Deposed Empress General Chapter 53

At the time, Murong Yuan and the abolished crown prince, Murong Ruo, were still near Suye. Originally, they wanted to see if there was still an opportunity to enter. But after Western Jing withdrew their forces, Gu Zhu also pulled back to their Xiao Quan Mountain. He had not even ten thousand defeated troops, and entirely couldn't accomplish anything.

Cang Tianqi had accompanied by Murong Yuan's side the whole time, and last time, the seven assassins, were all his favored disciples. Currently, the seven had been imprisoned, and it was unknown whether or not they were still alive. It was probably that they would never be seen again. Cangjian sect, after this defeat, lost a lot of its power as a faction.

Currently, other than him, there was only Cang Ge left who still had a little bit of combat ability.

And Cang Feng, Cang Xiao were silent without any news. He also understood that behind Murong Yan, there was definitely still some unknown forces. His heart was covered by some dark clouds, and only sought to persuade Murong Yuan, "Your majesty, right now within court, it has already been stabilized. So why doesn't your majesty bring the crown prince, and temporarily leave Great Yan, and seek help from the barbarians."

Murong Yuan had sought to persuade Gu Zhu and Western Jing many times to attack unsuccessfully, and seeing the turning of the tides, in the immediate period of time, felt his legs soften, saying, "But currently, if you look at all the nations, who would still truly aid me?"

Cang Tianqi said, "Where does your majesty speak these words from? Within the court and outside the court, the loyal subjects that are biased in your majesty's favor are still many in number. Fang Cang temple......" When he mentioned up to this point, he ultimately didn't continue speaking.

Murong Yuan said, "That bastard son of mine is truly hateful, thinking back, if Wenqi was not defeated, how could this king have fallen to this state!"

Murong Ruo stood by the side, saying, "Father king, after all Marshal Wen is already no longer around. It would be better if we spent our time planning for the future." Murong Yuan looked over, and asked, "What plan do you have?"

Murong Ruo said, "Murong Yan had announced to the world this whole time, that he rose up in rebellion, only for the sake of slaying my mother queen. Currently mother queen already perished beneath his blade, so if father king brings this son subject's head back to Jinyang, at that time, how could he silence the mouths of the people?"

Murong Yuan was startled, saying, "What are you saying? As your blood father, I am also a nation's ruler, so how could I use my own blood related son to negotiate with that group of rebellious subjects?"

Murong Ruo hadn't yet spoken, when at the side, Cang Tianqi said, "Your majesty, as this peasant sees it, his highness the crown prince's words aren't a bad idea. Murong Yan rose up in rebellion, and has never said it was for the sake of usurping authority, and has, the whole time, still referenced you as King Yan. He is only the temporary king. And it is only through this that the people and the officials have been deceived by his innocent looking face. If your majesty returns to Jinyang under the public eyes, then he would not be able to do anything but to abdicate power to you. As for the crown prince's head, we also don't definitely have to use his highness's head as an offering."

Murong Yuan thought it over, saying, "But do you all believe, he rose up in rebellion, really not for the sake of becoming king?"

Cang Tianqi said, "Your majesty, think it over clearly, as all these days, has he had a way to slay us?"

Murong Yuan was startled, as in the past, he had thought that Murong Yan hadn't made a move on him, because Murong Yan didn't have this power. But as the conflict dragged on, he also began suspecting, Murong Yan had forced him to flee left and right, but hadn't been successful the whole time. Was it really because he didn't have the power?

Cang Tianqi said, "Your majesty, he has let your majesty escape many times, and even now, has not been willing to kill the crown prince, actually it was exactly because once the crown prince faces danger, he would no longer have an excuse to threaten your majesty."

By his side, Murong Ruo suddenly realized something, saying, "Back then at Fang city, when the city was taken, I had returned to the palace, planning on escorting mother queen away. But mother queen kept resisting, and ran into Murong Yan and Zuo Canglang entering the palace. I couldn't help but hide in the rafters, and when mother queen perished, I couldn't help but shed tears. At the time, Zuo Canglang had obviously discovered it, but didn't raise her head. This subject son has always not understood this matter, but it turns out that this group of traitors just wanted to keep this child subject around, so that father king would be unable to escape!"

Murong Yuan said, "This bastard son, I only hate that back then this king's heart was soft, and didn't see his ravenous ambition!"

Cang Tianqi said, "Your majesty, calm your anger. Since it is so, this peasant will prepare a head for your majesty, and guarantee that Murong Yan would not be able to discern the truth. Your majesty can lie and claim that you have already slain the crown prince, and force him to hand over the throne. But this matter, must be carried out in public, to avoid him from slaying the witnesses."

Murong Yan was silent for a while, saying, "Thus, what should happen to Ruo'er?"

Cang Tianqi said, "This peasant will accompany the crown prince to persuade the various foreign tribes, and search for external aid. If Murong Yan, being forced by circumstance, abdicates, and your majesty ascends the throne, I think the barbarian factions would also have people willing to aid us."

Murong Yuan's forehead creased, and he was silent for a while, saying, "Thus, I will entrust the crown prince to you."

Cang Tianqi knelt and bowed, "Your majesty, be at ease, this peasant will definitely protect his highness's safety unto death, and not disappoint your majesty's trust."

Murong Yuan helped him up, saying, "It's really when one is forced to the worst of circumstances, that one can understand what makes up a true hero's courage. Beloved subject Cang, if there is such a day, when I have many lands again, I will definitely not treat the Cang clan unfairly."

Cang Tianqi bowed again, and Murong Yuan ordered people to bring forth a brush and paper, beginning to write an edict.

Jinyang City, Zuo Canglang, after returning to the palace, had stayed in Wen estate. Occasionally, the palace would send a lot of medicines over, but no matter whom Wang Yunzhao had signaled publicly or privately, she never entered the palace again. She only claimed that her wounds had not healed, and she was stuck in bed.

This day, even the royal doctors had said she could walk about, so she had lost her excuse, and could only attend court.

It was also exactly this day, that something big happened in court. The king that had always loitered out in the wild, Murong Yuan suddenly issued a letter, claiming that he had, "in bias used useless civil officials, and been deceived by lust" and thus was deceived by Wen Weishu, and mistakenly passed wrong judgment on Yang Jiling's case. And also because of his soft father's heart, was unwilling to punish the abolished crown prince, thus resulting in this chaos in court. Now, looking back, it was as if he had awakened from a large dream. Thus he had issued this edict, announcing to the world, to all those with virtues.

Within court, all the officials were all shocked. If the old minister Bi Chengjing was still around, probably everyone would immediately press for the rule by courtesy, and request Murong Yan to receive Murong Yuan back to court. But now, Bi Chengjing's suggestions were placed at the side.

Although he still lived in his old estate, but his old wife had died dreadfully, and his sons were, even until now, still in prison. Who dared to repeat his path?

But nobody also dared to persuade Murong Yan to ignore the matter, as when Murong Yuan had been in power, although he was weak and sought peace, but ultimately for the twenty some years, he had had Bi Chengjing leading the civil officials, and Wenqi leading the military matters, so he could still have been counted as capable in the art of using people.

Even if he was weak and desired peace, but as his subject, who could easily criticize the ruler's reign? Additionally, at this time, the moment they opened their mouths, in the future, in the eyes of this bunch of old officials, no matter what, they would not be able to avoid being cursed as traitors.

Murong Yan didn't speak, and in the court, the officials all had their own thoughts. As for Gan Xiaoru's faction, of course they didn't hope for Murong Yuan's return. But Bi Chengjing's faction of old officials, would support it from their hearts. Jiang Sanyi, of course, was also unwilling to have Murong Yuan return to court. But he had always claimed to be a follower of king Yan's "loyal official", and had never admitted that back then, it was himself who had opened Fang City's gate, letting Murong Yan's army inside.

Currently, of course he also couldn't directly express his thoughts.

Additionally, Murong Yan had always publicly demonstrated his filial piety as well as his deep devotion. Towards Murong Yuan, he did not kill him, out of filial piety. Towards Jiang Bilan, he neither left her nor abandoned her, out of devotion. Towards the court officials, the old ones of king Yan, he still used them as in the past, demonstrating his benevolence as a ruler.

And since he had ascended the throne, no matter whether in the battle at Hui Ye Garden, or his attack on Suye city, the attack on Mayi city, it had all been to repel Western Jing. These victories were attained through the effort of the soldiers, and was more so with this ruler's leadership.

Thus though he had taken the nation, but he hadn't attained a foul reputation.

And now, Murong Yuan had suddenly issued this edict, with a clear intent on returning to court. If he agreed to it, he would have to abdicate and pass the authority, and could attain a beautiful reputation, making true his benevolent name the whole time. But if he rejected, it was equivalent to admitting to the world that everything he had said previously was a lie, and everything was only for the sake of power, so where would there be any benevolence, righteousness, etc?

Within court, the officials were all silent, so Murong Yan lightly waved his left hand, saying, "Since all the present subjects don't have anything to report, then court is recessed."

Wang Yunzhao loudly announced that court was recessed, and returning to his hall, Murong Yan said, "How is Ah Zuo's wounds?"

Wang Yunzhao was an attentive person, and knew Murong Yan cared. These days, he had discussed it a lot with the royal doctors. Hearing him ask about it, he immediately said, "Reporting to your majesty, General Zuo's injuries are no longer serious, and I've heard that this morning, she had even practiced martial arts with Country Stabilizing Gong."

Murong Yan nodded, saying, "Summon her into the palace."

Zuo Canglang heard the report of Murong Yuan's announcement early in the morning, and at this time, upon receiving Murong Yan's summons, she also didn't linger, but directly entered the palace.

Entering the study, she was startled, as in the study, other than her, there was also Jiang Sanyi, Gan Xiaoru, the two ministers also present. Zuo Canglang entered, kneeling, and Murong Yan said, "Rise, as currently within this entire court, there are only you all, that can still speak a few truthful words to me. The matter of father king, based on your insight, how should it be dealt with?"

Gan Xiaoru said, "Your majesty, currently, the court is calm, and cannot bear more instability. Based on this subject's insight, no matter if king Yan returns to the palace or not, whether the authority of the king or position of the king, does not need to be replaced. This subject intends, to allow him to become the Emperor Father, to continue enjoying the offerings belonging to an Emperor Father. But as a nation cannot have two rulers, within the disputes in court, he cannot interfere."

Murong Yan didn't speak, and Jiang Sanyi said, "Your majesty, in the imperial court, there are many old officials. Even if his majesty only took the title as Emperor Father, it would be difficult to guarantee that there aren't officials among these that hope for his return to power. And King Yan had been on the run for a long time, if it wasn't for him running out of roads to take, would he really return to your majesty? If he returns to court, how would he be willing to enjoy the freedom and dignity of a Emperor Father?"

Murong Yan finally said, "As you see it, what should be done?"

Jiang Sanyi said, "Your majesty, as this subject sees it, since antiquity, the running of the realm, how has there ever been the presence of personal ties? Even if your majesty is benevolent and filial, but if only for Great Yan's development, you also cannot be soft hearted!"

Zuo Canglang, hearing these words, turned to look at Jiang Sanyi. This person was indeed really cruel and merciless. Within the layers of his words, it was obvious that he wanted to force Murong Yuan to his death. Within the court officials, he and Gan Xiaoru were both Murong Yuan's old subjects, and especially him, had particularly been relied upon.

Who would have thought, this right minister, once he had turned, would actually be ruthless to wish for his old ruler's death.

Murong Yan, hearing these words, also didn't make any expression. Jiang Sanyi continued, saying, "Your majesty, this subject feels, currently the matter of King Yan returning to court, your majesty can temporarily permit it. And can also prepare an edict to abdicate."

Gan Xiaoru said, "What does official Jiang mean by this?!"

Jiang Sanyi said, "Your majesty, currently although King Yan has the intent on returning to court, but he ultimately has not yet returned to court. This subject has a scheme, that can make it so that he cannot return to court."

Zuo Canglang was startled, and Gan Xiaoru immediately also figured out what he meant, saying, "Official Jiang is saying...... on King Yan's road back to court......" he made a signal of slicing his throat.

Jiang Sanyi said, "How is this not permitted?"

Zuo Canglang finally said, "But......" once she spoke, Jiang Sanyi and Gan Xiaoru both looked over. She thought for a bit, but still continued, "but King Yan and his majesty, are ultimately still blood father and son. The matter of assassination, is ultimately a bit cold and a loss of virtue."

Jiang Sanyi scoffed, saying, "General Zuo saying this is incorrect. Back then, when you had headed towards Yu Yang to assassinate King Yan, did you consider that King Yan and his majesty are father and son? How come now, King Yan is about to return to court, and you've actually managed to think of it?"

Zuo Canglang said, "At that time, it was because Marshal Wen still had the capacity to fight, and I did not hope that because of King Yan, we would have to destroy a genius at leader troops like Marshal Wen."

Jiang Sanyi said, "General Zuo speaking this way is even more incorrect, as in your eyes, his majesty's reign, does not match a single Marshal Wen?"

Zuo Canglang was originally not someone adept at debate, and could only say, "I don't have this meaning, it's just that I feel, currently his majesty has all the authority within his grasp, and doesn't need to forcibly kill his own father."

Jiang Sanyi said, "No need? Do you know how many old officials in court are still biased towards King Yan? Last time, the military news that General Zuo had sent into Jinyang were intercepted by people, but you dare to say, his majesty doesn't need to guard against King Yan?"

Zuo Canglang wanted to continue speaking, when Murong Yan said, "Okay." The two of them stopped speaking, and he took a look at Zuo Canglang, saying, "Beloved subject Zuo was originally carrying wounds, so you are dismissed first."

Zuo Canglang was stunned, and in Jiang Sanyi's gaze a light flashed past. She slowly knelt and retreated.

Murong Yan excluded her from this matter.

TN: Yay. I'm all caught up. I've been reading some of the comments, and I'm not sure Murong Yan is actually stupid. It just seems to me like, he's always juggling a lot of things, as in, it feels like he knows a lot more than he lets on. But, he's an excellent actor, so he always prioritizes the throne over personal connections. So he probably knows more of the details as to what's specifically going on with Jiang Bilan, etc. than he lets on. It's just that he's willing to hurt Zuo Canglang either because it suits him or because he thinks she can take it. What do you all think?