After Zuo Canglang withdrew, Murong Yan spoke. "The opinions of you two both have their merits. If my Royal Father returns to court, the hearts of the people, which I have only just managed to settle, will once again waver and lean toward him. Yet, if he cannot return—regardless of the reason—it will cause the world to question my sincerity and... and the original intent behind my struggle for the throne."
Gan Xiaoru glanced at Jiang Sanyi, feeling a secret chill in his heart. Now that Zuo Canglang had departed, Murong Yan’s words had become entirely unshielded. The reason Gan Xiaoru had proposed honoring Murong Yuan as the Grand Emperor was that he hadn't been certain whether Murong Yan was capable of regicide and patricide for the sake of the throne. But looking at it now, the only reason Murong Yan hesitated was that Murong Yuan’s death would tarnish his reputation.
Having understood the King's concerns and bottom line, Gan Xiaoru immediately said, "Your Majesty, this official believes that those who truly support you will understand your painstaking efforts. Since ancient times, there cannot be two suns in the sky. Furthermore, what was the state of Great Yan when the former King reigned? And what is its state now that Your Majesty sits upon the throne? Justice resides in the hearts of the people; there is no need to pay too much heed to the critiques of others."
As soon as he finished, Jiang Sanyi added, "Lord Gan speaks the truth. Even if General Zuo and others cannot temporarily understand Your Majesty, they will surely come to realize it in time."
Gan Xiaoru was startled. He had no intention of driving a wedge between Murong Yan and Zuo Canglang. What did Jiang Sanyi mean by suddenly saying this?
Murong Yan pondered for a moment, then said, "Continue."
Jiang Sanyi said, "My eldest son, Jiang Qi, has always remained by my side. He eats the imperial grain but has achieved nothing of note. Now is the time for him to show his loyalty to Your Majesty. In the past, I followed the former King through his southern and northern campaigns. I embolden myself to ask Your Majesty to allow my son, Jiang Qi, to lead troops to the banks of the White Wolf River to welcome the former King back to court."
He gritted his teeth and simply declared, "I guarantee Your Majesty that there will not be the slightest error."
Gan Xiaoru suddenly realized—this was the best opportunity to plant one's own people into the military! Or rather, it was the only opportunity!
Looking at the current military, men like Yuan Xi, Zhu Aijin, and Zheng Chu were all former subordinates of Wen Qi. Xu Lang, Wang Nan, and Yuan E were Zuo Canglang’s people, and Zuo Canglang herself was considered part of Wen Qi’s old faction. It could be said that the military was currently an impenetrable block. Whether it was Gan Xiaoru’s faction, Jiang Sanyi’s faction, or even the group of conservative old officials, it was impossible for them to insert their own people.
But now, a clear opportunity to plant a foothold was laid right before him!
Regret filled his heart as he hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I have a protégé named Han Jin. This man possesses extraordinary martial skills and has always been bold yet meticulous. He is willing to serve Your Majesty."
Murong Yan glanced at the two of them and said slowly, "In that case, let both of you make your respective preparations."
The two withdrew. Wang Yunzhao came forward to refill his tea. Murong Yan said, "When the elimination of my Royal Father was mentioned today, Ah-Zuo opposed it. I was quite surprised."
Wang Yunzhao smiled and said, "General Zuo is young and has always been outspoken before Your Majesty; she is naturally not as seasoned as the other lords. Her disagreement was likely nothing more than a desire to preserve Your Majesty’s bond of flesh and blood."
Murong Yan looked at him with a faint smile. "Then, by making this decision now, am I disregarding that bond of flesh and blood?"
Wang Yunzhao froze and quickly said, "No. General Zuo is a subject, while Your Majesty is the sovereign. A subject’s position is lower than the sovereign’s, making it inevitable for them to be short-sighted. A sovereign stands high above and must naturally be far-sighted. For Your Majesty to keep the former King would be personal affection—the affection of one man. For Your Majesty not to keep him is for the sake of the overall situation, for the well-being of all people under heaven. Those who understand will naturally understand."
Murong Yan stared at him and said, "You certainly know how to talk."
Wang Yunzhao smiled. "That is because this old servant has stayed by Your Majesty's side and has improved his discernment slightly."
Murong Yan’s brow relaxed slightly as he offered a small smile. "She was willing to assassinate my Royal Father for Wen Qi’s sake. I thought she would agree with Jiang Sanyi’s strategy. My guess was wrong. Why?"
Wang Yunzhao inconspicuously wiped the sweat from his brow and said, "If Your Majesty has doubts, would you like to summon General Zuo to ask for a clear explanation?"
Just then, an official from the Ministry of Rites came to seek instructions from outside. "Your Majesty, the vestments for the General of the Guard have been completed. Should they be sent to the Wen Manor?"
Murong Yan glanced at Wang Yunzhao. Wang Yunzhao’s heart skipped a beat. Since returning from Mayi City, Murong Yan had already ordered a promotion for Zuo Canglang. She was already a General of Agile Cavalry, a rank of the first class. One step further was the General of the Guard.
She was nineteen this year. To reach the highest rank at nineteen—anything further would have to be the conferment of a marquisate.
Murong Yan paused, then said, "The court is currently busy with many affairs. Let this matter be delayed for now."
The official from the Ministry of Rites acknowledged the command and withdrew after a bow. Murong Yan said, "There are still too few generals in the court. Ah-Zuo is young after all. I have been thinking it over; the post of Grand Marshal needs to be reinstated."
The title of Grand Marshal had historically been an honorary title often held by the General of the Guard; during Murong Yuan’s time, it was held by Wen Qi. Such honorary titles generally carried no real power. But for him to suddenly raise this matter... was he trying to divide her authority? Wang Yunzhao began, "Your Majesty..." Seeing Murong Yan’s expression, he changed his tune. "Your Majesty is right. General Zuo is young after all. It is not a bad thing for her to gain more experience for a few more years."
Murong Yan nodded. "But the military is mostly composed of Wen Qi’s old subordinates. Aside from her, I find myself with no one else to use."
Wang Yunzhao said, "The old officials in court are mostly remnants of the former King’s reign, but what Lord Jiang and Lord Gan said is logical. I believe anyone with clear eyes knows who the enlightened ruler is between the former King and Your Majesty. In this old servant's opinion, why not..."
He leaned close to Murong Yan’s ear and whispered for a long time. Finally, Murong Yan nodded. "Go and arrange it."
***
When Zuo Canglang returned to the Wen Manor, Wen Xingye, the Duke of Dingguo, was already waiting for her. Seeing her return, he hurriedly asked, "His Majesty summoned you to the palace; was it regarding the former King’s return?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "Yes."
Wen Xingye asked, "What are His Majesty’s intentions? Whom did he appoint to welcome the former King back?"
Zuo Canglang glanced at him and said, "When I left, it had not yet been decided."
Wen Xingye was clearly disappointed. Zuo Canglang hesitated, initially wanting to mention Jiang Sanyi’s plan. However, after thinking it over, she ultimately did not. In truth, whether Murong Yan welcomed Murong Yuan back or found a way to eliminate him, both paths had their reasons.
It was just... back then in Taiping Alley, wasn't his original intent for seizing the throne to bring peace to the world? Now that the situation was settled, why was it necessary to go as far as patricide?
However, just as night fell, another group of people paid a quiet visit. They were old officials, including Sima Cang of the Court of the Imperial Clan and Wei Tongyao, the Chief Secretary to the Chancellor.
Wen Xingye received them in the main hall, and before long, even Bi Chengjing arrived. A hall full of old subjects gathered together, naturally to ask about Murong Yuan. Zuo Canglang did not attend; they clearly did not want her there either.
The current situation was plain: she was Murong Yan’s person. Murong Yuan’s return would bring her nothing but harm. But these old officials were all men who prided themselves on being loyal and righteous. No matter what, they harbored resentment toward someone like Murong Yan, who had forced a palace coup to take the throne.
To say nothing of their feelings toward a woman who held the rank of General of Agile Cavalry at nineteen.
The group talked about who-knows-what in the main hall. Zuo Canglang was in the rear garden. Old Madame Wen had not retired yet either. Seeing her pacing back and forth, she said, "It is so late; why haven't you rested?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Must these people gather at the Wen Manor at this hour?"
Old Madame Wen sighed. "How could I not understand your worries? But these officials were all close friends and colleagues of Xingye in the past. If they come to discuss matters with him, Xingye can't exactly drive them all away, can he?"
Zuo Canglang said, "The old master is no longer in the court; what is there left to discuss?"
Old Madame Wen said, "Ah-Zuo, if one day the current Emperor were forced into exile and you were in Xingye’s position, would you drive away your former brothers-in-arms and old friends who came to discuss matters?"
Zuo Canglang was stunned. Old Madame Wen continued, "I know that in your eyes, you might find them tedious and conservative. But given Xingye’s character, if it weren't for Yixuan and Yirong, he would rather be shattered jade than a whole tile."
Zuo Canglang fell silent. Old Madame Wen said, "Which of these old court officials doesn't have a family to support? Yet now, they are the only ones still remembering that bit of loyalty to their former master."
That night, the moon was as round as a plate. Peach blossoms were in full bloom, their branches leaning out. Zuo Canglang snapped off a peach branch and said, "I only worry that this tiny spark of loyalty is merely the final straw. Instead of saving a life, it will instead crush the mountain."
Old Madame Wen’s face changed drastically. "Are you saying... are you saying the current Emperor intends to..."
Zuo Canglang said no more. The lights in the main hall were as bright as day, but she never went over.
However, that same night, the Hall of Virtuous Governance was also brightly lit. Murong Yan swept a scroll of names onto the floor and said, "I am truly curious. What exactly are these old subjects talking about all night in the Wen Manor instead of sleeping in the middle of the night!"
Wang Yunzhao did not dare utter a single word. Jiang Sanyi signaled the spy he had planted in the Wen Manor to continue. The spy possessed an incredible memory and repeated the words of the various ministers syllable by syllable. He even mimicked their tones and expressions vividly. Naturally, the report included several treasonous remarks.
Murong Yan said, "Cicadas in late autumn—they are quite the nuisance."
Jiang Sanyi said, "Your Majesty, these old officials have bathed in imperial favor yet do not think of repaying it. Instead, they gather at the Wen Manor in the dead of night. This is sedition!"
At these words, Wang Yunzhao hurriedly came over to pour tea, saying, "Lord Jiang, your words are too heavy. The Wen family has no one in court; only General Zuo is His Majesty’s confidante. How can men of leisure commit sedition?"
Jiang Sanyi remained very polite to him, saying, "What Manager Wang says is naturally true. However, though the men are at leisure, their treacherous hearts have not died. What can be done? I ask Your Majesty to make a decision early; leaving these people will surely result in a calamity!"
Murong Yan’s expression was cold and gloomy. After a long while, he asked the spy on the ground, "What did General Zuo say?"
The spy kowtowed and reported, "General Zuo did not attend the meeting." Jiang Sanyi gave him a subtle look. The spy understood and added, "But General Zuo did not rest either. She seemed to be in the rear garden the entire time, speaking privately with Old Madame Wen."
Murong Yan said, "I understand. You have worked hard. Go."
The spy acknowledged the command and withdrew. Murong Yan glanced at Jiang Sanyi and said, "Lord Jiang worries for the affairs of the state; you are truly my left and right hand. It is late; you should leave the palace as well."
Jiang Sanyi still couldn't gauge his thoughts and could only withdraw. Once everyone had left, Murong Yan suddenly asked Wang Yunzhao, "Tell me, will Ah-Zuo report these matters to me?"
Wang Yunzhao’s heart leaped. "Your Majesty... General Zuo is likely not the type to spread gossip."
"Gossip? Heh..." Murong Yan chuckled softly. "After the court session tomorrow, have her come to the study. I very much want to know what she will say."
Wang Yunzhao hesitated, but could only answer, "Yes."
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
太上皇 | Grand Emperor | A retired emperor, usually the father of the reigning monarch.
卫将军 | General of the Guard | A high-ranking military title, one step above General of Agile Cavalry.
太尉 | Grand Marshal | One of the highest military honors/posts, often honorary but prestigious.
宗正 | Minister of the Imperial Clan | Official in charge of the affairs of the imperial family and relatives.
丞相长史 | Chief Secretary to the Chancellor | A high-ranking administrative assistant to the Prime Minister/Chancellor.
姜齐 | Jiang Qi | Eldest son of Jiang Sanyi.
韩进 | Han Jin | A protégé of Gan Xiaoru.
司马仓 | Sima Cang | The Minister of the Imperial Clan.
魏同耀 | Wei Tongyao | The Chief Secretary to the Chancellor.
宁为玉碎，不为瓦全 | Rather be shattered jade than a whole tile | An idiom meaning to die with honor rather than live in dishonor/compromise.
德政殿 | Hall of Virtuous Governance | A hall in the palace where the King conducts business.
