Before Chen Yi left the capital city, he did go to visit Marquis Wannian. Unfortunately, Chen Yiâs way of speaking was too vague and mysterious. Xue Houyang could not understand anything of what Chen Yi was saying.
Teng Shang understood, but he thought he didnât need to say anything.
Since Xue Wang left the capital city for the south, Xue Houyang had been so busy managing everything. Every court matter, no matter if it was important or trivial, had to be reported to Xue Houyang before any decision could be made. As a result, Xue Houyang had to check each and every matter carefully. Also, he also had to oversee the soldiersâ training at the capital city suburbâs military camp.
Less than half a month of Xue Wangâs absence, someone reported to Xue Houyang that there seemed to be some movement up north.
These people moved in little groups as if they were just travelers passing by country. But then, gradually they behaved too much like a military troop. Marquis Wannian hadnât been transferring troops north, so his subordinates started to get suspicious and decided it was best to report to Marquis Wannian.
Xue Houyang was not a person who often took matters lightly. As soon as he heard the report, he immediately felt something was not right. He sent spies to investigate.
The spies found that these groups were all heading for the capital city, but they would often stop at random places along the road as if they didnât move as one organized unit.
Xue Houyang was reminded about Xue Yu and started to feel alarmed. Xue Yu still had a large military force based in the northern border.
At this time, Marquis Wannian remembered Chen Yiâs vague words. He quickly took out the package left by Chen Yi. The package was actually a finely decorated small box, and when he opened the box, there was a piece of paper inside.
On the paper was written :
â Seek the Empressâ advice.
Staring at the paper, Xue Houyang felt discouraged. He knew very well that the Empress was very skilled in military strategies, but this matter should not be treated lightly. If it was really Xue Yu planning to attack the capital city, then it was a huge event; one that might require Xue Wangâs presence.
Teng Shang watched as Xue Houyang hesitating over Chen Yiâs message and finally couldnât sit still. He said, âYou might as well go and ask the Empressâ advice.â
There was no other choice. Xue Houyang immediately put on his formal attire and entered the Palace seeking audience with his Imperial Sister-in-law.
Xiu Yao let Marquis Wannian into Yunfeng Palace and led him to the main room. As soon as he was inside, Xue Houyang didnât sit down; he remained standing while keeping his sight to the ground. Teng Yun thought that, true to his honest and law-abiding nature, Xue Houyang kept his respectful manner in order not to invite gossip. After all, his sister in law was still an empress.
Teng Yun felt admiration. This Marquis Wannian was indeed a gentleman through and through.
Teng Yun had not heard that Xue Yu might be sending troops, but when he was told by Xue Houyang, he didnât seem to be surprised.
Xue Houyang noted how the Empress calmly received the report; as if this matter was not so dire and complicated. Xue Houyang thought maybe the Empress really had the solution at hand.
Teng Yun thought for a moment before saying, âHigh Mentor left an advice before leaving, but his message was vague. I think it must be because he feared his message would fall into the wrong ears and eventually only alerted the enemy⊠Since the enemy doesnât want us find out about them, why donât we beat them at their own game?â
Xue Houyang was not clear about what the Empress meant.
Teng Yun said, âFrom what weâve found so far, the enemy doesnât want the capital city know about their movement and then proceed to reinforce the capital cityâs defense. Itâs not because they are afraid they would not be able to enter the capital city, but itâs because their force is not big enough. Itâs possible they had bribed the gate keeper to let them in, too. Marquis Wannian may want to send your people to the gates to check.â
Xue Houyang did as advised. Because the situation was quite serious, he immediately sent his trusted subordinates to investigate. However, his subordinates didnât know how to catch official who was accepting bribes.
Teng Yun sent someone to inform Xue Houyang, âOffer some rewards, there must be servants brave enough to speak up.â\n
Sure enough, when Xue Houyang offered rewards, the servants were quick to disclose their superior. Xue Houyang caught and executed the chief gate-keeper. He let one of the chief gate-keeperâs assistant escape to contact Xue Yu.
The chief gate-keeperâs assistant told Xue Yu that somehow Marquis Wannian was able to figure out they had bribed the chief gate-keeper. The assistant was afraid the chief would be intimidated by Marquis Wannian into confessing, so the assistant had to kill the chief himself and bring his severed head to Marquis Zhenjiang.
Xue Yu initially didnât believe the assistantâs story, but he sounded genuine so Xue Yu eventually believed him.
The assistant also told Xue Yu that every midnight, Marquis Wannian always came to personally inspect the city gate. He suggested Xue Yu preparing a troop of skilled archers. The assistant would return to the city gate, and when the assistant lit a fire-signal, his archers could shoot and kill Marquis Wannian.
If the most prominent figure in the capital city died, both the military and civil officials would then be in a state of chaos. Right then, the cityâs gate would be open. It would be so easy for Marquis Zhenjiang to take over the city.
The more Xue Yu listened to the assistantâs plan, the more his eyes brightened. He was torn; half of him believed this was an excellent plan, the other believed this was a suicidal plan.
The assistant said, âLord Marquis doesnât understand. If you take over the capital city, I can raise into a honorable nobleman. But under Xue Wangâs reign, Iâll only be minor assistant for the rest of my life, never even rise to an official. Now, the chief gate-keeper is dead, we have to act quickly. If itâs dragged on, Marquis Wannian might find out something, and then we all will be dead.â
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Teng Ying used to be an official tasked with safe-keeping swords. Although he didnât have any real power, at least he could be closer to the superiors. The closer he got to his superiors, he could build close relationship with them. Teng Ying was skilled in flattery; he was also skilled in gathering supports.
Now, inside Xue Countryâs Imperial Palace, he was just a low-level guard. It counted as a demotion in rank. Xue Wang had also placed him under the three He brothersâ watchful eyes. Those three brothers were barbarians who took joys in torturing idle subordinates. They always delegated Teng Ying to do task after task; making Teng Ying exhausted.
In the end, Teng Ying decided he had to make Teng Qianyi back him up. She was only a consort in the Imperial Harem, but when you wanted to climb the social ladder, a consortâs support was as good as any.
Teng Ying waited for an opportunity to approach Teng Qianyi. One day, he saw her staring at the small pond and sighing mournfully. He drew closer to the pond and then promptly burst into tears.
Teng Qianyi heard someone crying very loudly and ordered her servant bring the noisy intruder over and beat him with a plank.
Teng Ying was caught and forced to kneel on the ground. He crawled and hung on to Teng Qianyiâs feet, crying, âYour Highness, Your Highness the Princess! Donât you recognize this lowly servant?â
When the guard calling her Princess, Teng Qianyi knew he was someone from Teng. She looked down at him and saw he was indeed familiar.
Teng Ying noted that Teng Qianyi recognized him and seized the chance. He cried louder, âThis lowly servant begs for Your Highnessâ forgiveness. Itâs just that I saw you from a distance and unknowingly burst into tears.â
Teng Ying made up an elaborate story. He said Teng Wang always missed the Princess. Every day, overcoming with longing, Teng Wang would cry over and over again. Teng Ying said he was often accompanying Teng Wang, and often saw Teng Wang crying for the Princess. Therefore, when he saw the Princess, he recalled Teng Wangâs sadness and promptly cried.
Teng Ying said, âYour Highness, please donât be upset that your father could not come see you. Actually, he isâŠâ
He looked around and then added, âActually, this lowly servant doesnât think itâs appropriate to talk about that right here. There is a lot of people who could get this lowly servant punished. This lowly servant could be executed.â
Teng Qianyi had never been touched by Xue Junliang even once since she married. Naturally, she was very dissatisfied. Which woman would want to be married and then be ignored by her husband? What difference was she compared to a widow?
So when Teng Qianyi heard Teng Ying said like that, of course she believed him completely. She wiped her tears, and true to her arrogant and spoiled nature, she said to Teng Ying, âFrom now on, you can follow me. If I say I want someone Iâm familiar with to be my guard, no one cannot object.â
Since then, Teng Ying found his backing. Every day, he did everything to make Teng Qianyi pleased with him. Although he was far from Xue Wang or Marquis Wannian, Teng Ying was still quite good-looking. Teng Ying had a face as white as jade and a mouth as sweet as honey; he only needed to say one word and women would fall on their knees for him.
Teng Qianyi was bewitched by Teng Yingâs charm. If not for Teng Yingâs skill in knowing the perfect things to say, he reckoned he wouldâve been long dead. Eventually, Teng Ying could also climb into Teng-feiâs bed.
Today, Teng Qianyi was strolling along a small flower garden. Teng Ying smiled and said, âYour Ladyship, this servant often saw you looking unhappy. This servant has found a personal guard for you. Youâll definitely like him when you see him.â\nTeng Qianyi only wanted the guard if he was good-looking. But she also knew Teng Ying was aware of her preferences so she agreed to see this guard.
Teng Ying called the guard to come over and stand closer to Teng Qianyi. Withing just one glance, Teng Qianyi jumped to her feet. She was so elated she couldnât help reaching out and grabbing the guardâs hand. With shaky voice, she said, âHow⊠How is it you? You⊠You must have heard that Iâm here and come to find me, right?â
Teng Ying knew he had pleased Teng Qianyi greatly. He laughed and said, âYour Ladyship, you can reunite with this fellow guard, but itâs best if we go somewhere else. Itâs not appropriate talking here.â
Teng Qianyi realized she was losing her manners in public. She immediately dragged the new guard to her residence and ordered Teng Ying to leave her alone.
Teng Qianyi stared at the new guard with adoration clear in her eyes. But other people who knew the man, would be able to immediately tell this man was no one other than Xue Yuâs trusted assistant, Lang Jing.
Actually, Lang Jing entered the Palace under Xue Yuâs order.
Lang Jing and Chen Yi used to be comrades. He and Chen Yi were fellow students as they studied together. Chen Yi often called Lang Jing elder brother.
[T/N : Theyâre not birth brothers. In Chinese, you called your fellow students as brothers.]
That year, Lang Jing and Chen Yi were traveling through Teng Country together. Unfortunately, they encountered robbers on the road.
Lang Jing might appear tall and sturdy, but at that time, he was only a pale-faced scholar who knew nothing about defending himself. In the end, he and Chen Yi were separated.
Chen Yi continued traveling to Teng, and Lang Jing was rescued by Xue Yu. Since then, Lang Jing always followed Xue Yu as a thank-you. Xue Yu found that Lang Jing was very clever and talented, so he appointed Lang Jing as his trusted aide, which made Lang Jing even more grateful.
Lang Jing was always devoted to Xue Yu. If not for Lang Jingâs advises, Xue Yu would not be able to stay alive until today. Xue Yu might look very friendly and tranquil, but Xue Yu was actually hot-headed and impulsive; always acting rashly without considering the results.
This year, Xue Yu decided since his power had grown quite strong, he didnât want stay idle anymore. Lang Jing had tried to calm Xue Yu down, saying it wasnât the time yet. But Xue Yu didnât want to listen, so Lang Jing had no other choice than to help him.
Teng Ying was cowardly, yet greedy person. Of course, his mind was far inferior than Lang Jingâs. Lang Jing only needed to use a few words before Teng Ying agreed to take him see Teng Qianyi.
A few years ago, Xue Yu took Lang Jing to Teng Country under a guise. They met Teng Qianyi who had been sightseeing outside the Palace. Lang Jingâs appearance was very eye-catching, his conduct was calm and pleasing. Teng Qianyi took one glance at Lang Jing and immediately invited Xue Yu and Lang Jing into the Palace, planning to steal Lang Jing from Xue Yu. But truthfully, Lang Jing was never interested in Teng Qianyi, even if she was a princess.
Teng Qianyi was so happy to see Lang Jing to the point she might pass out.
Although Lang Jing didnât like Teng Qianyi, he hid his indifference behind a gentle facade. He said, âThis lowly servant has been looking for Your Highness, but I was a step too late.â
Teng Qianyi immediately cried, âWhy didnât you find me earlier?â
This sentence was exactly what Lang Jing was waiting for. He said, âIf Your Highness does as I ask, maybe itâs not too late for us.â
Teng Qianyi was eager to listen. She was captivated by Lang Jingâs gentleness. But when Lang Jing told her the plan, Teng Qianyi couldnât help trembling in fear, âBut⊠Itâs impossible!â
Lang Jing laughed curtly, âDidnât you say you want to be with me? Apparently, it was all fakeâŠâ
âButâŠâ Teng Qianyi cried louder, attaching herself into Lang Jingâs embrace.
Lang Jing added, âLord Marquis has already had it all planned. As long as the Empress died, we can go far away from here. But if you like wealth and fame, Lord Marquis has promised he would grant me a marquis title. Weâll be ranked second highest citizen in this entire country. Isnât it better than being a consort who is not respected?â
Teng Qianyi was still afraid. Conspiring to murder the Empress was considered a grave crime. A matter this big, if someday came exposed, she would not have a peaceful death.\n\nXue Houyangâs soldiers naturally were all more than glad to capture the rebel army alive.
The situation could be described like beating an already cornered dog. The rebel soldiers panicked, and quickly realized they could keep their heads on their shoulders as long as they surrendered. In the end, most of the rebel army threw away their weapons.
Xue Yu was deeply favored by the previous Xue Wang, naturally he was well versed in literature and military knowledge. Unfortunately, despite his skills, he could not beat one hundred people all at once, nor could he spread wings and fly away. The soldiers, who were already imagining the rewards they could get, would not miss this golden chance. Soon, Xue Yu was captured and tied securely with ropes.
Xue Yu was a proud man. He never imagined he would have to swallow a defeat this bitter. At this time, he recalled Lang Jingâs words in the letter and realized what he meant. Turned out, Lang Jing was not mocking him, instead was warning him.
Marquis Zhenjiang was still Xue Houyangâs brother. Added with Xue Houyangâs kindhearted nature, it was hard for him to see Xue Yu like this. Xue Houyang immediately ordered his soldiers to strip down Xue Yuâs armor and weapons. For the time being, Xue Yu would be locked inside Marquis Zhenjiangâs residence in the capital city and guarded heavily. No one was allowed to enter the residence without Xue Houyangâs personal permission and official seal.
Two guards escorted Xue Yu. Just when they were about to enter Marquis Zhenjiangâs residence, a soldier was rushing over on a horse. The soldiers seemed to be beside himself with distress. Right in front of Xue Houyang, the soldiers jumped down from his horse and knelt on the ground, shouting, âLord Marquis, something bad happened! The Palace is in flames!â
Xue Houyangâs heart dropped to the ground and he turned to glare at Xue Yu.
Xue Yu also stilled. He realized this must be the alternative route Lang Jing had created for him before leaving.
Xue Yu wanted to laugh, mocking at how stupid Xue Houyang was for focusing solely on him and forgetting to watch over Xue Houyangâs own family. But somehow his laugh could not come out. Recalling Lang Jingâs words only left his heart bereft.
Xue Houyang understood this must be part of Xue Yuâs trick. He ordered people to carefully watch over Xue Yu and not to make any mistake whatsoever. Teng Shang knew Xue Houyang was still doubtful about leaving Xue Yu unsupervised, so he volunteered to personally guard Xue Yu. Xue Houyang then led his soldiers to the Imperial Palace.
Inside the Palace, the Imperial Guards were all struggling to fight the fire. The fire was huge. This fire didnât seem like someone being careless and forgetting to douse a small fire. Xue Houyang grabbed a guard to inquire about the current situation.
The guard was so anxious to put the fire out he didnât even recognize Marquis Wannian. He said, âYunfeng Palace ran out of water.â
â
After putting Chen Yiâs plan into effect, sure enough, Xue Junliangâs journey to south was smooth and trouble-free. They arrived at the same place Teng Zhengxuan had come down to help the commoner affected by disease. In this place, people had built a temple where they could worship and burn incense for Teng Zhengxuan.
Refugees had all flocked down here as they had no other place to go or to live. They took shelter from the rain and wind in the temple. The unbelievable thing was, no matter how many refugees came here, no one was barging in and cutting the line of people waiting their turn to burn incense. This scene made Xue Junliang could not help but feel moved.
Xue Wang ordered people to open a kitchen right in front of the temple and give out food for the refugees. Xue Wang wanted Teng Zhengxuan to see that other than himself, there was someone else who cared and was willing to help the people to this extent.
After the people had some food, they were provided a temporary place to stay. There was so much rain in south, and this temporary place would protect them from rain and wind. The refugees were grateful and they all knelt on the ground to thank Xue Wang.
At this time, many of the refugees passed down praises that Xue Wang was like Teng Zhengxuanâs reincarnation himself; that he was like a saint descended at the temple. The refugees who heard the news all rushed to the temple and grabbed some food. In only a few days, the number of refugees grew. Among them, there were many strong and able young men who were more than happy to enlist into the military.
Xue Junliang didnât expect this trip would bring so much pleasant surprises. He recalled that day, if the Empress didnât convince him to help the refugees, he reckoned he might never get to see the surprises he saw today. Also, this trip had taught Xue Junliang many lessons that he was grateful for. He went into the temple and, in front of Teng Zhengxuanâs shrine, he cupped both his hands in salutations.
Xue Junliang didnât knelt, instead just saluting Teng Zhengxuan, but it was clear how respectful he was to the late Teng Wang.
Xue Junliang thought about something to say to Teng Zhengxuan, but right at this time, Chen Yi came in with distress written all over his face.
Chen Yi was proud and arrogant; some might even say he was overconfident. It was rare to see Chen Yi put on such expression.
Xue Junliang smiled and said, âWhy is High Mentor looking like this? Could it be that youâre afraid of the refugees?â
âYour MajestyâŠâ Chen Yi took a deep breath and knelt on the ground, âHer Majesty the Empress⊠has passed away.â