The Grand Ancestral Sacrifice was long and tedious, finally drawing to a close in the late afternoon.
Yang Lianting departed with A-Fei, while Murong Yan and Jiang Bilan emerged from the Chengtian Pavilion. He reached out, intending to take Jiang Bilan’s hand, but the moment his fingers brushed hers, she instinctively recoiled. Catching the look in his eyes, she quickly recovered and placed her hand in his. As they descended the steps, Murong Yan remarked, "The weather is sweltering, and the Queen is with child. You should return and rest."
With a strained smile, Jiang Bilan curtsied and allowed her maids to support her as she departed.
Murong Yan walked over to Zuo Canglang. Ignoring the gazes of those around them, he extended his hand. "Come."
Zuo Canglang took his hand, and together they followed a small path behind the Chengtian Pavilion up the mountain. While this wasn't the official imperial hunting grounds, the mountain was teeming with game. As they rode upward, the Imperial Guard had already cleared away any bystanders. Murong Yan said, "Though the quantity of prey here doesn't match the hunting grounds, they are far wilder. If you truly enjoy the hunt, I imagine you will prefer it here."
"I thought Your Majesty preferred the hunting grounds," Zuo Canglang remarked. When Murong Yan arched an eyebrow at her, she added, "The prey there knows how to flatter and fawn."
Murong Yan burst into laughter, lightly tapping her head with his bow. "Presumptuous." Though his words were a rebuke, there was no anger in his voice.
They continued their ascent. Beneath the dense canopy of the forest, the sun was hidden, and the breeze blowing through was quite refreshing. When they reached the midway point of the mountain, they found a deep blue lake cradled by the surrounding peaks. Flowers bloomed along the water's edge amidst a labyrinth of jagged rocks, and a clear spring trickled like a silver thread from between the stones. The scenery was breathtaking.
"I never imagined such a view existed behind the Chengtian Pavilion," Zuo Canglang said.
"The founding monarch of Great Yan built the imperial tombs here because it was said to be the seat of the dragon vein," Murong Yan explained. "Commoners are forbidden from approaching, so it is no wonder you didn't know."
Standing at the edge of the cliff and looking down, one could indeed see the imperial tombs not far off. Zuo Canglang suddenly pointed in a certain direction. "That would be South Mountain, wouldn't it?"
Murong Yan didn't understand why she suddenly brought up South Mountain. "Yes. South Mountain is full of fierce beasts. Your health is poor right now; it’s best not to go there."
Zuo Canglang fell silent. That first meeting at South Mountain felt as though it had happened a lifetime ago. As the silence stretched between them, a messenger suddenly arrived in a frantic hurry. "General! The maid Weiwei has fallen and been injured at the foot of the mountain!"
Zuo Canglang was startled. "How did she fall? How bad is it?"
The messenger reported, "General, she broke her leg. The imperial physician says she may never be able to walk again."
Zuo Canglang immediately vaulted onto her horse. Looking back at Murong Yan, she said, "Please wait a moment, Your Majesty. I will be right back."
Murong Yan looked displeased. "A maid is injured; the physicians will handle it. Why are you in such a rush?"
"The only people I have left by my side are Weiwei and Keqing," Zuo Canglang said. "Please, Your Majesty, let me go see her."
Murong Yan sighed, knowing how much she valued loyalty. "Go then."
Zuo Canglang galloped down the mountain. Murong Yan shook his head, calling out, "Slow down!"
Once she was gone, the mountains suddenly felt empty. He walked along the rocks for a while and shot a wild deer, but his interest eventually waned. After walking a bit further, he suddenly heard the faint sound of splashing water. Startled, Murong Yan stepped forward and discovered someone in the lake.
He was momentarily stunned. Hadn't he ordered the mountain to be cleared? How could someone still be here?
Hiding behind a rock, he focused his gaze. Through the mist-shrouded lake, he saw a woman with her back to him, playing in the water. Her long hair was as black as ink, and her smooth, slender back was visible through the ripples. Droplets of clear water adorned her skin; in this mountain forest, she looked like a thousand-year-old spirit.
Murong Yan’s heart skipped a beat—was Zuo Canglang playing a trick on him?
No wonder she had used a maid’s injury as an excuse to leave.
He smiled slightly, undressed, and entered the water. The lake was a bit chilly in October, but under the high sun, the coolness was bearable.
Surrounded by veils of mist and steam, the beauty ahead looked ethereal. He dove into the water and swam closer, then suddenly pulled her into his arms. The moment he touched her body, he froze—though Zuo Canglang was lean, she was a warrior with a certain structural strength. This woman was far too delicate.
He abruptly grabbed her and surfaced, only to see the panicked face of a young girl.
The scene was incredibly erotic, but Murong Yan’s expression darkened. "Who are you?"
The girl struggled out of his grasp and swam desperately toward the shore, her silhouette graceful amidst the vast green water. Murong Yan caught her again. Her skin, smooth as curdled silk, writhed in his arms. He pressed his lips together; no matter how much he tried to restrain himself, a fire began to stir within him. The girl cried out, pushing him away with hands as white as frost and snow.
Those hands, made exceptionally pale and tender by the water, instantly captured all of Murong Yan’s attention. Near the wrist, a pink, crescent-shaped birthmark was vividly clear. Murong Yan was struck by a moment of profound shock.
Taking advantage of his distraction, the girl pushed him away with all her might. She swam to the shore, quickly scooped up her clothes from the ground, and—ignoring the fact that her jade-like body had been completely seen—clutched her garments and fled into the rock forest.
Murong Yan swam to the shore shortly after. In the green grass, he found a single pearl earring. He bent down and picked it up. Looking toward the rock forest, he felt a lingering sense of wanting more.
***
Zuo Canglang rode a few hundred meters before finding Weiwei, who had been carried to the roadside by the Imperial Guard. Her eyes were filled with tears, her trouser leg was rolled up, and a physician was setting her bone. Zuo Canglang knelt down. "How did you manage to fall?"
The moment Weiwei saw her, her tears fell even faster. "Someone pushed me! General, someone pushed me!"
Zuo Canglang glanced around and said, "Don't talk nonsense. You couldn't keep your footing and now you're blaming others." Seeing the look in the General's eyes, Weiwei stopped talking and simply wept. Zuo Canglang asked the physician, "How is she?"
The physician replied respectfully, "General, Miss Weiwei has injured the bone. I have reset it, but as for her recovery... it is hard to say."
Zuo Canglang stopped listening to him and turned to a guard. "The Sect Leader and Holy Maiden of the Baiyu Sect shouldn't have gone far. Send someone to invite them here immediately."
As a guard left to follow the order, Wang Yunzhao finally spoke up. "Is it wise to disturb Sect Leader Yang and the Holy Maiden for such a matter? His Majesty is still waiting on the mountain; the General should return. We are here; nothing else will go wrong."
Zuo Canglang looked up. "Something has already gone wrong."
Wang Yunzhao was taken aback. "The General means..."
Zuo Canglang looked back toward the mountain. How could it be such a coincidence that Weiwei was injured at this exact moment?
Despite the pain, Weiwei said, "General, I'm fine now. The physician is looking after me. You should go back; don't keep His Majesty waiting."
Zuo Canglang gave a brief acknowledgment and returned to the forest. After searching for a while, she found Murong Yan standing by the lake, his horse grazing nearby. She stepped forward and said softly, "Your Majesty?"
Murong Yan turned to see her and smiled. "You're back? Let's go."
As they re-entered the forest, Zuo Canglang kept a close watch on their surroundings but saw nothing unusual. However, as they passed the damp mud by the lakeshore, she noticed two sets of dainty footprints. She looked at the lake, then at the footprints, and a cold smile slowly touched her lips.
***
Back at the palace, a messenger arrived from the Phoenix Palace. They claimed that Jiang Bilan was lonely, had to care for the Eldest Prince, and was struggling with her pregnancy. She requested Murong Yan’s permission for her younger sister, Jiang Biyao, to enter the palace to accompany her. Murong Yan idly toyed with the delicate pearl earring in his hand. No matter what, he understood the situation now.
The corners of his mouth curled upward. "Granted."
Jiang Biyao’s entry into the palace went almost unnoticed. At the time, Jiang Bilan was holding Murong Ze, coaxing him to sleep. She didn't even look up when Jiang Biyao entered. Jiang Biyao scanned the room and remarked, "For a Queen, your chambers are remarkably desolate. It’s truly pitiful."
"Since you know I am the Queen," Jiang Bilan said, "you should not be so insolent."
Jiang Biyao giggled. Her young, beautiful face shared a forty-percent resemblance with her sister's, but with the foundation of youth, while Jiang Bilan was like an autumn moon, she was like a summer flower in full bloom. She said, "Sister, a plucked phoenix is worse than a chicken. Did you really not understand such a simple truth?"
Jiang Bilan looked up at her. "Though Father sent you into the palace, whether you stay or not is up to me. If you don't want to crawl back in disgrace, then behave yourself."
Jiang Biyao huffed. Only then did Jiang Bilan say, "Take her to the side hall to settle in."
That night, Murong Yan visited the Phoenix Palace. Those snowy-white, delicate hands, dripping with water, seemed to be pressed against his heart, accompanied by a faint, ghostly fragrance. Jiang Bilan came out to greet him, with Jiang Biyao following closely behind. Murong Yan told them to rise. Jiang Biyao looked up, seemingly only just recognizing him, and her expression changed instantly.
Murong Yan looked at her with great interest. "Is my sister-in-law adjusting well to the palace?"
Jiang Biyao lowered her head and bit her lip, remaining silent. Jiang Bilan said, "My sister has always been shy. Please do not take offense, Your Majesty."
Murong Yan gave a noncommittal grunt and followed the sisters into the hall. As the servants brought the food, Jiang Biyao lowered her head and curtsied. "Biyao shall take her leave."
"It is rare for you to visit the palace," Murong Yan said. "Stay and dine with us."
"Biyao does not wish to intrude," she replied. With another graceful bow, she withdrew.
As soon as she left, Murong Yan’s expression turned cold. "Jiang Sanyi has certainly put a lot of thought into this." Jiang Bilan didn't even dare to speak. Murong Yan continued, "His daughters are indeed all beautiful enough to put the moon to shame."
Jiang Bilan’s hand trembled as she served him food. Murong Yan said, "I hope she does not possess a heart of snakes and scorpions like the Queen."
Her hand shook even more violently. Murong Yan smiled. "What is the Queen afraid of? Could it be that you have a guilty conscience?"
"No... no," Jiang Bilan whispered.
Murong Yan flicked the jade chopsticks out of her hand. She stood up in shock, but his hand slowly pressed against her abdomen. His gaze was chillingly cold, and Jiang Bilan broke into a cold sweat. However, her belly was indeed protruding. Murong Yan said, "This child is certainly resilient." That kick from last time hadn't harmed it?
He harbored suspicions, of course, but now it seemed she truly was pregnant. He said, "Since he is resilient, see that you take good care of him."
Jiang Bilan sobbed, "Yes."
After dinner, Murong Yan played with Murong Ze for a while. Jiang Biyao did not reappear, but Murong Ze managed to mumble "Father," which put the Emperor in a much better mood.
Even so, he did not stay the night, leaving the Phoenix Palace at the first watch.
Jiang Bilan saw him to the door. Once he was far away, Jiang Biyao slowly emerged. Jiang Bilan asked, "Is he not handsome?"
Jiang Biyao huffed. Jiang Bilan turned to her. "Once, I too believed I could easily win all of his favor and love."
"Sister," Jiang Biyao said, "it is not enough for a woman to have looks. She must also have this." She pointed to her head.
Jiang Bilan said nothing. The curtain of night has many, many layers; you can peel them back one by one.
***
Weiwei was recovering from her injury, but though her leg was broken, her mouth was not idle. "General! General! I heard His Majesty actually went to the Phoenix Palace tonight!"
"Mhm," Zuo Canglang replied.
Weiwei cried out in alarm, "How can you be so indifferent? Don't you know the Queen's sister has entered the palace? I heard her beauty is no less than the Queen's!"
"And what can I do about it?" Zuo Canglang glanced at Weiwei’s broken leg. "Do you want me to break His Majesty's leg as well?"
"What time is it, and you're still being so flippant!" Weiwei complained.
Zuo Canglang only laughed. Not long after, Xiao Pingzi returned. Only then did Zuo Canglang ask, "Well?"
"Rest assured, General," Xiao Pingzi said. "I have bribed people in the Imperial Academy of Medicine and the Phoenix Palace. If there’s even a rustle in the wind, we will know."
"Is the Queen truly pregnant?" Zuo Canglang asked.
"It is likely true," Xiao Pingzi said. "Six senior physicians from the Academy have examined her. There’s no reason they would all be wrong."
"I still feel this child has arrived far too conveniently," Zuo Canglang said. "Convenient to the point of being baffling."
"Perhaps the Jiang family’s fate is not yet meant to end," Xiao Pingzi suggested.
Zuo Canglang hummed in response. "Keep a close watch on the Phoenix Palace. Do not be afraid to spend money."
"Understood, General."
***
That night, Murong Yan stayed at the Nanqing Palace as usual. However, during the night, he suffered a nightmare.
Zuo Canglang was startled—a man like Murong Yan rarely dreamed.
He sat up, drenched in sweat. "What is wrong, Your Majesty?" she asked, reaching out to wipe his brow. He caught her hand and tucked it back under the covers, then threw on a robe and sat up. "You sleep first. I suddenly remembered some matters I haven't handled. I won't be back until later."
Zuo Canglang gave a soft "mhm," and he rose to leave.
Outside, the moon was bright and the wind clear. Wang Yunzhao carried a lantern, unsure where the Emperor was headed so late at night. Murong Yan suddenly spoke: "Wang Yunzhao, I had that dream again." He had dreamed of those hands soaking in thick soup.
"Perhaps Your Majesty has been too exhausted lately, leading to such anxieties," Wang Yunzhao said.
Murong Yan shook his head. "Those hands had a pink, crescent-shaped birthmark near the wrist."
"Your Majesty remembers details from so many years ago so clearly," Wang Yunzhao remarked.
"Jiang Biyao has one too," Murong Yan said. "In the exact same place."
Wang Yunzhao smiled. "That is quite a coincidence."
"Do you think," Murong Yan asked, "there really is such a thing as reincarnation? That she has returned to my side?"
"The night is still long," Wang Yunzhao said. "If Your Majesty cannot sleep, perhaps a walk to the Phoenix Palace?"
Murong Yan thought for a moment and finally said, "Yes."
The Phoenix Palace was silent. Jiang Bilan used to enjoy operas, so there was an opera stage in the palace. Now, the area below the stage was empty, but on the stage itself, Jiang Biyao was dressed in flowing robes with long water-sleeves. She hummed a song as she danced. The long sleeves drifted and swirled under the moonlight; she looked like a celestial maiden descended to earth.
Murong Yan slowly walked to the back row and sat down. She seemed immersed in her dance, as if the outside world had nothing to do with her. The morning dew grew heavy and the sky began to lighten. Her dance steps were like drifting snow and whirling wind, captivating the soul in the hazy dawn.
As the dance ended, Murong Yan stood up and applauded. Jiang Biyao spun around, her dance robes cutting a stunning arc in the wind. After a long moment, she seemed to finally recognize Murong Yan. She turned, grabbed the hem of her skirt, and ran.
It was easy for Murong Yan to catch her. In a few steps, he caught the hem of her skirt; the fabric was so fine it felt as if it would melt in his palm. Ignoring her struggles, he pulled her forcefully into his embrace, then grabbed her hand to look at the crescent-shaped mark.
Is it her? After so many twists and turns, has she finally returned to him?
The weak boy of those years was now powerful enough to protect her for a lifetime.
He kissed her hand, but suddenly, the kiss turned into a bite. Ignoring her struggles, he pressed her down onto the opera stage. Wang Yunzhao was startled, but he quickly ordered his subordinates to surround the area with white cloth. The servants all stood with their backs turned; he did not dare listen to what was happening inside.
In the shadows, Jiang Bilan slowly closed her window. The golden, flowing sunlight would no longer shine into this old, deep courtyard.
***
After the morning court session, Murong Yan went to the Nanqing Palace. Zuo Canglang was holding flower shears, trimming the excess vines of the wild roses. He stood behind her for a while before suddenly saying, "Bilan’s sister, Biyao, greatly resembles an old acquaintance of mine. I have decided to grant her the rank of Consort. If you are willing, I will grant you the seal and decree of the Noble Consort as well. Consider it..."
Zuo Canglang’s hand brushed over a withered rose vine. After a long silence, she smiled and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty. It is indeed time to add more sisters to the palace to keep it from being so lonely. However, as I am now, my rank makes no difference. There is no need for the title of Noble Consort."
"If that is your wish, so be it," Murong Yan said. "A-Zuo..." He reached out, wanting to take her hand. Zuo Canglang gripped the shears with both hands and continued trimming. "Since Your Majesty is creating a new Consort, the ceremonies must be tedious. Do not delay here."
Murong Yan slowly withdrew his hand. "Do not overthink this. Here at Nanqing Palace... nothing will change."
Zuo Canglang did not speak. He stood behind her for a while longer until, finally, the sound of his footsteps gradually faded away.
