Deposed Empress General Chapter 54

After Zuo Canglang was dismissed, Murong Yan said, "The suggestion you two gave, each has their own rationale. Father king returning to court, I had just after much difficulty, finally calmed down the peoples' hearts, and now he's going to cause another scene. But if father king cannot return to court, no matter what the reason is, it would still cause the world to suspect my sincerity. And...... and the initial intent I had when I began fighting for the throne."

Gan Xiaoru took a look at Jiang Sanyi, and was a little bit startled. After Zuo Canglang retreated, Murong Yan's words started to not withhold anything. Gan Xiaoru had mentioned the matter of calling Murong Yuan as the Father King, because he was unsure if Murong Yan was the type of person, that for the sake of the throne, was able to do something like murdering his own father and ruler! But now it looks like, the reason Murong Yan didn't do that, was only because Murong Yuan's death would impact his reputation.

Understanding his concerns and his bottom line, Gan Xiaoru immediately said, "Your majesty, this subject believes, that the people that a truly supportive of your majesty, would all understand the tough choices your majesty must make. Since antiquity, the sun cannot abide two suns, and additionally, when King Yan was reigning, what type of situation was Great Yan in? Currently, your majesty is leading the court, and what type of a situation in Great Yan in? Justice is in the hearts of the people, so you don't need to care too much of other peoples' criticisms."

As his words were just finished, Jiang Sanyi said, "What official Gan has spoken is right, so even if General Zuo and the others temporarily cannot understand your majesty, with the passage of time, I think they would definitely also end up understanding."

Gan Xiaoru was startled, as he originally did not have the intent of distancing Murong Yan and Zuo Canglang, but Jiang Sanyi had suddenly spoken this way-- what was his intent?

Murong Yan thought it over, but said, "Continue speaking."

Jiang Sanyi said, "This subject's eldest son, Jiang Qi has always followed by this subject's side, but he also hasn't had an opportunity to shine. And now, it is time for him to prove his loyalty to your majesty. Back then, when this subject followed his majesty to travel about on campaigns, so this subject dares, to ask your majesty to permit my son Jiang Qi to lead troops, to head towards White Wolf Lake, to receive king Yan back to court."

He clenched his teeth, saying, "This subject guarantees to your majesty, that there will definitely not be anything that goes wrong."

Gan Xiaoru suddenly understood, this was the best time to stick someone inside the military that was his own! Or, stated another way, this was the only opportunity!

Thinking it over, currently in the army, Yuan Xi, Zhu Ai Jin, Zheng Chu, and the others were all Wenqi's old subordinates. Xu Lang, Wang Nan, and Yuan E were all Zuo Canglang's peoples. But Zuo Canglang was originally also Wenqi's old subordinate. It could be said that right now in the military, it was relatively stable. In court, no matter if it was Gan Xiaoru's faction or Jiang Sanyi's faction, even that group of old officials, if they wanted to stick their own person inside, it would not be easy.

But currently, there was an obvious opportunity to place their own people in front of their eyes!

His heart felt regret, and he quickly said, "Your majesty, this subject also has an attendant named Han Jin, and this person's martial prowess is great, and has always been courageous and meticulous. I'm willing to have him serve your majesty."

Murong Yan looked at the two of them, a long time later, "In that case, two beloved subjects can each make their separate arrangements."

The two retreated, and Wang Yunzhao came over to fill up his tea, and Murong Yan said, "Today we mentioned finishing off father king. Ah Zuo objected, and I found it extremely unexpected."

Wang Yunzhao smiled, saying, "General Zuo is young, and before your majesty, she has never hidden matters. She would not agree to this matter, also only because she cares about the familial ties your majesty has."

Murong Yan looked at him, smiling, "Then, currently this king deciding this way, is it because I no longer care about familial ties?"

Wang Yunzhao was startled, and quickly said, "No, General Zuo is a subject, and your majesty is the ruler. A subject is lower than a ruler, so it is difficult not to be more short sighted. And the ruler is high up above, so of course he needs to look afar. Your majesty has keep King Yan, which is familial ties, but it is only a single person's familial ties. Your majesty not keeping King Yan, is for the sake of the greater goal, and it is for the sake of being the world's support. People who understand, will ultimately understand."

Murong Yan stared at him, saying, "It's still you that knows how to speak."

Wang Yunzhao smiled, saying, "That is because this old servant has followed by your majesty's side, which has also slightly increased the distance I can see."

Murong Yan lifted his brows slightly amused, revealing a smile, saying, "She could assassinate father king for Wenqi, so I had thought, she would approve of Jiang Sanyi's scheme. My guess was wrong. Why?"

Wang Yunzhao calmly wiped the sweat on his forehead, saying, "If your majesty has concerns in his heart, do you need to summon General Zuo, to have her clarify?"

Right at this time, outside, the official of the wardrobe entered, saying, "Your majesty, the robes for the Wei General are already prepared. Should it be sent to Wen estate?"

Murong Yan looked at Wang Yunzhao, and Wang Yunzhao's heart was a bit startled, as last time, since returning from Mayi city, Murong Yan already instructed to promote Zuo Canglang. She had originally already been a rank one Biao Qi Great General, and rising another rank, would become a Wei General.

She was nineteen this year, and a nineteen year old rank-one official, in the future, could only be titled as a Marquis.

Murong Yan slowed, saying, "Currently, the matters in court are busy, so this matter, just hold it off to the side."

The official in charge of clothing affirmed, and retreated. Murong Yan said, "Currently in court, there are still too few generals. Ah Zuo is ultimately young, so I have thought it over, and the position of the Great Military official, still needs to be assigned."

In the past the Great Military officials were always the fake titles held by Wei Generals. When Murong Yuan was reigning, it had been held by Wenqi. This position normally didn't hold any real power. But he had suddenly mentioned this matter...... was he going to assign someone to it? Wang Yunzhao said, "Your majesty......" then saw Murong Yan's serious expression, so he turned to announce, "What your majesty has said is best. General Zuo is ultimately still young, so with two more years of practice, there isn't anything bad about it."

Murong Yan nodded, saying, "But int he army, it is all Wenqi's old subordinates. And other than her, I actually have no one I can use."

Wang Yunzhao said, "In the court, there are many old officials, which were all King Yan's former subordinates, but what official Jiang and official Gan have stated is reasonable, and I believe people who are clear-sighted, would all know that currently between King Yan and your majesty, who is really the better ruler. As this old servant sees it, why not......"

He drew close to Murong Yan's ears, and lightly spoke, a long time later, Murong Yan nodded, "Then go and make arrangements."

When Zuo Canglang returned to Wen estate, Country Stabilizing Gong, Wen Xingye was already awaiting her. Seeing her return, he quickly asked, "His majesty summoned you to the palace, was it for the matter of King Yan returning to court?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Mmm."

Wen Xingye asked, "What does his majesty plan on doing? Who is he sending to receive king Yan back to court?"

Zuo Canglang looked at him, saying, "When I left, he hadn't yet made a decision."

Wen Xingye was obviously disappointed, and Zuo Canglang wavered, as she originally wanted to mention Jiang Sanyi's words. But thinking it over, ultimately she still did not mention it. Actually no matter if Murong Yan received Murong Yuan back to court, or if he tied up loose ends, they each had their own rationale.

It's just that...... it's just that back then, in that peaceful era, his initial fight for the throne, was it not truly for the sake of an era of peace? Currently, matters were already settled, so why must he take the step to slay his own father?

But the sky had just darkened, and outside, someone had quietly come to visit. It was Faction Head Sima Cang, the minister's chief assistant Wei Tongyao and a group of old officials.

Wen Xingye received them in the official hall, and not long later, even Bi Chengjing had come over. The whole hall was a gathering, so of course they still asked about the matter of Murong Yuan. Zuo Canglang didn't make an appearance, as they obviously also did not hope for her to be present.

Currently, the situation was obvious. She was Murong Yan's person, and if Murong Yuan returned to court, towards her, it was only detrimental without any benefits. But this group of old officials, were all people who claimed the ground of loyalty and virtue. No matter what, towards Murong Yan, this type of usurper, they still were guarded.

Towards Zuo Canglang, this type of nineteen year old girl Biao Qi Great General, it was something that needed even less description as to their attitude towards her.

The hall filled with people also spoke of some matter that nobody knew of, while Zuo Canglang was in the rear garden. Old Madam Wen also didn't rest, but seeing her walk back and forth, said, "It's so late, so how come you haven't rested yet?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Do these people really have to gather at Wen estate at this time?"

Old Madam Wen sighed, saying, "How could I not understand your worries. But these officials, with Xingye, were all colleagues back then. They wanted to come to discuss matters with him, so you can't possibly have Xingye kick them all out, right?"

Zuo Canglang said, "Currently Old Sir isn't even in court anymore, so what is there still to discuss?"

Old Madam Wen said, "Ah Zuo, if one day, his majesty is forced to flee for his life, and you were still in your original position. Would you kick out all your former colleagues and old friends who had come over to discuss matters?"

Zuo Canglang stilled, and Old Madam Wen said, "I know, in your eyes, perhaps you will think they are nagging. But Xingye's personality, if it wasn't for Yi Xuan and Yi Rong, he would rather become a crushed jade than to continue on as a living tile!"

Zuo Canglang didn't speak, and Old Madam Wen said, "These old officials of court, which one isn't someone with their own family and responsibilities? But currently, there's only them, that are still willing to care about that ancient favor that was granted to them, ah."

That night, the moon was like a plate, and the flowers were in bloom, the birds chirping. Zuo Canglang broke off a cherry blossom branch, saying, "I'm only worried, this type of fervent loyalty, is ultimately only a stalk of grass. Not only could they be unable to save lives, but would rather be crushed beneath a mountain."

Old Madam Wen's expression changed, "You are saying....... you are saying that his majesty plans on......"

Zuo Canglang no longer spoke, as the lamp light in the main hall was going strong, but she still didn't walk over.

But that night, Dezheng Hall was also illuminated with light. Murong Yan threw a list of names onto the ground, saying, "This king was really curious, that these old officials, in the middle of the night, would not sleep, but head to Wen estate to discuss for a long time, but ultimately over which matter!"

Wang Yunzhao didn't dare speak an extra word, and Jiang Sanyi motioned for his own spy that he had arranged at Wen estate to continue speaking. That spy's memory was extremely shocking, as he repeated each word that the officials had all said. He even managed to replay their tone and expressions in a life-like manner. Of course, in it there was also some traitorous words.

Murong Yan said, "A discussion in the middle of the night, actually bothers others a lot."

Jiang Sanyi said, "Your majesty, this group of old officials, have received the imperial favor, but did not return your grace, but in this deep night, gathered at Wen estate, discussing treachery!"

Once this word was said, at the side, Wang Yunzhao hurriedly came over to fill up the tea, saying, "Official Jiang has spoken too seriously, as the Wen clan is a group of military officials in court, and only General Zuo is his majesty's confidante. People without jobs, how could it be counted as teason, ah."

Jiang Sanyi was still cordial to him, saying, "What chief steward Wang has said is of course not wrong, but it's just that though these people are free, their treacherous hearts have not ended, so how could you bear them? I would ask that your majesty make a quick decision, as keeping these people around will definitely be a harm in the future!"

Murong Yan's expression turned cold, and a long time later, asked the spy on the ground, "What did General Zuo say?"

The spy kowtowed, and reported, "General Zuo didn't attend the gathering." Jiang Sanyi secretly gave him a stern gaze, and he was startled, saying, "But General Zuo also hadn't rested yet, and it seemed as though she had been in the rear garden the whole time discussing matters privately with Old Madam Wen."

Murong Yan said, "This king knows, you have worked hard. You're dismissed."

The spy affirmed, and knelt to retreat. Murong Yan took a look at Jiang Sanyi, saying, "Official Jiang has worried over national matters, and can be counted as my right hand man. It is late, so you are also dismissed from the palace."

Jiang Sanyi still couldn't feel his thoughts, and could only retreat. After he left, Murong Yan suddenly asked Wang Yunzhao, "What do you think. These matters, will Ah Zuo report them to me?"

Wang Yunzhao's heart skipped a beat, saying, "Your majesty, General Zuo...... I only fear that she isn't someone who would gossip about others."

"Gossip? Heh......" Murong Yan laughed lightly, saying, "Tomorrow, after court is recessed, have her come to the royal study. I really want to know, what she will say."

Wang Yunzhao was speechless, and could only acknowledge the order.

TN: So yeah, sad sad times ahead. It's kind of like, you can see how Jiang Sanyi is meticulous in using a sea of sand, one grain at a time, to turn things against Zuo Canglang. And this is why, in real life, one should not skimp on their Charisma stats.