The distance from Fachang Temple to the Imperial Palace was considerable. While the men of the Duanmu Clan went to request an imperial decree, Duanmu Rou remained in a tense standoff with Master Xuezhan.
Deep within the pine forests and bamboo groves, Cang Ge clutched the wound on his chest, his fingers already soaked through with blood. At a time like this, who else could have come to his rescue but Leng Feiyan? She leaned over to unfasten his tunic, stanching the bleeding before applying medicinal salve. Her familiar fingertips pressed against his injury, their warmth searing his heart.
Cang Ge gazed at her familiar features and asked, "Who exactly are you?"
Leng Feiyan replied, "Can’t you guess? It shouldn't be that hard."
The complex emotions in Cang Ge’s eyes slowly faded. He said, "The Master of Yan Mansion." Aside from Leng Feiyan, the Master of Yan Mansion, who else could have forced Duanmu Rou into such a helpless state? This person had rarely appeared in the martial world, or perhaps, those she met and the tasks she performed left no survivors. Even when Hidden Sword Manor had exerted every effort to investigate, they had failed to uncover her identity.
Leng Feiyan extended her hand toward him. "Leng Feiyan. A pleasure to meet you."
Cang Ge felt his lips grow stiff. All those moments of intimacy, of love and shared joy—his Yan Yan had never truly existed. He said, "You have been lying to me all along."
Leng Feiyan finished bandaging his wound. "Is that so strange? With a person like you, if I didn't deceive you, someone else would have." Having said that, she took out a medicinal pill, pinched his chin, and fed it into his mouth. Her movements were practiced and casual, as if she were merely giving him a piece of candy.
Cang Ge pushed her hand away, nearly unable to believe her coldness and composure. He asked, "Have you been serving Murong Yan this entire time?"
Leng Feiyan shrugged. "I only serve myself. Can you still walk?"
Cang Ge suddenly pulled her close, his hands gripping her shoulders tightly. "What do you take me for? A fool? I was constantly worried about you! I even..." His lips trembled. Leng Feiyan smiled and playfully tapped his nose.
"I was worried about you too," she said. "Seeing that you're unharmed is good enough."
Cang Ge felt a profound sense of sorrow. He whispered, "Yan Yan."
No, this couldn't be real. It had to be a dream.
The bamboo sea surged again like waves under the fragmented moonlight. Leng Feiyan slowly reached out and embraced him. Her scent was still familiar and grounding. She whispered, "Stop looking for Murong Ruo. You are no match for Murong Yan. I will send you away from Jin'yang."
Cang Ge extended his hands, wanting to return the embrace, but he stopped. His hands clenched into fists. "I will not leave. If I cannot avenge my family, I will die in Jin'yang."
Leng Feiyan remained silent. Cang Ge suddenly asked, "Who killed my parents?"
Leng Feiyan replied, "According to the information I received, it should have been Duanmu Shang's doing."
Cang Ge didn't believe her. "Duanmu Shang couldn't possibly be my father’s match."
"Uh..." Leng Feiyan released him. "There might have been other reasons that allowed him to succeed. In the martial world, killing someone doesn't always depend solely on skill."
Cang Ge recalled the horrific state of his parents' bodies when he returned to his old home. He said, "He must have used my mother to threaten him!" He slowly gritted his teeth. Leng Feiyan said vaguely, "That... well, perhaps."
Cang Ge declared, "I will make Duanmu Shang pay in blood!"
Leng Feiyan said, "To be honest, right now... it would be difficult for you. Sometimes, one can rely on courage, but courage and conviction have their limits. You are alone now; what are your chances in a one-on-one fight against Duanmu Shang? Besides, he won't fight you fairly! He only needs to give Feng Ping a nod, and you'll be facing the martial world, the entire imperial court, and..." and Yan Mansion. She left the final words unsaid.
Cang Ge fell silent. Leng Feiyan gently pressed her hand on his shoulder. "Leave Jin'yang. Consider it 'keeping the green hills' for the future. Once this matter has faded from memory and your skills have improved, you can come back for your revenge."
Cang Ge asked, "Why are you helping me?"
Leng Feiyan cupped his face and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "There is no enmity between us. One could even say we were a pair of lovers. Why wouldn't I help you?"
A rhythmic birdcall sounded from ahead. Leng Feiyan said, "I have business to attend to. Hide here. Once the imperial troops withdraw, I will come find you."
Without waiting for his response, she turned and vanished.
By then, the Duanmu Clan had returned with the imperial decree. Fachang Temple was a royal temple, and indeed, it was not a place the Duanmu Clan could search at will. Murong Yan had dispatched Feng Ping, who led the Imperial Guard into the monastery and immediately sealed the mountain for a search.
However, even after turning the place upside down, they found no trace of Murong Ruo. Feng Ping carefully inspected every monk in the temple but ultimately came up empty-handed.
The next day, Duanmu Rou and the others were forced to withdraw. Feng Ping returned to Jin'yang with the Duanmu brothers. Duanmu Rou remarked, "Strange. We clearly chased Murong Ruo to Fachang Temple last night. How could he just vanish?"
Feng Ping said, "To capture him, we need the help of one more person."
Duanmu Shang guessed, "Chancellor Jiang?"
Feng Ping nodded.
The three went secretly to the Jiang Manor. Jiang Sanyi had just returned from the morning court. He had already heard about Murong Ruo sneaking back into Jin'yang and Murong Yan’s fit of rage, which resulted in the slaughter of hundreds of monks at the Scripture Chanting Tower. He wasn't surprised by their visit. "What exactly happened last night?"
Duanmu Shang recounted the events. Feng Ping sat nearby, frowning as he listened. Jiang Sanyi pondered for a moment and asked, "Are you certain Leng Feiyan intentionally let Cang Ge go?"
Duanmu Shang nodded. "Her swordsmanship... is superior to mine. If she truly intended to take Cang Ge’s life, there is no way he could have escaped. she definitely stayed her hand."
Jiang Sanyi said, "It seems the two are old acquaintances."
Duanmu Rou added, "At the foot of Fachang Temple, Cang Ge was covering Murong Ruo’s escape up the mountain. I saw that I could have taken Cang Ge’s life, but a masked figure in black suddenly appeared and rescued him. Hearing you put it this way, could that person have been Leng Feiyan?"
Jiang Sanyi took a sip of tea and smiled. "If that is the case, things become much easier."
Duanmu Rou said, "To be honest, Chancellor, Murong Ruo’s sudden disappearance into thin air is truly suspicious."
Feng Ping also noted, "I had my men search every corner of Fachang Temple, but we found no sign of him."
Jiang Sanyi said, "Fachang Temple is an ancient monastery with complex mountain paths and numerous hidden compartments and secret rooms. If someone is determined to hide there, how could soldiers find them?"
Feng Ping said, "I thought so too, but are we to just let the deposed Crown Prince escape again? Capturing him would be a massive achievement."
"It is more than just an achievement," Jiang Sanyi said. He suddenly turned to Duanmu Shang. "What did you say back when you killed Cang Tianqi?"
Duanmu Shang didn't understand why he was bringing this up. "Cang Tianqi was already heavily injured then. Someone had severed one of his hands. When I struck, he was weak and in shock; he had almost no strength left to fight."
Jiang Sanyi asked, "Who do you think could have cut off his hand?"
Duanmu Shang and Duanmu Rou exchanged a look. Almost simultaneously, they said, "Leng Feiyan?"
Jiang Sanyi actually burst into laughter. "Heaven is helping me!"
The three men didn't understand what he meant. He said, "Commander Feng, withdraw all the Imperial Guards from Fachang Temple, but leave men behind to monitor it strictly. If you lack manpower, have the Duanmu Clan fill the gaps. Murong Ruo must not be allowed to slip away."
Feng Ping and Duanmu Shang both complied. Jiang Sanyi continued, "Furthermore, Young Master Duanmu, you must find a way to get a rubbing or a mold of Leng Feiyan’s weapon. When fighting a master like Cang Tianqi, she wouldn't have used an ordinary blade. Therefore, the cut on Cang Tianqi’s wrist bone must match her weapon. With this, you can contact the second Young Master Cang. I believe his continued support of Murong Ruo is solely for the sake of this blood feud."
Duanmu Shang’s eyes lit up. "A brilliant move, Chancellor!"
Jiang Sanyi said, "This is a plan to kill three birds with one stone. Truly, the time, the place, and the people are all in alignment."
Feng Ping asked, "Which three birds? Murong Ruo, Cang Ge, and Leng Feiyan?"
Jiang Sanyi glanced at him and smiled. "What does the second Young Master Cang count for? Is he worth my effort?"
The three men were stunned.
Meanwhile, at Mount Yilu, Zuo Canglang often went out hunting. After several months of recovery, her body was slowly mending. The medicine Master Xuezhan gave her was very effective, though no medicine, however miraculous, could restore her to her former state.
She had left with nothing but the thousand taels of silver Leng Feiyan had given her. For her, it was more than enough.
In these deep mountains, snakes and insects were common. She had scattered snake-repelling powder around her small hut, keeping the pests away.
Not far from her was a small village of about thirty households. The villagers were skilled at training gyrfalcons and curing hides. Whenever Zuo Canglang caught game, she would often ask them to process the skins.
She only had to feed herself, so she had more than enough food and clothing, whereas the village struggled. They were surrounded by settlements of the Tuhe and Shanrong tribes, who were numerous and frequently bullied the neighboring villages. Forced buying and selling were common occurrences.
Consequently, the village was extremely poor, and the women, children, and elderly often survived on wild vegetables. Zuo Canglang couldn't bear to see this. Being alone, she couldn't fight off the foreign tribes, so she simply hunted more and provided relief whenever she could.
Over time, the villagers grew familiar with her. Pitying her for being a lone woman, they invited her to move into the village several times. Zuo Canglang refused. If... if someone was still looking for her, her identity would only bring disaster to these people.
Thus, she continued to live in the mountains. Occasionally, the villagers would bring her millet or cloth. These items were very expensive in the border towns, and Zuo Canglang didn't want to take them for nothing, so she would always pay them back in meat whenever she went down.
Gradually, she became well-acquainted with everyone.
Her archery was precise, and the village would ask for her help whenever they encountered dangerous predators. The village girls were very kind to her, sometimes making her clothes or embroidering handkerchiefs. Occasionally, when they went to the market at the foot of the mountain, they would even bring her tea.
In return, Zuo Canglang would give them some of the medicinal herbs she frequently used. Though she was a woman, her harvests were more bountiful than those of the village men. Eventually, some elders, seeing her alone, began introducing her to the strongest and bravest boys in the village. Unmarried men would also frequently leave wild vegetables and fruits at her hut.
Zuo Canglang didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Finally, she had no choice but to tame a wild wolf. She fed it daily and let it prowl near her hut. The young men no longer dared to come by alone.
She tried hard to forget the years since she had met him, pretending she had always been in the mountains and had never left.
Pretending that in this life, her heart had never been stirred; that they had never met, and never parted.
Everything seemed fine, except she could no longer look at these passionate men and smile at them without guard. She couldn't bear to think of the feeling of them holding her hand or whispering tenderly to her.
If she did, would the child who reached out her hand among the daylilies and roses on the Southern Mountain all those years ago start to cry?
During those nights of agonizing longing and bone-deep remembrance, would she be unable to stop the tears from falling?
Actually, she didn't need anyone's company; this was good enough. The wind blew through the deep mountains, and the flowers and leaves carried a faint fragrance. Just listening to the sound of the rain or the rustling treetops brought peace to her heart. Loneliness? Perhaps there was a bit of loneliness sometimes, but it wasn't painful. It was something she could endure.
She hung the cleaned meat under the eaves and turned back into the house. The wind blew through the forest again, and all was silent. That person, amidst the boundless dark green, faded into mist and dust.
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, winter arrived. By the twelfth month, Jiang Bilan was eight months pregnant. She was heavily burdened, and the imperial physicians attended to her constantly, not daring to be careless. She was like the sole master of the palace; no one dared to cross her.
However, that man had not held her hand for a long time. Supported by her maid, Cai Ling, Jiang Bilan walked slowly through the plum grove. The winter plums were like snow, yet they could not hide the worry in her eyes. Feng Ping happened to be passing by and immediately prepared to avoid her. Jiang Bilan saw him and, having something to ask, said to Cai Ling, "The hand warmer has gone cold. Go and fetch another one for me."
Cai Ling obeyed and hurried away. Only then did Jiang Bilan speak. "Commander Feng."
Feng Ping took a few quick steps forward. "Why is Your Majesty still unhappy? Is there anyone left in this palace who troubles you?"
Jiang Bilan said, "Troubles? I am but a plaything, meant to be as still as a clay or stone statue. Why should I be troubled?"
Feng Ping looked up. A thin veil of sorrow hung in her eyes. Such a woman was born sensitive and delicate. She would feel a surge of melancholy even for fading spring blossoms, let alone now. Feng Ping said, "Your Majesty is the Queen after all. When one stands high, there are fewer people around. It is inevitable to feel lonely."
Jiang Bilan said, "In this palace, it seems only Commander Feng does not resort to blind flattery."
Feng Ping said, "If Your Majesty tries to enjoy your power and stops looking at what you cannot have, you will likely be much happier."
As they spoke, Cai Ling was already returning from the distance. Feng Ping bowed. "This servant takes his leave."
"Wait," Jiang Bilan said.
Feng Ping stiffened slightly. He knew exactly what his fate would be if even a whisper of this reached anyone's ears, yet he remained where he was. Jiang Bilan said, "My child is about to be born. Regarding that wench, tell my father to hurry things along."
Feng Ping acknowledged her command and then withdrew.
Feng Ping had been strictly monitoring Fachang Temple for the past few days, but he had found no sign of Murong Ruo—very few people knew that Murong Ruo had changed his appearance. Even on the night Duanmu Rou pursued him, he only knew that the person Cang Ge was protecting was Murong Ruo; he hadn't seen his face clearly.
Now that he had shaved his head and blended in with the monks, where could he be found?
At the foot of the mountain near Fachang Temple, amidst the pine forest, Cang Ge’s mind was in turmoil. He knew Leng Feiyan was right; even if he confronted Duanmu Shang now, he might not be able to avenge his family. But was he really going to retreat? If he did, who knew what would happen next?
While he was hesitating, someone suddenly approached. Cang Ge quickly leaped into a tree. A voice called out, "Cang Ge, come out. I have something to say to you."
It was Duanmu Shang! Cang Ge gritted his teeth. He was currently injured and was no match for Duanmu Shang under any circumstances. With his enemy so close, his eyes nearly split with rage.
Duanmu Shang said, "Cang Ge, listen. I know you have always misunderstood the Duanmu Clan. Originally, I wouldn't have deigned to explain myself to you, but my elder brother feels that since Hidden Sword Manor and the Duanmu Clan are both members of the martial world, we should offer you an explanation."
He used his internal energy to project his voice, making it ring through the forest. Cang Ge did not speak. Duanmu Shang continued, "I have evidence proving who killed your parents."
Cang Ge froze. Duanmu Shang said, "It was Leng Feiyan. Think about it carefully. Manor Lord Cang’s martial arts were peerless; who could have killed him? Also, you saw the wounds on his body when he died, didn't you? I was the one who took his head to claim credit from the Emperor, but the person was killed by Leng Feiyan. If you don't believe me, compare Leng Feiyan’s weapon with the cut on Manor Lord Cang’s severed wrist. You will know I speak the truth."
He only knew Cang Ge was still in the forest but couldn't pinpoint his location, so he used this method of long-distance projection, hoping he would hear. He repeated the message once more after walking a short distance.
For a moment, Cang Ge lost all sensation. His mind went blank, forgetting the feeling of hatred and anger.
Later, he slowly began to think. Leng Feiyan had been loyal to Murong Yan from the start. If his brother, Cang Feng, had faced her, what would his chances have been? Later, she had stayed at Hidden Sword Manor. On that night before the gates of Fachang Temple, the moves she used to force back Duanmu Rou were undoubtedly adapted from the sword techniques of Hidden Sword Manor.
And yet, she could still smile so gracefully before him, still share his bed and intimacy. The way she looked at him could still be overflowing with tenderness.
The next day, Leng Feiyan came to the forest. She brought him not only a change of clothes but also water, medicine, and several small dishes. Cang Ge sat down before her. Leng Feiyan asked, "Is the wound any better?"
As her fingertips reached out, Cang Ge instinctively leaned away, avoiding her hand. Leng Feiyan asked, "What's wrong?"
Cang Ge said nothing. She then reached out to unfasten his outer robe. The wound was deep. She removed the gauze and used wine to clean it. Every movement was so careful, and there was a peculiar light in her eyes, as if they held the stars and the moon.
Cang Ge took a deep breath. The air entered his throat, stinging his heart and lungs.
Leng Feiyan reapplied the medicine. "Rest for two more days. Security in the city is tight lately. Once things calm down, I’ll send you out. Where do you want to go?" Cang Ge didn't answer. She said, "If I were to choose, I’d go to Dayuan. I heard they produce Ferghana horses there. It’s a pity A-Zuo isn't here, otherwise she would definitely love it."
She finally finished applying the medicine. Only then did she seem to notice his silence. "What is it?"
Cang Ge said, "Send me to Yuhou Pass."
Leng Feiyan seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "It’s good that you’ve come to your senses. Why insist on a death match with him?" She set out the dishes. "I made these myself. Try them. I haven't cooked since returning from Yuhou Pass; let's see if I’ve lost my touch."
Cang Ge picked up a piece with his chopsticks. He saw her sitting opposite him, a beauty in white with black hair, still smiling like a flower. If he peeled away this beautiful face, what lay beneath? He chewed twice, unable to tell what he was eating; there was only bitterness in his mouth.
After the meal, Leng Feiyan said, "I know there’s a waterfall nearby. Come, I’ll help you wash. You must be feeling grimy."
Cang Ge followed her like a puppet. After walking a short distance, a waterfall indeed appeared. Water cascaded from the mountain peak, over ten zhang high, a magnificent sight. Leng Feiyan didn't let him get too close. "It’s cold, and you’re still sick, so don't go over there. Wait for me here."
She removed an inner garment, dampened it with water, and returned to wipe him down. As her hands reached out to unbutton his tunic, Cang Ge pulled his robe tight. Leng Feiyan clicked her tongue. "What are you shy for? Is there any part of you I haven't seen?"
Cang Ge then released his grip, letting her wipe his body. Her movements remained gentle, carefully avoiding his wound. After a while, she began to unfasten his belt. Cang Ge froze as she slowly pressed against him, bracing herself with her elbows, and kissed his lips.
At such close proximity, he was entirely drawn into her eyes. He closed his eyes and responded to her kiss. His body, surprisingly, still felt something for her.
Her tongue probed inside. He reached into her tunic, slowly touching her skin. Beneath his fingertips were various scars. But there was one sword wound that was particularly distinct. That sword was wider than an ordinary blade, its edge possessing a slight curve. He was very familiar with the weapon that left such a mark, because it was... Cang Tianqi’s sword.
He tore her clothes almost roughly, seeing her weapon. Leng Feiyan’s usual weapon was a short blade, thin as paper, translucent yet possessing an alluring crimson hue. That blood-like color triggered something in him. For a moment, he only wanted to tear her apart, to see exactly what kind of demon lay beneath this woman’s painted skin.
Sorrow and anger overlapped. He bit those familiar, full lips, yet in the end, he still drowned in her tenderness.
Half a month later, Leng Feiyan secretly sent Cang Ge out of Jin'yang. Cang Ge rushed all the way back to Yuhou Pass and returned to the graves of Cang Tianqi and the others. The old residence and the desolate graves were untended, the mounds already overgrown with withered grass. He drew Leng Feiyan’s weapon from memory and had a replica made. Finally, he dug up Cang Tianqi’s grave.
Only withered bones remained in the mud. He gritted his teeth and slowly compared the wounds. The cross-section of the bone fragments perfectly matched the weapon. He slumped into the mud pit. These withered bones were actually far less terrifying than they had been on the day they were buried, yet he wanted to hold them and weep.
He had known the result, yet he still had to travel thousands of miles to confirm it.
"If I hadn't let her stay at Hidden Sword Manor, where she stole our martial arts, Father, would you still be alive?" His lips moved slightly as he whispered the question. But there was no response; the bones were silent.
He slowly pressed his face against those scattered white bones, just as he had leaned against his parents' shoulders as a child. Remorse and shock gnawed at his soul, but there was no one to comfort him. The clear wind brushed his brow; the world was empty of all but grief.
The world was always thus: some died, while others were born.
While Cang Ge was consumed by agony, in Qifeng Palace, Jiang Bilan suddenly felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. Fortunately, imperial physicians had been attending to her, and midwives were already prepared. After checking her pulse, the physician urgently ordered Jiang Bilan to be helped to the bed and sent a servant to inform Murong Yan.
On the bed, Jiang Bilan’s beautiful eyes were filled with tears. The midwife handed her a wooden bit to bite on. She asked, "Where is His Majesty? Has he come?"
The maid, Hua Yue, held her hand. "Your Majesty, someone has already gone to inform him. He will be here soon."
Jiang Bilan closed her eyes—he still hadn't come! He was stingy even with such a small amount of tenderness. Tears fell like pearls, one after another.
It wasn't until an hour and a half later that Murong Yan slowly stepped into Qifeng Palace. The imperial physician hurried over to pay his respects. Murong Yan waved him off and asked, "How is it?"
Cheng Han, the Head of the Imperial Physicians, knelt and reported, "Your Majesty, the Queen has not yet given birth."
Murong Yan entered the palace and sat down in the outer room to wait. Wang Yunzhao brought him fresh tea. He toyed with the prayer beads in his hand, his expression indifferent. After a long time, a sharp cry of an infant finally rang out. The midwife emerged joyfully to deliver the news. "Your Majesty, congratulations! The Queen has given birth to twins—a boy and a girl!"
Only then did Murong Yan say, "Very good. Go and receive your rewards."
Once the room was tidied, he walked in and sat by Jiang Bilan’s bedside. There were still beads of sweat on her face. Seeing him enter, she forced herself to sit up despite her weakness. "Brother Yan!"
She called out, and tears began to fall. Murong Yan took her hand, feeling a slight softening in his heart. Had he been too cold to her lately?
She was his wife, after all.
He wiped the sweat from her forehead with a silk handkerchief. "The Queen has worked hard." He held her hand and did not let go. Jiang Bilan’s tears wet her long eyelashes. She asked, "Has Your Majesty seen our children?"
The two midwives had already washed the babies, but newborns inevitably carried a slight scent. Murong Yan reached out his hand, but in the end, he merely let them stay in the wet nurses' arms and took a look. Jiang Bilan had taken good care of herself, and the two children were well-nourished, chubby, and quite endearing.
Murong Yan said, "The Queen has given birth to the eldest prince and the eldest princess; your merit is great. The princess’s title shall be chosen by the Queen herself. As for the eldest prince, his name shall be Ze."
The character 'Ze' carried the meaning of 'bestowing grace upon all living beings.'
Did he mean... this was the Crown Prince?
Jiang Bilan was stunned. After a moment’s thought, she said, "The princess shall be titled Yide, and her childhood name shall be Jiao'er. What does Your Majesty think?"
Murong Yan said, "How could a name chosen by the Queen be anything but good?"
Jiang Bilan gripped his hand. "Brother Yan, I’m so afraid I’m dreaming. I can hardly believe we already have two children, and they... they are both so beautiful..." The wet nurses brought the two children over, and Jiang Bilan’s eyes overflowed with tears of joy.
Murong Yan said softly, "Silly girl, how could it be a dream?" He pressed his hand against her face. "How could this be a dream?"
Jiang Bilan held his hand. His palm was broad and warm. She choked out, "It’s not a dream. You are truly by my side..."
See? As long as that woman was gone, she would eventually be able to win back his heart. She would make him look upon her as his sun and moon, the only one in his life.
***
**Glossary**
