Deposed Empress General 29- Defying the Heavens

When Yang Lianting opened his eyes, the first thing he felt was pain. Saturating pain. He was originally a doctor, so he understood his injuries the most. Under torture, all his bones had been cracked, and if he wasn't treated quickly, it was very possible he would be left with a persistent injury or handicap.

He didn't open his eyes, but already felt that he was beginning to recover, but who had applied needles and used medication on him?

By his side, there was a soft and warm thing that was slowly transferring warmth to him, and before his eyes was only darkness, yet he managed to smell a light fragrance. His five fingers were rested on the bed, and he felt the soft silk blankets, with a thin screen in the room. This was obvious a woman's room!

He wanted to sit up, but once he started moving, he felt like his whole person was going to dissolve into a puddle of sand. By his side, someone lightly helped him up, saying, "Don't move! Yang Lianting, are you awake?"

Yang Lianting was suddenly overwhelmed by the splitting pain, and actually couldn't tell who this person was, but only asked in the subsequent moment, "Where is this?"

That person seemed to exhale a deep breath, saying, "Thank the heavens and the earth that you're finally awake, as these past days, you slept the whole time, scaring me to death!" Yang Lianting could finally tell this voice's owner, "Miss Ah Fei?"

Ah Fei rose, not lighting the lamp, but pouring him some lamb's milk, "You're definitely hungry, so first dream something."

The warm lamb's milk entered his throat, and with this, Yang Lianting finally felt some warmth in his stomach. At this time, it was already the fifth month, the beginning of summer, but this type of blanket could still not warm him up. He lightly said, "Miss Ah Fei, how come I'm here? Can you light the lamp?"

Ah Fei said, "No....... can't light the lamp, as if you're discovered here by others, godfather will throw a tantrum."

Yang Lianting was startled, saying, "Miss sheltered me without permission?" Ah Fei didn't say anything, and Yang Lianting continued, "Why bother, the one who reported my identity as an escaped convict, wasn't it exactly Sect Leader Mu?"

He wasn't dumb, and with just a little bit of thought, he could know who would mention the past events, and unveil the matter that he was a descendant of Yang family. For a while, Ah Fei didn't speak, waiting until he finished the lamb's milk, and then used the silk handkerchief to help him wipe his mouth, and then saying, "Doctor Yang, sorry. If I hadn't invited you to come to the medical conference, godfather, he also would not have......"

Yang Lianting sighed, and within the darkness he couldn't actually move much, only saying, "It has nothing to do with miss. Even I don't understand why sect leader Mu is like this? Does he have some ancient rivalry with my lord master?"

Even if it was in the darkness, Ah Fei's face was still flushed with shame. But that was, after all, the person that had raised her, and that person had led her and her tribe to escape the village, helping them avoid the fate of being burned to death. That person had brought them the whole way over many wandering years to Great Yan, and given them peace. She couldn't say that he did it to preserve himself, and that's why he watched his old friend die under a false accusation. It was also for self preservation that he sold out his old friend's only child.

She could only say, "These days, doctor Yang should just stay here and peacefully recover from his wounds. Outsiders won't enter this place, so you can be relaxed."

Yang Lianting lightly took a breath, and finally endured that pain, saying, "Miss Ah Fei, your grace today, it's difficult to put into words my gratitude."

Ah Fei helped tucked him into the blanket, and the moon shining on Gu She mountain filtered through the window, somewhat spilling across the ground. The two of them had long lost their intention to sleep, and their breathing melted together, extremely intimate but also awkward. Ah Fei, with her lack of care for the little matters, still blushed a little, and since she didn't have anything to talk about, she searched for something to talk about, saying, "Does doctor Yang have any relatives in Great Yan? Do you want to send any people to inform them, so that they can avoid worrying a lot?"

Yang Lianting was startled, slowly saying, "My relatives, six years ago, all died in the execution ground."

Ah Fei wanted to smack her own lips, saying, "Sorry, I didn't intentionally mention this matter, only, I...... only......"

Yang Lianting smiled bitterly, "Miss Ah Fei has good intentions, I know."

Ah Fei said, "Actually, I also don't have any relatives. My relatives were all burned to death." Yang Lianting said, "Because of witchcraft?"

Ah Fei said, "Mmm. They raised Gu insects to help people recover from sickness, and normally, they wouldn't allow others to witness the procedure. Once a patient was curious, and secretly ripped away the blindcloth. Our tribe members were pretty much exterminated, and it was godfather that brought us away from our land, coming over here to Great Yan." She thought for a while, biting her lips, saying, "He...... he actually is a good man. He is just afraid. Doctor Yang, don't hate him, okay?"

She turned around, holding Yang Lianting's hand, saying, "After your wounds recover, I will send you off safely. But please don't hate him, okay?"

Yang Lianting froze, as at this time his two hands had practically swollen to the point that he had lost feeling, but he could still feel, that pair of hands that was holding his, was soft and smooth. It was the first time in his life, he felt such a soft and supple feeling. He couldn't help but say, "Mmm, I won't hate him."

A Fei was a little bit happy, saying, "Tomorrow, I'll let you see the prescription I prepared for you, and when the time comes, I'll rely on doctor Yang to demonstrate his skill."

Yang Lianting smiled, his whole chest felt like it was going to rip apart, but he said, "I don't have the nerve to. Holy maiden gifting medicine, who would dare make a derogatory comment?"

Ah Fei lifted her chin, haughtily saying, "That's of course, my letting you demonstrate your ability is only being courteous, and you don't have to treat it seriously."

Saying thus, she was the first to lose composure and laugh. The laughter was like a light bell, soft amidst the moonlight. Yang Lianting never loosened his hand, and Ah Fei kept thinking that that pair of hands had lost feeling, so she also didn't loosen her hands.

Yang Lianting shut his eyes, and within the bed, emanated her warmth.

The next day, Ah Fei left, not letting her servants enter to clean the room. All the matters of Bai Yu sect were run by the sect leader, and she, along with the approximately two hundred tribe members needed to raise the Gu insects. Bai Yu sect's Gu insects were different from normal Gu insects, but also were separated into White Gu insects and Black Gu insects. The white Gu insects needed to be raised by women, and were mainly used for treating sickness, while the black Gu insects were raised by the men, able to harm people without a trace.

Those Gu insects that skittered about, were a frightening existence, so it was hard to blame the average person for believing them to be demonic entities.

From the beginning, Ah Fei never let Yang Lianting see the Gu insects on her body, and every time she used the Gu insects, she would cover his eyes. Yang Lianting didn't find it disgusting, but only felt it was rather mysterious. Those insects that were thinner than hair strands would enter the body, and under the control of their owners, could discover the location of the bone fractures. The spittle they spat out could fix the fractures within the bones.

Seeing that Yang Lianting wasn't actually afraid, Ah Fei slowly stopped covering his eyes-- as his wounds were truly too many, and the speed of recovery using the Gu insects was really slow. Yang Lianting, seeing those long insects that the eyes could almost not perceive entering and existing his nose, at the beginning was still a bit worried, asking, "There aren't going to be any that don't exit, right?"

Ah Fei practically couldn't stop laughing, saying, "Yeah, ah, yeah, ah. They're not going to leave, and make a nest in the future in your body!"

Just thinking of that sight, the hair on Yang Lianting's back rose. Ah Fei quickly said, "They won't, they won't, as the Gu insects are very obedient." At this, Yang Lianting relaxed, and Ah Fei said, "How come you're so cowardly? And yet you're still a doctor!"

Yang Lianting said, "I'm already considered as having courage, as if you let Ah Zuo see this, she would probably rather die!"

Ah Fei tilted her head, asking, "Who is Ah Zuo?"

Yang Lianting was startled, saying, "A friend." Ah Fei asked, "A girl?"

Yang Lianting said, "Mmm."

Ah Fei didn't speak, lowering her head to instruct the Gu insects to help him connect his bones. Yang Lianting couldn't help but say, "It was a friend that grew up together with me, mmm......" He originally wanted to explain that they were close like elder sister and younger brother, but then thinking of how Leng Feiyan and Zuo Canglang would treat him hot and cold and then hit him around, he smiled a bit bitterly, and couldn't continue speaking.

Ah Fei raised her head, softly saying, "It's a very good friend, right?"

Yang Lianting said, "She is. If it wasn't for her, I would long have perished in the orphan camp back then."

Ah Fei said, "That's good. Since I was young, I've followed godfather, and have always been referred to as the holy maiden. I don't have friends."

Yang Lianting said, "Don't you have hundreds of fellow tribesmen?"

Ah Fei shook her head, "On my body...... is planted the Gu matriarch, so they will only protecting, respect me, but won't be my friend."

Yang Lianting understood, nodding, said, "In the future, if there is an opportunity, I'll bring you to meet them. You will like them."

"Okay!" Ah Fei smiled, passing him a red apple, her shining gaze looking at Yang Lianting. Not knowing why, the two of them shifted their gazes away again.

At that time, in Jinyang city, the situation was unstable, as Yang family's case made huge waves. But because the court kept trying to suppress it, the people were angry but afraid to comment. And at this time, Western jing once again issued an order, requesting the tribute to increase by another hundred percent.

At that time, within court, all the officials knew, in the battle with northern Yu, although Great Yan managed to win, but didn't manage to get any advantage from the matter. Murong Yuan didn't take the opportunity to seize gold and silver from Northern Yu, and Great Yan had almost entirely lost Daji city.

After Daji city's outbreak of cholera, it was being rebuilt, and this was all coin being spent. Currently Great Yan, entirely couldn't submit twice the tribute required.

Murong Yuan hurriedly summoned Wenqi to return to Jinyang city, to discuss this matter. Wenqi consecutively sent three letters to Jinyang city, claiming that Western Jing was just making empty threats, and for the moment, would not invade Great Yan. He suggested that Murong Yuan stall for as long as he could, and to ignore the matter.

But within court, rumors were arising, which Western jing was also working hard at fabricating, that they were making preparations for war. Murong Yuan could do nothing, but only increased taxes, seizing money. Great Yan's people could not endure the heavy taxation, and finally in the area around Ling Zhi, rebellion started.

Murong Yuan didn't have the strength to pacify it, and the civilians causing a ruckus kept growing. He could only send the garrison troops at Suye to crush the rebellion. But within the army, the rations kept on not being sent, and within the military, there was also a lot of complaints, and Wenqi was afraid of moving his troops, but kept sending Murong Yuan letters telling him to stop seizing grain.

Murong Yuan finally became greatly enraged, sending a eunuch to pass the edict, ordering Wenqi to crush the bandits.

Wenqi couldn't help it, but sent Xu Lang with eight thousand troops to rush for Ling Zhi. Xu Lang knelt, not willing to accept the order, "Marshal Wen, Ling Zhi's land was originally harsh and impoverished, which you know about! The people are fighting because they truly cannot continue living. Do you really mean for me to bring troops over, and massacre them?"

Wenqi tightly gripped his hands, then slowly loosened them, saying, "His majesty's edict is here, so how can we not abide by it? On this trip, seek to mainly pacify them, and try not to engage in armed conflict."

Xu Lang could only accept the military seal, and prepare troops to leave. Wenqi was within the tent, deep in thought. Zuo Canglang observed him, a long time later, he said, "Your thoughts are brave and thorough, and can think of matters I cannot imagine. At this time, do you have a way to counteract this matter?"

Zuo Canglang said, "This subordinate has some words, but if I said them, Marshal Wen would definitely be greatly enraged. But if I don't say them, we'll feel unhappy holding it in."

Wenqi said, "Speak."

Zuo Canglang actually pushed back, "Marshal Wen will definitely blame me, so it's better not to speak."

Wenqi said, "Then speak, I'll admonish you as being blameless."

At this, Zuo Canglang finally quietly said, "Western Jing's emperor really understands our majesty's mood, so his mentioning increasing the tribute one-fold, was only for the sake of causing internal discord within Great Yan after his majesty seized grain, and thus, his majesty would be too busy to mind him. And the matters developing to this stage, it wasn't that Marshal Wen did not think of it. It's just that...... Marshal Wen was afraid to mention it. Because Marshal Wen understands his majesty's mood even more. Marshal's knowledge of talent, far exceeds this. It's only a pity that the water is shallow, and the land is narrow, that we cannot assist the dragon to ascend. If Marshal Wen were assisting a martial ruler, he could definitely compete with the heavens and shake the earth, accomplishing an insurmountable merit."

Wenqi was startled, and then said, "I will just treat these words as never having been said. If you dare say it a second time, I will definitely slay you."

Saying his words, he swept his sleeves and left.

Zuo Canglang did not approach, and after Wenqi had left the tent, she finally found Xu Lang. Xu Lang received this military seal unwillingly. Currently although he was leading troops, but the troops' morale was extremely low. Seeing Zuo Canglang approach, he quietly asked, "Military observer, how should I fight this battle? Us troops are troops for the sake of protecting the family and for the sake of the country, so how could it be reasonable to fight against our own people!"

Zuo Canglang stared at his eyes, saying, "I have a strategy, which can resolve general's awkwardness. However, we will need to first meet within the tent."

Xu Lang of course, nodded, "Let's go, let's go!"

The two entered the tent, and Xu Lang said, "How should I do it, military observer, please explain."

Zuo Canglang went to the weapons rack and took a large blade down, slowly putting it on the table, saying, "I've already discussed it with Yuan Xi, Zhuge Jin, and Zheng Zhu generals." Xu Lang's expression slowly froze over, and Zuo Canglang said, "The current majesty is weak and incompetent, the crown prince lacks virtue, and Great Yan's people's heart has already been lost. We've decided, to support his second highness, Murong Yan to ascend. What thoughts do you have?"

The teacup within Xu Lang's hands fell onto the ground, the water spilling. He could only feel his two row of teeth chattering nonstop, a long time later, he asked, "Wha...... what?"

Zuo Canglang slowly drew the blade, saying, "I, Yuan Xi, Zhuge Jin, and Zheng Zhu all plan on supporting his second highness to ascend as emperor, and we wanted to ask your thoughts."

Xu Lang's entire body started shaking, "Mil....... military observer, you're not joking, are you?"

Zuo Canglang said, "What do you think?"

Xu Lang practically wanted to cry, "But...... but Marshal Wen, he....... no, no military observer, this is rebelling!"

Zuo Canglang said, "Yes. Because this matter is serious, that's why it can't be divulged to outsiders. If outsiders were to learn of it, then it must be guaranteed that they won't expose it." She drew the sword within her hand, slowly sharpening it on a sharpening stone, saying, "Right now, give me an answer."

Xu Lang was covered in cold sweat, and he knew he wasn't a match for Zuo Canglang's martial prowess. He thought for a while, asking, "What will happen to Marshal Wen?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Marshal Wen is only loyal to king Yan, and after his second highness ascends, and becomes king Yan, he will naturally serve him."

Xu Lang said, "You won't, you won't...... kill him?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Marshal Wen is upright and loyal, and we consider him our teacher, so how would we harm him? Additionally, his second highness has always admired Marshal Wen, so if his highness is victorious, not only will he not harm him, but Marshal Wen's authority, position, will entirely not be affected."

Xu Lang clenched his teeth, thinking for a while, and Zuo Canglang said, "Just agree, as when the army's heart changes, as a tiny general, could you possibly stop the cart as a measly praying mantis?"

Xu Lang asked deeply, "I...... how should I act?"

Zuo Canglang got near to him, speaking lightly. Xu Lang kept sweating as he listened, but also nodding.

That night, Zuo Canglang met with Yuan Xi, Zhuge Jin, Zheng Zhu, and Xu Lang to drink together, naturally saying, "We are all our own people, and we'll first drink this bowl."

Yuan Xi and the others naturally wouldn't be courteous, and each raised the cup. Xu Lang looked left and right, but his heart felt guilty, as no matter who he looked at, they all seemed like ghosts, his heart feeling dark, how could he continue suspecting Zuo Canglang's words. He could only lift up the wine bowl, drinking it in one gulp.

The next day, Xu Lang led troops on campaign, and Zuo Canglang went to a branch of Swallow's Nest, revealing that golden swallow-shaped hidden weapon, passing news to Leng Feiyan.

When Xu Lang arrived at Ling Zhi prefecture, he discovered that Murong Yan's close confidante, Zhou Xin was already there waiting for him. He could only accompany Zhou Xin, gathering together the rebelling troops there. Zhou Xin had long been prepared, and listed out each of the imperial court's missteps, and in the name of cleansing the imperial court of corruption, began gathering troops and buying weapons, and under Wenqi's name, returning to the city to capture the king.

The army, starting from Ling Zhi, all the way to the capital, gathered large numbers of civilians, traversing the eastern territories, and by the time they arrived at Daji city, they had already gathered fifty thousand people.

Everyone only knew that it was Wenqi's forces, so the local troops all invited them in, and the cities they encountered, all opened their gates to surrender. The whole way, they didn't encounter any large resistance. Zhou Xin and Xu Lang led the troops together to the gates of Jinyang city.

Jinyang city's people were excited, and internal chaos rose again.

Within court, the hundreds of officials were all startled and scared, and everyone only knew one piece of news---- Wenqi had risen up in rebellion!

Murong Yuan passed out from anger, but also had no other way. The army had only used a few days to form, as though the heavens had created an army, and had already begun besieging Western Hua gate. Jinyang city's civilians all began causing internal chaos, and another group of gangsters started taking advantage of the chaos.

Before Western Hua gate had even been taken, within the city, people began announcing that Jinyang city was lost!

Murong Yuan was scared and frightened, and Jinyang city's rich families had all begun escaping towards the east of the city, towards Yu Yang. Finally, the officials all advised Murong Yuan to move the capital to Yu Yang.

At this time, the military lost heart, and Western Hua gate was broken. Murong Yuan could only, under the guard of the imperial guard, escape to Yu Yang.

That night, before anyone had the opportunity to respond, news of Jinyang falling had spread. When the news got to Suye city, Wenqi asked three times, "What?"

The news reporter said, "Marshal Wen, Xu Lang rebelled! He, along with someone named Zhou Xin brought the rebels to break Jinyang city, and urged his second highness Murong Yan to succeed the throne! Jinyang city...... is already occupied by the rebels!"

Wenqi could only feel coldness in his heart and lungs, and a long time later, came forwards, grabbing the person in front of him, asking, "How about his majesty? How is his majesty?"

The reporting troop was so scared he couldn't even respond, uttering, "His, his majesty escaped, and is rumored to have gone to Yu Yang!"

At this, Wenqi released him, a long time later, saying, "Tie Zuo Canglang up, and bring her to see me!"

But the soldier searched the entire camp, but could not find Zuo Canglang.

The new moon was shining, and Zuo Canglang entered the city in the night. At this time, the lanterns were raised high in the city, and Zhou Xin brought Murong Yan's close confidantes to guard the city. Seeing her, he quickly opened the gate. Zuo Canglang was covered in sand, and she quickly asked, "Where is lord master?"

Zhou Xin said, "In his estate. Lord master ordered me to await you here. It's been two days since I dared to shut my eyes."

Zuo Canglang nodded, and not even dismounting, followed him to rush to the estate.

The whole way, nobody stopped to halt them, and when they had finally entered the rear garden, Xu Lang said, "Zuo Canglang...... you......" you've really screwed me over! At this time he of course knew that he had fallen into a trap, but the arrow that is drawn doesn't return, and as matters had progressed to this state, he could not go back.

He brought Zuo Canglang and Zhou Xin to Murong Yan's study. Murong Yan wasn't there, and without a second word, Zuo Canglang quickly took the tea pot there, and putting it against her mouth, drank heavily from it. Zhou Xin and Xu Lang looked at each other, and right at this moment, Murong Yan walked in.

The three of them quickly paid their respects. Murong Yan looked at the teapot, then looked at Zuo Canglang--- the corner of her mouth still had a tea leaf sticking to it. He slightly smiled, asking, "Has the whole trip been well?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Not too good, as the rebels Xu Lang had gathered followed us for the sake of being able to fill their stomachs, so if in a short period of time, we are unable to resolve the issue of two courts, they will quickly become a mess, and will be unable to be used by anyone."

Murong Yan said, "So?"

Zuo Canglang said, "I brought them around Xiao Ji city, Du Yi river, towards Western Jing's Hui Ye garden."

Murong Yan pondered, a long time later, saying, "That is very dangerous."

Zuo Canglang said, "Western Jing has oppressed Great Yan for so many years, and the people have long held their hatred. Our attacking Western Jing, the peoples' hearts will naturally gravitate towards lord master. And Western jing will also naturally seek revenge, so they will only be able to attack Suye city. Marshal Wen will be able to hold it. And it's also only this way...... he will be unable to split his attention, and be unable to attend to the matter of his majesty in Yu Yang. Otherwise, I'm afraid that in only two days, he will once again reorganize the troops to take back Jinyang city."

Murong Yan said, "Rest first, leave tomorrow."

Zuo Canglang shook her head, pulling out a grain of sand from her hair, saying, "The troops only have value in their fast speed, so this subordinate will immediately assign troops and leave."

At that time, she had already rushed on horseback for several days and nights, and hadn't rested well for a while. Her whole face was covered in dust. Murong Yan said, "It's not going to miss the difference of one meal, is it?"

Saying thus, he ordered his servants to bring dishes, and let Xu Lang, Zhou Xin also sit down. Zuo Canglang naturally sat beside them. Zuo Canglang ate dry rations for many days, and at this time, having a full meal, she was naturally not courteous. Murong Yan would supply her with dishes, and seeing that in two or three bites, she would be done with her bowl of rice, not knowing why, his heart felt a bit soft.

Zuo Canglang liked to mix dishes, to eat in big quantities of fish and meats, eating whatever was particularly oily. Murong Yan passed her Red Braised Meat¹, and seeing that she was like a cloud blown by the wind, couldn't help but take a piece back from her bowl, taking a taste of it. Is it that tasty? His forehead creased in a frown, and he still felt it was greasy, and lightly peeled away half of it.

Wang Yunzhao and Zhou Xin looked at each other, and from each other's gaze, saw a certain surprise. All this time, Murong Yan had never touched others' dishes before.

TN: 1. This is a pretty good Chinese dish. Here is a Recipe for it I found online. Basically, the Shaoxing wine gets rid of the usual "bloody" taste that meat has in it. The soy sauce sweetens it with that Umami-like flavor. It goes really well with rice, and it's usually simmered to have a thick sauce to it that goes really well with rice. The general cooking method can also be used on Beef Shank cuts, I believe, and it ends up being a really soft cut of beef that is both juicy, and textured in such a way that it is absolutely satisfying to eat. But yeah, as with Cantonese cuisine, it can turn out to be a little "greasy" for some of the more health-conscientious diners, and it is probably heavier than most Shandong cuisine which is probably what most people would consider "mainstream" Chinese cuisine. Though that's kind of a deeper topic, and that last statement is not 100% correct, since there are strong regional differences between the various Chinese provinces, which kind of warrants its own discussion.