\n\nâXue Junliang apparently heard Teng Yunâs unamused snort. He said, âI know youâve proved yourself enough, but let the others hear your opinion so they can remove their doubts.â
Teng Yun cupped both his hands together and said, âZhang Hong is the Late Cheng Tianâs 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 Hongâs disregard towards filial piety. If Da Wang accepted marriage alliance from Zhang Hong, it will taint Da Wangâs reputation in commonersâ eyes.â
Xue Houyang, who stood at the front, couldnât 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 Yingâs words; they had originally thought Teng Ying would persuade Xue Wang to accept the marriage proposal. The other half marveled at Teng Yingâs bravery; no one would dare being so direct.
Xue Junliang chuckled and said, âThen Gu has to thank you for your timely warning, otherwise Gu would be subjected to ridicule.â
Teng Yun bowed low, âThis lowly servant doesnât dare.â
Xue Junliangâs 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.
âThen, in your opinion, how should Gu reply to Zhang Hongâs letter?â
Teng Yun paused for a long time before saying, âThis lowly servant indeed has a way, but⊠This servant has a request.â
Xue Junliang laughed out loud, âThen say it. Teng Ying suddenly acting so polite and humble, Gu was a bit uncomfortable.â
Teng Yunâs face turned red in anger. He was so angry he couldnât 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, âThis servant requests Your Majesty to release Marquis Tengnan from prison.â
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, âNonsense!â
Chen Yi stared with wide eyes at this fellow court official, decided that if this person wasnât extremely intelligent then he was extremely crazy.
Teng Yun said, âThen Da Wang.. What do you think?â
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 countrymenâs 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 Yingâs 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.\n
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 Yingâs 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 heartâs health and eventually lead to death.
After giving some prescriptions, the royal physician saw the scars on Teng Yingâs 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, âWhen will he wake up?ââThis servant will apply some needles, then he will wake up immediately.â
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, âWhat is he saying?â
The physician was applying some needles, so of course he heard what Teng Ying was mumbling about. But he didnât dare telling His Majesty; the patient was mumbling Xue Wangâs given name.
Seeing the physicianâs reluctance, Xue Junliang pushed him aside. Just as he lowered his head, he heard Teng Ying mumbling his name âXue Junliangâ.
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 manâs voice and a womanâs were different, but the tone was very similar. So similar that it left Xue Junliang with many complicated feelings, which he didnât 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 Yingâs face, some were big, some were small. The scars, paired with the unfocused gaze, left some impression on Xue Junliang.He said lightly, âItâs enough. So long as he is not dead.â
Teng Yun very slowly get up and sat on the bed. Xue Junliang said, âYouâve 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 Tengnanâs position.â
Teng Yun smiled bitterly. Was this how he would take over his own fatherâs title? But, he had never imagined the title would be a marquis.
If Teng Yun were to rashly reject Zhang Hongâs proposal, Zhang Hong would certainly feel humiliated and attack Xue Country just to retaliate. Although Teng Yun wasnât 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, âHow 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 sisterâs 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 Majestyâs 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.â
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, âGu 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.â
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 didnât 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.\nMarquis Tengnanâs 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 residenceâs servants were lighting some firecrackers, saying they hoped this would drive away all of the previous ownerâs bad luck. At this time, Jiang Yu came to deliver ta new house plaque. On it was written âMarquis Tengnanâs Residenceâ, personally written by Xue Junliang.
It was a great honor to have Xue Wang himself wrote a houseâs 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, âIf you insist to stay, my salary is not high, I cannot support all of you.â
A few days later, someone reported to Xue Wang that the plan that theyâd implemented had gone according to Marquis Tengnanâs 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 Hongâs soldiers tried to dig the river, Feng Countryâs 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 yearâs imperial examination to take short trips to the frontier every day. The scholar wasnât 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 wasnât a proper conduct of a gentleman.
Zhang Hong was suspicious. His aide and the scholar met almost everyday, yet they didnât try to kill each other. This must be some kind of a trick.
Later, in Zhang Hongâs army camp circulated a news that the commander and the scholar used to live in the same village. People concluded that the commander wasnât 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 Hongâs tentâs entrance and ordered to slash any person entering the tent.
The guard on duty outside Zhang Hongâs tent secretly reported what he had seen to the general. The general didnât immediately believe the guardâs report, but he still bought with him five martial arts experts that he trusted to attend Zhang Hongâs banquet.
As soon as the general arrived at Zhang Hongâs tent, Zhang Hong immediately ordered the swordsmen to attack, while his adviser was shouting âThe General is a traitor!â.
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 Countryâs scholar was heading towards them on a boat. Pulling the general and his men on board, the scholar laughed, âGeneral, itâs been a while. How come youâve already got yourself in trouble?â
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 soldiersâ 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 Hongâs effort, of course they were all happy.
After a few toasts, someone who didnât know about the recent news, inquired to Feng Wang about Marquis Zhulu. Feng Mingâs 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, âIn 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!â
Despite starting in a happy mood, the banquet ended in unpleasant one and everyone discontentedly left. Feng Ming on the other hand, decided he hadnât 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 couldnât help crying too. The two of them cried and laughed together, and comparing notes of each otherâs wishes for the world.
\nNo wonder people said that newborn calves werenât afraid of tigersâŠ
[T/N : I think the meaning was obvious, yeah?]
Teng Yun could see Zhao Tong had a personal grudge with Lu Shichen, he didnât like what to think would happen to Minister Lu if he was to stay in Zhao Tongâs hands any longer. He hurriedly said, âLu Shichen is a well-educated and talented person. Please, Your MajestyâŠâ
Before he even finished talking, Xue Junliang already understood, âIâm not that cruel. Since you mention it first, might as well you take him and try to persuade him.â
Teng Yun actually didnât want to take the task of persuading Minister Lu. He had never met Lu Shichen in person, therefore he didnât know if he could persude him. But if he could not do it, Xue Junliang might want to put the blame on him.