Fang City, Murong Yuan seriously asked, "Have we still not managed to contact marshal Wen?"
Crown Prince Murong Ruo said, "Currently, the lands west of Yu Yang, all the way to Xiaoji city are in Murong Yan's hands. We have been unable to contact Suye city. For the moment, we have not yet received news back."
Murong Yuan looked at Cang Tianqi by his side, saying, "Cangjian Sect has extremely skilled martial artists, numbering like the clouds, so nobody could manage to enter Suye city to pass along a message?"
Cang Tianqi said, "This peasant will assign my eldest disciple, Cang Xiao to head to Suye to deliver the message." Murong Yuan nodded, saying, "These days, you have worked hard."
Cang Tianqi had just answered, when outside, someone entered, kneeling saying, "You majesty, crown prince, Cangjian sect has some messages that need to be delivered to Cang sect leader."
Cang Tianqi came forward to receive the letter, and with one look, he saw that it was a letter sent from Cang Ge. On it, other than reporting some of the matters of the sect, it also mentioned a miss named Yan Yan. In his praising words, it revealed that he had the intention of marrying her.
Cang Tianqi shook his head, putting the letter away.
Murong Yuan asked, "Is there some matter that arose within the sect?"
Cang Tianqi quickly replied, saying, "It isn't any other matter, but just that my soon has found a lady he admires. Currently, since the rebels are causing chaos, he yet still has this type of mood to be involved in romance. This man Cang's family is truly unfortunate." Although he had said things this way, but he also didn't have too much criticism in it.
After all, Cang Ge had arrived at the age when he should have gotten married, not to mention that Cang Feng had been missing for a long time, and there was absolutely no news of him, so he must have run into a very disadvantageous situation. He only had this one son left, who could continue the family tree, so of course it was a good thing.
Murong Yuan looked at his expression, and also knew what he meant. He suddenly said, "Speaking of it, your youngest son, Cang Ge is also someone who looks talented."
Cang Tianqi was pretty good towards his two sons, although since young, Cang Ge's martial arts practice was not as determined as Cang Feng's, but he actually was partial towards one. Currently, hearing Murong Yuan speak this way, he immediately said, "Your majesty is overly praising, as this son of mine loves to play, and currently we're short on people, and so he is lacking restraint."
Murong Yuan said, "My princess, Shu'er, is fifteen this year, and actually is appropriately aged with your son."
Cang Tianqi was startled, this meant that......
Murong Yuan turned, saying, "Come men, invite the princess over for a trip."
Some eunuchs received the order, and not long later, princess Murong Shu had already come over. Even though it was a chaotic period of time, but she was still graceful, with a princess's composure. Murong Yuan said, "How is it, this princess of mine, is she compatible with your son?"
Cang Tianqi was startled, as for a long time, although Cangjian sect was a military noble family, but it was still hurried and very much a peasant family. How could they receive the grace of being a princess's family?
But, the day and age was different, and Murong Yuan was currently in a dangerous position, and had to rely on using Cangjian sect at the moment. He slowly pondered, although currently Murong Yan looked like he was at a great advantage, but once Wenqi managed to get free, he will immediately fall into a dangerous situation.
He lightly pursed his lips, saying, "Princess has a heavenly bearing, so this subject is worried that my son is unrestrained, and is unworthy of princess's noble heritage."
Murong Yuan laughed out loud, saying, "Subject Cang is excessively humble, and since it is like this, then tomorrow, I will have the queen issue an edict, to arrange a marriage between the princess and Cang Ge. You and the queen are originally cousins, so with this, you will be even closer relatives to me."
Cang Tianqi knelt on the ground, "This peasant thanks your majesty for your grace!"
That night, Cang Tianqi sent a letter, ordering people to speedily send it to Cangjian sect, immediately rejecting Cang Ge's intention to marry Leng Feiyan.
Cang Ge was startled, and before he could carefully inquire, the second day, the queen's edict was sent over, arranging a marriage between him and the princess. Cang Ge knelt on the ground, speechless and shocked. It was only after his mother, of the Xie clan, repeatedly reminded him, that he received the edict.
He opened up the edict, and saw that it was not a lie, and he turned to his mother, Madam Xie, saying, "Mother, I wish to take a trip to Fang city."
Madam Xie said, "You're not happy about this marriage arrangement?"
Cang Ge angrily said, "Father had obviously received my letter, so how could he make such a ridiculous decision?"
Madam Xie sighed, saying, "Child, currently his majesty is trapped in Fang city, and right, now is the time when he needs your father. If it was in the past, our family being members of the martial arts world, even if we wanted to marry a princess, it would just be a dream."
Cang Ge said, "I will definitely not marry some princess, mother, son already...... already has someone I love. I will bring her over tomorrow, and you will definitely like her."
Madam Xie said, "Cang Ge! Your elder brother currently is missing without a spec of information, and your mother has constantly hoped that he would be fine without problems. But mother also knows, this is only a notion used to comfort herself! Currently Cangjian sect's heavy responsibility will ultimately fall into your hands. But in martial arts, you are not your brother's match. Based on Lu mountain's Duanmu clan's sword capabilities, have you ever seen it before? If in the future, we didn't have the support of the imperial court, just based on yourself, could you have Cangjian sect continue its current glory?!"
Cang Ge was stunned, and Madam Xie continued, "Mother knows, the girl my son fell in love with would definitely be very good. But currently, it is no longer the time when you can do as you wish."
Cang Ge turned around, lightly saying, "Mother, I will practice martial arts much more, and I don't need anyone to support me."
Madam Xie's gaze shot at him with a bit of sadness, saying, "Cang Ge, Duanmu clan's Duanmu Rou, with a bit more effort and practice, even your father would not necessarily be his opponent."
Cang Ge was startled, madam Xie continued, "He has never told you it before, right? Child, your father's personality, you still do not know? These years, has he ever forced you to do anything you didn't wish to do? If it was because we had no other route......"
Cang Ge said, "But...... but I've already made a promise to another person, mother, I cannot......"
Madam Xie said, "The princess is marrying down, and it will be Cangjian sect's great fortune. But this will not affect your love, and if you are about to raise her outside the sect, I think the princess will not pursue the matter."
Cang Ge no longer wanted to say anything, and walked out. He lingered for a long time outside Leng Feiyan's yard, waiting until he finally got the determination to enter, but then found out that the house was empty. He called a servant to come and inquire, but nobody knew her whereabouts.
She had left.
When Leng Feiyan returned to Swallow's Nest, Wu Gu didn't have a good expression, "You still know to return!"
Leng Feiyan smiled gleefully, "What are you talking about, I was just playing around outside, so if I didn't return, where could I return to?"
Wu Gu angrily said, "And I had thought you had been mesmerized till you lost your soul by that Cang family's second master, and no longer even remembered which direction Swallow's Nest's gate faced!"
It was also difficult to blame his anger, as since he had arrived, Leng Feiyan had just thrown management aside to him, and would often spend three days fishing and two days drying the fishing nets. This time, it was even more ridiculous, as she had gone ahead and left with Cang Ge.
Leng Feiyan, after being cursed out by him like a grandson, also wasn't angry, but said, as she smiled, "How could I! Even if I forgot Swallow's Nest's gate, I'd still have to remember you, ah!" As she was saying this, she lifted Wu Gu's chin. Wu Gu's face turned green, "Do you even know what type of place Cangjian sect is! And you think that's the type of place you can randomly go to play?"
Leng Feiyan was getting impatient, "Okay, okay, gosh you never finish with your nagging. Is there any news from Cang Tianqi's side?"
Wu Gu said, "We discovered someone in Pan Long basin. It is Cangjian sect's Cang Xiao. He should be utilizing south mountain's small pass to head to Suye city."
Leng Feiyan nodded, "Have the man killed, and carefully search his person, checking to see if he has any letter."
Wu Gu coldly harrumphed, "You're over there making out with second master Cang, with your public displays of affection, but towards his elder sect brother, you're absolutely ruthless."
Leng Feiyan sighed, "Wu Gu, with this type of tone, it would really make me suspect that you are being jealous. Cang Ge, that type of person, it's enough to just play around with. As if I could really run off with him? I don't waste time on matters, as I am a person with principle."
Wu Gu, hearing this was very angry, "playing around is enough," his forehead's veins were practically going to pop out, "Fang city sent out news, that your romantic partner plans on marrying the princess."
Leng Feiyan suddenly reached her hand out, pulling out the curved blade at her waist. Wu Gu retreated a step, asking, "What are you doing?" Leng Feiyan pulled out that blade, only carefully rubbing it, saying, "Take a look, you've used this blade before, but this doesn't interfere with me using it again, right?"
Wu Gu stared at her, not understanding what she meant by this. Leng Feiyan said, "That's why-- what does it matter why whether or not he marries the princess?"
Wu Gu was so angry, he immediately yelled out angrily, "Leng Feiyan, you, truly, how are you like a woman?!"
Leng Feiyan laughed until she hunched over, the curved blade, spinning in her hands to make a grisly shadow, and in the blink of an eye, the blade had gone back into its scabbard. She suddenly waved her hand, her lips bright like flames, her two eyes like stars, mesmerizing him. In that moment, she was fascinating like the past, and all the world's color was lost to him. Wu Gu was as if electricity coursed through him, and until she had walked far away, he still had not recovered his senses.
When Zuo Canglang came to find Leng Feiyan, Leng Feiyan was just practicing martial arts, and seeing her enter, said, "Exchange a few moves with me."
Zuo Canglang sat in the grass by the side, saying, "No."
Leng Feiyan stared her down, "Why?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I don't want to embarrass myself."
Leng Feiyan clicked "Cheh." and stopped practicing, but rather pulled out a handkerchief, to wipe her sweat, asking, "What is it??!"
Zuo Canglang said, "I want to know, if at the time we assassinate Murong Yuan, what are our chances?"
Leng Feiyan was startled, saying, "Cang Tianqi continues to stay by his side, and you have never seen this person, as he exceeds Cang Feng by far. Cang Feng's abilities aren't even half of his old man's. Our chances of success aren't high."
Zuo Canglang actually also knew this result, and at the moment, no longer said anything. Leng Feiyan sat down with her, and after a while, finally asked, "Lord master ordered it?"
Zuo Canglang shook her head, asking, "If we had to do this, what is the best way?"
Leng Feiyan said, "At Lu mountain, there is a Duanmu family. Do you know of them?" Zuo Canglang shook her head, as towards the matters of the martial arts world, she didn't know much. Leng Feiyan said, "It is also a sword deity's clan, but they are less famous than Cangjian sect. If you can find their people, and coordinate with Swallow's Nest's people, there should be a chance."
Zuo Canglang's forehead creased, saying, "No." She rejected it so absolutely, Leng Feiyan found it a bit unexpected. Zuo Canglang said, "Right now, lord master has already ascended, so within the martial arts world, he must raise his own sword. Swallow's Nest is this sword. In the future, if Duanmu family is used by him, then Swallow's Nest will no longer be important. Remember, no matter what you encounter, you must not cooperate with Duanmu clan or any other faction of the martial arts world."
Leng Feiyan though, and then slightly smiled, "Then have me go and try."
Zuo Canglang shook her head, "Let me think of another way, as assassination was originally not a particularly good plan."
She got up to leave, and at this, Wu Gu came inside, saying, "Cang Xiao escaped."
Leng Feiyan found it unexpected, "How many people were lost?"
Wu Gu said, "Xue Ying group, twelve people."
Leng Feiyan said, "Everyone?"
Wu Gu nodded, and Leng Feiyan's forehead creased. If even Cang Xiao was so strong, if she went to Fang city this time to assassinate Murong Yuan, it was just suicide. She quickly ordered people to send a message to Zuo Canglang, but Zuo Canglang never received it.
That night, she disguised herself, leaving Jinyang city, heading towards Fang city.
That day, Fang city had heavy patrols, and practically had no interactions with Yu Yang. Zuo Canglang followed Yi river the whole way, traveling there, swimming to Hu Cheng river. After the sun was almost up, she had practically been exhausted. Beneath the river reeds, she sat between the grass, gasping for air. Before coming, she had personally researched a terrain map, and from Hu Cheng river's mouth, it could reach many parts of this city.
The estate where Murong Yuan currently lived was one of them.
The map was practically in her mind, and she dove into the water, continuing forwards.
On the second day, Murong Yan discovered that Zuo Canglang had disappeared, so he sent people to the south palace hall, and found the letter she had left behind. After Murong Yan looked it over, he rolled the letter into a ball. Wang Junzhao saw the grasped paper in his hand, and didn't dare ask another question.
A while later, as though Murong Yan controlled his emotions, said, "She went to Fang city to assassinate father king."
Wang Yunzhao was startled, "But...... currently right now combat is in progress, his maj...... king Yan, how could he not be guarded!"
Murong Yan laughed coldly, saying, "For Wenqi, she can really put in the effort and heart."
Wang Yunzhao asked, "Your majesty, should we send people to chase after her?"
Murong Yan suddenly slammed the table, knocking some of the pens over, "What chase!"
Wang Yunzhao was startled, as he had never seen him angered so, and was afraid to speak more. A while later, Murong Yan said, "Summon Feng Ping over."
In Fang City, the estate Murong Yuan was temporarily staying in was absolutely quiet. Zuo Canglang carried her bow, and silently snuck over the wall, discovering Murong Yuan's location.
The separation of the yard was evident, so finding the king actually wasn't difficult. Very quickly, she arrived at his place of residence, and atop the wide and round bed, two people were currently deep asleep. Looking down from the roof, he could easily see that it was a pair of husband and wife.
Zuo Canglang found the most appropriate angle, and moved aside two roof tiles, drawing her bow, just as she was about to fire out, suddenly, the ground beneath her was empty, and she fell down!
She was extremely surprised, and before she could get up, she had already fallen inside a steel net. Some powdered ash was splashed at her from all four directions, blocking her site, and she was unable to avoid it. The soldiers that had long been prepared about immediately tightened the net, and Zuo Canglang was stuck within the net, unable to move. Someone lit a candle, and began lighting the various lamps, illuminating the room.
The man and woman on the bed immediately got up, Murong Yuan, Cang Tianqi, and Murong Ruo came out from the darkness, by their side followed another person---- Wenqi!
At this time, seeing her, Zuo Canglang didn't find it unexpected, as if it was Wenqi that had arrived here, this type of trap could be easily explained. She had been careless.
Murong Yuan walked to her side, looking down from above at her, who was in the net, saying, "Zuo Canglang! Humph, you sure have great guts, daring to come and attack this king!"
Zuo Canglang didn't speak, and crown prince Murong Ruo said, "This type of traitor, what is father king still wasting words with for, why don't we go ahead and just kill her."
Murong Yuan nodded, "Kill her, as an offering to the soldiers that died fighting in Jinyang city."
The soldiers raised their weapons, but Wenqi, who was by the side, suddenly said, "Wait." Murong Yuan and everyone all looked over, as he slowly walked before Zuo Canglang, saying, "I know why you would come, thank you."
Of course he knew, as at this time, Zuo Canglang absolutely did not need to assassinate Murong Yuan. If a reason had to be given, that was because she was unwilling to fight with him for the sake of Murong Yuan. Actually, if they really had to attack Suye city, it wasn't exactly entirely hopeless, right?
But he knew that Zuo Canglang might behave this way, because he understood her.
He slowly said, "I don't understand, how does Murong Yan rise above others, that you can serve him thus?"
Zuo Canglang took a look at him, not speaking. Murong Yuan said, "Wenqi doesn't need to continue speaking with her. She is a stubborn one that cannot see the light, so why waste your words."
Wenqi said, "Your majesty, this person came in the deep night, so perhaps she has companions. Why not......" He got close to Murong Yuan's ear, and lightly spoke. Murong Yuan thought for a while, nodding, "Come, men, imprison her, and tomorrow at noon, execute her by the western street."
Some soldiers acknowledged the order, and Murong Yuan again said, "Tianqi, this person is crafty and cunning, so tonight, it's better if you personally watch over, to avoid something unexpected from occurring."
Cang Tianqi acknowledged the order, and turned around to take a look at Zuo Canglang. This person, he had heard of before, but upon meeting for the first time, he still felt she was overly youthful. Being in the martial arts world for too long, he had known you couldn't underestimate women. He immediately said, "Come, men, break her two legs."
As long as her two legs were broken, even if someone came to save her, she would only be a burden.
Wenqi was speechless, and turned his head, ultimately still not speaking.
The two soldiers took out bronze hammers, and pulled the steel web tight, and then slammed down on that pair of legs. Zuo Canglang gasped momentarily, her forehead already covered in sweat. Cang Tianqi at this, ordered people to once again lift her up, and the night once again turned dark, the sky slowly cooling.
Zuo Canglang clenched her teeth, but didn't move at all.
The next day, she was carried out in a prison cart, with the crown prince Murong Ruo personally escorting her. On the two sides of the wide street, the people all gathered to observe. That day, the sun was a bit blinding, and Zuo Canglang only felt her two legs were extremely painful, and every time the prison cart wobbled, it felt like she was walking on the blade of a knife.
She heard people discussing on the side, some were pointing and talking, and she shut her eyes. The tight cuffs had chafed her skin till they were torn, and in some places, they were deep to the point that bone was visible. Wenqi who was following behind the crown prince would occasionally turn back to look at her, his expression complex. Perhaps he would also recall back then, when they were at Suye city and had those close moments like brothers at arms.
But each was serving their own masters, and war was always cruel.
When they had arrived at the opening of the western street, some soldiers dragged Zuo Canglang out of the prison cart. At that time, her two legs had already been dyed red by fresh blood. Once the two cuffs binding her two hands were loosened, she immediately fell on the ground. Murong Ruo sat atop the seat to observe the execution, and, towards the officials and the people, spoke, "This is the fate of traitors! Today we will execute Zuo Cangland and take her head, and next time, it will be Murong Yan's turn to be hanged from Jinyang city's city gate!"
The observing people all spoke quietly, and what they said, Zuo Canglang already couldn't discern. Soldiers brought forth a white cloth, draping it over her, the executioner stood by a side. As the day passed noon, the time drew near.
Wenqi walked to her side, lightly asking, "Is it worth it?"
Zuo Canglang looked at him, finally revealed a smile, not speaking.
Wenqi shook his head, "Ah Zuo, this life of yours, is really unfortunate1, ah."
Zuo Canglang lifted her head, and the sunlight spilled on the proud young woman's face, her face beaming like jade, but she actually smiled, finally saying, "Don't find it unfortunately, as doing what one can, is already doing one's best. Victory or defeat is in the hands of heaven, so one cannot hold regret."
The corners of Wenqi's lips slightly moved, and two words, he looked towards the crown prince, seated on the observation deck, Murong Ruo, saying, "Your highness the crown prince, please slow down the execution, as I have matters to report to his majesty."
Murong Ruo said, "Is marshal Wen planning on begging for mercy for this felon? Aren't you a bit too forgiving of her!"
Wenqi said, "Begging your highness to slow down for a moment, as this subject will return immediately after meeting his majesty!"
Wenqi rushed back to the estate, and Murong Yuan sighed, "You still can't steel your heart. But Wenqi, this woman is crafty and deceitful, so based on this one's intent, it's still better to deal with this problem."
Wenqi said, "Your majesty, the thousand armies' are easy to gain, but a general is difficult to beg for. This woman's skill, can be greatly used, so killing her would be an unfortunate waste. Additionally, she is smart and perceptive, so this subject actually likes her a lot. This subject's old home in Hua Tai, my wife spends a lot of her time serving her father-in-law and mother-in-law, and also must take care of the young children. My father suffers from a lot of sickness, and suffers a lot. This subject thinks, if I marry a small concubine, my relatives would have another person to serve them."
What type of person Murong Yan was, he immediately understood, "I only afraid that the hand that wields that blade, cannot use it as his own."
Wenqi said, "If one's heart has the strength, one can control one's murderous heart. Currently her two legs are already gone, and as long as they are not tended to, she can only stay in bed, unable to rise. This subject's wife is both able and caring, and her age is also young, so even if there are some matters she doesn't know yet, she can also slowly learn it over time. In the future, when your majesty takes back the realm, and gets rid of the traitorous subjects, Great Yan's national power will also have suffered greatly. So encountering warfare, this woman will have a great use."
Murong Yuan shook his head, "Wenqi! The current situation, already no longer permits......" before he had finished speaking, Wenqi's two knees hit the ground, kowtowing before him. Murong Yuan was shocked, and continued listening to him speak, "Your majesty, this subject......." he clenched his teeth, his face red, saying, "This subject likes her, and for so many years, this is the only time...... the only time I guarantee, I will definitely guarantee not let let her impact the situation, so I beg your majesty to permit it!"
Murong Yuan had a face full of helplessness, as they have spoken to this point, what could he do? He lightly sighed, "You, ah...... I already know, it's about time your Wen estate had some auspicious airs."
Wenqi knelt, "Thank your majesty for accepting it."
When Zuo Canglang was escorted back to the yard, she was still a bit confused. Until she heard the news that Wenqi decided to wed her as a concubine, her heart was both touched and also helpless. Wenqi wanted to save her, she knew. At this time, having to convince Murong Yuan, it wasn't easy, right?
Anyways she was beneath the other's knife, like a fish on the cutting board, whether she accepted or rejected, it was pointless.
Wenqi indeed did not cure her two legs, and afraid of delaying matters, quickly got married with her.
Although he wed a concubine in Fang city, and everything was hastily prepared and lacking, but many people still attended. Performing a happy event at this time, of course there were ulterior motives, as on one hand, it could raise the morale in Fang city, but on the second hand, it could let Murong Yan in Jinyang know that his beloved general had married himself.
Wen estate pretty much was noisy the whole day. In the night, the guests slowly scattered. Wenqi took off the bride's red veil, and drank the exchanged wine with Zuo Canglang. The matchmaker left, and in the bridal chamber, there were only the two of them left, sitting across each other.
Wenqi lifted his hand, helping her take off her heavy phoenix crown. Zuo Canglang's two legs were soft like jelly, and only moving a little bit, would cause her to sweat in pain. She asked, "You wouldn't really want to sleep with me, right?"
Wenqi came up to her, saying, "We've already bowed to the heavens and earth, and have also entered the bridal chamber, so why would I not sleep with you?"
Zuo Canglang said, "It's not like I am willing!"
The corner of Wenqi's mouth lifted into a smile, saying, "What does that matter, since in this matter, it's enough if I'm willing."
He walked over, and Zuo Canglang was worried, "Then if you let me go, in the future, if I have an opportunity, I'll also let you go once, how about it?"
Wenqi hanged his outer robe onto a clothes rack, saying, "This type of opportunity, it's better to not want it."
He took her shoes off, putting her onto the bed, and then, took off her wedding clothes. The eyes Zuo Canglang watched him with, crossed Wenqi's gaze, and a long time later, he covered her with a blanket, sighing, "You acting this way, would make me feel like I'm bullying a child."
He lied down by her side, but didn't actually have the intention to move around. Zuo Canglang relaxed her breath, finally speaking, "Afterwards, am I going to have to stay at Hua Tai, and stay in Wen estate?"
Wenqi "mmm'd," "I've served in the army for many years, and it's rare for me to return home. Before my relatives, help me be filial. Qiu Shu is a really good person, and she won't bully you, so you shouldn't bully her either." He reached his hand out, patting her hand, "since you've entered my estate, in the future, you are a member of my Wen family. The past and former matters, I won't bicker over. In the future, at home, don't make too much chaos, and it will be fine."
Zuo Canglang was excited, "Seeing you once in a few years? Three years or five years?"
Wenqi laughed, "You probably won't want to see me, right."
Zuo Canglang wanted to flip herself over, so she exerted some force, but only felt her legs spasm, and couldn't flip over. She said, "What if I want to?"
Wenqi raised his eyebrow, and without suspicion, he naturally said, "Endure it."
Zuo Canglang was angry, "I'm not guarding an empty room!"
Wenqi was holding in his laughter, "Mother will teach you."
She pulled his sleeve, saying, "Bring me along with the army, alright."
Wenqi stared at her, shaking his head. Zuo Canglang smiled coldly, "Just keeping me locked inside for a whole lifetime?"
Wenqi held her hand, as though comforting a child, "After the rebellion is settled, and after Murong Yan faces the law."
He was so straightforward that Zuo Canglang found it a bit unexpected, turning to look at him, his smile was warm, "At that time, I will allow you to accompany the army. I promise, as long as the time is right, I will bring you on a westward campaign. Your talent, perception, will not be wasted."
Zuo Canglang was shocked, "You're not giving me a leg, so what if I become a cripple?"
Wenqi said, "I'll have people use a wheelchair, and push you onto the battlefield."
He said it so naturally, but Zuo Canglang believed it, asking, "Why bother this way, since you don't trust me, wouldn't killing me save effort?"
Wenqi covered her with the blanked, "Reluctant. The people who love talent within this world, aren't only his second highness."
Zuo Canglang avoided his gaze. He actually was a really good person. It was just unfortunate, that he was only loyal to king Yan. And I...... I am only loyal to one person. As to who king Yan is, who cares?!
She said, "Actually between his majesty and his second highness, who is king Yan, for general, is there any difference?"
Wenqi said, "There is no difference."
Zuo Canglang turned over her face to him, "Then let me ask why marshal Wen can't turn around and support my family's lord master? Marshal Wen's desire to campaign against the west, is exactly my lord master's intent."
Wenqi said, "Eighteen years ago, his majesty ignored the entire court's objection, making me the chief marshal on his own, to resist the Western Jing. For the last eighteen years, I have held large armies, but he has never second guessed me. He has the grace of raising me, so I cannot wrong him."
Zuo Canglang pondered, and then said, "Marshal Wen, I am the same as you, only loyal to a single man."
Wenqi asked, "Why? You love him?"
Love? Zuo Canglang shut her eyes. That day on south mountain, the ground was covered with fresh grass, and wild roses were bloomed into a sea of flowers.
Outside of the smooth wall, that person was in the middle of subduing a wild horse. His black clothes blocked the wind, and he was like a demon's shadow beneath the moonlight, moving in the wind. The wild horses neighed, inciting the wolf pack. She raised her head, looking at him.
All these years, he had long not remembered that meeting, but she had even forgotten herself at that time, but still remembered that time's gray impression, his look. He chuckled, saying, "You stay amidst the wild mountain's east side, and live with a pack of wild wolves as your companions, so you will be surnamed Zuo, and named Canglang."
"No, you wouldn't understand." The corners of her lips lifted into a smile, lightly saying, "Just as you are loyal to king Yan, I also will not betray him. Never."
Wenqi entered into silence, thinking.
TN: Technically, this chapter name should probably be translated into-- "Falling into a Trap." But sometimes when this phrase is uttered in Chinese, it's equivalent to Admiral Ackbar's famous phrase. So I chose to use it instead.
1. The phrase Wenqi uses here is: 可惜. It is romanized to kěxí. It essentially means something along the lines of "unfortunate"/"waste." It's better told through examples. You would use this phrase if, for example, you had bought a jug of fresh wine or milk, and were carrying it to your car. But right before you put it in your car, you happened to drop it, so it was broken into pieces. It's unfortunate, because there was inherent value to it, but also a waste, because there was so much potential for it. So, this phrase is used to exhibit pity of wasted potential as opposed to looking down in pity upon her.
Fang City, Murong Yuan seriously asked, "Have we still not managed to contact marshal Wen?"
Crown Prince Murong Ruo said, "Currently, the lands west of Yu Yang, all the way to Xiaoji city are in Murong Yan's hands. We have been unable to contact Suye city. For the moment, we have not yet received news back."
Murong Yuan looked at Cang Tianqi by his side, saying, "Cangjian Sect has extremely skilled martial artists, numbering like the clouds, so nobody could manage to enter Suye city to pass along a message?"
Cang Tianqi said, "This peasant will assign my eldest disciple, Cang Xiao to head to Suye to deliver the message." Murong Yuan nodded, saying, "These days, you have worked hard."
Cang Tianqi had just answered, when outside, someone entered, kneeling saying, "You majesty, crown prince, Cangjian sect has some messages that need to be delivered to Cang sect leader."
Cang Tianqi came forward to receive the letter, and with one look, he saw that it was a letter sent from Cang Ge. On it, other than reporting some of the matters of the sect, it also mentioned a miss named Yan Yan. In his praising words, it revealed that he had the intention of marrying her.
Cang Tianqi shook his head, putting the letter away.
Murong Yuan asked, "Is there some matter that arose within the sect?"
Cang Tianqi quickly replied, saying, "It isn't any other matter, but just that my soon has found a lady he admires. Currently, since the rebels are causing chaos, he yet still has this type of mood to be involved in romance. This man Cang's family is truly unfortunate." Although he had said things this way, but he also didn't have too much criticism in it.
After all, Cang Ge had arrived at the age when he should have gotten married, not to mention that Cang Feng had been missing for a long time, and there was absolutely no news of him, so he must have run into a very disadvantageous situation. He only had this one son left, who could continue the family tree, so of course it was a good thing.
Murong Yuan looked at his expression, and also knew what he meant. He suddenly said, "Speaking of it, your youngest son, Cang Ge is also someone who looks talented."
Cang Tianqi was pretty good towards his two sons, although since young, Cang Ge's martial arts practice was not as determined as Cang Feng's, but he actually was partial towards one. Currently, hearing Murong Yuan speak this way, he immediately said, "Your majesty is overly praising, as this son of mine loves to play, and currently we're short on people, and so he is lacking restraint."
Murong Yuan said, "My princess, Shu'er, is fifteen this year, and actually is appropriately aged with your son."
Cang Tianqi was startled, this meant that......
Murong Yuan turned, saying, "Come men, invite the princess over for a trip."
Some eunuchs received the order, and not long later, princess Murong Shu had already come over. Even though it was a chaotic period of time, but she was still graceful, with a princess's composure. Murong Yuan said, "How is it, this princess of mine, is she compatible with your son?"
Cang Tianqi was startled, as for a long time, although Cangjian sect was a military noble family, but it was still hurried and very much a peasant family. How could they receive the grace of being a princess's family?
But, the day and age was different, and Murong Yuan was currently in a dangerous position, and had to rely on using Cangjian sect at the moment. He slowly pondered, although currently Murong Yan looked like he was at a great advantage, but once Wenqi managed to get free, he will immediately fall into a dangerous situation.
He lightly pursed his lips, saying, "Princess has a heavenly bearing, so this subject is worried that my son is unrestrained, and is unworthy of princess's noble heritage."
Murong Yuan laughed out loud, saying, "Subject Cang is excessively humble, and since it is like this, then tomorrow, I will have the queen issue an edict, to arrange a marriage between the princess and Cang Ge. You and the queen are originally cousins, so with this, you will be even closer relatives to me."
Cang Tianqi knelt on the ground, "This peasant thanks your majesty for your grace!"
That night, Cang Tianqi sent a letter, ordering people to speedily send it to Cangjian sect, immediately rejecting Cang Ge's intention to marry Leng Feiyan.
Cang Ge was startled, and before he could carefully inquire, the second day, the queen's edict was sent over, arranging a marriage between him and the princess. Cang Ge knelt on the ground, speechless and shocked. It was only after his mother, of the Xie clan, repeatedly reminded him, that he received the edict.
He opened up the edict, and saw that it was not a lie, and he turned to his mother, Madam Xie, saying, "Mother, I wish to take a trip to Fang city."
Madam Xie said, "You're not happy about this marriage arrangement?"
Cang Ge angrily said, "Father had obviously received my letter, so how could he make such a ridiculous decision?"
Madam Xie sighed, saying, "Child, currently his majesty is trapped in Fang city, and right, now is the time when he needs your father. If it was in the past, our family being members of the martial arts world, even if we wanted to marry a princess, it would just be a dream."
Cang Ge said, "I will definitely not marry some princess, mother, son already...... already has someone I love. I will bring her over tomorrow, and you will definitely like her."
Madam Xie said, "Cang Ge! Your elder brother currently is missing without a spec of information, and your mother has constantly hoped that he would be fine without problems. But mother also knows, this is only a notion used to comfort herself! Currently Cangjian sect's heavy responsibility will ultimately fall into your hands. But in martial arts, you are not your brother's match. Based on Lu mountain's Duanmu clan's sword capabilities, have you ever seen it before? If in the future, we didn't have the support of the imperial court, just based on yourself, could you have Cangjian sect continue its current glory?!"
Cang Ge was stunned, and Madam Xie continued, "Mother knows, the girl my son fell in love with would definitely be very good. But currently, it is no longer the time when you can do as you wish."
Cang Ge turned around, lightly saying, "Mother, I will practice martial arts much more, and I don't need anyone to support me."
Madam Xie's gaze shot at him with a bit of sadness, saying, "Cang Ge, Duanmu clan's Duanmu Rou, with a bit more effort and practice, even your father would not necessarily be his opponent."
Cang Ge was startled, madam Xie continued, "He has never told you it before, right? Child, your father's personality, you still do not know? These years, has he ever forced you to do anything you didn't wish to do? If it was because we had no other route......"
Cang Ge said, "But...... but I've already made a promise to another person, mother, I cannot......"
Madam Xie said, "The princess is marrying down, and it will be Cangjian sect's great fortune. But this will not affect your love, and if you are about to raise her outside the sect, I think the princess will not pursue the matter."
Cang Ge no longer wanted to say anything, and walked out. He lingered for a long time outside Leng Feiyan's yard, waiting until he finally got the determination to enter, but then found out that the house was empty. He called a servant to come and inquire, but nobody knew her whereabouts.
She had left.
When Leng Feiyan returned to Swallow's Nest, Wu Gu didn't have a good expression, "You still know to return!"
Leng Feiyan smiled gleefully, "What are you talking about, I was just playing around outside, so if I didn't return, where could I return to?"
Wu Gu angrily said, "And I had thought you had been mesmerized till you lost your soul by that Cang family's second master, and no longer even remembered which direction Swallow's Nest's gate faced!"
It was also difficult to blame his anger, as since he had arrived, Leng Feiyan had just thrown management aside to him, and would often spend three days fishing and two days drying the fishing nets. This time, it was even more ridiculous, as she had gone ahead and left with Cang Ge.
Leng Feiyan, after being cursed out by him like a grandson, also wasn't angry, but said, as she smiled, "How could I! Even if I forgot Swallow's Nest's gate, I'd still have to remember you, ah!" As she was saying this, she lifted Wu Gu's chin. Wu Gu's face turned green, "Do you even know what type of place Cangjian sect is! And you think that's the type of place you can randomly go to play?"
Leng Feiyan was getting impatient, "Okay, okay, gosh you never finish with your nagging. Is there any news from Cang Tianqi's side?"
Wu Gu said, "We discovered someone in Pan Long basin. It is Cangjian sect's Cang Xiao. He should be utilizing south mountain's small pass to head to Suye city."
Leng Feiyan nodded, "Have the man killed, and carefully search his person, checking to see if he has any letter."
Wu Gu coldly harrumphed, "You're over there making out with second master Cang, with your public displays of affection, but towards his elder sect brother, you're absolutely ruthless."
Leng Feiyan sighed, "Wu Gu, with this type of tone, it would really make me suspect that you are being jealous. Cang Ge, that type of person, it's enough to just play around with. As if I could really run off with him? I don't waste time on matters, as I am a person with principle."
Wu Gu, hearing this was very angry, "playing around is enough," his forehead's veins were practically going to pop out, "Fang city sent out news, that your romantic partner plans on marrying the princess."
Leng Feiyan suddenly reached her hand out, pulling out the curved blade at her waist. Wu Gu retreated a step, asking, "What are you doing?" Leng Feiyan pulled out that blade, only carefully rubbing it, saying, "Take a look, you've used this blade before, but this doesn't interfere with me using it again, right?"
Wu Gu stared at her, not understanding what she meant by this. Leng Feiyan said, "That's why-- what does it matter why whether or not he marries the princess?"
Wu Gu was so angry, he immediately yelled out angrily, "Leng Feiyan, you, truly, how are you like a woman?!"
Leng Feiyan laughed until she hunched over, the curved blade, spinning in her hands to make a grisly shadow, and in the blink of an eye, the blade had gone back into its scabbard. She suddenly waved her hand, her lips bright like flames, her two eyes like stars, mesmerizing him. In that moment, she was fascinating like the past, and all the world's color was lost to him. Wu Gu was as if electricity coursed through him, and until she had walked far away, he still had not recovered his senses.
When Zuo Canglang came to find Leng Feiyan, Leng Feiyan was just practicing martial arts, and seeing her enter, said, "Exchange a few moves with me."
Zuo Canglang sat in the grass by the side, saying, "No."
Leng Feiyan stared her down, "Why?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I don't want to embarrass myself."
Leng Feiyan clicked "Cheh." and stopped practicing, but rather pulled out a handkerchief, to wipe her sweat, asking, "What is it??!"
Zuo Canglang said, "I want to know, if at the time we assassinate Murong Yuan, what are our chances?"
Leng Feiyan was startled, saying, "Cang Tianqi continues to stay by his side, and you have never seen this person, as he exceeds Cang Feng by far. Cang Feng's abilities aren't even half of his old man's. Our chances of success aren't high."
Zuo Canglang actually also knew this result, and at the moment, no longer said anything. Leng Feiyan sat down with her, and after a while, finally asked, "Lord master ordered it?"
Zuo Canglang shook her head, asking, "If we had to do this, what is the best way?"
Leng Feiyan said, "At Lu mountain, there is a Duanmu family. Do you know of them?" Zuo Canglang shook her head, as towards the matters of the martial arts world, she didn't know much. Leng Feiyan said, "It is also a sword deity's clan, but they are less famous than Cangjian sect. If you can find their people, and coordinate with Swallow's Nest's people, there should be a chance."
Zuo Canglang's forehead creased, saying, "No." She rejected it so absolutely, Leng Feiyan found it a bit unexpected. Zuo Canglang said, "Right now, lord master has already ascended, so within the martial arts world, he must raise his own sword. Swallow's Nest is this sword. In the future, if Duanmu family is used by him, then Swallow's Nest will no longer be important. Remember, no matter what you encounter, you must not cooperate with Duanmu clan or any other faction of the martial arts world."
Leng Feiyan though, and then slightly smiled, "Then have me go and try."
Zuo Canglang shook her head, "Let me think of another way, as assassination was originally not a particularly good plan."
She got up to leave, and at this, Wu Gu came inside, saying, "Cang Xiao escaped."
Leng Feiyan found it unexpected, "How many people were lost?"
Wu Gu said, "Xue Ying group, twelve people."
Leng Feiyan said, "Everyone?"
Wu Gu nodded, and Leng Feiyan's forehead creased. If even Cang Xiao was so strong, if she went to Fang city this time to assassinate Murong Yuan, it was just suicide. She quickly ordered people to send a message to Zuo Canglang, but Zuo Canglang never received it.
That night, she disguised herself, leaving Jinyang city, heading towards Fang city.
That day, Fang city had heavy patrols, and practically had no interactions with Yu Yang. Zuo Canglang followed Yi river the whole way, traveling there, swimming to Hu Cheng river. After the sun was almost up, she had practically been exhausted. Beneath the river reeds, she sat between the grass, gasping for air. Before coming, she had personally researched a terrain map, and from Hu Cheng river's mouth, it could reach many parts of this city.
The estate where Murong Yuan currently lived was one of them.
The map was practically in her mind, and she dove into the water, continuing forwards.
On the second day, Murong Yan discovered that Zuo Canglang had disappeared, so he sent people to the south palace hall, and found the letter she had left behind. After Murong Yan looked it over, he rolled the letter into a ball. Wang Junzhao saw the grasped paper in his hand, and didn't dare ask another question.
A while later, as though Murong Yan controlled his emotions, said, "She went to Fang city to assassinate father king."
Wang Yunzhao was startled, "But...... currently right now combat is in progress, his maj...... king Yan, how could he not be guarded!"
Murong Yan laughed coldly, saying, "For Wenqi, she can really put in the effort and heart."
Wang Yunzhao asked, "Your majesty, should we send people to chase after her?"
Murong Yan suddenly slammed the table, knocking some of the pens over, "What chase!"
Wang Yunzhao was startled, as he had never seen him angered so, and was afraid to speak more. A while later, Murong Yan said, "Summon Feng Ping over."
In Fang City, the estate Murong Yuan was temporarily staying in was absolutely quiet. Zuo Canglang carried her bow, and silently snuck over the wall, discovering Murong Yuan's location.
The separation of the yard was evident, so finding the king actually wasn't difficult. Very quickly, she arrived at his place of residence, and atop the wide and round bed, two people were currently deep asleep. Looking down from the roof, he could easily see that it was a pair of husband and wife.
Zuo Canglang found the most appropriate angle, and moved aside two roof tiles, drawing her bow, just as she was about to fire out, suddenly, the ground beneath her was empty, and she fell down!
She was extremely surprised, and before she could get up, she had already fallen inside a steel net. Some powdered ash was splashed at her from all four directions, blocking her site, and she was unable to avoid it. The soldiers that had long been prepared about immediately tightened the net, and Zuo Canglang was stuck within the net, unable to move. Someone lit a candle, and began lighting the various lamps, illuminating the room.
The man and woman on the bed immediately got up, Murong Yuan, Cang Tianqi, and Murong Ruo came out from the darkness, by their side followed another person---- Wenqi!
At this time, seeing her, Zuo Canglang didn't find it unexpected, as if it was Wenqi that had arrived here, this type of trap could be easily explained. She had been careless.
Murong Yuan walked to her side, looking down from above at her, who was in the net, saying, "Zuo Canglang! Humph, you sure have great guts, daring to come and attack this king!"
Zuo Canglang didn't speak, and crown prince Murong Ruo said, "This type of traitor, what is father king still wasting words with for, why don't we go ahead and just kill her."
Murong Yuan nodded, "Kill her, as an offering to the soldiers that died fighting in Jinyang city."
The soldiers raised their weapons, but Wenqi, who was by the side, suddenly said, "Wait." Murong Yuan and everyone all looked over, as he slowly walked before Zuo Canglang, saying, "I know why you would come, thank you."
Of course he knew, as at this time, Zuo Canglang absolutely did not need to assassinate Murong Yuan. If a reason had to be given, that was because she was unwilling to fight with him for the sake of Murong Yuan. Actually, if they really had to attack Suye city, it wasn't exactly entirely hopeless, right?
But he knew that Zuo Canglang might behave this way, because he understood her.
He slowly said, "I don't understand, how does Murong Yan rise above others, that you can serve him thus?"
Zuo Canglang took a look at him, not speaking. Murong Yuan said, "Wenqi doesn't need to continue speaking with her. She is a stubborn one that cannot see the light, so why waste your words."
Wenqi said, "Your majesty, this person came in the deep night, so perhaps she has companions. Why not......" He got close to Murong Yuan's ear, and lightly spoke. Murong Yuan thought for a while, nodding, "Come, men, imprison her, and tomorrow at noon, execute her by the western street."
Some soldiers acknowledged the order, and Murong Yuan again said, "Tianqi, this person is crafty and cunning, so tonight, it's better if you personally watch over, to avoid something unexpected from occurring."
Cang Tianqi acknowledged the order, and turned around to take a look at Zuo Canglang. This person, he had heard of before, but upon meeting for the first time, he still felt she was overly youthful. Being in the martial arts world for too long, he had known you couldn't underestimate women. He immediately said, "Come, men, break her two legs."
As long as her two legs were broken, even if someone came to save her, she would only be a burden.
Wenqi was speechless, and turned his head, ultimately still not speaking.
The two soldiers took out bronze hammers, and pulled the steel web tight, and then slammed down on that pair of legs. Zuo Canglang gasped momentarily, her forehead already covered in sweat. Cang Tianqi at this, ordered people to once again lift her up, and the night once again turned dark, the sky slowly cooling.
Zuo Canglang clenched her teeth, but didn't move at all.
The next day, she was carried out in a prison cart, with the crown prince Murong Ruo personally escorting her. On the two sides of the wide street, the people all gathered to observe. That day, the sun was a bit blinding, and Zuo Canglang only felt her two legs were extremely painful, and every time the prison cart wobbled, it felt like she was walking on the blade of a knife.
She heard people discussing on the side, some were pointing and talking, and she shut her eyes. The tight cuffs had chafed her skin till they were torn, and in some places, they were deep to the point that bone was visible. Wenqi who was following behind the crown prince would occasionally turn back to look at her, his expression complex. Perhaps he would also recall back then, when they were at Suye city and had those close moments like brothers at arms.
But each was serving their own masters, and war was always cruel.
When they had arrived at the opening of the western street, some soldiers dragged Zuo Canglang out of the prison cart. At that time, her two legs had already been dyed red by fresh blood. Once the two cuffs binding her two hands were loosened, she immediately fell on the ground. Murong Ruo sat atop the seat to observe the execution, and, towards the officials and the people, spoke, "This is the fate of traitors! Today we will execute Zuo Cangland and take her head, and next time, it will be Murong Yan's turn to be hanged from Jinyang city's city gate!"
The observing people all spoke quietly, and what they said, Zuo Canglang already couldn't discern. Soldiers brought forth a white cloth, draping it over her, the executioner stood by a side. As the day passed noon, the time drew near.
Wenqi walked to her side, lightly asking, "Is it worth it?"
Zuo Canglang looked at him, finally revealed a smile, not speaking.
Wenqi shook his head, "Ah Zuo, this life of yours, is really unfortunate1, ah."
Zuo Canglang lifted her head, and the sunlight spilled on the proud young woman's face, her face beaming like jade, but she actually smiled, finally saying, "Don't find it unfortunately, as doing what one can, is already doing one's best. Victory or defeat is in the hands of heaven, so one cannot hold regret."
The corners of Wenqi's lips slightly moved, and two words, he looked towards the crown prince, seated on the observation deck, Murong Ruo, saying, "Your highness the crown prince, please slow down the execution, as I have matters to report to his majesty."
Murong Ruo said, "Is marshal Wen planning on begging for mercy for this felon? Aren't you a bit too forgiving of her!"
Wenqi said, "Begging your highness to slow down for a moment, as this subject will return immediately after meeting his majesty!"
Wenqi rushed back to the estate, and Murong Yuan sighed, "You still can't steel your heart. But Wenqi, this woman is crafty and deceitful, so based on this one's intent, it's still better to deal with this problem."
Wenqi said, "Your majesty, the thousand armies' are easy to gain, but a general is difficult to beg for. This woman's skill, can be greatly used, so killing her would be an unfortunate waste. Additionally, she is smart and perceptive, so this subject actually likes her a lot. This subject's old home in Hua Tai, my wife spends a lot of her time serving her father-in-law and mother-in-law, and also must take care of the young children. My father suffers from a lot of sickness, and suffers a lot. This subject thinks, if I marry a small concubine, my relatives would have another person to serve them."
What type of person Murong Yan was, he immediately understood, "I only afraid that the hand that wields that blade, cannot use it as his own."
Wenqi said, "If one's heart has the strength, one can control one's murderous heart. Currently her two legs are already gone, and as long as they are not tended to, she can only stay in bed, unable to rise. This subject's wife is both able and caring, and her age is also young, so even if there are some matters she doesn't know yet, she can also slowly learn it over time. In the future, when your majesty takes back the realm, and gets rid of the traitorous subjects, Great Yan's national power will also have suffered greatly. So encountering warfare, this woman will have a great use."
Murong Yuan shook his head, "Wenqi! The current situation, already no longer permits......" before he had finished speaking, Wenqi's two knees hit the ground, kowtowing before him. Murong Yuan was shocked, and continued listening to him speak, "Your majesty, this subject......." he clenched his teeth, his face red, saying, "This subject likes her, and for so many years, this is the only time...... the only time I guarantee, I will definitely guarantee not let let her impact the situation, so I beg your majesty to permit it!"
Murong Yuan had a face full of helplessness, as they have spoken to this point, what could he do? He lightly sighed, "You, ah...... I already know, it's about time your Wen estate had some auspicious airs."
Wenqi knelt, "Thank your majesty for accepting it."
When Zuo Canglang was escorted back to the yard, she was still a bit confused. Until she heard the news that Wenqi decided to wed her as a concubine, her heart was both touched and also helpless. Wenqi wanted to save her, she knew. At this time, having to convince Murong Yuan, it wasn't easy, right?
Anyways she was beneath the other's knife, like a fish on the cutting board, whether she accepted or rejected, it was pointless.
Wenqi indeed did not cure her two legs, and afraid of delaying matters, quickly got married with her.
Although he wed a concubine in Fang city, and everything was hastily prepared and lacking, but many people still attended. Performing a happy event at this time, of course there were ulterior motives, as on one hand, it could raise the morale in Fang city, but on the second hand, it could let Murong Yan in Jinyang know that his beloved general had married himself.
Wen estate pretty much was noisy the whole day. In the night, the guests slowly scattered. Wenqi took off the bride's red veil, and drank the exchanged wine with Zuo Canglang. The matchmaker left, and in the bridal chamber, there were only the two of them left, sitting across each other.
Wenqi lifted his hand, helping her take off her heavy phoenix crown. Zuo Canglang's two legs were soft like jelly, and only moving a little bit, would cause her to sweat in pain. She asked, "You wouldn't really want to sleep with me, right?"
Wenqi came up to her, saying, "We've already bowed to the heavens and earth, and have also entered the bridal chamber, so why would I not sleep with you?"
Zuo Canglang said, "It's not like I am willing!"
The corner of Wenqi's mouth lifted into a smile, saying, "What does that matter, since in this matter, it's enough if I'm willing."
He walked over, and Zuo Canglang was worried, "Then if you let me go, in the future, if I have an opportunity, I'll also let you go once, how about it?"
Wenqi hanged his outer robe onto a clothes rack, saying, "This type of opportunity, it's better to not want it."
He took her shoes off, putting her onto the bed, and then, took off her wedding clothes. The eyes Zuo Canglang watched him with, crossed Wenqi's gaze, and a long time later, he covered her with a blanket, sighing, "You acting this way, would make me feel like I'm bullying a child."
He lied down by her side, but didn't actually have the intention to move around. Zuo Canglang relaxed her breath, finally speaking, "Afterwards, am I going to have to stay at Hua Tai, and stay in Wen estate?"
Wenqi "mmm'd," "I've served in the army for many years, and it's rare for me to return home. Before my relatives, help me be filial. Qiu Shu is a really good person, and she won't bully you, so you shouldn't bully her either." He reached his hand out, patting her hand, "since you've entered my estate, in the future, you are a member of my Wen family. The past and former matters, I won't bicker over. In the future, at home, don't make too much chaos, and it will be fine."
Zuo Canglang was excited, "Seeing you once in a few years? Three years or five years?"
Wenqi laughed, "You probably won't want to see me, right."
Zuo Canglang wanted to flip herself over, so she exerted some force, but only felt her legs spasm, and couldn't flip over. She said, "What if I want to?"
Wenqi raised his eyebrow, and without suspicion, he naturally said, "Endure it."
Zuo Canglang was angry, "I'm not guarding an empty room!"
Wenqi was holding in his laughter, "Mother will teach you."
She pulled his sleeve, saying, "Bring me along with the army, alright."
Wenqi stared at her, shaking his head. Zuo Canglang smiled coldly, "Just keeping me locked inside for a whole lifetime?"
Wenqi held her hand, as though comforting a child, "After the rebellion is settled, and after Murong Yan faces the law."
He was so straightforward that Zuo Canglang found it a bit unexpected, turning to look at him, his smile was warm, "At that time, I will allow you to accompany the army. I promise, as long as the time is right, I will bring you on a westward campaign. Your talent, perception, will not be wasted."
Zuo Canglang was shocked, "You're not giving me a leg, so what if I become a cripple?"
Wenqi said, "I'll have people use a wheelchair, and push you onto the battlefield."
He said it so naturally, but Zuo Canglang believed it, asking, "Why bother this way, since you don't trust me, wouldn't killing me save effort?"
Wenqi covered her with the blanked, "Reluctant. The people who love talent within this world, aren't only his second highness."
Zuo Canglang avoided his gaze. He actually was a really good person. It was just unfortunate, that he was only loyal to king Yan. And I...... I am only loyal to one person. As to who king Yan is, who cares?!
She said, "Actually between his majesty and his second highness, who is king Yan, for general, is there any difference?"
Wenqi said, "There is no difference."
Zuo Canglang turned over her face to him, "Then let me ask why marshal Wen can't turn around and support my family's lord master? Marshal Wen's desire to campaign against the west, is exactly my lord master's intent."
Wenqi said, "Eighteen years ago, his majesty ignored the entire court's objection, making me the chief marshal on his own, to resist the Western Jing. For the last eighteen years, I have held large armies, but he has never second guessed me. He has the grace of raising me, so I cannot wrong him."
Zuo Canglang pondered, and then said, "Marshal Wen, I am the same as you, only loyal to a single man."
Wenqi asked, "Why? You love him?"
Love? Zuo Canglang shut her eyes. That day on south mountain, the ground was covered with fresh grass, and wild roses were bloomed into a sea of flowers.
Outside of the smooth wall, that person was in the middle of subduing a wild horse. His black clothes blocked the wind, and he was like a demon's shadow beneath the moonlight, moving in the wind. The wild horses neighed, inciting the wolf pack. She raised her head, looking at him.
All these years, he had long not remembered that meeting, but she had even forgotten herself at that time, but still remembered that time's gray impression, his look. He chuckled, saying, "You stay amidst the wild mountain's east side, and live with a pack of wild wolves as your companions, so you will be surnamed Zuo, and named Canglang."
"No, you wouldn't understand." The corners of her lips lifted into a smile, lightly saying, "Just as you are loyal to king Yan, I also will not betray him. Never."
Wenqi entered into silence, thinking.
TN: Technically, this chapter name should probably be translated into-- "Falling into a Trap." But sometimes when this phrase is uttered in Chinese, it's equivalent to Admiral Ackbar's famous phrase. So I chose to use it instead.
1. The phrase Wenqi uses here is: 可惜. It is romanized to kěxí. It essentially means something along the lines of "unfortunate"/"waste." It's better told through examples. You would use this phrase if, for example, you had bought a jug of fresh wine or milk, and were carrying it to your car. But right before you put it in your car, you happened to drop it, so it was broken into pieces. It's unfortunate, because there was inherent value to it, but also a waste, because there was so much potential for it. So, this phrase is used to exhibit pity of wasted potential as opposed to looking down in pity upon her.
