CH 31

Xue Yu suddenly felt his heart drop to the ground, although he pretended to be shocked, somehow he wasn’t surprised that Xue Junliang had taken to address this point to his show of power. It still seemed a little too difficult to compete with Xue Junliang, he’d have to work harder. Xue Junliang was the Emperor, and he himself was just a subordinate; he would always be inferior to Xue Junliang and could only force a smile and swallow his anger.

Xue Yu knelt back down and said, “Chen-di would not dare. Your Majesty, please calm down, don’t be angry. Chen-di is just too used to spending moderately and doesn’t like to be extravagant, because Chen-di always bears in mind His Majesty’s generosity. That’s why Chen-di only brought a thousand soldiers and had no other thoughts of opposing His Majesty.” 

Xue Junliang: “What’s wrong with you today? You say don’t be angry, but this Seat isn’t angry. This Seat is just asking… But hearing you being loyal, never wanting to oppose me, this Seat is really moved.”

Xue Junliang then turned around to face all the other officials present before saying, “It just so happens that we’re here standing in front of the Late Emperor’s shrine. Let’s all vow, in the name of our ancestors, that if we ever even think about rebelling, may the heaven and earth combine to destroy us, may our hearts be pierced with a thousand arrows and may we die in agony.”

Xue Yu shivered, his delicate face turned a bit pale.

Everyone else did not dare to speak and held their breath, fearing His Majesty’s strange mood might turn upon them. An Emperor’s might was really powerful; one moment he could be talking gently and amiably inquiring about someone’s well-being, the next moment he could force people to fall on their knees and vow in front of the ancestors. 

The snow was slowly getting heavier, leaving a thin layer of it on the ground. Xue Yu was still kneeling on the ground, declaring his vows and kowtowing repeatedly for a few times.

Xue Junliang stood at the side with a smile on his face. Finally he again said to Xue Yu, “Actually, this Seat believes in you, after all, you are this Seat‘s younger brother. However, you haven’t come back to the capital city for years, it is inevitable that there are some rumors and slanders among the Imperial Court officials about you. As the saying goes, stand straight and do not be afraid if the shadow inclines. This Seat making you vow in front of the Late Emperor’s Shrine is to stop those rumors once and for all. Hope you understand this Seat’s intention.”

Xue Yu ground his teeth and forced a smile, “Yes, Chen-di understands. Thank you for Your Majesty’s benevolence.”

Xue Junliang talked some more, mentioning about this and that – all nonsense; making every court official present, nervous and uneasy. If Emperor Xue’s goal was to frighten the tiger by shaking the mountain, he succeeded.

In the evening, Xue Junliang held a banquet. Xue Junliang knew it was good that he had frightened the tiger, but he should not force the tiger to feel overly anxious. A tiger with long teeth was still a tiger, only after he really pulled out the tiger’s teeth and claws would it be safe to start grabbing the tiger, otherwise he would only injure himself.

The entire time they had dinner, Xue Junliang praised Xue Yu time and time again, saying he’d like to learn from Xue Yu as he was hard-working but not extravagant. He complained there was too much food on his table; this was excessive, he only ate a few dishes then ordered the rest to be rewarded to the officials so the food would not go to waste.

After the meal, Xue Junliang sent Jiang Yu to call the Empress over. At this point, His Majesty calling for the Empress was a foregone conclusion.

Xiu Yao had intentionally brought many pieces of jewelries and pretty clothes, all to be used in an evening like this. His Majesty went on an outing and had only brought the Empress to accompany him, it was as if he was giving the Empress an opportunity to win his favor. 

After her mistress bathed, Xiu Yao combed her hair into a simple hairstyle. It was tied loosely, like a loose cloud that would scatter at any time, a few strands were left untied and fluttering in the wind; whoever saw the hair would want to touch and set it free.

Xiu Yao had been serving in the Palace for a long time, she knew the perfect dress for every occasion. She had skillfully prepared a few dresses. Teng Yun’s mind was too preoccupied so he let Xiu Yao choose any dress.

Xiu Yao snickered. Being allowed to pick a dress, of course she would pick the loose-fitting one; the one which was easy to wear and even easier to take off.

When the Empress arrived, Xue Junliang was forced to admit the Empress’ appearance really had taken his breath away. 

He wasn’t talking about how beautiful her face was, but about how she looked delicate and feminine. Her charming face showed a touch of nobility; how she carried herself with composure, without arrogance, no self-indulgence, but with gracefulness.

Xue Junliang had asked someone to set up a table with a few plates of small dishes and fortunately, Teng Yun thought, a few jugs of wine. Xue Junliang was very cautious, if Xue Junliang wasn’t drunk, Teng Yun reckoned he may not have any chance in attempting to kill Xue Junliang.

Teng Yun took a seat next to Xue Junliang. His action wasn’t coquettish by any means, but compared to any other day, was much more obedient. This made Xue Junliang very proud for finally conquering this haughty Empress.

Xue Junliang drank a few cups of wine before he suddenly laughed and said, “Having drinks, but having no entertainment to accompany the wine. It’s rather boring. How about Aifei perform a dance?” 

Tengyun never learned any songs or dances. If he was asked to recite theories of war, there would be no problem. Even though he had started studying diligently since childhood, he had never been taught about women’s literacy. Now being asked to play music or to dance, his heart beat like a drum.

Before Teng Yun could answer, Xue Junliang called out, “Someone come!”

Hearing this call, the guards stationed outside went in. Emperor Xue seemed to be drunk and his movements unstable. Supporting himself with a hand on the table, Emperor Xue stood and staggered to the guards. When he was in front of one of them, he reached out a hand.

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Xue Junliang walked back to Teng Yun and handed him the sword, saying, “How about Aifei perform a sword dance for this Seat?”

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The sword Xue Junliang gave Teng Yun was a real sword, let alone using it for a sword dance, raising it in front of an emperor was considered a grave crime. Xue Junliang didn’t even order the guards to retreat; the two guards stood blocking the door, eyes alert and hands ready to grab their weapons. 

Even holding the sharp sword, Teng Yun didn’t stand a chance of killing Xue Junliang right this moment.

Xue Junliang sat back on his seat, leaning forward with hands on the table and watching the Empress with a smile on his face. Teng Yun always felt that the old fox saw through his actions and could only raise the sword.

Teng Yun had been using swords all his previous life. He’d been holding a sword right from when he started to learn at the age of six, all the way until he was killed by Xue Junliang’s arrow.

But now, the long sword was too heavy for this body he was in. 

Teng Yun swung the sword. He had seen a sword dance, but seeing it and imitating it were not the same thing. He also didn’t want to try too hard, because if an Empress of the Inner Palace looked skilled in sword dance, other people would find it too suspicious.

With his chin rested on his palm, Xue Junliang watched the Empress’ clumsy movements; her wide flowing skirt gently swirled with each move, and her white belt bound around a slim waist that looked smaller than his fist.

She looked so fragile and weak. The sword dance should be smooth; with infinite softness, but her movements were stiff.

Xue Junliang smiled. Seeing the Empress struggling because obviously she couldn’t hold the sword properly. His eyes darkened and he stood up again. 

He slowly walked over to the Empress. He pried the sword from her hands and threw it aside before pulling the Empress’ body to his. Teng Yun’s eyes widened, and then remembered to keep his calm, he restrained himself from struggling and lowered his gaze.

Feeling the Empress’s body softening in his arms, Xue Junliang let out a chuckle. One hand was still around the Empress’ waist, while his other hand reached up and removed her hairpin and threw it aside, just like he did with the sword.

Teng Yun turned his head, watching as the hairpin fell to the ground and his heart froze. Xue Junliang waited until the other person’s gaze was back on him before he lifted her in his arms, carried her to the inner room and threw her on the bed.

Without the hairpin, the Empress’ black and glossy hair was scattered messily on the quilt, contrasting with her white face; she looked stunning. 

Xue Junliang gently ran his fingers through her hair before smiling, “When you’re looking at me like this, it reminds me of someone…”

After he said this, he didn’t speak again. This kind of unclear words made Teng Yun uneasy.

Instead, Xue Junliang said, “All day, somehow it feels like we’re wanting the same thing. But if Aifei’s willing to be more active, I won’t even mind.”

As he said that, Xue Junliang’s hand had reached out to unfasten the other person’s belt, leaving the outer garment loose. 

Teng Yun raised a hand to pull his clothes tighter around him. The only sharp object on his body had already been thrown aside, and there were still guards outside…

Slowly retracting his hand, Teng Yun gritted his teeth. He’d had two lifetimes and been placed into Xue Junliang’s hands in both of them.

Initially, he thought he was reborn so he could fight Xue Junliang, but it all actually was a play of cat and mouse. In the end, no matter how high he jumped, he would always fall into Xue Junliang’s traps.

Xue Junliang, who had been staring at the other person’s eyes, felt as if he’d seen that same eyes before; the same dark and brilliant eyes, the same glint of defiance, even the same expression of despair. 

At that time, Xue Junliang was drawing a bow, looking at that person with narrowed eyes. The enemy looked miserable; full of bruises and scars, not an inch of his skin was intact. But the person still stubbornly returned Xue Junliang’s gaze.

Somehow, just like how this Empress did right now…

It was undeniable that Xue Junliang always appreciated talented people. A thought inevitably came to his mind when that person glared at him like that. Maybe if he let this person go, would he be grateful and later be willing to become his ally?

But that was something that was implausible, so Xue Junliang ignored that line of thought. He immediately readied his arrow and then released it. 

In his heart, Xue Junliang always admired that Iron-handed General, Teng Yun. Therefore, that time he was full of appreciation and admiration. Now, seeing this person under him looking back at him with the same kind of expression, it only added to his excitement and a burst of quick heat poured into his lower abdomen.

Xue Junliang pushed the memory of the other time aside. Teng Yun was Teng Yun; he was already dead, his body had already been cremated and was now dust. The person under him was his own Empress; it was a wife’s duty to attend to her husband’s needs.

Xue Junliang thought maybe he’d drunk too much wine, because he felt unbearably hot all over his body. With one hand, he opened the other person’s outer garment and gently kissed her neck.

His other hand was not idle at all. It slid up slowly along Teng Yun’s bare ankle, gripped it and slowly raised it up. 

Teng Yun realized it with a shock. He tried to kick his leg free but it was caught by Xue Junliang. He grabbed his ankle and forced him to open his legs.

The Empress was trembling like a leaf. Xue Junliang tried to appease her by gently kissing her lips and her forehead. He said, “You don’t like it? But by your reaction, it seems like you’re enjoying it very much.”

Being teased by Xue Junliang, Teng Yun’s face instantly turned blood-red. He ground his teeth forcefully; looking half-afraid and half-angry.

Xue Junliang saw the other person’s reaction and was momentarily distracted. He was reminded again how he felt he’d seen this same expression from that person too. 

When Xue Junliang was pondering over that, suddenly he heard Xue Houyang shouting from outside, “Your Majesty, there is an urgent report! Your Majesty…”

Jiang Yu and Xue Houyang were standing outside. Although it was not very late, Emperor Xue had been alone inside with the Empress for quite some time, it was clear he was busy. But then Marquis Wannian came in a hurry, demanding to have an audience with Emperor Xue.

Jiang Yu was in a dilemma. Even if he was given all the courage in the world, he would never dare disturb His Majesty when he was having a good time with his wife.

Xue Houyang saw Jiang Yu hesitating, so he himself called out loudly while knocking on the door. Xue Houyang used to be very straightforward and had many Palace propriety rules that he disliked. But after so many years in the Imperial Court, he’d learned to tolerate those rules. 

Xue Junliang knows that Xue Houyang has a sense of propriety. Still acting this impetuous despite knowing the proper rules, such recklessness was naturally due to a matter of great urgency.

But still, he was not pleased. Who would be pleased when they were interrupted at a time like this?

Xue Houyang had already called out a few times when the door was finally opened. He immediately stepped inside and presented the urgent report. The report was still tightly sealed, and on the outside, there was a word ‘Urgent‘ written with red ink.

One glance at the sealed report, Xue Junliang’s expression hardened. He led Xue Houyang and Jiang Yu to the side room. 

He opened the report letter, it was an emergency report from the border station.

Since Xue Yu left for the capital city, a group of people started to make troubles around the northern border. These people lived as nomads and were very aggressive by nature. Xue Yu’s military power wasn’t as strong as Xue Houyang’s, but his soldiers could still control these nomads all this time. The reason for it was simple, because these skilled and brave people were still living in a chaotic situation.

Their leaders had fought to build a country and named it with their surnames, but none among their generations of leaders had succeeded. One day, a son could rise to the throne, the next day the uncle could rebel, therefore throwing the whole country into the chaos of war.

Some years ago, a certain Cheng Tian helped push his own nephew into the throne. Cheng Tian held a large and powerful military force and had many skilled counselors under him. No one could compete with him, so for a time, all was well. 

However, after some time sitting on the throne, the young King gradually disliked being restrained under another person. His eunuch advised him that he could not remove Cheng Tian, because then the whole nation would be in an uproar. Instead, he could use another military commander to suppress Cheng Tian’s arrogance and influence. The young king chose a descendant of three generations of Kings, Zou Zhenying.

So the young King began gradually shifting the military powers. Cheng Tian found out and led his soldiers to surround the Imperial Palace. At this time, Zou Zhenying and his soldiers, using the justification of rescuing the King and protecting the country, crossed swords with Cheng Tian’s soldiers all over the Palace’s surroundings.

The young King apparently distrusted and trusted the wrong people. Zou Zhenying, wanting to seize the throne for himself, took advantage of the disorderly situation to invade the Palace and kidnap the young King and the Queen Dowager.

Cheng Tian led his soldiers to catch up to Zou Zhenying, but he didn’t want to forfeit the capital city so he chose to return. 

Presently, there was no chief commander on Xue Country’s border. Cheng Tian and Zou Zhenying, who had been in a deadlock, came up with an idea to reconcile. They immediately hit it off together and started giving birth to a new crafty scheme.

Using the excuse of searching the whereabouts of their young King, they said they heard some people saw the young King inside Xue Country’s territory and wanted to send troops there to rescue their King and bring him back to the Imperial Palace.

Their real goal was easy to see. Seeing as Xue Yu wasn’t at the border right now, they wanted to take this opportunity to enter Xue Country’s land. Xue had been at war with Teng Country for many years, naturally Xue Country had a shortage of troops. When else was a better opportunity than this time?

Xue Junliang balled the letter and laughed out loud, “Those barbarians, their own country is still unstable, yet they dare to covet my Xue Country’s land.” 

Hearing this, Xue Houyang couldn’t help straightening his back. Xue Junliang threw the letter to him. Xue Houyang quickly read it and then his expression turned ugly.

He said, “Your Majesty, please let Chen-di handle it, we cannot let those barbarians treat us like a joke.”

Xue Junliang said, “If you go, I can rest assured as you will definitely succeed, but this matter should not be handled by you.”

“This…” Xue Houyang paused. He knew Emperor Xue’s reason was justified. After all, this was concerning Xue Yu’s appointed station and not his. But if they were to send Xue Yu back right now, Xue Houyang would not be relaxed either. 

Xue Junliang sat down, signaling for Xue Houyang to take a seat, then said, “It is not impossible to send Xue Yu back, we just need to send another person to join the army; a person who could keep Xue Yu in check.”

Xue Houyang said, “Please forgive Chen-di‘s ignorance, but Chen-di can’t think of any such person.”

“You can’t?” Xue Junliang actually laughed, “That person is actually very closely related to you, it’s Teng Shang.”

“Teng Shang.” Xue Houyang repeated. Then he frowned, he thought of that time he saw Teng Shang and Xue Yu having tea together in a tea house but he could not tell this to Xue Junliang. 

He only said, “Your Majesty… It’s not that Chen-di doesn’t want to let Teng Shang go, but…it’s Teng Shang he will eventually…”

Xue Junliang waved a hand and said, “With Teng Shang’s ability and intelligence, he could easily keep Xue Yu in check, he hadn’t been keeping his seat as a minister for years for nothing. You only have to bring him in and I’ll tell him what to do…”

Xue Junliang stood and said unhurriedly, “Teng Shang will definitely accept. The reason Cheng Tian and Zou Zhenying invaded Xue Country’s land is because they and Teng Country are separated by a vast distance. If they succeed to occupy Xue Country’s land, their distance to Teng would be shorter. I am lending Teng Shang, elite soldiers and letting him protect his own country.”

Xue Houyang was stunned by Xue Junliang’s foresight. That was indeed true. 

Teng Country was weak, Feng Country was strong, Cheng Tian was skilled, so was Zou Zhenying. If Teng Country was not separated by Xue Country, this country would be too easy to attack. Whoever it was, as long as they occupied one area of Xue Country’s border, they could easily open a road directly into Teng Country’s land.

A person’s feelings could be predicted, a person’s loyalties could make him selfish. If there was a relationship between Teng Shang and Xue Yu, it didn’t matter. Teng Shang would spare no effort to lead this troop to defeat Cheng Tian and Zou Zhenying.

After they finished speaking, Xue Junliang exited the side room. Xue Houyang absentmindedly followed, thinking that  Xue Junliang still had more orders.

As soon as he turned out of the side room, he saw a flash in front of him. In reflex, he stepped in front of Xue Junliang to block whatever it was; the thing he blocked was actually a sword. 

Xue Houyang’s skill in martial arts was by no means lacking, yet he was unable to fully block the coming sword. The person who stabbed the sword almost managed to badly hurt him. If it wasn’t for that person’s clumsy movement; as if that person’s hand was not in tune with the sword, Xue Houyang reckoned he would have been defeated by such awkward handling of the sword.

The reason Xue Houyang could not fully block the sword was because he was too surprised.

“Si… Sister-in-law!”