Zuo Canglang made her way outside Xihua Gate. A horse carriage had been hired and was waiting there, but a person was already standing beside it. Zuo Canglang paused in surprise. The figure was dressed in white, a sword held in her right hand, her expression lazy and relaxed.
"Feiyan!" Zuo Canglang called out in pleasant surprise.
She quickened her pace until she stood before Leng Feiyan. Wugu was also there, standing beside her. Leng Feiyan looked at her and said coolly, "This is quite cold of you. Leaving without even a word."
Zuo Canglang hesitated for a moment before saying, "I am leaving for personal reasons. I didn't want to involve any of you."
Leng Feiyan nodded. "I believe that if you’ve truly decided to go, you must have your reasons. I won't ask further." In truth, she saw through Murong Yan’s character far more clearly than Zuo Canglang did. That things had come to this was no surprise to her.
Zuo Canglang didn't want her to ask, either. When the three of them had first followed Murong Yan, it had never been for the sake of romantic entanglements. She said, "After I leave, you only need to be wary of the Duanmu family. Now that the righteous path of the martial world is in their hands, try to uncover as much of Duanmu Rou’s personal secrets as possible. If Yan Tower holds leverage over them, they shouldn't dare move against you for the sake of their reputation."
"Don't worry about me," Leng Feiyan replied. "It’s you I’m worried about. You look so frail now that a gust of wind could knock you over. Aren't you afraid of some petty villain ambushing you once you're alone outside the city?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "Even if someone is that impatient, they would at least wait until I’ve cleared the gates of Jinyang."
Leng Feiyan let out a great laugh. After she finished, she patted Zuo Canglang on the shoulder. "Come, this Tower Master shall take some time out of her busy schedule to see you off."
Zuo Canglang cupped her fists. "I am overwhelmed by the honor."
Laughing, Leng Feiyan boarded the carriage with her. Inside, there was an abundance of wine and food. Wugu took the driver's seat outside. Leng Feiyan poured a cup of wine for her and said, "Drink a little."
Zuo Canglang raised the cup and drank with her. Perhaps knowing her health was poor, the wine was not strong. It tasted sweet as it hit the throat, without any harshness.
A sliver of sunlight filtered into the carriage. In the outskirts of Jinyang, the mountain mists were enchanting and the spring flowers were in full bloom. Leng Feiyan remarked, "From now on, the sky is high for the bird to fly, and the sea is wide for the fish to leap. Ah-Zuo, I envy you."
"Are those your true feelings?" Zuo Canglang asked.
Leng Feiyan drained her cup. "Of course it’s a lie. I still prefer the power of life and death, the flash of blades and shadows of swords. I want the martial world to tremble when I sneeze."
Both women shared a laugh. Leng Feiyan then asked, "What are your plans for the future?"
"I am a person of leisure now," Zuo Canglang said. "I’ll go wherever the road takes me. What need is there for plans?"
Leng Feiyan turned her head and tossed a heavy pouch to her. "I know you view wealth as dirt, but once you leave the imperial court, you’ll discover the wonders of money. Don't refuse this, alright?"
Zuo Canglang caught it. "Feiyan..."
Leng Feiyan turned away and called out to Wugu, who was driving, "Stop once we reach the spot. Send this person on her way; looking at her is starting to annoy me."
Wugu slowed the carriage. They had already left Jinyang. On the official road beside them, another carriage was traveling parallel to Leng Feiyan’s. Suddenly, the curtain was lifted. Leng Feiyan said, "Go on. Even if someone was following us, they’ve lost the trail now."
Zuo Canglang gripped the pouch tightly. It was impossible not to be moved. Though they had spent more time apart than together over the years, their bond had never changed. She said, "I’m going."
Leng Feiyan turned her face slightly away and finally managed to say, "Take care."
Among the three of them, she had always been the most resolute. Yet now, she was the one leaving. It was because glory, wealth, power, and fame were never what she sought. Thus, the General whose name shook Great Yan was sent off only by the scenery of lakes and mountains.
***
Wugu drove the carriage down a different fork in the road. "It’s truly baffling that His Majesty would let her leave," he remarked.
"What’s so baffling about it?" Leng Feiyan said. "A chess piece that is no longer loyal is useless to keep. Better to be magnanimous and let her go."
"She loves the King of Yan, doesn't she?" Wugu asked.
Leng Feiyan shot him a look. "How would you know?"
"Her eyes," Wugu said. "When she looked at the King of Yan, there was a strange light in them. A light that seemed to gather all her spirit." Only those who had loved understood.
Leng Feiyan found this curious. "Is it that obvious?"
Wugu nodded. Leng Feiyan leaned in to look closely at him for a long time before saying, "There’s a light in your eyes too."
Wugu fell silent and turned his face away.
***
Jiang Sanyi had sent out three groups of people, but none had found any trace of Zuo Canglang. Initially, because Leng Feiyan was present, Duanmu Shang did not dare to act. Later, while following the carriage, they somehow lost the trail. By the time Duanmu Shang realized he had been tricked and rushed back to find the other carriage, it had already returned to the rental stable.
Searching further yielded nothing. The woman had vanished like a stone dropped into the ocean.
In the Palace of Yan, Jiang Bilan naturally received the news of Zuo Canglang’s resignation and departure. She was overjoyed. Since she was pregnant, Jiang Sanyi and Lady Zheng had been granted permission to visit her in the palace.
Inside the Phoenix Nest Palace, Lady Zheng said, "Finally, my daughter has eliminated a thorn in her side."
Jiang Bilan glanced at Jiang Sanyi. "Father, though she is gone now, there is no guarantee she won't return. Besides, that wench has always been skilled at manipulating His Majesty. Who knows if this is another one of her schemes? You must not be careless."
Jiang Sanyi replied, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. I have already sent people out, but for now... there is no news."
Jiang Bilan grew anxious. "How can there be no news? She is alone now; she must buy a horse, surely? I heard her health is terrible lately, so weak she can't even draw the Nine Dragon Bow. If we don't seize this opportunity to crush her completely, I fear she will stage a comeback one day!"
"I understand your concerns," Jiang Sanyi said. "But she knows the geography of Great Yan like the back of her hand. In this vast world, how easy is it to find someone who intends to hide? Moreover, if we are discovered by the people of Yan Tower, it would be disastrous."
Jiang Bilan snapped, "After all that talk, it’s just the Duanmu family’s incompetence! Otherwise, with Duanmu Rou as the Martial Arts Alliance Leader, why would we have to worry about some 'Yan Tower' at every turn?"
Jiang Sanyi sighed. "The people of Yan Tower are all desperate outlaws, while the Duanmu family is, after all, a prestigious martial clan. There is no comparison. You are currently with child, Your Majesty; do not let anger get the better of you."
Jiang Bilan touched her abdomen and slowly suppressed her temper. "Are we to just let her live in peace and arrogance then?"
"I have my own plans for this," Jiang Sanyi said. "Do not be impatient."
Jiang Bilan nodded, her tone softening. "Father, you work hard in the court, worrying about state affairs abroad and the family at home."
Jiang Sanyi said, "Your eldest brother is currently in the army. Though he is only a colonel, he has some military merit. He cannot stay in the army forever. For what comes next, I will need you to make some calculations."
"Naturally," Jiang Bilan said. "But I know nothing of military or political affairs. What can I have him do?"
Jiang Sanyi explained, "The former lands of Northern Yu are gradually being integrated into Yan territory. His Majesty must send his own people to govern them. Daxi Qin is, after all, a surrendered official; His Majesty will never allow him to govern the Yu lands. Therefore..."
Jiang Bilan understood. "Father means for me to recommend my brother to His Majesty for the position of Provincial Governor of Yu?"
Jiang Sanyi smiled and nodded slowly. Jiang Bilan said, "I shall do my best."
"You are pregnant now," Jiang Sanyi noted. "His Majesty will likely agree."
Jiang Bilan thought for a moment and then asked, "Speaking of which, there is one thing I have never understood." Jiang Sanyi signaled for her to continue. "That wench... ever since she returned from West Jing, she stayed in the palace. Not only did she have Huiyun beaten to death, but she rose through the ranks like a meteor. Just a few days ago, she was appointed Grand Marshal. She was at the height of her success—why would she suddenly resign and leave?"
Jiang Sanyi took a slow sip of tea. "Actually, people like her are the easiest to deal with."
When Jiang Bilan looked confused, Jiang Sanyi continued, "When His Majesty had Zhao Zien beaten to death, I felt something was wrong. Hai Yun and Zhao Zien had served in the palace for years. To be beaten to death on the spot simply because they failed to arrive at the South Clear Palace in time to examine her—wasn't that punishment far too severe?"
Jiang Bilan said, "At the time, His Majesty was in a towering rage..."
Jiang Sanyi shook his head. "He does not get into 'towering rages.' If he couldn't control his own temperament, he would have died at the hands of the deposed Queen Li long ago." Jiang Bilan froze. Jiang Sanyi continued, "The reason he did that was because there was a secret he had to silence them for."
Jiang Bilan’s eyes widened. "What secret?"
Jiang Sanyi looked at her. "A secret that could make Zuo Canglang lose all hope." He paused briefly before saying, "He ordered Hai Yun and Zhao Zien to misdiagnose the month of the child in Zuo Canglang’s womb."
Jiang Bilan gasped, stammering, "He... he knew all along..."
"He was as clear-headed as a mirror," Jiang Sanyi said. "While Zuo Canglang always thought his affection for her was out of some kind of love. She is a woman, after all. Even with her cleverness, she is ultimately limited by petty romantic notions; she can never achieve true greatness. It just so happened she sought out Jiang Xing for medical treatment. I merely chose the right moment to have Jiang Xing introduce Zhao Zien to her. She collapsed without a fight."
Jiang Bilan let out a long breath. "Father’s foresight is truly flawless."
"There was one flaw," Jiang Sanyi said. "I didn't expect her to vanish the moment she left Jinyang. Originally..." His eyes flashed coldly. "Originally, she was supposed to die on the Jin-Ji Highway, dissolved into a pool of bloody water by corpse-melting acid. But since the Duanmu family doesn't dare openly command the martial world to find her, this matter must remain confidential."
Jiang Bilan said, "With Father handling things, I truly have nothing to worry about."
"You never did," Jiang Sanyi said. "After all, even if she were here, even if she were six or seven months pregnant, so what? His Majesty still wants his eldest legitimate son to be born from the primary consort."
A smile finally spread across Jiang Bilan’s face. "It’s just that His Majesty’s feelings for her... letting her leave like this, I truly cannot swallow this resentment."
"I understand your heart," Jiang Sanyi said.
Sometimes, for a woman to hate another to the bone, deep-seated enmity isn't required.
After their conversation, Lady Zheng gave her daughter a long list of instructions regarding pregnancy. The mother and daughter chatted about domestic matters for a while, and as the day grew late, the couple left the palace for their estate.
Jiang Bilan was in a good mood. She ordered the kitchen to prepare Murong Yan’s favorite dishes. Despite her pregnancy, she changed into a bright set of palace robes and had her maids redo her makeup, waiting for him beautifully.
Murong Yan was in his study. Since Zuo Canglang’s departure, he seemed entirely normal. He didn't lose his temper, nor did he ever mention her.
Seeing that it was getting late, Wang Yunzhao said, "Your Majesty, the hour is late. Her Majesty at the Phoenix Nest Palace must have prepared dinner. Will Your Majesty go and dine with her?"
Murong Yan set down his brush. "I will."
Wang Yunzhao breathed a sigh of relief and rose to lead the way.
They walked in silence to the Phoenix Nest Palace, where Jiang Bilan was naturally full of attentive service. The servants brought the dishes. Murong Yan sat at the head of the table, and Jiang Bilan served him soup. He took a few sips and asked, "How has the Queen’s health been lately? Is your appetite well?"
Jiang Bilan replied with a hint of shyness, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My appetite has been good lately. The imperial physicians also say the pregnancy is very stable."
Murong Yan nodded. "That is good." He said nothing else.
Jiang Bilan placed some food in his bowl. "Your Majesty, try this. How is the Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish?"
Murong Yan took one bite, then stood up. "I still have matters to attend to. I won't stay long. Take good care of yourself, Queen."
Jiang Bilan was startled. "Your Majesty just arrived. Why are you in such a hurry to leave?"
"I suddenly remembered something I haven't handled," Murong Yan said casually. With that, he turned and left the Phoenix Nest Palace. Jiang Bilan followed him for a few steps before slowly coming to a halt.
Having lost that person, it was as if he had lost his only audience. He was no longer willing to even perform the act of false tenderness. Her eyes filled with tears. In truth, the Brother Yan of her childhood had long since died in those cold, magnificent palace walls years ago.
He had put on a mask, and over time, the face and the mask had grown together. Thus, he was gentle and considerate, he was loyal and unwavering, he was virtuous and wise. But the man beneath the mask dripped with venom, his love and his sincerity long since corroded away.
Later, a girl had appeared. She looked up at him as if he were a god, willing to tear out her heart and lungs to offer him everything. He had noticed—not only her sincerity but also her value. So, he did his best to hide the hideous self beneath the mask, letting her see only that gentle, smiling face.
She was intoxicated by her own love, deeply in love with the persona he had fabricated. She admired his devotion, so he became devoted, taking back Jiang Bilan and doting on her alone in the harem with unwavering affection. She loved his courage, so he fought West Jing with all his might; even when the treasury was empty and he was in a desperate situation, his will to fight remained fresh.
And so, his performance became more and more exquisite. Eventually, he even began to believe he was that person. He forgot that the man beneath the mask, whose flesh was rotting, was becoming increasingly cruel and lonely.
Then, the audience who had always clapped and cheered for him left.
He stood on the stage, watching her receding figure, singing the unfinished lines of the opera. Though he still remembered the lyrics and the melody, his interest had ultimately withered away.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 燕楼 | Yan Tower | The secret organization/assassin group led by Leng Feiyan. |
| 端木家族 | Duanmu Family | A powerful martial arts clan. |
| 端木柔 | Duanmu Rou | The Martial Arts Alliance Leader from the Duanmu family. |
| 巫蛊 | Wugu | Leng Feiyan's companion/subordinate. |
| 九龙舌 | Nine Dragon Bow | A powerful legendary bow (literally "Nine Dragon Tongue"). |
| 刺史 | Provincial Governor | A high-ranking regional administrative official (Cishi). |
| 俞地 | Yu Territory | The lands of the conquered Northern Yu kingdom. |
| 太尉 | Grand Marshal | One of the highest military ranks (Taiwei). |
| 姜散宜 | Jiang Sanyi | The Prime Minister and father of Queen Jiang Bilan. |
| 姜碧兰 | Jiang Bilan | The Queen of Yan. |
| 栖凤宫 | Phoenix Nest Palace | The Queen's residence. |
| 绘云 | Huiyun | A maid previously killed by Zuo Canglang. |
| 赵紫恩 | Zhao Zien | An imperial physician killed by Murong Yan. |
| 海蕴 | Hai Yun | An imperial physician killed by Murong Yan. |
| 姜杏 | Jiang Xing | A doctor/relative of the Jiang family used in the plot. |
| 化尸水 | Corpse-melting acid | A fictional alchemical substance used to dissolve bodies. |
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