Deposed Empress General 32- Don't Cry

Leng Feiyan brought Wu Gu back to Jinyang city, and Feng Ping was currently just like an ant that was sitting on top of a heated pot. He didn't have the antidote for the masses of Swallow's Nest, and currently, seeing that it was almost the limit for the medication, the people of Swallow's Nest kept rushing him. He requested many times from Murong Yan, hoping to receive the recipe for the antidote.

But Murong Yan continued not to act, as currently Yang Lianting was still at Gu She mountain recovering, and was unable to be contacted. Additionally, Feng Ping also personally knew, these three people had always gotten along well. Even if he was able to contact him, whether or not Yang Lianting would give him the recipe, was also difficult to tell.

The day after Leng Feiyan returned to Swallow's Nest, she released the antidote for everyone. At this, the group of gangsters finally recovered their calm. How Feng Ping thought in his heart, nobody knew, but it definitely wasn't something to feel happy over.

Additionally, Leng Feiyan also brought back a Wu Gu, and directly told people to greet him as vice pavilion leader. Feng Ping's expression fell, "Do you know this person's background? His highness puts so much responsibility in your hands, and you would so lightly place such trust on a Western Jing person who's background is unknown, it can't be good, could it?"

Leng Feiyan opposed his order, and right there, smiled, saying, "Looks like big official Feng Ping knows that lord master puts a lot of responsibility on me." Feng Ping's expression immediately turned black, and Leng Feiyan said, "Then official Feng also definitely knows, who is truly Swallow's Nest's master, right?"

Anger arose from Feng Ping's heart, and right as he was going to draw his blade from his waist, right as his hand was an inch from his sword, Leng Feiyan's sword was already resting against his throat. Feng Ping's rage turned his face purple, and Leng Feiyan laughed "Ha ha!" before putting away her sword, "Official Feng, whether or not Wu Gu is reliable, as Swallow's Nest's pavilion leader, naturally I will have an explanation for lord master. It won't require you to fret over."

Feng Ping clenched his teeth, and turned to leave. Leng Feiyan turned back, telling Wu Gu, "Come with me."

Wu Gu was startled, and then said, "You shouldn't shame him like this."

Leng Feiyan said, "It makes this old one happy, what can you do?"

Wu Gu was speechless, only following her to see the other master of Swallow's Nest.

Within Qian Yi marquis estate, Murong Yan was standing by the water pavilion, and occasionally would feed the fish in the pond. Feng Ping respectfully stood behind him, and reported the news that Leng Feiyan had already arrived at Jinyang. Murong Yan said, "He brought a Western Jing person back?"

Feng Ping respectfully answered, "That's right, and she seems to be preparing to let this person be her right hand."

Murong Yan nodded, saying, "This man must be pretty good."

Feng Ping took a look at his expression, saying, "Your highness doesn't worry that this person could be a Western Jing spy? After all, his background is unknown, and......"

Murong Yan smiled, stopping his words, "She cut you off?"

Feng Ping's words were immediately stuck in his throat, and Murong Yan tossed the last bunch of fish food. Wang Yunzhao quickly passed forth a handkerchief. He meticulously wiped his hand, saying, "Since there's no problem at the moment, just stay by my side."

Feng Ping clenched his teeth, but endured, saying, "Yes."

He was not content, of course he was not content. He, along with Zhou Xin had followed Murong Yan since they were young. Zuo Canglang and the others were juniors. And currently, Zhou Xin, Xu Lang held military authority in their hands. Zuo Canglang made one even more speechless. Leng Feiyan and Yang Lianting also each had their uses. He was stuck in the middle, and it was impossible for him not be be awkward.

By the side, Wang Yunzhao asked, "Does your highness want to summon young master Leng?"

Murong Yan said, "No need. Although she is reckless, but she has her own methodology for ruling her underlings. I don't need to worry." Saying thus, he turned around to ask, "Where is Ah Zuo?"

Wang Yunzhao said, "Haven't seen her since the morning, and also haven't seen her leave the estate. This servant will order someone to find her."

Murong Yan said, "No need, I'll go myself."

At that time, it was the hottest month of the eighth month, and the sun was strung high in the sky, the great land well illuminated. Murong Yan walked to the yard where Zuo Canglang lived. Within, the plants and flowers were really attractive, and it was clear that Wang Yunzhao had spent a lot of effort. Murong Yan nodded, demonstrating his satisfaction. Wang Yunzhao, this person, didn't have other abilities, but he could be counted as being meticulous. He was the rare person that was willing to think a lot on the little things.

He looked around the environment, and saw that by the red wall, leaned a scaffolding, a large piece of wild rose vine had climbed upon it, following the wall to fall, blooming very beautifully. Occasionally, the wind would come, and the flower petals would descend across it.

He raised his hand pointing at it, asking, "What is the meaning of this?"

Wang Yunzhao quickly lowered his head, saying, "Responding to your highness, in the past, this place only had a single wild rose, and this servant saw that young master Zuo would often practice before it, so I ordered people to move these others over here."

Murong Yan smiled, saying, "Wild plants and weeds, can actually gain her favor."

Saying thus, he slowly enter the building.

The building was empty of people, and Murong Yan searched up and down once, and after descending the building, he immediately turned to take care of those roses. A moment later, Feng Ping wanted to follow along, but Wang Yunzhao lightly shook his head at him.

Murong Yan came before that thick and layered flower leaves, and at the time, it was currently deep in summer, and just past lunch. The sun was beating down. The blooming roses covered the yard walls, pink and red flowers crossing between the leaves. The wind would waft their light scent, their deep colors would ripple like waves.

The second highness who was covered in white, pushed aside one of the vines, and only saw that the sunlight had been split by it, the light passing in thin streaks. In a dark corner that was difficult for the light to reach, flower petals had covered the whole floor, and a sixteen year old girl was there, wearing a thin red shirt, her bow at her side, sleeping in the flowers and grass.

Murong Yan slowly walked to her side, and Zuo Canglang gripped the bow with her right hand, turning, she saw it was him, and startled. She quickly sat up, saying, "Lord master!"

Murong Yan said, "It's so hot and humid outside, but you actually know how to hide from it." While he was speaking, he sat by her side, and Zuo Canglang quickly moved aside to give him more space, saying, "Lord master came here, is it because there are any orders? Has there been any news of his majesty in Yu Yang?"

Murong Yan said, "Not yet. Today in court, Bi Cheng Jing and this group of old officials all mentioned the matter of bringing father king back again. They made such a ruckus so as to give me a headache, so let's not talk about these irritating matters. This place is actually peaceful and quiet, so let me also come here and steal half a day of peace and quiet."

He also lay down, using his two hands as a pillow. Zuo Canglang sat by his side, saying, "Based on what this subordinate knows, at the current time, what lord master should do, is still to take the title of emperor. Otherwise, the people will only know of king Yan, and lord master will ultimately still be below them."

Murong Yan said, "How would I not know, but within court the old officials had followed father king for decades. If I want them to name me as king Yan, how could it be an easy matter? Although Gan Xiaoru's faction supports it, but compared to Bi Cheng Jing and that group of old officials, it is still insufficient."

Zuo Canglang said, "After all, Marshal Wen is still at Suye city, and currently, his majesty still holds the advantage. So their hearts having concerns is still natural. Lord master doesn't need to find fault."

Murong Yan waved his hand, "How would I find fault with them?"

Zuo Canglang asked, "Then, currently does lord master have any strategems?" Murong Yan said, "Since they want to invite father king back, then I will abide by their wishes. You, lead a portion of the military towards Yu Yang, and receive father king."

His gaze was soft, and Zuo Canglang startled, answered, "Lord master is saying...... attack Yu Yang?" Murong Yan exchanged gazes with her. The camaraderie between ruler and subject, did not need to be put into words, but they had already understood everything. Murong Yan asked, "What degree of confidence in success?"

Zuo Canglang said, "One hundred percent."

Murong Yan shut his eyes, nodding his head. Zuo Canglang asked, "Lord master isn't asking the combat strategy?"

Murong Yan said, "It's you leading the troops, so as long as you know it in your heart, it's sufficient. Stop talking." His breathing slowly deepened, and he slowly fell asleep. Zuo Canglang sat by his side, afraid to move, afraid that the leaves and vines would affect his light dreams.

A summer breeze brushed by her, soft and affectionate.

That night, Zuo Canglang used a secret signal to contact Leng Feiyan. Leng Feiyan lazily answered, "What matter is so busy that you had to call me out?"
Zuo Canglang, seeing that she was indeed fine, finally said, "I am a bit worried about Yang Lianting, but Bai Yu sect's sect leader Mu Qing Xie is biased towards his majesty, so right now, it's inconvenient for me to head there." Leng Feiyan said, "What are you worried about him for. Who knows if he's currently drowning in a pool of lust, and fallen into the embraces of beautiful women."

Zuo Canglang could only smile bitterly, "Feiyan!"

At this, Leng Feiyan said, "Very well, if I have free time, I will go and take a look."

Zuo Canglang said, "No, I wish to go together with you, but tomorrow, I must attack Yu Yang."

Leng Feiyan understood, and had a face help of helplessness, "Go go go, I'll go with you."

Bai Yu Sect's guards weren't actually super thick, but the technique of poisoned Gu insects could cause people to not guard against. If it wasn't someone as highly skilled as Leng Feiyan, if Zuo Canglang wanted to ascend the mountain, she still had to waste quite a bit of effort. If anything extraordinary was discovered by the sect adherents, they would probably get injured. At that time, it would actually be to Yang Lianting's disadvantage.

The two hurried away in the night, and arrived beneath Gu She mountain. Leng Feiyan had previously seen how Ah Fei had avoided the guards, and currently, brought Zuo Canglang up the whole way, improvising on the spot, avoiding the guards.

The two arrived beneath the Shennong statue, and the moonlight was brilliantly white. Leng Feiyan whistled a secret signal, and not long later, they saw a dark shadow approach. Yang Lianting walked very slowly, and even though it had been three months since he was injured, but currently, he could only barely walk.

Seeing him walk in his inner clothes, Leng Feiyan couldn't help but approach, preparing to support him. Yang Lianting avoided her hand, saying, "No, I can walk on my own."

He just walked step by step this way, slowly walking before Zuo Canglang.

Leng Feiyan said, "Still not recovered?"

Yang Lianting smiled bitterly, "No." This type of deep wound, was impossible to entirely recover from. Even if he recovered, his martial arts would still be far inferior to what it was. He pursed his lips, suddenly smiling, saying, "But it's worth it."

Zuo Canglang reached out, helping him to sit down. The three sat beneath the Shennong statue. Shennong's two eyes stared in front of him, his left hand holding medical herbs, and his right hand was lifting lace. The spring water flowed slowly from his right sleeve. Zuo Canglang said, "Tomorrow I am going to Yu Yang, and before I head out, I came over to see you."

Yang Lianting was startled, asking, "Can you bring me a present?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Just say it."

Yang Lianting said, "A head." Zuo Canglang was startled, asking, "Wen Weishu?"

Yang Lianting nodded, and Leng Feiyan found it surprising, "You're not going to retrieve it yourself? Or watch him being bound in public and brought to the execution ground, won't that be more satisfying, eh."

Yang Lianting said, "The one that should be brought to the execution ground publicly is not him! He is the crown prince's right hand man, and the matter of selling the military arms, probably sixty or seventy percent has entered the crown prince's pockets."

Leng Feiyan turned serious, and Zuo Canglang said, "I can." She lifted her head to gaze at the moon, saying, "Tonight's moon is really beautiful, unfortunately we didn't bring wine."

Leng Feiyan got up, and asked Yang Lianting, "Where is your beauty? She wouldn't not have wine in her place, would she?"

Yang Lianting smiled bitterly, "Mu Qing Xie brought Ah Fei to leave Gu She mountain. I predict...... they went to Yu Yang to meet his majesty."

Leng Feiyan said, "That's even better, just wait for me to go and search for wine." Yang Lianting couldn't do anything about her, saying, "From here, head east, and when you see Hui Sheng Hall, turn right, and about ten meters or so, there is a wine cellar."

Leng Feiyan went to search, and Yang Lianting said, "You have words to speak to me?"

Zuo Canglang said, "I hope you can alter Swallow's Nest's ... and prevent people from easily solving it."

Yang Lianting said, "I don't understand, you are saying, lord master will probably make me hand out the medical formula?"

Zuo Canglang shook her head, saying, "Lord master knows us three have really close dealings, and won't do anything this way. But Feng Ping, this person, his heart is dark, so I still not at peace."

Yang Lianting said, "I understand."

After the words were done, it wasn't many statements later, and Leng Feiyan had already brought three jugs of wine over. The small jug of wine, was twenty year old Luofu Chun. She opened the seal, ripping it off. Thankfully people rarely came here, otherwise, the mere scent of the wine would raise people's attention.

The three of them lifted the jug, and beneath the moon, clanked them together. Leng Feiyan said, "We couldn't meet for mid-autumn, so we'll just treat today as a celebratory occasion instead."

Zuo Canglang said, "This holiday is impoverished enough. This host didn't even bring a single dish of food."

Yang Lianting smiled bitterly, "I'm also a guest, eh, and I'm hidden here. You think it's easy, ah!"

Leng Feiyan was unhappy, "You two wouldn't be thinking of eating meat, right! Stop it already, I'm not going again!"

The two actually managed to begin laughing, and finally, Zuo Canglang discovered that upon the mountain there were a few persimmon trees, so she flew into the trees, and picked a few persimmons, calling in the wind, "Come come come, this way it can barely be called a holiday."

Leng Feiyan caught them, and didn't mind if it was clean or not, but used her sleeve to wipe it before stuffing it in her mouth. Yang Lianting couldn't stop laughing, "I say you two, if you take it without asking, you're a thief, ah......"

The moon rose into the middle of the sky, spinning in the center, quiet and silent. The three ate the persimmons, gazing at the moon, and although it was not yet mid-autumn, it was as though it was mid-autumn.

The second day, Murong Yan officially issued an order, having Zuo Canglang bring troops towards Yu Yang, to bring back Murong Yuan!

Bi Cheng Jing and the others could all only hold their tongues, as everyone knew that with the current situation, Murong Yan and Murong Yuan were incompatible like fire and water. He ordered the troops to approach Yu Yang to receive Murong Yuan, but would Murong Yuan return to the city?! But who could speak their opposition, since after all, inviting Murong Yuan was the idea they had constantly been calling for.

Before anyone had thought of a way to oppose it, Zuo Canglang had received the military order, and with Xu Lang, brought troops towards Yu Yang.

Xu Lang followed Zuo Canglang the whole way, asking, "Military observer, are just heading towards Yu Yang just like this?"

Zuo Canglang shook her head, and turned around to face him, saying, "Currently, his majesty is in Yu Yang city, and has already gathered a non-insignificant amount of old supporters. If we directly attack the city, the casualties will be too high." Xu Lang blinked his eyes, "Military observer's meaning is......"

Zuo Canglang said, "His majesty and marshal Wen have the relationship of ten's of years as ruler and subject, so he will not suspect marshal Wen's loyalty. And you, you are someone sent out by marshal Wen, and within your hands is marshal Wen's military seal. If you use marshal Wen's name, you can bring troops to the city overnight."

Xu Lang's face was scared pale, "But...... but I'm the one that raised troops to invade Jinyang city! How will his majesty believe me?!"

Zuo Canglang said, "Jinyang city will definitely have his majesty's eyes and ears. Currently, you are an aspiring youth, and hold a lot of military power in your hands, so how would you easily change sides? His majesty will definitely not believe you, but would actually seize you and torture you for information. And then you can admit, claiming you were faking your surrender."

Xu Lang began sweating, "Military advisor, the military matters are pressing like fire, so please don't make a joke."

Zuo Canglang said, "I'm not making a joke. As at this time, I will send your vice general to lead people into the city to surrender. His majesty will suspect that one of you is real while the other is fake, and since you are the fake one, the other one must be the real one. He will open the city gate to invite them in."

Xu Lang felt his body turn cold, "Military advisor, you're not afraid that these people, will really surrender to his majesty?"

Zuo Canglang said, "They won't, as if they supported his majesty, if his majesty doesn't blame them, it can already be counted as extremely fortunate. But in the future, what opportunity for advancement would they have? But if they help his highness to perform a great merit, they would all be promoted, with boundless potential."

Xu Lang clenched his teeth, "I'll go and do it right now."

That night, at three in the morning, Xu Lang pretended to surrender, and was imprisoned. And at the time, vice general Luan Di Diao brought fleeing troops into the city to surrender. King Yan, Murong Yuan believed it to be true, and opened the city gate, and ran into the situation where Zuo Canglang and Luan Di Diao cooperated from both the inside and the outside. The old supporters he had gathered with great difficulty were unprepared, and were absolutely massacred, fleeing in a disorderly state.

That morning, at ten in the morning, Murong Yuan was helpless, and could only give up Yu Yang, retreating to Fang city, to the east of Yu Yang. Yu Yang was lost.

The people rejoiced!

After Yu Yang was lost, the situation was extremely different.

Last time, when Jinyang was lost, it could be stated as being careless. After all, nobody had thought that Wenqi's subordinates would suddenly rebel and attack Jinyang. But this time, one couldn't use the word careless to explain it again, but could only be explained as incompetence.

At this time, almost everyone began re-evaluating Murong Yan. All the people of Great Yan began realizing, this prince that was formerly not very famous, would probably be their true ruler. Nobody would underestimate the army beneath him has a rabble army.

Zuo Canglang, this name, started truly appearing before the people.

And at this time, Zuo Canglang didn't actually return to the capital, but rather she pursued Murong Yuan out of Yu Yang, wanting him to leave behind Wen Weishu. This was originally possible, as Murong Yuan and that group of people, were all royal relatives, noble families and their wives and daughters. Even if they escaped in a hurry, their speed was still extremely slow.

But when she followed the carriage tracks to pursue them, ten or so people stopped her route. Zuo Canglang only looked at their clothes, and knew who these people were. She looked at the head person, saying, "Mu Qing Xie."

These people were all dressed in indegenous garb, and their hats all had feathers, and were members of Bai Yu sect. Indeed, the man in charge said, "Little girl has good eyesight."

Zuo Canglang slowly stepped back, as it was rumored that other than the White Gu insects that Bai Yu sect would use to cure disease and save lives, they also bred another type of notorious Black Gu insect. These things she had actually never personally witnessed, but if they really clashed, the troops she brought would indeed not be their match.

Within the muddy sand ahead, there was something slowly moving, and Zuo Canglang's hairs all stood strait up. Making a decisive decision, she said, "Pull back!"

The soldiers began pulling back, and Mu Qing Xie also didn't have the intent to advance. Although the Gu insects were dominant, but them taking effect was ultimately still a slow process. If Zuo Canglang must mutually destroy each other, even if she was infested with the Gu insects, wanting to kill her in a short period of time was still impossible.

He only needed to stall Zuo Canglang, and gain a bit of time for Murong Yuan.

Zuo Canglang returned to the city, ordering people to report to Murong Yan. That day, Murong Yan wrote a letter to Leng Feiyan. Leng Feiyan read it, and ordered a gangster to head to Fang city to report a secret-- after Yang Lianting was broken out, he had been hidden in Gu She mountain to recover. Yang Xuanhe, while he was alive, was excellent friends with Bai Yu Sect's sect leader.

The proof was the correspondence Mu Qing Xie had with Yang Xuanhe back then, as well as the letters Murong Yan had written to Mu Qing Xie.

Murong Yuan reviewed the letters with each other, and realized the relationship between Mu Qing Xie and Yang Xuanhe was real. The letters Murong Yan had written to Mu Qing Xie was indeed Murong Yan's handwriting-- that was actually something Murong Yan had written long ago.

He thought it over several times; Murong Yan's rebellion was because Yang family's wrongful conviction. And because of this matter, Yang family's wrongful conviction being brought to light, was because Mu Qing Xie's secret letter. If Mu Qing Xie didn't discover Yang Lianting's background, this case that had already been settled for six years, how would it once again draw everyone's attention?

But why did Mu Qing Xie not make a single sound for six years, but happened to choose this time to reveal the secret?

His whole body shook, and he ordered Cang Jian mountain sect's people to secretly search Gu She Mountain, finally proving, Yang Lianting had been living in Gu She Mountain the whole time, recovering.

Murong Yuan was greatly enraged, and when Mu Qing Xie was on his way to Fang city to report, ordered Cang Jian Mountain sect's sect head, Cang Tianqi to assassinate this man. Cang Tianqi drew his sword quickly, so quickly that it wasn't the speed at which a person like Mu Qing Xie could respond in. When his head had fallen to the ground, he had still not understood why.

At the time, Ah Fei was outside the city saving the wounded soldiers, and whether her White Gu insects were Nine Needles or Su Wei, it was beneficial both for halting bleeding and for mending bones, far surpassing normal medical practice. At this time, she hadn't yet gotten up, when suddenly, Nie Shan rushed in, lifting up her dress. Ah Fei was startled, "Nie Shan, what happened? Where is godfather?"

Nie Shan pulled her onto a horse, and behind them, Murong Yuan had already sent troops over, and a dozen sect members who excelled in the arts of the Black Gu insects stood in a line. The tiny bugs flapped their wings, letting out a humming sound. Nie Shan didn't have the chance to speak much, but galloped the horse with Ah Fei.

Ah Fei turned her head, and saw that countless soldiers were rolling on the ground, and someone had drawn a bow, and the dozen or so sect members all were shot with arrows, but still continued to activate the Gu insects. The various Gu insects crawled into the various bodies, and the screams all changed tones. Someone spilled flaming oil, burning the ground.

The scene gradually turned distant, and Ah Fei grasped Nie Shan, asking, "Why? The Yan troops are pursuing us to kill us, why?! Where is godfather?"

Nie Shan was covered in blood, saying, "Murong Yuan murdered sect leader! He suspect it was sect leader that conspired with Murong Yan, so he killed sect leader!"

Ah Fei turned her head, and behind her, the city was already far, and there was only smoke left filling the air. She said, "You are saying, godfather died?"

The blood covering Nie Shan had practically dyed him red, "Holy maiden, we must quickly return to Gu She mountain, as our tribe members are in danger!"

Ah Fei wanted to cry, but her eyes didn't have tears. She still couldn't believe, Mu Qing Xie had already died. How could someone die at the drop of a word?

They couldn't had east from Fang city, and Nie Shan brought her once again to return to Yu Yang, and from Yu Yang, they went past Jinyang. They traveled through the night, rushing back to Gu She mountain.

Ah Fei was shell shocked the whole time, and she had learned of everything that had happened, but that type of feeling was surreal. When she had finally arrived at Gu She mountain, and seeing the familiar Shennong statue, and seeing the building where Mu Qing Xie had lived, her tears suddenly fell.

Yang Lianting saw her standing by the door of the building, not moving at all, and could only slowly walk over, "Ah Fei?"

Ah Fei turned around, and seeing him, suddenly started wailing. Yang Lianting was startled, "Ah Fei! What happened?" Her tears were so many, and for the moment, were trickling down her lashes, covering her bright face. Yang Lianting quickly rushed over to help her wipe them. "Ah Fei, don't cry, tell me what happened?!"

Ah Fei exerted force to beat him, "It's all you, you Yan people don't have a single good person! Why did I have to take you in, why did I have to take you in!"

Yang Lianting wanted to hug her, but she bit into his shoulder. Thus, Yang Lianting didn't move again, only waiting until blood dyed his clothes, Ah Fei slowly released him. She lay on Yang Lianting's shoulder, crying and wailing, "Yang Lianting, my godfather died. Murong Yuan killed him! What should we do!"

Yang Lianting's heart quaked, and each breath Ah Fei took, was painful like it was tearing her apart. Losing her parents at a young age, that type of fear, the worry had once dominated her, but Mu Qing Xie brought them to leave their ancestral land, letting her leave with everyone else, living peacefully for twelve years.

Twelve years later, he also died.

Yang Lianting knew that type of feeling. The him from six years ago, wasn't he the same? For someone who had not lost their closest relatives, would not understand what desperation was, would not understand what it meant to have no escape path.

He hugged Ah Fei tightly, lightly patting her back, "Don't cry, I will think of a way. Ah Fei, don't cry."

Her tears, drop by drop, burned him. Yang Lianting pulled her into his embrace, and there was such a moment, he hated that he couldn't cleanse this world, and ease her sorrow.

Deposed Empress General 31- Wu Gu

One did not know how much time passed, and gradually, the darkness saturated the yard. Even though it was summer, but the temperature was still very low. There was no longer any living people around, as Western Jing's troops didn't actually pursue here. Zuo Canglang felt her two feet that were in the quicksand begin to grow numb. Every time she tried moving them a bit, as it would quicken her descent. A few tries later, she had completely given up.

By her ear, there was the sound of unfamiliar bugs buzzing, so she stared blankly into the night sky.

Suddenly within the darkness, someone lazily said, "You're actually pretty leisurely and free."

Zuo Canglang turned her head, and saw Murong Yan standing afar, outside the quicksand, his hands lowered by his side, his body straight. Not knowing why, she immediately relaxed, sighing, "This...... also wasn't something I was personally willing to encounter, ah!"

Murong Yan smiled, and stood by the side watching for a while. Zuo Canglang said, "Lord master, how do you feel this subordinate's recent performance was?"

Murong Yan raised his eyebrow, asking, "How it was?"

Zuo Canglang finally asked, impatiently, "If you think it's still passable, then hurry and help me, please, I almost can't endure it!"

Murong Yan laughed and straightened his waist, then after laughing, he took a quick look at the terrain, and then quickly began undressing. Zuo Canglang said, "Lord master, you...... you're not planning on coming down here to accompany me, are you......"

Murong Yan ignored her, taking his cloak, his outer robe, both off. He then tore them into strips, and tied them into a rope, tying one end to a large boulder to the side, and tossing the other end to her. Zuo Canglang grasped that cloth strip, and nudged forward bit by bit.

The cold moon was like a knife, and the stars sparkled, each pulse stabbing into one's eyes. Murong Yan just stood by the shore, only wearing a white inner shirt on himself. Occasionally, Zuo Canglang would tire and not have the strength to crawl forward, but as long as she lifted her gaze to take a glance at him, she would recover her strength. She exerted the determination of a child suckling on milk, and finally managed to crawl by the shoreline.

Murong Yan was originally going to reach his hand out to pull her, but seeing that she had a hand full of black mud, he put his hand away. Zuo Canglang crawled up the shore, her whole body no longer had a single clean area. The worst part was that her two legs had already frozen solid.

She rested on her stomach, recovering her breath, and Murong Yan said, "Can you endure walking three more miles?"

Zuo Canglang exerted effort to get up, and Murong Yan saw that she couldn't even stand up stably, so he could only approach her, supporting her on his own shoulder. Zuo Canglang tightly rested on him, exerting effort to continue forwards. Her throat was a bit dry and pained, she difficultly asked, "The Western Jing people won't chase here?"

Murong Yan said, "Feiyan will draw them away, and we only have two hours' time. If we can't walk out of here, sooner or later, they will catch up to us."

Zuo Canglang nodded, as just a moment, when she was in the pool of quicksand, she had been bitten to no end by venomous bugs, and currently, her body was alternating between pain and itching, and there was also the skin that had been scratched open by arrows. She couldn't mind all this stuff though, and could only advance step by step. When they had finally escaped the quicksand marsh, it was already past midnight.

White Wolf lake was just before them, and Zuo Canglang practically rolled and crawled into the water, washing away all the black mud. She was almost gassed unconscious by the mud's strange odor. After she had pretty much finished bathing, she turned around, and saw that Murong Yan was also in the water. The serious him, who usually always had a serious demeanor and composure, had at this time, also gone into the water, his hair all messy and untied, his hair wet, sticking to his body. Separated by the water of the lake, the two people took a glance at each other, and both laughed out loud.

This type of scene, to describe it as a homeless cur, would not have been excessive.

After they finished laughing, Murong Yan said, "Xiaoji city currently must have extremely strict guards, so we will wait for sunrise to enter the city." They'd better not, after all this tough effort of avoiding the Western Jing troops, to end up dying at the hands of their own men.

Zuo Canglang agreed, and said, "But what about Feiyan?"

Murong Yan said, "She won't have problems."

He sounded so confident, so Zuo Canglang didn't continue asking. Murong Yan sat with his dry feet and wet clothes beneath the reeds, afraid of lighting a fire, afraid of drawing Jing troops at this time. The two of them had been fleeing for half the night, and were both hungry and tired, he looked at the river's scenery and smiled.

The cold wind blew, chilling their bodies, which still had cold clothes draped around them. He suddenly reached his hand out, telling Zuo Canglang, "Come here."

Zuo Canglang quickly walked over, and Murong Yan signaled her to sit, and then, he pulled her to feet into his bosom. Zuo Canglang was as if she was burned by fire, "Lord master!"

Murong Yan said, "Sit well." Zuo Canglang could only sit there, and he softly said, "Wouldn't have thought that Hui Ye garden's night's are so cold."

Zuo Canglang didn't speak, as his body heat emanated through the cold and wet clothes, like a burning star. Whether it was cold or not, she didn't know. It was just that beneath that cold moon, the stars looked beautiful, and the smoky reeds protected them from disturbance.

After that night, there would never be another one as beautiful.

The next day, Murong Yan accompanied Zuo Canglang into Xiaoji city, and rushed back to Jinyang. It was finally when they had returned to his estate, that Zuo Canglang really slept a good night's rest on a bed.

Wang Yunzhao still accomodated her in her old yard, and then followed to help Murong Yan change his clothes. Murong Yan said, "On the side of Swallow's Nest, other than Leng Feiyan, who else can be contacted?"

Wang Yunzhao was startled, saying, "Feng Ping can."

Murong Yan nodded, "Let him contact Swallow's Nest, as if three days later, Leng Feiyan hasn't returned, he will be responsible for taking over."

Wang Yunzhao was quiet, "Did something unexpected happen to young master Leng?"

Murong Yan lowered his head, wearing his clothes, then lifted up his gaze, frankly speaking, "I can't tell for sure, as based on her abilities, perhaps she has a chance of survival. However, she is unfamiliar with the terrain. If she falls into the hands of Western Jing, then she is probably already dead."

Wang Yunzhao said, "Does your highness plan on sending someone over to take a look? Perhaps......"

"No." Before he had finished speaking, Murong Yan had calmly said, "It's not worth it."

That afternoon, when Zuo Canglang awoke, Murong Yan ordered people to prepare a lunch meal by the water pavilion. Zhou Xin, Feng Ping, Xu Lang all received an invitation. Zhou Xin said, "Currently, lord master is helping Yang family overturn their case, and has also embarrassed Western Jing, so the peoples' heart is already leaning your way, why not go ahead and ascend as king?"

Murong Yan thought for a bit, saying, "At this time, if I ascend, one still cannot avoid the notoriety associated with usurping the throne, and being a rebel."

At this moment, Wang Yunzhao interjected, saying, "If lord master at this time titles himself as temporary Yan king, as the regent for the King Yan, there probably won't be any criticism."

Murong Yan thought for a bit, saying, "This will require discussion with Bi Cheng Jing and that group of old officials. I don't have any close associates within court, and they are still standing on father king's side. Their submission to me is only out of helplessness."

Feng Ping said, "Within the old officials, it isn't the case that everyone is equally adamant. If the favor your highness grants exceeds his majesty, whom these people will support, would be up in the air."

Murong Yan took a look at Zuo Canglang, asking, "How do you see things?"

Zuo Canglang said, "The many officials within court, this subordinate does not actually know well. But currently, they follow lord master, so within his majesty's eyes, they are already rebel officials. They haven't yet realized this point, but last time, when his majesty boiled the emissary alive, it has already raised suspicions within their hearts. I think if we were to treat them a little courteously, they probably wouldn't overly object."

Murong Yan said, "Currently within court, only Bi Cheng Jing can perform his functions, but these words, he definitely wouldn't be willing to speak."

Zuo Canglang said, "Right minister Jiang Sanyi, official Jiang, has accompanied his majesty to Yu Yang. Currently, the right minister's position is empty. Your highness doesn't have any close advocates, so why not establish one?"

Murong Yan nodded, and turned around to Wang Yunzhao, saying, "Order Gan Xiaoru to come and meet me."

Gan Xiaoru and Jiang Sanyi's ages were close, and was currently a third ranked Censor. This person nicknamed the Eight-Faced Able One, and had always had ambition. Murong Yan met him privately in the study, saying, "How many years has official Gan been an official?"

Gan Xiaoru was someone who was really good at acting, and currently, Murong Yan had forced away his father and elder brother, and dominated Jinyang, and he was within his grasp. He quickly said, "Responding to second highness, this subject has been an official since he was twenty years old, and it has been thirteen years."

Murong Yan slowly hid behind his back, saying, "Currently within court, minister Bi's age is already high, and has many things to worry over, so one is afraid that his strength is not up to par. And right minister had accompanied father king to Yu Yang, and cannot manage matters. The court is complex, so I am worried minister Bi cannot manage everything."

Gan Xiaoru was a clever man, and understood immediately, answering, "Why doesn't second highness select an appropriate person from within court, and once again appoint them to the position of right minister?"

Murong Yan looked at him, slowly saying, "I also have this intent, but there is one difficulty."

Gan Xiaoru met his gaze, suddenly feeling that his gaze was light and smooth, he couldn't deceive him. He shifted his gaze, his heart beating rapidly. Murong Yan spoke to this point, so how could he not understand his intent?

He wanted to clench his teeth. It was the position of the right minister, ah! He had entered the court and been an official for so many years, and even under Murong Yuan's subject, how many years did have have to climb up?

His heart turned, and he knelt down, cupping his hands, saying, "Your highness has been working for the country and the people, but the right minister obeys only king Yan. Currently, king Yan is far away at Yu Yang, and within court, it cannot be without a ruler for a single day. This subject...... this subject......" once this sentence left his mouth, in the future, he would become Great Yan's rebel official and sinner. He took a deep breath, finally saying, "This subject begs your highness, for the sake of Great Yan's suffering people, to ascend as king."

Murong Yan smiled. When talking to smart people, it saved so much trouble. He said, "Unfortunately the other officials don't think this way."

Gan Xiaoru said, "This subject has many supporters within court, and this subject is willing to persuade them on behalf of your highness. They are people who listen to reason, and thinking of it, they will definitely support your highness."

Murong Yan said, "In that case, I will count on right minister Gan."

The next day, Gan Xiaoru contacted a group of officials, and they all submitted memorandums, begging Murong Yan to ascend as King Yan. Bi Cheng Ji's whole body shook, and with another group of old officials, cursed out Gan Xiaoru's faction for selling out their ruler in the pursuit of wealth. Gan Xiaoru's faction counter criticized them as not facing reality, and just blindly sticking to tradition.

The two factions continuously bickered within court, and Murong Yan coldly looked on.

The whole morning, they would of course fail to arrive at any solution, and Gan Xiaoru wasn't content, as he had been in court as an official for so many years. So within court, of course he had many former courtiers who had old ties. After court, he gathered these people together, and began discussing what would come in the next court session.

Murong Yan didn't speak much with them, and after court, he returned to his own estate. At that time, Wenqi was busy fending off Western Jing's vengeance, and Murong Yuan in Yu Yang was still gathering his old supporters. For a short period of time, Jinyang, Daji city, and Xiaoji city all managed to stay peaceful.

Murong Yan had just arrived at his water pavilion, when from the sky, a large swallow fell. Its two eyes had been shot through by an arrow, and the shot was extremely accurate. Murong Yan bent over to pick it up, and Zuo Canglang emerged from the garden maze, "Lord master?" With one gaze, she saw the large swallow in Murong Yan's hand, and she quickly knelt, "This subordinate was bored for a moment, and caused lord master to receive a fright. Begging lord master to issue a punishment."

Murong Yan said, "Get up, as this present you gifted me is actually intricate."

Zuo Canglang followed behind him, asking, "Today's court... how was it?"

Murong Yan smiled, "How could it be? Bi Cheng Jing and that group of people, aren't someone a mere Gan Xiaoru can convince."

Zuo Canglang said, "Currently, it hasn't been long, and they have receive his majesty's favor for many years. In a short period of time, their bones will be difficult to turn soft. Lord master doesn't need to find issue with it."

Murong Yan said, "Of course I don't need to find issue with it. Great Yan doesn't have many loyal people, but luckily, there are still a few left." Zuo Canglang secretly smiled, and Murong Yan said, "Smile, you still have the nerve to smile. Tomorrow, I'll also have you accompany me to attend court, and let you experience once the experience of pulling off one's face."

Zuo Canglang couldn't hold it any more, saying, "If lord master has an order, this subordinate will definitely accompany along."

Murong Yan sighed, saying, "Whatever, just let me block it alone for now. Who made me the one with a bigger face than yours, meh?" His long and smooth fingers drew around Zuo Canglang's face, his fingers brushing away a lock of her black hair.

Zuo Canglang immediately lowered her head, her face like a begonia.

Murong Yan placed the big swallow in Wang Yunzhao's care, and Wang Yunzhao said, "Your highness, Feng Ping has a matter he is begging to meet you over."

Murong Yan "mmm'd," and it seemed as though he was avoiding Zuo Canglang. Wang Yunzhao, seeing Feng Ping, immediately brought him over. Feng Ping said, "Your highness, on the side of Swallow's Nest, news was passed over......" He moved to Murong Yan's earside, lightly saying something.

Feng Ping didn't respond, as before Zuo Canglang, Leng Feiyan, and Yang Lianting, he was still a senior. No matter whether it was an order or in capability, he was not weaker than the three. But because he was in public, it was obvious that he wasn't heavily utilized. But even so, he was still Murong Yan's confidante, and before Zuo Canglang and the others, he still appeared as a superior.

But because of everything that had happened back in the orphan camp, Zuo Canglang and the other two absolutely had no respect towards him. Even until now, among the three, nobody was willing to call him teacher.

Right now, Zuo Canglang's question, he heard it, but treated it as having not been heard. It was apparent that he didn't need to answer Zuo Canglang's question. The two of them stood there, Murong Yan said, "Feiyan hasn't returned yet, so Feng Ping is taking over Swallow's Nest, and is currently searching all over for her."

Zuo Canglang said, "Since she entered Hui Ye garden until now?"

Murong Yan said, "Mmm."

The worry in Zuo Canglang's eyes was apparent, "We must go and search for her. Although her martial arts is very good, but the terrain around Hui Ye garden is extremely complex, and she is unfamiliar with it."

Murong Yan said, "These matters, leave it to Feng Ping to take care of."

Zuo Canglang said, "No, I wish to go personally." She knelt on the ground, her gaze begging, "Lord master, Feiyan's matter, please leave it to me to take care of."

Murong Yan took a look at her, saying two sentences. "Since you've said it this way, how can I refuse?"

Zuo Canglang kowtowed, "Thank lord master." Saying thus, she didn't even stop her steps but turned to leave.

Murong Yan stood in the peach garden, and took a look at Feng Ping saying, "After you took over Swallow's Nest, did you not send people to look?"

Feng Ping's gaze was shocked, and a while later said, "Hui Ye garden is still in Western Jing's hands, and the route there is complicated and inconvenient, that's why......"

Murong Yan said, "Feng Ping, I've given you eight years time. Originally you had the opportunity, to let them treat you as a teacher or as a fatherly figure. But you've always lacked the patience, and your unwillingness to spend the effort on the small matters will ultimately cause you to have that attitude to lose out on everything."

Feng Ping cupped his hands, "Thank your highness for your lesson. This subordinate will take it to heart."

Murong Yan said, "I hope that you will truly be able to take it to heart. Order someone to follow her, as I can lose a single Leng Feiyan, but if I lose a Zuo Canglang, then I will truly be unhappy."

Feng Ping clenched his teeth, "This subordinate understands."

He got up and retreated three steps, leaving the estate. Murong Yan glanced at Wang Yunzhao, saying, "The children all have different personalities. Unnecessary competition, I hope won't occur again in the future."

Wang Yunzhao's face paled, "Yes. This old servant will remember it."

After leaving Qian Yi Marquis estate, Zuo Canglang didn't loiter, but immediately found an information post of Swallow's Nest. Currently, Swallow's Nest was also in chaos. The antidote was in Leng Feiyan's hands, and at the moment, Yang Lianting was impossible to contact. If Leng Feiyan still did not return within a few days, these people would all end up suffering.

Zuo Canglang didn't actually have them immediately search for Leng Feiyan, but rather had them search for Zhuge Jin's news.

When they had separated at Hui Ye garden, Leng Feiyan had taken Zhuge Jin as hostage, and without Murong Yan's orders, she probably wouldn't make a move to kill him. And Zhuge Jin was a high ranking general under Wenqi's command, so his movements, would be easier to discover.

Indeed, very quickly, Swallow's Nest passed the news, claiming Zhuge Jin had appeared the last two days in Suye city. It looks like he had already arrived at Suye.

Zuo Canglang rushed overnight towards Suye city, and based on her old ties with the troops there, quietly entered the city. Although at the moment she was opposing Wenqi, but Murong Yan's uprising didn't actually upset everyone. It was just that they loved their loyalty towards Wenqi, and everyone couldn't end up hurting each other.

This was also the matter that Wenqi worried the most about, as once she had participated within the military matters, and built a relationship with the various soldiers within the army, then he would no longer be able to distinguish if there were spies within the army.

Zuo Canglang actually didn't dare to make a ruckus, but immediately entered Zhuge Jin's tent, scaring Zhuge Jin witless, "Zuo military obs..... Zuo Canglang!" He was just about to draw his blade, when the bow in Zuo Canglang's hands was already lifted. Zhuge Jin was afraid to move, and Zuo Canglang said, "We were after all comrades in the past, so meeting as enemies forced to kill each other, would ultimately not be good, right?"

Zhuge Jin said, "You've really got the guts, actually entering the camp!"

Zuo Canglang said, "No need to worry about me. Let me ask you-- back then that day at Hui Ye garden, the girl that threatened you, where is she now?"

Zhuge Jin said, "She fell into quicksand, and died."

Zuo Canglang's expression changed, and the bow in her hands quivered. Zhuge Jin was worried, hurriedly saying, "Okay, okay, I say it! She held me as hostage the whole time, having me point out the way. Originally, we were almost out of the quicksand marsh, but not knowing why, we returned again. I was tossed aside by the White Wolf lake for twenty four hours before my meridians unblocked, and I almost froze to death!"

Zuo Canglang said, "Don't know why she returned back?"

Zhuge Jin kept look at her arrow, saying, "I really don't know, but it seemed like she had said some leading Western Jing general was killed very well."

Zuo Canglang: "......"

Originally, Zuo Canglang was still suspicious towards what he had said, but with this word...... very well, she'll believe it. She knocked Zhuge Jin unconscious, and secretly left the camp. Before her, in the darkness, people were speaking. She turned around in the darkness, and saw Wenqi draped in his cloak, currently patrolling the camp.

The past few days, Western Jing had been continuously attacking the city. And one didn't know how many nights he hadn't slept, and when he was walking, he was a bit shaky, coughing a bit.

It had only been a few days, and the only elder she had admired in this lifetime, the one that she once had a relationship of teacher and pupil with. Those days where she would listen to him explain those military scrolls, probably would never return, right? She turned around, disappearing into the shadows.

Leng Feiyan's staying in Hui Ye garden, was really only for a Western Jing commander. At the time when she held Zhuge Jin hostage, she had known that she was unfamiliar with the routes there. Zhuge Jin actually dared to ambush Zuo Canglang here, so of course he was extremely familiar with Hui Ye garden. This place was pretty much covered with quicksand puddles, and if one fell in even a little bit, it was not something to make a prank out of.

She brought Zhuge Jin, and right as they were about to leave the quicksand pits, suddenly someone fired an arrow towards here. Western Jing torches lit up the area, and Leng Feiyan turned back, blocking an arrow, and then saw the leading general of the Western Jing forces. He was a mixed blood of some unknown tribe, but his nose was high, and his brows were thick, but his face was illuminated beneath the torches, and it had a type of attraction that would cause one's heart to move.

Leng Feiyan couldn't help but release Zhuge Jin, "This guy's looks are really not bad, ah!"

Zhuge Jin was startled dumb. And then he saw her seal his acupuncture point, and turn around and fly towards that Western Jing person. The Western Jing man, upon discovering her, immediately shot out a few arrows, but Leng Feiyan was just a crazy nutjob, and she didn't both or mind them, but charged immediately towards the Western Jing man.

Finally, although, she successively was hit by three arrows, but she had also suppressed that person in her hands.

This Western Jing general was shocked dumb, and within the dark quicksand pools, from the cold sand, a woman suddenly flew at him. She was like a chime blowing in the wind, practically sticking straight before him. And then, she lifted his chin, saying, "Your looks aren't bad, are you willing to follow me?"

Before her words were even finished, a dagger was pressed against his neck. He didn't have the opportunity to look at that sharp and bloody dagger, but rather stared at her face. She had a face that was good enough to be described by poems, and when she laughed, it would cause people to feel that she had a strength that could not be conquered by others. Her lips hooked, and she brought with her a young woman's mischief.

His eyes lost sight of everything, leaving only this person, and within the small golden rays of the torchlight, it was like a fairy or a demon.

Leng Feiyan saw that he was struck dumb, and she actually didn't finish him off, but asked, "What is your name?"

He could only feel his mouth dry, and a long time later, he answered, startled, "Wu, Wu Gu."

Leng Feiyan pat his shoulder, "Very good. In the future, you are my person! Let me first dismiss the others." Behind them, there was a rumbling, as people shot off arrows. She turned around, and began cutting away the hail of arrows, entering like a glint of light. He only saw a faint shadow. Not long later, the pained screams of Western Jing troops echoed, and a moment later, even the pained screams returned to calm silence.

That person just calmly broke the arrow in half, and pulled out the arrowhead in her body, saying, "Okay. Let's go. What are you standing there dumbly for, come over here and help me apply some medicine."

Wu Gu couldn't help himself but to go over, and only saw that her wound was terrible, but apart from the wound, her skin was silky smooth. He lightly sprinkled medical powder on the wound, and she lightly said, "My name is Leng Feiyan. Remember my name."

Later, when Wu Gu would think of that night, he truly didn't know what he was thinking at the time. He actually didn't put up any resistance, and didn't even put up a sign of resistance.

He only remembered that name, remembering it for a lifetime.

Deposed Empress General 30- Surrounded

After a single meal, Zuo Canglang left, calling for Xu Lang, the two of them gathered troops for Hui Ye garden. Hui Ye garden was coincidentally in a line with White Wolf lake, and the terrain was extremely complex. Xu Lang said, "Hui Ye garden has a lot of quicksand, so when we bring troops towards there, there is a lot of risk, ah."

Zuo Canglang said, "His second highness didn't have much support within court, and currently, the people of Jinyang are still unacquainted with him. The only thing they know, is that the crown prince had taken miss Jiang by force. He needs to do a few events that quickly improves the peoples' morale, to establish his popularity amongst the people. Don't think that since we have taken Jinyang city now, as that is just a joke. Once Marshal Wen sends troops, or if his majesty gathers his old troops, we will be trapped in the middle, and in that situation it will truly be the situation where the heavens will give no route to traverse, and the earth will close its doors to us."

Xu Lang said, "I also know this, but Ah Zuo, do you think...... his second highness really has a chance of victory?"

Zuo Canglang turned back, and beneath the brazier light by Jinyang city's gate, her two eyes were deep, and a long time later, said, "He has."

Xu Lang was startled.

The two gathered troops throughout the night, and immediately made a b-line for Yi river, and followed White Wolf lake's flow, and after passing Yi river, they reformed the troops, and before ten days had passed, they had already arrived on the eastern side of White Wolf lake. And at this time, Wenqi's vanguard had just arrived before Jinyang city.

Jinyang city was devoid of soldiers or generals within, and was practically an empty city.

Murong Yan stood atop the city wall, and looked at the several tens of thousands of troops beneath the city wall. Zhou Xin quickly yelled out, saying, "Your highness, it's better if you go down, as once battle begins, we have no chance of victory, ah!"

Murong Yan said, "Even so, whether I stand at the head of the gate or at the bottom before the gate, what difference does it make?"

Zhou Xin said, "Counting it now, it has been ten days since miss Ah Zuo and Xu Lang's brought soldiers to ambush Hui Ye garden, so how come there hasn't been any news."

Murong Yan smiled, saying, "Zhou Xin, how long can you hold Jinyang city?"

Zhou Xin's face turned serious, and looking within and outside the city, said, "Your highness, this subject since little had followed Jieyu Rong, and although her ladyship has gone for many years, but her great grace and great virtue, this subject will never forget his entire lifetime. Currently, Jinyang city is in a perilous situation, but as long as this subject still has a single breath left, this subject will definitely not let Wenqi's troops take a single step inside."

Murong Yan said, "Hold it for a single day, can you?"

Zhou Xin's face was a little bit strange, and he quickly knelt, saying, "Jinyang city has high and thick walls, so this subject has confidence in holding it for three days."

Murong Yan nodded, lightly saying, "That is enough."

Jinyang city was being attacked, and news of it spread to Yi river's side. Xu Lang quickly ordered the troops, "Immediately lock down the news, and if it is spread even partially, and messes up our troops morale, kill!"

The messenger soldier knelt down, and Zuo Canglang received the battle report, but actually before all of the soldiers, read it word for word. Xu Lang was extremely startled, "Military advisor?"

Zuo Canglang sought fun, and threw the military uniform on the ground, looking at all the troops, saying, "Just a moment ago, what I had said, has everyone heard it? Currently Jinyang city is just suffering from heavy attacks, and we have already been declared as rebel soldiers by his majesty. If in this battle, we cannot take Hui Ye garden, Jinyang will definitely fall. Once Jinyang falls, we will definitely become traitors and rebels. Not only us, but our homes and our relatives, the old and the young, will also be executed by association, and there will be no hope of survival."

By White Wolf lake, the soldiers that had marched for ten days were suddenly alarmed, and Zuo Canglang said, "However, if we take Hui Ye garden, Marshal Wen will definitely pull troops back to guard the border, to prevent Western Jing from invading. At that time, the danger to Jinyang city will be removed, and when his second highness ascends, you all will all be merited officials."

Nobody spoke, and everyone stood upright. Zuo Canglang said, "Right now, we will prepare our meal here, we will have a full meal, and then, we will discard everything burdening us, we will destroy our route of retreat, and breach Hui Ye garden!"

The whole army cheered, and immediately took out the cutlery and prepared their meal. After midnight, the whole army silently crossed White Wolf river, and Zuo Canglang chose a few old soldiers to scout the way, as they were extremely familiar with the quicksand terrain there. But even so, there were many soldiers that were lost there.

The journeyed with haste, in such a rush that the second night, Hui Ye garden's gate was before their eyes.

Zuo Canglang choose a small group of elite troops to dress up as refugees, going forward to request assistance. These men had crossed a river and been covered with sand, so they didn't even need to dress up to pretend to be refugees. And Zuo Canglang didn't miscalculate matters, as Hui Ye garden's garrison was actually very loose. For so many years, Great Yan had never attacked Western Jing even half a step. Hui Ye garden also had a natural terrain as a barrier, and practically no one would have thought, there would be troops about to attack.

The small group of refugees got into a row with the guards at the gate, and suddenly became violent, murdering the city guard.

Zuo Canglang quickly entered the city, and using her bow, quickly killed the head guards of the city. When the advance troops made their war cries into the city, the guards in the city had not yet responded. And right at this time, the troops that Xu Lang brought immediately attacked into the city.

Western Jing's people could only flee for their lives. Xu Lang looked at Zuo Canglang asking, "Military advisor, how about we enter the city?"

Zuo Canglang looked at him, then looked at the soldiers that were busy slaying the enemy, suddenly saying, "Great Yan's soldiers, listen to the order: Western Jing's people have oppressed my Great Yan for a long time. Today, it is the day for the people of Yan to finally unleash their rage! After entering the city, pillage the city for a day. By this time tomorrow, any items seized, will belong to whomever seized it!"

The troops immediately unleashed a cheer into the air, and the sound of killing intensified. Xu Lang's expression changed, "Military observer! At this time, our troops are like a disorganized mob, and once the order to pillage the city is given, by this time tomorrow, I'm only afraid that Hui Ye garden wil not have a single Western Jing person!"

Zuo Canglang raised her head, looking at the city wall, saying, "Yeah, ah. Tomorrow by this time, Hui Ye garden will become an empty city."

Xu Lang still wanted to say something, but she then said, "But we are out of supplies. Western Jing's people are strong and vicious, so if we flee at this time, they will send pursuers. After they respond, they will definitely resist. And our troops have continuously marched for more than ten days, and are already exhausted. Once we are defeated, the consequences are unimaginable."

Xu Lang couldn't say anything else. Within the city, flames lit up in various places, strong and blinding. Zuo Canglang kept standing by the city gate. The three words, "Hui Ye Garden" and Western Jing's Fortune Seal were hanging at the city gate, but had been stained dark by the smoke. Xu Lang lightly asked, "Military observer isn't entering the city?"

Zuo Canglang shook her head, saying, "I don't want to hear the sound of weeping."

The dark night once again descended on the border city, and the rain of blood and fire slowly spread, entering one's eyes and startling one's heart.

The next day, a startling piece of news between Great Yan and Western Jing was spread---- Yan troops ambushed Western Jing's Hui Ye garden, and like a pack of vicious beasts, sacked the city for a day. Hui Ye garden city's people were massacred to the person, include the old, the young, none were left.

Western Jing was enraged, and the imperial troops that had been busy competing with Tu He, Gu Zhu immediately returned to the east, attacking Suye city. Wenqi immediately rose to the fight, and under the pressure, could only pull back the troops sieging Jinyang back to Suye city, to fight against the Jing troops.

The threat against Jinyang was removed.

Zhou Xin took the battle report, and practically flew to Murong Yan's estate, almost falling off his horse. Murong Yan actually only calmly looked at him, as upon the battle report, Zuo Canglang's words had stained through the paper. He lightly asked, "Wenqi's troops withdrew?"

Zhou Xin raised his hand, using his sleeve to wipe his sweat, saying, "Reporting to your highness, they've pulled back! It was just before this subordinate rushed here, they had already disassembled their camp, and returned to Suye city!"

Murong Yan nodded, saying, "Very good. Wang Yunzhao, look at the officials from the imperial court, and see who is still within Jinyang city."

Wang Yunzhao acknowledged it, and called Feng Ping to search with him. King Yan, Murong Yuan, left in a hurry, and couldn't help but have some officials who cared about their families, their wealth, etc. who didn't follow along. Zhou Xin, and Xu Lang, upon entering Jinyang, had immediately sealed the gates. Even if they wanted to leave, they couldn't.

Murong Yan didn't actually trouble these people, just letting them continue to live within their own estates, only sending some of his personal guard to watch over them.

Among the officials that could not escape, the highest ranked official was of course left minister, Bi Cheng Jing. He originally did not approve of Murong Yuan escaping, and when the matter was being discussed, he actually wasn't present. Murong Yan invited him to his study, saying, "Minister Bi, these days, I've been busy with matters, so I haven't had the opportunity to come and visit. The soldiers have not bothered minister, have they?"

Bi Cheng Jing coldly harrumphed, "Murong Yan, you've come today, because you want to kill this old one, right? For many years, although I have had ambition, but never thought that you would be so reckless! You ever have the gall to force abdication, to do this type of treacherous and unfilial action! If you want to kill, then kill. I, Bi Cheng Jing, have supported three rulers of the Murong clan, and owe nothing!"

Murong Yan's eyebrow tilted in amusement, saying, "What does minister mean by these words. Minister is in court as an official, and has always been an incorruptible and steady one. Last time because of Western Jing, father king had me enter prison, and within the whole court, only minister helped speak in my favor. This type of grace, Murong Yan has always remembered."

Bi Cheng Jing said, "But I was just blind! If I had earlier known that you had this type of wolf's heart and dog's lungs¹, and had this type of treacherous design, how would I have suggested to his majesty that type of ridiculous truth!"

Murong Yan sat across from him, at the desk, lifting the tea pot and pouring tea, waiting until he had finished cursing, before speaking, "Does minister really think this way?"

Bi Cheng Jing could already see that he didn't actually have the intent to kill him, saying, "Then what do you want to do, just speak frankly!"

Murong Yan said, "I want to overturn a case for someone."

Bi Cheng Jing wasn't curious, "Who?"

Murong Yan calmly said, "Yang Jiling."

Bi Cheng Jing was startled.

Murong Yan said, "Back then, the case with Yang family, I was out in the wild, and minister was in court. What the truth was, minister is more clear of than I am. Currently, I have found some evidence, which can prove that at the time Yang family was indeed framed. I've heard that back then, minister had suffered from a terrible headache, which was also cured entirely by doctor Yang Xuanhe. Yang Jiling was also one of your attendants. So thinking of it, towards this matter, minister shouldn't have any objections, right?"

Saying thus, he took out the evidence he had discovered, placing them one by one atop the desk. Bi Cheng Jing's hand shook as he reached out, opening them one by one.

A long time later, he said, "Murong Yan, back then, the matter of you saving Yang family's only descendant, you had already planned on using this matter as a stepping stone?"

Murong Yan smiled, saying, "No." Bi Cheng Jing looked at him, he said, "Earlier than that."

Bi Cheng Jing slowly crumpled to the floor, and Murong Yan said, "Minister is someone who's heart contains the greater good, and has always loved the people like himself. If I receive minister's support, no matter if it is me, or if it is Great Yan's people, it would be our fortune. If minister is unwilling, the one that loses out would only be Great Yan."

Bi Cheng Jing took those pieces of evidence, gripping them tightly in his hands, his teeth clenched, slowly saying, "What do you plan on doing to his majesty and the crown prince?"

Murong Yan said, "This many years, does minister still not understand me? What I have done this all for, minister should be the clearest about."

Bi Cheng Jing said, "I, I can write a memorandum, to help Yang family overturn the case. I can also convince the remaining officials, to all return to their posts. But you must promise, you can abolish the crown prince, and even break his relationship with Jiang family's miss up, but you must bring his majesty back, and you definitely cannot hurt him even a little bit."

Murong Yan said, "Very fair terms, I accept."

The second day, left minister Bi Cheng Jing appeared, and announced that Wei Yangji had hidden imperial robes, and secretly received bribes. Within court, he was peerless in his position, and with him running the show, the remaining court officials were all convinced by it. The court that had stopped, once again began working. Murong Yan appeared, and for Yang Xuanhe's family, restored their titles, and built a mausoleum for them to receive their offerings.

Jinyang city's people, who were originally stilled scared and restless, but after Murong Yan took the reigns of power, the first matter he undertook was attacking Western Jing's Hui Ye garden, and also being victorious. The second matter was helping Yang family overturn their framing. These two matters, naturally made everyone happy.

Not to mention, that his rebellion, was in the name of the ruler seizing a subject's wife, and stealing his younger brother's bride. This was naturally the crown prince's wrong in the first place. Since antiquity, within peoples' eyes, as long as someone had deep emotions, they wouldn't be too bad, and that's why, it didn't take but a few days, Jinyang, Daji city, and Xiaoji city all slowly calmed down.

The old officials in court rushed Murong Yan to bring Murong Yuan back, and Murong Yan ordered Bi Cheng Jing to send a letter to Yu Yang, requesting Murong Yuan execute the demonic queen of the Li clan, and abolish the virtue-less crown prince, and return to Jinyang. Murong Yuan, upon seeing the letter, immediately blew up in anger, immediately executing the messenger. He began making preparations to retake Jinyang, gathering his old supporters.

Murong Yan was looking at that letter, and while reading it, he smiled, "This time, father king is really angered to no end."

Feng Ping followed behind him, saying, "Could it be that your highness really intends on inviting his majesty back? If it really comes to that, I'm only afraid......"

Murong Yan raised his hand, stopping him from continuing to speak. Outside, someone had entered, and from afar, had yelled out, "Your highness! General Xu has brought the great army back to the city!"

Murong Yan's brow creased, and looked left and right, his face slowly growing depressed-- if the great army had returned to the city, at this time, Zuo Canglang should be in front of him. Indeed, the messenger continued, calling out, "General Xu ordered this subordinate to quickly send the message, as when the great army was pulling back, we ran into marshal Wen's troops, and for the sake of drawing the enemy troops away, military observer Zuo is currently still at Hui Ye garden, her location unknown!"

Murong Yan went forward two steps, lifting him up. Wang Yunzhao quickly reminded quietly, "Your highness! Your highness!"

Murong Yan slowly put him down, then when he opened his mouth again, his voice had recovered its calmness, "Open the city gates, and invite the great army into the city. Wang Yunzhao, I want to see Leng Feiyan."

Wang Yunzhao acknowledged the order, and quickly went to prepare. Murong Yan sat down behind the desk, once again spreading out a map of Hui Ye garden, as though studying it. Right at this time, Xu Lang entered, and once he entered, he immediately knelt, saying, "Your highness, this subject general deserves death!"

Murong Yan didn't lift his head, seriously saying, "You can't be blamed. Rise. Tell me what happened."

Xu Lang could only tell him what had happened, as after they had seized Hui Ye garden, the soldiers had pillaged the city for a day, and then, Zuo Canglang issued the order to pull back. Everyone went back on the route they came from, to White Wolf lake. Western Jing had already sent out pursuing troops, but because the terrain was complex, they couldn't chase them down, and so weren't a large hindrance. Who knew that once the large army was just about to walk out of the quicksand fields, Zhuge Jin, who had served under Wenqi's command, had actually brought a small group of soldiers to ambush the troops in their path of retreat.

The great army's retreat was hampered, and was almost caught up to by Western Jing's troops. Zuo Canglang had no other way, but could only bring a small group of soldiers to draw Zhuge Jin away, to give the great army time.

Murong Yan slowly listened to him finish, saying, "I know, General Xu has worked hard this whole way, so rest first."

Xu Lang wanted to speak more, but seeing that Murong Yan already didn't plan on saying more, he could only retreat, his heart feeling uneasy.

After he left, Leng Feiyan entered. The moment she entered, she discovered that something was wrong-- didn't they just say that Xu Lang had already returned to Jinyang? How come she didn't see Ah Zuo? Her heart was beating, and before she opened her mouth, Murong Yan already spoke, "Prepare a bit, and go on a trip with me to Hui Ye garden."

Leng Feiyan immediately knew the matter was not small, saying, "Yes."

She left to prepare water and rations, and some flints, maps, and as the sands had a lot of poisonous bugs, medicine was also necessary. Wang Yunzhao stood behind Murong Yan, his face filled with worry, "Your highness, must you personally go?"

Murong Yan deeply said, "Wang Yunzhao, if it was Wenqi that set up the ambush, then Ah Zuo is in danger."

Wang Yunzhao said, "Young master Zuo is extremely smart, and your highness has always been assured in her. Today, why are you suddenly so worried, ah?"

Murong Yan walked to the window. Outside, it was deep into summer, and the flowers were in full bloom. He said, "Because only Wenqi knows, how important she is to me. Wang Yunzhao, ten years of my effort, is about to slip through my fingers."

That afternoon, Murong Yan set up a feast in Jinyang, for Xu Lang and the many soldiers. The night had only half passed, and he had left under the excuse of being drunk. Afterwards, with Leng Feiyan, they dressed up and left the city, rushing for Hui Ye garden.

The current Hui Ye garden was already only a pile of burnt rubble. After the Yan troops pillaged the place, they had set fire, burning the entire city. Western Jing, to clean it up, still needed some time. Murong Yan and Leng Feiyan silently crossed White Wolf lake. At this, Leng Feiyan finally discovered that Murong Yan's martial capabilities were far beyond her expectations.

At this time, Western Jing still had small pockets of troops following the sands to search for Yan troops. Along the way, they had discovered many Yan troops' corpses. Looks like after a few days, the two sides had already gone through many savage battles. Leng Feiyan seized one of Zhuge Jin's subordinates, and interrogated the soldier. They learned that Zhuge Jin had already captured Zuo Canglang, and was currently on his way to return to Suye city.

Zuo Canglang was also very helpless, as Wenqi was more familiar with Hui Ye garden's terrain than she was by far. It was even that before she even prepared to enter Hui Ye garden, Wenqi had already guessed her next move. Thus, he prepared a perfect ambush in her route of retreat.

Zuo Canglang led a small group of soldiers, to lead Zhuge Jin around. Unfortunately, Zhuge Jin, this person, had really taken Wenqi's words to heart, and had set up a group to guard every point in the sands. He entirely didn't need to bother, as behind Zuo Canglang, there were the Jing troops. Even if he didn't move at all, the Jing troops would definitely push Zuo Canglang before him. Zuo Canglang couldn't help it, and could only fall into Zhuge Jin's hands.

Zhuge Jin actually didn't trouble her, after all, they had eaten and drank together as brothers in arms, and he followed Wenqi's orders, as the moment he captured Zuo Canglang, he would pull out, not engaging in prolonged fights.

Zuo Canglang didn't put in any particular resistance---- the orders did not matter whether she was dead or alive. Of course it was safer if she was obedient.

She was tied on top of a force, but because the terrain was complex, and they also had to avoid the people of Western Jing, the troops didn't march quickly. Not long after they had begun marching, Zuo Canglang opened her eyes, and noticed that the soldier escorting her had actually changed. She blinked her eyes, and that soldier also blinked its eyes at her.

Zuo Canglang practically thought she was dreaming---- she saw Leng Feiyan!

Leng Feiyan also didn't make a sound, but after the sky had darkened, she suddenly suppressed Zhuge Jin! The troop immediately became chaotic, and when one side became chaotic, it immediately drew the Jing troops over. At this time, Zhuge Jin was also only a small group of soldiers, and the Jing troops had over eight thousand troops searching the area.

If the two sides fought, the strong and the weak was obvious.

Zuo Canglang was still fretting, when suddenly someone released her. She turned around and saw Murong Yan, dressed in black, immediately being startled.

Murong Yan smiled, "What? Stunned?"

Zuo Canglang finally responded, "Lord master? How come you personally came; this place is really dangerous!"

Murong Yan pulled her up, and the two rushed through the area. His palm was wide and filled with strength, the black cloak was lifted by the wind, and it lightly brushed against her cheek. Zuo Canglang didn't pull her hand out, and in that moment, by her ear, there was the sound of chuckling, as though there was a poisonous bug touching it, slowly cutting open her clothes and skin, the blood blooming out. But she could only feel that he and her were grasping each other's hands, that type of temperature that slowly warmed away the cold.

The Western Jing troops lifted their torches, and they weren't entirely concealed. Someone discovered their movements, and began pursuing them. Zuo Canglang finally said, "Run separately!"

Murong Yan said, "Head towards the west, and don't return back. The way Wenqi uses troops, he is best at setting ambushes, and Zhuge Jin won't be his only card."

The two could only head west brainlessly, and although they avoided the small pockets of Jing troops temporarily, but they were rushed back into the center of the Jing troops' surrounded area. Zuo Canglang was worried about Leng Feiyan, but at this time, nobody could mind anyone else, and everyone could only flee on their own.

In front of them, there was another pocket of soldiers, and Zuo Canglang smilled bitterly. She didn't have a weapon, and could only push forward. Murong Yan hid in a small crevice, but the first place the Jing troops searched was these types of areas that were easy to hide people. Seeing that they were closing in on Murong Yan, Zuo Canglang could only rise, running for her life towards the right.

Western Jing's troops yelled in anger, and all separated to chase her. Zuo Canglang didn't know how long she ran for, but suddenly discovered that the pursuing troops behind her had disappeared, and the sand beneath her feet grew increasingly soft. Her heart startled, and she immediately stopped. The quicksand seemed as though it had boundless suction power, slowly swallowing her feet, her legs; her exposed body slowly sank.

The moonlight shined on the top of her head, and by her ears, she could hear a distant and close breathing. She couldn't move anymore, and she suddenly realized that she was going to be swallowed by this body of sand, to forever disappear, without leaving a trace of herself. This was the second day, she brushed by death before leaving. The first time was atop the southern mountain, in the mountain deities' temple. There was a cave that was deep with no knowledge of its depth. At that time, the pack of snakes had eaten her companion's body. She was so scared it was as though her gall and bladder had ripped apart, petrifying her. 

But this time, she didn't move at all in the quicksand. There were two people, who had traveled far and wide to search for her.

Her sixteen year old heart, was like the new moon, calm and peaceful.

TN: 1. Essentially saying, heart of a beast.