CH 40

Zhao Lu and Feng Ming hadn’t been with each other for about half a year; being together with Feng Ming like this, Zhao Lu’s reservation was thrown out the window and he couldn’t stop wanting Feng Ming again and again.

When they were finally done, Feng Ming couldn’t even lift a finger and simply laid down weakly on Zhao Lu’s lap.

It was still raining outside, but the pitter-patter sound of the rain wasn’t as loud as before.

It looked like the rain was getting lighter and was about to stop soon. 

Listening to the sound of the rain, Feng Ming suddenly smiled, “In a situation like this, I still feel very content.”

Zhao Lu felt the irony of his words. If the other person wasn’t Feng King, maybe their relationship would not have to be this complicated.

Lu Shichen heard about Ming River’s dam collapsing and immediately sent people to reconstruct the dam and control the river water, while also sending people to search around Ming River for King Feng.

Feng Ming was trapped in the Ming River for two days before Lu Shichen’s people finally found him and escorted him back to the safety of the Palace.

Zhao Lu obviously did not show himself in front of the rescuers, as he couldn’t be seen and couldn’t go back with them. After making sure Feng Ming was alright, he rushed back to the Capital City ahead of Feng Ming.

Rui Xue was waiting for Zhao Lu’s return to his residence. She was still a very young woman; having to maintain Zhao Lu’s pretended illness by herself was quite difficult for her. When she saw that her master had finally returned, she almost burst into tears, tears of joy.

A few days after Zhao Lu’s return, Feng Ming’s entourage also arrived and was welcomed back into the Palace. Although Rui Xue didn’t say anything, she could see that the two men had actually reconciled.

When Feng Ming came back, he had a slight fever. Zhao Lu sent Rui Xue to the Palace to visit and take care of King Feng. King Feng said he himself didn’t remember most of what had happened, but Rui Xue could see that, though King Feng was having a fever, overall he looked more energized. Seemed like his spirit was restored. 

The flood incident, and the fact that King Feng had almost drowned, scared Lu Shichen to his very core. How could a river’s dam be so easily broken like a block of soft tofu?

Feng Ming was appreciative of Lu Shichen’s loyalty and made him responsible for the investigation. He should thoroughly investigate the cause of the Ming River flooding the city.

Rui Xue kept silent. She felt anxious but she also knew she wasn’t allowed to say anything. She was almost sure Emperor Xue had sabotaged the river somehow and diverted the river water to the city. Right now, people didn’t know yet, but if it’s investigated carefully, people would soon find out. A dug river left traces that would not disappear in a matter of a day or two. Wouldn’t the people investigating easily connect it to Xue Country?

It was exactly as Rui Xue had feared, not even a few days later, Lu Shichen had already found out and reported his findings to King Feng during the morning court. 

All the other court officials were in an uproar. Some people suggested sending troops to Xue Country in retaliation. Emperor Xue’s action was really too deceitful, if it wasn’t pursued, then how would the Feng Country’s dignity be maintained?

However, some people also thought that, since Emperor Xue dared to use this method, it was clear he wasn’t afraid of being discovered and was prepared in advance. If they recklessly sent troops to Xue Country, they might actually end up falling into the enemy’s evil traps. In the end it would be them suffering a great loss.

Feng Ming asked for Lu Shichen’s opinion.

Lu Shichen said, “This subject also thinks we must not rush into sending troops. Firstly, let’s not forget that Xue Country’s military power is very strong. Also, there is still Her Highness the Grand Princes in Xue Country… If Emperor Xue imprisons her and uses her as leverage, this could pose a problem.” 

When he mentioned this point, everyone else was a bit peeved. When the previous King Feng had been alive, he very much doted on the Grand Princess. Now, she was Xue Country’s Empress, but right now she was nothing more than a person who was a hostage in Xue Country.

People had feared someday it would be a rope binding their hands, restricting them from freely taking action. But current King Feng never made his intentions very clear, so the officials didn’t dare to voice their opinions rashly.

Feng Ming didn’t comment after Lu Shichen stated his opinion. But people who knew him, knew that Feng Ming would feel great murderous intent towards Xue Junliang. After all, Feng Ming was a volatile king; he might not attack if he wasn’t attacked first, but if someone sent him a written war challenge, he would gladly oblige.

Zhao Lu’s official seal was lost, so for the time being he used his own personal seal. People of Feng Country had gotten used to Marquis Zhulu’s dictatorial ways, although he’d been somewhat better this year; still nobody dared saying anything regarding him losing the official seal and using his own personal seal. 

Feng Ming thought Zhao Lu’s seal was lost when Zhao Lu was in River Ming saving him, so he ordered the people to make another seal for Marquis Zhulu and didn’t blame Zhao Lu at all.

But of course, the seal wasn’t lost. It had fallen into Xue Junliang’s hands.

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But Xue Junliang never imagined that his own brother would really have genuine feelings towards a man.

Xue Junliang might have noticed it since the first time, but he never really believed it. Teng Shang was indeed an exceptional figure and handsome. But he was still a man with an independent temperament. This peculiar specimen of a man, how come Xue Houyang was so dead-set on him?

Xue Junliang, for the life of him, could not understand. But one thing he was very certain of was that he couldn’t let his younger brother like such a person. If Teng Shang was sincere towards Xue Houyang, then it was another matter. If Teng Shang was using Xue Houyang’s infatuation like a Qi piece for his own gain, then choosing a concubine from the Triennial Selection for Xue Houyang was a decided thing.

The Triennial Selection was not an event that could be finished in a matter of a day or two. Just to enter the Capital City, the carriages bearing the young ladies would be queued in front of the City gates for about a half a month. There were also many participants; the officials in charge had to select them, and then His Majesty himself would also select them; therefore the selection wasn’t only done once, but many times. Participants whose sign-plates were put down, had to return home and those whose sign-plates weren’t put down would move to the next round of selection. 

The Emperor wasn’t only choosing the young ladies for his own, he also had to choose concubines for other royal members and noblemen. Not only he had to look at the participants’ appearance, but also their social backgrounds and family statuses had to be well-matched, too. The entire process was a very taxing activity.

Xue Junliang was busy with the Imperial Court all day, yet could not neglect his selecting duty, so he would only see twenty participants a day and no more. Due to this the selection process itself usually took quite long.

Xue Junliang had just finally finished seeing today’s twentieth participant. He had put down all of their sign-plates and asked them to return home. He was ready to go to Yunfeng Palace and see the Empress, but Jiang Yu approached him with an untimely report.

Noting the sour expression on the Emperor’s face, Jiang Yu pulled all his courage to say, “Your Majesty, the guards sent a report, saying that there was someone at the Palace entrance shouting and making a ruckus, yelling rebellious words.” 

Xue Junliang did not take it seriously at all, “Then capture and kill that person.”

“But… This old servant heard the offender yelling things about the Empress, so… this old servant thought it was prudent to report to Your Majesty privately. Also, there were too many people at the Palace Gate. If the offender was left yelling loudly there, this old servant thought it would be unwise.”

Xue Junliang laughed, “Since when did your skill in speech become this good?”

Jiang Yu smiled, “It is all thanks to Your Majesty’s influence and also thanks to the Empress’ teachings.” 

Xue Junliang knew it was just Jiang Yu’s sweet talking to him, but it actually did work in calming his mood. Whatever it was, if there was any connection to the Empress, Xue Junliang’s mood would be greatly improved. Did this mean he was starting to fall for this clever Empress?

If the Empress remained obedient and docile, and was willing to sever her connections to Feng King, Xue Junliang felt he could really give her his sincerity. Then, who knew, maybe he could even grant her children.

Jiang Yu saw Emperor Xue’s ‘smirk on his face’ and had to cough discreetly before saying, “Your Majesty, the offender has been caught, do you want to see him?”

Xue Junliang then returned to his senses. He cleared his throat as well trying to hide his embarrassment at being caught daydreaming. He then said, “Then bring him here. This Seat wants to see what kind of person dares to cause ruckus at the Palace entrance.” 

Soon, the offender was taken to see the Emperor. He was being dragged by He Zhong, He Ren and He Yi. The three brothers were wearing the uniform of Imperial Guards; three thick and burly men pulling an offender whose hands were bound tightly behind him.

The offender was actually a rather pale-looking scholar. He was tied tightly and his mouth was stuffed with a balled piece of cloth as if to prevent him from talking. But the offender looked calm, as if he wasn’t a prisoner at all; there was no sense of panic in his eyes.

The three He brothers, after being recruited by the Empress, were not willing to be officials. Instead, they opted for the Imperial Guards’ position and devoted themselves to protecting the Empress.

Teng Yun liked talented people, so naturally he didn’t want to let go of these three brothers. Xue Junliang indulged the Empress, so naturally he didn’t want to deny what she wanted; this way, the three He brothers were put under the Empress’ name as her subordinates. 

Xue Junliang took in how three strong men treated the scholar ruthlessly and said, “What are you three doing? Don’t let people see you and say that this Seat‘s Imperial Guards are abusing the weak.”

Hearing this, the three brothers laughed out loud. But after laughing, they suddenly remembered to pay respect to Emperor Xue and they immediately lowered themselves to the ground and kowtowed. The three burly men’s expressions were very honest and innocent-like, Xue Junliang decided not to berate their rude behavior.

However, the offender didn’t kneel down. He Zhong lightly kicked the offender behind the knee. The offender’s pained shout was muffled by the cloth as he fell to his knees. Apparently the offender was not only a pretty-faced scholar, but also a person with no strength to bind a chicken.

Xue Junliang said, “Why did you gag him?” 

He Ren said, “Your Majesty, please don’t believe his scholarly look, this little kid has supernatural powers. As soon as he talks, he can hypnotize and confuse people who listen to him. Just now, us three brothers were almost tricked into letting him go.”

“Oh? Is that so? But this Seat doesn’t believe in supernatural powers. Untie him.”

Because Emperor Xue said he doesn’t believe in supernatural powers, the three He brothers loosened the tie binding the offender and pulled off the strip of rag covering his mouth. The offender then stood up and dusted his knees, but still didn’t kowtow to pay respect to the Emperor.

Jiang Yu shouted, “How dare you not pay your respects to His Majesty!” 

The scholar sneered and said, “I am not a Xue Country person, why should I kowtow to him?”

Xue Junliang didn’t show any anger; still smiling amiably as usual. He slowly played with the ring on his thumb and asked with a smile, “Then which country are you from, and what are you doing in Xue Country?”

The scholar didn’t even use a respectful tone when he said, “I used to be a Teng Country person, later I moved to Feng Country. But when the Ming River overflowed and flooded the city, I had no choice but to flee Feng Country, and finally come to Xue Country.”

“Oh…” Xue Junliang didn’t show it on his face, but inwardly, he was quite shocked. Looked like this person had something to say to him so he waved a hand, signaling everyone else to withdraw. 

Jiang Yu, fearing the offender would assassinate Emperor Xue when there was no one around, was not willing to leave the Emperor alone. But then, Xue Junliang indicated Jiang Yu should leave, too. Xue Junliang carelessly allowed the three He brothers to stand guard, and ordered the rest to withdraw from the flower garden for the time being.

When everyone else had left, Xue Junliang said, “You are smart, this Seat can hear what you’re implying… But still, this Seat has doubts. You said the Ming River City was flooded, but then why did you come to Xue Country? And by coming here, what is your intention?”

The scholar said, “Although it was not a great thing to do, the mastermind who planned and diverted the Ming River to flood the city is a person who is a clever strategist and has great courage. Unfortunately he is only surrounded by military commanders and does not have a Literary Minister who is an expert in civilian affairs. So wasn’t this a good opportunity to recommend myself?”

Xue Junliang didn’t respond, so the scholar continued, “I came to Xue Country to show my ambition. As I had said earlier, I originally came from Teng, but Teng Country’s king is muddleheaded and incompetent, he has appointed treacherous people around him. The Imperial Princes who rebelled and wanted to usurp him also were too many to count. I went to Feng Country but at the most, I could only climb to a small county magistrate’s seat. If I’m being honest, that was King Feng’s own loss.” 

“You really dare to say such insolent things!”

“It is because I have the strength to prove myself”

“Then bluntly tell this Seat,” Xue Junliang said, “What are you shouting at the Palace Gate?”

The scholar smiled and said, “I was shouting that Her Majesty the Empress’ life was in danger!” 

“Disgraceful!” Xue Junliang slammed a hand on his armrest and sat straighter in his seat, “Where did you get the courage to say malicious words about the Empress of this Nation!”

The scholar didn’t look afraid as he said, “It’s not about courage, it’s a fact. The Empress’ lifetime is coming to an end, her end is nearing. You should think about the future first.”

The scholar’s words made Xue Jinliang so angry that he was speechless with the amount of anger he felt. At this time, Jiang Yu rushed to him and said, “Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress requests an audience.”

Xue Junliang glanced at the scholar and then turned to Jiang Yu, “Tell the Empress to wait at the front hall, this Seat will see her there in a moment.” 

Jiang Yu grimaced and said, “Your Majesty… The Empress said she wanted to see the unparalleled counsellor who called himself, Jiang Ziya.”

Hearing that, Xue Junliang realized that the Empress must have heard the news, he had no other way to hide this matter. Well, the Empress was clever and had a sharp mouth, maybe she could put this arrogant scholar in his place.

As soon as the Empress arrived, she was surrounded by her three guards. Xue Junliang ordered Jiang Yu to bring a chair, but before Jiang Yu could act on the command, the three He brothers had brought one; the look on their faces was as if worshiping an eldest brother…

Xue Junliang waited until the Empress sat down before turning back to the scholar, “Continue talking.” 

The scholar boldly looked directly at the Empress and said, “Every word I speak is true and justified. I don’t speak empty words.”

He paused for a moment before continuing, “After the flooding of the Ming River City, King Feng would definitely order people to investigate it. When he finds that all the evidence points to Xue Country, he will definitely find reasons to send troops. Not sending troops would be unreasonable. However, the flooding of the city alone is not a sufficient enough reason for sending troops. After all, Emperor Xue could just say he is framed by someone. So, if King Feng really wants to send troops, his best excuse is the Empress.”

Teng Yun smiled and said, “Me?”

“Xue Country’s Empress was Feng Country’s Grand Princess, the relationship is inextricably linked. The presence of the Eldest princess restricts Feng Country’s actions as they could not openly send troops. But if the Grand Princess is assassinated, the situation would be drastically different and they could use it as an excuse to send troops.” 

Xue Junliang glanced at the Empress. After all, the scholar had just said that King Feng, her own biological younger brother, was wanting to harm her.

Teng Yun’s expression showed nothing, but inwardly he let out a deep sigh. Sure enough, every country was all the same; flesh and blood relations didn’t matter, everything could be used to achieve their own personal goals. Xue Junliang was the only peculiar example for treating Xue Houyang sincerely for so many years.

Xue Junliang said, “Then what is your intention for saying this? Aren’t you just saying frightening words to scare people? Then you’re just spoiling Jiang Ziya’s great reputation.”

The scholar knew Emperor Xue was only baiting him. If any other King heard him spouting rude words, they would have already ordered him to be beaten to death. This Xue Junliang, on the other hand, was able to keep his calm. 

Feeling that Emperor Xue had passed his personal test, this time the scholar spoke again in a respectful manner, “This lowly subject is not spouting nonsense, only wishing Your Majesty would consider this fact seriously and forgive this lowly subject for speaking impetuously and recklessly… This lowly subject has a plan to prevent dangers threatening Her Majesty the Empress’ life, but this plan and its aftermath is quite treacherous.”

As the scholar turned to act more respectfully, Xue Junliang’s tense expression also eased. He said, “You can speak.”

The scholar said, “This lowly subject’s family name is Shen, given name Yi. Originally, this lowly subject was from Teng, had served as an official for two years, but the political situation in Teng Country didn’t allow this lowly subject to stay there for much longer. This time, if King Feng wants to use the Empress as a pawn to send troops, then Emperor Xue could use Teng Country to help ensure the Empress’ safety.”

Although Teng Yun was knowledgeable, he could not discern Shen Yi’s meaning. 

Shen Yi continued, “Teng Country has been suffering internal strife for a long time now. Not long ago, because King Teng wanted to impress his favourite wife, he decided to make her son the heir to the throne and abolished the eldest prince. Since ancient times, such abolistment has always led to chaos. Though Madam Wang’s son is smart, he is young and weak. He obviously could not obtain the respect of the masses. The eldest son, Teng Xin, has started to move his military power to rebel since half a month ago.”

Hearing the news, Teng Yun felt like he had been doused in ice cold water. His eldest brother, Teng Xin, had always been a loyal and honest person. Whenever one of the princes acted rebellious, he would send his soldiers to help suppress the rebellions. Teng Yun never would have imagined that Teng Xin himself would rebel one day.

But Teng Yun knew that Teng Xin might have been forced to act now. Madam Wang was very beautiful and charming. Although she was no longer very young, her means and tricks were still countless. She used to be very popular and pampered by King Teng. Now that Teng Qianyi had been sent away to Xue to marry, no one could compete with her ever again. Madam Wang had plotted the death of Teng Country’s Empress, and now she wanted to establish her own son to become the Crown Prince.

Shen Yi said, “At this time, Your Majesty could send troops to Teng country to assist the King in quelling the rebellions. After that, King Teng would feel extremely grateful to Your Majesty. King Teng would also be in constant fear that another rebel would emerge, so Your Majesty could say that you have a solution to keep Teng Country safe and peaceful, that is for King Teng to surrender and pay allegiance to Xue Country. With this, Emperor Xue could effortlessly take over Teng Country and King Feng would not dare act rashly.” 

Shen Yi’s plan was simple, but Xue Junliang was doubtful. Taking over a country was not a simple matter. Some people of that country might sincerely surrender, but a country consisted of numerous and various people; it might be dangerous in the long run.

Shen Yi said, “Your Majesty, please do not take too long to consider the matter. King Teng still has clever strategists around him. As soon as they hear that King Feng wants to send troops to Xue country, they would be happy to encourage Xue and Feng Countries to fight each other. They might suggest adding fuel to the fire between Xue and Feng. One of the main opportunities is Her Majesty, the Empress… This lowly subject says this with his head as a guarantee, if Your Majesty doesn’t act immediately, then for sure King Teng will send someone to assassinate the Empress.”

Teng Yun gazed at the small lake at some distance with complicated feelings in his heart. Previously, Teng Qianyi had tried to frame him, and from that time, he was very upset and his heart was unsettled. Now, he heard that his own father might want to kill him. Even though they had no way of knowing it was him, Teng Yun, inside the Empress’ body, still, how could Teng Yun not feel upset? All the grievances knotted up inside his heart, could no longer be untangled easily.

Teng Yun was a Teng Country’s person, he obviously knew his father’s worth. For so many years, Teng Yun had spared no effort to fight and serve for the country, but then he would be forced to retreat because of the lack of army provisions. If King Teng had agreed to send more soldiers as assistance, they would not have been isolated, left alone defending the border city. In the end, Teng Yun and his soldiers were defeated and captured. 

King Teng was a coward and timid, and would only be too happy to sacrifice his trusted aides to achieve what he wanted. Right now, Teng Yun could not understand if there was any comparison between King Teng with Xue Junliang, but Teng Yun still could not let go of this tanglement from his heart.

Xue Junliang felt Shen Yi had made a valid point and gave him an official position as the Crown Prince’s tutor and let him stay at the Palace.

Shen Yi sincerely thanked Emperor Xue. He hadn’t yet withdrawn when Xue Houyang came in and reported, “Your Majesty, there is a large influx of refugees at the border of Teng.”

Xue Junliang said, “Refugees?” 

Shen Yi supplied, “Because Teng Xin mobilized his soldiers, the commoners are feeling threatened. They must have had no other choice but to seek shelter in Xue Country. Your Majesty must open the border gate, you cannot let them travel a long distance only to be blocked outside.”

Xue Houyang knitted his eyebrows, “Opening the border gate is not an easy decision. If there are criminals and bandits mixed among the refugees, they could cause troubles inside our land.”

Xue Junliang agreed with Xue Houyang, it was what he had thought, too. Opening the border gate for Teng Country people, wasn’t it like allowing the enemy to attack from the inside?

Teng Yun also frowned. He could not bear it if Xue Country didn’t let the refugees seek shelter.  But if one looked from Xue Country’s perspective, letting the refugees in was risky too. 

After thinking for a long time, Teng Yun finally couldn’t help but say, “Your Majesty, if we don’t let the refugees into the pass, the refugees will pile up at the pass and pose a threat to the guards instead.  Why don’t we let the refugees into the pass, gather them and open a food relief center and make them work there? Then we can send soldiers to guard them. This way there’s no fear of anyone doing anything wrong.”

Xue Junliang knew the Empress was very kind-hearted. He himself also thought it would be a good opportunity to make Teng Country people feel grateful to Xue Country, so he nodded and said, “But this Seat wants Houyang to go handle it. This Seat cannot be assured with any other people for this.”

Xue Houyang knelt and accepted the decree. He stood up and was about to leave when Xue Junliang stopped him, saying, “You can take Teng Shang with you.”

Xue Houyang’s eyes widened in surprise and delight. He knelt once again and finally withdrew to pack and prepare for his departure.