The next day, Murong Yan personally journeyed towards Fang city, and towards outsiders, announced that he was once again going to try to invite king Yan back.
Within court, Bi Cheng Jing's faction could not object, as he was currently the ruler, and was also the flesh and blood of king Yan. If he was willing to head there, of course, it was for the best. But everyone knew, king Yan had long been angered, and if he headed there again, wouldn't he just be adding fuel to the flame?
Nobody could tell what his true intent was this time, and Murong Yan truly prepared the troops to make the journey.
From Jinyang to Fang city, and the whole journey, it was pretty lacking in accommodations, so fifty miles outside of Fang city, Murong Yan issued the order to set up camp, and sent an emissary to Fang city to announce his arrival.
Murong Yuan received Murong Yan's letter, and as usual, ripped it to threads in two or three moments. And then he performed a matter that was entirely done for the sake of exerting his anger, as he issued an edict, on the basis that the crown princess was in Jinyang city, and had encountered danger, he would first raise Jiang Bilan as the crown princess.
And he would perform the ceremony that day.
Fifty miles away, Murong Yan's armies could all feel Fang city's air of festivity, as they prepared all their lanterns and lights.
Murong Yan just tossed the imperial announcement he had received onto the ground, and Wang Yunzhao hurried over to pick up the imperial announcement, quickly saying, "Your majesty...... appease your anger, ah, your majesty!"
Murong Yan clenched his teeth, as he could not attack Fang city. No matter for what reason, as long as he attacked, when the historians recorded history, they would definitely include the matter that he was neither loyal nor filial. A long time later, he quietly said, "Leave. I want to be by myself."
Zuo Canglang and Leng Feiyan scouted Fang city's terrain outside, and although Zuo Canglang had been there once, she had entered via Hu Cheng river. Currently, if she took the same route again, this route was entirely impossible to take. Even if Murong Yuan didn't have guards against it, Jiang Bilan would definitely also not have that type of physical strength to swim out through Hu Cheng river.
To the north of Fang city, there was a mountain, and its tallest peak was known as Lianli peak. Murong Yuan's estate was exactly against that mountain, and if she could scale the cliffs to ascend it, it would actually be easy. But this mountain had steep cliffs, and was difficult to travel. How could it be easy to scale?
She and Leng Feiyan had practically scouted around the whole city once, before saying, "Looks like we can still only ascend via Lianli peak. When we descend, well carry her on us, which can avoid danger." Leng Feiyan stared at her, until her gaze was becoming unnatural, when she finally asked, "Ah Zuo, are you really planning on rescuing that Jiang Bilan back?"
Zuo Canglang was startled, and Leng Feiyan said, "Have you thought that, if she died, his majesty is currently lacking generals in the military. Although his heart would be angry, but he also would do anything to you. And you would have a really really long time, to stay by his side, and slowly, bit by bit, to repair the relationship between you two."
When she said these words, she was abnormally serious. Zuo Canglang finally understood why Murong Yan did not permit Leng Feiyan to go and save Jiang Bilan. If Leng Feiyan went on her own, she would definitely slay Jiang Bilan, the reason being of course for the sake of Zuo Canglang.
Zuo Canglang said, "No." What I want, is not actually just to accompany him by his side. Just like all those years ago, in front of the statues inside Changjing Building, when I made my wish, I only wish for Murong Yan to be happy, for Murong Yan to be happy, for Murong Yan to be happy.
Leng Feiyan raised her head to look at this thousand-foot cliff, saying, "I just knew you would act this way."
After she had scouted the terrain, Zuo Canglang returned to camp, and saw that Wang Yunzhao was standing outside Murong Yan's tent, as if he was an ant on a hot frying pan. Zuo Canglang was a bit taken aback, "Eunuch Wang? What happened?"
Wang Yunzhao, upon seeing her, seemed as though he had seen his salvation, saying, "General Zuo! His majesty has already been drinking for half the day, and keeps on preventing anyone from entering to bother him. Could general enter and take a look?"
Zuo Canglang took a look at the tent. It was rare for Murong Yan to drink wine on his own.
She brushed open the tent flap, and walked in, only to hear Murong Yan deeply saying, "Scram!" But when he saw that it was her, he instead waved his hand, saying, "Come here."
Zuo Canglang walked to his side, the scent of the wine permeating the inside of the tent. It was obvious that he had already drunk a considerable amount. He was sitting in front of the table, and right as she was going to speak, Murong Yan shook his head, and made a motion for silence, "Shh, don't speak, just drink a cup with me."
He helped her pour a cup, and Zuo Canglang slowly held onto the bronze cup, lightly drawing the wine into her mouth. Murong Yan was already a bit drunk, so it would be better if she was more sober.
Murong Yan looked at her eyes, saying, "When she was very very small, she was already very pretty." Zuo Canglang was startled, and Murong Yan's gaze was deeply gazing into the wine, "at that time, royal older brother, Bi Dong Ting, Wang Shi...... Wang Sun all would bow aside, and towards her, none would not listen to her and try to make her happy, everyone would follow her."
Zuo Canglang had seen Jiang Bilan, and did not need Murong Yan to say this, as it was well within her imagination. That type of beauty, it was so great, that even women would not be jealous of it.
Murong Yan said, "At that time, my mother consort was greatly favored, but I was the only one that was not allowed to play with her or to say much with her. Because mother consort believed, a man who fell to his lecherousness, was not someone who would accomplish anything. I would often secretly head out to find her, and I don't remember if it was for the sake of seeing her smile, or whether it was done for the sake of rebelling against my mother consort."
Zuo Canglang quietly listened, and unwittingly, she had already drank that cup of wine. Murong Yan helped her fill it up, saying, "Mother consort discovered it, and was greatly angered, using various means to punish me. Whipping, forced kneeling, she used every method she could think of to make me obedient. But I still sneaked out, as I don't know if I liked her, as I only wanted to see her."
He fell into a daze, his sharp face, beneath the illumination of the lamp within the tent, held a bit of unnatural softness. "Mother consort finally begged father king, to arrange a marriage between me and her. The condition was, before our marriage, I was not allowed to see her again." His lips curled into a bit of scorn, and in his eyes, there was a glimpse of tired longing, "And then, mother consort died. I slowly understood, that that was a peerless and unmatched flower, that only the person who stood at the pinnacle, could pick her."
He lifted his cup, and drank a cup along with Zuo Canglang, saying, "That's why up until now, I still don't understand. I have walked all the way until today, was it ultimately for the world, or for her."
Zuo Canglang said, "This subject believes, your majesty does not need to understand. Your majesty will ultimately pick that flower, whether if at the beginning, it was for the world, or if it was for her."
Murong Yan's laughter slowly grew deep, and he reached his right hand over the table, grasping her hand, saying, "They all don't understand, how that type of daily and persistent longing can ferment in one's heart, causing someone to feel hot and mesmerized." Zuo Canglang lowered her head, and looked at his right hand that was resting on her hand. She heard him softly ask, "But you understand it."
Zuo Canglang was startled, and Murong Yan lightly exerted strength, pulling her in front of him, his right hand brushing aside the hair on her forehead, saying, "You understand it."
At that time, his two eyes sucked away her soul, and the shadow entered the whirlpool. Zuo Canglang's eyes grow hot, wet, she understood. He was so near, his hot breath brought the smell of alcohol, brushing against her face, and thus, she became drunk.
Her cheeks slowly blushed, and the young woman's skin grew red. Murong Yan picked up the pot, and drank a mouthful, and brought the pot's mouth to her lips, feeding her. Zuo Canglang opened her mouth, half the wine entered her throat, and half flowed down her neck.
Murong Yan's eyes followed the dripping wine, slowly drawn into a stupor. And then he lowered his gaze, and lightly licked at that stream of wine. Zuo Canglang was as though she was stricken by lightning, and quickly pushed him, "Lord master."
His breathing was hot, "Shh, don't talk."
The tip of his tongue was also warm and hot, and as he licked away the wine, he also sucked against the strength in her body. Zuo Canglang used her hand to push at his chest, but he lightly said, "Don't reject me. Ah Zuo, you like me, right?"
Zuo Canglang slowly pulled her hand away. Yes, I like you. Since back then, the moment I first saw you in the Southern mountain. Eight years later, this love has become a honeyed wine, befuddling my heart, painful and something that is unable to be ignored.
She shut her eyes, and in that moment, before her heart, she only saw this person, this face. How could she not be sad? If it's possible, let my bones burn to feed the fire, and alleviate a moment of your loneliness.
Wang Yunzhao stood outside the tent, and heard that the sound within was not quite right, and immediately withdrew the soldiers outside. When the sky was fully dark, Zuo Canglang walked out first, her clothes and hair had all been fixed, but her face still had an expression of embarrassment. She didn't greet Wang Yunzhao, and brushed by his shoulder.
Wang Yunzhao also couldn't ask more, and turned his head, entering Murong Yan's tent. Murong Yan was currently sleeping, and his clothes were neatly arranged on the rack, and the table was not as messy as he had imagined.
He also didn't know how he should deal with this.
Until two hours later, when Murong Yan awoke. Wang Yunzhao was conflicted, and didn't know whether or not he should remind him of this matter. It wouldn't be possible that he would have forgotten it upon waking, right?
Murong Yan got up, lightly frowning, "What are you standing over there scratching your head for?"
Wang Yunzhao hurriedly admitted his failings, and came over to help him change. Murong Yan turned his head, and saw the bloodstain on the bed, his forehead frowning, he finally said, "I should not have drunk wine, you should have stopped me."
Wang Yunzhao quickly knelt down, "This old servant sinned!" Murong Yan said, "You do have a sin! You've made me have to spend a hundredfold effort to appease a subordinate from now on!! But ultimately, the fault was this king's. What mother consort said was right, as if someone cannot control their desires, even if they can conquer the world, it would be useless."
Seeing that he truly didn't plan on passing down punishment, Wang Yunzhao relaxed his breath. Murong Yan then said, "Seeing that it has come to this, whatever. Ah Zuo's meals, pay a bit of attention."
Wang Yunzhao didn't understand, and he said, "The empire is not yet determined, and the political situation is not stable. It is not the time to have descendants. Additionally, she is ultimately still Wenqi's wife in name, so if something improper happens, it would be very bothersome."
Wang Yunzhao understood immediately, "This servant will cleanly deal with it."
Murong Yan nodded, and added, "Little children can over think it, so as long as you and I know, it's enough."
Wang Yunzhao knelt, "Yes."
Zuo Canglang returned to her own tent, only feeling her heart slowly swelling, having a feeling of sore softness, a feeling of making one want to shed tears. Each of his movements, his gazes, his statements, each word, she could dwell on for hundreds to thousands of times. She rested on her bed, sleepless the whole night.
The next day, Murong Yan led troops towards Fang city, and Zuo Canglang, alongside Leng Feiyan climbed up the cliff, passing by Lianli peak, infiltrating into Murong Yuan's estate in Fang city.
That was of course, not easy, the whole route was perilous, and there were also the eagles that kept on hovering overhead. But they had made proper preparations beforehand, and the whole way, there was the threat of danger, but nothing concrete.
Within Fang city, within the estate, lived the woman that Murong Yan loved.
Jiang Bilan, that peerless beauty, Jiang Bilan. It was rumored that no man could with stand a smile of hers, it was rumored that no man could withstand her tears.
Great Yan experiencing such internal strife, wasn't it exactly due to this peerless beauty?
Zuo Canglang entered the estate, and had Leng Feiyan stand guard. At that time, the building was entirely silent. Murong Yuan and Murong Ruo had both left the city to face the enemy, and thinking of the entire Fang city, who could still be staying behind. The whole building was naturally supposed to be silent.
Jiang Bilan wore a blood thin linen fairy dress, and her hair was arranged in an extravagant hairstyle. In her hair, she wore the phoenix headdress, and it would tingle in the air, letting for a faint chime.
She stared at the people who had attacked into the building, her eyes holding a trace of tears, but she wasn't actually scared. She calmed her alarmed heart, maintaining the dignity of the crown princess, "I recognize you, you are his guard."
Zuo Canglang pursed her lips, respectfully saying, "Miss Jiang."
Jiang Bilan looked her up and down, her words calm, "Did she send you here?"
Zuo Canglang reached her hand out to her, "His majesty ordered this general to come, and save miss Jiang."
She, who was sitting upon the phoenix seat, had started crying, her tears falling like rain. When she cried, she actually didn't make a sound, only slightly raising her face, her tears like pearls, her face absolutely stunning. Zuo Canglang didn't know how to comfort the beauty, and she could only approach, "Time is of the essence, this general is being disrespectful!"
Saying thus, she half supported her, and first brought her out of the residence.
Lianli peak had complex terrain, and Jiang Bilan followed along, but her movement was very difficult. Zuo Canglang half supported her, and at this time, behind them, was just the bottomless cliffs. If there were any pursuing troops, it would naturally become dangerous. She actually didn't want to alarm anyone.
The followed the small trail up the whole way, and arrived at Lianli peak. Standing at the peak, they could see the situation before Daji city's gate. Murong Yuan had already begun combat with Murong Yan, and Jiang Bilan just stood at the top of the peak, gazing distantly at the chaos before the city gate.
"Miss Jiang, it is dangerous inside the city, let's leave first." Zuo Canglang dragged her outer robe to rush her to escape, preparing to carry her on her back, and descend the cliff.
Jiang Bilan just stared at the city gate, suddenly saying, "What abilities does Jiang Bilan have, to become the country ruining Bao Si Daji.1" As she finished, she raised them hem of her dress, and dazedly walked forwards, falling from the cliff.
Zuo Canglang was stunned, and when she recovered her senses, she had already grabbed her in her embrace. By her ears, the wind whistled, and her sword had already drawn a long flower of flame against the cliff. But this could not stop the two people from falling, and Zuo Canglang only heard the wind's laughter at her ears, and suddenly, she only saw darkness, her sword, having gotten stuck within a crack.
This cave was deep and ark, and it was difficult for light to enter. This cliff, had been devoid of people for who knows how many years. Beneath the cliff, this dark pit had noises that were so chilling, they would cause people's bones to turn to mush.
Jiang Bilan looked around them, and also lost color in her face. She screamed, quickly attracting all the groups of snakes. Zuo Canglang's body was covered in a feeling of cold, and that type of slippery thing, flicking its tongue, was charging in the light towards here, patterned differently each, with that same gaze, and there was no escape here, the two of them were trapped in the middle. She held Jiang Bilan, preventing her from moving, and also held herself.
In the darkness, there was something slippery that curled around her own legs, and she felt it just crawling along and up her leg. Zuo Canglang stabbed with her sword into its back, and carefully lifted Jiang Bilan up. Jiang Bilan tightly grabbed her shoulder, and suddenly discovered that her clothes had been drenched. This person that used all her strength to protect herself had actually been shaking the whole time.
That group of snakes kept growing in number, and Zuo Canglang's sweat drenched her clothes. Supporting Jiang Bilan's hands, she slowly lost feeling in her hands, and couldn't move. Suddenly, it seemed as though she had once again returned to when she was little. A pair of a boy and a girl was tied together, and tossed into the cave as an offering to the mountain deities. That type of slithering sound, was as though the snake was crawling over her skin, that scene surfaced in her heart, a nightmare that would never dissipate.
She didn't know how long passed, when noise lightly echoed from the distance over here, "Your majesty, the area around here looks like it has been disturbed, so they should be in the vicinity."
"Ah Zuo?" That time his voice, was was like a bright light in the dark of night.
"Lord master." She spoke each word extremely carefully, her soft voice seeking to avoid the snakes' assault. "Miss Jiang is also here. There are many snakes here, be careful."
"Bilan?" He lightly reached his hand out, grabbing Jiang Bilan's cuff, and exerting a little force, he had already pulled her out of the the broken cliff.
"You....... have been well?" His voice was soft and comforting, as he checked her over. Jiang Bilan's voice was very low, low to the point where it carried a slight resignation, "Why bother saving me."
Zuo Canglang still gripped her silvery sword, her whole hand covered with sweat, and that snake just crawled slowly over her sleeve. She tightly bit her lip, finally, unable to continue bearing it, said, "Lord master?"
But there was no sound, it was entirely quiet. He had forgotten her.
A quarter of hour of darkness, was like a lifetime in length.
When Leng Feiyan found her, she practically couldn't believe her own eyes, "Ah Zuo!"
She came a few steps forwards, and pulled Zuo Canglang up from the crack. At that time, it was as though she had been drenched in water, her face scarily pale. Leng Feiyan pulled a black patterned snake from her sleeve, and cut it in two with her sword. And then, she looked at the wound on her arm, asking, "Is it a venomous snake?"
She quickly grabbed out a bottle of snake medication from her waist, and looking at the row of tooth marks on her shoulder, it didn't look like a venomous snake. But at the time, Zuo Canglang's expression scared her, and she lowered her head, helping her clean the wound, and then applying snake medication.
The sweat on Zuo Canglang's back kept on flowing, and a long time later, she finally pushed Leng Feiyan aside, saying, "I'm fine."
Leng Feiyan angrily said, "How do you look like you're fine!!"
She saw that the corner of Zuo Canglang's pants was dyed with the stain of blood, and pulling aside part of her pants, she discovered that there was a gash in her leg. Blood had been flowing for a while, and there was also mud and dust in the wound. She said, "Your leg! We have to immediately descend the mountain!"
Zuo Canglang shook her head, saying, "You go first, I'll descend on my own later."
Leng Feiyan said, "You'll descend on your own? Can you even move, you! Come over here, and I'll carry you!"
Zuo Canglang said, "Right now Swallow's Nest and Tibetan Pavilion are already drawing a lot of eyes, so if you appear right now, here, you will draw peoples' suspicion. Go, you don't have to bother with me. His majesty is in the vicinity, so he can't be too far. I can walk."
Leng Feiyan was startled, and slowly helped her up. Zuo Canglang walked, each step struggling, forwards, she stood in the distance, neither moving nor speaking.
Zuo Canglang's expectation wasn't wrong, as within one mile, there was a soldier who had brought a horse to await. Zuo Canglang avoided the hands they stretched to help with, as she felt a strong desire to puke. She asked, "Is there any wine?"
Some soldiers brought wine, and Zuo Canglang drank half of it in one draw, finally, pouring the rest over the wound on her right leg, washing away the dirt.
Right after returning to her tent, she wanted to bathe. That type of slithering smell had practically covered her, and she had difficulty breathing. But how could the camp be that convenient, so she found a nearby river, and used the cold water to bathe. When she changed her clothes, it was already night. Murong Yan hadn't come over. Of course he wouldn't come. After being reunited with miss Jiang after so long, the tent must be filled with the satisfying feeling of recovering what one had lost, so they must have endless things to say to each other. So how could he remember the others around them?
Zuo Canglang rested in the barracks. In the latter half of the night, she suddenly became feverish. Though she discovered this, but at this time, if she summoned the army doctor, it would be another source of scandal. So she just endured it until dawn.
Members of the military weren't particularly nit picky, and after dawn, she went to the military doctor, and had him bandage her wound, and also prescribe a prescription for countering a cold.
Murong Yan indeed had accompanied Jiang Bilan the whole time. The two had been staying in the same place, and had been talking for most of the night. Jiang Bilan's tears came in wave after wave, like beads, "Big brother Yan, I'm very scared, my father, my mother, and my older brothers, they, are still in Fang city. I'm over here, so his majesty and older brother crown prince would definitely cause trouble for them......"
Murong Yan lightly pat her back, and Wang Yunzhao said by the side, "It's king Yan and abolished crown prince."
Murong Yan actually didn't have any objections, but lightly said, "Be good, just write a letter first, and I will send someone to send it into Fang city, to your father's hands. I actually don't intend on leaving father king with no route, and your father and the others must quickly make a decision. I promise you, as long as your father returns to court, he would still be an important official in court, and would still be highly respected in court. Your two older brothers, I will also take good care of."
Jiang Bilan cried, and used her two arms to hug his neck, "Big brother Yan, you....... my father and his maj...... king Yan...... you don't blame him?"
Murong Yan shook his head, soothingly, comforting her, "How could I, Lan'er, if I am king, you must be queen. How could I despise my wife's family? Additionally, this father-in-law of mine, is someone I am unmatched in understanding. He follows father, mostly because of helplessness. I promise you, this matter can be considered resolved, and will never be pursued. Take a look, after all, even Wenqi's family is currently safe and sound, right?"
The hands he was hugging her with slowly increased in strength, as though he wanted to melt her into his embrace, "Our ability to love each other and stand by each other's side, is already this difficult. How could I still have the excess energy to go and blame those who raised you."
Jiang Bilan's tears wavered in the light, "I will write a letter immediately, and father will definitely think it clearly."
Murong Yan nodded, of course he would come to terms. He was originally the one who understood things the best.
Fang city, when Jiang Sanyi received his own daughter's letter, abolished crown prince was still searching for Jiang Bilan in his yard. He was originally just an old fox, and had always bowed in the face of the wind. At this time, Murong Yuan's time had gone, and continuing to following him, was only because Murong Yan wouldn't necessarily give him an escape route.
He once again reviewed the letter, and currently, Murong Yan's deep relationship with his own daughter had not changed. Even if his own daughter was already Murong Ruo's wife, he was still willing to make his own daughter wife. If these words were not fake, after he returned to court, he would still be a high official, and would additionally also be an imperial relative.
Currently, Murong Yuan's situation was not good, and whether in knowledge or in martial arts, one feared that the crown prince was not Murong Yan's match. He didn't need to stay on this boat. Within court, even Yuan Xi, that guy who only had brawn and no brains could still continue to honorably serve as his Che Qi great general.
Then, take a look at himself! I'm stuck in this tiny Fang city, and each day is worse than the previous, worrying day and night over the rebels breaking in, and decapitating their whole family's heads. He sighed, thinking it over multiple times, he finally still wrote a return letter.
The next day, former right minister, Jiang Sanyi, at four in the morning, raised flames as a signal, opening Fang city's city gate. Murong Yan led troops in, breaking into the estate, and Fang city's head general was slain.
With this battle, pretty much massacred king Yan and the queen's faction. The abolished crown prince and Murong Yuan from now, were left with only rag tag bands of leftover troops, and fled in disorder towards Tang prefecture. Murong Yuan captured Wen Weishu alive, and thus, the various officials that followed Murong Yuan either surrendered or died, not left with a single person.
Fang city's palace was not well furnished, and when Murong Yan and Zuo Canglang both entered the palace, the queen of clan Li, was still wearing the royal phoenix headdress. She was wearing the bright red phoenix dress, paired with her appropriate attire. Seeing Murong Yan, she sat atop the phoenix chair, "You've come."
Murong Yan looked left and right, laughing, "Looks like royal older brother has once escaped to the reaches of the heavens."
The queen laughed, the strong makeup covering her wrinkles, her expression strong, saying, "You've still come late."
Murong Yan walked close to the phoenix seat in the Phoenix Hall, his black eyes looking at that formally attired queen, "Not late. Isn't mother queen still here?"
The queen laughed until the phoenix crown atop her head shook, "I know, for that slut's death, you have always hated me. But Murong Yan, what of it? She is long dead, and only I am the real queen! She will forever only be a consort!"
Murong Yan smiled, "What mother queen has said is right, if I let you just die like this, you will be queen even when you die. You will forever be queen." The queen's expression changed, and Murong Yan lightly said, his two hands resting on the phoenix seat's cold and smooth armrest, that face handsome to the point it would cause fear in others. He lightly said, "I have re-paired you with a new husband. How do you find him?"
That queen's two eyes immediately oozed a venomous light of hatred, that gaze was too familiar. For a moment, Murong Yan practically thought that he had once again seen that woman. Slightly mesmerized, the queen's lips left a trace of blood, and Murong Yan seemed as though he wanted to be more distant from her, when she suddenly grasped his hand, "Murong Yan, I, even if I am dissolved into a ghost......"
Murong Yan even didn't bother pulling his hand away, but just let that cold and scornful gaze look at him, awaiting the rest of her words.
She heavily breathed, the venom in her eyes slowly dissipating, as she said, "Even if I become a lost ghost, I will guard my Ruo'er." Her expression slowly turned soft, and she lightly said, "What fear do royal descendants have of drinking by the bridge side, such that it can free humanity from being disgraced."
The strength of the grip on his wrist suddenly dissipated, and her arm fell. Murong Yan's eyes were filled with a rushed disdain, as though it was a fire driving his heart, and then in an unguarded moment, it slowly froze over, being extinguished.
He coldly looked at the frightening corpse that was sitting atop the extravagant phoenix seat, and a long time later, took off the phoenix crown atop her head, saying, "Abolished queen of Cang clan, committed suicide for her crimes, and is to be buried to the east of Fang city. She is not allowed to have a tombstone nor to be honored."
Zuo Canglang stood by his side. A drip of water fell from the ceiling, falling to his shoulder. Zuo Canglang was startled, and endured, not lifting her head.
What fear do royal descendants have of drinking by the bridge side, such that it can free humanity from being disgraced. Did she need to draw out the person hiding in the rafters? Before her corpse, to exterminate everyone she loved and all her hope? She only wavered for a moment, and Murong Yan had already walked out.
The large army entered the city, and it was hard for the scene not to be a bit chaotic. Murong Yan looked at the army, and suddenly asked Zuo Canglang, "She wouldn't have thought that I would disgrace her, so why did she still live to wait for me to enter the palace?"
Zuo Canglang lowered her head, a bit determinedly saying, "She....... was probably buying time for abolished crown prince and king Yan to escape?"
Murong Yan said, "Speaking of this, this royal older brother of mine has always been filial. Even if escape was extremely rushed, how would he leave behind that woman of the Li clan?" His gaze was sharply interrogating Zuo Canglang, and seeing that pair of cold eyes for a long time, he only turned his head, taking big steps to return to the palace. Within the palace, it was empty and devoid of people, he jumped up to the rafters, and there, discovered a few places with a thin layer of a blanket and a few messy places.
When the queen died, someone had been atop the rafters.
Murong Yan laughed, "Royal brother has always used his position, and has actually hidden in the rafters. Keke." He turned to Zuo Canglang, blaming her, "Biao Qi general, you actually didn't think of it!"
Zuo Canglang knelt, "This subject is guilty, and is willing to receive punishment!"
Murong Yan nodded, saying, "The palace is poor now, so I'll just punish you to not receive a year of pay."
Zuo Canglang: "......"
Murong Yan saw that she was a bit confused, and laughed again, "Don't be like this. As this Yan Dai king, can't I just make money when I'm lacking? Aye, using all this effort, still don't know what it's for."
Zuo Canglang could rarely hear him complaining, and smiled until her eyes were curved. Murong Yan lowered his head, and saw that she was secretly smiling, and couldn't help but lightly lift her chin. The four eyes gazed at each other, and Zuo Canglang only felt her heartbeat speed up, her breathing growing ragged.
Murong Yan said, "Mmm, does not have money, but can use something else to temporarily pay for it."
Zuo Canglang immediately blushed, "Lord master!"
Murong Yan softly laughed, and lightly kissed her forehead. Zuo Canglang knew she should push him aside, but his hug was so safe and comforting, as though it was the strategem that would calm the army, or something that could cause people to leave their homes for their lives. She shut her eyes.
Outside, the sound of footsteps echoed, and Wang Yunzhao spoke outside the hall, saying, "Miss Jiang, his majesty has a matter, so please await first......"
Jiang Bilan's voice brought the sound of crying, "Big brother Yan! Big brother Yan!"
The footsteps kept coming nearer, and Murong Yan lifted his hand to push Zuo Canglang away, and turned around, leaving the hall. Zuo Canglang retreated a step, and her foot bumped against the palace beam behind her.
It actually hurt a bit, more painful than her wound.
TN: 1. Daji was a historical figure that caused the ruin from the Shang dynasty. Bao Si was a historical figure that caused the ruin of the Zhou dynasty.
The next day, Murong Yan personally journeyed towards Fang city, and towards outsiders, announced that he was once again going to try to invite king Yan back.
Within court, Bi Cheng Jing's faction could not object, as he was currently the ruler, and was also the flesh and blood of king Yan. If he was willing to head there, of course, it was for the best. But everyone knew, king Yan had long been angered, and if he headed there again, wouldn't he just be adding fuel to the flame?
Nobody could tell what his true intent was this time, and Murong Yan truly prepared the troops to make the journey.
From Jinyang to Fang city, and the whole journey, it was pretty lacking in accommodations, so fifty miles outside of Fang city, Murong Yan issued the order to set up camp, and sent an emissary to Fang city to announce his arrival.
Murong Yuan received Murong Yan's letter, and as usual, ripped it to threads in two or three moments. And then he performed a matter that was entirely done for the sake of exerting his anger, as he issued an edict, on the basis that the crown princess was in Jinyang city, and had encountered danger, he would first raise Jiang Bilan as the crown princess.
And he would perform the ceremony that day.
Fifty miles away, Murong Yan's armies could all feel Fang city's air of festivity, as they prepared all their lanterns and lights.
Murong Yan just tossed the imperial announcement he had received onto the ground, and Wang Yunzhao hurried over to pick up the imperial announcement, quickly saying, "Your majesty...... appease your anger, ah, your majesty!"
Murong Yan clenched his teeth, as he could not attack Fang city. No matter for what reason, as long as he attacked, when the historians recorded history, they would definitely include the matter that he was neither loyal nor filial. A long time later, he quietly said, "Leave. I want to be by myself."
Zuo Canglang and Leng Feiyan scouted Fang city's terrain outside, and although Zuo Canglang had been there once, she had entered via Hu Cheng river. Currently, if she took the same route again, this route was entirely impossible to take. Even if Murong Yuan didn't have guards against it, Jiang Bilan would definitely also not have that type of physical strength to swim out through Hu Cheng river.
To the north of Fang city, there was a mountain, and its tallest peak was known as Lianli peak. Murong Yuan's estate was exactly against that mountain, and if she could scale the cliffs to ascend it, it would actually be easy. But this mountain had steep cliffs, and was difficult to travel. How could it be easy to scale?
She and Leng Feiyan had practically scouted around the whole city once, before saying, "Looks like we can still only ascend via Lianli peak. When we descend, well carry her on us, which can avoid danger." Leng Feiyan stared at her, until her gaze was becoming unnatural, when she finally asked, "Ah Zuo, are you really planning on rescuing that Jiang Bilan back?"
Zuo Canglang was startled, and Leng Feiyan said, "Have you thought that, if she died, his majesty is currently lacking generals in the military. Although his heart would be angry, but he also would do anything to you. And you would have a really really long time, to stay by his side, and slowly, bit by bit, to repair the relationship between you two."
When she said these words, she was abnormally serious. Zuo Canglang finally understood why Murong Yan did not permit Leng Feiyan to go and save Jiang Bilan. If Leng Feiyan went on her own, she would definitely slay Jiang Bilan, the reason being of course for the sake of Zuo Canglang.
Zuo Canglang said, "No." What I want, is not actually just to accompany him by his side. Just like all those years ago, in front of the statues inside Changjing Building, when I made my wish, I only wish for Murong Yan to be happy, for Murong Yan to be happy, for Murong Yan to be happy.
Leng Feiyan raised her head to look at this thousand-foot cliff, saying, "I just knew you would act this way."
After she had scouted the terrain, Zuo Canglang returned to camp, and saw that Wang Yunzhao was standing outside Murong Yan's tent, as if he was an ant on a hot frying pan. Zuo Canglang was a bit taken aback, "Eunuch Wang? What happened?"
Wang Yunzhao, upon seeing her, seemed as though he had seen his salvation, saying, "General Zuo! His majesty has already been drinking for half the day, and keeps on preventing anyone from entering to bother him. Could general enter and take a look?"
Zuo Canglang took a look at the tent. It was rare for Murong Yan to drink wine on his own.
She brushed open the tent flap, and walked in, only to hear Murong Yan deeply saying, "Scram!" But when he saw that it was her, he instead waved his hand, saying, "Come here."
Zuo Canglang walked to his side, the scent of the wine permeating the inside of the tent. It was obvious that he had already drunk a considerable amount. He was sitting in front of the table, and right as she was going to speak, Murong Yan shook his head, and made a motion for silence, "Shh, don't speak, just drink a cup with me."
He helped her pour a cup, and Zuo Canglang slowly held onto the bronze cup, lightly drawing the wine into her mouth. Murong Yan was already a bit drunk, so it would be better if she was more sober.
Murong Yan looked at her eyes, saying, "When she was very very small, she was already very pretty." Zuo Canglang was startled, and Murong Yan's gaze was deeply gazing into the wine, "at that time, royal older brother, Bi Dong Ting, Wang Shi...... Wang Sun all would bow aside, and towards her, none would not listen to her and try to make her happy, everyone would follow her."
Zuo Canglang had seen Jiang Bilan, and did not need Murong Yan to say this, as it was well within her imagination. That type of beauty, it was so great, that even women would not be jealous of it.
Murong Yan said, "At that time, my mother consort was greatly favored, but I was the only one that was not allowed to play with her or to say much with her. Because mother consort believed, a man who fell to his lecherousness, was not someone who would accomplish anything. I would often secretly head out to find her, and I don't remember if it was for the sake of seeing her smile, or whether it was done for the sake of rebelling against my mother consort."
Zuo Canglang quietly listened, and unwittingly, she had already drank that cup of wine. Murong Yan helped her fill it up, saying, "Mother consort discovered it, and was greatly angered, using various means to punish me. Whipping, forced kneeling, she used every method she could think of to make me obedient. But I still sneaked out, as I don't know if I liked her, as I only wanted to see her."
He fell into a daze, his sharp face, beneath the illumination of the lamp within the tent, held a bit of unnatural softness. "Mother consort finally begged father king, to arrange a marriage between me and her. The condition was, before our marriage, I was not allowed to see her again." His lips curled into a bit of scorn, and in his eyes, there was a glimpse of tired longing, "And then, mother consort died. I slowly understood, that that was a peerless and unmatched flower, that only the person who stood at the pinnacle, could pick her."
He lifted his cup, and drank a cup along with Zuo Canglang, saying, "That's why up until now, I still don't understand. I have walked all the way until today, was it ultimately for the world, or for her."
Zuo Canglang said, "This subject believes, your majesty does not need to understand. Your majesty will ultimately pick that flower, whether if at the beginning, it was for the world, or if it was for her."
Murong Yan's laughter slowly grew deep, and he reached his right hand over the table, grasping her hand, saying, "They all don't understand, how that type of daily and persistent longing can ferment in one's heart, causing someone to feel hot and mesmerized." Zuo Canglang lowered her head, and looked at his right hand that was resting on her hand. She heard him softly ask, "But you understand it."
Zuo Canglang was startled, and Murong Yan lightly exerted strength, pulling her in front of him, his right hand brushing aside the hair on her forehead, saying, "You understand it."
At that time, his two eyes sucked away her soul, and the shadow entered the whirlpool. Zuo Canglang's eyes grow hot, wet, she understood. He was so near, his hot breath brought the smell of alcohol, brushing against her face, and thus, she became drunk.
Her cheeks slowly blushed, and the young woman's skin grew red. Murong Yan picked up the pot, and drank a mouthful, and brought the pot's mouth to her lips, feeding her. Zuo Canglang opened her mouth, half the wine entered her throat, and half flowed down her neck.
Murong Yan's eyes followed the dripping wine, slowly drawn into a stupor. And then he lowered his gaze, and lightly licked at that stream of wine. Zuo Canglang was as though she was stricken by lightning, and quickly pushed him, "Lord master."
His breathing was hot, "Shh, don't talk."
The tip of his tongue was also warm and hot, and as he licked away the wine, he also sucked against the strength in her body. Zuo Canglang used her hand to push at his chest, but he lightly said, "Don't reject me. Ah Zuo, you like me, right?"
Zuo Canglang slowly pulled her hand away. Yes, I like you. Since back then, the moment I first saw you in the Southern mountain. Eight years later, this love has become a honeyed wine, befuddling my heart, painful and something that is unable to be ignored.
She shut her eyes, and in that moment, before her heart, she only saw this person, this face. How could she not be sad? If it's possible, let my bones burn to feed the fire, and alleviate a moment of your loneliness.
Wang Yunzhao stood outside the tent, and heard that the sound within was not quite right, and immediately withdrew the soldiers outside. When the sky was fully dark, Zuo Canglang walked out first, her clothes and hair had all been fixed, but her face still had an expression of embarrassment. She didn't greet Wang Yunzhao, and brushed by his shoulder.
Wang Yunzhao also couldn't ask more, and turned his head, entering Murong Yan's tent. Murong Yan was currently sleeping, and his clothes were neatly arranged on the rack, and the table was not as messy as he had imagined.
He also didn't know how he should deal with this.
Until two hours later, when Murong Yan awoke. Wang Yunzhao was conflicted, and didn't know whether or not he should remind him of this matter. It wouldn't be possible that he would have forgotten it upon waking, right?
Murong Yan got up, lightly frowning, "What are you standing over there scratching your head for?"
Wang Yunzhao hurriedly admitted his failings, and came over to help him change. Murong Yan turned his head, and saw the bloodstain on the bed, his forehead frowning, he finally said, "I should not have drunk wine, you should have stopped me."
Wang Yunzhao quickly knelt down, "This old servant sinned!" Murong Yan said, "You do have a sin! You've made me have to spend a hundredfold effort to appease a subordinate from now on!! But ultimately, the fault was this king's. What mother consort said was right, as if someone cannot control their desires, even if they can conquer the world, it would be useless."
Seeing that he truly didn't plan on passing down punishment, Wang Yunzhao relaxed his breath. Murong Yan then said, "Seeing that it has come to this, whatever. Ah Zuo's meals, pay a bit of attention."
Wang Yunzhao didn't understand, and he said, "The empire is not yet determined, and the political situation is not stable. It is not the time to have descendants. Additionally, she is ultimately still Wenqi's wife in name, so if something improper happens, it would be very bothersome."
Wang Yunzhao understood immediately, "This servant will cleanly deal with it."
Murong Yan nodded, and added, "Little children can over think it, so as long as you and I know, it's enough."
Wang Yunzhao knelt, "Yes."
Zuo Canglang returned to her own tent, only feeling her heart slowly swelling, having a feeling of sore softness, a feeling of making one want to shed tears. Each of his movements, his gazes, his statements, each word, she could dwell on for hundreds to thousands of times. She rested on her bed, sleepless the whole night.
The next day, Murong Yan led troops towards Fang city, and Zuo Canglang, alongside Leng Feiyan climbed up the cliff, passing by Lianli peak, infiltrating into Murong Yuan's estate in Fang city.
That was of course, not easy, the whole route was perilous, and there were also the eagles that kept on hovering overhead. But they had made proper preparations beforehand, and the whole way, there was the threat of danger, but nothing concrete.
Within Fang city, within the estate, lived the woman that Murong Yan loved.
Jiang Bilan, that peerless beauty, Jiang Bilan. It was rumored that no man could with stand a smile of hers, it was rumored that no man could withstand her tears.
Great Yan experiencing such internal strife, wasn't it exactly due to this peerless beauty?
Zuo Canglang entered the estate, and had Leng Feiyan stand guard. At that time, the building was entirely silent. Murong Yuan and Murong Ruo had both left the city to face the enemy, and thinking of the entire Fang city, who could still be staying behind. The whole building was naturally supposed to be silent.
Jiang Bilan wore a blood thin linen fairy dress, and her hair was arranged in an extravagant hairstyle. In her hair, she wore the phoenix headdress, and it would tingle in the air, letting for a faint chime.
She stared at the people who had attacked into the building, her eyes holding a trace of tears, but she wasn't actually scared. She calmed her alarmed heart, maintaining the dignity of the crown princess, "I recognize you, you are his guard."
Zuo Canglang pursed her lips, respectfully saying, "Miss Jiang."
Jiang Bilan looked her up and down, her words calm, "Did she send you here?"
Zuo Canglang reached her hand out to her, "His majesty ordered this general to come, and save miss Jiang."
She, who was sitting upon the phoenix seat, had started crying, her tears falling like rain. When she cried, she actually didn't make a sound, only slightly raising her face, her tears like pearls, her face absolutely stunning. Zuo Canglang didn't know how to comfort the beauty, and she could only approach, "Time is of the essence, this general is being disrespectful!"
Saying thus, she half supported her, and first brought her out of the residence.
Lianli peak had complex terrain, and Jiang Bilan followed along, but her movement was very difficult. Zuo Canglang half supported her, and at this time, behind them, was just the bottomless cliffs. If there were any pursuing troops, it would naturally become dangerous. She actually didn't want to alarm anyone.
The followed the small trail up the whole way, and arrived at Lianli peak. Standing at the peak, they could see the situation before Daji city's gate. Murong Yuan had already begun combat with Murong Yan, and Jiang Bilan just stood at the top of the peak, gazing distantly at the chaos before the city gate.
"Miss Jiang, it is dangerous inside the city, let's leave first." Zuo Canglang dragged her outer robe to rush her to escape, preparing to carry her on her back, and descend the cliff.
Jiang Bilan just stared at the city gate, suddenly saying, "What abilities does Jiang Bilan have, to become the country ruining Bao Si Daji.1" As she finished, she raised them hem of her dress, and dazedly walked forwards, falling from the cliff.
Zuo Canglang was stunned, and when she recovered her senses, she had already grabbed her in her embrace. By her ears, the wind whistled, and her sword had already drawn a long flower of flame against the cliff. But this could not stop the two people from falling, and Zuo Canglang only heard the wind's laughter at her ears, and suddenly, she only saw darkness, her sword, having gotten stuck within a crack.
This cave was deep and ark, and it was difficult for light to enter. This cliff, had been devoid of people for who knows how many years. Beneath the cliff, this dark pit had noises that were so chilling, they would cause people's bones to turn to mush.
Jiang Bilan looked around them, and also lost color in her face. She screamed, quickly attracting all the groups of snakes. Zuo Canglang's body was covered in a feeling of cold, and that type of slippery thing, flicking its tongue, was charging in the light towards here, patterned differently each, with that same gaze, and there was no escape here, the two of them were trapped in the middle. She held Jiang Bilan, preventing her from moving, and also held herself.
In the darkness, there was something slippery that curled around her own legs, and she felt it just crawling along and up her leg. Zuo Canglang stabbed with her sword into its back, and carefully lifted Jiang Bilan up. Jiang Bilan tightly grabbed her shoulder, and suddenly discovered that her clothes had been drenched. This person that used all her strength to protect herself had actually been shaking the whole time.
That group of snakes kept growing in number, and Zuo Canglang's sweat drenched her clothes. Supporting Jiang Bilan's hands, she slowly lost feeling in her hands, and couldn't move. Suddenly, it seemed as though she had once again returned to when she was little. A pair of a boy and a girl was tied together, and tossed into the cave as an offering to the mountain deities. That type of slithering sound, was as though the snake was crawling over her skin, that scene surfaced in her heart, a nightmare that would never dissipate.
She didn't know how long passed, when noise lightly echoed from the distance over here, "Your majesty, the area around here looks like it has been disturbed, so they should be in the vicinity."
"Ah Zuo?" That time his voice, was was like a bright light in the dark of night.
"Lord master." She spoke each word extremely carefully, her soft voice seeking to avoid the snakes' assault. "Miss Jiang is also here. There are many snakes here, be careful."
"Bilan?" He lightly reached his hand out, grabbing Jiang Bilan's cuff, and exerting a little force, he had already pulled her out of the the broken cliff.
"You....... have been well?" His voice was soft and comforting, as he checked her over. Jiang Bilan's voice was very low, low to the point where it carried a slight resignation, "Why bother saving me."
Zuo Canglang still gripped her silvery sword, her whole hand covered with sweat, and that snake just crawled slowly over her sleeve. She tightly bit her lip, finally, unable to continue bearing it, said, "Lord master?"
But there was no sound, it was entirely quiet. He had forgotten her.
A quarter of hour of darkness, was like a lifetime in length.
When Leng Feiyan found her, she practically couldn't believe her own eyes, "Ah Zuo!"
She came a few steps forwards, and pulled Zuo Canglang up from the crack. At that time, it was as though she had been drenched in water, her face scarily pale. Leng Feiyan pulled a black patterned snake from her sleeve, and cut it in two with her sword. And then, she looked at the wound on her arm, asking, "Is it a venomous snake?"
She quickly grabbed out a bottle of snake medication from her waist, and looking at the row of tooth marks on her shoulder, it didn't look like a venomous snake. But at the time, Zuo Canglang's expression scared her, and she lowered her head, helping her clean the wound, and then applying snake medication.
The sweat on Zuo Canglang's back kept on flowing, and a long time later, she finally pushed Leng Feiyan aside, saying, "I'm fine."
Leng Feiyan angrily said, "How do you look like you're fine!!"
She saw that the corner of Zuo Canglang's pants was dyed with the stain of blood, and pulling aside part of her pants, she discovered that there was a gash in her leg. Blood had been flowing for a while, and there was also mud and dust in the wound. She said, "Your leg! We have to immediately descend the mountain!"
Zuo Canglang shook her head, saying, "You go first, I'll descend on my own later."
Leng Feiyan said, "You'll descend on your own? Can you even move, you! Come over here, and I'll carry you!"
Zuo Canglang said, "Right now Swallow's Nest and Tibetan Pavilion are already drawing a lot of eyes, so if you appear right now, here, you will draw peoples' suspicion. Go, you don't have to bother with me. His majesty is in the vicinity, so he can't be too far. I can walk."
Leng Feiyan was startled, and slowly helped her up. Zuo Canglang walked, each step struggling, forwards, she stood in the distance, neither moving nor speaking.
Zuo Canglang's expectation wasn't wrong, as within one mile, there was a soldier who had brought a horse to await. Zuo Canglang avoided the hands they stretched to help with, as she felt a strong desire to puke. She asked, "Is there any wine?"
Some soldiers brought wine, and Zuo Canglang drank half of it in one draw, finally, pouring the rest over the wound on her right leg, washing away the dirt.
Right after returning to her tent, she wanted to bathe. That type of slithering smell had practically covered her, and she had difficulty breathing. But how could the camp be that convenient, so she found a nearby river, and used the cold water to bathe. When she changed her clothes, it was already night. Murong Yan hadn't come over. Of course he wouldn't come. After being reunited with miss Jiang after so long, the tent must be filled with the satisfying feeling of recovering what one had lost, so they must have endless things to say to each other. So how could he remember the others around them?
Zuo Canglang rested in the barracks. In the latter half of the night, she suddenly became feverish. Though she discovered this, but at this time, if she summoned the army doctor, it would be another source of scandal. So she just endured it until dawn.
Members of the military weren't particularly nit picky, and after dawn, she went to the military doctor, and had him bandage her wound, and also prescribe a prescription for countering a cold.
Murong Yan indeed had accompanied Jiang Bilan the whole time. The two had been staying in the same place, and had been talking for most of the night. Jiang Bilan's tears came in wave after wave, like beads, "Big brother Yan, I'm very scared, my father, my mother, and my older brothers, they, are still in Fang city. I'm over here, so his majesty and older brother crown prince would definitely cause trouble for them......"
Murong Yan lightly pat her back, and Wang Yunzhao said by the side, "It's king Yan and abolished crown prince."
Murong Yan actually didn't have any objections, but lightly said, "Be good, just write a letter first, and I will send someone to send it into Fang city, to your father's hands. I actually don't intend on leaving father king with no route, and your father and the others must quickly make a decision. I promise you, as long as your father returns to court, he would still be an important official in court, and would still be highly respected in court. Your two older brothers, I will also take good care of."
Jiang Bilan cried, and used her two arms to hug his neck, "Big brother Yan, you....... my father and his maj...... king Yan...... you don't blame him?"
Murong Yan shook his head, soothingly, comforting her, "How could I, Lan'er, if I am king, you must be queen. How could I despise my wife's family? Additionally, this father-in-law of mine, is someone I am unmatched in understanding. He follows father, mostly because of helplessness. I promise you, this matter can be considered resolved, and will never be pursued. Take a look, after all, even Wenqi's family is currently safe and sound, right?"
The hands he was hugging her with slowly increased in strength, as though he wanted to melt her into his embrace, "Our ability to love each other and stand by each other's side, is already this difficult. How could I still have the excess energy to go and blame those who raised you."
Jiang Bilan's tears wavered in the light, "I will write a letter immediately, and father will definitely think it clearly."
Murong Yan nodded, of course he would come to terms. He was originally the one who understood things the best.
Fang city, when Jiang Sanyi received his own daughter's letter, abolished crown prince was still searching for Jiang Bilan in his yard. He was originally just an old fox, and had always bowed in the face of the wind. At this time, Murong Yuan's time had gone, and continuing to following him, was only because Murong Yan wouldn't necessarily give him an escape route.
He once again reviewed the letter, and currently, Murong Yan's deep relationship with his own daughter had not changed. Even if his own daughter was already Murong Ruo's wife, he was still willing to make his own daughter wife. If these words were not fake, after he returned to court, he would still be a high official, and would additionally also be an imperial relative.
Currently, Murong Yuan's situation was not good, and whether in knowledge or in martial arts, one feared that the crown prince was not Murong Yan's match. He didn't need to stay on this boat. Within court, even Yuan Xi, that guy who only had brawn and no brains could still continue to honorably serve as his Che Qi great general.
Then, take a look at himself! I'm stuck in this tiny Fang city, and each day is worse than the previous, worrying day and night over the rebels breaking in, and decapitating their whole family's heads. He sighed, thinking it over multiple times, he finally still wrote a return letter.
The next day, former right minister, Jiang Sanyi, at four in the morning, raised flames as a signal, opening Fang city's city gate. Murong Yan led troops in, breaking into the estate, and Fang city's head general was slain.
With this battle, pretty much massacred king Yan and the queen's faction. The abolished crown prince and Murong Yuan from now, were left with only rag tag bands of leftover troops, and fled in disorder towards Tang prefecture. Murong Yuan captured Wen Weishu alive, and thus, the various officials that followed Murong Yuan either surrendered or died, not left with a single person.
Fang city's palace was not well furnished, and when Murong Yan and Zuo Canglang both entered the palace, the queen of clan Li, was still wearing the royal phoenix headdress. She was wearing the bright red phoenix dress, paired with her appropriate attire. Seeing Murong Yan, she sat atop the phoenix chair, "You've come."
Murong Yan looked left and right, laughing, "Looks like royal older brother has once escaped to the reaches of the heavens."
The queen laughed, the strong makeup covering her wrinkles, her expression strong, saying, "You've still come late."
Murong Yan walked close to the phoenix seat in the Phoenix Hall, his black eyes looking at that formally attired queen, "Not late. Isn't mother queen still here?"
The queen laughed until the phoenix crown atop her head shook, "I know, for that slut's death, you have always hated me. But Murong Yan, what of it? She is long dead, and only I am the real queen! She will forever only be a consort!"
Murong Yan smiled, "What mother queen has said is right, if I let you just die like this, you will be queen even when you die. You will forever be queen." The queen's expression changed, and Murong Yan lightly said, his two hands resting on the phoenix seat's cold and smooth armrest, that face handsome to the point it would cause fear in others. He lightly said, "I have re-paired you with a new husband. How do you find him?"
That queen's two eyes immediately oozed a venomous light of hatred, that gaze was too familiar. For a moment, Murong Yan practically thought that he had once again seen that woman. Slightly mesmerized, the queen's lips left a trace of blood, and Murong Yan seemed as though he wanted to be more distant from her, when she suddenly grasped his hand, "Murong Yan, I, even if I am dissolved into a ghost......"
Murong Yan even didn't bother pulling his hand away, but just let that cold and scornful gaze look at him, awaiting the rest of her words.
She heavily breathed, the venom in her eyes slowly dissipating, as she said, "Even if I become a lost ghost, I will guard my Ruo'er." Her expression slowly turned soft, and she lightly said, "What fear do royal descendants have of drinking by the bridge side, such that it can free humanity from being disgraced."
The strength of the grip on his wrist suddenly dissipated, and her arm fell. Murong Yan's eyes were filled with a rushed disdain, as though it was a fire driving his heart, and then in an unguarded moment, it slowly froze over, being extinguished.
He coldly looked at the frightening corpse that was sitting atop the extravagant phoenix seat, and a long time later, took off the phoenix crown atop her head, saying, "Abolished queen of Cang clan, committed suicide for her crimes, and is to be buried to the east of Fang city. She is not allowed to have a tombstone nor to be honored."
Zuo Canglang stood by his side. A drip of water fell from the ceiling, falling to his shoulder. Zuo Canglang was startled, and endured, not lifting her head.
What fear do royal descendants have of drinking by the bridge side, such that it can free humanity from being disgraced. Did she need to draw out the person hiding in the rafters? Before her corpse, to exterminate everyone she loved and all her hope? She only wavered for a moment, and Murong Yan had already walked out.
The large army entered the city, and it was hard for the scene not to be a bit chaotic. Murong Yan looked at the army, and suddenly asked Zuo Canglang, "She wouldn't have thought that I would disgrace her, so why did she still live to wait for me to enter the palace?"
Zuo Canglang lowered her head, a bit determinedly saying, "She....... was probably buying time for abolished crown prince and king Yan to escape?"
Murong Yan said, "Speaking of this, this royal older brother of mine has always been filial. Even if escape was extremely rushed, how would he leave behind that woman of the Li clan?" His gaze was sharply interrogating Zuo Canglang, and seeing that pair of cold eyes for a long time, he only turned his head, taking big steps to return to the palace. Within the palace, it was empty and devoid of people, he jumped up to the rafters, and there, discovered a few places with a thin layer of a blanket and a few messy places.
When the queen died, someone had been atop the rafters.
Murong Yan laughed, "Royal brother has always used his position, and has actually hidden in the rafters. Keke." He turned to Zuo Canglang, blaming her, "Biao Qi general, you actually didn't think of it!"
Zuo Canglang knelt, "This subject is guilty, and is willing to receive punishment!"
Murong Yan nodded, saying, "The palace is poor now, so I'll just punish you to not receive a year of pay."
Zuo Canglang: "......"
Murong Yan saw that she was a bit confused, and laughed again, "Don't be like this. As this Yan Dai king, can't I just make money when I'm lacking? Aye, using all this effort, still don't know what it's for."
Zuo Canglang could rarely hear him complaining, and smiled until her eyes were curved. Murong Yan lowered his head, and saw that she was secretly smiling, and couldn't help but lightly lift her chin. The four eyes gazed at each other, and Zuo Canglang only felt her heartbeat speed up, her breathing growing ragged.
Murong Yan said, "Mmm, does not have money, but can use something else to temporarily pay for it."
Zuo Canglang immediately blushed, "Lord master!"
Murong Yan softly laughed, and lightly kissed her forehead. Zuo Canglang knew she should push him aside, but his hug was so safe and comforting, as though it was the strategem that would calm the army, or something that could cause people to leave their homes for their lives. She shut her eyes.
Outside, the sound of footsteps echoed, and Wang Yunzhao spoke outside the hall, saying, "Miss Jiang, his majesty has a matter, so please await first......"
Jiang Bilan's voice brought the sound of crying, "Big brother Yan! Big brother Yan!"
The footsteps kept coming nearer, and Murong Yan lifted his hand to push Zuo Canglang away, and turned around, leaving the hall. Zuo Canglang retreated a step, and her foot bumped against the palace beam behind her.
It actually hurt a bit, more painful than her wound.
TN: 1. Daji was a historical figure that caused the ruin from the Shang dynasty. Bao Si was a historical figure that caused the ruin of the Zhou dynasty.
