Chapter 43

Chapter 43

\n\n—

The next day, Xue Houyang looked bright and refreshed. Seeing this, Xue Junliang said, “Looks like Houyang’s mood is so good today. Did those three beautiful girls serve you well?”

Xue Houyang’s initial happiness was gone instantly when he heard Xue Junliang mentioned the three beautiful girls. He said, “Your Majesty, please don’t tease me. Currently, I’m not in the mood for jokes.”

Xue Junliang smiled and said, “Seeing that you’re so happy, wasn’t it because of me? Giving those three girls to you actually became the bridge that enabled you and Teng Shang to connect.”

Xue Houyang was half grinning happily, half embarrassed. Xue Junliang saw this and sighed, “Houyang, please remember that your mind is still not as deep and complicated as Teng Shang’s. I know that whatever I say would be of no use, but I only hope Teng Shang could treat you sincerely.”

Hearing this, Xue Houyang took a deep breath in relief. He opened his mouth to say thanks, but Xue Junliang was faster, “But still, Marquis Wannian could not be without an heir.”

“Your Majesty…”

Xue Junliang raised a hand to stop him, “No objection. It’s also for your own good. If not because I cared about your feelings, today there would have been many wives piled up on you residence.”

Xue Junliang then paused, thinking he should open a new topic. He knew he could not push Xue Houyang too hard. He then said, “Teng Xin is still in prison. When you have time, go to the prison and see him. Teng Shang would not be able to persuade him to surrender to us. You try, promise him with a marquis title if necessary. But if he still refuses…”

Xue Junliang didn’t finish the sentence, but Xue Houyang was clear about what he meant.

Xue Houyang said, “If it’s about persuading people to surrender, Chen-di thinks it would be better if Your Majesty asks Her Majesty the Empress. Her Majesty is very wise; surely she knows what to do.”

Xue Junliang smiled and said, “What do you think? You think I haven’t asked her? I have, but I was rejected.”

“Huh… Your Majesty was rejected…” Xue Houyang had no idea how Xue Wang could still be smiling so amiably when he was rejected by someone. Very strange, indeed.

Xue Houyang added, “But… But Chen-di doesn’t know what to say to Teng Xin. If it’s regarding war and military affair, Chen-di is more capable…”

Xue Junliang could not think of anyone else to go persuade Teng Xin. At this time, Chen Yi came forward to recommend himself, promising Teng Xin would definitely surrender to Xue Wang.

Chen Yi hadn’t yet gone for two shichen when he came back with the result. Teng Xin was willing to surrender, even bringing his soldiers to surrender to Xue Wang, too. He didn’t even need to be given the title marquis. Teng Xin’s only request was that Xue Wang didn’t execute his subordinates, and treated his soldiers kindly.

Xue Junliang asked how Chen Yi persuaded him. Chen Yi smiled, “This is very simple. Teng Xin is a soldier at heart. If he could not be a soldier, he was better off dead. For a desperate soldier, it’s best to give him hope. Da Wang is a lot better than Teng Wang, Teng Xin considered it was better to follow Your Majesty than to follow Teng Wang. If Da Wang could give him a slightly big responsibility to show that Da Wang could trust him, this lowly subject could guarantee Teng Xin will become a loyal subordinate.”

Xue Junliang sent Xue Houyang to the prison to let Teng Xin out. Then he promoted Teng Xin as a general leading the soldiers guarding the Imperial Palace. The soldiers under Teng Xin would not be detained, instead were allowed to continue follow Teng Xin. Teng Xin and his soldiers all were stationed at the army camp just outside the capital city’s wall as a supplementary troop.

Teng Xin was aware Xue Wang would try to recruit him, but he didn’t think he’d seen a king who would do this far to recruit someone. If he thought again, he could not believe how he could compare Xue Junliang and Teng Wang; they were too different.

Truth was, Xue Junliang had his own agenda in promoting Teng Xin as a general guarding the Imperial Palace. The title general was good, stationed at the forefront was good, too. But in reality, Teng Xin had no real status and power. Also, in the army camp at the capital city’s suburb, Teng Xin and his soldiers would be isolated among strangers.

Sometime soon, Teng Wang would personally visit Xue Country to pay respect to Xue Wang. As a general guarding the Imperial Palace, Teng Xin would stand right in front of Xue Country’s Palace. It was what Xue Junliang wanted Teng Wang to see.

—\n

Teng Wang was reluctant to go, but this time, he had no other choice. After taking a half month to prepare, Teng Wang finally left for Xue Country. Teng Wang didn’t dare bringing too many soldiers; afraid Xue Wang would detain his soldiers in the capital city. But as a result, all along the road, he was constantly trembling in fear, thinking Xue Wang would secretly send troops to ambush and kill him.

Halfway, Teng Wang was indeed ambushed. But these people weren’t Xue Wang’s people. They were old acquaintances.

The man in front was dressed simply and plainly. He had only one guard following behind him. The man smiled and said, “Long time no see, Teng Wang.”

Teng Wang was indignant at the man’s rude manners. Teng Wang’s attendant shouted, “Brazen! How dare you talk like that to Teng Wang?”

The man continued smiling and still didn’t kneel to pay respect. He said, “Teng Wang? I think as soon as you enter Xue Country’s capital city, your name would be changed. Let me think. You might be a Marquis Teng. After all, you’re already defeated. If you’re defeated, it’s the norm you should go pay respect to your new king. You think you’re still a king? How shameful.”

Teng Wang shook in anger. But the man was still smiling, “Now you’re just a marquis from the southern land, I don’t need to pay respect to you… I’ve been talking so long, yet haven’t even introduced myself. My surname is Xue, given name, Yu. I’m Xue Country’s Marquis Zhenjiang.”

Teng Wang’s eyes widened. He remembered this man was the wanderer his daughter had brought to live in the Imperial Palace. Never would have he guessed this person was actually Xue Wang’s younger brother, Xue Yu; also, the marquis who had quite strong military power.

Xue Yu said casually, “I’m coming here is not for giving you troubles. I just want to give you a warning, so you won’t be too surprised when you’re stripped off your throne and your military power.”

Xue Yu arrogantly patted Teng Wang’s shoulder. Then he turned to go, calling, “Lang Jing.”

The person who followed Xue Yu didn’t utter a single word the whole time. When he was called, the man also turned to leave, following behind Xue Yu.

Xue Yu raised a hand as he walked, “When we meet again later, I hope Teng Wang would not be so hostile. Let us support each other.”

Although Teng Wang was an incapable king, but he was still the king these many years; he still had a king’s arrogance and haughty temper. Seeing how rude Xue Yu acted towards him, Teng Wang wanted to chase Xue Yu to give him some lesson but was stopped by his attendants. This was Teng Wang’s first time ever entering Xue Country’s capital city, it was not wise to act recklessly here. Moreover, Xue Yu daring to be so arrogant must be because he was very sure of his own power and ability.

A few days later, Teng Wang and his entourage entered the capital city. He was only greeted by minor local officials; the meaning behind it didn’t escape Teng Wang’s eyes. He stayed the night at one of the guest residence near the Imperial Palace, and the next morning he was permitted to have an audience with Xue Wang at the morning court assembly.

At the top of the court hall, Xue Junliang had invited the Empress to sit behind the beaded curtain, intending everyone from Teng to see his Empress and see how high she was regarded because of her contributions in military affairs.

But of course, Xue Junliang didn’t know the Empress’ identity. Having to be at the court hall, Teng Yun was very uncomfortable. From behind the beaded curtain, Teng Yun couldn’t see Teng Wang’s face very clearly.

When Teng Wang came in, he immediately saw two general-ranked men guarding the court hall; one of the men was Teng Xin. Teng Wang couldn’t help glancing up and glared at Teng Xin.

Teng Xin lifted his chin slightly as if he was unafraid of Teng Wang. He and Teng Wang might be father and son, but since Teng Wang abandoned him, it wasn’t a hardship for Teng Xin to ignore their relationship.

Just as Xue Yu had said, Xue Wang only said a few words before quickly sealing Teng Wang as a marquis. He would still be stationed in Teng Country’s territory, but his title would be changed into a Marquis Tengnan, and Teng Country became a land under Xue Country’s banner.

[T/N : Tengnan 滕南, from Teng as in Teng Country, and Nán which means south. Teng was located south of Xue Country’s territory.]

Xue Junliang said it like he was giving rewards to Teng Wang, but in fact, he was stripping Teng Wang off his kingly throne and power. Xue Junliang smiled and said, “So, if Marquis Tengnan has no objections, you can kowtow and pay respect.”

Of course, Teng Wang could not object. He could only lower himself to the ground, his knees bent stiffly as if someone had kicked his legs. He said, “Thank you, for Your Majesty’s grace.”

Xue Junliang nodded and leaned back a bit on his seat. He said, “From now on, you don’t have to wear this kind of attire. Take it off.”\nBecause he was now merely a marquis, Teng Wang could no longer wear a king’s attire. Teng Wang was aware of this, but it didn’t make his feeling any less bitter.

Teng Yun watched as Xue Junliang easily and effortlessly defeated Teng Wang. Teng Yun’s heart was filled with complicated feelings. He’d never thought that one day his own father would kneel in front of him, much less kneeling in this kind of situation.

Xue Junliang noted the Empress looking slightly dispirited and thought maybe the Empress was not feeling well. He said a few more words then dismissed the morning court assembly.

Teng Yun’s heart was in a turmoil; consequently his face looked pale. Seeing this Xue Junliang suggested calling the royal physician to examine the Empress.

Xue Junliang said, “Since you’re not feeling well, you don’t have to stay and attend the banquet. It’s better if you take some rest.”

Then he added, “If you have something bothering you, don’t keep it in your heart. You can talk to me and I will listen.”

Teng Yun’s heart jumped a bit by Xue Junliang’s words. Was it possible Xue Junliang had seen and known something? But Teng Yun doubted it; Chen Yi was able to notice because he had once lived in Teng Country, and had traveled to many places, therefore was more perceptive and knowledgeable. Xue Junliang might be a king who sat above the whole world, but he must’ve never heard of small news about Teng Yun’s injured right hand, or about Feng Country’s Grand Princess’ offenses to Feng Wang.

However, Teng Yun was still feeling uneasy. He said, “There is nothing to worry about. Chen-qie is fine.”

Since the weather had got warmer, the banquet was set at the flower garden. Marquis Tengnan and the other court officials had all arrived. A guard was standing behind Marquis Tengnan. This guard was tall and sturdy, and his manner straight and impressive. He was carefully holding a sword in his two hands.

As soon as Xue Junliang arrived, Marquis Tengnan came forward and said, “This.. this lowly subject heard that Xue Wang was very skilled in martial art. This subject had deliberately looked for a sword. This sword could cut a block of iron smoothly as if cutting a block of mud; it’s very famous and truly one of a kind. This subject hopes Xue Wang would accept it.”

Teng Wang signaled the guard behind him to come forward with the sword.

Xue Junliang took the sword and unsheathed it. Under the scorching midday sun, the sword seemed like it was emitting cold and imposing aura. With only one glance, it was clear the sword was indeed a very good one. Xue Junliang smiled and said, “Marquis Tengnan is too generous.”

Then Xue Junliang noted the guard’s unusual pose and asked his name.

The guard’s name was Teng Ying. Although his surname was Teng, he wasn’t a member of royal family and was born a slave. Because his conduct was very respectful, the previous Teng Wang picked him and tasked him to take care of swords. Teng Ying was very obedient and skilled in speech, but actually he didn’t have any talent.

[T/N : Teng Ying’s surname was 腾, while Teng Country’s royal surname was 滕. Both read Teng, but they were two different surnames.]

After listening to the guard’s introduction, Xue Junliang soon lost interest. Many people were good at flattering their superiors, but not many people could hide their wisdom and intelligence. Xue Junliang could see Teng Ying was only good on the outside.

Marquis Tengnan turned to the Empress and signaled to Teng Ying to present her a gift. The gift was merely some treasured pearls from the southern seas. These things might be enough to please a woman, but Teng Yun didn’t like them.

Marquis Tengnan saw the Empress’ disinterest towards the gift and his heart dropped to his stomach. He had long heard about the Empress ability to win Xue Wang’s favor, if someone could please the Empress, they could easily please Xue Wang, too. But Marquis Tengnan thought his strategy didn’t work well.

Soon, the banquet began and the performances also started. After drinking a few rounds of wine, Teng Xin watched as Marquis Tengnan tried to fawn over Xue Wang and other officials and Teng Xin became very angry. He took his sword and charged towards Marquis Tengnan.

The marquis was used to live comfortably and surrounded by guards; he couldn’t even notice Teng Xin coming forward. Teng Ying, who stood behind Marquis Tengnan blocked Teng Xin’s sword with a chair.

With a loud crack, the chair broke in two. Minister of Culture and Civil Affairs, who stood the closest to the scene, immediately held Teng Xin back and persuaded him not to act recklessly. They were all now subordinates under one and the same court, it was better to put down grievances and resentments. Also, the banquet was still on, they didn’t want to anger Xue Wang.

On the top seat, Xue Junliang sat with his chin rested on his palm, looking lazy and disinterested as if he was too high to pay attention to petty fights.\n\nThe letter came too late.

Because the refugee didn’t have home and food, many of them had died under the city wall. Their corpses piled up as high as mountain and emitted foul odor. Desperate and hungry, the refugees were forced to eat the corpses; crying as they did so.

No one among the soldiers guarding the city wall was brave enough to see this scene.

Xue Junliang was furious. In front of the court officials, he shred the letter to pieces and let out a cold laugh, “Marquis Tengnan, this damn bastard!”

The officials all looked down at their feet, didn’t dare saying anything for fear of igniting Xue Wang’s anger even more and then ended up being used as a punching bag.

After a moment, a few of them carefully suggested transporting food to Teng. At this time, it was necessary to give the refugees food. Otherwise, more refugees would move to Xue Country’s territory and the disease would spread even wider. By then, the disaster would be even harder to solve.

Chen Yi spoke up, “Da Wang, we’re not even sure if it isn’t Marquis Tengnan’s trick. He deliberately locked the refugees out in order to make you think he was powerless and had no money, then Da Wang would return him his military power. If we send food to Teng territory, it would be like releasing a fish back into the water. Marquis Tengnan would be free of responsibilities and consequences.”

Chen Yi’s words made sense, but people also thought those words too cold-blooded; they could not ignore the refugees. Previously, because Teng didn’t belong to Xue Junliang, Xue Country could just sit idly and do nothing. But now, Teng had become a part of their territory, the refugees were now people of Xue; they must help them.

Xue Junliang said, “You dare to speak, you must have some ideas.”

Chen Yi said, “That is true. Da Wang can send soldiers along with the food, added with a large number of physicians to help treat the patients. Since Marquis Tengnan basically invited us into Teng territory, why not use this opportunity to send troops there?”

Xue Houyang came forward, “If we send troops in times like these, won’t it provoke people to criticize us? They could say that Da Wang sending troops is like a thief in a troubled time. People could think badly of us for a long time, and it would be hard for us to win their hearts.”

Chen Yi smiled, “Winning people’s hearts. Marquis Tengnan had to pay allegiance to Xue Country mainly because he could not win people’s hearts. Da Wang, besides sending troops and physicians, you can also provide a medicine.”

Xue Junliang only now spoke up, “Oh… what medicine?”

“The medicine is Da Wang, yourself. Imagine being a Teng refugee; Marquis Tengnan forced the refugees out of the city wall, but at this time Xue Wang comes personally to help. This way, people can easily draw conclusion which one is the better leader.”

“But…” Xue Houyang said, “Although High Mentor’s suggestion is very good, His Majesty’s safety and health is the most important. If His Majesty falls ill…”

“Marquis Wannian worries too much,” Chen Yi said, “Da Wang only needs to make an appearance at the site, doesn’t need to go to the places where the disease is rampant. There are so many refugees; Da Wang doesn’t have to meet every single one of them.”

Xue Junliang didn’t utter a word for a long time. Finally, he nodded and said, “Gu will consider this a bit longer.”

After the court assembly was dismissed and the officials all retired, Xue Junliang was too preoccupied by this matter and unconsciously went in the direction of Yunfeng Palace.

Teng Yun had heard about the refugees and knew Xue Junliang would come and ask his opinions, so he especially waited for Xue Junliang.

At Yunfeng Palace, Xue Junliang didn’t immediately talk. He was silent for a long time until Teng Yun had to prompt, “Your Majesty, do you know about Teng Zhengxuan?”

Xue Junliang was a bit confused as to why the Empress suddenly asked this question. He said, “Of course, I do. He was the late king of Teng.”

Teng Yun said, “Teng Zhengxuan reigned for thirty years and during that time, Teng Country was prosperous and peaceful. Marquis Tengnan reigns for only fifteen years, yet he’d bring the country to an almost-collapse.”