Published at 26th of August 2019 11:33 pm

Chapter 33- Queen's Seal

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

After Mu Qing Xie died, Bai Yu sect's opposition towards Murong Yuan as an enemy reached its zenith. Murong Yan spent the opportunity, sending Gan Xiaoru to Gu She mountain to appease them, but Bai Yu sect's trust towards the Murong clan had already fallen to the pit of the well. Although Ah Fei barely managed to agree to stay at Gu She mountain, but towards the dynasty, her attitude had become extremely pessimistic.

Murong Yan also didn't mind, and had taken a portion of his army, assigning it to Gu She mountain to protect Bai Yu sect, and on the other side, secretly instructed Yang Lianting to take in the injured soldiers. Yang Lianting set up a refugee camp beneath Gu She mountain, and accepted any that had lost their fighting capabilities due to the war, and the soldiers who had lost their homes.

Some civilians also sent forth their medical supplies, food, etc. The refugee camp beneath the mountain had quickly managed to take in a thousand injured soldiers. This group of a thousand people, were naturally extremely grateful towards Yang Lianting, and as the court temporarily did not have any other use for them, they of course stayed at Gu She mountain.

As time grew long, slowly, they mingled among the sect members of Bai Yu sect.

Because of the loss of Bai Yu sect's support, Murong Yuan's situation plummeted, naturally entering an awkward position.

Wenqi's heart was feeling rushed, but Western Jing was currently still attacking since many months ago, and he entirely could not pull away. Seeing Western Jing's reinforcements continually arrive, the pressure on him continued to grow. When Zuo Canglang rushed back to Jinyang from Yu Yang, it was already the end of the tenth month. She camped outside of Jinyang city, and saw that at the head of the thick city walls, stood a person.

Even if it was just a blurry shadow, she still could recognize him with a single glance. That was the only person she would never mistaken in this life, even if it was in the midst of thousands of troops and tens of thousands of horses, even if there were tens of thousands of arrows flying, whether she was drowning in water or being attacked by smoky flames. The empire whose scenery was fit for paintings was not even worthy of a single sight of his backward glance.

She dismounted at the city gate, walking to the head of the city with a few steps, "Lord master? How come you are here?"

Murong Yan turned towards the east, and spoke, "Come here, and accompany me on a walk."

Zuo Canglang slowly walked close to him, and the old wall behind had once been covered with smoke soot, and occasionally, some burn marks could be seen. It was close to dusk, and the sky slowly darkened, the old wall was like an old but extremely thick painting scroll. He stood atop the city wall, his face looking at the scenery, his clothes fluttering, his hair blowing in the wind, like the movement of silk screens.

"Today in court, Bi Cheng Jing and his faction have agreed for me to temporarily take up the role as Great Yan's king, to perform the rites of the ruler." He slowly spoke. Zuo Canglang knelt on the ground, "Congratulations to lord master....... no, congratulations to your majesty!"

Murong Yan lightly laughed a bit, saying, "Rise." Then stooping, he said, "This time, at Yu Yang, did you see her?"

Zuo Canglang was startled, then suddenly realized whom this "her" was referring to, saying, "Lord master forgive this one's sin, as when we invaded, it was extremely pressing, and king Yan and the crown prince escaped right after we entered the city. This subordinate gave chase the whole way, but did not get to see miss Jiang."

Murong Yan calmly looked into the sky, but slowly descended from the sky, "I don't blame you. It's just that today, I passed by Zhangwen Hall, and thought of some old matters. Ah Zuo, I suddenly miss her a bit."

Zuo Canglang didn't speak, as she understood that Murong Yan didn't actually need any response. He said he was missing her a bit, but the type of longing that can come out of his mouth, how could it only be a little bit? She looked out of the city, and only saw the landscape filling her vision, the land filled with autumn flowers.

The one on her heart was beside her, but the person beside her was a world away. Longing was a type of wish that one could not tell others, and which the wind would not answer.

At the beginning of the eleventh month, it was the rare auspicious occasion.

Murong Yan ascended in Jinyang, taking the name King Dai1, "Substitute", because he was "substituting for his father king to manage the country." Bi Cheng Jing and Gan Xiaoru stood behind him, accompanying him in performing the rituals to honor the heavens. Zuo Canglang stood in the midst of the court officials, watching him covered in imperial garb, the crown beads drooping before his face, with the large wide white belt, and with his royal breath, he had displayed an unparalleled world.

After Murong Yan ascended, the first thing he undertook was to raise Gan Xiaoru as the right minister, and issued an edict abolishing the crown prince, abolishing queen Li's position as queen, making the two of them peasants. At the same time, he once again wrote to Murong Yuan, claiming that as long as he slew the demonic queen, abolished the crown prince, he would be willing to return the reign at any time to him.

Murong Yuan was angry that he immediately tore apart the letter, knocking the ink stone on his desk to the ground, shattering it. And looking at those around him, who were all covered with ink.

That night, Murong Yan officially moved from Qian Yi marquis's estate to the Yan palace. When the new king ascended, the world was freed from prior convictions. Additionally, he reduced taxes, and within a short period of time, the area west of Jinyang, all the way to Xiaoji city all managed to also get a bit of festive air.

After the feast, Zuo Canglang and Xu Lang prepared to leave. Wang Yunzhao especially had people come to find her, saying, "Young master, his majesty ordered to have to temporarily live in the south hall of the palace, and after you are doing with your matters, he will grant you another estate."

Zuo Canglang's brows frowned, saying, "Currently, I am after all, an external official, so staying within the palace, there are many things not convenient......" She just didn't like all the rules and etiquette within the palace.

Wang Yunzhao said, "Young master, you can't reject the ruler's edict. Not to mention, the southern hall of the palace was originally a place for outer officials to stay, and in the past, when marshal Wen was around, he would also often stay there, so it's not a big matter."

Zuo Canglang at this, finally said, "This subject receives the order."

Wang Yunzhao sent eunuchs to bring her to the south hall, and he was currently taking on the duties of the palace's chief steward, and within the palace, there weren't enough hands, so practically all matters were arranged by him, and he had become a busy person.

Zuo Canglang followed Xiao Huang and the others to the south hall, asking, "Why is the palace so cold and quiet?"

Xiao Huang and the others carried their lanterns, walking in the front, and were actually very respectful, "Responding to official's words, all the old people within the palace were dismissed, and currently, they are all people that had just entered the palace. This little one had also just entered the palace for only a few days."

Zuo Canglang nodded, after all Murong Yuan had been in power for twenty some odd years, and those who had received his favor within the palace were probably not small in number. Murong Yan naturally would not believe that group of people.

The whole trip to the south hall, there were koi ponds and pavilions scattered about. Everything was done in the style that she liked when she had lived at Murong Yan's estate. Zuo Canglang actually accepted this sentiment, and told Xiao Huang and the others, "Let head steward Wang know, he's put in heart."

Right as she was saying this, Murong Yan walked in from outside, saying, "Looks like the way this place was decorated is still according to your taste."

Zuo Canglang quickly knelt and paid obeisance, and Murong Yan helped her up. Xiao Huang and the others were afraid to even lift their gazes, quietly retreating.

Murong Yan helped her to the side of a pavilion to sit down, saying, "Today, there were many matters to attend to, so I actually didn't get to mind you."

Zuo Canglang said, "This subordinate isn't a child, so lord master doesn't need to mind me." For the moment, it was still difficult for her to change her vocabulary, and didn't call him King Yan.

Of course, Murong Yan did not mind, saying, "I actually have the intention to find a position for you in court, but you are, after all still young, and you are also a woman. So if your authority is too high, people will be dissatisfied. Do you have a good plan?"

Zuo Canglang poured tea for him, saying, "Whether the position is high or low, this subordinate doesn't actually care."

Murong Yan said, "I know, but if your position is too low, it will cause you to constantly be restrained by others, and would actually not be good." Zuo Canglang didn't speak, and Murong Yan fell into silence, finally saying, "I plan on giving you a fourth-ranked military instructor position, and in the future, you can probably slowly rise."

Zuo Canglang asked, "What is Feng Ping's position? Anyways, if I meet him, I'm not going to kneel, ah." The young girl's arrogance was displayed immediately, and Murong Yan laughed, saying, "Okay, okay okay. Tomorrow I will pass something to you to play with, so that temporarily, no matter whom you see, you will not need to kneel."

Between his words, a few degrees of pampering was revealed, and the two's gazes crossed, and they both had a tacit understanding. Their gazes lingered for a bit, and suddenly, it became a bit awkward. Zuo Canglang said, "It's late now, so lord master...... your majesty has word hard today, so why not return early to the palace and rest."

Murong Yan agreed, "Remember to attend court tomorrow morning." Saying thus, he smiled again, "this court, those who would need me to personally remind to attend court, there isn't actually anyone."

Zuo Canglang sent him out of the south hall, and that night, the moon was snowy white, and Wang Yunzhao came forward to help drape him in his black cape. He walked a few steps out, then turned his head back, chuckling, said, "Return ah, what are you standing atop the wall staring at?"

Zuo Canglang at this, finally got up, and seeing that he slowly walked further away, his tall figure disappearing into the flowers and trees. When she recovered her senses, her gaze had become empty.

The next day, early in the morning, when Zuo Canglang had just gotten up from bed, there was already a palace servant girl that came to serve. She was not used to being served by others, and she personally groomed herself. When she attended court, everyone's gaze was one her. She was Murong Yan's confidante, and everyone in court knew this.

But she was after all, only a sixteen year old little girl, so even if she had military merit, if even she could rise to a high position, then, even the random chickens and dogs of the market could ascend the heavens.

Bi Cheng Jing and his faction's gaze pretty much lingered on her figure.

It was actually Gan Xiaoru that smiled, coming forwards, and greeted her, "Military observer Zuo, your spot is over here." He, an old official, understood that Zuo Canglang was unfamiliar with the rules and etiquette of the court, so he carefully and meticulously explained and took care of her. After all, she was Murong Yan's confidante, and Murong Yan relied heavily on her, so how could he not see this? This girl, in the future, where she stayed or rose to, could not be underestimated.

Zuo Canglang thanked him, and stood by her proper position. Murong Yan began court, and that king's seat was truly separated too far from her, so that even if she raised her head, she could only see a blurry sight of the ruler's face. Not to mention that during the morning court, looking at the ruler was also a heavy crime.

Zuo Canglang kept her head down, not looking around recklessly, and Murong Yan was awarding the various officials in court, especially putting great responsibility on Xu Lang and Luan Di Diao and gifting them a special set of imperial pottery. Feng Ping received the role of head of the imperial guard, and Zhou Xinye also got to show his face. When it got to Zuo Canglang, Murong Yan indeed granted her a title as a fourth-ranked military instructor.

Bi Cheng Jing's faction of course still had their objections, after all, a woman serving as an official, in all dynasties, had been a rare and unheard of event, not to mention her age. But after all, during the event at Hui Ye garden, she had taken the head merit, so if it was really only a military advisor, if they didn't do more, even giving her a first ranked position in court would also be something they couldn't criticize, so it wasn't outrageous.

After the matter, although Bi Cheng Jing's faction was unhappy, but it didn't get to the stage where it would cause trouble. Additionally, with Gan Xiaoru's faction's support, this matter was finally settled and made real. But following this, Murong Yan did something that was even more out of people's expectations, as he said, "Currently I have just ascended as king, and the rear harem is without a leader, and I also have no intention to choose consorts. I tended, to temporarily place the queen's seal in Zuo military instructor's care, and have her assist Wang Yunzhao to take care of the matters within the palace."

Once he said this, everyone was shocked, only blinking. Bi Cheng Jing first stated, "Your majesty! The queen's seal is extremely noble, so how can you randomly assign it to an outer court official to manage? This matter entirely is impermissible, entirely impermissible, ah!"

Imperial Instructor, Liang Chengsi also said, "Your majesty, minister Bi's words are reasonable. Zuo military instructor is a fourth ranked military official, and having the queen's seal, it is just a ridiculous matter, so one begs your majesty to take back his order!"

Murong Yan took a look at Gan Xiaoru, and Gan Xiaoru was currently also in the midst of shock. But seeing Murong Yan's gaze, he quickly spoke out, "The various officials that have spoken are speaking too over the top, as his majesty is just believing that Zuo military instructor's thoughts are thorough, and deals with matters cleanly, so having her temporarily assist managing the rear harem, that is all. Could it be that if the palace is lacking in a queen, the palace servants no longer need to be governed? And if princesses are to be betrothed or married, the matter should be put off until after his majesty titles a queen?"

Bi Cheng Jing angrily said, "Since antiquity, the philosophy of reason has set limits! Which dynasty or which era, has the queen's seal ever been placed in the care of an outer court official?"

Gan Xiaoru's faction immediately came forward to mention Shang dynasty's Fu Hao, Qi country's loyal Wuyan, Liao country's Xiao Chuo etc. Within the court, it instantly became a mess of bickering. Zuo Canglang had kept silent the whole time, as when Murong Yan had said he was going to lend her something to play with, it actually turned out to be the queen's seal.

Although it looked ridiculous, but it was also an excellent move. Within court, the ones she could actually speak with were only Gan Xiaoru's faction. Among the military officials, he didn't have one that could rival Wenqi. Once Wenqi recovered, and brought troops to attack the city, between the large armies that a marshal would lead, against what a military instructor could lead, whose force would be more inspiring?

Additionally, Bi Cheng Jing's faction had deep roots, and if they didn't think of another method, then in any matter being discussed, Zuo Canglang could only be suppressed, and would entirely be useless. It was equivalent to him not having anyone in the army. But if he gifted the queen's seal, then it would not be the same.

Within court, other than him, who's position could exceed the queen's? Once there was any dispute, she wouldn't need to speak, and Bi Cheng Jing and his faction would automatically be at a disadvantage.

Within the dispute, of course Gan Xiaoru's faction managed to gain the upper hand. Murong Yan granted the queen's seal to Zuo Canglang, having her manage the rear court's matters. Managing the matters of the imperial harem, but in actuality, all the matters were entirely handled by Wang Yunzhao. Zuo Canglang was originally just a martial person, and she didn't have the mind to manage these annoying and little matters.

But having this seal on hand, everyone had to re-assess her position. Within court, she had become the first blurry personality. She was a fourth-ranked official, but her authority reached the heavens.

That night, Zuo Canglang was just preparing to eat dinner, and Murong Yan came in from outside. Thinking that Wang Yunzhao was busy, Feng Ping followed by his side. The palace servant girls were all worried and afraid of making mistakes, and prepared to once again make a royal dinner, but he only ordered people to add an extra two pairs of bowl and chopsticks, motioning Feng Ping to also sit down.

The three sat down, and Zuo Canglang said, "Your majesty granted this subordinate the queen's seal, is it......." She stopped for a moment, before finally still asking, "Is it with the intention of applying pressure to Suye city?"

Murong Yan said, "Wenqi's matter needs to be resolved sooner or later."

Zuo Canglang put down her chopsticks, saying, "But your majesty, marshal Wen is currently fighting desperately with the Western Jing forces, so we cannot stab them in the back. Otherwise, it will not only cause Great Yan's people to feel cold, but it will more so give Western Jing the opportunity to enter. Additionally, marshal Wen has unparalleled merit towards Great Yan, and without him, Western Jing's armies would already have crushed Jinyang city beneath their boots. We......"

Murong Yan didn't let her continue speaking, calmly saying, "I understand the principle. But Wenqi excels at defending the city, and if Western Jing doesn't see a result after attacking, they will also definitely pull their troops back. Once Western Jing retreats, Wenqi will definitely turn around to attack us. His loyalty towards father king, is not something you or I could alter."

Zuo Canglang still didn't speak, when Feng Ping at the side, suddenly said, "Based on this subject's knowledge, Wenqi's wife and parents are at their old home of Hua Tai, so if we take them hostage at hand, Wenqi will definitely have to think twice. Why not......"

He hadn't finished speaking when Zuo Canglang threw the teapot over. Feng Ping was unprepared, and reached his hand out to block, but hot tea splashed his whole body. He was also greatly angered, "What do you mean by this?!" Zuo Canglang angrily scolded him, "Marshal Wen is resisting the Western Jing, and has been at the border for ten years. You've been here in Jinyang city enjoying the peace! Currently, he is fighting to the death to defend Yan lands, so this type of shameless words, you actually have the gall to say!"

Feng Ping, being criticized by a girl like this, was also angered to no end, and immediately pulled his sword out. Murong Yan said, "Looks like this meal you two won't be able to finish eating."

At this, the two recovered their senses, and both knelt down admitting their fault. Murong Yan didn't let the two of them rise, only slowly eating on his own. After about fifteen minutes, he put aside his chopsticks, and had the servant girls bring water forward, to assist him in washing his hands. He wiped his hands, before saying, "On Wenqi's side, think of a method first. He is, after all, Great Yan's merited subject, so I also don't want to make this difficult for him, nor to do anything stupid to make an enemy out of him quickly. But with the current situation, you need to be clear of. If he is stubborn, what will flow would still be the blood of the people of Yan."

Zuo Canglang lightly said, "Yes."

Murong Yan finally said to Feng Ping, "Pulling out your sword before me, what do you plan on doing?"

Feng Ping pressed his head into the ground, "This subject is deserving of death!"

Murong Yan said, "You're punished with not receiving a salary for three months, and don't enter the palace for these two days. Think it over well in your own estate."

Feng Ping kowtowed again, "This subject accepts the order."

Leaving the southern hall, Feng Ping still followed behind Murong Yan, and thinking it over, "Your majesty, actually what this subject had said a moment ago, wasn't actually a ridiculous statement. Currently, within the military, whether it is Xu Lang or his vice general, they were all Wenqi's old subordinates. Towards Wenqi, they have actually been pretty loyal. And if we fight one day with Wenqi, it's difficult to guarantee that we don't have spies within our ranks! And the army he has led, he has led for ten years. Western Jing's troops attacks, can't even handle him. If we really were to meet at arms, it's difficult for us to have good odds of victory."

Murong Yan said, "I know."

Feng Ping quickly said, "But your majesty......"

Murong Yan stopped him, saying, "The worst strategy, you of course have to leave until there is no route left to use. I punished you to not receive your salary, not because of the words you said. But it was because of the reason you spoke these words." Feng Ping was startled, and Murong Yan slowly said, "You just wanted to let me understand, that Ah Zuo is also an old subordinate of Wenqi. So towards Wenqi, she would still have some loyalty. Feng Ping, you have followed me for ten plus years, right?"

"Yes...... seventeen years." Feng Ping's expression slowly blanched, and he slowly kneeled on the ground.

Murong Yan's hand slowly fell on his should, and that type of cold temperature made him shake. Murong Yan slowly said, "You were planning on manipulating me, within court, your own master's subordinate, needs sufficient wisdom. I rarely give this type of person a chance, but this time, I'll do it just for the sake of the seventeen years."

Saying thus, he turned to leave. Feng Ping raised his hand, wiping aside the large sweat drops on his forehead.

In the southern hall, Zuo Canglang sat before the desk. Actually some of the words that Feng Ping said were a bit accurate. At least the elite subordinates beneath Xu Lang were originally Wenqi's old subordinates. They attacked Murong Yuan, because Murong Yuan was incompetent and wasteful. They attacked Hui Ye garden, because Western Jing oppressed Great Yan for a long time.

But why are they attacking Wenqi?

No matter how this battle was described, it was useless, and they would lose before they even fought. But if Wenqi returned with his large armies, and Murong Yuan's faction managed to reconnect with them, then it would become extremely dangerous. Great Yan could not stay divided for a long period of time, otherwise it would definitely be crushed by Western Jing.

If they wanted to avoid war, there was another simple method---- assassinate Murong Yuan and Murong Ruo. Wenqi was only serving Murong Yuan, and as long as he died, Wenqi would probably put away his seal and submit. If he could take his family far away from the fight for power, it could also be considered a fortunate matter.

But wanting to kill Murong Yuan, how could it be easy? Assassination was also a worst plan, but it still required asking Leng Feiyan. But if Leng Feiyan knew of this matter, based on her personality, she didn't know what other chaos she would cause.

At this time, Leng Feiyan was in the center of a lake, the boat was drifting with the water. She stood at the head of the boat, dressed in a white linen dress, her waist thin and willow, a living attractive person like jade. Cang Ge was fishing, and occasionally said, "Watch out, lest you fall in there!"

Leng Feiyan ran to his side and sat down, resting her head against his shoulder, "Stop fishing, it's so boring!"

Cang Ge's voice held a bit of helplessness, "But if I don't fish, I don't know what we will eat for lunch."

Leng Feiyan kneaded his arm, saying, "I think this piece of meat is pretty good, as it's fresher than fish."

Cang Ge pulled her over, saying, "If you eat it, then I won't have a hand to help you fish with!"

Leng Feiyan giggled on his knees, her hairpin coming loose, unfurling her hair. The sky was clear and the water was bright, a peerless pair. Cang Ge's face was a bit embarrassed, and after two words, he let go of her, saying, "Don't make trouble."

He had recently spent most of his time staying in Cangjian sect, on one hand because Murong Yuan had encountered some serious matters, and Cang Tian Qi had journeyed out. On the second hand, Cang Feng was missing, and he could no longer be as free as he was in the past. In the past, if he didn't have any duties, he would come to Leng Feiyan's small yard to sit. At the beginning, it was just to check to see if she was living well, but later, slowly, he felt this person was appealing.

While Cang Tian Qi was out, he decided to bring Leng Feiyan to Cangjian sect. He didn't have a wife or concubines, and although Leng Feiyan had neither relatives nor close ones, but the people of the martial arts world didn't care about these small matters. Thinking of it, there wouldn't be any problems.

Currently, the time the two had spent in each other's company gradually increased, but he still abided by the rules, just hoping to wait for Cang Tian Qi to return to the sect, and with his approval, the two would officially get married.

Leng Feiyan didn't expect he would be serious to this extent, but Cangjian sect, she was still willing to live in for a period of time. After all, the martial arts library within, probably all of the martial arts world would have no match for.

Normally, when she was reading books, Cang Ge also wouldn't stop her.

Today, Cang Ge had the rare occasion of being free, and the weather was also good, so he brought her to play in the lake. Cangjian Sect's people all knew that Leng Feiyan would be the future young madam. He said not to let people follow along, so naturally nobody followed.

Cang Ge caught a few fish, and he filleted them, cooking them over a small fire. Not long later, the fragrant scents wafted about. He applied a bit of salt, and cooked them until they were crispy, giving it to Leng Feiyan. He didn't forget to help her blow it a few times. Leng Feiyan received it, and took the crispiest piece, feeding him with it.

Cang Ge opened his mouth, and accidentally sucked on her hand.

Although her hand wasn't as thin and smooth as the women of wealthy families, but it was still long and beautiful. Cang Ge was startled, the feeling of her fingertips shocked him, making waves in any young man's heart.

He unwittingly held her hand, and Leng Feiyan didn't reject this, and he knelt down, coming over to her, their four eyes looked at each other. The world was silent. The mountains hadn't flattened yet, and the fresh springs hadn't grown stagnant yet. Cang Ge lightly rubbed her face, her bright and clean skin, her attractive and perfect face.

Leng Feiyan slowly approached him. Within his eyes, was the reflection of the lake and mountain. The first time the young man's romantic heart was moved, there was a kindness and purity that was light and unsullied. Those who have fallen into this state, would not care for the passage of time.

Her red lips slowly approached, and Cang Ge slowly leaned forward, the lips met, and his reason was lost.

"Yan Yan, after father returns, I will send someone to ask for your hand in marriage." His voice spoke hoarsely, and in that moment, Leng Feiyan truly lingered in the warmth of it. Within her eyes, the light and darkness were only hallucinations, and only he was true and unmatched. The light scent of his body, the warmth between his two lips, the uncontrollable frenzy within his eyes, all made her truly give up her all.

She raised her hand, framing his face. Unfortunately, they didn't meet that year when I was homeless, left on the street, and can only linger on this moment.

TN: If you look at Chinese emperors and kings, they will usually take a reign name. There's also an Era name, and they were born with a personal name as well. I'm not particularly clear on the details, however, in history, they are usually referred to by their Era names. I.E. Year 3 of Qianlong's Reign or Year 4 of the Showa Era. Their personal name, I think isn't used after they take on the official mantle, and it's also considered potential cursing of the emperor if someone shares a character with him. (So people that share characters often have to change their names.) The era name is because it's usually "the dawn of a new era." So, in Western society, dates are either BC or AD/CE, traditionally. In Chinese/Japanese cultures, eras are by emperor. So they line up with a certain emperor's ascension, etc. So going by the Qing Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong, they each had reigns of 61 years, 13 years, and 61 years, respectively. Kangxi's reign began in 1661. So when referencing 1671, you would reference it in Chinese historical records as "The 10th year of Kangxi's reign." and if it was 1711 you were referencing, that is 70 years from Kangxi's reign, so it ends up being 9 years into Yongzheng's reign, so it would be "In the 9th year of Yongzheng's reign." Basically, all the eras kind of line up consecutively. As an additional note, the Chinese used a lunar calendar system, so this is kind of a rough explanation, as the number of days in a year don't line up perfectly, so there's also that calculation to take in mind when doing conversions. Additionally, the character he's using is "substitute" because he is "substituting his father king to manage the country."

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