As the fires of war momentarily subsided, Great Yan had not only occupied Wuzhong but had also seized most of the cities in Guzhu that were previously held by Western Jing. Western Jing only retained control over Luan City and Yunzhou, but these positions were no longer defensible. In a desperate move, Jian Yang installed Murong Yuan as Emperor in Luan City, declaring the state "Northern Yan."
As the dust settled, Western Jing had gained nothing, and Great Yan was utterly exhausted, neither side possessing the strength for immediate further conflict. Though Jian Yang was incensed, he had no choice but to exchange Zhuge Jin for Ji Guang.
After ascending the throne in Luan City, Murong Yuan issued an edict, requesting a face-to-face meeting with Murong Yan.
When Murong Yan received this edict, his generals naturally tried their best to dissuade him. Zhou Xin said, "Your Majesty, although Guzhu and other regions have been incorporated into Yan territory after two successive wars, the people's hearts are unsettled and the situation is volatile. Furthermore, Western Jing’s current movements are unclear. It is not advisable for Your Majesty to go in person."
Xu Lang and the others, who were most familiar with the situation in Luan City, immediately added their counsel: "Your Majesty, Luan City is currently suffering from unbearable heat, and the piles of corpses have yet to be cleared. Should an epidemic break out, it would be disastrous for Your Majesty. In my humble opinion, it would be better for Your Majesty to invite the Retired Emperor to Yan territory instead."
Murong Yan pondered for a moment before saying, "Since ancient times, filial piety has always come first. Since the summer heat is so intense, how could I allow my father to travel hundreds of miles to see me? Besides, although Guzhu and Wuzhong are now part of Yan, their people remain uneasy. If I do not go, I will appear lacking in courage. How then can I command their respect?"
Xu Lang and Zhou Xin looked at each other, at a loss for how to further persuade him. Murong Yan declared, "Make the preparations. I shall go to Luan City personally."
His mind was made up, and Zhou Xin and the others could say no more. Murong Yan thought for a moment and added, "Luan City is sweltering right now, and Ah Zuo is in poor health. I will leave her in Liangzhou. Zhou Xin, appoint your most trusted confidants to look after her. She has been… a bit temperamental lately. Find a few clever people to keep her company."
Zhou Xin was startled; he hadn't expected the Emperor to mention Zuo Canglang specifically. He quickly replied, "I obey your command."
In the evening, when Murong Yan returned to the tent, Zuo Canglang was still asleep. He kept her in his own quarters, guarded at all times, and did not permit her to go out. Having nothing to do in the tent, she spent most of her time sleeping.
Murong Yan walked to the bedside. The ice sculptures in the room were half-melted, keeping the air relatively cool. Her breathing was light and silent, her long hair spread across half the pillow. Murong Yan sat by the bed and said, "Tomorrow, I am going to Luan City. Stay here obediently. Once matters are concluded, I will come back for you."
Zuo Canglang opened her eyes, her pupils as dark as ink.
Murong Yan leaned down to kiss her, saying, "I’ve found a few pleasant people to keep you company these next few days. It’s hot outside, so don’t wander for too long." He reached out to toy with the ends of her hair, twirling them into small loops. "Look at you. If I let you out, you fall ill; if I keep you in, you lose your spirit."
Zuo Canglang said, "Your Majesty has raised a bird; you fear it will flee if released, yet find it tedious when caged."
Murong Yan chuckled and pulled her into his arms. "What a way to put it! I have obtained a precious treasure; I fear it will fly away if held in my palm, and fear it will melt if held in my mouth. See? Doesn't that sound much better?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "If that is the case, why doesn't Your Majesty simply break my legs? That way, I wouldn't be able to go anywhere even if I wanted to."
Murong Yan thought about it seriously and said, "A good idea." Having said that, he reached out to touch her legs. Zuo Canglang slapped his hand away. He leaned close to her ear and whispered with a smile, "But I love the feeling of being held tight by these legs. For now, I can't bear to part with them."
Zuo Canglang’s face was full of indignation, while Murong Yan laughed until he couldn't straighten his back. In the past, he had raised a wolf; whenever that wolf threw a tantrum or bared its teeth, he suspected it wanted to devour him, always maintaining a degree of wariness. Now, he was raising a cat; even when the cat grew angry or lashed out, he merely treated it as a bit of bedroom play, unbothered and even finding it endlessly amusing.
Zuo Canglang no longer wished to speak to him. Only then did he stand up and say, "I am leaving now. Stay obediently in Liangzhou." Seeing no reaction from her, he felt a flicker of displeasure. "Get up and dress me."
Zuo Canglang did not move. He reached out and hauled her up. Seeing her complete lack of response, anger flared in his heart. "Did you hear me? This is all you are good for now. If you don't put effort into these things, what else do you expect to do?"
Only then did Zuo Canglang look up at him, her gaze icy and dark. Murong Yan knew he had provoked her; he felt a sense of satisfaction mixed with a slight touch of regret. He released her and, in the end, said nothing more. He changed his clothes himself and turned to leave the tent.
The next day, while Zuo Canglang was still asleep, two wives of high-ranking generals actually arrived. Accompanied by Hu Lin and others, they took her for a stroll through Liangzhou. Zhou Xin understood her well; both ladies were accustomed to wielding blades and spears, so they visited weapon shops, stables, and the like.
On the second day, local officials presented fine bows and precious swords, each using their own tricks to win her favor.
Murong Yan set out for Luan City. Along the way, Zhou Xin was cautious in every way, saying, "Your Majesty, I have mapped out every location between Liangzhou and Luan City where an ambush could be hidden, and I have sent soldiers ahead to scout them."
Murong Yan said, "Mm. Western Jing will certainly use this opportunity to strike at me. It is always good to be careful."
Zhou Xin was somewhat puzzled. "Since Your Majesty knows this, why do you still insist on going to Luan City? Even if you go, as a son, you cannot personally lead an assault on Luan City. And the Retired Emperor will certainly not negotiate peace with Your Majesty."
Murong Yan replied, "He and I are, after all, father and son. If I do not give him an opportunity to strike first, how can I have an excuse to send troops against him?"
Zhou Xin froze, finally understanding the intention behind the Emperor's insistence on going north. It seemed that this time, he was determined to eliminate Murong Yuan once and for all.
Half a month later, while Murong Yan was crossing the Luan River, he was ambushed by the Western Jing navy. The vessel he was on was scuttled. Zhou Xin and the others fought a bloody battle against the Jing army on the Luan River for over ten days. The Yan army searched along the river the entire time but found no trace of Murong Yan.
The King of Yan had accepted his father's invitation, gallantly going forth despite knowing the danger. Yet Murong Yuan had conspired with Western Jing to set an ambush on the Luan River, leaving Murong Yan in peril and his whereabouts unknown. When the news reached Liangzhou, Xu Lang specifically came to report to Zuo Canglang: "General, in your opinion, what should be done?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Pack my things. I am going to Luan City."
Xu Lang said anxiously, "But the General's health..."
Zuo Canglang replied, "My health is a small matter. How can I miss such an opportunity to claim merit?"
Xu Lang was bewildered. "Claim merit?"
Zuo Canglang said no more. She packed her bags that very day and traveled by carriage, journeying day and night toward Luan City. Wang Nan and others were stationed nearby; hearing of this, they hurried to join her. As Zuo Canglang traveled with him, Wang Nan asked, "General, I heard the Jing army is still searching along the river. Do you think His Majesty is in danger this time?"
Zuo Canglang asked, "Has Grand Marshal Zhou deployed troops toward Luan City?"
Wang Nan replied, "Indeed! For the sake of filial piety, His Majesty took only a few dozen men across the river for the meeting. Who would have thought the Retired Emperor would completely disregard the bond between father and son? The soldiers are incensed; naturally, they immediately mobilized to attack Luan City."
Zuo Canglang said, "Then His Majesty is safe."
Wang Nan was surprised. "How can the General be so certain?"
Zuo Canglang sat in the carriage, lifting the window curtain slightly to speak to him in a low voice. "Luan City, Yunzhou, and the surrounding areas are but tiny patches of land. He wants to conquer these cities and claim the land of Guzhu for himself more than anyone. But with Murong Yuan acting as a King there—and since His Majesty has always championed filial piety and virtue—how could a son justify attacking his father's domain? Naturally, he had to find a plausible excuse."
Wang Nan was secretly shocked. "So you're saying this was all His Majesty's plan? If that's the case, and the weather is so hot and the General's health is poor, why the rush to get there?"
Zuo Canglang said, "One must always put on a show of loyalty."
Wang Nan was stunned. No matter what had happened before, he had never heard her speak this way. He gave an awkward laugh. "The General must be joking."
Zuo Canglang said nothing more.
Just as she had predicted, two days later, the Yan army captured Luan City. Even with the aid of the Jing army, Murong Yuan's territory was too small and his walls too low to hide his troops; the Jing army could only retreat repeatedly. By the time Zuo Canglang reached the Luan River, the Jing army had already retreated to the edge of Yunzhou.
The weather was indeed sweltering. Zuo Canglang could hardly walk a few steps before she was drenched in sweat. Her right shoulder was completely useless, and she was unable to ride a horse, making travel extremely difficult. Despite this, she still crossed through Luan City and arrived at the border of Yunzhou.
When Zhou Xin saw her, he was also shocked. "Ah Zuo? Why have you come?"
Zuo Canglang asked, "Is there any news of His Majesty?"
Only then did Zhou Xin's heart settle. "You still care for His Majesty after all. But this place is dangerous; you shouldn't stay long. As soon as there is news of His Majesty, I will inform you."
Zuo Canglang said, "The Grand Marshal must continue the pursuit of the enemy; there is no need to worry about me. Just give me a small boat. I would like to search for His Majesty upon the Luan River."
Hearing this, Zhou Xin had no choice but to give her a boat—though certainly not a small one. He also assigned many soldiers to protect her. Zuo Canglang sailed down the Luan River, the river breeze blowing gently. She sat by the cabin window with a pot of wine and a few side dishes, admiring the scenery of the river each day. The actual work of dredging and searching was handled by the personal guards Zhou Xin had sent; there was no need for her to lift a finger.
Ten days later, the Jing army was finally defeated, and Murong Yuan was trapped at Mt. Mati in Yunzhou. Zuo Canglang’s boat happened to be at the foot of Mt. Mati. She stood on the deck, gazing up at the mountain, and said, "The time is about right. Let us go ashore and see."
Hu Lin had been following her all along and was now worried. "The General cannot travel far, nor can you ride. This mountain path is rugged; must you go up?"
Zuo Canglang said, "We haven't seen a trace of His Majesty along the way. Perhaps he is here. We'll just go down and take a look."
Hu Lin didn't dare say more and helped her off the boat. The group began their search up the mountain. At the summit, Zhou Xin had surrounded Murong Yuan. Murong Yuan asked, "Are you the only ones who have come? Where is Murong Yan?"
Zhou Xin turned around, and the soldiers slowly stepped back, the crowd parting in two. Murong Yan walked out slowly and said, "Father, it has been a long time."
Murong Yuan stared at him and said, "Why did I not see back then that I was raising such a heartless, wolf-like creature in my own home?"
Murong Yan replied, "Perhaps it was because Father was too intoxicated by the beauties of the harem to spare a single careful glance."
Murong Yuan said, "Murong Yan, things having come to this, I have nothing else to say. Surely you won't drive your sister, Murong Shu, to her death as well?"
Standing beside him was Princess Murong Shu. During these days, she had followed her father to a foreign land, and she had been the one taking care of Murong Yuan. Murong Yan glanced at her; she bit her lip and said nothing. Murong Yan said, "Since Shu'er has remained by Father's side, her filial piety is truly commendable. Father is already old; the road to the Yellow Springs must be lonely. With Shu'er to accompany you, I can feel somewhat comforted."
Murong Yuan said, "Good. Very good."
Murong Yan raised a hand, and someone presented wine cups containing two draughts of fine wine, clear and emerald green. Murong Yuan did not look at him again. He turned to his daughter and said, "Shu'er, Father has failed you. You have stayed by my side all these years, and in the end, you can only go with me."
Murong Shu shook her head and said, "Father, do not say that. Shu'er is willing to follow Father."
Murong Yuan affectionately stroked the top of her head and said, "Good." The two of them took the wine cups and slowly drained them. The poisoned wine hit their throats, and the effects were swift. Their bodies fell one after the other onto the white cloth spread on the ground. Murong Yan slowly stepped forward, looking down at his father and sister. For some reason, his heart felt as if a piece were missing, leaving a hole for the wind to whistle through.
The summer wind should not have been cold, yet as it entered his heart and lungs, it felt desolate.
Just then, there was a sound from behind. Murong Yan turned around to see Zuo Canglang slowly ascending the mountain, accompanied by Hu Lin and a group of guards. At that moment, like a child who had suddenly found a lost parent, he stepped forward and pulled her into a tight embrace.
*Perhaps you were right to stop me back then.* The feeling of having absolutely nothing was truly terrible. "Ah Zuo!" he called out in a low voice, his arms tightening, holding her very, very close.
*You still love me, don't you? Otherwise, why would you brave the scorching sun and travel across mountains and rivers to find me?*
Zuo Canglang said softly, "So Your Majesty is unharmed. Had I known, why would I have bothered to come all this way?"
Murong Yan did not want to let her go, yet he said, "You are like a dog lifting a door curtain—it's all thanks to that mouth of yours." Having said that, he realized her clothes were soaked with sweat. He hurriedly said, "You've sweated so much. Let's go down the mountain before you get heatstroke."
With that, he supported her, walking slowly down the mountain through the shaded areas where clear springs flowed. Before leaving the forest, he looked back once more and remained silent for a long time.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 北燕 | Northern Yan | The puppet state established by Western Jing for Murong Yuan. |
| 滦城 | Luan City | A city in the Guzhu region. |
| 云洲 | Yunzhou | A city/region near Luan City. |
| 滦河 | Luan River | The river where Murong Yan was ambushed. |
| 马蹄山 | Mt. Mati | Literally "Horseshoe Mountain." |
| 慕容姝 | Murong Shu | Murong Yan's sister, a princess of Yan. |
| 黄泉 | Yellow Springs | The underworld/realm of the dead in Chinese mythology. |
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