Feng Yu Jiu Tian vol.21 ch.2-2

Translator: churnie

Only Hao Yuan Jiang and Mei Han are left in the tent.

Both of them remain silent for a long time.

The two counselors who accompany the ambassador delegation to the Tong kingdom this time, Guan Long and Su Jin Chao are close, while Mei Han is Hao Yuan Jiang’s confidant.

“Mei Han, come here.” Hao Yuan Jiang calls Mei Han to his side, stares at the hanging tent door, and asks in a low voice, “What do you think?”

Mei Han sighs, “The great king has always treated his old ministers harshly, he must be blame us. According to this subordinate, if the great king decided on this matter, even if it was investigated and finally found out that the Lord was innocent, the great king would still take advantage of this opportunity to blame the Lord, besides…”

When Hao Yuan Jiang saw that he stopped in the middle, he asks: “Besides what? You have been following me for many years, there is nothing you can’t say directly, just say it.”

Mei Han decides to just say it, “Beside, what Guan Long said is not unreasonable. If the invaders were robbers or foreign enemies of other kingdoms, why did they only kill Su Jin Chao’s people? And none of the guards and attendants around the Lord were victimized or injured. If they really wanted to attack the ambassador delegation, they should have aimed the Lord ambassador as the target.”

While listening, Hao Yuan jiang nods slowly, motioning for him to continue.

“Furthermore, judging by the level of mess in the tent, there should have been a lot of noise, but why didn’t anyone hear it? It doesn’t make any sense. Therefore, this subordinate also feel that there must be an undiscovered traitor.”

Hao Yuan Jiang turns his head, “Do you think so too?”

“Yes.” Mei Han pauses, as if he wanted to confirm his own assumption again. After a while he determines, he narrows his eyes, and a confident look appears in his eyes, he says one word at a time: “This subordinate feels that the traitor is Su Jin Chao himself!”

“Su Jin Chao himself? How is that possible?”

“It is very possible that Su Jin Chao wanted to kill the attendant and guards who trusted him, it couldn’t be simpler, after killing the three victims that could be used to indicate the murder, he turned his tent into a mess without making any noise, then put some blood on the bed, then quietly left the camp to hide. If it was Su Jin Chao himself, it would be too easy to do these things.”

He speculates quite reasonably.

Hao Yuan Jiang also begins to consider this possibility, and asks in a deep voice, “But why would he do that?”

Mei Han sneers and says: “Of course it’s to frame you. The Lord has a great reputation in Xirei and it’s not easy to harm you in Xirei, so they come up with such a way to frame the Lord and deliberately create a strange murder case, they deliberately leave a messy tent but no one see the loopholes in the process, which lead people to suspicious of the Lord, at that time when the time comes to the great king, the great king can find an excuse to blame you and achieve the goal to get rid of the Lord.”

Hao Yuan Jiang’s old face sink slightly, “I still feel strange that this time the great king suddenly promote me as an ambassador of the delegation, he always put young subjects for the important positions, so how can he treat me preferentially? It turns out to be a poisonous trick.”

He long sighs.

Aih, if the great king is still Rong Tian who has the legendary reputation for justice and possess a formidable ruling power, ​​how could such a thing happen?

I really miss Xirei under the leadership of the Great King.

Guan Long who has sent harsh words to Hao Yuan Jiang leaves the leisure tent for the sake of rushing to the capital city to report the incident to Rong Tong, he rides away from the ambassador delegation’s camp alone and gallops to the dense forest five miles away.

Speeding all the way to the depths of the dense forest, he sees at a glance the majestic man who is leaning against the rugged boulder, leisurely and comfortably, closes his eyes as if he was thinking about something.

Even with his eyes closed, his whole body exudes a magnificent aura, with a faint expression that’s always calm, and the familiar and awe-inspiring handsomeness that almost make Guan Long choked with excitement.

He jumpes off his horse, kneels down and salute: “The Great King, you’re finally back!”

(He uses the very polite ‘You’)

Rong Tian slowly opens his eyes full of wisdom light, his gaze sweep down, revealing a faint smile, “Is it done?”

“Yes, this subordinate has used Su Jin Chao’s disappearance to put pressure on Hao Yuan Jiang in accordance with the instructions in the letter, tried his best to provoke the relationship between him and Rong Tong, and hinted that he would report him to Rong Tong as a traitor. Hao Yuan Jiang must be trembling with fear now, worried that if Rong Tong took advantage of this opportunity to kill him, he would definitely be forced to lean towards the Great King’s side wholeheartedly.”

Rong Tian nods, “You did a great job.”

Guan Long looks up at him with respect, and can’t help but saying: “When this subordinate suddenly found the letter left by the Great King on the table in his own tent early this morning, he was really shocked. The Great King’s methods were unpredictable, there had been no movement, but as soon as he had made a move a good show was arranged, just to kill a mere Su Jin Chao, he brought Xirei’s old minister along to create a headache for the scoundrel Rong Tong who dared to usurp the throne and for the imperial court to be further shaken.”

“This King didn’t kill Su Jin Chao.”

Guan Long is a little surprised, he thinks that Su Jin Chao has been killed earlier, but in order to further create people’s suspicion, his body is deliberately taken away.

Such a hedonistic son of rich parents, don’t know what’s the use of him staying here?

But of course he doesn’t have the guts to ask Rong Tian.

Rong Tian asks calmly: “Is the Empress Dowager all right?”

“Everything is fine. The Empress Dowager has sneaked into Xiqin and met this subordinate. She’s is temporarily hiding at the end of You’an Alley in the capital city, Xiqin. However, this is all the information that this subordinate learnt before leaving Xiqin with the ambassador delegation.”

“En.” Rong Tian nods, “Since i haven’t seen The Empress Dowager for a long time, it’s time for me to greet her. Guan Long.”

“This subordinate is here!”

“You rush back to Xiqin immediately, the mission remains the same, try to make the conflict between Rong Tong and the old ministers become more and more troublesome, let the old ministers greatly regret for betraying This King at the beginning.”

“Yes.”

“As for This King,” The corner of Rong Tian’s mouth evokes a touch of unfathomable smile, “Let’s see when I’m in a good mood i’ll give Tong Er a surprise.”

>>>>><<<<<

The sky is already bright.

The sun light fall from the trees and is imprinted on the handsome face, which is confident, calm and full of ambition.

As the sun above his head gradually shows its power, the situation in Tong’an courtyard also become more and more dangerous.

Outside the courtyard, the troops of the Tong kingdom surround layer by layer, and inside the courtyard, Feng Ming’s head start to hurt again.

The object of his headache this time is the most trusted imperial bodyguard beside him, Rong Hu.

“Absolutely not!”

“Why not? Even Princess Chang Liu has a big belly, she has the courage to go out to see Zhuang Pu, why should I become a turtle with a shrunken head?”

“Of course, Princess Chang Liu and Duke Ming are different. She is the Tong royal family, and she is pregnant with the grandson of the great king of the Tong kingdom, how dare Zhuang Pu hurt her? Duke Ming is different. Zhuang Pu has made it clear that he wants to kill Duke Ming.” Rong Hu’s handsome face looks serious, “The plan we talked about at the beginning was to ask Princess Chang Liu to write a letter with a seal and send a guard to bring the letter to Zhuang Pu, without mentioning that Duke Ming had to take such a big risk.”

“Didn’t the situation change now? Princess Chang Liu herself agreed to go out to see Zhuang Pu in person…”

“There is no need for Duke Ming to accompany her personally, we can send a guard to accompany her.”

“You…” Feng Ming stomps his feet at Rong Hu’s resolute irritation, he scratches his head for a while, then lowers his tone and begs softly: “Rong Hu, I have really thought it through this time, and it is not a decision made under willfulness. Think about it, Tong’an courtyard is surrounded by the large army and once Zhuang Pu orders an attack, everyone will be finished. This is the only opportunity left to make Zhuang Pu change his mind, if I still dare not show up and hide in the Tong’an courtyard, it will only make Zhuang Pu feel that I am afraid to see him because i am guilty, which will make things get out of hand.”

Rong Hu shakes his head and says: “The Great King already had the king’s edict and ordered this subordinate to protect Duke Ming and not to allow him to do any risky behavior.”

Feng Ming has repeatedly advised and begged, added with the analysis of the current situation, but he can’t make Rong Hu waver, he becomes angry at last and speaks with his lowest voice, “What King’s Edict? The general is out there, what can an Emperor’s Edict can do? If I stay here, can you guarantee my safety? Princess Chang Liu is our only chance now, I must go out in person to find a chance to untie the knot with Zhuang Pu. If we don’t use up all our advantages at this time, it will be too late if the troops of the Tong kingdom attacked. This is the decision of Xirei’s Duke Ming, no one can stop it!”

He has never showed any arrogance of a Duke Ming to Rong Hu, let alone to let Rong Hu sees the light sparkling in his crystal eyes in such a stern tone. It’s obvious that he has made up his mind and felt extremely difficult.

He certainly knows that Feng Ming’s evasive attitude hiding behind the wall of Tong’an courtyard will make Zhuang Pu more suspicious of Feng Ming, and if so, the possibility of Princess Chang Liu persuading Zhuang Pu will be reduced.

Feng Ming’s persistence is indeed not a momentary willfulness, but has its own profound truths.

But Rong Hu dare not forget Rong Tian’s instructions before leaving.

No matter what happens, Duke Ming shouldn’t be allowed to take risks.

Talking about Feng Ming unarmed and defenselessly going into the enemy army who hate him, can’t be called taking a risk, but almost the same as throwing away his own life.

“Duke Ming can ignore the Great King’s Edict, but this subordinate can’t.” Rong Hu slowly glances at the group of guards behind Feng Ming, reaches out his arms, takes out the King’s Edict left by Rong Tian, ​​and holds it high in his hand, he says solemnly: “The King’s Edict is here, all the guards listen to the edict.”

The King’s edict of Rong Tian seems to be the most sacred thing in the world to all Xirei’s imperial guards.

Even when one knows in their hearts that Feng Ming’s persistence is indeed reasonable, but seeing Rong Hu showing the king’s edict, they can’t help but shaking all over, they answer loudly, “Subordinates are here!”

They all bend down and wait for Rong Hu’s command.

Rong Hu solemnly issues the order, “Guard the Tong’an courtyard and guard Duke Ming, must not allow Duke Ming to step out of the Tong’an courtyard without authorization.”

“Yes!”

This is tantamount to putting Feng Ming under house arrest.

Feng Ming’s round eyes widen and he points at Rong Hu, “Rong Hu, you…you…”

Rong Hu calmly bows and softly says: “This is the Great King’s wish, Duke Ming please don’t be angry.” All the Xirei’s guards silently scatter around him, obviously they will act in accordance with King’s edict of Rong Tian.

Feng Ming is stunned angrily.

He has never thought that the King’s edict of Rong Tian actually has the power to put him under house arrest.

Never before has he felt with complicated emotion like this, Rong Tian ​​as a Great King had the influence on him by holding the monarchy in his hands.

It’s as if he had been put a mass of weeds in his head, a little uncomfortable and a little tingling, and his chest is heaving violently.

“Okay,” After taking a dozen of deep breaths, Feng Ming nods slightly, “Okay.”

He has to calm down.

Under the current circumstances, if he is unable to solve the internal problems, it is even less likely to have a chance to solve the encirclement outside.

His pair of eyes not only bright but also rippling with intense waves, slowly sweeping over everyone present.

This eyes are just like a silent accusation that make the Xirei guards standing beside him bow their heads and dare not face him, even when Rong Hu meets his gaze, he sighs and bows his head.

If there’s a choice, no one wants to let Duke Ming be so disappointed and angry.

But King’s edict is King’s edict after all. The king’s wish must be absolutely respected, this is the unshakeable law that the guards have kept in mind from the first day they were selected.

After Feng Ming scans the crowd, he fixes his gaze on one person’s face.

“Qu Mai.” While suppressing the abnormally mood, Feng Ming’s tone become abnormally calm.

“Yes Young Master?”

Feng Ming asks softly, “Do you have your sword with you?”

Qu Mai is taken aback, he nods and says: “The Xiao clan’s sword never leave their body, and the swords of this subordinate has always been carried with him”.

“Very good.” Feng Ming nods, showing a faint smile of approval.

Everyone present hold their breath and wait for his action.

After smiling, Feng Ming pauses for a while, as if hesitating for the next action. But he doesn’t hesitate for too long and soon he smiles again, looks at the people around him, raises his voice and asks, “Does the Xiao clan people here have swords on them?”

Feng Ming has always been protected by both parties.

Apart from the guards of the Xirei faction who follow Feng Ming, the rest are the Xiao family.

He suddenly asks loudly in a generous tone, and all the Xiao family members immediately reply in unison: “Yes!”

Feng Ming asks in a deep voice, “Will you watch your young master be put under house arrest and lose the right to make his own decisions?”

Under the leading of the arrogant Xiao Zong, the Xiao family has a high self-esteem and doesn’t put the nobles of various kingdoms in their eyes. Everyone sees before that Rong Hu and other Xirei guards openly intending to deprive the young master of his right to make decisions, the boss has already felt uncomfortable, and now hearing Feng Ming’s questions has aroused the Xiao family’s strong self-esteem.

Cang!

There’s a crisp sound of metal, and don’t know who is the first to draw the sword.

In an instant, everyone of the Xiao family have their swords in their hands, and they move closer to Feng Ming, acting as if they were guarding Feng Ming.

Qu Mai even stands in front of Feng Ming, facing Rong Hu with a sword in his hand, and takes a strong battle position of ‘If you dare to touch our young master, I will chop you off’.

Feng Ming who is receiving the unhesitating military support of the Xiao family, immediately gets the assurance, he looks at Rong Hu, sighs, and asks in a low voice: “Rong Hu, you are planning to engage in an internal fight to exhaust our strength or decide to give up that King’s Edict which can’t take the current situation into consideration and listen to my words?”

Rong Hu has never dreamed that Duke Ming, who has always been ‘obedient’, would actually make such an amazing decision.

A mere move unexpectedly push him to the edge of the cliff where he has to make a choice.

Thinking of how he once just accompanied Feng Ming to the Xiao family fleet and how the two of them had a headache to convince the Xiao family of the new young master, who would have thought that there will be today?

Duke Ming has finally grown up.

Not only does he know how to stick to his own views and never back down, but also know how to take measures to use favorable conditions to force the enemy to submit.

Rong Hu sighs again and feels both emotional and deeply excited.

Feng Ming bypasses Qu Mai and walks up to Rong Hu with a serious expression on his face, “Rong Hu, as you said before, I can’t be the lock on Rong Tian’s feet and hinder Rong Tian’s freedom of decision-making. So Rong Tian shouldn’t be my shackles either.” He raises his hand, grasps Rong Hu’s left shoulder, and resolutely says: “How can there be a wonderful life if you always hide under the protection of others? The prime minister ask me to travel, didn’t he want me to experience all this? Don’t stop me anymore.” He looks at Rong Hu expectantly.

He raises his head, looks at Feng Ming for a moment, and finally made a choice, “Duke Ming is no longer the Duke Ming of yesterday, you really have been a wise man who can make a decision. This subordinate dare not disobey your orders.” He moves aside and gives way for Feng Ming to walk to the front.

The Xirei guards secretly breath a sigh of relief.

If General Rong couldn’t make up his mind for that instant, and if they confronted Duke Ming in this situation, it would be a bad ending.

Do they really have to face the Xiao family and Duke Ming with drawing their sword?

Yi~

Under the gaze of thousands of soldiers of the Tong kingdom, the gate of Tong’an courtyard is slowly opened.

______________________

Translator note: Feng Nong really make typo again in this part, she wrote 容威/Rong Wei instead of 容虎/Rong Hu. it’s high likely she made many typos for the character names 😀

And apparently Guan Long is Xirei’s spy >o<