The Ugly Empress Vol.2 Ch.05

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Chapter 05 – Instant Success

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Xue Junliang apparently heard Teng Yun’s unamused snort. He said, “I know you’ve proved yourself enough, but let the others hear your opinion so they can remove their doubts.”

Teng Yun cupped both his hands together and said, “Zhang Hong is the Late Cheng Tian’s own nephew. Only because Cheng Tian lost to Da Wang, Zhang Hong had the opportunity to kill his own uncle and appoint himself as a king. This alone proves he is disloyal, morally-corrupt and heartless. Moreover, Cheng Tian had always treated Zhang Hong as if he was his own son, yet Zhang Hong killed Cheng Tian as if chopping vegetables. This proves Zhang Hong’s disregard towards filial piety. If Da Wang accepted marriage alliance from Zhang Hong, it will taint Da Wang’s reputation in commoners’ eyes.”

Xue Houyang, who stood at the front, couldn’t help turning to see the back of the group. He had thought the same way as Teng Ying; Zhang Hong was obviously unfaithful and un-filial, he hoped Xue Wang would not be associated with someone like that. Xue Houyang never thought that someone would be brave enough to be frank with Xue Wang, whereas he himself would be hesitating.

Whispers broke out among the court officials. The first half of the court marveled at Teng Ying’s words; they had originally thought Teng Ying would persuade Xue Wang to accept the marriage proposal. The other half marveled at Teng Ying’s bravery; no one would dare being so direct.

Xue Junliang chuckled and said, “Then Gu has to thank you for your timely warning, otherwise Gu would be subjected to ridicule.”

Teng Yun bowed low, “This lowly servant doesn’t dare.”

Xue Junliang’s attempt at mocking was blocked with one short sentence. He narrowed his eyes at the person below his throne. Had this former sword-keeper been deliberately acting stupid to disguise himself or what? Xue Junliang really could not understand him.

“Then, in your opinion, how should Gu reply to Zhang Hong’s letter?”

Teng Yun paused for a long time before saying, “This lowly servant indeed has a way, but… This servant has a request.”

Xue Junliang laughed out loud, “Then say it. Teng Ying suddenly acting so polite and humble, Gu was a bit uncomfortable.”

Teng Yun’s face turned red in anger. He was so angry he couldn’t keep calm. This king who had killed him, had arrested and thrown his father into prison, had forced his beloved uncle to marry a man; why was Teng Yun still standing here, Teng Yun himself wanted to know.

Teng Yun took a time to calm down before answering, “This servant requests Your Majesty to release Marquis Tengnan from prison.”

The court hall was thrown into an uproar as soon as Teng Yun finished talking, as everyone else was shouting at once.

Jiang Yu bellowed, “Nonsense!”

Chen Yi stared with wide eyes at this fellow court official, decided that if this person wasn’t extremely intelligent then he was extremely crazy.

Teng Yun said, “Then Da Wang.. What do you think?”

Xue Junliang wordlessly stood. Slowly he walked down the steps towards Teng Yun.

Teng Yun felt a tension building in his head, black spots dancing in his vision and his limbs going numb until the tips of his fingers felt ice-cold. Somehow he felt he had seen this scene before, buried in the deepest place in his heart.

At that time, Teng Yun was covered head to toe with wounds and bruises. The guards had dragged him to the court hall. Then Xue Junliang had walked down the steps, just like he did now, before leading Teng Yun to the field, saying he wanted to show Xue countrymen’s martial arts.

The scene of the past hit Teng Yun with devastating blow. Teng Yun started to have difficulty breathing. He closed his eyes and shook his head to clear it. He had never feared death, but after experiencing it once, his subconsciousness seemed to have remembered.

Xue Junliang, on the other hand, had originally wanted to pat Teng Ying’s shoulder for being so courageous. But before he reached Teng Ying, he heard a a few people shout as Teng Ying suddenly fell to the floor.

Without thinking, Xue Junliang reached out a hand to catch Teng Ying. The ministers closest to him saw it and jumped forward to catch Teng Ying themselves. How could they dare let a king catch a lowly official by himself.

The court hall was once thrown into an uproar as several people called the royal physician to hurry over.

Seeing the chaotic situation in the hall, Xue Junliang ordered Jiang Yu to bring Teng Ying to the side room.

The royal physician came and examined Teng Ying’s pulse. Turned out, the former guard had a heart attack. In the future, he must not have emotional fluctuations that were too erratic, because it could worsen his heart’s health and eventually lead to death.

After giving some prescriptions, the royal physician saw the scars on Teng Ying’s face. He considered treating the scars too, but he had also heard that this general was the one guilty of setting fire to Yunfeng Palace. Afraid of inviting trouble for himself, in the end the royal physician left the scars be.

The patient was sleeping fitfully, seemed like he was having a bad dream and was struggling even in sleep. Seeing this, the royal physician added some soothing herbs to the prescription.

Xue Junliang impatiently asked, “When will he wake up?”
“This servant will apply some needles, then he will wake up immediately.”

Xue Junliang nodded and allowed the physician prepared the needles. Teng Ying was still tossing and turning, he was also mumbling some words. Xue Junliang asked, “What is he saying?”

The physician was applying some needles, so of course he heard what Teng Ying was mumbling about. But he didn’t dare telling His Majesty; the patient was mumbling Xue Wang’s given name.

Seeing the physician’s reluctance, Xue Junliang pushed him aside. Just as he lowered his head, he heard Teng Ying mumbling his name ‘Xue Junliang’.

Xue Junliang froze, staring down at the patient on the bed with complicated gaze.

Suddenly he remembered that time his Empress had a fever and fainted. When she was unconscious, she was also mumbling his name just like this.

Of course, a man’s voice and a woman’s were different, but the tone was very similar. So similar that it left Xue Junliang with many complicated feelings, which he didn’t understand.

After the physician applied some needles, Teng Ying immediately woke up, although he still looked groggy and a bit confused.

Xue Junliang examined the many scars on Teng Ying’s face, some were big, some were small. The scars, paired with the unfocused gaze, left some impression on Xue Junliang.
He said lightly, “It’s enough. So long as he is not dead.”

Teng Yun very slowly get up and sat on the bed. Xue Junliang said, “You’ve said your request. But to prove further of your capabilities, Gu has a preposition. If you are able, let alone releasing Marquis Tengnan from prison, Gu will also immediately rise your status and let you replace Marquis Tengnan’s position.”

Teng Yun smiled bitterly. Was this how he would take over his own father’s title? But, he had never imagined the title would be a marquis.

If Teng Yun were to rashly reject Zhang Hong’s proposal, Zhang Hong would certainly feel humiliated and attack Xue Country just to retaliate. Although Teng Yun wasn’t afraid of Xue Country losing, it was still better to have less war than to have wars that lasted for years.

While absent-mindedly massaged his left chest, Teng Yun said, “How about this? Your Majesty first send a letter to Zhang Hong, stating you accept his marriage proposal. Zhang Hong is greedy, naturally he would expect Your Majesty to send troops and army provisions as an exchange of his sister’s hands in marriage. Then, Your Majesty can send a troop of old, weak and injured soldiers, as well as some food to Zhang Hong. Seeing the soldiers, Zhang Hong would be so angry he would rip Your Majesty’s acceptance letter. Because of that, the marriage alliance would be broken not because Your Majesty not accepting the proposal. Zhang Hong would have no ground to attack Xue Country, and in the end he would have to deal with Feng Country by himself.”

Xue Junliang nodded, this was indeed a great plan.

Early the next morning, Xue Junliang ordered Teng Yun to reveal his plan at the court hall. When Teng Yun did, everyone was shocked.

Xue Junliang laughed, “Gu has promised, naturally Gu will fulfill it, otherwise Gu wold be no different than a lowly man like Zhang Hong. Send someone to the prison right this moment to free Marquis Tengnan, but he would no longer be a Marquis Tengnan, instead he would be demoted to a commoner. Teng Ying, Gu values a talented man like you. From now on, you will be title Marquis Tengnan. If you are loyal to your position and duties, you will be a wealthy and well-respected man. If your behavior is respectable, no one will oppose you.”

After His Majesty dismissed the morning court, many court officials approached Teng Yun to congratulate him. This was the true example of an instant success. How many people worked hard all their lives and still could not get any official rank? But this Teng Ying, by just saying one strategy, could become a Marquis Tengnan.

True to his words, Xue Junliang did send people to release Marquis Tengnan, who was already stripped off all his titles and demoted to a commoner. Teng Yun didn’t go to the prison to see his father nor send someone to pick him up. After all his father had done, releasing him from prison was a kindness enough, and Teng Yun considered his filial duties fulfiled.

Marquis Tengnan’s residence in the capital city was renovated, its house plaque was taken down, and the front door was decorated with red curtains. Every thing was tidied in preparation of welcoming the new owner.

Teng Yun wryly looked at the gold name plate of his new title. The residence’s servants were lighting some firecrackers, saying they hoped this would drive away all of the previous owner’s bad luck. At this time, Jiang Yu came to deliver ta new house plaque. On it was written ‘Marquis Tengnan’s Residence‘, personally written by Xue Junliang.

It was a great honor to have Xue Wang himself wrote a house’s plaque. The servants immediately hang the new plaque to replace the old one and then lined up to welcome Teng Yun into the residence.

The residence was quite huge, the servants had all served since the residence was built. Living in one courtyard, there were also several beautiful women; concubines left by previous marquis.

Teng Yun shook his head in dismay. This residence was very grand and luxurious, decorated to the very corner with beautiful women. Seemed like the person who used to live here, lived a very happy life.

Teng Yun returned the concubines to their families and cut down the number of servants. Some were reluctant to leave. To them Teng Yun laughed, “If you insist to stay, my salary is not high, I cannot support all of you.”

A few days later, someone reported to Xue Wang that the plan that they’d implemented had gone according to Marquis Tengnan’s strategy. Zhang Hong had almost fainted on the spot before tearing down the marriage alliance letter, loudly vowing he would never marry off his sister to a cunning man like Xue Junliang.

Seeing that negotiating with Xue Junliang was useless, Zhang Hong started attacking Feng Country. Now, he could not turn back and attack Xue Country; that wold be equal to a wolf challenging a tiger. He wold certainly lose. Zhang Hong had to fight with Feng by himself.

On the other hand, Feng Ming was going forward with his own plan. The soldiers he sent successfully prevented Zhang Hong to dig the river. Whenever Zhang Hong’s soldiers tried to dig the river, Feng Country’s soldiers would attack and then immediately fled the scene. This happened several times which really gave Zhang Hong headache.

Feng Ming then sent a large number of soldiers to openly attack Zhang Hong. The two sides fought but were evenly matched, therefore both sides called out their soldiers to retreat. At this time, Feng Ming ordered the scholar who wins first place in this year’s imperial examination to take short trips to the frontier every day. The scholar wasn’t told to fight, only to find his friend and have a nice and relaxed talk.

Zhang Hong ordered his aide to kill the scholar, but the aide said he would not kill an innocent man who knew no martial art and could not fight back; that wasn’t a proper conduct of a gentleman.

Zhang Hong was suspicious. His aide and the scholar met almost everyday, yet they didn’t try to kill each other. This must be some kind of a trick.

Later, in Zhang Hong’s army camp circulated a news that the commander and the scholar used to live in the same village. People concluded that the commander wasn’t originally from their country, but from Feng Country instead. This led to speculation that the commander might be a spy.

Zhang Hong was horrified, to think that there was a spy among his own people. His adviser suggested Zhang Hong invited the general over for a feast, which the general certainly could not decline.

A few swordsmen were placed just inside Zhang Hong’s tent’s entrance and ordered to slash any person entering the tent.

The guard on duty outside Zhang Hong’s tent secretly reported what he had seen to the general. The general didn’t immediately believe the guard’s report, but he still bought with him five martial arts experts that he trusted to attend Zhang Hong’s banquet.

As soon as the general arrived at Zhang Hong’s tent, Zhang Hong immediately ordered the swordsmen to attack, while his adviser was shouting “The General is a traitor!”.

Fortunately, the general had come prepared. He and his five trusted men fought and fled the camp, until they hit a dead end just at the edge of River Ming.

At this time, Feng Country’s scholar was heading towards them on a boat. Pulling the general and his men on board, the scholar laughed, “General, it’s been a while. How come you’ve already got yourself in trouble?”

The soldiers chasing the general all dove into the water and, one by one, tried to overturn the boat. The scholar ordered the people on the board to chop those soldiers’ hands. Because of this, the soldiers dared not touch the boat and had to let the escapees go. That day, Feng Ming allowed the soldiers to have some wine to celebrate the addition of a great and valiant general.

While at the front line, the soldiers drank wine to welcome the new general, Feng Ming also arranged a banquet at the Palace. The court officials all were in a great spirit; when their army gained a victory and managed to suppress Zhang Hong’s effort, of course they were all happy.

After a few toasts, someone who didn’t know about the recent news, inquired to Feng Wang about Marquis Zhulu. Feng Ming’s expression darkened in an instant. He ordered the servants to drag the person and beat him with a wood plank for thirty times. He shouted, “In this world, there is no such thing as Marquis Zhulu! Or are you all ridiculing me? Now that you all are gathered here, right this moment I vow, one day I will meet again with Zhao Lu in a battle, that day I will show him the true face of my Feng Kingdom!”

Despite starting in a happy mood, the banquet ended in unpleasant one and everyone discontentedly left. Feng Ming on the other hand, decided he hadn’t had enough drink. He invited Prime Minister Lu to a small feast at his residence. Feng Ming cried in despair at each gulp of the wine, as if wanting to replace his tears with wine.

Affected by the sorrow he saw in Feng Ming, Lu Shichen couldn’t help crying too. The two of them cried and laughed together, and comparing notes of each other’s wishes for the world.

Lu Shichen knew Feng Wang looked strong, but inside he was actually very sensitive. If Lu Shichen didn’t volunteer to be Feng Wang’s listener, perhaps Feng Wang would’ve gone insane. Not driven insane by other people, but by himself.

Lu Shichen said, “If there was no war, everything wouldn’t be this difficult.”

Feng Ming laughed, “Actually, just with me sitting on the throne, there is no one who doesn’t think of war.”

Lu Shichen sighed, “It’s unfortunate that I’m just a poor scholar who only know about literature. I know nothing about the principles of military campaign or expanding territory. I cannot be of help for Your Majesty.”

In the end, Lu Shichen drank too much. Feng Ming allowed him to stay in the palace, but the old-fashioned Lu Shichen refused, insisting he had to follow the rule and leave the palace. Feng Ming didn’t force him.

Minister Lu was famous for being frugal, he didn’t bring servants when he was traveling. Lu Shichen went home alone, swaying right and left on his horse.

However, in an area not far from the Palace where the grasses grew quite tall, Lu Shichen’s horse suddenly neighed in alarm. It stood on its hind legs, dislodging its passenger in the process.

Lu Shichen was an ordinary scholar who never trained his body, a long time after falling from his horse, Lu Shichen was still feeling too hurt to stand by himself. When he was finally able to open his eyes, he saw that his horse had run away and there was a small poodle of blood on the ground.

Lu Shichen’s heart dropped to his stomach. He was aware this might be the infamous robbers’ trick of tripping people off their horses. But robbery? Here right in the edge of the imperial city?

When Lu Shichen looked up, there was someone wearing a simple flowy dress standing next to him. The person stepped closer to lean a hand for Lu Shichen to stand, saying, “Minister Lu, are you alright?”

Realizing the person was Rui Xue, Lu Shichen felt relieved. Despite believing it was taboo for a man touching an unmarried woman, he was too in pain to refuse Rui Xue’s help.

Lu Shichen said, “Rui Xue, why did you come back? Were you ordered by Zhao Lu?”

Rui Xue was using one hand to support Lu Shichen, while the other hand was pulling from the folds of her clothes a dagger, with which she then pointed it at Lu Shichen’s neck.

Lu Shichen’s blood ran cold in a split second. He shouted, “What are you doing?”

Rui Xue only laughed, but her laughter didn’t sound like a woman’s. As soon as Lu Shichen realized this, he tried to get away from the other person, only to fall to the ground again.

The stranger slowly crouched down, the dagger still slightly touching Lu Shichen’s neck, before finally pointing at Lu Shichen’s genital area.

Lu Shichen started trembling in earnest, “You’re not Rui Xue! Who are you?”

The person laughed, “How brave, at times like this you can still talk to me like that?”

Lu Shichen froze, “Zhao Tong?”

Zhao Tong took off the mask on his face, “You’re so smart. But don’t think your being smart will make me let you go.”

Zhao Tong then deliberately lowered his hand. Seeing this, Lu Shichen had a mind to run, but he remained frozen on the ground.

Zhao Tong laughed, “Very good, Minister Lu. Very admirable. As soon as my master left, you dared staying in the Palace even after dark. How was Feng Wang, is he a great lay?”

“Presumptuous! You.. Shut your filthy mouth!”

Lu Shichen’s face turned red. He had never married, had no experience about being intimate with a woman, let alone with a man. It was such a blasphemy to even hearing about it.

Zhao Tong pulled Lu Shichen up, “It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to admit it. I don’t even care about people like you. Hurry up and follow me, if you dare run, I will immediately cut off your manhood!”

Lu Shichen’s face was going redder still. Zhao Tong impatiently kicked him to get going.

Zhao Tong loaded Lu Shichen into a sack, changed his clothes and rushed back to Xue Country.

Zhao Lu had found out that Zhao Tong wasn’t in the army camp and ordered someone to look for him. A few days later, Zhao Lu found Zhao Tong returned carrying a big sack on his shoulder as he was on his way to the Palace court hall.

He greeted Zhao Lu, “Master, wait until we meet with His Majesty, then I will give him to you so you can beat him as you please.” The sentence made no sense at all for Zhao Lu.

Xue Junliang was gathering the ministers on the study room to discuss things, Teng Yun was naturally present. These days, Teng Yun was very popular. Every time there was something to talk about, Xue Wang would ask Teng Yun’s opinion. Only Teng Yun knew that Xue Junliang was deliberately putting him on the spot, so if he said one wrong thing, Xue Junliang could immediately punish him and execute him. This forced Teng Yun to be always vigilant and on high alert.

At this time, Jiang Yu came over to report, “General Zhao Tong asks an audience… It seems like he has urgent matter to report.”

Xue Junliang took note of Jiang Yu being ambiguous and ordered Zhao Tong to quickly enter. As soon as Zhao Tong entered, he surprised everyone by throwing the sack on his shoulder to the floor before kneeling to greet Xue Wang.

Knowing this Zhao Tong was still very young and arrogant, Xue Junliang felt that the situation might not be very agreeable. Zhao Tong didn’t always act according to the rules, telling him off would only went in one ear and out the other.

So Xue Junliang showed a smile, “Zhao Tong, what kind of treasure are you offering?”

Zhao Tong said, “Not a treasure, but a despicable person.”

Everyone in the room exclaimed, “What? There is a person inside that sack?”

Zhao Tong opened the sack, and an unconscious Lu Shichen rolled out of it. The ministers were all shocked. They didn’t know it was Minister Lu from Feng Country; they only saw a sorry-looking person who looked as pale as a corpse.

Xue Junliang said, “Who is this?”

Zhao Tong said, “He is Prime Minister Lu from Feng Country.”

Even Xue Junliang was rendered speechless. Teng Yun had heard about Minister Lu’s name, and couldn’t help sigh in regret, “I don’t know if General Zhao Tong can tell, but I think Minister Lu hasn’t had proper meals in a few days.”

Zhao Tong was quick to answer, “I wanted to arrive here from Feng as quickly as possible so I had to travel at day and at night without rest. How could I have time to give him meals?”

Xue Junliang rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache was coming. He had, of course, heard about Minister Lu’s talent and had thought about getting his hands on this person. He had many plans drawn to persuade Minister Lu to join his side, but never once thought it would happen this way.

Fortunately, Feng Country was still focusing on Zhang Hong, otherwise they would immediately notice Minister Lu was missing and start attacking Xue Country.
No wonder people said that newborn calves weren’t afraid of tigers…

[T/N : I think the meaning was obvious, yeah?]

Teng Yun could see Zhao Tong had a personal grudge with Lu Shichen, he didn’t like what to think would happen to Minister Lu if he was to stay in Zhao Tong’s hands any longer. He hurriedly said, “Lu Shichen is a well-educated and talented person. Please, Your Majesty…”

Before he even finished talking, Xue Junliang already understood, “I’m not that cruel. Since you mention it first, might as well you take him and try to persuade him.”

Teng Yun actually didn’t want to take the task of persuading Minister Lu. He had never met Lu Shichen in person, therefore he didn’t know if he could persude him. But if he could not do it, Xue Junliang might want to put the blame on him.

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