The next day, the spring sun shone brightly. Zuo Canglang stepped out of Nanqing Palace and began to wander through the palace grounds. Weiwei asked, "General, the King hasn't forbidden you from leaving the palace. If you're bored, I can accompany you outside for some fun! What's the point of staying here?"
Seeing her lack of spirit, Zuo Canglang remarked, "Before a battle, one must always familiarize themselves with the terrain and scout the enemy's movements."
Weiwei’s energy instantly surged. "The General is right! Where shall we scout? Are we going to Qifeng Palace?"
Zuo Canglang couldn't help but laugh. "Qifeng Palace is the Queen's residence. We aren't palace consorts right now, so there’s no need for morning and evening formal greetings. Why would we go looking for trouble?"
"Then let's go to Lotus-Soothe Hall," Weiwei suggested, "and see which wench has dared to bewitch His Majesty!"
Zuo Canglang was speechless for a moment before saying, "That temperament of yours really won't do."
Weiwei scratched her head. "What did I say wrong this time?"
Zuo Canglang explained, "His Majesty settled this Zhitong in Lotus-Soothe Hall. It is an incredibly remote place, inconvenient for travel, which means he doesn't actually want others to know of this maid's existence. We cannot go. Currently, I am merely a commoner; what standing do I have to seek anyone out? Whether out of kindness or malice, we must pretend to be ignorant. However, if we don't go, someone else won't be able to help herself. Given her nature, she won't take a mere maid seriously and will surely cause a scene."
"Is the General referring to the Queen?" Weiwei asked.
Zuo Canglang hummed in affirmation. Weiwei remarked, "Then Zhitong is in for some suffering."
"That isn't the point," Zuo Canglang said. "The point is that His Majesty handled this matter quite discreetly. Even if she is the Queen, how could she have received the news so opportunely?"
"True," Weiwei agreed. "Eunuch Wang has always been meticulous. How did she find out?"
Zuo Canglang continued walking. Only when Weiwei pressed her did she answer, "Which palace courtyard is without guards?"
Weiwei was stunned. "Is the General saying that the Forbidden Guard is secretly leaking information?"
Zuo Canglang smiled. "Let’s go. We’re going to find Eunuch Wang. I also happen to be looking for someone."
Weiwei followed her, asking, "Why look for Eunuch Wang? I can help the General find someone! I know many people in this palace!"
Zuo Canglang replied, "Because Eunuch Wang is always thorough. If he is accompanying His Majesty, he will certainly have someone announce their arrival from afar. Otherwise, the play His Majesty sees might not be exciting enough."
Weiwei didn't fully understand, but she didn't ask further.
At that moment, Wang Yunzhao was accompanying a gardener in tending to the peach branch that Zuo Canglang had stripped of its flowers and leaves. Seeing her approach, he greeted her with a face full of smiles. "General Zuo, why such a hurried pace? Is there a matter of importance?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Chief Wang, I suddenly remembered someone. Back when I was imprisoned by His Majesty on charges of disrespect and persecuted by petty men, a certain eunuch passed a message to the Chief on my behalf. I wonder if the Chief still remembers this person?"
Wang Yunzhao thought for a moment. "There was such a person. Why does the General ask so suddenly?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "Regardless of the circumstances, that man saved my life. Now that I am in the palace, I may be staying for a long time. I have few acquaintances in Nanqing Palace. If the Chief doesn't mind, may I have this person transferred there?"
Wang Yunzhao smiled and said, "Since the General has spoken, how could this old servant say no? However..." He paused, then added, "General, this man is a palace servant. Without His Majesty's orders or my instructions, isn't it suspicious that he suddenly went to the prison to deliver medicine to the General?"
Zuo Canglang said, "The Chief worries too much. There are no others in the palace now, and I... I have no interest in power or fame. What is there to fear?"
Wang Yunzhao nodded. "The man's name is Liao Liping; everyone calls him Xiao Pingzi. This evening, I shall have him transferred to Nanqing Palace."
Zuo Canglang nodded. This Xiao Pingzi was exactly as Wang Yunzhao suggested—he hadn't been sent by Murong Yan or Wang Yunzhao. It was self-evident whose man he was. The ointment he had delivered back then certainly had issues, which was why he hadn't dared to seek her out after she was released, despite the promises she had made.
With that settled, Zuo Canglang glanced at the peach branch in the gardener's pot. She reached out to touch it lightly and asked, "Will it live?"
The gardener quickly replied, "In response to the General, this servant can only tend to it with the utmost care. This branch was only recently broken off; it should be able to survive."
Zuo Canglang nodded. Wang Yunzhao remarked, "During the days the General was away, His Majesty never let go of his concerns. Now that the General has returned, His Majesty seems like a different person entirely." He was different from the others; Murong Yan had lost his mother at a young age and was essentially raised by Wang Yunzhao. Furthermore, Murong Yan had once saved his life. The two of them had survived those difficult years by depending on each other. His feelings for Murong Yan were not unlike a father's doting affection for a child.
Zuo Canglang smiled and said, "Speaking of which, although I have followed His Majesty for several years, my understanding of him is still not as deep as the Chief's. If you have time, I hope the Chief can offer more guidance regarding His Majesty's preferences, so that I may make fewer mistakes and avoid displeasing him."
Wang Yunzhao sighed softly. "If the General truly thinks this way, then all is well." He waved his hand, signaling the gardener to leave, and then said, "His Majesty was quick-witted as a child; even Master Xue Zhan found him extraordinary. Lady Rong also placed high hopes on him, which inevitably led to severity. She had a poor temper; at best she would scold him, and at worst, she would whip him. His Majesty was young, but he was quite stubborn."
Once he began speaking of these old matters, there was no end to them. Zuo Canglang simply sat with him in the flower shed. A palace servant, being very perceptive, served tea, and the two spoke for a long while.
While she was talking with Wang Yunzhao, Jiang Bilan left Qifeng Palace. She didn't head toward Nanqing Palace but instead went to Lotus-Soothe Hall. The hall was located in a very remote area and was rarely visited. It was small, and the staff was minimal—only two maids and one eunuch.
Jiang Bilan frowned slightly as she entered. Though small, the layout was exquisite. In particular, the lotus pond almost encircled the entire small hall, making it very elegant. After entering, Jiang Bilan looked around for a long time before asking the kneeling servants in a low, cold voice, "Where is your mistress? Is she so noble that she doesn't even come out to greet me when I arrive?"
The maids here were of low rank and had rarely seen the Queen. Hearing her question, they began to tremble. "Your Majesty... our mistress..."
Jiang Bilan kicked one of them aside and was about to head further in when a clean-featured maid emerged from the rear hall. Her clothing was very simple, but she possessed a comfortable, quiet aura. Upon seeing Jiang Bilan, she didn't dare look twice and quickly knelt. "Your Majesty, this servant did not know of your arrival. Please forgive me."
Jiang Bilan said coldly, "So you are that Zhitong?"
Zhitong kept her head down. She truly hadn't known Jiang Bilan would come; she had been washing her hair. By the time the arrival was announced, it was too late, and she had to hurriedly tie up her hair, which caused the delay. Jiang Bilan looked down at her and said, "Knowing I was coming, you dared to delay and show such neglect. You certainly have nerve."
Zhitong kowtowed. "In response to Your Majesty, this servant truly did not intend to be late. It was because..."
Jiang Bilan interrupted, "You still dare to make excuses? Someone, slap her mouth!"
As soon as the words fell, her maid Huayue stepped forward. Raising her palm, she began slapping Zhitong without a word. Her strikes were not light; blood appeared at the corners of Zhitong's mouth, and red marks immediately crisscrossed her cheeks. Yet, she didn't dare make a sound or even shed a tear, remaining kneeling.
Jiang Bilan said, "Do you think that by seducing His Majesty, you can climb the ranks and fly to the top of the branches?"
With tears in her eyes, Zhitong whispered, "This servant wouldn't dare."
Jiang Bilan sneered, "Vile wench! Even if you have entered His Majesty's bed, you must know who rules this palace!"
She felt very confident in dealing with someone like Zhitong. Zuo Canglang was one thing, but what was this woman? How did she dare to share his favor? Zhitong kowtowed repeatedly. "Your Majesty's teachings... this servant will keep them in mind."
Jiang Bilan sat at the table and said, "Speak. How did you seduce His Majesty? Recount it word for word. If there is a single lie, I will make you wish you were dead!"
Zhitong remained prostrate on the ground. "Your Majesty, please see clearly. This servant did not seduce His Majesty. Last night, Chief Wang ordered me to wait at Lotus-Soothe Hall. He didn't say much, only prepared different clothes for me. I asked, but no one answered. At night, His Majesty came. He... only then did I know I was to serve him. But he only stayed for half an hour before leaving. I did not seduce him."
As she spoke, she could no longer hold back her tears. Jiang Bilan shouted in anger, "Do you think I will believe such words?! Someone, slap her again!"
Huayue was about to step forward again when a voice suddenly came from outside: "She has already told the truth. Why must the Queen make things difficult for a mere maid?"
Jiang Bilan turned and saw Murong Yan entering. Her expression changed instantly. "Your Majesty!" She rose and knelt in greeting. Murong Yan walked past her, reaching out to help Zhitong up from the floor.
"Injured like this," he said softly. He lightly touched her face, then said to the kneeling maids, "Can't you see your mistress is hurt? Why haven't you called for a physician?"
The two maids, as if granted a great reprieve, quickly obeyed and hurried out of Lotus-Soothe Hall.
Murong Yan sat on the imperial seat and had Zhitong stand by his side before looking at Jiang Bilan. "The Queen cares for the prince and princess; I thought you would be quite busy. I didn't expect you to have so much free time."
Tears welled in Jiang Bilan's eyes. "Your Majesty! I am the mistress of the inner palace. I cannot interfere with Nanqing Palace, and knowing Your Majesty's heart, I haven't dared to meddle there. But now, am I not even allowed to discipline a lowly maid?"
Murong Yan replied, "Even as the Queen, there is no reason to punish servants at will. Furthermore, you knew I favored her last night. Even if she has no rank yet, she is equivalent to a consort. What wrong has she committed that the Queen would order her servants to beat her so?"
Jiang Bilan's tears finally spilled over. "I came to this hall to visit a sister, yet she delayed in coming out to greet me. Such arrogance born of favor—should she not be given a small lesson?"
Murong Yan frowned, then smiled coldly. "I only ordered Wang Yunzhao to send her here last night. Lotus-Soothe Hall has always been remote, with almost no visitors. Yet the Queen received the news today and came to demand accountability and punish a consort. I would like to know who is so well-informed that they can monitor my every move so clearly and relay it so quickly."
Jiang Bilan's face paled. Murong Yan barked, "Speak!"
Jiang Bilan felt her palms grow cold, but she still managed to say, "No... no one secretly told me. Your Majesty should not be needlessly suspicious. It was just that one of this maid's sisters mentioned it."
Murong Yan said in a deep voice, "Where is this maid? Just a 'sister,' yet she knew I arranged for Zhitong to be in Lotus-Soothe Hall and even reported it to Qifeng Palace. I truly wish to meet such an exquisite person."
"Your Majesty, I..." Jiang Bilan stammered.
"What?" Murong Yan asked. "Is there something the Queen cannot say to me?"
Jiang Bilan was now filled with regret. This news had, of course, been sent by a maid dispatched by Feng Ping. He patrolled the palace grounds; which corner was he not aware of? But if she dragged Feng Ping into this now, the consequences would be unthinkable!
She panicked.
Murong Yan looked at her expression and gave a cold snort. He said slowly, "Someone, place the Queen under house arrest in Qifeng Palace. All matters of the inner palace shall be handled by Wang Yunzhao."
Jiang Bilan's face turned white. Behind her, her maid Cailing lightly tugged at her sleeve, signaling her not to provoke Murong Yan's anger further. Biting her lip, she had no choice but to leave. Once she was gone, Murong Yan turned to look at Zhitong. By now, her face had begun to swell, with red and purple finger marks covering her cheeks.
Murong Yan said, "You need not be afraid. From now on, no one will come to Lotus-Soothe Hall to trouble you again."
Zhitong didn't dare say much; she didn't even know why Murong Yan had suddenly favored her. She simply knelt to express her gratitude.
Murong Yan did not stay long. After leaving Lotus-Soothe Hall, thinking of Jiang Bilan's actions made him inevitably displeased. Without a conscious thought, his steps naturally led him toward Nanqing Palace.
Upon entering Nanqing Palace, he saw Zuo Canglang dressed in plain white, standing under the eaves. Her posture was straight, possessing a free and easy air that differed from the people of the court. The clouds in Murong Yan's heart slightly dissipated. He said warmly, "Your leg is still injured. Why are you standing here?"
Zuo Canglang pointed to a gyrfalcon flying in the sky. "I want that! I've been coaxing it for a long time, but it won't come down." She turned and called out, "Xiao Pingzi! Bring two more pieces of raw meat!"
Murong Yan turned and saw the white gyrfalcon with black spots. He gave a whistle, and the bird circled once before slowly landing on his arm. He handed it to Zuo Canglang. She took it in her hands, stroking it gently. "So it is Your Majesty's treasure. Then I wouldn't dare steal your joy."
Murong Yan chuckled. "It's just a gyrfalcon; it hardly counts as a treasure." His voice suddenly dropped, whispering, "You are my true treasure." The pad of his right thumb brushed against her cheek, his words laced with ambiguity. Zuo Canglang handed the gyrfalcon to the approaching Xiao Pingzi and half-supported, half-embraced Murong Yan as they went inside.
"Your Majesty is truly skilled with sweet words," she said. "Even if that gyrfalcon weren't yours, I suspect that if you stood under the eaves, you could coax it down with your tongue alone."
Murong Yan laughed heartily.
Seeing that his mood had improved, Zuo Canglang said, "It is still early. Why has Your Majesty come?"
Murong Yan thought of the recent events and felt a surge of displeasure again. "The rumors and trouble-making of petty people in the palace cannot be stopped despite repeated prohibitions."
Zuo Canglang smiled. "Those who wag their tongues in the palace are maids on the inside and guards on the outside. Why should Your Majesty be angry with such people?"
"Guards?" Murong Yan's brow furrowed. If Jiang Bilan had maids or eunuchs delivering news, it wasn't a big deal. After all, she was the Queen; it was normal for people to report palace happenings to her. But for the matters at Lotus-Soothe Hall to be known so clearly, it could not have been an ordinary eunuch.
If it were the guards... his frown deepened. He glanced at Zuo Canglang, feeling a flicker of suspicion—had she said that to incite something?
However, Zuo Canglang laughed and asked, "Has someone been spreading rumors about Your Majesty and me?"
The tension in Murong Yan's brow eased slightly. "No. You need not worry about these things." He took her hand and lightly patted the back of it. "It's no wonder you covet my gyrfalcon; life in the palace is dull."
Zuo Canglang said softly, "To be able to stay by Your Majesty's side, even if it is a bit dull, is good."
Murong Yan sighed. "It is rare for you to be so sensible." He then crouched down to look at her leg. When the pant leg was rolled up, the wounds were visible—the flesh was mangled and, because of the severe water damage, the physicians hadn't dared to bandage them, making them look quite gruesome.
Murong Yan pressed lightly. "Injured like this, yet you refuse to rest."
Zuo Canglang said, "How have I not rested? I've been resting since yesterday."
Murong Yan couldn't help but laugh. He slowly lifted her lower leg and lightly kissed the wound. At that moment, his eyes were like dark lacquer, filled with infinite tenderness. "Only one day and you're like this. In the long days to come, what shall we do?"
Zuo Canglang embraced him with both hands. Her eyes remained cool, yet she returned his gaze with infinite tenderness.
***
Enjoying the story? Rate this novel:
The Abandoned Empress General | Chapter 91 | A Veneer of Tenderness | Novela.app | Novela.app
