The following day, Murong Yan appointed Bi Dongting, the son of Bi Chengjing, as the Commander of the Imperial Guard, initiating a public crackdown on the officials involved in Qin Muyun’s case. As if the history of the former emperor’s ministers being purged was repeating itself, the city of Jinyang remained ablaze with torchlight even deep into the night. The Supervising Secretary, the Grand Granary Oversight, the Grand Servant—anyone with even the slightest connection to the scandal was thrown into prison.
At the Jiang Estate, Jiang Sanyi already knew a catastrophe had struck. He was in the middle of instructing a domestic servant to sneak into the palace to see the Queen when someone suddenly entered from outside. The man was clad in the armor of the Commander of the Imperial Guard. It took Jiang Sanyi a long moment to recognize him. "Bi Dongting!"
"Lord Jiang," Bi Dongting said, "I never imagined you would see such a day."
Jiang Sanyi’s heart sank. The King had actually sent the Imperial Guard to arrest him directly? Had something happened to Lan’er in the palace? That was impossible; even if something had happened, how could no one have come to the Jiang Estate to inform him? He demanded, "What is the meaning of this? You dare lead men to surround the Prime Minister’s residence!"
"The Prime Minister’s residence?" Bi Dongting countered. "It won't be that for much longer."
"Nonsense!" Jiang Sanyi barked. "Even setting aside my official rank, I am still the Father of the Nation. How dare you be so insolent?"
Only then did Bi Dongting produce an imperial edict. "Lord Jiang, receive the decree."
Jiang Sanyi stared at the scroll for a while, gritted his teeth, and hiked up his robes to kneel. Bi Dongting read the decree aloud, stating that the Ministry of Agriculture and the Directorate of Palace Buildings had embezzled military funds and surreptitiously delivered inferior equipment to the army. As the Left Prime Minister, Jiang Sanyi had occupied his post without performing his duties and had failed to discipline his subordinates, leading to the decay of the court’s integrity. Consequently, Jiang Sanyi was stripped of his position as Prime Minister and ordered to remain behind closed doors to reflect on his errors, with no violations permitted.
That night, Jinyang was a city of both celebration and sorrow.
At the Wen Estate, it was the Duke of Dingguo’s birthday, and Zuo Canglang had returned for the occasion. Wen Xingye had not sent out many invitations, yet many guests had arrived regardless. Qiu Shu, capable as ever, had organized the banquet with seamless order. Although Zuo Canglang held no official rank, she sat beside Wen Xingye.
By now, Murong Yan frequently stayed overnight at Nanqing Palace, making his relationship with Zuo Canglang clear to all. The assembled officials stole glances at Wen Xingye, but seeing him treat Zuo Canglang exactly as he always had, some felt a secret derision while others were merely confused.
Regardless of their private thoughts, the atmosphere remained harmonious on the surface. The guests presented their gifts—varied in form, but all clearly chosen with great care.
Wen Xingye drank two cups of wine, his face flushed with a healthy glow. Since Murong Yuan had fled Jinyang, Great Yan had weathered many storms; countless heroes and sages had seen their families ruined and their bodies shattered amidst the struggles of the court. Though the Wen Estate had also endured its share of tribulations, at least the sounds of music and dance still filled its halls.
He glanced at Zuo Canglang and said, "Shall we two have a drink together?"
Zuo Canglang readily agreed, pouring herself less than half a cup. Wen Xingye glared at her. "Didn't you say you respect your elders? Is this how you show it?!"
Zuo Canglang gave a bitter smile. "I am not what I used to be. If I drink to excess, I fear I might make a fool of myself."
Wen Xingye fell silent for a moment before asking, "It’s been a long time since you’ve drawn a bow, hasn't it?"
Zuo Canglang grew wary. "Don't even think about me passing the Nine Dragon Tongue to your grandson. That was bestowed upon me by His Majesty!"
The trace of melancholy in Wen Xingye’s heart turned to ash as he snapped, "To hell with you!"
As the two traded barbs, someone nearby whispered, "Who said Old Man Wen was obsessed with family reputation? He seems quite magnanimous, doesn't he?"
A friend beside him shook his head repeatedly, signaling him to be careful of what he said. After a moment’s thought, however, the friend couldn't resist gossiping himself. "Haven't you noticed the entire Wen Estate still relies on her?"
Another person nearby added softly, "In this day and age, what are integrity and dignity worth? Can you live off them?"
Having said this, the three of them nodded in profound agreement before returning to their loud, idle chatter.
Daxi Qin was also seated among the guests. Though he was a Marquis, Jinyang was a city teeming with high-ranking nobility. His seat was separated from Zuo Canglang’s by several people. The two did not speak, nor did they even exchange a single unnecessary glance.
After drinking half her cup, Zuo Canglang indeed felt the effects of the wine. She excused herself to Wen Xingye and left the table. Shortly after, Daxi Qin also stepped out.
Before long, Wen Xingye also left the banquet under the pretext of sobering up. However, with singing girls dancing for entertainment and the Old Lady of the Wen family keeping them company, the officials did not feel neglected.
In an inner room of the Wen Estate, Wen Xingye, Bi Dongting, Daxi Qin, and Zuo Canglang sat around a small round table. Bi Dongting said, "It looks like the Jiang family has truly fallen. That old rogue finally has his day; it is truly satisfying."
Daxi Qin added, "Although His Majesty allowed me to stay in the Ministry of Agriculture as the Prefect of the Granary, I observed his expression—he is not entirely at ease with me."
Wen Xingye said, "Though Lord Bi Chengjing is advanced in years, his spirit is still quite good. Now that the position of Left Prime Minister is vacant, I wonder if it might be possible..." He glanced at Zuo Canglang, his implication clear.
The others followed his gaze to her. Zuo Canglang said, "Though Jiang Sanyi has been dismissed, his son is still the Governor of Yuzhou. Furthermore, he was only ordered to reflect behind closed doors; his family property wasn't even confiscated. His wife still holds her noble title. And as for Jiang Bilan, she committed such a massive blunder—I was surprised he didn't kill her on the spot, yet he hasn't even deposed her as Queen. It is truly baffling."
Wen Xingye remarked, "He raised his army and took the throne in the name of deep affection. Perhaps he truly does harbor some old feelings for the Queen; it is understandable."
Zuo Canglang remained silent. Daxi Qin finally asked, "Are you still not satisfied with the current situation?"
Zuo Canglang looked at him and said, "I just find it strange." After a pause, she continued, "Now that Dongting is the Commander of the Imperial Guard, it is not impossible for the elder Lord Bi to become Prime Minister. However, given His Majesty’s character, if Lord Bi becomes Prime Minister, I fear he will create other positions to disperse and limit the Prime Minister’s power."
Bi Dongting stood up and cupped his hands. "General Zuo, after you left, my father often spoke of you with guilt. When you saved the Bi household back then, we always assumed you did it merely to win people's hearts. Looking back now, we truly measured the heart of a noble person with the mind of a petty one. I apologize on my father's behalf; please, General, be magnanimous and do not hold it against us."
He was about to kneel when Zuo Canglang quickly supported him. "The Prime Minister has always been a pillar of the state. Brother Dongting, there is no need for such formality."
In terms of age, Bi Dongting was much older than Zuo Canglang. But because Wen Xingye and Bi Chengjing were peers, it was reasonable for her to call him "brother."
Daxi Qin, standing to the side, finally said, "It is getting late. We should not stay gathered for too long, lest it provoke gossip."
Wen Xingye agreed. "Marquis Jinyu is right. Although the Jiang family is beginning to waver, a centipede dies but never falls prostrate. I fear we must all continue to work together with one heart."
Zuo Canglang said to Daxi Qin, "Now that you are in the Ministry of Agriculture, please look after the military pay and equipment for General Yuan Xi and the others."
Daxi Qin replied, "Naturally."
Zuo Canglang then turned to Wen Xingye. "Since it is inconvenient for me to move in and out of the palace, if you have time, write to Yuan Xi and the others for me. I want a ten percent cut of their military pay. From now on, each camp will receive ninety percent of their silver."
Wen Xingye didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "You really are plucking feathers from every passing goose."
Zuo Canglang said, "The weather is turning cold; one always needs a few feathers to keep warm and survive the harsh winter." Everyone fell silent. Zuo Canglang then looked at Daxi Qin. "Previously, you were wary of your status and never associated with court officials. Now that you are in the government, I imagine there will be many places where you need money. This ten percent of silver will be divided into three parts: three for me, five for you, and the remaining two for Dongting. The Bi family’s assets were confiscated last time; Dongting’s hands must be tight. The Vice Commander of the Imperial Guard, Lan Jinrong, has held his post for a long time; if Dongting has nothing to offer, I fear it will be hard for him to establish authority. The brothers in the camps don't have it easy; the remaining ninety percent—I want that to be the exact amount that reaches General Yuan’s hands."
Bi Dongting was stunned, and Daxi Qin remained silent. After a long while, the two of them bowed deeply and said solemnly, "We thank the General for her consideration."
Bi Dongting had never worked with Zuo Canglang before, but at this moment, he seemed to truly understand why this person was adored by ten thousand men in the army. Her mind was so meticulous; whether she was intentionally cultivating loyalty or acting out of sincere concern, it was deeply moving.
With their business concluded, they prepared to return to the banquet. Wen Xingye left first, followed by Bi Dongting. Daxi Qin and Zuo Canglang walked out of the room together.
The bright moon hung high in the sky. Daxi Qin said, "In my spare time these past few days, I came across an unofficial history that recorded some interesting anecdotes about you."
Zuo Canglang walked side-by-side with him. As they passed the lakeside, a cool breeze blew. She said, "Now that you hold an important post, you actually have spare time? It seems you aren't working hard enough."
Daxi Qin asked, "You had already flown far and wide. Why did you come back?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "I was always someone caught in the vortex of fame and fortune. I was merely playing hard to get; how could I easily leave?"
Daxi Qin grabbed her arm. "Can you still not treat me with sincerity?"
Zuo Canglang slowly pried his hand away. "I have always admired your character. Otherwise, I would not have entrusted Yixuan and Yirong to you."
Daxi Qin said, "Can we skip these pointless pleasantries?" Zuo Canglang remained silent. He continued, "I truly hope that one day, when you speak to me, it won't be with these official platitudes. I really want to know what you are like beneath this shell."
Zuo Canglang looked up. The moonlight of ten thousand miles seemed to melt in his eyes, shimmering with a golden light that was disorienting. She said, "I want to know, too."
Unfortunately, from the moment she met *him* all those years ago, she no longer knew what her original self looked like. This floating life had a thousand transformations, and each one carved a version of herself. Which one was the true "me"?
Both fell silent. Before long, voices drifted from outside. "She came to the banquet, yet she isn't at the table. How strange."
Both Zuo Canglang and Daxi Qin paled at the sound—Murong Yan? Why had he suddenly come to the Wen Estate?
Daxi Qin said, "I'll hide first!"
Zuo Canglang countered, "Right now, only you and I are absent from the feast. Even if you hide, do you think he won't be suspicious?"
Daxi Qin was anxious; he knew something of Murong Yan’s temperament. As Zuo Canglang was pondering, someone suddenly hurried over from behind and pulled her away from the lakeside. Zuo Canglang looked closely and saw it was Qiu Shu, letting out a sigh of relief.
Qiu Shu pulled her into her own room. Not long after they entered, Murong Yan passed by the lake. Daxi Qin stepped forward to salute. Murong Yan merely nodded slightly, his eyes filled with scrutiny. Fortunately, before he had gone much further, the sound of women’s laughter drifted from the bamboo garden. Murong Yan stopped in his tracks. Inside, he heard Qiu Shu say, "Are you satisfied with that batch of jewelry the General asked me to commission last time?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "Not very satisfied."
Qiu Shu’s voice was tinged with surprise. "Is something wrong with them?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I’m wearing the clothes you made and the jewelry you ordered, yet His Majesty still confiscated twenty thousand taels of my silver. How can that be good?"
Murong Yan had been deeply suspicious when he saw that both she and Daxi Qin were missing from the banquet. Hearing this, however, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl upward. Inside, Qiu Shu seemed caught between laughter and tears. "If that silver was obtained through improper means, His Majesty cannot show favoritism. How is this lip rouge color?"
Zuo Canglang asked, "Is it too vibrant?" Qiu Shu replied, "It actually makes the General’s complexion look fairer. This one is lighter; try this one."
Seeing that the two were discussing private women's matters, Wen Xingye was about to announce their presence, but Murong Yan shook his head. The anger in his eyes had dissipated. He followed Wen Xingye back to the banquet and said, "Today is the Duke of Dingguo’s birthday. I intended to arrive early, but I was delayed by trivial matters."
Wen Xingye quickly said, "Your Majesty humbles this old subject. It is merely my lowly birthday; I never expected Your Majesty’s grand arrival. I am truly overwhelmed by the favor."
Seeing his humility, Murong Yan’s tone softened. "After General Wen passed away, I pitied the Wen Estate for losing its pillar, which is why I had Ah Zuo marry General Wen’s spirit tablet to support the family’s threshold. Now that General Wen’s eldest son has come of age, Ah Zuo can finally retire from her duties here."
The officials all fell silent. Everyone understood exactly what he meant.
Murong Yan scanned the crowd. "Ah Zuo has been by my side since she was a child, first as a guard, then as a retainer. she has always been clever and dear to my heart. Now that the palace is plagued by constant trifles, I wish to take back my understanding flower of old. I wonder if the Duke of Dingguo can fulfill this wish?"
Wen Xingye’s expression stiffened. Everyone knew what these words implied. He forced a smile and said, "Your Majesty has given the command; this subject naturally obeys. The entire Wen family is grateful for Your Majesty’s grace... and... and grateful for General Zuo’s kindness."
Murong Yan nodded. "Your words bring me great comfort. Today is your birthday; though I arrived late, I hope I have not dampened everyone's spirits. Let us drink this cup."
The officials all raised their cups and drained them along with him.
When Zuo Canglang emerged from Qiu Shu’s room and returned to the banquet, she saw Murong Yan. She acted surprised, but Murong Yan beckoned her over, signaling for her to sit beside him. Zuo Canglang glanced around; seeing the officials all pretending not to notice, she understood most of what had happened.
She sat next to Murong Yan, leaning in until she was almost whispering in his ear. "It’s so late. Why did Your Majesty come?"
Murong Yan enjoyed this intimacy. "I came to see you after finishing my work. You came to a banquet yet weren't at the table. You have no manners at all."
Zuo Canglang said, "I can't drink much now. I was afraid that if I got drunk, no one would take me back to the palace."
Murong Yan gave an "hmmm" of agreement. "That is why I came to take you back."
The two talked softly in this casual manner; even an outsider could see their closeness.
The next day, a rumor began to spread silently. It was said that Murong Yan had sealed the Phoenix Resting Palace with the intention of deposing the Queen. However, some ministers who placed great importance on ritual and propriety, such as the Minister of the Imperial Clan and the Minister of Ceremonies, felt this was inappropriate. No matter how one looked at it, Zuo Canglang had been Wen Qi’s widow. Making her Queen would be a loss of dignity for the crown.
As soon as Murong Yan went to the morning court, Xiao Pingzi entered Zuo Canglang's quarters. "General, there are rumors spreading inside and outside the court that His Majesty intends to install you as Queen."
Zuo Canglang frowned. "Jiang Sanyi’s scheme, I presume?"
Xiao Pingzi said, "I also believe so. Such rumors might instead make His Majesty think you are intentionally plotting for the throne."
Before Zuo Canglang could speak, Vivi cut in, "His Majesty dotes on our General so much now. Would he not know what kind of person our General is? The General would never plot for the position of Queen!"
Zuo Canglang looked at her and gave a bitter smile. "He truly does not know what kind of person I am."
Near noon, as Zuo Canglang and Murong Yan were having lunch, someone came to report: "Your Majesty, the Eldest Prince has a persistent high fever. Should we..."
Murong Yan snapped, "Are there no imperial physicians in the palace?"
The servant quickly replied, "The physicians are already attending to him, but... they say the symptoms are very dangerous."
Murong Yan thought for a moment before saying, "You finish eating first. I will go take a look."
Zuo Canglang nodded, watching his retreating back with inevitable suspicion. He seemed to be too good to Jiang Bilan. As long as Murong Ze was still around, Jiang Bilan would eventually regain favor. It was just that she had been too impatient; right now, Murong Yan was still in a fit of rage. Even if he went there, it would likely only result in mutual loathing.
She picked up some food with her chopsticks but didn't put it in her mouth for a long time. Xiao Pingzi approached and whispered, "General, I went to the Phoenix Resting Palace today to scout for news. Although the palace is sealed and she is confined, the servants are all the old ones. Moreover, Head Eunuch Wang goes over to look after things frequently, and the daily offerings are all provided for. It’s as if he’s afraid someone might intentionally make things difficult for the lady inside."
Zuo Canglang’s brow furrowed. "His feelings for her are, in the end, too deep."
Xiao Pingzi offered comfort. "The General need not be discouraged. It has only been a few months since you returned to the palace. She, a reigning Queen, has already fallen to this state. With the General’s great talent and vision, why worry about the future?"
"Great talent and vision?" Zuo Canglang mocked herself, then changed the subject. "The people of Nanqing Palace must be restrained. If you encounter anyone from the Phoenix Resting Palace, you are not permitted to harass or bully them."
Xiao Pingzi acknowledged the order. "Rest assured, General. I have been disciplining our people well."
Meanwhile, in the Phoenix Resting Palace, Jiang Bilan was cradling Murong Ze, rocking him to sleep. When Murong Yan entered, she quickly knelt on the floor. Murong Yan glanced at the child and asked the physician, "How is the Eldest Prince?"
The physician bowed his head. "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Eldest Prince likely caught a chill last time, and his health has been poor. But we have found a way to nurse him back to health. Please be at ease, Your Majesty."
Murong Yan said, "Take the Prince away. All of you, get out."
Jiang Bilan knelt on the floor, looking at him piteously. Once everyone had left, she cried out mournfully, "Brother Yan, I was wrong! Forgive me, Brother Yan!"
Murong Yan slowly approached her and suddenly slapped her across the face. Jiang Bilan was stunned. A trail of blood leaked from the corner of her mouth. She touched it with her hand, still unable to process what had happened. Murong Yan kicked her, and she rolled across the floor, her hairpins and ornaments scattering.
In the shadows where the sunlight could not reach, he walked toward her step by step. She was suddenly terrified and scrambled backward. Murong Yan said, "Forgive you? Jiang Bilan, if it weren't for the fact that killing you would damage my reputation for being honorable, do you think you would still be alive?"
Jiang Bilan touched her face; her delicate cheek was already swollen with a red mark. She stammered, "Brother Yan..." The man before her was suddenly so strange.
Murong Yan suddenly lunged forward, grabbed her by the hair, and slammed her head against the wall. Jiang Bilan’s scream was short-lived because Murong Yan covered her mouth. His eyes were cold and bloodthirsty. "Slut!" He followed with another kick, sending her doubling over.
Jiang Bilan’s mouth was full of blood, and blood began to seep from the back of her head, trickling down her hair. The terror in her eyes stopped her tears. She could only gasp, "Brother Yan! Have you truly never loved me? Not even once?"
Murong Yan said, "Love? When I was at my lowest, how did your Jiang family treat me? For all these years, I have repaid your enmity with kindness, giving your family almost everything. But did you ever cherish it? How has your Jiang family repaid me?"
He grabbed Jiang Bilan by the collar, dragged her up, and delivered another resounding slap. "Jiang Sanyi treats me like a fool he can deceive and toy with at will! And you killed my daughter! Do you people still have any regard for me as your sovereign?"
Jiang Bilan trembled all over, like a bird that had fallen into water. "No, you aren't Brother Yan! Don't come near me! Stay away!"
Murong Yan slowly walked up to her, his hand reaching toward her chest. "If I didn't still need you to decorate my image of deep affection, I would truly like to rip out your heart and liver to see what color they are."
Jiang Bilan’s tears flowed like a wash. "You raised an army for me back then, and later installed me as Queen, just to signal your 'deep affection' to everyone in Great Yan?"
Murong Yan leaned in and asked softly, "What else did you think it was for?"
Jiang Bilan sobbed uncontrollably. "I was betrothed to you when I was six years old. In all these years, have you truly never loved me? Not even a little bit?"
Murong Yan said, "Love you? Do you think that just because you have a pretty face, all men should be infatuated, kneeling at your skirt and worshiping you? Once the lights are out, what difference does it make what kind of face a woman has? A woman like you—your only merit was your stupidity. If a woman is stupid, she should at least be kind; then she could at least claim to be innocent and naive. But you? You are not only stupid, you are vicious to the extreme! What part of you do you think is worth even a shred of my love?"
Jiang Bilan covered her mouth, stifling her sobs. Tears flowed over the back of her hands. The pain in her body made her vision go dark in waves. She whispered, "But I truly love you... I truly love you..."
Murong Yan’s gaze was icy. "If a man is sufficiently outstanding, he only needs to crook a finger and which woman in the world wouldn't love him? What is your love worth?"
Jiang Bilan looked at him as if seeing a demon reveal its true form. She slowly backed into a corner. Murong Yan said, "Murong Ze will stay with you for now, but from today on, you must understand your position. In this palace of Great Yan, I keep you only because I need a decoration. Like a painting or a poem, you are useless for anything other than demonstrating your master's taste. You are welcome to let Murong Ze fall ill again; if you don't want to raise him, there are plenty of people in this palace who would be happy to do so."
Jiang Bilan shook her head repeatedly, her tears gushing. Murong Yan added, "If you accidentally let him die, there are also plenty of women who can bear children for me."
The blood from Jiang Bilan’s head flowed down, staining her pink cheeks, looking horrific. The tears washed through the bloodstains, making her face look like a rakshasa. Murong Yan stopped looking at her and turned to leave the Phoenix Resting Palace.
Once he was far away, Hua Yue and the others finally rushed in. Seeing Jiang Bilan, they were struck with horror. "Your Majesty! Your Majesty, what happened to you?"
Jiang Bilan clutched the wound on her head, only now feeling the pain—a piercing, heart-wrenching pain. Hearing Hua Yue’s shrill cry, she struggled to open her mouth and said, "Don't scream."
Hua Yue burst into tears. "Your Majesty, what on earth happened?"
Jiang Bilan covered her face with both hands and said, "I... I just accidentally fell."
Before she could finish, she suddenly couldn't stop herself from wailing. But as the cry rushed up her throat, she clamped her hands over her mouth. Thus, she made no sound, but the tears kept flowing and flowing.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 薜东亭 | Bi Dongting | Son of Bi Chengjing, newly appointed Commander of the Imperial Guard. |
| 禁军统领 | Commander of the Imperial Guard | High-ranking military official in charge of palace security. |
| 给事中 | Supervising Secretary | A court official position. |
| 大农令 | Grand Granary Oversight | An official in the Ministry of Agriculture. |
| 太仆 | Grand Servant | One of the Nine Ministers, in charge of imperial stables/transport. |
| 国丈 | Father of the Nation | Title for the father of the Queen/Empress. |
| 诰命 | Noble Title / Commission | A title of honor bestowed on women of high-ranking officials. |
| 九龙舌 | Nine Dragon Tongue | The name of the bow bestowed upon Zuo Canglang. |
| 太仓令 | Prefect of the Granary | A subordinate official under the Minister of Agriculture. |
| 蓝锦荣 | Lan Jinrong | Vice Commander of the Imperial Guard. |
| 解语之花 | Understanding Flower | A metaphor for a beautiful, perceptive, and empathetic woman. |
| 宗正 | Minister of the Imperial Clan | Official in charge of the affairs of the royal family. |
| 太常 | Minister of Ceremonies | Official in charge of sacrificial rites and rituals. |
| 慕容泽 | Murong Ze | The Eldest Prince, son of Murong Yan and Jiang Bilan. |
| 画月 | Hua Yue | A maid in the Phoenix Resting Palace. |
