It was half a month later when Xue Chengjing finally regained consciousness. He was, after all, advanced in years, and having witnessed his wife’s brutal death under the blade, his body had been pushed to its limit. Compounded by the plague, he would likely have lost his life had it not been for Yang Lianting’s presence.
Opening his eyes, he found himself lying in a bed. A quick glance around confirmed he was no longer in a cell. With great effort, he turned his head and saw a young man sitting by the bedside, feeling his pulse. Upon closer inspection, he recognized the face. He parted his lips and finally managed to speak: "Physician Yang?"
Yang Lianting gave a slight nod and gestured. A member of the Baiyu Sect immediately stepped forward to present a bowl of medicine. Xue Chengjing asked, "How... how did I get here?" Since falling ill, he had been unconscious most of the time and had no idea how he had been released from prison.
"I’ll let the people outside explain that to you," Yang Lianting replied. In truth, he still harbored a trace of resentment toward Xue Chengjing. Years ago, when Yang Jiling was framed and imprisoned, Xue Chengjing—his mentor—had failed to save him. Instead, he had stood by as Yang Jiling was tortured to death in his cell.
Yang Lianting had been a mere child then. Even though he now understood the concepts of being caught in circumstances beyond one's control, the knot in his heart from his youth could not be entirely unraveled. Thus, even though etiquette dictated he should call Xue Chengjing "Grand-Master," the Yang family was gone, and even if he remained, the old sentiments had long since withered.
After feeding Xue Chengjing the medicine, he turned and walked out. Moments later, several elderly officials entered the room. Leading them was Bo Zhengshu. Seeing Xue Chengjing awake, they were visibly moved. Yang Lianting, however, merely dropped a cold reminder: "Don't talk for too long."
Bo Zhengshu stepped forward and grasped Xue Chengjing’s hand. "Old Chancellor, you have suffered!"
Xue Chengjing shook his head. "I am but a bag of old bones; what does my suffering matter? I only pity my wife. She followed me for many years, laboring her whole life, only to die a tragic death under the blades of the Imperial Guard!" At the mention of Madam Xue, his eyes reddened. After a long pause, he asked, "Where... where is she buried now?"
"The Duke of Dingguo sent men to bury her in the Xue family’s ancestral tombs," Bo Zhengshu said. "We have all gone to pay our respects. Once you are feeling better, it will not be too late for you to offer a sacrifice."
Xue Chengjing’s eyes filled with clouded tears. Bo Zhengshu continued, "Old Chancellor, in the current court, Jiang Sanyi is in his prime. Even Wan Lou, the Minister of Works, is still languishing in prison. What do you think we should do?"
Xue Chengjing sighed. "Since His Majesty allowed someone to frame and slander this old man, he must have been determined to eliminate me. Why then would he allow me to return to my old residence alive? Since Yang Lianting joined the Baiyu Sect, he has never entered Jinyang without a decree. Did His Majesty command him to treat me?"
Bo Zhengshu and the others exchanged glances. Finally, Wei Tongyao, the Chief Secretary of the Chancellery, spoke up. "Old Chancellor, at first, we offered our lives in protest, but His Majesty showed no sign of changing his mind. Later... later, General of the Chariots and Cavalry Zuo Canglang entered the palace and had a private discussion with His Majesty for the duration of a cup of tea. If our guesses are correct, it must have been her advice that led to your release."
"Zuo Canglang?" Xue Chengjing mused. "But I have had no dealings with her. Though she is nominally Wen Qi’s widow, she is in truth His Majesty’s confidante. Why would she speak on my behalf?"
"That... is exactly what we cannot fathom," Bo Zhengshu admitted.
Xue Chengjing pondered for a moment. "She holds military power and enjoys His Majesty’s favor; she is the picture of youthful success. Could her plea for mercy be an attempt to win us over?"
Bo Zhengshu replied, "But as you said, her status is already at its peak. What could she possibly need from us?"
Beside them, Wei Tongyao suddenly interjected, "I wonder if you all have noticed... His Majesty treats her quite differently from other officials."
Everyone froze. Sima Cang, the Minister of the Imperial Clan, said, "Now that you mention it, whenever His Majesty is alone with her, Head Eunuch Wang always steps away. Have you ever seen any other official have an audience with the Sovereign where Wang Yunzhao was not present to serve?"
The realization hung heavy in the air. Xue Chengjing asked, "So, are you saying there is some... unspeakable entanglement between her and His Majesty?"
Bo Zhengshu nodded. "If that is the case, it explains why she dared to plead for the Chancellor and why she succeeded."
Xue Chengjing said, "Then... if she intends to win us over, could she be eyeing the position of Queen?"
The group was stunned. Sima Cang stammered, "But... but she is General Wen’s widow! Even if we know it is a title in name only, General Wen’s old subordinates in the army are numerous. If those soldiers ever learn of this, the situation might become uncontrollable!"
Bo Zhengshu was equally shocked. "She holds heavy troops in her hand. If she becomes Queen, we may face a future of consort-kin usurping power. The Great Yan Dynasty would be in peril!"
Xue Chengjing let out a long sigh. "I am old now and no longer wish to struggle. In the future, visit me less. His Majesty views me as a thorn in his side; do not let me implicate you all."
Bo Zhengshu and the others all knelt. "Old Chancellor!"
Xue Chengjing waved them away. "Go, all of you!"
***
Over the next half-month, Zuo Canglang’s injuries mostly healed. While she still couldn't draw a bow or fire an arrow, her daily movements were no longer hindered. Murong Yan ordered her to attend the morning court, and she went, but she had little to contribute to court affairs. As a military officer, matters like implementing new policies or land taxes made her head spin.
Consequently, she often remained silent throughout the entire session, which was inevitably boring. Furthermore, with her injuries, standing for long periods was unsuitable. Court sessions usually dragged on, so lately, Murong Yan would often dismiss the assembly early and have the relevant officials continue the discussion in his study.
When the morning court was shortened for several consecutive days, the elder officials looked at one another, recalling Xue Chengjing’s words, their hearts filled with unease.
Zuo Canglang had been intentionally avoiding Murong Yan lately. After court, she would leave early, and if she encountered eunuchs coming to deliver decrees, she would find ways to bypass them. Even after leaving the palace, she rarely returned to the Wen Manor. As Xue Chengjing’s condition improved, Yang Lianting didn't need to watch over him constantly, so he often came by. The two of them spent much of their time hunting or going on spring outings.
Whenever Jiang Xing saw Yang Lianting, he would grumble, "You finally return to Jinyang, and yet you can't be bothered to look after Deyi Hall? Patients come every day seeking the famous Physician Yang, yet here you are, spending your days in endless romance."
Yang Lianting replied, "Where is the romance? With you presiding over Deyi Hall, what need is there for me?"
Jiang Xing huffed and finally said, "Do you really not see what the King of Yan intends for Zuo Canglang?"
Yang Lianting froze. "What?"
"Play all you want, but mind your head," Jiang Xing said. A man like him had long ago developed a heart of stone; when did he ever care for the lives of others? To offer such a warning was a once-in-a-millennium occurrence. Yang Lianting remarked, "It’s rare to see you care about someone else."
Jiang Xing huffed again. "I’m only afraid that if you die, it will be inconvenient for me to move in and out of the Baiyu Sect."
Yang Lianting asked, "Is there not even a shred of master-disciple sentiment?"
"To hell with master and disciple!" Jiang Xing snapped, turning back to attend to a patient.
Yang Lianting shook his head. "You’re actually not a bad person; you just lack any human touch."
Jiang Xing merely felt the patient's pulse and immediately began writing furiously, coldly churning out one prescription after another with an expressionless face. He didn't care in the slightest whether these patients recovered; he only cared whether his medicine achieved the desired effect within the human body. To him, "saving the dying and helping the wounded" was a joke; he pursued only medical skill, having long ago discarded a benevolent heart.
That night, Zuo Canglang came by again while Jiang Xing was still seeing patients. Deyi Hall was indeed crowded; many had traveled thousands of miles upon hearing Yang Lianting was back. Since Yang Lianting wasn't seeing patients—none of the cases were emergencies—he sat nearby playing chess with Zuo Canglang.
When Jiang Xing finally dismissed the last patient, Yang Lianting went out to get some wine. Zuo Canglang said to Jiang Xing, "Come, come over and help me finish this game."
Jiang Xing’s face was cold. "No."
"Why? There’s only a little left."
Jiang Xing snorted. Zuo Canglang looked at him steadily for a moment and said, "You... don't know how to play, do you?"
Jiang Xing immediately turned his head away and snorted again. Zuo Canglang was delighted. "Hey, you really don't know!"
Jiang Xing looked annoyed. Yang Lianting brought the wine in and asked, "What’s wrong?"
Zuo Canglang laughed so hard she couldn't stand straight. "Yang Lianting, our Great Physician Jiang actually doesn't know how to play chess!"
Yang Lianting was also amused. He poured the wine and said, "It’s very simple. Come, I’ll teach you."
Jiang Xing stood up in a rage. "Who said I wanted to learn?!" He turned to leave, but Yang Lianting grabbed him and said, "Come on!" He forcibly pressed him down onto the seat before the chessboard. Although Jiang Xing’s medical skills were divine, he knew no martial arts. It was easy for Yang Lianting to restrain him.
Unable to leave, he had no choice but to sit. Zuo Canglang set the pieces and said, "It’s very simple, Physician Jiang, don't be afraid." Jiang Xing looked furious at first, but after being laughed at so much, he gradually developed a thick skin. He stopped being angry and slowly began to learn from them.
The black and white pieces gradually became nimble in his hands; with his intellect, he learned everything quickly. Zuo Canglang gave him a handicap at first, but soon stopped. Yang Lianting offered advice from the side, and the three of them played for several hours.
Zuo Canglang said, "Is there anything else you don't know? Speak up, and we’ll teach you all at once."
Jiang Xing snorted and picked up a bowl of wine to drink. Zuo Canglang suddenly asked, "Do you know how to play finger-guessing games?"
Jiang Xing looked furious again, and the two of them burst into laughter, proceeding to teach him the drinking game. After a round of games, Jiang Xing said to Zuo Canglang, "You’re a young girl; don't you find this crude? If your husband’s family saw this, wouldn't they think you lack upbringing?"
*Quite the conservative old man!* Zuo Canglang thought. She said, "My husband is already buried on Mount Guanqu."
Jiang Xing snorted again, but Zuo Canglang didn't take it to heart, laughing as she taught him a few more variations. Jiang Xing drank quite a bit, and it turned out his tolerance was poor; he eventually collapsed drunk under the table. Yang Lianting helped him up, but he struggled, muttering, "I can still drink!" Then he threw out a "Two brothers are good!" gesture and murmured triumphantly, "So this is finger-guessing... quite simple after all."
It seemed this was his first time ever playing. Zuo Canglang and Yang Lianting both found it hilarious. This man had likely spent his entire life buried in medical texts.
Yang Lianting helped him onto the bed, removed his shoes, and pulled a quilt over him. "Do you feel sick? Do you want some sobering medicine?" Jiang Xing mumbled something. Yang Lianting leaned his ear close to listen, serving him much like one would a parent.
Zuo Canglang leaned against the doorframe, watching lazily. Suddenly, footsteps sounded outside. She turned around and saw someone walking in—it was Murong Yan!
Zuo Canglang was startled and quickly saluted. "Your Majesty? Why have you come?"
Murong Yan glanced at her, then swept his gaze over Yang Lianting in the inner room. Once he saw the situation inside, the flicker of irritation in his eyes slowly dissipated, and his voice became calm. "What, is this a place I cannot come?"
Zuo Canglang caught that fleeting flash of anger and was stunned. He was actually displeased because she was with Yang Lianting. Was he going to target Yang Lianting?
She had never thought Murong Yan would be bothered by such things, but this trace of emotion alarmed her. Murong Yan was a man who never showed his joy or anger; if he displayed it, it was already quite serious. Her heart tightened slightly. Yang Lianting walked out and also bowed to Murong Yan. "Peace be upon Your Majesty."
Murong Yan gave a hum of acknowledgment, scanned him, and said, "I summoned you back to treat Xue Chengjing’s plague. How is he now?"
Yang Lianting replied respectfully, "Reporting to the Sovereign, he has mostly recovered. However, given his age, he will need time to fully regain his strength."
Murong Yan said, "Since he has recovered, why do you linger? Is the Baiyu Sect so idle?"
Yang Lianting was slightly taken aback. "Lianting is at fault. I shall return to the Baiyu Sect tomorrow."
Only then did Murong Yan say, "There is no rush for this moment. It is rare for you to return; tomorrow, enter the palace to perform a routine health check for the Queen."
"This subject obeys the decree," Yang Lianting said.
Murong Yan nodded, his tone softening considerably. "Rise. You are now the leader of the Baiyu Sect. It is my intention to appoint you as State Preceptor, with the dharma title 'Guanghua.' Henceforth, you shall be addressed as Grand Master Guanghua."
Yang Lianting paused for a moment before bowing deeply to thank him. "Your Majesty’s grace is as vast as the heavens. This subject is overwhelmed."
Murong Yan said, "It is good that you know my grace. Manage the Baiyu Sect well and do not run to Jinyang without cause." Yang Lianting thanked him again, and Zuo Canglang breathed a small sigh of relief. With a man like Murong Yan, if he actually voiced a reprimand, it meant he had no intention of further punishment.
After lecturing Yang Lianting, Murong Yan looked at Zuo Canglang. "General Zuo has quite the air these days. If I do not come in person, it seems no one can move you."
Yang Lianting glanced at Zuo Canglang, then at Murong Yan. Zuo Canglang asked, "Your Majesty has come seeking me late at night; is there some urgent matter?"
Murong Yan said slowly, "Naturally, it is an important military matter."
Zuo Canglang knew she had to go with him. "Since it is military business, this subject shall escort Your Majesty back to the palace to discuss it."
"Very well," Murong Yan said.
The two of them walked out of Deyi Hall one after the other, once again walking through Tianping Alley. They had walked this alley many times, but this time, their identities were different from before. There was no moon in the long street, only the lanterns under the eaves casting a hazy glow. Zuo Canglang leaped up and plucked a large lantern. "The night walk is inconvenient; let this subject carry the light for the Sovereign."
The night was thick; neither could see the other's face clearly. Murong Yan suddenly asked, "How long do you intend to hide from me?"
Zuo Canglang froze. He reached out, slowly pulling her waist tight, his face almost touching hers as he asked, "Tell me, how long do you intend to hide from me?"
Zuo Canglang’s back went rigid. After a long silence, she said, "Sovereign, we are on the street. If someone sees, it may damage Your Majesty’s reputation for virtue."
Murong Yan held her tighter and tighter. After a long while, he whispered, "Let me hold you a little longer..." His voice was extremely low, like a soft murmur, yet it was as enchanting as a spell. "Even if I must lose my reputation."
Zuo Canglang slowly stopped struggling. In the silent street, she held the lantern in her hand and quietly allowed him to embrace her. Suddenly, the feeling was truly peaceful and good. He really wanted to hold her like this, for one more moment, and then one more.
That whispered vow warmed her and bewitched him. Let the embrace last a little longer, just a little longer. Even if someone truly saw, so be it.
***
After Xue Chengjing’s health improved, Yang Lianting returned to Mount Gusha. Zuo Canglang, having nowhere else to go, spent most of her time in teahouses and wine shops.
One day, an urgent report arrived from Pingdu Pass: Western Jing had once again mobilized troops against Great Yan. In their last battle against Wen Qi, Western Jing had fought for months without gaining an inch, leaving them severely depleted. Now that they had just recovered, their first priority was still to invade Yan.
They were well aware of Yan’s situation. After years of natural disasters and internal strife, the country’s strength was exhausted. Murong Yan’s coup had further weakened the nation’s foundation. Coupled with Wen Qi’s death and Zuo Canglang’s injury, it was a god-given opportunity.
When the report reached Murong Yan, the court officials were in an uproar. Everyone knew the state of the national treasury. Why was Murong Yan so anxious to reform agriculture? It was because food supplies were tight! He had no grain or fodder to support a war.
Western Jing could still increase taxes to raise military funds, but in Great Yan, Murong Yan had just reduced taxes, and the people were pinning their hopes on him. He could not possibly conscript more grain from the populace.
In the court, everyone was silent.
Murong Yan scanned the hall and asked, "Western Jing is once again attacking our Suye City. Reports say the invading army is no less than a hundred and fifty thousand. What strategies do you have, my ministers?"
Jiang Sanyi and Gan Xiaoru exchanged glances, neither daring to speak. Given Murong Yan’s personality, no one dared to suggest peace talks. But at the moment, was there any better way?
Murong Yan’s gaze shifted to Jiang Sanyi. "Minister Jiang, what do you think should be done?"
Jiang Sanyi stepped forward. "Your Majesty, in this subject’s view, General Zuo is a brilliant tactician. Why not ask General Zuo to take the field against Western Jing?"
Zheng Zhizhou stepped forward to second the motion. Gan Xiaoru, unable to read Murong Yan’s mind, didn't dare speak out. Bo Zhengshu’s faction, following Xue Chengjing’s earlier words, was also prepared to distance themselves from Zuo Canglang and remained silent.
Everyone knew that Murong Yan could not produce grain. If one went to war now and did not win within four or five days, the supplies would run out with no hope of replenishment.
The hundred and fifty thousand troops of Western Jing were coming with fierce momentum, and it was unclear if there were reinforcements behind them. If a quick victory could not be achieved, it would be a catastrophic defeat.
Among the generals of the three armies, who would dare to accept the command to fight at such a time?
A hint of mockery appeared at the corner of Murong Yan’s mouth. Only then did he look at Zuo Canglang. "General Zuo’s injuries have not yet healed. I fear she cannot withstand the rigors of a campaign. I have always known that Chancellor Jiang’s eldest son, Jiang Qi, is well-versed in military strategy. Why does the Chancellor not recommend him for the battle?"
Jiang Sanyi’s face turned pale, and his knees buckled as he knelt on the ground. "Your Majesty, my son is young and cannot handle such a heavy responsibility! General Zuo has outstanding military merits; it is better for her to face Western Jing for a higher chance of victory."
Murong Yan sneered and simply said, "Court is dismissed! General Zuo, to the study for discussion!" Jiang Sanyi was drenched in cold sweat. He didn't know if Murong Yan was intentionally scaring him or trying to buy time for Zuo Canglang to recover.
In the Imperial Study, Wang Yunzhao served tea and then led Xiao Anzi and the others away. Zuo Canglang was still kneeling on the floor. Murong Yan said, "Rise. You saw what happened in court today."
Zuo Canglang smiled. "Leading troops into battle is the duty of a military officer. It was inevitable that the Sovereign would be disappointed by asking Chancellor Jiang."
Murong Yan snorted. "Your injuries are not yet fit for the battlefield."
Zuo Canglang said, "It is precisely because I cannot take the field that we have a chance of winning." Murong Yan looked at her. She said, "Please, Sovereign, allow me to try."
Murong Yan grasped her hand and slowly pulled her into his arms. "Go then. I will find a way regarding the grain. Come back early." Zuo Canglang nodded, but was there really a way?
***
That night, Zuo Canglang mobilized her troops under the stars and headed for Suye City. Currently, the only trusted officers in Jinyang were Lundi Diaotao Fengao and Yuan E, a confidant of Yuan Xi. Zuo Canglang said without hesitation, "Yuan E, follow me to Suye!"
Yuan E shouted his assent. Lundi Diaotao Fengao stepped forward. "General, during the battle of Pingdu Pass, I followed you and General Yuan. I am very familiar with the terrain of Suye." Zuo Canglang remained unmoved and ordered Yuan E to go and prepare. Lundi Diaotao Fengao was indignant. "General, have I committed some fault? Why do you and General Wen always refuse to employ me?"
Zuo Canglang snapped, "Enough nonsense. You will stay with Zhou Xin to guard Jinyang. That is a military order!"
He persisted, "General, I am willing to serve as a mere foot soldier, as long as I can follow you back to Suye and drive out the Western Jing thieves!"
Zuo Canglang finally lost her temper and roared, "Can't you hear my words?!" *With that ridiculous name of yours, if you get injured or die one day, how am I supposed to write the military merit register when I get back!!*
The other generals burst into laughter. Yuan E said, "I’ll bet ten taels of silver that the General would get four out of six characters of your name wrong when reading it, and five out of six wrong when writing it!"
General of the South Wu Zhengyang laughed heartily upon hearing this. "I’ll bet twenty taels, hahahaha!"
Finally, someone nearby couldn't stand it and shouted, "Dammit, what are you laughing at?! Are you bunch of brutes ever going to stop? Can't our General still get two of them right?!"
Zuo Canglang: "..."
Lundi Diaotao Fengao gritted his teeth and walked up to Zuo Canglang. "Actually, my mother’s surname is Wang. I have another name: Wang Nan!"
Zuo Canglang finally said, "Let’s go!"
The group rushed to Suye City overnight. As they left the city, Murong Yan saw her off. The two of them rode their horses slowly. Wang Yunzhao was sensible and ordered the others to wait where they were.
When the crowd was a bit further away, Murong Yan said, "Suye is a border city, and it is currently surrounded by Mayi City and Xiaoquan Mountain. We are facing enemies on two sides. If it truly becomes impossible, it is not out of the question to temporarily leave it to Guzhu and let them fight Western Jing for it."
Zuo Canglang said, "I understand. If the situation becomes truly critical, I will lead the army to withdraw from Suye."
Murong Yan leaned over. Zuo Canglang looked down and found him tying a "peace knot" charm to her waist. She reached out and grasped his wrist. "Sovereign..."
Murong Yan said, "Suye is not important. If necessary, any territory beyond Pingdu Pass can be abandoned. But you must take care of yourself."
Zuo Canglang’s right hand gripped the peace knot, her fingertips brushing over it. It felt exquisite and warm. She nodded and said solemnly, "I will."
The army broke camp. Zuo Canglang looked back from her horse and saw that Murong Yan had still not turned away. The northern wind blew in gusts, whipping the banners. She said in a deep voice, "Move out!"
The horse hooves sounded like thunder, kicking up dust for ten thousand miles.
***
The situation in Suye was more serious than imagined. When Zuo Canglang arrived, the Western Jing general Ren Xuan had just breached the gates of Suye.
Zuo Canglang’s reinforcements had been riding day and night and were already exhausted. She did not step forward to assist the retreating defeated troops of Suye. Instead, she stopped at the White Wolf River to the west of the city. The river surface was already frozen solid, and the riverbed was like a sloping valley. Time was tight, and there was no time for a complex setup. When the defeated soldiers had passed and Ren Xuan was about to catch up, she ordered all her soldiers to come out at once, waving banners and shouting.
The entire valley was filled with fluttering banners, and arrows flew in unison. Ren Xuan was startled and immediately retreated his forces back to Suye.
Once the pursuers were gone, Zuo Canglang finally settled all the defeated soldiers in Kanghua County. However, upon inquiry, she frowned—the defeated army had lost almost all their armor and equipment, let alone money, grain, and supplies.
Tens of thousands of troops were stationed in Kanghua County, with grain only sufficient for two days. More terrifyingly, there was no supply line from the rear. They lacked medicine, and the weather was biting cold. Yuan E and Wang Nan could only provide simple bandages for the wounded. Zuo Canglang ordered them to strip the clothes off the dead; in the freezing nights, an extra layer of clothing was always good.
As Yuan E and Wang Nan directed the men to strip the dead, Yuan E laughed. "Why did the General have us strip the dead? For the General to be this desperate, whether we can make it back alive is a big question. Kid, do you regret coming?"
Wang Nan found a wounded soldier who was still breathing and leaned down to check. "No. I am a soldier; I want to be on the battlefield. Before... General Wen wouldn't take me to the battlefield unless it was absolutely necessary." *If I had known I’d have to change my name sooner or later, I would have done it long ago.*
Yuan E patted his shoulder sympathetically, and the two of them worked together to carry the wounded soldier back.
The weather was truly too cold. The White Wolf River was completely frozen, with a thick layer of ice that could support horses. Zuo Canglang walked several circles on it, and after a long time, she fired an arrow. Shards of ice sprayed from the surface, but the ice layer remained hard.
Zuo Canglang observed for a while, then loaded her Nine Dragon Tongue crossbow and fired several bolts in succession. The ice layer finally began to crack, and icy water faintly seeped out. Yuan E and Wang Nan looked at each other. Yuan E said, "The General is in high spirits." *The house is on fire and you’re here playing with ice!*
Zuo Canglang went to check the broken ice. Wang Nan quickly stepped forward. "General, be careful! Falling into an ice hole in this weather is no joke!"
Zuo Canglang stood at a distance, looked for a long time, and then said, "Yuan E, immediately order the whole army to rest and cook. At the fourth watch, we head to Suye City to challenge them."
Yuan E took the order and immediately passed it down. Zuo Canglang added, "Wang Nan, melt all the candles in the city. I want a bucket of wax oil. Bring your crossbow and follow me."
Once Wang Nan was ready, the two walked along the White Wolf River for a while. Zuo Canglang pointed ahead. "Strike the ice layer; make it crack."
Wang Nan asked, "Chisel the ice?"
Zuo Canglang shook her head. "No, just make the ice layer crack."
Though puzzled, Wang Nan used his crossbow to strike the ice with great force. Zuo Canglang also joined in, and before long, they had cracked a large area of ice.
Zuo Canglang walked over and poured the wax oil over the surface. Before long, the wax oil solidified. Wang Nan felt a pang of distress, thinking she wouldn't have any candles to use at night.
Zuo Canglang looked at it and then poured a layer of water over the wax. In a short while, the water froze into a thin layer of ice, covering the surface.
She said, "Tonight I will draw Ren Xuan out. You find a way to stall the army behind him. It won't take long."
Wang Nan lowered his head, thinking to himself, *Is Ren Xuan your dog? You say he’ll come out and he’ll come out?* But having followed Zuo Canglang, he knew she was reliable, so he didn't say much and simply answered with an "Understood."
***
Around the fourth watch, Zuo Canglang led her army to attack the city. Ren Xuan was quite surprised. *How is it possible... Great Yan has been in internal strife for so long, where did they get the troops and grain to take the initiative to attack?*
Logically, they should have retreated directly behind Daji City! It seemed that with a new Sovereign and new generals, the style had changed.
As he was thinking, Zuo Canglang appeared below the city. Ren Xuan’s gaze narrowed. Spies from Western Jing in Yan had sent word that Zuo Canglang’s injuries couldn't possibly have healed so quickly. He observed from the city wall and saw that Zuo Canglang had not made a move. Although the entire army was beating drums and shouting challenges, they made no other movements.
*Could it be... this person is just putting on a show of strength?*
He was still cautious and did not send out troops. It wasn't until the latter half of the night, while hidden in the shadows of the city wall, that he saw Zuo Canglang begin to cough. He had the prescription for Zuo Canglang’s injury medicine sent by his spies; according to that prescription, her injury wouldn't be healed for at least a month.
She was a military officer, and military officers could always endure more than civil officials. Thus, if she looked eighty percent recovered, she was actually only fifty percent recovered.
*This person dares to come to the city to challenge me with such a heavy injury.* Ren Xuan’s heart stirred. *The General of the Chariots and Cavalry of the Great Yan Dynasty! If I get her head, what a great merit it would be!* He had never directly fought Zuo Canglang. He didn't believe a teenage girl could have any earth-shattering abilities.
After observing for most of the night, he finally sent out a small squad of soldiers, intending to break Zuo Canglang’s formation. Zuo Canglang fired two arrows; her aim was still excellent, but she soon stopped using her bow. Ren Xuan’s breathing gradually quickened. He could be certain that Zuo Canglang’s injury was definitely severe.
He was an expert in archery and horsemanship; that bow-drawing posture couldn't fool him. *Should I go down? If it doesn't work, it will still be in time to come back.*
He gritted his teeth and finally ordered the city gates to be opened to meet the challenge. Zuo Canglang, amidst her soldiers, fired two more arrows, one of which grazed his right arm. Ren Xuan gritted his teeth and rode his horse directly toward her, drawing an arrow and firing back. Zuo Canglang dodged, and he drew his long spear, closing in on his horse. The spear came down toward her head; Zuo Canglang blocked it with her halberd, but how could she match that kind of force?
She felt her wrist go numb, the webbing of her thumb split, and her entire arm felt broken. The halberd flew out of her hand. The Western Jing troops cheered loudly. Zuo Canglang retreated a good distance, and Ren Xuan clearly saw bloodstains gradually spreading across her clothes!
His strike from horseback just now had reopened her old wounds! Ren Xuan immediately followed, preparing for another spear thrust. Zuo Canglang turned her horse and retreated. Ren Xuan ordered the attack. Seeing Zuo Canglang retreating toward the rear, he originally didn't want to pursue—the night was dark and the road dangerous; how could he not know the risks? He simply fired an arrow at random. To his surprise, Zuo Canglang let out a muffled groan, and as he looked, he found the arrow had hit her right in the back!
*This girl is Wen Qi’s wife, the General of the Chariots and Cavalry of Yan! Once she is captured, the three armies of Yan will be terrified! Perhaps we can even take Daji City tomorrow!*
He no longer hesitated, immediately turned his horse, and gave chase. Zuo Canglang rode her horse at full speed, the hooves wrapped in cotton cloth to prevent slipping, making her movement on the ice relatively stable. She gripped the reins tight with her right hand; the cold wind pierced through her body, and she felt chilled to the bone.
Ren Xuan drew his bow again and fired another arrow. Zuo Canglang leaned to the side to dodge, her body unsteady, nearly falling off her horse.
She picked up a piece of maltose used for feeding horses and stuffed it into her mouth. Every breath she took felt like ice shards. But she didn't dare let her spirit relax for a moment. *Is this the place? Success or failure depends on this one move. If I fail, this will be my burial ground.*
She slowed down, fell off her horse, and ran wildly on the ice while clutching her wound. Ren Xuan galloped in pursuit, the cold moon like frost, the ice surface like a jade belt. Her blood dripped onto the ice, drop by drop, string by string.
Ren Xuan’s eyes were filled with the joy of victory. Just as he was about to draw his bow for another arrow, the ground beneath him suddenly shook. Before he could react, both man and horse plunged into an ice hole!
Zuo Canglang knelt on the ice, her heart and lungs seemingly frozen stiff! Having lost too much blood, she began to feel cold. The pain of the wound had instead become numb.
There were sounds of someone struggling in the ice hole. The broken ice was being smashed piece by piece as the person inside frantically searched for a life-saving straw.
But the surrounding area was entirely made of cracked ice covered in wax oil. Finally, he struggled to grab a corner of the ice layer. His lips were purple, and he stared blankly at Zuo Canglang on the ice.
Zuo Canglang still had her bow and arrows. She stood up with great effort, stepped on the Nine Dragon Tongue on the ground, loaded a bolt, and drew it with her foot, the sight aimed directly at Ren Xuan.
Their eyes met. Zuo Canglang tore her clothes and pressed her acupoints to stop the bleeding, but she did not pull out the arrow.
The life in Ren Xuan’s eyes gradually faded. Zuo Canglang did not go over; she didn't have much strength left either. She only needed to wait for him to die. Something on the ice reflected the moonlight; she picked it up and found it was a small gold lock.
A longevity lock, the kind given to children.
She felt it for a while and asked, "For your child?"
Ren Xuan’s teeth were chattering. "After... after I die, send me back to Western Jing..."
Zuo Canglang’s voice was also icy. "Was it you who killed General Wen?"
Ren Xuan’s voice kept shaking, his tone unreadable. "I... I also sent him back to Yan. I beg you, you must send me back to Western Jing."
Zuo Canglang was curious. "Why?"
Ren Xuan said, "Seeing my body, the court will... provide for my parents, wife, and children as a soldier killed in action... I beg you..."
Zuo Canglang was stunned. "So... you also sent back Wen Qi’s body at the first opportunity?"
It was hard to tell if Ren Xuan was nodding. "He and I had no personal grudge. I do not hate him."
Zuo Canglang said, "Surrender to Yan, and I will pull you up."
Ren Xuan hesitated, then shook his head—this time, a very clear shake of the head. "I will not be a surrendered general. Please... please be sure to send my body back. I have been in the army for nineteen years. Even if I am defeated and die, with a minor fault, my King will lose his anger when he sees my body. Believe me, if General Wen were here, or Yuan Xi, they would surely do the same..."
His voice faded away. He had lost consciousness, yet he still gripped the ice tightly, his fingers already stiff.
Zuo Canglang slowly crawled over. Feeling the vibration of the ice beneath her, she quickly stopped. On such an ice surface, it was impossible to pull up a man as large as a bear.
"Why am I even talking to you," she said, but after thinking for a moment, she tore her inner garment and twisted it into cloth strips. Looking around, her horse was not far away. She called the horse over, tied one end of the cloth strip under Ren Xuan’s armpits, and the other end to the horse's neck.
The steed exerted its strength and finally dragged Ren Xuan out of the ice hole and to the shore. Before Wang Nan and the others arrived, Zuo Canglang grabbed a handful of snow and rubbed it all over him. He slowly woke up, trembling as he said, "My... legs..." and then fainted again.
Zuo Canglang pulled up his pant legs and found his legs were already swollen. She gritted her teeth, wiped his legs dry, and pulled them into her embrace to warm them.
When Wang Nan and Yuan E arrived, Zuo Canglang took Ren Xuan’s military tally and seal. "Put on Ren Xuan’s clothes, have the soldiers put on the Western Jing armor we stripped yesterday, raise Ren Xuan’s banner, and attack Xiaoquan Mountain."
Wang Nan and Yuan E were shocked. Yuan E said, "General, Xiaoquan Mountain is currently occupied by the Guzhu people. If we suddenly send troops to attack, won't we be making an enemy of Guzhu?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Go, quickly!"
Thus, as the sky was just beginning to lighten, the Guzhu people on Xiaoquan Mountain saw only the banners of Western Jing as a group of Western Jing soldiers came to attack the city.
The tribes of Guzhu and Tuhe had already harbored deep resentment against Western Jing due to the struggle for the old lands of the Yu Kingdom. Having just learned that Western Jing had captured Suye City during the day, they never expected Western Jing to point their spear directly at their Xiaoquan Mountain so soon!
Guzhu was furious and fought back fiercely. Zuo Canglang, of course, would not truly attack the city; she only attacked for over an hour before ordering a retreat. Guzhu pursued them, and they even left behind Ren Xuan’s military tally.
The next morning, Guzhu attacked Mayi City. The Western Jing soldiers in Suye City had lost their commander, and with their rear under heavy attack, Ren Xuan’s deputy, Ji Guang, had no choice but to lead the troops out of Suye City to defend Mayi City.
Zuo Canglang and her men retook Suye.
That day, the sounds of slaughter rang out in Mayi City. The Guzhu people were no less brave than the Western Jing. Zuo Canglang stood on the city wall of Suye, looking toward Mayi City. At that time, the wounds on her body had only been simply treated to stop the bleeding, and the bloodstains on her clothes were still fresh. The soldiers had been fighting for days, their faces covered in the dust of battle. Zuo Canglang looked down from her high position and said in a clear voice, "In August of last year, General Wen opened the gates and left the pass from here. Below Mayi City, he was struck by more than forty arrows and died in battle."
The soldiers, for some reason, suddenly stood up straight. She scanned the crowd and said, "Before this, I always felt my husband was just a general who farmed and fed pigs. After that night, every time I stand on the city wall of Suye, I think of him. I think that on that night in Suye, there must have been a thousand acres of bright moonlight and a measure of clear wind to embolden his journey. From then on, the identity of 'Madam Wen' has made me feel proud. I believe your wives and children feel the same."
The multitude was silent. But at this moment, the figure of this woman overlapped with that of General Wen Qi. A soldier shouted, "Madam, give the order! We will capture Mayi City!"
Zuo Canglang’s face was half-covered in blood as she raised the Nine Dragon Tongue. "Kill our way to Mayi City, slaughter every Western Jing person, and avenge General Wen! After the city is broken, we shall massacre it for one day. Before noon tomorrow, except for the grain which shall be returned to the national treasury, all gold, silver, jewelry, and women shall belong to you."
That day, Mayi City of Western Jing was attacked from two sides by Guzhu and Great Yan, and the city was eventually breached by the Yan army. The Yan army once again carried out a massacre; not a single Jing person in Mayi City survived.
When the military report was sent back, the furious Western Jing and the Guzhu, who had been robbed of their spoils of war, both silently withdrew their troops. In just one day and night, Great Yan had not only retaken Suye but had also captured Mayi City. Furthermore, they had allowed the army to carry out a brutal massacre in Mayi City. Wherever the blades passed, blood soaked the city walls.
The number of dead and wounded in this massacre exceeded that of Gray Leaf Plain. The name "Zuo Canglang" became even more terrifying to the Western Jing people than Wen Qi had been. If Wen Qi was a shield, she was a dripping, sharp blade.
***
At this time, Murong Yan began to try the case of Wen Weishu. This was somewhat awkward, as Wen Weishu’s wife was Murong Yuan’s sister and Murong Yan’s aunt. Murong Yan clearly showed no face to this aunt; after publicly announcing Wen Weishu’s crimes, he confiscated the Prince Consort’s estate.
Wen Weishu had been selling military horses; one could imagine how much silver he had embezzled over the years. He had taken some gold and silver with him when he fled with Murong Yuan. However, the land, manors, antiques, and paintings left in Jinyang, when converted, amounted to over a million taels.
Murong Yan used this silver to purchase military grain. Just as he was about to send men to escort it to Suye City, the news of the victory arrived.
Murong Yan received Zuo Canglang’s handwritten letter, leaned back in his chair, and smiled. "Truly a sharp blade, isn't she?"
Jiang Bilan, who was leaning beside him, turned pale. "General... General Zuo ordered another massacre? The entire city of Mayi, old and young... Although General Wen died at the hands of the Western Jing, it was he who charged to the walls of Mayi City himself. What does it have to do with the common people of Mayi? How are they guilty? Why massacre the city?"
Murong Yan turned to look at her. After a long while, he stroked her silk-like long hair. "Because she had no grain. She could not afford an endless confrontation with those people."
Jiang Bilan stood up. "Do the people of Mayi City just die for nothing? Are they not born of parents, made of flesh and blood?! Brother Yan, those are human lives!"
Murong Yan laughed and opened his arms to pull her into his embrace. "Alright, Lan'er, let’s not talk about this."
Jiang Bilan avoided him. "Brother Yan, she is a murderer!"
Murong Yan tossed the military report aside, pulled her into his arms, and gave her a squeeze. "Fine, fine. When Ah-Zuo returns, I will scold her."
***
