Following Mu Qingxie’s death, the Baiyu Sect’s hostility toward Murong Yuan reached its peak. Murong Yan seized the opportunity to send Gan Xiaoru to Mount Gushe to offer reassurances, yet the sect’s trust in the Murong clan had already plummeted to its lowest point. Although A-Fei reluctantly agreed to remain at Mount Gushe, her attitude toward the dynasty remained profoundly cold.
Murong Yan appeared unconcerned. On one hand, he dispatched soldiers to protect the Baiyu Sect on Mount Gushe; on the other, he secretly instructed Yang Lianting to take in wounded soldiers. At the foot of the mountain, Yang Lianting established a sanctuary for all those who had lost their ability to fight due to war injuries but had no homes to return to.
Local commoners also began contributing clothing and food, and the camp soon housed nearly a thousand men. These soldiers were naturally filled with gratitude toward Yang Lianting. Since the imperial court had no other immediate use for them, they effectively remained at Mount Gushe. As time passed, they gradually integrated with the members of the Baiyu Sect.
With the defection of the Baiyu Sect, Murong Yuan’s situation took a sharp turn for the worse, suddenly plunging him into an embarrassing predicament.
Wen Qi was anxious, but with the war in Western Jing dragging on for months, he was unable to pull away. As a steady stream of reinforcements arrived from Western Jing, the pressure on him mounted. By the time Zuo Canglang returned to Jinyang from Yuyang, it was already the end of the tenth lunar month. As she approached the gates of Jinyang, she saw a figure standing atop the ancient, heavy city walls.
Despite it being only a blurred silhouette, she recognized him at a single glance. He was the only person in this life she could never mistake; even amidst ten thousand horses and a forest of spears, through volleys of arrows, floods, or fire, the picturesque landscape of the world could not compare to a single backward glance from him.
She dismounted at the gate and hurried up the wall. "My Lord? Why are you here?"
Murong Yan stood facing the east. "Come here," he said. "Walk with me."
Zuo Canglang slowly approached him. The ancient walls, weathered by war, were scorched by smoke and fire, with traces of blood and flame visible everywhere. As dusk approached and the light faded, the towering ancient wall resembled an old yet profound scroll. He stood upon it, facing the vast rivers and mountains, his sleeves fluttering and his hair dancing in the wind like two lines of a beautiful poem.
"In court today, Bi Chengjing’s faction agreed to let me temporarily assume the title of King of Dai and handle the affairs of the Son of Heaven," he said slowly.
Zuo Canglang knelt on the ground. "Congratulations, My Lord... no, congratulations, Your Majesty!"
Murong Yan gave a faint smile. "Rise." After a pause, he asked, "This time in Yuyang, did you see her?"
Zuo Canglang started slightly, suddenly realizing who "she" referred to. "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. Our deployment was hurried. The King of Yan and the Crown Prince fled as soon as we entered the city. Although I pursued them, I did not see Miss Jiang."
Murong Yan gazed silently at the vast sky, watching the sunset clouds fill the horizon. "I do not blame you. But today, passing by Zhangwen Hall, I remembered some old matters. A-Zuo, I suddenly miss her a little."
Zuo Canglang did not speak. She knew Murong Yan did not require an answer. He said he missed her "a little," but how could a longing that could be spoken aloud be merely "a little"? She looked down from the wall at the rolling mountain ranges and the autumn flowers covering the ground.
The beloved is by one's side, yet the one by one's side is worlds away. Longing is an unspeakable vanity; the sound of the wind cannot carry it.
The sixth day of the eleventh month was a rare auspicious day.
Murong Yan ascended the throne in Jinyang, taking the title King of Dai and acting as Regent for his father. Bi Chengjing and Gan Xiaoru stood behind him, accompanying him in the sacrifices to Heaven and Earth. Zuo Canglang stood among the court officials, watching him in his black upper garment and vermilion lower robes, his ceremonial crown with its swaying tassels, his white silk belt and yellow knee-covers. The twelve imperial emblems accentuated a presence unparalleled in the world.
After his ascension, Murong Yan’s first act was to appoint Gan Xiaoru as the Right Prime Minister. He then issued an edict to depose the Crown Prince and strip Empress Li of her title, demoting them both to commoners. Simultaneously, he sent another letter to Murong Yuan, stating that as long as he executed the "evil Empress" and deposed the Crown Prince, Murong Yan was willing to return the government to him at any time.
Murong Yuan was so enraged that he tore the letter to shreds on the spot and smashed the inkstone on his desk into pieces, splashing red ink all over those standing nearby.
That night, Murong Yan officially moved from the Qianyì Residence into the Palace of the King of Yan. With the new King’s ascension came a general amnesty and a reduction in rents and taxes. For a time, the region from Jinyang west to Xiaoji City actually took on a festive air.
After the palace banquet, Zuo Canglang prepared to leave with Xu Lang. Wang Yunzhao specifically came looking for her, saying, "General, His Majesty has ordered that you temporarily reside in Nanqing Palace. Once the busy period has passed, he will grant you a separate residence."
Zuo Canglang frowned slightly. "As I am now an official of the outer court, staying in the palace is inconvenient..." She simply disliked the tedious etiquette of the palace.
Wang Yunzhao said, "General, a King’s command cannot be disobeyed. Besides, Nanqing Palace has always been a place for outer court officials to stay. When Marshal Wen was here, he often stayed in the palace as well. It is no matter."
Only then did Zuo Canglang reply, "This subject accepts the command."
Wang Yunzhao sent a eunuch to lead her to Nanqing Palace. He now served as the Palace Attendant; with the palace short-staffed, he coordinated almost every matter, making him a very busy man.
As Zuo Canglang followed the young eunuch toward Nanqing Palace, she asked, "Why is the palace so deserted?"
The young eunuch carried a lantern ahead of her, his manner very respectful. "In reply to the General, the old staff of the palace have all been dismissed. Those here now are all newcomers who have just entered the palace. I myself have only been here a few days."
Zuo Canglang nodded. After all, Murong Yuan had reigned for over twenty years; there were likely many in the palace who had received his favors. Murong Yan naturally would not trust that group.
Upon arriving at Nanqing Palace, she saw brocade curtains, gauze hangings, and elegant pavilions. All the furnishings had been changed to the style she had preferred back at Murong Yan’s residence. Zuo Canglang appreciated the gesture and said to the eunuch, "Tell Chief Wang that I appreciate his thoughtfulness."
As she spoke, Murong Yan entered from outside. "It seems the arrangements here are to your liking."
Zuo Canglang hurried to kneel and pay her respects, but Murong Yan helped her up. The young eunuch didn't dare raise his head and silently withdrew.
Murong Yan led her to sit by a low table. "There were many matters to attend to today; I didn't have time to look after you."
"I am not a child, why should Your Majesty look after me?" Zuo Canglang said. She still hadn't changed her way of addressing him, unable to truly view him as the King of Yan.
Murong Yan naturally didn't mind. "I intended to find a position for you in the court, but you are young and a woman; a rank too high might not command respect. Do you have any good ideas?"
Zuo Canglang poured him tea. "I do not care about the height of my official rank."
"I know," Murong Yan said, "but if your rank is too low, you will be restricted by others at every turn, which is disadvantageous." Zuo Canglang fell silent. Murong Yan pondered for a moment and said, "I plan to give you the rank of a fourth-rank Commandant. You can be promoted gradually later."
Zuo Canglang asked, "What is Feng Ping’s position? Regardless, I won't kneel to him." The girl’s charming stubbornness was momentarily revealed. Murong Yan laughed. "Fine, fine. Tomorrow I will lend you something to play with, so that for the time being, you won't have to kneel to anyone."
Perhaps because his words carried a hint of indulgence, their eyes met, and both fell silent for a moment. Their gazes broke away instantly, and the atmosphere grew slightly awkward. Zuo Canglang said, "It is late. Your Majesty has worked hard today; you should return to your palace to rest."
Murong Yan gave an affirmative sound. "Remember the morning court tomorrow." He then laughed again. "There is no one else in this court whom I must personally remind to attend the morning session."
Zuo Canglang saw him out of Nanqing Palace. The moonlight that night was snowy white. Wang Yunzhao stepped forward to drape a black cloak embroidered with gold over his shoulders. He walked a few paces, then turned back and smiled. "Go back inside. Why are you standing there dazed in the draft?"
Only then did Zuo Canglang straighten up, watching his tall figure recede until it vanished into the sparse trees and flowers. When she regained her senses, her vision was empty.
The next morning, as soon as Zuo Canglang woke up, palace maids entered to serve her. Unaccustomed to being waited on, she arranged her own clothing. When she entered the court, everyone’s eyes turned toward her. Everyone knew she was Murong Yan’s confidant.
However, she was only a sixteen-year-old girl. Even if she had some military merit, if even she were to hold a high position, it would truly be a case of "when a man attains the Dao, even his pets ascend to heaven."
The eyes of Bi Chengjing’s faction were practically glued to her.
Gan Xiaoru, however, stepped forward with a smile to greet her. "Adjutant Zuo, your position is over here." He was experienced and knew Zuo Canglang was unfamiliar with court etiquette, so he guided her through the details. As she was Murong Yan’s confidant, how could he not see how much the King relied on her? No matter what position this girl held in the future, she was not to be underestimated.
Zuo Canglang thanked him and took her place in the ranks of the military officials. When Murong Yan presided over the court, the throne felt so far away that even if she raised her head, she could only see the King’s blurred features. Moreover, in court, looking directly at the monarch was a serious offense.
Zuo Canglang kept her head down. Murong Yan bestowed rewards and titles upon the civil and military officials, showing particular favor to Xu Lang and Luandi Diaotao Fenggao. Feng Ping was appointed Commander of the Imperial Guard, and Zhou Xin also began to distinguish himself. When it came to Zuo Canglang, Murong Yan indeed appointed her as a fourth-rank Commandant.
Bi Chengjing’s faction still had objections. After all, a woman serving as a military official was a rarity in any dynasty, let alone one of her age. However, since she held the primary merit for the Battle of Huiye Plain, appointing her as a mere Commandant—hardly significant in a court full of first-rank officials—was not considered excessive.
Thus, while Bi Chengjing’s faction was dissatisfied, they were not yet incensed. With the strong support of Gan Xiaoru’s faction, the matter was finally settled. However, Murong Yan immediately did something even more unexpected. He said, "As I have just ascended the throne, the inner palace has no master, and I have no immediate intention of selecting concubines. It is my will to temporarily entrust the Phoenix Seal to Commandant Zuo, so that she may assist Wang Yunzhao in managing the trivial matters of the palace."
As soon as these words were spoken, the officials erupted. Bi Chengjing was the first to speak: "Your Majesty! The Queen’s seal is a symbol of supreme dignity; how can it be given to an outer court official to manage without proper status? This must not be done, absolutely not!"
Censorate Grandee Liang Chengsi also said, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Bi is correct. For a fourth-rank Commandant to hold the Queen’s seal is utterly preposterous. We pray Your Majesty rescinds this order!"
Murong Yan glanced at Gan Xiaoru, who was also in a state of shock. But seeing Murong Yan’s look, he hurried forward and said, "My lords, are you not overstating things? His Majesty simply feels that Commandant Zuo is sharp-witted and meticulous, and is merely asking her to assist in managing the inner palace for a time. Does the absence of a Queen mean the palace maids need no management? Should the marriages of princesses be delayed until His Majesty officially installs a Queen?"
Bi Chengjing said angrily, "Since ancient times, there has been a standard for rites and laws! In which dynasty has the Phoenix Seal ever been managed by an outer court military official?"
Gan Xiaoru’s faction immediately cited examples like Fu Hao of the Shang Dynasty, Zhongli Wuyan of the Qi State, and Xiao Chuo of the Liao Dynasty to counter him. The court instantly dissolved into a chaotic argument. Zuo Canglang remained silent throughout. When Murong Yan had told her last night he would lend her something to "play with," he had actually meant the Queen’s seal.
Though it seemed absurd, it was a brilliant move. In the court, the only ones who could speak for him were Gan Xiaoru’s faction. In terms of military power, he had no general who could rival Wen Qi. Once Wen Qi recovered and led an army to besiege the city, whose morale would be higher—an army led by a Marshal, or one led by a Commandant?
Furthermore, Bi Chengjing’s faction had deep roots. If he didn't find another way, Zuo Canglang would be suppressed by them at every turn based on rank alone, leaving her with no voice. He would effectively have no one in the military. But if she were granted the Queen’s seal, it would be different.
In the court, whose rank could surpass the Queen’s besides his own? In any dispute, she wouldn't even need to speak; Bi Chengjing’s faction would automatically be at a disadvantage.
After the argument, Gan Xiaoru’s faction naturally gained the upper hand. Murong Yan bestowed the Phoenix Seal upon Zuo Canglang, ordering her to manage the affairs of the inner palace. Though it was said she would manage the palace, in reality, all such matters were handled by Wang Yunzhao. Zuo Canglang was a soldier by birth; she couldn't manage those minute, complex tasks.
However, with that seal on her person, everyone had to re-evaluate her status. In the court, she became a person of ambiguous standing—holding a fourth-rank position, yet possessing immense power.
That evening, as Zuo Canglang was preparing to eat dinner, Murong Yan entered. It seemed Wang Yunzhao was busy, as Feng Ping was by his side. The palace maids were flustered and prepared to set a separate imperial meal, but he simply ordered two more sets of bowls and chopsticks, signaling for Feng Ping to sit as well.
Once the three were seated, Zuo Canglang said, "Your Majesty granting me the Phoenix Seal... is it..." She paused, then asked, "Is it intended to put pressure on Suye?"
Murong Yan said, "The matter of Wen Qi must be resolved sooner or later."
Zuo Canglang set down her chopsticks. "But Your Majesty, Marshal Wen is currently fighting a bloody battle against Western Jing. We absolutely cannot strike him from behind. Not only would it chill the hearts of the people of Yan, but Western Jing would also take advantage of the opening. Moreover, Marshal Wen has performed great service for Yan. Without him, Western Jing’s iron hooves would have long since trampled Jinyang. We..."
Murong Yan didn't wait for her to continue, saying calmly, "I understand all of that. But Wen Qi is exceptionally skilled at defense; if Western Jing’s long siege yields no results, they will eventually withdraw. Once they retreat, Wen Qi will inevitably counterattack us. His loyalty to my father is not something you or I can shake."
Before Zuo Canglang could speak, Feng Ping suddenly interjected, "As far as I know, Wen Qi’s wife, children, and parents are all in his hometown of Huatai. If we hold them, Wen Qi will surely have reservations. Why don't we..."
Before he could finish, Zuo Canglang grabbed the teapot and hurled it at him. Caught off guard, Feng Ping raised his hand to block, and hot tea splashed all over him. He was also enraged. "What is the meaning of this?!"
Zuo Canglang glared at him. "Marshal Wen has resisted Western Jing and guarded the borders for ten years while you enjoyed peace in Jinyang! Now, while he is defending Yan soil to the death, you actually have the gall to speak such shameless words!"
Enraged at being rebuked by a woman, Feng Ping drew his sword. Murong Yan said, "It seems neither of you can finish this meal."
Only then did they realize their mistake and kneel to beg for forgiveness. Murong Yan did not tell them to rise, slowly continuing his meal. After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, he set down his chopsticks. A palace maid brought water for him to wash his face and hands. After drying his hands, he said, "Regarding Wen Qi, you should think of a way first. He is, after all, a hero of Yan; I do not wish to make things difficult for him or do anything that would grieve our friends and gladden our enemies. But you should be aware of the current situation. If he remains stubborn, the blood that spills will still be the blood of the people of Yan."
Zuo Canglang said in a low voice, "Yes."
Murong Yan then turned to Feng Ping. "Drawing a sword in my presence—what were you intending to do?"
Feng Ping touched his head to the floor. "This subject deserves ten thousand deaths!"
Murong Yan said, "Your salary is docked for three months. You need not enter the palace for the next two days; reflect on your actions in your own residence."
Feng Ping kowtowed again. "This subject obeys."
After leaving Nanqing Palace, Feng Ping still followed behind Murong Yan. After a moment’s thought, he said, "Your Majesty, what I said just now was not idle talk. In the current army, whether it is Xu Lang or his lieutenants, they are all Wen Qi’s former subordinates. They have always been loyal to him. If we ever go to war with Wen Qi, there is no guarantee there won't be defectors or spies among them! Furthermore, he has led his army for ten years. Even the heavy forces of Western Jing cannot defeat him. If we truly face him, we have little chance of victory."
"I know," Murong Yan said.
Feng Ping said urgently, "But Your Majesty..."
Murong Yan cut him off. "A desperate measure should naturally be saved for when there is no other choice. I docked your salary not because of those words, but because of the intent behind them." Feng Ping froze. Murong Yan said slowly, "A subordinate who tries to manipulate and handle his own master needs sufficient wisdom. I rarely give such people a second chance. This time, I will do so for the sake of these seventeen years."
With that, he turned and left. Feng Ping raised his hand and felt pea-sized beads of sweat on his forehead.
In Nanqing Palace, Zuo Canglang sat at her desk. Some of what Feng Ping said was indeed correct. At the very least, the elites under Xu Lang were originally Wen Qi’s subordinates. They fought Murong Yuan because he was a depraved and incompetent ruler; they fought at Huiye Plain because Western Jing’s oppression of Yan was long-standing.
But why would they fight Wen Qi?
In such a battle, no amount of strategy would help; the spirit would be broken before the fight even began. But if Wen Qi still held a massive army, it would become extremely troublesome if Murong Yuan’s faction ever joined forces with him. Yan could not remain divided for long, or it would surely be picked off piece by piece by Western Jing.
If they wanted to avoid a battle, there was one other simple way—assassinate Murong Yuan and Murong Ruo. Wen Qi was only loyal to Murong Yuan; if he died, Wen Qi might resign and go into seclusion. If he could take his family far away from the smoke of power, it might not be a bad thing.
But how easy was it to kill Murong Yuan? Assassination was also a desperate measure, but she still needed to consult Leng Feiyan. Yet if Leng Feiyan knew of this, given her temperament, who knew what trouble might arise?
At that moment, Leng Feiyan was in the middle of a lake, the painted boat swaying with the water. She stood at the bow in a feather-white gauze dress with a jade pendant at her waist, the very image of a girl from a humble but respectable family. Cang Ge was fishing, occasionally saying, "Be careful not to fall in!"
Leng Feiyan ran to sit beside him, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Don't fish anymore, it's so boring!"
Cang Ge’s voice carried a helpless indulgence. "But if I don't fish, I don't know what we'll eat for lunch."
Leng Feiyan pinched his arm and said, "I think this piece of meat is quite good, fresher than fish."
Cang Ge pulled her closer. "If you eat it, I won't have a hand to fish for you!"
Leng Feiyan giggled and fell back onto his lap. Her hairpin slipped out, and her long hair tumbled down like scattered pearls. Against the backdrop of the azure sky and blue water, she was a beauty without peer. Cang Ge’s throat felt a bit dry; after a long moment, he let her go and said, "Stop causing trouble."
Lately, he spent most of his time at Hidden Sword Villa. But because of Murong Yuan’s troubles, Cang Tianqi was away. Furthermore, with Cang Feng missing, he was no longer as carefree as before. Previously, whenever he was free, he would visit Leng Feiyan’s small courtyard. At first, it was just to see if she was doing well, but gradually, he simply found her dear to his heart.
Taking advantage of Cang Tianqi’s absence, he had simply brought Leng Feiyan to Hidden Sword Villa. He had no wife yet, and although Leng Feiyan had no family, people of the martial world were not bound by trivial formalities; he didn't think there would be any problem.
Now that they were spending more time together day and night, he remained respectful, wanting only to wait for Cang Tianqi to return to the villa and get his nod of approval before they officially wed.
Leng Feiyan hadn't expected him to be this serious, but she was willing to stay at Hidden Sword Villa for a while. After all, the collection of martial arts manuals there was unmatched by any other place in the martial world. Usually, when she read, Cang Ge wouldn't stop her.
Today, Cang Ge finally had some leisure time, and since the weather was good, he brought her out to the lake. Everyone at Hidden Sword Villa knew Leng Feiyan was the future young mistress; when she said no one should follow, naturally, no one did.
Cang Ge caught a few fish, gutted and cleaned them, and set them to roast on a small stove. Before long, the aroma filled the air. He sprinkled a bit of salt and handed a piece of crispy roasted fish to Leng Feiyan, not forgetting to blow on it first. Leng Feiyan took it, broke off the crispiest piece, and fed it to him.
Cang Ge opened his mouth and unexpectedly caught her finger as well.
Her hands were not as smooth as those of a wealthy young lady, but they were long and beautiful. Cang Ge started slightly; the sensation of her fingertip against his lips was enough to stir the heart of any red-blooded youth.
He couldn't help but grasp her hand. Leng Feiyan did not refuse; she knelt and moved forward a few steps until they were face to face. The world went silent, with the green mountains as their screen and the lush trees as their barrier. Cang Ge gently stroked her cheek; on her skin, as smooth as porcelain, fine downy hairs were faintly visible.
Leng Feiyan slowly drew closer to him. In his pupils, the emerald lake and mountains were clearly reflected. When a youth first falls in love, that tenderness and clarity are like a river so still that even a feather wouldn't float. One who falls into it can only sink and drown, heedless of the passing years of the world.
Her red lips drew closer, and Cang Ge leaned forward slightly. As their lips met, his reason collapsed entirely.
"Yan Yan, as soon as my father returns, I will find someone to formally propose to you," he said hoarsely. At that moment, Leng Feiyan truly felt drowned in this moment of tenderness. The light and shadows in her eyes were all illusions; only he was incredibly real. The faint scent of incense on him, the burning heat of his lips, and the uncontrolled wildness in his eyes made her truly surrender everything.
Her slender hand traced his handsome brow. It was a pity they hadn't met on the street where she had wandered all those years ago; they could only linger in the embrace of this autumn.
***
