Time flowed on day by day. By the end of the year, Zheng Chu had grown accustomed to finding all sorts of strange things in his home, including jars of wine infused with various venomous snakes. Because Zuo Canglang disliked snakes, Murong Xuan had moved every serpent he caught to Zheng Chu’s stone hut.
On this particular day, the weather was exceptionally cold. Zheng Chu sat by the hearth, warming a pot of wine and stewing several chunks of meat. Just as he was about to pick up his chopsticks, a flurry of footsteps sounded outside. Before long, a small head peeked in. Seeing that Zheng Chu was home, the boy hurriedly pushed the door open and entered.
Zheng Chu didn't even bother to sigh anymore; this brat was simply too persistent. Murong Xuan triumphantly held up half a carcass of mutton. "Look! See what I brought you!"
Zheng Chu ignored him. Murong Xuan stirred the pot with a pair of chopsticks and asked, "Why didn't you cook some for me?" While Zheng Chu drank his wine in silence, the boy washed the mutton himself, chopped it into several pieces with Zheng Chu’s own axe, and tossed them into the pot.
Suddenly, Zheng Chu asked, "Zhou Xin and the others hold heavy military power. Why didn't you ask one of them to be your master?"
Murong Xuan thought about it seriously before saying, "Actually, I don't really know. Probably because you were closer."
Zheng Chu was incensed—so you only came looking for me because I was nearby? He glared at the boy, but Murong Xuan just rolled around laughing. "How can Uncle Zhou compare to you? How many battles have you fought? You are a true veteran of a hundred campaigns!"
"Hmph." Zheng Chu gave a cold snort, yet he felt a sense of satisfaction in his heart as he took another sip of wine.
Murong Xuan seized the opportunity to climb onto his back, wrapping his arms around the man's neck and whispering in his ear, "Be my master... oh, come on, take me as your disciple, take me as your disciple..."
He repeated it over and over like a chanting monk. Zheng Chu finally couldn't take it anymore and stuffed a few pieces of meat into the boy's mouth, desperate to silence him.
***
At that moment, Zuo Canglang stood alone on the banks of the river in Anyangzhou. The weather was truly freezing, and the river’s surface had already iced over. Withered grass stretched to the horizon. she wrapped her fur cloak tightly around her; even her hand warmer had lost its heat. After an unknown amount of time, a voice spoke from behind her. "You arrived so early?"
Zuo Canglang turned around to see Cang Ge standing behind her, dressed in the monastic robes and straw sandals of a monk. She was slightly startled. "You’ve taken the tonsure?"
Cang Ge gave a faint hum of affirmation and asked, "How have you been?"
Zuo Canglang smiled. "As you can see. How is Lady A-Fei?"
Cang Ge replied, "Back then... thanks to the help of Yuan Xi, Wang Nan, and the others, we were able to escape Great Yan. She is doing well now, practicing medicine to help the world. It is only that the language barrier causes some inconvenience."
"With her intelligence, I imagine that won't be a problem for long," Zuo Canglang said.
Cang Ge asked, "Do you intend to keep going like this?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "Must we stand here and talk? I'm freezing."
"I can take you away," Cang Ge said. "We are near the border; no one can stop us."
Zuo Canglang shook her head. "I still have unfinished business here. I cannot leave for now."
"I thought as much," Cang Ge said.
As the words fell, he took her arm. With a blur of movement, they covered a great distance in an instant. With another shift, he left her in front of a wine shop. By the time Zuo Canglang regained her bearings, there was no one beside her—only the wind and snow remained.
***
Meanwhile, in Jinyang City, Wang Yunzhao grabbed the Imperial Physician General, Cheng Han, his face full of anxiety. "What exactly is going on with His Majesty’s illness?"
Cheng Han was equally troubled. "Looking at his pulse, it appears to be a mere deficiency of qi and blood, yet there are no other symptoms. This illness..."
"Does Master Cheng have no other ideas?" Wang Yunzhao pressed.
Cheng Han replied, "Grand Chamberlain, in my opinion, we must find Jiang Xing. His medical skills are ten times greater than mine; perhaps he would have a way."
Wang Yunzhao was at his wit's end and could only order men to search for Jiang Xing. But that man was like a divine dragon, showing his head but never his tail. If he did not wish to appear, how could he be found? At this moment, Wang Yunzhao thought of Yang Lianting again and couldn't help but sigh repeatedly.
Ban Yang stayed by Murong Yan’s side, serving him medicine. Murong Yan pushed the bowl away and said, "Have Wang Yunzhao bring the memorials into the hall."
"But Your Majesty is still ill..." Ban Yang started.
"Go!" Murong Yan commanded.
Ban Yang went to find Wang Yunzhao. After some thought, the eunuch brought in only a dozen or so scrolls. Murong Yan flipped through them casually until he found the memorial sent from Anyangzhou. He slowly opened it to find Murong Xuan’s still-childish handwriting.
It was, as usual, an inquiry after his health followed by a report on the livelihoods of the people in Anyangzhou. He held this single memorial, turning it over and reading it several times. Ban Yang began to understand; out of all those memorials, this was the only one he actually wanted to see.
She rose and went outside, happening upon Wang Yunzhao waiting in the outer chamber. Wang Yunzhao asked, "His Majesty didn't lose his temper, did he?"
Ban Yang replied, "Manager Wang always acts according to His Majesty’s heart; how could he be angry?"
Wang Yunzhao nodded. Ban Yang suddenly asked, "Since His Majesty... has been longing for her all this time, why doesn't he go find her?"
Wang Yunzhao sighed deeply. "If his illness weren't so grave, how could he have allowed Lady Zuo to stay so far from Jinyang for so long? For all these years, others might think he kept her close only to strip her of military power, but in truth... perhaps even he himself cannot explain the reason."
Ban Yang said, "I don't understand. Since His Majesty’s dragon body is unwell, shouldn't he command the person he cares for most to stay by his side?"
Wang Yunzhao replied, "A man like him has always been the most prideful. How could he allow her to see him in such a sickly state?"
Ban Yang understood somewhat. "He is a pitiful man as well."
Wang Yunzhao shot her a look, and she quickly stuck out her tongue, not daring to say more.
***
In the Phoenix Nest Palace, Jiang Bilan asked Keqing, "Have you not gone to see His Majesty either?"
Keqing was holding the Fourth Prince, Murong Yu. "I heard His Majesty is gravely ill. Recently, no one is allowed near without a summons. Ban Yang has been the only one attending him."
Jiang Bilan said, "His Majesty’s health has been declining these past few years."
Keqing asked, "Should we let the Princes... go and pay their respects?"
Jiang Bilan thought for a moment. "Ze'er goes often. Every time His Majesty sees him, he tests him on poetry, classics, and history. I truly don't know what his intentions are."
Keqing naturally understood her meaning. "Your Majesty need not worry. No matter what happens, the First Prince is, after all, the legitimate eldest son. His Majesty naturally regards him with more weight."
Jiang Bilan shook her head. "At this point, I dare not believe in anything anymore."
Seeing her despondence, Keqing couldn't help but say, "I heard the Third Prince has a very good reputation in the border city. He even dug a river."
Jiang Bilan scoffed, "What 'Third Prince's reputation'? He is but a child, still wet behind the ears. Where would he get such schemes? It is all Zuo Canglang’s doing. Besides, for labor and materials, would they really spend their own money? It is nothing more than fishing for fame."
Keqing said, "Your Majesty, if I may speak plainly, there isn't much difference in age between the Third Prince and the First Prince. Now that His Majesty’s health is worsening, if the time comes... I fear Zuo Canglang will harbor ill intentions. she has always been close with the military, and now she is far away in the Northwest with the Third Prince, beyond your reach and control. The Third Prince’s birth mother was once a lowly palace maid; surely Your Majesty won't stand by and watch him seize the throne?"
Jiang Bilan said, "He is so far from Jinyang now. Even if he has many eyes and ears in the palace, news cannot be transmitted in time. If something truly happens to His Majesty, it will be too late by the time she rushes back. I believe Murong Xuan is not a cause for concern."
"But given His Majesty’s indulgence of Zuo Canglang, he might inevitably consider her interests," Keqing countered.
Jiang Bilan frowned slightly; this hit a nerve. Currently, Murong Xuan appeared more capable than the princes in the palace and had been the first to be granted a title. If Murong Yan truly intended to show favoritism, it would be hard to say.
Keqing continued, "Furthermore, His Majesty is in poor health, yet he has not established an heir. The First Prince is the legitimate son of the Empress and the eldest son. By right, His Majesty should have named him Crown Prince long ago. This delay inevitably makes people wonder."
Jiang Bilan sighed. "Even so, what can be done?"
Keqing asked, "Does Your Majesty truly not intend to make more preparations?"
"You mean..." Jiang Bilan trailed off.
Keqing said, "Though the elder Master Jiang has passed away, there are still many old associates in the court. Furthermore, Master Gan... has no one to lean on, and Zuo Canglang has never liked him. If something happens to His Majesty, he should be the person who least wants to see Zuo Canglang gain power. After all, once the Third Prince ascends the throne, the court will be controlled by Zuo Canglang. she will certainly appoint Daxi Qin as Chancellor. Where would there be room for Gan Xiaoru then?"
Jiang Bilan said, "You have thought this through quite thoroughly."
Keqing replied, "I am merely considering things for Your Majesty’s sake. After all, I am in the palace, and the only ones I can rely on are Your Majesty and the two Princes."
Jiang Bilan reached out to tease the Fourth Prince in her arms. "Let us hope so."
Keqing also looked down at Murong Yu. *Yu* (Feather)—by giving him such a name, did Murong Yan mean to mock him as insignificant, or did he hope he would live a life free of office, as a wealthy idler? He had never placed great expectations on his children. Then, thinking of how Zhitong was already a Consort, Keqing felt a searing jealousy in her heart.
***
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Study, Murong Yan finished his medicine and looked at Wang Yunzhao. "Currently, my health is failing, and the heir has not been established. The court will inevitably be unsettled."
Wang Yunzhao understood his meaning and said, "Your Majesty has merely caught a chill and will recover in a few days. Why the rush regarding the succession?"
Murong Yan said, "Summon Bi Chengjing, Gan Xiaoru, Daxi Qin, and Le Yangxun... to see me."
Wang Yunzhao finally answered, "Yes."
Not long after, in Anyangzhou, Zuo Canglang received a secret message from Daxi Qin—Murong Yan had appointed his eldest son, Murong Ze, as the Crown Prince.
Upon receiving the official decree from the court, Zhitong actually felt a sense of relief. she urged Zuo Canglang, "Now that the heir is decided, if we can stay peacefully in Anyangzhou, it would be a blessing from heaven."
Zuo Canglang said, "Zhitong, from the moment His Majesty placed Xuan'er in my hands, 'peace' became an impossibility for him and for you."
Zhitong froze.
***
At this time, Murong Yan seemed to have truly decided to groom the new sovereign. During court discussions, he always had Murong Ze accompany him and frequently asked for his opinion.
Murong Ze was young, but he had begun his education early. Under constant influence, he slowly learned to handle minor court affairs. In the court, Bi Chengjing was advanced in years but had not yet retired, simply because Murong Yan needed such a prestigious veteran official to preside over matters.
However, the duties of the Chancellor were mostly shared by Gan Xiaoru, Daxi Qin, and Le Yangxun. Gan Xiaoru knew Bi Chengjing wouldn't last much longer; he was more concerned about who would take the position of Chancellor of the Left.
By right, Daxi Qin was a surrendered official. Given Murong Yan’s personality, he wouldn't allow him to become Chancellor. As for Le Yangxun, his seniority couldn't match Gan's. It should have been logical for Gan Xiaoru to be promoted to Chancellor of the Left. But if Murong Yan passed away and the Crown Prince ascended, it would be hard to say.
The prince most likely to succeed was, of course, Murong Ze—the Crown Prince personally appointed by Murong Yan and the legitimate eldest son of the Empress. However, secretly, Murong Xuan was also a factor. Gan Xiaoru needed to choose a side now.
Zuo Canglang was very close to Daxi Qin. Once Murong Xuan ascended, Daxi Qin would surely be heavily utilized. It was uncertain if Gan Xiaoru could even keep his position as Chancellor of the Right.
But as for Jiang Bilan, with Jiang Sanyi’s execution, she had few confidants left. Though her two brothers were only in exile, they could never threaten Gan's position. Thus, the choice was clear.
***
Murong Xuan returned from Zheng Chu’s place just as the news arrived. Zuo Canglang asked, "His Majesty has appointed the First Prince as Crown Prince. What do you think?"
Murong Xuan said, "Imperial Brother is, after all, the legitimate eldest son. It is only natural for Father to name him Crown Prince."
Zuo Canglang nodded. "Are you not worried?"
Murong Xuan looked at her. "Does A-Zuo want me to fight for the throne?"
"I want to know your own thoughts," Zuo Canglang replied.
Murong Xuan said, "I think I would be a better Emperor than my brother."
Zuo Canglang laughed. "Have you no shame!"
Murong Xuan said with a serious face, "If I am Emperor, they will all have a way to live. If he is Emperor, I will not. The Empress... hates you. Once she holds power, you will be in great danger." Zuo Canglang looked into his eyes; they were clear as a mountain spring. He smiled and patted her shoulder. "I don't know if I'm cut out for it, but I will try my best."
"Mm," Zuo Canglang acknowledged.
After she left, Zhitong looked worried. "I truly do not wish for you to return to the palace to fight for power with the Queen and the Crown Prince. Sometimes I think, how wonderful it would be if the three of us could just live here in Anyangzhou forever, carefree."
Murong Xuan helped her into a chair. "I understand your heart, Mother. But Father is still with us; you need not worry."
Zhitong sighed. "I know the General’s thoughts, and I understand the current situation, but how can I not worry?"
Murong Xuan knelt down and slowly leaned his head against her knee.
***
As Anyangzhou gradually became prosperous, the families moving in included not only the original herdsmen but also many merchants and farmers. Wine shops, teahouses, and marketplaces began to appear. Zuo Canglang was not skilled at managing such things, so Murong Xuan managed them alongside local scholars.
Located on the frontier, camel caravans began to stop there. Seeing the lush grass and water, they would stay for several days. Gradually, Anyangzhou became famous far and wide as a pearl in the desert. Zheng Chu finally began to visit occasionally. Murong Xuan studied martial arts under him, and in his spare time, Zheng Chu also trained a group of militia, becoming their drillmaster. Since the people of Anyangzhou were only practicing basic moves, even Zhou Zhuo didn't pay much attention.
However, Zheng Chu had once been a famous general, and the people trusted him immensely. Moreover, he didn't charge any fees. Not only from Xiaoquan Mountain, but even many people from Suye City sent their children to learn martial arts from him.
Zheng Chu slowly raised this ragtag group of soldiers until almost everyone in Anyangzhou was a soldier. When desert bandits or foreign tribes harassed the border again, it was no longer so easy for them.
***
One day, a messenger suddenly arrived from the palace with an imperial decree, stating that Murong Yan was gravely ill. It ordered Murong Xuan and Zuo Canglang to return to the palace immediately.
Murong Xuan received the decree and turned to look at Zuo Canglang. she inspected the decree and saw the seals of the Grand Chamberlain and the Chancellor of the Left. Only then did she nod. "Let’s go back."
The two of them rushed back to Jinyang City, travel-worn and weary. Wang Yunzhao’s expression was frantic. Zuo Canglang asked, "Manager Wang, what has happened?"
"General!" Wang Yunzhao cried. "His Majesty is gone! He was just on his couch a moment ago, and in the blink of an eye..." Palace guards were already searching everywhere. Zuo Canglang asked, "Is His Majesty truly ill?"
"My General, how could this be false?" Wang Yunzhao said. "He hasn't eaten for two days."
Zuo Canglang walked to the couch and took a look. The bedding was not disarrayed; it didn't look like a struggle had occurred. Given Murong Yan’s skill and temperament, even if he had only one breath left, he would never be taken without a fight.
"There is no need for the Manager to be anxious," she said. "I will go find him."
With that, she left the bedchamber and headed north. After walking for a short while, she unexpectedly arrived before Zhangwen Hall. No consort had lived here since the death of Consort Rong. After Murong Yan ascended the throne, although the place was maintained, it remained deep and desolate.
The doors and windows were tightly shut, as if there were no entrance.
Zuo Canglang approached slowly and pushed open the carved wooden doors. Sunlight broke through the long-accumulated chill. she stepped inside, wanting to call out, but the long-uninhabited palace courtyard felt like another world. A world where she was all alone, where even sound seemed frozen.
she surveyed the residence of the former favored consort; everywhere she looked, she could still see the splendor of years past. Though she had no personal history with this place, she couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.
The further in she went, the dimmer the light became. Zuo Canglang lifted a purple bead curtain. Vaguely, she saw someone sitting against the wall next to a dark red antique shelf. she approached slowly to find Murong Yan curled in the corner like an infant.
"Your Majesty?" she called softly. He slowly raised his head and, after a long moment, reached out his hand to her. Zuo Canglang drew closer and knelt down. His hand brushed through her long hair as he slowly pulled her toward him.
"You’re back?" he whispered. Before she could answer, he murmured softly, "Or is this another dream?"
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
立储 | Establishing the Heir | The act of formally appointing a successor to the throne.
太医令 | Imperial Physician General | The head of the imperial medical bureau.
中常侍 | Grand Chamberlain | A high-ranking eunuch official; literally "Regular Attendant."
彰文殿 | Zhangwen Hall | The name of a specific palace hall.
容婕妤 | Consort Rong | A title/name for a previous consort (Jieyu is a rank).
嫡长子 | Legitimate Eldest Son | The firstborn son of the Empress/legal wife.
左相/右相 | Chancellor of the Left/Right | High-ranking government ministers (Prime Ministers).
团练教头 | Militia Drillmaster | A person responsible for training local volunteer forces.
龙体 | Dragon Body | A respectful term for the Emperor's physical person.
少君 | Lady / Young Lord | A respectful title used for Zuo Canglang.
