening, with maple leaves glowing red and willows remaining green, creating a charming, beautiful contrast.

Before the moon-gate, Yan Shang saw a beautiful woman sleeping on a couch behind a screen. Her hair was loose, her clothes slightly disarrayed, and her face flushed—she had likely been drinking again.

Mu Wanyao’s eyes were closed. Not far away, an actor in thick makeup was dancing and singing, swaying a whisk.

The garden was quiet and warm, filled with an air of romance.

Yan Shang felt a slight sting in his heart, but he suppressed it, telling himself that she was only listening to an opera, and it meant nothing.

Just as he thought this, the actor finished his performance. The garden grew silent. The actor walked to the Princess’s couch and knelt down. Mu Wanyao did not open her eyes; it was unclear whether she was drunk or asleep.

The actor knelt boldly before the couch for a long while, gazing lovingly at the Princess. Suddenly, he bowed his head, gently took her hand, and placed a soft kiss on the back of Mu Wanyao’s hand.

Before the moon-gate, under the shade of the trees, Yan Shang’s face changed instantly.

—

The actor held the Princess’s hand affectionately, wanting to confess his feelings. He was of humble origin and only wanted to climb up through the Princess; he had finally found an opportunity... unfortunately, the Princess was asleep.

Just as the actor lowered his head to kiss her again, his shoulder was pressed down from behind.

He turned stiffly to see a young man in a jade crown and brocade robes standing behind him, his hand resting on his shoulder.

The young man’s features were gentle, but his expression was quite grim. He seemed to be suppressing something as he whispered: "Step down."

The actor, bolstered by the Princess’s favor, was unwilling: "Who are you to offend the Princess? Why should I step down..."

Yan Shang stared at the boy who couldn't have been more than ten years old. He sat down by Mu Wanyao’s couch, suddenly lowered his head, embraced the sleeping woman, and kissed her on the lips.

The boy’s eyes widened in shock.

Seeing the young man kiss the Princess, she struggled as if uncomfortable, but he held her waist firmly, refusing to let go despite her mumbles and cries. Mu Wanyao’s trembling lashes opened, and upon seeing Yan Shang’s face, she was momentarily dazed.

Seeing she was awake, he did not pull his lips away; instead, he bit her cheek as if to vent his anger.

Mu Wanyao: "Ouch!"

She was fully awake now. She shoved Yan Shang away and covered her cheek. She glared at him in a fit of rage, wondering how he dared to bite her face.

Mu Wanyao shouted: "You're crazy! Are you sick or something!"

The actor knelt on the ground, gloating as he waited for the Princess to punish this bold madman so he could take his place.

Who knew that before the Princess could say a word, the young man simply frowned and stared at her. His gaze drifted from her face to the back of her hand, which the actor had just kissed, and he said: "It stinks. Why haven't you gone to wash it off yet?"

Mu Wanyao flew into a rage: "Who are you calling stinky!"

Actor: "..."