That afternoon, Murong Yan still did not come. Envoys from the Guzhu Kingdom had arrived to discuss doubling the offerings for the Retired Emperor. The expenses for Murong Yuan alone were limited, even if doubled. To demonstrate his filial piety, Murong Yan was certain to agree.
Zuo Canglang sat before the bronze mirror while Weiwei enthusiastically painted her brows. Standing nearby, Xiao Pingzi looked as if he wanted to speak but hesitated. Zuo Canglang said, "How much silver did they pay you to run this errand?"
Xiao Pingzi breathed a sigh of relief and replied, "To answer the General, two hundred taels."
Zuo Canglang said, "Bring it to him tomorrow and give him three hundred." Xiao Pingzi’s face immediately broke into a smile. "I won't hide it from the General; these people are truly formidable characters. You might even recognize their background—they started out working for the Swallow Tower. After the Swallow Tower got into trouble, they came out to make a living... If I were handling things myself, the silver wouldn't be an issue. But these people are truly..."
Zuo Canglang said, "I understand. You needn't worry. Go."
After Xiao Pingzi left, Zuo Canglang turned to Weiwei. "Do you have any private savings?"
Weiwei immediately covered her chest with both hands. "I—I'm just a servant! How could I suddenly produce two hundred taels of silver?"
"True," Zuo Canglang remarked.
Weiwei hesitated again. "However, I do have about a dozen taels of private savings. If the General doesn't find it too meager..."
"I do find it too meager," Zuo Canglang said. Weiwei puffed out her cheeks indignantly. "Can't we just have everyone else chip in?"
Zuo Canglang’s expression turned serious. "From now on, whenever Keqing is not present, you must not speak a word of what we do or say."
Weiwei was bewildered. "Why? I feel... since the General returned, you've been much colder toward Keqing."
"You don't need to understand; just follow my words," Zuo Canglang said. She didn't explain. Given Weiwei’s personality, if she were told the full story, she would likely be unable to hide her disdain whenever she saw Keqing. However, the silver she had brought back was nearly exhausted.
Although Wang Yunzhao provided many supplies for Nanqing Palace, they were all recorded in the ledgers and were not under her direct control. Since she held no official rank, she didn't even receive a monthly allowance. It was truly inconvenient when she needed to get things done.
As she was pondering, the faint sound of bells and chimes drifted in from outside. Zuo Canglang asked, "Is there a sacrificial ceremony in the palace?" If Yang Lianting were in the palace, things would be much easier to handle. But she had always wanted to avoid being associated with him.
Currently, the Baiyu Sect appeared to be staying out of conflicts, but in truth, Murong Yan’s trust in it had long since diminished. It was only because it was in Yang Lianting’s hands and had remained relatively quiet that he continued to tolerate its existence. With the court's current volatile situation, any involvement could lead to unpredictable consequences.
Weiwei said, "The Imperial Astronomer and his officials are at the Bright Moon Terrace, observing the stars and measuring the land."
Zuo Canglang’s eyes brightened slightly. "Did Daxi Qin go?" Back in the lands of Yu, he had been quite skilled in the arts of astrology. Now that he was in Great Yan, the Imperial Astronomer and others often consulted him.
Weiwei, confused, asked, "General, why would you suddenly ask about Marquis Jinyu?"
Zuo Canglang didn't answer. She stood up and walked straight out of Nanqing Palace, heading toward the Bright Moon Terrace.
It was a day in the fifth month. The fragrance of flowers melted into the sunlight, and the air held a hint of honeyed sweetness.
Zuo Canglang made her way to the Bright Moon Terrace. At that moment, the Imperial Astronomer was observing the stars, while Daxi Qin stood beside him, whispering something. As Zuo Canglang ascended the steps, the wind caught her skirt, making her appear as if she might dissolve into the light. Daxi Qin, who was speaking of astrology, suddenly froze.
The Imperial Astronomer followed his gaze and was also stunned. He was a man of refined tastes himself, and he smiled slightly, his voice carrying a hint of mockery. "Given Marquis Jinyu’s talent and status, any other woman in Great Yan would be within your reach. Only two are absolutely untouchable."
Daxi Qin slowly withdrew his gaze. "The Imperial Astronomer jokes. I am but a surrendered official, fortunate enough to receive His Majesty’s vast grace and a place to stay. How could I dare harbor improper thoughts?"
The Imperial Astronomer glanced at Zuo Canglang as well. "This woman has never cared for makeup. Seeing her like this today, I wonder what wicked scheme she’s plotting now."
Daxi Qin replied, "You needn't worry about that, Excellency. With His Majesty backing her, even if she plots something, she likely wouldn't bother with the likes of us."
The Imperial Astronomer gave a knowing smile, but as Zuo Canglang approached, the mockery in his eyes turned into humble respect. "General Zuo, have we humble officials disturbed you?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I heard the Imperial Astronomer was observing the stars at the Bright Moon Terrace. Having nothing to do, I came to learn a thing or two. I hope your Excellency will not take offense at my intrusion."
The Imperial Astronomer was one of Gan Xiaoru’s men. He immediately replied, "The General jokes. Your presence is our honor."
Zuo Canglang walked to the edge of the terrace and looked down. The sprawling palace complexes were a magnificent sight. She asked casually, "I have always heard that the art of observing the heavens and measuring the land is performed at night. Is it not?"
The Imperial Astronomer said, "The General might not know, but 'observing the heavens' refers to the weather, not necessarily the stars. However, Marquis Jinyu understands this art best. If the General is interested, you may inquire with Marquis Daxi in detail."
Only then did Zuo Canglang slowly walk over to Daxi Qin. "The Marquis is truly a man of vast knowledge."
Daxi Qin replied, "The General overpraises me."
The two of them stood to the side, exchanging idle conversation. The Imperial Astronomer had no desire to speak further with Zuo Canglang. If Murong Yan were to see it, there was no telling when his head might roll. It wasn't worth the risk.
Once the Astronomer had moved a fair distance away, Daxi Qin finally whispered, "The General’s appearance today is truly striking."
Zuo Canglang said, "I suspect my purpose for coming here will be equally striking to the Marquis."
Daxi Qin gave a bitter smile. "The General is not one to visit without a reason. I have long understood this."
Zuo Canglang had no choice but to say, "To be honest, I've been a bit short on funds lately. I wanted to borrow some silver from the Marquis."
Hearing this, Daxi Qin actually felt a sense of relief. "How much?"
Zuo Canglang said, "As much as you have."
Daxi Qin said, "Twenty thousand."
Zuo Canglang nodded. Since Daxi Qin had come to Great Yan, his assets were all out in the open and easily counted. This amount was indeed the limit of what he could provide. She said, "I shall trouble the Marquis, then."
Daxi Qin asked, "The General has countless confidants and old friends. Why did you choose to ask me?"
Zuo Canglang replied, "Does the Marquis not count as an old friend?"
Daxi Qin was slightly stunned, then nodded. "Fair point."
Zuo Canglang continued, "The Marquis is not one to be content with the status quo. It would be a pity to spend your days in wine and song despite your immense talent."
Daxi Qin’s heart skipped a beat. "What does the General mean by that?"
Zuo Canglang said, "It means that even if the restoration of the Yu State is hopeless, as long as Mister Daxi still has ambition, every tael of silver you invest in me will see a return."
Daxi Qin finally turned to look at her. "I don't quite understand the General’s words."
Zuo Canglang said, "If you truly didn't understand, I could explain. But if you are merely pretending not to understand, then there is truly nothing to be done."
Daxi Qin chuckled softly. "The General comes here today in such fine dress and says these things to me. Are you not afraid I might misunderstand what kind of 'return' you mean?"
The two had campaigned together at Little Spring Mountain and were quite familiar. But in the past, he had never made such jokes with her. Hearing this now, Zuo Canglang immediately retorted, "That wouldn't matter." Daxi Qin raised an eyebrow. Zuo Canglang continued, "Even if the Marquis misunderstands, you have neither the courage to act nor the courage to speak of it. At most, you'll just think about it."
Daxi Qin fell silent. Even though he had been despondent in Great Yan for a long time, hearing this still stirred a spark of masculine pride. He suddenly grabbed her hand. Zuo Canglang did not move. The two stared at each other for a moment, but with the Imperial Astronomer and his subordinates nearby, he eventually let go.
Zuo Canglang said, "See? Was I not correct?"
Daxi Qin didn't know her true purpose, but his heart was in disarray. He said, "I have noted what the General said. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."
"I won't see you out," Zuo Canglang said. However, she did not leave. She simply leaned against the white jade railing, looking down. Surprisingly, Daxi Qin did not leave either. As the cool wind blew, he slowly regained his composure. Although Zuo Canglang appeared not to care about her lack of rank on the surface, her relationship with Murong Yan was always somewhat scandalous. That was why the Imperial Astronomer had spoken with such disdain earlier.
And because he had spoken that way, she had become a bit irritated.
He stopped speaking, and the two stood side by side. Zuo Canglang asked, "Didn't the Marquis say he was leaving?"
Daxi Qin said, "What I said just now was wrong. I apologize." He didn't know why he had said it. After experiencing the struggle for the throne, the fall of his country, and surrendering to Yan, he thought he had learned to endure. Yet, he had involuntarily stepped on her sore spot.
Once he apologized, Zuo Canglang found it hard to stay angry. She remained silent, and the quiet made the atmosphere a bit awkward, yet Daxi Qin did not leave. For some reason, within the awkwardness, there was a faint, secret reluctance to part—like a tiny itch in the heart that made standing by her side for a moment longer feel right.
After dealing with the Guzhu envoys, Murong Yan emerged from the Hall of Virtuous Governance and strolled toward Nanqing Palace. Zuo Canglang was naturally not there. He was somewhat surprised and asked Keqing, "Where is she?"
Keqing had been keeping her head down, but now she stole a glance at him. Seeing that his gaze didn't land on her at all, her heart felt a pang of bitterness. She was, after all, just a lowly maid. When would such a noble and handsome man ever have her image in his eyes?
She said, "To answer Your Majesty, the General heard the Imperial Astronomer was performing the art of star observation and land measurement, so she went to the Bright Moon Terrace."
Murong Yan frowned. "Since when did she become interested in such things?"
He felt that Zuo Canglang had been a bit dull lately, likely because she had been cooped up in the palace for too long and was bored. Even he found these days flat and tedious; with her temperament, how could she stand it? Thus, he had thought to take her out hunting or riding while it was still early.
She could fly her gyrfalcons; she would surely be happy.
Who would have thought she would go off to learn astrology?
Murong Yan thought for a moment. Since there was nothing to do at Nanqing Palace anyway, he said, "To the Bright Moon Terrace."
Wang Yunzhao acknowledged the command and immediately followed him. However, just standing at the base of the terrace, he saw the two figures standing side by side by the jade railing above, and his heart sank. He slowly ascended the jade steps as the Imperial Astronomer and his subordinates knelt in welcome.
Zuo Canglang and Daxi Qin naturally knelt as well. Murong Yan reached the top, and seeing Zuo Canglang’s attire, a nameless fire rose within him. He said coldly, "Marquis Jinyu is here as well."
The Imperial Astronomer was secretly gloating—*I told you she was untouchable, yet you insisted on chatting for so long. Fortunately, I was clever!*
Daxi Qin bowed his head. "To answer Your Majesty, the Imperial Astronomer invited me, and his hospitality was hard to refuse. Furthermore, I have always been interested in the celestial patterns and the Book of Changes, so I came to observe and learn."
Murong Yan huffed, then turned his gaze to Zuo Canglang. "General Zuo’s makeup today is quite unique, unlike your usual style."
Zuo Canglang said, "Your Majesty overpraises me."
In front of his ministers, Murong Yan couldn't fly into a rage. He only said, "The Imperial Astronomer is here to observe the heavens, which concerns the harvest and the seasons. All unrelated personnel may withdraw."
Zuo Canglang and Daxi Qin had no choice but to rise and take their leave. Murong Yan glanced at the Imperial Astronomer, who couldn't help but shiver.
Fortunately, Murong Yan was very mindful of his dignity, and he seemed intent on preventing Zuo Canglang and Daxi Qin from walking together. He turned and descended the Bright Moon Terrace alongside Zuo Canglang. She followed behind him, and neither spoke. It wasn't until they returned to Nanqing Palace and Murong Yan dismissed the servants that he finally sneered, "It seems I have interrupted a fine moment between you and Daxi Qin!"
Zuo Canglang said, "Your Majesty hasn't come to Nanqing Palace for days, yet you arrive only to throw such a tantrum. I do not know what I have done wrong to provoke such fury."
Murong Yan said, "You don't know what you've done wrong? Do you not understand your current status? To be flirting with another man in broad daylight!" He pointed at her. "And dressed like this!"
Zuo Canglang said, "I don't understand Your Majesty’s words. Is Your Majesty allowed to sleep in another’s bed, but I am not allowed to speak a word or two with someone else?! Furthermore, as for my status, I truly am unclear. But no matter what I wear, it surely doesn't violate Your Majesty’s protocol!"
Murong Yan was enraged. He stepped forward and grabbed her collar. Zuo Canglang struggled but couldn't break free. Murong Yan reached out and tore the dress to shreds. The sound of ripping silk echoed in her ears. A fire seemed to ignite in his eyes, burning fiercer by the second. He pinned her onto the writing desk. The thought of this body beneath him having been exposed so closely to another man’s sight filled him with an urge to tear her apart.
He pressed his body against hers, a twisted desire surging in his heart, wishing he could drive her to the point of begging for death. He said, "Kiss me!" Zuo Canglang did not move. He said, "Wang Yunzhao, immediately send men to Daxi Qin’s manor and hack him into ten thousand pieces!"
Wang Yunzhao was startled. Although Daxi Qin was a surrendered official, he was nonetheless a man of merit. The fact that most of the Yu lands now belonged to Great Yan was largely due to him. If he were truly hacked to death, what would the people of Yu think?
He didn't dare respond. Only then did Zuo Canglang ask, "Is Your Majesty jealous?"
Murong Yan froze. Zuo Canglang said, "These past few days, was Your Majesty this affectionate and lingering with the Queen at the Phoenix Nest Palace? Her Majesty’s grace is like a pearl or jade before you; no wonder Your Majesty wants to kill me the moment you see me."
Murong Yan tormented her even more forcefully, feeling as though he could never dissipate that fire in his heart.
Finally, he leaned down and kissed her lips, seeing his own silhouette clearly reflected in her dark eyes. His heart slowly calmed. He tasted her tongue, enjoying that softness bit by bit.
Zuo Canglang wrapped her arms around his neck. This man was like an extremely possessive child. He would clench a beloved object in his hand, and from then on, it was his. If anyone else so much as glanced at it, he would want to gouge out their eyes.
He wouldn't allow anyone else to touch what belonged to him, yet like a child’s curiosity and novelty, once he was completely familiar with something, he would quickly lose interest.
Until he discovered that someone else coveted it—then he would fly into a rage again. His things, even if they were old, broken, or unwanted, could still only belong to him alone.
After he had finished venting, Zuo Canglang finally said, "I only went there because I wanted the Imperial Astronomer to help read my palm."
Murong Yan sneered. "The Imperial Astronomer? I suspect it was someone else."
Zuo Canglang said with no small amount of frustration, "As it turned out, when I got there, I found many people present. Even Marquis Jinyu was there. I was once familiar with him in the army. If he found out, wouldn't he mock me even more? So I was too embarrassed to speak."
Murong Yan asked, "It's just a palm reading. What is there to hide?"
Zuo Canglang stammered. Murong Yan grew impatient, and she finally threw her head back and said, "I wanted to ask about my marriage prospects, alright?!"
Murong Yan was stunned. After a long while, he suddenly laughed. "In that case, this Imperial Astronomer is truly detestable."
Zuo Canglang said, "Exactly! I wanted to invite him to Nanqing Palace, but fortunately, I didn't speak. Otherwise, if Your Majesty got angry, you'd probably throw me into prison again!"
Murong Yan took her hand, examining the lines on her palm closely. "Why would you ask them about something like marriage?" He leaned close to her ear and whispered, "What they say doesn't count."
Zuo Canglang said, "Then who else can I ask?"
Murong Yan pointed to himself. Zuo Canglang said, "Your Majesty hasn't come for several days. Even if I wanted to ask, where would I find you?"
Murong Yan laughed uncontrollably, feeling that she had returned to her former charmingly stubborn self. "I wanted to take you out hunting, but it's late now. How about we leave the palace tomorrow and bring your two gyrfalcons?"
Zuo Canglang said, "Why tomorrow? Let's go today."
Murong Yan hesitated. "We won't be able to return to the palace tonight."
Zuo Canglang leaned into his embrace. "With Your Majesty here, are we afraid of tigers eating people in the forest?"
Murong Yan thought for a moment and nodded. "Very well. If we go now and return tomorrow, it won't delay anything." Having said that, he told Wang Yunzhao to arrange the trip. Wang Yunzhao didn't know how Zuo Canglang had coaxed him into a good mood so quickly when he had been ready to kill just moments ago.
He assigned a dozen or so experts to protect them in secret. Murong Yan waived the formal procession and, traveling light, took Zuo Canglang out of the palace.
Shortly after they left, Xiao Pingzi entered Nanqing Palace carrying a wooden box and handed it to Weiwei. Weiwei opened it to find banknotes exchangeable throughout Great Yan. She was startled; after a careful count, it was exactly twenty thousand taels.
She clicked her tongue, counted out three hundred taels for Xiao Pingzi, and said, "I'll keep the rest for now. As for your reward, we'll wait until the General returns."
Xiao Pingzi said with a smile, "Sister Weiwei, what are you saying? Running errands for the General—I'm happy to do it even without a reward."
Weiwei huffed. Knowing he was always sweet-talking, she ignored him and put the box away securely.
When Zuo Canglang left the palace with Murong Yan, she had changed into another outfit arranged by Qiu Shu. It was a palace dress whose style was simple yet exuded luxury, with a jade hairpin in her hair and a finely woven feather flower at her temple. In the past, she would never have chosen such an outfit for travel; it was too troublesome and hindered movement. If there were danger, who would protect Murong Yan?
But now, she didn't care at all.
Murong Yan held her in his arms. She carried a floral scent, fresh and natural. He took a deep breath at her neck and said, "You've taken a liking to dressing up these past few days."
Zuo Canglang said, "To entertain my lord with colorful clothes, I must show some sincerity."
Murong Yan’s expression darkened slightly. After a long while, he said, "You know I didn't mean it that way."
Zuo Canglang said, "I naturally know. My honor and disgrace are held in Your Majesty’s hands. If one day Your Majesty is unhappy, you might not even remember which way the gates of Nanqing Palace open. Naturally, I need to work a bit harder."
Murong Yan said, "That temperament of yours!" A few days ago, he had intentionally observed her reaction because he felt she had been too submissive since her return. He wasn't without suspicion, feeling she was deliberately trying to please him. Seeing that she showed not a hint of jealousy, he had inevitably become suspicious.
However, after thinking it over, he wondered if the palace was simply too dull and stifling.
He had been indecisive, and his heart was inevitably filled with frustration. Now, seeing her words were sharp and her tone was both aggrieved and a bit sour, his heart slowly settled. He knew she wouldn't give him an easy way out, so he said, "You're just a stubborn mule."
Zuo Canglang said angrily, "Only the Queen is a phoenix; what's so strange about me being a mule? If you push me, I can even turn into a mad dog!"
Murong Yan laughed loudly. "Alright, alright. Come, let me kiss the little wild mule..."
The two rode together. Though it was called a hunt, the prey in the hunting grounds was very docile. Zuo Canglang found it difficult to draw a bow now, so Murong Yan held her hands and drew the bow with her, the two of them appearing incredibly intimate.
When night fell, they stayed at the hunting lodge. Zuo Canglang had a roasting rack set up, skinned a freshly hunted fawn, and shared wine with Murong Yan by the fire. Under the open sky, it was a sight that broadened the heart.
Zuo Canglang used a small knife to carve the venison and presented it to Murong Yan. "Speaking of which, a few days ago, some generals in the army sent a bundle of letters, asking me to forward them to Your Majesty."
Murong Yan immediately looked displeased. "What letters could they not present to Zhou Xin or directly to me, that they had to entrust them to you?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I also know these are military secrets and I have no right to view them, so I haven't opened them. But since the generals thought this way, they likely have difficulties they cannot speak of. If Your Majesty wishes to see them, I shall present them. If you wish to return them, I shall simply send them back."
Murong Yan thought for a moment and said, "Since they are in your hands, I shall take a look. But... do you truly not know the contents?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I am no longer in the army and I don't receive a salary. Why should I bother? Your Majesty shouldn't expect me to work for free."
Murong Yan laughed loudly and leaned in close to her, his voice thick with suggestion. "I am quite willing to let you work for free."
...
Meanwhile, in the palace, Jiang Bilan was absolutely livid. Murong Yan had been visiting the Phoenix Nest Palace very frequently these past few days and was very gentle with her. She had thought she had regained his favor, only to find that he had gone hunting with that wretched woman again.
Jiang Bilan left the Phoenix Nest Palace and was walking outside when she suddenly thought of Feng Ping. This man was actually nothing compared to Murong Yan. But thinking of the manner of his death, Jiang Bilan still couldn't help but feel a bit distressed. Without Feng Ping, she didn't know who would take over the position of Commander of the Imperial Guard.
Doing anything in the palace would no longer be so easy.
Just then, an attendant walked quickly toward her and whispered, "Your Majesty." Jiang Bilan was startled and asked, "Who are you?"
The attendant looked up and said, "This servant is Xiao Pingzi, a former confidant of Commander Feng Ping. Does Your Majesty still remember me?"
Jiang Bilan studied him closely and realized it was indeed him. She couldn't help but ask, "Why have you come? I heard you are now serving at Nanqing Palace?"
Xiao Pingzi said secretively, "Commander Feng is dead, but this servant’s loyalty to Your Majesty will never change. To be honest, two days ago, Zuo Canglang privately reviewed the detailed records of grain and pay distributions for various camps."
Jiang Bilan was shocked. "What audacity! She holds no official rank now, yet she dares to inspect military secrets?!"
Xiao Pingzi said, "Exactly. This servant also knows this is a capital offense and came specifically to report to Your Majesty. Those documents are currently hidden in a secret compartment in the study of Nanqing Palace. If Your Majesty is uneasy, you can send someone to investigate!"
Jiang Bilan’s heart suddenly skipped a beat—*That’s right! She’s not in the palace right now; this is the perfect time to search her quarters. Even if there’s nothing, I can find a way to make something appear.*
She thought this, but this time she was cautious and sent someone to the Jiang manor to consult Jiang Sanyi.
Jiang Sanyi thought for a while and still felt this eunuch was unreliable. That woman was simply too cunning. He couldn't fall into another trap. After some thought, he wrote back to Jiang Bilan: "His Majesty and she are both away from the palace. Even if Your Majesty finds evidence, His Majesty will likely suspect its authenticity and whether someone is framing her. My daughter, why not..."
Using his brush as a blade, he arranged a more thorough plan for her.
The next day, just as Zuo Canglang and Murong Yan returned to the palace, they saw Jiang Bilan searching the palace quarters one by one. Murong Yan raised an eyebrow and asked, "What has happened?"
Jiang Bilan bowed to him and said, "To answer Your Majesty, a pair of jade discs bestowed by Your Majesty went missing from my palace yesterday. They couldn't be found anywhere. Who would have thought other palaces would also report thefts? Since I am responsible for managing the inner palace, I had no choice but to check them one by one."
Murong Yan gave a grunt of assent and accompanied Zuo Canglang into Nanqing Palace. Before long, the Imperial Guard began searching the bookshelves and secret compartments. Zuo Canglang stood below while Jiang Bilan stood beside Murong Yan. At that moment, an Imperial Guard came to report: "Your Majesty! A suspicious scroll was found in the study, still bearing the wax seals of several generals. Please examine it, Your Majesty."
Jiang Bilan glanced at Zuo Canglang, looking somewhat triumphant. Zuo Canglang said, "I understand. Your Majesty’s search for jade discs today was a pretense; searching my Nanqing Palace was the true goal, wasn't it?"
Jiang Bilan said, "If you are innocent, why fear a search?"
Zuo Canglang stole a glance at Murong Yan and said, "I finally understand why these things ended up in my hands. It seems Your Majesty is very well-informed about every move in the army." Murong Yan’s brow furrowed. Just then, another Imperial Guard came to report: "Your Majesty, a wooden box was found in the maid Weiwei’s bedroom." Zuo Canglang was somewhat surprised. The guard brought the box over and opened it. "Inside are banknotes totaling about twenty thousand taels!"
Zuo Canglang’s right hand suddenly clenched—she had forgotten about this!
***
