Zuo Canglang remained ill for several days, during which Murong Yan came to accompany her every day. When the wet nurse brought the infant to her, she did not reach out to take him. Murong Yan, however, reached out and tapped the tiny tip of the baby's nose, asking, "You don't like him?"
"No," Zuo Canglang replied.
She was so blunt that Murong Yan was somewhat surprised. He pulled her into his arms and asked, "What is it?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I wanted a daughter."
Murong Yan paused slightly. "What difference does it make?"
Zuo Canglang said, "If it were a boy, would Your Majesty not fear that I might harbor some ambition?"
Murong Yan’s expression darkened. "What are you doing now? I give you a child out of kindness, and you want to start a quarrel over it?"
Zuo Canglang turned her side to him, giving him her back. "I want a daughter."
Murong Yan’s tone softened again. "Then what should be done with this child?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Drown him, along with his mother."
Murong Yan was momentarily speechless. After a long silence, he said, "I did what I did because if his biological mother were still alive, he would never be truly close to you. Here I am, acting out of the kindness of my heart, and you treat it like offal."
Zuo Canglang sat up, pushed his hand away, and said, "Kindness? After the late Empress Dowager Rong passed away, was Your Majesty ever truly close to anyone?"
Murong Yan froze. Zuo Canglang pointed at the child and said, "How is he any different from Your Majesty back then? One day he will grow up, and he will learn that Your Majesty sank his mother into a fish pond just after she gave birth!"
Murong Yan said, "He will never know."
"What if he does?" Zuo Canglang countered. "How would he look at me? How would he look at Your Majesty? Do I dare raise a child by my side who owes me the blood of his mother?"
Only then did Murong Yan ask, "What would you have me do?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Let Zhitong come and look after him." Murong Yan frowned, but she continued, "In the capacity of a wet nurse."
Murong Yan said, "If you do that, I fear you will never win his heart."
Zuo Canglang said, "Why should I care about winning his heart? I don't like him anyway."
Murong Yan sighed. "Regardless, I did this for your sake, did I not? You... you need a child to rely on. Even if he is only granted the title of a Prince in the future, at least there will be someone to remember and care for you."
Zuo Canglang finally softened. "I am not thinking about the future. But if Your Majesty truly wishes to give me a child, give me a daughter. It would cause less trouble."
Murong Yan placed his hands on her shoulders. "In a few days, then. Zhitong will be transferred to your palace first. But she is, after all, a palace maid; it is best if the child's true origins are not known to many."
Zuo Canglang gave a soft hum of assent. "There is a maid in my palace named Keqing. Your Majesty knows of her, right?"
Murong Yan asked, "Hmm?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Keqing is a delicate and pretty girl; I like her very much. If she were to have a daughter with Your Majesty, I imagine she would be very beautiful."
"Ah-Zuo!" Murong Yan exclaimed.
Zuo Canglang looked up at him. His face was full of displeasure as he asked, "Do you wish so dearly to push me into the bed of another woman?"
Zuo Canglang sneered inwardly, yet she said gently, "Of course I do not. But since heaven does not grant my wishes, what choice do I have? Besides, my palace is lonely; I don't even have a sister to talk to. Her Majesty the Queen at least has her own sister to accompany her now. Your Majesty is surrounded by beauties, while I am all alone in this palace. Keqing, at least, is someone I can confide in."
Murong Yan pulled her into his embrace and fell silent.
The next day, Murong Yan summoned Keqing for his favor.
Keqing was overjoyed. When the eunuchs came to attend to her, she blushed and dressed herself with meticulous care. That night, she was sent to Murong Yan’s bed. Murong Yan spent a night of passion with her and granted her the rank of *Liangren*, the ninth grade. By rights, as a palace maid, she should have started as a *Baolin* of the fourteenth grade. Such a promotion was given out of consideration for Zuo Canglang.
Keqing leapt from a palace maid to an imperial concubine in a single bound. Although she still resided in Nanqing Palace, she now had her own separate courtyard. Wang Yunzhao also assigned additional servants to attend to her.
In the morning, as she was preparing to go to Qifeng Palace to pay her respects to the Queen, she encountered Zuo Canglang feeding birds under the eaves. She stopped and said, "I know that I was able to receive the rank of *Liangren* because you recommended me to His Majesty. I will cherish it."
Zuo Canglang said, "I made a promise to you, and now I have fulfilled it. Whether you cherish it or not is of no concern to me."
Keqing said, "I still don't understand why you helped me. How do you need me to repay you? In the future, will my child need to be raised by your side?"
Zuo Canglang laughed in spite of herself. "No. As I said, I will not harm you, nor will I help you. From this day forth, look out for yourself."
Keqing gave a light laugh. "You needn't be like that. Although I know there is no longer any affection between us, if there is ever a place where I can be of use, I will still help you."
"Thank you," Zuo Canglang said.
Keqing left Nanqing Palace with a light step. Wei Wei gritted her teeth. "General! Why did you send her to the Dragon Bed? Look at how arrogant she is now!"
Zuo Canglang said, "In this palace, who doesn't look like that when they first receive favor? Where is Zhitong? Call her here."
A moment later, Zhitong arrived carrying the child. Ever since the incident at the pond, she had been living in terror. Standing before Zuo Canglang now, she was at a loss, her hands trembling as she held the baby. Zuo Canglang asked, "Has the child been named?"
Zhitong shook her head quickly. "His Majesty gave orders that the General should name the child."
Zuo Canglang nodded. "I once thought that if I had a daughter, I would name her Xuan, after the daylilies. Now that is no longer possible. This child... remove the 'grass' radical from the character. Let him be called Xuan."
Zhitong knelt down hastily. "Yes."
Zuo Canglang said, "In the future, you and the child may not address each other as mother and son. Are you willing?"
Zhitong said, "This servant follows the General's command and dares not disobey."
Zuo Canglang said, "You need not feel wronged. The amount of humiliation a person can endure is the measure of the honor they can uphold."
Zhitong did not understand the meaning of those words. She knelt on the ground and said, "This servant is but a lowly maid and does not know much of logic. But the General has saved my life; I am eternally grateful and willing to serve the General with all my heart."
"Rise," Zuo Canglang said. "Take good care of Xuan'er."
At Qifeng Palace, Keqing had just knelt down when Noble Consort Jiang Biyao entered the chamber.
Jiang Bilan sat upon the Phoenix Throne, looking down at Keqing with a scrutinizing gaze. Keqing knew the rules and paid her respects to the Noble Consort as well. Jiang Biyao took a seat below and said, "It seems the palace is about to become lively."
Jiang Bilan said, "It has been quiet for so long; it is only right that it becomes a bit lively."
Jiang Biyao said, "Sister, you are so disheartened that it makes things quite dull." Having said that, she stood up, walked over to Keqing, and slowly reached out to lift her chin. "Let me see what kind of world-toppling beauty this new sister possesses, to be noticed by His Majesty right under Zuo Canglang's nose."
Keqing was forced to look up. She saw Jiang Biyao dressed in her full finery, radiantly beautiful beyond compare. Knowing she could not afford to offend this person, she said, "The Noble Consort overpraises me. This servant's appearance is crude; I dare not compete with your radiance."
Jiang Biyao’s eyes darkened. "What kind of thing are you? A lowly maid who cannot even be presented in public, yet you dare speak of competing with my radiance?"
Keqing hastily kowtowed. "It was a slip of the tongue!"
Jiang Bilan said, "She is but a servant. Is she worth such petty calculation?"
Jiang Biyao finally could not hide the hatred in her eyes. "Your Qifeng Palace is no different from a Cold Palace now; of course you wouldn't bother calculating with anyone."
"Everyone, get out," Jiang Bilan said. "If you want to lecture someone, do not make a scene in my Qifeng Palace!"
Jiang Biyao huffed, then glanced at Keqing again. "Speaking of which, my Linhua Hall is short-handed. You are a palace maid, so you must be used to chores. When you have time, why don't you come over and help me?"
Keqing’s heart skipped a beat. She knew Jiang Biyao would deliberately make things difficult for her. "But Nanqing Palace is also short of people..."
Before she could finish, Jiang Biyao sneered. "What does Nanqing Palace amount to? What is the rank of its mistress? If I want to borrow someone, who would dare refuse?"
Keqing’s face slowly turned pale. Finally, she could only say, "This servant obeys."
In Nanqing Palace, Zuo Canglang was still recovering. It was cold outside, and Murong Yan had specifically instructed the Imperial Guard not to let her leave. Unable to sit still, she invited Qiu Shu to the palace. Qiu Shu was in high spirits and asked her to dance. Eventually, they summoned dancers and musicians from the Grand Minister of Music. Wei Wei and Zhitong were not left idle either; Zuo Canglang had them each learn something.
Thus, the sounds of flutes, lutes, and singing, along with graceful dancing, temporarily drove away the chill of midwinter. Even Murong Xuan stopped crying, making soft cooing sounds in the wet nurse's arms, though no one knew what he was trying to say.
By noon, Xiao Pingzi came over and said, "General, Lady Keqing was taken to Linhua Hall by the Noble Consort and hasn't come out yet. Should we send someone to check?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Can the Noble Consort eat her alive? What is there to check?"
Xiao Pingzi understood, said "Yes," and bowed as he withdrew.
Zhitong glanced at Zuo Canglang. As a palace maid, she had seen much of the palace's inner workings. How could she not know that the Noble Consort would make things difficult for Keqing? Seeing Zuo Canglang so heartless, not even lifting a finger for her own maid, she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread.
Zuo Canglang looked back at her, smiled, and asked, "What are you thinking?"
Zhitong thought for a moment and decided to speak the truth. "This servant only feels that Lady Keqing is, after all, someone from the General's side. For the General to ignore her like this... could it be that she secretly sought the Emperor's favor and incurred the General's displeasure?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I appreciate that you can ask such a question directly."
Zhitong said, "My life belongs to the General. There is no need to hide my thoughts."
Zuo Canglang said, "That was the path she chose for herself; naturally, she must walk it alone, whether it be bitter or sweet. Not kicking her while she is down is already my greatest tolerance."
Zhitong remained silent, but Qiu Shu smiled and said, "Moreover, by keeping her, the Queen and the Noble Consort finally have a target for their spears. Otherwise, do you think they would tolerate a palace maid like you living in Nanqing Palace after giving birth to the Third Prince?"
Zhitong froze. Qiu Shu continued, "One always needs someone to block the open spears and hidden arrows. Now that she has been granted the rank of *Liangren*, her prominence far exceeds yours, so naturally, the price she pays is greater. I wonder if this is what the General intended?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Fortunately, back then, General Wen and I were only a couple in name."
Qiu Shu laughed. "The General is joking again. My brother Qi was a man without fortune. If he had possessed your help, perhaps he would not have passed away in his prime."
Mentioning the past brought a touch of sorrow to both of them, but Qiu Shu quickly added, "This piece of music is quite good, suitable for beginners to practice. Would you sisters like to try it again?"
Zuo Canglang then called Wei Wei forward. Since Zhitong had only recently given birth and should not overexert herself, she did not force her.
By nightfall, Keqing finally returned to Nanqing Palace. Her eyes were red, but she appeared physically unharmed. Jiang Biyao was much smarter than Jiang Bilan—slapping someone's face was something only fools did. It caused little real harm and left obvious marks.
She had plenty of ways to make someone wish they were dead without leaving a single wound.
Not long after Keqing returned to her quarters, Murong Yan arrived. As usual, he accompanied Zuo Canglang for dinner.
Zuo Canglang seemed to be in a better mood and even massaged his shoulders. Murong Yan held her hand and said, "I heard you brought in musicians; you certainly know how to enjoy yourself."
Zuo Canglang said, "I am idle anyway, and since Your Majesty rarely comes, I have no choice but to learn some rhythm and dance to pass the time."
Murong Yan said, "You are still ill; do not overexert yourself. Has the child's name been chosen?"
Zuo Canglang nodded. "His name is Xuan. Murong Xuan."
Murong Yan asked which character for 'Xuan' she meant, then said, "A jade disk six inches wide is called a *Xuan*. This character is quite good."
Zuo Canglang was stunned. "It has that meaning?"
Murong Yan laughed heartily, pulled her into his arms, and tapped her nose.
That night, because Zuo Canglang was still ill, Murong Yan went to Keqing’s side hall. While Keqing was attending to him, she spoke of how she had been mistreated at the Noble Consort's residence during the day. Murong Yan frowned. "It was nothing more than copying a few scrolls of scripture and arranging some flowers. Is that worth bringing up to me?"
Keqing’s eyes were red as she said, "But..."
Murong Yan said, "Enough. Living in the imperial harem, how can one not suffer some grievances? If everyone were like you, crying and wailing, when would I ever have peace?"
Keqing pursed her lips. After Murong Yan finished his business with her, he rose and left the side hall, returning to Zuo Canglang’s bedchamber.
Zuo Canglang noticed his displeasure and asked, "What is wrong, Your Majesty?"
Murong Yan said, "Keqing is, after all, of palace maid origin. I truly don't know what you see in her."
Zuo Canglang said, "If she were as outstanding as the Noble Consort, how would I dare recommend her to Your Majesty? Would I not fear that with a beauty in your arms, Your Majesty would never again visit my lonely room?"
Hearing this, Murong Yan was greatly pleased, yet he said solemnly, "I would not." He embraced her, pressing his cheek against hers. "Ah-Zuo, whether you believe it or not, I am treating you with a heart of sincerity."
Zuo Canglang asked, "Where did Your Majesty derive such a conclusion?" *How foolish would I have to be to continue believing in your sincerity?* Murong Yan held her tighter. Zuo Canglang added, "Forget it. In any case, my heart is loyal to Your Majesty; whether Your Majesty's feelings are true or false, I can't be bothered to care."
Murong Yan pressed her hand against his chest and said, "One day, you will be able to feel my sincerity."
Zuo Canglang felt the warmth of his body. Amidst the flickering candlelight and the endless ambiguity of the red silk curtains, both he and she spoke of sincerity.
But the feeling of sincerity had long since become unrecognizable.
The next morning, Zuo Canglang saw Murong Yan off to the morning court. Turning back, she saw the wild roses covering the walls of Nanqing Palace showing signs of budding and sprouting leaves. She said, "Xiao Pingzi."
Xiao Pingzi hurried over. "General?"
Zuo Canglang stepped slowly into the palace and said, "Clear away all these wild vines. Do not leave a single leaf behind."
Xiao Pingzi looked at them; indeed, these weeds and withered vines looked wretched among the courtyard's precious trees. He didn't know why the palace had planted such things in the first place. He quickly instructed the eunuchs, "Didn't you hear the General? Hurry up and dig out these messy vines and throw them away! You lot really have no sense; to let such things grow in the palace and offend the General's eyes! Those who don't know better might think His Majesty is mistreating the General..."
And so, the rose vines that filled the walls and the garden were finally cleared away by sharp blades, leaving not a single root behind.
***
