Chapter 9: Guardianship

Zuo Canglang looked up at him, and he smiled reassuringly, saying: "After my mother passed away, I stayed in the palace for eight years. I have long since become numb to these matters. It is you who have been dragged into this annoyance alongside me."

The master and servant slowly walked out of the palace, with the cold moon hanging high and the sparse flowers and trees swaying in the night. The vast palace was silent, infinitely desolate. Murong Yan said, "I have passed through here countless times, but this time is better than any before." Zuo Canglang was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said, "At least this time, you are here."

He lowered his head, not allowing her to see the light in his eyes. Zuo Canglang said softly: "Don't cry"

Murong Yan interrupted her, saying: "Let's go." Zuo Canglang angrily said: "Are we just going to let this go?" Murong Yan replied: "He doesn't have the courage; it must be the queen's intention. If we truly make a scene, it would only play into the queen's hands."

Yang Lianting said slowly: "I know. But the enemy is right before my eyes, still living carefree! And my grandfather, my parents, all the members of the Yang family have already..." His voice gradually rose, and Zuo Canglang placed a hand on his shoulder. He finally calmed down and then said: "A Zuo, you cannot understand my feelings. When the Yang family was exterminated, my grandfather was already sixty-six years old. You do not know what a good person he was... My father suffered extreme torture and died a tragic death in prison before his execution. When the Yang family was exterminated, my grandfather was already sixty-six years old. You do not know what a good person he was... My father suffered extreme torture and died a tragic death in prison before his execution. I watched him being beaten to death right before my eyes..."

I have long heard that she possesses a celestial beauty, yet I have never had the opportunity to see her. Left Canglang has tried every possible means to catch a glimpse of her enchanting visage, but alas, she wears a veil, making it impossible to see her clearly. By the time the ceremony concluded, it was already night. King Yan hosted a banquet in the palace, and the ministers took their seats in turn. The Crown Prince Murong Ruo, the Fifth Prince Murong Qing, and the little princess Murong Shu were all in attendance.

Under the solitary lamp, there is wine and dishes. Leng Feiyan drinks with her, while Yang Lianting sits beside them. Leng Feiyan is genuinely troubled, her head feeling heavy: "As an unknown junior, how can I recruit my own people now!"

Yang Lianting's tears fell like broken pearls, hanging on her long eyelashes, as she said: "I will not cry; I want him to pay for his blood debts with blood."

Left Canglang had a drink with her, and beside them, Yang Lianting said: "These people may not be so honest at first, I can provide you with some medication that can control them"

Some things may seem within reach, yet in reality, you cannot obtain them, and you will never be able to. ... Leng Feiyan thought she might act foolishly, but in fact ... . ... She believed she would not.

Leng Feiyan wore a mischievous smile, and Yang Lianting truly lived up to the reputation of a noble young master, becoming increasingly handsome as he grew. Whenever he casually stood in front of others, he exuded an air of elegance and refinement, like a jade tree standing against the wind. It is no wonder that Leng Feiyan teased him all day long

Yang Lianting had no choice but to live alone in a courtyard for these two things. He usually did not allow others to enter.

When Murong Yan arrived, the eunuch appeared quite embarrassed—there was actually no place for the Second Prince Murong Yan! The eunuch was so frightened that he could not speak. After a while, the chief eunuch beside Queen Li came over and said in a sarcastic tone: "Your Highness, please do not take offense. This is truly not due to our negligence, but rather because the King did not specify that Your Highness was to be included. As servants, we also do not dare to take liberties..."

Although the time of Deyitang is short, its reputation is growing increasingly larger. The name of Doctor Yang is widely spread among the people, much like that of Yang Xuanhe in the past

A young and handsome man passed by this place, asserting that the person was merely in a state of apparent death and could still be saved. The two sides could not come to an agreement, and the common people pointed and whispered, all gathering to watch.

The Baiyu Sect is the state religion of the Great Yan, and its members are all skilled in the art of medicine. Its saintess is said to have the ability to bring the dead back to life and possesses extraordinary powers. Outsiders speak of her with great respect, not daring to offend.

At that moment, Zuo Canglang wanted to step forward and take his hand. However, she did not. He had a beloved woman who would soon become her mistress.

Leng Feiyan and Zuo Canglang were also busy, searching everywhere for thugs with their faces covered. By the end of the day, there were not enough ruffians to go around

In that moment, for the first time in her life, the left gray wolf experienced the feeling of heartache. She gazed at him and slowly said: "I truly wish that from that moment on, I could have been by your side."

Thus, the Left Canglang would always sneak in and out, never using the door, and even less so appearing in front of others

Zuo Canglang lowered his head, and Murong Yan said: "Then continue searching." Zuo Canglang replied: "Currently, Fei Yan's Swallow's Nest also has a few people, so it would be better to let them assist in the search."

In the streets of early spring in March, the city is filled with flying catkins and willows swaying gently. When he spoke these words, the sunlight, like scattered gold, slanted across his sharply defined profile, and his gaze was gentle, powerful, and resolute. Even in the face of adversity, he instilled boundless hope and courage in others

The three individuals were all people of action. Early the next morning, Yang Lianting procured medicinal herbs and prepared a type of white pill. The pill was not lethal, but the prescription was exceedingly complex, and an ordinary doctor would certainly be unable to decipher it. After taking the pill, a common person would need to consume an antidote every twelve hours; otherwise, when the poison took effect, they would undoubtedly suffer excruciating pain.

When more than forty thugs were tied up like zongzi and piled in the Swallow's Nest, Yang Lianting also handed the pill to Leng Feiyan. After that, there was no further business between the two. Zuo Canglang and Yang Lianting left the Swallow's Nest, parting ways to avoid drawing attention.

Leng Feiyan felt relieved this time: "Good little brother, consider it that your sister did not spoil you for nothing!" As soon as she spoke, her hand flew towards Yang Lianting's face. Yang Lianting quickly dodged back: "Leng Feiyan!"

Zuo Canglang had already guessed some of his intentions. Upon exiting the door of the medical clinic, he asked: "Does the master wish for Yang Lianting to establish a medical clinic in Jinyang City?"

I wish to stay by your side like this, watching you reign supreme and restore the great Yan, fulfilling the promise of a prosperous and peaceful era. Those things you have seen, those you have loved, and those you desire, as long as you give the command, I will present them before you.

The followers of the Baiyu Sect have always refrained from entering the palace, unless a noble within the palace is unwell or it is for the purpose of presiding over a grand sacrificial ceremony. This time, the one who has come to perform good deeds is indeed the Saintess of the Baiyu Sect

Murong Yan said: "This matter must be kept extremely confidential; having too many people involved will only complicate things. You three have been close friends since childhood, and it is not unusual for you to help each other out. However, for the sake of future endeavors, it is essential to act with caution. It is advisable to limit your interactions with one another."

Zuo Canglang glanced at the people at the table and asked, "Have you heard of Wen Wei's writings?"

Zuo Canglang knew that this was also the reason she secretly came here in defiance of Murong Yan's orders

Left Canglang still wanted to kick him again, but Murong Yan softly said, "Enough." Left Canglang was seething with anger, and the eunuch could tell that she was not someone to be trifled with. In such a situation, being beaten was pointless as long as it didn't lead to death. He turned around and walked away, leaving Murong Yan and her servant behind.

Yang Lianting was overwhelmed with work on her own, so she naturally hired a few assistants. Leng Feiyan and Zuo Canglang often came over secretly, which was quite inconvenient if they were seen by others. Fortunately, the two of them were quite tall, making it unlikely for the pharmacy assistants to notice them.

Leng Feiyan, annoyed, said: "What do you mean! Wouldn't my swallow's nest then become a gathering of rogues!"

Left Canglang was furious, yet Murong Yan merely smiled, his countenance as bright as the moon: "Why bother to argue with such a person"

In a short period, this matter was spread by word of mouth, causing the entire Jinyang City to be aware of it.

Murong Yan glanced at the plaque of the pharmacy behind him and said, "Nowadays, in Jinyang City, there are many skilled practitioners in the field of medicine. At such a young age, it is likely not easy for him to stand out. Moreover... we do not have the time to spend over ten or twenty years to accumulate the reputation of a divine physician"

Left Canglang stepped forward and said: "Nonsense! His Majesty has ordered that all civil and military officials attend, so why is there still a need to..." Before she could finish her sentence, the eunuch interjected: "His Majesty did mention the civil and military officials, but the Second Prince currently holds no title or office, how can he be considered among the civil and military officials?"

Yang Lianting truly lives up to expectations. Although he is inundated with countless patients seeking medical treatment every day, he has never issued an incorrect prescription. Moreover, being young and passionate, he reduces his fees whenever possible for impoverished patients, and sometimes does not charge them at all

The followers of the Baiyu Sect were regarded as demons by the people of the Western Regions, making coexistence impossible. In desperation, they fled to the State of Yan. At that time, Murong Yuan was still a prince, and he respected their medical knowledge, extending a helping hand to them. Not only did he allow them to reside in Yan, but he also designated Mount Guya, located to the north of Jinyang City, as their main headquarters.

This remarkably skilled young man gradually became well-known. His name, Yang Lianting, spread widely and officially appeared before the masters of the apricot forest in Jinyang. Dr. Xie of the Huichun Hall transferred the medical clinic to Yang Lianting and left Jinyang with his entire family, returning to his hometown

Even if I transform into a cloud of smoke.

However, this time, the envoy from the Western Capital not only took away five hundred Yan maidens, but also a considerable amount of gold, silver, and jewels. In the context of an empty national treasury and widespread public discontent, the King of Yan did not intend to hold a grand ceremony. He merely instructed the leader of the Baiyu Sect to oversee the sacrificial rites

Murong Yan turned to look at her, placing both hands on her shoulders, and said softly: "You three are all outstanding individuals among people. I will not let you down either"

Suddenly, while walking, Yang Lianting stopped. Zuo Canglang turned around and saw him staring at a window of a tavern. Inside the window, there was a man dressed in red, drinking and listening to music with others. Zuo Canglang approached and asked, "What’s wrong?"

Leng Feiyan knew almost nothing about Dayan. Establishing a communication station and recruiting her own personnel, even with financial support, was not an easy task.

The Left Cang Wolf said: "So, is the Lord searching everywhere because he wants to spend some silver to achieve fame in one fell swoop"

Yang Lianting clenched his five fingers into a fist and, after a long pause, said: "It's nothing. It's getting late, let's go back."

Murong Yan's smile spread like ripples, gradually expanding. After a long while, he said: "You truly understand my heart."

Murong Yan was momentarily taken aback, a faint smile at the corner of his lips, enough to melt the entire winter. He softly said: "It is not too late now"

Murong Yan was momentarily taken aback, re-evaluating her, and slowly asked: "How could you think this way?"

Zuo Canglang said: "Although there are many renowned doctors in the Xiyang City, Yang Lianting's medical skills are not to be underestimated. At the very least, he has no problem with common ailments. What he needs is merely an opportunity. If a somewhat reputable doctor is willing to sacrifice his own reputation, a misdiagnosis that allows Yang Lianting to make the correct diagnosis... These days, His Highness has almost searched through all the major medical halls. I believe His Highness is looking for that doctor who values money over his own reputation."

In Leng Feiyan's Swallow's Nest, the number of people is increasing, and as she said, it truly is a gathering of rogues. Yang Lianting has been staying in the guesthouse these days, and although he has studied many medical texts, Murong Yan has not made any arrangements for him. Instead, he has been accompanying Zuo Canglang to various medical clinics, either to buy medicine or to pretend to see patients.

Zuo Canglang's expression became serious: "Yes."

Doctor Xie was publicly humiliated by a young man, which immediately filled him with rage. He boldly declared that if the young man and the scholar were able to save this person, he would never practice medicine again for the rest of his life. The young man then applied the technique of acupuncture with golden needles to the patient, and after one hour, the patient gradually regained consciousness

Zuo Canglang said: "First, these individuals are a scourge to the common people outside, yet here, you have control over them. You are acting on behalf of heaven to uphold justice. Second, these individuals are often well-informed and connected to various powers. They can handle certain matters with great ease. Third, they do not require high commissions, and their costs are low"

Zuo Canglang stood at the other end of the long street, following Murong Yan, watching as the De Yi Hall could not accommodate so many patients, forcing many to queue outside the clinic. Murong Yan said, "From now on, it is up to him alone." Zuo Canglang remained silent for a long time before saying, "He will not disappoint His Majesty."

Zuo Canglang raised his gaze into the building and said softly: "It will be."

Leng Feiyan pondered for a moment and said, "That makes sense. I can still handle catching a few thugs." After saying this, she patted Zuo Canglang's shoulder, finally revealing a hint of a smile, "Come on, let's drink."

After the Swallow's Nest of Leng Feiyan began operations, Murong Yan never visited again. At the same time, he also no longer permitted Zuo Canglang to go there. He was unwilling to allow anyone other than Leng Feiyan to have any connection with this place

Zuo Canglang said: "There are so many ruffians and hoodlums on the street, why don't you first find a few who are more clever? You must have a way to control these people, right?"

Zuo Canglang said: "But ... ..."

Yang Lianting has renamed the Chunchun Hall to Deyi Hall. On the first day of its opening, nearly one hundred people queued for consultation.

Thus, the Baiyu Sect is truly loyal to the State of Yan. After Murong Yuan ascended the throne, the Baiyu Sect gained a growing reputation due to its charitable medical practices. He simply decided to officially designate the Baiyu Sect as the State Religion of Dayan. The common people had no objections to this decision.

Two days later, in Tianping Alley. Someone suddenly goes mad, and Doctor Xie from Huichuntang happens to pass by. After taking the pulse, he asserts that the person is already dead and advises the family to prepare for the funeral

As April arrives, it coincides with the Qingming Festival, and the palace is also busy with sacrificial rites. In the past, during the sacrificial ceremonies in the palace, it was customary to invite opera troupes to perform ancestral worship plays, as well as to have shamans conduct rituals and merit-making activities.

Yang Lianting clenched his silver teeth tightly, with the veins on his forehead bulging. Zuo Canglang said: "I believe that seeking revenge at this moment is highly irrational"