—
Xue Junliang was still smiling as he reached a hand to help Chen Yi stand. He said, “What are you saying?”
Chen Yi difficultly said, “My condolences, Your Majesty.”
The veins on Xue Junliang hands almost burst. Suddenly he pushed Chen Yi away and swept the things on the table. The inside of the temple turned into a disaster zone in one second. Plates and bowls of offerings all fell to the floor and broke to pieces. The people outside who were about to pray in the temple were shocked and didn’t dare coming in.
Xue Junliang laughed coldly, “Aren’t you a wise adviser? The Empress convinced me to come here and help the commoner, yet you can’t even protect her?”
Chen Yi knelt on the ground and saw Xue Junliang facing the altar when talking. He could only say, “Your Majesty…”
Xue Junliang didn’t let Chen Yi finish his sentence. He said, “How did she die? It’s Xue Yu, isn’t it?”
Chen Yi lowered his gaze and didn’t immediately answer. People who were wise enough could easily see that Xue Yu was indeed behind this incident. But right now, Xue Wang was consumed with rage. Chen Yi was afraid if Xue Wang would order people kill Xue Yu in a fit of anger.
In the commoners’ eyes, Xue Wang and Xue Yu were brothers. Brothers publicly killing each other was unacceptable according to social norm. Moreover, Xue Junliang was now right here in front of the commoners’ eyes, if he said he wanted to kill Xue Yu, Chen Yi feared Xue Wang would lose the people’s respect.
Xue Junliang noted Chen Yi’s intention and his head cleared a bit. He quickly went out of the temple saying, “Back to the Palace.”
He didn’t say anything more after that.
—
Teng Yun could only vaguely heard Xiu Yao’s panicked screams. His head was heavy as lead and he could not think about anything at all. All he wanted to do was sleep.
He felt everything around his was engulfed in fire. Gradually, he found it difficult to breathe and in the end, he fell into a pit of darkness.
When he was aware again, he felt all of his internal organs were hurting. Pain was covering every inch of his skin and he couldn’t even move one single finger.
Teng Yun opened his eyes difficultly. His whole face stung, and his head felt like it was being hit by a hammer repeatedly. He was tightly tied with ropes and his arm felt dislocated.
Just as he succeeded opening his eyes, he heard a swish followed by a lashing whip. The whip struck his face and Teng Yun’s eyes closed again.
Teng Yun took a moment to gather his mind. He felt like he was having a long, long dream. In the ridiculous and long dream, he’d turned into someone’s empress. As an empress, he’d helped that someone defeated his enemies. And when Teng Yun woke up from the dream, someone else was wielding a whip. Teng Yun had been tortured mercilessly every day since he was captured.
His skin all bore signs of torture; not an inch was intact.
In the room, there was the ward who was beating Teng Yun and another man who seemed to be the leader or some kind. The other man sat on the side, calmly drinking tea as if watching a show. The man said, “Whip him again, but take care not to kill him. Our superiors instruct us to beat him halfway to death, and then allow him a minute of rest. He should not be allowed to die easily. If he dies easily, where’s the fun in that?”
The other ward said, “What grave crime had he done to be treated this way?”
The person who spoke first laughed, “You haven’t heard? Such big thing and yet you didn’t know? He had murdered Her Majesty the Empress, set fire to Yunfeng Palace and almost burned the entire Imperial Palace. I heard a palace servant said that at her last moment, the Empress’ shout sounded quite miserable. Da Wang has gone very angry.”
When Teng Yun heard the two people’s conversation, he instantly opened his eyes and tried to move. The ward mistook it as if he was trying to escape, so the ward beat Teng Yun again for few times.
“This kind of crime deserves a beheading! A low-level guard like him? Impossible! You sure he didn’t do it under someone else’s order?”
The first ward laughed again, “I know, right? This Teng Ying is just a moron. He was just someone else’s pawn. I heard the mastermind behind the murder was actually Teng-fei! Because Da Wang favored the Empress so much, Teng-fei wanted to burn her alive. I still cannot understand what’s inside these Palace women. How come Teng-fei dare doing something like this?”
“This is outrageous!”
“Yeah, it is. Da Wang is extremely angry. He has ordered both Teng-fei and Marquis Tengnan to be arrested.”
As Teng Yun listened, he didn’t know what to make of it. Apparently that ridiculous dream was not a dream. He had been burned alive inside Yunfeng Palace, and somehow once again came back inside someone else’s body. This time, the original owner was a person he was familiar with; Teng Ying.
According to the wards’ words, they had been ordered no to kill the prisoner. Teng Yun sighed in relief, thankful for small mercies.
—
After hearing the news, Xue Junliang had rushed back to the Imperial Palace. In the capital city, Xue Houyang had already found the masterminds of the crime. The culprit was an idiot; it was easy for Xue Houyang’s subordinates to capture Teng Ying. Xue Houyang wasn’t even swayed by Teng Qianyi’s cries. He immediately ordered Teng-fei to be locked inside her residence and not allowed to come out.
Teng Qianyi didn’t even realize she had been tricked by Lang Jing form the beginning and used as a pawn for Xue Yu.
When Xue Junliang arrived at the Palace, he threw Teng Qianyi into the Cold Palace. He then ordered Xue Houyang go to south to arrest Marquis Tengnan and put him in jail too, but Xue Junliang’s mood didn’t improve one bit.
Xue Junliang was clever. He could put two and two together and concluded Xue Yu and Marquis Tengnan had colluded together. If Xue Yu didn’t rebel, the Empress would not be dead.
The court officials all cried and plead Xue Wang to put down his resentments. The previous Xue Wang had decreed that his descendants should not kill each other.
Xue Yu was already captured and had had fallen from grace. He had nothing more to care about. A life like this was so much worse than death. Xue Yu even sent people to pass a message to Xue Junliang, saying he was looking forward to Xue Junliang killing him and wanting to see Xue Junliang’s deadly skill with his own eyes.
Xue Houyang thought to persuade Xue Junliang, but Xue Junliang refused to leave his residence and didn’t let anyone come see him. Xue Houyang helplessly asked Teng Shang’s advice.
However, Teng Shang’s mood was not so good. Xue Houyang thought it might be because Marquis Tengnan was arrested. He tried comfort Teng Shang, “Marquis Tengnan is still a marquis. If he says he is unaware of this incident, I don’t think he’ll receive severe punishment. Teng-fei, on the other hand…”
Hearing this, Teng Shang laughed coldly for a long time. He said, “I used to think I had to stay loyal all my life to Teng Wang as a repayment for the Late Teng Wang’s kindness. But… Unfortunately, the Heaven only allows me to be disloyal.”
Teng Shang’s eyes turned glassy.
Teng Shang was usually so calm and collected. It was rare for him showing strong emotions. But today, it seemed like Teng Shang was having a hard time controlling his feelings.
That day, after escorting Xue Yu to his residence, Teng Shang had rushed to the Palace. Imagine his shock when he found out it was actually Yunfeng Palace which was in flames. By the time he had arrived on site, the fire had been distinguished. The maidservant who had always been beside the Empress, Xiu Yao was kneeling on the ground amongst Yunfeng Palace’s ruins, bawling her eyes out until she almost fainted.
Teng Shang’s world felt like collapsing. Later, Xue Houyang sent someone to bring an urgent message to Xue Wang that the Empress had passed away.
Teng Wang’s conduct and deeds these last years had left Teng Shang’s feelings bitter and cold. The only reason he was still striving to be loyal to Teng Country was because Teng Zhengxuan had adopted him when he was at his lowest and had taught him to be a good man.
Teng Shang wanted to repay Teng Zhengxuan by being loyal to Teng Country, but Teng Shang had only been rewarded with oppression and mistreatment. Teng Yun’s unexpected return was Teng Shang’s last consolation.
But now, Teng Yun was dead; burned to death along with Yunfeng Palace. Teng Shang felt like the whole world was crumbling; crushing Teng Shang to death under its weight.
Xue Houyang didn’t know what had he said that made Teng Shang answer like that. Teng Shang took a deep breath, trying valiantly to rein his feelings. He said to Xue Houyang, “I’m afraid I cannot help you in this. If you ask me, I’ll only think of ways to let Xue Wang kill Xue Yu.”
Xue Houyang was stunned and immediately understood that the Empress’ death had left such a big blow on Teng Shang.
Xue Houyang was simple and straightforward, but he was not a fool. The Empress had vast knowledge in military theories and strategies, and often discussed these things with Teng Shang. The two people’s identities were too different; they weren’t even from the same country, but Xue Houyang realized Teng Shang and the Empress indeed had met each other in the past. Xue Wang had suspected this, naturally Xue Houyang had, too.
Xue Houyang didn’t know how to comfort Teng Shang. In the end he suggested Teng Shang have some rest and then he himself went into the Palace.
—
Xue Junliang sat alone in the study room. He’d sent Jiang Yu and the other attendants out. His gaze was fixed at the country’s defense map spread out at the wall in front of him. He recalled his Empress had used this map as they were discussing war strategies, sending troops and transporting army provisions.
Today, Yunfeng Palace had become ruins…
Xue Junliang swallowed hard. He leaned back and rest his head against the back of his chair. Never had he expected the only person he ever cared about all his life; the only person he had ever set his heart on, was the person who left him so broken-hearted.
The person he cared about the most was dead, but he, as the king, could not punish the one caused the death. He couldn’t kill the culprit. He couldn’t even touch Xue Yu, nor sentence a severe punishment for Xue Yu. If he did, his people would condemn him a tyrannical ruler.
Xue Junliang stood and slowly walked over to the map. With his hand, he gently touched the transportation route which passed deep into a remote and difficult terrain. Smiling to himself, he said, “These few days when I was in Teng, I have heard and seen many things. They are all exactly as you described to me. You sure were very capable; you could know things from a place miles away from the Palace.”
Xue Junliang sighed; the hand tracing the map was slightly trembling. He chuckled, “You were so full of ideas and solutions, but if you go like this, you only left me with so many questions…”
—
Jiang Yu stood outside the study room. It was way pass the time for meal, but Jiang Yu couldn’t bear going in and disturbing Xue Wang. He could only stand waiting, and from time to time he would sigh deeply.
When Xue Houyang came, Jiang Yu said, “Lord Marquis, maybe it would be better you come again some other day. His Majesty… His Majesty is grieving and not in the right mood to hear advises.”
Jiang Yu hoarsely added, “Lord Marquis, you must have already seen… How His Majesty’s feelings towards the Empress… His Majesty doesn’t say anything, but this old servant knows… This servant knows His Majesty is miserable.”
Xue Houyang was aware of this, but he couldn’t bear seeing Xue Wang like this. Xue Houyang was about to leave when they heard Xue Wang calling Jiang Yu in.
When Jiang Yu came out again, Xue Houyang asked what Xue Wang said. Xue Wang said he wanted to go and personally punish Teng Ying.
—
Xue Country’s Empress had passed away. This matter, naturally, could not be concealed from Feng Country’s ears. Moreover, the Empress didn’t die of illness; instead she was murdered by Xue Country’s Teng-fei.
Feng Ming didn’t want to pass up this excellent opportunity, but his officials reasoned that, because Xue Junliang only recently claimed Teng Country, fighting against Xue Country would akin to fighting against two countries at the same time.
Lu Shichen said, “This lowly subject thinks there is no better time to move troops than this. Although Xue Wang had claimed Teng Country, the two countries had been in war for so many years. Naturally, the military and the civilian’s hearts were divided. It would be impossible for Xue Wang to forcefully mobilized Teng Country’s army so soon. Moreover, Xue Country’s capital city had only recently endured a rebellion. Its foundation must suffer some damages. This is truly a golden opportunity bestowed by the Heaven… But…”
Feng Ming thought Lu Shichen’s reasons made sense. When going to war, it was essential that all the country’s citizens had one same heart and goal. As long as the country had the same determination, it wasn’t impossible said country could withstand a great deal of attack. On the contrary, when the soldiers’ hearts were divided, a great number of soldiers didn’t matter. They would only be like a sheet of loose sands; unable to cooperate and act as one.
However, when Feng Ming realized Lu Shichen still had some doubts, he said, “Minister Lu, please continue.”
“It’s just that… A war consumes a great deal of manpower and resources. Whether we will acquire victory or defeat, the ones who suffer hardships and torments the most were the commoner. Ming River hasn’t yet recovered from the flood. If Da Wang sends troops right now, I’m afraid it will cause complaints.”
Feng Ming pondered over it. Zhao Lu was standing at the front line of the court, but he was silent since the beginning. Feng Ming called him and asked his opinion.
Zhao Lu just said, “I will follow Da Wang’s decisions.”
Feng Ming haven’t made a decision by the time he dismissed the court assembly. Mobilizing troops wasn’t a matter that could be decided in one day; it had to be considered again and again.
After the court, Feng Ming ordered Rui Xue to stop Zhao Lu. Rui Xue laughed as she said, “Master, Da Wang is looking for you. He’s complaining that you haven’t come see him for several days.”
Zhao Lu glanced at Rui Xue. He didn’t smile, only said, “Do you know that Xue Wang has defeated Teng Wang?”
“Of course, I do. This servant also knows that Teng Wang is now in prison.”
Zhao Lu said, “Then you also know that now when Teng Country is already out, there is only Feng and Xue Countries’ confrontation left.”
Rui Xue stilled and was silent for a long time. Then she muttered, “But… This…”
Zhao Lu sighed and said, “After so many years, the time is already so near.”
Marquis Zhulu left Rui Xue, who was standing still in shock, and went to Feng Ming’s residence.
Feng Ming was wearing apricot-colored robes. He didn’t look as glamorous as he did before, but his attire accentuated his masculine charm.
Since returning from Ming River, Feng Ming and Zhao Lu’s relationship had grown closer and deeper. Zhao Lu would often stay the night at Feng Ming’s residence. The court officials who originally thought Marquis Zhulu had lost Da Wang’s favor, had to eat their words back and flock around the marquis once again to curry his favor.
Since Xue Junliang conquered Teng Country, Zhao Lu had been preoccupied with worries. As a result, he spent less and less time at Feng Wang’s residence. Now with Teng out of the way, there were Xue and Feng left. It was only a matter of time before the two countries clash swords.
Feng Ming used to wear women’s clothing in order to please Zhao Lu, and now he’d decided he didn’t want to do that anymore just for Zhao Lu. But unexpectedly, Zhao Lu’s attitude towards Feng Ming changed. Zhao Lu treated Feng Ming so nicely, it was the complete opposite of how he used to. Feng Ming thought maybe it was because their relationship had gone through and survived hard times.
But Feng Ming didn’t know that Zhao Lu’s nice attitude wasn’t going to last forever.
Tonight, Feng Ming also thought, maybe because Zhao Lu hadn’t been visiting him in the Palace for several days, Zhao Lu’s usual inhibition was gone. He even expressed his intention to stay the night at the Palace.
Feng Ming smiled at Zhao Lu and said, “If I decide to attack Xue Country, who do you think I should send to lead troops?”
Zhao Lu didn’t expect Feng Ming would ask him this, and this was exactly what he was afraid Feng Ming would ask him. Zhao Lu stalled, “At the moment, I have no idea who you should send.”
Feng Ming nodded and said, “The people I trust the most around me are you and Minister Lu. Minister Lu is like my mentor, and you…”
Feng Ming paused. Then he raised his head and gently rubbed Zhao Lu’s earlobe with his lips. Smiling, he said, “Naturally, I always trust your judgment, so I’m thinking of sending you.”
Hearing this, Zhao Lu closed his eyes and his hold on Feng Ming’s waist tightened. The more Feng Ming trusted him, the more Zhao Lu’s heart felt uncomfortable.
Feng Ming opened his lips to add something but then Zhao Lu turned him over and pressed him on to the bed. Pressing Feng Ming’s body with his, Zhao Lu lowered his head and kissed Feng Ming’s lips. From there, Zhao Lu traced kisses on Feng Ming’s neck and all the way down. Every kiss was demanding and sincere, as if Zhao Lu had gone mad.
They had just finished one round. These past few days, Feng Ming’s mind and body was exhausted by thinking about Xue Country’s matters. Therefore, when Zhao Lu coaxed him for a second round more fiercely than the previous, Feng Ming immediately passed out and fell asleep.
Zhao Lu covered the sleeping Feng Ming with a blanket and shoved his face against Feng Ming’s shoulder. Sighing, he said, “Right now you might trust me. But later, you will definitely hate me. As much as I used to hate you.”
Zhao Lu knew that if he was sent to lead troops, he would cross the border and never return to Feng.
—
Teng Yun was beaten until he passed out again, and the ward concluded this Imperial Guard was just a dull and useless trash.
It was true that Teng Ying didn’t have any skill. He knew nothing about and never practiced martial arts. Physically, he was weak. Also, since he was captured, he never had any meal. Therefore, naturally his body could not endure being beaten like this.
The ward took a bucket of water to wake the prisoner up. At this time, someone came and said Xue Wang wanted to personally interrogate the prisoner, so if the prisoner was awake, they had to drag him out. If the prisoner still passed out, then it was better; the prisoner would not struggle.
Xue Junliang looked down at the man paralyzed on the floor. The man’s whole body was covered in cuts and bruises Xue Junliang almost could not recognize him. When he first met Teng Ying, Xue Junliang noted this man was handsome and had outstanding confidence; he was also well-mannered. But now, Xue Junliang only felt disappointment and anger.
Ignoring the blood dripping on the floor of the study room, Xue Junliang walked over and lightly kicked the man’s face.
Teng Yun could only feel coldness all over his body. Snot was blocking his nose and saliva was dripping out from his mouth. He was only half aware of his surroundings. When he tried to blink his eyes open, he saw Xue Junliang looking down at with cold indifference.
Jiang Yu ordered the ward holding a bucket of water to douse the prisoner, shaking his head in contempt.
Teng Yun’s face was covered in blood. When he was doused with water, he had to close his eyes to avoid water and blood entering his eyes. He had no more strength to open his eyes; could only drop his head on the floor and gasp for air.
Xue Junliang laughed but there was no emotion behind his laugh. He said, “Aren’t you so incredible? You succeeded in drawing people to support you, and succeeded in murdering the Empress. You have a great courage. Have you suffered enough? Don’t worry, it’s only the beginning. Gu knows many ways to make your life so miserable, you’d think you’d be better off dead…”
As he said that, Xue Junliang suddenly recalled that day of the Ancestor Worship Ceremony. The Empress had tried to kill him and he had said these exact same words to her. At that time, he said it because he knew he could not kill the Empress. But then, he started trusting the Empress so much. And now she was truly dead, but he was grieving her so much and still could not let her go.
Teng Yun also opened his eyes at this sentence. He tried to say something, but his throat felt so painful and his voice was rough. He could not form a complete sentence; only faint and short laughter.
Teng Yun thought maybe it was because he’d killed too many people in his previous lifetime that the Heaven had to cast him into a game like this.
Xue Junliang saw the man’s smile and he frowned. He was about to lash out in anger when Jiang Yu came in to report, “Your Majesty, Marquis Wannian requests an audience, says there is a report from the border station.”
Xue Junliang walked back towards his chair and sat down. He didn’t bother ordering people to drag the prisoner away, only told Jiang Yu to let Xue Houyang in.
When Xue Houyang came in, he smelled a strong odor of blood. Someone was lying paralyzed on the floor to the side and Xue Wang was sitting on his chair; completely unaffected.
Xue Houyang kitted his eyebrows but wordlessly handed the report in his hand to Jiang Yu. Jiang Yu respectfully presented the report to Xue Junliang.
The report explained that there seemed to be a growing activity around Xue and Feng Countries’ borders. Feng Wang had intensified the military recruitment and training; his intention could not be more obvious.
Xue Junliang was so infuriated. He fiercely threw the report to the floor and snorted coldly, “Apparently, Feng Wang has started to get overconfident. Teng Country’s military troops are already in Gu‘s hands. Does Feng Wang want to strike a stone with eggs?”
[T/N : 以卵击石, yǐluǎnjīshí literary means ‘to strike a stone with egg’; figuratively means ‘to invite disaster by overachieving oneself’.]
Xue Houyang wanted to remind Xue Junliang that this was not the best time to utilize Teng Country’s troops. Teng Country’s soldiers might still be loyal to Teng and did not completely surrender to Xue. Moreover, at this time, Xue Junliang had arrested and put Marquis Tengnan in prison. The people of Teng must be quite frightened; afraid a disaster was going to happen to them.
When the people’s hearts were still unstable like this, it was not wise to send troops.
However, Xue Houyang also knew Xue Junliang was incapable of listening to anyone right now. He was thinking a way to offer his opinion when he heard a hoarse laughter. The laughter was as rough as a dry tree bark but it wasn’t difficult to hear the contempt in it.
Xue Junliang angrily walked over to the prisoner and said, “A prisoner trodden so low on the ground is still in the position to laugh so freely. Gu really admires you.”
Teng Yun’s throat was raw. He opened and closed his mouth several times until he could barely make a sound, “I’m laughing at you… So muddleheaded… and incompetent, yet you say someone is striking a stone with egg… So overconfident!”
—
Xue Junliang was still smiling as he reached a hand to help Chen Yi stand. He said, “What are you saying?”
Chen Yi difficultly said, “My condolences, Your Majesty.”
The veins on Xue Junliang hands almost burst. Suddenly he pushed Chen Yi away and swept the things on the table. The inside of the temple turned into a disaster zone in one second. Plates and bowls of offerings all fell to the floor and broke to pieces. The people outside who were about to pray in the temple were shocked and didn’t dare coming in.
Xue Junliang laughed coldly, “Aren’t you a wise adviser? The Empress convinced me to come here and help the commoner, yet you can’t even protect her?”
Chen Yi knelt on the ground and saw Xue Junliang facing the altar when talking. He could only say, “Your Majesty…”
Xue Junliang didn’t let Chen Yi finish his sentence. He said, “How did she die? It’s Xue Yu, isn’t it?”
Chen Yi lowered his gaze and didn’t immediately answer. People who were wise enough could easily see that Xue Yu was indeed behind this incident. But right now, Xue Wang was consumed with rage. Chen Yi was afraid if Xue Wang would order people kill Xue Yu in a fit of anger.
In the commoners’ eyes, Xue Wang and Xue Yu were brothers. Brothers publicly killing each other was unacceptable according to social norm. Moreover, Xue Junliang was now right here in front of the commoners’ eyes, if he said he wanted to kill Xue Yu, Chen Yi feared Xue Wang would lose the people’s respect.
Xue Junliang noted Chen Yi’s intention and his head cleared a bit. He quickly went out of the temple saying, “Back to the Palace.”
He didn’t say anything more after that.
—
Teng Yun could only vaguely heard Xiu Yao’s panicked screams. His head was heavy as lead and he could not think about anything at all. All he wanted to do was sleep.
He felt everything around his was engulfed in fire. Gradually, he found it difficult to breathe and in the end, he fell into a pit of darkness.
When he was aware again, he felt all of his internal organs were hurting. Pain was covering every inch of his skin and he couldn’t even move one single finger.
Teng Yun opened his eyes difficultly. His whole face stung, and his head felt like it was being hit by a hammer repeatedly. He was tightly tied with ropes and his arm felt dislocated.
Just as he succeeded opening his eyes, he heard a swish followed by a lashing whip. The whip struck his face and Teng Yun’s eyes closed again.
Teng Yun took a moment to gather his mind. He felt like he was having a long, long dream. In the ridiculous and long dream, he’d turned into someone’s empress. As an empress, he’d helped that someone defeated his enemies. And when Teng Yun woke up from the dream, someone else was wielding a whip. Teng Yun had been tortured mercilessly every day since he was captured.
His skin all bore signs of torture; not an inch was intact.
In the room, there was the ward who was beating Teng Yun and another man who seemed to be the leader or some kind. The other man sat on the side, calmly drinking tea as if watching a show. The man said, “Whip him again, but take care not to kill him. Our superiors instruct us to beat him halfway to death, and then allow him a minute of rest. He should not be allowed to die easily. If he dies easily, where’s the fun in that?”
The other ward said, “What grave crime had he done to be treated this way?”
The person who spoke first laughed, “You haven’t heard? Such big thing and yet you didn’t know? He had murdered Her Majesty the Empress, set fire to Yunfeng Palace and almost burned the entire Imperial Palace. I heard a palace servant said that at her last moment, the Empress’ shout sounded quite miserable. Da Wang has gone very angry.”
When Teng Yun heard the two people’s conversation, he instantly opened his eyes and tried to move. The ward mistook it as if he was trying to escape, so the ward beat Teng Yun again for few times.
“This kind of crime deserves a beheading! A low-level guard like him? Impossible! You sure he didn’t do it under someone else’s order?”
The first ward laughed again, “I know, right? This Teng Ying is just a moron. He was just someone else’s pawn. I heard the mastermind behind the murder was actually Teng-fei! Because Da Wang favored the Empress so much, Teng-fei wanted to burn her alive. I still cannot understand what’s inside these Palace women. How come Teng-fei dare doing something like this?”
“This is outrageous!”
“Yeah, it is. Da Wang is extremely angry. He has ordered both Teng-fei and Marquis Tengnan to be arrested.”
As Teng Yun listened, he didn’t know what to make of it. Apparently that ridiculous dream was not a dream. He had been burned alive inside Yunfeng Palace, and somehow once again came back inside someone else’s body. This time, the original owner was a person he was familiar with; Teng Ying.
According to the wards’ words, they had been ordered no to kill the prisoner. Teng Yun sighed in relief, thankful for small mercies.
—
After hearing the news, Xue Junliang had rushed back to the Imperial Palace. In the capital city, Xue Houyang had already found the masterminds of the crime. The culprit was an idiot; it was easy for Xue Houyang’s subordinates to capture Teng Ying. Xue Houyang wasn’t even swayed by Teng Qianyi’s cries. He immediately ordered Teng-fei to be locked inside her residence and not allowed to come out.
Teng Qianyi didn’t even realize she had been tricked by Lang Jing form the beginning and used as a pawn for Xue Yu.
When Xue Junliang arrived at the Palace, he threw Teng Qianyi into the Cold Palace. He then ordered Xue Houyang go to south to arrest Marquis Tengnan and put him in jail too, but Xue Junliang’s mood didn’t improve one bit.
Xue Junliang was clever. He could put two and two together and concluded Xue Yu and Marquis Tengnan had colluded together. If Xue Yu didn’t rebel, the Empress would not be dead.
The court officials all cried and plead Xue Wang to put down his resentments. The previous Xue Wang had decreed that his descendants should not kill each other.
Xue Yu was already captured and had had fallen from grace. He had nothing more to care about. A life like this was so much worse than death. Xue Yu even sent people to pass a message to Xue Junliang, saying he was looking forward to Xue Junliang killing him and wanting to see Xue Junliang’s deadly skill with his own eyes.
Xue Houyang thought to persuade Xue Junliang, but Xue Junliang refused to leave his residence and didn’t let anyone come see him. Xue Houyang helplessly asked Teng Shang’s advice.
However, Teng Shang’s mood was not so good. Xue Houyang thought it might be because Marquis Tengnan was arrested. He tried comfort Teng Shang, “Marquis Tengnan is still a marquis. If he says he is unaware of this incident, I don’t think he’ll receive severe punishment. Teng-fei, on the other hand…”
Hearing this, Teng Shang laughed coldly for a long time. He said, “I used to think I had to stay loyal all my life to Teng Wang as a repayment for the Late Teng Wang’s kindness. But… Unfortunately, the Heaven only allows me to be disloyal.”
Teng Shang’s eyes turned glassy.
Teng Shang was usually so calm and collected. It was rare for him showing strong emotions. But today, it seemed like Teng Shang was having a hard time controlling his feelings.
That day, after escorting Xue Yu to his residence, Teng Shang had rushed to the Palace. Imagine his shock when he found out it was actually Yunfeng Palace which was in flames. By the time he had arrived on site, the fire had been distinguished. The maidservant who had always been beside the Empress, Xiu Yao was kneeling on the ground amongst Yunfeng Palace’s ruins, bawling her eyes out until she almost fainted.
Teng Shang’s world felt like collapsing. Later, Xue Houyang sent someone to bring an urgent message to Xue Wang that the Empress had passed away.
Teng Wang’s conduct and deeds these last years had left Teng Shang’s feelings bitter and cold. The only reason he was still striving to be loyal to Teng Country was because Teng Zhengxuan had adopted him when he was at his lowest and had taught him to be a good man.
Teng Shang wanted to repay Teng Zhengxuan by being loyal to Teng Country, but Teng Shang had only been rewarded with oppression and mistreatment. Teng Yun’s unexpected return was Teng Shang’s last consolation.
But now, Teng Yun was dead; burned to death along with Yunfeng Palace. Teng Shang felt like the whole world was crumbling; crushing Teng Shang to death under its weight.
Xue Houyang didn’t know what had he said that made Teng Shang answer like that. Teng Shang took a deep breath, trying valiantly to rein his feelings. He said to Xue Houyang, “I’m afraid I cannot help you in this. If you ask me, I’ll only think of ways to let Xue Wang kill Xue Yu.”
Xue Houyang was stunned and immediately understood that the Empress’ death had left such a big blow on Teng Shang.
Xue Houyang was simple and straightforward, but he was not a fool. The Empress had vast knowledge in military theories and strategies, and often discussed these things with Teng Shang. The two people’s identities were too different; they weren’t even from the same country, but Xue Houyang realized Teng Shang and the Empress indeed had met each other in the past. Xue Wang had suspected this, naturally Xue Houyang had, too.
Xue Houyang didn’t know how to comfort Teng Shang. In the end he suggested Teng Shang have some rest and then he himself went into the Palace.
—
Xue Junliang sat alone in the study room. He’d sent Jiang Yu and the other attendants out. His gaze was fixed at the country’s defense map spread out at the wall in front of him. He recalled his Empress had used this map as they were discussing war strategies, sending troops and transporting army provisions.
Today, Yunfeng Palace had become ruins…
Xue Junliang swallowed hard. He leaned back and rest his head against the back of his chair. Never had he expected the only person he ever cared about all his life; the only person he had ever set his heart on, was the person who left him so broken-hearted.
The person he cared about the most was dead, but he, as the king, could not punish the one caused the death. He couldn’t kill the culprit. He couldn’t even touch Xue Yu, nor sentence a severe punishment for Xue Yu. If he did, his people would condemn him a tyrannical ruler.
Xue Junliang stood and slowly walked over to the map. With his hand, he gently touched the transportation route which passed deep into a remote and difficult terrain. Smiling to himself, he said, “These few days when I was in Teng, I have heard and seen many things. They are all exactly as you described to me. You sure were very capable; you could know things from a place miles away from the Palace.”
Xue Junliang sighed; the hand tracing the map was slightly trembling. He chuckled, “You were so full of ideas and solutions, but if you go like this, you only left me with so many questions…”
—
Jiang Yu stood outside the study room. It was way pass the time for meal, but Jiang Yu couldn’t bear going in and disturbing Xue Wang. He could only stand waiting, and from time to time he would sigh deeply.
When Xue Houyang came, Jiang Yu said, “Lord Marquis, maybe it would be better you come again some other day. His Majesty… His Majesty is grieving and not in the right mood to hear advises.”
Jiang Yu hoarsely added, “Lord Marquis, you must have already seen… How His Majesty’s feelings towards the Empress… His Majesty doesn’t say anything, but this old servant knows… This servant knows His Majesty is miserable.”
Xue Houyang was aware of this, but he couldn’t bear seeing Xue Wang like this. Xue Houyang was about to leave when they heard Xue Wang calling Jiang Yu in.
When Jiang Yu came out again, Xue Houyang asked what Xue Wang said. Xue Wang said he wanted to go and personally punish Teng Ying.
—
Xue Country’s Empress had passed away. This matter, naturally, could not be concealed from Feng Country’s ears. Moreover, the Empress didn’t die of illness; instead she was murdered by Xue Country’s Teng-fei.
Feng Ming didn’t want to pass up this excellent opportunity, but his officials reasoned that, because Xue Junliang only recently claimed Teng Country, fighting against Xue Country would akin to fighting against two countries at the same time.
Lu Shichen said, “This lowly subject thinks there is no better time to move troops than this. Although Xue Wang had claimed Teng Country, the two countries had been in war for so many years. Naturally, the military and the civilian’s hearts were divided. It would be impossible for Xue Wang to forcefully mobilized Teng Country’s army so soon. Moreover, Xue Country’s capital city had only recently endured a rebellion. Its foundation must suffer some damages. This is truly a golden opportunity bestowed by the Heaven… But…”
Feng Ming thought Lu Shichen’s reasons made sense. When going to war, it was essential that all the country’s citizens had one same heart and goal. As long as the country had the same determination, it wasn’t impossible said country could withstand a great deal of attack. On the contrary, when the soldiers’ hearts were divided, a great number of soldiers didn’t matter. They would only be like a sheet of loose sands; unable to cooperate and act as one.
However, when Feng Ming realized Lu Shichen still had some doubts, he said, “Minister Lu, please continue.”
“It’s just that… A war consumes a great deal of manpower and resources. Whether we will acquire victory or defeat, the ones who suffer hardships and torments the most were the commoner. Ming River hasn’t yet recovered from the flood. If Da Wang sends troops right now, I’m afraid it will cause complaints.”
Feng Ming pondered over it. Zhao Lu was standing at the front line of the court, but he was silent since the beginning. Feng Ming called him and asked his opinion.
Zhao Lu just said, “I will follow Da Wang’s decisions.”
Feng Ming haven’t made a decision by the time he dismissed the court assembly. Mobilizing troops wasn’t a matter that could be decided in one day; it had to be considered again and again.
After the court, Feng Ming ordered Rui Xue to stop Zhao Lu. Rui Xue laughed as she said, “Master, Da Wang is looking for you. He’s complaining that you haven’t come see him for several days.”
Zhao Lu glanced at Rui Xue. He didn’t smile, only said, “Do you know that Xue Wang has defeated Teng Wang?”
“Of course, I do. This servant also knows that Teng Wang is now in prison.”
Zhao Lu said, “Then you also know that now when Teng Country is already out, there is only Feng and Xue Countries’ confrontation left.”
Rui Xue stilled and was silent for a long time. Then she muttered, “But… This…”
Zhao Lu sighed and said, “After so many years, the time is already so near.”
Marquis Zhulu left Rui Xue, who was standing still in shock, and went to Feng Ming’s residence.
Feng Ming was wearing apricot-colored robes. He didn’t look as glamorous as he did before, but his attire accentuated his masculine charm.
Since returning from Ming River, Feng Ming and Zhao Lu’s relationship had grown closer and deeper. Zhao Lu would often stay the night at Feng Ming’s residence. The court officials who originally thought Marquis Zhulu had lost Da Wang’s favor, had to eat their words back and flock around the marquis once again to curry his favor.
Since Xue Junliang conquered Teng Country, Zhao Lu had been preoccupied with worries. As a result, he spent less and less time at Feng Wang’s residence. Now with Teng out of the way, there were Xue and Feng left. It was only a matter of time before the two countries clash swords.
Feng Ming used to wear women’s clothing in order to please Zhao Lu, and now he’d decided he didn’t want to do that anymore just for Zhao Lu. But unexpectedly, Zhao Lu’s attitude towards Feng Ming changed. Zhao Lu treated Feng Ming so nicely, it was the complete opposite of how he used to. Feng Ming thought maybe it was because their relationship had gone through and survived hard times.
But Feng Ming didn’t know that Zhao Lu’s nice attitude wasn’t going to last forever.
Tonight, Feng Ming also thought, maybe because Zhao Lu hadn’t been visiting him in the Palace for several days, Zhao Lu’s usual inhibition was gone. He even expressed his intention to stay the night at the Palace.
Feng Ming smiled at Zhao Lu and said, “If I decide to attack Xue Country, who do you think I should send to lead troops?”
Zhao Lu didn’t expect Feng Ming would ask him this, and this was exactly what he was afraid Feng Ming would ask him. Zhao Lu stalled, “At the moment, I have no idea who you should send.”
Feng Ming nodded and said, “The people I trust the most around me are you and Minister Lu. Minister Lu is like my mentor, and you…”
Feng Ming paused. Then he raised his head and gently rubbed Zhao Lu’s earlobe with his lips. Smiling, he said, “Naturally, I always trust your judgment, so I’m thinking of sending you.”
Hearing this, Zhao Lu closed his eyes and his hold on Feng Ming’s waist tightened. The more Feng Ming trusted him, the more Zhao Lu’s heart felt uncomfortable.
Feng Ming opened his lips to add something but then Zhao Lu turned him over and pressed him on to the bed. Pressing Feng Ming’s body with his, Zhao Lu lowered his head and kissed Feng Ming’s lips. From there, Zhao Lu traced kisses on Feng Ming’s neck and all the way down. Every kiss was demanding and sincere, as if Zhao Lu had gone mad.
They had just finished one round. These past few days, Feng Ming’s mind and body was exhausted by thinking about Xue Country’s matters. Therefore, when Zhao Lu coaxed him for a second round more fiercely than the previous, Feng Ming immediately passed out and fell asleep.
Zhao Lu covered the sleeping Feng Ming with a blanket and shoved his face against Feng Ming’s shoulder. Sighing, he said, “Right now you might trust me. But later, you will definitely hate me. As much as I used to hate you.”
Zhao Lu knew that if he was sent to lead troops, he would cross the border and never return to Feng.
—
Teng Yun was beaten until he passed out again, and the ward concluded this Imperial Guard was just a dull and useless trash.
It was true that Teng Ying didn’t have any skill. He knew nothing about and never practiced martial arts. Physically, he was weak. Also, since he was captured, he never had any meal. Therefore, naturally his body could not endure being beaten like this.
The ward took a bucket of water to wake the prisoner up. At this time, someone came and said Xue Wang wanted to personally interrogate the prisoner, so if the prisoner was awake, they had to drag him out. If the prisoner still passed out, then it was better; the prisoner would not struggle.
Xue Junliang looked down at the man paralyzed on the floor. The man’s whole body was covered in cuts and bruises Xue Junliang almost could not recognize him. When he first met Teng Ying, Xue Junliang noted this man was handsome and had outstanding confidence; he was also well-mannered. But now, Xue Junliang only felt disappointment and anger.
Ignoring the blood dripping on the floor of the study room, Xue Junliang walked over and lightly kicked the man’s face.
Teng Yun could only feel coldness all over his body. Snot was blocking his nose and saliva was dripping out from his mouth. He was only half aware of his surroundings. When he tried to blink his eyes open, he saw Xue Junliang looking down at with cold indifference.
Jiang Yu ordered the ward holding a bucket of water to douse the prisoner, shaking his head in contempt.
Teng Yun’s face was covered in blood. When he was doused with water, he had to close his eyes to avoid water and blood entering his eyes. He had no more strength to open his eyes; could only drop his head on the floor and gasp for air.
Xue Junliang laughed but there was no emotion behind his laugh. He said, “Aren’t you so incredible? You succeeded in drawing people to support you, and succeeded in murdering the Empress. You have a great courage. Have you suffered enough? Don’t worry, it’s only the beginning. Gu knows many ways to make your life so miserable, you’d think you’d be better off dead…”
As he said that, Xue Junliang suddenly recalled that day of the Ancestor Worship Ceremony. The Empress had tried to kill him and he had said these exact same words to her. At that time, he said it because he knew he could not kill the Empress. But then, he started trusting the Empress so much. And now she was truly dead, but he was grieving her so much and still could not let her go.
Teng Yun also opened his eyes at this sentence. He tried to say something, but his throat felt so painful and his voice was rough. He could not form a complete sentence; only faint and short laughter.
Teng Yun thought maybe it was because he’d killed too many people in his previous lifetime that the Heaven had to cast him into a game like this.
Xue Junliang saw the man’s smile and he frowned. He was about to lash out in anger when Jiang Yu came in to report, “Your Majesty, Marquis Wannian requests an audience, says there is a report from the border station.”
Xue Junliang walked back towards his chair and sat down. He didn’t bother ordering people to drag the prisoner away, only told Jiang Yu to let Xue Houyang in.
When Xue Houyang came in, he smelled a strong odor of blood. Someone was lying paralyzed on the floor to the side and Xue Wang was sitting on his chair; completely unaffected.
Xue Houyang kitted his eyebrows but wordlessly handed the report in his hand to Jiang Yu. Jiang Yu respectfully presented the report to Xue Junliang.
The report explained that there seemed to be a growing activity around Xue and Feng Countries’ borders. Feng Wang had intensified the military recruitment and training; his intention could not be more obvious.
Xue Junliang was so infuriated. He fiercely threw the report to the floor and snorted coldly, “Apparently, Feng Wang has started to get overconfident. Teng Country’s military troops are already in Gu‘s hands. Does Feng Wang want to strike a stone with eggs?”
[T/N : 以卵击石, yǐluǎnjīshí literary means ‘to strike a stone with egg’; figuratively means ‘to invite disaster by overachieving oneself’.]
Xue Houyang wanted to remind Xue Junliang that this was not the best time to utilize Teng Country’s troops. Teng Country’s soldiers might still be loyal to Teng and did not completely surrender to Xue. Moreover, at this time, Xue Junliang had arrested and put Marquis Tengnan in prison. The people of Teng must be quite frightened; afraid a disaster was going to happen to them.
When the people’s hearts were still unstable like this, it was not wise to send troops.
However, Xue Houyang also knew Xue Junliang was incapable of listening to anyone right now. He was thinking a way to offer his opinion when he heard a hoarse laughter. The laughter was as rough as a dry tree bark but it wasn’t difficult to hear the contempt in it.
Xue Junliang angrily walked over to the prisoner and said, “A prisoner trodden so low on the ground is still in the position to laugh so freely. Gu really admires you.”
Teng Yun’s throat was raw. He opened and closed his mouth several times until he could barely make a sound, “I’m laughing at you… So muddleheaded… and incompetent, yet you say someone is striking a stone with egg… So overconfident!”
