Tigers Sniff the Rose - Chapter 97

Chapter 97

Sharing the same carriage, Mu Wanyao and Yan Shang were not the only occupants. With an additional official squeezed in, the space inside suddenly felt cramped.

Furthermore, this official was so thrilled to be riding in Princess Danyang’s carriage for the first time that he chattered incessantly, showing every intention of keeping up the conversation with Mu Wanyao for the entire journey—

"Your Highness’s presence is truly magnificent today, showcasing the prestige of our great nation."

"Why did Your Highness invite this humble official to share the carriage? Does Your Highness know me? The last time I saw Your Highness was three years ago, when Your Highness had just returned to Chang’an..."

Mu Wanyao fanned herself impatiently with her silk round fan. With a cold, stern expression, she tried to use her demeanor to make the official shut up. Could he not just sit quietly? Where did all this talk come from?

The official, however, was oblivious to social cues and continued to talk to the princess with unrelenting curiosity.

In contrast, Yan Shang appeared exceptionally quiet.

Mu Wanyao glanced at Yan Shang and saw him sitting opposite her with his head bowed. Hearing the official pestering her, a very faint smile appeared on the corner of Yan Shang's lips. Mu Wanyao glared at him, and as if he sensed her gaze, he raised his eyes. Before the official could start his next topic of conversation, Yan Shang interjected: "We are almost at the Prince of Qin’s mansion."

Mu Wanyao immediately seized the opportunity: "Is the central government going to punish the Prince of Qin? He dragged his feet for two months before releasing my people; he deserves to be dealt with properly!"

The official was quick-tongued and patted his chest, assuring Mu Wanyao: "Your Highness, rest assured. The two of us are here with an imperial decree to question the Prince of Qin. At the very least, he should be closed off at home to reflect on his mistakes for the near future."

Mu Wanyao: "He manages the three ministries. If he rests, problems might arise in the duties of those departments. I think the central government could take this opportunity to look into things. If needed, I have several officials I could recommend to fill the gaps..."

The young official understood the princess's intention to plant her own people and smiled: "Such a small matter—since Your Highness has people to recommend, the Secretariat will surely consider them."

Mu Wanyao was immediately delighted.

What was the use of Yan Shang staying in the Secretariat, anyway? He ignored personal connections and wouldn't help with even the smallest favors. He had been there for half a year, and Mu Wanyao had gained nothing from it, at most learning about court movements a little earlier than others.

Yet this young official, just back in the capital, had agreed to a small favor for Mu Wanyao without a second thought.

Mu Wanyao smiled. She stopped fanning herself and leaned toward the official: "May I ask how you are addressed, Young Master?"

The princess's beauty was breathtaking, her eyes like ripples on a lake. The young official felt embarrassed and said: "My surname is Jiang, Your Highness."

Mu Wanyao’s eyes lit up: "Are you from the Jiang clan, a prominent family in Qinghe Prefecture?"

The young official: "Indeed."

Mu Wanyao smiled sweetly: "I know. A cousin of mine married into your family. I haven't seen her in many years; is she doing well in Qinghe?"

With that, the two finally found a topic. The princess's blatant opportunism left Yan Shang, sitting on the side, speechless. He tried to give a warning cough, but Mu Wanyao glared at him, signaling him not to interrupt her important business.

Initially, Yan Shang felt their conversation was acceptable, but as the topic deepened, they began discussing the future arrangements of the entire court... Seeing the two of them so imprudent, Yan Shang had no choice but to act as the third wheel who had disrupted their budding friendship—

He warned: "Young Master Jiang, one must not recklessly divulge the arrangements of the Secretariat."

The young official started, then realized he had been led on by Mu Wanyao and had spoken too much. Mu Wanyao glared fiercely at Yan Shang, clearly feeling he was being a busybody.

With this lingering, they finally arrived at the Prince of Qin’s mansion. The two officials stepped out, the young official first, followed by Yan Shang. Before getting out, Yan Shang looked back at Mu Wanyao. He hesitated, and seeing her face cold and sullen, he gently tugged at her sleeve.

Yan Shang whispered: "Your Highness, I am doing this for your own good..."

Mu Wanyao glanced over with an arrogant expression and a faint smile: "Yan Shang, just you wait."

Yan Shang sighed, thinking this was the end of it.

However, Mu Wanyao suddenly leaned in and bit his ear, very quickly. His face exploded into red; he was instantly shocked and stiff, looking back sharply for fear that the young official outside might see.

Mu Wanyao traced his ear again with her teeth, adding in a voice as cloying as honey: "You wait for me in bed."

Yan Shang: "..."

She pushed him away, causing him to stagger backward and fall clumsily out of the carriage. He looked back into the carriage, where she was covering her face with her round fan, revealing only eyes like autumn water, hooked and glistening. His throat bobbed, shocked by the sudden surge of desire, and he quickly averted his gaze, not daring to look longer.

The princess’s carriage moved off leisurely. Yan Shang gathered his composure, feeling he hadn't made a fool of himself, before greeting the young official.

Yet he saw the young official staring at the dust raised by the princess’s carriage, looking lost: "Second Master Yan, do you think Her Highness is interested in me? Why else would she invite me to share the carriage and chat so kindly? We talked so happily—could the Princess have the intention of making me her paramour?"

He fell into a dilemma: "Should I accept or not?"

Yan Shang: "..."

He said: "How could you possibly accept?"

The young official glanced at him: "Are you perhaps jealous that the Princess and I hit it off so well?"

Yan Shang: "...Young Master, say less. I fear you will regret it once you learn the truth later."

—

When Mu Wanyao arrived at the Prince of Jin’s mansion, a trace of a smile still lingered in her eyes. She wore gauze ribbons around her arms, her rose-red dress trailing behind her, its excess length carefully lifted by a maid. Her waist sash fluttered, highlighting her slender, graceful figure.

From afar, she looked like a blossoming tree, clusters of scorching brilliance.

As Princess Danyang walked, her gait was undulating—both lazy and dignified—making the concubines of the Prince of Jin’s mansion envy the effortless charm she had cultivated. If any man saw her, he would surely be entranced, willing to give his life to her.

Mu Wanyao had come to visit Chunhua.

Chunhua had just given birth to the Prince of Jin’s first son. The Prince was overjoyed and had gone into the palace before dawn to ask the Emperor to bestow a name. Mu Wanyao had learned of the birth from the Emperor and had come to visit.

Ever since Chunhua had entered the Prince of Jin’s mansion, this was only the second time Mu Wanyao had come to see her. Just as Mu Wanyao had said, she did not want to get too close to the Prince of Jin; coming here was already a concession for the sake of Chunhua.

Chunhua had been confined to her room for the traditional month of recovery, constantly worrying about the Princess outside. She had heard from the Princess Consort of Jin that the Princess was representing the Crown Prince to see the King of Wuman off. Hearing this, Chunhua was happy for the Princess’s status but worried that seeing the King of Wuman would put her in a terrible mood, causing her to hide away in sadness.

However, as Mu Wanyao sat by Chunhua’s bedside, Chunhua saw the Princess smiling, without a hint of gloom.

Mu Wanyao urged: "Hurry, let me see your son."

Chunhua quickly had a maid bring the swaddled infant for Mu Wanyao to see. Mu Wanyao leaned in to look, saying: "Clear-eyed and handsome; he’s actually quite good-looking. But I heard that newborns are usually all ugly and wrinkled?"

Chunhua smiled gently: "When they are first born, they haven't grown into their features, so perhaps they are a bit ugly. But as their features develop, they look better and better. Your Highness, look, Yue’er is smiling at you."

Mu Wanyao arched a brow: "His Majesty bestowed the name 'Mu Yue'? The character 'Yue'... it's alright, I suppose."

She thought the name was a bit grand, but considering he was the Prince of Jin’s first son, she felt it didn't matter.

Mu Wanyao studied Chunhua. She saw the warm sun shining in from outside, the young woman holding her child, lowering her head to hum a soft song to coax him. Compared to the past, Chunhua was fuller, and she carried the gentle, loving aura that only a mother possesses.

Seeing Chunhua like this, it seemed the Prince of Jin treated her well. This set Mu Wanyao’s mind at ease.

Fortunately, her status was high enough that the tragedies she had once endured would not happen to Chunhua. If only for Chunhua’s sake, she should strive to climb higher and higher. Only when she was powerful enough would no one dare to touch those around her.

Chunhua smiled and said to the Princess: "Your Highness, why not hold Yue’er?"

Mu Wanyao looked disgusted, tucking her hands behind her back and moving far away: "I don't like children. I won't hold him."

Chunhua knew the Princess’s inner trauma, so she only suggested it gently, hoping the Princess might open her heart.

Perhaps it was because of her close relationship with Chunhua, or perhaps the cozy atmosphere of the room made Mu Wanyao feel safe, but she gradually moved closer, and under Chunhua’s guidance, awkwardly and stiffly held the baby.

The baby in her arms blinked his clear, black-grape eyes and smiled at Mu Wanyao.

Mu Wanyao’s heart softened into a puddle in an instant, but she felt a subtle, rigid tension.

She turned her head and huffed: "My arms are sore. I don't want to hold him anymore."

Chunhua had been observing Mu Wanyao’s expression; the moment she stiffened, Chunhua hurriedly took the child, fearing she might upset the Princess. Chunhua looked at her cautiously, expecting her to look dejected or cold, but Mu Wanyao simply sat back idly, fanning herself with a smile.

Clearly, that minor discomfort had not caused Mu Wanyao any significant distress.

Chunhua was puzzled, thinking: The Princess really seems to have become much better than before, and has let go of a lot of things.

What had caused such a change in the Princess?

Chunhua felt a flicker of realization and had the maids take the child away. With the servants gone and only the two of them left in the room, she asked in a low voice: "Is... everything well with you and Second Master Yan?"

The smile in Mu Wanyao’s eyes became impossible to hide.

It was a mix of a young woman’s self-satisfaction and a girl’s shy coyness.

Mu Wanyao said candidly: "It’s quite good."

She couldn't help but share the news again: "I slept with him!"

She frowned again: "It’s a pity it only happened once before he got too busy to be seen. I suspect he’s avoiding me, but he still comes to greet me every day—I don’t know if I’m overthinking it... But it doesn't matter, he lives next door anyway, he can't hide for long."

Unlike the rule-abiding Princess Yuyang, Chunhua satisfied Mu Wanyao’s desire to confide in someone.

Chunhua covered her mouth in surprise: "Really? I thought you and the Second Master had long ago, long ago..."

Mu Wanyao said regretfully: "He is becoming harder and harder to fool. At the beginning, he believed whatever I said; now, if I don't use some methods, he is truly hard to deceive. Being with such a clever person puts so much pressure on me."

Chunhua smiled: "It doesn't matter. He likes you. For a person like him, whoever he likes should be able to trust his character."

Mu Wanyao bit her lip, smiling.

She sat on the couch, dangling her legs—not very lady-like for a princess, but looking very much like a little girl.

Mu Wanyao’s expression softened: "I think so too. If he made me lose faith, I would truly have to give up on this world. However..."

She tilted her head to look at Chunhua, curious and shy: "Do you think he really likes me?"

Chunhua replied: "He clearly likes you. We can all see it."

Mu Wanyao hesitated: "But he is kind to everyone. I’ve noticed that both men and women seem to like him..."

Chunhua: "But he is the only one who follows behind Your Highness, constantly asking, 'Where did I go wrong again?'"

Mu Wanyao watched as Chunhua imitated Yan Shang’s voice. She was stunned, then couldn't help but laugh, reaching out to pinch Chunhua’s cheek: "Oh, you’ve become naughty! You’ve even learned to joke..."

Mu Wanyao felt that Yan Shang treated her differently; she just needed confirmation from others to see if she was just blinded by love. Chunhua knew of her hesitation and mistrust of men, and that this was the Princess’s first time truly liking a man, which naturally brought many doubts and precautions.

Therefore, Chunhua encouraged Mu Wanyao very firmly.

Chunhua hoped the Princess would have a good life. The Princess had been so unfortunate in the first half of her life; the second half should be happy enough to make fate fair.

Mu Wanyao talked with Chunhua for a long time, finally asking: "I want to suggest to His Majesty that we promote Yan Shang. If Yan Shang finds out, do you think he will feel insulted?"

Chunhua: "I don't think he is the type to project malice onto others. But if you aren't confident, you can ask him yourself. I think that between men and women, some things should be clarified; no regrets should be left behind."

Her expression clouded with a touch of sorrow.

Mu Wanyao’s eyes paused as she met Chunhua’s gaze. Both women fell silent, knowing exactly who Chunhua’s sudden lament was for.

In the quiet, Chunhua’s voice trembled: "Your Highness, does he, does he still..."

Mu Wanyao said faintly: "Do not ask about people who have nothing to do with you. If you honestly remain a concubine of the Prince of Jin, it is better for everyone."

Chunhua gave a forced smile and nodded.

Mu Wanyao looked at her from the side and said softly: "After your recovery period, you must still follow the Princess Consort, do you understand? To be a concubine and yet bear the firstborn son—you cannot survive without protection."

Chunhua said: "I know. I was thinking... if after another year the Princess Consort still cannot bear a child, I will beg for the favor to let her raise Yue’er, to have Yue’er listed under her name. That way, it is best for everyone."

Mu Wanyao was silent for a moment, then asked: "Does the Fifth Brother treat you well?"

Chunhua: "He is fine."

Mu Wanyao nodded. As they were speaking, someone announced from outside that the Prince of Jin had returned and was asking for the Princess.

Mu Wanyao said with disgust: "I am not dining with him here; tell him not to worry about me, let him be busy with his own affairs."

The servant outside left to pass the message. Chunhua looked at the Princess, wondering: "The Prince of Jin is actually quite polite and observant of rules; why do you seem to have always disliked him?"

Mu Wanyao said: "Because I can tell he is always pretending."

Chunhua laughed: "And so what? If he feigns 'benevolence and righteousness,' then it is still 'benevolence and righteousness.' A feigned saint is a real saint."

Mu Wanyao: "Because he doesn't pretend well enough. He lets me see the traces. I don't like such disingenuous people. If the nature of such a person is exposed, something terrible will happen. And if he loses his true self for a lifetime to pretend like this, he is already a failure."

Mu Wanyao frowned: "He wants to give others the impression of a gentleman who does not contend. He has been like this for years... Actually, Yan Shang is the same. But Yan Shang’s daily actions give people a sense of sincerity. Yan Shang will speak heart-to-heart with others, will be considerate of everyone... Fifth Brother cannot do that; it looks awkward.

"The difference between them is that Yan Shang wants to be a true gentleman, while Fifth Brother only wants to use 'gentleman' as a tool... That is why I accept Yan Shang but dislike the Fifth Brother. You shouldn't put too much heart into him either, do you understand?"

Chunhua was confused, but she nodded, saying she would remember.

—

When Yan Shang returned from the Prince of Qin’s mansion, he heard a piece of news and went to the Secretariat.

At the Secretariat, he saw the gift left for Great Wei by the King of Wuman—a Wuman envoy named Luo Xiu.

This Luo Xiu was clearly a Great Wei native, yet he served as a Wuman envoy. Yan Shang had met this man before, but he never expected Meng Zaishi to leave him to Great Wei.

The people at the Secretariat couldn't figure out who this person was. After Yan Shang arrived, they dumped this troublesome figure on him—after all, since Yan Shang dealt with the King of Wuman the most, let Yan Shang guess the King’s true intentions.

After Yan Shang talked to Luo Xiu, he told the other officials that Luo Xiu was actually an envoy sent by the King of Nanman, not the King of Wuman.

The officials were surprised: "You deduced that?"

Yan Shang replied gently: "Yes."

The officials nodded. Having spent months together, they had grown to trust Yan Shang’s eloquence, and they did not doubt him, instead pondering the meaning behind the King of Nanman's move.

After a long time, an official said: "In that case, this man is truly a grand gift. Nanman sending this person here clearly wants to alienate us from Wuman. We should keep this man in Chang’an as an official, give him some position, but absolutely not let him return to Nanman."

This was a matter for high officials to study; Yan Shang only needed to obey.

After the officials settled on a post for Luo Xiu, Yan Shang was arranged to comfort him, threatening Luo Xiu to stay properly in Chang’an and stop thinking of returning to Nanman.

After Yan Shang handled the matter as usual, Luo Xiu was confused and yet trusted Yan Shang deeply. After all, Yan Shang held a low position, his tone was gentle, and he looked like a good person... Yan Shang easily deceived Luo Xiu into staying in Chang’an, assuring him that he would help him return to Nanman later.

Luo Xiu: "Master, you must help me! I am not one of your Great Wei people, I am not used to living here! If something happens to me, our King will be displeased."

Yan Shang laughed and agreed kindly—

After finishing these tasks, he returned to his mansion and had Han Shuxing come out.

Han Shuxing, whom Mu Wanyao had wanted to dress up as the King of Wuman, had stayed at Yan Shang’s place since the training exercises concluded.

Yan Shang was lost in thought in his study with his head bowed, while Han Shuxing stood straight before him.

Yan Shang raised his eyes to look at the sturdy figure standing in the shadows, deep in thought:

Luo Xiu had the appearance of a Great Wei person but had his heart set on Nanman; Han Shuxing had the high nose and deep eyes characteristic of Wuman, but he had no fondness for Wuman, nor did he have a sense of belonging to Nanman.

Comparing the two was rather interesting.

Han Shuxing silently let Yan Shang examine him, saying nothing. His many years as a slave had formed his numb and taciturn character. Whether the nobles wanted to beat or scold him, he was already used to it. On the contrary, Second Master Yan treated him with courtesy, which made him very uncomfortable.

He suspected Second Master Yan had a grand scheme.

Han Shuxing felt that the better anyone treated him, the more it was for a purpose that would require his life in return.

He thought indifferently: Whatever. Second Master Yan is good to me, so even if he wants me dead, it doesn't matter.

As Han Shuxing stood numbly, he heard Yan Shang speak gently, apologizing: "I originally promised you that after the training exercises ended and the King of Wuman left, your life would be safe, and I would return your slave status and let you leave Chang’an. But now, I have a matter I need your help with..."

Han Shuxing thought: As expected. These nobles never keep their word. Second Master Yan is the same.

Yan Shang placed a slave contract on the desk and pushed it forward, indicating Han Shuxing could take it. He said: "I want to entrust a task to you, and then you may leave Chang’an. Since there is no precedent, I will treat you as a wandering swordsman. I wonder, what is the price for a swordsman to do something that does not involve mortal danger?"

Han Shuxing was startled and abruptly looked up at the young master behind the desk.

Han Shuxing looked at the paper Yan Shang had pushed over and said hoarsely: "...What is this?"

Yan Shang: "Your slave status. Didn't I say I’d set you free?"

Han Shuxing was dazed for a while and said: "Second Master, you shouldn't return the slave status now. You should give it to me after I finish the task for you. Only then can you be sure I won't betray you."

Yan Shang smiled: "I am just hiring you for a job; there is no question of betrayal. I said you should be free; your life should not be controlled by me. As long as you do not harm Great Wei, you are free to do whatever you want."

Han Shuxing: "...Will you really let me leave Chang’an? Won't you send people to kill me halfway? I am Wuman; by birth, I am at odds with your Great Wei. Don't you all say 'thieves have wild ambitions,' and 'those who are not of my race must have different hearts'? How could you really let me go?"

Han Shuxing would never usually say this, because he fundamentally distrusted these nobles. But Second Master Yan... facing Second Master Yan, he wanted to ask.

Yan Shang said: "Even so, those without guilt should be released. You have been a slave for many years and don't know what you want to do, and have nothing you want to do—you are free to leave the capital and try. As for whether I will send people to kill you, I cannot guarantee it now, and you wouldn't believe me anyway. Why not try and see.

"Han Shuxing, in this world, it is not as if there is no righteous path."

Han Shuxing looked at Yan Shang for a long time and said slowly: "What do you want me to do for you?"

Yan Shang: "It is not helping me, but hiring you. Recently, there will be an official in Chang’an named Luo Xiu. He is an envoy sent by the King of Nanman. The King of Wuman left him behind, calling him a gift to Great Wei. I will tentatively believe in the King of Wuman’s spirit, believing he truly sent Great Wei a gift—under such a premise, this Luo Xiu must have done, or plans to do, something bad for Great Wei, for the King of Wuman to return the favor by leaving him as a gift.

"Luo Xiu must be out of place in the Great Wei official circles. If he is eager to return to Nanman, he will surely try to contact the Wuman people in Chang’an, perhaps to help pass information. I am hiring you: make Luo Xiu trust you, because you have the appearance of a Wuman person, making it very easy for him to trust you. Once you are by his side, talk to him... I want to know what Luo Xiu has done, or what he is preparing to do, in Great Wei."

Han Shuxing nodded. This was indeed very easy, without mortal danger.

He took the slave status Yan Shang had placed on the desk. He didn't actually know how to read; he planned to find someone to help him check if it was truly his slave contract.

After Han Shuxing left, Yan Shang rubbed his forehead and meditated for a while, laughing at himself: "Still utilizing the hearts of men."

Utilizing Han Shuxing’s psychology, making him devote himself to repaying him... He was not the truly pure and noble person Han Shuxing thought he was.

Yan Shang sat in the study, continuing to process other official documents.

Suddenly, thunder rumbled outside, and rain began to pour. Yan Shang turned his face to look at the rain outside the window, his eyebrows jumping slightly.

He had Yun Shu come in and asked if the Princess had returned to the Princess’s mansion next door.

The answer was: Not yet returned—

Mu Wanyao was trapped in the Prince of Jin’s mansion by the heavy rain.

She was forced to eat dinner there.

After dinner, the Prince of Jin wanted to talk to Mu Wanyao, but she hid in Chunhua’s room again. Mu Wanyao showing him such little face made the Prince of Jin’s expression uncomfortable on the spot, but he endured it.

In Chunhua’s room, Mu Wanyao was eating melon seeds and snacks with her. Chunhua worried: "Your Highness, are you not going back yet?"

Mu Wanyao: "I prefer not to."

Chunhua was puzzled, not knowing what the Princess had in mind. But she soon found out.

Because Fang Tong came in from outside and reported to the Princess: "Your Highness, it is cold. The Princess’s mansion sent someone to deliver a hand warmer. They also brought an umbrella, saying they are here to pick the Princess up."

Mu Wanyao’s lips curled up.

She threw away the melon seeds and looked at Chunhua with a smile: "Look, someone loves to worry and has sent a hand warmer."

Chunhua was gratified: "The maids at your mansion are finally attentive."

Mu Wanyao rose with a smile, gesturing for Chunhua to come with her to take a look. She pushed open the door and stepped out, taking the hand warmer from Fang Tong’s hand. Fang Tong held an umbrella, and Chunhua and the maids also held umbrellas, seeing the Princess out of the mansion.

Outside the mansion gate, under the dark, rainy night, the puddles on the ground were illuminated by the carriage lanterns as if it were bright daylight.

A person stood by the carriage holding an umbrella and turned his head. His features were elegant and handsome. Chunhua blurted out: "Second Master Yan!"

Mu Wanyao walked toward Yan Shang.

Yan Shang nodded slightly toward Chunhua, and after paying his respects, he helped the Princess onto the carriage. The rain wetted the corner of Yan Shang's sleeve as he turned his back to them, reaching out to support Mu Wanyao’s arm to help her board. Looking up, raindrops flew onto his eyelashes.

Chunhua watched quietly. The Princess needed someone this slick and thoughtful to take care of her. Mu Wanyao had actually guessed that Yan Shang would come for her... It was clear that the Second Master was truly integrating himself deeper into the Princess’s life.

As the carriage moved away, everyone returned to the mansion. A maid nearby did not understand and whispered to Chunhua: "Is Princess Danyang not unmarried? But that young master... why does he look like a Prince Consort?"

Chunhua scolded lowly: "Do not speak nonsense."

But in her heart, she thought, perhaps he truly would be the Prince Consort.