Leaving the Phoenix Palace, a gentle night breeze brushed against his face. Murong Yan showed not a hint of displeasure at having his dreams disturbed. He simply asked, "Has she come again for the sake of those old officials?"
Wang Yunzhao smiled and replied, "The General did not say, but in this old servant's view, whatever the General thinks or worries about is, in the end, for Your Majesty’s sake."
Murong Yan gave a cold snort. "If not for those people, she would be avoiding me at all costs. Why else would she enter the palace to see me time and again?"
Wang Yunzhao chuckled softly. "Hearing Your Majesty say such things... it sets my teeth on edge."
For some reason, he enjoyed the feeling Murong Yan projected when mentioning Zuo Canglang. It made him seem like a real person—capable of joy, anger, and sarcasm. And now, he had even learned how to be jealous. He was no longer just a mask of eternal, unchanging gentleness.
Murong Yan aimed a mock kick at him but wasn't truly angry. When they reached the study and he saw Zuo Canglang kneeling under the corridor, he said, "Rise. It is the middle of the night and no one else is here; what are you kneeling for?"
Zuo Canglang stood up. Murong Yan did not enter the room, saying instead, "The study is stifling. Since my dear official has disturbed my pleasant dreams, walk with me."
Zuo Canglang breathed a sigh of relief; she didn't want to be alone with him in a room either. The two of them walked through the deep palace grounds, treading upon the moonlight. Murong Yan walked ahead, the summer wind lifting his black sleeves as if he were riding the wind itself.
Zuo Canglang lowered her gaze, avoiding looking at him. "Last night, Minister of Justice Xia Changyou came to my manor and spoke at great length."
"Oh?" Murong Yan began to show interest. "Was it to plead for mercy for that group of old officials?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "That was the intent."
Murong Yan’s interest piqued further. "Don't you usually refrain from mentioning such things?"
Zuo Canglang answered as if it were a matter of course, "I didn't mention them before because I thought Your Majesty wouldn't be interested in such trivialities. After Your Majesty’s reminder last time, I have no choice but to pay attention to everything and report the facts."
The expression on Murong Yan’s face froze. After a long silence, he swatted her on the head. "You dare mock me for being petty?"
Zuo Canglang didn't dodge, taking the blow. "I wouldn't dare. However, Minister Xia offered a strategy this time that I find quite feasible. I have come specifically to report it to Your Majesty."
Murong Yan said, "Speak."
The moonlight was like frost, stretching their shadows long and slanted against the palace walls. Not far ahead was the Bright Moon Terrace. Zuo Canglang said, "The current situation is stable. The only thing truly causing Your Majesty difficulty is the King of Yan. He is Your Majesty’s biological father and was once the sovereign of Great Yan. No matter who Your Majesty sends, if he fails to return to the capital alive, Your Majesty will inevitably suffer the eternal infamy of being a regicide and a parricide.
"If Your Majesty purges the court, the King’s return will be nothing to fear. However, these officials have each contributed to the lands of Great Yan and the Murong clan. Having served for decades, they have earned credit through their hard work, if not through great achievements. If Your Majesty cleanses them, even if some understand your painstaking intentions, it will be hard to avoid the perception that Your Majesty is cruel and lacking in virtue."
Murong Yan sneered. "Keep talking. Zuo Canglang, if you don't have a perfect solution today, go back and copy the *Tiger Seal Classic* a thousand times."
Zuo Canglang was speechless. Wang Yunzhao was right; Murong Yan’s decision to abandon the idea of assassinating Murong Yuan had indeed been influenced by her. Thus, when she now suggested that purging the court was also unfeasible, he was naturally annoyed. The Bright Moon Terrace was before them. Murong Yan ascended the steps, his feet treading upon a thousand miles of moonlight.
Zuo Canglang had no choice but to follow. "Minister Xia’s visit last night was precisely to offer a solution to this matter."
The two of them, one after the other, climbed the thousand steps of the Bright Moon Terrace. Zuo Canglang could not see his expression, so she simply continued, "The King of Yan should still be near Mayi City. He has no roof over his head and nowhere to go for the time being. Mayi City borders Guzhu and Wuzhong. If he were captured by the people of Guzhu, he naturally wouldn't be able to return to Jinyang, and it would have nothing to do with Your Majesty."
Murong Yan’s pace faltered slightly before he continued upward. Zuo Canglang went on, "Once he falls into the hands of Guzhu, Your Majesty can announce him as the Retired King. Guzhu is already wary of us; with a Retired King in their hands, they certainly won't release him easily, nor will they kill him. The most likely outcome is that they will demand tribute from us. Your Majesty would only need to send the necessary items and funds to the Retired King every season to show filial piety."
Murong Yan asked, "What if Guzhu demands a ransom to return the Retired King?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "Guzhu fears our siege. With such a shield in their hands, they won't let him go easily. Even if they set a ransom, it will be an astronomical sum. Your Majesty can simply negotiate while stalling. There is no need to pay it any mind."
Murong Yan asked, "Was this strategy truly devised by Xia Changyou?"
Zuo Canglang said, "The remaining officials of the court, though unwilling to harm their old master, are actually loyal to Your Majesty in their hearts. After all, under Your Majesty’s rule, Great Yan has not only washed away the shame of bowing to Western Jing, but the implementation of new policies and the reduction of taxes are things they have witnessed firsthand. They bask in the Emperor’s grace while remembering old virtues, but since the old master was not an enlightened ruler, fine birds must choose the tree upon which they roost."
Murong Yan said, "My father has been delayed at Mayi City for a long time, yet Guzhu has made no move. How can we discreetly ensure they capture him?"
Zuo Canglang said, "The land Guzhu currently occupies is the former territory of the State of Yu. Has Your Majesty forgotten? The Emperor of Yu, Daxi Cheng, and the Imperial Uncle, Daxi Qin, are still in our hands. Even if not a single tile of Yu remains, I imagine that if he were to send a message to find someone to whisper a few words to the King of Guzhu, it shouldn't be a problem."
Murong Yan finally nodded. "Go and handle these matters tomorrow."
As they spoke, they reached the top of the Bright Moon Terrace. Zuo Canglang cupped her hands. "I obey your command."
Murong Yan stood at the edge of the thousand stone steps, looking down. Suddenly, he said, "During the coronation ceremony, assassins struck. You were struck by several swords, your blood spilling across the long stairs." Zuo Canglang didn't understand why he suddenly brought this up and listened in silence. He continued, "At that time, I thought: if one day even you and I grow distant, then who else is there that I can trust without doubt?"
Zuo Canglang looked up. The neglect and suspicion of the past few days vanished into thin air. Indeed, if she were to doubt and suspect even the person before her, what meaning would there be to her life?
"My Lord," she whispered, her voice already raspy.
Murong Yan led her into the Bright Moon Pavilion. Inside was a jade zither. He moved the zither to the window, where the moonlight streamed through the lattice. He said, "The night is long and sleep eludes me. I shall play a piece for you."
Zuo Canglang’s expression was a bit subtle, but seeing Murong Yan already seated, she could only stand respectfully by his side.
The mountain wind blew softly, and the moon illuminated the terrace. Murong Yan’s hands brushed the strings; the jade bridges rose as a clear melody began, the sound flowing continuously from his skilled fingers. When the piece ended, Murong Yan asked, "The elegant intent of the strings is a fitting tribute to a fine night. Do you know the name of this tune?"
Zuo Canglang’s expression was strange. After a long pause, she said, "I... I don't understand it."
Murong Yan was stunned. After a long moment, he laughed so hard he collapsed against the zither bridges, leaning over the strings.
Once he finally finished laughing, Zuo Canglang said, "The night is deep and quiet. Since the official business is concluded, will Your Majesty return to the palace to rest?"
Murong Yan beckoned. "Come here."
Zuo Canglang walked to him. Murong Yan pulled over a daybed and had her sit before the zither. He took her hand and said, "Music has five scales: Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, and Yu. This zither has twelve strings, and each string corresponds to a scale..."
He held her hand, using her fingertips to pluck the strings. His hands were slender and gentle, possessing a nearly holy radiance under the boundless moonlight. He said, "Feel it. Every string can speak."
Zuo Canglang plucked a string lightly. The sound was haunting. Murong Yan whispered, "Don't use the strength of your arm. Use your fingertips... lightly... gently pluck them... Every piece of music is a dialogue between the musician and the instrument. Thus, they can feel the musician’s heart."
Zuo Canglang gently plucked the strings. She didn't know if the instrument understood the musician, but the sound of the zither and the moonlight created a beautiful atmosphere.
His voice came from behind her ear, soft and tender, carrying a faint, tingling sting. She couldn't help but look up, her lips brushing against his cold, handsome cheek. The atmosphere instantly became thick with ambiguity, the air filled with a heart-aching tenderness.
There are some people in this world we know we should let go of. But how can one let go?
And so, one spends a lifetime, willing to live and die in a single morning, existing only for the moment their eyes meet his.
***
Unknowingly, dawn broke. As the time for the morning court approached, Wang Yunzhao had to come in to urge them. Murong Yan stood up, realizing he had actually spent half the night playing the zither with her. He liked being near Zuo Canglang; when she was by his side, she had almost no sense of intrusive presence.
This made him feel at ease, as if he were alone with himself, enough to temporarily forget his loneliness.
During the morning court, Jiang Sanyi’s expression was unsightly. Feng Ping had sent word that Zuo Canglang had entered the palace late at night, disturbing the King. Yet Murong Yan had not only failed to punish her but had stayed with her on the Bright Moon Terrace, playing the zither until dawn.
In court, Murong Yan made no mention of concluding the investigation into the Bright Moon Terrace case. He only inquired about the implementation of new policies and urged the recommendation system, ordering all regions to select more talent for the court.
Jiang Sanyi glanced at Zuo Canglang, his gaze dark and uncertain.
After the court session ended, Zuo Canglang went to find Daxi Qin. Daxi Qin was living a leisurely life; his only recent task was teaching Wen Yixuan and Wen Yirong.
Seeing Zuo Canglang arrive, he greeted her outside the manor gates. "General Zuo’s presence brings light to my humble abode."
Zuo Canglang said, "Marquis Jinyu mocks me again. You make me feel ashamed for being someone who only visits when there is a favor to ask."
Daxi Qin laughed. He stopped beating around the bush and asked directly, "What business has brought General Zuo here this time?"
Zuo Canglang told him about Murong Yuan and mentioned the matter of advising the King of Guzhu. After listening, Daxi Qin nodded. "This is not difficult. As long as someone delivers the message, I can find someone in the lands of Yu to persuade the King of Guzhu."
Zuo Canglang cupped her hands. "I am in your debt, Marquis."
Daxi Qin waved his hand. "A few days ago, I happened upon a jar of fine wine. Since an honored guest has arrived today, why not let me invite the General for a drink?"
Zuo Canglang was a soldier and not given to affectation. She said directly, "Since you have condescended to serve as a tutor for the Wen manor, I should have been the one to host you. But since you have fine wine and I do not, I shall not be polite."
Daxi Qin laughed heartily, brushed his sleeves, and invited her to the table.
***
Murong Yan began grand preparations to welcome Murong Yuan back to the capital, announcing to the world that once Murong Yuan returned, he would return the government to the King of Yan.
The people of Great Yan were in an uproar. Before long, countless citizens prayed and petitioned, disagreeing with the return of power to the former King. The court officials remained tight-lipped; who among them wasn't as shrewd as a fox? Everyone understood that if he truly returned power to Murong Yuan, his life would surely be forfeit.
Would a man like Murong Yan place his life and honor into the hands of another to be decided?
Besides, if he truly intended to abdicate, why had he punished the old officials earlier?
Thus, although everyone in court tried their best to persuade him to stay, it was all for show.
A few days later, Murong Yan appointed Jiang Qi as the Minister of the Household and sent him with troops to Mayi City to escort Murong Yuan back.
The emotions of the Great Yan populace grew more intense by the day. The commoners didn't care who was Emperor, as long as the world was stable and peaceful. Although Murong Yan had been on the throne for a short time, his civil and military achievements showed the style of an enlightened ruler. While he clung to power, the people were grateful for his clear governance, yet they still felt he had seized the throne through a coup, unable to escape the label of a rebellious subject.
But when he offered to abdicate, more people began to remember his kindness.
However, regardless of what the people thought, Jiang Qi still led his soldiers from Jinyang toward Mayi City to fetch Murong Yuan.
While the army was en route, news suddenly arrived—the King of Guzhu had sent troops and captured Murong Yuan. The people of Great Yan were shocked. Murong Yan immediately ordered the Minister of State to negotiate with Guzhu. As expected, Guzhu demanded a staggering sum for the return of Murong Yuan.
Murong Yan naturally could not agree. But to prevent Guzhu from thinking that capturing Murong Yuan was profitless, and to display his filial piety to the world, he sent a shipment of gold and silver vessels to Guzhu to ensure they did not mistreat Murong Yuan.
Since Murong Yuan had been captured by Guzhu, it was naturally impossible for him to return to govern. After Gan Xiaoru and Jiang Sanyi led the officials in a joint petition, Murong Yan formally ascended the throne as the King of Yan. On the same day, he honored Murong Yuan from afar as the Retired King.
On that day, the officials gathered at the Bright Moon Terrace; it was a day of universal celebration. Xue Chengjing stood far off below the Chanting Tower, leaning on his staff. He shook his head and sighed, "He who steals a hook is executed; he who steals a country becomes a lord. This man has exhausted his schemes, moving step by step, not only to steal the country but to leave a name that will be praised for a hundred generations."
His son, Xue Dongting, supported him. "Father, you are no longer in the court. Let us not mention these things."
If Murong Yan hadn't taken pity on his old age and lack of care, the Xue family would likely still be in prison. Though they were now commoners, at least their lives were safe.
Xue Chengjing tapped his staff. Looking at the citizens decorating the streets, he said, "To fight for the throne, he has gone so far as to lose his mind, watching his own father fall into the hands of foreigners. Human relations are destroyed, and the royal family is shamed. It is laughable that the world is blinded by him. How can there be such a brazenly shameless person in this world... A Pisacha demon wearing the robes of Bodhi. His soul has fallen into the realm of Asuras, yet he walks as if he were the embodiment of the Way."
Xue Dongting looked left and right, whispering, "Father! There are many people on the street. Let us go back early."
Xue Chengjing nodded, allowing his eldest son to support him as they moved through the celebrating crowds. Firecrackers popped and the people rejoiced as if celebrating the New Year.
On the very day he formally inherited the throne of Yan, Murong Yan followed custom and declared a general amnesty. The old officials who had been sentenced were released one after another and sent back to their hometowns.
By this point, the old faction in court had gradually weakened, leaving a three-way balance between the factions of Gan Xiaoru, Jiang Sanyi, and the military officers under Zuo Canglang.
That night, during the palace banquet, the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filled the air. The officials, who usually maintained strict decorum and appearance, drank to their hearts' content. Everyone knew that in such a setting, the more one celebrated, the more it demonstrated loyalty to the new master.
Murong Yan inevitably drank some wine as well. The veteran generals—Yuan Xi, Zheng Chu, Zhuge Jin, and others—had all returned. Wang Nan, Xu Lang, Yuan E, and the rest were also present. It was impossible not to drink. Especially since the old officials had been purged, while the former subordinates of Wen Qi still held power in the military.
If he showed any bias, it might cause them unease.
Jiang Bilan was not a good drinker. She simply sat on the Phoenix Throne, occasionally glancing at Zuo Canglang. Murong Yan was speaking with Yuan Xi and the others, and Zuo Canglang was naturally accompanying them the entire time. After all, no Grand Marshal had been appointed yet, and she held the highest rank in the military.
The reason Murong Yan’s purge of the previous court hadn't caused panic in the military was precisely because she was still in high favor. Wen Qi’s former subordinates had always been close to Zuo Canglang and trusted her military strategy and character. The favor and trust Murong Yan bestowed upon her was the military's reassurance.
Yuan Xi and the others were soldiers; soldiers spoke little, and their way of bonding was through drinking. Murong Yan drank several rounds with them. When his cup was empty, he looked around and, without a second thought, reached for Zuo Canglang’s cup, poured half a measure of wine, and drank with Yuan Xi.
Jiang Bilan felt as if she had been struck by lightning. Her entire being was stunned. After a long while, a chill spread from her core, slowly engulfing her.
The maid beside her, Cai Ling, saw her face was wrong and whispered, "Your Majesty? Your Majesty? Are you unwell? I will go call the imperial physician!"
Jiang Bilan grabbed her skirt and, after a long time, gently shook her head. Her face slowly turned deathly pale, her lips bitten tight as if enduring great pain. Cai Ling was terrified. "Your Majesty? Please do not scare me!"
Jiang Bilan said, "Invite the Prime Minister to meet me at the Osmanthus Pavilion outside the hall. Say that it has been a long time, and I miss my kin."
Outside the hall, it was the height of the eighth month of summer. The fragrance of osmanthus floated in the air, enveloping the grand feast.
Jiang Bilan slowly exited the hall, the hem of her queenly robes trailing on the ground—magnificent yet burdensome. In the Osmanthus Pavilion, Jiang Sanyi was already waiting. Although he had his dissatisfactions with this daughter, he knew well upon whom the Jiang family’s current prosperity relied.
Jiang Bilan stepped slowly into the pavilion, accompanied only by her confidantes, Hui Yun and Hua Yue. Jiang Sanyi stepped forward to salute. "Your Majesty, the Queen."
Jiang Bilan’s eyes were slightly red. In the heat of the eighth month, the summer air was still heavy, yet her heart was like parched grass in a mist, cold and desolate. Staring into his eyes, she asked, "The King and Zuo Canglang... have they always been together? Since before he took the throne?"
Jiang Sanyi responded without flinching, "Why are you asking this?"
Jiang Bilan gritted her teeth. "Tell me!"
Jiang Sanyi took a deep breath. "Lan'er, what does it matter when they were together? Regardless of when she approached the King, you are now the Queen of Great Yan. You are already the Queen; what more are you dissatisfied with? Your first priority should be to consolidate your family, cultivate your confidantes, and stabilize your position in the palace. It is not to pry into the King’s past."
The tears in Jiang Bilan’s eyes were on the verge of falling. "They were together long ago, weren't they?"
Jiang Sanyi answered almost indifferently, "Yes."
Jiang Bilan covered her mouth, tears hitting the back of her hand. "Everyone knew, and I was the only one kept in the dark. Foolishly believing in the love he promised."
Jiang Sanyi said, "You shouldn't have believed it in the first place. I thought that after the incident with the deposed Crown Prince, you would have matured at least a little. But you don't understand at all. You don't understand that the position of Queen is a path with no retreat. Succeed, and you mother the world; fail, and your bones will be left to rot."
Jiang Bilan’s face was white. "Since he already had a woman he loved, why did he raise an army for me? Why did he welcome me back to the palace? Why did he abolish the concubines and give me a dream of being the sole recipient of his favor?"
Jiang Sanyi watched her coldly. "You’ve started to think. That’s good! If you insist on me spelling it out, then let’s think about it. If he hadn't raised an army on the pretext of his wife being stolen, the deposed Crown Prince and the Retired King, for all their faults, were his sovereign, father, and brother! What reason would he have had to rebel?"
Jiang Bilan took a few steps back, leaning against the vermilion pillar of the pavilion. Jiang Sanyi continued, "Since he raised his army under the guise of a noble and devoted man, if he didn't make you Queen, wouldn't he be revealing his wolfish ambitions to the world? Why did he abolish the concubines? Because he doesn't love anyone at all. Do you understand? He loves no one. So, who is Queen or whether the harem is empty doesn't matter to him in the least."
Jiang Bilan slid down the pillar to the floor, her robes sprawling. She covered her face, two lines of moonlight-like tears spilling through her fingers. She said, "No, you're lying to me. From the time we were children, we were just tools for your power struggles! Do you think I will still be manipulated by you?"
Jiang Sanyi looked at her with genuine pity. "Besides me, who would wholeheartedly support you? Zuo Canglang holds more than half of Great Yan’s military power. The armies of Pingdu Pass, Suye City, and Mayi City are all under her command. In the court, Yuan Xi, Xu Lang, Wang Nan, and Yuan E are all her partisans.
"The King’s secret involvement with her is only restrained by his feelings for you! If you don't believe me, go ahead and cry to the King! Once that window paper is poked through, see if the two of them will have any more scruples! Your only reliance now is the King’s reluctance to hurt you. Only by relying on that bit of pity and old sentiment, by bearing a prince and having him named Crown Prince, will you truly have half a chance of winning!"
Jiang Bilan retreated step by step. Jiang Sanyi’s gaze was like a needle, piercing through her pretense inch by inch. "You still see me as an enemy! What use is a Queen without a father, brothers, or a family? Isolated and helpless, with nothing but an empty title?"
In the sweltering summer heat, Jiang Bilan trembled like a falling leaf. Jiang Sanyi said softly, "Lan'er, within the imperial palace, love is useless."
Jiang Bilan hugged her shoulders, burying her head in her knees. Jiang Sanyi reached out to help her up, his gaze pitying and merciful. "Even if I only see you as a tool, I am still your father. In this life, you might not be Queen forever, but you will always be my daughter. You were born tied to me. You can believe I am untrustworthy, but no one will be more trustworthy than me.
"Because the only one who wishes for your favor and prosperity never to fade is me."
Jiang Bilan’s throat choked; she could no longer speak. Jiang Sanyi thought for a moment and finally said, "There is one more thing I never dared to tell you."
Jiang Bilan looked up. Jiang Sanyi stared into her eyes. "That time in the palace with the deposed Crown Prince... someone indeed drugged you. But it wasn't me, and it wasn't the Crown Prince."
Jiang Bilan’s eyes widened. She grabbed his hand tightly and asked with difficulty, "What did you say?" Her voice was almost non-existent, her form like a vengeful ghost. Jiang Sanyi pulled his hand back, leaving bloody scratches on the back of his hand. He said, "Even if the Crown Prince had feelings for you, as the heir to the Eastern Palace, did he not know the crime of violating his brother’s wife? Even if I intended for you to marry the Crown Prince, would I have dared to design such a trap while the Crown Prince and his mother were at the height of their power? I merely went with the flow, but as for the underlying reason... think about it yourself."
Jiang Bilan stood alone in the cold wind, as if she had lost her soul.
Jiang Sanyi bowed to her and slowly exited the Osmanthus Pavilion.
*My poor child, look at your pathetic love.*
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
太上皇 | Retired King / Grand Emperor | A title for a former monarch who has abdicated.
明月台 | Bright Moon Terrace | A high terrace/platform in the palace.
《虎钤经》 | Tiger Seal Classic | A classic Chinese military treatise.
马邑城 | Mayi City | A border city in the story.
孤竹 | Guzhu | A neighboring state or tribal entity.
无终 | Wuzhong | A neighboring state or tribal entity.
俞国 | State of Yu | A fallen state whose territory is now occupied.
瑾瑜侯 | Marquis Jinyu | Daxi Qin's title.
郎中令 | Minister of the Household | A high-ranking official title.
典客 | Minister of State | Official in charge of foreign affairs/guests.
毕舍遮 | Pisacha | A type of flesh-eating demon in Buddhist mythology.
菩提衣 | Bodhi robes | Robes of enlightenment/monastic robes.
修罗 | Asura | Demigods or titans in Buddhist cosmology, often associated with war and anger.
春凳 | Daybed / Spring bench | A long, wide bench often used for reclining.
宫、商、角、徵、羽 | Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, Yu | The five notes of the traditional Chinese pentatonic scale.
雁柱 | Zither bridges | The movable bridges on a guzheng (zither) that resemble a flight of wild geese.
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