The fifteenth day of the first lunar month was the Lantern Festival.
After the palace banquet, Murong Yan led the civil and military officials to the Bright Moon Terrace. The Directorate of Imperial Manufactories had prepared many Kongming lanterns, intended as a gesture of shared joy between the sovereign and his subjects. Jiang Bilan stood by Murong Yan’s side, using a fire-starter to light a lantern. Murong Yan leaned in to steady her hand; leaning against one another, they released the lantern together.
The Kongming lantern rose into the sky, cutting through the dark night like a star. The officials all shouted "Long live the King," and someone began to set off fireworks. Flames soared into the air, illuminating the vast reaches of the rivers and mountains.
Zuo Canglang had no interest in any of this. Had the entire court not been required to attend, she likely wouldn't have had the inclination to climb a high terrace on such a frigid night. While the officials crowded around Murong Yan, she stood by the white jade balustrade of the Bright Moon Terrace, looking down.
In the pitch-black winter night, there was naturally no scenery to speak of, only the torches stretching for miles, casting a dim, yellow glow.
As she stood in silence, someone suddenly approached her and asked, "The General does not release a lantern; what are you looking at here?"
Zuo Canglang turned her head and saw Daxi Qin standing behind her, smiling. She said, "Has Marquis Jinyu not also come here without releasing a lantern?"
Daxi Qin replied, "Everyone writes their various wishes on the lanterns, hoping they reach the ears of Heaven. As a minister of a fallen state, I have no wishes, so naturally, there is no need to release one. But the General is not yet twenty, at the height of youthful success; you could still release a lantern. For one who spends their life in military campaigns, praying for safety is always good."
Having said this, he slowly offered a lantern. Zuo Canglang said, "Hearing the gentleman put it that way, it does make some sense." Daxi Qin handed her the fire-starter. Zuo Canglang half-knelt and slowly lit the wick. Daxi Qin, dressed in a plain brocade robe, held the lantern with his left hand. As the wind swept across the high terrace, he possessed a faint air of transcendent grace.
Murong Yan was surrounded by his ministers like stars around the moon, his ears filled with voices of praise. He turned his head and saw Zuo Canglang and Daxi Qin standing side-by-side at the railing, speaking softly as they released the same bright lantern. For some reason, a sudden spark of displeasure rose within him.
"Marquis Jinyu, I have heard you are skilled at poetry. On such a fine evening, please compose a poem for us to celebrate the festival," he called out loudly.
Daxi Qin hurriedly came over and stood before the officials, indeed composing a rhapsody on the terrace. Zuo Canglang did not listen to the content of the poem—she wouldn't have understood it anyway. But she did understand the look Murong Yan cast her way.
That brief intersection of gazes lasted only an instant, yet it was still noticed by those with intent. Jiang Bilan and Jiang Sanyi exchanged a look; one was wary, the other resentful.
By the second watch, the lantern festival concluded. The officials left the palace in groups of twos and threes. Just as Zuo Canglang was about to leave, Wang Yunzhao suddenly approached and said softly, "His Majesty has decreed that the General should wait a moment at the Clear Spring Palace."
Zuo Canglang froze. Wang Yunzhao had already dispatched an inner attendant to carry a lantern for her, pretending to escort her out of the palace while subtly separating her from the other ministers.
The Clear Spring Palace was desolate. The palace servants lit the candles and departed silently. Zuo Canglang stood before a candelabra, reaching out to touch the wick's flame. A breeze passed, the candlelight flickered, and a trail of soot was left on her finger.
Footsteps sounded behind her. She did not turn to look, already knowing who it was. Murong Yan walked up behind her, reached out to wrap his arms around her waist, and asked, "What are you thinking about?"
Zuo Canglang did not answer, instead asking, "Today is the Lantern Festival. Does Your Majesty not need to accompany the Queen?"
Murong Yan said, "I have already sent word to her that I will go over later."
Zuo Canglang said hollowly, "Your Majesty is truly busy with official business." Her tone was cool, tinged with a hint of mockery.
Murong Yan said, "The General is not idle either. If you didn't stay at the Clear Spring Palace tonight, would you have gone to Marquis Jinyu's manor?" Zuo Canglang was so angry she couldn't speak; she reached out to pull his hands from her waist. Murong Yan did not let go, saying, "What, did I step on the General's sore spot?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Whose manor I spend the night at should be the concern of my late husband. It is not worth Your Majesty's worry."
Murong Yan suddenly swept her up in his arms, walked a few steps, and placed her on the ornate bed, extinguishing the candles with a wave of his hand. The palace room fell into darkness as he untied his belt and pressed down upon her. Zuo Canglang kicked at him, but in the end, she slowly embraced him, allowing him to possess and invade her.
This interrogation that disregarded their status—was it perhaps, even just a little bit, because he cared? She did not ask. Whether the answer was yes or no, it would only end in heartbreak.
In the height of their intimacy, a commotion suddenly erupted outside. Zuo Canglang struggled to rise, but Murong Yan was in the heat of the moment and ignored it.
Suddenly, a palace servant ran to the door and shouted loudly, "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! The Queen says there is an emergency and begs to see Your Majesty!" Murong Yan’s movements paused. He rose abruptly, grabbing his clothes and throwing them over his shoulders. Outside, Jiang Bilan’s voice already rang out: "Brother Yan! Brother Yan!"
The footsteps had already entered the outer hall. Zuo Canglang rolled over to pick up her clothes from the floor, but Murong Yan directly opened the window, gripped her shoulders, and threw her out.
Outside the window was the lake.
The icy lake water instantly submerged her heated body. Zuo Canglang had no time to react before she sank into the depths. The bead curtains clattered softly as Jiang Bilan entered. Murong Yan kicked Zuo Canglang’s clothes under the bed just as Jiang Bilan rushed in, falling straight into his arms.
Murong Yan lightly stroked her back. "What is it? Why have you come here so suddenly in the middle of the night?" He took her delicate hands, his brow furrowing slightly. "Your hands are so cold. What on earth happened?"
Jiang Bilan buried her face in his chest, sobbing so hard she could barely speak. "I had a dream... I dreamt that Brother Yan was gone, and there were rebel soldiers everywhere. I was so scared." Murong Yan lifted her up and said softly, "It was just a dream. Am I not right here? Don't cry."
Jiang Bilan sobbed, "It is so late. Why did you not come to my palace, but instead rested in this remote hall?"
Murong Yan said, "After finishing the memorials, I thought you might have fallen asleep. Fearing I would disturb your rest, I didn't go over."
Jiang Bilan clung to his neck and said, "If Your Majesty does not come, how can I sleep well?"
Murong Yan said, "In that case, it is my fault."
As he spoke to her with tender affection, he walked out of the palace. Wang Yunzhao came rushing over. Murong Yan shot him a glare but said nothing else.
Wang Yunzhao wiped his sweat. The old palace servants feared the remnants of the deposed Crown Prince's faction, so most of the current servants were new recruits—they truly weren't sharp enough. Whenever something happened and he wasn't there, they always fell into a panic. They had actually let Jiang Bilan barge into the bedchamber!
He hurried back into the Clear Spring Palace. The servants were all kneeling on the ground. Wang Yunzhao had no time for them; he strode into the bedchamber. It was empty, and the window was open. This...
No wonder His Majesty’s expression was so terrible. He quickly leaned out the window. Outside was the lake. It was the first lunar month—it was still freezing. Fearing the servants might hear, he called out softly, "General Zuo? General Zuo?"
With a splash, someone surfaced. Wang Yunzhao waved urgently. "General Zuo, she's gone. Come up first."
Zuo Canglang’s voice was trembling uncontrollably. "Throw down some clothes." Wang Yunzhao quickly dropped a robe. Zuo Canglang wrapped herself in it before jumping back up. Wang Yunzhao couldn't find her clothes anywhere until she spoke: "Under the bed?"
Wang Yunzhao leaned over to look. Just as he was about to pull them out, Zuo Canglang asked, "Can I still wear them if you pull them out?"
Her voice was terrifyingly calm. Wang Yunzhao hurried to have someone bring clean clothes. Turning back, he saw Zuo Canglang’s face was pale, water dripping from her hair. She was barefoot, the outer robe draped over her and soaked through. He lowered his head, not daring to look. "I will have someone boil some hot water for the General. In this freezing weather, you mustn't catch a chill."
Zuo Canglang turned her head, her eyes icy. "I have long been frozen." Wang Yunzhao choked on his words. She then whispered, "What does it have to do with you? Why am I losing my temper at you?"
Wang Yunzhao sighed softly. "I know the General feels wronged. If the General wants to scold me a few times, I won't take it to heart. As a servant, from the time the Second Highness was young until now, have I not heard enough harsh words? But while it's fine for the General to vent to me, you must never do so before His Majesty. General, for us who are subjects, it is inevitable to suffer some grievances. No matter how close His Majesty... His Majesty is still His Majesty..."
Zuo Canglang took a deep breath and said softly, "I know." She took the clothes from Wang Yunzhao. He turned his back, only to hear her whisper, "I just don't know how I ended up in this state."
Wang Yunzhao looked back and saw her clutching the clothes, slowly sliding down to sit on the floor, her hands covering her face as tears seeped through her fingers.
In the Phoenix Nest Palace, Jiang Bilan cried herself to sleep. Murong Yan watched over her, seeing that small, jade-like face drenched in tear stains. Tears that could not be wiped away made one worry. He rose to leave, and Wang Yunzhao entered from outside. Murong Yan looked at him. Wang Yunzhao nodded and said softly, "She has left."
Murong Yan did not stay the night at the Phoenix Nest Palace either. Only after leaving the palace gates did he smile and ask, "Is she heartbroken?"
Wang Yunzhao replied softly, "I'm afraid she is quite heartbroken." Murong Yan said nothing. Wang Yunzhao asked cautiously, "Should we... bestow some gifts to soothe her?"
Murong Yan shook his head. "You truly don't know how to coax a woman."
Wang Yunzhao felt a bit embarrassed. "Fortunately, in this life, I have no need to coax a woman."
Murong Yan smiled. "Indeed. I wonder if that is a blessing or a curse."
In the Phoenix Nest Palace, Jiang Bilan slowly opened her eyes. Her maids, Huiyun and Huayue, came forward to serve her. She asked softly, "Is that slut gone?"
Huayue said, "She's gone. I heard she was soaked through when she left, looking like a drowned rat."
Hatred like a blade flashed in Jiang Bilan’s eyes. Huiyun said, "She brought it on herself. Married to a dead man, she couldn't endure the loneliness and came to seduce His Majesty. Shameless." Huayue stoked the charcoal heater to burn brighter, saying, "Exactly. She even forced Your Ladyship to make this trip in the cold."
Jiang Bilan wanted to speak, but suddenly felt a wave of discomfort in her chest, an inexplicable, greasy nausea. Seeing her expression change, Huiyun hurried forward to support her. "Your Ladyship?"
Jiang Bilan pushed her away and said, "I seem to have caught a bit of a chill. Find a physician."
Huayue complied and immediately sent someone for the imperial physician.
The physician arrived quickly. Jiang Bilan reclined behind the bed curtains, wrapped in a brocade quilt as she allowed him to take her pulse. She had thought it was just a cold and he would prescribe some medicine. Unexpectedly, the physician took her pulse for a long time, his brow furrowed as if there were something difficult to say.
Seeing his expression, Jiang Bilan asked, "Is there something wrong with me?"
The physician quickly rose and knelt, saying, "To answer the Queen, it is true that Your Ladyship has caught a slight chill, but your pulse is a 'slippery pulse.' It feels smooth and flowing, like pearls rolling on a basin. Your Ladyship... is with child."
Upon hearing this, Huiyun and Huayue were both overjoyed. A look of joy also appeared on Jiang Bilan’s face, but then she saw the physician's expression and said, "I am with child, yet I see no joy in your face. Do you have something else to say?"
The physician hesitated for a moment, then said, "Your Ladyship, I have something to say, but... I dare not."
Jiang Bilan’s expression turned solemn. "Ask."
The physician pondered for a long while before finally saying, "I take the liberty of asking Your Ladyship, not long ago, did you perhaps..." He stammered, and Jiang Bilan grew impatient. "Speak. No matter what you ask, I will not blame you."
The physician finally steeled himself and said, "Did Your Ladyship ever undergo an abortion?"
Jiang Bilan’s gaze slowly darkened. "What did you say?"
The physician kowtowed repeatedly, saying, "Your Ladyship, spare my life! Spare my life!"
Jiang Bilan said, "Finish your words."
The physician said, "Although Your Ladyship is with child, your body has not yet recovered. This child... in my humble opinion, it would be better not to keep it. Otherwise, as the months progress, it will become increasingly detrimental to Your Ladyship. If there is the slightest mishap, I fear not only will the child be lost, but Your Ladyship as well..."
Jiang Bilan’s right hand tightly gripped the brocade quilt. "You are saying I cannot have this child?"
The physician said, "Your Ladyship, you are so young. As long as you nurse your body back to health, why worry about being unable to bear children? If Your Ladyship's phoenix body is harmed for the sake of one child, it would be a case of sacrificing the root for the branch. Your Ladyship should think twice."
Jiang Bilan’s right hand slowly relaxed, her expression becoming quite calm. She asked, "What is your name?"
The physician kowtowed. "To answer Your Ladyship, my surname is Hai, and my name is Hai Yun."
Jiang Bilan asked, "How many years have you been in the palace, and what is your current rank?"
The physician replied tremulously, "To answer Your Ladyship, I have been in the palace for six years. I am currently an Assistant Physician under the Minister of the Imperial Household."
Jiang Bilan said, "Tomorrow, I will petition His Majesty to appoint you as the Imperial Physician General."
Hai Yun was startled and looked up at her. Jiang Bilan said, "But you must know that a person's mouth knows what should be said and what should not. If you accidentally say the wrong thing, I'm afraid you won't have the chance to speak again."
Hai Yun kowtowed repeatedly. "Your Ladyship's grace is engraved in my heart. In the future, I am willing to serve Your Ladyship with total devotion."
Jiang Bilan nodded, then asked again, "This child—can I truly not keep it?"
Hai Yun said, "It is extremely dangerous. It is better not to keep it."
Jiang Bilan pondered for a long while and said, "You may leave first. I will consider it."
Hai Yun knelt to take his leave, his heart still pounding with unease. Jiang Bilan was now the Queen; there was no reason for her to have had a private abortion. If such a thing had happened, there was only one possibility: the child was not Murong Yan’s. Now that he knew such a secret, did he still have a chance to live?
However, the next day, an official came to deliver the decree promoting him to Imperial Physician General.
Hai Yun suddenly understood what kind of opportunity he had encountered.
From that day on, Zuo Canglang no longer entered the palace after the morning court. Murong Yan also did not summon her for several days. Both were tacitly aware of what had happened that night and never mentioned it again.
On this day during the morning court, an envoy from Guzhu arrived to demand the tribute for the Retired Emperor, Murong Yuan. Some officials suggested whether Murong Yuan should be welcomed back to court. But it was only mentioned lightly; the old ministers had all been dismissed, and the only one left, Xia Changyou, was already like a bird startled by the mere twang of a bowstring. Who would care about the life or death of the former master?
After court was dismissed, Zuo Canglang left the palace. Yuan Xi happened to be back to report on his duties and chased after her. "General, are you alright?" Zuo Canglang turned her head. He scratched his head. "You look... you look like you're quite tired."
Zuo Canglang shook her head and said, "I'm fine."
Yuan Xi stood still for a long time before saying, "I, Old Yuan, am a crude man. I don't understand these convoluted schemes of yours. But if you have any difficulties, speak up. As long as it's not a capital offense, we can usually figure something out."
Zuo Canglang looked up and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Mhm." She turned to leave. Yuan Xi chased her for two steps then stopped. "Mhm" what? You're still not saying anything!
Zuo Canglang returned to the Wen Manor, where the atmosphere felt off. She stopped warily, seeing Wang Yunzhao leading several guards and palace servants at the manor gates. Zuo Canglang halted, and Wang Yunzhao came to meet her. "General Zuo, you're finally back. His Majesty came to visit the Duke of Dingguo right after court."
Zuo Canglang gave an "mhm" and said, "Then I won't disturb them."
Wang Yunzhao quickly stopped her. "General! At least go in to pay your respects."
Zuo Canglang entered the inner hall. Wen Xingye was sitting with Murong Yan, with servants standing by. Wen Yixuan and Wen Yirong had already paid their respects and were standing by the old man's side. Zuo Canglang went in and knelt. "Subject Zuo Canglang greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy eternal peace."
Murong Yan smiled. "Rise. Before your elders, you have become much more polite. Even I am benefiting from the reflected glory."
Zuo Canglang rose and took a seat at the lower end. Old Master Wen said politely, "Ah-Zuo came from Your Majesty's household; it is only because of her closeness to Your Majesty that she acts casually. When she sees you, it should be with the etiquette of a family member."
Murong Yan smiled. "She is spoiled. I must trouble the Duke of Dingguo to bear with her."
Wen Xingye said respectfully, "Your Majesty overpraises this old man. After Qi'er passed, my wife and I were consumed by grief. All matters in the manor have been handled by this child. Though she is a daughter-in-law, she is no different from a daughter."
Murong Yan nodded. "So, she is quite sensible here at the Wen Manor. Before me, she is not to be provoked; if one word is slightly off, she turns and leaves, and won't come back even if called."
Wen Xingye chuckled. "Are children not all like that before their parents in their own home?"
Murong Yan agreed, then rose. "Very well, I shall not disturb the Duke of Dingguo further. You are of advanced age; rest well. If there is anything lacking, simply send someone to the palace to let me know."
Wen Xingye rose and kowtowed. "This old man is a useless person; I dare not trouble Your Majesty's thoughts."
Murong Yan helped him up and turned to leave. Wen Xingye escorted him out. Murong Yan raised his hand, signaling him to stay. Zuo Canglang followed behind Wen Xingye. Murong Yan glanced at her, then turned and departed.
Zuo Canglang’s eyes swept slightly; in her peripheral vision, his back grew distant. *If you love your Jiang Bilan, then go love her properly. Why must you come here? Why must you say these ambiguous things? Why must you leave your scent behind, using the thing I crave most to lure me, to hook my heart into sorrow?*
Outside the Wen Manor, Wang Yunzhao followed behind Murong Yan at a trot. "Your Majesty, the carriage is ahead." Murong Yan looked at the bustling traffic around them, his mood seemingly good. "No carriage. Let's walk and see the people's condition."
Wang Yunzhao waved his hand, and the black-clad, light-armored guards behind them immediately dispersed, hiding in the high walls and narrow alleys. Wang Yunzhao hesitated. "Your Majesty came specifically to the Wen Manor; will you not see General Zuo privately?"
Murong Yan smiled. "What's the rush? Didn't you see she's still in a fit of pique?"
Wang Yunzhao sighed. "True. The General is a warrior, always one for straightforward vengeance and gratitude. I'm afraid she cannot endure the grievances of a young woman."
Murong Yan strolled to a small stall and picked up a jade bracelet to examine. At a roadside stall, the quality was naturally not very good. He held it up to the light, then put it down, smiling. "Whether a warrior or a scholar, one must always understand their status. She is a subject; Lan'er is the Queen, her mistress. As a subject, she should be submissive before her mistress. What talk is there of grievances?"
Wang Yunzhao was slightly stunned. "Your Majesty is right. Surely the General can understand this as well."
Murong Yan smiled. Suddenly, he saw a jade *xi* with a long tusk shape and twisted silk patterns. He picked it up to inspect it. Wang Yunzhao said beside him, "Master, this looks like an antique."
Murong Yan nodded. "It likely came from a tomb. The quality is decent, isn't it?"
Before Wang Yunzhao could speak, the stall peddler already gave a thumbs-up. "Great sir, seeing your handsome appearance and rich attire, I thought you were just a wealthy young master with a fine exterior. I didn't expect your knowledge to be so vast. You truly have a discerning eye! This is from the Western Zhou! Such a thing is a rare treasure..."
Wang Yunzhao fell silent, thinking to himself that this man's flattery was even better than his own. Murong Yan smiled. "How much?"
The peddler held up a finger. "Five hundred taels of silver."
Murong Yan said, "One hundred and twenty taels."
The peddler bared his teeth. "One hundred and fifty taels."
Murong Yan said, "One hundred and twenty taels."
The peddler muttered, "Looking at your dress, you don't seem like someone who cares about a few dozen taels."
Murong Yan smiled. "I simply don't like spending money in vain." You get what you pay for; a transaction should be worth the price.
Leaving the jade stall, Murong Yan toyed with the jade *xi* in his hand. Wang Yunzhao asked, "The Queen's attire is delicate; this item might not be suitable for her to wear. Does Your Majesty intend to give it to General Zuo?" Murong Yan gripped the jade *xi* in his hand, only smiling. Wang Yunzhao asked, "Should I send someone to deliver it to the Wen Manor?"
Murong Yan turned to look at him. After a long silence, he asked, "Wang Yunzhao, have you ever fed a dog?"
Wang Yunzhao was confused. "This... when Lady Rong was here, I once fed a small dog." But what did that have to do with anything?
Murong Yan said, "There is a technique to feeding a dog. You cannot simply feed it until it is full, otherwise it will spend its days idle and satiated. Moreover, it will become arrogant due to your favor. You must feed and tame it at the same time, preserving its wildness for your use while also making it understand the relationship between master and servant. Whether a dog is loyal or not does not depend on how well you always treat it, but rather that every time you are kind to it, it becomes an unforgettable favor."
***
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