—

Zhao Lu only stared at Feng Ming and said nothing. At first, Feng Ming was able to return the his gaze, but then he looked away. His heart still couldn"t let go of this man completely, Feng Ming was afraid if he looked at Zhao Lu too long, his heart would just give in.

Zhao Lu chuckled and then turned to go.

Only at this time, Feng Ming finally found back his voice. He said lowly, “Lord Marquis, wait a minute.”

“Does Your Majesty still have more order?” Zhao Lu said without even turning around.

Feng Ming looked up at Zhao Lu"s back. Finally, he sighed and said, “Gu plans to visit Ming River for about a month.”

“Ming River…” Zhao Lu couldn"t help repeated; seemingly lost in a thought. This place was where the two of them first met, though Feng Ming might not know it. That year, he went to Ming River and saw Feng Ming. At that time, Zhao Lu was still young, his family and relatives were still alive.

Feng Ming said, “Today, the court officials presented a case, Ming River"s dam had been broken for many years and the refugees" condition is becoming quite a problem. Gu wants to go and see the place. The matters in the capital city will be handled by you.”

Zhao Lu paused, and then nodded, “This subject will do my best.”

Then he stepped out of the room.

Rui Xue aas waiting outside Feng w.a.n.g"s residence. She hoped Lord Marquis had met with Feng w.a.n.g and reconciled. But then she saw Zhao Lu coming out with a cold expression on his face.

Actually, the two hadn"t only fought once or twice. When Zhao Lu had just entered officialdom and wasn"t yet a Marquis Zhulu, his temper was rather cold and curt. He only said what he wanted to say. Feng w.a.n.g always had to protect him, otherwise, Zhao Lu would have been already avoided by the crowd.

At that time, Zhao Lu was still very young and very bold, and Feng w.a.n.g had just risen to the throne. The two of them were similarly hard-headed. If Feng w.a.n.g hadn"t treated Zhao Lu so sincerely, these two closed-off people wouldn"t be together until today.

But seeing that Lord Marquis" mood wasn"t good, Rui Xue who had always been good at reading people, immediately knew maybe this time, the iron-hearted Da w.a.n.g didn"t want to bow down any more.

When Zhao Lu returned to his residence, he locked himself in his room. He didn"t come out for lunch nor dinner, and the servants didn"t dare hovering too close to his door.

Rui Xue paced for a few rounds outside Zhao Lu"s room but in the end decided against knocking the door. As she was about to leave, she heard Zhao Lu"s voice calling her in.

Rui Xue pushed the door open. The room was very dark so Rui Xue lit the candles. She found Zhao Lu standing by the window but couldn"t guess what he was thinking about.

Zhao Lu said, “There"s a letter on the table. Help me send it.”

Rui Xue did as ordered. As she picked up the letter, Zhao Lu said again, “Go quickly and return as quickly. Remember, the content of the letter is not something you"re allowed to see.”

“This servant understood.”

Rui Xue hurriedly went out of her master"s room. She changed her clothes and disguised herself before went out of the residence. Rui Xue had always been in charge of Zhao Lu"s letters. She was Marquis Zhulu"s most trusted aide, but also Feng w.a.n.g"s most favorite servant. No one dared to suspect her or stop her.

When Rui Xue exited the back door, she finally couldn"t help herself. Reaching out inside her pocket, she carefully took out the letter.

Her master had needed all day long to write this letter. Rui Xue knew she should not read it but still she opened it. A quick read later, her hands shook so violently she almost dropped the letter to the ground .

Staring at the small handwriting, Rui Xue clamped her fist in her mouth trying to stop herself from crying. Should her master really do this thing to this point?

The handwriting was undoubtedly Zhao Lu"s. The content, as usual, only contained four words.

–Going to Ming River.

—

In Xue and Feng Countries" border, there was a river. The river stretched from the west to the east and separated the two countries" territories.

Feng Country was located in the south of the river, and had been hit by heavy rains for a few years, resulting in River Ming to overflow.

Such a difficult place to live and manage, yet many officials rushed to take office there. The reason was very simple. Every year, the Imperial Court allocated a great sum of fund to control and conserve the river water, but the corrupt local government stole the fund every time. The refugees suffering from the natural disaster, had to suffer even more because of this.

Xue Junliang received Zhao Lu"s letter in such a fortunate time. Ming River was located in the border; Feng w.a.n.g personally visiting Ming River was a good thing, but also a dangerous thing; dangerous considering the knowledge Xue Junliang had found out after he received Zhao Lu"s letter.

Xue Junliang put the letter to a lit candle, letting the fire burned the paper slowly. He smiled and said, “When this matter is finished, Gu plans to move this Qi piece, Lu. Gu will order him to return.”

Jiang Yu opened the window to dispel the smell of burnt paper. Then he said, “This old servant does not understand. Zhao Lu has been in Feng all these times, why should he be ordered to return?”

Xue Junliang glanced at Jiang Yu and smiled, “Do you think using intelligence alone can make a person become a good king?”

“This old servant doesn"t know.”

“Of course, it"s not enough.”

Xue Junliang shook his head, “A good king has to know about people"s feelings and their motivation. Zhao Lu has been in Feng Country for so long. He used to feel reluctant, but he has to meet Feng w.a.n.g almost on daily basis, has to attend the Imperial Court every day. If he stays in Feng Country for any longer, Gu is afraid someday he would be hesitating when ordered to do something or be unwilling to part with his current situation.”

Jiang Yu nodded, “Your Majesty is very wise.”

“Zhao Lu is loyal and talented. Gu has always been appreciating people with talent. Gu cannot bear seeing him in a difficult situation. After this one event, Gu will let him retire and return to the home-country.”

Xue Junliang quenched the candle and sat down. He added, “Gu is in a good mood today. Inform the Empress to come and bring wine and some dishes.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The king wanting his wife bring wine and some dishes wasn"t something that unusual; said wife would only need to make effort preparing it.

But for Teng Yun, it was a puzzling thing, because he could not cook at all.

Xiu Yao took charge in helping her mistress prepare the wine and the dishes. Actually, if you think about it, it was common that a proper daughter from a rich family could not cook. Also, her mistress was a Grand Princess of a country; she had been well-kept deep inside the Inner Palace, revered as if she was the moon and the stars. Let alone cooking, she was never required to do needlework or knitting.

Xiu Yao ordered the kitchen made a few light but delicious dishes; the dishes weren"t so complicated, they were also rather common.

A king was used to eating many extravagant and delicious food every day, therefore, simple dishes would taste better. Moreover, Da w.a.n.g asked the Empress to personally prepare the dishes. It was impossible an Empress could cook complicated dishes. If the dishes were simple, at least it would look more sincere and genuine.

Because Teng Yun refused to dress up, Xiu Yao didn"t dress her mistress up too much. The simple but elegant clothing happened to match the simple yet delicious dishes.

The kitchen put the light dishes in a basket, added with a jug of wine and two porcelain cups.

Xiu Yao followed Teng Yun until the entrance of Xue w.a.n.g"s residence. Teng Yun took the basket and entered alone.

The Empress" simple dress made Xue Junliang rather pleased. He"d used to call Defei over; she liked to dress up and would always put on elaborate and fancy clothes. The Empress dressed like this actually exuded another kind of charm.

Teng Yun arranged the wine and the dishes on the table while his mind run a mile a minute. Initially, he didn"t want to do things like this only to please Xue Junliang, but then he recalled he wanted to know news about Teng Shang so he"d have to bear with it.

Residents of the Imperial Harem weren"t allowed to know about government affairs. Even if Xiu Yao was popular with people and could inquire many information, if Teng Yun wanted to hear about Teng Shang in the battlefield, Xue Junliang was his only source.

Xue Junliang had just finished eating when Jiang Yu rushed inside to report, “Your Majesty, Marquis Wannian requests for an audience, says there is an urgent military report.”

[T/N : A series of the marquis" unfortunate timing (?).]

Xue Junliang put down his chopsticks and, without telling Teng Yun to leave, said, “Let him in.”

Xue Houyang walked in with a military report and a map in his hands. He saw the Empress sitting next to Xue w.a.n.g and was a bit surprised. But he didn"t have time to think too much about her sitting there, he immediately presented the report to Xue Junliang.

Xue Junliang opened and read the report; it was indeed urgent and was sent here express.

Because of an unfriendly relationship between Xue Yu and Teng Shang, the army started to gradually split apart. Most of them stood by Marquis Zhenjiang"s side; after all the marquis was a true Xue Country citizen and his status was justified. A small part of the army stood by Teng Shang"s side; although Teng Shang was a foreigner, he was talented in leading soldiers and also had made a great achievement by killing the enemy.

The army splitting into two sides naturally was taken as a good opportunity by the enemy.

Not far from the border pa.s.s was a small county. The county was remote and spa.r.s.ely populated; it had not water source nearby and wasn"t protected by mountains. The county really didn"t look valuable but it had been used as a military center since forever.

Teng Shang proposed to send troops to the small county to strengthen its defense, preventing Cheng Tian and Zou Zhenying from attacking it. If the small county was claimed, it will become the enemy"s point of attack; they could transport and store their military provisions and also station the troops in the small county. From there, it would be so easy for the enemy to attack the border pa.s.s because of its close proximity.

For Xue Country, the small county was like a watch tower that could give them early warning if the enemy was attacking. For the enemy, the small county was like a bowstring; they could load an arrow and it would hit Xue Country"s territory without fail.

Xue Yu, who had been sent to the battlefield unwillingly by Xue w.a.n.g in the first place, didn"t want to dispatch troops to the small county. He said if they dispatched some of their troops there, their army would be weakened. If by chance the enemy attacking the small county as a disguise tactics, they would be in trouble.

Teng Shang was only a consultant, he wasn"t even a vice-general. His words naturally weren"t heeded. On a night three days later, a small troop led personally by Zou Zhenying made a move and attacked the small county.

Xue Country"s army panicked and immediately sent this report requesting the Imperial Court to send reinforcement.

Xue Houyang said, “Your Majesty, this is impossible. I"m afraid sending reinforcement right now would not solve the problem.”

After reading the report, Xue Junliang didn"t react for a long moment. He waved the palace maids to clear the dishes and the wine, then he placed the report on the table. He said, “I also think it"s too late to send reinforcement right now.”

“This…” Xue Houyang frowned. Then he clenched his hands into fists and knelt on the floor, “Your Majesty, please send me there.”

Xue Junliang only laughed, “Don"t be hasty, think clearly. There is already a Marquis Zhenjiang, if I send another Marquis Wannian, added that there"s also Teng Shang whose voice is obeyed by a third of the army; the rest of the army would be even more divided.”

“But…” Xue Houyang admitted his thinking hadn"t been thorough. After all, this wasn"t his appointed station; if he rushed there, he would only caused dissatisfaction with Marquis Zhenjiang.

Xue Junliang pushed the report on the table to Teng Yun and said, “Maybe the Empress has an opinion.”

Teng Yun was shocked; how come Xue Junliang allowed an Empress to meddle in a military affair. However, when he saw the other man"s slightly smiling face, Teng Yun understood somehow.

Teng Yun hadn"t realized his eagerness to know about Teng Shang was too obvious. After all, Teng Shang was his relatives; the only person who sincerely cared about him. If Teng Yun were to forget other people"s kindness, he would never forget about Teng Shang.

Perhaps, seeing how Teng Yun was so concerned about Teng Shang, Xue Junliang allowed Teng Yun see the report in exchange for Teng Yun"s opinion.

Teng Yun took the report and read it. Then he turned to address Xue Houyang, “Can I take a look at the map in Lord Marquis" hand?”

Xue Houyang hesitated, but then Xue Junliang nodded to him, so he placed the military map on the table and slowly unfolded it.

Teng Yun stood and leaned down with his head lowered to see the map. He examined it carefully. The small county was only a small distance from the border pa.s.s. If the enemy were to strike from either the small county or from their main military base, Xue Country"s army would be at risk.

At that time, because the small county wasn"t protected, it was easily claimed by the enemy. Now, if Xue Country wanted to take the county back from Zou Zhenying"s hold, Teng Yun reckoned there was no chance.

Xue Junliang watched the Empress" movements intently. The Empress, who was usually meek and docile, looked more alive when talking about military affairs and strategies and also about war.

This kind of lively appearance really made Xue Junliang unable to look away…

Xue Junliang always appreciated talented people. He"d been looking for more talented people who could help him protect his country and expand his territory, but these people were really hard to find. Teng Shang was one; but Teng Shang would never surrender to him. Teng Yun was one; but Teng Yun would rather die than have to kneel for him. There was another one; but this person was, unfortunately, a woman and also a Grand Princess from Feng Country.

Teng Yun wasn"t aware that Xue Junliang was staring at him closely. He lightly touched the military map. From his fingers there was some kind of burning sensation; spreading warmth all over him. Although Teng Yun didn"t like to fight, in troubled times, the battlefield was where he found his pa.s.sion; not a desolate and confined place such as an Imperial Harem.

When Teng Yun traced a finger on the small county, his eyes suddenly brightened.

Xue Junliang laughed, “Seems like I"m not asking the wrong person.”

Teng Yun lifted his head, resumed his usual indifference and said, “If Your Majesty wants to reclaim the small county and fight back Cheng Tian and Zou Zhenying, Your Majesty doesn"t need to send reinforcement.”

Xue Houyang heard the Empress" words and could not help be shocked. He hadn"t even heard her unfolding the plans or the tactics, but by her tone alone, he felt he was already convinced.

“Oh? Really?” Xue Junliang reached a hand to stroke the Empress" cheek gently and then pinched her earlobe; his gesture very intimate and playful.

Teng Yun leaned back, absent-mindedly stepping away from Xue Junliang, and continued, “Zou Zhenying is brave and skilled. After he successfully claimed the small county, he will surely place a heavy guards around it. If Your Majesty wants to take it back directly, you will definitely suffer a defeat…”

Xue Houyang nodded. This was what he"d been fearing, too.

Teng Yun said, “Therefore, not using the troop is the wisest plan. Zou Zhenying is brave but he is too cunning, even his most trusted aides are all wary of him. Your Majesty can use this flaw of his to create a rift between Cheng Tian and Zou Zhenying.

“First, send someone to Cheng Tian, tell him that Zou Zhenying had an agreement with Xue w.a.n.g since the beginning. Zou Zhenying agreed to only send a small part of his army and half-heartedly attacked Xue Country because his true goal was to send his main army into the Palace and eventually appoint himself as a king. That is why Zou Zhenying, this crude old geezer, could so easily take over a strategic place like this small county.

“Wait until Cheng Tian starts to doubt Zou Zhenying, Your Majesty can spread a rumor for Zou Zhenying to hear. The rumor says that, while Zou Zhenying is isolated in the small county, Cheng Tian plans to seize this opportunity to get rid of Zou Zhenying. When Xue Country army attack the small county, Cheng Tian will take over Zou Zhenying"s military provisions and reinforcement troops. The small county is isolated and has no back up; eliminating Zou Zhenying is a piece of cake.”

“Good.” Xue Junliang listened to the Empress with a gentle smile on his face.

At this time, Xue Houyang was already rendered speechless. He didn"t expect an empress of the Inner Palace had character like a brave and capable man. She was only a woman yet capable of saying such intimidating words.

Xue Junliang nodded and smiled, “Sure enough, the Empress is very intelligent. Gu is even more unwilling to let you go.”

—