The next day, Wenqi ordered people to bring Zuo Canglang to the Wen estate in Hua Tai. Wenqi's family was currently at Hua Tai, and only a single Tang district stood between Hua Tai and Fang city, so it wasn't actually far. Zuo Canglang couldn't stand at all, as when Cang Tianqi had ordered people to break her legs, he was merciless.
Right now, one should not even think of recovering entirely, as even if she eventually got better, she would still not be as she formerly was. As someone who participates on the battlefield, she was equivalent to an invalid.
The Wen Estate at Hua Tai wasn't as exuberant as imagined. There were the bronze gates and the plaster walls, and before the gate, there was a pair of lion statues, and atop the gate hanged the sign inlaid in gold. Zuo Canglang was carried into the estate by others, and originally, when entering someone's home as a bride, there was a set of etiquette that needed to be undertaken, but the Wen family practically didn't care about this.
Zuo Canglang was carried into a small building, and in the small yard in front of the building, there was actually a lot of melon vines. Zuo Canglang craned her head over to look, and only saw two young boys, one on the left and one on the right, standing in front of the half moon door.
Zuo Canglang had heard of his two sons from Wenqi, and this time, she spoke softly so as to not disturb others, saying, "Wen Yixuan, Wen Yirong."
The two children came out from behind the door, Wen Yirong curiously asked, "How do you know mine and my older brother's names?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I heard your father mention it, ah."
Wen Yirong was just about to say something, when outside, a woman's voice suddenly said, "Yixuan, Yirong! Come out, don't disturb Yiniang's1 rest."
The two children made a nasty face, and quickly ran out of the small yard. Zuo Canglang was carried onto the bed directly by the servants, and when she was being moved, she only felt the shattered bone stabbing into her flesh. Not long later, a madam came in from outside. She was around thirty, and the corners of her eyes revealed some fine wrinkles. But her whole person was still extremely dignified and beautiful.
She walked before Zuo Canglang's bed, lowering her head to take a look at her leg. Thinking of Zuo Canglang's situation, Wenqi had already explained everything clearly to her. She said, "In the future, you can just live here, and if you're lacking anything, just send someone to inform me."
Zuo Canglang said, "Madam Wen?"
She "mmm'd" saying, "I'm surnamed Yu, and my name is Quishu." Finishing, she turned around to leave the small building. Not long later, two servant girls came in, helping her groom. The two people didn't particularly take care of her two legs' injuries, and when she was bathing, Zuo Canglang could practically her the cracking of her bones separating.
Sweat gathered in thin trickles at the corner of her forehead, but she didn't make a single sound. Wenqi wouldn't hope for her to recover, so of course these people wouldn't pay attention to the matter.
Yu Qiushu brought two fresh servant girls here to take care of her. Zuo Canglang couldn't get off her bed, so even when she had to use the restroom, she needed people to support her. Although the two servant girls weren't meticulous enough, but they weren't bad. Anyways, everyday, whether it was eating, drinking, shitting, or pissing, they would serve her in all matters, and thus there wasn't anything additional to bother with.
Zuo Canglang was stuck on the bed every day, only able to see a flowery bed by the south side.
This day, Wen Xingye, old man Wen was practicing martial arts in the yard. He was originally an old general on the battlefield, but because of his leg injury, his mood was extremely explosive. Occasion, with one stare, he would scare people. No matter who he was speaking with, he would always be yelling.
Zuo Canglang was bored, so she could only watch him practicing martial arts through the window, and as the time grew long, she couldn't help but laugh. Wen Xingye turned his head around, and stared at her, "What are you laughing at??"
Zuo Canglang immediately changed her expression to a serious one, saying, "Not much, ah. You all don't permit me to walk, and also don't permit me to laugh, ah?"
Wen Xingye walked in with big steps, asking, "Speak, what are you laughing at!"
Zuo Canglang said, "If I say it, you're not allowed to get angry, ah." Wen Xing ye was angry, and she said, "Old sir Wen, back then, did you just depend on this pair of fists and legs to enter the battle field and slay enemies?"
Wen Xingye was angered, "Rubbish! What are you saying?!"
Zuo Canglang said, "I'm just speaking the truth, that is all. If you don't like hearing it, then I won't say it."
Wen Xingye's eyebrows had perked up, "Get up! This old one wants to actually see what abilities you have!"
Zuo Canglang said, "Waste of words, can't you see I can't get up, ah!"
Wen Xingye came forward, roughly forcing her to sit up, "At least you can use your hands, right?"
Thus the tough began to compete with their fists, and once Zuo Canglang moved, she was covered with sweat, and for the sake of not taking advantage of her, Wen Xingye also stood firmly planted in his spot, not moving his bottom side at all.
As the two exchanged a few moves, Wen Xingye started finding it a bit interesting-- this little girl is not bad, ah! Qi'er (Wenqi) said her two legs were wasted, but it couldn't be false, could it?
He intended on testing to see if it was true, but ultimately in name, he was still the father-in-law. And how had there ever been a father-in-law that looked at his daughter-in-law's legs! So they didn't speak more, but fought for a whole morning, each being drenched in sweat. Ultimately, it was old madam Wen that felt they were being children, and came to drag him out.
But old sir Wen was ultimately still bored, and came over again in the afternoon, and took a sandbox over to talk military theory with her. Zuo Canglang had never had any elders in her life before, so at this time, she also didn't have any particular cares, but said, "The room is both cold and wet, so help me into the yard before we continue talking."
Old sir Wen stared at her, "You just speak like this to your elders? Got no respect!"
Zuo Canglang said, "Then are you going to keep playing or not?!"
Wen Xingye thought it over, and though he wanted to reach over to help her, he really couldn't gather up the determination. He could only call the servant girls over to help her, and he personally went outside, and prepared the location in the yard first. Zuo Canglang sat on a bamboo chair, and the warm sun from the east warmly shined on her body, and then sighed, "Aye, us two people, have managed to come into a situation where there's only one usable leg."
Wen Xingye took a tree branch and knocked her head, and the two each picked up some chess pieces, and once again, on the sandbox, set up their own zones of influence.
When Zuo Canglang had sat for a long time, she wanted to move a bit, and tried for a long time, before finally grabbing her two legs with her two hands, and putting them to the side, atop the stone stool. She turned around and immediately continued issuing troop formations, and Wen Xingye grew increasingly suspicious that her leg wounds were fake.
He reached his hand out, and pressed them onto her two knees, but his heart was instantly shocked--- the place he touched, the kneecaps were entirely shattered, and she could only feel the shattered bones stabbing beneath the skin. If it wasn't using an extremely heavy object to crush, it couldn't have been injured to this extent.
He was silently shocked, but by the side, Wen Yirong was watching with big round eyes, asking, "Grandpa, why are you touching Yiniang's legs?"
Wen Xingye slapped the kid with his palm, and Wen Yirong began crying. Yu Qiushu and old madam Wen all rushed over, quickly asking, "What's the matter? What happened?"
Wen Yirong cried on one hand while speaking, "Grandpa was touching Yiniang's leg! And then he hit me......"
Wen Xingye: ......
Zuo Canglang: ......
Although Wen Xingye had not entered the battlefield in a long time, but he still had the unbridled energy of a stallion, and within the estate, his madam and his daughter-in-law were both women from noble families, so he couldn't speak of his interests with anyone. Currently, Zuo Canglang had come over, and he could actually have an opportunity to get rid of his boredom, thus he would often come over.
Zuo Canglang couldn't walk about anyways, and people in the estate also wouldn't cure her, so her wounds entirely didn't improve in condition. Having someone come over very often, was still better than being bored all day on the bed.
Thus she was also welcoming of old sir Wen coming over every day to discuss military theory. First, the two of them would gamble peanuts, and then, when they later found that boring, began betting money. But because she would never give pause to elders, she would often enrage Wen Xingye until he was like a thunderstorm.
Although Wen estate was very far from the Yan capital, but the rules were still very strict. Wen Yirong and Wen Yixuan would still come everyday to pay their respects, nor would they ever miss the ritual duties. Zuo Canglang won against old sir Wen quite a bit of money, but she was very gracious in her gifts, as she would often give the brothers a lot of allowance money. And if sheep's hair grew on a sheep, she wouldn't feel bad over it.
Wen Yixuan knew that he needed to be disciplined in his spending, but Wen Yirong was still young, and thought she was the best.
She was sheltered in Wen estate for a long time, and served as a concubine without anything to do, but at Jinyang city, Murong Yan received the news that the two of them had gotten married. The spy even brought him Wenqi's personal invitation.
Murong Yan, seeing this item, held it in his hand, and exerted force with his five fingers, crushing it into dust. He subsequently lowered his head, watching the red dust scatter. Gan Xiaoru, Feng Ping, and Zhou Xin all stood by the side, and everyone was afraid to speak. Murong Yan said, "Since Wenqi returned to Fang city, Suye city was probably handed over to Yuan Xi, right?"
Zhou Xin said, "Responding to your majesty, it should be. But since Wenqi had left, this subject believes, Suye city would probably be well arranged and guarded."
Murong Yan said, "Yuan Xi, this person, has bravery but no strategy, so if Suye is guarded by him, no matter how well arranged it is, it will be useless."
Zhou Xin looked at him, not daring to respond. After all, Wenqi's preparations, even Western Jing could not help but respect.
Murong Yan said, "Summon Xu Lang over here, as I plan on personally attacking."
Gan Xiaoru also said, "Your majesty! Marshal Wen went to Fang city, so it would be impossible for him to not have complete preparations. Additionally, Suye city has just repelled Western Jing, so their fame is really high. If we carelessly attack, we might lose the peoples' support!"
If they were measuring among the subjects, who was least willing for Murong Yan to be defeated, it must be him.
Murong Yan said, "Wenqi believes that by capturing a Zuo Canglang, that on my side, I would lack a general that can be victorious. Hmmph. Where is Xu Lang, call him over."
At ten past midnight, Murong Yan handed Jinyang city's interior politics to be managed by Gan Xiaoru, and assigned the imperial guard to Feng Ping. He personally gathered troops to head out of Jinyang city, announcing glamorously that he was attacking Fang city.
When Yuan Xi, who was ordered to guard Suye city, heard of this news, of course he worried for Wenqi. But at the same time, he also saw the opportunity for battle. Currently, Murong Yan was bringing his elite to attack Fang city, so Xiaoji city, Daji city would naturally be empty of soldiers.
Fang city was far away from Xiaoji city, and if he personally utilized the opportunity to attack Xiaoji city, even if he wanted to save it, he would be too late.
He had this intent, but Zhuge Jin and Zheng Chu were still reluctant, since Wenqi had once issued the military order, that before he returned, no matter what, they were not allowed to attack. After a heated discussion, Yuan Xi said, "How about this, I will personally lead a force to attack Xiaoji city, and you two will stay and guard the city. Even if anything happens, it would still not endanger Suye city."
Although Zhuge Jin and Zheng Chu didn't agree, but they couldn't think of any way to persuade him. Yuan Xi said, "We'll just settle it like this."
That night, he brough a force and attack Xiaoji city overnight. The battle had just started, when they suddenly saw someone standing at the head of the city. That was obviously a woman, wearing a battle uniform, and amid the lamplight, it was obviously Zuo Canglang. Yuanxi was silently shocked, as some of the soldiers at the bottom had already started calling, "It's military advisor Zuo!"
Wasn't Zuo Canglang supposed to have been captured at Fang city? How would she appear here?
In an instant, the army's morale was in chaos.
Leng Feiyan wore Zuo Canglang's battle garb, standing at the city gate, not moving. Murong Yan didn't permit her to go down, and right now, it was dark out, so nobody could clearly see her. But once they engaged in battle, someone could definitely discern truth from false. And at this time, Zhou Xin ordered people to wear some of Wenqi's army's uniforms---- as Xu Lang's eight thousand subordinates, were originally Wenqi's troops.
And currently, this eight thousand men were all attacking Fang city, so he ordered people to, using Yuan Xi's name, charge straight for Suye city.
It was currently midnight, and Zhuge Jin, Zheng Chu saw their own troops retreating, and Yuan Xi's banner, so how would they suspect it was fake? The immediately opened Suye city's gate.
Zhou Xin took the opportunity to attack, and immediately Suye was filled with the noise of war. Originally, the troops stationed at Suye city originally had the advantage, as whether Wenqi's troops, when measured in combat prowess or weapons, they had a large quantity, but at this time, Yuan Xi had personally seen Zuo Canglang defending Xiaoji city, so he could only retreat without attacking.
But upon returning to the city, he actually saw that Zhou Xin had attacked into Suye!
Yuan Xi was greatly startled, and immediately ordered his troops to attack the enemy.
At that time, the lighting was dark, and the two sides wore the same uniform, this it was difficult to differentiate friend from foe. Thus, people could only attack everyone. And the troops Zhou Xin had brought into Suye city did not number more than six thousand. But Suye city had seventy thousand troops.
Zhuge Jin and Zheng Chu didn't know that Yuan Xi had already returned to the city, so the two sides shot at each other, darkening the sky and the land.
Right at this time, Leng Feiyan and Luan Di Diao brought infantry reinforcements, and once again attacked into Suye city. Yuanxi was attacked from the front and the back, and immediately suffered a heavy defeat, and was captured by Leng Feiyan.
And at this time, Zheng Chu, Zhuge Jin discovered that they had fallen into a trap, and immediately ordered a halt to the attack. Thus, Leng Feiyan reconnected with Zhou Xin, and Zhou Xin used Yuan Xi's military seal to gain Zhuge Jin's trust, entering the camp. The two sides once again descended into a harsh melee.
When the sun rose, and the battle had ended, Zhuge Jin and Zheng Chu had been captured. Suye city was lost.
And at this time, at Fang City, Wenqi defeated Murong Yan, and Murong Yan lost quickly, but retreated even more quickly. After the defeat, after losing a mere thousand troops, he immediately pulled back to Jinyang city.
Wenqi immediately discovered he had fallen into a trap, and wanted to rush back to Suye city overnight. Murong Yuan did not even know what his intent was, "Suye city has a sixty thousand garrison, and they are all my Yan troops' elites, so even if this traitorous son, Murong Yan had any scheme, what could he do?"
Wenqi said, "I was wrong."
Murong Yuan asked, "Why does subject Wen say these words from, ah?"
Wenqi said, "We all thought he would send someone to come and save Zuo Canglang, but we were all wrong." He was restless, and overnight rushed towards Jinyang city. Cang Xiao and the others escorted him, from the south mountain, circumventing the woods around Jinyang, following Jing Yi river, and over Hui Ye garden, directly towards Suye.
But beneath the city, he saw Murong Yan awaiting him beneath the city.
Wenqi stopped, and Murong Yan lightly said, "Wenqi, we meet again."
Wenqi could only feel his whole body turning cold, as the entire army within Suye city had been the elite. Murong Yan's entire army did not number more than seventy thousand, and when he attacked Fang city, he had brought along at least twenty thousand people, and they were all his elites. Jinyang's guards would not be less than twenty thousand, and even if he utilized the rest of his soldiers, it would not exceed thirty thousand people. And this thirty thousand, was still the rabble he had gathered from among the peasants.
If it wasn't for him personally witnessing it, he entirely wouldn't believe this person could really have broken Suye city.
Murong Yan had ordered people to set up an extravagant feast beneath the city, setting forth good dishes, saying, "I have awaited you for a long time. Marshal Wen has indeed never missed an appointment."
Wenqi slowly walked close, and by his side, Cang Xiao was gripping his sword, he waved pointing. At that time, it was just past new years' and he sat across from Murong Yan. Murong Yan personally rose, pouring wine for him. Leng Feiyan wore a silver mask, but also wore the armor, guards behind her.
Wenqi lowered his eyes, looking into the wine cup, a long time later, asking, "How did you break the city?"
Murong Yan said, "I didn't break the city, but rather, your own troops killing their own, and breaking their own city."
At this, Wenqi began reevaluating him. For the whole time, this prince had been like a servant or useless subject. But he had always been like a piece of jade. It's just that now, the dust had been whittled away, and the fine workmanship revealed. Wenqi said, "I had thought, you would go and save Zuo Canglang."
Murong Yan said, "Marshal Wen should not think this way."
Wenqi said, "Correct, the reliance and favor you have placed on her this whole time, had blurred my judgment. Everyone had thought you had risen up in rebellion for Jiang Bilan, and everyone believes you favor Zuo Canglang the most. Everyone believes you have no intention to compete for the throne. And you, for the position of the throne, you have been plotting and scheming all these years!"
Murong Yan drank the cup of wine, saying, "In marshal Wen's eyes, truthfully speaking, today, my awaiting here, on for the first point, is for the sake of reminescing on the past with marshal Wen, for the second point, it is for discussing a certain trade. But it is definitely not for discussing right or wrong or justifying myself towards marshal Wen."
Wenqi slowly gripped his cup of wine, "What more do you want to say?"
Murong Yan said, "What marshal Wen has done for the sake of the country and the people, I have a measure of it in my heart, and I have always admired you."
Wenqi coldly smiled, "You want me to surrender to you?"
Murong Yan shook his head, "Marshal Wen's loyalty to father king, is one of the sources of my admiration. If marshal Wen surrendered to me, whether it is in truth or faked, I would not be able to believe it. Additionally, it would also stain marshal Wen's name. A hundred years or an era later, when future descendants mention marshal Wen, they would still add a name that you are a subject that abandoned your lord. I am not willing, for the sake of my personal aims, to destroy your legacy."
Wenqi slowly understood, and Murong Yan continued, saying, "Currently, I have taken Suye, but truthfully speaking, there is still a few thousand troops fleeing. And Suye is a border city, bordering Yu country's lands to the north, and to the west, is Western Jing. The only route they can escape to is Hui Ye garden. I cannot permit them to reconnect with father king, and I also don't hope for Yan people to destroy their own. Even more so, I don't want Western Jing to harm my Yan troops. That's why, I wish for marshal Wen to persuade them to surrender."
As if hearing a large joke, Wenqi asked, "You think I will do this?"
Murong Yan once again poured wine for him, saying, "Probably yes, after all they are people truly loyal to you. And Wenqi, carrying the responsibility of the greater good, would never be willing let them be forced from their homeland, and be resolved as lonely ghosts unable to return."
Wenqi entered into thought, and Murong Yan was not in a hurry, and with two sentences, he spoke, "The trade you have pointed to, was this?"
Murong Yan said, "No, this is just a favor. The trade I speak of, is also the source of my difficulty. Currently, the state of Great Yan, can be stated as a foregone conclusion, but marshal Wen is also a pillar of the nation, so I cannot keep you, but am also unwilling to kill you. But no matter what, there must be an ending. If my hands are stained with marshal Wen's blood, I will definitely draw peoples' ire. For the sake of ending this hatred, there would only be the way of exterminating Wenqi's old friends and close relatives, which would also result in blood flowing like rivers."
His ten fingers were lightly cupped, respectful and noble, "If marshal Wen's death has nothing to do with me, naturally, nobody will seek revenge. And I, naturally would also be peaceful in my high position, and wouldn't need to be paranoid about everything. That's why the contents of this trade, is that marshal Wen's blood would establish this king, and this king promises, within the time that I am alive, to never implicate any additional people."
Wenqi said, "Murong Yan, you are truly shameless."
Murong Yan smiled, saying, "Marshal Wen is praising too much." Saying thus, he poured more wine, "Please slowly enjoy this cup."
Wenqi raised the cup, drinking it. Afterwards, he rose to leave, and Murong Yan also rose, calmly telling a subject, "Keep this great hero Cang here."
Leng Feiyan said, "Yes."
Once her words had landed, she unsheathed her short sword, and charged straight for Cang Xiao. Cang Xiao drew his blade to fight, but he entirely couldn't believe it, that here there would be this type of opponent! Leng Feiyan, without exceeding fifty moves, had beaten him into a disadvantaged situation. Within a hundred moves, she head knocked away his sword.
Cang Xiao watched as his sword flew away, knocked onto the ground. This person...... this frightening person......
Leng Feiyan didn't give him an opportunity to speak, as after knocking away his weapon, she just stuck her sword into his throat.
When Cang Xiao fell to the ground, Murong Yan just happened to enter the city.
Wenqi went to Hui Ye garden, and found the remnants of his subordinates. At that time, the leader was Yan He, and everyone had been fleeing for many days, and at the time, everyone was covered in dust and mud. Seeing Wenqi, everyone unwittingly gained hope. Wenqi saw that all his old soldiers were gathered together, and spoke, "Although Murong Yan is usurping the throne, but this person's talent and abilities is not normal, and can also be counted as a...... enlightened leader. And you all entering the army, is for the sake of protecting the home and guarding the nation. Currently, although the ruler is changed, but Great Yan is still around. Everyone...... put down your weapons, and head towards Yi river to......"
He clenched his teeth, slowly saying, "leave the army."
"Marshal Wen!" Several thousand soldiers all knelt down, and Wenqi said, "For all these years, thank you all."
Saying thus, he bowed deeply to the soldiers.
That day, Wenqi's remaining troops surrendered.
Murong Yan didn't let them enter the city, but rather settled them by White Wolf lake. He gave them a small amount of porridge and some medicine. That night, Yan country's marshal, Wenqi left the city on his own, leaving Suye city, and charging for Mayi city.
Mayi city was Western Jing's city, and the guarding troops didn't know why, and in the middle of the night, fired out thousands of arrows. Wenqi was riddled with forty some arrows, dying in combat.
When the news spread back to Jinyang city, the three armies descended into mourning. Western Jing's troops recognized this man's loyalty, and were unwilling to desecrate his body, and after putting it into a coffin, returned it to Great Yan. At that time, Suye was very dreary, and the wind lightly blew his battle banner.
News finally spread to Hua Tai, and Wen estate was as though the heavens had fallen. Murong Yuan immediately issued the order to execute Zuo Canglang, but Murong Yan had long known the result, so of course his speed was faster than them. Leng Feiyan, after slaying Cang Xiao, hurried to Hua Tai that night.
Zuo Canglang saw her, but was still not expecting it, "How come you came? That's not right! How come you've finally come?!"
Leng Feiyan helped her up, lightly pressing her two legs. Zuo Canglang frowned, blocking her hands. She lowered her head, saying, "Lord master let me retrieve you back."
Zuo Canglang said, "Right now I...... cannot walk, so how will we leave?"
Leng Feiyan said, "Since I came, of course there's a way."
She picked Zuo Canglang up from the bed, tying her to her back. Murong Yuan had actually put Zuo Canglang here, so of course he had also assigned guards. But these guards could not stop the people of Swallow's Nest, and that night, Leng Feiyan brought Zuo Canglang out of Wen estate.
Murong Yuan had originally ordered people to set an ambush at the city gate, but that night, news of Wenqi's death spread here. Fang city immediately descended into chaos.
Murong Yuan could no longer distract himself with Zuo Canglang, as everyone knew, his era had ended.
Zuo Canglang originally did not know the cause of the chaos, but after they had exited Fang city, she had asked, "What had happened?"
Leng Feiyan said, "Wenqi probably died?"
Zuo Canglang was startled, slowly asking, "What?"
Leng Feiyan said, "Wenqi died, ah."
Zuo Canglang slightly shook, finally shutting her eyes, resting it against her back.
When Wenqi's corpse arrived at Jinyang city, Murong Yan issued an order, for Wen family's family, to open Yu Yang city's gates, and permit the Wen family members to enter the city for attending the mourning. Even though Murong Yuan tried time and time to stop them, Wen Xingye and his wife still brought their daughter-in-law and the two grandchildren on a trip, towards Jinyang city.
When the Wen family members arrived at Jinyang city, it was just after sundown.
Wenqi's old subordinates were adorned in mourning clothes, and brought Wenqi's corpse back from the western gate. Zuo Canglang didn't have a way to walk, so Leng Feiyan half supported her, standing away beneath an old roof, but not going over, only saying, "Your legs aren't injured lightly, so let me first send you back, and then find Yang Lianting to come over and take a look."
Zuo Canglang said, "Don't leave yet, wait a bit."
Thus, Leng Feiyan didn't move, and when Wenqi's corpse passed by on the great street, the people all called out, wailing the whole way. Leng Feiyan rushed her, "Let's go. At this time, the Wen family members are all in the midst of mourning, so are you still heading over to pay respects? Why don't you take a look at this leg of yours!" Zuo Canglang was heckled and brought by her far away from that large street.
When he had entered court, he was respectful. That person, who had, at Suye city, once said, "I only wanted to learn some high and literary phrases, to look like this general is a bit more educated, only!"-- that marshal, had finally still ended up perishing in the wilderness beyond the border city.
When the coffin was sent to the palace, it was opened, and madam Wen helped clean his body. Even though the day was cold, but ultimately, the time had still been too long, and the body within the coffin had still expanded, and it was difficult to see his old face. But his entire body was covered in arrow wounds, without a single complete portion left of his body.
Qiushu helped him change into more formal clothes, her eyes red, she reached her hand out to support his face, "Husband, you have finally returned. Henceforth, every night, I will always know where you are." She rested her head against his forehead, and even though her lover was no longer recognizable, she was still soft towards him, "we are finally together. I should be happy, right? I should be happy......"
Henceforth, the mountains and the rivers would be the same, and the two of them would never be separated by a long distance. She rested against his chest, weeping painfully.
Jinyang entered into mourning, and by Guangqu mountain, Murong Yan set up a temple to the general for him. The day it was established, autumn rain drizzled. Hundreds of officials came to send him off, and old sir Wen was in charge of the ceremony. As though suddenly, he had aged to an old age.
Xu Lang led the old subordinates of Wenqi, sending him off in their mourning clothes. Paper money filled Jinyang, and the attendees were countless.
Before the temple, Murong Yan poured wine in offering, mourning, "You established the peace in the past, and built the stability of today. And though worry filled the battlefield, may you end up in a pleasant cherry orchard. Marshal Wen has not perished, but he has only returned to the cherry orchard. Since Great Yan was established, it has always been oppressed by Western Jing, Shan Rong, Gu Zhu, Wu Zhong. The borders have been harassed, and the internal chaos has not been settled. General Wen resisted the Western Jing, settled internal chaos, and he is a role model for our Great Yan.
He decided to put forth his life, but the country was not strong enough, and could not meet his heroic ambitions. I have decided that henceforth, Great Yan will pull away from Western Jing, and reject being their suzerainty. I vow here, to definitely let Western Jing repay with blood, to fulfill the general's ambition, to not fail his hope of campaigning against the west. I wish that general's wish may be fulfilled, and witness my Great Yan pacifying the four seas, attaining the admiration of all." He stated it all in one breath, and the people, upon hearing his speech, were moved to tears.
The cold wind blew the dying leaves by, and a small drizzle descended upon them.
Minister Bi Cheng Jing came forward and paid respects for the time of one incense stick, and turned his head, and saw that Murong Yan was standing in the wind and rain. The people speaking to each other, filled with an air of joy and excitement.
He sighed, and once again looked at the lonely tomb. The relatives were still crying, but others were already breaking out in song. Many years later, what did it matter how the history books told of him?
TN: 1. Yiniang is a way of referencing a certain rank of concubine within the estate. It's kind of like "mother" except not so formal. Essentially, in ancient Chinese society, only the Madam was considered the official wife. And all children born to the man would call her mother, officially. Even if she wasn't their birth mother. They would refer to a certain rank of concubine as "Yiniang" even if she was their birth mother.
The next day, Wenqi ordered people to bring Zuo Canglang to the Wen estate in Hua Tai. Wenqi's family was currently at Hua Tai, and only a single Tang district stood between Hua Tai and Fang city, so it wasn't actually far. Zuo Canglang couldn't stand at all, as when Cang Tianqi had ordered people to break her legs, he was merciless.
Right now, one should not even think of recovering entirely, as even if she eventually got better, she would still not be as she formerly was. As someone who participates on the battlefield, she was equivalent to an invalid.
The Wen Estate at Hua Tai wasn't as exuberant as imagined. There were the bronze gates and the plaster walls, and before the gate, there was a pair of lion statues, and atop the gate hanged the sign inlaid in gold. Zuo Canglang was carried into the estate by others, and originally, when entering someone's home as a bride, there was a set of etiquette that needed to be undertaken, but the Wen family practically didn't care about this.
Zuo Canglang was carried into a small building, and in the small yard in front of the building, there was actually a lot of melon vines. Zuo Canglang craned her head over to look, and only saw two young boys, one on the left and one on the right, standing in front of the half moon door.
Zuo Canglang had heard of his two sons from Wenqi, and this time, she spoke softly so as to not disturb others, saying, "Wen Yixuan, Wen Yirong."
The two children came out from behind the door, Wen Yirong curiously asked, "How do you know mine and my older brother's names?"
Zuo Canglang said, "I heard your father mention it, ah."
Wen Yirong was just about to say something, when outside, a woman's voice suddenly said, "Yixuan, Yirong! Come out, don't disturb Yiniang's1 rest."
The two children made a nasty face, and quickly ran out of the small yard. Zuo Canglang was carried onto the bed directly by the servants, and when she was being moved, she only felt the shattered bone stabbing into her flesh. Not long later, a madam came in from outside. She was around thirty, and the corners of her eyes revealed some fine wrinkles. But her whole person was still extremely dignified and beautiful.
She walked before Zuo Canglang's bed, lowering her head to take a look at her leg. Thinking of Zuo Canglang's situation, Wenqi had already explained everything clearly to her. She said, "In the future, you can just live here, and if you're lacking anything, just send someone to inform me."
Zuo Canglang said, "Madam Wen?"
She "mmm'd" saying, "I'm surnamed Yu, and my name is Quishu." Finishing, she turned around to leave the small building. Not long later, two servant girls came in, helping her groom. The two people didn't particularly take care of her two legs' injuries, and when she was bathing, Zuo Canglang could practically her the cracking of her bones separating.
Sweat gathered in thin trickles at the corner of her forehead, but she didn't make a single sound. Wenqi wouldn't hope for her to recover, so of course these people wouldn't pay attention to the matter.
Yu Qiushu brought two fresh servant girls here to take care of her. Zuo Canglang couldn't get off her bed, so even when she had to use the restroom, she needed people to support her. Although the two servant girls weren't meticulous enough, but they weren't bad. Anyways, everyday, whether it was eating, drinking, shitting, or pissing, they would serve her in all matters, and thus there wasn't anything additional to bother with.
Zuo Canglang was stuck on the bed every day, only able to see a flowery bed by the south side.
This day, Wen Xingye, old man Wen was practicing martial arts in the yard. He was originally an old general on the battlefield, but because of his leg injury, his mood was extremely explosive. Occasion, with one stare, he would scare people. No matter who he was speaking with, he would always be yelling.
Zuo Canglang was bored, so she could only watch him practicing martial arts through the window, and as the time grew long, she couldn't help but laugh. Wen Xingye turned his head around, and stared at her, "What are you laughing at??"
Zuo Canglang immediately changed her expression to a serious one, saying, "Not much, ah. You all don't permit me to walk, and also don't permit me to laugh, ah?"
Wen Xingye walked in with big steps, asking, "Speak, what are you laughing at!"
Zuo Canglang said, "If I say it, you're not allowed to get angry, ah." Wen Xing ye was angry, and she said, "Old sir Wen, back then, did you just depend on this pair of fists and legs to enter the battle field and slay enemies?"
Wen Xingye was angered, "Rubbish! What are you saying?!"
Zuo Canglang said, "I'm just speaking the truth, that is all. If you don't like hearing it, then I won't say it."
Wen Xingye's eyebrows had perked up, "Get up! This old one wants to actually see what abilities you have!"
Zuo Canglang said, "Waste of words, can't you see I can't get up, ah!"
Wen Xingye came forward, roughly forcing her to sit up, "At least you can use your hands, right?"
Thus the tough began to compete with their fists, and once Zuo Canglang moved, she was covered with sweat, and for the sake of not taking advantage of her, Wen Xingye also stood firmly planted in his spot, not moving his bottom side at all.
As the two exchanged a few moves, Wen Xingye started finding it a bit interesting-- this little girl is not bad, ah! Qi'er (Wenqi) said her two legs were wasted, but it couldn't be false, could it?
He intended on testing to see if it was true, but ultimately in name, he was still the father-in-law. And how had there ever been a father-in-law that looked at his daughter-in-law's legs! So they didn't speak more, but fought for a whole morning, each being drenched in sweat. Ultimately, it was old madam Wen that felt they were being children, and came to drag him out.
But old sir Wen was ultimately still bored, and came over again in the afternoon, and took a sandbox over to talk military theory with her. Zuo Canglang had never had any elders in her life before, so at this time, she also didn't have any particular cares, but said, "The room is both cold and wet, so help me into the yard before we continue talking."
Old sir Wen stared at her, "You just speak like this to your elders? Got no respect!"
Zuo Canglang said, "Then are you going to keep playing or not?!"
Wen Xingye thought it over, and though he wanted to reach over to help her, he really couldn't gather up the determination. He could only call the servant girls over to help her, and he personally went outside, and prepared the location in the yard first. Zuo Canglang sat on a bamboo chair, and the warm sun from the east warmly shined on her body, and then sighed, "Aye, us two people, have managed to come into a situation where there's only one usable leg."
Wen Xingye took a tree branch and knocked her head, and the two each picked up some chess pieces, and once again, on the sandbox, set up their own zones of influence.
When Zuo Canglang had sat for a long time, she wanted to move a bit, and tried for a long time, before finally grabbing her two legs with her two hands, and putting them to the side, atop the stone stool. She turned around and immediately continued issuing troop formations, and Wen Xingye grew increasingly suspicious that her leg wounds were fake.
He reached his hand out, and pressed them onto her two knees, but his heart was instantly shocked--- the place he touched, the kneecaps were entirely shattered, and she could only feel the shattered bones stabbing beneath the skin. If it wasn't using an extremely heavy object to crush, it couldn't have been injured to this extent.
He was silently shocked, but by the side, Wen Yirong was watching with big round eyes, asking, "Grandpa, why are you touching Yiniang's legs?"
Wen Xingye slapped the kid with his palm, and Wen Yirong began crying. Yu Qiushu and old madam Wen all rushed over, quickly asking, "What's the matter? What happened?"
Wen Yirong cried on one hand while speaking, "Grandpa was touching Yiniang's leg! And then he hit me......"
Wen Xingye: ......
Zuo Canglang: ......
Although Wen Xingye had not entered the battlefield in a long time, but he still had the unbridled energy of a stallion, and within the estate, his madam and his daughter-in-law were both women from noble families, so he couldn't speak of his interests with anyone. Currently, Zuo Canglang had come over, and he could actually have an opportunity to get rid of his boredom, thus he would often come over.
Zuo Canglang couldn't walk about anyways, and people in the estate also wouldn't cure her, so her wounds entirely didn't improve in condition. Having someone come over very often, was still better than being bored all day on the bed.
Thus she was also welcoming of old sir Wen coming over every day to discuss military theory. First, the two of them would gamble peanuts, and then, when they later found that boring, began betting money. But because she would never give pause to elders, she would often enrage Wen Xingye until he was like a thunderstorm.
Although Wen estate was very far from the Yan capital, but the rules were still very strict. Wen Yirong and Wen Yixuan would still come everyday to pay their respects, nor would they ever miss the ritual duties. Zuo Canglang won against old sir Wen quite a bit of money, but she was very gracious in her gifts, as she would often give the brothers a lot of allowance money. And if sheep's hair grew on a sheep, she wouldn't feel bad over it.
Wen Yixuan knew that he needed to be disciplined in his spending, but Wen Yirong was still young, and thought she was the best.
She was sheltered in Wen estate for a long time, and served as a concubine without anything to do, but at Jinyang city, Murong Yan received the news that the two of them had gotten married. The spy even brought him Wenqi's personal invitation.
Murong Yan, seeing this item, held it in his hand, and exerted force with his five fingers, crushing it into dust. He subsequently lowered his head, watching the red dust scatter. Gan Xiaoru, Feng Ping, and Zhou Xin all stood by the side, and everyone was afraid to speak. Murong Yan said, "Since Wenqi returned to Fang city, Suye city was probably handed over to Yuan Xi, right?"
Zhou Xin said, "Responding to your majesty, it should be. But since Wenqi had left, this subject believes, Suye city would probably be well arranged and guarded."
Murong Yan said, "Yuan Xi, this person, has bravery but no strategy, so if Suye is guarded by him, no matter how well arranged it is, it will be useless."
Zhou Xin looked at him, not daring to respond. After all, Wenqi's preparations, even Western Jing could not help but respect.
Murong Yan said, "Summon Xu Lang over here, as I plan on personally attacking."
Gan Xiaoru also said, "Your majesty! Marshal Wen went to Fang city, so it would be impossible for him to not have complete preparations. Additionally, Suye city has just repelled Western Jing, so their fame is really high. If we carelessly attack, we might lose the peoples' support!"
If they were measuring among the subjects, who was least willing for Murong Yan to be defeated, it must be him.
Murong Yan said, "Wenqi believes that by capturing a Zuo Canglang, that on my side, I would lack a general that can be victorious. Hmmph. Where is Xu Lang, call him over."
At ten past midnight, Murong Yan handed Jinyang city's interior politics to be managed by Gan Xiaoru, and assigned the imperial guard to Feng Ping. He personally gathered troops to head out of Jinyang city, announcing glamorously that he was attacking Fang city.
When Yuan Xi, who was ordered to guard Suye city, heard of this news, of course he worried for Wenqi. But at the same time, he also saw the opportunity for battle. Currently, Murong Yan was bringing his elite to attack Fang city, so Xiaoji city, Daji city would naturally be empty of soldiers.
Fang city was far away from Xiaoji city, and if he personally utilized the opportunity to attack Xiaoji city, even if he wanted to save it, he would be too late.
He had this intent, but Zhuge Jin and Zheng Chu were still reluctant, since Wenqi had once issued the military order, that before he returned, no matter what, they were not allowed to attack. After a heated discussion, Yuan Xi said, "How about this, I will personally lead a force to attack Xiaoji city, and you two will stay and guard the city. Even if anything happens, it would still not endanger Suye city."
Although Zhuge Jin and Zheng Chu didn't agree, but they couldn't think of any way to persuade him. Yuan Xi said, "We'll just settle it like this."
That night, he brough a force and attack Xiaoji city overnight. The battle had just started, when they suddenly saw someone standing at the head of the city. That was obviously a woman, wearing a battle uniform, and amid the lamplight, it was obviously Zuo Canglang. Yuanxi was silently shocked, as some of the soldiers at the bottom had already started calling, "It's military advisor Zuo!"
Wasn't Zuo Canglang supposed to have been captured at Fang city? How would she appear here?
In an instant, the army's morale was in chaos.
Leng Feiyan wore Zuo Canglang's battle garb, standing at the city gate, not moving. Murong Yan didn't permit her to go down, and right now, it was dark out, so nobody could clearly see her. But once they engaged in battle, someone could definitely discern truth from false. And at this time, Zhou Xin ordered people to wear some of Wenqi's army's uniforms---- as Xu Lang's eight thousand subordinates, were originally Wenqi's troops.
And currently, this eight thousand men were all attacking Fang city, so he ordered people to, using Yuan Xi's name, charge straight for Suye city.
It was currently midnight, and Zhuge Jin, Zheng Chu saw their own troops retreating, and Yuan Xi's banner, so how would they suspect it was fake? The immediately opened Suye city's gate.
Zhou Xin took the opportunity to attack, and immediately Suye was filled with the noise of war. Originally, the troops stationed at Suye city originally had the advantage, as whether Wenqi's troops, when measured in combat prowess or weapons, they had a large quantity, but at this time, Yuan Xi had personally seen Zuo Canglang defending Xiaoji city, so he could only retreat without attacking.
But upon returning to the city, he actually saw that Zhou Xin had attacked into Suye!
Yuan Xi was greatly startled, and immediately ordered his troops to attack the enemy.
At that time, the lighting was dark, and the two sides wore the same uniform, this it was difficult to differentiate friend from foe. Thus, people could only attack everyone. And the troops Zhou Xin had brought into Suye city did not number more than six thousand. But Suye city had seventy thousand troops.
Zhuge Jin and Zheng Chu didn't know that Yuan Xi had already returned to the city, so the two sides shot at each other, darkening the sky and the land.
Right at this time, Leng Feiyan and Luan Di Diao brought infantry reinforcements, and once again attacked into Suye city. Yuanxi was attacked from the front and the back, and immediately suffered a heavy defeat, and was captured by Leng Feiyan.
And at this time, Zheng Chu, Zhuge Jin discovered that they had fallen into a trap, and immediately ordered a halt to the attack. Thus, Leng Feiyan reconnected with Zhou Xin, and Zhou Xin used Yuan Xi's military seal to gain Zhuge Jin's trust, entering the camp. The two sides once again descended into a harsh melee.
When the sun rose, and the battle had ended, Zhuge Jin and Zheng Chu had been captured. Suye city was lost.
And at this time, at Fang City, Wenqi defeated Murong Yan, and Murong Yan lost quickly, but retreated even more quickly. After the defeat, after losing a mere thousand troops, he immediately pulled back to Jinyang city.
Wenqi immediately discovered he had fallen into a trap, and wanted to rush back to Suye city overnight. Murong Yuan did not even know what his intent was, "Suye city has a sixty thousand garrison, and they are all my Yan troops' elites, so even if this traitorous son, Murong Yan had any scheme, what could he do?"
Wenqi said, "I was wrong."
Murong Yuan asked, "Why does subject Wen say these words from, ah?"
Wenqi said, "We all thought he would send someone to come and save Zuo Canglang, but we were all wrong." He was restless, and overnight rushed towards Jinyang city. Cang Xiao and the others escorted him, from the south mountain, circumventing the woods around Jinyang, following Jing Yi river, and over Hui Ye garden, directly towards Suye.
But beneath the city, he saw Murong Yan awaiting him beneath the city.
Wenqi stopped, and Murong Yan lightly said, "Wenqi, we meet again."
Wenqi could only feel his whole body turning cold, as the entire army within Suye city had been the elite. Murong Yan's entire army did not number more than seventy thousand, and when he attacked Fang city, he had brought along at least twenty thousand people, and they were all his elites. Jinyang's guards would not be less than twenty thousand, and even if he utilized the rest of his soldiers, it would not exceed thirty thousand people. And this thirty thousand, was still the rabble he had gathered from among the peasants.
If it wasn't for him personally witnessing it, he entirely wouldn't believe this person could really have broken Suye city.
Murong Yan had ordered people to set up an extravagant feast beneath the city, setting forth good dishes, saying, "I have awaited you for a long time. Marshal Wen has indeed never missed an appointment."
Wenqi slowly walked close, and by his side, Cang Xiao was gripping his sword, he waved pointing. At that time, it was just past new years' and he sat across from Murong Yan. Murong Yan personally rose, pouring wine for him. Leng Feiyan wore a silver mask, but also wore the armor, guards behind her.
Wenqi lowered his eyes, looking into the wine cup, a long time later, asking, "How did you break the city?"
Murong Yan said, "I didn't break the city, but rather, your own troops killing their own, and breaking their own city."
At this, Wenqi began reevaluating him. For the whole time, this prince had been like a servant or useless subject. But he had always been like a piece of jade. It's just that now, the dust had been whittled away, and the fine workmanship revealed. Wenqi said, "I had thought, you would go and save Zuo Canglang."
Murong Yan said, "Marshal Wen should not think this way."
Wenqi said, "Correct, the reliance and favor you have placed on her this whole time, had blurred my judgment. Everyone had thought you had risen up in rebellion for Jiang Bilan, and everyone believes you favor Zuo Canglang the most. Everyone believes you have no intention to compete for the throne. And you, for the position of the throne, you have been plotting and scheming all these years!"
Murong Yan drank the cup of wine, saying, "In marshal Wen's eyes, truthfully speaking, today, my awaiting here, on for the first point, is for the sake of reminescing on the past with marshal Wen, for the second point, it is for discussing a certain trade. But it is definitely not for discussing right or wrong or justifying myself towards marshal Wen."
Wenqi slowly gripped his cup of wine, "What more do you want to say?"
Murong Yan said, "What marshal Wen has done for the sake of the country and the people, I have a measure of it in my heart, and I have always admired you."
Wenqi coldly smiled, "You want me to surrender to you?"
Murong Yan shook his head, "Marshal Wen's loyalty to father king, is one of the sources of my admiration. If marshal Wen surrendered to me, whether it is in truth or faked, I would not be able to believe it. Additionally, it would also stain marshal Wen's name. A hundred years or an era later, when future descendants mention marshal Wen, they would still add a name that you are a subject that abandoned your lord. I am not willing, for the sake of my personal aims, to destroy your legacy."
Wenqi slowly understood, and Murong Yan continued, saying, "Currently, I have taken Suye, but truthfully speaking, there is still a few thousand troops fleeing. And Suye is a border city, bordering Yu country's lands to the north, and to the west, is Western Jing. The only route they can escape to is Hui Ye garden. I cannot permit them to reconnect with father king, and I also don't hope for Yan people to destroy their own. Even more so, I don't want Western Jing to harm my Yan troops. That's why, I wish for marshal Wen to persuade them to surrender."
As if hearing a large joke, Wenqi asked, "You think I will do this?"
Murong Yan once again poured wine for him, saying, "Probably yes, after all they are people truly loyal to you. And Wenqi, carrying the responsibility of the greater good, would never be willing let them be forced from their homeland, and be resolved as lonely ghosts unable to return."
Wenqi entered into thought, and Murong Yan was not in a hurry, and with two sentences, he spoke, "The trade you have pointed to, was this?"
Murong Yan said, "No, this is just a favor. The trade I speak of, is also the source of my difficulty. Currently, the state of Great Yan, can be stated as a foregone conclusion, but marshal Wen is also a pillar of the nation, so I cannot keep you, but am also unwilling to kill you. But no matter what, there must be an ending. If my hands are stained with marshal Wen's blood, I will definitely draw peoples' ire. For the sake of ending this hatred, there would only be the way of exterminating Wenqi's old friends and close relatives, which would also result in blood flowing like rivers."
His ten fingers were lightly cupped, respectful and noble, "If marshal Wen's death has nothing to do with me, naturally, nobody will seek revenge. And I, naturally would also be peaceful in my high position, and wouldn't need to be paranoid about everything. That's why the contents of this trade, is that marshal Wen's blood would establish this king, and this king promises, within the time that I am alive, to never implicate any additional people."
Wenqi said, "Murong Yan, you are truly shameless."
Murong Yan smiled, saying, "Marshal Wen is praising too much." Saying thus, he poured more wine, "Please slowly enjoy this cup."
Wenqi raised the cup, drinking it. Afterwards, he rose to leave, and Murong Yan also rose, calmly telling a subject, "Keep this great hero Cang here."
Leng Feiyan said, "Yes."
Once her words had landed, she unsheathed her short sword, and charged straight for Cang Xiao. Cang Xiao drew his blade to fight, but he entirely couldn't believe it, that here there would be this type of opponent! Leng Feiyan, without exceeding fifty moves, had beaten him into a disadvantaged situation. Within a hundred moves, she head knocked away his sword.
Cang Xiao watched as his sword flew away, knocked onto the ground. This person...... this frightening person......
Leng Feiyan didn't give him an opportunity to speak, as after knocking away his weapon, she just stuck her sword into his throat.
When Cang Xiao fell to the ground, Murong Yan just happened to enter the city.
Wenqi went to Hui Ye garden, and found the remnants of his subordinates. At that time, the leader was Yan He, and everyone had been fleeing for many days, and at the time, everyone was covered in dust and mud. Seeing Wenqi, everyone unwittingly gained hope. Wenqi saw that all his old soldiers were gathered together, and spoke, "Although Murong Yan is usurping the throne, but this person's talent and abilities is not normal, and can also be counted as a...... enlightened leader. And you all entering the army, is for the sake of protecting the home and guarding the nation. Currently, although the ruler is changed, but Great Yan is still around. Everyone...... put down your weapons, and head towards Yi river to......"
He clenched his teeth, slowly saying, "leave the army."
"Marshal Wen!" Several thousand soldiers all knelt down, and Wenqi said, "For all these years, thank you all."
Saying thus, he bowed deeply to the soldiers.
That day, Wenqi's remaining troops surrendered.
Murong Yan didn't let them enter the city, but rather settled them by White Wolf lake. He gave them a small amount of porridge and some medicine. That night, Yan country's marshal, Wenqi left the city on his own, leaving Suye city, and charging for Mayi city.
Mayi city was Western Jing's city, and the guarding troops didn't know why, and in the middle of the night, fired out thousands of arrows. Wenqi was riddled with forty some arrows, dying in combat.
When the news spread back to Jinyang city, the three armies descended into mourning. Western Jing's troops recognized this man's loyalty, and were unwilling to desecrate his body, and after putting it into a coffin, returned it to Great Yan. At that time, Suye was very dreary, and the wind lightly blew his battle banner.
News finally spread to Hua Tai, and Wen estate was as though the heavens had fallen. Murong Yuan immediately issued the order to execute Zuo Canglang, but Murong Yan had long known the result, so of course his speed was faster than them. Leng Feiyan, after slaying Cang Xiao, hurried to Hua Tai that night.
Zuo Canglang saw her, but was still not expecting it, "How come you came? That's not right! How come you've finally come?!"
Leng Feiyan helped her up, lightly pressing her two legs. Zuo Canglang frowned, blocking her hands. She lowered her head, saying, "Lord master let me retrieve you back."
Zuo Canglang said, "Right now I...... cannot walk, so how will we leave?"
Leng Feiyan said, "Since I came, of course there's a way."
She picked Zuo Canglang up from the bed, tying her to her back. Murong Yuan had actually put Zuo Canglang here, so of course he had also assigned guards. But these guards could not stop the people of Swallow's Nest, and that night, Leng Feiyan brought Zuo Canglang out of Wen estate.
Murong Yuan had originally ordered people to set an ambush at the city gate, but that night, news of Wenqi's death spread here. Fang city immediately descended into chaos.
Murong Yuan could no longer distract himself with Zuo Canglang, as everyone knew, his era had ended.
Zuo Canglang originally did not know the cause of the chaos, but after they had exited Fang city, she had asked, "What had happened?"
Leng Feiyan said, "Wenqi probably died?"
Zuo Canglang was startled, slowly asking, "What?"
Leng Feiyan said, "Wenqi died, ah."
Zuo Canglang slightly shook, finally shutting her eyes, resting it against her back.
When Wenqi's corpse arrived at Jinyang city, Murong Yan issued an order, for Wen family's family, to open Yu Yang city's gates, and permit the Wen family members to enter the city for attending the mourning. Even though Murong Yuan tried time and time to stop them, Wen Xingye and his wife still brought their daughter-in-law and the two grandchildren on a trip, towards Jinyang city.
When the Wen family members arrived at Jinyang city, it was just after sundown.
Wenqi's old subordinates were adorned in mourning clothes, and brought Wenqi's corpse back from the western gate. Zuo Canglang didn't have a way to walk, so Leng Feiyan half supported her, standing away beneath an old roof, but not going over, only saying, "Your legs aren't injured lightly, so let me first send you back, and then find Yang Lianting to come over and take a look."
Zuo Canglang said, "Don't leave yet, wait a bit."
Thus, Leng Feiyan didn't move, and when Wenqi's corpse passed by on the great street, the people all called out, wailing the whole way. Leng Feiyan rushed her, "Let's go. At this time, the Wen family members are all in the midst of mourning, so are you still heading over to pay respects? Why don't you take a look at this leg of yours!" Zuo Canglang was heckled and brought by her far away from that large street.
When he had entered court, he was respectful. That person, who had, at Suye city, once said, "I only wanted to learn some high and literary phrases, to look like this general is a bit more educated, only!"-- that marshal, had finally still ended up perishing in the wilderness beyond the border city.
When the coffin was sent to the palace, it was opened, and madam Wen helped clean his body. Even though the day was cold, but ultimately, the time had still been too long, and the body within the coffin had still expanded, and it was difficult to see his old face. But his entire body was covered in arrow wounds, without a single complete portion left of his body.
Qiushu helped him change into more formal clothes, her eyes red, she reached her hand out to support his face, "Husband, you have finally returned. Henceforth, every night, I will always know where you are." She rested her head against his forehead, and even though her lover was no longer recognizable, she was still soft towards him, "we are finally together. I should be happy, right? I should be happy......"
Henceforth, the mountains and the rivers would be the same, and the two of them would never be separated by a long distance. She rested against his chest, weeping painfully.
Jinyang entered into mourning, and by Guangqu mountain, Murong Yan set up a temple to the general for him. The day it was established, autumn rain drizzled. Hundreds of officials came to send him off, and old sir Wen was in charge of the ceremony. As though suddenly, he had aged to an old age.
Xu Lang led the old subordinates of Wenqi, sending him off in their mourning clothes. Paper money filled Jinyang, and the attendees were countless.
Before the temple, Murong Yan poured wine in offering, mourning, "You established the peace in the past, and built the stability of today. And though worry filled the battlefield, may you end up in a pleasant cherry orchard. Marshal Wen has not perished, but he has only returned to the cherry orchard. Since Great Yan was established, it has always been oppressed by Western Jing, Shan Rong, Gu Zhu, Wu Zhong. The borders have been harassed, and the internal chaos has not been settled. General Wen resisted the Western Jing, settled internal chaos, and he is a role model for our Great Yan.
He decided to put forth his life, but the country was not strong enough, and could not meet his heroic ambitions. I have decided that henceforth, Great Yan will pull away from Western Jing, and reject being their suzerainty. I vow here, to definitely let Western Jing repay with blood, to fulfill the general's ambition, to not fail his hope of campaigning against the west. I wish that general's wish may be fulfilled, and witness my Great Yan pacifying the four seas, attaining the admiration of all." He stated it all in one breath, and the people, upon hearing his speech, were moved to tears.
The cold wind blew the dying leaves by, and a small drizzle descended upon them.
Minister Bi Cheng Jing came forward and paid respects for the time of one incense stick, and turned his head, and saw that Murong Yan was standing in the wind and rain. The people speaking to each other, filled with an air of joy and excitement.
He sighed, and once again looked at the lonely tomb. The relatives were still crying, but others were already breaking out in song. Many years later, what did it matter how the history books told of him?
TN: 1. Yiniang is a way of referencing a certain rank of concubine within the estate. It's kind of like "mother" except not so formal. Essentially, in ancient Chinese society, only the Madam was considered the official wife. And all children born to the man would call her mother, officially. Even if she wasn't their birth mother. They would refer to a certain rank of concubine as "Yiniang" even if she was their birth mother.
