After the morning court session, Murong Yan went directly to Nanqing Palace.
Zuo Canglang had just finished applying her medicine and was lying down. Hearing him arrive, she moved to rise, but he said, "Don't move." As he spoke, he reached the bedside. With a meaningful glance from Wang Yunzhao, the palace attendants were led out. Only then did Murong Yan take her hand and ask, "Has the physician seen you? Have you taken your medicine?"
His palm was broad and warm. When Zuo Canglang tried to pull her hand away, he increased his grip slightly. She had no choice but to let him hold it. "The dressing was just changed," she said. "Why has Your Majesty come at this hour?"
"The court just adjourned," Murong Yan replied. "I came to see you." As he spoke, his fingertips brushed back her long hair. "You’ve grown thin these past few days."
Zuo Canglang said, "Your Majesty, I am, after all, an official of the outer court. The Wen estate is only half a city away from the palace. Staying here to recover for a long period will inevitably invite gossip. I think... it would be better if I returned to the Wen estate to recuperate."
Murong Yan’s brow furrowed slightly, a hint of displeasure appearing. "What? Are there nails in the palace making things difficult for you?"
He was already somewhat frustrated about releasing Zuo Canglang from prison, feeling as though he had been manipulated by her. It was only because she had become much more submissive and was indeed seriously injured that he had suppressed his temper. Hearing her request now, he couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation.
How could Zuo Canglang not notice? She gently rested her head against his leg and said, "It is just that after these few days in the palace, there are bound to be many rumors outside. If I return to the manor, the elders of the Wen family will also feel more at ease."
Murong Yan let out a cold snort, his expression remaining grim, yet his right hand gently smoothed her long hair. The feeling of the silky strands winding through his fingers was pleasant. He said, "The Wen family is becoming increasingly bold in their disregard for me."
Zuo Canglang smiled faintly. "A man of Your Majesty’s stature—how could you possibly lower yourself to bicker with the old and the weak?"
Murong Yan lightly stroked her face. "I simply do not wish to bicker with you."
Zuo Canglang fell silent. Murong Yan slowly leaned down, lifted her chin, and pressed his lips briefly against hers. In truth, he did not enjoy kissing; the exchange of saliva always felt unclean to him. Therefore, whether with her or Jiang Bilan, his lips usually landed elsewhere, and always as light as a dragonfly skimming the water.
Touching her lips like this was a rare occurrence. Zuo Canglang slowly wrapped her arms around his neck. The movement pulled at the wounds on her back, but she did not let go, unable to bear parting with this fleeting moment of tenderness.
The two embraced for a while until a loud voice suddenly came from outside: "Your Highness? Your Highness, please wait a moment..."
Jiang Bilan’s voice drifted in. There was no anger in it; instead, it sounded almost cheerful. "What? If I wish to see the General, do I truly need you to announce me?"
Zuo Canglang started, and Murong Yan immediately released her. She had no choice but to sit up again. By the time Jiang Bilan lifted the beaded curtain and entered, Murong Yan was already seated at the table. One sat while the other stood, appearing as though they were merely engaged in a common conversation between monarch and subject. Seeing her enter, Murong Yan’s face was calm as he said, "The Queen has come as well."
With a smile on her face, Jiang Bilan performed a graceful bow. "I thought to come and chat with General Zuo; I did not expect Your Majesty to be here as well. No wonder the servants outside were so insistent on blocking me. It is truly my fault. Had I known Your Majesty was speaking with the General, I would not have come."
Murong Yan said, "Rise. You are the Queen; there is naturally nowhere in this palace you cannot go."
Jiang Bilan stepped forward to stand beside him. As Zuo Canglang knelt to pay her respects, Jiang Bilan reached out and said, "The General is injured; there is no need for such empty formalities. Your Majesty, did I interrupt your discussion of state affairs?"
Murong Yan replied, "It was merely idle talk. There is no interruption."
Jiang Bilan’s fair hand gently took his. "Then... may I listen to this idle talk between Your Majesty and the General?"
Murong Yan glanced at Zuo Canglang and said, "Of course."
The two sat down at the table. Murong Yan said, "General Yuan Xi returned to Jinyang today and presented the inventory of goods exchanged by West Jing for Ren Xuan. The amount is quite substantial. General Zuo’s contribution is not small."
Zuo Canglang said, "West Jing merely fears Your Majesty’s might. What merit could I possibly claim?"
With Jiang Bilan present, the dialogue between the two had suddenly become so formal it was almost heart-wrenching. Murong Yan said, "There is no need for modesty. Merit must be rewarded."
Beside him, Jiang Bilan said with a smile, "Speaking of which, I have a 'Spring River Night Voyage' belt made of green jade, exquisitely carved from twenty-four pieces of jade. I feel it would suit the General quite well. Since Your Majesty mentioned a reward, why not bestow this upon her?"
Murong Yan said, "If the Queen thinks it good, then it is naturally excellent."
Jiang Bilan ordered a maid to fetch it. Before long, the maid entered carrying an exquisite sandalwood box. Jiang Bilan took the box and handed it to Zuo Canglang, saying, "This is my gift to the General."
Zuo Canglang glanced at Murong Yan, then lowered herself into a kneel. She received the sandalwood box with both hands, raising it above her head. "I thank Your Majesty and Her Highness for the bounty."
Murong Yan remained silent. Jiang Bilan said, "General, please rise. You were once a retainer of His Majesty’s household; in a sense, we are all one family. There is no need for such excessive politeness now."
Zuo Canglang slowly stood up, holding the wooden box before the two of them. *Of course we are not one family,* she thought. *He and she are the family.*
Yet she could no longer retreat. She lowered her head. Murong Yan stood up and said, "Very well. General, recover well. I have matters to attend to; I shall take my leave."
Jiang Bilan said, "I shall not disturb the General’s rest any longer either."
Zuo Canglang knelt slowly. "I respectfully see off Your Majesty and Her Highness."
Murong Yan nodded slightly and turned to leave. As he lifted the beaded curtain, he looked back at Jiang Bilan. She gave him a soft, graceful smile. The Emperor and Queen walked side by side, a picture of deep marital devotion.
Only after they had both gone far away did Zuo Canglang realize she was still clutching the sandalwood box. She placed the box on the table, dressed herself, and prepared to leave the palace. When the attendants saw this, they hurried to stop her. "General! Your injuries haven't healed yet. His Majesty gave orders for you to recover properly in the palace..."
Zuo Canglang ignored them and walked straight out of Nanqing Palace.
The walk from the palace back to the Wen estate was long. The blood on her back began to soak through again, yet surprisingly, it didn't hurt much. The autumn sun shone down on her, but she felt only cold.
As soon as she reached the gates, the Wen family saw her. Servants immediately rushed forward to support her, while others ran to inform Wen Xingye. Both Wen Xingye and Old Madame Wen came out, but Zuo Canglang waved her hand, signaling them not to ask anything.
Once they reached her room, she finally spoke: "Find a physician who specializes in external trauma."
Wen Xingye didn't need her to tell him; he had already sent someone. Only then did he ask, "Exactly how did you offend His Majesty? To provoke such a great fury from him?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I merely said a few things I shouldn't have."
"Merely?" Wen Xingye grew angry, the days of worry and anxiety finally exploding. "What exactly did you say? Do you have any idea how frantic your comrades in the army were after you were imprisoned? Everyone was running about trying to help you, and you’re acting this nonchalant?"
Zuo Canglang rubbed her nose and said, "I have my reasons."
Wen Xingye asked, "Reasons you can't tell me, right?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "Yes."
He said, "Ah-Zuo, you must understand that things are different now than they were before. He is the monarch. Since ancient times, serving a king is like living with a tiger. Regardless of what your relationship with him was in the past, from now on, you must be cautious in word and deed!"
Zuo Canglang waved her hand impatiently. "Enough, enough. Can't you see I'm injured? If you don't leave, I'm going to take off my clothes!" As she spoke, she began to unfasten her outer robe. Wen Xingye’s face turned bright red; he was both angry and flustered, but he could do nothing with her.
He couldn't exactly stand there and watch his daughter-in-law change, could he? He had no choice but to turn and leave.
Old Madame Wen came in shortly after. Seeing her husband’s face flushed with anger, she felt both amused and helpless. She knew Zuo Canglang’s temperament well. Entering the room, she said, "Though he is anxious, it is ultimately for your own good. Don't upset him."
Zuo Canglang said, "How could I bicker with him? That grumpy old man."
Old Madame Wen couldn't stop laughing, and the gloom that had shrouded the Wen estate for days finally dissipated. After all, Zuo Canglang was now the pillar of the Wen family; if anything happened to her, the estate would surely crumble. Old Madame Wen stepped forward to help her change, but when she saw the girl's back, she gasped in horror. "You... this..."
The blood on her back had completely soaked the medicinal gauze, and her clothes were stained red. Zuo Canglang, however, was indifferent. In fact, returning to the Wen estate made her feel much more at ease. She said, "I did take a hundred strokes of the staff; it's normal to bleed a little."
Old Madame Wen grew frantic. "His Majesty is truly...! You are a young woman, after all. Even if you accidentally said the wrong thing, there was no need to beat you like this!"
Zuo Canglang hissed in pain as she lay face down on the bed. "It wasn't an accident. Help me see if the physician has arrived."
Old Madame Wen hurried out, just as the physician was entering. She then ordered the servants to boil water. The household was busy and bustling, but the hearts of the people were finally at peace.
Not long after Zuo Canglang returned, Yuan Xi, Wang Nan, Xu Lang, and others arrived one after another. Since Zuo Canglang couldn't wear clothes at the moment, Old Man Wen couldn't let them barge into his daughter-in-law's room. He simply spoke with them in the main hall for a while.
Yuan Xi and the others didn't necessarily need to see Zuo Canglang in person. Seeing that she had been released, they were relieved. After chatting with Wen Xingye for a bit, they departed.
Lying on the bed, Zuo Canglang unknowingly fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.
As night fell, Old Madame Wen returned with a bowl of tonic soup she had simmered. Zuo Canglang drank it from her hand and asked, "How have Yixuan and Yirong been lately?"
Old Madame Wen said, "With the trouble at home, your father-in-law was worried, so he had them stay at their teacher's house. They haven't come back. It saves the children from asking too many questions."
Zuo Canglang nodded. "This matter has passed. There is no need to worry."
Old Madame Wen fed her the soup spoonful by spoonful. "When one grows old, the slightest rustle of wind makes the heart tremble with fear. How could I not worry? When I was thirty-six, my eldest son, Yu'er, died on the battlefield. At thirty-nine, my husband lost a leg—though at least he came home. Finally reaching old age, Qi'er... and now this. I am truly afraid now. Hearing you were in prison, my heart was in my throat every moment. Even a falling leaf could startle me awake from a dream."
Zuo Canglang couldn't help but pat her hand. A family of generals—it sounded glorious, but the constant worry and the uncertainty of life and death were things perhaps only those within it could truly understand.
She said, "Don't overthink it. Go to sleep."
Old Madame Wen nodded. Seeing her finish the last of the soup, she carried the bowl out. Zuo Canglang closed her eyes. Having slept too much during the day, she couldn't fall back asleep. Suddenly, someone tapped a finger against the window. She jolted, thinking it was Murong Yan, and fortunately asked, "Who is it?"
The lattice window was pushed open, and a figure leaped inside. It was Leng Feiyan. Zuo Canglang truly wanted to jump up and give her a thrashing. "Where have you been these past few days?"
Leng Feiyan moved to her side, looking her up and down. "What did you do to make him this angry?"
"None of your business!" Zuo Canglang snapped. "I'm asking you, what have you been doing lately?"
Leng Feiyan said, "That old fellow Zang Tianqi had some skill. He poked me with his sword a few times. I had to find a place to nurse my wounds for half a month."
Zuo Canglang was slightly stunned. "You killed Zang Tianqi?"
"More or less," Leng Feiyan replied.
Zuo Canglang asked, "On His Majesty's orders?"
"Who else but him?" Leng Feiyan kicked off her shoes and crawled onto the bed. Smelling the scent on Zuo Canglang, she wrinkled her nose in disgust. "What did you eat? You reek of medicine."
Zuo Canglang asked, "Do you know about the Duanmu clan winning the martial arts assembly?"
Leng Feiyan clicked her tongue. "I am a person of the martial world, after all, and I deal in the business of passing information. How could I not know?"
Zuo Canglang rapped her on the head. "Since you knew, why didn't you fight for the position of Martial Alliance Leader?"
Leng Feiyan rubbed her head. "Didn't want to. What would I do with the martial world? Stew it for dinner?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Don't you know what kind of people are in the Swallow Tower? Do you want to be an assassin for the rest of your life?"
"There's nothing wrong with it," Leng Feiyan said. "Free and easy. Speaking of which, we haven't seen each other in so long, can't you be a bit nicer to me? I almost died at the hands of that old man Zang Tianqi."
Zuo Canglang’s tone softened involuntarily. "You have to extract yourself from the Swallow Tower sooner or later. Moreover, the rise of the Duanmu clan is disadvantageous for you. You must be extremely careful in your future actions; you cannot give them any leverage. The Swallow's Nest must slowly transition into legitimate businesses—like fabric shops or taverns. Gradually sell off the less savory industries like gambling dens and brothels, then hand the Swallow Tower over to someone else to manage. Involve yourself less and less with their affairs."
Leng Feiyan fell silent. Zuo Canglang nudged her with an elbow. "Did you hear me?"
Finally, Leng Feiyan spoke. "Was it because of the Duanmu clan that you defied him?"
Zuo Canglang said, "You don't need to worry about me. I understand the Master's temperament to some extent."
Leng Feiyan reached out and patted her head. "Ah-Zuo, you look clever, but you're actually quite stupid. Truly." Zuo Canglang glared at her, but Leng Feiyan laughed. "But sometimes, you're stupid in a rather cute way. Perhaps that's why he likes you."
Zuo Canglang reached out to hit her. "Are you looking for death!"
Leng Feiyan chuckled. While laughing, she pulled Zuo Canglang’s head over so their two heads were resting together. She whispered, "Naive fool."
The two lay side by side for a while until Zuo Canglang fell asleep again. Leng Feiyan waited until her breathing grew heavy, then slowly rose and leaped out the window.
The moonlight outside was perfect. She moved across the rooftops and quickly entered the palace. Murong Yan was in his study. Seeing her enter, he asked, "Have you been to see Ah-Zuo?"
Leng Feiyan walked to the desk and knelt. "Replying to the Master: yes."
Murong Yan said, "For your sake, she threw quite a tantrum, using every trick in the book."
Leng Feiyan said, "She trusts the Master and feels close to the Master; that is why she was so presumptuous."
Murong Yan said, "I didn't summon you here for her sake. Regarding the matter with the Hidden Sword Villa, someone has already cleaned up after you." Leng Feiyan’s body trembled slightly, but he continued, "In the future, I do not wish for such a thing to happen again."
Leng Feiyan felt a surge of alarm and suspicion, but she still said, "Yes."
Murong Yan said, "Last time, several veteran officials were dismissed and sent back to their hometowns. However, some of them are not behaving themselves." He tossed a register from the desk into Leng Feiyan’s hands. "Find an opportunity to remove them. Elderly and frail people who have just suffered the trauma of imprisonment will inevitably suffer from heart palpitations. Combined with the fatigue of a long journey, it would not be suspicious if they were to fall ill or die of grief."
Leng Feiyan tucked the register into her robe. "Yes."
Murong Yan glanced at her. "Are your injuries better?"
Leng Feiyan was startled. "Thanks to the Master’s concern, I am fine now."
Murong Yan said, "The three of you grew up under my watch. Others cannot be compared to you in terms of closeness. However, you must still act with caution. I cannot be expected to prod and remind you of everything."
Leng Feiyan cupped her hands. "I shall keep the Master’s teachings in my heart."
Murong Yan nodded. "Go."
By the time winter arrived, Zuo Canglang’s injuries had slowly healed. Finally, the day came when she could attend the morning court. Only then did she learn that several of the old officials who had been dismissed and sent home had passed away one after another. Most were said to have died from excessive anxiety and grief, while two had taken their own lives.
Wei Tongyao was among them.
Zuo Canglang felt a complex swirl of emotions as she read these reports. She had never had much interaction with these ministers. They were traditionally conservative and xenophobic, never holding her in any regard. Yet, in that moment, she still felt a sense of melancholy.
Every one of these people had once been a powerful figure in Jinyang. When they were young and successful, the brilliant scholars who pointed the way for the nation, dressed in fine robes and riding in grand carriages—could they have ever imagined such a silent end?
After court, Zuo Canglang left the palace. Yuan Xi and the others had invited her for drinks, partly to celebrate her narrow escape from disaster. Zuo Canglang naturally did not refuse. As the group crossed the long street, they suddenly heard a woman crying out for justice.
Zuo Canglang looked toward the sound and saw a woman in white with disheveled hair, holding a petition high. She had blocked the carriage of the Minister of Justice, Xia Changyou, and was shouting for her grievances to be heard. Xia Changyou merely lifted the carriage curtain for a glance before ordering his men to drive her away. The woman cried out loudly, "Uncle Xia, please look at me! I am Bing'er! My father did not commit suicide; he was murdered! Please, look at me!"
The surrounding commoners pointed and whispered. Before long, two men from the Ministry of Justice arrived and took the girl away. Zuo Canglang asked, "Who is that?"
Yuan Xi said, "I don't know her. But even if there is a grievance, Xia Changyou will handle it. What does it have to do with you?"
Zuo Canglang’s gaze followed the girl. Wang Nan also said, "Let's go. Minister Xia is a relatively fair man. Besides, we are military officers; we have no business interfering with the legal administration."
Zuo Canglang finally nodded, and the group headed to the tavern.
However, in the days that followed, there was no sign of Xia Changyou uncovering any wrongful death. Zuo Canglang felt inclined to ask, but she wasn't very familiar with Xia Changyou, and it truly wasn't her place to meddle in legal affairs. She simply remembered the girl's name—Bing'er?
Yuan Xi and the others stayed in Jinyang for a few days before returning to their posts. Such was the life of a soldier; they spent most of their time guarding the borders. Even when there was no war, they rarely had time to return home. Zuo Canglang saw them out of the city, and just as she returned, Wang Yunzhao sent someone to summon her to the palace.
She hesitated for a moment but ultimately followed the eunuch inside.
This time, Wang Yunzhao did not take her to Nanqing Palace, but to Qingquan Palace. Qingquan Palace contained hot springs, which were perfect for her as she had just recovered from serious injuries.
Zuo Canglang stood by the edge of the spring pool built of white jade. Wang Yunzhao whispered, "General, please soak for a while; it will be beneficial for your body. His Majesty... will be here shortly."
Zuo Canglang naturally understood the meaning behind those words. She was not a concubine of the palace; hearing such things still made her feel uneasy. Wang Yunzhao also knew she would be shy, so he did not leave any other attendants to serve her. She was left alone in the entire Qingquan Palace.
Only then did Zuo Canglang slowly undress and enter the water. The temperature was perfect, and curls of steam rose from the surface like a celestial realm. She bit her lip, thinking of Jiang Bilan for some reason. She could certainly feel the Queen's hostility toward her, but she couldn't blame her.
Even in her current position, she still felt like a thief. Stealing someone else's husband, stealing someone else's love.
She had chosen this path; therefore, what right did she have to feel resentment?
She leaned against the edge of the pool, lost in thought, when the gauze curtains were pulled aside. Murong Yan walked in slowly. Even though she was in the water, Zuo Canglang couldn't help but shrink back slightly. Murong Yan wore only a white bath robe. He slowly entered the water and said, "You are outside all year round; battle wounds and dampness take a great toll on the body. Coming here to soak whenever you are free should be of help."
Zuo Canglang felt very uncomfortable. This naked scene of a monarch favoring a concubine still left her at a loss. Murong Yan, however, had already swum to her side. Amidst the light mist, her face was flushed, and her skin was a fresh, vibrant crimson. At nineteen years of age, even without makeup, she possessed a natural radiance called youth.
He gazed at her, then took her wrist, pulling her into his arms with almost forceful strength.
She could make him feel excitement; he liked this feeling of her belonging entirely to him. Her long hair, her red lips, her gaze, even her expression when enduring pain—all of it brought him a unique pleasure.
"Did you ever imagine this moment in the past? Hmm?" he whispered hoarsely into her ear, lightly biting her earlobe. Zuo Canglang did not answer. His breath easily stirred all her emotions. How could she not have imagined it—every moment of leaning on each other, of supporting each other through life and death?
But no matter how fervent the desire, when placed within someone else's love, only bitterness remained.
