That evening, Zuo Canglang continued to watch over the two injured youths. Leng Feiyan showed no intention of leaving. Yang Lianting gave her a nudge with his foot. "Hey, how long do you plan on staying here?"
Leng Feiyan brushed his foot aside impatiently. "Stop your whining. Yours truly is recuperating here; it’s the greatest honor you’ll ever receive. Instead of being grateful, you dare to grumble?"
"..." Yang Lianting was speechless. "But I am a man, after all. It’s hardly proper for a man and a woman to be lying on the same bed like this, is it?"
Leng Feiyan looked entirely unconcerned. "Don't worry, I won't ruin your precious reputation."
Yang Lianting gave up on talking to her. Suddenly, Leng Feiyan spoke up again. "Hey, I think you look decent enough. What future is there following a dull gourd like Zuo Canglang? Why don't you follow me instead?" Her fingertip slid across Yang Lianting’s cheek in a wickedly playful tease.
Yang Lianting was so incensed his hair practically stood on end. "Leng Feiyan!"
Leng Feiyan dissolved into fits of laughter, causing her wounds to split. As blood seeped through, she clutched her side, laughing and grimacing simultaneously. Yang Lianting, born of a medical family and possessing a healer’s heart, instinctively reached out to press down on her wound. He then forced himself out of bed to change her bandages.
Zuo Canglang sat at the foot of the bed, letting them carry on. Inside, the solitary lamp flickered like a bean; outside, rain had begun to fall at some unknown hour, the droplets drumming against the old eaves like splashing pearls and jade.
***
Below the cliffs outside the Orphan Camp, Murong Yan stood before a corpse so mangled by wild beasts it was barely recognizable. Behind him, the guard Feng Ping reported, "Your Highness, the fatal wound is in the throat. Someone shot him in the neck from behind. The archery was precise, but the arrow was made of bamboo..."
Murong Yan studied the body for a long time before saying, "As long as it wasn't the Crown Prince's man."
Beside Feng Ping, a "Master" from the Orphan Camp said cautiously, "This arrow... belongs to that girl in the camp, Zuo Canglang."
Feng Ping’s gaze turned dark. "So young, yet she has the nerve to kill and dump the body. Are you people made of paper? Letting this happen under your noses?"
The man’s face flushed crimson. "I will certainly discipline her."
Murong Yan leaned down, carefully inspecting the wounds on the mangled corpse. He smiled. " I’m starting to truly like her."
***
At the start of the first watch, within the Orphan Camp, Zuo Canglang—who had been lying down fully clothed—suddenly stood up. The sound of rustling clothes outside was muffled by the rain, but at a time like this, she had to be exceptionally cautious. Leng Feiyan also rose, and Yang Lianting asked nervously, "Who would it be at this hour?"
With a brief signal from Zuo Canglang, Leng Feiyan gripped a short sword and hid behind the door, reaching back to pull it open. Zuo Canglang stood in the far corner opposite the entrance, her bow drawn to full tension.
The person outside pushed the door open and entered. The three inside were stunned. After a moment, Zuo Canglang whispered, "Master?"
The visitor was Murong Yan!
Even on a rainy night, he wore his black robes adorned with gold hooks and jade ornaments. Without a word, his every movement exuded a quiet, noble elegance. Leng Feiyan and the others moved to salute, but he gave a slight wave of his hand, indicating they needn't stand on ceremony. Attendants brought in a table and laid out wine and food; the aroma quickly filled the cramped dormitory.
The three of them couldn't help but swallow hard. Murong Yan said softly, "The weather is cold and you are all injured. I came to check on you."
They thanked him again. Murong Yan said, "Don't be stiff. Come, sit."
Leng Feiyan and the others sat at the table, with Zuo Canglang seated directly to his right. An attendant poured the wine. Murong Yan spoke: "The conditions here are harsh, but since ancient times, those who achieve great things are often those from humble beginnings. When I gathered you from various places and sent you here, I wasn't saving anyone's life. I was merely buying you time—giving you the ability to choose your own destiny. Nothing more."
Zuo Canglang and the others looked at one another. Murong Yan smiled again. "You have all done well. Come, a toast."
Flattered and overwhelmed, they drank the cup with him. Murong Yan gestured for them to eat. Sitting beside him, Zuo Canglang felt as though she didn't know where to put her hands or feet. Suddenly, Murong Yan leaned toward her ear and whispered, "I had a few sets of clothes made for you. I’m not sure if they’ll fit; try them on tomorrow."
Zuo Canglang was completely stunned, even forgetting to offer her thanks. Murong Yan smiled. "No need for thanks. I have always treated my people well."
Leng Feiyan’s gaze darted between the two. Though Murong Yan’s voice was low, they were in such close proximity that the other two heard him clearly. However, they didn't dare speak and simply kept their heads down, focused on eating.
Murong Yan sat with perfect posture. He did not touch any dish they had already sampled, only occasionally joining them for a drink. The early spring weather was still frigid, and there was nothing in the dormitory to start a fire; the wine warming their bodies was a welcome relief.
After three rounds of wine, he stood up. "I must go. You are all doing well, but there is still a gap between unpolished stone and fine jade. Do not grow slack."
The three naturally knelt to see him off. Murong Yan chuckled and said to Zuo Canglang, "Your Master is leaving, and you won't see him out? This slave is failing her duties."
Zuo Canglang’s face flushed a deep red, but she rose and escorted him to the door. Outside, the night rain had not ceased, and cold winds blew in gusts. A man who looked like a head steward stepped forward to drape a cloak over Murong Yan. Zuo Canglang stood at the door and bowed. "Farewell, Master."
Murong Yan nodded and asked, "What is your name?"
Zuo Canglang kept her head lowered. The wind and rain were cold, but her blood was boiling. "I... my name is Zuo Canglang."
"Zuo Canglang..." The three syllables sounded melodious coming from his mouth, like the most beautiful music in the world. Zuo Canglang heard her own heartbeat, heavy as a drum, feeling as if it might leap from her chest at any moment. Her ears felt muffled, as if the world were silenced, and she heard him whisper again, "It sounds familiar. I have a sense of déjà vu."
She parted her lips but said nothing. Murong Yan placed his right hand on her shoulder and said softly, "I like useful people. Strive to become one."
The warmth of his palm spread through her shoulder along with her pulse. Zuo Canglang felt frozen, losing all memory of what she might have said in response.
By the time she returned to the dormitory and the door was closed, the world lost that tiny spark of light and fell back into darkness.
Walking ahead, Murong Yan was shielded by an umbrella held by the head steward, Wang Yunzhao, who was getting soaked himself. Murong Yan pulled out a silk handkerchief and wiped the hand that had just rested on Zuo Canglang’s shoulder.
Wang Yunzhao whispered, "Second Prince, they are but children. Why insist on visiting at this hour? On such a rainy day, with the road so dark and slippery... what if you catch a chill?"
Murong Yan replied, "Wang Yunzhao, I like her. She has the aura of an alpha wolf."
Wang Yunzhao grumbled, "Then why doesn't Your Highness just give Feng Ping and the others a word to look after her more? It would save..."
Murong Yan laughed. "One who dies on the path of competition could never be an alpha wolf."
***
Inside the dormitory, Zuo Canglang closed the door. Leng Feiyan and Yang Lianting were both staring at her. Zuo Canglang’s cheeks were as bright as the morning clouds. Seeing their expressions, she immediately snapped, "Don't ask anything."
Leng Feiyan leaned in close, scrutinizing her face. Then, imagining who-knows-what, she said with a look of mock disgust, "No wonder he agreed to treat Yang Lianting. So you two... eww..."
Zuo Canglang sent a kick flying her way. "Leng Feiyan, are you a yellow croaker? You're so 'yellow'!"
The next day, a guard indeed delivered several sets of clothes. Seeing them, Leng Feiyan snatched two for herself. This girl was aloof and cold when they were strangers, but once familiar, she was truly shameless.
Zuo Canglang didn't hold it against her. After their shared ordeal, the three had become friends through conflict and were now constantly together. Occasionally sleeping in the same dormitory was no longer strange; as adolescents, they were beginning to understand certain things. Some spread unsavory rumors about their relationship, but the three didn't care. In any case, no one dared to wag their tongues to their faces.
Because Yang Lianting had received special medical treatment from Murong Yan, the Masters naturally held him in higher regard. He had easy access to the Zhenyan Pavilion, where the books were kept. Of the three, he was the only one who spent every day immersed there, mostly studying medical texts.
In his spare time, he often gathered herbs. Whenever anyone in the Orphan Camp had a headache or fever, they gradually grew accustomed to seeking him out. This young Master Yang truly lived up to his medical lineage; despite his youth, he never misdiagnosed a single ailment.
One day, while Zuo Canglang and Leng Feiyan were sparring and Yang Lianting was observing, a Master approached with a solemn expression. "There is a severe drought in the Fangcheng and Tang County areas this year. The Second Prince has been ordered to lead the disaster relief. You will protect him in secret."
The youths looked at one another, their eyes gleaming with a restless excitement. Everyone knew this was a rare opportunity for a trial.
The Master, seeing their expressions, said, "This is your first mission, and a rare chance to prove yourselves before His Highness. Treasure it."
With that, he sent the youths to collect their disguises. The outfits varied; some were dressed as little beggars, others as domestic servants. The clothes Zuo Canglang received were those of an ordinary maidservant. Before she could speak, the Master behind her said, "This time, you will personally attend to the Second Prince. Serving tea and water goes without saying, but above all, you must remain vigilant."
Zuo Canglang acknowledged the order, and the Master turned to leave. As soon as he was gone, Leng Feiyan leaned in. "A personal maid, eh? Tsk, tsk." Zuo Canglang ignored her. Leng Feiyan added, "I think he has some improper intentions toward you."
Zuo Canglang kicked at her, but Leng Feiyan only laughed.
***
The following day, the youths assumed their roles and departed from the eastern gate of Jinyang one by one to avoid notice. Murong Yan traveled with only the head steward Wang Yunzhao and two guards, Zhou Zhuo and Feng Ping. Zuo Canglang, wearing a simple white dress, tugged uncomfortably at her skirts. Murong Yan looked at her with a faint smile and gestured for her to enter the carriage.
Zuo Canglang’s face reddened slightly as she sat cross-legged on the floor of the carriage, head bowed. Knowing he was looking her up and down, she didn't dare look up. After a long silence, Murong Yan said, "This outfit doesn't suit you."
Zuo Canglang didn't know how to respond. He continued, "As a maid, you should at least pour some wine or tea for me."
Only then did Zuo Canglang hurriedly move forward, lifting the pot to pour him tea. It was filled with boiling water. Having never served anyone before, she lacked experience; she filled the cup so high the water practically formed a peak. Murong Yan stared at the teacup in astonishment, then burst into laughter.
Zuo Canglang was already flustered; his laughter only made her more frantic. Murong Yan simply poured the water out, took the pot himself, and said softly, "Don't be flustered. You are very clever; these things are simple." He gave a slight lift of his hand, signaling her to sit.
Zuo Canglang sat opposite him. Though the carriage was moving, the ride was very smooth. Murong Yan placed an exquisite ceramic pot over a small brazier. "This is roasted tea. Place the tea cake inside, break it apart, and wait until the leaves turn golden-brown and the aroma wafts out. Then, pour in the boiling water..."
His voice was as clear as a mountain spring, mingling with the fragrance of the tea. It was intoxicating. His long, clean fingers held a jade pestle, slowly stirring the tea leaves with an elegant grace. Once the tea was brewed, he poured a cup for her as well. "Here."
Zuo Canglang took a small sip. The tea’s fragrance was so enchanting she didn't even notice the heat.
On the way to Fangcheng, Murong Yan had few attendants. He was a light sleeper by nature; the slightest noise in the carriage would wake him. Zuo Canglang did her best to remain silent. Several times, Murong Yan felt as though he were alone in the carriage, but upon opening his eyes and seeing her standing guard, he felt an inexplicable sense of peace.
He did not delay on the journey, traveling through the night. Half a month later, they reached the borders of Tang County. At the city gates, to her surprise, no local officials were there to receive them. Zuo Canglang found it strange. On the road, Murong Yan had explained the court situation to her; she knew he was not favored. The current King of Yan doted on Queen Li. Her eldest son, Murong Ruo, was the Crown Prince, and the Second Prince, Murong Yan, was a thorn in their side.
Still, she hadn't expected these officials to be so bold. He was, after all, the King’s own flesh and blood. He had arrived in person, yet no one came to meet him. Murong Yan seemed unbothered. "To the county yamen," he ordered.
Wang Yunzhao, Feng Ping, and Zhou Zhuo could not hide their fury, but seeing that he said nothing, they suppressed their anger. The carriage arrived at the gates of the county yamen before someone finally came out. The Magistrate of Tang County bowed and said, "This lowly official did not know the Second Prince was arriving. Because of the disaster relief efforts, I failed to welcome you personally. I truly deserve ten thousand deaths. I beg Your Highness to appease your anger."
He spoke of deserving death, but his face showed no such sentiment. Murong Yan said, "It is no matter. You are the local authority here; it is only natural that you are busy when Tang County is suffering."
The Magistrate bowed. "I thank Your Highness for your understanding."
Murong Yan smiled. "However, no matter how busy you are, since my Father sent me here for relief, I must meet with the people. Certain matters can only be handled through consultation."
Seeing his humble speech and thinking of King Murong Yuan, the Magistrate had no choice but to say, "In that case, this official will gather the local gentry and wealthy households at Tangfeng Pavilion. Consider it a welcoming banquet for Your Highness."
Murong Yan gave a nod of assent, and the Magistrate hurried off to make arrangements.
As soon as he left, Wang Yunzhao spat, "That dog-eyed wretch! To leave His Highness standing here like this!" Zuo Canglang couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. If outsiders treated the Second Prince this way, she could only imagine how he lived within the palace walls.
Murong Yan, however, said nonchalantly, "Let us go to Tangfeng Pavilion first."
Though the Fangcheng and Tang County areas were suffering from drought, Tangfeng Pavilion remained quite elegant. Upon arrival, Murong Yan immediately ordered the entire pavilion to be booked and told Wang Yunzhao to bring in all the girls from the nearby pleasure districts. The gentry and local officials heard of this commotion. Some who hadn't intended to go changed their minds—if they could find any evidence of misconduct to report, it would be a small merit in the eyes of the Queen and the Crown Prince.
Thus, in a short time, all the local officials and wealthy gentry gathered at Tangfeng Pavilion.
Murong Yan sat in the seat of honor. Seeing that the pavilion was nearly full, his smile grew even warmer. He rose and raised his cup. "Thank you all for gracing me with your presence. I have long heard that Tang County has suffered drought for a long time. It has not been easy for any of you. I toast to you all."
The girls then sought out the officials they recognized to encourage them to drink. These men all had their own agendas, so they didn't overindulge. The Prefect of Tang County said, "Second Prince, you have come by royal command for disaster relief. This official won't beat around the bush. May I ask, how much silver and grain has the imperial court allocated for Your Highness to distribute?"
Everyone fell silent. Everyone knew the national treasury was empty this year. Though Murong Yuan had sent Murong Yan, he hadn't provided a single cent. Zuo Canglang, hearing this for the first time, was stunned.
Murong Yan sighed. "To be honest, before I left, my Father gave an order. He said the treasury is empty, and for this relief effort, I’m afraid I must rely on all of you to contribute and help us through these difficult times."
At these words, the crowd erupted in an uproar. Countless people began crying poverty. Murong Yan raised a hand to quiet them. "I know your difficulties. My Father’s decree is indeed asking too much. But as a subject and a son, I cannot openly defy my King and Father. Now that I am here and understand the situation, why don't we all draft a joint petition? We will report the true state of your household finances to my Father and then decide what to do."
Hearing this, the men thought it was a viable plan. Murong Yan had the Prefect personally draft the petition, and everyone signed their names. Afterward, he secretly handed a register to Zuo Canglang and whispered, "Notify Feiyan. Take the men to these houses and seize their assets. Do not harm anyone."
Though Zuo Canglang didn't understand the purpose of this move, she complied and quietly slipped out of Tangfeng Pavilion.
The manors of these wealthy gentry were easy to find. Leng Feiyan immediately led her team, masked, and charged in to loot. All family members were bound hand and foot, their mouths stuffed with rags. They left not a single piece of gold, silver, or jewelry behind.
Murong Yan waited until the petition was finished and everyone had pressed their thumbprints onto it. Then he raised his cup again. "With this, I can breathe a sigh of relief. The official business is done. It is fate that we could meet today. The wine has already been paid for; please, gentlemen, drink to your heart's content to reward yourselves for your hard work."
Delicacies were served in an endless stream, and the girls did their best to encourage the drinking. These men, lost in the "land of tender fragrance" and relieved that Murong Yan wasn't forcing them to pay for the relief, ate and drank like gluttons. With beautiful women dancing and Murong Yan personally urging them on, the atmosphere became incredibly lively.
By midnight, the party finally dispersed. When these men returned to their manors, they were horrified. The next day, they led their people to the yamen to report the crimes. Murong Yan had them list every stolen item and had each head of household press their thumbprint onto the lists. Only then did he produce the petition they had signed the night before.
If the list of stolen goods was true, then the petition claiming they had "no surplus grain and no possessions" was an act of deceiving the King.
If the petition was true, then the list of stolen goods was a lie.
In an instant, everyone was dumbfounded. Deceiving the King was a capital offense. After much thought, they had no choice but to withdraw their reports of theft. Murong Yan used all the seized wealth for disaster relief. In one stroke, he resolved the awkwardness of being a relief official with empty pockets. Only the wealthy gentry were left to gnash their teeth in the shadows.
***
That evening, as Murong Yan and Zuo Canglang returned to the courier station, the sky was overcast and the wind carried a biting chill. Suddenly, a child in the shadows shouted, "Bad man!" and threw several meat buns at them. Feng Ping drew his sword to block, and the buns were sliced open. Half the meat filling splattered onto Zuo Canglang, while the other half stained the hem of Murong Yan’s robe.
Murong Yan turned his head. The servant accompanying the child was paralyzed with fear. Though he was unfavored, he was still a prince. A bit of coldness might be overlooked by the higher-ups, but such a public insult could easily be branded as contempt for the royal family—a grave crime.
The servant hurried forward to beg for mercy. Murong Yan’s face was dark, and he remained silent. He had been enduring throughout this journey, but even a clay figurine has a bit of temper; he was truly angry.
The child’s father was one of the local gentry, likely having spoken ill of the Prince in front of his son. He knelt before Murong Yan, pleading desperately, sweat beading on his forehead. Zuo Canglang leaned down to wipe the filth from Murong Yan’s robe. Glancing at his expression, she said with a light laugh, "Sir, you have been far too lax in disciplining your son, having him throw meat buns at me. It’s lucky my name is Zuo Canglang—Zuo Grey-Wolf. If I were called Zuo Canggou—Zuo Grey-Dog—these buns would have vanished without a trace, and where would His Highness go to find them then?"
At her words, Murong Yan couldn't help but smile, the gloom finally lifting from his eyes. "Forget it. You should be more careful, sir. Since ancient times, there have been many instances where a child’s actions brought fire upon the whole house."
The man finally breathed a sigh of relief and thanked him repeatedly. Murong Yan didn't look at him again and walked slowly into the station. Wang Yunzhao hurried to bring him a change of clothes. Once the door was closed, Murong Yan suddenly said, "That Zuo Canglang is very good."
Wang Yunzhao smiled. "How could anyone Your Highness favors be anything less?"
Murong Yan said, "She has the air of a great general."
Wang Yunzhao was taken aback. "The Orphan Camp is dangerous, after all. Since Your Highness likes her so much, why not transfer her to the manor?"
Murong Yan shook his head. "Even the fur of birds and beasts grows thicker and finer in bitter cold. Staying in the Orphan Camp is better for her."
***
That night, Zuo Canglang prepared a tub of hot water for him. Murong Yan was somewhat surprised; he wasn't used to having a maid do such things. But seeing Zuo Canglang place his fresh clothes on the rack so naturally, he said nothing and went behind the screen to bathe.
Zuo Canglang stood guard outside the screen, making not a sound. Murong Yan almost thought she had fallen asleep, but when he emerged after his bath, he saw her still standing straight in the outer room. He liked this quiet presence. "You are tired too. Go and rest."
Zuo Canglang acknowledged him, efficiently cleaned the tub, and went to the outer room to keep watch for the night. The station had only sent a few coarse servants to attend to him, but a man like Murong Yan would never allow strangers to touch his personal belongings. Thus, those servants were of no use.
He lay in bed for a while. It was an unfamiliar bed, and though the bedding was new, he found it hard to sleep. The weather was still cold; his room was the warmest, while the outer room held a chill. Zuo Canglang’s silhouette was reflected on the carved wooden door. He stared at the shadow idly and, slowly, drifted into a dream.
She was essentially a stranger, yet the dream was stable and peaceful.
***
Upon their return to the Orphan Camp, Murong Yan sent two great scholars to teach classes. These scholars arrived blindfolded; the journey there likely hadn't been very friendly. Murong Yan sent many books to Zuo Canglang. He would visit two or three times a month, and every time he came, all the youths would exert themselves extra hard during martial arts practice. Everyone knew this man held their destinies in his hands.
In the mornings, Zuo Canglang practiced her archery. Perhaps due to her childhood hunting in the mountains, her aim was incredibly precise. Her arms were stronger than those of most boys; she could easily handle the heavy bows used by adult soldiers. However, when Murong Yan stood behind her, her usually unerring arrows missed the mark entirely, flying wide of the target. Zuo Canglang bit her lip, her palms slick with sweat.
She didn't dare look back, nor did she dare imagine the expression of the man behind her. As she drew the bow again, her body trembled slightly. Suddenly, a warmth covered her hands. She froze as a pair of long, warm hands reached from behind to cover her own. Murong Yan helped her realign her aim at the bullseye. "No matter the time, do not panic," he said softly. "When the heart is steady, the arrow will be steady."
His voice was so close she could feel his breath against her ear, the sound lingering like a beautiful melody. Zuo Canglang’s head buzzed; it felt as if countless sparks were flying. Murong Yan said, "Again."
Zuo Canglang pressed her lips together, forced herself to be calm, and loosed another arrow. It hit the dead center of the target. Murong Yan stood behind her as every arrow she fired carried an indestructible force. He gave a slight nod and turned to leave. Not long after, Leng Feiyan ran over. "Come on, let's go eat."
Zuo Canglang put away her arrows. Yang Lianting was waiting ahead. Seeing the two of them, he asked, "What was the Master saying to you? He was standing so close."
Zuo Canglang walked straight past him, not hearing a word. Yang Lianting looked at Leng Feiyan, who gave a "tsk." "Don't mind her. She’s just 'Lovesick Zuo.' If the Master says one word to her, she’ll savor it for a whole year!"
Only then did Zuo Canglang snap out of it, offering only a smile.
*If one word from him is enough to savor for a year, then what should I do with the rest of the years in this life?*
The youths were growing up, and their old clothes were becoming too small. Murong Yan provided new clothes every year. However, the food provided was always only enough for half the total number of people. Thus, every year, many people silently disappeared. Hunger was a nightmare that could not be driven away; even tender grass and leaves were used to fill their bellies.
One morning, Murong Yan came to the Orphan Camp and gathered the "Masters." He said, "Many among them are good, but I only want the fastest blade. Therefore, of all of them, I only want one."
The instructors were stunned. One whispered, "But Your Highness, among these people, Leng Feiyan has the highest martial arts. Zuo Canglang... I fear... she might not survive against her."
Everyone could see that he had been treating Zuo Canglang specially lately. Murong Yan asked slowly, "And?"
The instructors fell silent.
***
**Glossary**
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