CH 64

Edited -Zaki

———- 

When Teng Yun left, Lang Jing said, “My Lord still hasn’t learnt his lesson. The last time he suffered a great loss, now he has to repeat the same mistakes.

Xue Yu did not look at him, poured himself a cup of wine and said, “Lesson? Are you worthy of teaching me a lesson?”

“This Lang does not dare to lecture My Lord.”

Xue Yu gently waved his hand and said, “Lord Lang doesn’t have to call me ‘Lord’ anymore. After you returned from the Ming River, Emperor Xue neither punished you nor disparaged you. You are even more popular in the Military Office now. My congratulations.” 

As he spoke, he seemed to be suddenly angry as he threw the cup to the ground. He stared at Lang Jing and said, “You are really comfortable, because Xue Junliang didn’t lock you up… Do you know how it feels to be locked in the house, without even a window in it? I am obviously of Royal and Noble lineage, but even the lowly guards could laugh at me and throw the food on the ground to be licked.”

Lang Jing’s face finally changed, “Lord…”

Xue Yu interrupted him, saying, “I don’t want to see you. I’ll go my own way. Even if I lose my head, I have my own dignity. What Xue Junliang owes me will be paid back sooner or later.”

Lang Jing didn’t speak for a little while and just when Xue Yu was about to blast his anger at him, he opened his mouth and said, “My Lord, do you think you can do better than the current Emperor if you ascend the throne?”

Xue Yu glared at him sideways, “What do you mean?”

Lang Jing said, “Take Feng Country for example. Feng Country is seeking peace, but anyone with discerning eyes could see that this is short lived peace and one day soon the peace would be torn apart. And the banks of the Ming River would be a war zone again. What would the Lord want to do then?”

Xue Yu just stared at him without saying anything. The bloodshot eyes made the man look very gaunt.

Lang Jing added, “Lang Jing’s years with the Lord were not short. I think no one has known the Lord better than this Lang. You are impatient and can’t hide your emotions. You’re not suitable to be the King of a country.” 

“Oh?”

Xue Yu didn’t get angry but instead smiled and said, “You finally said what’s in your heart?”

Lang Jing said, “The Lord is angry. In fact, he doesn’t really want to be the Ruler of a country. He just can’t swallow his anger. But why use the method of defeating Generals at the expense of Soldiers.”

Xue Yu snorted coldly, “So Lord Lang is here to lobby, but I know Xue Junliang’s personality very well. He might seem very generous on the surface but in fact he isn’t tolerant at all. Do you want me to make achievements and let Xue Junliang look at me differently? I’m afraid Xue Junliang will think about how to seize my power at that time!” 

Lang Jing’s face remained unchanged, and he said calmly, “Since ancient times, people who have won the hearts of the people have won the world. The reason why Emperor Xue cannot move Marquis Tengnan is because he can win the hearts of the people. If an Emperor kills a wise man in vain, he will only invite rebellion.”

Xue Yu did not respond, but from his face it could be seen that he thought Lang Jing was still lobbying.

Lang Jing did not say anymore, he turned to go out and before leaving the door of the cubicle said: “Perhaps the Lord does not believe in this Lang’s loyalty, or perhaps the Lord is not able to listen to this Lang’s advice, only ……”

Lang Jing seemed to want to say something, but his voice was too low. Xue Yu didn’t catch it clearly, and then he went out. Xue Yu stared at the half-closed door, made a sudden push and smashed the wine pot. The wine pot broke all over the ground but it couldn’t dispel his anger. 

——-

The next day at the Morning Court, the Ministers still wanted to continue to discuss the establishment of the Noble Consort, but a memorial broke everyone’s arrangements. Xue Junliang’s uncle Marquis Zheng An had died.

Xue Junliang just didn’t know whether Teng Yun should be in the Court or in the Imperial Harem. He took this opportunity to seal everyone’s mouth.

Xue Junliang said: “Although Marquis Zheng An doesn’t come to the Capital City often, this Seat has always respected him. Now that this Seat’s uncle has passed away, these things will be postponed.” 

It was absolutely impossible to say how deep the feelings between Xue Junliang and Marquis Zheng An were. Among the previous generation of Xue Emperors, Marquis Zheng An was the only one left.  The reason why he could stay was actually very simple. Marquis Zheng An held military power and was kind. He was a peacemaker and never fought or robbed any Imperial positions, because he knew he couldn’t compete.

Now that Marquis Zheng An had died, Xue Junliang began to think about his military power.

Xue Junliang got off the Court and asked several people into the Warm Pavilion of the study  to discuss this matter. Xue Junliang naturally wanted to confiscate Zheng An’s military power without moving troops. After all, Feng Ming was eyeing the country. If Xue country had a civil war, Feng Ming would definitely try to take advantage of it.

Xue Houyang thought for a moment and said, “Over the years, Marquis Zheng An has established prestige. Chen-di has seen his army. Although the number is not too many, it is really an elite army. I’m afraid even if Marquis Zheng An is no more, his army might not surrender easily.” 

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Xue Junliang tapped his index finger on the table and smiled, “What does Teng Ying think?”

Teng Yun bowed his head and said: “His Majesty wants military power from Marquis Zheng An. In fact, it is very simple. The title of the Marquis Zheng An is inherited by the first son. Your Majesty could pass an Imperial decree to praise the sons of Marquis Zheng An, and the territory and army of the Marquis Zheng An could be equally divided among them. Once the military power is divided, not only there is nothing to be feared but it would also be easy for His Majesty to tidy everything up.”

Xue Junliang nodded with a smile and said, “It’s really a good idea. The Prince will come to the Capital City to inherit the title at the beginning of next month. It would be feasible.” 

When he finished, Lang Jing said: “This lowly subject has heard that although Marquis Zheng An has high prestige in the army and treats people kindly, he is only considerate outside. It seems at his own place he always has a temper. There are many sons and daughters. Although the eldest Prince is the legitimate heir, he is only interested in men. Your Majesty can take advantage of this. He doesn’t need to divide the territory and military power equally. Instead, deliberately give the eldest Prince a little less and then send portraits of the daughters sent by the Feng Country to him, so that he can choose the one he likes to marry and form an alliance between the two countries. Though the land and military power given would be less, His Majesty personally referred to an alliance and this would make it fair. However the Prince would definitely have a grievance, he would resent the other younger brothers – even though they were not as high status as himself, they still would get the lion’s share. Let them secretly have internal strife so that Your Majesty can take advantage of it when the time comes.”

Xue Junliang smiled and said, “Lang Jing really is full of good ideas.”

After a while, they withdrew from the Warm Pavilion of the study.

Xue Junliang wanted to keep Teng Yun back for dinner, but Teng Yun politely thanked for the grace and declined. Xue Junliang couldn’t be so obvious, so he had to let Teng Yun out of the palace. 

Instead, Lang Jing stayed behind. Lang Jing knelt down and said, “Your Majesty, Lang Jing has an ungrateful request. Please grant permission, Your Majesty.”

“Oh?”

Xue Junliang picked up the memorials on the table and looked through them. He said, “Since it’s an unsolicited request, then better not say it.”

Lang Jing said, “Your Majesty must be able to see that Marquis Tengnan is extremely intelligent. Even if he tries to find a way, he will be open and aboveboard. Lang Jing is narrow-minded and capable only of backstabbing . Lang Jing is a lowly minister, only capable of flattery. Your Majesty must not use a sycophant if he wants to fight and defend the country.” 

“You want to leave?”

Lang Jing took off his official hat and said, “Your Majesty is surrounded by many talents, although Lang Jing is proud of his talent, there is not much use for him here. So please be gracious and allow Lang Jing to resign and return to his hometown.”

Xue Junliang shook his head and said, “This Seat does not care if you are a sycophantic Minister. Rest assured, this Seat will never let you go. After all, how can this Seat be at ease with your wealth of knowledge being sent outside….. Lang Jing, if you insist on leaving, this Seat will have to take Xue Yu to the blade, you weigh it yourself.”

———– 

Teng Yun exited the Palace.

Xue Houyang was going in the same direction as him, so they went back together. They had nothing to talk about and were silent on the way back.

As they were walking, they saw a young man in expensive clothes running after a man, which made everyone in the street look over there, just like watching a good show.

The young master chased the person in front, to the nearby teahouse, he turned and went inside. Xue Houyang watched and his face immediately sank, because the person who was entangled was not someone else, it was his family’s Teng. 

That young master looked like a dandy. He was trying to take liberties while chasing the person. However, this nobleman must have seen Teng Shang’s thin and weak body, and hence had no fear. He didn’t think that Teng Shang was also a Martial Arts practitioner.

Teng Yun had still not fully reconciled in his heart. After all, he didn’t understand how two men could have such feelings, but when he saw Xue Houyang’s expression, his heart finally felt relieved. It seemed that Marquis Wannian really had Teng Shang in his heart.

Xue Houyang said to Teng Yun, “I have something to do first. Marquis, please go ahead.”

Teng Yun said with a smile: “I just seemed to have seen Lord Teng. Anyway, there’s nothing important to do at the residence. Let’s go together.” 

Xue Houyang knew Teng Yun’s identity and thought that Teng Yun would mean no harm. So, they also entered the teahouse together.

Teng Shang was sitting at a table in the corner; the luxuriously dressed young master also sat next to him. He spoke so loudly that Xue Houyang could hear him as soon as he entered the door.

“Young master, are you drinking tea alone? That is so boring. Why don’t we have a chat?”

As he spoke, he put his frivolous hand on Teng Shang’s shoulder. 

It seemed that this kind of action was actually not frivolous, but in Xue Houyang’s eyes, it was extremely frivolous. Xue Houyang couldn’t bear it anymore and walked over and deliberately stood between them, saying, “Husband, How come you are out now?”

Teng Shang was not surprised to see Xue Houyang, he smiled and said, “I thought you were coming back from Morning Court, and there was nothing to do in the house, so I came out for a walk.”

Xue Houyang was in a good mood. It turned out that Lord Teng had come to find him.

Although it was just some small gestures, Xue Houyang obviously felt that their relationship had been much closer since they talked about it the other day. This was simply a good thing that Xue Houyang dreamed of. 

Teng Shang saw that Teng Yun was also there and said, “Want to sit together for a while?”

Teng Yun rubbed his nose awkwardly. The relationship between the two seemed to be very good in his eyes. If he stayed, he didn’t know if he would disturb them.

Teng Shang saw his hesitation; he opened the cups that were placed upside down on the table and filled a cup of tea for Teng Yun.

Teng Yun just sat down. All three of them sat down. The square table still had a spot free on one side. The Young Master was not polite and sat down in the free seat and said with a smile, “My surname is Xue. Just call me Changjing.” 

As soon as he said this, the three looked at each other. Although Teng Yun was not familiar with the Royal relatives and nobles of Xue country, they had just finished talking about them in the Warm Pavilion of the study. So how could they not know?

Xue Changjing was the eldest Prince of Marquis Zheng An. It was said that he would be coming to the Capital City to inherit the title, beginning next month. Unexpectedly, he had swaggered in the streets of the Capital this time and right under the eyes of Emperor Xue.

Xue Houyang heard that he was the eldest Prince of Marquis Zheng An and his face immediately became wrong. He still remembered Lang Jing’s words that the son was only interested in men. Now he was pestering Teng Shang, wasn’t this to get Teng Shang’s attention?

Xue Changjing, of course, did not know that these three people have their own thoughts. He wanted to get close to Teng Shang but Xue Houyang’s murderous aura that had been honed in battlefield was no joke. Xue Changjing had better understanding than Xue Houyang  about affairs of love and lust and immediately understood that Teng Shang was already taken. 

He felt that he would become a Marquis soon and there was no need to fear but currently he was alone and it would not be easy to play hardball. He could bring his entourage some other day to show his imposing manner.

Xue Changjing thought in this manner and stopped pestering Teng Shang and then turned to look at Teng Yun. Teng Yun saw him looking at himself, and pretended not to see.

Xue Changjing saw that he was born well, but there were many scars on his face. Although these scars could not be eradicated after treatment, they were much lighter than before.

Xue Changjing had some misgiving in his heart. At first glance, he looked a little vicious, but when he looked closely at his temperament, it really shone through. Xue Changjing thought it was just fun, so he turned to Teng Yun and started to pester him. 

Teng Yun didn’t want to talk to Xue Changjing. First, because this person was too frivolous, Teng Yun was more conservative after all, and second, because Xue Changjing was the eldest Prince of the Marquis. He was supposed to have received the summons to travel back to Capital City sometime now. It was a great crime to have left his territory without receiving the summons from the Emperor. Teng Yun didn’t want to get into trouble, especially Xue Junliang’s attitude towards him now, he was afraid he would be picked on again.

Xue Changjing talked to Teng Yun for a long time but it was like talking to a wall. The other party totally ignored him. This made the Prince who was used to getting whatever he wanted when he was in his territory, very unhappy.

Xue Houyang sat for a while and didn’t like Xue Changjing’s behaviour. He was ready to get up and go back. Teng Shang followed him and said to Teng Yun, “You’re not well yet. Go back and have a rest.”

Teng Yun nodded and said, “I’ll go back now.” 

When Xue Changjing saw them leave, he was a bit resentful, but thinking that he would stay in the Capital for a long time, he put his mind at ease.

——-

Xue Junliang soon received a report.

Jiang Yu said, “Your Majesty, it is said that…… someone was flirting and taking liberties with Marquis Tengnan in the street.” 

With a click, Xue Junliang threw the memorial on the table, raised his eyebrows and said, “Say it again.”

Jiang Yu wiped his cold sweat and said, “Err… Someone reported that they saw someone trying to flirt and take liberties with Marquis Tengnan in the street.”

Xue Junliang said coolly, “Taking liberties?! Are there such unruly people right under the nose of the Emperor?”

Jiang Yu said, “This old slave… this old slave has sent someone to check. It seems that the man is not a troublemaker… but he is actually the eldest Prince of Marquis Zheng An.” 

“Oh?”

Xue Junliang said with a smile, “Shouldn’t the Prince be still on the road? How did he get to the Capital so soon?”

“This old slave doesn’t know. The man claims to be Xue Changjing.”

Xue Junliang was silent for a moment and said, “Go and escort this unruly person who calls himself Xue Changjing to this Seat.” 

“Yes…”

Jiang Yu felt as if he was asking for trouble. He hurried down and ordered the guards to catch the person, but from what His Majesty had said, Emperor Xue wanted him to go himself. So he went with the guards.

————-

Teng Yun was being harassed constantly these days making his days unbearable. The Prince knew that he passed by the street at this time every day, so he waited on the street and started talking and trying to flirt with him everyday whenever he came by. Teng Yun didn’t want to reveal his identity so he had to take many measures to go to his own residence without being discovered. It was very tricky with Xue Changjing constantly following him around. 

Therefore, he could only wander in the street every day. Xue Changjing happily followed behind and tried to flirt and take liberties. Teng Yun didn’t know much about love. Besides, the other party was still a man. He just thought Xue Changjing’s pestering was very annoying.

At the end of the day, Teng Yun’s carriage was stopped again, but before Teng Yun could lift the curtain, there was a commotion outside. He heard Jiang Yu’s voice faintly.

Jiang Yu should be serving Xue Junliang in the Palace at this time. He would never appear in the market at this time. Teng Yun lifted the curtain of his carriage and looked out. It was indeed Jiang Yu.

Jiang Xue was accompanied by a bunch of guards, who were holding Xue Changjing on the ground. The Prince looked very distressed, and was shouting “How dare you touch me” and other words. 

Seeing Teng Yun, Jiang Yu said, “Marquis, this old slave has disturbed your peace and quiet. This slave is here by order of His Majesty to arrest the unruly person for questioning.”

Teng Yun heard that it was Xue Junliang’s orders so he didn’t interfere and only nodded his head. When Xue Changjing heard that Teng Yun was called “Lord Marquis”, his heart had a sudden anxiety. If the other party he had been harrassing was indeed a Marquis, then wasn’t he in a bad spot?

Jiang Yu took Xue Changjing into the Palace. Xue Junliang did not see him, but just had someone cane him. Jiang Yu felt that something seemed wrong.

Xue Junliang said with a smile, “What’s wrong? The Prince of Marquis Zheng An is on the road now. This Seat is only punishing an unscrupulous fellow. It was kind of this Seat to only punish the unruly person with a few hits from the cane instead of directly beheading him.” 

Xue Junliang ordered the guards to execute the punishment on the jade steps outside the hall. The sound of wailing from outside could be heard inside. Xue Junliang drank his tea happily. When the punishment was over, Xue Junliang didn’t release the person. Instead he ordered the person to be dragged into the prison and be locked for more than half a month. He only allowed the release when the date matched when the Prince was supposed to reach the Capital city.

This day was the day when the Prince of Marquis Zheng An should have reached the Capital city to meet Emperor Xue. As soon as Xue Junliang entered the hall, he saw Xue Changjing standing below. He looked haggard and respectful. Seeing Xue Junliang looking at himself, he couldn’t help shaking, as if the wounds from the cane had still not healed.

Of course, Xue Changjing also noticed Teng Yun standing in the front row. Before Emperor Xue had come in, the ministers had greeted Teng Yun. Xue Changjing clearly heard people calling him “Marquis Tengnan”, and the other person walking with Teng Yun seemed to be Xue Houyang, Marquis Wannian who had great achievements and military power.

Xue Changjing’s face turned green. He finally understood why Emperor Xue had taken him into the Palace to beat him up, and had thrown him into the prison. It seemed that the news of him pestering Teng Yun had reached the Emperor’s ears. 

Xue Houyang didn’t know what his brother had done, but Xue Houyang had to admit that his heart felt some relief looking at Xue Changjing’s haggard appearance now.

Xue Houyang also specially said with a smile, “Prince, hope you are all right.”

Xue Changjing could only say with a smile: “Marquis… Hope Marquis is well too.”

Xue Houyang didn’t look at him anymore, but said coolly, “Thanks to you.” 

Teng Yun listened to them, and immediately felt that Xue Houyang and Xue Junliang were brothers indeed.  At this time, whether it was the tone of voice or the way they spoke, they were seven points similar. It was the first time he saw Xue Houyang “strike others when down”.

But Teng Yun thought Xue Houyang’s attitude towards Xue Changjing was entirely because Xue Changjing had pestered and tried to take liberties with Teng Shang before. Teng Yun thought in his heart, maybe Marquis Wannian was really sincere to Teng Shang, and Teng Shang’s ability to know people has always been very accurate.

———–

Ela ~~ both Imperial brothers drinking vinegar! XD