At that time, Murong Yuan and the deposed Crown Prince, Murong Ruo, were still in the vicinity of Suye. They had originally hoped to find an opportunity to strike while the capital was vulnerable. However, after Western Jing withdrew its troops, Guzhu also retreated to its own Xiaoquan Mountain. With fewer than ten thousand remnant soldiers remaining, Murong Yuan was utterly unable to achieve anything.
Zang Tianqi had remained by Murong Yuan’s side throughout. The seven assassins from the previous attempt had been his most prized disciples. Now, those seven were trapped in the Imperial Prison, their fates unknown. It was unlikely they could ever be rescued. Following this defeat, the strength of the Hidden Sword Villa had been greatly diminished.
Now, aside from himself, only Zang Ge still possessed the strength to fight.
As for the silent disappearance of Zang Feng and Zang Xiao, Zang Tianqi understood that Murong Yan must have some unknown power backing him. A dark cloud hung over his heart as he advised Murong Yuan, "Your Majesty, the situation in the court has settled. It would be better for Your Majesty to take the Crown Prince and leave the State of Yan for a time to seek aid from foreign powers."
Murong Yuan had tried several times to persuade Guzhu and Western Jing to send troops, but to no avail. Seeing the opportunity for war slipping away, he felt a wave of despondency. "But looking at the various nations now, who would truly help me?"
Zang Tianqi replied, "Why does Your Majesty say such things? Both inside and outside the court, there are still many loyal subjects and righteous men who favor Your Majesty. Fachang Temple..." He mentioned the temple but ultimately did not continue.
Murong Yuan said, "That rebellious son is detestable! To think, if Wen Qi had not been defeated back then, how could I have come to this!"
Murong Ruo stood to the side and said, "Father, Marshal Wen is gone, after all. We should plan for what is before us." Murong Yuan looked over and asked, "What good strategy do you have?"
Murong Ruo said, "Murong Yan has always proclaimed to the world that his rebellion was only to execute me and Mother. Now, Mother has already died a tragic death under his blade. If Father were to return to Jinyang with great fanfare, carrying my severed head, how would he be able to silence the people of the world then?"
Murong Yuan was startled. "What kind of talk is this? I am your father and the sovereign of a nation. How could I use the head of my own flesh and blood to negotiate peace with a rebellious subject?"
Before Murong Ruo could speak, Zang Tianqi interjected, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, the Crown Prince’s words are indeed a good strategy. When Murong Yan raised his troops, he never claimed to be forcing a coup for the throne; he has always honored you as the King of Yan. He himself is merely an acting regent. This is why the commoners and court officials have been deceived by his hypocritical mask. If Your Majesty returns to Jinyang in full view of the public, he will be forced to abdicate the throne to you. As for the Crown Prince’s head, it does not necessarily have to be the Prince’s actual head."
Murong Yuan thought for a moment and asked, "But do you truly believe that his rebellion was not aimed at the throne?"
Zang Tianqi said, "Your Majesty, please consider: during these past days, has he had the means to capture and kill us?"
Murong Yuan froze. Previously, he believed Murong Yan hadn't moved against him because Murong Yan lacked the strength. But after several battles, he began to doubt. Murong Yan had kept him fleeing from east to west, yet never succeeded in capturing him. Was it truly due to a lack of capability?
Zang Tianqi continued, "Your Majesty, the fact that he spared Your Majesty multiple times and even refused to kill the Crown Prince is actually because once the Crown Prince is dead, he will no longer have an excuse to pressure Your Majesty."
Beside them, Murong Ruo had a sudden realization. "When Fang City fell, I sneaked back into the palace wanting to take Mother away. But Mother had already taken poison, and I encountered Murong Yan and Zuo Canglang entering the palace. I was forced to hide in the rafters. When Mother died, I couldn't help but shed tears. At that time, Zuo Canglang clearly noticed something, yet she did not look up. I have been puzzled by this, but it turns out these rebels wanted to keep me alive so that Father would not be able to compromise!"
Murong Yuan said, "That rebellious son! I only regret that I was soft-hearted back then and failed to see his wolfish ambitions!"
Zang Tianqi said, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Since things have come to this, I will prepare a head for Your Majesty, guaranteeing that Murong Yan will not be able to tell the real from the fake. Your Majesty can falsely claim to have executed the Crown Prince to force him to hand over the throne. However, this matter must be done in public to prevent him from silencing us forever."
Murong Yuan pondered for a while and asked, "If we do this, what should become of Ruo'er?"
Zang Tianqi said, "I will accompany the Crown Prince to lobby the various states again and seek external help. If Murong Yan abdicates under pressure and Your Majesty ascends the throne, I believe there will be foreign powers willing to assist us."
Murong Yuan’s brow furrowed. After another long silence, he said, "Very well. I leave the Crown Prince in your hands."
Zang Tianqi knelt and bowed. "Rest assured, Your Majesty. I shall protect the Prince’s safety even at the cost of my life. I will not fail Your Majesty’s heavy trust."
Murong Yuan helped him up and said, "It is only when one reaches the end of the road that one understands the meaning of heroic loyalty. Minister Zang, if there comes a day when I reclaim my mountains and rivers, I will certainly not mistreat the Zang clan."
Zang Tianqi bowed once more. Murong Yuan ordered someone to bring brush and paper and began to draft an edict.
***
In Jinyang City, Zuo Canglang had been staying at the Wen Estate ever since her return to the palace. Occasionally, the palace would send many medicinal ingredients and supplements. However, no matter how Wang Yunzhao’s messengers hinted or spoke plainly, she refused to enter the palace again. She simply claimed her injuries had not healed and she was confined to bed.
On this day, even the imperial physician said she could walk, so she had no more excuses and was forced to attend the morning court.
It was on this very day that a major event occurred in the court. Murong Yuan, the King of Yan who had been wandering abroad, suddenly issued an Edict of Self-Reproach. In it, he claimed he had "favored civil officials and closed his ears to the truth," leading him to be deceived by Wen Weishu, which resulted in the wrongful judgment of the Yang Jiling case. He further claimed that due to a father’s compassionate heart, he could not bear to punish the deposed Crown Prince, which led to the palace turmoil. Now, looking back on the past, it was like waking from a great dream. Thus, he issued this self-reproach decree to be spread throughout the world, so that all might know.
In the court hall, the officials were all silent. If the old Chancellor Bi Chengjing were still here, everyone would surely have argued based on principle, demanding that Murong Yan welcome Murong Yuan back to court. But now, the cautionary tale of Bi Chengjing stood right before them.
Though Bi Chengjing himself was living in his old residence, his elderly wife had died a tragic death, and several of his sons were still in prison. Who dared to follow in his footsteps?
Yet, no one dared to suggest that Murong Yan ignore it. During Murong Yuan’s reign, though he was weak and sought only temporary peace, he had at least used people appropriately for over twenty years—employing Bi Chengjing for civil affairs and Wen Qi for military matters.
Even if he was weak, how could a subject presume to discuss the faults of their sovereign? Moreover, if they spoke up now, they would never escape the infamy of being called "rebellious subjects and traitorous sons" in the eyes of the old guard.
Murong Yan did not speak. In the court hall, the officials each had their own thoughts. Those like Gan Xiaoru certainly did not want Murong Yuan to return. But the faction of old officials under Bi Chengjing absolutely supported it in their hearts. Jiang Sanyi, of course, was also unwilling for Murong Yuan to return. However, he had always styled himself as a "loyal subject" who followed the King of Yan, never admitting that he was the one who had opened the gates of Fang City to let Murong Yan’s army in.
Naturally, he could not directly state his opinion now.
Furthermore, Murong Yan had always advertised himself as a man of filial piety and deep affection. His chasing away of Murong Yuan without killing him was "filial piety." His refusal to abandon Jiang Bilan was "affection." His continued employment of the Wen clan’s old subordinates and the King of Yan’s former ministers was the "benevolence" of a sovereign.
Since he had ascended to power, whether it was the Battle of Gray Leaf Plain, the military operations against Suye, or the attack on Mayi City, all were actions to resist Western Jing. These military achievements were the strength of the generals, but even more so the merit of him as the sovereign.
Thus, although he had stolen the state, he had not left behind the reputation of a thief.
And now, Murong Yuan had suddenly issued an Edict of Self-Reproach, clearly intending to return to court. If Murong Yan agreed, he would have to abdicate and relinquish power, which would earn him a great reputation and fulfill his long-standing name for benevolence and virtue. If he disagreed, it would be equivalent to admitting to the world that everything he said before was a lie, and that all his actions were merely for power—where then would be his benevolence, righteousness, and filial piety?
The civil and military officials were speechless. Murong Yan lightly fingered the prayer beads in his hand and said, "Since you ministers have no memorials to present, the court is dismissed."
Wang Yunzhao loudly announced the dismissal. Upon returning to the inner palace, Murong Yan asked, "How is Ah-Zuo’s injury?"
Wang Yunzhao was a meticulous man and knew Murong Yan cared, so he had been checking with the imperial physician these past few days. Hearing the question, he immediately said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, General Zuo’s injuries are no longer a major concern. I heard she even practiced a set of boxing with the Duke of the State this morning."
Murong Yan nodded. "Summon her to the palace."
Zuo Canglang had heard about Murong Yuan’s Edict of Self-Reproach early that morning. Receiving Murong Yan’s summons now, she did not delay and made her way into the palace.
Entering the study, she was slightly startled. Besides herself, Chancellors Jiang Sanyi and Gan Xiaoru were both present. Zuo Canglang entered and knelt in greeting. Murong Yan said, "Rise. Among all the civil and military officials in this court, only you few can still speak a few words of truth to me. Regarding the matter of my Father, in your opinion, how should it be handled?"
Gan Xiaoru said, "Your Majesty, the court situation is now stable; it is not advisable to stir up more trouble. In my view, whether the King of Yan returns to the palace or not, the royal power and the throne should not be changed again. My proposal is to honor him as the Grand Emperor, still enjoying all the offerings due to a Grand Emperor. However, a nation cannot have two sovereigns; he must not interfere in court politics."
Murong Yan did not speak. Jiang Sanyi said, "Your Majesty, there are many old officials in the court. Even if Your Majesty only honors the King of Yan as the Grand Emperor, there is no guarantee that among these officials there aren't those who hope for his return to the throne. And the King of Yan has wandered through many hardships; if he hadn't reached the end of his rope, why would he compromise with Your Majesty? If he returns to court, is it truly to enjoy the wealth and leisure of a Grand Emperor?"
Murong Yan finally asked, "In your opinion, what should be done?"
Jiang Sanyi said, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, since ancient times, what room has there been for personal feelings in the matter of imperial rule? Even if Your Majesty is filial and benevolent, for the sake of the State of Yan’s mountains and rivers, you cannot be soft-hearted!"
Hearing this, Zuo Canglang turned to glance at Jiang Sanyi. This man was truly ruthless. Between the lines, he clearly meant to put Murong Yuan to death. Among the officials, both he and Gan Xiaoru were Murong Yuan’s former ministers, and he especially had been heavily relied upon.
To think that as the Right Chancellor, having rebelled once, he could actually harden his heart to such an extent as to want his former master dead.
Murong Yan showed no reaction to these words. Jiang Sanyi continued, "Your Majesty, I believe that when the King of Yan returns to court, Your Majesty can temporarily agree. Furthermore, you can prepare to draft an edict of abdication."
Gan Xiaoru asked, "What does Master Jiang mean by this?!"
Jiang Sanyi said, "Your Majesty, although the King of Yan intends to return, he has not yet arrived. I have a strategy that can ensure he is unable to return to court."
Zuo Canglang was startled, and Gan Xiaoru immediately reacted as well. "Master Jiang means... on the King of Yan’s way back to court..." He made a throat-slitting gesture.
Jiang Sanyi said, "Why not?"
Zuo Canglang finally spoke, "But..." As soon as she spoke, Jiang Sanyi and Gan Xiaoru both looked over. She thought for a moment but finished her sentence anyway. "But the King of Yan and His Majesty are, after all, father and son. To carry out such an assassination would surely be a cold and virtue-less act."
Jiang Sanyi sneered and said, "General Zuo, it is wrong of you to say that. When you went to Yuyang to assassinate the King of Yan, did you consider that the King and His Majesty were father and son? Why is it that now, when the King of Yan is about to return to court, you suddenly remember it?"
Zuo Canglang said, "At that time, it was because Marshal Wen still had the strength to fight. I did not wish to see a military genius like Marshal Wen uprooted because of the King of Yan."
Jiang Sanyi said, "General Zuo, that is even more incorrect. In your eyes, is His Majesty’s imperial ambition not even worth as much as the deceased Marshal Wen?"
Zuo Canglang was not someone skilled in verbal sparring. She could only say, "I have no such intention. I simply feel that since His Majesty already has victory in his grasp, there is no need to kill his own biological father."
Jiang Sanyi said, "No need? Do you know how many remnant officials in the court still favor the King of Yan? Someone even dared to intercept the urgent report General Zuo sent back to Jinyang, yet you dare to say His Majesty has no need to guard against the King of Yan?"
Zuo Canglang was about to speak again when Murong Yan said, "Enough." Both of them fell silent. He glanced at Zuo Canglang and said, "Minister Zuo is still recovering from her injuries. You may withdraw first."
Zuo Canglang froze. A glint of light flashed in Jiang Sanyi’s eyes. She slowly knelt to take her leave.
Murong Yan had excluded her from this matter.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
罪己诏 | Edict of Self-Reproach | A formal public announcement by an emperor admitting to mistakes in governance.
太上皇 | Grand Emperor | Also known as Retired Emperor; a title for a former monarch who has abdicated.
闻纬书 | Wen Weishu | A name mentioned in the edict, likely a corrupt official or faction leader.
杨继龄 | Yang Jiling | A name mentioned in a past legal case.
定国公 | Duke of the State | A high-ranking noble title.
右相 | Right Chancellor | One of the highest civil administrative positions.
左相 | Left Chancellor | One of the highest civil administrative positions.
小泉山 | Xiaoquan Mountain | A geographical location.
法常寺 | Fachang Temple | A Buddhist temple.
Enjoying the story? Rate this novel:
The Abandoned Empress General | Chapter 52 | A Deadly Dispute | Novela.app | Novela.app
