As December arrived, Zuo Canglang remained still, making no sudden moves. Although Feng Ping was intent on making things difficult for her, he had no authority to enter Nanqing Palace himself. For a time, no further conflicts erupted between the two sides. As the weather grew colder, she had Keqing and Weiwei move into the inner hall with her. The three of them huddled together under three cotton quilts, finally finding a modicum of warmth.
One day, the sky finally cleared. With the Spring Festival approaching, the palace was festooned with lanterns and streamers. Delicate silk flowers were tied to the leafless, barren branches, creating an air of festivity. Zuo Canglang stood by the window as the winter sun peeked through the haze. She reached out, catching a flickering ray of light in her palm.
Keqing and Weiwei appeared with rags and brooms. Zuo Canglang asked, "What are you doing?"
Weiwei replied, "The Spring Festival is almost here. We’re going to clean the palace so the General can have a proper New Year."
"It is indeed time to 'clean,'" Zuo Canglang said. As the two were about to start, she added, "Pile all the fallen leaves in the center of the courtyard."
The two girls exchanged a look, neither understanding her intent. Zuo Canglang stepped out to do it herself. The courtyard was filled with withered branches and fallen leaves, looking utterly desolate. She caught several spiders and released them into the chambers, allowing webs to begin forming in the corners.
Next, she scattered soil across the floors and swept it lightly with a broom until the tables and chairs were coated in a fine layer of dust.
Confused, Keqing asked, "General, what is this for?"
"Give me your hands," Zuo Canglang said.
The two girls extended their hands. Because the hall was freezing in the dead of winter, both were suffering from chilblains. Zuo Canglang inspected them for a moment, then ordered them to pick some blooming cineraria from outside. She crushed the flowers into juice and applied it to their sores. The purple floral juice smeared over the swollen chilblains made the wounds look ghastly and horrific.
The two girls looked at each other but said nothing, simply following her instructions.
By the afternoon, someone suddenly entered from outside, announcing loudly, "General Zuo, His Majesty is approaching Nanqing Palace. Please prepare to receive him."
The voice was shrill—clearly an attendant.
Weiwei was so excited she dropped her broom and ran inside to report, "General! General! His Majesty is coming! Quick, change your clothes and prepare to receive him!"
"Receive him for what?" Zuo Canglang said. "Remove two of the quilts." Weiwei complied, rushing to grab them, but Zuo Canglang added, "Leave only the thinnest one."
Before long, the sound of footsteps echoed outside. Murong Yan entered Nanqing Palace, accompanied by Yuan Xi, Wang Nan, and others. He had not visited for nearly a month. Now, with the Spring Festival nearing, most of the military commanders had returned to the capital to report on their duties. On such an occasion, it was impossible for Zuo Canglang not to appear. Moreover, since the generals had finally returned to Jinyang, how could they not come to pay their respects to her?
Naturally, someone would eventually come to check on Nanqing Palace.
As the palace doors swung open, it wasn't just the generals who were stunned—even Wang Yunzhao gasped. The courtyard was a mess of swirling dead leaves and thick dust; green moss even clung to the stone steps, making the place look abandoned. This... in just one month, how had Nanqing Palace become so desolate?
Yuan Xi and the others were horrified. Since returning from West Jing, had Zuo Canglang been living like this?
Murong Yan turned and shot a glance at Wang Yunzhao. "Is the palace lacking servants to sweep and clean?"
Wang Yunzhao didn't dare utter a sound. This was impossible. No matter what, two palace maids had been left here to serve her, and Zuo Canglang was never one to demand much. How could the courtyard have fallen into such ruin?
Upon entering the inner hall, they saw window frames caked in dust and thick spiderwebs. At this, the expressions of Yuan Xi and the others turned grim. Ignoring Murong Yan’s presence, Xu Lang demanded, "Chief Steward Wang, does our General truly live here?"
Inside the inner hall, Zuo Canglang lay on the bed, coughing fitfully. Outside, the air was cold enough to turn breath into frost, yet here she was, covered by only a single thin quilt. The two maids knelt to receive the King.
Murong Yan said in a low, heavy voice, "You two certainly know how to serve your master."
Wang Yunzhao quickly interjected, "You two are stationed in this palace—do you never clean the rooms?"
Weiwei and Keqing exchanged a glance. Keqing kowtowed first, saying, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the General’s health has been poor lately. she often wakes from nightmares in a state of shock, so the inner chambers can never be left unattended. We... we truly could not manage everything... Several times we wanted to ask the eunuchs outside for help, but when the General was gravely ill, the guards wouldn't even let us call for a physician, let alone help with such trifles. We had no other choice... We beg Your Majesty for mercy!"
The generals all sucked in a sharp breath. As Keqing kowtowed with her hands pressed against the floor, the chilblains stained with purple juice were exposed. Murong Yan stood before her and said softly, "Lift your head."
Startled, Keqing slowly looked up. Murong Yan crouched down and gently lifted her hand. The sight of the swollen, purple, and gruesome sores was shocking. He turned his gaze toward Wang Yunzhao and said, "The Imperial Academy of Medicine has certainly done a fine job."
Wang Yunzhao didn't dare speak. Yuan Xi, no longer caring about propriety between men and women, rushed to the bedside. He didn't dare touch Zuo Canglang but called out repeatedly, "General? General?"
Zuo Canglang covered her mouth, coughing for a long time before she finally caught her breath. "Is that Yuan Xi? You're back?"
Yuan Xi’s eyes welled with tears. The quilt on the bed was so thin—how could it possibly ward off the cold in this weather?
Behind him, Wang Nan, Xu Lang, and the others were filled with grief and indignation. Wang Nan turned and knelt before Murong Yan. "Your Majesty, what crime has the General committed to be imprisoned here like this? In the battle of Xiaoquan Mountain, our General won a great victory. To save forty thousand brothers, she was captured by the enemy. After returning to court, we trusted that Your Majesty was a wise and just ruler who would never mistreat a commander, so we never questioned her status. But... for Your Majesty to treat the General like this, Wang Nan refuses to accept it!"
Murong Yan’s face turned ashen. At this moment, in this setting, the state of the palace felt like a resounding slap to his face.
On the bed, Zuo Canglang sat up and called out, "Wang Nan!"
Yuan Xi and the others abandoned all court etiquette and crowded around the bed. Zuo Canglang’s long hair hung loose; her face was haggard, and her lips were exceptionally pale from the cold. She asked, "You’ve all returned?"
Yuan Xi stepped forward. Seeing her thin clothing, the towering man’s eyes reddened. "General! While we were away, we had no idea you were suffering such hardships in the palace."
Zuo Canglang said, "Why didn't you send word before coming? We finally meet again; don't make me play the host in such a state."
Yuan Xi turned back and knelt before Murong Yan. "Your Majesty, I do not know what crime our General has committed. I beg Your Majesty to speak plainly. I was present during the battle of Xiaoquan Mountain. If Your Majesty has any grievances, I might know a thing or two. If there is truly a crime, it is certainly not the General's alone."
Murong Yan glanced at Zuo Canglang and said slowly, "The General is not only innocent but has performed great service. I have been occupied with many affairs lately and could not find the time to visit Nanqing Palace. I did not know there were people so audacious as to mistreat the General to this extent right under my nose." He then looked at Wang Yunzhao and said sternly, "This matter must be investigated to the end. Not a single person shall be spared!"
Wang Yunzhao bowed hastily. "Yes!"
As soon as he spoke, Yuan Xi added, "Your Majesty, since there are those in the palace who cannot tolerate her, I fear it is no longer suitable for the General to reside in the inner palace for the time being. I beg Your Majesty’s permission for the General to return to the Wen Manor to recover."
As he spoke, Wang Nan, Xu Lang, Yuan E, and the others all knelt to plead the same. Murong Yan said slowly, "The General’s cooperation is needed to identify those involved in this case. She shall not leave the palace yet."
Since he put it that way, the men could say no more. Murong Yan’s expression was grim as he looked at Wang Yunzhao again. "I want to know by this afternoon exactly what has happened in Nanqing Palace during this time!"
Wang Yunzhao knelt. "It is all this servant’s fault! I will investigate strictly at once!"
Murong Yan said no more and turned to leave.
Zuo Canglang draped a cloak over her shoulders and sat up. After seeing off the King, Yuan Xi and the others returned. The seven-foot-tall men held her hand, feeling only heartache and desolation. Zuo Canglang looked at each of them in turn and asked, "How many brothers did we lose in the battle of Suye City?"
Wang Nan replied, "General, when our army retreated from Suye City, even though we were prepared, over five thousand men perished in the city. We tried to denounce Di Lianzhong, but Master Daxi told us to keep our mouths shut."
Yuan Xi added, "That dog Di Lianzhong! After you were captured, he seized our military authority. Daxi Qin even stopped us from rescuing you and wouldn't let us mention his collusion with the enemy to His Majesty! This resentment is truly suffocating!"
Zuo Canglang said, "Master Daxi was right."
"What?" Yuan Xi was stunned.
Zuo Canglang explained, "In the city that day, although we saw Di Lianzhong, the light was dim. From a distance, it’s possible we were mistaken. He could easily claim it was an enemy imposter. We have no evidence, yet we intended to charge the Grand Marshal with treason—that is impossible. If you had insisted on the accusation, it would have been too easy for others to slander you instead."
Yuan Xi fumed, "Are we just going to let that bastard get away with it? General, five thousand of our brothers died in our own city! And then there's you..."
Zuo Canglang said, "He is a tree with deep roots. Simply cutting him down won't be enough."
Yuan Xi froze, about to ask more, but Zuo Canglang said, "You have all returned from a long journey. I should have welcomed you with warm wine, but as I am currently unkempt, I will say no more. These are turbulent times; you must be cautious in your words and deeds, both in the palace and at court. If there is anything I cannot attend to, consult more with Master Daxi."
Xu Lang stepped forward. "General, these petty people in the palace have harmed you so. Do you truly intend to keep staying here? If you give the word, we brothers are all here—we will snatch you out of this palace even if we have to fight for it."
"Nonsense," Zuo Canglang said. "Go back, all of you. You have already resolved my predicament."
Though Yuan Xi and the others were still worried, she was their backbone. Since she had spoken, they took their leave for the time being.
In the Royal Study, Murong Yan was in a towering rage. Under Wang Yunzhao’s detailed investigation, every matter concerning Nanqing Palace—large and small—was laid out before him. Jiang Bilan had embezzled the palace's provisions; for over a month, Zuo Canglang had almost no charcoal, and her maids had nothing to keep them warm. The quality of their food was appalling.
Furthermore, the Imperial Physician and the Assistant Physician had barely set foot in Nanqing Palace after the first day. All those involved were seized and forced to kneel before the palace. As Wang Yunzhao reported each item, the faces of the accused turned deathly pale.
Murong Yan roared, "What use is such an Academy of Medicine! Men, take the Imperial Physician Hai Yun and give him eighty strokes of the heavy staff! The Assistant Physician Zhao Zien shall receive the same! As for those in the Imperial Kitchen responsible for Nanqing Palace’s meals—beat them all to death!"
Hai Yun and Zhao Zien were horrified. Several eunuchs from the Imperial Kitchen were dragged out, and over a dozen people cried out their innocence in unison.
When the news reached Qifeng Palace, Jiang Bilan was anxious and restless. She asked her maid, Huiyun, "His Majesty is truly in a dragon's rage this time. Do you think his anger will fall on us?"
Huiyun was also panicked. "Your Ladyship, I heard His Majesty had Hai Yun beaten. Should you discuss this with the Prime Minister..."
Jiang Bilan nodded. While sending someone to deliver a message outside the palace, she said, "Should we... go take a look? Hai Yun won't say anything he shouldn't, will he?"
Huiyun brought her a cloak. Just as the group stepped out of Qifeng Palace, they encountered Zuo Canglang, who was coming from Nanqing Palace. Jiang Bilan suppressed her unease and lifted her head haughtily to stare her down. Zuo Canglang met her gaze calmly.
Jiang Bilan was slightly taken aback. Before this, Zuo Canglang had always been patient and submissive, never looking her in the eye. She gritted her teeth and said, "Don't think that a mere ruse of self-harm can change anything. You are nothing but a family slave to His Majesty, and a servant to this Queen. You always will be."
Zuo Canglang kept her hands tucked in her sleeves, wrapped in a heavy cloak. She didn't stop walking, only saying softly, "Is that so?"
Murong Yan had summoned her to Dezheng Hall to deal with those involved in the Nanqing Palace case. Regardless of his feelings, he had to give the military an explanation. Jiang Bilan walked alongside her; as the Queen, she naturally walked ahead of Zuo Canglang. She whispered, "Do you think His Majesty didn't know I would make things difficult for you? He never questioned it because he loathes you! The more people you implicate, the more furious he will become."
Zuo Canglang said, "Is that so?"
Jiang Bilan snapped, "If you don't believe me, just wait and see!"
Zuo Canglang smiled and suddenly said, "Your Majesty, you will be seeing Lord Jiang soon, won't you? If you do, please tell him this for me: the blood of my child may have been shed in vain, but for the blood of the five thousand soldiers at Suye City, someone will surely pay the price."
Jiang Bilan froze in her tracks.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
瓜叶菊 | Cineraria | A type of flowering plant used by Zuo Canglang to fake the severity of chilblains.
小泉山 | Xiaoquan Mountain | The location of the battle where Zuo Canglang was captured.
宿邺城 | Suye City | The city where the Yan army suffered a betrayal and heavy losses.
德政殿 | Dezheng Hall | Hall of Virtuous Governance; a primary administrative hall in the palace.
栖凤宫 | Qifeng Palace | Palace of the Perching Phoenix; the residence of the Queen (Jiang Bilan).
太医令 | Imperial Physician | The head of the Imperial Academy of Medicine.
太医丞 | Assistant Physician | A high-ranking official in the Imperial Academy of Medicine.
绘云 | Huiyun | Jiang Bilan's personal maid.
狄连忠 | Di Lianzhong | The Grand Marshal (Taiwei) accused of collusion with the enemy.
达奚琴 | Daxi Qin | A strategist/advisor (Master Daxi) associated with Zuo Canglang's faction.
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