Zuo Canglang felt only cold—a bone-deep, incurable chill.
Yet, she never dreamed of Leng Feiyan; not once for the rest of her life. Perhaps a person like Feiyan, whose soul had vanished with her body, was unwilling to enter the dreams of an old friend.
After Murong Yan returned to the palace, it was not until daybreak that Duanmu Shang finally came to report. "Your Majesty."
At that moment, Murong Yan was in Xifeng Palace, holding Princess Yide. The infant princess was not prone to crying; her dark, obsidian eyes darted about as she looked at him, revealing a hint of cleverness. Although Murong Yan placed great expectations on Murong Ze, he was quite doting toward this little princess.
Seeing Duanmu Shang, he handed the princess to Jiang Bilan and asked, "What is it?"
Duanmu Shang lowered his head. "Reporting to Your Majesty, we had Leng Feiyan surrounded at the South Gate. However..."
"However?" Murong Yan prompted.
"However, the former Grand Marshal, Zuo Canglang, arrived with an imperial decree, claiming Your Majesty ordered us to release Leng Feiyan from the city... Therefore..."
The name 'Zuo Canglang' was like a thorn. Beside him, Jiang Bilan’s grip on Princess Yide involuntarily tightened. Murong Yan said, "And so, you let her go."
Duanmu Shang knelt on the ground, presenting the decree with both hands. "We did not dare to disobey Your Majesty’s command."
Wang Yunzhao hurried forward to take it. With just one glance, he recognized it as a forged decree. Murong Yan didn't even look at it—did he not know whether he had issued such an order himself?
He asked, "Was Murong Ruo with them?"
Duanmu Shang quickly replied, "We only saw Leng Feiyan, Cang Ge, and Zuo Canglang. Murong Ruo was nowhere to be seen."
Murong Yan gave a noncommittal hum. "It seems he is still in the city. Continue the search. If you fail again, I fear there will be no more excuses."
Cold sweat drenched Duanmu Shang’s forehead. He had expected this matter to end poorly for him, but he hadn't anticipated Murong Yan would let him off so easily. He kowtowed. "This humble subject will surely search the entire city and capture Murong Ruo alive!"
Murong Yan said, "Just capture him. Whether he is alive or dead does not matter."
Having received his orders, Duanmu Shang complied and slowly backed out of Xifeng Palace. As soon as he left, Jiang Bilan stepped forward with a smile. "Your Majesty, why not have some porridge first? Last night, I ordered the servants to brew some velvet antler..."
Before she could finish, Murong Yan interrupted, "No, I have matters to attend to. I will visit the Queen again tonight."
Jiang Bilan wanted to say more, but he merely reached out, lightly brushed Princess Yide’s cheek, and turned to leave Xifeng Palace.
Wang Yunzhao followed behind him. In truth, he understood the Emperor's heart to some extent, but as long as Murong Yan didn't speak, others didn't dare say much. He whispered, "Your Majesty, General Zuo forging a decree is truly excessive. Does Your Majesty intend to..."
Murong Yan glanced at him but said nothing.
***
Outside Jinyang City, by the banks of the Yi River, Cang Ge erected a tombstone for Leng Feiyan. Zuo Canglang stood beside him the entire time. Both remained silent for a long while until someone ran toward them from the distance, shouting, "General!"
Cang Ge stood up abruptly, startled. Zuo Canglang said, "It’s Xu Lang."
Cang Ge didn't know Xu Lang, but since she said so, there was likely no danger. Sure enough, the man galloped closer and, upon seeing Zuo Canglang, immediately dismounted. "General!" It was indeed Xu Lang.
Zuo Canglang asked, "Why are you here?"
Xu Lang replied, "When the mountain fire broke out last night, Master Daxi Qin suddenly sent word to me, saying the General would surely enter the city and ordering us to provide backup at the South Gate. Once we saw the General successfully leave the city, we dispatched soldiers disguised as commoners to stall the Imperial Guard and Jiang Sanyi’s private troops."
Zuo Canglang nodded. "I have troubled you."
"General, what are you saying?" Xu Lang looked at the solitary grave by the river. After a brief silence, he added, "General, this place is not safe for long. You should leave Great Yan immediately."
Zuo Canglang stood up and asked, "How is the situation in the army now?"
Xu Lang hesitated. "I will not hide it from the General. Since you left, Grand Marshal Zhou has treated the brothers fairly well. People like Wang Nan and I, who rose with Your Majesty during the rebellion, aren't exactly mistreated by the court. But as for General Yuan and the others..." He thought for a moment and decided to speak the truth. "Jiang Sanyi is constantly whispering in the Emperor's ear, claiming he fears the former subordinates of the Wen clan harbor rebellious intent. Provisions and pay have been docked at every turn. At the beginning of the year, someone even impeached General Yuan, claiming his wife is the daughter of a criminal official and that he was financially supporting his in-laws. Although the Emperor did not punish him, still..."
He didn't continue. Xu Lang said, "General, you are no longer in the court; these matters... I shouldn't be telling you this. Jiang Sanyi will certainly not let this go. General, you should head northwest through Pingdu Pass, exit via Yuzhou Prefecture, and leave Great Yan."
Zuo Canglang stood up. "I should never have left in the first place."
How naive had she been to give up everything, to let her heart grow cold and weary just for a sliver of illusory love? Her enemies were sharpening their blades, yet she had laid down her weapons, unarmed, thinking she could find peace. And now, the blood of her old friends stained her robes one by one. Only now did she feel the heart-wrenching pain and helplessness.
"General," Xu Lang said.
Zuo Canglang turned to look at Cang Ge. "Did our brothers clash with Jiang Sanyi’s men?"
Xu Lang replied, "Murong Ruo is... after all, a rebel. Our brothers cannot fall into Jiang Sanyi’s hands, or it might arouse the Emperor's suspicion. Therefore, we didn't dare clash directly with Jiang Sanyi’s men or the Imperial Guard."
His face showed a trace of guilt. "Master Daxi instructed that if we were recognized, we should claim we knew rebels had entered Jinyang and were assisting in the capture of Murong Ruo... and Master Leng. Wang Nan’s station is further away; Master Daxi ordered him to use the excuse of seeing the mountain fire and fearing for the Emperor's safety to enter the city for protection. Since this was sudden, only Wang Nan and I were close enough to Jinyang."
Zuo Canglang placed a hand on his shoulder. They all knew this was a crime that could lead to the execution of their entire families, yet they had come the moment they heard the news. She said, "Send a message to the Emperor. Say that you have killed Feiyan and have me surrounded in Panlong Valley."
Xu Lang said anxiously, "General! The Emperor now..." He didn't finish, instead saying, "You will be in danger!"
Zuo Canglang said, "Even if the excuse is perfect, would the Emperor truly believe you? Even if he doesn't say it now, suspicion will take root. You are not like General Yuan or General Zhuge; you aren't part of the Wen clan's old guard. It would be very easy for him to deal with you. If he finds some random excuse in the future, who will cry out against the injustice for you?"
Xu Lang argued, "But since we came for the General, how can we deliver the General into the tiger's mouth?"
Zuo Canglang said, "It is not you delivering me into the tiger's mouth. I am going back of my own accord. I want to see if this tiger's heart is truly made of nothing but stone."
As she spoke, her gaze was as calm as the waters of the Yi River. "General..." Xu Lang started.
Zuo Canglang’s hand on his shoulder tightened slightly. "Go. Help me this once. Cang Ge, find a way to get him away from here."
Xu Lang nodded. Cang Ge said, "I can leave on my own." He couldn't understand these two women; he couldn't comprehend a single one of their decisions.
Zuo Canglang walked slowly up Panlong Valley and stopped before a mountain stream. Xu Lang had no choice but to order his men to heavily surround the nearby hills. Zuo Canglang’s clothes had soaked and dried repeatedly. She walked to the stream and, amidst the lush greenery and blooming flowers, slowly unfastened her long hair, using the spring water to comb through it. Reflected in the water among the flowers, she possessed a certain soft, clear beauty.
Xu Lang quickly notified Wang Nan. Wang Nan was shocked but brought his troops over as well. Soon, the area around the Panlong Valley stream was filled with armored soldiers.
***
At that time, Murong Yan was in the imperial study. Jiang Sanyi knelt before him, saying, "Your Majesty! This minister had tracked the rebels, but Wang Nan led his troops to block me. After I finally broke through, I was entangled by Xu Lang. Consequently, the rebels escaped through the South Gate. This minister is guilty!"
Murong Yan lightly toyed with the prayer beads in his hand. "Where are Xu Lang and Wang Nan?"
Just as Wang Yunzhao was about to speak, a soldier suddenly arrived to report: "Your Majesty! Generals Xu Lang and Wang Nan have sent word. Upon hearing that rebels had entered the city, the two generals rushed through the night to protect Your Majesty."
Murong Yan let out a cold laugh. "Protect me?"
Did they think he didn't understand their relationship with Zuo Canglang? Protect him?
Just as he was about to speak, the soldier reported further: "The two generals have now slain the rebel Leng Feiyan and have surrounded Zuo Canglang, who assisted the rebels in their escape, at Panlong Valley. However, because she once enjoyed imperial favor, they have sent me to inform Your Majesty."
Murong Yan was stunned. They had surrounded Zuo Canglang?
Jiang Sanyi was also shocked. Would Xu Lang and Wang Nan truly hand over Zuo Canglang?
Could it be that these two were truly chasing fame and fortune, disregarding old ties? But on second thought, this was quite normal. Since ancient times, where was there room for sentiment in the arena of power? However, this made things difficult! Xu Lang and Wang Nan were clearly trying to use this merit to gain favor. His own private troops were no match for the soldiers in their hands.
Feng Ping was heavily injured; the Imperial Guard wouldn't listen to Jiang Sanyi's orders. This was truly troublesome.
While he was still weighing his options, he heard Murong Yan say, "Panlong Valley? The palace has been quite stifling lately. Wang Yunzhao, take two thousand Imperial Guards and accompany me to Panlong Valley."
Jiang Sanyi’s heart skipped a beat. If Murong Yan went personally, Zuo Canglang might not die! He said, "Your Majesty! Generals Wang and Xu have always been close with General Zuo. This message might be an ambush intended to lure Your Majesty into a trap. It is far too dangerous! If something happens to Your Majesty, how could we ever bear the responsibility?"
Murong Yan glanced at him. "The Prime Minister is truly thoughtful."
Jiang Sanyi still couldn't quite grasp his underlying meaning. "This minister only considers Your Majesty’s safety at all times. The merit of capturing rebels is not as important as Your Majesty."
Murong Yan stood up and slowly walked out of the study. "I know of Minister Jiang’s loyalty."
Nevertheless, the Imperial Guard was soon ready. Murong Yan led the way on horseback, his grand procession heading straight for Panlong Valley.
Jiang Sanyi had no choice but to follow.
Outside, it was the height of spring. Peach blossoms were in full bloom, their petals fluttering like falling snow. The sunlight was like crushed gold, scattered across the outskirts of the city. Murong Yan galloped up Panlong Valley, but as the path grew rugged, the horses could no longer proceed. He dismounted, and Xu Lang and Wang Nan came forward from a distance to greet him.
Murong Yan looked at the two of them. "Rise. You have worked hard."
Xu Lang and Wang Nan demurred, standing to the side with lowered heads. Xu Lang said, "Your Majesty, Zuo Canglang, who assisted the rebels, is just ahead."
Murong Yan nodded and walked forward a few steps, pushing aside the thick grass and tangled trees.
He saw a silver chain of a mountain spring. Amidst the light green and floating red by the stream, a figure was reflected in the water, combing her long hair. He suddenly remembered this place—in the eleventh month of the year before last, when she returned from West Jing, was it not right here?
Back then, she had also been without makeup, her long hair flowing. Even though she had been skin and bones, her longing had been etched into her very marrow.
For a moment, the girl who had run toward him through the wild grass and withered branches seemed to leap into his arms once more. A certain emotion was stirred in his heart, a faint prickle of pain. He slowly approached. Behind him, Jiang Sanyi hurried forward a few steps. "Your Majesty, be careful of the rebel putting up a desperate struggle!"
Murong Yan said in a low voice, "Get out."
Jiang Sanyi had no choice but to retreat. Murong Yan walked to the stream and said sternly, "You were once an official of the court. Do you not know that forging an imperial decree is a capital offense?"
Zuo Canglang turned her head. The water droplets on the tips of her hair were like pearls scattered in the golden sunlight. Their eyes met, and hers slowly filled with tears. She said, "Just now, I suddenly remembered... if our child were still here, they would be a toddler by now."
Murong Yan froze. Zuo Canglang continued, "This past year, I retreated into the deep mountains, thinking that as long as I was ten thousand miles away from my Lord, I could stop thinking of you, stop missing you. But I never imagined that when I had nowhere left to go, I would still flee to this place. The territory of Great Yan is vast, yet only here can I find a trace of Your Majesty’s promise."
Murong Yan forced himself to suppress that heartache, like pressing down on a wound. He said, "Do you think saying this can offset the crime of forging a decree and rescuing rebels?"
Zuo Canglang stood up and suddenly ran a few steps, throwing herself into his arms. Murong Yan caught her almost instinctively. The feeling of his arms being suddenly filled overlapped with that late autumn day years ago. Zuo Canglang’s tears fell like pearls, dampening his robes. She whispered, "Your Majesty once built the Bright Moon Terrace for the Queen. I am of humble birth and have spent my life struggling; I do not have such an honor. But I am weary of this wandering between love and hate. To be able to die before Your Majesty now is, at least, not a regret. *I wish to turn into the southwest wind, passing away into my lord's embrace.*"
She slowly loosened her grip and sighed with a faint smile. "*My lord's embrace does not open; upon whom shall this lowly woman rely?*"
Murong Yan slowly wrapped his arms around her waist. "That day, what I said was not entirely a lie. If it were today..." If it were today, the eldest prince had already been born; why could he not have kept her child? But if it were today and she still held command of a powerful army, would he truly have kept her child?
How ridiculous. A man like him was actually speaking of "ifs."
He said, "Ah-Zuo." As that name left his lips, he could no longer suppress the wound in his heart. He said, "Now, I ask you only one thing: are you truly willing to leave behind the schemes of the court and stay by my side in peace?"
Zuo Canglang held him tightly, burying her head in the crook of his neck. "Even if I have such a heart... the Queen and Prime Minister Jiang..." She stopped speaking. Murong Yan said, "You only need to tell me if you are willing or not. You need not worry about anything else."
Zuo Canglang’s tears slid one by one into his collar. She choked out, "After all these years, does Your Majesty still not understand my heart?"
Murong Yan suddenly reached out and swept her up in his arms. Her hair was slightly damp, like a cloud of green silk. He carried her down the mountain step by step. The armored soldiers turned their backs to him and dispersed. Jiang Sanyi’s face was clouded over, looking as if a storm were about to break at any moment. Wang Nan and Xu Lang looked at each other; neither spoke, both appearing relieved yet somewhat sorrowful.
Murong Yan helped her onto his horse, his tenderness exactly as it had been before. He held her in his arms as they rode. "Let us pretend the events in between never happened. We shall start from the moment you returned from West Jing, alright?"
Zuo Canglang tilted her face up to look at him. The sky was a clear, washed blue, and his profile was still as handsome as a god descended to earth. She slowly and lightly kissed his lips, her pupils veiled by a shimmering layer of tears.
*Pretend everything never happened? So, does that mean the blood never stained your hands? Can you bring those buried in the earth back to life? Can you make my child stand before me, babbling and learning to walk, in a world of peace and stability?*
*Can you make the thousands of monks at Fachang Temple also pretend none of this happened?*
*Murong Yan, a man like you will never truly feel heartache, will you?*
***
In Jinyang City, Murong Yan held Zuo Canglang as they rode back to the palace on a single horse.
Zuo Canglang remained curled in his arms. People around them recognized her, their faces showing shock. Perhaps before long, the news of their relationship would spread throughout Jinyang. Murong Yan ignored everything and brought her directly into the palace. The peach blossoms in the palace were blooming brilliantly. He helped her down from the horse, and she opened her hand to catch a falling petal.
On a whim, Murong Yan broke off a peach branch and gave it to her. "Where do you wish to stay? I will have Wang Yunzhao arrange it."
Zuo Canglang lightly stroked the peach branch. "Nanqing Palace."
Murong Yan frowned slightly. "If that place brings back unhappy memories, it would be better to choose another palace."
Zuo Canglang slowly stripped the leaves and buds from the branch until only a straight, bare twig remained. She held it out before him. "No branches, no leaves, no flowers, no fruit. This is my love for Your Majesty. Though Nanqing Palace has seen unhappy times, it is also the place where I stayed with Your Majesty day and night. How could I not like it?"
Murong Yan smiled. "That tongue of yours has always been skilled at coaxing people."
Zuo Canglang leaned against him. The wound on her leg was only simply bandaged. After Feiyan’s passing, how could she have the heart to care for herself?
Murong Yan noticed and knelt down, lifting the hem of her robe. Seeing the scar on her calf, he frowned. "How did you get injured like this?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I shouldn't have entered the city this time. But my bond with Feiyan... Your Majesty knows of it. Now that I carry this wound, my heart feels a bit better. Regardless, I have fulfilled my duty to an old friend."
Murong Yan sighed softly. "You are just like this—too sentimental."
Since she had spoken frankly, he no longer held it against her. He turned and ordered someone to summon the imperial physicians.
Zuo Canglang leaned on him as they entered Nanqing Palace. As the physician arrived to treat her, Murong Yan stepped outside and happened to meet Wang Yunzhao hurrying back. He handed the bare peach branch to him. Wang Yunzhao was stunned, not understanding his intent.
Murong Yan said, "Plant this outside Nanqing Palace." He paused, then added, "No matter what method you use, I want it to take root and grow leaves. Do you understand?"
Wang Yunzhao shuddered and didn't dare delay, immediately going to find the gardeners.
Zuo Canglang had returned to the palace. After days of exhaustion, her strength failed her, and she eventually fell into a deep sleep. Murong Yan then ordered Keqing and Weiwei to be transferred to Nanqing Palace to serve her, along with other palace maids and eunuchs.
For a time, Nanqing Palace regained its former liveliness.
***
Meanwhile, in Xifeng Palace, Jiang Bilan heard of the day's events. She could barely hold the child in her arms. "That slut! Didn't she leave all hypocritically? How is she still hooking the Emperor? To act so shamelessly in public!"
Feng Ping was recovering from his injuries and hadn't gone to Panlong Valley personally. These words were relayed to the palace maid Huayue by those who were present. Huayue quickly took the child. "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Your health is more important!"
Jiang Bilan smashed a glass vessel on the floor. "The Emperor brought her into the palace and didn't even send a single person to inform me! I am the mistress of the harem, after all. How can I calm my anger?!"
As the shards flew, Huayue quickly shielded her. "Your Majesty, that slut can no longer conceive. No matter how she seeks favor, she is ultimately useless. Why bother competing with her?"
Jiang Bilan said, "Didn't Father say he had sent out all sorts of experts? Why did she still escape?!"
The more she thought, the angrier she became, and she even smashed the jade bracelet on her wrist into several pieces. Before long, another maid came to report: "Your Majesty, the Emperor... the Emperor has settled her in Nanqing Palace."
Jiang Bilan asked, "Has he granted her a title?! And has the Wen clan not come to demand her?!"
The maid trembled and kowtowed repeatedly. "Your Majesty, the Emperor has not mentioned it. No one from the Wen family has come either."
Jiang Bilan sneered, "This Wen family has the nerve to call themselves a family of generals, yet they are so thick-skinned. They've been cuckolded from head to toe, yet they don't even dare to let out a peep!"
"Your Majesty!" Huayue cried out. Jiang Bilan smashed another vase. The young prince, Murong Ze, was startled awake and began to wail. Huayue quickly handed him to a wet nurse to be taken away. Jiang Bilan preferred her son, Murong Ze, as he would be her future support. Since Murong Yan also particularly liked Murong Jiao'er, she only held the little princess when Murong Yan was visiting.
The palace servants naturally didn't dare say anything. Fortunately, they were both her children, so she didn't specifically mistreat them.
Now that the child had been taken away, Jiang Bilan said, "Someone, prepare my carriage. I am going to Nanqing Palace to visit her!"
Huayue hurried to make preparations. Just as Jiang Bilan left Xifeng Palace and had not gone far, she happened to encounter Feng Ping on duty. Although he was heavily injured, he knew the position of Commander of the Imperial Guard was one many envied. Thus, he continued his patrols while injured, not neglecting any palace matters.
Seeing Jiang Bilan, he wasn't surprised. He simply asked, "Is Your Majesty heading to Nanqing Palace?"
Jiang Bilan gave a cold snort. "Am I not allowed to go?"
Feng Ping said softly, "She has just returned to the palace. As the saying goes, a short parting is like a second honeymoon. The Emperor's heart is likely entirely on her right now. If Your Majesty goes now, you will only be walking into the line of fire."
Jiang Bilan snapped, "Am I supposed to just watch her act so arrogantly?!"
Feng Ping said, "Your Majesty, the character for 'patience' has a blade over the heart. Though it is painful, it has miraculous effects. Moreover, Your Majesty has already given birth to the eldest prince and holds the winning hand. Why provoke the Emperor's displeasure at this time?"
Jiang Bilan thought about it and gritted her teeth. She finally took a closer look at Feng Ping and said, "I heard Commander Feng’s injuries are quite severe?"
Feng Ping bowed. "I am grateful for Your Majesty’s concern. This subject is fine."
Jiang Bilan said, "My father knows the Ghost Physician, Jiang Xing. His medical skills are quite superb. Commander Feng can seek him out for treatment to recover sooner."
Feng Ping cupped his hands. "This subject will keep it in mind."
Jiang Bilan nodded and finally turned back toward Xifeng Palace.
***
When Zuo Canglang woke up, it was already evening. In her daze, she thought she was still in the small wooden hut in the mountains and couldn't snap out of it for a long time. Murong Yan hadn't come yet; Keqing and Weiwei were there to serve her. Zuo Canglang glanced at Keqing and asked, "How have the two of you fared since I left?"
Keqing glanced at Weiwei. Weiwei was lighthearted and immediately said, "General, you have a lot of nerve! Leaving without a word and abandoning the two of us. After you left, Keqing entered the palace, and I stayed at the Wen manor to serve the Old Madam, which was fine. But Keqing, who knows what kind of difficulties she faced in the palace!"
Zuo Canglang looked at Keqing. "You’ve worked hard."
Keqing’s expression was somewhat awkward. "This servant... this servant did not work hard."
Zuo Canglang said to Weiwei, "For dinner tonight, I would like some lotus seed soup. Go to the imperial kitchen and give them the word."
Weiwei complied. Zuo Canglang had just returned to the palace, and Murong Yan had already sent four imperial physicians to her, which showed how much she was favored. Although the imperial kitchen was wary of the Queen, they didn't dare make things difficult for her openly.
Once Weiwei had left, Zuo Canglang finally looked at Keqing and asked, "Have you been well during your time in the palace?"
Keqing lowered her head and bit her lip. She felt guilty, not knowing how much Zuo Canglang knew. Zuo Canglang said, "But since you work for the Emperor, and Eunuch Wang is kind, he would surely take extra care of you. I imagine you haven't fared too poorly."
Keqing’s face slowly turned pale. Knowing that Zuo Canglang already knew the truth, she could only say, "I... I am a citizen of Great Yan. I both love the General and am loyal to the Emperor. Is there anything wrong with that?"
Zuo Canglang smiled. "There isn't. It’s just that after all this time, why hasn't the Emperor granted you a title? He actually left you in a cold palace, still serving as a maid."
Keqing’s face turned bright red. "I... I am loyal to the Emperor; I do not seek such things."
Zuo Canglang reached out and lightly stroked the top of her head. "Is that so?"
Keqing gritted her teeth. Zuo Canglang’s gaze dropped, gentle and compassionate. "Silly girl."
Keqing said, "Since the General already knows, if you want to beat me or kill me, I have nothing else to say."
Zuo Canglang said, "It’s not worth it for such a small matter." Keqing was stunned, but Zuo Canglang lay back down and said no more.
***
In the imperial study, Murong Yan dismissed Wang Nan and Xu Lang. He suddenly said to Wang Yunzhao, "Though she was docile today, every word she spoke showed she still cannot forget that child."
Wang Yunzhao bowed. "What woman in the world does not cherish her own child? Moreover, General Zuo is an orphan and has been alone all her life..."
Murong Yan nodded. After a long silence, he said, "Actually, having a child is very easy."
Wang Yunzhao was confused. Murong Yan said slowly, "Find a younger palace maid who is fit for childbearing and send her to Fuhe Hall."
Wang Yunzhao was stunned. Murong Yan continued calmly, "She wants a child; I will simply give her one."
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
宜德公主 | Princess Yide | Murong Yan's daughter with Jiang Bilan.
慕容泽 | Murong Ze | Murong Yan's son with Jiang Bilan; the eldest prince.
端木伤 | Duanmu Shang | A subordinate/commander under Murong Yan.
矫诏 | Forged Decree | An imperial decree that has been faked or altered.
许琅 | Xu Lang | A general and former subordinate of Zuo Canglang.
王楠 | Wang Nan | A general and former subordinate of Zuo Canglang.
盘龙谷 | Panlong Valley | A scenic valley near the capital.
益水 | Yi River | A river near Jinyang.
平度关 | Pingdu Pass | A strategic mountain pass.
俞州郡 | Yuzhou Prefecture | A region in Great Yan.
画月 | Huayue | A palace maid serving Jiang Bilan.
姜杏 | Jiang Xing | A physician known as the "Ghost Physician."
抚荷殿 | Fuhe Hall | A specific hall/palace within the imperial complex.
