Zuo Canglang rested for several days. She had sustained no external injuries, but her body remained frail. After a few days of recuperation, even if she was not in peak health, it was no longer apparent to others.
The next day, before dawn, palace attendants arrived to help her dress for the morning court session. When she appeared in the grand hall, the officials were not surprised. They were all seasoned schemers; who among them did not know that Murong Yan had personally carried her out of the Imperial Prison?
Her restoration to her former rank was only a matter of time. Even if Murong Yan intended to support Di Lianzhong, it was merely to divide her military authority, not to dismiss her entirely.
Jiang Sanyi walked over, a smile playing on his lips. "Seeing the General safe and sound brings peace to this official's heart."
Zuo Canglang glanced at him and said coolly, "I am grateful for your concern, Chancellor."
Beside them, Gan Xiaoru added, "The General has suffered a great ordeal this time, but it is well that the truth has been uncovered. The crime of harming the imperial lineage is no small matter. Though the General endured a few days of hardship in prison, her innocence has been restored."
The two Chancellors each had their own designs. If there was anyone in court who truly did not wish for Jiang Bilan to give birth to a prince, it was undoubtedly Gan Xiaoru. Currently, Jiang Sanyi’s clan had grown quite powerful. If Murong Yan were to name a son of Jiang Bilan as the Crown Prince, Gan Xiaoru would be destined to remain beneath Jiang Sanyi forever, with no hope of reversal.
While both sides harbored their own thoughts, Murong Yan ascended the throne. The day’s business still centered on Di Lianzhong’s defeat. Currently, the army was stalled at Mayi City, caught in a dilemma. Di Lianzhong had already sent three awkward missives requesting Murong Yan to decree his punishment.
Of course, he had also sent numerous secret letters to Jiang Sanyi pleading for help. Jiang Sanyi understood Murong Yan to some extent; the King’s current ambiguity was clearly intended to humiliate Di Lianzhong. However, since he was merely humiliating him, it meant he did not intend to discard him yet. It was a matter of "knowing shame before finding courage."
Thus, Jiang Sanyi had only replied to Di Lianzhong telling him to stay calm and wait patiently.
Now that Murong Yan had ordered Zuo Canglang back to court, it seemed he was ready to resolve the matter. Jiang Sanyi quickly stepped forward and petitioned, "Your Majesty, Grand Marshal Di Lianzhong has been at the border for many days, yet Xiaoquan Mountain remains untaken. Wasting grain and fodder is not a long-term solution. This official believes General Zuo is more familiar with the military. She frequently traveled to the northwestern border cities in the past and understands the terrain perfectly. It would be best to request General Zuo to return to Mayi City."
Murong Yan glanced at him. "I had long heard that the eldest son of the Jiang family was proficient in strategy and exceptionally brave. It seems those were merely rumors."
Jiang Sanyi’s aged face flushed red. He knelt and said, "Your Majesty’s reproach is just. My son is young and lacks experience; there are many areas where he must learn from General Zuo."
Murong Yan harrumphed coldly but did not press him further. He turned to Zuo Canglang. "How is your health, Beloved Minister Zuo? The Northwest is desolate and the winds are heavy with sand. The journey will surely be arduous."
Hearing this, the officials felt a bit strange. Aside from looking slightly pale, Zuo Canglang didn't seem to have any major ailments. Was this... another case of feigning illness to get out of prison?
Zuo Canglang stepped forward slowly. Di Lianzhong had suffered two defeats, losing over forty thousand soldiers, and was now idling at Mayi City, consuming supplies. Though Murong Yan hadn't said it, military situations were as urgent as fire; there had to be a reason for such a disastrous defeat.
She knelt and said, "This minister is willing to go to the border to assist Grand Marshal Di."
Murong Yan nodded. "Very well. You know Mayi City best. Di Lianzhong has been away from the battlefield for too long; this time, you shall be the Commander-in-Chief. He will serve as your assistant."
This declaration left everyone quite shocked. Since ancient times, when had a Grand Marshal ever served as a subordinate to a General of Agile Cavalry? This was a slap to Di Lianzhong’s face, and by extension, Jiang Sanyi lost face as well, as he was the one who had recommended the man.
Gan Xiaoru glanced at Jiang Sanyi. Zuo Canglang had been burdened with the crime of harming the imperial heir, yet she was released so quickly and immediately entrusted with a heavy responsibility. This was a stinging blow.
Jiang Sanyi’s expression was quite a sight. He was sharper than Gan Xiaoru and the others, and a seed of doubt grew in his mind—logically, Murong Yan intended to foster a faction to split the military power of the Wen family's old guard. Even if Di Lianzhong had lost a battle, why treat him with such coldness?
He could not understand it.
After the court session adjourned, Jiang Sanyi secretly sent word to Jiang Bilan. It happened to be her mother’s birthday, so Jiang Bilan took the opportunity to request a visit to her family home. Murong Yan agreed.
Upon her arrival at the Jiang residence, Jiang Sanyi barely finished his formal greetings before dismissing the attendants. He asked urgently, "There are matters I have wanted to ask you for a long time! What exactly happened with the child in your womb? Who gave you the idea to treat the life of an imperial heir as a mere game?"
Jiang Bilan’s expression slowly turned cold. She recounted Haiyun’s words and then sneered, "Back then, Father killed my first child. Who is to say this isn't retribution?"
Jiang Sanyi was choked for words. "Do I truly need to explain those matters to you again?"
Jiang Bilan fell silent. During her time in the palace, she had gradually come to understand some things. The struggles between humans were far more cruel than those between wild beasts. She said, "Since the child could not be saved, was I wrong to make use of it?"
"It wasn't just wrong," Jiang Sanyi said, "it was a catastrophic mistake!"
Jiang Bilan was slightly stunned. Jiang Sanyi continued, "Lan'er, have you ever considered how this matter looks in His Majesty's eyes? What will he think?"
Jiang Bilan replied, "Would he not think that woman is malicious for killing his child?"
Jiang Sanyi, frustrated by her lack of insight, said, "Lan'er! After Consort Rong passed away, Murong Yan spent over a decade in the palace. What schemes has he not seen? Back then, when the former Queen wanted him dead, did she use few tactics, whether overt or covert? How could your petty trick possibly deceive him?"
Jiang Bilan frowned deeply. "That's impossible. He was exceptionally furious at the time; he even kicked Zuo Canglang. He... he should have believed it. After all, no one knew the truth about the pregnancy's condition. Why would he suspect me?"
Jiang Sanyi said, "He believed it because he happened to need that opportunity to split military authority, to prevent the Wen family's old guard from holding sole control over the army and politics!"
Jiang Bilan slowly backed away. "Are you saying... he was merely acting?"
"What else do you think?" Jiang Sanyi countered.
Jiang Bilan said hurriedly, "But during those days, he was truly good to me. He... he ignored the impurity of the birthing chamber and came to Phoenix Nest Palace every day to accompany me. He stayed late every single night."
Jiang Sanyi sighed. "If he didn't do that, how could he show his grief over losing an imperial heir? If he weren't immersed in sorrow, how could the generals in the army not plead for Zuo Canglang? Lan'er, do you still believe even now that he would be heartbroken over the loss of an unborn child?"
Jiang Bilan nearly collapsed into her chair, her lips trembling. It took a long time before she could speak. "But it was truly his own flesh and blood..."
Jiang Sanyi said, "Let that matter be. The child couldn't be saved anyway. But in his eyes, he likely believes you killed the child to frame Zuo Canglang. Once a man views you that way, how wicked a woman will you be to him? Why do you not consult your father before acting in the palace?"
Sweat began to bead on Jiang Bilan’s forehead. "I..."
Jiang Sanyi continued, "And while Zuo Canglang was in prison, did you do something to her?"
Jiang Bilan bit her lip. "She was finally in prison. Shouldn't we have seized the opportunity?"
Jiang Sanyi laughed out of sheer anger. "Opportunity? Tell me, what opportunity did you actually gain?"
Jiang Bilan said, "We contacted the people in the Imperial Prison. If His Majesty had been two days later—just two days—we could have taken her life."
Jiang Sanyi slammed his hand on the table and stood up. Jiang Bilan jumped in shock. He pointed a finger at her, his face ashen with rage. "Stupid!"
"Father? What did I do wrong?" Jiang Bilan asked. "If that woman were dead, would we not be able to sleep without worry?"
Jiang Sanyi took a deep breath. "Did you also interfere the last time she was in prison?"
Jiang Bilan said, "The last time, we almost succeeded as well!"
Jiang Sanyi said, "Almost! You are 'almost' successful every time! Have you never wondered why?"
Jiang Bilan’s face slowly turned deathly pale. "Are you saying..."
Jiang Sanyi said, "You have people in the Imperial Prison, but whose people are the Imperial Prison staff? Lan'er! With your meager skills, you dared to play tricks in front of him?"
Jiang Bilan said, "But... but he never mentioned these things! If he knew, why did he never bring it up?"
Jiang Sanyi said, "Because in the palace, you are the Queen, and in the court, I am the Left Chancellor! He must never allow Zuo Canglang to feel even a shred of goodwill toward us! It is best for him if we are at each other's throats, locked in a fight to the death! Now that you have harmed her so in prison, if she leads the army to Mayi City, do you think she will spare your brother?!"
Jiang Bilan felt a chill through her entire body. Beside them, Lady Zheng also grew anxious. "Master, Qi'er is still in Mayi City! He has never been on a battlefield before. If Zuo Canglang intends to harm him, what shall we do? You must find a way!"
Jiang Bilan felt as if her tongue had gone stiff. She asked haltingly, "Father, what can we do now?"
Jiang Sanyi said, "I will first write a letter telling your brother to return to Jinyang claiming illness. Di Lianzhong is a veteran general and has always been cautious; he shouldn't suffer any mishaps. In the future, you must send someone to consult with me on everything in the palace. You must never act on your own again!"
Jiang Bilan suddenly burst into tears, the grievances of the past many days exploding all at once. "But I hate her! I hate her! His Majesty even acted intimately with her right in front of me, Father..." She threw herself into Jiang Sanyi’s arms like a child who had suffered a great injustice.
Jiang Sanyi patted her head and sighed softly. "Silly child. Do not be sad. This Zuo Canglang appears submissive before His Majesty, but she is incredibly stubborn. There will be other chances to deal with her. For now, you must yield. His Majesty needs her to fight at Xiaoquan Mountain; you must show the magnanimity of a Queen. Retreating to advance is nothing to be ashamed of."
Jiang Bilan said, "But..."
Before she could finish, Jiang Sanyi’s face darkened. "Will you listen to your father or not?"
Lady Zheng also urged, "My child, just listen to your father this once!"
Jiang Bilan pressed a silk handkerchief to her eyes, gently dabbing away her tears. "I will listen to Father."
Jiang Sanyi finally nodded. "In the palace, His Majesty’s opinion of you is what matters most. Therefore, you must not act rashly. I will plan everything for you. Whatever happens, you must inform me. Since Consort Rong’s death, my relationship with His Majesty has been distant, but I watched him grow up. I understand what kind of person he is better than you do."
He patted Jiang Bilan’s hand. "Do not be anxious. Though you are in the palace, you have the full support of the entire clan."
For the first time, Jiang Bilan felt a sense of stability. Even though she knew Jiang Sanyi was planning all this for the clan's interests, her heart settled for no reason. She said softly, "I want to see her skin scorched and her flesh rotten, walking step by step into an abyss from which there is no return."
Jiang Sanyi said, "You will. As long as you trust me and wait patiently."
***
In the palace, Murong Yan accompanied Zuo Canglang for lunch. Zuo Canglang could not stand the smell of fish or grease. Even though the Imperial Kitchen knew she used to enjoy heavy, oily dishes, they no longer dared to serve them. The meal was very light.
Murong Yan said, "Master Xue Zhan of Fachang Temple is rumored to have extraordinary medical skills. I will take you there this afternoon."
Zuo Canglang said, "It is no great matter. Perhaps I will be better in a few days."
Murong Yan said, "You are about to go on a campaign. Conditions in the army are crude; you cannot be this delicate." He took her hand and added, "You are always a cause for worry."
Zuo Canglang slowly withdrew her hand. "Since Your Majesty has ordered it, I shall go to Fachang Temple." Murong Yan nodded. Zuo Canglang then asked, "Your Majesty has been coming to Nanqing Palace every day lately. Do you not need to accompany the Queen?"
Murong Yan said, "The Queen has gone home to visit her parents. I imagine they will comfort her. You have no parents, so I must look after you more."
Zuo Canglang said, "Even now, does Your Majesty still believe I caused her miscarriage?" Murong Yan looked at her quietly. She stood up and said, "Her child was also Your Majesty’s child. Would I truly be so cruel to an unborn child?"
Murong Yan said, "Enough. I said nothing, yet you are the one getting aggressive."
Zuo Canglang said, "I simply do not understand. In Your Majesty’s eyes, am I truly such a wicked person?"
Murong Yan remained silent. After a long while, he said softly, "Sit down. Why are you shouting?"
Only then did Zuo Canglang realize she had lost her composure. She sat down slowly. There were no attendants nearby. He took a spoon and served her a bowl of soup. "Those who know would think you are speaking to your sovereign; those who don't would think you were yelling at a dog. You are becoming increasingly ill-mannered."
Zuo Canglang said angrily, "In any case, I did not harm her child!"
Murong Yan said, "Mm."
Zuo Canglang was stunned. "Your Majesty believes me?"
Murong Yan said, "A-Zuo, I have also just lost my child. My first child." Zuo Canglang froze. Murong Yan asked, "Must you be so confrontational with me at a time like this?"
Zuo Canglang fell silent. Only then did he say, "Eat quickly. After you finish, I will accompany you to Fachang Temple."
Fachang Temple was a temple built by the founding monarch of Great Yan and had a long history. The abbot, Master Xue Zhan, was now over seventy years old, yet his complexion was ruddy. Aside from his white eyebrows and long beard, he appeared quite young.
He was currently waiting at the mountain gate. Seeing Murong Yan approach, he hurried forward to bow. Murong Yan treated him with a fair amount of respect. "Master Xue Zhan, there is no need for such ceremony. I have brought General Zuo today, hoping for the Master’s enlightenment and guidance."
Xue Zhan pressed his palms together. "I dare not claim to enlighten. Since Your Majesty has commanded it, this old monk shall do his best."
Murong Yan nodded and took Zuo Canglang with him into the temple. Past the mountain gate, they were met with greyish-white stone steps.
The steps numbered four hundred and ninety. By the time Zuo Canglang reached the halfway point, she was breaking into a cold sweat. She pressed her hands against her knees to rest. Murong Yan frowned; her health had deteriorated significantly. In the past, would she have even spared a glance for such steps?
Zuo Canglang smiled bitterly, feeling stars dancing before her eyes. She said, "Your Majesty, must I go up? A person burdened with the slaughter of war may not receive the protection of the gods even if they stand before the Buddha. Why don't I..."
Before she could finish, her voice trailed off... Murong Yan leaned down, swept her up in his arms, and continued forward. Zuo Canglang was shocked, and the monks standing on either side were equally stunned. Master Xue Zhan uttered a "Namo Amitabha" and led the way without another word.
At that moment, sunlight filtered through the pine needles, scattering fragments of light across the long staircase. He carried her, step by step. The world seemed to turn upside down; it turned out that in this red dust, the willows were green, the flowers were lovely, and the spring light was just right. She gripped the lapel of his robe and whispered, "Your Majesty!"
Murong Yan chuckled. "It’s best to watch what you say right now, or I might just throw you down."
The monks all walked with their heads bowed, none of them daring to look.
As they neared the temple doors, Murong Yan set her down and entered with Master Xue Zhan as if nothing had happened. Zuo Canglang lingered at the entrance for a moment, then followed them inside. Master Xue Zhan led her to the main hall to offer incense. Zuo Canglang took the incense and knelt in prayer while Murong Yan stood to the side.
Xue Zhan asked, "Namo Amitabha. Will Your Majesty not offer a stick of incense?"
Murong Yan said, "No. Buddha saves those with whom he has a fated bond, but I am one without such a bond. Praying is useless."
Xue Zhan said no more, simply striking the wooden fish and chanting sutras softly. After Zuo Canglang finished her offering, Xue Zhan took her to a meditation room to brew tea and discuss Zen. Murong Yan did not enter, instead walking freely through the temple. It wasn't until evening that Zuo Canglang took her leave.
Murong Yan walked down the mountain with her, side by side, while Xue Zhan escorted them for a long distance. When they reached the foot of the mountain and Xue Zhan and the others had returned, Zuo Canglang finally asked, "Since Your Majesty does not believe in Buddha, why did you bring me here to pray?"
Murong Yan smiled. "People with empty souls always need something to rely on."
Zuo Canglang glared at him. He extended two fingers as if to poke her eyes and said, "Master Xue Zhan and I shared a teacher-student bond for two years. He is proficient in the ways of the world. There is no harm in you chatting with him."
Zuo Canglang was surprised. "Master Xue Zhan was once the Imperial Tutor? I heard that the Retired King once tried to appoint him as the National Preceptor, but he declined."
Murong Yan said, "When my mother was still alive, I also enjoyed great favor. It was not strange to be able to take him as my teacher."
Zuo Canglang fell silent. After that great favor came more than ten years of cold neglect. He had reached the clouds, only to fall back into the dust. Who could understand the hardships he had endured?
Murong Yan took her hand and continued walking. "What are your plans for Xiaoquan Mountain?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Last night, Manager Wang sent all the battle reports to Nanqing Palace. I have reviewed them. If Guzhu and Xijing join forces, we will be in significant trouble."
Murong Yan hummed in agreement. "Guzhu likely fears your reputation. Since that city would be taken by us anyway if they didn't give it to Xijing, they might as well hand it over to Xijing to draw us into a conflict with them."
Zuo Canglang said, "This was likely an idea proposed by someone Ren Xuan sent to persuade the King of Guzhu. Speaking of which, I would like to ask Your Majesty to grant me an advisor for this battle."
"Speak," Murong Yan said.
Zuo Canglang said, "Marquis Jinyu, Daxi Qin."
Murong Yan’s eyebrows shot up. He let go of her hand and harrumphed. Zuo Canglang said, "He is of the Northern Yu royalty. Though Northern Yu is gone, the people are still its former subjects. To take the lands of Yu, he is indispensable."
Murong Yan said, "Do I not know that? It’s just that this man is a surrendered official, and the fall of Northern Yu is inextricably linked to Great Yan. Do you think he will truly serve you?"
"He will," Zuo Canglang said. Murong Yan scrutinized her. Zuo Canglang felt puzzled. "Why is Your Majesty looking at me like that?"
Murong Yan said, "General Zuo is so confident. Could it be you have already brought this man under your skirt?"
Zuo Canglang was so angry she couldn't speak for a long time. Finally, she said, "Since Your Majesty thinks so, it seems I cannot use this man. In any case, I was born to be a general and should not fear death. When the time comes, I will simply fight to the death against Xijing, Guzhu, and Wuzhong."
Murong Yan only replied with one word: "Hmph!"
Zuo Canglang had no choice but to reason with him again. "Yu is gone, and its former lands are occupied by Guzhu, Wuzhong, and Xijing. There is no hope of restoration. Daxi Qin has nowhere to go but Great Yan. Furthermore, a man like him will not be content to spend his life in idleness. Now that there is a place for his talents, he will surely serve Your Majesty with all his heart. Your Majesty need not worry."
Murong Yan asked, "Who will be your lieutenant?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Wang Nan."
"Hmph," Murong Yan said.
Zuo Canglang asked, "Is this person also unacceptable?"
Murong Yan said, "Then General Zuo should remember to drink a bit less wine, lest you seek comfort on a subordinate's shoulder in the middle of the night again."
"..." Zuo Canglang took a deep breath. "They say temple sutras are best for calming the mind and nurturing one's character. Your Majesty went to Fachang Temple today, yet you've become much more acerbic."
Murong Yan said, "Today I saw through the surface and recognized the essence."
Zuo Canglang, annoyed, said, "Your Majesty is often tender and affectionate with the Queen. Yesterday you praised Keqing’s hands for being beautiful, yet I said nothing."
Murong Yan was not one to be outdone. "It is still not as much as the General. The General felt her subordinate's shoulder was sturdy and leaned right on. Although I gave a few words of praise, at least I didn't lay a hand on her."
The two of them bickered in low voices as they entered the palace. Once she realized what they had just been saying, Zuo Canglang suddenly found it a bit funny. For some reason, after the quarreling, those old grievances seemed to have been settled.
When she saw Keqing again, she couldn't help but glance at the girl's hands. Without saying a word, she began to laugh. Keqing was bewildered. Seeing her staring at her hands, she held them up to look. "General? What is it? Is there something wrong with my hands?"
Zuo Canglang turned to look at Murong Yan. Murong Yan said, "Leave us. You talk too much."
Keqing hurriedly bowed and retreated. Murong Yan stepped forward, gently circling her waist. "Still laughing."
Zuo Canglang said, "If Your Majesty wanted to 'lay a hand' on her, why bother sending her away?"
Murong Yan said, "It is precisely because I want to lay a hand on someone that it is inconvenient to have others around."
Zuo Canglang was slightly stunned as his hands slipped inside her robes. She was not wearing armor that day; her spring clothes were light and soft. Murong Yan slowly pressed her down onto the soft couch, his lips burning against her forehead.
Zuo Canglang’s smile slowly faded. Old grudges and new hatreds seemed to vanish within his pupils, as light and fleeting as passing clouds.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
雪盏 | Xue Zhan | Master monk and physician at Fachang Temple.
法常寺 | Fachang Temple | A historic temple built by the founder of Great Yan.
马邑城 | Mayi City | A border city where the Yan army is currently stationed.
小泉山 | Xiaoquan Mountain | The strategic location the Yan army is trying to capture.
狄连忠 | Di Lianzhong | The Grand Marshal (Taiwei) who suffered defeats at the border.
甘孝儒 | Gan Xiaoru | The Right Chancellor of Great Yan.
达奚琴 | Daxi Qin | Marquis Jinyu, a former prince of the fallen Northern Yu kingdom.
王楠 | Wang Nan | One of Zuo Canglang's trusted subordinate officers.
孤竹 | Guzhu | A neighboring state/tribe.
无终 | Wuzhong | A neighboring state/tribe.
西靖 | Xijing | A rival state, often in conflict with Great Yan.
任旋 | Ren Xuan | A strategist or figure associated with Xijing.
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