Deposed Empress General Chapter 69

Zuo Canglang rested for a few days. She didn't have many exterior injuries, but was only a bit weak. Resting like this for a few days, even if her body didn't recover, nobody could tell the difference.

This day, the sun was not yet up, before palace servants came to help her change for attending court. In court, when everyone saw her coming, they were not surprised at all. As they had many years of building social connections, who did not know of Murong Yan carrying her out of prison?

The reappointment of her office was just a matter of time, and even if Murong Yan truly supported Di Lianzhong, this was only to remove her military power, and would not be a move to get rid of her.

Jiang Sanyi walked over, smiling coldly saying, "Seeing general is all fine, this official is at ease."

Zuo Canglang glanced at him, and lightly said, "Troubled old official."

At the side, Gan Xiaoru also said, "This time, general has suffered fright, but it is good that things have been investigated clearly. Harming a royal descendant is not a light crime, so although general suffered a few days of imprisonment, but it ultimately proved general's innocence."

The two ministers each had their own calculations, and if there was anyone else in court that hoped Jiang Bilan wouldn't give birth to a prince, it would definitely be Gan Xiaoru. Currently Jiang Sanyi's clan was already extremely strong. If Murong Yan subsequently made Jiang Bilan's son as crown prince, then he would be destined to be stuck beneath Jiang Sanyi, without any hope of turning the situation around.

The two sides both had their own thoughts, and Murong Yan began court. Today, the topic of discussion was still regarding Di Lianzhong's defeat. Currently, the army was at Mayi city, unable to advance nor retreat. Di Lianzhong had already awkwardly submitted three letters requesting Murong Yan to issue a punishment.

Of course, he had also secretly sent letters to Jiang Sanyi, requesting assistance. Jiang Sanyi actually understood Murong Yan a bit, and now, he was not doing anything, obviously to make Di Lianzhong look bad.

But since it was just to make him look bad, of course he didn't intend to just lose that piece and not use it. He was just humiliating him for now for future use, that's it.

This signaled that he would only lose, but he should not make a move, and patiently wait.

Currently, Murong Yan ordered Zuo Canglang to once again attend court, as though he was planning on finishing this matter. He immediately stood out, reporting, "Your majesty, the military chief Di Lian Zhong has been at the border city for many days, and Xiao Quan Mountain has not been taken after many assaults, so wasting the military provisions is not a long-term plan. This subject believes, General Zuo is still more familiar with the workings of the army. When General Zuo began her career, she often entered and left the northwestern border cities, so towards the terrain, she is very familiar. Why don't we just have General Zuo to head back to Mayi city again?"

Murong Yan glanced at him, saying, "Seems like Jiang Sanyi's oldest son's familiarity with military tactics, and his prowess at combat, was just a rumor, that's it."

Jiang Sanyi's face flushed red, and he knelt down, "Your majesty's blame is right. My son is young, and lacks experience, so there are many places, where he needs to learn from General Zuo."

Murong Yan harrumphed coldly, but didn't continue troubling him. He turned to ask Zuo Canglang, "How is beloved subject Zuo's body now? The northwest is desolate and cold, the wind and the sand are great, so making the trip, perhaps, would be difficult to bear."

Once these words were stated, everyone still found it a bit strange. Zuo Canglang looked like she was just a bit pale, and not like she had any problems. Now saying this...... did she pretend to be sick just to get out of prison, ah?

Zuo Canglang slowly came out of her lane, and now that Di Lianzhong had lost two battles, he had lost about forty thousand men, and was encamped at Mayi city, continuing to consume provisions. Although Murong Yan didn't speak, but what the condition of the army was, his terrible losses, must have had reasons.

She knelt, saying, "This subject is willing to head to the border to assist military chief Di."

Murong Yan nodded, saying, "That is good. You are still more familiar with Mayi city. Di Lianzhong has after all been away from war for a long time, so this time, you are still commander-in-chief. He will assist you on the side then."

With these words, everyone was still a bit surprised. Since antiquity, where had a military chief ever been the vice marshal of a Biao Qi general? This was just slapping Di Lianzhong's face. It even removed the prestige of Jiang Sanyi. After all, it was someone he had recommended.

Gan Xiaoru glanced at Jiang Sanyi. Zuo Canglang was after all someone who carried the crime of harming an imperial descendant. Leaving prison so quickly, and directly being used like this. This slap was not light.

Jiang Sanyi's expression was also rather entertaining, as he had been even more startled than Gan Xiaoru and the others. He also felt a bit of suspicion---- rationally, Murong Yan should be intending on supporting one particular faction, to divide the Wen clan's military power. Even if Di Lianzhong lost the battle, why did he have to show disfavor to this extent?

Ar eneb'k qberojkxbe.

After court was recessed, Jiang Sanyi quietly ordered people to find Jiang Bilan. It was coincidentally her mother's birthday, and Jiang Bilan had mentioned returning to her parental home to celebrate. Murong Yan had approved of it.

When they returned to Jiang estate, Jiang Sanyi had just paid her respects, when he dismissed the servants, hurriedly asking, "Some things, this father has been wanting to ask you! Back then, how did that child in your womb die? Who gave you this idea, to actually treat a royal descendant's life as a game!"

Jiang Bilan's expression slowly cooled, she listened to Jiang Sanyi's words, and then scoffed, "Back when father slew my first child, did you not think that this was karma?"

Jiang Sanyi was like a cat that caught his tongue, saying, "This matter, did you really still need this father to once again explain it to you?" Jiang Bilan stopped talking, as she had been in the palace for all these days, so she had slowly understood some things. The competition between people, was naturally more cruel than that between beasts.

She said, "Since I couldn't keep the child, I chose to use it. Is that wrong?"

Jiang Sanyi said, "It's not just a mistake, but it is an irrevocable mistake!"

Jiang Bilan was stunned, and Jiang Sanyi said, "Lan'er. Did you ever think, if this matter fell under his majesty's gaze, how he would see things?"

Jiang Bilan said, "Wouldn't he think, that that woman is cruel, and slew his child?"

Jiang Sanyi hated that she was so worthless, saying, "Lan'er! After Consort Rong passed away, Murong Yan stayed in the palace for more than a decade. What types of schemes and plots has he not witnessed? Do you still think that back then, when the queen wanted to force his death, whether using public methods or secretive means, she hadn't utilized enough varieties of tactics? Your measly little trick, do you think you can hide it from him?"

Jiang Bilan's forehead creased, saying, "That's not possible, ah. Back then, he was unnaturally angry, and he had even kicked Zuo Canglang. He...... should probably have believed it. After all, the condition of the fetus was unknown by anyone, so why would he suspect me?"

Jiang Sanyi said, "Of course he would believe it, because he coincidentally needed this opportunity, to split the military power, to avoid the Wen clan's old subordinates from monopolizing military matters!"

Jiang Bilan slowly stepped back, saying, "So you are saying, at the time he was just acting?"

Jiang Sanyi said, "What do you think?"

Jiang Bilan hurriedly said, "But those few days, he was really good to me. He...... ignored the bad luck of a miscarriage, and every day, he came to Qi Feng Hall to keep me company. Everyday, he left only when it had gotten really late."

Jiang Sanyi sighed, "If it wasn't this way, then how could he demonstrate his pain towards the loss of his child? If he wasn't steeped in sorrow, then wouldn't the military officials all have begged for mercy on Zuo Canglang's behalf? Lan'er, even now, do you still think, that he would feel gut wrenching sorrow over an unborn child?"

Jiang Bilan practically collapsed on the floor, her two lips quivering, a long time later, finally saying, "But that is truly his flesh and blood......"

Jiang Sanyi said, "It's enough about this matter. Anyways, the child couldn't be kept, but in his eyes, he probably would feel that you slew this child to frame Zuo Canglang. Once men start looking at you this way, what type of a cruel and vicious woman would you become? Within the palace, when you are doing anything, why did you not first inform father to discuss it?"

Jiang Bilan's forehead slowly began sweating, saying, "I......"

Jiang Sanyi said, "Also, when Zuo Canglang was in prison, did you do something to her?"

Jiang Bilan bit her lip, saying, "She had finally been imprisoned after all that trouble, so shouldn't we have taken advantage of the opportunity?"

Jiang Sanyi was so angry he ended up laughing, saying, "Opportunity? Tell me then, what type of opportunity did you really get?"

Jiang Bilan said, "We contacted the wardens of the royal prison, so if his majesty was two days late, in just two more days, we could have taken her life."

Jiang Sanyi angrily slammed the table, and stood up. Jiang Bilan was startled, and he pointed a finger at Jiang Bilan, his whole face purple from anger, "Stupid!"

Jiang Bilan said, "Father? What did I do wrong, as if that woman died, wouldn't we be able to live in peace?"

Jiang Sanyi took a deep breath, saying, "Last time, did you all also make a move?"

Jiang Bilan said, "Last time, we were also almost successful!"

Jiang Sanyi said, "Just a little bit away. Every time, you all are just a little bit away! Haven't you thought, why this is?"

Jiang Bilan's expression slowly paled, "You are saying......"

Jiang Sanyi said, "You all have people in the royal prisons, but who are all the wardens of the royal prison? Lan'er! How much are you worth, to actually play schemes right in front of his face?"

Jiang Bilan said, "But...... but he has never mentioned this matter! If he knew, why would he never mention it?"

Jiang Sanyi said, "Because in the palace, you are the queen, and in court, your father is the Left Minister! He couldn't let Zuo Canglang have any positive feelings towards us! The best result would be that both sides get mortally damaged, and are both weak! Right now, in prison, you have harmed her so, so if she leads troops to Mayi city, how could she let your older brother off!!"

Jiang Bilan's whole body turned cold, and by her side, Madam Zheng was also worried, "Old Sir, Qi'er is still at Mayi city right now! He had originally never been on the battle field, so if Zuo Canglang intends on harming him, how could this be any good! You must think of a way, ah!"

Jiang Bilan only felt that her tongue had grown numb, so she uncertainly asked, "Father, then now, what can we do?"

Jiang Sanyi said, "This father will first send a memorandum, to have your older brother claim sickness as an excuse to return to Jinyang. Di Lianzhong is an old general, and has always been alert, so he will probably be fine. In the future, when you are in the palace, when you're doing anything, you must send someone to discuss it with father, and by no means should you ever make a move on your own!"

Jiang Bilan suddenly cried out, as all the suffering she had held in all these days, immediately exploded out now, "But I hate her, I hate her! His majesty still, in my face, was intimate with her, father......" she fell into Jiang Sanyi's chest, like a child that had suffered a great injustice.

Jiang Sanyi pat her head, lightly sighing, saying, "Silly child. But you don't need to be sad, as Zuo Canglang, this person, although she is obedient in front of his majesty, but she is actually stubborn like a bull. There will still be opportunities to go against her. Right now, you have to act weak, as his majesty needs her to attack Xiao Quan Mountain. He have to bring out the queen's broadmindedness and poise. This is advancing by retreat, which is not anything to feel ashamed of."

Jiang Bilan said, "But......"

Not waiting for her words, Jiang Bilan's expression grew grave, "Father's words, will you listen to them?"

At the side, Madam Zheng also persuaded, "Child, ah, just listen to you father this once!"

Jiang Bilan wiped her eyes with her silk handkerchief, and lightly wiped them. Withdrawing her tears, she said, "I will listen to father."

Jiang Sanyi finally nodded at this, saying, "Living inside the palace, what is most important is how his majesty sees you. That's why you definitely cannot move recklessly. Everything, you can have father scheme for you. If you have matters, you definitely also must inform father. After Consort Rong passed, your father and his majesty have had few dealings, but ultimately, I have still watched him grow up. What type of person he is, father is more clear of than you."

He pat Jiang Bilan's hand, saying, "Don't be impatient or rushed, as although you live in the palace, but you still have a whole clan to support you."

Jiang Bilan felt safe for the first time, and even though she knew that everything Jiang Sanyi plotted for was for the benefit of the clan, but her heart still finally calmed down. She lightly said, "I want to see her body splayed, and her flesh destroyed. Step by step, falling into a pit of despair."

Jiang Sanyi said, "She will, as long as you trust father, and are willing to wait patiently."

Within the palace, Murong Yan ate lunch with Zuo Canglang. Zuo Canglang could touch anything with a scent, and the royal kitchen knew that in the past she had liked the oily dishes with a lot of flavor, but now, they didn't dare to bring those forth anymore. Thus, the food was extremely light.

Murong Yan said, "Fa Chang Temple's Head Monk Xue Zhan is rumored to have unparalleled medical practice. In the afternoon, I'll bring you over to take a look."

Zuo Canglang said, "It's not anything serious, so perhaps it will be fine in a few days."

Murong Yan said, "You're about to leave on campaign, and the condition in the army is very lacking, so being so dainty is not good." Saying thus, he held her hand, saying, "It would make people worried."

Zuo Canglang slowly pulled her hand away, saying, "Since your majesty orders it, this subject will make a trip to Fa Chang Temple." Murong Yan nodded, and Zuo Canglang said, "Your majesty has recently come over to the South Palace Hall daily, but don't you need to keep the queen company?"

Murong Yan said, "The queen returned home to visit her relatives, so I think in her home, her parents will take care of her. You don't have parents, so only this king can take care of you."

Zuo Canglang said, "Even now, your majesty still believes, it was this subject that caused her miscarriage?" Murong Yan looked at her silently, and she stood up, saying, "Her child, but also your majesty's child. Would I do such a thing to an unborn child?"

Murong Yan said, "Enough. This king hasn't said anything, but you have first gotten upset over it."

Zuo Canglang said, "This subject just doesn't understand, in your majesty's eyes, am I such a cruel and vicious person?"

Murong Yan was silent, and a while later, lightly said, "Sit down for me. What are you shouting for?" Zuo Canglang finally realized that she had lost her poise, and slowly sat down. Around them, there weren't any servants serving, so he grabbed a spoon, and filled a bowl of soup for her, saying, "Those who know, know that you are speaking to your ruler. Those who don't know would think you are shouting at a dog! Ignoring rules more and more."

Zuo Canglang angrily said, "Anyways, I didn't harm her child!"

Murong Yan said, "Mmm."

Zuo Canglang was rather stunned, "Your majesty believes it?"

Murong Yan said, "Ah Zuo, this king also just lost his own child. My first child." Zuo Canglang was stunned, and Murong Yan asked, "Must you do this right now, and force this king?" Zuo Canglang stopped talking, and he finally said, "Hurry and eat. After we eat, this king will accompany you to Fa Chang Temple."

Fa Chang Temple was a temple that had been constructed by the founding ruler of Great Yan, and had been around for a long time. The head monk, Priest Xue Zhan was currently over seventy, but his face was still ruddy, and other than having a few strands of white hair, he actually looked extremely young.

At this time, he was waiting by the gate, and seeing Murong Yan come over, he quickly came forward, paying his respects. Murong Yan was rather respectful towards he, saying, "Priest Xue Zhan has no need of paying respects. Today, this king has brought General Zuo over, also hoping that priest could give some insight."

Xue Zhan put his palms together, saying, "Don't dare to give insight, but as your majesty has ordered, this old one will of course try my best."

Murong Yan nodded, and glanced at Zuo Canglang, allowing her to enter the temple. Entering the gate, the world was all gray.

There were four hundred ninety some stone steps. Zuo Canglang walked half way, when she began sweating. She pressed onto her two knees with her two hands, sitting to rest. Murong Yan also frowned, as her body had gotten a lot worse. In the past, this type of stone stairway, how could she think anything of it?

Zuo Canglang smiled bitterly, and only felt that she was seeing stars. She said, "Your majesty, must this subject really go up there? Someone with a lifetime of the sin of murder, even if I managed to get to the end, I probably still wouldn't receive the protection of the gods. Why not......"

Before she finished, suddenly, she felt light...... Murong Yan had lifted her, and was carrying her, continuing forwards. Zuo Canglang was stunned, and the monks by the side were also flabbergasted. Priest Xue Zhan made and Amitahba signal, and went forwards, leading the way, without saying more.

At that time, the sunlight filtered through the pine needles, spilling in small slivers onto the ground. He hugged her, carrying her each step forward. The world was turned upside down, and it turned out that in this realm with romance, surrounded by the beautiful scenes of nature, the spring light was just right. She held onto the cloth on his chest, lightly saying, "Your majesty!"

Murong Yan lightly laughed, saying, "At this time, it'd be best to watch your words, lest this king throw you off, ah."

The various monks all lowered their heads, walking about, nobody taking a second look.

The door to the temple grew closer, and Murong Yan put her down, as though nothing happened, following after Priest Xue Zhan into the chamber. Zuo Canglang stopped for a while in front of the temple, and thinking it over, she still entered. Priest Xue Zhan brought her to place incense in the main hall, and Zuo Canglang placed an incense, and knelt, as Murong Yan stood by the side. Xue Zhan asked, "Amitahba, is your majesty not placing a stick of incense?"

Murong Yan said, "No, it belongs to those with the fortune, but this king is someone without the fortune. Worshiping is thus useless."

Xue Zhan no longer said anything, only tapping the woodblock by the side, lightly reading the sutras. Zuo Canglang placed the incense, and Xue Zhan brought her to a private room, stewing some tea with her and reading the Miaoyu Chan sutras. Murong Yan didn't enter, but just walked about the temple. All the way until it was dusk, did Zuo Canglang say her farewells and come out.

Murong Yan descended the mountain with her. The path down the mountain was a lot better. The two walked side by side, and Xue Zhan sent them off. When they had gotten to the foot of the mountain, Xue Zhan and the others returned, and Zuo Canglang finally asked, "Since your majesty doesn't believe in Buddhism, why did you bring this subject over to visit?"

Murong Yan laughed, saying, "People who are devoid of a soul, ultimately need a release."

Zuo Canglang stared at him, but he pointed his fingers, making a motion as if he wanted to stab her two eyes, saying, "Priest Xue Zhan had once spent two years discussing with this king, and knows worldly matters. If you talk more with him, there wouldn't be any harm."

Zuo Canglang found it unexpected, "Priest Xue Zhan had once actually been a royal instructor? I heard, back then, the King Father had once made him as the national priest, but he had rejected it."

Murong Yan said, "Back then, when my mother consort was alive, this king had once been favored a lot. So I was fortunate to become his disciple, so it is not strange."

Zuo Canglang stopped talking. After he had been greatly favored, it was many years of being treated coldly. He had been at the pinnacle, and then fallen into the mud. Who could understand the heart of perseverance in each step?

Murong Yan led her hand, continuing to walk forwards, saying, "The matter of Xiao Quan Mountain, what is your plan?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Yesterday, chief steward Wang sent the military report to the South Palace Hall, so this subject has looked it over. If Gu Zhu and Western Jing allied themselves, then we would be in a lot of trouble." Murong Yan "mmm'd" and she continued "This subject begs your majesty to offer a military advisor."

Murong Yan said, "Speak."

Zuo Canglang said, "Marquis of Jinyu, Daxi Qin."

Murong Yan's brows lifted, and when they relaxed, he harrumphed. Zuo Canglang said, "He is a member of the Northern Yu royal clan, and currently, though Northern Yu has been destroyed, but the people still consider themselves its people. The ones that can harness it, of course can only be him."

Murong Yan said, "How could this king not know? It's just that this person is ultimately a royalty that became a subject, and Northern Yu's destruction, also ultimately has something to do with Great Yan. Do you think he will be used by you?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Yes." Murong Yan looked her over, and Zuo Canglang found it pointless, "Why is your majesty looking at this subject with this type of gaze?"

Murong Yan said, "General Zuo is so confident, so could it have been you have already conquered this person beneath your dress?"

Zuo Canglang was angry, being unable to say anything for a long time, and a long time later, finally said, "Since your majesty thinks this way, then it looks like this subject can't use this person, too. Since this subject was born as a general, I should not fear death. At that time, I'll just directly fight to the death with Western Jing and Gu Zhu then."

Murong Yan only responded by uttering, "Hmmph!"

Zuo Canglang was helpless, and could only try to reason with him, saying, "In the past, the country of Yu, its past territory has now been seized by Gu Zhu, Wu Zhong, and Western Jing. So they have already had the desire to restore their nation. Daxi Qin has nowhere to retreat other than Great Yan. Additionally, with his personality as such, he would not be willing to stay bored his whole life. If there is a place he can be used, he would definitely work hard for your majesty. So your majesty doesn't need to worry."

Murong Yan asked, "Who is the Vice Commander?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Wang Nan."

Murong Yan uttered another, "Hmmph!"

Zuo Canglang asked, "This person is also not good?"

Murong Yan said, "Then General Zuo needs to remember to drink a bit less wine, otherwise, in the middle of the night, you better not ask for relief on a shoulder."

"......" Zuo Canglang took a deep breath, saying, "Everyone says the Miaoyu Chan sutras are the best for calming oneself and reflection. Today, your majesty made a trip to Fa Chang Temple, so how have you gotten a lot more irritable?"

Murong Yan said, "This king has seen past the surface today, and recognized the truth."

Zuo Canglang angrily said, "Every time your majesty and the queen are all lovey-dovey and having sex, that was enough, but yesterday, you also praised Ke Qing's hands for being pretty, and this subject didn't even say anything."

How could Murong Yan dare to act weak, but rather, he said, "I won't force general. If general feels this king's shoulder is like a rock, you can directly rest against it. Although this king has stood around for a while, at the very least, I haven't made a move."

The two continued teasing each other as they entered the palace. When she finally understood what they had been talking about, Zuo Canglang finally felt that it was a bit funny, and not knowing why, after their teasing, all the past matters were bygones.

When she saw Ke Qing again, she couldn't help but glance at Ke Qing's hands, and without saying anything, she first began laughing. Ke Qing found it ridiculous, and seeing her stare at her hands, she rose to take a look, "General? What's the matter? Is there anything wrong with this servant's hands?"

Zuo Canglang turned, to secretly gaze at Murong Yan. Murong Yan said, "You're dismissed, have too many words."

Ke Qing quickly retreated, and Murong Yan came forwards, lightly holding her waist, saying, "Still laughing?" Zuo Canglang said, "If your majesty wants to make a move, why dismiss her?"

Murong Yan said, "It's because I want to make a move, that having others present is ultimately not good." Zuo Canglang was stunned, as his two hands had already reached into her clothes. That day, she wasn't in armor, so her light robe was soft and dainty. Murong Yan slowly pressed her onto the bed, his lips pressing on her forehead.

Zuo Canglang slowly withdrew her smile, the old grace and enmity in her eyes, slowly swirling into a flurry.

TN: While translating this chapter, I kind of find it interesting, how there is a certain parallel in Zuo Canglang's food trauma and Murong Yan's food trauma. The exchange between Murong Yan and Zuo Canglang is also kind of funny at the foot of the mountain, because it seems like you can kind of smell the vinegar (jealousy). IIRC, in one of the earlier chapters, there was that scene where Murong Yan saw Zuo Canglang and Daxi Qin celebrating at a feast with the sky lanterns. And with Wang Nan, there was that one scene at the bridge where she had gotten drunk. So Murong Yan's objection is probably subtly because of possessiveness.