That night, as the guests at the Wen manor gradually dispersed, Left Canglang lifted her red bridal veil. Servants came forward to attend to her, but she dismissed them all.
Silence slowly reclaimed the estate. She stared out the window, lost in thought, passing her wedding night in solitude. Since time immemorial, what young maiden has not fantasized about wearing the phoenix crown and embroidered robes, holding her beloved’s hand, and drinking the ceremonial wine together?
But fate twists and turns, and no one is truly master of their own path. Who could have ever guessed such an ending? She drank alone, the moon reflected in her golden cup.
The next morning, servants arrived early to help Left Canglang wash and dress; she had to attend the morning court session. Normally, a newlywed would be granted a leave of absence, but she had bowed to a memorial tablet—what was there to rest for?
When Left Canglang emerged in her court robes, she found Wen Xingye and his wife, along with Wen Yixuan, Wen Yirong, and the household servants, all dressed formally and waiting in the main hall. Startled, she asked, "What is the meaning of this?"
Wen Xingye replied, "Though your marriage to Qi’er was born of necessity, you are now a member of the Wen family. With no one else to lead the house, you are the Head of the Family. By right, the juniors and servants should have paid their respects to you first, but since you must attend court, we shall wait for your return."
Left Canglang nodded. "I must go then."
Wen Xingye followed slowly behind her, escorting her to the manor gates. Feeling uneasy, Left Canglang said, "In name, I am at least your daughter-in-law, a junior. I cannot have you seeing me off."
Wen Xingye’s voice had grown much quieter. He smiled, the wrinkles on his face deepening. "Now, you are the Head of the Wen House. It is only right that I see you off."
Left Canglang felt as though she had been stabbed. Back in their hometown of Huatai, the elder Master Wen had been such a haughty, overbearing man. Within the Wen household and without, he scolded whomever he pleased and would kick anyone who annoyed him. While Wen Qi lived, which high official in court did not treat him with the utmost deference?
Now he stood before her, smiling, saying: *You are the Head of the House; it is only right that I see you off.*
She opened her mouth to speak, but in the end, she only whispered, "I am leaving. Please, go back inside."
A servant brought her horse. She mounted and looked back halfway; Wen Xingye was still there, leaning on his staff beneath the swaying lanterns of the Wen manor. The cold wind brushed past him, turning his hair to silver.
***
Once she entered the palace, the morning court was yet another endless dispute. The court was now clearly divided. Xue Chengjing’s faction consisted mostly of elder officials—men of high prestige who enjoyed the deep support of the literati. They advocated for the return of Murong Yuan to the throne, suggesting Murong Yan step down to the position of Crown Prince and wait to ascend after his father’s passing. As for the deposition of Queen Li and the demotion of Crown Prince Murong Ruo, they no longer objected; clearly, that matter was settled.
Gan Xiaoru’s faction also consisted of scholars, but they lacked the prestige and deep roots of Xue’s group. This faction had not been favored during Murong Yuan’s reign, but under Murong Yan’s promotion, they were flourishing like fish in water. However, many among them were opportunists, supporting Murong Yan primarily for their own gain.
The military was split into two main parts. First were Wen Qi’s old subordinates; though they had surrendered, they bore no ill will toward Murong Yuan. Due to Wen Qi’s lifelong loyalty, they tended to align with Xue Chengjing and the elder officials.
The other part consisted of the rebel army Murong Yan had recruited. Most of these men had been commoners who had suffered years of poverty and hardship. Since Murong Yan took the throne, he had refused to pay tribute to Western Jing, reduced taxes, punished corrupt officials, and implemented new policies. They were fiercely loyal to him.
However, these two military factions were cleverly bridged by Left Canglang, and for the time being, they did not clash.
The primary point of contention in court today was the elder officials' dissatisfaction with Murong Yan’s previous military actions against Murong Yuan. Xue Chengjing said, "Your Majesty, even if the King of Yan has his faults, we as subjects should do our best to advise him. How can we resort to arms? Now that the King of Yan has been driven to a place as cramped and desolate as Fangcheng, can you, as his son, bear to see your own father wandering in a wasteland, suffering the hardships of war time and again?"
Murong Yan replied, "Before this, We sent envoys several times to persuade Our Royal Father. Yet he insisted on protecting the deposed Prince and Lady Li, refusing to return to court. Since Chancellor Xue brings this up again, do you have a better plan?"
Xue Chengjing seemed to have prepared for this. "Reporting to Your Majesty, during the previous attempts, Your Majesty sent envoys while mobilizing troops; We fear the King of Yan did not perceive Your Majesty’s sincerity. Your Majesty has always placed great trust in the Wen family. This subject is bold enough to request that Your Majesty dispatch someone to lead a small force to Fangcheng to welcome the King of Yan back."
Murong Yan’s expression darkened. After a long silence, he asked, "Who?"
Xue Chengjing said, "The Duke of Dingguo, Wen Xingye."
The faces of everyone present shifted. On the surface, Wen Xingye had submitted to Murong Yan, but in truth, no one knew his heart. Furthermore, had it not been for his old war injuries, his achievements would not have been inferior to Wen Qi’s. If he were to lead Wen Qi’s old troops and truly defect to Murong Yuan, it would mean endless war.
Murong Yan said, "Though the Duke is an excellent choice, he is, after all, advanced in years and his legs are infirm... We fear he may be unable to make the journey." His tone already carried a hint of displeasure.
Xue Chengjing bowed low. "Your Majesty, this subject is an old friend of the Duke. He is a man of iron will, capable of traveling thousands of miles from Huatai to Jinyang for General Wen’s funeral. Surely he can travel from Jinyang to Fangcheng to welcome Your Majesty. If Your Majesty worries he might object, this subject is willing to visit his home personally to persuade my old friend to labor once more for the sake of Great Yan."
Murong Yan remained silent, deep in thought, while Xue Chengjing remained kneeling. Finally, he said, "Foreign nations are currently watching us like tigers, and Great Yan’s military strength is stretched thin. We shall consider it further and discuss it tomorrow."
Xue Chengjing pressed on, "Does this mean Your Majesty has granted permission? This humble subject is untalented, but I am willing to go to the Wen manor this very day to persuade the Duke to go in person!"
Upon hearing this, a faint smile actually appeared on Murong Yan’s lips. His lips were thin, and that sliver of a smile held an indescribable mockery and ruthlessness. "Permission granted."
After the court adjourned, he summoned Left Canglang alone and said only one thing: "Do not interfere in this matter. Do your best to ensure Wen Xingye goes to Fangcheng."
Left Canglang was stunned.
***
By the time she returned to the Wen manor, Xue Chengjing was already there. Clearly, to arrive before her, he had rushed straight from the court.
The Censor-in-Chief, Bo Zhengshu, was with him. Wen Xingye was serving tea in the main hall. Bo Zhengshu looked deeply worried. "Chancellor Xue, in court today, His Majesty’s expression was already extremely displeased. By persisting in your view, are you not afraid of enraging him?"
Xue Chengjing replied, "How could I not know that those words would provoke him? But the current King is ambitious. The longer we delay, the weaker our influence becomes. If we do not speak up now, I fear that in the end, we won't even have the chance to open our mouths."
He looked at Wen Xingye. "Brother Wen, you are also an old servant of the King. Though you retired due to injury, did the King ever treat you with anything but the utmost respect? Now that the court is filled with newcomers, only a few of us old bones are left who can still speak a few words to His Majesty. I have come today to ask you, brother, to agree to go to Fangcheng and bring His Majesty back."
Wen Xingye said, "I have always known of your loyalty, Brother Xue. But I hold no official power. Furthermore, the current King’s decree requires the King of Yan to execute the Queen and depose the Prince before he can return. Will the King of Yan... ever agree?"
Xue Chengjing fell silent. Left Canglang walked in from the outer room; seeing her, the three men became even more silent. She gave a polite salute and sat down below Wen Xingye. "Chancellor Xue and Lord Bo have arrived quite early."
Xue Chengjing said, "We left court at the same time, but His Majesty kept General Left for a private word. Naturally, we arrived first."
In their eyes, Left Canglang was always Murong Yan’s person. They could not be on the same side.
Left Canglang acted as if she didn't know she was interrupting their discussion and sat firmly in her seat. After a while, Xue Chengjing and Bo Zhengshu had no choice but to rise and take their leave. Left Canglang saw them to the door, then turned to find Wen Xingye standing behind her.
Wen Xingye said, "You heard what they said."
Left Canglang said, "Do you remember back at the Wen manor in Huatai, we played many games of 'war on paper'?"
Wen Xingye was taken aback. Left Canglang continued, "Now, let us play one more time."
Wen Xingye gave a bitter smile. "How shall we play?"
Left Canglang said, "You will agree to Chancellor Xue’s request and lead troops to Fangcheng to welcome the King of Yan. But in truth, you know that the King of Yan is stubborn and will not agree to any of the King’s demands. You will be caught in the middle—either you surrender to the King of Yan, or you return to Jinyang. You dare not surrender, because Yirong and Yixuan are still in Jinyang. You cannot return to Jinyang, because after your secret negotiations with the King of Yan, His Majesty will forever doubt you."
Wen Xingye turned his head and saw his wife standing in the courtyard. He asked, "And so?"
Left Canglang said, "Do you know what His Majesty will do?"
Wen Xingye stared at her. Left Canglang continued, "Do you still recognize all of General Wen’s old subordinates? Even if you do, are they all still loyal? You can lead the troops to Fangcheng, but he only needs to plant one person among them. Whether it is assassination or poison, as long as he ensures you die after entering Fangcheng, your death can be blamed entirely on the King of Yan.
The King of Yan has already boiled and killed envoys sent by His Majesty; no one will doubt the cause of your death. And generals like Yuan Xi will be completely disillusioned with the King of Yan. In this way, His Majesty will have a perfect reason to launch a full-scale military campaign against Fangcheng."
Wen Xingye felt a chill run through his entire body. "You know him very well." Left Canglang said nothing. Wen Xingye asked, "Why are you warning me? Are you not his person?"
Left Canglang said, "The blood of the Wen family should not be spilled on Yan's own soil."
Wen Xingye was stunned.
That night, when Xue Chengjing visited again, Wen Xingye was bedridden. Citing a severe illness, he refused to go to Fangcheng.
Xue Chengjing was puzzled. "Is Brother Wen worried about the current King?"
Wen Xingye said, "Chancellor Xue, I am truly struck by a grave illness and cannot make the journey. Please, Chancellor, choose someone else."
Xue Chengjing stood up, a cloudy light in his eyes. "The King of Yan has been out of power for barely a year, and you old subjects have already forgotten his kindness and your duty."
As he turned to leave, Wen Xingye said, "Chancellor Xue, generations of Wen men have fought bloody battles on the field. Now, only two young children are left in this manor. My eldest son, Wen Yu, died in battle at seventeen. My second son, Wen Qi, died at Pingdu Pass. I lost a leg on the battlefield. For my Wen clan, life and death are light; only honor is as heavy as a mountain."
His words were stained with blood. An invisible weight pressed down, slowing Xue Chengjing’s steps. The indignation on his face faded, leaving only helplessness and sorrow.
***
The next day, Yuan Xi and the others came to find Left Canglang for a drink. Since Left Canglang had incited Xu Lang to defect, they hadn't gathered like this.
But now that the situation had changed, there was no lingering resentment between them. However, when the conversation turned to Wen Qi’s death, they still sighed with grief. Yuan Xi said, "Thinking back, you were quite ruthless. How did you manage to trick Xu Lang into believing you? If I had been there..."
Left Canglang gave him a mysterious look. "Back then, you were leading troops to attack Xiaoji City. What was the reason you suddenly withdrew?"
Yuan Xi suddenly remembered seeing someone disguised as Left Canglang on the city walls and immediately protested, "I fell for a trick! I thought you were prepared..."
Left Canglang didn't argue. "Fine, fine. A wise man plays the fool. Come, a toast to the number one fierce general of Great Yan."
Zhuge Jin and the others laughed as they raised their cups. Yuan Xi huffed, then noticed she was reaching for her own wine and quickly snatched it away. "No, no. When I was leaving the manor just now, your servants said your leg injury hasn't fully healed and you can't drink."
Left Canglang blinked mischievously. "Later, we can find a bathhouse to soak in."
Yuan Xi looked at Left Canglang, imagined her soaking in a bathhouse, and suddenly turned bright red.
Left Canglang leaned in to look at him. "Old Yuan? Old Yuan?"
Yuan Xi snapped back to his senses and jerked backward so hard he nearly fell off his chair. "Uh, ah, nothing, nothing's wrong."
Left Canglang studied him with an inquisitive gaze. "Old Yuan, you don't have feelings for me, do you?"
Yuan Xi nearly bit his tongue. He jumped up, cursing, "I’m old enough to be your father! Besides, I viewed General Wen as my mentor! How can you make such a joke! You... you!!"
Left Canglang laughed. "Oh, don't be nervous. I’m not interested in you. I just saw the way you were looking at me and thought you were fantasizing."
Yuan Xi screamed internally, *Damn it, your eyes and mouth are both coated in poison!* He turned his face away and refused to speak further. Zhuge Jin and the others watched the two bicker; knowing they were used to such antics, they just laughed without saying a word.
The street outside was bustling with traffic. Left Canglang leaned against the window and saw the elder Master Wen passing by with a birdcage. She quickly pulled her head back. *Hmm, it probably wouldn't be good if he saw me here drinking with several men.*
A carriage passed through the market, the driver shouting for people to move aside. Master Wen also stepped to the side of the road. Dust flew everywhere. The owner of the carriage lifted the curtain and greeted him, "Yo, the old Master is here too."
Wen Xingye’s temper had improved significantly. Despite the choking dust, he replied with a smile, "It is Lord Gong. I am old now and have nothing to do but walk my bird."
Hearing his master speak, the driver pulled too close. The horse let out a long neigh, and the carriage roof knocked Master Wen’s fur hat off, sending it rolling far away.
Lord Gong sat comfortably in his lavish carriage, smiling without a word. Wen Xingye had no choice but to step forward, supporting himself with his staff, and painfully bent down to pick up the hat. The entire process was like a slow-motion scene. Only then did Lord Gong say, "The servant has no eyes. Please do not take offense, Master Wen."
With his infirm legs, it took Wen Xingye a long time to stand straight. He patted the dust off his hat, keeping his head down and saying nothing.
Lord Gong was just about to order the driver to move when a dark shadow flickered before his eyes. A person stood in front of him. He looked closely and realized it was Left Canglang. This time he knew to get out of the carriage, clasping his hands. "General Left, you are here as well?"
Left Canglang said nothing. She grabbed him by the collar with one hand, delivered a punch straight to his face, and then kicked him in the stomach. Lord Gong felt as if a ladle of water had been splashed into boiling oil; the entire street fell silent from the shock of the beating.
Master Wen pulled at Left Canglang. "Ah-Zuo! He is a court official!"
Left Canglang brushed his hand away. Blood finally began to gush from Lord Gong’s face; he still didn't know what had happened. Left Canglang took a bowl of tea from a nearby stall and splashed it in his face to wake him up.
He slowly came to, feeling as if his face no longer existed. The first thing he saw was Left Canglang. He could have sworn that at that moment, the person before him wanted to kill him.
That killing intent was like needles, piercing every pore. He trembled. "Gen... General..."
Left Canglang took the fur hat from Wen Xingye’s hand and, without a word, threw it on the ground.
Lord Gong understood this time. Regardless of where it hurt, he scrambled over to pick up the hat and respectfully handed it to Wen Xingye. "Old... Old Master, spare me, spare me!"
Wen Xingye quickly took the hat. "Lord Gong, she is young and impulsive. Please do not lower yourself to her level..."
Left Canglang helped him put the hat on properly, supported him, and turned to walk away. She asked nonchalantly, "The servants are getting more and more useless; they didn't even bring the sedan chair!"
Wen Xingye said, "I wanted to walk myself; these old bones can't sit still. That Lord Gong is a Censor; how could you beat him in the street! He will surely submit a memorial against you when he returns! You..."
Yuan Xi and the others rushed over to help the old man. Left Canglang said, "Yes, I was in the wrong this time."
Wen Xingye said, "It's good that you know. Quickly return to the manor and prepare a generous gift..."
Before he could finish, Left Canglang added, "Next time, I'll drag him into an alley to beat him."
Wen Xingye nearly fainted from anger.
***
Upon returning to the Wen manor, she received an urgent summons from Murong Yan. Wen Xingye was deeply worried. "I will go to the palace with you to see His Majesty."
Left Canglang patted his shoulder. Yuan Xi bowed. "Old Master, rest easy. I will go to the palace with the General."
Wen Xingye was naturally not at ease, but he was old, injured, and held no power. Furthermore, Wen Qi’s death had been an act of loyalty to the Retired King—essentially a slap in the face to the new monarch. He lowered his head, realizing he truly couldn't help. He nodded and said, "Yuan Xi, she has a difficult temperament. You must look out for her."
Yuan Xi felt a pang of sorrow. The Master Wen of old, who used to walk with such swagger... now he spoke such soft, pleading words. Tears pricked his eyes. " I promise." He turned to leave, then suddenly looked back. "Old Master, the kindness General Wen showed us... the brothers all remember it."
He wanted to say that the Wen family had not fallen into ruin. But before he could speak, his eyes were wet. If the main beam breaks, the building collapses; the coldness of this world is far more distinct than the four seasons.
***
The palace was already in an uproar. Lord Gong had been carried into the court on a stretcher, and the civil officials were shouting in a chaotic mess. When Left Canglang and Yuan Xi arrived, the noise died down slightly.
Murong Yan pointed a finger at her. Left Canglang knelt. He roared, "Left Canglang! You beat a Censor in the middle of the street! Do you have no regard for the laws of Great Yan?"
Left Canglang bowed her head. "This subject is guilty!"
Murong Yan demanded, "The reason? What grudge do you hold against Lord Gong? You nearly killed him!"
Left Canglang bit her lip slightly. On the other side, Lord Gong struggled to sit up. "Your Majesty... Your Majesty... This subject was lax in discipline, and my servant accidentally knocked off Master Wen’s hat. I had already apologized and was about to scold my subordinate when Left Canglang suddenly appeared. Without a word, she started hitting me! Your Majesty, you must seek justice for this old servant! I am over forty and have served as an official for ten years; even if I have no great merit, I have worked hard! General Left relies on the lingering prestige of the Wen family to commit such a brutal act... I will not accept this, I will not accept this!"
The other officials joined in the condemnation. Beside her, Yuan Xi shouted angrily, "That fellow was bullying Master Wen! The General couldn't stand it and gave him a lesson. What is wrong with that?"
Murong Yan shot him a glare, and he immediately fell silent. The officials continued their accusations; some said if this precedent were set, where would official dignity be? Others said that tolerating such violence was against the law.
Murong Yan raised his hands, pressing down slightly. All sound ceased. He asked Yuan Xi, "Speak. What happened?"
Yuan Xi then said angrily, "Lord Gong was driving his carriage recklessly through the crowded market and knocked Master Wen’s hat to the ground. Master Wen has difficulty moving, yet this grandson sat comfortably in his carriage and watched as Master Wen struggled to pick it up! General Left couldn't bear to see it, so she stepped in to teach him a lesson..."
This was, of course, an exaggeration. The officials were about to start shouting again when Murong Yan scanned the room and said, "My lords, Master Wen is fifty-four years old. Both of his sons died on the battlefield. The Wen family has rendered great service to the state. For Lord Gong to show such contempt for an old general and a hero of the realm—where is his official virtue?"
Lord Gong was naturally unwilling to accept this. A friendly official beside him said, "By saying this, is Your Majesty suggesting that General Left was right to hit him? That a Censor being beaten into such a state is simply getting what he deserves? That General Left is not at fault at all?"
Murong Yan looked at him and said, "No, she was certainly in the wrong. Great Yan has laws; how can we allow anyone to take the law into their own hands? Especially when the one lacking in virtue is a court official. She should have reported it to Us to be handled according to the law. We simply want you all to think carefully. One day, you too will grow old. Perhaps you won't be missing limbs, but you will similarly face misfortune, injury, or illness."
All the officials fell silent. Murong Yan’s voice echoed through the hall. "When a general grows old, he should lay down his armor and return to his fields. One day, you too will step behind the scenes and relinquish your power. The fate of one's descendants is hard to determine; what family can remain prosperous for a hundred generations? One day on the streets of Jinyang, you will look upon the country and people you once protected, the palaces and bridges you once built. Do you not hope that the newcomers who enjoy the fruits of your labor will give you the respect you deserve? Do you wish to be at such an age, kneeling in a busy market, picking up your hat from the mud, with your dignity swept away?"
Everyone lowered their heads. Murong Yan said, "It is Our will. General Left has indeed committed a fault and shall be fined one year’s salary. Furthermore, after court, she must go to the Gong residence to apologize in person. Lord Gong is also at fault, but considering his heavy injuries, he shall not be punished. If there is a repeat offense, both crimes will be punished together. Henceforth, all official carriages in Great Yan, if they encounter retired old officials of advanced age, must slow down and yield. They are not to be obstructed. What say you, my lords?"
The officials looked at each other and, finding no objection, knelt. "Your Majesty is wise."
***
Once the officials had dispersed, Left Canglang was summoned to the study. Murong Yan sat high behind his desk. She knelt. "Master."
Murong Yan stood up and paced around her a few times. "Are there nails in Jinyang? You can't stay here for a single day without causing trouble!" Left Canglang looked at the patterns on his robes and said nothing.
Murong Yan said, "If you wanted to hit him, did you have to do it in front of everyone? Could you not have dragged him somewhere private, covered his head, and then beaten him?"
Left Canglang suddenly burst out laughing. *See, his values are so similar to mine.*
Murong Yan also smiled, but still scolded her, "You laugh! All you do is cause trouble, and you have the nerve to laugh! Go to the Gong residence later and apologize. Show some sincerity. If you dare cause any more mischief, I’ll slice you up and boil you!"
He stood right in front of her, his scent drifting and floating, entangling her soul and dragging it into an abyss. There is a kind of person in this world whom you know is separated from you by clouds, mud, mountains, and seas, yet you have no choice but to love them. Day after day, guarding a hopeless future, longing, desiring.
Love is an incurable disease. It first enters the pores, then the skin, and finally scatters into the marrow. One sinks into it, finding it as sweet as honey. Drinking arsenic and poisoned wine with a smile; even if one possessed the divine power to slay the heavens, one would not dare speak of parting.
In the evening, Left Canglang went to the Gong residence to apologize. Lord Gong was still lying in bed with a broken nose and a dislocated jaw; in short, his injuries were not light. Left Canglang tried her best to look sincere. "Lord Gong, I am sorry."
Lord Gong groaned for a while before finally saying, "Forget it."
The matter was settled. A Censor-in-Chief and a General of the Flying Cavalry—even if they were at odds in their hearts, what could they do? They couldn't exactly leave each other; they just had to make do and get along. But from then on, no one ever dared to show the slightest disrespect to the Wen family.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
家主 | Head of the House | The person in charge of a family/clan.
骠骑将军 | General of the Flying Cavalry | A high-ranking military title (Hussar General).
御史大夫 | Censor-in-Chief | A high-ranking official responsible for oversight and discipline.
定国公 | Duke of Dingguo | A noble title meaning "State-Stabilizing Duke."
方城 | Fangcheng | A location name.
晋阳 | Jinyang | The capital city.
都御史 | Censor-in-Chief | Another term for a high-ranking censor.
言官 | Censor / Speech Official | Officials whose duty is to advise the emperor and criticize wrongdoing.
赋闲 | Retired / Living in Leisure | Specifically referring to officials who have left office but remain in the capital.
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