When the application of the ointment was finished, Zuo Canglang still had not woken. Zhao Zien whispered, "Your Majesty, the General will likely sleep for a long while. Perhaps it would be best if Your Majesty returned later."
Jiang Bilan had not left. She had come specifically to remind Murong Yan that his act of personally carrying Zuo Canglang into the palace was already common knowledge. It was a direct slap to her face as Queen, especially since it had been less than ten days since she had lost her child.
Yet, even with her presence in Nanqing Palace, Murong Yan showed not a hint of guilt. He treated her as he usually did, his expression smiling and his voice gentle. And yet, right before her eyes, he had personally tended to the other woman’s wounds.
Jiang Bilan bit her lip slightly, her heart submerged in a tide of unease.
Hearing Zhao Zien’s suggestion, she quickly added, "The General needs her rest. Your Majesty, let us step out together." Her tone was almost pleading. After all, Zuo Canglang was the one who had caused the death of her child only days ago. If Murong Yan remained here on guard, what dignity would she have left as Queen?
However, Murong Yan did not even look up. He merely said softly, "I will stay with her a while longer. If the Queen has matters to attend to, she may leave first."
It felt as though a bucket of ice water had been poured over Jiang Bilan; her entire body slowly turned cold. Murong Yan picked up a small grooming blade and began to slowly trim Zuo Canglang’s fingernails. His movements were light and tender.
Jiang Bilan slowly backed away. No more words were needed; she understood his meaning. He was tearing through the final veil. He wanted her to know, with absolute clarity, the true nature of the relationship between him and Zuo Canglang.
Until now, he had maintained a facade of vows and dreams for her—or perhaps, it was merely a semblance of decency and respect. After today, all of that would vanish like a shadow.
But even so, what could she do? As the Queen, she could only retreat and accept. She watched him silently, watching as he meticulously trimmed the woman’s jagged nails and used a whetstone to smooth away the burrs. A man like him, even while performing such a task, was elegant and gentle in every movement, his focus so deep and affectionate it was as if he were tending to the only love of his life.
It was a scene that could make any woman drown in devotion, but now, she was merely a bystander. She could only break down or remain silent. She slowly bowed. "This concubine... takes her leave." Every word was steeped in tears. Murong Yan did not turn around, merely waving a hand. "Go then."
***
Zuo Canglang slept until nightfall. When she startled awake, she practically bolted upright. Murong Yan was sitting by the couch, a volume of military strategy in his hand. Seeing her alarm, he said, "Why so jumpy?"
As he spoke, he reached out toward her. Zuo Canglang retreated rapidly to the inner corner of the bed. Murong Yan arched an eyebrow. "Come here."
She only continued to retreat until there was nowhere left to go, showing no intention of obeying. Murong Yan stood up. "Since you refuse to come here," he said, lunging forward and pinning her down in an instant, "then I shall have to go to you."
Zuo Canglang pushed against him with all her might. Murong Yan caught both her hands and laughed. "It is fortunate I had the foresight to trim these claws first. I already have one scratch on this side of my face; if the right side gets another, how would I explain it to the court tomorrow?"
Zuo Canglang didn't listen to a word he said, letting out a hoarse cry. When her struggling became too much, Murong Yan leaned down and kissed her. She clamped her teeth shut, and the metallic tang of blood instantly filled the air. Murong Yan let out a muffled grunt but did not pull away, slowly entwining his lips with hers. Then, he gently patted her back, waiting for her to calm down. Having not eaten a grain of rice for days, she didn't have the strength to struggle for long.
When she finally lost her strength, he said, "Will you eat something? You've slept for half the day; you must be hungry."
She didn't speak, closing her eyes and gasping for breath. Murong Yan didn't wait for an answer; he summoned a maid to bring a bowl of soup. Zuo Canglang was indeed hungry, drawn by the aroma. Murong Yan held the bowl and slowly fed her. However, she took only one sip before her head jerked aside, and she vomited everything back up.
A fit of dry heaving followed. Murong Yan was slightly stunned. He smelled the soup but found nothing wrong with it. He had no choice but to summon the physician again.
Zhao Zien arrived late in the night. After re-examining her, he was also at a loss. Eventually, they switched to plain white congee, which she finally managed to keep down.
By the time the commotion settled, the night was deep. Wang Yunzhao whispered, "Your Majesty, perhaps... you should return to your palace to rest?"
Murong Yan replied, "Tonight, I shall rest here."
Wang Yunzhao was stunned. He opened his mouth but ultimately didn't dare speak. After all, Zuo Canglang still held the title of Madam Wen. If the King was so blatant, how would he explain it to the Duke of Ding and the others?
Murong Yan seemed to know what he was thinking. "What? Is there someone in the palace who enjoys wagging their tongue?"
Wang Yunzhao quickly said, "To answer Your Majesty, the servants of Nanqing Palace are all veterans; their lips are sealed tight."
Murong Yan nodded and flicked his finger, signaling him to leave.
Throughout the night, Zuo Canglang drifted in and out of dreams, never sleeping soundly. Murong Yan didn't sleep either; he sat by the couch, reading by candlelight for half the night. Whenever she startled awake, he would pat her gently and soothe her with soft words until she fell back to sleep.
When he chose to be gentle, he possessed infinite patience and tolerance.
***
In Qifeng Palace, Jiang Bilan did not see him return. As the light of dawn began to break, she realized she had sat withered for the entire night. Murong Yan hadn't even sent someone to inform her.
Had he finally stopped playing the part of the devoted husband to his Queen?
A single tear rolled down her cheek as the red candles burned to their ends.
***
The next day, Yuan Xi and the others in the military received news that Zuo Canglang had been released and was temporarily staying in the palace. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief; regardless of the circumstances, it seemed she had escaped danger once again. However, Wen Xingye received a more troubling piece of information.
He no longer attended court, so if he wanted to know anything, he had to ask others. There weren't many in the military who attended court, and they were often away from Jinyang. Only Xia Changyou was someone he saw frequently and shared a friendship with.
Since Zuo Canglang had been imprisoned again, he had been constantly seeking news from Xia Changyou. Previously, Xia Changyou had been perfectly forthcoming, but after Zuo Canglang was released, he became hesitant.
Seeing this, Wen Xingye grew anxious. "Brother Xia! I am merely asking about my daughter-in-law's situation. Why are you being so vague? Has something happened to her?"
Xia Changyou quickly said, "Brother Wen, do not misunderstand. General Zuo is currently in the palace, and His Majesty treats her... as he always has. She is well, she is well."
Wen Xingye was skeptical. After a long silence, he said, "Brother Xia, Lord Xia. I am old now and have no influence left in court. If even you refuse to tell me the truth, I fear I shall remain in the dark for the rest of my life."
Xia Changyou looked conflicted. He merely said, "Brother Wen! This... it really isn't much of a thing, it's just..." He clicked his tongue, stopping himself, unable to continue.
Wen Xingye said, "Must I kneel and beg you?" He moved to lift his robes and drop to his knees. Xia Changyou was a kind-hearted man and couldn't bear to let him kneel. He quickly held him up, saying, "Brother Wen. Since it has come to this, I will not hide it. Recently, I have heard a rumor. But it is merely a rumor, without proof, so do not take it to heart."
Wen Xingye cupped his hands. "Please, speak."
Xia Changyou said hesitantly, "I heard that when General Zuo left the prison, she was carried all the way by His Majesty, and they entered the palace together in the Imperial Carriage." Wen Xingye froze. Xia Changyou gritted his teeth and continued, "Once back in the palace, His Majesty granted her residence in Nanqing Palace. He has been personally guarding her side, feeding her medicine multiple times. It is said that even when the Queen visited... he did not let anyone else touch the task."
Wen Xingye was stunned, his face slowly turning from red to white. His right hand gripped his cane so tightly that the veins on the back of his hand bulged. Xia Changyou quickly added, "I only heard this; it might just be idle gossip, not to be taken as truth."
Wen Xingye slowly cupped his hands in thanks. Without another word, he turned and left the Court of Judicial Review. Fearing something might happen, Xia Changyou chased him to the door, only to see the old man leaning on his cane, his silver hair fluttering in the wind as he walked with staggering steps.
***
Zuo Canglang recuperated in Nanqing Palace for several days, slowly recovering her strength. However, the lightness that once touched her brow never returned. Even in deep sleep, her eyebrows remained slightly furrowed. Murong Yan spent almost all his time after court at Nanqing Palace. Jiang Bilan tried to enter several times, but Wang Yunzhao blocked her at the door.
Finally, she chose a time when Murong Yan was at court to visit, but she was still blocked by the servants of Nanqing Palace. Jiang Bilan barked, "How dare you! I am the mistress of the inner palace. You dare to obstruct me?!"
The servants knelt but showed no intention of moving. They merely said, "To answer the Queen, His Majesty has decreed that the General's health has not yet recovered and she requires rest. No one is to be seen. Including..." The voice grew quieter at the end, but remained audible, "...including Your Majesty."
Jiang Bilan took a step back. Huiyun supported her, saying, "Your Majesty, since His Majesty has given such orders, perhaps it is best not to provoke his displeasure."
Jiang Bilan leaned on her shoulder to steady herself. After a long silence, she said, "Let us go back."
***
Di Lianzhong was still in Mayi City, currently in a very awkward position. He led a remnant force that could neither advance to attack nor was needed for defense, as Zhuge Jin was already guarding Mayi. But Murong Yan had not ordered his retreat, so he didn't dare leave his post.
For several days, no imperial edicts arrived from Jinyang. He knew Murong Yan was giving him the cold shoulder. After all, this was his first battle as Grand Marshal, and for it to turn out like this was truly humiliating. But he had his own grievances; he had no confidants in the army, and the soldiers didn't trust him.
Furthermore, the enemy generals knew the Yan army all too well. He felt as if he were stuck in a quagmire, almost powerless to strike back.
In Mayi City, Zhuge Jin and the others were thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. The veteran soldiers often pointed and whispered behind his back. More than once, he heard them discussing what would have happened if General Zuo were in charge. He was both ashamed and enraged, yet he had no outlet for his fury.
As the days passed, a deep resentment took root in his heart. If that Zuo Canglang had acted, would she have definitely taken Xiaoquan Mountain?
For some reason, he suddenly hoped that she would also suffer a defeat and return in disgrace. If that happened, would people stop looking at him, the Grand Marshal, with such eyes? Even though he had never met Zuo Canglang, the seeds of hatred were sprouting, growing into a forest of poisonous trees.
***
Zuo Canglang slowly recovered, but some lingering ailments had taken root. she could no longer tolerate the smell of anything fishy or greasy; even cold meat would make her vomit. She simply could not control it.
She also began to fear the cold. Two imprisonments, numerous battle wounds, and repeated physical trauma had left her body no longer as robust as before. Whenever the weather changed, her old wounds would ache dully. Fortunately, she was young and could still endure it.
One day in early April, the spring sun was shining brightly outside. Zhao Zien said, "The General's health has improved. Why not go out for a walk and soak in some sun?"
He could tell Zuo Canglang was in low spirits. How could she get better if she stayed cooped up in a cold palace?
Zuo Canglang nodded. She was not a willful person and did not wish to hide away in a gloomy room to wallow in sorrow. She slowly left Nanqing Palace, accompanied by a maid named Keqing, to walk around the palace grounds. The crabapples were in full bloom in April. As she walked through the vast sea of flowers, a figure approached slowly, accompanied by a maid.
It was Jiang Bilan.
Zuo Canglang slowly knelt. "Peace be upon the Queen."
Jiang Bilan stood before her and said, "It has been a few days. The General seems to have recovered well." Zuo Canglang remained silent. She still did not wish to clash with her. Even knowing the Queen had moved against her in the shadows, she continued to retreat step by step.
She remembered how, on the long streets of Jinyang, the Queen's small carriage had passed by, and Murong Yan had looked back... That single glance had become her nightmare countless times.
This woman was born of a family of officials, a noble lady. Naturally beautiful, she was skilled in chess, music, calligraphy, and painting. She was a woman of deep, unwavering love. She was the dream of every woman.
And she had been Zuo Canglang's dream as well.
Even now, when the daggers were drawn, she remained silent. After all, if not for her, this woman's love would have remained perfect and flawless for a lifetime.
Seeing her silence, Jiang Bilan smiled and said, "However, the General has stayed in the palace long enough. I fear you see His Majesty more often than I, his Queen. You are trampling the dignity of the Wen household under your feet."
Zuo Canglang ignored her. Suddenly, the maid Keqing behind her spoke up, "Your Majesty, the King has said that the General's old knee injuries often flare up and she should not kneel for long. Please, Your Majesty, allow the General to rise." As she spoke, she moved to help Zuo Canglang up.
Jiang Bilan was furious. "Where did this bold, lowly servant come from? Do you have any right to speak in my presence? Someone, slap her mouth!"
Behind her, Huiyun stepped forward, grabbed Keqing, and began slapping her across the face.
She showed no mercy. The red welts on Keqing's face became more pronounced until blood slowly trickled from the corner of her mouth. Zuo Canglang never turned her head, not even sparing a glance. Seeing her expression remain unchanged, Jiang Bilan thought she might not be familiar with the maid and signaled Huiyun to stop.
In public, she didn't dare do anything to Zuo Canglang. She could only walk past her slowly, saying, "General, remember this: my child's life will not be lost in vain."
Zuo Canglang finally turned her head, meeting her eyes. "Why the child in Your Majesty's womb lost its life is something this subject has also been wondering about."
Jiang Bilan averted her gaze, let out a cold snort, and walked away quickly.
Only then did Keqing step forward to help Zuo Canglang up. Seeing her mouth covered in blood, Zuo Canglang sighed softly. "She is the Queen, after all. You have to survive in this palace in the future; why defy her?"
Keqing said, "The General is a hero of the age! How can you let a woman like that humiliate you? Even if I lose my life, I must speak a word of justice!"
Zuo Canglang smiled faintly. "A hero of the age?"
Keqing's eyes lit up instantly. "I have heard many stories of the General! You fought against Xijing and won two great victories, even slaughtering the cities. You truly vented the frustration the people of Yan have held for years."
Zuo Canglang walked forward slowly. "There is no such thing as a justified slaughter in this world. So-called 'righteous causes' are merely excuses people find. For a general, fame and military achievements are but forms of sin."
Keqing followed behind her. "But the General kills enemies to protect our home and country! That is surely right!"
Zuo Canglang said, "To protect one's own home and country, one destroys the homes and countries of others. On the battlefield, there is no justice, and no right or wrong."
Keqing was stunned. Zuo Canglang said, "Let's go back. Look at the injury on your mouth, yet you still talk so much."
Returning to Nanqing Palace, Zuo Canglang specifically asked Zhao Zien to treat Keqing's wounds. The injuries weren't severe—after all, how much damage could a woman like Huiyun do with a few slaps? But the girl's cheeks were delicate, and the marks were startling.
Zuo Canglang waited by the side until Zhao Zien finished. She said, "I cannot stay in the palace forever. After I leave, I fear you will be targeted."
Keqing quickly knelt. "If the General does not find me unworthy, I am willing to stay by your side and serve you!"
Zuo Canglang said, "If I am in and out of military camps, how can I bring a maid? I will speak with Manager Wang and see if I can transfer you to serve in the Imperial Study. Under the King's eyes, you should be safe."
Keqing touched her forehead to the ground, giving a firm kowtow. "This servant is willing to follow the General. I beg the General to grant this!" She followed with several more kowtows.
Zuo Canglang thought for a moment and finally said, "Rise."
That night, when Murong Yan came again, she spoke to him about the matter. Murong Yan naturally didn't care; she was just a maid. With a wave of his hand, he granted the girl to her.
***
