Xue Yu reined his horse to make it trot slower, deliberately keeping up with Teng Shang’s pace.

Xue Yu smiled and said, “The journey is long. I hope Minister Shang can withstand it. Or shall I order a halt for you to rest a bit?”

Teng Shang said, “A long journey is what I’ve been looking forward to, how could I feel tired?”

“That is what is wrong with Minister Shang,” Xue Yu said, “Lord Minister could have easily stayed in the safety of the capital city, where you could have anything you wanted. Why insist on irrelevant principles and land yourself in an inconvenient plight like this?”

Finally Teng Shang turned his gaze towards Xue Yu, “It seems that Marquis Zhenjiang had a thorough look. Then this Teng will have to borrow flowers to offer them to Buddha and give the words back to the Marquis, intact.”

He paused, then smiled, “You could have stayed comfortably in the border as a chief commander, where you could have anything you wanted. But why did you insist on doing irrelevant things?”

Xue Yu’s face changed slightly, and then returned to his usual gentle and elegant appearance. He said, “Haven’t seen Minister Shang for some years, but your speech is still very unforgiving. I have always heard Teng Country’s Minister Shang was generous and kind, but how come when talking to me, you are so mean?”

Teng Shang said, “I never meant to be harsh towards Lord Marquis.”

Then he glanced at Xue Yu; there was a glint of triumph in his eyes. Still smiling, he said, “If Lord Marquis had given a rope to lasso the horse, how would this Teng think about causing trouble for you?”

“What you’re saying…” Xue Yu said, “I don’t understand.”

“Before you left for the capital city, Emperor Xue ordered me to thoroughly investigate the assassination attempt on the Empress…”

“Oh,” Xue Yu exclaimed, “The Empress was attacked? What was found out?”

Teng Shang said, “Before meeting Lord Marquis, there were still some questions that I couldn’t figure out. But since having a few cups of tea together with Lord Marquis the other day, surprisingly I thought it through quite thoroughly.”

“Oh…”

Teng Shang saw Xue Yu still riding beside him and didn’t seem nervous in the slightest. He slowly added, “The assassins were indeed Teng Country people, but they weren’t former subordinates of this Teng Shang. When they were interrogated, at first they said they were sent by King Feng, but then they took back their confession and said they were actually sent by me. This was a two birds in one stone type of thing, wherein they wanted to anger King Feng and, at the same time, get rid of this thorn at Teng’s side… Unfortunately, Lord Marquis might never have expected that Emperor Xue would hand over the case to me.”

“Me?”

Xue Yu pretended to be surprised and said: “Well, how did I get involved? This criminal charge of assassinating the Empress, I cannot afford to take it…..  What’s more, almost everyone in the Capital has heard that the Empress and I once had romantic feelings for each other. Why would I even want to harm her?”

Teng Shang laughed and said, “Why say obscure things in front of people with discerning eyes. That year when we first met, you were already a Marquis Zhenjiang, were you not? A Marquis, left his appointed station without permissions, disguised himself as a scholar and served in a Teng Country’s senior official’s Residence. Lord Marquis, what is your real intention?”

Xue Yu also gave a laugh, but did not deny it, and suddenly spurred his horse to walk faster and turned his head: “You want to fight, do you?”

He said, “You are ambitious and very talented. But you have a blocked headed foolish heart. Foolish loyalty will only kill you.”

Teng Shang pulled the reins of his horse. Xue Yu did have a point. Teng Shang was so loyal that he would spare no effort and was even willing to sacrifice himself for Teng Country. Other people would find it easy to change their loyalties, but they weren’t Teng Shang. They didn’t know what it felt like being an orphan without any blood-relatives. When he was most helpless, he could only have unconditional trust in his own feelings.

————-

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“En.” Was Xue Junliang’s only response. Then he strode out of his bedchambers and went to the front hall.

In the middle of the court assembly, a senior official presented a report concerning Xue Yu and Teng Shang’s army. Xue Junliang didn’t order the official to bring the report to him, instead said, “Read it, let this Seat hear it… this Seat reckons this must contain good news.”

Hearing this, the official carrying the report letter trembled a little. If the report really contained good news, then it was fine. But if it contained news of the army’s defeat,  for sure he would be the one to suffer.

With apprehension, the official opened the report letter and started reading, almost trembling in fear.  The gist of the report was that- Marquis Zhenjiang, Xue Yu’s army and the provisions he brought hadn’t yet joined with the vanguard army, when they encountered an ambush from Cheng Tian’s elite soldiers. Apparently, Cheng Tian was prepared. Fortunately, Marquis Zhenjiang and his army fought bravely, deflecting the enemy’s attack. The army consultant, Teng Shang successfully killed Cheng Tian’s General, Ma Jing. Although their army lost a small amount of army provisions, the victory boosted the soldiers’ morale and spirit.

When the official read the first part of the report, he stumbled and stuttered and almost fell down on his knees. But then, he came to the part that mentioned how the army was able to deflect the attack, he finally left out a sigh of relief.

Xue Houyang was also among the court officials present. As he heard the news he couldn’t help but surreptitiously wipe his sweat. The report only mentioned Teng Shang in a few words and the information was not thorough. But Xue Houyang was very well-versed about the situation on the battlefield and knew how dangerous it could become. Added that Teng Shang wasn’t originally a person from Xue Country, the fact that the report mentioned Teng Shang’s name even once, meant that Teng Shang had indeed contributed to a great achievement and thereby winning the hearts of the soldiers.

After the report was finished, Xue Junliang was silent for a long time. Then, suddenly he laughed, making everyone sigh in relief.  Xue Junliang said, “Cheng Tian has always been cunning and conceited. The sneak attack he launched actually failed, it must’ve been a big blow to his pride. This Seat must bestow nice rewards for Marquis Zhenjiang… Oh, and for Teng Shang.”

Xue Junliang thought for a moment, then said, “Teng Shang is not in the capital city right now, this Seat doesn’t know what to reward him with. How about this… Teng Shang’s reward will be given to Teng-fei. Her previous misbehavior will be dropped, it should motivate her to conduct herself more carefully in the future. If she misbehaves once again, this Seat will not forgive her as easily.”

After he finished saying this, the court officials all kneeled, praising His Majesty’s wisdom.

Xue Junliang added, “Now, how about you all suggest, what should this Seat give to the Chief Commander? He is already a Marquis Zhenjiang. If this Seat were to promote his rank, probably would have to give this hat to him, don’t you think?” He said pointing at the tasseled-crown on his own head.

The court officials’ hearts jumped. No one dared offering opinions or suggestions. Emperor Xue was still smiling, but his words were ambiguous; the words didn’t sound like a compliment, and didn’t sound like sarcasm either. How could His Majesty make such a joke about his giving his crown to a subject?

Xue Junliang said in a strange way, “Don’t worry. This Seat was only asking for suggestions, you all don’t need to be so worried. We were talking about rewards, not about banishing anyone from the court.”

After a long time, still no one dared to speak. Finally, Xue Junliang named an official and asked for opinion. The official suggested rewarding Marquis Zhenjiang with golds and silvers.

Xue Junliang somehow still looked unsatisfied with the suggestion and asked, “Houyang, what do you think? What should this Seat give to Marquis Zhenjiang?”

Xue Houyang took a half-step forward and said, “Replying to Your Majesty, Chen-di thinks Marquis Zhenjiang loves his soldiers and is loved back by them. Instead of giving Marquis Zhenjiang golds and silvers, it’s better to convert the golds and silvers of his rewards as military provisions and army funds for his soldiers to use. This way, his soldiers would have enough food, and can get better weapons and armors. In the future, Marquis Zhenjiang will be able to win more battles and help bring more prestige for the Emperor.”

Xue Junliang nodded, “Houyang is right. You all listen to him. Here’s a person who can truly help and share this Seat’s worries. He is helpful even if this Seat doesn’t give him a raise in title; so should this Seat still give those corrupt, low-rank officials a raise in title? He is still helpful even if this Seat doesn’t give him rewards; so should this Seat still give those criminals and traitors rewards?”

The whole court assembly was thrown into confusion and clamoured for a while. They couldn’t decide which was better to be said; that the Emperor was truly wise, or that the Emperor should restrain his anger. The oratorship of the Emperor was truly skillful, making everyone panic in just a few words.

This confusion was exactly the result Xue Junliang wanted.

Thus, the morning court assembly ended with Xue Yu, who had made a great military achievement, not being rewarded but ridiculed instead. At least, the soldiers in the border would have a lot more food and provisions.

———

After leaving the court, Xue Junliang did not go back and said, “Change course and go see the Empress.”

The servants bearing His Majesty’s sedan chair immediately turned and proceeded to Yunfeng Palace, but on the way, they encountered Teng Qianyi.

Teng Qianyi was kowtowing on the ground. The clothes she was wearing weren’t warm enough for the cold winter day and her appearance looked pitiful.

Teng Qianyi said, “Qianyi is loved by Your Majesty. Majesty is very generous and forgiving. Qianyi will forever keep Your Majesty’s generosity in mind and promise not to make another mistake.”

Not coming down from his sedan chair, Xue Junliang said, “Since Aifei knows your mistake, this Seat will put this matter to rest. The ground is cold, quickly get up.”

Teng Qianyi thanked him profusely. With the help of a palace maid next to her, Teng Qianyi started to get up. But then she pretended to trip and almost fell. Xue Junliang still didn’t step down from his sedan chair, and didn’t move to help Teng Qianyi either. In the end, the palace maid was the only one helping her up.

Teng Qianyi coyly pleaded, “Your Majesty… Qianyi has personally prepared some wine and light dishes. Your Majesty has forgiven Qianyi, so would you please allow Qianyi to sincerely thank you by inviting you to visit Qianyi’s residence and have some wine and food?”

After she finished her request, Xue Junliang didn’t answer for quite some time, seemingly considering the offer. In the end, looking extremely reluctant, he agreed.

Xue Junliang’s sedan chair changed route again, this time to Teng-fei’s residence. Teng Qianyi had already prepared some wine and food. Seemed like she wasn’t a novice in this kind of thing as she also had already prepared songs and dances to liven things up. She tried her best to coax Xue Junliang.

Xue Junliang spent a whole afternoon at Teng Qianyi’s residence, talking about Teng Qianyi. Although she wasn’t considered very beautiful, Teng Qianyi had succeeded in captivating King Teng. Since she was little, she already knew how to make people fawn at her and had many tricks.  Whoever they were, they would always pamper and spoil her. She had never been humble or shy. Her temperament could not be compared to a pretty girl from a humble family.

The thing Teng Qianyi could do the best was acting coquettish.

Men usually liked women who showed their own soft side, weakness and acted coquettishly. Especially an overbearing and dominant man like Xue Junliang. He admired people who were very powerful and determined in battles, but he also liked people who were obedient and submissive to him.

When the sky turned dark, Teng Qianyi thought Xue Wang would spend the night with her. Contrary to her expectations after a few more drinks, Emperor Xue decided it was time for him to go.

Leaning against Xue Junliang’s embrace, Teng Qianyi gently traced the gold threads on his robe with the tip of her fingers; the teasing and the suggestions  were quite obvious.

However, Xue Junliang was indifferent. He pushed the pliant and delicate Teng Qianyi away saying, “This Seat has had some wine and should leave now.”

“Your Majesty…” Teng Qianyi pouted, “You’re going to go just like this?” As she said that, she traced the neck line of her clothes, further emphasizing her suggestions.

Xue Junliang only patted her hand. He called his sedan chair and walked away.

———–

Xue Junliang’s thoughts were quite deliberate. He never said anything, but it didn’t mean he didn’t know. Most of Xue people only knew Teng Qianyi as talented and beautiful, but how could the news of her debauchery escape Xue Junliang’s ears?

Although he didn’t clarify the matter with her, it didn’t mean he was willing to accept a woman who was not pure.

Xue Junliang couldn’t say that he was devoted to each and every of his concubines, after all, the number of women in the Imperial Harem were innumerable. But he was very domineering, the things that were touched and used by others, he would never use them. That was too dirty.

A King had qualities for tolerating when others could not tolerate and being ruthless when others could not be ruthless. This is why as an Emperor he had  such unequal privileges; a harem full of women who were all waiting despondently for his favour.

Having appeased Teng Qianyi, Xue Junliang continued to Yunfeng Palace. The things he had to handle and manage in the Imperial Harem were not any less easier than the matters of the Imperial Court.

———–

Emperor Xue’s sedan chair had already arrived at the entrance of Yunfeng Palace.

Xiu Yao got the news at the entrance of the Phoenix palace, and she rushed to dress her mistress up.

The Empress was sick for a few days and looked very haggard. Before she fell sick, because she was greatly favored by Emperor Xue, people didn’t dare neglect the Empress. Though she wasn’t fat in any way, everyone still took care of her meticulously in order for her to always look radiant. But since she fell sick, the Empress’ appetite was very low and could only eat very little; now she had lost weight and looked very emaciated.

Xiu Yao felt that all Kings liked their women well dressed and made up. So she used to make sure her mistress was always dressed up well but not with any garish makeup that would make her look ugly. She was worried if the Emperor didn’t like the look it might make him displeased with the Empress and he might stop paying attention to Her Majesty and wouldn’t that be bad?

But Teng Yun refused. For one, he didn’t like these red and white powders on his face. And second, he had mustered up all his courage to finally try and kill Xue Junliang because he feared Xue Junliang would use Teng Qianyi’s mistake as an excuse for attacking Teng Country.

Unexpectedly, Cheng Tian and Zou Zhenying’s armies suddenly launched a sneak attack; conveniently delaying the possibility of Xue Junliang attacking Teng Country and giving a temporary relief. But the friendly pretenses between Teng Yun and Xue Junliang had been torn apart. Therefore there was no need to pretend or dress up anymore.

As soon as Xue Junliang entered the main room, he noted that the Empress was kneeling on the ground wearing a very plain set of clothes. She was kowtowing on the ground but it was obvious she wasn’t doing so out of respect. Compared to Teng Qianyi’s bird-like behavior, this woman was the total opposite.

Xue Junliang helped the Empress stand and as he did so, he could see and feel that the other person had lost a lot of weight. It had only been a few days, but she had become so much thinner; it didn’t make sense to him.

No matter how he saw it, he was the one who was almost killed by the Empress, the one who could not afford to punish her. On the surface, it might look like he had the upper hand; but the truth was, the Empress benefited the most from this situation. She had no reason to suffer and became so thin like this.

The Empress’ face wasn’t powdered, lips weren’t painted, and eyebrows weren’t drawn. Xiu Yao felt bad. Her Mistress wasn’t ugly; her appearance wasn’t ghastly either. But without any makeup, she looked blander than any other well dolled-up consorts.

Xue Junliang led the Empress to sit in the front of the bronze mirror. Then he surprisingly took the eyebrow pencil, to help draw her eyebrows.

The two were very close to each other, and although Teng Yun forced himself to ignore the person in front of him, as if he was meditating and adjusting his breath, he seemed to be not very successful.

Every time Xue Junliang’s breaths exhaled against Teng Yun’s face, his eyelashes would tremble.

It reminded Teng Yun of the nightmare he’d had when he was sick. He had never been afraid of anything in his life, but that day, he was actually frightened to wake up from the dream and see the retreating back of Xue Junliang leaving the hall.

Xiu Yao had told Teng Yun how His Majesty had taken care of her all night when the Empress was sick. His Majesty had attentively cared for him, and didn’t even allow any of the servants to help.

Xue Junliang held Teng Yun’s chin with one hand and lifted his face towards him. He held the eyebrow pencil with his other hand and carefully shaped one eyebrow. Xue Junliang was well-trained in using swords and weapons, but this was the first time he ever held an eyebrow pencil.

Xue Junliang was very attentive, and when he was done with one side, he found that Teng Yun’s cheeks were slightly red, and his eyelashes were trembling slightly, as if they were small fans, tickling Xue Junliang’s heart.

Teng Yun felt something warm touch his forehead. Startled, he subconsciously backed away, but Xue Junliang stopped him with a laugh, “Don’t move, or my hand will slip and make you an ugly Empress, then you cannot blame me.”