CH 21

Teng Shang didn’t know the Empress was in fact Teng Yun. Naturally, he felt nothing when he saw her. He just greeted the Empress, and that was that. Only Teng Yun felt uncomfortable.

When the two entered the main hall together. Jiang Yu shook his head at the unfortunate coincidence. By His Majesty’s attitude, Jiang Yu could guess His Majesty was suspecting that there was another man in the Empress’ heart. Although Teng Shang and Her Majesty didn’t know each other, by these several encounters, Jiang Yu could clearly see His Majesty was keeping an eye on Teng Shang. 

After all, Jiang Yu had also heard what Teng Qianyi had said.

Jiang Yu meant to support this well-behaved Empress, but he was also powerless. The Empress’ appearance had become so much better in a short time, it was inevitable she’d attract rumors and slanders.

Xue Junliang saw the Empress and Teng Shang coming in together and his heart began feeling upset. Although it was impossible to say how deep the Emperor had feelings for his Empress. And he, as the Emperor, often said he would deeply love all and every one of his wives and concubines. But in reality, it was a lie, because he, like any other Emperor, had this one common flaw. That is supremacy; everything under the sky was his, including this one wife.

Xue Junliang invited Teng Yun to sit next to him. Smiling, he said, “How come you two entered together?” 

Teng Yun said, “I just met him at the hall door.”

Xue Junliang kept smiling as he glanced at Jiang Yu. Jiang Yu promptly nodded slightly, indicating that it was so and the Empress was telling the truth.

Although Xue Houyang had a straight disposition, he and Emperor Xue had always been close since childhood. He was the one who knew Emperor Xue the most. Looking at Xue Junliang’s seemingly indistinct smile, Xue Houyang couldn’t help being nervous. He racked his brain trying to find a way to tell Teng Shang to be cautious; to not do anything that might touch Emperor Xue’s reverse scale. Because that would be very dangerous.

Xue Country’s former emperor had passed away, Xue Junliang and Xue Houyang’s mother also passed away early. Xue Junliang as the eldest of the two brothers, was like the father, therefore Xue Houyang and Teng Shang would pour tea for Emperor Xue and the Empress.

After having tea, Xue Junliang didn’t insist the for new couple to stay. He talked a few things then let them go back.

Xue Junliang didn’t mention Teng Shang anymore, instead said, “It is rare to have a bit of free time. Go for a walk with this Seat?”

Jiang Yu was very perceptive. He immediately ordered servants to bring over two fur cloaks, which he then helped Emperor Xue into one. Xue Junliang personally helped Teng Yun to put on the other cloak.

Xue Junliang walked around with no specific destination in mind, followed by a group of maidservants carrying some wine and fruit plates. 

Xue Junliang said, “The wedding of Marquis Wannian is all wrapped up, we can no longer delay preparing for Aifei’s visit to Feng Country. When does Aifei think it’s appropriate to go?”

“Whenever Your Majesty deems appropriate.”

Xue Junliang nodded. At once, his mood was much better because of the Empress’ answer. Yet, that wasn’t the answer he was waiting for. He was waiting for the Empress to say honestly what she wanted. As long as she said she didn’t want to go to Feng Country, Xue Junliang would not let her go.

On the other hand, Teng Yun was waiting for Xue Junliang to allow him to go… 

Xue Junliang said, “Aifei seems to be down lately, is it because the pain on your face has relapsed?”

Teng Yun kept his gaze on the ground, trying to look respectful as he said, “Chen-qie just feels a little under the weather. The pain on my face is now a lot better.”

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As he said, he reached a hand out to lift Teng Yun’s chin, squinting slightly as he stared at the other’s face, “Aifei looks more and more stunning.” 

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Xue Junliang waited a long time for a reaction before he added, “I have heard that Aifei and King Feng are twins. You must look very similar to each other.”

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Xue Junliang said, “Then Aifei, could you tell me stories about your childhood?” 

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“Replying to Your Majesty,” Teng Yun said evasively, “Truth is, the everyday life in a royal family is relatively monotonous, I am afraid that Chen-qie will make Your Majesty feel bored.”

“Alright.”

Xue Junliang looked as if remembering something. As soon as he lifted his clothes and sat inside a small pavilion, the maidservants followed inside to put the wine and the fruit plates on the table and then retreated. 

Xue Junliang beckoned Teng Yun to sit down, then he continued, “When I was a child, I didn’t understand anything. I had always felt that all my brothers and sisters were not enough; not lively enough and not close enough… When I got older I finally understood, we were not close, not because there were not many siblings… But because there were too many.”

Xue Junliang smiled and sighed, “Now, this Seat only has one brother, Houyang, but I feel complete….”

As Teng Yun listened, he thought Xue Junliang might be only telling lies, but he also knew that, just as Xue Junliang had said, Teng Yun’s family was also like that.

The parent was wary of his own sons, fearing the princes who were outstanding would snatch away his throne. The older he got, the more he was afraid. He sent out all those capable princes to do tasks. But even after sending the princes away, he was still afraid the princes would gather too much military powers and would lead a rebellion. 

The princes themselves would form parties and alliances. If one person didn’t join any group, the other would be suspicious and then drive him away. The princes would also try to win over as many officials as possible by marrying their daughters.

Teng Yun had lived for twenty-nine years. It was impossible that he had no wife and children. But when he died, indeed, he didn’t even have a wife.

Most of the princes’ wives were all daughters of influential families. After all, which young ladies from wealthy families, who were spoiled and pampered since childhood, could allow their husbands to leave and who could only come see them once in every ten years, and when the husbands did occasionally come home, they could only stay for less than a month, and they would have to leave again for war?

With the head of the family always away from home, those wives were like living widows. 

When Teng Yun returned victorious for the first time, his wife cried and begged him to divorce her. Out of good intentions, Teng Yun sent her back to her mother’s house.

Teng Yun was unhappy at that time. Later, he was captured and killed. The iron-fisted Great General didn’t even leave any children behind when he died. He had no one to collect his ashes, no one to guard his funeral hall.

Xue Junliang had been watching the Empress’ face all the time, and by her expressions, he knew she was moved by his words. He thought the Empress was not happy in Feng Country.

It was said that King Feng was vicious, merciless and tyrannical. The Grand Princess, Feng Yun, had offended King Feng once. As a punishment, she was sent away to marry. The Grand Princess’ offence was actually very simple; she opposed King Feng’s relationship with Marquis Zhulu. 

Xue Junliang had said so much, yet the Empress hadn’t uttered a single word. Since she was so unhappy when she still lived in Feng, why didn’t she just say she wanted to stay here? Xue Junliang usually couldn’t stand people who hid their feelings for fear of offending others. There were 3,000 women in his harem; without this one woman, he still had many.

Xue Junliang said, “It is understandable if Aifei misses her hometown. But preparing for your journey will need some time. You are still Xue Country’s Empress, your journey should be arranged properly.”

After Xue Houyang and Teng Shang’s wedding, there were no more out-of-ordinary business other than Xue Houyang leaving his residence early and coming back very late.

The Empress’ journey to her hometown could not be done carelessly. If her escorts weren’t cautious, something bad could happen and would likely lead the two countries to war. Everyone already knew what King Feng’s character was. Xue Houyang had also been quietly transferring his troops into the capital city while preparing for the Empress’s journey. 

It’s not a small matter to mobilize troops. They had to move the military provisions in advance. All these things needed money, and had to be carried out in secret; they couldn’t let King Feng hear any news.

The preparation took two months to be done. In these two months, Teng Yun never saw Teng Shang.

When the date for the departure was set, Teng Yun could no longer sit still.

Living in Xue country, Teng Yun was constantly in fear of having a lot of unnecessary trouble. Especially since the Ugly Empress was suddenly cured; people could see that the Empress was very favored. Many of the imperial consorts were eyeing Yunfeng Palace, like watching a prey. 

Teng Yun had tried to avoid troubles after troubles, but his departure was getting closer, and he could not hold himself back anymore.

He sent Xiu Yao to invite Teng Shang into the Palace. Teng Shang’s identity was fortunately Marquis Wannian’s wife, so it should be reasonable for him to enter the Palace and chat with the Empress.

Teng Shang was led into the tea room, but this time Teng Yun didn’t sit behind a beaded curtain.

Teng Shang knelt down to greet the Empress, then sat down. 

Tengyun knew that if he couldn’t say anything this time, it would be likely the last chance for him. He was determined he would escape. If he couldn’t successfully escape it meant death; either he would be killed by King Feng or once again be killed by Xue Junliang’s hands.

“Although I always lived inside the Inner Palace, I also heard many stories about righteous and loyal persons and I often heard a lot about Master Teng.”

At first, Teng Shang thought the Empress inviting him was to persuade him to surrender. But somehow, he couldn’t help thinking that this Empress’ words were very familiar.

After all, he hadn’t seen Teng Yun for many years. Even the few times Teng Yun returned to the capital city in victory, Teng Yun would attend the Palace Banquet then had to hurriedly leave again. 

Teng Shang’s memories of Teng Yun was when Teng Yun was still young.

Teng Shang said, “Your Majesty is too kind.”

Teng Yun smiled bitterly, “The weather is getting colder lately. Master Teng, please wear more warm clothes.”

Then Teng Yun waved his hand and motioned to Xiu Yao to send the guest out. 

Teng Shang knew this weird Empress was the type that would not say anything as long as she wasn’t required to speak. He could not understand what she meant. The more he thought about it, the more he found it even weirder. The Empress was a Feng Country’s Grand Princess, while he himself was from Teng Country; it should be impossible for them to have anything to do with each other.

Not to mention that a few days ago, Xue Houyang had also warned him to stay away from the Empress. Which was very strange.

On the other side of the Palace, Xue Junliang was listening to Jiang Yu’s report. He calmly put his writing brush down and asked, “What do you think of the Empress’ intention in inviting Teng Shang into the palace?”

Jiang Yu said, “This old servant is unknowledgeable, and cannot guess what’s Her Majesty’s intention is.” 

“I cannot guess either.”

Early the next morning, the Empress’ entourage was about to depart. Emperor Xue would personally send her off.

Xue Junliang climbed into the Imperial carriage with the help of a servant. Then he reached out a hand to help Teng Yun up. Although he was merely helping the Empress, people who saw it thought it was a great honor for Her Majesty to have the Emperor bend down and bow his head slightly for her.

The carriage was very large. Inside, there was a soft couch which was very spacious. Not to mention two people, it was big enough for five or six people lying together. 

Xue Junliang and Teng Yun sat side-by-side in silence. Xue Junliang closed his eyes as if he was taking a rest.

The ride was very steady, the carriage only swayed a few times. After some time, the carriage stopped and they heard Jiang Yu’s voice from outside, “Your Majesty, we have arrived at Shili Pavilion.”

Xue Junliang opened his eyes and lifted the curtain. Immediately, someone placed a low stool for Xue Junliang to come down.

Not far from the carriage, there sat a huge pavilion and in its front, there were a group of officials kneeling on the ground. 

At this time, the snow was falling, covering the ground with a thin layer of white. It made the Shili Pavilion look even more magnificent.