Teng Yun blinked, not expecting Xue Junliang to say that, but he realized Xue Junliang was deliberately flirting with him.

Xue Junliang didn’t expect the Empress to smile winningly after blanking for a moment. She said with a smile, “Since His Majesty doesn’t want to recruit the bandits, then maybe troops could be used to suppress them. But in my opinion, these people would not be easy to get rid off. Your Majesty will have to send at least eighty to a hundred thousand soldiers to the suburb to successfully apprehend the bandits and destroy their stronghold and thereby making sure the young ladies are able to participate in the Selection.”

Hearing this, Xue Junliang couldn’t stop himself from laughing out loud. Even Jiang Yu, who was standing to the side, laughed.

Xue Junliang cleared his throat and tried to look stern, “Jiang Yu, what are you laughing at?”

Jiang Yu said, “Your Majesty, this old servant is laughing because Her Majesty’s virtuousness and intelligence surpasses others.”

Xue Junliang used Jiang Yu’s words to extraciate from the awkward situation and turned to the Empress and said, “Sending eighty to a hundred thousand soldiers is not a problem, but it does seem a bit too many. So I think I will first listen to your unsolicited request then.”

Teng Yun paused for a moment before saying, “After recruiting these three generals, can they be given to Chen-qie?”

“Oh?” Xue Junliang pondered for a moment, “Do you plan to go to war too? Are you collecting military powers now?”

“Not necessarily for war, it’s just that these three He brothers are extraordinarily talented people. They would rather let go of their respectable status and choose to be bandits than to accept a new master, it meant that they would not be easy to recruit. I am certain I can make them loyal and obedient.”

“Then…” Xue Junliang said with a smile, “If they are really that talented generals and they can be made loyal to you, I guess I can allocate them to you.”

“Your Majesty, your word is your bond.”

“Of course.”

Teng Yun smiled, “Then may I also implore Your Majesty to lend me fifty soldiers?.”

Xue Junliang said, “Fifty? Looks like you really have it all planned.”

Xue Junliang immediately decreed that as long as it was still within the Capital city’s territory, the Empress could mobilize a team of soldiers as she pleased. Since Teng Yun had boasted that he needed only fifty, so only fifty soldiers could be mobilized.

Teng Yun then hand-picked fifty Imperial Guards. These Imperial Guards were stationed to guard inside and around the Imperial City, their background wasn’t ordinary. And because they had entered the Imperial Palace to train as guards since very young, one against ten was absolutely nothing for them.

Xue Junliang didn’t even try to interfere and let the Empress arrange everything herself. He stood silently to the side and watched Teng Yun’s every move.

After picking the fifty guards, Teng Yun assigned ten of them to disguise themselves as wealthy merchants who were about to enter the Capital city to attract the attention of the three He brothers.  Then Teng Yun assigned another ten guards to sneak up into the mountains. When the three He brothers came down from the mountain to rob the rich merchants on the road, the ten guards would secretly enter the bandits’ thatched huts and spill all their water and douse flammable oil on their kitchens and firewood storage.

The He brothers tried to hijack the road and rob the group of wealthy merchants but they unknowingly put themselves into a trap. The Imperial Guards, who were waiting in hiding, immediately surrounded the bandits. When the bandits successfully broke the circle surrounding them, the merchants also suddenly brandished weapons and turned to attack the bandits. The bandits were few in number and soon lost to the guards.

The guards captured the eldest of the He brothers, therefore the other two didn’t dare to act recklessly. The captain of the Imperial Guards asked the three He brothers whether they would surrender or not. The eldest He brother indignantly accused the guards for cheating them with an amoral trick and declared they would rather die than surrender.

Before this mission, Teng Yun had ordered the guards to let the bandits go if they didn’t surrender, so the guards did as ordered.

The three He brothers were very angry when they returned to their huts. That night, when it was time for dinner, someone came to report to the three He brothers that there was no water.

The three didn’t pay attention to the report, assuming one of their subordinates were careless. But a moment later, a fire started and it spread too rapidly. Everyone rushed out of their huts to fight the fire but it was already burning out of control.

The He brothers could only swallow their loss, order the others to pack their remaining belongings and go seek shelter down the mountain. At this time, Teng Yun’s guards had been stationed at the bottom of the mountain, waiting for the bandits to come down.

Because the bandits were escaping from a fire, they didn’t carry weapons and weren’t prepared to fight at all. As soon as they saw the guards, even though they were many in numbers, most of the bandits were frightened and fled in every direction. Teng Yun ordered the Imperial Guards to once again capture the three He brothers.

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This time, the captain of the Imperial Guards was prepared with Teng Yun’s instruction. He took out a letter written by Teng Yun and read its content out loud right in front of the three brothers.

As the captain read the letter word by word, he realized the Empress had already predicted how the three brothers would react.

The content was : “When the master died, instead of vowing to follow the new King, you chose to flee with your money; this is not loyalty. You robbed the rich but never tried to help the poor; this is not compassion. Convincing your brothers to be bandits, but could not keep them well-fed and instead forcing them to suffer hardships of rain and wind with you; this is not righteousness. When your own variety of crimes are wicked beyond redemption, how can you call yourself a gentleman?”

The captain of the Imperial Guards smiled and asked, “Can He brothers shoot arrows?”

The three He brothers with full confidence said, “Of course, we can all shoot an arrow through a willow leaf at a hundred paces.”

The captain of the guards laughed and said, “But our Empress is an excellent shooter, too. Since ancient times, there have been countless people who can shoot, people who can invade the enemy camp, people who can go to war, but there are only a few heroes and heroines who are exceptional. Because those people who can shoot choose to become merchants, people who can invade the enemy camp choose to become scholars, and people who can go to war choose to be bandits. People who neglect the country aren’t gentlemen either.”

Being told this, the three He brothers’ faces turned red in shame. In their heart, they were always honest and principled, so they immediately felt ashamed when their shortcomings were pointed out.

The captain of the guards once again asked if they would surrender or not, and the three brothers said, “We’ll only follow your leader who wrote the letter.”

The next day, in the Morning Court, Xue Junliang welcomed the three He brothers. Teng Yun deliberately sat behind the beaded curtain to listen to the court.

The three, without any preamble, asked who the leader was, and Xue Junliang did not reprimand them for their rudeness, but had a very indulgent face and said with a smile, “The leader is none other than this Seat’s Empress.”

The three He brothers were shocked and their cheeks flushed red, thinking they had lost to a woman of an Imperial Harem. Of course, they didn’t know, they were bound to lose from the beginning, because the other side was Teng Yun, who was once an undefeated iron-handed Great General.

Xue Junliang accepted the three brothers and gave them new names : He Zhong, He Ren, and He Yi. Xue Junliang didn’t break his word and allocated the three brothers under the Empress’s name.

Although the court officials thought it was inappropriate for a woman to do something like this, in the end it was still a great achievement by the Empress. Such an achievement, if it had come from a man, that person would have already been titled marquis and gotten put on a pedestal. The court officials were all convinced of the Empress’ talent and no one raised any objection.

Because the troubling bandits had been subdued, there was nothing that could stop the carriages, therefore the young ladies now could enter the Capital city without any further troubles and participate in the upcoming Triennial Selection.

At this time, Xue Houyang heard that Emperor Xue was going to choose a concubine for him and couldn’t help feeling anxious. He would soon return to the frontier and surely the new concubine would not be willing to live in the border, where the land was so barren that even a blade of grass did not grow.  Also, Xue Houyang didn’t want to marry again. Although he wasn’t very good with words, he did have romantic feelings for Teng Shang. He thought it was inappropriate for a man to talk and indulge in romance all day long, but his feelings for Teng Shang were very deep since a long time ago.

When Xue Houyang decided he would enter the Palace, at the same time, Xue Junliang, having heard that the Empress was strolling around the flower garden, went there so he could ‘accidentally’ run into the Empress.

Xue Houyang rushed into the Palace only to find Emperor Xue’s residence empty and his heart grew even more restless. It didn’t even cross Xue Houyang’s mind that at this time, Xue Junliang might be busy wooing the Empress. Instead, he immediately went towards the flower garden.

He arrived at the Bishou Pavilion, when he saw Jiang Yu with his head lowered down, standing just outside the small pavilion. The pavilion’s four sides were not obscured by a wall. Xue Houyang could see very clearly what was happening inside. Xue Junliang was currently pressing the Empress against the banister and kissing her.

Xue Houyang was not thick-skinned, so he decided to wait beside Jiang Yu. But the two people inside the pavilion seemed to have difficulties separating; Xue Houyang waited and waited until his patience started running out.

Jiang Yu noted that Marquis Wannian was fidgeting anxiously. He coughed dryly twice to attract Xue Junliang’s attention.

Xue Junliang noticed the two of them standing outside and was annoyed by the disturbance. His expression was dark as he turned to Jiang Yu and said, “What? You have a chicken feather down your throat? Do you want the Imperial physician to come?”

Jiang Yu was wronged unfairly but he didn’t protest his innocence, instead he announced Marquis Wannian was requesting an audience. Jiang Yu thought it might be regarding a military affair, and if he were to delay reporting to the Emperor, he would be the one blamed.

When Xue Houyang was finally allowed to speak, Jiang Yu realized it wasn’t about military affairs at all, it was because the marquis didn’t want a concubine…

Xue Junliang’s face was unreadable and had a profound look as he said, “Houyang, explain to us, why don’t you want a concubine?”

After stammering and hestating for a long time, Xue Houyang poured out, “Chen-di is about to leave for the frontier in a few days. Taking a concubine at this time doesn’t seem appropriate. Which young lady would be willing to become a living widow as soon as they married…”

Xue Junliang was at the end of his wits and very frustrated, “You’re someone who would be always fighting at the frontier, you never say any auspicious words, always cursing yourself like this… Also, regarding your reason; which young lady dares to refuse my younger brother?”

Xue Houyang did not know how to express himself. He wanted to openly talk, him not wanting a concubine was an excuse. He knew himself was not willing because of Teng Shang, but he still wasn’t clear the real reason why. His mind was in chaos.

But Xue Houyang also knew he could not talk about Teng Shang in front of Emperor Xue, so he had no other words to argue. He tried to subtly send a message to the Empress standing besides them, using his eyes, hoping the Empress felt empathy towards him and would help him somehow.

But Teng Yun was also upset about this matter, he still could not make up his mind on what was better for Teng Shang. He was too preoccupied and didn’t notice Marquis Wannian’s subtle glances.

Xue Junliang said, “Houyang, you’re no longer a child. You are always at the frontier fighting, I cannot see you living your life and ending up alone with no heir… If there is already a young lady you’re in love with and you don’t want me selecting another one, tell me honestly. Whatever and whoever you wish for, as long as you’re happy, I’ll grant her to you.”

Xue Houyang stayed still and said nothing for a long time. In the end, he said, “Chen-di only has Teng Shang in his heart.”

——-

Feng Ming slumped to the ground and Zhao Lu helped to straighten him up. Zhao Lu didn’t dare touch Feng Ming any more than this, so he retreated a few steps back.

But then Feng Ming’s eyes suddenly opened wide as if he just found out about something; something unbelievable.

Feng Ming said, “Benefactor, where is this place?”

Zhao Lu deliberately lowered the tone of his voice, “We’re still near Ming River, the rain hasn’t stopped outside, so if you wish to go somewhere in a hurry, you’ll have to wait until the rain stops.”

Feng Ming nodded. The sound of the rain could still be heard from outside, the sky was so dark it wasn’t clear whether it was day or night. The room they were in was dark as there was no fire lit to evade darkness and cold.

Feng Ming rubbed his palms together to gather some warmth. The ground was damp, his clothes were all soaked and clinging uncomfortably on his skin; he was feeling very cold.

Feng Ming was sitting on a pile of hay but most of it was already damp. He searched his clothes for something to make a fire with, but found nothing. Zhao Lu only now regretted not making a fire for Feng Ming. He, too, searched in his clothes and found a fire fuse but then realized his official seal was gone.

Zhao Lu panicked but could not express anything loudly in case Feng Ming heard it. The seal must be lost when he was urging people to flee to higher grounds. If his official seal was lost, near the Ming River, there was a possibility of being found by Emperor Xue’s spies who were also nearby. If his seal was found by those spies…

Feng Ming saw that the other man, instead of starting to make fire, was staring off into space. He went over to get the fire fuse. When his warm hands touched the other man’s hands to take the fire fuse, the other man woke up from his daydream and together they made a fire.

Feng Ming’s outer robe was long gone. He took off his soaked inner robe. There was a broken chair near them so Feng Ming draped his clothes on it and dragged the chair close to the fire so his clothes could dry.

Zhao Lu was used to seeing Feng Ming’s naked skin. Feng Ming had a lot of scars; Zhao Lu knew by memory where each and everyone was located. Since they broke up, it had been more than half a year since Zhao Lu had stepped into Feng Ming’s residence. So he hadn’t paid close attention to Feng Ming. Right now, he looked closely and saw that Feng Ming had actually lost a lot of weight. Feng Ming’s body was still well-proportioned, but he looked very thin and haggard.

Zhao Lu gulped down a mouthful of saliva to wet his suddenly dry throat. He immediately moved his gaze away to avoid looking at Feng Ming’s alluring body.

Feng Ming didn’t notice Zhao Lu’s strangemess. He sat close to the fire to stay warm and said, “Benefactor’s clothes are soaked too, you may want to dry it by the fire.”

Zhao Lu just shook his head.

Feng Ming asked, “Do you know what’s going on in the city?”

Zhao Lu said, “The officials urged the people to take shelter on higher grounds just in time. The biggest problem is the flood. Once the flood has receded… the whole city would have to be rebuilt.”

Feng Ming didn’t talk anymore. He only gave a bitter smile, looking a bit tired and then lay down on his side as if he was about to rest.

Knowing Feng Ming was tired, Zhao Lu didn’t talk either. After a long time, Zhao Lu guessed Feng Ming had fallen asleep. And maybe because he was curled up on the half-wet hay, he might be feeling cold.

Zhao Lu went to the other side of the fire and touched Feng Ming’s clothes. It was almost dry, so he took it and carefully covered Feng Ming with it.

Feng Ming frowned in his sleep but didn’t wake up. Zhao Lu stared down at him and sighed, couldn’t stop himself from reaching out to caress Feng Ming’s cheek.

Feng Ming’s chin was thinner and more pointed now, his lips were thinner, too; making him look gaunt and grim. Zhao Lu sighed in regret but could not take back his hand.

At this time, Feng Ming slowly opened his eyes. Shocked, Zhao Lu was about to retract his hand but it was caught by Feng Ming.

Feng Ming’s eyes were unfocused and a bit misty, he obviously was not fully awake.

Zhao Lu released the breath he was holding as his heart stopped thundering in his ears and pried his hand off Feng Ming’s hold. But then Feng Ming half-rose and locked his hands around Zhao Lu’s neck. The two people’s breaths mingled and their body intertwined tightly as if compensating for the lack of physical contact all these months.

Zhao Lu’s brain stopped working for a moment. Although he never admitted it, inwardly he realized Feng Ming’s place in his heart had grown deeper and deeper every time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_NSFW_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zhao Lu pinched and rubbed Feng Ming’s lips and listened to Feng Ming gasping for breaths as if he was being punished by Zhao Lu. He sounded like he was begging for mercy, but also enticing him further; like a feather lightly tickling Zhao Lu’s heart.

Zhao Lu kissed Feng Ming. A burning fire slowly spread through the arms holding Feng Ming; they were no longer happy with just holding Feng Ming close, they started to cruise so slowly along Feng Ming’s naked skin. Feng Ming’s waist had always been very sensitive; with only a gentle touch from Zhao Lu, Feng Ming gasped an ‘ah’ out loud and his hips unconsciously thrust forward as if searching for more of Zhao Lu’s touch.

The sweet sound of Feng Ming’s moan brought back rationality to Zhao Lu’s mind. He pushed Feng Ming away and Feng Ming groaned in pain as he fell back to the ground and hit his jaw.

Zhao Lu’s eyes flickered around, he was about to stand up and retreat but then he was pushed by Feng Ming. Feng Ming was well-trained in martial arts; he was also quite strong.  Since Zhao Lu was not prepared for the sudden attack, he stumbled to the ground.

Feng Ming conveniently used this and pressed Zhao Lu forcefully to the ground.

Lying on the ground, Zhao Lu started to get up again but then Feng Ming lowered his head; once again leaving no space between them. This kind of position was very intimate and their breaths mingled once again.

Zhao Lu gulped and then lowered his head back to the ground.

Feng Ming was straddling on top of Zhao Lu. His upper body was naked. His black hair wasn’t bound, hanging down like an open curtain around his shoulders; the length of his hair passed down his slim waist, covering the hint of a valley between his buttocks. A few strands of his hair were spread on Zhao Lu’s half-exposed chest.

Zhao Lu’s throat felt like desert as he said hoarsely, “Hurry get up.”

Feng Ming’s eyes were now sharp and focused as if he wasn’t asleep moments ago.

Feng Ming ever-so-slowly lowered his head. His breathing was still a bit shaky as if he hadn’t recovered from the kiss. His chest was rising and falling as he breathed and the two little nubs on his chest were slowly lowering towards the person he pushed to the ground. The sight was provocative.

Feng Ming gathered all his hair to his front. Then he pulled Zhao Lu’s hand and put it to his back and then he slowly dragged the hand towards his smooth waist and down to his buttocks…

Zhao Lu shivered a bit. He wanted to take back his hand but then Feng Ming hugged him tightly. Feng Ming buried his face in Zhao Lu’s shoulder as he whispered shakily, “Zhao Lu… Zhao Lu… It’s really you…”

Feng Ming rubbed Zhao Lu’s other hand. Zhao Lu had a long scar on the inside of his palm, he had gotten it in earlier days when he had joined the military barracks to become a soldier.

Zhao Lu  only then realized that his identity had been exposed long ago and Feng Ming already knew who he was.

Without saying anything, Zhao Lu forcefully pushed Feng Ming and reversed their position. Feng Ming lay down on the ground willingly, he even loosened his pants for easy access.

Zhao Lu didn’t hesitate anymore. His one hand explored Feng Ming’s lower belly but deliberately avoiding the body part Feng Ming most wanted him to touch, his other hand caressed the cleft between Feng Ming’s buttocks before slowly pushing one finger inside Feng Ming.

Feng Ming moaned. Zhao Lu grabbed his chin and kissed his lips brutally. Feng Ming felt the other person’s hand, which had been slowly opening him, gradually started moving faster as if the other person had already reached the limit of his patience. He himself was already aroused, so he pushed back on Zhao Lu’s finger as an encouragement.

As his behind was being played roughly by Zhao Lu’s finger, his whole body was shaking and shivering in pleasure. A feeling of numbness spread all over him, reaching up to his head. He lifted his hips, indicating Zhao Lu to come in.

Zhao Lu’s breathing had turned erratic. His hand was still toying with Feng Ming’s behind as he kissed Feng Ming’s lips haphazardly. As Feng Ming lifted his hips again and again, Zhao Lu couldn’t hold back any longer but was still stalling out of concern for Feng Ming.

Zhao Lu stopped all his movement and pulled his hand out. Finally he said, “I can’t wait any longer, but I’m afraid you’re still not ready…”

Before he even finished his sentence, Feng Ming sat up. With hands on Zhao Lu’s shoulder, Feng Ming pushed him to the ground. Straddling Zhao Lu, he then slowly started to take Zhao Lu inside himself.

Feng Ming gasped for breaths with his mouth wide open, like a fish out of the water, struggling for air. His eyes were bloodshot, his cheeks and ears were bright red. Feng Ming looked like he was having a high fever, but his eyes never blinked and never strayed away from Zhao Lu.