The winds of May already carried a hint of warmth. Since leaving the Phoenix Nest Palace, Murong Yan had remained silent. In truth, his mood was not particularly foul. Currently, Zhou Xin held the reins of the military; once the territory of Yu was reclaimed, he could be appointed Grand Marshal. Within the court, Jiang Bilan was soon to give birth to his flesh and blood.
Over the past two years, Great Yan had been blessed with favorable weather. While the common people could not be called wealthy, the tragic sight of corpses littering the fields from starvation had at least vanished. The populace of Great Yan was quite satisfied with this King of Yan.
He could find no reason for his melancholy.
He simply walked slowly through the cold, quiet palace grounds, and before he knew it, he had passed by Nanqing Palace once again. He knew he should not enter; lingering there was entirely meaningless. Thus, he truly did not go in. As he walked past the exterior, wild roses peeked over the palace walls, their buds drooping toward him, exhaling a faint, ghostly fragrance.
The flowers and leaves brushed against his shoulder. He glanced back and said softly to Wang Yunzhao behind him, "There is no need to keep these weeds and wild flowers in the palace. Clear them all out."
Wang Yunzhao hurriedly bowed. "Understood."
Just as he turned to summon the Imperial Guard, Murong Yan suddenly said, "Forget it."
For a moment, Wang Yunzhao could not fathom his thoughts. Murong Yan strode forward. Indeed, if a person’s will was steadfast, how could they be disturbed by external things? What did it matter if a few wild vines remained? He paid them no more mind.
At the Wen Mansion, after Zuo Canglang’s departure, both Wen Xingye and the Old Madam had been unable to sleep for several nights. Wen Xingye called Keqing and Weiwei before him and said, "When she left, she charged me to treat you both well. Now, there is no place for you in the Wen Mansion. Whether you stay or go, decide for yourselves."
Tears nearly fell from Weiwei’s eyes. "She was leaving—why didn't she take us with her?"
Wen Xingye always held those of loyalty and righteousness in high regard, whether they were masters or servants. Hearing this, he said gently, "She is someone who yearns for freedom and leisure. It would be inconvenient for her to wander the ends of the earth with you in tow. Do you have plans for your future?"
Weiwei wiped her tears. "I want to stay in the Wen Mansion and serve the Master and Madam."
Wen Xingye replied, "That is fine. However, I have not been involved in court affairs for a long time; I am nothing more than a senile old man now. If you are willing, once you come of age, I shall find a good family for you to marry into."
Weiwei choked up and said nothing. Keqing lowered her head, not daring to look at those around her. She whispered, "Duke of Ding, I... I originally came from the palace. I wanted to follow the General, but now that she has left, I... may I... return to the palace?"
Wen Xingye was not surprised. "You may. I shall have Chief Manager Wang send someone to fetch you."
Keqing still felt a sense of guilt. Hearing this, she knelt and bowed. "Thank you, Duke of Ding."
Weiwei grew anxious. "Keqing, only the Queen is in the palace now. If you go back, who knows how she will make things difficult for you? How can you..."
Keqing did not meet her eyes. "I have thought it through. Now that the General has gone far away, the Queen likely won't bother making things difficult for a lowly maid like me."
Her voice was very steady, and Weiwei said no more. That afternoon, Wang Yunzhao sent a eunuch to lead her back into the palace. Although she had failed in the previous poisoning attempt, Wang Yunzhao did not treat her too harshly. After all, Zuo Canglang had already left, and Murong Yan had no interest in dealing with a mere palace maid.
Currently, there was no Empress Dowager or other concubines in the palace, which naturally reduced the number of conflicts. Keqing was assigned to clean the grounds of Nanqing Palace. No one lived here, so few people visited. She often stared blankly at the wild roses covering the walls. Those flowers possessed a tenacious vitality, climbing and spreading until the entire palace courtyard was submerged in a sea of blossoms.
The vines were tangled and climbing; they could not be cut away.
At first, she had hoped that perhaps Murong Yan would frequently visit this place to reminisce because of Zuo Canglang. But he did not. From the moment she entered Nanqing Palace, Murong Yan had not come even once. It was as if nothing and no one here was worth remembering.
Just like all the people, events, and places he had passed through in his life.
Memories were but grains of sand; from birth to death, not a single pearl could be panned from them.
After Zuo Canglang stepped down from the Yan Tower carriage, she immediately took the mountain paths of Panlong Valley, bypassing Jinyang City to head toward Jade Throat Pass. Very few people at Jade Throat Pass recognized her—almost none.
Furthermore, Jiang Sanyi and the others were certain she would head west. After all, many generals in the western army were her former subordinates. Without a doubt, she would be much safer there. Consequently, everyone seeking her, including Jiang Sanyi and the Duanmu clan, was searching toward the west.
Jade Throat Pass was near Mount Yilu, with the Kunlun River flowing below. Since ancient times, this place had been known for its mystery, with many beautiful legends circulating. It was said that the end of the Kunlun River connected to the Guixu Underworld.
In recent years, the eastern borders of Great Yan had been relatively peaceful. Tribes like the Tuhe and Donghu occasionally caused disturbances, but they were minor skirmishes. They were nomadic tribes who could not leave the grasslands. Occasionally, they would cross over to raid for grain and wealth before retreating back to Mount Yilu.
As a result, the defenses here were much more relaxed by comparison.
Zuo Canglang traveled slowly. Her health was poor, and she had no urgent business, so she enjoyed the scenery along the way without feeling exhausted.
After traveling like this for two months, she froze just as she descended the Panlong mountain range. A man stood guarding the mountain pass, dressed in monk’s robes and straw sandals, his beard completely white. Zuo Canglang recognized him. She stepped forward and gave a deep bow. "Master Xuezhan? What a coincidence to find you at Jade Throat Pass."
Xuezhan returned the greeting. "It is no coincidence. This old monk has been waiting here for the General for over a month."
Zuo Canglang was surprised. "Master is waiting for me? Is there something the matter?"
Xuezhan said, "The General should not have left."
Zuo Canglang’s smile faded slightly. "If Master has come to persuade me, then there is no need for further words."
Xuezhan sighed and indeed said no more on the subject. He only said, "If the General’s mind is made up, this old monk has a box of pills here to nourish the blood and replenish qi. The battle wounds on the General’s body still require care." Zuo Canglang did not reach out to take them. Had he come here on Murong Yan’s orders?
If so, was this box of medicine truly meant to nourish her?
Heavens, she could no longer bring herself to trust him.
She said, "I appreciate Master’s kindness. However, one should not accept rewards without merit; I shall decline the medicine." Having said that, she continued down the mountain. Master Xuezhan sighed and followed her down.
At the foot of the mountain was a small village of stone houses with thatched roofs, inhabited by about twenty households. Zuo Canglang liked such secluded places where she could avoid prying eyes. However, just as she reached the village entrance, she heard a burst of crying. Her brow furrowed as she saw a child wailing loudly inside a stone house.
Several villagers stood in the courtyard, whispering with heads bowed, their faces filled with anxiety. From time to time, the tragic screams of a woman drifted out.
Zuo Canglang frowned and stepped forward to ask, "What happened?"
Someone turned around. Seeing it was a woman, he couldn't help but say, "Sister Li is giving birth. It’s been a day and a night, and the babe won't come down. I fear this is..." Seeing she was a stranger, he asked, "Who are you?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Just a passerby looking for a bowl of water."
The man gave a distracted reply. Though he was frantic, he pointed to the well. "My mind is in a mess and I cannot host you; help yourself to the water. There are steamed buns in the kitchen," he pointed toward the kitchen, "take what you need."
Zuo Canglang drew the water herself. The mountain spring water was very sweet. She took a few sips, listening as the laboring woman’s voice grew increasingly faint. There was no midwife in the village, only women who had given birth several times looking after her.
A moment later, a woman came out and said to the men outside, "It’s bad! Sister Li isn't going to make it!"
A silence fell over the crowd. A man let out a great cry and rushed into the delivery room.
Zuo Canglang thought for a moment, set down the water ladle, and entered the room. Indeed, on a crude bed inside, a woman with a large belly lay under a cloth, her hair soaked with sweat, her breath failing.
A man who seemed to be her husband held her, crying out repeatedly. Zuo Canglang stepped forward slowly and reached out to gently touch the woman’s belly. The fetus was still alive. However, after struggling for a day and a night, she no longer had the strength to give birth.
The villagers were all frantic, and no one noticed her. She suddenly rushed out—Master Xuezhan had descended the mountain with her; he couldn't have gone far! He was skilled in medicine; perhaps he could save this woman.
Though Master Xuezhan was old, his pace was not slow. Furthermore, there were many forks in the mountain paths; it was impossible to tell which way he had gone. Zuo Canglang deeply regretted not paying attention earlier. She could only search aimlessly, occasionally shouting, "Master Xuezhan—!"
Her voice echoed through the empty mountains and desolate valleys, carrying far, and the mountains joined in the call.
After searching for a while, Zuo Canglang was at her limit. With her current constitution, such strenuous activity made her heart race wildly, and she struggled to catch her breath. Fortunately, at that moment, a voice suddenly spoke behind her: "For what reason does the General call for this old monk?"
Zuo Canglang could not say a word at first, but knowing time was of the essence, she forced herself to speak. "In the village ahead... a woman in difficult labor. She’s almost gone."
Upon hearing this, Master Xuezhan’s brow furrowed. "Lead the way!"
Zuo Canglang truly could not walk anymore. "Go east... about four or five li. Master must be quick; I saw her vital energy is already extremely weak."
Master Xuezhan ignored all else, hoisted her onto his shoulder, and utilized his lightness skills, skimming over the grass. In about fifteen minutes, the village was before them. Zuo Canglang said, "This is the place."
Master Xuezhan was about to enter when he suddenly stopped. "Mountain folk are stubborn. I fear they won't let a man treat a woman in labor. Even if they agree, it might be hard for her to live it down later."
Zuo Canglang was stunned. "But a person must be alive to care about anything else."
Master Xuezhan glanced at her. "Do you have women’s clothing in your pack?"
Zuo Canglang was truly dazed. "What?"
Master Xuezhan reached out and took her pack, found a set of clothes, and went behind a haystack to change. He then took her waist knife and quickly shaved his beard clean before wrapping his head in a scarf.
Zuo Canglang wanted to laugh, but she held it in.
Master Xuezhan said no more, gesturing for her to follow him. Zuo Canglang led him over. Sure enough, in the delivery room, the villagers were already preparing for the woman’s funeral. Zuo Canglang shouted, "Brother! We are from outside the mountains. My... my master is skilled in the medical arts and happened to be passing by. Why not let her treat your wife?"
The villagers were initially suspicious, but seeing Master Xuezhan dressed in women’s clothing and wrapped tightly, they were desperate enough to try anything. "Is this true? If so, please, Bodhisattva, save my wife!"
The man knelt on the ground and began to kowtow. Master Xuezhan did not stop to help him up, but strode into the delivery room. Zuo Canglang followed. Xuezhan waved his hand, signaling the others to move back, and Zuo Canglang immediately ushered everyone out.
Only then did he check her pulse. After a moment, he spoke: "The fetal position is wrong, and the mother is exhausted." He took a pill from his medicine pouch. "Dissolve this in water and have her drink it."
Zuo Canglang quickly poured some water and dissolved the pill. Xuezhan did not idle; he immediately took out golden needles to stimulate her acupoints. The woman’s jaw had been clenched tight, unable to take in even a drop of water. After a few needles, her breath slowly returned, and she opened her eyes.
She looked at the two people before her as if to ask something. Zuo Canglang gave her no chance to speak, only saying, "Drink. Quickly."
She drank the water. Xuezhan reached out and gently massaged her abdomen, seemingly correcting the fetal position. After a long while, the woman seemed to regain some strength. Only then did she ask, "Who are you?"
Zuo Canglang said, "The doctor. Don't speak."
The woman truly fell silent. Gradually, her strength seemed to recover. Xuezhan then fed her another pill and signaled for her to push. This ordeal lasted another hour and a half. Xuezhan’s forehead was covered in sweat, but the woman found it much easier this time. With a deep breath and a surge of effort, the baby’s head appeared.
Zuo Canglang had never delivered a baby, but she couldn't care about that now, slowly guiding the child out. The baby’s face was purple, and there was no sound. Zuo Canglang was startled—was it too late?
Xuezhan took the infant, cleared the fluids from its mouth, held it upside down by the feet, and gave its bottom a slap. The infant let out a loud, wailing cry.
The cry was incredibly resonant. Those waiting outside turned their grief into joy, the heavy stone in their hearts finally falling away.
After handing the infant to the village women, Zuo Canglang followed Xuezhan out. Xuezhan wanted to wash his hands, so she hurried to the well to draw water. Some villagers knelt to offer thanks. Xuezhan waved them off. Once his hands were clean, he prepared to leave. The villagers refused to let him go, pulling at him in their gratitude.
In the chaos, someone accidentally knocked off his headscarf, revealing that the doctor was actually a monk. The villagers were instantly enraged. "Old rogue," "lecherous monk"—all sorts of insults were hurled! Zuo Canglang was furious. "Bastards! He saved your family!"
Master Xuezhan slowly wiped his hands on his hem. "Amitabha. This old monk is Xuezhan, the Abbot of Fachang Temple." In an instant, the villagers were stunned. Even in such a small village, the great name of Xuezhan had been heard. The monks of Fachang Temple often distributed porridge and medicine in various regions.
He produced his clerical credentials and said, "This woman’s life was not meant to end today. This old monk came specifically by Heaven’s mandate to deliver her from this tribulation. You need not be alarmed."
The villagers were shocked, and some began to bow in worship. Zuo Canglang, of course, did not believe in this "Heaven’s mandate," and her expression was subtle. Xuezhan said no more and strode out of the village. Behind the haystack, he found his monk’s robes and changed back. This time, he lacked his previous dignified appearance, for his beard was gone, and his head looked like a bare gourd.
Zuo Canglang said, "...This is absolutely detestable! Is a life worth less than ridiculous reputation? These people are simply not worth saving."
Xuezhan asked, "Why does the General fight on the battlefield?"
Zuo Canglang froze, unsure how the topic had shifted there. Xuezhan put on his straw sandals and walked forward, saying, "Aside from personal feelings, there must be a part of it that is for the people of Great Yan and the lands of the nation, yes? Since ancient times, heroes and legends have spoken of saving the common people, but what are the 'common people'? They are the common people. These individuals, perhaps clever or perhaps ignorant. They are more concrete than the masses, more real than 'Great Righteousness'."
He turned to look at Zuo Canglang. "Thus, my deception and the General’s anger are, in the end, both for the sake of saving others. In the end, both are a form of compassion."
When he said this, his head was bare like a gourd, yet Zuo Canglang was suddenly struck with awe. Perhaps those legends of gods and buddhas truly did not exist. They were merely the ultimate expectations of humanity, an absolute light.
But if all hearts turned toward goodness, who could say they did not exist?
As Master Xuezhan slowly descended the mountain, Zuo Canglang suddenly asked, "Master, what medicine did you say you wanted to give me?"
Xuezhan smiled and slowly handed her two boxes of medicine. Zuo Canglang took them and bowed to him. He nodded and walked away, his robes fluttering.
Watching his back, Zuo Canglang felt a sudden doubt. If Murong Yan had not sent him, what was he doing at Jade Throat Pass at this time?
However, everyone had their own private affairs, and it was not her place to ask. She continued forward toward Mount Yilu. Mount Yilu was in the east of Great Yan; the mountains were high and the paths treacherous, but the mountains held herbs and game. On one hand, she could avoid prying eyes; on the other, she had lived in the mountains as a child. Now, with no home to return to, returning to the mountains was good.
She built a wooden hut on Mount Yilu, raised two hunting dogs, and trained a gyrfalcon. Though her body could not fully recover to its former state, hunting was not a problem. Thus, she hunted every day.
Foreign merchants came and went here; intact pelts could be sold for a good price. If all else failed, gathering jade or pearls made it easy to support herself.
Having left Jinyang City, her days were full and free. For a time, she heard only the wind in the forest and forgot the people and events of the past.
Shortly after Xuezhan descended the mountain, someone came to meet him. The visitor was none other than the long-vanished Murong Ruo!
Upon seeing Master Xuezhan, he knelt and greeted him. "Master!"
Xuezhan sighed. "Prince, you sent a message—is there some urgent matter?"
Murong Ruo said, "Master, all of my father’s former officials have been eradicated by that traitor Murong Yan. I tried several times to enter Jinyang to see you, but I had no way in and had to give up. Fortunately, Cangge is highly skilled in martial arts, so I had to ask him to invite Master here for a meeting."
Xuezhan said, "Prince, you are already at the border. Why do you linger? Would it not be better to leave Great Yan?"
Murong Ruo spoke through gritted teeth. "Master! How can I be content! My father is still in the hands of Guzhu, and I know not what kind of life he leads. As both a subject and a son, how can I stand by?"
Xuezhan said, "But Prince, the situation in Great Yan is now settled, and the other nations no longer invade. Even if your ambition remains, what can you do?"
Murong Ruo said, "When my father left Jinyang, he gave a treasure map to Master for safekeeping. Now, as long as I retrieve that treasure, I can still recruit soldiers and horses to plan for a great undertaking!"
Xuezhan asked, "Prince, if that time comes, how much more Yan blood must be shed?"
Murong Ruo stared at him. "Has even Master submitted to Murong Yan’s tyranny?"
Xuezhan remained silent in thought. Murong Ruo said, "If Master is afraid, please give the treasure map to your disciple. I shall make my own plans, and the rest will have nothing to do with Master."
Xuezhan gripped his prayer beads. "The treasure map was placed in this old monk’s hands by the Retired Emperor himself. If the Prince wishes to take it back, he naturally may. However, Prince, Jinyang City is now heavily guarded, unlike in the past. How can you enter?"
Tears filled Murong Ruo’s eyes as he suddenly knelt. "Master, I beg you to help your disciple one more time. Take me into the city!"
Xuezhan helped him up. "Prince!"
Murong Ruo refused to rise from his kowtow. Xuezhan forcibly pulled him up and said, "Fine, this old monk shall help the Prince this once. But please remember, after this, the Prince’s success or failure, life or death, will have nothing to do with me."
Murong Ruo was overjoyed. "Thank you, Master!"
Shortly thereafter, Xuezhan returned to Jinyang City with several disciples. Although there were many checkpoints along the way, no one would thoroughly search someone of his status. Murong Ruo was able to sneak back into Jinyang.
But as Xuezhan had said, Jinyang was now so heavily guarded that Murong Ruo could hardly move. It was impossible for him to go to the Scripture Chanting Tower to retrieve the treasure from beneath the ancient Buddha statue.
He stayed in the city for several days. His portrait was posted alongside other wanted criminals in the imperial city, very conspicuous. Murong Yan had never rescinded the order for his arrest.
In desperation, he had to seek Master Xuezhan’s help again. Master Xuezhan had no choice but to contact A-Fei, the Saintess of the Jade Worship Sect. He had been close friends with the previous sect leader, Mu Qingxie, and A-Fei had always regarded him as an elder.
At this time, Yang Lianting had heard of Zuo Canglang’s departure and was frantic. He had gone to see Leng Feiyan for news and was not at Mount Gusha. Master Xuezhan brought Murong Ruo up the mountain, and A-Fei received them. She was simple-minded and immediately asked, "Master Xuezhan, is this the disciple you mentioned?"
Master Xuezhan did not tell her Murong Ruo’s identity, knowing that Murong Yuan had executed Mu Qingxie. The members of the Jade Worship Sect harbored deep resentment toward him and likely had no good feelings toward the entire Murong clan. Thus, he only said, "This is my lay disciple, Xingkong. Because he provoked an enemy he shouldn't have, he has no place to hide. I know your sect possesses a miraculous technique that can temporarily change a person’s appearance through needles. I ask the Saintess to grant this favor."
A-Fei studied Murong Ruo. She had seen the deposed Crown Prince before, but as the Saintess, she had never been close to him. She had only seen him from a distance and had no strong impression. Moreover, after so much time and his life as a fugitive, Murong Ruo was dark and thin. She would never look at the wanted posters on the street, so she did not recognize him.
A-Fei didn't say much. She knew Master Xuezhan wouldn't come to the Jade Worship Sect for a trivial matter. An enemy... perhaps he was the son of some former official?
It wasn't a big deal, and if she performed the needle technique, it would be simple. Thus, she thought for a moment and said, "Since Master Xuezhan has asked, A-Fei naturally has no reason to refuse."
Xuezhan pressed his palms together and offered his thanks.
A-Fei did not delay and performed the technique on the spot. With just a few needles, Murong Ruo’s lips became thinner, his nose flatter, and his eye sockets deeper. He had turned into an unremarkable middle-aged man.
She said, "This appearance cannot be maintained for long—at most a month. Master should be prepared."
Xuezhan nodded, glanced at Murong Ruo, thanked her again, and led him away from Mount Gusha.
Meanwhile, Yang Lianting and Leng Feiyan were drinking in the Thousand Green Forest. Yang Lianting asked, "Why did she leave without even telling me?"
Leng Feiyan said, "She left because she was dissatisfied with the current King. Whether she saw you or me, she feared the King would vent his anger on us. Not seeing you is only natural."
Yang Lianting said, "But her health... I had just prepared medicine and didn't have time to give it to her!"
Leng Feiyan smiled slightly. "No matter how extraordinary the medicine, it cannot heal her wounds. What use is it?"
Yang Lianting sighed. How could they not know Zuo Canglang’s feelings for Murong Yan? He said, "I didn't expect that in the end... it would be her who left."
Leng Feiyan said, "Either way, it’s not a bad thing." As she spoke, she clinked her cup with his, thought for a moment, then placed another cup on the table, clinked it, and said, "A toast to her presence!"
Yang Lianting quickly put the cup back. "Don't talk nonsense!"
Leng Feiyan laughed uncontrollably. Wugu, who had been sitting nearby, suddenly went out. When he returned, his expression was serious. "Tower Master, Murong Ruo has snuck into Jinyang City."
Leng Feiyan was slightly stunned. "That deposed prince still hasn't given up?"
Wugu’s expression was grave. "Our people were tracking him, but... we lost him later."
Leng Feiyan was greatly surprised. "He has such ability?" Her heart suddenly sank—he was back. Had Cangge... also returned?
By then, it was already August, and the Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching. Murong Yan was like a puppet, attending court every morning and reviewing memorials afterward. Occasionally, he discussed war matters with his ministers. Every night, without fail, he went to the Phoenix Nest Palace.
However, he never stayed the night. Later, he didn't even stay for dinner, often leaving after a single glance.
Jiang Bilan was helpless. His words to her had suddenly become pitifully few. That person clearly existed, yet he was slowly becoming a shadow. No matter how close she got, he was only emptiness.
The night was deep, and the full moon hung in the sky. Murong Yan woke in the middle of the night; even Wang Yunzhao was not by his side. He draped a robe over his shoulders and went out, seeing the moonlight like frost. This palace had once been his nightmare, treading him into the mud. Now he had the power to command it; he could change everything within that nightmare.
Yet he had not moved a single thing. He didn't know why—perhaps he wanted to prove that he had completely walked out of that dream?
He walked along the moonlight and, for some reason, arrived at Nanqing Palace again.
He walked in slowly and saw a person with their back to him, standing beneath the rose vines. At that moment, he heard his own heartbeat—the heart that had been silent for many days suddenly throbbed wildly. He held his breath, motionless.
No, it wasn't her. But for some reason, he remembered that day deep in the foothills of Panlong Valley, when that person had run a few steps and suddenly embraced her.
Her gaze had been tender as she whispered, "Your Majesty, I am pregnant."
He frowned slightly, easing that sliver of pain. One should not walk at night; the darkness and haze would reveal the wounds deep within the human heart.
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