The Ugly Empress《丑娘娘》Chou Niang Niang
The Ugly Empress, Chapter 56, vol 2 Chapter 11: Affectionate
Imperial court official Lu Shi is a bookworm. He is not good at marching and fighting, and has a weak sense of direction. Even if he got a horse, he spent a long time before returning to the Feng state.
There is no money on the Imperial court official Lu Shi. Not to mention accommodation, even finding something to eat is a problem. He refused to bow his head. He can only starve naturally. Fortunately, there is no barrier to the passage. Otherwise, he really does not know whether he can get back alive.
There are many people sent by Feng Ming to find Lu Shi. Zhang Hong fought with the Xue state in the Shui River. The border is in great disorder. As soon as the Imperial court official Lu Shi passed the Shui River, he was found by Feng Ming's people and taken back.
People in the Imperial court know that the Imperial court official Lu Shi has come back, and they all have different opinions. Fortunately, there are also doubts. Although the Imperial court official Lu Shi looks very haggard, the Imperial court official said that he is just hungry and has no injuries. He can recover after a few days of recuperation.
The great Imperial court official Lu Shi was really trapped by Lang Jing’s plot. They questioned whether Lu Shi was captured and escaped. Moreover, if Lu Shi didn't want to escape at all. Instead, he was like spies released after being bought by Emperor Xue.
Naturally, some of these people want to exclude him from the Imperial court official. Even if Feng Ming believes in him, he can't calm the rumors.
Emperor Feng called the Imperial court officials to discuss the Zhang Hong's attack on the Xue state.
It is suggested that Feng Ming should take advantage of this opportunity to attack the Xue state at once. The Xue state is focusing on fighting Zhang Hong. It is inevitable that it will lose its guard. If he doesn't start at this time, what time will he have to wait?
“The Imperial court official Lu Shi said: "It's not easy for Zhang Hong to attack the Xue state for so many days. When the Imperial court official crossed the Shui River, he could see the Xue state camp from afar. They are neat and well prepared. Maybe he's waiting for the emperor to send his troops."
Although his words have some truth, many people are biased. His words just dissuade Emperor Feng from sending troops, which inevitably made many people angry.
Imperial court official Lu Shi said, “The Imperial court official is just a suggestion, and it's up to emperor to make an idea."
Feng Ming thought for a while and said, “If we don't attack, then we won't act at this time. Although Lu Shi's words do make sense, Zhen is not willing to press the soldiers like this."
After Zhang Hong's camp descended the Imperial court official with the same surname Zi Jie, who was also a talented man proposed: “Emperor can build a beacon tower along the Shui River, one tower every 20 miles, send soldiers to guard the tower in turn during the day and night, and investigate Zhang Hong and Xue Jun Ling battle outcome at any time."
Another one added: "Zhang Hong fought the Xue because he could not attack us for a long time. The army had to travel far away from the hinterland, and there was no supply of grain and salaries behind, so he had to choose to fight left and right. To be honest with the emperor, Zhang Hong is a treacherous villain. Zhang Hong will lose when he strikes Xue Jun Liang. The Emperor can ask his soldiers to watch in the beacon tower. When Zhang Hong is defeated, we will send a peace drum to help Xue Jun Ling. Then we will send the Imperial court official's daughter to the Xue state for peace. In this way, Zhang Hong's invasion can be eradicated and Emperor Xue can be relieved."
Someone added: “This Imperial court official heard that there is only one concubine in the Xue state the Marquis of Wannian's house. The emperor can send someone to propose marriage to him with the daughters of the Ninth Duke, and one of the daughters of the unmarried Duke can choose one to show sincerity. The Marquis of Wannian has been around for many years. He is brave and good at fighting. Even his military power cannot be underestimated. If emperor has a relationship with Xue Hou Yang, what's he to fear of Emperor Xue? "
Feng Ming thought it was reasonable. If the two armies really face the other person, it's not a good thing, so he ordered Qi Zi Jie to personally send his troops to the Shui River to build a beacon tower and assign him 10000 soldiers. After all, they are just trying to look like they are not really fighting for their lives. 10000 soldiers and horses were enough.
Qi Zi Jie was grateful to Feng Ming for saving his life from telling him to initiate a battle, and even though he was a general, he took off and immediately ordered 10000 troops to go to the Shui River.
Yue Chen led his troops to the Shui River. His position was lower than that of the commander-in-chief, but he wanted the commander to follow him because of his relationship in the Imperial capital. Lang Jing urged him to calm down. Yue Chen didn't care about him at all.
As a result, the commander didn't come that day, not even one of his own soldiers was sent. Yue Chen had to wait for several hours, and the two men's were thus tied up.
Commander in chief wanted to hear Teng Yun's strategy. He splashed water on the Shui River and it froze. Yue Chen thought it's not enough to believe that because the plan hard goes along with the changes on the grounds. He didn’t let the soldiers obey his orders. He drank in the camp all day and called the soldiers in the camp to wrestle for him to see. It's like he was having the time of his life.
The clerk asked the commander to join with Yue Chen, but he was found out by Yue Chen. He didn't think his behavior was bad. He told them that even if they were in the capital, few people would dared to report him. Besides, Zhang Hong was such a scum that he didn't need any water splashing and fire ox formation. They had no backup for their long journey. They could not break through for a long time. They just had to wait patiently. Wouldn't it be better to wait for work with ease than to splash water and drive the cattle?
The first army had two main tasks. Yue Chen's drinking didn't guard the grain and salaries all day long. At this time, the enemy was crossing the river under the name of the fire. Seeing the fire on the other side, they think it's the banner of attack. So the thunder drum shook the sky and the enemy crossed the Shui River.
The general heard the drums and shouted before he knew that the enemy was coming. When they crossed the river, he quickly reorganized the army and asked the soldiers to take up their arms and go out to fight the fire. When they left the camp, Zhang Hong had already crossed the Shui River. All the guards on the front went to fight the fire. No one stopped them and killed them directly under the camp.
Yue Chen and the commander in chief were defeated by the enemy. Although Xue state had many forces, he was still defeated for 20 miles. Fortunately, Zhang Hong saw that the other side was vulnerable and he was suspicious of it. He was afraid of traps by the enemy. He didn't dare to pursue them. He raked in the gold.
Yue Chen asked the soldiers to set up a camp twenty miles away to fight Zhang Hong and get back his reputation. After that, the commander had a quarrel with Yue Chen and wanted to kill him in private and then reported him to the court.
Yue Chen also hates the commander in chief in his heart. He is afraid that he will scold him, so he cut off the commander in chief and became the general himself. He also asked people to catch Lang Jing and cut off his head too.
Lang Jing said with a smile, “It doesn't matter if the general killed me, because the general will be defeated by Zhang Hong soon. He will come to the government to accompany Lang Jing."
Yue Chen was shocked that he fell to the ground. He saw Zhang Hong's bravery. He had to let him go and ask him to give advice for fear of being approved by Lang Jing.
The clerk saw that the commander-in-chief had his head cut off by Yue Chen. He also demonstrated on the commander-in-chief's flag, risked his life to write a letter, and sent someone to escape out the barracks and send it to the capital.
The matter that Emperor Xue wanting a male consort soon spread. Although the common people were surprised for a moment, these people would not care which concubine the emperor pampered today and which concubine he fell in love with tomorrow, because they were too far away from them.
The real reaction was to persuade the Xue state's emperor to think twice, and to please Emperor Xue to say new words.
Xue Jun Liang didn’t care much, because he has no feelings for the new concubine who is going to enter the palace. There are so many beauties in the Imperial harem. Who said that the emperor must be trusted to see him when he entered the palace?
The purpose of Xue Jun Liang is to put him under house arrest in this way, and not to kill the rumors, but to block the people's words.
Xue Jun Liang pretended to set up a family feast, called Teng Yun, and also called Xue Hou Yang. He specially asked Xue Hou Yang to take his wife with him. Because it was a family feast, they didn't have to be too formal. They just sat together and had a meal.
Though Teng Shang doesn't know what medicine is sold in the emperor’s gourd, he doesn't think it's a good medicine, but if he doesn't go, it's not going to be seen as simple as refusing a family feast, so he will go.
Xu Hou Yang was afraid that Emperor Xue will attack Teng Shang. On second thought, he is also present. Moreover, Emperor Xue has to accept the male consort and acquiesced to himself and Teng Shang. It shouldn't be difficult.
They dare not let Emperor Xue and others enter the palace early. When they arrived, they did not see the shadow of the Marquis of Tengnan.
Xue Jun Liang didn't seem to be making trouble. He asked some questions that were not very important, as if they were family routines. After a while, he said, “Why hasn't the Marquis of Tengnan arrived?"
Jiang Yu hung down his head and said: “This old slave will go to see."
As he said that, he walked out of the hall. Just as Teng Yun was coming in, he gave a notice and led Teng Yun into the hall.
As soon as Teng Yun entered the hall, he saw Teng Shang, and his eyes flickered. At this time, he had the appearance of Teng Ying. He didn’t know if Teng Shang would hate him. After all, Teng Ying is not loyal to the Imperial court official.
Teng Yun asked Ann. Xue Jun Liang also stood up in person and gave him a virtual hand. He smiled and said, “Teng Ying really made Zhen wait."
“This Imperial court official is guilty."
Xue Jun Liang didn't mind his coldness, so he asked Jiang Yu to arrange meals.
It didn't seem to be very warm at the table. When Xue Jun Liang didn't speak, the three people left didn't speak. Xue Hou Yang really wanted to say something to ease the atmosphere, but he thought he was the most stupid, afraid to make a fool of himself.
Xue Jun Liang said with a smile, “This Zhen suddenly remembers that Lang Jing told Zhen before his expedition that Teng Shang is knowledgeable and knew a lot of things. Of course, Lang Jing is a little smart and said that Lord Teng is a bigly smart."
Teng Shang was praised, but he said, “His majesty is so amazing."
“Don't be modest."
Xue Jun Liang waved and said, “When empress was still there, he often recommended your talent to Zhen. Your talent is obvious to all."
When he mentioned the word “Empress", it was sure that Teng Shang was stiff for a moment. Not only Teng Shang, but also Teng Yun was unnatural for a while.
Xue Jun Liang himself listened to Lang Jing's words. If he wanted to know about the empress, he needed to test Teng Shang so he can only start from Teng Shang. How can he know what it is true? Although Teng Shang's expression soon returned to normal, the change at that moment is absolutely like something was indeed wrong.
However, due to the unnaturalness of Teng Yun, Xue Jun Liang thought it was because he set fire, so he felt guilty. Once mentioned, it was inevitable.
Xue Jun Liang has been exploring Teng Yun in recent days. He found that this man has changed a lot not only in how he carries himself, but also in the habit of speaking and doing things.
Becoming very much like the late empress
However, Xue Jun Liang didn’t think that it's a happy thing for a man to be like a woman he cares about. The most important thing in Xue Jun Liang's mind is still to be on guard. A person's changes were so great that it's hard to avoid Xu Jun Liang's worries that this person is in fact deliberately leaning closer to empress's style of actions or habit, so that he can let go of his guard.
Xue Jun Liang didn’t think Teng Ying is a good man, as long as he is a good emperor, so he doesn't have to think too good of anyone.
Teng Yun is always a pimple in Teng Shang's heart. Suddenly, it was raised. The food that could not be eaten was like a stone. It was choked in his throat and even scratched his throat.
Xue Jun Liang seemed to sigh and said: “When empress was still there, he also said that Lord Teng had great talent and seemed to have a great relation with him."
Teng Shang took a quiet look at Xue Jun Liang. He felt that the other side is testing him, but Emperor Teng has become a commoner, and Teng Yun is dead again. He doesn't need to worry about one of them. Instead, he felt that he is not afraid of anything. Everything is just like this.
Teng Shang said: “This common person also admired empress's character. There are so many people who are so resourceful. There are few people in the world like her."
Xue Jun Liang really sighed this time. When he tried to test others, he was touched by someone else's words. Xue Jun When Liang lost his Empress, he did feel sorry, but also sad. This is the only person he cared about. He thought she would not be unforgettable. These were too pretentious feelings. He is an emperor and the father of a country. If he really cares about all his children's personal feelings in his heart, how can he be a stable Dragon chair?
But at this time, although this feeling was very weak, it seemed that he can't bear any deliberation at all, but as time went on, the empress was really more and more profound, more and more clear, and more and more unforgettable to Xue Jun Liang.
When Xu Jun Liang tested the Marquis of Tengnan, he can't tell whether he is sincere or false. No matter what the purpose of that person's habit of acting like the empress is still there, Xue Jun Liang can't deny it, it's really like her.
Xue Jun Liang turned back his thoughts and continued: “In Zhen’s opinion, your relationship with empress seemed good. Did you know her before?"
Teng Shang was careful on his words. He said quietly and without flaws: "Naturally, the empress was born with gold branches and jade leaves, and then formed a good relationship with emperor. However, this common person was born as refugees. He lived on the banks of the Zhi River since childhood and were adopted by others. How could they be lucky to know the empress?"
Xue Jun Liang listened to what he said, but the more perfect the answer, the more suspicious he was, so he just said: “Empress once told Zhen a little story about the origin of your name, which was really touching, which made Zhen feel a lot."
Both of them are talking, but at the end of the two dials, Xue Hou Yang can't understand what the heck they were going on about, while Teng Yun really pinched a sweat.
Of course, he also heard that Xue Jun Liang was testing Teng Shang and Teng Yun. Did Emperor Xue find out what's wrong with empress, or what was said to him before Lang Jing left? That made Emperor Xue point the spear at Teng Shang and start a line of questioning from Teng Shang.
His identity at the moment is not good enough to help Teng Shang, and Teng Yun cannot intervene in a hurry.
Fortunately, Xue Jun Liang was just trying, he said a few words and then stopped saying them. He turned around and said with a smile, "Zhen is confused and left Teng Ying in the cold."
When Teng Yun didn't speak, Xue Jun Liang said, “Someone found a treasure a few days ago. I thought it was very suitable for Teng Ying. Since Teng Ying is going to come to the palace soon, Zhen can't be too mean, so he wanted to send it to Teng Ying."
He said and beckoned, and Jiang Yu retreated, and then came in again, followed by two internal attendants, each one holding a lacquered brocade box.
The two brocade boxes were large and rectangular. What is carved on the brocade box is not a festive pattern, but a Yazi.
It's said that Yazi is the second son of the dragon. He has a strong character and is fond of killing and fighting. Generally, he is carved on the sword, because the sword is a weapon of evil spirits and killing. The purpose of carving Jain is to ward off evil spirits.
Xue Jun Liang opened the first brocade box with a smile, which is indeed a sword.
Although the blade looks heavy, it's cold. People who know how to use it can see it at a glance. It's a good sword used in ancient times.
Xue Jun Liang said: “In ancient times, there were three precious Swords: Dragon Tooth, the Tiger Wings and Dog God. Now Zhen has found two good swords. Although they can't be compared with ancient artifacts, they were hard to find in the world. They are just called Dragon Tooth and the Tiger Wings. When Zhen left the Dragon's Teeth for himself, he gifts the Tiger Wing to Teng Ying. "
Although Teng Yun is not a killer, he was also a martial enthusiast when he was young. He naturally liked a good sword, but Xue Jun Liang has a story to tell.
He opened another brocade box behind him, which was obviously a scabbard. “Although it's a good sword, it's inconvenient for Teng Ying to bring to the Imperial harem. Zhen specially ordered people to build a scabbard that is worthy of it, but this scabbard is not called a scabbard. The reason why the scabbard can be a scabbard is that the sword will have a day when it needs to be drawn out, and this... is more suitable to be called a sword coffin."
After listening to him quietly, Teng Yun finally understood what this meant. He sent a good sword, plus the scabbard of the good sword. This is to tell Teng Yun that even if he can’t bear it anymore, entering the Imperial harem is like putting the coffin on a sword comparable to an ancient artifact, he can no longer do anything about it.
Teng Yun smiled and just reached out to pick up the Tiger Wing sword from the brocade box. The blade was long and slightly flat, and the blade was slightly cocked up. The whole black blade was filled with a chilling coldness.
Teng Yun's two fingers were close together, and he gently stroked along the blade. The Tiger Wing sword seemed to be very sharp. It cut his fingers and drew blood. The blood flew down the blood groove. The soaked blade seemed to be alive, but it also emitted cold air, which made it more and more lustrous.
Teng Yun didn't pay attention to this small injury. After seeing the knife, he put the Tiger Wings back in the brocade box and he thanked Xue Jun Liang.
Teng Shang sat aside and looked at his movements in his eyes. He couldn't help but be stunned.
Teng Yun always made a small action, that is, when he gets his favorite sword, he will hold it like this. Teng Yun said that because the sword is also spiritual, after sacrificing blood, he and the sword can live and die together. The real general take his blade as seriously as the commander-in-chief flag.
Teng Shang watched the blood dripping on the ground for a long time and could not return to his thoughts. Maybe it's just a coincidence, because many people still have similar views on their swords. Some martial generals and men also regard swords and knives as their own lives. They fight on the battlefield, and sometimes they can't even collect the bones of the fallen generals. After the soldiers bodies were collected, they will go to pick up some weapons, bury them in the earth, and they will be regarded as the soldier’s grave.
Xue Hou Yang looked at his gaffe, reached under the table and touched him. Teng Shang turned to look at him. While Emperor Xue didn't notice, he turned his head and whispers: “Is it uncomfortable?"
When Teng Shang thought of some past events, he was inevitably sad, but his face was reddened by the sentence from Xue Hou Yang. Seeing that his face was slightly reddened, he thought he was ill, but the man turned to look at himself no longer, and Xue Hou Yang found that his ears seemed to be reddened.
Xue Hou Yang coughed softly and thought of what he had just said. Although it was unintentional, it certainly made the other party think of that aspect. Xue Hou Yang could not help but think of Teng Shang's initiative in the past night and giggled.
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~ The Ugly Empress ~
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