On the second day of the second lunar month, the day the Dragon Raises its Head, Murong Yan held a sacrificial ceremony in the palace. Seizing the occasion, he posthumously elevated the late Lady Rong to the rank of Empress Dowager.
Lady Rong had originally been stripped of her title after her downfall; by all rights, she was a disgraced consort. Such a posthumous promotion was highly improper. However, in the current court, Zuo Canglang remained silent, and who else dared to oppose him?
Thus, as the officials emerged from Chengtian Pavilion and followed him, not a single person dared to voice the slightest objection.
Outside the pavilion, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Zuo Canglang walked behind the other ministers. Although Gan Xiaoru intentionally tried to yield his place to her, she did not walk by Murong Yan’s side. Seemingly intent on avoiding him, she walked alone to one side. Suddenly, she stopped beneath a cherry tree—in this second-month weather, a large, golden sweet melon was actually hanging from its branches!
Though Zuo Canglang had been feeling listless, the sight of this filled her with wonder. With a light leap, she sprang onto a branch and plucked the fruit. How could a cherry tree possibly grow such a thing?
Never one for excessive formality, she immediately drew her waist knife and peeled the melon. The flesh inside was perfectly ripe, succulent, and sweet. She was in the middle of devouring it when Murong Yan suddenly appeared behind her.
"General Zuo," he asked, "what is the fourth article of the Great Yan Military Code?"
Zuo Canglang turned around, her mouth smeared with golden juice. Confused, she replied, "Do not take so much as a grain of rice or a stalk of millet from the common people."
Murong Yan pointed at the melon in her hand. "Taking without asking is theft. As the Great General of the Flying Cavalry, you have stolen a melon from the people. What should your punishment be?"
Zuo Canglang looked at him, then at the melon, and grew indignant. "It’s just one melon!"
Murong Yan rebuked her with righteous severity. "Do not commit an evil act simply because it seems small. Taking even a single bean or melon from the people is a violation of military law! To knowingly break the law and show no remorse... It is my will that for the crime of stealing the people's wealth without permission, the Great General of the Flying Cavalry, Zuo Canglang, shall be fined half a year’s salary!"
Zuo Canglang clutched the melon, truly enraged. What kind of damn melon was this to be so expensive? Was it made of solid gold?
Yet, for a moment, she couldn't find a single word to retort. She held the melon, let out a furious huff, and stormed off with a flick of her sleeves.
Among the ministers, those who knew the inner workings of their relationship merely stifled their laughter. Others, like the upright Xia Changyou, secretly broke into a cold sweat for her. Only those with ulterior motives, like Jiang Sanyi, couldn't help but knit their brows—on the surface, Murong Yan seemed to be reprimanding a subordinate, but how was this any different from flirting?
Zuo Canglang walked ahead, clutching the melon, unwilling to throw it away—it had cost her half a year’s pay, after all! She continued to eat it as she walked, until she suddenly spotted something nestled in the center of the fruit... a warm, elongated, spiral-patterned jade pendant? She picked it up; the object had a delicate luster under the sunlight, its texture exquisite.
Behind her, Murong Yan walked past at a leisurely pace and whispered, "Is it beautiful?"
Zuo Canglang looked up, meeting his gaze. He gave a faint smile and walked toward the palanquin waiting nearby.
Slowly, Zuo Canglang closed her hand around the jade *xi*. Around her, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and the green sprouts in the fields rippled like waves under the spring breeze. Standing in the gentle morning wind, she felt a sudden, inexplicable ache that made her want to weep.
There are some people in this world for whom love is simply love—it seeps into the marrow, incurable and lethal. Have you ever loved someone like that? Loved their slightly calloused hands, every strand of their hair, every look in their eyes, to the point where even the mention of their name by others feels sweet?
Knowing he is not a good man, yet still plunging into the flames like a moth, unrepentant even as you burn. In the end, spending your entire life becoming exactly the person he wants you to be.
That night, back at the Wen estate, Wen Xingye was grumbling. He claimed that since Lady Rong was a deposed consort, how could she be honored as Empress Dowager? It was a total disregard for ritual and integrity. Zuo Canglang ignored him; since the entire court of ministers didn't dare to speak up, he could only mutter a few words within his own walls.
She returned to her room and had the servants prepare hot water. As she soaked in the tub, the heat penetrating her skin, she let out a soft sigh. She held the warm jade *xi* in her hand; it swayed slightly, reflecting the flickering candlelight like the tremors of a restless heart.
The window nearby creaked. Startled, Zuo Canglang reached for her clothes, but a hand gently pressed down on hers. A low laugh followed: "Even if I do not go to you, would you not come to me?"
Zuo Canglang was shocked. "My Lord?"
Murong Yan smiled and lifted her out of the bath. Shamed beyond measure, Zuo Canglang cried, "Put me down!"
Murong Yan placed her on the bed and climbed in beside her, still fully clothed. Zuo Canglang grabbed a quilt to cover herself. "My Lord! This is the Wen estate. If someone sees..."
Murong Yan was indifferent. "So what if they see? Even if Wen Xingye saw it with his own eyes, he would pretend he saw nothing."
Zuo Canglang’s brow furrowed. Murong Yan continued, "I avoid him only to give you some face. Do you think the Wen family truly considers you one of their own? Wen Xingye treats you well now only because he can neither leave you nor me. And," he reached out, tilting her chin up to meet her eyes, "you were mine to begin with. Mine!"
Darkness swirled in his eyes like indelible ink. Zuo Canglang asked, "What is the nature of our relationship?"
Murong Yan paused. He released her chin and lay down beside her. After a long silence, he uttered two words: "Sovereign and subject."
Zuo Canglang lowered her eyes. Murong Yan laughed. "You always ask the wrong questions; you can only blame yourself for your heartbreak." When she didn't speak, he pulled her over, pressing her firmly into his embrace. "You should ask: 'Why has My Lord come so late?' Then I could answer: 'Because there is something here I want, and someone I wish to see.'"
Zuo Canglang couldn't break free from his grip, and fearing that a struggle would truly alert the household, she could only remain silent.
Murong Yan lowered his head, his chin rubbing against the top of her head. "You ungrateful wolf. I had a nightmare; I didn't want to sleep in the palace."
Zuo Canglang, annoyed, mocked him softly. "My Lord could always leave your seal behind and depart. The Retired King and the deposed Crown Prince would be more than happy to return and sleep in the palace."
Murong Yan chuckled, then flicked her forehead. "You brat. If I left, do you think there would be a place for you in this world?"
Zuo Canglang froze. After a long while, she said, "If My Lord were gone, what use would I have for a place to stay?"
Murong Yan gently stroked her cheek. "Mm. Well said. I am deeply comforted."
He reached out to touch her body, but Zuo Canglang dodged. "If My Lord truly wishes to leave me some dignity, do not do this in the Wen estate."
Murong Yan laughed softly. "Still angry?"
Zuo Canglang fell silent. He said, "She is the Queen, after all. Regardless of your relationship with me, it is impossible for you to avoid even the slightest grievance in her presence." Zuo Canglang went still as Murong Yan gently smoothed her long hair. "Aside from me, in the entire land of Yan, no one can stand on equal footing with her. No one. Do you understand?"
Zuo Canglang remained silent. Murong Yan pressed her head into the crook of his neck. "I can allow you to see her as little as possible. Or, if you do not wish to enter the palace, I can grant you another residence. But Ah-Zuo," he took her hand and slowly pressed it against his chest, "Murong Yan has only this one heart to give to a woman in this lifetime. Therefore, everything I can give you, even if I give my all, can only ever be secondary to her."
Zuo Canglang understood. All his actions until now had been a warning, and a demand.
He wanted her to submit to him, and to submit to Jiang Bilan. When she spoke again, her voice was choked with emotion. "But I never thought of sharing what she possesses. I..."
Before she could finish, he kissed her lips, then whispered, "In my life, I have many subjects, but only you and her as my women. If one day even you were to leave me, would I not feel regret? You ungrateful wolf, do not speak of leaving. Stay by my side."
Zuo Canglang never spoke again. Her resentment and grievances slowly thawed. She thought secretly: *If I can stay by his side for this lifetime, what does a title matter? What does a little grievance matter?*
If Zuo Canglang could have even a shred of Murong Yan’s true heart, what would it matter if her tears ran dry and her blood was spent?
Love is a thing without dignity or pride; whoever touches it first is destined to be humbled into the dust.
The spring night deepened. She leaned into his embrace; his chest was broad and warm. He slowly stroked her back as the world fell into a profound silence.
The next day, just as Zuo Canglang left the morning court, Wang Yunzhao came to speak with her. She thought Murong Yan was summoning her to the palace again, and the light in her eyes began to fade. However, Wang Yunzhao said, "General, His Majesty has ordered that a separate residence be granted to you. This old servant will take you there. If there is anything not to your liking, please say so, so that the Directorate of Palace Buildings can renovate it according to your wishes."
Zuo Canglang breathed a sigh of relief; she truly did not want to enter the palace. She followed Wang Yunzhao, but the path ahead felt very familiar.
She froze. The residence Murong Yan had granted her was his old manor from when he was still Lord Qianyi.
The old manor had not been abandoned; the pavilions, terraces, rare stones, and precious trees were all as they had been. Zuo Canglang stepped inside slowly, remembering the first time she had entered these gates.
Time passes silently; in the blink of an eye, more than five years had gone by.
As she stepped into the central courtyard, Wang Yunzhao followed closely behind. "The parts that exceeded the regulations for your rank have been removed. General, please see if there is anything else that needs changing. I will order them to begin work immediately."
Zuo Canglang said, "The Chief Manager has gone to much trouble. I think it is very good as it is; there is no need for further bother."
She walked to the small building where she used to live. The patch of wild roses was still there. It was still early in the season, and the new greenery had not yet arrived, but Zuo Canglang’s gaze gradually softened. She walked to the old wall covered by the roses and reached out, gently touching the withered vines.
Wang Yunzhao said, "Knowing the General likes these vines, they were kept untouched."
Zuo Canglang said, "In truth, for me, this small courtyard and a patch of rose vines are enough."
Wang Yunzhao nodded. "Then I shall consider my task done. If the General thinks of anything else, it won't be too late to expand in the future."
Zuo Canglang bowed to him. Wang Yunzhao returned the gesture and headed back to the palace.
In the Palace of Yan, within the Hall of Manifest Literacy—this was where Lady Rong used to live, a place Murong Yan rarely visited. Since her death, no other consorts had moved in. The rooms were sealed, dark, and deep. Since Murong Yan’s ascension, palace servants had cleaned it regularly, and the railings and painted pillars had been repainted and renewed.
A portrait of Lady Rong still hung on the wall. The beauty held a silk fan, surrounded by pearls and emeralds, wearing a shallow, beaming smile. Murong Yan stood before the portrait, his gaze cold. *Now, you have had your wish; you have finally obtained that position. But are you satisfied?*
Wang Yunzhao entered. Seeing him staring at Lady Rong’s portrait, he hurried to salute. "Your Majesty, I have taken General Zuo to the residence."
Murong Yan snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. "I thought it over; in the entire city of Jinyang, that is likely the only place she would be willing to live."
Wang Yunzhao said, "The General truly does like that courtyard. When she saw those wild roses, her whole expression lit up."
Murong Yan smiled. "Her temperament is strange indeed. She cares nothing for all sorts of precious trees, yet she only likes common flowers and wild vines." He turned to Wang Yunzhao. "Wild roses... do these vines have some other deep meaning?"
Wang Yunzhao was also at a loss. "This... I truly haven't heard of any. Should I ask the old gardeners in the palace?"
Murong Yan shook his head. "Forget it. Let her be."
As they were speaking, someone suddenly came to report: "Your Majesty! Her Majesty the Queen has suddenly fainted in the Phoenix Resting Palace!"
Murong Yan was startled. "What happened? Has the physician been summoned?"
The servant hurriedly said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, Lord Hai of the Imperial Physicians has already gone there." Murong Yan walked quickly out of the hall, with Wang Yunzhao trotting behind him.
The Phoenix Resting Palace was in a state of chaos. Maidservants hurried in and out, and Hai Yun was currently checking Jiang Bilan’s pulse. Murong Yan entered the inner chamber and stood behind him. Hai Yun quickly saluted: "This humble subject greets Your Majesty!"
Murong Yan waved his hand. "Dispense with the formalities. How is the Queen?"
Hai Yun’s face was full of joy. "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Her Majesty is with child!"
Upon hearing this, Murong Yan’s brow slowly relaxed. The surrounding maidservants all knelt, offering their congratulations in unison. Murong Yan said, "Rise, all of you. Everyone shall be rewarded."
After they thanked him, he turned back to Hai Yun. "This is indeed a great joy. Since my ascension, I have had no heir. This is my first child; you must take good care of her. There must be no mistakes."
Hai Yun knelt again. "Please rest assured, Your Majesty. Although Her Majesty’s constitution is delicate, the pregnancy is very stable. As long as she is well-nurtured, she will surely give birth to a dragon son safely."
Murong Yan took a few steps forward, sat by the bed, and took Jiang Bilan’s hand. Seeing her jade-like hand was slightly cool, he warmed it in his own. "In that case, the Queen’s pregnancy shall be under your full care. Set aside all other matters and leave them to the other physicians."
Hai Yun bowed again. "This is the honor of a lifetime. I will certainly do my utmost."
The news of Jiang Bilan’s pregnancy spread throughout the court and the capital. The ministers all congratulated Jiang Sanyi, who was truly delighted. As long as Jiang Bilan gave birth to the eldest prince, her position would be half-secured. Given Murong Yan’s current level of favor toward her, this eldest prince would surely be named Crown Prince.
No matter how capable Zuo Canglang was, she was ultimately hindered by her connection as Wen Qi’s "wife"; she could not threaten the inner palace.
While the court and commoners celebrated, Murong Yan held a banquet in the palace.
It was late in the second month. The peach blossoms in the palace were blooming in succession. Jiang Bilan wore a robe of formal red; her celestial beauty was truly more radiant than the flowers, making the peach grove seem dim by comparison. The ministers all praised her grace. Jiang Bilan was also in a good mood. "Your Majesty, I know the various lords are all brimming with talent. Now that the peach blossoms are like brocade and we have such a joyous occasion, why not wander the grove and compose poems to add to the elegance of the moment?"
Murong Yan naturally would not refuse. "Since the Queen has spoken, surely the lords will not decline?"
The officials had nothing more to say and began to present their poems. Some praised the peach blossoms, while others used the flourishing spring scenery to laud the peace of the realm.
Murong Yan and Jiang Bilan walked side by side through the peach grove, listening to the ministers' compositions and their words of excessive praise and glorification. Falling petals landed on their clothes; the perfect couple looked as if they had stepped out of a painting.
Zuo Canglang followed behind Murong Yan and Jiang Bilan. Currently, there was no Grand Marshal in the court, so she was the highest-ranking military officer. She did not compose any poems, and no one pressed her. Everyone knew the extent of her literary ink; to preserve the dignity of Great Yan’s generals, it was better not to let her embarrass herself.
After a while, Jiang Bilan suddenly turned around. "The various lords have all produced poems. Will General Zuo not offer one?"
Zuo Canglang bowed respectfully. "This subject is a soldier and lacks literary talent. I truly cannot compose a poem. I ask Your Majesty to punish me."
Jiang Bilan smiled. "I only said it in passing, yet the General took it seriously. It is only natural that the General, who protects the country, is not skilled in verse." Having said that, she turned and walked forward. Zuo Canglang followed with her head down. The surrounding ministers chatted and laughed; the atmosphere was very lively.
Murong Yan heard the exchange. He knew Jiang Bilan was being temperamental, but in such a setting, she couldn't do much. He simply quickened his pace, heading toward the Taoran Pavilion ahead.
Jiang Bilan hurried to keep up, and Zuo Canglang, following her, naturally quickened her pace as well. However, without warning, Jiang Bilan suddenly stopped. Caught off guard, Zuo Canglang accidentally stepped on her elaborate train. Jiang Bilan let out a startled cry and fell forward. Zuo Canglang was quick-handed and caught her instantly, spinning as they hit the ground so that Jiang Bilan landed on top of her.
She moved her hand to protect Jiang Bilan’s abdomen and was just letting out a sigh of relief when a look of pain appeared on Jiang Bilan’s face. Zuo Canglang’s gaze slowly shifted downward, seeing blood gradually staining the formal red palace robe.
This... what was happening?
She was shocked, but someone nearby was already screaming: "Something is wrong! Her Majesty is bleeding!!"
The ministers fell into chaos. In an instant, people were shouting for the physicians. Murong Yan rushed over, and Jiang Bilan collapsed into his arms, her hands tightly gripping his lapels. "Your Majesty... our child..."
She could say no more. Murong Yan picked her up and practically charged out of the peach grove.
Zuo Canglang followed blankly. The Phoenix Resting Palace was already in total disarray. Basin after basin of hot water was carried in, only to be carried out stained bright red with blood. After a long time, the physician Hai Yun emerged and knelt. "Your Majesty!"
Murong Yan’s face was ashen. "What exactly happened?"
Hai Yun said, "Reporting to Your Majesty... Her Majesty... Her Majesty has miscarried!"
Murong Yan looked around at everyone, his gaze landing on Zuo Canglang. Zuo Canglang knelt. "That’s impossible..." She had clearly caught her; how could she have miscarried?
Hai Yun said, "Your Majesty, Her Majesty’s pregnancy has been stable since the beginning. When I checked her pulse this morning, all was well. A small stumble would not cause an immediate miscarriage—unless someone struck her abdomen, acting with intent!"
Zuo Canglang slowly turned her head. "Hai Yun, what are you saying?"
Hai Yun kowtowed. "Your Majesty, I have always served Her Majesty. I know her condition best. I would never dare to speak falsely."
Zuo Canglang said furiously, "Are you saying I intentionally injured the Queen to cause a miscarriage?!"
Hai Yun replied, "I do not dare to speculate on what the General did. I can only state the facts."
Zuo Canglang began to understand. She said, "Your Majesty, I request that another physician be found to examine the Queen!"
Before Hai Yun could speak, Jiang Sanyi, who was nearby, said, "General Zuo, His Majesty has always treated you well. Now, the child in the Queen’s womb was His Majesty’s first. How could you have the heart to commit such a cruel act?!"
Zuo Canglang was enraged. "Jiang Sanyi! I am also His Majesty’s subject. Why would I harm His Majesty’s own flesh and blood?!"
Jiang Sanyi said, "That is exactly what I wish to ask the General. What grudge do you hold against the Queen that you would not even spare her unborn child?"
Zuo Canglang was a soldier; how could she win an argument against him? She turned her head to look at Murong Yan. "Your Majesty, I..." Before she could finish, Murong Yan kicked her. Zuo Canglang’s body recoiled slightly, but she struggled to remain upright on her knees, refusing to fall. "I didn't do it."
Murong Yan stared into her eyes. "Are you saying the Queen used the life of her own unborn child to frame you?"
Zuo Canglang clutched her chest. She didn't believe it, and no one else would believe that Jiang Bilan would use her own child to frame her. After all, that was Murong Yan’s first child; if it were a boy, he would likely be the future Crown Prince.
No matter what Jiang Bilan was like, she would never use her child for such a thing.
Murong Yan said slowly, "She is but a lady of the inner chambers. Even if she occasionally made things difficult for you, how far could she have gone? To think you could resent her to such an extent."
At that moment, his gaze was as cold as a blade. Zuo Canglang suddenly knew he would not listen to her explanation. He grieved for his wife and mourned his child—and what was she? She didn't speak, merely gazing at him quietly.
Murong Yan spoke each word with deliberate weight: "General of the Flying Cavalry, Zuo Canglang, has committed insubordination and harmed the imperial heir. She is hereby stripped of her military rank and imprisoned to await trial!"
Zuo Canglang didn't actually hear his words. She only saw his lips moving. Those lips that had once passionately kissed every inch of her skin—what heartless words were they uttering now?
*I once thought I was always by your side, but it turns out we were thousands of miles apart.*
The Imperial Guards came and dragged her away from the Phoenix Resting Palace. She was thrown back into prison, into the same cell as before. This time she was not subjected to heavy torture, yet for some reason, it hurt more. Zuo Canglang sat in the corner. As the door closed, a sharp pain finally erupted in her chest.
A sliver of light shone in, gradually weakening until the world fell into darkness. She hugged her knees, her gaze vacant.
In the Phoenix Resting Palace, when Jiang Bilan woke up, it was already dark. Murong Yan was still keeping watch by her bed. She grasped his hand, her voice nearly a whisper. "Brother Yan... our child... how is our child?"
Murong Yan took her hand and slowly pulled her into his arms. "Rest well. We will have children in the future. Many, many children."
Jiang Bilan shook her head. After a long time, she finally cried out, "Our child is gone, isn't he?" Murong Yan did not answer. She covered her face with both hands and wept aloud. "Why? Why did she want to hurt my child?"
She was devastated. Murong Yan held her tightly. He could understand why. If there was anyone in the entire court who did not want Jiang Bilan to give birth to the eldest prince, it had to be her. The woman in his arms felt as if she had no bones; a trace of desolation flickered through Murong Yan’s heart.
The scenes of their youth had already blurred and faded. But the her in his memory was still exquisitely beautiful. She was the flower he had first protected in his hands, then the star he had looked up to. When he finally held her in his hands again, he still failed to protect her.
Promises were nothing but empty words.
He gently patted her back. "She won't have another chance."
Jiang Bilan only wept. Murong Yan held her for most of the night. When she finally fell asleep, he laid her down and slowly left the palace. Wang Yunzhao followed him, wanting to say something but not daring to. Murong Yan said coldly, "Summon Jiang Sanyi to the palace."
Wang Yunzhao had no choice but to comply.
Shortly after, Jiang Sanyi hurried into the palace. Murong Yan met him in the study. Jiang Sanyi also looked anxious. "Your Majesty, my wife and I are deeply worried about the Queen’s accident. Has the Queen awakened yet?"
Murong Yan said, "Tomorrow, have Madam Jiang come to the palace to accompany the Queen."
Jiang Sanyi thanked him. Murong Yan suddenly said, "Since the death of Marshal Wen, the position of General of the Guard has been vacant for a long time. Do you have a suitable candidate?"
Jiang Sanyi froze, his heart suddenly racing! Murong Yan meant that the General of the Guard could be chosen from his people?!
He kept his face expressionless and said slowly, "In the current court, there are not many who can handle such a heavy responsibility. Does Your Majesty not consider General Yuan Xi?"
Murong Yan said, "Yuan Xi is brave but lacks strategy. He is fine as a general, but as a commander, I fear he lacks the capability."
Jiang Sanyi suppressed his inner excitement and said slowly, "Does Your Majesty still remember the old general Han Yi?" Murong Yan’s brow twitched slightly. Jiang Sanyi continued, "Back then, General Han served alongside the Duke of Dingguo. He was also a fierce general."
Murong Yan said, "I remember. Back then, the Duke of Dingguo impeached him for embezzling military funds. Although there was no hard evidence, my father trusted the Wen family and gradually distanced himself from him."
Jiang Sanyi said, "Exactly. In truth, everyone knew the reality of the situation back then. If the Retired King hadn't distanced himself from him, how could Marshal Wen have commanded the three armies at such a young age?"
Murong Yan said, "Speaking of which, I haven't seen General Han for a long time. Have him come to court tomorrow for an audience."
Jiang Sanyi bowed deeply. "This subject thanks Your Majesty for your great grace on behalf of General Han!"
The imperial study was brightly lit. In the Phoenix Resting Palace, Jiang Bilan slowly sat up. The candlelight flickered, and a figure walked over silently. It was Feng Ping, the Commander of the Imperial Guard. Jiang Bilan leaned against the headboard. "If you can't seize this opportunity, there won't be another reason."
Feng Ping said, "You used the imperial heir in your womb to trade for such an opportunity? Do you think it was worth it? If it were a boy, you would have been the Empress Dowager." *Stupid woman, blinded by a bit of jealousy, to do something so counterproductive!*
Jiang Bilan said, "That is none of your business. All you need to know is that this is an opportunity bought with my child’s life."
Feng Ping said, "His Majesty cannot wipe out the Wen family right now, and of course, he won't sentence her to death. Wang Yunzhao favors her; I cannot guarantee I will succeed."
Jiang Bilan turned to look at him. "You have an opportunity."
Feng Ping looked at her. She said, "Come here." Feng Ping walked slowly toward the gauzy curtains and leaned in. Jiang Bilan leaned close to his ear and whispered a single sentence. Feng Ping caught the faint scent of orchids on her.
"She is afraid of snakes," she said.
***
