Jiang Biyao was conferred the title of Consort Xian. Murong Yan ordered her to move out of Qifeng Palace and take up residence in Linhua Hall. However, Jiang Biyao requested to remain in Qifeng Palace temporarily, citing Jiang Bilan’s pregnancy and her need to care for the eldest prince, Murong Ze.
Murong Yan replied, "The Queen is indeed inconvenienced by her pregnancy. However, Qifeng Palace is her residence, and it would be improper for you to stay there. Since you are sisters and share a bond closer than others, take Ze’er to Linhua Hall and care for him there for the time being."
A flicker of a smile appeared in Jiang Biyao’s eyes. She curtsied and said, "As you command."
Jiang Bilan, however, clutched Murong Ze and retreated several steps. "Your Majesty! I have wet nurses here who can care for Ze’er! I beg Your Majesty to let him stay by my side!" She knelt, pleading, "I will raise him with all my heart. Please, do not take my child away."
Murong Yan’s expression darkened. "Since when has my decree become a matter for negotiation?"
Jiang Bilan’s tears fell like rain, but Wang Yunzhao simply signaled the eunuchs to step forward. They half-received, half-wrested Murong Ze from her arms. Only then did Murong Yan look at Jiang Biyao and say, "You have never raised a child before; be mindful in your daily care."
Jiang Biyao took Murong Ze into her arms, her face full of gentle smiles. "Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will listen to the wet nurses. Sister, do not be sad. Linhua Hall and Qifeng Palace are not far apart; I will bring Ze’er to visit often. Besides, once you have given birth, the child will naturally be returned to you. Surely you don't distrust me with him?"
Jiang Bilan knew exactly what this meant. Murong Yan visited Qifeng Palace frequently now, partly because of Jiang Biyao, and partly because of Murong Ze. If even the child was no longer raised by her side, she truly had nothing left.
As for the one in her womb... she knew better than anyone what was going on there.
Murong Yan did not intend to say more. He simply stated, "I have already ordered Linhua Hall to be cleaned. Move there today."
Jiang Biyao complied. Once he had left Qifeng Palace, she turned back to look at Jiang Bilan. "Why are you crying, Sister? In this palace, if tears were useful, there wouldn't be so many tragedies in the world."
Jiang Bilan choked out, "Biyao, Father had me fake this pregnancy just to help you enter the palace, yet you are so heartless! You would even steal my Ze’er!"
Jiang Biyao smiled. "Father was too cautious. In truth, I could have entered the palace even without your fake pregnancy. As for Ze’er, you have already earned the King's loathing; it is better for the boy to stay with me."
Jiang Bilan hissed, "Jiang Biyao, I will keep my eyes open to watch your future."
"Sister, do you know?" Jiang Biyao remarked. "Your expression right now is more spiteful than a ghost's. You haven't a shred of a beauty's grace left." With that, she carried Murong Ze toward the exit. When Jiang Bilan tried to pursue, she added, "There is no need to bring my things; I will settle them at Linhua Hall. But make sure all of Ze’er’s belongings are brought along, lest he feels unsettled."
She glanced back at Jiang Bilan one last time. "Don't worry, Sister. I will raise him well, and His Majesty will be pleased. Even if I didn't care for our sisterly bond, I would certainly take good care of him for that reason."
She left Qifeng Palace with the child. Jiang Bilan covered her face with both hands, sobbing silently.
***
When the news reached Nanqing Palace, Zuo Canglang was somewhat surprised. "This Jiang Biyao is truly ruthless," she remarked. "The Queen only had the eldest prince left to garner a bit of the King's concern, yet Biyao is in the height of favor and still refuses to leave her sister even that small comfort."
Weiwei said, "The Queen got what she deserved. If Princess Yide were still alive, she wouldn't be in this state."
Zuo Canglang smiled. "Our Weiwei has learned to think things through."
Weiwei jumped up. "I've always been able to think! I have a brain." She leaned in closer to Zuo Canglang. "General, if you're sad, just hold me and cry for a bit. Don't bottle it up."
Zuo Canglang laughed in spite of herself. "Yes, I'm very sad. Looking at your injured leg makes me even sadder."
Weiwei immediately gnashed her teeth. "It was that wench Cailing who pushed me!" She thought for a moment and added, "I've figured it out. It must have been the Queen's scheme—tricking the General into coming back so Jiang Biyao could take her place. Hmph, I understand now!"
Zuo Canglang replied, "Yes, clever."
Weiwei stared at her. "Are you mocking me?"
"How could I?"
"You are definitely mocking me!" Weiwei lunged at her, ignoring her bad leg, and began a flurry of playful punches. Zuo Canglang only laughed. When Keqing entered and saw them fooling around, she felt a faint sense of awkwardness.
Murong Yan had been visiting less frequently these past few days. However, since Xue Dongting had been appointed Commander of the Imperial Guard, it was much easier for him to meet her. Previously, when Daxi Qin wanted to send money to Nanqing Palace, it had to be transferred through Xiao Pingzi. Now, Xue Dongting could bring it directly.
The ten percent of the military budget was more than enough to fund the operations of a Grand Minister of Agriculture, a Commander of the Imperial Guard, and Zuo Canglang’s needs within the palace. It was clear just how much wealth Jiang Sanyi had embezzled over the years.
That night, Xue Dongting passed by Nanqing Palace again. Zuo Canglang stood by the peach grove to speak with him. Nanqing Palace had formerly been a residence for visiting officials, so it was somewhat distant from the inner harem and closer to the outer courts. It was much easier for Xue Dongting to come here than it had been for Feng Ping to visit Qifeng Palace in the past.
Seeing no one around, he pulled out a stack of silver notes, shielding them with his body as he handed them to her. Zuo Canglang asked, "How is the Grand Minister of Agriculture?"
Xue Dongting replied, "Mister Daxi is exceptionally brilliant; minor administrative affairs are no trouble for him. However, he is indeed much busier."
Zuo Canglang nodded. "He is a surrendered official. No matter what, there will always be a layer of separation. The King will never fully trust him. Usually, we must rely on your father, the Elder Master Xue, to assist him."
In her presence, Xue Dongting was instinctively respectful. He said, "That goes without saying. My father is also very concerned about you, General. Moreover, now that Consort Xian has entered the palace, I fear your days will become even more difficult."
Zuo Canglang said, "I survived when I was alone. Now that I have gained such powerful allies, why would things become more difficult?"
Xue Dongting hesitated. Everyone knew of her feelings for Murong Yan; they were simply afraid of her being heartbroken. Zuo Canglang said, "Say no more. Consort Xian entering the palace is a good thing. Additionally, find a way to keep an eye on the Jiang Manor."
"The Jiang Manor?" Xue Dongting asked.
Zuo Canglang said, "Jiang Bilan is still the Queen, after all, and she bore the eldest prince. I don't believe Jiang Sanyi would send Biyao into the palace and then simply allow her to suppress the Queen to the point of no return. This move is strange. Furthermore, Consort Xian’s sudden favor is also puzzling."
Xue Dongting acknowledged the task. As an official of the outer court, it was much easier for him to monitor the Jiang Manor than it was for her.
As they were speaking, a bird cried out in the sky. Zuo Canglang immediately said, "The King is coming. I’m leaving." She turned and departed. Xue Dongting had not walked far along the peach blossom path when he saw Murong Yan approaching with Wang Yunzhao and several eunuchs. He hurried to salute. Murong Yan nodded without a word and continued toward Linhua Hall.
Xue Dongting looked up and saw a grey gyrfalcon circling in the sky. It seemed trained for hunting, as its cries changed depending on the prey it spotted. Zuo Canglang had actually raised such a creature. He gave a whistle, but the bird ignored him entirely, flying straight into Nanqing Palace.
Just as Zuo Canglang returned to her quarters, the gyrfalcon flapped its wings and landed. A small slip of paper was hidden within the feathers of its neck. Surprised, Zuo Canglang unfurled it. It was a poem, filled with lines like: *"There is a beauty, whom I cannot forget; a day without seeing her, I am driven to madness."*
Looking at the handwriting, Zuo Canglang knew it was Daxi Qin. This fellow—she didn't know how he had managed to coax her bird down, but knowing full well the risk of such an act, he had casually written such a love poem to tease her.
***
Within the palace, Jiang Biyao’s favor continued unabated. But she was clever; she was truly good to Murong Ze and never went to Nanqing Palace to provoke Zuo Canglang. When she encountered Zuo Canglang, she always avoided her. Murong Yan was very satisfied with this, often praising her for being intelligent and virtuous. The two of them often spent time at the Bright Moon Terrace, playing the zither, dancing, and composing poetry together, producing many works that were circulated.
When Murong Yan set his heart on being good to a woman, he could dote on her to the heavens. Gradually, Jiang Biyao began to lose herself in this adoration.
As the end of December approached, the palace was bustling with preparations for the Spring Festival. Xiao Pingzi suddenly sought out Zuo Canglang with a secretive air. "Tonight, the brothers guarding the Jiang Manor reported that a physician named Jiang Xing entered the manor, bringing a pregnant woman with him."
Zuo Canglang asked, "A pregnant woman?"
"Indeed," Xiao Pingzi said. "And strangely, the woman entered through the back door. If the brothers hadn't been watching closely, they never would have noticed. She hasn't come out since."
Zuo Canglang mused, "The Queen wouldn't happen to be 'giving birth' tonight, would she?"
Xiao Pingzi said, "I was wondering the same. If Lord Jiang intends to swap the child in the Queen's womb, that is incredibly bold."
Zuo Canglang said, "It seems there will be a good show to watch tonight."
That night, Jiang Bilan indeed claimed to be in labor, yet she was unable to deliver. Cheng Han and the other physicians couldn't explain why. Fearing Murong Yan’s wrath, they could only consult Jiang Bilan. She said, "There is a physician in my father's house named Jiang Xing who is highly skilled. If you are incapable, have him enter the palace to prescribe medicine for me."
Cheng Han was terrified that the Queen might actually suffer a difficult labor. The fact that they hadn't detected this pregnancy earlier was already a capital offense. If something went wrong now, the Imperial Academy of Medicine could not bear the responsibility. He said, "I will send someone to find this physician immediately."
When Jiang Xing entered the palace, Zuo Canglang had Xue Dongting strictly inspect his belongings. However, he only carried an ordinary medicine chest. Every compartment was searched, but nothing unusual was found. Xue Dongting had no choice but to let him into Qifeng Palace.
Zuo Canglang still felt something was wrong. she had him strictly inspect the palace maids moving in and out of Qifeng Palace. Finally, beneath a basket of fruit that Cailing was carrying into the palace, Xue Dongting discovered an infant still covered in amniotic fluid!
Inside Qifeng Palace, Cailing’s face was as white as paper. When Jiang Bilan heard the news, she rushed over. Zuo Canglang knelt on the ground, lightly touching the infant. "Jiang Xing’s handiwork is truly unexpected. If this had actually been carried into the delivery room, it really could have passed for the real thing."
Jiang Bilan said, "Zuo Canglang, let me go."
Zuo Canglang replied, "Do I look like such a kind person?"
Jiang Bilan slowly knelt before her. Behind them, Xue Dongting took a step back. "Let me go," she said, her voice bordering on a plea.
"Impossible," Zuo Canglang said.
Jiang Bilan grabbed her sleeve. "If His Majesty finds out about this, my life is a small matter, but I fear Ze’er will not escape his suspicion either. Zuo Canglang, I know I have done many wrongs. I deserve my fate. But the child is innocent. I beg you, for his sake..."
Zuo Canglang slowly pulled her sleeve from the other woman's grasp. "Commander Xue, go inform His Majesty."
"No!" Jiang Bilan cried. "I beg you!"
Zuo Canglang said, "The Queen should be brave enough to face the consequences of her actions. Besides, His Majesty has always had old feelings for you; he might not necessarily be unable to tolerate the eldest prince."
"Old feelings?" Jiang Bilan looked up and said slowly, "If you give me a way to live, I will show you his 'old feelings'."
Zuo Canglang froze.
Just then, the infant in the amniotic fluid twitched. Zuo Canglang was shocked. "It's still alive?"
Jiang Xing emerged from the palace at some unknown point. "Of course he is alive. But without an umbilical cord, even if I use all my medicines, he can only survive for an hour. His time is likely running out." He was a madman, not caring in the least for the danger he was in, only proudly showing off his miraculous medical skills to the crowd.
Zuo Canglang glanced at Jiang Bilan. The Queen said, "This child is no threat to you, you know that. Besides, don't you want to know what kind of person the man you have always loved truly is?"
Zuo Canglang hesitated. Seeing the infant in the fluid twitching more violently, Jiang Xing said, "He won't last much longer. If you keep hesitating, he'll be a stillborn."
Zuo Canglang finally turned to Xue Dongting. "You go back first. Do not breathe a word of this yet."
Xue Dongting naturally obeyed her. Once everyone had left, Jiang Bilan said, "Follow me."
***
That night, Jiang Bilan "gave birth." Murong Yan came to glance at the infant. The child was "premature" and quite frail. He did not reach out to hold it, simply letting the midwife take the child away. Then he said, "It is truly baffling that a woman like you should be blessed with so many children." His tone was a coldness never seen in public. Zuo Canglang hid behind a screen, wondering what Jiang Bilan wanted her to hear.
Jiang Bilan whispered, "Brother Yan..."
Murong Yan snapped, "Shut up! Ever since Yide died, every time you call me that, it makes me feel utterly disgusted!"
Jiang Bilan said, "Does Your Majesty love Yide so much because the child Zuo Canglang once carried was also a daughter?"
Murong Yan’s voice dropped. "What did you say?"
"Is Your Majesty so filled with remorse and grief because you killed your own daughter with your own hands?"
Murong Yan stepped forward, dragged her up from the bed, and delivered a sharp slap. "Vile woman!"
Jiang Bilan clutched her face, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, yet she smiled. "I am vile, but what about Your Majesty? If you took off this mask, what would you look like? If Your Majesty has a clear conscience, why didn't you tell me directly—and tell Zuo Canglang—that it was you who drugged my tea back then, forcing me to submit to the Crown Prince so you could frame him for raping his brother's fiancée?"
Murong Yan froze. Jiang Bilan’s tears fell, washing away the blood on her lips. "For all these years, I have wondered how Your Majesty could be so heartless. I truly loved you!"
Murong Yan said, "And so? Why bring this up today? What do you intend?"
Jiang Bilan said, "That day when I fell from the horse, I happened to fall right into your arms. When I saw your face, I truly thought you were my destiny for life. Even if you had nothing, I was determined to follow you. But all these years..."
As she was about to continue, Murong Yan interrupted, "Such a coincidence? Since so many years have passed, have you never wondered why it was such a coincidence?"
Jiang Bilan was stunned. Murong Yan said, "A rivet was placed under your saddle. As soon as you mounted, the horse was bound to go mad. And with your poor horsemanship, you were certain not to notice."
The color drained from Jiang Bilan’s face. After a long silence, she whispered, "So even that... was a deception?"
Murong Yan said, "Stay here quietly. It is not easy for people in this palace to stay alive. A simple bout of cold can take a life. That you have lived until now is the extent of my 'old feelings'."
With those words, he left Qifeng Palace.
Behind the screen, Zuo Canglang covered her face with both hands and slid to the floor.
***
**Glossary**
