Deposed Empress General Chapter 56

That afternoon, Murong Yan summoned Jiang Sanyi. Jiang Sanyi had thought that Murong Yan would order Jiang Qi to head towards Suye to retrieve Murong Yuan. Who knew, Murong Yan didn't mention a single word regarding the matter, but rather said, "This king has thought over the matter several times, and felt that father king is ultimately this king's father, and blood is thicker than water. Although our policies may differ, but ultimately I still don't need to slay him."

Jiang Sanyi's expression slowly turned serious---- what was it, that suddenly made him change his mind?

He slowly said, "Your majesty is filial, and that makes this subject admire it ten thousand times, but it's just that if King Yan returns to court, I'm only afraid that there would be endless scandals, ah."

Murong Yan said, "This matter, first leave it to the side. Last time, the matter at Ming Yue platform, when this king and the queen were ambushed, currently the assassins are still held in prison. This king has decided to pass this case to you, so you must do a good job at overseeing the court proceedings, and you must clean out all of the traitorous officials in court."

Jiang Sanyi's heart skipped a beat, as he was a crafty old fox, so how could he not understand what Murong Yan meant? He immediately knelt down, saying, "This subject receives your order!"

Hurrying out of the royal study, his forehead was still creased. Lowering his head, and walking forwards, he suddenly saw Jiang Bilan, escorted by the palace servant Hui Yun, slowly walking over. He got out of the way, and raised his hands to pay respects, "Your ladyship the queen."

Jiang Bilan nodded, as towards Jiang Sanyi, her attitude was still cold. Jiang Sanyi said, "Looks like your ladyship, towards this subject, still has a lock in her heart."

Jiang Bilan wasn't ready to speak more with him, but directly headed towards the royal study. Jiang Sanyi sighed, this silly daughter, if she had half the awareness of Zuo Canglang, how would I need to put in so much effort. He shook his head, slowly leaving the palace.

That day, the seven assassins were officially placed in Jiang Sanyi's hands, for him to preside over the hearings. At the hearings, he would be assisted by official Xia. Jiang Sanyi personally interrogated the assassins, and though he didn't control the interrogation, but as an official for many years, he still had his methods.

The seven assassins had originally suffered a lot of torture in the prisons for many days, and were all already very weak, and under the heavy torture, they began confessing to some ten's of court officials. Within a short period of time, people in court were extremely worried.

Jiang Sanyi was very gleeful, and grabbing that list, he looked at it for a long time, suddenly saying, "It seems like...... there's still someone missing."

Xia Chang could already see where things were going, as although he was an old official, previously he was still supportive of Bi Chengjing's faction. But Bi Chengjing had already fallen, and currently was living in his estate, and had neither power nor authority, and was still a convict. Who knew when he would lose his head.

And Jiang Sanyi currently was a rank-one official, and was also the royal father-in-law, so for his daughter, he majesty had still not named any consorts. This type of overwhelming doting for his whole life, how would it not cause others to fear him?

He was soft and week, but seeing that Jiang Sanyi didn't intend on involving him, he didn't dare speak another word. He only watched as the prison record keeper's hands shook as he added the name of a person-- Wen Xingye.

That day, he passed the report to Murong Yan. When Murong Yan received it into his hands, he looked at it for a while, and suddenly said, "Looks like favored subject Jiang has a good pair of hands for overseeing cases."

Jiang Sanyi said, "Your majesty, no need for praise, as this subject has been an official for many years, and has also witnessed many stubborn people, and has brought forth my experience, only."

Murong Yan nodded, saying, "Since it is so, then just seize the people according to the list to continue interrogating them."

Jiang Sanyi immediately said, "This subject obeys the order." Right as he turned to leave, Murong Yan suddenly said, "Country Stabilizing Gong hasn't been in court for many years, and the matter of fixing up Ming Yue pavilion, he also wasn't present in Jinyang city. This matter should probably be unrelated to him. Thinking of it, the assassins were held in prison for many days, so their memory is probably also not entirely clear. There is no need to head to Wen estate."

Jiang Sanyi's expression didn't change, and he affirmed the order. But his heart held an strange suspicion that Murong Yan was still unwilling to impact Wen estate, but everyone knew, that what he wanted to do the most right now, was exactly to pull Wen estate into the matter!

Who did he leave this three degrees of compassion?

After he left the palace, Zheng Zhizhou came over quickly, asking, "Brother-in-law, how is the matter?"

Jiang Sanyi said, "Inform head of the imperial guard, Feng Ping, to bring troops to seize people according to the list."

Zheng Zhizhou took a deep breath, saying, "Since his majesty agreed with our seizing of people, it means that brother-in-law has completed the task this time according to his intent. Why isn't brother-in-law happy at all?"

Jiang Sanyi took a look at him, saying, "Because we still have a strong opponent, but it's funny that Lan'er is stupid to this extent, when even now, she is still stubborn in her treatment of me."

Zheng Zhizhou said, "Brother-in-law is saying......"

Jiang Sanyi slowly opened that confession that was stained with blood, the final name, had been painted over.

That night, the lamps were raised high in Jinyang city. Ten or so high officials were imprisoned. The imperial guard, under Feng Ping's leadership, didn't make a second sound before they sealed those homes.

When Zuo Canglang woke up, she had slightly heard the sound of crying bothering her. She got up, and walked outside the estate gate, but saw that in the darkness of the night, many estates had torches lit before them, and there was the sound of countless horses walking about. She frowned, and from behind her, someone came out. It was Wen Xingye.

He stood beneath Wen estate's lanterns, and looked in the direction of the torchlight. A long time later, he said, "It is faction leader, Wei Tongyao, official Wei's estate. In the middle of the night, has something happened?"

Zuo Canglang said, "I'll go take a look."

Wen Xingye said, "I'll also go!"

Zuo Canglang said, "What are you going for, with only one leg. In the middle of the night, still being undisciplined."

Wen Xingye was also angered.

Wei Tongyao's estate was the closest to Wen estate. Zuo Canglang got on her horse, and before a quarter of an hour had passed, she had already rushed there. But she only saw, by the Wei estate gate, the imperial guard brandishing their blades, surrounding the entire estate. Some people saw her come over, and loudly asked, "Who is it?"

Zuo Canglang dismounted, and the torch illuminated her, and someone recognized her, quickly paying respects, "General Zuo, the imperial guard is, under royal orders, imprisoning the traitors. For the fault of disturbing the general, we would beg your forgiveness."

Zuo Canglang said, "Traitor? Official Wei?"

The soldier said, "Reporting to general, that is true. Head of the imperial guard, Feng, has already entered to seize that person."

Zuo Canglang quickly entered the estate, as everyone knew she was currently the ruler's most favored subject, and additionally, when there wasn't any matter, Murong Yan would also have her exercise the imperial guard. These soldiers were still a bit afraid of her, and her entrance, everyone was afraid to stall.

Zuo Canglang entered the estate, but saw Wei Tongyao's wife and children, along with his servants kneeling in a row. Some wives held children, softly crying.

Feng Ping was just ordering people to lock Wei Tongyao up. Seeing Zuo Canglang head over, he also only slightly nodded.

Zuo Canglang asked, "Head of the imperial guard, Feng, what crime have they committed?"

Feng Ping said, "Official Jiang was in charge of the case regarding his majesty and the queen being a target of assassination at Ming Yue platform. The assassins admitted the conspirators, and within it, included this Wei Faction Leader, official Wei. I was also just following the orders, so if General Zuo has anything she doesn't understand, please directly ask his majesty. Don't get in the way of my official duties.

Zuo Canglang's expression turned grave, but she also didn't have a way, but could only watch the imperial guard escort Wei Tongyao's entire family out. Due to witnessing what had previously happened with Bi Chengjing, nobody dared to resist.

Wei Tongyao's entire family, from top to bottom, three hundred people, before this, were still nobility in Jinyang. But at this time, their clothes were all messy, their morale broken, so how did they still look like nobility?

Zuo Canglang stood by the estate gate for a while, and watched as Feng Ping escorted the Wei family members away, then headed to another official's estate. She suddenly understood, Jiang Sanyi utilized the opportunity of presiding over the Ming Yue platform case, and practically drew connections to every old official that had protected Murong Yuan in court.

And Feng Ping rushing over to seize people, meant that Murong Yan approved of it.

Within the dim light, some people loudly proclaimed their innocence, and Feng Ping would just beat them until their voices just stopped. Zuo Canglang suddenly felt her heart tighten.

That night, Wen estate's family members, other than Wen Yirong, this type of child that still didn't understand anything, practically nobody fell asleep. Until the day began growing light, everyone had a type of feeling that they had barely seized life from the jaws of death.

No soldiers came to announce that they were coming to seize anyone, and within the entire group of old officials, only Wen estate, was not impacted.

As the day slowly grew bright, when Zuo Canglang went to attend court, she discovered that the number of court officials had practically dropped by a third. And this wasn't the most frightening thing, but the most frightening thing was that, within court, there had always been mixes and matches of human connections. That official Wei's daughter had married another general, and a single word of support was not said in his defense.

Wei Tongyao's daughter was Yuan Xi's wife!

Currently, when these people had all entered prison, pretty much everyone felt uncomfortable. Only Murong Yan was calm like Mount Tai, only ordering Wei Xia Chang and Jiang Sanyi to continue presiding over the court matters, to absolutely capture all of the traitors.

Jiang Sanyi came forward, and cupped his hands, affirming. Knowingly or not, he spared Zuo Canglang a glance. Zuo Canglang came forwards, saying, "Your majesty."

Murong Yan said, "If General Zuo doesn't have any military matters, then there is no need to speak more."

Zuo Canglang could only enter deep thought. After everything was taken care of, Murong Yan ordered court recessed, and Murong Yan returned to the rear court.

Zuo Canglang caught up to Wang Yunzhao, saying, "Chief steward Wang, I have a matter I wish to beg to see his majesty, so I hope chief steward could take my place to inform him."

Wang Yunzhao said, "General, today her ladyship has prepared a new song for his majesty, and I've heard she also prepared a dance. His majesty has said, today he is not seeing anyone."

Zuo Canglang was stunned, and Wang Yunzhao smiled, saying, "General, you should return."

It was the first time, Murong Yan rejected seeing her.

Qi Feng Hall, Jiang Bilan was indeed playing a new song for Murong Yan. It was a poetic piece, and she was dancing a Fei Tian (Flying into the Heavens) dance. Within the extravagant palace, one person's hair was loosed, her dress flying in the air, and a light instrument's melody was playing beneath her feet.

She dexterously turned, her jade like feet making a small beat, her eyes were like clear water, and there was boundless depth of feelings there. If there truly was a fairy in this world, it wouldn't be anything other than this.

Her brows were like spring water, looking down at her beloved at the table. Murong Yan's face carried a small smile, his hand holding a wine dispenser, but in that moment, he had actually been distracted.

His eyes were looking past her, looking at a different place.

Jiang Bilan's heart skipped a beat, and not long later, she saw Wang Yunzhao entered, speaking two words into Murong Yan's ear. Murong Yan only slightly nodded, his brows knotted. Once the dance finished, Jiang Bilan used the excuse that she was changing, to exit the hall, and ask the servant girl, Hua Yue, "A moment ago, did someone beg to see his majesty?"

Hua Yue said, "Reporting to your ladyship, a moment ago, General Zuo had come. But chief steward Wang persuaded her to leave."

Jiang Bilan's beautiful brows furrowed, it's her again?

She slowly changed her clothes, and returned to the hall, pouring wine for Murong Yan. After serving him for some time, she slowly began understanding his habits. She knew that Murong Yan didn't like to share a cup or plates with other people, even if it was someone extremely close to him, he was still not used to it.

It was even to the point that when they ate together, they still could not grab the same dishes he liked, as if someone else had touched it before, he would never touch it again.

Jiang Bilan used the service chopsticks to dish him some dishes, and Murong Yan said, "Seeing the queen dance, is really a joy to the soul, making people lose track of the years."

Jiang Bilan laughed, saying, "Big brother Yan is again making fun of this wife."

At that time, Jiang Bilan's forehead had flowers sticking to it, and she wore a light powder, where a slight fragrance came out of her chest, able to cause people to lose their souls. Murong Yan pulled her into his embrace, saying, "A life long wish, after much difficulty, I finally have it in my embrace, and can finally enjoy its warmth, so how could I bear to poke fun at it?"

When he said these words, his gaze was filled with feeling and waveringly slow, as though every word came from his deepest parts, and that there was no lie in them. Jiang Bilan reached out her hand, slowly touching his face, "Big brother Yan......"

Murong Yan held her hand, those five fingers were each long, soft as though they had no bones. Murong Yan put them by his lips, lightly kissing them, and then, not knowing why, his thoughts suddenly drifted again to that thick bowl of soup from back then.

And thus, towards these pairs of jade like fingers, he once again lost any feeling. He didn't change his expression as he released her hand. It wasn't that he didn't feel guilty.

Many years later, he lost the ability to love a person. Every sacrifice, would have its reward to balance it out. Every calculation, was only for benefit. Thus, those old memories of youth, the scenery in the dreams, only with boundless doting and pretending to be soft and single minded in his love, could he continue portraying.

He supported her body, lightly kissing her print at her forehead.

Silly child, if you want these things, then go ahead and take them all.

Half a month later, during morning court, Jiang Sanyi submitted a scroll.

And at this time, within court, sixteen high officials had been indicted by association with the Ming Yue platform case. Including their family members, relatives, thousands of people were indicted. Those that had formerly been sights of fresh flower blossoms, had turned into scenes of burning flame and spitting oil, extremely disturbing. On many doors was pasted seals, and beneath Jinyang city, there was endless weeping, and only the cold penetrating their bones.

Jiang Sanyi took full custody of this case, and within half a month, had established the crime of treason, indicting up to nine clans for execution, three exiled, and three others lost their political posts, ordered to immediately leave Jinyang, henceforth never to be assigned a post.

Within the morning court, Jiang Sanyi submitted the court proceedings, and the court was quiet. Murong Yan ordered Wang Yunzhao to announce it to the court, but whether he was to issue his judgment based on this, he did not express it.

Within court, currently, only Gan Xiaoru's faction, Jiang Sanyi's faction, were left, along with the only non-impacted old official, Head of the Halls, Xiao Chang You. Who would still speak for this convicted official?

After court, head of the halls, Xia Chang You, sat in his carriage, returning to his estate. He passed by a bridge, when he suddenly saw Bi Chengjing. It was a hot day, and he wore a cotton coat, so he was especially eye-catching. Xia Cang You slowly ordered his carriage driver to stop, and personally got off his carriage to go over and call him, "Minister Bi! Such a hot day like this, so you have worn such thick clothing, look at you with this thick layer of sweat......"

Bi Chengjing, with his support, slowly walked beneath a tree by the bridge side. Beneath its shade, she slowly spoke, "The hot weather can't warm up the chill in one's heart, so if I don't wear more clothes, then what else can I do?"

Xia Chang You was startled, and Bi Chengjing said, "Do you still remember thirty seven years ago, when you were still just a scholar. You were exiled from your branch to Jinyang."

Xia Chang You's face turned red, saying, "I've always remembered it. At the time, I was selling writing on the street, and it was minister Bi who saw my composure, and assisted be, that I was able to become an official."

Bi Chengjing shook his head, saying, "At the time, my buying writing was fake, as two days earlier, there had been someone that told me, there was a young man selling his writing on the street, who was a virtuous and well learned individual. If I could gain this talent, he would definitely be a good official for a long time. Chang You, do you know who this person was?"

Xia Chang You found it surprising, and asked, "Who was it?"

Bi Chengjing said, "It was the one who was still Great Leader at the time, Wei Tongyao, official Wei."

Xia Chang You was startled, and a long time later, he slowly said, "But all these years, he had never mentioned it. He......"

Bi Chengjing said, "Chang You, everyone's conscious witnesses things, and one cannot abandon clear skies. Think of all these years, how he has treated you, and can you bear, watching his whole family, from old to young, being imprisoned in the name of treason, and executed in the market?"

Xia Chang You knelt down, and helped his knees, "But minister Bi, I....... I am also helpless, ah! I, this man Xia, has also been an official for thirty years, and when have I done something like this, ah......" once he spoke, he instantly began shedding some old and tired tears.

Bi Chengjing said, "Chang You, currently, there is one more path, but are you willing to try it for your imprisoned colleague?"

Xia Chang You held back his tears, and two sentences later, his two hands were gripped into fists, "Minister Bi, please speak. Whether it is braving mountains of blades or seas of fire, this man Xia is willing to try."

Bi Chengjing shook his head saying, "A mountain of blades or seas of fire would not be able to save lives. But there is one person, that perhaps could. I am not sure, whether this route is feasible, but currently, we can only gamble that this person, still has a single desire for the people."

Xia Chang You quickly asked, "Minister Bi, this person you are speaking of, who is it?"

Bi Chengjing looked at the clear river before him, saying, "The current Biao Qi Great General, Zuo Canglang."

Xia Chang You was startled, saying, "But...... but she is his majesty's person, ah!"

Bi Chengjing said, "That's why, I don't know what the result will be. Chang You, are you willing to try?"

Xia Chang You slowly stood up, as currently it was clear that Murong Yan intended on purging the court. Jiang Sanyi was only going with his will. If he went to Zuo Canglang to ask, and Zuo Canglang turned around to inform Murong Yan, he would definitely get dragged into the matter. He clenched his teeth, saying, "My family's life, was originally gifted through minister Bi and big brother Wei. So even if I risk my head, this man Xia would have no regrets."

He got on his carriage, and returned to his estate. He gathered the old and the young in his estate together, and looked over them all. Xia Chang You had six sons and three daughters. The daughters had all gotten married, and the sons had all formed their own families. Currently, it was a full family, and he ate dinner with his family.

During the meal, everyone was filled with laughter, his wife was virtuous and his sons filial, and he had a lot of children and grandchildren. He remembered everyone in his heart, and after the meal concluded, he finally told his wife, saying, "I am going to make a trip to Wen estate."

He had always had a good relationship with Wen Xingye, and within the family, his wife also didn't think it was anything, and only summoned a carriage for him, instructing him, "It is late, and your legs are not good, and as Jinyang city is not particularly peaceful, return earlier."

Xia Changyou nodded, and took another look at his peaceful estate. He had a bit of an expression as though he was not going to return.

In Wen estate, Zuo Canglang accompanied Wen Xingye and his wife, as well as Yirong, Yixuan, to eat dinner. Yirong kept bothering her to teach him archery. Recently, the palace hadn't sent anyone to summon her, and as there wasn't any conflicts going on, she had spent more time in the estate.

She led Yirong, and right as she planned on leaving, suddenly someone came to visit from outside. Wen Xingye went out to receive the guest, and saw that it was Hall master Xia Chang You, walking in from outside.

Zuo Canglang didn't bother with him, as these old officials had always excluded her. Even when they had come to Wen estate, it also wasn't for the sake of finding her. She promised Murong Yan, to never let Wen Xingye participate again in these old officials' matters. But she couldn't steel her heart to kick them out. Actually, what Old Madam Wen had said wasn't wrong, as if it was Murong Yan who had fallen into Murong Yuan's state, how could she ignore the matter by the side?

Keeping away from the matters, she knew was impossible. As even if they didn't come to Wen estate, they would also have Wen Xingye head to other places. At least at Wen estate, she could still understand the situation.

But this time, just as she was about to leave, Xia Chang You suddenly said, "General Zuo, could you come forward to speak?"

Zuo Canglang was startled, but still spoke to Yirong, saying, "Go, have your older brother practice archery with you."

Yirong was rather obedient, and agreed, running off on his own. Zuo Canglang turned around, facing Xia Chang You, asking, "What matter does official Xia wish to speak of?"

Xia Chang You walked before her, suddenly kneeling with his two knees on the ground, bowing to the ground. Zuo Canglang was startled, as Xia Chang You was also fifty something years old, and bowing like this to her, what did it look like. She knew she couldn't go over to help him up, as helping him up like this would be boundless complications.

But how could she also not help him?

She sighed, "Official Xia, what is there that you cannot speak directly, and why must you cause problems like this for a junior?"

Xia Chang You said, "General Zuo, minister Jiang has already affixed crimes for eighteen officials in court. Wei Tongyao, Wan Lou, Qin Yixian, these officials, in a few days, will be sent to the execution grounds by him. General Zuo, the confessions of the assassins, are forced confessions, and these officials have always been highly respected. Please, General Zuo, save them!"

His forehead once again hit the ground, and this time, there was a strong thud, and his forehead began bleeding. Zuo Canglang only helped him up, "Official Xia, please rise first to speak."

Xia Chang You said, "General Zuo, this man Xia has wronged my colleagues, and currently, seeing their entire families disgraced, and now this man Xia can only watch matters on the side, staying silent without a word. This man Xia...... it would be cleaner just to die!"

Saying thus, he kowtowed again.

By this time, Wen Xingye had also come over, and the two of them helped him up. Xia Chang You was already dizzy from knocking his head against the ground, so Zuo Canglang helped him to sit in a chair, saying, "Official Xia, although all the officials have their grievances, but I am only a military official, and really, it's inappropriate for me to help. So why must official also make trouble for me this way?"

Xia Chang You said, "General Zuo, to not hide the truth from you, currently in court, other than you, who else could speak before his majesty? And who else, would be willing to, for the sake of these old officials that have served the nation for decades, speak a few words? Arriving at this state of affairs, this man Xia also knows that though I cannot do so, I must do so. But if with my head, you can gain some grace from his majesty, then I will ask that general take my head, to meet with his majesty."

Zuo Canglang said, "Official Xia. These past few days, I have also asked many times to meet his majesty. But how could I stand against his majesty's avoidance and unwillingness to meet with me. What could I do?"

Xia Chang You once again knelt, "This man Xia begs general, for the sake of the thousands of lives in prison, to try again. I beg general!" Saying thus, he wanted to kowtow again, but Zuo Canglang stopped him. Actually, how Jiang Sanyi had attained his confessions, she of course had some measure of it in her heart.

Could it be that coincidental, that every name confessed by the assassins, was all an old official biased towards Murong Yuan? A simple confession had practically cleaned out the court.

But Murong Yan was unwilling to see her, and even unwilling to have her make a sound in court. If she went over at this time, no matter what, as long as it was for the sake of speaking for these officials, it would definitely anger him. His not seeing her, was actually a type of protection.

But, how could she also ignore the matter on the side because of this?

She deeply said shortly later, "I will try again. Official Xia, return first."

Xia Chang You immediately said, "General's great grace, we will definitely remember in our hearts."

Zuo Canglang didn't speak, and Wen Xingye sent her out of court. That night, Xia Cang You didn't sleep the whole night. He was only afraid, at some unknown time, Feng Ping would bring the imperial guard over, and imprison him in prison. Living for so many years, it was the first time he understood what it meant to have his heart tight like a bowstring.

Zuo Canglang entered the palace deep in the night, and the palace gate had long been locked. But if she wanted to enter, the imperial guard still didn't dare to stop her. In the night, the palace was silent. Zuo Canglang ordered people to find Wang Yunzhao. When Wang Yunzhao rushed over, he was extremely shocked, "General, what did you enter the palace so late for?"

Zuo Canglang lightly said, "Chief steward Wang, please announce my arrival for me, as I wish to meet his majesty."

Wang Yunzhao was a bit troubled, "General, today it is already late. If you don't have any pressing matters, tomorrow you can discuss it in court, and it wouldn't be too late."

Zuo Canglang said, "It would be too late." Wang Yunzhao was startled, and Zuo Canglang said, "Tonight, official Xia came to my estate, begging for mercy for Wei Tongyao and the other officials. Last time, the officials had gathered at Wen estate, and his majesty practically received the news immediately. Currently, the matter that he had come over, I'm only afraid, it has already spread to the ears of those with ill intent. Within court, some old officials, probably can't wait until tomorrow."

Wang Yunzhao made a long sigh, saying, "General, you are just a military official, and this case being presided over is fine, or being resolved is also fine. Either way, it has nothing to do with you. So why must you, have to get involved in these murky matters?"

Zuo Canglang said, "For his majesty."

Wang Yunzhao was startled, and Zuo Canglang said, "No matter if it is his majesty sending people to slay King Yan, to make him unable to return to court, of if it is the matter of purging the court, punishing King Yan's old officials, ultimately would not avoid being criticized by people. Additionally, the ages of all the officials is high, and they have spent half their lives in the assistance of the nation, and if they end up with these fates, it would ultimately feel cold."

Actually, these officials who, when Murong Yuan had fallen from grace, but still remembered their old ruler, other than calling them old conservatives, how were they not loyal subjects?

If they were all not counted as loyal subjects, then was Jiang Sanyi, this type of person who sold out his lord in the pursuit of riches, with secretive suggestions, actually considered one?

Wang Yunzhao said, "His majesty had initially, accepted minister Jiang's suggestion, and then changed his mind. Does general really not know, whom he changed his intentions for, and was unwilling to slay king Yan for? His majesty's personality, this old servant can perhaps guess thirty percent, and although he doesn't speak of it, but he still feels that if even general doesn't support it, then it must have some respects where it is not good. Thus he changed his plan to purging the court. And this time, if general once again objects, general, how do you plan on having his majesty resolve this matter?"

Zuo Canglang was silent, and Wang Yunzhao said, "General towards his majesty, is absolutely loyal. But ultimately, you still have to leave a path for his majesty to take, ah."

Zuo Canglang pursed her lips, finally saying, "I have a scheme, which can prevent King Yan from returning to court, preserve King Yan's safety and wealth, and not sacrifice his majesty's reputation. If King Yan cannot return to court, I think his majesty also wouldn't need to purge the court, and can keep the lives of the various officials. To avoid letting the historian officials write that he was a bloodthirsty and cruel ruler."

Wang Yunzhao was startled, and a long time later, said, "This old servant will announce for general, so please wait for a bit, general."

He turned and left, and Zuo Canglang suddenly said, "Chief steward Wang." Wang Yunzhao turned around, and Zuo Canglang bowed deeply to him. He was really someone who prioritized Murong Yan's benefit first. He was also someone who had endured everyone's cold gazes, who had ultimately been beneath one person, but above ten's of thousands, but still one who retained his benevolence.

Jar hbrt.

At the same time, Qi Feng Hall.

It was the dark of night, and Murong Yan and Jiang Bilan were wrapped together, outside the red screens, the dark candles were burning, the air always had a type of intoxicating scent. But Murong Yan didn't sleep well, as he was still not used to it. In the middle of the night, he awoke, and by his side, someone else was lying there. But he still hugged her, perhaps as the number of times this occurred increased, he would ultimately grow used to it.

A strong person, could control many things, including his own likes and dislikes.

He played with Jiang Bilan's hair, the night was deep and long. Suddenly, someone lightly said, "Your majesty."

Murong Yan deeply asked, "What's the matter?" Even though the voice was soft, but he could still tell it was Wang Yunzhao's voice.

Indeed, outside, Wang Yunzhao said, "General Zuo entered the palace in the deep of the night, saying that there is some important matter meet with your majesty."

Murong Yan brushed Jiang Bilan aside, and sat up. Jiang Bilan opened her eyes, not knowing why, within Wang Yunzhao's words, there was a name that made her particularly alert. She had a smile on her face, saying, "Your majesty, it's already so late......"

She didn't finish the rest of her words, as Murong Yan already got up from bed, saying, "She entered the palace so late at night, so there must truly be a pressing matter. This king will first go over and take a look, you, continue sleeping." Saying thus, he compassionately helped her cover herself in the blanket.

Jiang Bilan could no longer say the rest of her words, and seeing Wang Yunzhao enter, helping him dress, the two people left Qi Feng Hall in a hurry.

Jiang Bilan slept in the soft and light bed, but her hands slowly tightened into fists---- that woman, in the middle of the night, had called away her husband from her bed.

TN: It's honestly starting to piss me off at how Wen Xingye is also being a dumbass and dragging Zuo Canglang into these matters now. It's also annoying me at how Murong Yan throws away the balance in the imperial court so easily. By getting rid of the faction without leaving useful members in place, it seems as though he has shifted the power almost irrevocably in favor of either Gan Xiaoru's faction or Jiang Sanyi's faction. So whomever gets the upper hand, would basically have free reign in court. And it's also beginning to irritate me how much Zuo Canglang is being a dumbass in trying to stand up for everyone. In politics, her inability to give way to Murong Yan sometimes to allow him to achieve his goals, is basically going to isolate her over time. So she should really be more strategic in her defense of people who's goals are not necessarily aligned with hers. There was a very interesting Chinese commentator that was talking about an observation of how it's interesting in politics, why people end up being dogmatic in the defense of one faction or another, with all the moderates in the middle basically dying out or being eliminated. He had pointed out, your moderation in the middle isn't a good thing, as it means you are not loyal to either faction. And hence, nobody on the side of either faction will go out of their way to defend you, because they don't see you as one of their own. To me, it kind of feels like Zuo Canglang is slowly painting herself into such a corner now, and if anything, in character, she's kind of like the old guard that Murong Yan is getting rid of. And this is basically only occurring because the old guard gets in the way of Murong Yan's goals all the time, as opposed to recognizing reality and knowing when they should accede. It also makes me angry how Bi Chengjing is being a giant dumbass here, too, because he's asking Xia Chang You to beg Zuo Canglang, so he sees Zuo Canglang as an asset. But he's not adjusting his faction's use to Murong Yan. So their continued reliance on her to bail them out will eventually become ineffectual, as it will force a rift between Zuo Canglang and Murong Yan.

So yeah, maybe I'm being a bit heartless when I say this, but I feel like this bunch of old bones, they probably deserve everything that is happening to them for their lack of flexibility and adaptation to clearly seeing things.