The campaign against Guzhu was a matter of utmost urgency.
Just after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Emperor Jian Yang of Western Jing dispatched a special envoy to discuss the deployment of troops with Murong Yan. Western Jing was equally anxious; Jian Yang had suffered repeated defeats in his attempts to invade Yan. Now, intending to strike elsewhere, he harbored the same concern as Murong Yan—it would be disastrous if Great Yan took the opportunity to launch a surprise attack.
Since Murong Yan was now intent on invading Wuzhong, Western Jing’s campaign against Guzhu was mutually beneficial. However, Jian Yang did not trust Murong Yan, and Murong Yan trusted him no more. Though both sides were eager to conclude this alliance, negotiations had stalled for some time.
Jian Yang had suggested exchanging princes as hostages, but Murong Yan’s three sons were all still in their swaddling clothes, making such an arrangement impractical. Furthermore, given Murong Yan’s temperament, if he truly intended to break a treaty, he likely wouldn't care for an infant who could not yet speak.
With spring fast approaching, they could wait no longer. Jian Yang eventually made a concession, proposing that each side dispatch a general to accompany the other’s army. This would ensure unimpeded communication and mutual transparency regarding troop movements to prevent any clandestine strikes. Murong Yan accepted the proposal. However, this was no small matter; Western Jing and Great Yan had been at war for years, and their grievances ran deep.
The hatred between their respective armies was profound. If a general arrived at the enemy camp and triggered a conflict, it would be counterproductive.
To exercise caution, Murong Yan also sent an envoy to Western Jing, arranging for the two monarchs to meet in person at the White Wolf River. There, they would drink a blood oath to formalize the alliance.
This day happened to be the full-moon celebration for Murong Dui and Murong Xuan. Naturally, Jiang Bilan and her sister, Ke Qing, and Zuo Canglang were all in attendance. As Murong Yan was set to depart for Mayi City personally, he also invited the court officials, using the banquet as a farewell ceremony.
Jiang Bilan sat beside Murong Yan. Because Murong Dui and Murong Xuan were still small, they were not brought out for fear they might catch a chill. Murong Ze, however, was already a year old and was currently at the stage of toddling about, able to mumble "Father King" indistinctly.
He had been under Jiang Biyao’s care for over three months. The moment Jiang Bilan saw him, tears welled in her eyes. She reached out to hold the child, but Murong Ze slowly hid behind Jiang Biyao. Jiang Biyao picked him up and said with a smile, "The child is still young and a bit shy around strangers. I hope Sister does not take offense."
Jiang Bilan bit her lip and remained silent. The two women sat on either side of Murong Yan. Murong Yan glanced at Zuo Canglang, noting that her seat was behind Jiang Bilan’s, but said nothing. Once the officials were seated, he spoke: "On the sixth day of the third month, We shall personally travel to Mayi City to conclude the alliance with Emperor Jian Yang of Western Jing. As this coincides with the full-moon celebration of two princes, We have specially gathered Our beloved ministers. During Our absence, court affairs shall be jointly handled by Chancellor Xue Chengjing and Gan Xiaoru. Should any urgent matters arise, report them to Us via courier. For any difficult decisions, you must defer to the two Chancellors. In daily life, you must remain self-disciplined, devoted to your duties, and compassionate toward the people, just as if We were present."
The ministers rose and bowed. Murong Yan scanned the assembly and continued, "For this alliance, it has been agreed that each side must dispatch a general to the other’s camp as a supervisor. This is to prevent Western Jing from going back on their word and invading Yan lands once our troops have departed. Therefore, this person must not only be well-versed in military affairs but must also know the Jing army like the back of their hand. After much consideration, We find General Zuo to be the most suitable candidate."
As soon as these words were spoken, Daxi Qin was the first to frown. Though he knew Murong Yan had no intention of debating the matter with the ministers, he still stood up. "Your Majesty, this subject believes this is inappropriate."
The ministers fell silent. Everyone in court was well aware of the current relationship between Zuo Canglang and Murong Yan. Given Murong Yan’s personality, none would dare show any intimacy toward his woman even if they had ten times the courage. Even rough men like Yuan Xi, knowing that letters to Zuo Canglang would pass through the hands of the Palace Attendants, were careful with their wording.
Zuo Canglang looked steadily at Daxi Qin and gave a nearly imperceptible shake of her head. Daxi Qin, however, continued: "General Zuo’s health is not what it once was; I fear she cannot endure the hardships of the journey. Furthermore, the General is, after all, a woman. It is one thing to move within the camps of Great Yan, but staying long-term in a Western Jing camp may lead to many inconveniences."
Murong Yan’s gaze turned dark. After a long pause, he asked slowly, "According to the Minister of Agriculture, then, who should be sent?"
Daxi Qin replied, "In response to Your Majesty, this subject once campaigned with General Zuo at Mount Xiaoquan and has had much contact with the Jing army. If Your Majesty does not find me lacking, I am willing to go to the Western Jing camp."
Murong Yan glanced at Zuo Canglang, then back at Daxi Qin, and said, "I did not realize the Minister of Agriculture was so considerate."
Daxi Qin lowered his head and said, "This subject is merely considering the interests of Your Majesty and the General. The General’s current status is... special, after all. Even for the sake of Your Majesty’s dignity, she should not..."
Murong Yan’s expression grew increasingly grim. Beside him, Jiang Sanyi suddenly spoke up: "A few days ago, I saw General Zuo and Marquis Jinyu boiling wine and admiring flowers in the Thousand Emerald Forest. I knew then that the two of you shared a deep personal friendship. As such, it is only natural that Marquis Jinyu would worry about General Zuo traveling to Western Jing alone."
Murong Yan’s brow furrowed as he turned to look at Zuo Canglang. Zuo Canglang said nothing. Murong Yan said in a low voice, "Our mind is made up. No further words are needed."
When the banquet officially began, Jiang Biyao poured wine for Murong Yan. Jiang Bilan tried several times to hold Murong Ze, but he avoided her. Murong Yan’s face remained overcast. Jiang Biyao whispered, "Your Majesty’s trip to Mayi City will take two or three months. Staying in the palace alone, Biyao will surely miss you a thousand times over, finding no peace day or night."
Her words clearly signaled a desire to accompany him out of the palace. Murong Yan said, "If you have free time, then focus on teaching Ze’er. The Queen is also in the palace; with the two of you sisters for company, I trust you will not be lonely."
Jiang Biyao pouted her pink lips slightly and said, "But Biyao has only ever heard of the magnificent sights of the border cities in books and has always yearned for them. Could Your Majesty..."
Murong Yan turned his head and looked directly into her eyes. "No." Jiang Biyao was slightly stunned; the decisiveness in his eyes at that moment felt foreign to her. Only after she realized that Murong Yan truly would not take her along did he add, "The border is bitter and cold, and the journey is arduous. There is no need for you to go."
Jiang Biyao finally reacted, hurriedly raising her cup. "In that case, Biyao can only wish Your Majesty a smooth journey and a swift return."
Murong Yan drank a cup with her, then said warmly, "You have always been sensible; We are not worried. While We are away, the affairs of the inner palace shall be handled jointly by you and the Queen."
Only then did Jiang Biyao look happier as she drank with him. Jiang Bilan kept her head down; since the last incident, she had indeed become much more restrained. Murong Yan said no more, but he glanced at Daxi Qin and then at Zuo Canglang, his thoughts inscrutable.
The next day, Murong Yan set out for Mayi City. Zuo Canglang accompanied him, while Xue Dongting remained to guard the palace. Wang Nan and Xu Lang led the troops to escort the sovereign. The procession stretched for miles, grand and imposing. Murong Yan wore golden battle armor, the red tassel on his helmet vibrant, his heroic spirit even greater than in years past.
Zuo Canglang, however, chose to travel by carriage. She did not know what complications might arise in Western Jing, so it was best to preserve her strength. Because no one would care anyway, she had finally learned to look after herself and stopped forcing her limits.
The journey passed in silence. When the carriages reached Mayi City, Murong Yan went directly to the White Wolf River. Along both banks, the armies of Western Jing and Great Yan were heavily deployed; as far as the eye could see, the landscape was dense with armored soldiers.
In the center of the river sat a massive ship. A high platform had been erected in the middle of the deck, unobstructed on all sides, offering a vast field of vision. Zhou Xin saw him approach and immediately came forward to report: "Your Majesty, our side has strictly searched the vessel and the surrounding waters. There are no issues."
Murong Yan nodded slightly, turned to Zuo Canglang, and said, "Follow."
Zuo Canglang followed him onto the massive ship. Ahead, Emperor Jian Yang of Western Jing also arrived by boat. As the two parties met, Jian Yang looked Zuo Canglang up and down and said with a smile, "General Zuo, have you been well? I didn't expect that even with clothes on, Zuo Canglang’s charm would remain undiminished."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Xi and the others immediately moved to draw their swords, but Zuo Canglang raised a hand to stop them. Murong Yan said, "After General Wei returned to court, she mentioned Western Jing, saying its etiquette was strange—that a foreign official meeting the monarch must not wear a single stitch of clothing. Such etiquette is something We have never heard of."
Jian Yang then sized up Murong Yan. This was their first meeting. He laughed and said, "Back then, the Retired Emperor of Yan, Murong Yuan, repeatedly called Us his 'Sovereign Father.' By seniority, the King of Yan should be of Our grandson’s generation. Is this how one observes etiquette when granted an audience with an elder?"
At these words, the expressions of Zhou Xin and the others changed. Murong Yan smiled and said, "Back then, Jing was strong and Yan was weak; the Retired Emperor was not honoring the monarch of Jing, but a wise and capable ruler. However, in the years since, Jing has failed in its many invasions of Yan and has become a defeated foe at Yan’s hands. It is time this seniority was corrected."
Jian Yang let out a cold snort. Murong Yan said solemnly, "If Brother Jian did not come here today for a war of words, then please, Brother Jian, undress."
This time, it was Jian Yang and his men who were stunned. Jian Yang asked, "What?"
Murong Yan said, "When Our General of the Guard went to the capital of Western Jing, Brother Jian ordered her to undress before the public and had the people of Western Jing flock to see her. We assume this must be Western Jing’s protocol for welcoming guests. Now that we meet, though it is upon a river at the border, protocol must not be discarded. Brother Jian, please."
It was currently the third month, and the spring chill was biting, let alone on a river at the border. Jian Yang was so angry he laughed. "Is the King of Yan truly here in good faith to form an alliance? Or is he merely here to settle a personal grudge and vent his anger?"
Murong Yan lightly flicked a speck of dust from his sleeve and said, "To be honest with Brother Jian, it is both."
Jian Yang said angrily, "Under the watchful eyes of so many, we are, after all, the sovereigns of our nations. Are we truly to stand upon this platform stark naked and become the laughingstock of the world?"
Murong Yan said, "Though We are the ruler of Yan, We understand the principle of 'when in Rome.' Since this is the custom of Western Jing, We are naturally willing to comply to show Our sincerity."
Jian Yang barked, "Murong Yan!"
Murong Yan smiled. "We have gone to such lengths, yet Brother Jian remains unmoved. It seems there is no intent for peace talks. In that case, there is no benefit in Our staying. We shall take Our leave." Having said that, he cupped his hands, preparing to depart. Jian Yang was furious, but Murong Yan actually turned to walk away.
Ren Xuan and the others were livid. Jian Yang finally managed to retain some reason and asked, "Today’s move does not benefit Western Jing alone. Must you insist on this momentary spite?"
Murong Yan said, "Brother Jian overstates the matter. Since Brother Jian required Our General of the Guard to arrive according to your protocol, today Brother Jian must arrive according to that same protocol. Otherwise, let us speak no more of the alliance."
Jian Yang laughed in his rage. However, at this moment, Western Jing had already finished mobilizing its grain and troops; every day the army sat idle cost a fortune in provisions. He had previously thought there was no way Murong Yan would back out, never expecting him to be waiting for him here. Jian Yang gritted his teeth, then unfastened his cloak and handed it to Ren Xuan. Ren Xuan said urgently, "Your Majesty!"
Jian Yang said nothing. He removed his outer robe, and finally, in a fit of rage, he even stripped off his inner tunic. Seeing that Murong Yan still said nothing, he shouted, "Do you want Us to be completely naked?"
Only then did Murong Yan slowly undress, handing his clothes to Zuo Canglang behind him. Seeing him undress as well, Jian Yang was actually taken aback. Murong Yan removed his outer robe and inner tunic, handing them to Zuo Canglang to hold. Then he took off his boots and placed them at the bow of the ship.
In the end, the two monarchs, both bare-chested and barefoot, wearing only their white inner trousers, ascended the high platform together to sign the alliance. Jian Yang cut his finger and dripped blood into the cup, suddenly saying, "You are quite something. Much stronger than that waste of a father you had. I like you."
After dripping his own blood, Murong Yan set down the small silver knife and said, "We are honored by Brother Jian’s high regard. Though We do not fancy men, We would be willing to set aside a courtyard in Our harem to settle Brother Jian."
Jian Yang was speechless with rage.
***
