Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 93

Chapter 93

The Emperor summoned everyone to the high pavilion. Mu Wanyao sat beside a zither, idly plucking the strings. When she saw them coming up the stairs, she exchanged a brief glance with them, then lowered her eyes, refusing to look again.

The zither melody coming from the pavilion was breathtaking. Seeing the Princess herself appear so cold and detached, all the young men felt that this was precisely how a princess ought to be.

As the victors, the Wuman King certainly required high praise. As for the young Wei generals who had lost, the Emperor was not angry; after the Wuman King received his rewards and the envoys left the banquet to divide their spoils, the Emperor asked the youths how the battle had been fought.

As the youths described the events, the talents of Yan Shang and Yang Si were highlighted.

Yang Si’s prowess as a commander went without saying. He had managed to block thousands of the Wuman King’s troops in the gorge with only a hundred men. While the terrain had played a part, his personal ability was clearly the deciding factor.

The Emperor looked down at the spirited, straight-standing Third Young Master of the Yang family and nodded: "Yang Si? Very good."

The Crown Prince stood to the side, his expression unreadable as he listened to their discussion of merits and rewards. But when he heard about the critical moment in the gorge, the Crown Prince could not help but lean forward slightly, frowning. Yet, when the Emperor praised Yang Si, the Crown Prince’s expression remained calm, though a hint of relief-filled warmth appeared in his eyes as he settled back into his seat.

The Crown Prince and Yang Si exchanged a glance; Yang Si smiled at him, still retaining that same indifferent, unrestrained air.

The Emperor turned to face Wei Shu and said: "Official Wei was only guarding the rear; it was a bit of a waste of your talents. But given your steadiness, everyone was at ease leaving the rear in your care."

Finally, the Emperor looked at Yan Shang, his gaze complex.

Since the death of the head of the Zheng family, the name Yan Shang had been heard repeatedly by the Emperor. Even without the Emperor’s intentional focus, this man’s talents could not be suppressed. As a mere bureau head in the Secretariat, he had actually managed to execute the central command’s orders so perfectly during the military exercise.

This man… The Emperor glanced at his young daughter plucking the zither nearby. She kept her head lowered, plucking the strings with a cold and indifferent air, appearing as if she were completely unconcerned with Yan Shang over here.

However, the Emperor did not quite believe she was truly indifferent anymore.

When he had originally arranged their marriage, Mu Wanyao had refused; but after the Nanshan incident last month, how could she still deny it?

The Emperor fell silent for a moment, then sighed: "Yang the Third is indeed a talented commander, but I fear no one expected that you, of all people, would possess the capability to be a grand strategist."

Commanders lead soldiers, but strategists lead commanders. Soldiers are easy to find, but generals and strategists are hard to come by.

The new generation of the Great Wei had already grown up… The Emperor couldn't help but think that perhaps, after a hundred years passed and he had thoroughly resolved the issue of the aristocratic families, it would be time for these young people to shine at the borderlands and among the small surrounding nations.

Mu Wanyao felt nervous inside.

The Prince of Qin’s expression also tightened.

Talented commander? Strategist?

This was praising them far too highly.

The Prince of Qin feared that the Emperor’s praise would lead to him sending both Yang Si and Yan Shang to the Ministry of War to cause him trouble. Wouldn't that just benefit the Crown Prince?

Fortunately, the Emperor merely praised them and showed no inclination to appoint them to new offices on the spot. However, everyone knew that Yang Si, Yan Shang, and Wei Shu would all be promoted in the future. As for how, that would require the Secretariat and the Ministry of Personnel to deliberate.

The Prince of Qin did have a mind to obstruct them in the Ministry of Personnel… but he was still hesitant.

The Emperor bestowed upon them fertile land, fine residences, and precious treasures. Even Zhao Ling, the Fifth Lady of the Zhao clan, was asked about by the Emperor and rewarded. One could imagine that if Zhao Ling’s father learned what his daughter had done, he would likely be frightened into a faint again—

After the Emperor bestowed the banquet, the eunuchs saw that the Emperor was looking weary and told the young people they should depart, saying that His Majesty needed to take his medicine.

Mu Wanyao took this opportunity to find an excuse to leave. She saw the Emperor’s expression pause when she started to leave, as if he intended for her to stay. But Mu Wanyao pretended not to understand the hint and left without the slightest hesitation, hearing a bitter, soft sigh from the middle-aged man behind her.

Once Mu Wanyao reached the bottom of the pavilion, she searched for someone. She walked under the shade of the willows, craning her neck to look around. Her maid, Xia Rong, gave her sleeve a gentle tug. Following the maid’s direction, Mu Wanyao saw a young man standing against a tree under a weeping willow.

The moment she saw the handsome youth, a smile blossomed on her face.

Xia Rong and the other maids waited several yards away to keep watch for the Princess. Mu Wanyao coughed, then walked toward the willow tree.

Yan Shang was leaning against the trunk, looking up at the gaps between the leaves. He seemed lost in thought, staring into the void, wondering what he was contemplating.

He was like pine and bamboo, clean and pure, quiet and serene—so much so that even the sunlight seemed hesitant to disturb him.

Mu Wanyao, however, gave his sleeve a heavy tug, pulling him so hard he staggered and almost fell.

Yan Shang turned back, and the moment he saw her, a sliver of a smile emerged in his eyes. Mu Wanyao put on a stern face: "What are you thinking about again? Are you scheming against someone, plotting some sort of mischief?"

Yan Shang lightly chided: "Talking nonsense again."

She had ignored him when she was up on the pavilion, but now that she had come down specifically to find him, a faint joy bloomed in his heart. Having not seen her for several days, Yan Shang felt a lingering attachment as he looked at her. He wanted to get closer, but he was mindful of the people passing by and dared not be too reckless.

He could only watch her.

As he lowered his gaze, looking at Mu Wanyao with a faint smile and affectionate tenderness, Mu Wanyao’s heart began to thump wildly. The little princess turned her face away, her cheeks flushed with a pale pink.

Yan Shang coughed.

Mu Wanyao glared at him: "Coughing again! Is it such an unbearable sight to see me?"

Yan Shang was helpless and complained: "Why do you always scold me, Your Highness?"

Mu Wanyao thought to herself: It’s because I like you and see that you’re easy to bully that I always scold you.

Her expression returned to normal, and she grabbed his sleeve to pull him toward her. She dragged Yan Shang behind a tree to speak in private, touching him up and down, asking incessantly if the battlefield was fun and if he had been injured.

Seeing a small cut under his neck, Mu Wanyao arched her brows, cursing Yang Si for not knowing how to protect others and scolding the guards for being useless.

Yan Shang: "Alright, alright, it’s just a small wound."

Mu Wanyao looked back, seeing him cover his collar and straighten the robes she had rumpled. She scrutinized him, seeing him bow his head, his face taut, his ears and the area beneath his eyes glowing red.

Mu Wanyao narrowed her eyes: "You’re getting nervous again."

Yan Shang sighed: "I’m sorry."

Mu Wanyao pursed her lips: "Don't apologize for things like this."

Her eyes darted around, and she wanted to lean into him, but she saw him stiffen and take a step back, raising his eyes to look at her. Mu Wanyao was speechless for a moment, secretly annoyed: Sooner or later, I will deal with you in public so you won't always act this way!

Mu Wanyao was indignant, and in normal times she would have already sunken her face and scolded him for being pretentious. But perhaps because she hadn't seen him in days and she liked him so much in her heart, she couldn't bear to scold him.

Mu Wanyao’s eyes rolled, and she suddenly asked with a smile: "Did you hear the zither music I played earlier?"

Yan Shang nodded.

A look of yearning appeared in his eyes as he said softly: "I only knew that Your Highness played the konghou well; I didn't expect you to play the zither so well too."

Mu Wanyao hummed a laugh: "It’s not just the zither; I sing little tunes beautifully, too."

Yan Shang’s eyelashes trembled, and he looked toward her, his eyes clear like water.

Mu Wanyao asked: "Do you know how to play the zither?"

Yan Shang shook his head, whispering: "I find it difficult enough to just study books; how could I have the energy to learn the zither and cultivate my sentiments?"

Mu Wanyao beamed, reaching out to grab his wrist. "Shall I teach you, then?"

Yan Shang smiled, speaking gently: "That would be wonderful."

Mu Wanyao said: "Come find me tonight."

Yan Shang, not accustomed to her sudden change of topic, was stunned: "Huh?"

Mu Wanyao enticed him with her beautiful eyes: "To teach you how to play the zither."

Yan Shang: "…Teaching me the zither doesn't have to be tonight, does it? I already have an appointment with someone tonight…"

Mu Wanyao was impatient: "Cancel it!"

Yan Shang said in a soft, reasonable tone: "Your Highness, that wouldn't be right. I have already made an appointment…"

She suddenly glared at him: "I made the appointment with you first! Any other appointments must come after mine! Everyone else must step aside."

Yan Shang was confused: "When did I make an appointment with Your Highness?"

Mu Wanyao rolled her eyes at him: "I made a promise to you that day that I would give you a big gift after the military exercise ended—did you forget? You must come find me tonight; I’m giving you that big gift."

Yan Shang was slightly startled: "…"

A moment of silence followed.

The atmosphere became strange.

Mu Wanyao thought that since he was so innocent, he must not have understood. She took an uneasy step closer, shook the wrist she was holding, and emphasized again: "You must come find me tonight! I won't wait if you’re late!"

After a long while, Yan Shang raised his eyes and looked at her softly.

Caught in the middle of her impatience, Mu Wanyao felt her heart calm as she met his gaze. In an instant, she realized Yan Shang had understood.

Ah… right. He was very smart.

The agitated atmosphere faded, becoming a bit more soft and alluring. Mu Wanyao wasn't angry anymore, smiling as she poked his arm: "What is it?"

Yan Shang was a bit embarrassed, a bit stiff, and very shy. Sometimes he really hated himself for being too sensitive, instantly understanding what Mu Wanyao meant. So the big gift she spoke of was this… Yan Shang said slowly: "…Does it have to be tonight?"

Mu Wanyao glanced at him: "Why? Does Second Young Master Yan have some objections?"

Yan Shang: "…I am not prepared…"

Mu Wanyao found this unfathomable: "What is there to prepare for? Are you really going to bathe and burn incense? Or do you need to study up on it? No need to study; I’m here."

Yan Shang: "…"

He said nothing for a long time. Mu Wanyao forcefully decided the time and place herself. When Xia Rong, who was guarding outside, called out that someone was coming, Mu Wanyao immediately let go of Yan Shang and ran. After running a few steps, Mu Wanyao turned back to see Yan Shang still standing in the same spot, looking at her with a gentle, warm gaze—

Yan Shang, Wei Shu, and Yang Si went together to attend the evening banquet. The eunuchs naturally seated those involved in the military exercise together.

Interestingly, Zhao Ling followed them, jumping and bouncing excitedly behind them: "I just heard someone say that His Majesty wrote a record for us! The talents at the Hanlin Academy wrote a 'Record of the Heroes of Chang'an' specifically for these recent events! I heard they’ve rushed to set it to music and perform it; soon this poem will spread across the north and south of the river, right?"

Yang Si was impatient: "What does that have to do with you? Why are you so excited?"

Zhao Ling fantasized: "I haven't seen the 'Record of Heroes' yet, but I heard about the dispute between the Princess of Danyang and the Hanlin Academy. I think… maybe I’ll be written into the poem, too."

Yang Si sneered: "Keep dreaming."

Zhao Ling was furious: "You bastard!"

She ignored Yang Si and chased after Yan Shang: "Second Brother Yan? Second Brother Yan, why are you daydreaming? What do you think?"

Yan Shang came back to his senses, his expression shrinking slightly. Wei Shu, standing to the side, immediately saw that Yan Shang had been lost in thought, so he lowered his voice to help him out: "That young lady is talking about the 'Record of the Heroes of Chang'an'."

Zhao Ling looked at Wei Shu, incredulous: "We’ve known each other for a while, and you call me 'that young lady'?"

Wei Shu was puzzled and pursed his lips.

Yan Shang smiled to smooth things over: "Juyuan, this is the Fifth Lady of the Zhao family, Third Young Master Yang’s cousin. Her given name is Zhao Ling."

Zhao Ling clutched her heart, feeling a bit hurt: …She had protected the little young master Wei for several days, and he hadn't even remembered her name?

Could it be that the friends Yan Second Brother associated with were all as heartless as he was?

Just as she was feeling so resentful, a soft, clear female voice came from beside them, explaining for the group: "What Lady Zhao said about the 'Record of the Heroes of Chang'an' is true. All of you have been written into it. The Hanlin Academy has already gone to compose the music. I have a draft here; would the young masters and lady like to see it?"

Yan Shang turned back and saw Liu Ruozhu leading a maid, smiling at them.

After Yan Shang and Liu Ruozhu exchanged greetings, they introduced everyone. Zhao Ling was very interested in the poem Liu Ruozhu mentioned, but Yang Si was indifferent: "It’s just a flattering poem; what literary value could it possibly have? There’s no need to recite it for me."

Liu Ruozhu frowned. Since Yang Si was so dismissive, she became even more persistent: "Young Master hasn't even heard it, yet you’ve decided it’s not written well? Wouldn't that be regarding the hard work of the Hanlin Academy as useless? Young masters and lady, wait a moment; I will go find the people from the Hanlin Academy to explain it to you."

A young man’s curious voice chimed in from the side: "May I listen?"

They turned to look and saw the Wuman King, Meng Zaishi, who had been standing beside them listening to them talk at some point.

Liu Ruozhu smiled at Meng Zaishi and said softly: "The King is also mentioned in the poem, so naturally, the King may listen."——

Half an hour later, several young men and women who had met during the military exercise were seated at an open-air banquet, each behind their own desk. A circle of empty space was cleared in the middle, where a campfire burned.

Liu Ruozhu was busy, having specifically brought along a young scholar from the Hanlin Academy.

Before Liu Ruozhu could make the introductions, Yan Shang greeted him first: "Yanzhi, why are you here?"

The Hanlin scholar, Lin Daoben, appeared cold and indifferent. He had been dragged over by Liu Ruozhu somewhat reluctantly and had no interest in this group of military exercise participants. After all, scholars and warriors had looked down upon each other since ancient times. However, upon seeing Yan Shang at the table, Lin Dao revealed a smile and hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting: "Suchen is here too?"

Liu Ruozhu was surprised: "Second Brother Yan, you know each other?"

Yan Shang smiled: "I got to know Brother Lin when I went to the Hanlin Academy to borrow some materials."

Liu Ruozhu nodded as if she understood, while Wei Shu glanced over. Seeing Yan Shang and the other man exchanging courtesies and introducing him to the others, Wei Shu watched for a long time and decided that his own relationship with Second Brother Yan was still better. He turned his face away again, continuing to sit quietly.

Zhao Ling was incredibly restless on the side, depressed as she looked at Wei Shu on her left and Yang Si on her right. After thinking about it, Zhao Ling still leaned over to chat with Yang Si.

Not only had Liu Ruozhu invited a Hanlin scholar, but she had also brought along musicians and singers from the palace. They sat to the side, holding their instruments, ready to perform.

Everyone was surprised.

Lin Dao from the Hanlin Academy glanced at Liu Ruozhu, and out of respect for Yan Shang, smiled faintly as he explained to them: "Lady Liu said you wanted to hear the 'Record of the Heroes of Chang'an,' and it just so happens we have just finished the composition. Since it’s the first time it’s being performed, listen and see if you have any feedback."

Liu Ruozhu added softly: "Young Master Lin’s literary talent is superb, so the composition must be excellent as well."

Lin Dao smiled modestly, stood with his hands behind his back, and gestured for the musicians to start.

The melodious music began, with the stringed instruments playing first. The young men were listening just to be polite, not really caring, but then the drums joined in, followed by the chimes, and the piece suddenly took on a resolute, clanging tone. Someone like Yang Si immediately paused his hand holding the wine cup and turned his head to look at the musicians.

Before the singers next to the musicians could start, Lin Dao recited the Emperor’s inscription in a cold voice:

"The spring of the 23rd year of Youhe. The weather is favorable, a hundred envoys come to pay tribute, celebrating the Emperor’s longevity.

Writing flows without pause, the pen never tires of history, singing and chanting… merit spanning a thousand years. I specially leave behind these three records: The Record of Daughters, The Record of Youths, and The Record of Heroes. May our Great Wei rise to the pinnacle, its grace extending for ten thousand generations!"

Yan Shang’s gaze was calm as he said softly: "Truly surging; the spirit of heroes comes rushing toward us."

Afterward, the singers began to sing.

Yang Si rested his fingers on the table, listening with his head bowed, his profile looking exceptionally cold. The singer’s voice wasn't as soft and gentle as usual, but rather exceptionally clear, rising higher and higher with the notes. As the music became more urgent, the singing more passionate… all the men and women stopped their conversation to listen.

When the first movement of the music slowed down, Yang Si said lightly: "A poem with such spirit."

As soon as he finished speaking, he stood up instantly, drew the long sword at his waist that shone like white rainbows, and leaped into the center of the cleared space.

As the second movement of the "Record of the Heroes of Chang'an" began, Yang Si started to dance with his sword, following the rhythm of the music.

The young man’s swordsmanship was sharp, moving forward with irresistible force, and accompanied by the singer’s voice, how dashing he looked!

Meng Zaishi let out a shout: "Good!"

He laughed aloud: "The composition is a good one, and the banquet is a good one! This King shall come to add to the excitement for you all—"

Meng Zaishi leaped out, drawing the sword from his waist. With a cold gleam like snow, he struck toward Yang Si. Yang Si turned to parry, and Meng Zaishi attacked again! The two fought while dancing, battling while singing, wild and uninhibited… People cheered continuously: "What a sword dance! Rarely seen!"——

Mu Wanyao was having the banquet with the Emperor when she heard the lively noise downstairs. Unable to help herself, she sent someone to ask, and once she found out what they were cheering for, she couldn't sit still anymore.

She grabbed a jar of wine from the Emperor’s banquet and found an excuse to go down and drink with those young men.

The Emperor didn't stop her, letting her slip away. The grand eunuch saw the Emperor’s gloomy expression and hurriedly arranged for Liu Wenji to follow her, hoping to find out what those youths were laughing and making noise about. How had they managed to lure the Princess away from so far off?——

Yang Si and Meng Zaishi’s sword dance was unrestrained, their momentum like a rainbow.

More and more people surrounded the table.

Yan Shang sat quietly, watching them dance with a very faint smile, when he suddenly heard a gentle, lazy female voice behind him: "What are you all doing? So lively?"

Yang Si and Meng Zaishi both stopped and looked at her.

Seeing the young lady swaying like a willow as she approached, she appeared both dignified and majestic, yet also charming and bewitching.

The singers’ music continued, and Mu Wanyao listened for a moment, looking thoughtful as she smiled: "Are you listening to the 'Record of the Heroes of Chang'an'? Then you should also listen to the 'Record of Daughters' and the 'Record of Youths'."

The Hanlin scholar, Lin Dao, said from the side: "It hasn't been set to music yet."

Mu Wanyao raised her brows: "What’s hard about that? I’ll compose it for you now. Bring me paper and brush."

Everyone was pleasantly surprised.

Even Lin Dao was overjoyed: "I heard in the past that the Princess of Danyang was gifted in talent, refined in music, and peerless in beauty, but I never had the honor of witnessing it. Do I have such an honor today?"

Mu Wanyao smiled and sat down. She specifically sat beside Yan Shang, handed him the jar of wine, and added an extra word: "Don't you dare drink secretly."

Yan Shang shook his head, smiling.

After the brush and ink were delivered, he knelt beside her and personally ground the ink for her. Mu Wanyao glanced at him and, seeing all the youths and young ladies waiting expectantly, she just pursed her lips, lowered her head, and began to write the music—

The orchestral music played again, and "Record of the Daughters of Chang'an" and "Record of the Youths of Chang'an" were performed that night.

The singers and musicians tried to sing and play along, Yang Si danced with his sword in the field, and Meng Zaishi joined him.

Wei Shu sat quietly on the side.

Zhao Ling and Liu Ruozhu sat together at some point, whispering to each other. An empty seat was added to the table, and Lin Dao sat nearby, keeping an eye on the two women to make sure they didn't get drunk.

Mu Wanyao leaned against Yan Shang. Amidst the laughter and joy, she quietly extended her sleeve, her hand inside the sleeve gripping his.

He looked straight ahead, as if he hadn't noticed at all.

Mu Wanyao chuckled, pretending to be unable to hold her wine, and gently leaned against his shoulder—

The singing and music of the cold night were touching, and the banquet was unmatched in splendor.

As the wine flowed and the young men and women laughed, the warm night breeze melted into the air—

Standing in a corner where darkness and lantern light met, Liu Wenji stared blankly at the unrestrained young men and women.

He saw their romantic charm, their lack of restraint.

He saw a bright future and a glorious scroll of a prosperous age being unfurled by the hands of these young men and women.

They had a beautiful future to look forward to, while he had only endless darkness to swallow him.

Liu Wenji suppressed the surging jealousy, despair, hatred, and envy in his heart, turned around, and carried his lantern to go back and report.——

The banquet remained lively until late into the night before they finally stopped. They were all noble men and women, and they all had places to live in Fanchuan. That is, all except Yan Shang… who had just been granted a residence by the Emperor.

However, Yan Shang didn't need to return to the new residence granted by the Emperor. After saying goodbye to everyone in Fanchuan, Yan Shang went to the Princess’s private residence to keep his appointment with Mu Wanyao.

He was led into the bedchamber by the maids, where he saw Mu Wanyao wearing only a thin undergarment, her long hair draped to the floor, without a trace of powder or rouge, looking at him with a beaming smile.

She was sitting by the bed, combing her beautiful hair, and the fragrance of the bath filled the air.

Yan Shang was stunned for a moment, as he had never seen Mu Wanyao looking so undefended. Mu Wanyao got up and pushed him: "Go bathe; hot water has already been prepared for you."

Yan Shang hesitated. Before he could voice his opinion, Mu Wanyao shooed him away, not listening to a word he had to say.

When Yan Shang returned, he stood before the bedchamber door, almost unable to step in. He felt that something was not quite right.

He blushed, thinking that last time he was completely ignorant and had been lured onto the bed by Mu Wanyao, and although nothing had happened afterward, at least he had been lured away. But today was different from the past; if he had been confused last time, this time he knew a great deal.

He kept suspecting that this wasn't right… Shouldn't they get married first?

With one foot in the door, he hesitated. Just as he couldn't take that step, Yan Shang heard the sound of a zither coming from inside the room. He froze, listened to the zither music for a long while, and, attracted by the melody, pushed the door open to enter.

He saw the curtains flying, and Mu Wanyao, wearing only a white undergarment with a blue silk ribbon dangling from her waist, her long hair falling down like a waterfall, was kneeling in front of a zither, head bowed, plucking the strings.

The moonlight from outside shone in, making the curtains fly even more chaotically.

Mu Wanyao looked up and saw Yan Shang standing at the door, staring at her unblinkingly. She smiled charmingly at him and beckoned for him to come over.

Yan Shang stiffened as he walked over, and was pushed by Mu Wanyao to sit in front of the zither. She took his hands, knelt behind him, her face against his shoulder, exhaling like orchids from behind as she taught him how to pluck the strings.

The zither music was intermittent, sometimes sharp, sometimes paused.

It was just like Yan Shang’s heart, which had been severely devastated and was caught between fire and water.

A fine layer of sweat broke out on his neck, whether because she was pressing against his back or because his zither playing was truly awful. The music was too unbearable to hear; Yan Shang moved his hands away and stopped plucking.

Mu Wanyao didn't care, laughing as she bit his ear, her voice husky: "Have you learned it?"

Yan Shang shook his head.

Mu Wanyao laughed and pulled him up, taking him into the inner chamber and taking down the konghou leaning against the wall. She pulled him to sit down, placed his hands on the strings, and lowered her head to teach him.

Mu Wanyao: "Have you learned it?"

Yan Shang was stiff as he knelt, whispering: "How could anyone learn it the moment they’re taught?"

Mu Wanyao bowed her head and laughed, reaching over his hands. Her slender, jade-like fingers plucked the konghou strings at will, and the music became exceptionally beautiful.

Mu Wanyao: "I learned it the moment I was taught. But it doesn't matter; with me teaching you, you’ll surely learn something. Are you willing to learn from me?"

Yan Shang lowered his brows and smiled: "Naturally."

He tentatively plucked a string lightly, and this time the sound wasn't as sharp or unbearable as before. The expression between Yan Shang’s brows relaxed, and he turned his face to look at her. His dark, gentle eyes looked at her, as if asking for her opinion.

What opinion could there be?

Mu Wanyao leaned over and kissed him.

Yan Shang let out a low "Mm," and opened his mouth. He was still holding the konghou and was afraid of dropping her instrument, so he just leaned his upper body backward, controlling his strength, the kiss shallow. Mu Wanyao, however, didn't care whether the konghou fell or not. She pushed him, hugging him and entangling with him in a lingering embrace—

"Thump!"

The konghou was dropped on the floor, the sound exceptionally clear in the silent night.

Mu Wanyao held Yan Shang’s chin, pressing down as she was about to push him over. He braced himself and refused to be pressed down, but when he turned his face, the area beneath his eyes was also flushed red, his lips moistened, his breath unsteady: "No, don't… don't do it here."

Mu Wanyao tilted her head back, spreading her arms as she acted coquettishly: "Hold me."——

Flowers and grasses flew across the canopy, shaken down layer by layer.

The bedclothes were in a mess.

Yan Shang bowed his head to kiss Mu Wanyao, also feeling quite urgent. Mu Wanyao pulled him down, and even while struggling for breath, she didn't forget: "I, I want to be on top!"

Yan Shang’s mind was a chaotic mess. His breathing was already extremely labored, and upon hearing this, he felt a bit tormented, yet he still resignedly let her push him down. Covering his eyes with the back of his hand, he tensed his chin, his temples covered in dense sweat. The demon-like girl above him came to pull his hands again, not caring at all if he could handle it.

She was extremely overbearing: "You aren't allowed to close your eyes, you aren't allowed to cover them, look at me!"

With his hands caught by her, Yan Shang took a swift glance, and said with difficulty: "Maybe… maybe we should stop…"

Mu Wanyao glared at him: "We can't stop… I’ve wanted to do this for a long time, it’s all your fault… you aren't allowed to retreat in the face of battle!"

Seeing him so nervous, sweating so much, his eyelashes constantly fluttering, clearly struggling as he clenched his fists, Mu Wanyao paused, her heart softening. She lowered her face and kissed his lips lightly.

She cradled his face, kissing him over and over, finally making him raise his eyes to look at her, frowning as he endured.

Mu Wanyao said softly: "Don't panic, I am loving you."

Yan Shang looked at her without speaking. After a long while, he suddenly hugged her shoulders, pulled her down, and couldn't help but bite her face lightly. Mu Wanyao let out an "Ah," like a little cat.

He hugged her tightly, breathed a dull sigh, and his whole body shuddered, his lower back aching—

His hot sweat soaked his neck, and it ended hurriedly in an instant.

Mu Wanyao was dumbfounded.

Silence reigned all around.

She looked down at him, seeing him close his eyes, breathing still chaotic, the corners of his eyes stained with a peach-red tint. He held her as they slept in the pitch-black darkness, a mist of water on his closed eyelashes. The intense desire had caused him to collapse, leaving him feeling as if he had lost all strength afterward.

Mu Wanyao laughed, pushed aside his wet black hair, kissed his brows and eyes, kissed his face, and waited patiently for him to recover—

After a good while, Yan Shang opened his eyes and looked at Mu Wanyao, who was secretly kissing his chin in his arms.

Mu Wanyao coughed.

She deliberately acted solemn: "Second Brother Yan, I want to tell you something."

Yan Shang whispered: "Yes?"

Mu Wanyao: "Don't you think you ended it very quickly?"

Yan Shang didn't react. Perhaps he didn't even understand what she was saying: "What?"

Mu Wanyao traced circles on his chest with her finger, her voice coquettish yet malicious: "Of course, I don't dislike you. It’s just, just that I’ll give you a guess… are you perhaps incapable?"

Yan Shang was stunned.

Then he stiffened: "Nonsense!"

Mu Wanyao acted as if it were a serious matter, widening her eyes: "I’m telling the truth. Many men are like this; it’s called 'kidney deficiency,' do you know? You haven't been like this with anyone else, so naturally, you don't understand. But if you have kidney deficiency, you need to see a doctor early; if it doesn't get better, it’s a lifelong ailment.

"Fortunately, I am a princess, and the imperial palace has many secret remedies. I can secretly get some medicine to nourish you."

Yan Shang lightly chided: "Talking nonsense again."

Mu Wanyao giggled.

He hugged her in his arms for a long time. Mu Wanyao loved him so much she couldn't help it, constantly raising her head to kiss his chin. Mu Wanyao had already forgotten what she had said before, and as she was drifting off to sleep, she heard Yan Shang whisper: "…Do I really need to take medicine?"

Mu Wanyao’s sleepiness vanished instantly.

She stared wide-eyed at Yan Shang.

Then she burst into loud laughter.

She rolled out of his arms, kicking her legs in the air, holding her stomach and trembling as she went "Ouch, ouch," laughing until she was about to faint—she had never seen such an easy-to-trick young master!

Yan Shang immediately knew he had been tricked again and angrily came to pinch her face: "Mu Wanyao! Isn't there a single word of truth that comes out of your mouth?"