—h
Teng Yun was still brooding over Rui Xue’s words and Zhao Lu’s reaction.
Compared to other people, Teng Yun’s view about human feelings were quite simple. He knew about loyalty, he also knew about a ruler’s care towards his people. But those kinds of feelings, compared to affections between one person to another, were completely different.
When Zhao Lu received the broken zither, he must be very sad. But Teng Yun simply couldn’t understand why, that despite how he obviously liked Feng Wang, Zhao Lu could still treat Feng Wang so cruelly.
When in war, someone would kill the other and be killed by another. That was they way it was, and that was how Teng Yun saw it.
Zhao Lu and Xue Junliang’s way of doing things secretly and deceiving people, it was not Teng Yun’s style at all.
That night, lying on the bed with eyes wide open, Teng Yun pondered while staring at the ceiling. In the end, it wasn’t about who was wrong and who was right. Even for Xue Junliang, Teng Yun couldn’t say that he was in the wrong. As a king, Xue Junliang was required to think farther ahead than others. However, Teng Yun still couldn’t accept it.
He remembered the rumors he had heard before his death, how a king like Feng Wang could favor Zhao Lu to such extent. Which meant that Feng Wang’s feeling towards Zhao Lu was sincere. However, Teng Yun was sure that their relationship was not something the people could tolerate. Now that Zhao Lu had left, Feng Wang would be the target for criticism.
Teng Yun got up very early the next morning because he didn’t sleep well. When he closed his eyes, he woke up again because he was reminded about the broken zither. The next time, he was reminded about Xue Junliang who was far away in the capital city.
When he could finally fall asleep, he dreamed about that time he was shot through the heart by Xue Junliang’s arrow.
Kings were known to heartlessly act one way and then another the next second. Teng Yun never believed he was going to live long if he came back to the capital city. If Xue Junliang wanted him die a painful death, he was sure Xue Junliang could think of a thousand ways to do just that.
Teng Yun couldn’t defend himself anyway. What would he say? That he was not the real Teng Ying? It would be too ridiculous no one would believe him.
Teng Yun packed up his things and hid his daggers. Zhao Lu’s surrendering to Xue was a big blow to Feng Country. Even if losing ten thousand soldiers were no big deal, a Marquis’ betrayal would shake the entire country.
When the people and the soldiers’ trust was broken, how would Feng Country fight in a war?
Sure enough, Feng Wang immediately withdrew his soldiers from the borders and no longer attacked Xue Country’s territory. Xue Junliang’s imperial edict soon came down, stating that the army had achieved a great merit and ordering them to come back to the capital city
Teng Yun’s newly-recruited thirty thousand soldiers would also move to the capital. Their entire army, marching from Teng to Xue Country, created such a splendid view.
When a big crowd like this was traveling, it was actually a great chance for Teng Yun to escape. But Teng Yun didn’t know where he would go after he left the army.
He didn’t want to come back to Teng. He was born and raised here, it would be impossible for him to stand still and forget everything, especially with Teng Wang now becoming a mere marquis and being in prison.
Teng Yun was stubborn, often times he would be quite determined to fix things.
Teng Yun didn’t want to come back to Xue Country either, because that would be getting back into Xue Junliang’s den. Xue Wang had very strong influence and resource, Teng Yun felt if he were to step one foot into Xue Country’s territory, Xue Wang’s spy would surely find him easily.
However, Feng Country was unfamiliar to him, which made Teng Yun hesitate. Perhaps because of his past experiences, Teng Yun felt uncomfortable living alone in a strange place.
Since Zhao Lu assimilated with Xue Country army, many people still refused to accept him because they were doubting his identity. Xue Wang then granted Zhao Lu an official title as a chief commander of the army. Teng Yun was also appointed a deputy commander, while Zhao Tong a military captain.
Teng Yun knew this was Xue Junliang’s way for Zhao Lu to establish his footing in Xue Country, and of restraining Teng Yun’s movement. Teng Yun reckoned Xue Jungliang might have predict Teng Yun wanting to escape.
Zhao Lu led the army’s journey back to the capital city. He appointed Zhao Tong to stay close by Teng Yun’s side at any time.
Teng Yun was very knowledgeable about fighting and military strategies, but his current body was weak. The original Teng Ying didn’t learn or practice martial arts, therefore his physical strength was low. Teng Yun, in this body, had no chance of winning a fight with Zhao Tong. Despite his fair and delicate appearance, there was a reason Zhao Tong could become a military commander. When he held a sword, no one could defeat him.
Teng Yun was even more certain Xue Junliang was planning to cut his head and would not give him a chance to escape.
Also, Teng Shang and Marquis Tengnan were still in the capital city. Even if Teng Yun was angry at Marquis Tengnan and had no problem leaving him, he could not cut ties with Teng Shang.
Zhao Tong smirked at Teng Yun and said, “I heard that you burned the entire Yunfeng Palace to the ground. Did you have a deep hatred towards Feng Country? Otherwise, why would you risk your life for committing such a heinous crime?”
When Teng Yun didn’t answer, Zhao Tong laughed, “You have so many scars on your face. Did you get those when you fight in a war?”
Teng Yun smiled and said, “I know you look down on me, but why do you bother asking so much? Using words only to ridicule people, I don’t think this is how a gentleman conduct oneself.”
Zhao Tong was proud and arrogant, but he was not Teng Yun whose words could make people do what he wanted.
Zhao Tong had always been very smart and had read more books compared to his peers. Xue Junliang once said, while pointing at Zhao Tong who was still a lowly guard at that time, that Zhao Tong would one day be an extraordinary talented man. Later, Zhao Tong was transferred from the palace to become a soldier. Shortly after, he was sent to Feng Country to assist Zhao Lu. Since then, his career and rank had rapidly rose. All because, in case of courage and ability, he was above most people.
Such as that, how could Zhao Tong stay still when he was told off by someone else.
Much later, when he realized he was instantly angered by just one sentence from Teng Yun, it came to him that Teng Yun could easily coax him while still maintaining calm and modest appearance.
Presently, Zhao Tong said, “What? If you don’t like it, why don’t we fight it off using swords?”
Teng Yun said, “One sword can kill one person. But in a battlefield like where we are now, a sword determines the fate of one whole country. General really is courageous, but reckless. How inappropriate.”
Zhao Tong was ready to argue, but at this time Zhao Lu had noticed a slight disturbance behind him and interfered. Zhao Tong and Teng Yun were both high ranked commanders. While the soldiers had united under one same country, if they saw the two commanders fight, it might create doubt in their hearts.
Zhao Lu chastised Zhao Tong for failing to see what problem might rose from his recklessness. He sent Zhao Tong to lead a group to arrive first in the capital city to report.
Zhao Tong and his group were able to enter the capital city just two days later.
When Xue Junliang saw Zhao Tong, he lamented how many years had passed. Zhao Tong was still very young when he went to Feng, now he was definitely older.
After listening to Zhao Tong’s report, Xue Junliang smiled, “Zhao Tong, Zhao Tong. You have been cheated.”
Zhao Tong didn’t understand what Xue Wang meant, “This servant is ignorant, please Da Wang give pointers.”
Xue Junliang said, “Of course you don’t understand. You have many talents but you haven’t had many experiences. You are proud and reckless.. Don’t you ever think that Teng Ying had deliberately made you angry? He then counted on Zhao Lu to see what the animosity between you could cause among the soldiers and to send you away. In the military, there was no one with better martial arts than yours, so if Teng Ying were to escape, wouldn’t it be easier without you?”
Hearing this, Zhao Tong started to leave, but it might be too late to return now.
Xue Junliang on the other hand, didn’t panic and said, “Since the army have arrive, as a king, it’s only natural that I go and welcome them into the capital city.”
The second and bigger part of the army arrived just outside the capital city two days later. Zhao Lu had heard the news that Xue Wang himself was going to welcome them outside the city wall.
A few miles away from the capital city, Zhao Lu ordered the troops to stop and reorganize things. After all, it was Xue Wang welcoming them personally, they had to make themselves presentable. This place was in the middle of nowhere, no one would stop and inspect anyone who passed.
Teng Yun reasoned he wanted to hurry enter the city, and went ahead of the rest of the army. He Zhong questioned the others, “Where is Teng Ying going?”
Zhao Lu paused mid-step while He Ren joked, “Maybe he was in a hurry to use the toilet.”
He Yi laughed, “A lazy donkey would often stop to poo and pee.*”
[T/N : That is the literal translation of 懒驴上磨，总是屎尿多(Lǎn lǘ shàng mó, zǒng shì shǐniào duō). It also means ‘a lazy person often find many excuses to delay working.’ So, double the ridicule, LOL.]
As soon as Teng Yun abandoned the army, he took off his armor and put on the ordinary clothes he had prepared previously. He didn’t dare stopping too long. This time he must leave immediately. This area was still too close tot he capital city and Zhao Lu wasn’t a fool, he would find out soon.
Just as Teng Yun started going, he heard noises of people rushing to him. Suddenly he was surrounded by a large group of guards who were led by Zhao Tong.
When he saw Zhao Tong, instead of shocked, Teng Yun laughed.
Among the wall of guards surrounding Teng Yun, a man in black robes walked forward and said, “To laugh so casually like this, you must be so carefree.”
Teng Yun last saw Xue Junliang a few hours before he departed to Teng Country, which was a few months ago. Seeing Xue Junliang now, Teng Yun didn’t know why suddenly he was reminded of Feng Ming and Zhao Lu.
Without moving an inch, Teng Yun said, “A man should not cry so casually either. If a man is not allowed to laugh, then life must be so hard.”
Xue Junliang slowly walked over, staring intently at Teng Yun, and said, “Oh… I was wondering where General Teng is going.”
Teng Yun was startled a bit. When he was Teng Yun, Xue Junliang had called him General Teng. Right now, he was still surnamed Teng, but it wasn’t Teng Yun that Xue Junliang meant.
Seeing Teng Yun not answering, Xue Junliang was not surprised. Had he been in this same kind of situation, likely he wouldn’t have anything to say either.
“When the entire army return to the capital city, I’m planning to give General Teng a reward.”
The other man still hadn’t said anything. Xue Junliang was a bit baffled, but he kind of expected this response, too. From his previous meetings with Teng Ying, he knew that when hearing the word ‘reward’, Teng Ying would immediately perked up. But since Teng Ying offered to go to Teng Country, Xue Junliang felt that Teng Ying had changed. He was now unreadable and unpredictable.
At this time, Zhao Lu and a few soldiers arrived at the scene, having found out Teng Yun had disappeared and immediately chased after him. He was surprised when he saw Xue Wang and quickly knelt.
Xue Junliang ordered all of them to return to formally welcome them into the the capital city, including Teng Yun.
—
The royal physician examined Feng Ming’s pulse and then, not daring staying too long, gave prescription and left.
Lu Shichen stayed, even though he could not offer words of comfort to Feng Wang. Then again, because of this situation, Lu Shichen wasn’t sure he could offer comfort for himself, let alone someone else.
That day, when Lu Shichen asked Rui Xue to bring the broken zither to Zhao Lu, he was placing his hope on Zhao Lu’s feelings towards Feng Wang and thought seeing the zither would change Zhao Lu’s mind. Unfortunately, since Rui Xue’s departure, there was no more news.
No matter how he thought about it, Lu Shichen couldn’t understand. Obviously Marquis Zhulu cared for Feng Wang, but how did he have the heart to hurt Feng Wang to this extent?
Lu Shichen sighed regretfully. At this time, the housekeeper came in and approached him to whisper by his ear. The news the housekeeper delivered gave Lu Shichen pause. Signaling for the housekeeper to leave, Lu Shichen hesitated, not sure if right now was the right time to let Feng Wang know of the news. After all, it was all clear that Feng Wang still felt ill.
Just as Lu Shichen was mulling over the options, Feng Ming shifted to look at him, likely being awoken by Lu Shichen’s pacing. He said, “Minister Lu, do you have something to tell me?”
Lu Shichen sighed again and said, “Your Majesty, Cheng Tian’s nephew, Zhang Hong, who has proclaimed himself a king, is now sending his troops and aiming to claim Ming River.”
Feng Ming covered his mouth as he coughed before saying, “Summon the ministers to the study room, we have to discuss this.”
Lu Shichen wanted to ask if Feng Wang was sure he could get up, but held himself back. Feng Wang was still a man among men, no man wanted pity from other people. As a king, Feng Wang lived a solitary life. Perhaps, other than Zhao Lu, nothing else could move him and make him show his feelings.
Feng Country’s court ministers all immediately gathered and were led into the study room.
Feng Ming sat leaning back on a large chair, chin supported by his hand, and was studying the report on the table.
Everyone was afraid Feng Wang would explode in anger, so they entered the study room cautiously.
[T/N : I mean, even after he was betrayed by his lover, everyone was still afraid of Feng Ming, Isn’t that unexpectedly good? I mean, his ministers could have ridiculed him but were afraid instead.]
Feng Ming, on the other hand, was wearing no particular expression. He raised his hand to signal the ministers in and said, “All of you must have heard already, this Zhang Hong is treating my kingdom as a joke. Last year, his uncle looked down upon Gu, and now Zhang Hong does too.”
Lu Shichen said, “Zhang Hong is currently targeting River Ming. Because River Ming had just suffered a flood and hasn’t been rebuilt properly, he must think that River Ming is the weakest part of our territory. If he could occupy River Ming, he could then set up an army base to further invade our territory.”
Feng Ming nodded and suddenly smiled, “But River Ming is not that easy to claim, and even if he succeeded in occupying it, it would not be an easy place to defend. Also, the other side of the river is Xue Country. He would be sandwiched between two countries…”
Feng Ming paused for a moment, then suddenly his expression darkened as he said, “It’s impossible Zhang Hong plans to fight me and Xue Wang at the same time. He might want to draw support from Xue Wang, and the best method for him to do that would be…”
Lu Shichen instantly understood what Feng Ming was thinking, “Marriage alliance?”
“That’s right. The Grand Princess had just passed away, Zhang Hong must be in a hurry to send someone to Xue. Doesn’t it mean he is looking down on the Grand Princess? Looking down on the Grand Princess naturally means looking down on Gu.”
Everyone saw that Feng Ming was still calm and logical in thinking, it was as if he wasn’t affected by Marquis Zhulu’s betrayal, as if there was no such thing as Marquis Zhulu in the first place.
“Zhang Hong was a barbarian who broke other people’s faith. He remorselessly killed his own uncle, Xue Wang of course wouldn’t want to ally with him. But Xue Wang also wouldn’t want to send troops to fight Zhang Hong. We need to drive Zhang Hong away, let’s see what plan you all have.”
Lu Shichen tried to rack his brain. Military strategy was not his forte, so even after thinking for a long time, he couldn’t come up with a good plan.
After suffering through a great flood, River Ming was bound to be weak. A great portion of Feng Country’s territory was low terrains. If Zhang Hong, with help from Xue Junliang, were to divert the river and drown the country, many people and soldiers would drown and die.
Feng Ming stood and walked closer to a standing map near the wall. With his back turned to everyone else in the room, he scrutinized the map for a long time before finally saying, “Firstly, send people to prevent Zhang Hong to dig the river. Diverting the river water is the simplest method, Zhang Hong will naturally try it. Launch at least three times of sneak attack, just to distract Zhang Hong’s focus. No need to fight to death, just do a quick attack and then retreat.”
He paused for a moment, then continued, “Secondly, Zhang Hong has a very strong and brave aide who is untouchable… I heard this aide came from the same village as the scholar who wins first place in this year’s imperial examination. Better let the scholar handle this aide.”
A senior minister said, “But Your Majesty, the scholar was placed first in literary examination, not martial art…”
Feng Ming smiled and said, “Who said to let the scholar go to fight? Gu only wants him to meet and talk with this aide… Whether it’s Cheng Tian or Zhang Hong, they are all the same. They have suspicious minds and don’t know how to not doubt their own people. Gu is sending the scholar to pass near the enemy’s army camp, eventually Zhang Hong will be suspicious of his own aide and send him to attack our camp by himself. That is useful enough.”
The ministers all nodded and praised the plan. Feng Ming pointed to the map and said, “As for who would be sent to lead this expedition, Gu wants you all to discuss. Tomorrow, you can list several names, and then I will pick among them.”
Finished giving his order, Feng Ming allowed everyone to go back.
Lu Shichen went out but then hesitated just outside the door.
As soon as Feng Ming heard the door closed, he hunched over and reached out a hand to lean against the map, almost knocking over it. With his other hand he covered his mouth as he coughed fitfully. Blood was leaking out between his fingers and tears were falling down his cheeks. Turned out he’d been suppressing his cough, that was why he turned his back to everyone.
His coughing seemed to get worse and even sent him falling to the floor.
Being a king was undoubtedly not easy. The person he trusted the most betrayed him. If he showed his sadness, people would accuse him of being stupid; for the sake of one puny affection, a thousand soldiers had been lost yet he still dare mourning his impossible love.
But if Feng Ming didn’t show any sadness, people would accuse him of being a cold-hearted and indifferent king. If a king was indifferent even after losing ten thousand soldiers, then would he still be indifferent after suffering a great loss in a war? Also, was Zhao Lu just a plaything who would be discarded once the king was bored?
Lu Shichen opened the door just in time to see Feng Ming fell to the floor. He rushed inside and called for the servants.
Lu Shichen was just a scholar, and Feng Ming, while he was thin and lean, he wasn’t exactly light. Lu Shichen staggered and struggled to help Feng Wang sit on the large chair.
Lu Shichen was so worried he looked miserable. He said, “Da Wang, why are you still torturing yourself like this? Just consider Zhao Lu is dead!”
Feng Ming shook his head and laughed shortly, “Some people would call it obsession, but I’d rather he betrayed me and is not dead… If he’s still alive, one day he and I will meet again on the battlefield, at that time I will be able to get him back.”
[T/N : I translate this sentence literally. I have no idea whether Feng Ming meant get him back or like, get back at him. Which have two totally different meanings.]
Lu Shichen was made confused by Feng Ming’s contradicting words. Even if he was betrayed, he still wished Zhao Lu to be alive? Then he said some day they would meet in a battlefield, which was a strange thing to say because if that happened, then they would be fighting to kill each other.
But as Lu Shichen thought about the sentence some more, he couldn’t help sighing again and again. Despite his sincerity towards Zhao Lu, Feng Wang was still a king of a country. It was inevitable his feelings were contradictory.
—
Zhang Hong and his army stopped and camped at a place not far from River Ming. As soon as he settled, he sent someone to Xue Country.
Because of the death of the Empress, the proceeding of the Triennial Selection was delayed to an unspecified time. The way people saw it, His Majesty’s love towards the Late Empress must be so deep. Therefore, they thought of sending all of the candidates home.
At this time, came a letter from Zhang Hong, stating he wanted to marry off his sister to Xue Wang.
In the letter, Zhang Hong praised his own sister so high as if she was from the heavens, also stated that he only wanted her to marry the strongest man in the world. He had decided that there was no other man stronger that Xue Junliang.
When Xue Junliang read Zhang Hong’s letter, he laughed out so loud that his ministers all looked at each other.
Xue Junliang ordered Jiang Yu to read the content of the letter so everyone could hear and be entertained together. Zhang Hong’s words were so full of praises and fawning, people who didn’t know would not think it was a marriage proposal.
Teng Yun, who was said to have achieved a meritorious deed and granted an official title by Xue Junliang, stood below the throne among a group of military commanders.
Xue Junliang asked everyone’s opinion, should he marry this younger sister of Zhang Hong. No one dared come forward to be the first to say anything. After all, they were still not clear of what Xue Wang’s intention might be. If their opinion differed to Xue Wang’s, wouldn’t that be disastrous?
Xue Junliang looked around and laughed, “Who wants to say their opinion? Teng Ying, how about you? This time though you have achieved a great merit, people are still doubting you. Now, if you don’t say anything, people would want you be punished. So, say your opinion! Teach them that you’re still able to stand here today is not because you only have big mouth and no brain.”
[T/N : Why do I sense sarcasm in this sentence?]
Hearing the order, Teng Yun stepped forward. Looking up, he saw Xue Junliang’s condescending look and let out a cold snort. Xue Junliang was deliberately finding ways to chop his head.
To be able to become a thorn in Xue Wang’s side, Teng Yun wasn’t sure if it was a blessing or a curse…
—h
Teng Yun was still brooding over Rui Xue’s words and Zhao Lu’s reaction.
Compared to other people, Teng Yun’s view about human feelings were quite simple. He knew about loyalty, he also knew about a ruler’s care towards his people. But those kinds of feelings, compared to affections between one person to another, were completely different.
When Zhao Lu received the broken zither, he must be very sad. But Teng Yun simply couldn’t understand why, that despite how he obviously liked Feng Wang, Zhao Lu could still treat Feng Wang so cruelly.
When in war, someone would kill the other and be killed by another. That was they way it was, and that was how Teng Yun saw it.
Zhao Lu and Xue Junliang’s way of doing things secretly and deceiving people, it was not Teng Yun’s style at all.
That night, lying on the bed with eyes wide open, Teng Yun pondered while staring at the ceiling. In the end, it wasn’t about who was wrong and who was right. Even for Xue Junliang, Teng Yun couldn’t say that he was in the wrong. As a king, Xue Junliang was required to think farther ahead than others. However, Teng Yun still couldn’t accept it.
He remembered the rumors he had heard before his death, how a king like Feng Wang could favor Zhao Lu to such extent. Which meant that Feng Wang’s feeling towards Zhao Lu was sincere. However, Teng Yun was sure that their relationship was not something the people could tolerate. Now that Zhao Lu had left, Feng Wang would be the target for criticism.
Teng Yun got up very early the next morning because he didn’t sleep well. When he closed his eyes, he woke up again because he was reminded about the broken zither. The next time, he was reminded about Xue Junliang who was far away in the capital city.
When he could finally fall asleep, he dreamed about that time he was shot through the heart by Xue Junliang’s arrow.
Kings were known to heartlessly act one way and then another the next second. Teng Yun never believed he was going to live long if he came back to the capital city. If Xue Junliang wanted him die a painful death, he was sure Xue Junliang could think of a thousand ways to do just that.
Teng Yun couldn’t defend himself anyway. What would he say? That he was not the real Teng Ying? It would be too ridiculous no one would believe him.
Teng Yun packed up his things and hid his daggers. Zhao Lu’s surrendering to Xue was a big blow to Feng Country. Even if losing ten thousand soldiers were no big deal, a Marquis’ betrayal would shake the entire country.
When the people and the soldiers’ trust was broken, how would Feng Country fight in a war?
Sure enough, Feng Wang immediately withdrew his soldiers from the borders and no longer attacked Xue Country’s territory. Xue Junliang’s imperial edict soon came down, stating that the army had achieved a great merit and ordering them to come back to the capital city
Teng Yun’s newly-recruited thirty thousand soldiers would also move to the capital. Their entire army, marching from Teng to Xue Country, created such a splendid view.
When a big crowd like this was traveling, it was actually a great chance for Teng Yun to escape. But Teng Yun didn’t know where he would go after he left the army.
He didn’t want to come back to Teng. He was born and raised here, it would be impossible for him to stand still and forget everything, especially with Teng Wang now becoming a mere marquis and being in prison.
Teng Yun was stubborn, often times he would be quite determined to fix things.
Teng Yun didn’t want to come back to Xue Country either, because that would be getting back into Xue Junliang’s den. Xue Wang had very strong influence and resource, Teng Yun felt if he were to step one foot into Xue Country’s territory, Xue Wang’s spy would surely find him easily.
However, Feng Country was unfamiliar to him, which made Teng Yun hesitate. Perhaps because of his past experiences, Teng Yun felt uncomfortable living alone in a strange place.
Since Zhao Lu assimilated with Xue Country army, many people still refused to accept him because they were doubting his identity. Xue Wang then granted Zhao Lu an official title as a chief commander of the army. Teng Yun was also appointed a deputy commander, while Zhao Tong a military captain.
Teng Yun knew this was Xue Junliang’s way for Zhao Lu to establish his footing in Xue Country, and of restraining Teng Yun’s movement. Teng Yun reckoned Xue Jungliang might have predict Teng Yun wanting to escape.
Zhao Lu led the army’s journey back to the capital city. He appointed Zhao Tong to stay close by Teng Yun’s side at any time.
Teng Yun was very knowledgeable about fighting and military strategies, but his current body was weak. The original Teng Ying didn’t learn or practice martial arts, therefore his physical strength was low. Teng Yun, in this body, had no chance of winning a fight with Zhao Tong. Despite his fair and delicate appearance, there was a reason Zhao Tong could become a military commander. When he held a sword, no one could defeat him.
Teng Yun was even more certain Xue Junliang was planning to cut his head and would not give him a chance to escape.
Also, Teng Shang and Marquis Tengnan were still in the capital city. Even if Teng Yun was angry at Marquis Tengnan and had no problem leaving him, he could not cut ties with Teng Shang.
Zhao Tong smirked at Teng Yun and said, “I heard that you burned the entire Yunfeng Palace to the ground. Did you have a deep hatred towards Feng Country? Otherwise, why would you risk your life for committing such a heinous crime?”
When Teng Yun didn’t answer, Zhao Tong laughed, “You have so many scars on your face. Did you get those when you fight in a war?”
Teng Yun smiled and said, “I know you look down on me, but why do you bother asking so much? Using words only to ridicule people, I don’t think this is how a gentleman conduct oneself.”
Zhao Tong was proud and arrogant, but he was not Teng Yun whose words could make people do what he wanted.
Zhao Tong had always been very smart and had read more books compared to his peers. Xue Junliang once said, while pointing at Zhao Tong who was still a lowly guard at that time, that Zhao Tong would one day be an extraordinary talented man. Later, Zhao Tong was transferred from the palace to become a soldier. Shortly after, he was sent to Feng Country to assist Zhao Lu. Since then, his career and rank had rapidly rose. All because, in case of courage and ability, he was above most people.
Such as that, how could Zhao Tong stay still when he was told off by someone else.
Much later, when he realized he was instantly angered by just one sentence from Teng Yun, it came to him that Teng Yun could easily coax him while still maintaining calm and modest appearance.
Presently, Zhao Tong said, “What? If you don’t like it, why don’t we fight it off using swords?”
Teng Yun said, “One sword can kill one person. But in a battlefield like where we are now, a sword determines the fate of one whole country. General really is courageous, but reckless. How inappropriate.”
Zhao Tong was ready to argue, but at this time Zhao Lu had noticed a slight disturbance behind him and interfered. Zhao Tong and Teng Yun were both high ranked commanders. While the soldiers had united under one same country, if they saw the two commanders fight, it might create doubt in their hearts.
Zhao Lu chastised Zhao Tong for failing to see what problem might rose from his recklessness. He sent Zhao Tong to lead a group to arrive first in the capital city to report.
Zhao Tong and his group were able to enter the capital city just two days later.
When Xue Junliang saw Zhao Tong, he lamented how many years had passed. Zhao Tong was still very young when he went to Feng, now he was definitely older.
After listening to Zhao Tong’s report, Xue Junliang smiled, “Zhao Tong, Zhao Tong. You have been cheated.”
Zhao Tong didn’t understand what Xue Wang meant, “This servant is ignorant, please Da Wang give pointers.”
Xue Junliang said, “Of course you don’t understand. You have many talents but you haven’t had many experiences. You are proud and reckless.. Don’t you ever think that Teng Ying had deliberately made you angry? He then counted on Zhao Lu to see what the animosity between you could cause among the soldiers and to send you away. In the military, there was no one with better martial arts than yours, so if Teng Ying were to escape, wouldn’t it be easier without you?”
Hearing this, Zhao Tong started to leave, but it might be too late to return now.
Xue Junliang on the other hand, didn’t panic and said, “Since the army have arrive, as a king, it’s only natural that I go and welcome them into the capital city.”
The second and bigger part of the army arrived just outside the capital city two days later. Zhao Lu had heard the news that Xue Wang himself was going to welcome them outside the city wall.
A few miles away from the capital city, Zhao Lu ordered the troops to stop and reorganize things. After all, it was Xue Wang welcoming them personally, they had to make themselves presentable. This place was in the middle of nowhere, no one would stop and inspect anyone who passed.
Teng Yun reasoned he wanted to hurry enter the city, and went ahead of the rest of the army. He Zhong questioned the others, “Where is Teng Ying going?”
Zhao Lu paused mid-step while He Ren joked, “Maybe he was in a hurry to use the toilet.”
He Yi laughed, “A lazy donkey would often stop to poo and pee.*”
[T/N : That is the literal translation of 懒驴上磨，总是屎尿多(Lǎn lǘ shàng mó, zǒng shì shǐniào duō). It also means ‘a lazy person often find many excuses to delay working.’ So, double the ridicule, LOL.]
As soon as Teng Yun abandoned the army, he took off his armor and put on the ordinary clothes he had prepared previously. He didn’t dare stopping too long. This time he must leave immediately. This area was still too close tot he capital city and Zhao Lu wasn’t a fool, he would find out soon.
Just as Teng Yun started going, he heard noises of people rushing to him. Suddenly he was surrounded by a large group of guards who were led by Zhao Tong.
When he saw Zhao Tong, instead of shocked, Teng Yun laughed.
Among the wall of guards surrounding Teng Yun, a man in black robes walked forward and said, “To laugh so casually like this, you must be so carefree.”
Teng Yun last saw Xue Junliang a few hours before he departed to Teng Country, which was a few months ago. Seeing Xue Junliang now, Teng Yun didn’t know why suddenly he was reminded of Feng Ming and Zhao Lu.
Without moving an inch, Teng Yun said, “A man should not cry so casually either. If a man is not allowed to laugh, then life must be so hard.”
Xue Junliang slowly walked over, staring intently at Teng Yun, and said, “Oh… I was wondering where General Teng is going.”
Teng Yun was startled a bit. When he was Teng Yun, Xue Junliang had called him General Teng. Right now, he was still surnamed Teng, but it wasn’t Teng Yun that Xue Junliang meant.
Seeing Teng Yun not answering, Xue Junliang was not surprised. Had he been in this same kind of situation, likely he wouldn’t have anything to say either.
“When the entire army return to the capital city, I’m planning to give General Teng a reward.”
The other man still hadn’t said anything. Xue Junliang was a bit baffled, but he kind of expected this response, too. From his previous meetings with Teng Ying, he knew that when hearing the word ‘reward’, Teng Ying would immediately perked up. But since Teng Ying offered to go to Teng Country, Xue Junliang felt that Teng Ying had changed. He was now unreadable and unpredictable.
At this time, Zhao Lu and a few soldiers arrived at the scene, having found out Teng Yun had disappeared and immediately chased after him. He was surprised when he saw Xue Wang and quickly knelt.
Xue Junliang ordered all of them to return to formally welcome them into the the capital city, including Teng Yun.
—
The royal physician examined Feng Ming’s pulse and then, not daring staying too long, gave prescription and left.
Lu Shichen stayed, even though he could not offer words of comfort to Feng Wang. Then again, because of this situation, Lu Shichen wasn’t sure he could offer comfort for himself, let alone someone else.
That day, when Lu Shichen asked Rui Xue to bring the broken zither to Zhao Lu, he was placing his hope on Zhao Lu’s feelings towards Feng Wang and thought seeing the zither would change Zhao Lu’s mind. Unfortunately, since Rui Xue’s departure, there was no more news.
No matter how he thought about it, Lu Shichen couldn’t understand. Obviously Marquis Zhulu cared for Feng Wang, but how did he have the heart to hurt Feng Wang to this extent?
Lu Shichen sighed regretfully. At this time, the housekeeper came in and approached him to whisper by his ear. The news the housekeeper delivered gave Lu Shichen pause. Signaling for the housekeeper to leave, Lu Shichen hesitated, not sure if right now was the right time to let Feng Wang know of the news. After all, it was all clear that Feng Wang still felt ill.
Just as Lu Shichen was mulling over the options, Feng Ming shifted to look at him, likely being awoken by Lu Shichen’s pacing. He said, “Minister Lu, do you have something to tell me?”
Lu Shichen sighed again and said, “Your Majesty, Cheng Tian’s nephew, Zhang Hong, who has proclaimed himself a king, is now sending his troops and aiming to claim Ming River.”
Feng Ming covered his mouth as he coughed before saying, “Summon the ministers to the study room, we have to discuss this.”
Lu Shichen wanted to ask if Feng Wang was sure he could get up, but held himself back. Feng Wang was still a man among men, no man wanted pity from other people. As a king, Feng Wang lived a solitary life. Perhaps, other than Zhao Lu, nothing else could move him and make him show his feelings.
Feng Country’s court ministers all immediately gathered and were led into the study room.
Feng Ming sat leaning back on a large chair, chin supported by his hand, and was studying the report on the table.
Everyone was afraid Feng Wang would explode in anger, so they entered the study room cautiously.
[T/N : I mean, even after he was betrayed by his lover, everyone was still afraid of Feng Ming, Isn’t that unexpectedly good? I mean, his ministers could have ridiculed him but were afraid instead.]
Feng Ming, on the other hand, was wearing no particular expression. He raised his hand to signal the ministers in and said, “All of you must have heard already, this Zhang Hong is treating my kingdom as a joke. Last year, his uncle looked down upon Gu, and now Zhang Hong does too.”
Lu Shichen said, “Zhang Hong is currently targeting River Ming. Because River Ming had just suffered a flood and hasn’t been rebuilt properly, he must think that River Ming is the weakest part of our territory. If he could occupy River Ming, he could then set up an army base to further invade our territory.”
Feng Ming nodded and suddenly smiled, “But River Ming is not that easy to claim, and even if he succeeded in occupying it, it would not be an easy place to defend. Also, the other side of the river is Xue Country. He would be sandwiched between two countries…”
Feng Ming paused for a moment, then suddenly his expression darkened as he said, “It’s impossible Zhang Hong plans to fight me and Xue Wang at the same time. He might want to draw support from Xue Wang, and the best method for him to do that would be…”
Lu Shichen instantly understood what Feng Ming was thinking, “Marriage alliance?”
“That’s right. The Grand Princess had just passed away, Zhang Hong must be in a hurry to send someone to Xue. Doesn’t it mean he is looking down on the Grand Princess? Looking down on the Grand Princess naturally means looking down on Gu.”
Everyone saw that Feng Ming was still calm and logical in thinking, it was as if he wasn’t affected by Marquis Zhulu’s betrayal, as if there was no such thing as Marquis Zhulu in the first place.
“Zhang Hong was a barbarian who broke other people’s faith. He remorselessly killed his own uncle, Xue Wang of course wouldn’t want to ally with him. But Xue Wang also wouldn’t want to send troops to fight Zhang Hong. We need to drive Zhang Hong away, let’s see what plan you all have.”
Lu Shichen tried to rack his brain. Military strategy was not his forte, so even after thinking for a long time, he couldn’t come up with a good plan.
After suffering through a great flood, River Ming was bound to be weak. A great portion of Feng Country’s territory was low terrains. If Zhang Hong, with help from Xue Junliang, were to divert the river and drown the country, many people and soldiers would drown and die.
Feng Ming stood and walked closer to a standing map near the wall. With his back turned to everyone else in the room, he scrutinized the map for a long time before finally saying, “Firstly, send people to prevent Zhang Hong to dig the river. Diverting the river water is the simplest method, Zhang Hong will naturally try it. Launch at least three times of sneak attack, just to distract Zhang Hong’s focus. No need to fight to death, just do a quick attack and then retreat.”
He paused for a moment, then continued, “Secondly, Zhang Hong has a very strong and brave aide who is untouchable… I heard this aide came from the same village as the scholar who wins first place in this year’s imperial examination. Better let the scholar handle this aide.”
A senior minister said, “But Your Majesty, the scholar was placed first in literary examination, not martial art…”
Feng Ming smiled and said, “Who said to let the scholar go to fight? Gu only wants him to meet and talk with this aide… Whether it’s Cheng Tian or Zhang Hong, they are all the same. They have suspicious minds and don’t know how to not doubt their own people. Gu is sending the scholar to pass near the enemy’s army camp, eventually Zhang Hong will be suspicious of his own aide and send him to attack our camp by himself. That is useful enough.”
The ministers all nodded and praised the plan. Feng Ming pointed to the map and said, “As for who would be sent to lead this expedition, Gu wants you all to discuss. Tomorrow, you can list several names, and then I will pick among them.”
Finished giving his order, Feng Ming allowed everyone to go back.
Lu Shichen went out but then hesitated just outside the door.
As soon as Feng Ming heard the door closed, he hunched over and reached out a hand to lean against the map, almost knocking over it. With his other hand he covered his mouth as he coughed fitfully. Blood was leaking out between his fingers and tears were falling down his cheeks. Turned out he’d been suppressing his cough, that was why he turned his back to everyone.
His coughing seemed to get worse and even sent him falling to the floor.
Being a king was undoubtedly not easy. The person he trusted the most betrayed him. If he showed his sadness, people would accuse him of being stupid; for the sake of one puny affection, a thousand soldiers had been lost yet he still dare mourning his impossible love.
But if Feng Ming didn’t show any sadness, people would accuse him of being a cold-hearted and indifferent king. If a king was indifferent even after losing ten thousand soldiers, then would he still be indifferent after suffering a great loss in a war? Also, was Zhao Lu just a plaything who would be discarded once the king was bored?
Lu Shichen opened the door just in time to see Feng Ming fell to the floor. He rushed inside and called for the servants.
Lu Shichen was just a scholar, and Feng Ming, while he was thin and lean, he wasn’t exactly light. Lu Shichen staggered and struggled to help Feng Wang sit on the large chair.
Lu Shichen was so worried he looked miserable. He said, “Da Wang, why are you still torturing yourself like this? Just consider Zhao Lu is dead!”
Feng Ming shook his head and laughed shortly, “Some people would call it obsession, but I’d rather he betrayed me and is not dead… If he’s still alive, one day he and I will meet again on the battlefield, at that time I will be able to get him back.”
[T/N : I translate this sentence literally. I have no idea whether Feng Ming meant get him back or like, get back at him. Which have two totally different meanings.]
Lu Shichen was made confused by Feng Ming’s contradicting words. Even if he was betrayed, he still wished Zhao Lu to be alive? Then he said some day they would meet in a battlefield, which was a strange thing to say because if that happened, then they would be fighting to kill each other.
But as Lu Shichen thought about the sentence some more, he couldn’t help sighing again and again. Despite his sincerity towards Zhao Lu, Feng Wang was still a king of a country. It was inevitable his feelings were contradictory.
—
Zhang Hong and his army stopped and camped at a place not far from River Ming. As soon as he settled, he sent someone to Xue Country.
Because of the death of the Empress, the proceeding of the Triennial Selection was delayed to an unspecified time. The way people saw it, His Majesty’s love towards the Late Empress must be so deep. Therefore, they thought of sending all of the candidates home.
At this time, came a letter from Zhang Hong, stating he wanted to marry off his sister to Xue Wang.
In the letter, Zhang Hong praised his own sister so high as if she was from the heavens, also stated that he only wanted her to marry the strongest man in the world. He had decided that there was no other man stronger that Xue Junliang.
When Xue Junliang read Zhang Hong’s letter, he laughed out so loud that his ministers all looked at each other.
Xue Junliang ordered Jiang Yu to read the content of the letter so everyone could hear and be entertained together. Zhang Hong’s words were so full of praises and fawning, people who didn’t know would not think it was a marriage proposal.
Teng Yun, who was said to have achieved a meritorious deed and granted an official title by Xue Junliang, stood below the throne among a group of military commanders.
Xue Junliang asked everyone’s opinion, should he marry this younger sister of Zhang Hong. No one dared come forward to be the first to say anything. After all, they were still not clear of what Xue Wang’s intention might be. If their opinion differed to Xue Wang’s, wouldn’t that be disastrous?
Xue Junliang looked around and laughed, “Who wants to say their opinion? Teng Ying, how about you? This time though you have achieved a great merit, people are still doubting you. Now, if you don’t say anything, people would want you be punished. So, say your opinion! Teach them that you’re still able to stand here today is not because you only have big mouth and no brain.”
[T/N : Why do I sense sarcasm in this sentence?]
Hearing the order, Teng Yun stepped forward. Looking up, he saw Xue Junliang’s condescending look and let out a cold snort. Xue Junliang was deliberately finding ways to chop his head.
To be able to become a thorn in Xue Wang’s side, Teng Yun wasn’t sure if it was a blessing or a curse…
