CH 67

Taking advantage of the marriage between the Prince of Marquis Zheng An and the Feng Princess, Feng Country sent a large force to set up a camp by the Ming River to strengthen the defense around Feng country’s borders.

Xue Junliang had gotten the news and asked everyone’s opinions. The court ministers felt that it was not appropriate for Xue to go to war now. After all, Xue Country’s land was extensive, and the army had not recuperated enough. If Xue goes out for war this time, they must rearrange the provisions, horses and soldiers. This would not be ready in one or two months. 

Teng Yun also felt that Xue needed to prepare first. At this time, Teng Yun, pretending to recuperate, secretly deployed troops to watch the situation. “This humble subject heard that there was a mountain near the Peach Blossom Pond near the lower reaches of the river. The terrain is very dangerous. On top of the mountain, you could see a long distance down the mountain. Your Majesty can send troops to the top of the mountain. If Feng country wants to sneak attack, they will have to cross through this place first before reaching the lower reaches of the river, where it would be the best choice for them to attack. Our sentry on the top of the mountain would be able to see and report the situation.”

After hearing this, Xue Junliang nodded and ordered Zhao Lu to lead the troops.

Zhao Lu was stunned. He didn’t expect Emperor Xue to let him lead the army this time. After all, Xue Junliang knew his past history with King Feng best. Just thinking some more, he could understand the reason. If Feng Ming was not ambitious enough and was only testing the waters, then Zhao Lu was the best choice for the first parry. If he is able to keep his nose clean out of this mess, then it would be a celebratory event.

Teng Yun watched Zhao Lu walk out of the warm Pavilion of the study. He seemed a little dazed. During Teng Yun’s captivity in Feng Country, he had heard more or less about Feng Ming and Zhao Lu’s relationship. Because he was not Zhao Lu and his temperament was very different from Zhao Lu, Teng Yun couldn’t understand Zhao Lu’s thoughts. Although Feng Ming didn’t say it, Feng Ming always pretended to be cold and inhuman, but in his heart, nobody could match Zhao Lu. 

Teng Yun sighed and couldn’t help thinking of himself. Once upon a time, he had also contributed in giving Emperor Xue many headaches when he was fighting against the Xue army. He was also dedicated to serving his country. Unfortunately, his country was gone and he was repeatedly attacked and taken for granted by the Teng court and its people. Teng Yun had to say that as a king, King Teng couldn't be spoken in the same breath as Xue Junliang.

Xue Junliang praised Teng Yun with a few words, but Teng Yun was distracted. Xue Junliang called him twice and still there was no response.

——–

Zhao Lu went back to his residence to pack up his things, selected a team of elite soldiers and left after a few days.

When the Prince of Marquis Zheng An, Xue Changjing was getting married, he looked respectful, saying that he would not get ahead of Emperor Xue. Xue Junliang was also happy to take Teng Yun into the Palace earlier.

This time, there was again a banquet in front of Yunfeng Palace. In Xue Junliang’s heart, no one could live in Yunfeng Palace except Teng Yun, although not in the name of the Empress yet, he was still happy that his person was back in the Palace.

Teng Yun was taken into the Palace one day early. He didn’t attend the early Morning Court that day, so he was not aware that Xue Junliang had lost his temper with all the ministers.

It was because everyone saw that Emperor Xue had changed his mind regarding his intention of establishing Teng Yun as the Empress. They suddenly thought that if Teng Yun was accepted as the Imperial Noble Consort, wouldn’t it mean that the Phoenix Seal would temporarily fall in the hands of Teng Yun? If a man would take charge of the Phoenix seal…. 

Xue Junliang sneered and coldly said, “Are you trying to force this Emperor? When this Emperor initially wanted to take his stand, you said it was against the norm. Now that you have forced this Emperor to step back 3 steps of 4, you’re trying to force me again. Is it this Emperor’s marriage or your marriage?”

As soon as Xue Junliang’s cold voice fell, no one dared to speak again. Everyone of those ministers who were against this, looked at Lang Jing. After all, it was Lang Jing who had  persuaded Emperor Xue to change his mind. Now they could only rely on Lang Jing.

However, Lang Jing suddenly took a step forward and bowed down: “The Emperor is wise. This lowly subject thinks Marquis Tengnan has both talent and virtue, and complements the Emperor’s lifestyle. He can certainly take the responsibility of taking charge of the Phoenix Seal.”

As a result, everyone was stunned and no one dared to speak. Xue Junliang was very satisfied after hearing this, so he retreated. 

After Xue Junliang left the hall, the court ministers complained about Lang Jing’s flattering the Emperor.

Lang Jing just sneered, “Why didn’t you dissuade me just now if you thought I was flattering? Emperor Xue has Marquis Tengnan in his heart. Can’t you adults see it?”

When Teng Yun arrived at Yunfeng Palace, it was not Jiao Shui who was waiting to serve him. Hearing the talks of the Palace maids, Jiao Shui wanted to climb a high branch beyond her ability, so Xue Junliang threw her back in the Cold Palace to serve Teng Qianyi.

It was now Rui Xue who had come to serve Teng Yun. 

Zhao Lu, Rui Xue’s Master, went to war, but this time she didn’t follow him. Although Rui Xue grew up practicing martial arts, she was a person with a gentle temperament and was not suitable for officialdom because of her personality.

When Xue Junliang knew of this, he wouldn’t let her do anything with the army again. At the same time, her Master Zhao Lu confirmed that once Rui Xue identified with a master, she would do her best, so he sent Rui Xue to Yunfeng Palace to follow and serve Teng Yun.

Rui Xue came into the room holding Teng Yun’s wedding clothes, and saw Teng Yun standing near the window. There was no light in the gray room. She could only vaguely see Teng Yun’s back through the dim light of the window.

Rui Xue said with a smile, “Master, come and have a look at your wedding clothes. It’s really beautiful.” 

Teng Yun didn’t turn back. He just responded with a shake of his head. He suddenly sighed and asked, “Rui Xue, can you tell me about King Feng and Zhao Lu?”

Rui Xue was stunned for a moment. Her hand trembled and dropped the wooden tray holding the clothes on the ground. She quickly knelt down, kowtowed and apologized, and picked up the wedding clothes.

Teng Yun turned around and didn’t want to blame her. He caught a glimpse of the wedding clothes scattered on the ground. It was not the Phoenix crown and the robe, but a man’s red wedding dress.

Teng Yun stared at the clothes in a daze. More and more, he felt he couldn’t understand Xue Junliang’s intentions. He thought that Xue Junliang would send women’s wedding clothes to ridicule him, just like last time, but this time, the result was unexpected. 

Teng Yun let Rui Xue get up, “I don’t mean anything else. If you want to say it, just talk. If you can’t say it, just think that I haven’t asked anything.”

After a long time, Rui Xue said, “No, Master… it’s not that I can’t say it, it’s just that this servant didn’t expect that Master was interested in the affairs of King Feng.”

Kfcu Tec rjlv, “Tbe’nf yffc klat Itjb Oe obg j ibcu alwf, tjnfc’a sbe? P pera kjca ab xcbk ktja Itjb Oe atlcxr. Gbfr tf tjnf offilcur obg Blcu Mfcu? Szmfqa obg atf offilcur jujlcra jc fcfws, atja lr.”

Eel Wef rwlifv, “Rjaegjiis, atfgf lr. Ktlr wjlvrfgnjca rffr la wbra rlcmfgfis… Rjaegjiis atfgf lr.” 

Rui Xue wanted to say, “If there was not, how could he risk the punishment of being beheaded and go to Ming River that time to save King Feng?” But these things, Rui Xue couldn’t say.

Teng Yun nodded, “Perhaps I would be able to understand General Zhao Lu’s feelings in Feng Country. Because I used to be like this…”

Rui Xue said with a smile, “But all this has passed, and Master doesn’t have to think too much. Now Emperor Xue is really good to you.”

“Good to me?” 

Rui Xue smiled: “Although this maidservant has been away from Xue Country for many years, I still know the Emperor’s temperament. The Emperor is used to being an Emperor and naturally refuses to reveal what he thinks. Only this time, the Emperor called this servant four or five times a day to ask about Master’s situation. What’s more, he asked whether you are eating well, living considerably in comfort, what you need, what you are not used to, and whether there are enough people serving you, if Marquis Tengnan looks happy or unhappy.”

Rui Xue paused for a moment, looked at Teng Yun’s stunned expression and continued, “This servant dare say, if the Emperor wants to marry a man just to ridicule him, there is no need to do this, isn’t it?”

Teng Yun couldn’t recover from what he had heard just now for quite some time. He was faintly frightened in his heart and his heartbeat slowly became faster with Rui Xue’s words, but he didn’t know why. He said, “Maybe… Maybe.”

Rui Xue said, “Master, come and try your clothes, they are beautiful. Put on your clothes, and this maidservant will fix your hair to see. If you are dissatisfied, you can help this maidservant do what you want, so as not to make a mess early tomorrow morning.” 

Seeing Rui Xue’s excited appearance, Teng Yun couldn’t refute her, so he nodded.

Rui Xue helped him take off his outer shirt, and put on the bright red wedding dress, she tidied up his collar, and then tied the same bright red belt on his waist.

Rui Xue said with a smile, “The clothes seemed to be just right, and they are a perfect fit for the Master.”

Teng Yun glanced at his reflection at the bronze mirror. The wedding dress, indeed fit him really well. He sat down in front of the mirror again. Rui Xue picked up a wooden comb and tied his hair with a jade crown. 

Teng Yun’s temperament was elegant, with a scholastic look but also revealed a heroic spirit of a Military General at the same time. Rui Xue first untied Teng Yun’s hair, hung it down loosely at his back and combed it neatly with the wooden comb.

Just before she could tie his hair, she heard a commotion in the outer room. Rui Xue put down the wooden comb and was about to go out to ask what was going on. Just then, the door of the inner room was pushed open. The person who had come in was Xue Junliang.

Rui Xue was surprised to see Xue Junliang, “Your Majesty……” she quickly knelt down to greet him.

Seeing Xue Junliang, Teng Yun also tried to kneel down, but Xue Junliang held him and said, “Get up, don’t be so polite.” 

Rui Xue also stood up, “Your Majesty, you can’t come here. You can’t see Master until tomorrow.”

Xue Junliang didn’t care about these beliefs and said, “I’ve already seen it for a long time. It wouldn’t change anything to see him early first or later.”

This sentence made Rui Xue want to laugh, but she couldn’t laugh at the Emperor, so she had to hold it in. Emperor Xue himself said that it was nothing to see him early first. He came in a hurry and couldn’t wait for even a night.

Rui Xue said wisely, “Your Majesty has more important military affairs to discuss with the Master, so this maidservant will go down first.” 

Xue Junliang gave Rui Xue an appreciative smile.

Rui Xue knelt down once again and withdrew from the inner room with several other palace maids.

Jiang Yu was also very perceptive and stepped back. He didn’t forget to close the door and ordered the palace guards in the outer room to stand far away and don’t get in the way.

Xue Junliang coughed and said, “Sit down, don’t be too restrained.” 

Teng Yun thanked him and sat down.

Instead of sitting down, Xue Junliang remained standing and lowered his head to  look at Teng Yun. Teng Yun was dressed in bright red dress and under the dim light, it seemed a little unreal. Xue Junliang was dazed for a moment.

Teng Yun, waiting for Xue Junliang to speak, was silent.

Xue Junliang was a little embarrassed by his reaction and said with a smile, “This dress is very suitable for Teng Ying.” 

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Xue Junliang walked over and stretched out his hand to gently touch Teng Yun’s hair. His hair strands had a slightly cool feeling on his hands, which made Xue Junliang unable to move away.

He then picked up the wooden comb on the table and said with a smile, “I’ll fix your hair.”

Teng Yun was surprised. He didn’t expect Emperor Xue to be “stylish” and said, “I don’t dare to bother Your Majesty.” 

Xue Junliang held him by the shoulder, and asked him to sit down. Then leaned over his ear and said, “I want to tie your hair, may I?”

Teng Yun’s body trembled slightly and no longer refused. He sat down. His hand, which was hidden in his wide sleeve, involuntarily clenched into a fist. His heart beat suddenly became very fast, and his ears and shoulders felt a burning sensation.

Xue Junliang held Teng Yun’s hair in one hand and the wooden comb in the other. For fear of hurting the other party, he combed it in thin bind one after another. In fact, Rui Xue had already combed Teng Yun’s hair just now, and it was almost ready to be tied up when Xue Junliang came. However, Xue Junliang enjoyed this feeling.

Neither of them spoke. 

Teng Yun didn’t know what to say. He was now afraid that his voice would tremble when he opened his mouth.

Xue Junliang didn’t want to speak either. He was afraid that his stubborn temper would surface again when he opened his mouth and spoil such a good atmosphere.

Actually, Xue Junliang didn’t know how to tie Teng Yun’s hair. Normally, his hair was naturally made up by Palace maidservants. He didn’t need to worry about this at all. Now he was just playing with Teng Yun’s hair. He didn’t really know how to start until he really wanted to tie his hair.

Xue Junliang finally smiled and said, “The clothes are very suitable for Teng Ying. They are very decent.” 

Teng Yun just said, “Your Majesty… It’s an absurd praise.”

Xue Junliang heard that the other party’s voice was a little unstable. He sat down next to him and said, “What’s wrong with Teng Ying’s voice? Are you sick? I will call the Imperial Physician to have a look.”

Teng Yun quickly waved his hand and said, “No, No.”

Xue Junliang suddenly grabbed Teng Yun’s wrist, pulled his hand over to hold it, and sighed: “Actually, you won’t believe it. I know that I could see Teng Ying tomorrow, but I can’t help wanting to come over and see if you’re living comfortably and whether the Palace servants have neglected you…” 

After he finished saying this, he again said with a smile, “You won’t believe these words.”

Teng Yun frowned and said, “This humble one won’t believe it because he doesn’t know why His Majesty wants to do this.”

Xue Junliang was stunned for a moment. He didn’t expect Teng Yun would speak bluntly.

Then he laughed, holding Teng Yun’s hand and slowly raising it. At the same time, he slowly lowered his head and kissed Teng Yun’s fingers with his lips. 

Teng Yun’s hand trembled and he stared at Xue Junliang with wide eyes.

Xue Junliang’s lips didn’t leave his fingers. They gently rubbed Teng Yun’s skin as he said with a smile: “It’s because of this.”

Teng Yun couldn’t help shivering. The touch of Xue Junliang’s lips on his skin made his heart jump. He suddenly withdrew his hand and coughed: “Forgive me… Forgive me for being stupid, I’m really…”

“It’s all right.” 

Xue Junliang suddenly stood up and interrupted Teng Yun’s words, saying, “It’s late. Teng Ying should have a good rest. You will be busy early tomorrow morning… By the way, I forgot to talk about the main point. You should also come out at the banquet tomorrow. Don’t forget.”

Teng Yun was still in a daze and forgot to kneel down.

Xue Junliang opened the door of the inner room and walked out.

Both Rui Xue and Jiang Yu thought that His Majesty would spend the night here today. Unexpectedly, he came out after staying for such a short time and also ordered the Palace maids and Rui Xue to sleep in Yunfeng palace tonight so they could attend to Teng Yun’s needs. 

Rui Xue sent Emperor Xue off, promising that she would attend to her Master and for the Emperor not to worry. When she returned to the inner room, she saw Teng Yun’s shocked face. Although the light was dim, she could still see Teng Yun’s face was very red, even his ears and neck were red.

Teng Yun didn’t sleep well all night. He really didn’t understand what Xue Junliang had meant and why he had kissed his hand. Perhaps it was because Emperor Xue was used to being romantic in the Harem. When he was the Empress, Emperor Xue also used to treat him so gently and considerately.

Teng Yun couldn’t help laughing. He covered his head with the quilt and closed his eyes for sleep.

Early the next morning, Rui Xue got up and started to get busy. She fussed over Teng Yun incessantly that Teng Yun started to get dizzy from all the fussing about. 

Teng Yun was still in bed, laying down lazily, and didn’t get up early.

Jiang Yu came once and asked if Teng Yun had gotten up.

Rui Xue said no.

Jiang Yu said that the Emperor told her not to ask Marquis Tengnan to get up early and let him rest more, as he had to go to the Morning Court on ordinary days and it was rare for him to have such a break like this. 

In fact, Teng Yun had actually woken up long ago in the inner room. He didn’t have the habit of lazing in bed. But when he heard the voices outside, he covered his head again. He didn’t know what Xue Junliang wanted to do. It was totally unnecessary to treat a man so tenderly.

At dusk, the banquet in front of Yunfeng Palace began. Xue Junliang personally came to pick up Teng Yun.

Teng Yun was dressed in wedding clothes. Although Xue Junliang was still in a black Python robe symbolizing power and position, it was much more formal than his usual imperial court dress.

He held Teng Yun’s hand and said with a smile, “Is Teng Ying ready?” 

Teng Yun didn’t speak.

When the two went out, all officials knelt on the ground and shouted “Long live His Majesty!”. When they looked up, they were surprised to find that not only Emperor Xue, but also Marquis Tengnan, who was in a bright red wedding dress was beside him.

Moreover, they thought that Marquis Tengnan would wear the flamboyant wedding garb and the Phoenix Crown and sit in the hall waiting for Emperor Xue to pass, like all the weddings in the past. They never expected that he would be in a man’s wedding clothes. There was no veil covering his face, his hair tied, locked in a simple crown and not wearing any makeup. On the contrary, he looked very handsome and elegant, which made people stare.

Some ministers who wanted to curry favor with Emperor Xue knelt down and wanted to continue shouting “Empress”, but there were also people with discerning eyes. Now that the new Imperial Noble Consort was dressed like this. If they call him ‘Empress’ rashly, wouldn’t it mean they slap Emperor Xue in the face? 

Xue Junliang said with a smile: “Today, this Seat is very happy, and you don’t have to be too formal. This Seat thought that although he wanted Marquis Tengnan to enter into the Palace, he should not be too wronged. After all, Marquis Tengnan’s achievements are admired even by this Seat, so he specially invited Teng Ying to come here today.”

The crowd knelt down again and kowtowed to the head, “Your Majesty is wise.”

In this way, Teng Yun’s position in Emperor Xue’s heart was clearly understood by everyone. Some ministers who wanted to taunt him had already swallowed their words and dared not speak out.

Xue Junliang entered the banquet, and Teng Yun sat beside him. Teng Shang had also come to the Palace with Xue Houyang for the banquet today. He looked up  to see Teng Yun. Teng Yun didn’t dare to look back at Teng Shang because of shame. 

Teng Shang directed his gaze to Xue Junliang.

Xue Junliang didn’t dodge his eyes when he saw Teng Shang looking at him. He was not at all uncomfortable.

Xue Houyang noticed the hard stare that Teng Shang was giving at Xue Junliang, he gently touched Teng Shang and said, “Sir, you… You are going to be convicted if you continue to  stare at the Emperor like this.”

Teng Shang smiled and said, “I’m just looking at him. After all, Marquis Tengnan, like me, is also surnamed Teng. What should I do if he gets bullied?” 

Xue Houyang laughed twice. “Actually, I think His Majesty is sincere, otherwise it wouldn’t be necessary to make this so public.”

Teng Shang said, “Naturally I can see that he is sincere, otherwise I wouldn’t be sitting like this.”

Xue Houyang said, “Sir, since you can see his sincerity, please help His Majesty. Marquis Tengnan doesn’t seem to understand His Majesty’s mind.”

“Why should I help him?” 

Teng Shang squinted his eyes and smiled, saying, “This Teng admits that Emperor Xue is irreplaceable as an emperor, but this Teng has some grudges and naturally has to stand idly by.”

Xue Houyang smiled helplessly and said, “Sir… You are anxious to see the world in chaos..”

Teng Shang said, “It’s true. You do not need to worry, sooner or later he will know. Why rush?”

Xue Houyang nodded, “That’s right.” 

Xue Junliang was scrutinized by Teng Shang’s gaze several times, but he didn’t flinch nor shrink at those eyes at all. He even personally poured a cup of tea for Teng Yun and said, “Your throat seemed a bit uncomfortable yesterday. Don’t drink too much wine.”

Teng Yun was drinking a cup of wine just because he had nothing to do, so he conveniently took the tea at this time. As he accepted the cup, Xue Junliang took this opportunity to squeeze the back of his hand, which surprised Teng Yun; knocking the tea cup askew and spilling the content all over his body.

Xue Junliang didn’t expect the tea to spill over Teng Yun. Although the tea was not very hot, it was still a bit hot. He quickly got up to check if Teng Yun was scalded.

Teng Yun was really embarrassed with his body’s reaction. At the very least he was a big man with rough skin and thick flesh. His hand was just held and he immediately shook in reaction. 

Xue Junliang was relieved to see that he was alright, and then with an enigmatic smile on his face, said, “Teng Ying’s clothes are stained. Why don’t I accompany you to the inner hall to change them.”