—

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, “Since Da w.a.n.g doesn"t want to recruit the bandits, then sending soldiers to stop them is one thing you can do. But if you ask me, you"ll 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 partic.i.p.ate in the Selection.”

Hearing this, Xue Junliang couldn"t 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, “Jiang Yu, what are you laughing at?”

Jiang Yu said, “Da w.a.n.g, this old servant is laughing because Her Majesty is very skilled and virtuous, and has intelligence that surpa.s.sed others.”

Hearing Jiang Yu"s flattering words, Xue Junliang was mollified. He turned back to the Empress and said, “Sending 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.”

Teng Yun paused for a moment before saying, “After recruiting these three generals, can you give them to Chen-qie?”

“Oh?” Xue Junliang asked, “Are you planning to go to war? Are you collecting military powers now?”

“Not necessarily for war, it"s 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.”

“Then…” Xue Junliang said with a smile, “If they are really that talented and they can be made loyal to you, I guess I can allow it.”

“Your Majesty has given your words, you shall not break it.”

“That is of course.”

Teng Yun smiled, “Then may I ask another thing? I need to borrow fifty soldiers.”

Xue Junliang said, “Fifty? Looks like you really have it all planned.”

Xue Junliang immediately decreed that as long as it was still within the capital city"s territory, the Empress could a.s.sign 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 wasn"t inadequate. And because they had entered the Imperial Palace to train as guards since very young, they willingly obeyed Her Majesty"s orders.

Xue Junliang didn"t even try to interfere and let the Empress arrange everything herself. He stood silently to the side and watched Teng Yun"s every move.

After picking the fifty guards, Teng Yun a.s.signed ten of them to disguise themselves as wealthy merchants that were about to enter the capital city. These ten were to atrack the bandits" attention.

Teng Yun a.s.signed 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 bandits" 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 didn"t 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.

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 didn"t pay attention to the report, a.s.suming 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 Yun"s 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 didn"t carry weapons and weren"t 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 weren"t gentlemen for using dirty tricks to defeat others.

The captain of the Imperial Guards were prepared with Teng Yun"s 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 : “When 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 compa.s.sion. 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?”

The captain of the Imperial Guards smiled and asked, “Can you three shoot arrows?”

The three He brothers still arrogantly said, “Of course, we are all excellent shooters.”

The captain of the guards laughed and said, “But 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 aren"t gentlemen either.”

Being told this, the three He brothers" 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, “We"ll only follow your leader who wrote the letter.”

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 att.i.tude, Xue Junliang smiled an indulgent smile and said, “The leader is actually Gu‘s Empress.”

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 didn"t 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 didn"t think too much about the names, those were actually chosen by the Empress herself.

[T/N : Zhong (忠) means loyal. Ren (仁) means compa.s.sionate. Yi (义) 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 t.i.tled a marquis. The court officials were all convinced of the Empress" talent and no one raised any objection.

Because 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 partic.i.p.ate in the upcoming Triennial Selection.

At this time, Xue Houyang heard that Xue w.a.n.g was going to chose a concubine for him and couldn"t 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 gra.s.ses didn"t grow. Also, Xue Houyang didn"t want to marry again. Although he wasn"t 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 ‘accidentally" run into the Empress.

Xue Houyang rushed into the Palace only to find Xue w.a.n.g"s residence empty; his heart grew even more restless. It didn"t even cross Xue Houyang"s 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 pavilion"s 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 Houyang"s skin was thin enough he didn"t 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 w.a.n.g"s 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, “What? You have a chicken feather down your throat? You want to call the physician to treat you?”

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 wasn"t about military affair, it was because the marquis didn"t want a concubine…

Xue Junliang"s face was unreadable as he said, “Then, Houyang, tell me, why don"t you want a concubine?”

After holding it in for half a day, Xue Houyang poured out, “Chen-di is about to leave for the frontier in a few days. Taking a concubine at this time doesn"t seem appropriate. Which young lady would be willing to become a widow as soon as they married…”

Xue Junliang was at the end of his wits, “You"re 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?”

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 wasn"t 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 w.a.n.g, 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 didn"t notice Marquis Wannian"s subtle glances.

Xue Junliang said, “Houyang, you"re 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 you"re in love with and you don"t want me selecting another one, tell me honestly. Whatever and whoever you wish for, as long as you"re happy, I"ll grant her to you.”

Xue Houyang stayed still and said nothing for a long time. In the end, he said, “The one Chen-di loves is only Teng Shang.”

—

Feng Ming slumped to the ground and Zhao Lu helped straightening him up. Zhao Lu didn"t dare touching Feng Ming any more than this, so he retreated a few steps back.

But then Feng Ming"s eyes suddenly wide open as if he just found out about something; something unbelievable.

Feng Ming said, “Excuse me, where is this?”

Zhao Lu deliberately lowered the tone of his voice, “We"re still in River Ming, the rain hasn"t stopped outside, so if you wish to go somewhere, afraid you"ll have to wait until the rain stops.”

Feng Ming nodded. The sound of the rain was still heard from outside, the sky was so dark it wasn"t clear whether it was day or night. The room they were in was dark as there was no fire.

Feng Ming rubbed his palms together. The ground was damp, his clothes were all soaked and clinging uncomfortably on his skin; he was feeling very cold.

Feng Ming was sitting on a pile of hay but most of it was already damp. He searched his clothes for something to make a fire with, but found nothing. Zhao Lu only now regretted not making a fire for Feng Ming. He, too, searched in his clothes and found a piece of doc.u.ment. It was at this time he realized his official seal was gone.

Zhao Lu panicked but fought not to say anything in case Feng Ming heard it. The seal must be lost when he was urging people to flee to higher grounds. If his official seal was lost, then it was lost. But Zhao Lu also knew, there was still a probability of Xue w.a.n.g"s spies somewhere near Ming River. If his seal was found by those spies…

Feng Ming saw that the other man, instead of starting to make fire, was staring off into s.p.a.ce. He took over starting a fire. When his warm hands touched the other man"s hands to take the doc.u.ment, the other man woke up from his daydream and together they made a fire.

Feng Ming"s outer robe was long gone. He took off his soaked inner robe. There was a broken chair near them so Feng Ming draped his clothes on it and dragged the chair close to the fire so his clothes could dry.

Zhao Lu was used to seeing Feng Ming"s naked skin. Feng Ming had a lot of scars, Zhao Lu had memorized each and every one of them. Since they break up, it had been more than half a year since Zhao Lu didn"t step into Feng Ming"s residence and hadn"t paid close attention to Feng Ming since. Right now, he looked closely and saw that Feng Ming had actually lost a lot of weight. Feng Ming"s body was still well-proportioned, but he looked thin and pale.

Zhao Lu gulped down a mouthful of saliva to wet his frying throat. He immediately threw his gaze away to avoid looking at Feng Ming.

Feng Ming didn"t notice Zhao Lu"s struggles. He sat close to the fire to stay warm and said, “Your clothes are soaked too, you may want to dry it by the fire.”

Zhao Lu just shook his head.

Feng Ming asked, “Do you know what"s going on in the city?”

Zhao Lu said, “The officials had urged the people to take shelter on higher grounds. The biggest problem is the flood. Once the flood has receded… the whole city would have to be rebuild.”

Feng Ming didn"t talk anymore. He only smiled bitterly and, looking a bit tired, lay down on his side as if he was about to sleep.

Knowing Feng Ming was tired, Zhao Lu didn"t talk either. After a long time, Zhao Lu guessed Feng Ming had fallen asleep; curled up on the half-wet hay and might be feeling cold.

Zhao Lu went to the other side of the fire and touched Feng Ming"s clothes. It was almost dry, so he took it and carefully covered Feng Ming with it.

Feng Ming frowned in his sleep but didn"t wake up. Zhao Lu stared down at him and sighed, couldn"t stop himself from reaching out and caress Feng Ming"s cheek.

Feng Ming"s chin was thinner and more pointed now, his lips were thinner, too; making him looked grim. Zhao Lu sighed in regret but could not take back his hand.

At this time, Feng Ming slowly opened his eyes. Shocked, Zhao Lu was about to retract his hand but it was caught by Feng Ming.

Feng Ming"s eyes were unfocused and a bit misty, as if he was not fully awake.

Zhao Lu released his breath he was holding and pried his hand off Feng Ming"s hold. But then Feng Ming rose and locked his hands around Zhao Lu"s neck. The two people"s breaths mingled and their body intertwined tightly as if compensating for the lack of physical contact all these months.

Zhao Lu"s brain stopped working for a moment. Although he never admitted it, but inwardly he realized Feng Ming"s place in his heart had grown deeper and deeper every time.

Zhao Lu pinched Feng Ming"s 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 Lu"s 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 didn"t seize Feng Ming closer. His hands felt all over Feng Ming"s skin. Feng Ming"s 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 Lu"s touch.

The sweet sound of Feng Ming"s moan pulled Zhao Lu"s rational mind back. He pushed Feng Ming away and Feng Ming groaned in pain as he fell back to the ground.

Zhao Lu"s 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 wasn"t bound, hanging down like a curtain opened around his shoulders; the length of his hair pa.s.sed down his slim waist, covering the hint of a valley between his b.u.t.tocks. A few strand of his hair was spread on Zhao Lu"s half-exposed chest.

Zhao Lu"s throat felt like desert as he said lowly, “Hurry get up.”

Feng Ming"s eyes were now focused and sharp as if he wasn"t asleep at all just now.

Feng Ming ever-so-slowly lowered his head. His breathing was still a bit shaky as if he hadn"t 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 Lu"s hand and put it to his back, where he then slowly dragged it towards his smooth waist and down to his b.u.t.tock…

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 Lu"s shoulder as he whispered shakily, “Zhao Lu… Zhao Lu… It"s really you…”

Feng Ming rubbed Zhao Lu"s 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 didn"t hesitate anymore. His one hand explored Feng Ming"s lower belly but deliberately avoiding the body part Feng Ming most wanted him to touch, his other hand caressed the cleft between Feng Ming"s b.u.t.tocks 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 person"s 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 Lu"s finger as an encouragement, all the while he kept whispering Zhao Lu"s name.

As his behind kept being played roughly by Zhao Lu"s 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 Lu"s breathing had turned erratic. His hand was toying with Feng Ming"s behind as he kissed Feng Ming"s lips. As Feng Ming lifted his hips again and again, Zhao Lu couldn"t 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, “I can"t wait any longer, but I"m afraid you"re still not ready…”

Before he even finished his sentence, Feng Ming sat up. With hands on Zhao Lu"s 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.

—