That afternoon, Murong Yan summoned Jiang Sanyi. Jiang Sanyi had fully expected Murong Yan to appoint Jiang Qi to head west of Suye to escort Murong Yuan back. To his surprise, Murong Yan did not mention it at all. Instead, he said, "After much consideration, I feel that the King of Yan is, after all, my biological father. Blood is thicker than water. Though our political views differ, there is truly no need to resort to lethal measures."
Jiang Sanyi’s expression gradually turned solemn. What had caused this sudden change of heart?
He spoke slowly, "Your Majesty’s filial piety and benevolence are truly admirable. However, if the King of Yan returns to court, I fear it will only lead to endless trouble."
Murong Yan replied, "Let us set that matter aside for now. Regarding the assassination attempt on the Queen and myself at Mingyue Tower, the assassins are still held in the dungeons. I have decided to hand this case over to you. You must preside over the trial diligently and ensure that every last member of the rebel faction lurking within the court is rooted out."
Jiang Sanyi’s heart skipped a beat. Cunning and experienced as he was, how could he fail to grasp Murong Yan’s meaning? He immediately knelt and bowed. "This subject obeys your decree!"
Even after leaving the royal study, his brow remained furrowed. As he walked with his head down, he suddenly saw Jiang Bilan approaching slowly, accompanied by her maid, Guiyun. He stepped to the side of the path and bowed his head in greeting. "Your Majesty."
Jiang Bilan nodded, her attitude toward Jiang Sanyi remaining cold. Jiang Sanyi remarked, "It seems Your Majesty still harbors a grievance against me."
Jiang Bilan had no intention of speaking further with him and continued straight toward the royal study. Jiang Sanyi sighed. *If this foolish daughter of mine had even half of Zuo Canglang’s wit, I wouldn't have to worry so much.* Shaking his head, he slowly made his way out of the palace.
The following day, the seven assassins were officially transferred to Jiang Sanyi’s custody. He was to be the chief judge, assisted by the Minister of Justice, Lord Xia Changyou. Jiang Sanyi personally interrogated several of the assassins. Although he did not usually handle judicial matters, he had picked up the tricks of the trade over his many years in officialdom.
The seven assassins had already been tortured for days in the Decree Prison, and their will was weak. Under further severe interrogation, they began to implicate dozens of high-ranking court officials. For a time, the entire court was thrown into a state of panic.
Jiang Sanyi was quite pleased with himself. He studied the written confession for a long while before suddenly saying, "It seems... one person is still missing."
Xia Changyou was already watching with trepidation. Though he was a veteran official who had previously leaned toward Bi Chengjing’s faction, Bi Chengjing had already fallen. He was currently confined to his manor, stripped of power and rank, awaiting judgment. His head could roll at any moment.
Meanwhile, Jiang Sanyi was now a first-rank official and the Father of the State. For the sake of his daughter, the King had yet to take a single concubine. Such absolute favor concentrated on one person was enough to make anyone tremble.
He answered submissively, and seeing that Jiang Sanyi had no intention of involving him, he dared not say more. He could only watch as the prison clerk tremblingly added one more name: Wen Xingye.
The next day, he presented the confession to Murong Yan. Murong Yan took it, scanned it for a moment, and suddenly said, "It seems Minister Jiang is quite the expert at presiding over cases."
Jiang Sanyi replied, "Your Majesty overpraises me. I have simply served as an official for many years and have encountered many stubborn individuals. It is merely the experience of my predecessors."
Murong Yan nodded. "In that case, proceed with the arrests and interrogations according to the list."
Jiang Sanyi immediately said, "This subject obeys." Just as he turned to leave, Murong Yan suddenly added, "The Duke of Dingguo has been away from the court for many years. He was not in Jinyang when Mingyue Tower was being built. This matter likely has nothing to do with him. It is possible the assassins’ memories were clouded by the days of torture. There is no need to go to the Wen Manor."
Jiang Sanyi’s expression remained unchanged as he voiced his assent. Internally, however, he was wavering. Murong Yan refused to implicate the Wen Manor, yet everyone knew that what he wanted most right now was to implicate them!
For whose sake was he showing this modicum of mercy?
Once out of the palace, Zheng Zhizhou hurried over and asked, "Brother-in-law, how did it go?"
Jiang Sanyi said, "Notify Commander Feng Ping to lead the troops and begin the arrests according to the list."
Zheng Zhizhou let out a long sigh of relief. "Since His Majesty agreed to the arrests, it means this task was handled to his satisfaction. Why do you look so unhappy, brother-in-law?"
Jiang Sanyi glanced at him. "Because we still have a formidable enemy. It is laughable how foolish Lan'er is; even now, she refuses to show me any courtesy."
Zheng Zhizhou asked, "Are you referring to..."
Jiang Sanyi slowly unfurled the blood-stained confession. The very last name had been crossed out with a red brush.
That night, the city of Jinyang was ablaze with torches. More than a dozen high-ranking officials were arrested and imprisoned. Under the leadership of Feng Ping, the Imperial Guard began seizing properties without a word.
When Zuo Canglang woke up, she could faintly hear the sounds of wailing and chaos. She rose and walked to the manor gates. In the boundless night, many estates were lit by torches, and the sound of galloping hooves echoed frequently. Her brow furrowed. Suddenly, someone else stepped out behind her—it was Wen Xingye.
He stood under the lanterns of the Wen Manor, looking toward the clusters of firelight. After a long silence, he said, "That is the estate of Lord Wei Tongyao, the Minister of Imperial Clan Affairs. What could be happening in the middle of the night?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I’ll go take a look."
Wen Xingye said, "I’m coming too!"
Zuo Canglang snapped, "Go where? You only have one leg; stop being so restless in the middle of the night."
Wen Xingye was choked with indignation.
Wei Tongyao’s estate was the closest to the Wen Manor. Zuo Canglang arrived on horseback in less than fifteen minutes. She saw the Imperial Guard standing at the gates with blades and halberds, surrounding the entire estate so tightly that not even water could leak through. Someone saw her approach and shouted, "Who goes there?"
Zuo Canglang dismounted. As the torchlight fell upon her, someone recognized her and quickly bowed. "General Zuo, the Imperial Guard is acting on royal decree to apprehend rebels. We apologize for disturbing you, General."
Zuo Canglang asked, "Rebels? Lord Wei?"
The soldier replied, "Yes, General. Commander Feng has already gone inside to make the arrests."
Zuo Canglang strode into the estate. Everyone knew she was the King’s favorite; moreover, when Murong Yan was idle, he often ordered her to train the Imperial Guard. These soldiers were still somewhat afraid of her, so they did not dare block her path.
Inside the manor, she saw Wei Tongyao’s wife, children, and servants all kneeling in a row. Women clutched their children, weeping softly.
Feng Ping was ordering his men to place heavy cangues on Wei Tongyao and his eldest and second sons. Seeing Zuo Canglang approach, he merely gave a slight nod.
Zuo Canglang asked, "Commander Feng, what crime have they committed?"
Feng Ping replied, "Minister Jiang is presiding over the case of the attack on His Majesty and the Queen at Mingyue Tower. The assassins identified their accomplices, and among them is Lord Wei. I am merely following orders. If General Zuo has any questions, please ask His Majesty directly. Do not obstruct me in the execution of my duties."
Zuo Canglang was left speechless. There was nothing she could do but watch as the Imperial Guard marched Wei Tongyao’s family away. With Bi Chengjing’s fate as a warning, no one dared to resist.
The Wei household consisted of over three hundred people, all of whom had been Jinyang nobility until moments ago. Now, with their clothes in disarray and their spirits broken, where was the look of nobility?
Zuo Canglang stood at the gates for a while, watching as Feng Ping’s men took the Wei family away before moving on to another official’s estate. She suddenly understood: Jiang Sanyi was using the Mingyue Tower case to implicate nearly all the veteran officials who supported Murong Yuan.
And the fact that Feng Ping dared to make the arrests meant Murong Yan had approved it.
In the dim yellow light, someone shouted of their innocence. Feng Ping delivered a punch, and the voice stopped abruptly. Zuo Canglang felt a sudden chill in her heart.
That night, almost no one in the Wen household closed their eyes, except for children like Wen Yirong who were still too young to understand. It wasn't until dawn approached that everyone felt the illusory relief of having escaped death.
No soldiers came to seal the manor or arrest anyone. Among all the veteran officials of the old guard, only the Wen Manor remained untouched.
When Zuo Canglang went to the morning court session as dawn broke, she found that nearly a third of the officials were missing. But that was not the most terrifying part. The most terrifying part was that the connections within the court were inextricably linked. Instances of one official’s daughter marrying another general’s son were too numerous to count.
Wei Tongyao’s daughter was Yuan Xi’s wife!
Now that these people were in prison, almost everyone was living in fear. Only Murong Yan remained as steady as Mount Tai. He simply ordered the Minister of Justice, Xia Changyou, and Jiang Sanyi to continue the trial and ensure all rebels were captured.
Jiang Sanyi stepped forward and bowed in assent. He cast a fleeting, subtle glance at Zuo Canglang. Zuo Canglang stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty."
Murong Yan said, "If General Zuo has no military matters to report, there is no need to speak further."
Zuo Canglang could only remain silent. When the session concluded, Murong Yan announced the dismissal of the court and headed for the inner palace.
Zuo Canglang caught up to Wang Yunzhao and said, "Chief Wang, I have a matter I wish to discuss with His Majesty. Please announce me."
Wang Yunzhao replied, "General, the Queen has composed a new piece of music for His Majesty today, and I hear she has even choreographed a dance. His Majesty has said he will see no one today."
Zuo Canglang froze. Wang Yunzhao smiled and added, "General, please go back."
For the first time, Murong Yan had refused to see her.
In the Phoenix Nest Palace, Jiang Bilan had indeed composed a new piece for Murong Yan. As the court musicians played, she performed the Flying Apsara dance. Within the magnificent palace, her high-swept hair and fluttering skirts seemed to extend the lingering notes of the zither beneath her feet.
She spun gracefully, her jade ornaments clinking together. Her eyes, clear as autumn water, were filled with an inexhaustible, tender affection. If there were truly celestial maidens in this world, they would look no different from this.
Her gaze, soft as spring water, turned toward her lover on the throne. Murong Yan wore a smile and held a golden goblet, but at that moment, his mind was actually wandering.
His gaze passed through her, looking elsewhere.
Jiang Bilan’s heart skipped a beat. A moment later, she saw Wang Yunzhao enter and whisper a few words into Murong Yan’s ear. Murong Yan merely gave a slight nod, his brow furrowing slightly. Once the dance ended, Jiang Bilan used the excuse of changing clothes to step out of the hall. She asked her maid, Huayue, "Did someone just ask to see His Majesty?"
Huayue replied, "Your Majesty, General Zuo was here just now. But Chief Wang turned her away."
Jiang Bilan’s delicate brows knit together. Her again?
After changing her clothes, she returned to the hall to pour wine for Murong Yan. Having served him for a long time, she had slowly come to understand his habits. She knew Murong Yan disliked sharing cups or utensils with others; even with those closest to him, he was not accustomed to it.
Even during shared meals, one could not pick from the dishes he liked. If someone else had touched a dish, he would not touch it again.
Jiang Bilan used serving chopsticks to place food for him. Murong Yan said, "Watching the Queen dance is truly like a night in the Jade Pool; it makes one forget the passing of years."
Jiang Bilan smiled. "Brother Yan is teasing me again."
At that moment, with the floral ornament on her forehead and a light dusting of powder, Jiang Bilan exuded a subtle fragrance that could melt one's soul. Murong Yan drew her into his arms and said, "When the one I have sought all my life is finally in my arms, how could I bear to tease her?"
As he spoke, his gaze was deep and lingering, as if every word came from the bottom of his heart, devoid of any falsehood. Jiang Bilan reached out and slowly stroked his face. "Brother Yan..."
Murong Yan caught her hand. Her fingers were long and slender, seemingly boneless. He brought them to his lips and kissed them lightly. Yet, for some reason, he suddenly remembered that bowl of poisoned soup from years ago.
And so, those delicate fingers lost all their charm. He released her hand imperceptibly, not without a sense of guilt.
Years later, he had lost the ability to love a person. Every sacrifice was weighed against its return; every calculation was made for profit and loss. Thus, those old promises and moonlit dreams were replaced by boundless favor and a performance of tender devotion—the only things he could still give.
He leaned down and kissed the gold foil ornament on her forehead.
*Silly child, if these are what you want, then take them all.*
Half a month later, during the morning court session, Jiang Sanyi presented the case files.
By this time, sixteen high-ranking officials had been imprisoned due to the Mingyue Tower case. Including their families and relatives, thousands of people were in custody. The once-flourishing estates, formerly at the height of their prosperity, were now mostly empty. Official seals were pasted over their red gates. In the height of summer, Jinyang felt no heat, only a bone-chilling cold.
Jiang Sanyi had full authority over the case. In just half a month, ten people were sentenced for treason, their entire clans to be executed. Three were sentenced to exile, and another three were stripped of their offices and ordered to leave Jinyang immediately, never to be employed again.
When Jiang Sanyi presented the files at court, the entire assembly was shocked. Murong Yan ordered Wang Yunzhao to read them aloud to the court, but he did not state whether he would uphold the sentences.
The court was now divided between Gan Xiaoru’s faction and Jiang Sanyi’s faction. The only veteran official who remained unscathed was the Minister of Justice, Xia Changyou. Who else was left to speak for these condemned officials?
After the session, Xia Changyou took his sedan chair back to his manor. As he passed the Yurang Bridge, he suddenly saw Bi Chengjing. Despite the sweltering heat, Bi was wearing a padded cotton robe, making him stand out exceptionally. Xia Changyou quickly ordered the bearers to stop, got out of the chair, and went to support him. "Chancellor Bi! It is so hot; why are you wearing such thick clothes? Look at how you're sweating..."
Bi Chengjing allowed himself to be supported as they walked slowly into the shade of a willow tree by the bridge. He said slowly, "The heat of the sun cannot warm a frozen heart. If I don't wear something thick, what else can I do?"
Xia Changyou froze. Bi Chengjing said, "Do you remember thirty-seven years ago? You were just a commoner, a refugee from Lingzhi who had fled to Jinyang."
Xia Changyou’s face turned red. "I have always remembered. I was selling my calligraphy on the street when you recommended me to the Imperial Academy. It was through that I was nominated as a 'Filial and Incorrupt' candidate and entered officialdom."
Bi Chengjing shook his head. "My buying your calligraphy was a ruse. Two days prior, someone had said to me: 'The young man selling calligraphy on the street, Master Xia, is a man of great talent and learning. If given the chance, he will surely be an excellent official of his generation.' Changyou, do you know who that person was?"
Xia Changyou was stunned. After a long silence, he asked, "Who was it?"
Bi Chengjing said, "It was the man who was then the Grand Invoker, Lord Wei Tongyao."
Xia Changyou was paralyzed. After a long time, he said tremulously, "But in all these years, he never mentioned it. He..."
Bi Chengjing said, "Changyou, one may defy the human heart, but one cannot deceive the clear blue sky. Think of how he has treated you all these years. Can you truly bear to watch his entire family, young and old, be branded as rebels and sliced in half at the waist in the marketplace?"
Xia Changyou knelt and held Bi’s knees. "But Chancellor Bi, I... I am also acting out of helplessness! I have been an official for over thirty years; when have I ever done such a thing?" As the words left his mouth, old tears began to flow.
Bi Chengjing said, "Changyou, there is still one path left. Are you willing to try it for the sake of your imprisoned colleagues?"
Xia Changyou checked his tears. After a long silence, he clenched his fists. "Please speak, Chancellor. Even if it means walking through fire or over a mountain of blades, I am willing to do it."
Bi Chengjing shook his head. "Fire and blades cannot save lives. But there is one person who might. I do not know if this path is viable, but as things stand, we can only gamble that this person still has a shred of conscience left."
Xia Changyou asked hurriedly, "Chancellor, who is this person you speak of?"
Bi Chengjing looked at the clear river before them and said, "The current General of the Chariots and Cavalry, Zuo Canglang."
Xia Changyou was shocked. "But... but she is the King’s person!"
Bi Chengjing said, "That is why I do not know what the outcome will be. Changyou, are you willing to try?"
Xia Changyou slowly stood up. It was clear that Murong Yan intended to purge the court. Jiang Sanyi was merely following his wishes. If he spoke to Zuo Canglang and she relayed it to Murong Yan, he would surely be implicated. He gritted his teeth and said, "My life and status were granted to me by you and Brother Wei. Even if my body is ground to dust, I will have no regrets."
He returned to his sedan chair and went home. He gathered the young and old of his household, looking at each of them one by one. Xia Changyou had six sons and three daughters; the daughters were married, and the sons had established their own careers. Now, with several generations under one roof, he ate dinner with his family.
At the table, everyone was laughing and talking; his wife was virtuous, his sons were filial, and his grandchildren filled the hall. He committed each face to memory. When the meal was over, he said to his wife, "I need to go to the Wen Manor."
He had always been on good terms with Wen Xingye, so his wife thought nothing of it. She simply prepared his sedan chair and cautioned him, "It’s late, your legs are bad, and Jinyang isn't very peaceful. Come back early."
Xia Changyou nodded. He took one last look at the peaceful Minister of Justice’s manor, feeling a tragic sense of no return.
At the Wen Manor, Zuo Canglang had finished dinner with Wen Xingye, his wife, Yirong, and Yixuan. Yirong was pestering her to teach him archery. Recently, no one from the palace had come to summon her, and there were no wars, so she spent more time at the manor.
She took Yirong’s hand and was about to leave when a visitor arrived. Wen Xingye went out to greet him and found Xia Changyou walking in.
Zuo Canglang ignored him. These old officials had always excluded her. Even when they came to the Wen Manor, it wasn't to see her. She had promised Murong Yan that she would not let Wen Xingye get involved with these remnants of the old guard again. But she couldn't find it in her heart to drive them away. In truth, the old Madam Wen was right: if Murong Yan were in Murong Yuan’s position, could she stand by and do nothing?
Putting herself in their shoes, she knew she couldn't. Even if they didn't come to the Wen Manor, they would meet Wen Xingye elsewhere. At least at the Wen Manor, she could keep track of their movements.
However, this time, just as she was about to leave, Xia Changyou suddenly said, "General Zuo, may we have a word in private?"
Zuo Canglang was startled, but she still said to Yirong, "Go, let your brother accompany you to practice archery."
Yirong was obedient; he chirped an agreement and ran off. Zuo Canglang turned to face Xia Changyou and asked, "What does Lord Xia wish to discuss?"
Xia Changyou walked up to her and suddenly dropped to his knees. Zuo Canglang was stunned. Xia Changyou was a man in his fifties; for him to kneel to her like this was unheard of. She knew she shouldn't help him up, as doing so would surely lead to endless trouble.
But how could she not?
She sighed. "Lord Xia, if there is something, please just say it. Why must you humble yourself so before a junior?"
Xia Changyou said, "General Zuo, Chancellor Jiang has already sentenced eighteen lords of the court. Wei Tongyao, Wan Lou, Qin Yixian, and the others will soon be taken to the execution ground to be sliced in half. General Zuo, the confessions Chancellor Jiang speaks of were obtained through torture. These lords are all innocent. Please, General Zuo, save them!"
He slammed his forehead heavily against the ground. The impact was so hard that blood immediately appeared. Zuo Canglang had no choice but to pull him up. "Lord Xia, please, stand up and speak."
Xia Changyou said, "General Zuo, I am ashamed to face my colleagues. Now, as I watch them suffer such injustice, I can only stand by and say nothing. I... I would be better off dead!"
With that, he kowtowed again.
At this point, Wen Xingye also came over, and the two of them pulled him up together. Xia Changyou was already dizzy from kowtowing. Zuo Canglang helped him into a chair and said, "Lord Xia, even if those lords are wronged, I am but a military officer. I am truly powerless to help. Why must you put me in such a difficult position?"
Xia Changyou said, "General Zuo, to be honest, who else in the court besides you can speak before His Majesty? Who else is willing to say a single word for these officials who have served the country for decades? At this stage, I am doing what I know is impossible. But if my head can buy a moment of His Majesty’s mercy, then please, General, take my head and go see His Majesty."
Zuo Canglang said, "Lord Xia, over the past few days, I have requested an audience several times, but His Majesty has remained behind closed doors. What can I do?"
Xia Changyou knelt again. "I beg the General to try one more time for the sake of the thousands of lives in prison. I beg you!" He was about to kowtow again, but Zuo Canglang stopped him. In truth, she knew exactly how Jiang Sanyi’s confessions had been obtained.
Was it just a coincidence that every person the assassins named was an old official who favored Murong Yuan? A single sheet of confession had practically wiped the court clean.
But Murong Yan did not want to see her, and he certainly did not want her to speak up in court. If she went now, no matter what, speaking for these officials would surely touch his sore spot. His refusal to see her was actually a form of protection.
But how could she remain silent because of that?
She pondered for a long while and then said, "I will try again. Lord Xia, please go home for now."
Xia Changyou bowed deeply. "The General’s great kindness will be remembered by us all."
Zuo Canglang said nothing. Wen Xingye saw him out of the manor. That night, Xia Changyou did not sleep a wink. He feared that at any moment, Feng Ping would arrive with the Imperial Guard to take his entire family. In all his years, it was the first time he understood the meaning of true terror.
Zuo Canglang entered the palace under the cover of night. The gates were already locked, but the Imperial Guard did not dare stop her. The palace at night was exceptionally quiet. Zuo Canglang sent someone to find Wang Yunzhao. When he arrived, his face was full of astonishment. "General, what brings you to the palace so late?"
Zuo Canglang gave a deep bow. "Chief Wang, please announce me. I must see His Majesty."
Wang Yunzhao looked troubled. "General, it is very late. If it isn't an emergency, it can wait until the morning court session."
Zuo Canglang said, "It cannot wait." Wang Yunzhao was startled. Zuo Canglang continued, "Tonight, Lord Xia came to my manor to plead for Lord Wei Tongyao and the others. Last time those lords gathered at the Wen Manor, His Majesty received the list almost immediately. Now that he has come to see me, the news will surely reach certain ears soon. I fear some of the lords in court will not make it until tomorrow."
Wang Yunzhao sighed deeply. "General, you are but a military officer. Whether it is trying cases or passing judgment, it has nothing to do with you. Why must you insist on wading into these muddy waters?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "For the sake of His Majesty."
Wang Yunzhao froze. Zuo Canglang said, "Whether His Majesty sends people to kill the King of Yan to prevent his return, or purges the court to deal with his former ministers, he will ultimately be criticized. Moreover, those lords are old; they have spent half their lives in the treacherous waters of officialdom. To meet such an end is truly tragic."
In truth, these veteran officials who still thought of their old master while Murong Yuan was destitute were less "old-fashioned" and more "loyal pillars."
If they were not considered loyal and righteous men, then could someone like Jiang Sanyi—who betrayed his master for gain and spoke with a honeyed tongue but a sword in his heart—be considered one?
Wang Yunzhao said, "His Majesty had previously accepted Minister Jiang’s proposal, but then he changed his mind. General, do you truly not know for whose sake he changed his mind and refused to assassinate the King of Yan? I can guess His Majesty’s temperament to some degree. Though he does not say it, he felt that if the General did not approve, then it must indeed be improper. Thus, he turned to purging the court instead. And now, if the General speaks out against this as well... General, how do you expect His Majesty to handle this?"
Zuo Canglang fell silent. Wang Yunzhao said, "The General’s sincerity toward His Majesty is true. But you must leave a path for His Majesty to walk."
Zuo Canglang bit her lip and finally said, "I have a plan that can prevent the King of Yan’s return, ensuring his safety and prosperity while preserving His Majesty’s eternal reputation. If the King of Yan cannot return, His Majesty will no longer need to purge the court and can spare the lives of those lords. This will prevent history from recording him as a cruel and ruthless ruler."
Wang Yunzhao was stunned. After a long silence, he said, "I shall announce the General immediately. Please wait a moment."
He turned to leave, but Zuo Canglang suddenly called out, "Chief Wang." Wang Yunzhao turned back, and Zuo Canglang gave him a deep, respectful bow. He was a man who truly put Murong Yan’s interests above all else. He was also a man who had suffered much coldness, yet even after reaching a position above thousands, he still harbored a heart of mercy.
She knew this.
At that moment, in the Phoenix Nest Palace.
It was late, and Murong Yan and Jiang Bilan were sleeping in each other's arms. Behind the red silk curtains, the candlelight flickered dimly, and the air was filled with an intoxicating sweet fragrance. However, Murong Yan was not sleeping well. He was still not used to waking in the middle of the night to find another person lying beside him. Yet he continued to hold her; some things become a habit if done enough times.
A person with a strong will can control many things, including their own likes and dislikes.
He toyed with Jiang Bilan’s ink-black hair as the night stretched long and deep. Suddenly, a soft voice came from outside: "Your Majesty."
Murong Yan asked in a low voice, "What is it?" Even though the voice was hushed, he recognized it as Wang Yunzhao’s.
Sure enough, Wang Yunzhao said from outside, "General Zuo has entered the palace late at night, saying she has urgent business with Your Majesty."
Murong Yan released Jiang Bilan and sat up. Jiang Bilan opened her eyes. For some reason, one name in Wang Yunzhao’s words rang exceptionally clear to her. With a smile on her face, she said, "Brother Yan, it is so late..."
Before she could finish, Murong Yan was already dressing. "For her to enter the palace so late, it must be something truly urgent. I will go see her; you go back to sleep." As he spoke, he tenderly tucked the covers around her.
The rest of Jiang Bilan’s words died in her throat. She watched as Wang Yunzhao entered to help him dress, and the two of them hurried out of the Phoenix Nest Palace.
Jiang Bilan lay in her fragrant, soft bed, but her hands slowly clenched into fists. That woman had called her husband away from her bed in the middle of the night.
***
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