The battle for Fangcheng was won almost without a single blow. From that moment on, Murong Yan officially became the sovereign of Great Yan. He had taken Fangcheng because the former Right Chancellor, Jiang Sanyi, had surrendered the city. As a former subject, Murong Yan had ultimately avoided raising his sword against his own father.
This left even those subjects who still harbored gratitude for Murong Yuan’s past kindness with nothing to say.
As the army marched from Fangcheng back to Jinyang, Zuo Canglang looked back at the city that had surrendered without a fight. She suddenly wondered: had he ordered her and Leng Feiyan to Fangcheng to rescue Jiang Bilan out of longing, or because he needed Jiang Sanyi to tear down that final barrier for him?
In this campaign, any direct action by Murong Yan—regardless of success or failure—would have inevitably drawn the world's condemnation. But Jiang Sanyi’s appearance had solved that problem perfectly.
However, the thought was merely a fleeting spark in her mind before it vanished into nothingness.
On the day Jiang Bilan returned to Jinyang, the entire population flooded the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of the "First Beauty of Great Yan."
At that time, Jiang Bilan sat within a magnificent carriage. The pale pink beaded curtains were half-rolled, offering a faint glimpse of the lady’s exquisite skirts. The commoners pointed and whispered; some of the more daring ones gossiped in private. Although Murong Yan had supposedly "raged for the sake of a beauty," every soul in Great Yan knew that this daughter of the Jiang family had been married to the deposed Crown Prince.
Now that this man reigned over the world, the Queen had been executed, and Murong Yuan and the deposed Crown Prince had lost even a place to hide.
With the world in his hands, this man could have any peerless beauty with a flick of his finger. How would he deal with this woman who was already married—his own sister-in-law?
Would he keep her in the palace for private trysts? Or would he simply confer a title upon her, inviting a lifetime of public criticism?
Amidst the cacophony, Jiang Bilan gripped the hem of her sleeve with her right hand. Through the swaying beads, she saw her father riding beside Murong Yan.
Nearly ten thousand people now lined the long street, all vying to see her. She lowered her head, her heart a chaotic swirl of emotions, unsure whether to feel joy or sorrow. In truth, Murong Ruo had treated her well during those days. Now, Murong Ruo and Murong Yuan were utterly defeated, their whereabouts unknown.
After all these years, she had already been married to Murong Ruo. Did he... did he truly still love her?
She looked toward Murong Yan, who rode at the head of the army. Clad in crimson robes and golden armor, the sunlight spilled over the intricate dragon patterns, outlining an emperor of celestial grace and lunar elegance.
She struggled to tuck away her unease. The shadow of Murong Ruo flashed through her mind and vanished, replaced by the joy and yearning of a noble daughter’s heart. After all, this world-shaking rage was already a legend for the ages. Of the countless women in the world, who else could claim such a feat?
The carriage passed through the long streets of Jinyang and entered the imperial palace directly. Jiang Bilan’s heart hammered with anxiety. *Entering the palace just like this? Without a title or status...*
She didn't know what she was expecting. Her mind wandered through a maze of conflicting thoughts—grief one moment, joy the next—until she didn't even notice the carriage had stopped.
"Miss Jiang, please alight from the carriage." Palace attendants brought a brocade stool and assisted her down. Jiang Bilan was led forward by palace maids. She was somewhat familiar with the palace, and the further they walked, the harder her heart pounded. Ahead was... the Phoenix Palace, where the Queen resided!
Sure enough, the maids led her to the front of the Phoenix Palace. Her two personal servants, Huiyun and Huayue, were already waiting at the gates.
"Miss!" The two maids rushed forward, their eyes brimming with tears. When Jiang Sanyi had fled Jinyang with Murong Yuan, it had been a hurried affair; they hadn't taken many servants with them. She hadn't expected Murong Yan to have kept her people so well-preserved.
Reunited, the mistress and servants naturally had endless things to say. Jiang Bilan followed them into the hall, and before long, Jiang Sanyi and his wife, Lady Zheng, were also led in by attendants. Jiang Bilan’s heart finally settled.
Jiang Sanyi surveyed the magnificent Phoenix Throne within the hall and said, "My daughter is blessed after all. Had I known it would come to this, why would I have ever tried to stop you two back then?"
Jiang Bilan blushed. Lady Zheng was still a bit uneasy, saying, "Husband, look at how he has settled our daughter here in the Phoenix Palace. Does he intend to name her Queen?"
Jiang Sanyi pondered for a moment before saying, "Call him 'His Majesty.' He is the Emperor now. His Majesty placing Lan'er here has deep meaning. It is nothing less than a reminder to the court, so they may prepare themselves."
Lady Zheng pursed her lips. "But... but Lan'er was, after all, once with the deposed Crown Prince..."
Jiang Sanyi glanced at his wife, then at his beautiful daughter. "It is precisely because of that. Once the decree to crown her Queen is issued, the old fossils in court will surely rise in opposition. But the current Emperor is a man of great resolve; ordinary people cannot sway him. There is no need to worry."
Lady Zheng said, "It’s a pity you currently hold no official post in court, husband. Otherwise, you could speak up for Lan'er."
Jiang Sanyi chuckled. "Someone must find their footing first. As long as His Majesty is sincere toward my daughter, why fear that our Jiang family will have no place in the imperial court?" He looked back at his daughter, his affection growing the more he looked at her. "Why speak of such things? Let us eat."
The attendants had already laid out the evening banquet, and the family began their meal.
Murong Yan had no time to visit. Though the army had returned after a bloodless victory, rewards still had to be distributed. However, with the national treasury empty, he had to be prudent. Wang Yunzhao drafted a list but found himself in a difficult position. He asked, "Your Majesty... what would be an appropriate reward for General Zuo?"
He was a thorough man. Knowing the current relationship between the two was unusual, he felt it best to hear Murong Yan’s personal command.
Murong Yan smiled. "Write the list as usual, but delay the reward for now. She won't mind." After smiling, he asked, "Where is A-Zuo?"
Wang Yunzhao bowed. "General Zuo should have returned to the Wen Mansion. I heard her leg injury flared up. I have already sent an imperial physician in Your Majesty's name to look after her."
Murong Yan paused slightly. "When did this happen?" Wang Yunzhao couldn't say for sure. Murong Yan stood up and said, "Never mind. She has old injuries in both legs. Instruct the physician to treat her carefully. If they cannot manage, summon Yang Lianting."
Wang Yunzhao acknowledged the order. Seeing him rise, he lit a lantern and asked, "Your Majesty, are you heading to the Phoenix Palace?"
Murong Yan replied, "I am weary. Lan'er is having a family reunion at the Phoenix Palace; I shall not disturb them for now."
Wang Yunzhao was quite surprised. Given Murong Yan’s feelings for Jiang Bilan, shouldn't he... He carried the lantern ahead, leading Murong Yan back to the bedchamber. The moonlight was like frost, reflecting off the exquisite flora. The weather was somewhat stifling.
Once inside the palace, he served Murong Yan, helping him undress. As Murong Yan lay on the couch and the gauze curtains were lowered, Wang Yunzhao finally dared to think: *He settled Jiang Bilan in the Phoenix Palace but ignores her for now... showing deep affection to the beauty on one hand, while exerting pressure on Jiang Sanyi on the other.*
*Is that his intent?*
Murong Yan did not go to the Phoenix Palace for three days, and the entire Jiang family grew frantic. Jiang Sanyi sought out Wang Yunzhao. In the past, how could he have ever looked twice at someone like Wang Yunzhao? Back then, he was the high-and-mighty Right Chancellor, holding real power and enjoying Murong Yuan’s deep trust. What was Wang Yunzhao?
Just a head eunuch by Murong Yan’s side. Did he need to curry favor with such a person?
But things were different now. He was all smiles. "Manager Wang, it has been a long time. I trust you have been well?"
Wang Yunzhao said, "Lord Jiang, forgive this old servant’s poor eyesight for failing to greet you properly." He turned to the young eunuchs under him. "I am blind, and so are you? Hurry and serve tea to Lord Jiang."
Attendants quickly brought fine tea. Wang Yunzhao said, "Lord Jiang, please sit. Taste this tea. It was personally picked by His Majesty when he passed through the Yuyang Tea Estate. He granted some to this old servant. How could I be worthy of such a thing? It is fortunate you came, so someone may truly appreciate it."
Jiang Sanyi took his seat and tasted the fragrant tea seriously.
The tea was indeed excellent, but that wasn't what surprised him. In truth, he had never respected the people around Murong Yan—not Zhou Xin, not Feng Ping, not Wang Yunzhao, and certainly not that teenage girl who led armies.
Murong Yan’s army had seemed like nothing more than a rabble of peasant soldiers.
But now, sitting across from Wang Yunzhao, he realized with startling clarity that these people—whom he once wouldn't have spared a glance—had truly overturned a dynasty!
He smiled and said, "Manager, what are you saying? You are the person closest to His Majesty. If you aren't worthy, who is?" He realized that at some point, the disdain in his heart had slowly retracted. He began to speak to Wang Yunzhao with the tone one would use for a high-ranking Palace Attendant.
Wang Yunzhao beamed. "Lord Jiang, have you come because you lack something? If the palace servants are not serving you well, please inform this old servant immediately."
Jiang Sanyi waved his hands repeatedly. "Manager Wang, to be honest, although His Majesty has settled my daughter in the Phoenix Palace, he has not seen her since. My heart is a bit unsettled. There are things I do not quite understand, and I hope you might offer some guidance."
As he spoke, he pulled an exquisite sandalwood box from his sleeve. "A small token of my appreciation. Please, do not refuse."
Though Wang Yunzhao offered polite protests, he did not actually refuse. After accepting the box, he said, "Lord Jiang, think on this: you are, after all, someone who served the King of Yan for many years. Now that you have returned to court, the eyes of the officials, the scholars, and the commoners are all upon you. His Majesty possesses great strategic brilliance, and while the court respects him, there are many who still harbor loyalty to the old regime... Lord Jiang, you have a rare moment of leisure now; perhaps you could help soothe them on His Majesty's behalf."
Jiang Sanyi was an old fox; he understood the hint immediately. He thought for a moment and said, "I thank you for your guidance, Eunuch."
Wang Yunzhao insisted he deserved no thanks and escorted him out. Once Jiang Sanyi was far away, he let out a soft sigh. It seemed that since Murong Yan was "knocking" on him, it meant he still intended to use him. The Jiang family’s resurgence was likely just a matter of time.
However, in this court, Xue Chengjing was a veteran statesman with deep roots. How could he be moved? Gan Xiaoru was Murong Yan’s confidant and had committed no errors, so he couldn't be dismissed abruptly. He wondered how the Emperor would place this man.
Jiang Sanyi returned to the Springwater Palace, where he was temporarily staying. He spent the night thinking and wrote a rhapsody. The next day, this brilliantly written piece began to be quietly recited by scholars and literati. On one hand, it lamented the desolation of the old lands; on the other, it praised the dawning peace under the new monarch’s rule.
As a former Right Chancellor, his literary talent was beyond question. This splendid rhapsody did not contain a single word disparaging Murong Yuan, yet the contrast between the old and the new left people with no choice but to reflect. It was sincere and truly magnificent.
Scholars and literati vied to read it, and its influence was vast. Only Xue Chengjing and his group of old officials cursed him as a sycophant after reading it.
Murong Yan offered no evaluation of the rhapsody, but he returned the old Jiang estate to Jiang Sanyi’s family. Jiang Bilan remained in the Phoenix Palace.
That night, he went to the Phoenix Palace to have dinner with her. Seeing her beloved again, Jiang Bilan was naturally full of tender affection. She personally served Murong Yan, but as she brought a small piece of venison to his lips, Murong Yan’s brow furrowed slightly—she was using her own chopsticks.
Beside them, Wang Yunzhao quickly and discreetly caught the meat with a small dish, saying, "Today’s fish soup is also fresh. It was a tribute sent from Panyang, excellent for nourishing the liver and brightening the eyes. Both Your Majesty and Miss Jiang should try some."
After saying this, he served them both fish soup. Murong Yan tasted it and said, "It is good."
Wang Yunzhao hurried to use clean chopsticks to serve him. Every dish was one that Jiang Bilan had not touched. Fortunately, Jiang Bilan didn't notice and shared two cups of wine with Murong Yan.
The lady’s face was flushed like rosy clouds, and with her intent to keep her guest, her charm was truly world-tilting. Murong Yan, however, merely said, "It is late. You should rest early."
Jiang Bilan was a bit surprised, but she couldn't ask too much. She could only say shyly, "Then... will you come tomorrow, Brother Yan?"
Murong Yan lightly stroked her beautiful hair. "Of course. In this palace, where else would I go besides here?"
Jiang Bilan pursed her lips, her smile full of sweetness. "Tomorrow I will prepare a few small dishes. I remember when we were young, you liked Ruyi Rolls very much."
Murong Yan held her slender, soft hand, applying a slight pressure. "Back then, I didn't actually like Ruyi Rolls." Jiang Bilan blinked in confusion, then heard him say softly, "I took some every time only because your family’s dog kept barking."
Jiang Bilan burst into a fit of giggles.
She escorted Murong Yan to the palace gates. Murong Yan said, "The wind is strong. Go back inside."
Jiang Bilan nodded, looking back three times with every step, until she finally turned back into the hall. Wang Yunzhao followed behind Murong Yan. The tenderness on the Emperor's face slowly faded. He said, "Should I summon an imperial physician?"
Wang Yunzhao said, "Your Majesty has simply not seen Miss Jiang for too long and is a bit unaccustomed. Besides, this ailment..." When Consort Rong was alive and Murong Yan was still young, he had been particularly fond of a musician in Consort Rong’s palace. The musician played the zither well and had a pair of very beautiful hands. For a child of a few years, liking a pretty girl was nothing unusual.
But one day, Consort Rong cut off those beautiful hands and made a soup for Murong Yan. From that day on, Murong Yan was left with this "ailment." He disliked the scent of women and disliked sharing a table with others.
It was also from that day that Consort Rong became nothing more than "that woman" in his eyes. She left various whip scars and old wounds on his body, but she never again received his respect or love.
Even when she died, he had only watched quietly. From beginning to end, he had not shed a single tear.
Enjoying the story? Rate this novel:
The Abandoned Empress General | Chapter 40 | Scars of the Past | Novela.app | Novela.app
