Teng Yun blinked, never expecting Xue Junliang would say that, but he knew Xue Junliang was deliberately teasing him.
Xue Junliang watched as the Empress seemed blanked for a moment before she replied with a winning smile, âSince Da Wang doesnât want to recruit the bandits, then sending soldiers to stop them is one thing you can do. But if you ask me, youâll have to send eighty to a hundred thousand soldiers to the suburb to successfully apprehend the bandits and therefore making sure the young ladies are able to participate in the Selection.â
Hearing this, Xue Junliang couldnât even stop himself laughing out loud. Even Jiang Yu, who was standing to the side, laughed.
Xue Junliang cleared his throat and tried to look serious, âJiang Yu, what are you laughing at?â
Jiang Yu said, âDa Wang, this old servant is laughing because Her Majesty is very skilled and virtuous, and has intelligence that surpassed others.â
Hearing Jiang Yuâs flattering words, Xue Junliang was mollified. He turned back to the Empress and said, âSending eighty to a hundred thousand soldiers is not a problem, but it does seem a bit too many. So maybe I just have to listen to your request, then.â
Teng Yun paused for a moment before saying, âAfter recruiting these three generals, can you give them to Chen-qie?â
âOh?â Xue Junliang asked, âAre you planning to go to war? Are you collecting military powers now?â
âNot necessarily for war, itâs 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 means that they would not be easy to recruit. I am certain I can make them loyal and obedient.â
âThenâŠâ Xue Junliang said with a smile, âIf they are really that talented and they can be made loyal to you, I guess I can allow it.â
âYour Majesty has given your words, you shall not break it.â
âThat is of course.â
Teng Yun smiled, âThen may I ask another thing? I need to borrow fifty soldiers.â
Xue Junliang said, âFifty? Looks like you really have it all planned.â
Xue Junliang immediately decreed that as long as it was still within the capital cityâs territory, the Empress could assign a team of soldiers as she pleased. Since Teng Yun had boldly requested fifty people, he would only mobilize fifty people.
Teng Yun then hand-picked fifty Imperial Guards. These Imperial Guards were stationed to guard inside and around the Imperial City, their ability wasnât inadequate. And because they had entered the Imperial Palace to train as guards since very young, they willingly obeyed Her Majestyâs orders.
Xue Junliang didnât even try to interfere and let the Empress arrange everything herself. He stood silently to the side and watched Teng Yunâs every move.
After picking the fifty guards, Teng Yun assigned ten of them to disguise themselves as wealthy merchants that were about to enter the capital city. These ten were to atrack the banditsâ attention.
Teng Yun assigned another ten guards to sneak up into the mountains. When the three He brothers came down from the mountain to rob people, the ten guards secretly entered the banditsâ huts and spilled flammable oil on their kitchens and firewood storage.
The He brothers robbed a group of wealthy merchants but were unknowingly putting themselves into a trap. The Imperial Guards, who were hiding and waiting, immediately surrounded the bandits. When the bandits successfully broke the circle surrounding them, the merchants suddenly brandished weapons and turned to attack the bandits. The bandits were outnumbered by the guards and soon were losing.
The guards captured the eldest of the He brothers, therefore the other two didnât dare recklessly kill the guards. The captain of the Imperial Guards asked the three He brothers whether they would surrender or not. The eldest He indignantly accused the guards as cheating them with amoral trick and declared they would rather die than surrender.\n
Before this mission, Teng Yun had ordered the guards to let the bandits go, so the guards did so.
The three He brothers were so angry when they returned to their houses. That night, when it was time for dinner, someone came to report to the three He brothers they needed to go find waters.
The three didnât pay attention to the report, assuming one of their subordinates were careless when making fire. But a moment later, they realized the fire had spread very rapidly. Everyone rushed out of their houses to fight the fire but it was already burning out of control.
The He brothers could only swallowed the loss, ordered the others to pack their remaining belongings and go seek shelter down the mountain.
At this time, Teng Yunâs guards had been stationed at bottom of the mountain, waiting for the bandits to come down.
Because the bandits were escaping from a fire, they didnât carry weapons and werenât prepared to fight at all. As soon as they saw the guards, most of the bandits were frightened and fled to every directions. Teng Yun ordered the Imperial Guards to once again captured the three He brothers.
The three He brothers were escorted down the mountain, where then they were forced to look up at their mountain dwelling as it was being burned to the ground. The brothers were angered and said the guards werenât gentlemen for using dirty tricks to defeat others.
The captain of the Imperial Guards were prepared with Teng Yunâs 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 per word, he realized the Empress had already predicted how the brothers would react.
The content was : âWhen the master died, instead of vowing to follow the king, you chose to flee and steal 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 with you; this is not righteousness. Such heinous characters, how could you declare yourself gentlemen?â
The captain of the Imperial Guards smiled and asked, âCan you three shoot arrows?â
The three He brothers still arrogantly said, âOf course, we are all excellent shooters.â
The captain of the guards laughed and said, âBut our Empress is an excellent shooter, too. People who can shoot, people who can invade the enemy camp, people who can go to war; if counted since the ancient times, there are simply too many to count. But there is only a few exceptional figures that stand out in battles, 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, they arenât gentlemen either.â
Being told this, the three He brothersâ face turned red in shame. In their heart, they were always honest and principled, so they immediately understood their mistake.
The captain of the guards once again asked if they would surrender or not, and the three brothers said, âWeâll only follow your leader who wrote the letter.â
The next day, in the Court Hall, Xue Junliang welcomed the three He brothers. Teng Yun was seated behind the beaded curtain.
The three He brothers asked who the leader of the mission was. Instead of getting angry at their rude attitude, Xue Junliang smiled an indulgent smile and said, âThe leader is actually Guâs Empress.â
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 didnât know, they were bound to lose since 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 didnât think too much about the names, those were actually chosen by the Empress herself.
[T/N : Zhong (ćż ) means loyal. Ren (ä») means compassionate. Yi (äč) means righteous. Can you guess why Teng Yun named them these?]
Although the court officials thought it was inappropriate for a woman doing something like this, in the end it was still a great achievement by the Empress. Such achievement if came from a man, that person must have already been titled a marquis. The court officials were all convinced of the Empressâ talent and no one raised any objection.\nBecause the troubling bandits had been subdued, there was nothing that could stop the carriages, therefore the young ladies would be able to enter the capital city to participate in the upcoming Triennial Selection.
At this time, Xue Houyang heard that Xue Wang was going to chose a concubine for him and couldnât help feeling anxious. He would soon come back to the frontier and surely the new concubine would not be willing to live in the border, where the land was so barren even grasses didnât grow. Also, Xue Houyang didnât want to marry again. Although he wasnât 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 had since a long time ago become deep.
When Xue Houyang decided he would go 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 âaccidentallyâ run into the Empress.
Xue Houyang rushed into the Palace only to find Xue Wangâs residence empty; his heart grew even more restless. It didnât even cross Xue Houyangâs mind that at this time, Xue Junliang might be busy wooing the Empress; he immediately went for the flower garden.
He was nearing Bishou Pavilion, when he saw Jiang Yu standing just outside the small pavilion. The pavilionâs every side was not obscured by a wall. Xue Houyang could see very clearly that inside, Xue Junliang was currently pressing the Empress against the banister and kissing her.
Xue Houyangâs skin was thin enough he didnât dare barging in. He stood beside Jiang Yu to wait. 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 had to cough twice to atrack Xue Wangâs attention.
Xue Junliang noticed the two of them standing outside and was annoyed for the disturbance. His expression was dark as he turned to Jiang Yu and said, âWhat? You have a chicken feather down your throat? You want to call the physician to treat you?â
The accuse was unfair but Jiang Yu kept his chin to his chest as he announce 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 king, he would be the one blamed.
When Xue Houyang was finally allowed to speak, Jiang Yu realized it wasnât about military affair, it was because the marquis didnât want a concubineâŠ
Xue Junliangâs face was unreadable as he said, âThen, Houyang, tell me, why donât you want a concubine?â
After holding it in for half a day, Xue Houyang poured out, âChen-di is about to leave for the frontier in a few days. Taking a concubine at this time doesnât seem appropriate. Which young lady would be willing to become a widow as soon as they marriedâŠâ
Xue Junliang was at the end of his wits, âYouâre someone who would be fighting at the frontier, you must never say any bad words, otherwise you would jinx yourself⊠Also, regarding your reason; which young lady dares refusing my younger brother?â
Xue Houyang stilled. 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 wasnât clear the real reason why. His mind was turning around chaotically.
But Xue Houyang also knew he could not talk about Teng Shang in front of Xue Wang, so he had no other words to argue. He even tried to subtly send a message with his eyes to the Empress, who was standing to the side; hoping the Empress felt empathy towards him and helped him somehow.
But Teng Yun was also upset about this matter, he still could not decide what was better for Teng Shang. He was too preoccupied he didnât notice Marquis Wannianâs subtle glances.
Xue Junliang said, âHouyang, youâre 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 youâre in love with and you donât want me selecting another one, tell me honestly. Whatever and whoever you wish for, as long as youâre happy, Iâll grant her to you.â
Xue Houyang stayed still and said nothing for a long time. In the end, he said, âThe one Chen-di loves is only Teng Shang.â
â
Feng Ming slumped to the ground and Zhao Lu helped straightening him up. Zhao Lu didnât dare touching Feng Ming any more than this, so he retreated a few steps back.
But then Feng Mingâs eyes suddenly wide open as if he just found out about something; something unbelievable.
Feng Ming said, âExcuse me, where is this?â\n\nZhao Lu pinched Feng Mingâs lips and listened as Feng Ming gasped for breaths as if he was being punished by Zhao Lu. He sounded like he was begging, but also flattering; like a feather lightly tickling Zhao Luâs heart.
Zhao Lu kissed Feng Ming. Something that felt like fire slowly spread into his arms which were still holding Feng Ming, as if they would never find peace if they didnât seize Feng Ming closer. His hands felt all over Feng Mingâs skin. Feng Mingâs waist had always been very sensitive; with only a gentle touch from Zhao Lu, Feng Ming gasped a loud moan and his hips unconsciously thrust forward as if searching for more of Zhao Luâs touch.
The sweet sound of Feng Mingâs moan pulled Zhao Luâs rational mind back. He pushed Feng Ming away and Feng Ming groaned in pain as he fell back to the ground.
Zhao Luâs 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 quite strong. Also, Zhao Lu was unprepared, so he was easily tackled down.
Feng Ming pushed Zhao Lu forcefully to the ground.
Lying on the ground, Zhao Lu started to get up again but then Feng Ming lowered his head; they came nose-to-nose. This kind of position was very intimate and their breaths mingled once again.
Zhao Lu lowered his head back to the ground.
Feng Ming was lying on top of Zhao Lu. His upper body was naked. His black hair wasnât bound, hanging down like a curtain opened around his shoulders; the length of his hair passed down his slim waist, covering the hint of a valley between his buttocks. A few strand of his hair was spread on Zhao Luâs half-exposed chest.
Zhao Luâs throat felt like desert as he said lowly, âHurry get up.â
Feng Mingâs eyes were now focused and sharp as if he wasnât asleep at all just now.
Feng Ming ever-so-slowly lowered his head. His breathing was still a bit shaky as if he hadnât recovered from the kiss. His chest was rising and falling as he breathed and the two little nubs on his chest were pointed towards the person he pushed to the ground. The sight was a provocation.
Feng Ming gathered all his hair to his front. Then he pulled Zhao Luâs hand and put it to his back, where he then slowly dragged it towards his smooth waist and down to his buttockâŠ
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 Luâs shoulder as he whispered shakily, âZhao Lu⊠Zhao Lu⊠Itâs really youâŠâ
Feng Ming rubbed Zhao Luâs other hand. Zhao Lu had a long scar on the inside of his palm, he got it since he joined the military barrack to become a soldier.
Zhao Lu knew he had already been fond out, Feng Ming 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 opened his legs so Zhao Lu could lie between them.
Zhao Lu didnât hesitate anymore. His one hand explored Feng Mingâs lower belly but deliberately avoiding the body part Feng Ming most wanted him to touch, his other hand caressed the cleft between Feng Mingâs buttocks before slowly pushed one finger inside Feng Ming.
Feng Ming moaned. Zhao Lu grabbed his chin and kissed his lips brutally. Feng Ming felt the other personâs hand, which had been slowly opening him, gradually started moving faster as if the other person was already impatient. He himself was already aroused, so he pushed back on Zhao Luâs finger as an encouragement, all the while he kept whispering Zhao Luâs name.
As his behind kept being played roughly by Zhao Luâs finger, his whole body was shaking. A feeling of numbness spread all over him, up to his head. He lifted his hips, signaling Zhao Lu to come in.
Zhao Luâs breathing had turned erratic. His hand was toying with Feng Mingâs behind as he kissed Feng Mingâs lips. As Feng Ming lifted his hips again and again, Zhao Lu couldnât 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, âI canât wait any longer, but Iâm afraid youâre still not readyâŠâ
Before he even finished his sentence, Feng Ming sat up. With hands on Zhao Luâs shoulder, Feng Ming pushed him to the ground. Straddling Zhao Lu, he then slowly started riding Zhao Lu.
Feng Ming gasped for breaths with his mouth open, like a fish out of the water. 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.