Feng Ping arrived at the Jiang residence and informed Jiang Sanyi of Jiang Bilan’s confinement. Upon hearing this, Jiang Sanyi’s brow furrowed. "Confined? For what reason?"
Feng Ping replied, "Reporting to the Chancellor, it was because Her Majesty disciplined a palace maid from Fuhe Hall."
Jiang Sanyi was surprised. "What kind of maid could be so important that the Emperor would go as far as to confine the Queen?"
Feng Ping considered for a moment before saying, "Last night, for reasons unknown, His Majesty suddenly favored her. Her Majesty acted out of a momentary lapse of temper."
Jiang Sanyi sighed. "That child is still so impulsive. With such a naive temperament, I must truly thank Commander Feng for looking out for her in the palace."
Feng Ping said, "The Chancellor overstates my role. With Zuo Canglang’s sudden return, I fear she comes with ill intent."
Jiang Sanyi said, "As things stand, we can only persuade His Majesty to sever her ties with the Wen clan as soon as possible. Give her a consort’s rank. Lan’er is the Queen, after all; no matter how high Zuo Canglang’s rank, she cannot surpass the Queen. Moreover, she has no offspring—what use is she? Once she loses the support of the Wen clan and is trapped within the deep palace, can she still fly?"
Feng Ping nodded. "Logically, Duke Ding should have known of her return long ago, yet there has been no movement from him. It is rather strange."
Jiang Sanyi agreed, "It is indeed peculiar. However, he is but an old man, and Wen Yixuan has only just entered the military; they are not to be feared. It is more urgent to persuade His Majesty to grant Zuo Canglang a formal rank. Before that, we must ensure she meets with His Majesty as little as possible."
Feng Ping smiled and praised, "The Chancellor is indeed brilliant."
Jiang Sanyi led him into the manor, saying, "The manor has recently trained several songstresses who are excellent in both playing and singing. I am old and cannot appreciate such things; Commander Feng, come with me to take a look. If you like any, choose a few to serve you at your residence."
Feng Ping cupped his hands and did not refuse.
In the palace, Murong Yan was indeed investigating who had leaked the news of Jiang Bilan’s trip to Fuhe Hall.
Zuo Canglang called Xiao Pingzi before her and said, "A few days ago, I did not intend to stay in the palace for long, so I could not give you a promise in time. You won't hold a grudge, will you?"
How could Xiao Pingzi dare to be insolent before her? Judging by the extent of Murong Yan’s favor toward her, she was not someone a small eunuch like him could afford to provoke. He kowtowed and said, "To tell the truth, your servant was recommended for palace service by Commander Feng. Because we both have the character 'Ping' in our names, Commander Feng has always remembered me. Though I am an attendant, I run errands for him whenever something comes up."
Zuo Canglang said, "Though Feng Ping is a Commander, you are, after all, in the palace. Running errands for him might earn you some silver, but if you expect him to handle your promotions, that is impossible."
Xiao Pingzi bowed. "Is it not so? But your servant is lucky to have met the General."
Zuo Canglang smiled and said, "You shall serve as the head eunuch of Nanqing Palace for now. If there are benefits in the future, I will not treat you poorly."
Xiao Pingzi was overjoyed. Currently, the only ones in the palace with masters were Qifeng Palace and Nanqing Palace. Zhitong of Fuhe Hall had no rank and was not considered a master at all. And Jiang Bilan had her own confidants; why would she spare him a glance?
Zuo Canglang was so favored now and had such complex backing that once she was titled a consort, she would at least be the head of the four high consorts, perhaps even the Noble Consort. This was equivalent to ascending to heaven in a single step.
Zuo Canglang said, "Look, since you and I are now master and servant, do you not have something to give me as a greeting gift?"
"This..." Xiao Pingzi hesitated. Zuo Canglang waved her hand, and Weiwei, understanding the signal, brought over a tray. When the white cloth was lifted, ten solid ingots of silver were lined up inside. Xiao Pingzi’s throat moved slightly as he said, "General, it’s not that your servant won't speak. But Commander Feng is, after all, the Commander..."
Zuo Canglang said, "Since I am asking you to speak, I can naturally ensure your life is safe. Not only safe, but prosperous and stable."
Xiao Pingzi was still somewhat skeptical; he was well aware of the ruthlessness of Feng Ping and Jiang Bilan. Zuo Canglang said, "I am Feng Ping’s disciple—did you not know?"
Xiao Pingzi was startled; he truly did not know that Zuo Canglang and Feng Ping shared a master-disciple relationship. Zuo Canglang smiled and said, "For me to deal with a man like him is as easy as flipping my palm. I haven't acted yet only out of regard for our past bond. If you don't believe me, prepare this gift and bring it to me in three days."
Xiao Pingzi respectfully agreed with his lips, but his heart was full of doubt. Feng Ping had followed His Majesty since childhood; could anyone else compare to that weight? You say you can deal with him just like that?
Three days later, at night, Zuo Canglang sought out Weiwei and said, "Today is the seventh day since an old friend’s passing. I want to burn some paper money for her."
Weiwei’s face turned pale with fright. "General, your old friend... who is it?" In truth, even if Zuo Canglang didn't say it, she knew. Zuo Canglang had returned for the sake of the so-called "rebels." Who else could her old friend be but a rebel?
She whispered, "General, although His Majesty’s favor grows daily, burning paper money in the palace is not permitted. Moreover... if someone with ill intentions sees it..."
Zuo Canglang said, "We won't burn it in the palace." Weiwei froze as she continued, "We are going to Fachang Temple."
Weiwei’s face went white. "But... but Fachang Temple is now nothing but ruins. Thousands of people died there. For the General to go there in the middle of the night..."
Zuo Canglang asked, "Are you afraid?"
Weiwei bit her lip, puffed out her small chest, and said, "I’m not afraid! I’m just worried about the General!"
Zuo Canglang said, "Go then, prepare. We are leaving the palace."
Weiwei could not dissuade her and had to comply. Zuo Canglang arranged for Keqing to rest early, then took Weiwei out of Nanqing Palace and leaped over the palace walls. Seeing her leave, Weiwei bit her lip and still went quietly to find Wang Yunzhao.
At that time, Murong Yan was still investigating which guard had tipped off Qifeng Palace. Hearing this news, he frowned slightly and asked, "Where is she going?"
Keqing stole a glance at him, not daring to look directly, and whispered, "The General didn't say."
Murong Yan looked at the row of guards kneeling before him and snorted. "Not a single one of you is a source of peace!" Then, he suddenly said, "Send someone to follow her." After a thought, he added, "Don't use anyone from the Duanmu family."
Wang Yunzhao complied. Murong Yan still had experts by his side, so he dispatched a man named Hu Lin to follow.
Meanwhile, Xiao Pingzi also sent word to Feng Ping. Feng Ping knew he had been transferred to Nanqing Palace. Now that he was in the palace, it would be as easy as flipping a hand for Feng Ping to kill him. Therefore, even if he wanted to be loyal to Zuo Canglang, he didn't dare not send news to Feng Ping.
When Feng Ping received the news, he was still at the Jiang residence. He frowned and asked, "Where is she going out of the palace at this hour?"
Beside him, Jiang Sanyi suddenly laughed. "Haha! Commander Feng, think carefully. What day is today?"
Feng Ping frowned, unable to recall. Jiang Sanyi said, "Today is the seventh day since Leng Feiyan’s death."
Feng Ping realized and said, "So, she is actually going to offer sacrifices to Leng Feiyan?!"
Jiang Sanyi said, "This person becomes incredibly foolish as soon as emotions are involved. Send men to tail her immediately. Do not alert her yet. Once you have proof, seize her at once and report to His Majesty."
Feng Ping stood up immediately. "I shall go now."
Zuo Canglang and Weiwei bought incense, candles, and paper money. Murong Yan’s gyrfalcon circled around her; previously there was only one, but later a grey one flew over. It was the one Zuo Canglang had tamed at Mount Yilu.
Zuo Canglang led the two birds up the mountain. Fachang Temple was situated on the mountain, and after the fire, the embers had been extinguished by heavy rain, making the mountain path difficult to traverse.
Weiwei held a lantern in front, a basket of paper money and incense on her other arm. Her physical strength was better than Zuo Canglang’s, and fearing for the General’s leg pain, she supported her as they walked slowly. The mountain path was slippery, and the two supporting each other found the journey quite arduous.
Suddenly, the grey gyrfalcon overhead let out several cries. Weiwei shrank her neck. The lonely mountain after the rain was covered in scorch marks. With the souls of thousands of monks who died unjustly unable to return, how could one not feel a chill in their heart?
Zuo Canglang smiled and asked, "Scared?" Weiwei said, "I am not!"
Zuo Canglang said, "Over the years, the number of people who have died by my hand probably matches this count. What is there to fear?"
Weiwei became even more terrified!
They made their way up the mountain, taking more than twice the usual time. They saw the temple gates had collapsed, and the Great Hero Hall’s former grandeur was gone. Charred wood lay scattered, and broken walls stood in ruins—a scene of utter devastation. Weiwei said, "Shall we stay here?"
Zuo Canglang took the lantern from her hand and said, "You stay here. I’m going inside to look."
Weiwei was practically in tears. "General!" As Zuo Canglang stepped inside, she quickly followed. "I’ll stay with you!"
The temple was filled with charred corpses that hadn't been completely consumed by the fire; in some, the twisted agony of their final moments was still visible. Weiwei trembled all over. Zuo Canglang arrived before the mottled main hall, where the Buddha’s smile had been scorched by flames, giving it a strange, eerie quality.
Zuo Canglang placed the basket on the ground. There was no need to find a brazier; she began burning the paper right there.
Murong Yan didn't know why he had come here. After extracting some clues from several guards, his heart was restless, and he finally left the palace. Zuo Canglang walked so slowly that by the time he caught up, she hadn't even reached the mountaintop. Then he discovered something very interesting—a dozen Imperial Guards were quietly following her. And Feng Ping was among them.
Feng Ping had been injured during his last fight with Leng Feiyan, and most palace affairs were being handled by his deputy, Lan Jinrong. Yet at this late hour, he had spared no effort to follow them up the mountain. Murong Yan did not alert them, watching the figure in the darkness being supported by a maid as she slowly climbed. He felt a pang of pity, mixed with a hint of gloom.
Is she coming up the mountain now to offer sacrifices to Xue Zhan and Leng Feiyan? She has always harbored resentment, hasn't she?
He knew Zuo Canglang would surely go inside to find Xue Zhan’s remains—if not for that, why come here? Thus, he entered the hall first. There was no light inside, and in the ruins of the darkness, it was easy to hide. He went inside and waited for a long time before Zuo Canglang and Weiwei entered.
At this moment, Zuo Canglang finally found Xue Zhan’s body. His remains were not severely burned, and his vajra pestle was still recognizable. Zuo Canglang untied her outer robe and draped it over him, then burned paper before the Buddha. The mountain wind was cold, and Weiwei quickly untied her own cloak. "General, put this on first. You mustn't fall ill again."
Zuo Canglang shook her head, spread Weiwei’s cloak on the ground, and sat on it. She said to Master Xue Zhan, "Since returning to the palace, I haven't dared to visit you, Master. I thought seeing all this would bring me great heartache. Yet, having arrived, my heart is instead at peace. When you and Feiyan were alive, you yearned for a peaceful and prosperous era. If that is so, why did you aid the rebels?"
She lit the incense and candles, saying, "Master, you were His Majesty’s mentor. Today is the seventh day; he likely cannot come to offer sacrifices. But I believe he surely remembers the bond between teacher and student. Since I am idle, I took it upon myself to make this trip to offer sacrifices to you on His Majesty’s behalf."
She slowly added paper money to the fire, saying, "And my friend Feiyan, I wonder if you and the Master have met in the heavens. Before you died, you told me that His Majesty’s courage and ambition were exactly what you sought in a wise ruler, and you repeatedly urged me not to seek revenge. But... but what grievances could I still have against him? Back in the Orphan Camp, when Yang Lianting was gravely injured, I promised to give everything to him. In all the years since, through every meeting and parting, the only thing I have ever cared for is this one person. Being 'lush with leaves and branches' is truly too exhausting; I want to live for this one person alone. Life, death, suffering, and joy—all begin with him and end with him."
The cold wind swirled the ashes. She slowly lowered her head, stoking the fire to make it burn brighter. "Today is the seventh day for you both, and for all the monks of Fachang Temple. I burn incense and paper, though I know not if it can cleanse your lingering bitterness. But if there is truly such a thing as karma, let it fall upon me. Sacrifices cannot be made in the palace, so I traveled far to this place. If you, Master and Feiyan, have spirits in heaven, please protect Great Yan with favorable weather, and protect His Majesty’s sacred person with health, fortune, and long life."
Seeing the paper money in the basket nearly gone, a deep voice suddenly spoke from outside: "Zuo Canglang, you have such audacity, daring to offer sacrifices to rebels here!"
Zuo Canglang turned around to see Feng Ping entering with a dozen Imperial Guards. Zuo Canglang said sternly, "Feng Ping! When did you arrive?"
Feng Ping did not answer, instead asking, "Now that the evidence is conclusive, what else do you have to say?!"
Zuo Canglang said, "Master Xue Zhan was His Majesty’s mentor. When the Empress Dowager passed away early, how deep was the bond between them? Now that he has committed the crime of rebellion, it is indeed unpardonable. But when His Majesty 'cuts off his own wrist,' how can it not hurt? I am merely offering sacrifices on his behalf. What crime is there in that?"
Feng Ping said, "Still making excuses! Men, lock her up!"
The Imperial Guards still didn't dare move—this was Zuo Canglang! Even a dying tiger retains its majesty. Zuo Canglang said, "Do you have not even a shred of humanity or sentiment?"
Feng Ping sneered. "What sentiment is there to speak of between us?" He entered the hall, intending to personally restrain her. As Zuo Canglang struggled, her sleeve brushed against the candles, extinguishing them. The light in the hall vanished instantly. Feng Ping, having followed her in secret, had not brought a lantern.
Weiwei naturally rushed forward to block him, but the guards held her back. In the struggle, the pile of burning paper was also trampled out. In the darkness, Zuo Canglang let out several cries of alarm. Weiwei grew frantic: "General! General! Feng Ping! What have you done to our General? Stop at once! Are you not afraid His Majesty will find out and punish you?"
Feng Ping said, "His Majesty? Hmph. If you die here today, will you still have a life left to report to His Majesty?" In the darkness, he continued to seize Zuo Canglang. Her voice gradually sounded strange, clearly filled with both grief and rage. Feng Ping also felt something was odd, but after another moment of entanglement, he finally captured her. He turned and ordered the guards, "Light the lanterns!"
The lanterns were lit, revealing several tears in Zuo Canglang’s clothes. She was in the palace now, not the military camp. Her clothes were those of an ordinary woman; her outer robe had been draped over Xue Zhan, leaving her in a long dress. With the dress torn, her fair skin and undergarments were faintly visible.
She was barely covered, her face full of shame and anger. Weiwei cried out and tried to rush to her, but was caught by the guards and could not break free. Zuo Canglang shielded her chest with her hands and said, "Back in the Orphan Camp, I knew you were a depraved villain. I never imagined you would be so insolent as to go this far!"
Feng Ping was also somewhat surprised; he truly didn't know if he had torn her clothes during the struggle. But seeing her in such a state, he felt a strange, inexplicable sense of gratification. "This body of yours hasn't exactly gone untouched by men. Why play the chaste martyr now!"
Zuo Canglang turned to pick up the cloak from the ground, ignoring the dirt and ash on it, and wrapped it around herself. "Feng Ping, a man like you truly disgusts me!"
Feng Ping said, "Is that so? A woman like you should have died long ago!"
Zuo Canglang said, "What becomes of me is for His Majesty to decide! What do you think you're doing?!"
Feng Ping said, "Just now, I saw you conversing with the rebel Murong Ruo in the hall, plotting to assassinate His Majesty. I led my men here, and during the battle, Murong Ruo escaped. You blocked our pursuit and died under our blades. Is that reason enough?"
Zuo Canglang bit her lip and slowly backed away. Weiwei also began to cry from fear. "Feng Ping, there were no rebels! You are deceiving His Majesty—are you not afraid of the execution of your entire clan?"
Feng Ping said, "His Majesty would have to know first."
With that, he swung his blade, aiming straight for Zuo Canglang’s throat. Zuo Canglang ducked, and Feng Ping’s blade struck the altar. As he was pulling the blade out, a deep voice spoke from the shadows: "Feng Ping, since when did the power of life and death in the palace fall to you?"
Feng Ping could hardly believe his ears. He slowly turned his head and saw Murong Yan stepping out from the shadows, followed by Hu Lin.
"Your... Your Majesty..." He felt his tongue go stiff; the words "Your Majesty" were as faint as a breath. Seeing Murong Yan, Zuo Canglang’s eyes instantly filled with tears, but she did not rush to him. She forcefully pushed away the two guards who were still stunned and holding Weiwei.
Weiwei was the best at crying; the moment she was freed, she threw herself into Zuo Canglang’s arms and wailed.
Zuo Canglang gently patted her back, saying, "It’s alright, it’s alright." As she spoke, she rested her chin on Weiwei’s head, and a single tear slowly fell.
Murong Yan walked slowly to her and reached out his hand. Zuo Canglang placed her hand in his, suppressing her sobs. "Your Majesty... when did you arrive? Why is it that whenever I leave the palace, you all know?"
Murong Yan said, "The mountain path is so slippery, yet you run here in the middle of the night. I haven't punished you, yet you complain about me instead."
Zuo Canglang said, "I was only... I was only..."
Murong Yan slowly pulled her into his arms, gently patting her back. He looked at Feng Ping, who was still kneeling on the ground, and said, "Commander of the Imperial Guard Feng Ping has fabricated facts, framed others, and deceived the Emperor. His crime is punishable by death. Bind him and take him back." Then, he glanced at Zuo Canglang and said, "Zuo Canglang entered Fachang Temple privately and burned incense before the Buddha. She is fined one month’s salary."
Hu Lin took the order and immediately stepped forward to bind Feng Ping.
The path down the mountain was even more slippery. Murong Yan took off his outer robe and threw it to a guard, then turned and picked Zuo Canglang up in his arms. A fine drizzle began to fall again. Zuo Canglang said, "I remember the last time we came to Fachang Temple, Your Majesty also carried me up the mountain like this."
Murong Yan frowned and asked, "Do you want me to collect their remains?"
Zuo Canglang shook her head. Murong Yan was stunned. Zuo Canglang smiled and said, "I thought about it before returning to the palace. Grudges and debts are too exhausting and complicated. I only want my heart and mind to dwell on Your Majesty alone, to be simple and happy. I cannot be bothered with anything else. They are dead, after all... whether their bones are left in the wilderness or laid to rest is for Your Majesty’s imperial will to decide. I will not worry about it."
Murong Yan kissed her forehead and whispered, "A-Zuo."
With her in his arms, was this... possessing her completely?
Upon returning to the palace, Murong Yan issued an order: Feng Ping was stripped of his rank as Commander and was to be beaten to death with clubs in public before the Hall of Virtuous Governance.
When this order was issued, everyone was shocked. Murong Yan specifically ordered all civil and military officials to line up before the hall. Feng Ping knew there was no escape this time; with Murong Yan’s personality, he would absolutely not let him go. He glanced at Jiang Sanyi, who hesitated several times but ultimately did not plead for him.
Seeing such a grand display and the Emperor personally supervising the execution, how could the guards dare to be lax? they switched to heavy military clubs, spread a straw mat on the ground, and dragged the shackled Feng Ping onto it. The clubs fell like rain. Feng Ping endured it at first, but as flesh and blood began to fly, he finally could not hold back and began to scream in agony.
At that time, Zuo Canglang was in Nanqing Palace with a scroll in her hand and a pot of wine on the table. Xiao Pingzi knelt before her, his forehead pressed against the cold palace tiles, not daring to make a sound. Zuo Canglang said, "What, so obedient this time?"
Xiao Pingzi trembled all over. "Your servant is willing to be loyal to the General. From now on, I shall have no second thoughts. If I violate this oath, may I be struck by lightning and die a miserable death!"
Zuo Canglang said, "I have long since stopped believing in oaths and promises. Now, do me a favor."
Xiao Pingzi quickly kowtowed. "General, please speak! Your servant will go through fire and water without hesitation!"
Zuo Canglang said, "You can still get in touch with Feng Ping’s people, right? Find a way to notify Qifeng Palace. Tell them Feng Ping is being subjected to the ultimate punishment right now at the Hall of Virtuous Governance."
Xiao Pingzi shook his head repeatedly. "Your servant dares not! Your servant would never dare to leak information or betray my master!"
Zuo Canglang said, "Go!"
Only then did Xiao Pingzi react. "Yes! Your servant goes at once!" He turned and ran out of Nanqing Palace.
Weiwei was angry. "Why does the General want to notify Qifeng Palace? A man like Feng Ping deserves to die! If the Queen finds out, she’ll surely come with another round of tearful pleas. If His Majesty’s heart softens then..."
Zuo Canglang said, "The people around His Majesty are few. Although Feng Ping made a mistake, he had no intent to rebel. His Majesty’s order to beat him to death was likely made with some hesitation. Feng Ping has followed him since childhood, after all; no matter what, there is still old sentiment. This incident could ruin him, but it might not necessarily kill him. However, if the Queen goes there, she can take his life."
Weiwei said, "I don't understand."
Zuo Canglang said, "Of course. A kind child like you doesn't need to understand too much."
Though Weiwei didn't understand, she trusted her implicitly. That man was indeed utterly loathsome, but thinking of him being beaten to death alive made Weiwei a bit scared and a bit excited. She asked, "General, aren't you going over to watch?"
Zuo Canglang glanced at her and said, "I’m not going. The blood of a base man has already stained my hands. Why should it also dirty my eyes?"
She closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 德政殿 | Hall of Virtuous Governance | A hall in the palace where official business or executions might be supervised. |
| 军棍 | Military clubs | Heavy wooden poles used for corporal punishment. |
| 乱棍打死 | Beaten to death with clubs | A form of execution involving repeated strikes with heavy poles. |
| 曝尸荒野 | Left in the wilderness | To leave a corpse unburied and exposed to the elements. |
| 龙意天裁 | Imperial will / Emperor's decision | A formal way to refer to the Emperor's judgment. |
| 圣体康泰 | Sacred health | A formal wish for the Emperor's physical well-being. |
| 福寿延年 | Longevity and fortune | A traditional blessing for a long and prosperous life. |
| 蓝锦荣 | Lan Jinrong | Feng Ping's deputy. |
| 胡林 | Hu Lin | An expert guard serving Murong Yan. |
| 纹银 | Silver ingots | Standardized silver used as currency. |
| 掌事太监 | Head Eunuch | The eunuch in charge of a specific palace or department. |
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