Feng Yu Jiu Tian-Volume 5

FENG YU JIU TIAN VOLUME 5

(Fragrance Phantom)

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CHAPTER 1

Xi Lei.

Rong Tian’s coronation had been 12 months now.

Fall has come again and Xi Lei is prospering very well.

That one morning in Xi Lei, Shu Kai, a chief trustee of agriculture started an opening statement like this:

"Duke Ming is a treasure that the heavens has sent to Xi Lei." Sixty years old perhaps, white hair and beard, chief trustee Shu Kai’s face is filled with satisfaction about the progress result this year for Xi Lei. "This season the heavens above has rewarded Your Majesty. Although your servant had taken care of the agriculture affairs for many years, I still understand clearly one thing, if it weren’t for Duke Ming, Xi Lei probably will not have the a better result than today. Therefore..."

"Therefore, you want to request to the Great King to allow Feng Ming to survey the site, and along the way see if perhaps he has any other valuable ideas for agriculture, right?" Rong Tian’s mood had lighten up a bit, he continued to curve the corner of his mouth and cut short sentences from the report by Shu Kai: "First of all, Feng Ming is not convenient to leave the palace. Let’s discuss this sometime later."

"Your Majesty," Shu Kai wanted to slip in a few words but because of Rong Tian’s glaring eyes of warning, he had to switch to another topic: "Your servant just want to invite Duke Ming and Your Majesty to the ceremony for the God of crops."

"With me?" Rong Tian narrowed his eyes dangerously.

====

During that same time over at the Crown Prince’s residence...

”Chiu Lan’s cooking skill has advanced.” Chiu Xing ate a mouthful of dim sum: “Take a look, the outer crust layer is sprinkled with sesame seeds and patterned into a flower. I find it very skillful.”

"You’re right. Chiu Lan’s skills are approving each day, while someone else’s waist is expanding more each day. Getting chubbier no less?" Lie Er stuffed himself a mouthful of dumplings and making a face mocking Chiu Xing.

Chiu Yue scolded Lie Er: “Don’t pick on Chiu Xing. Whether or not her waist is big or small has

nothing to do with you.”

"Is it big?" Chiu Xing sprung up looking for a mirror to check and then turned to Chiu Yue, shaking about: "Chiu Yue, tell me. Is it really big?"

As for Chiu Lan, she ate some dumplings and sighed: “Ever since Duke Ming was almost assassinated outside of the palace, and was placed under confinement for three months, I am so bored that I’m rotted like this. If I don’t make dumplings, what is there to do?”

"Shhh..." Lie Er placed his finger to his lips, whispering like breathing : "You dare to mention the word "confinement"? Be careful not to let it travel to Duke Ming’s ears."

"I’ve already heard it." Behind their backs there was a voice filled with resentment.

- So apparently Duke Ming has been in confinement at his residence and is not allowed to step outside because he sneaked out of the palace one time and was in a sense confronted with a spy and “almost got killed.” Feng Ming is angry...

"I want to yell at him!!" While mentioning Rong Tian, Feng Ming burning rage slammed the table, fuming with anger: "Confinement! How long with this confinement last? I am Duke Ming, and yet he dare say to confined?!"

”This...The Great King is just thinking about Duke Ming’s safety.” Chiu Lan tried to pacify Feng Ming: “His majesty already said, until they investigate the source of the assassin last time, Duke Ming is not allowed to stepped outside of the Crown Prince’s residence a single step.”

Chiu Xing nodded her head and added: “His majesty also said a lot of kingdoms/countries have sent spies to enter Xi Lei so everything is dealt with caution.”

Lie Er flung another dumpling into his mouth and spurted out: “Duke Ming is a very important person that changed the outcome of Xi Lei. If something were to happen to you, it will be dangerous cause to the whole country. Though the Great King put you under confinement is a bit overboard, but...”

"But Duke Ming already knows all that very clearly; don’t need you all to remind him all day." From outside coming inside a calm voice: "Even if Duke Ming were to continue to blame, he will

never opposed the order and sneak out of the Crown Prince’s residence."

"Rong Hu!" Feng Ming seemed like he got struck by lightning, pulled Rong Hu into the room and excitedly asked: "How is it?"

Rong Hu shook his head: “Shu Kai followed your orders and suggested for you to survey the fields, but His Majesty already made up his mind.”

Feng Ming’s shoulders fell: “It’s a failure again?”

"But..." Rong Hu pressed on: "Shu Kai was quick to request the Great King to allow Duke Ming to participate in the ceremony of the God of crops this coming day."

Chiu Xing clapped her hands: “Then that means we get to leave the Crown Prince’s residence?”

Chiu Lan realistically asked again: “Did the Great King agreed?”

"The Great King said..." Rong Hu looked over at Feng Ming’s perked ears and couldn’t help but chuckled: "Maybe."

The Crown Prince’s residence was a silent at first but a few seconds later, was exploded with loud cheering.

"Yay!! Can finally leave! Finally there’s a change!!"

"My heavens, confined for three months is like being in prison for three hundred years."

"God of crops, I love you, I love you!!!!"

======

The night before the ceremony, Feng Ming could sleep because of all the excitement building up in him. Rong Tian tells him to sleep or else he won’t be able to participate in the ceremony.

Feng Ming pretends that he is hearing this news for the first time and Rong Tian told him to cut the act because he knows about Rong Hu spying on the court affairs. Feng Ming laughed embarrassingly and tried to find another topic to talk about that was when Rong Tian bite him on the neck and climbed on top of Feng Ming. Feng Ming wanted to be on top, but Rong Tian said that since he ordered Rong Hu to spy, this is his punishment...

Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing heard the commotion and told each other that it seems like Feng Ming will lose his sleep tonight and if he can’t wake up tomorrow, they won’t be able to go outside and play.

=====

On the ceremony day, it ends up that Feng Ming didn’t really get to go outside the palace, but instead only get to stand high up on the city gate walls and look down at the ceremony and people.

While up above, they start talking about the assassination incident as Feng Ming believes that Rong Tian is hiding something from him.

"After seeing the assassin outside, you suddenly added another set of walls surrounding me." Feng Ming purposely looked sideways towards Rong Tian: "That assassin was captured from 20 feet away; there were many guards around that that person could not possibly harm me. But why would one insignificant assassin make you worry like this? To the point of even confining to the Crown Prince’s residence for three months."

"Who told you to not listen to orders and leave the palace? Confinement is to punish you." "What can I do to make you withdraw that punishment?"

Rong Tian stood frozen; he looked over at Feng Ming, after a long moment he suddenly asked:

“How much do you know?”

"I know that you’re hiding a lot from me." Feng Ming said: "That assassin you never mention about. How is the investigating going on?"

"He’s dead." "Dead?"

"Committed suicide, no interrogation was made." Rong Tian frowned: "But on his body there were several incantation spells."

Feng Ming “ah” a word, suddenly asked: “It’s not incantation spell for soul/spirit is it?” Rong Tian nodded his head heavily: “It is.”

Feng Ming tells Rong Tian to not be superstitious about all those spiritual things, but Rong Tian reminded Feng Ming about how he came about in Xi Lei. He asked Feng Ming that if those incantations are harmless to human then why an assassin would use such a method like that.

Feng Ming cowardly stated: “They are very familiar with me and the Crown Prince An He.”

"That’s right, there’s a spy in the palace." He continued: "No matter what, I have to find a way to lessen the harm of that incantation spell towards you and also that spy as well."

"I’ll help."

"Be obedient and stay inside the Crown Prince’s residence. I have shamans to cover the incantation spells all four directions of the residence. Those harmful spells is of no use inside the Crown Prince’s residence."

Feng Ming shook his head in resistance, he unsatisfying said: “Then just tell them to cover the spells all around the city. I don’t want to be locked up inside the Crown Prince’s residence.”

"Covering spells waste a lot of energy; do you want the shamans to die?"

"No." Feng Ming realized one error, he quickly asked in reply: "But today you allow me to leave, so that means..."

Rong Tian reluctantly laugh, jerked his chin toward the left of the wall: “From the Crown Prince’s residence to here, there have been someone chanting mantra to protect you.”

Feng Ming squinted and followed the direction, not far from him was a man, in dark blue clothes, with dark skin, lowering his head and mumbling repeatedly.

"A shaman?"

"His name is Song Teng, someone I trust." He added a few words: "Chanting mantra uses up a lot of energy."

"So?"

"So, though there’s Song Teng, if it’s not necessary, I will not allow you to leave the Crown

Prince’s residence."

After hearing that, Feng Ming drooped like wilted dead leaves...

CHAPTER 2

While standing on the wall for some time, Feng Ming tells Rong Tian that he can no longer stand anymore and if he continues, he probably won’t be able to sit. So Rong Tian tells Song Teng to accompany Feng Ming back to the crown prince’s residence and if anything were to happen in between then he shouldn’t leave Feng Ming’s side. Rong Tian again ordered Song

Teng that it is only to the residence and nowhere else because Feng Ming likes to wander about. Feng Ming was angry about that and told Rong Tian that he will definitely not sneak away.

From the gate wall to the Crown Prince’s residence is just a few steps and is still within the palace, but there’s a need for 200 guards to accompany him, very flashy.

Feng Ming obediently came back to the Crown Prince’s residence since he found it way too hard to sneak away with 200 guards surrounding him. Once he is back, he saw Chiu Lan bringing over some dumplings and the rest of the gang was back at his place. Apparently, Rong Tian knew Feng Ming would be a bit angry and lonely when he came back so Rong Tian ordered Chiu Lan and the rest to head back early and wait for Feng Ming.

While they are enjoying the dumplings, Lie Er states that Chiu Lan’s cooking is wonderful, making him want to marry her so she can always cook for him.

Chiu Xing joked around saying that she and Chiu Yue will put in money to buy Chiu Lan a door that is thick and sturdy for her.

Rong Hu asked what for and Chiu Xing said: “If Lie Er were to marry Chiu Lan, the whole army of Yong Yin will follow chase. If the door isn’t thick and sturdy, how can it withstand it?”

Chiu Yue started laughing until her belly hurts.

Chiu Lan snuff: “Who will marry him? You two are getting worse, dragging me in to joke around.

You better be careful because I might not leave any food for you! So you can crave to death.” Feng Ming curiously looked over at Lie Er: “The Prince of Yong Yin still send letters over?”

Lie Er’s expression was like someone had hit a barrel and spilled food coloring, he finally replied” Duke Ming, please don’t mention it again. How can this servant return to Yong Yin?” Lie Er lowered his head and quietly nibbled into a food he was eating.

Seeing him like that, no one else dare to ask further and they brought out more dishes of dumplings for everyone to enjoy.

Feng Ming decided to switch to another topic about the assassin using magical spells and Rong

Tian believe that there is a spy hidden among them.

Rong Hu states that everyone they checked are Xi Lei people and have worked in Xi Lei for a long time. Lie Er mentioned that all of them shouldn’t be too careless believing that within the Crown Prince’s residence is safe. The spy can take advantage of any mistakes. He also mention about Official Xia. If it weren’t for Rong Tian’s intervention, all of them could have been killed (Volume 2).

Feng Ming thinks that it must be Ruo Yan playing tricks and the spy must be like Official Xia, who had disguised himself in Xi Lei for many years therefore no one is able to trace anything.

Rong Hu says that he will look over everyone who works within the Crown Prince’s residence and if there is anyone suspicious, he will chase them out!

After Rong Hu left, Lie Er reties his waist sash and tells everyone that he is also leaving. "Are you going to help Rong Hu investigate the list?"

Lie Er paused for awhile, shook his head: “I’m tired, I’m taking an afternoon nap for awhile.” Then he ran towards his room.

Feng Ming also states that he wants to rest too since the excitement died down. Chiu Xing, Chiu Lan, and Chiu Yue went and prepare for Feng Ming, even massaging him until he fell asleep.

CHAPTER 3

Feng Ming wakes up and the sun already set. He only finds Chiu Lan resting her head on his bed, Chiu Yue is nowhere to be seen. He decided to climb out of bed, but wakes Chiu Lan up.

She tells Feng Ming that Chiu Yue probably sneaked out to play and Rong Tian would be busy with the ceremony all night so it’s probably best for him to eat dinner and sleep for the night (also since he’s been standing all morning earlier).

Both of them heard someone outside stating that the Great King has returned, but when Feng Ming rushes outside of his room, he only saw Lie Er. Chiu Lan gave Lie Er a hit on the head and scold him for tricking Feng Ming.

Rong Hu states that Lie Er deserves the punishment, but the Great King will be returning quickly since he is leaving the rest of the ceremony duties to his fellow officials to take care of.

Finally, Rong Tian returned looking tired. Feng Ming tells Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing to massage Rong Tian, but Rong Tian says: “Their hands are too clumsy, if you want to make me comfortable, why you don’t do it yourself?”

"Alright, let me." Feng Ming rolled up his sleeves.

Rong Tian had a scared expression on his face as he looked at Feng Ming. Feng Ming reddened his face: “What are you looking at?”

Rong Tian mumbled: “Did someone put a spell on Duke Ming, how come you are so attentive to me?” He observed Feng Ming and then motioned his hand to beckon Feng Ming to come near, whispered in his ears: “What tricks are you plotting, spill it out quickly.”

Feng Ming shocked, gritted his teeth: “I just saw that you worked hard so I wanted to treat you a bit better. Ugh! Can’t believe you think I have bad intentions? I have to beat you two times for this.” Feng Ming’s angered expression against the profound gaze of Rong Tian faded after

awhile. Feng Ming lowered his head, frowned and said: “I want...before you can resolve the assassin issue; you certainly will not let me leave the Crown Prince’s residence, right?”

”You’re right.”

Feng Ming was going to suggest something since he’ll probably die of boredom if he is stuck in the residence all day, but paused saying that his request is a bit selfish and will make court affairs seem like a joke.

Rong Tian understood Feng Ming’s request and said that from tomorrow onward, he will not go anywhere and will stay in the Crown Prince’s residence to manage court affairs - he will be with Feng Ming and together will form a magic prison so Feng Ming will not fall ill of boredom.

Feng Ming is overjoyed that Rong Tian knows him best.

They end up having sex until the middle of the night. Feng Ming remind Rong Tian that he needs to tell the court officials to meet at the Crown Prince’s residence or else they will be waiting at the King’s court. Rong Tian tells Feng Ming not to worry about that since he had something else to tell Feng Ming. Earlier that day, there were two people that wanted Feng Ming’s audience.

Feng Ming asked who.

"They are both kingdoms' representatives that were sent to participate the ceremony at Xi Lei; however their purpose was to borrow food supply. However, the thing that differed between

them is that one is real and the other is fake."

Rong Tian explained: “The real person borrowing food supply is from “Dong Fan.” This year they met natural disaster and a lot of people had to fight to buy food from the reserves, therefore this time they have traveled thousands of miles to borrow our food supply.”

Feng Ming suddenly asked, “Who did King of Dong Fan asked to come? How come I have to meet him?”

"The person that Dong Fan King sent you definitely have to meet. He is Lu Dan, the famous beauty of Dong Fan. Those who have seen him have admitted that if Lu Dan isn’t a male, the title of Most Beautiful Woman in the world wouldn’t even fall into the hands of Mei Ji. Although

those words are a bit exaggerated, it’s still enough to imagine how beautiful Lu Dan’s

appearance could be."

Feng Ming doesn’t have any interest in the topic of beauties, he just placed his hand over his mouth to cover his yawning and stated: “I understand. You probably are afraid of meeting this beauty because you can’t control yourself, therefore requested me to meet Lu Dan to help you from being seduce to the point of handing over all the food supply of Xi Lei to him, am I right? For goodness sake, then why don’t you just tell him to cover up his face?”

"What?" Rong Tian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but he didn’t dare to continue, instead faced Feng Ming and said: "Lu Dan is someone we haven’t met, but the other person is an old

friend. I bet that you wouldn’t guess who it is."

"An old friend?" Rong Tian evoke excitement in Feng Ming. He snuggled into Rong Tian’s embrace, concentrated on remembering the people he had known. The past year, the people he knew were not little, most of them are from royal background, but who could be the person he can’t imagine the most? Feng Ming end up saying "Miao Guang."

Rong Tian was surprised and looked at Feng Ming. "Did I guess wrong?"

"How come every time you are held by me, you are exceptionally more intelligent? Is it because when I hold you, I give you all my intelligence....Wah!!"

A loud noise of pain followed by a loud thud from something falling down echoed outside of the room causing Chiu Yue, Chiu Xing, and Lie Er sudden surprise while guarding outside. All of them stood up and was about to rush inside when a voice call out: “Don’t be surprise, it’s just that the Great King was kicked off the bed by Duke Ming.”

The person next to them was Rong Hu.

Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing looked at each other and gave Rong Hu a look that made him say: “What?”

"Oh my! He even dare to spy on them!"

Chiu Xing stood one place and shook her head: “You are more outrageous each day to the

point of no return.”

Rong Hu was distraught that his face was red to his ears: “It’s because these recent days the situation is peculiar therefore more careful patrolling around the region...I went to back bamboo forest back there.” After hastily ending his words, he turned and disappeared.

Lie Er couldn’t help but laugh at Rong Hu’s fluster.

The next morning, King of Xi Lei finally experience back pain Feng Ming experienced each morning for the first time.

According to reports, the person with power in Kingdom Li in place of Ruo Yan who is

unconscious, a woman with the most power in the world, an old friend of them, Princess Miao Guang, will be coming to Xi Lei today.

Why would the ruler of Kingdom Li only bring several thousand soldiers to accompany? Why would she dare to enter Xi Lei, the place that she hated the most? And even use the purpose of borrowing food supply to ask for Xi Lei’s Duke Ming’s audience?

CHAPTER 4

Miao Guang arrived at Xi Lei with her soldiers, Rong Tian only allowed her to bring 18 guards within the city gates.

Lie Er suggested to Feng Ming to kill Miao Guang while she is visiting to get rid of her. Rong Tian tells Feng Ming that if he give the signal, Miao Guang and all the soldiers will be killed. Feng Ming gave Rong Tian a “don’t you dare to test me” look and asked Lie Er if they were to kill Miao Guang, what would the result be?

"Kingdom Li in chaos."

"After chaos, what would their reaction be?" Lie Er thought for awhile: “Revenge?”

"In order to take revenge on Xi Lei, the general of Kingdom Li will definitely order all the soldiers to risk their lives and attack. After a huge war like that, even if Kingdom Li is defeated, Xi Lei will still be heavily weakened. If Xi Lei won the war against Kingdom Li and became the ultimate hegemony, all the other countries will feel insecure. In order to protect their own interest, they will take advantage of Xi Lei’s weakened strength and band together to fight against Xi Lei to avoid us from recovering our strength and be too powerful to fight back.

Lie Er admitted that his knowledge is shortsighted and Feng Ming was able to see things far away and meticulously.

Rong Tian asked why Feng Ming is able to analyze like that when earlier that morning he was still dazing and not understanding why Miao Guang isn’t scare of anything and dare to enter Xi Lei to die?

Feng Ming smiled and said that person that allowed him to figure out was “Rong Tian” himself.

"What I don’t understand was why would you let Miao Guang enter the city but not kill her along the way here. With your personality, you will definitely not let go of any golden opportunity in front of you." Feng Ming explained: "From this point, I’ve concluded the reason."

Miao Guang entered the Crown Prince’s residence, she made her greetings to Rong Tian and

Feng Ming on behalf of her brother.

Rong Tian made a sly remark on how’s her brother’s health is so far.

Miao Guang didn’t answered and just gave her apologies to Feng Ming.

Rong Tian finally tells her to get to the point and tell them what she needs, if possible, he might grant it for her.

Miao Guang answered that her only request is hoping to say two sentences to Duke Ming alone. Hoping that the Great King can grant that for her.

Rong Tian couldn’t really refuse Miao Guang since she pass through security check point and to refuse her would seem like he is still suspicious.

Though he granted the meeting, he made sure Lie Er and Rong Hu are on guard in front of the door.

Once inside the room, Feng Ming asked Miao Guang: “Princess is not here to borrow food supply, huh? The food supply is not within my management, everything is required for Rong Tian’s approval.”

CHAPTER 5

Miao Guang stared at Feng Ming for a bit and then asked him in reverse: “Duke Ming believe that Xi Lei King will meet Kingdom Li’s request of lending food supply?”

Feng Ming already knew that Rong Tian would not allow so, but Rong Tian had said that Miao Guang is only using this excuse, in reality she probably had a trick up her sleeves.

Feng Ming observed Miao Guang and see that she is different from before, her ambition is stronger than before. He poured her some tea and said: “We are considered familiarity, please bluntly speak princess, and don’t blame me for not mentioning so. You just asked Rong Tian to

talk to me personally a few words, but already we have talked more than two sentences, Rong Tian will definitely force himself in any minute now.”

Miao Guang gave Feng Ming a look that cause his whole body to shiver through his spine: “Duke Ming only learns all the bad things, must be Xi Lei King who have taught you.” She took a persimmon off the table and started rolling and playing with it and spoke a sentence that is left unanswered: “Duke Ming, do you know the one moment that Miao Guang cannot ever forget is which moment?”

Feng Ming asked in reverse: “Could it be the time that you tricked me into going to that ....?” "When did I ever trick you?"

"Then what about that time when you wanted to escape with the Prince of Yong Yin..." Feng

Ming suddenly stopped, frowned: "Princess shouldn’t stretch the time any longer for it will be hard for Feng Ming to continue. Rong Tian already said that if after half an incense is gone and I’m still not out, he will force himself in."

"Duke Ming shouldn’t lie, before coming in I already carefully observed that Xi Lei King had not said a single word to you." She exhaled and gently continued: "Duke Ming don’t want to know the answer? In all of Miao Guang’s life, the moment that I cannot forget most is when I wore the clothing of British female royalty, the time when I visited you when you were imprisoned by my brother. During that time, your eyes shine, filled with delight, Miao Guang was also very happy and even thought that ordering the servants to create that outfit within a night was worth it."

Feng Ming remembered about that time when he was at Kingdom Li, where Ruo Yan had forced him into a corner; if it weren’t for Miao Guang, the result would be hard to imagine.

"Afterwards, I finally understood that Duke Ming was only using me to successfully escape therefore you were happy like that." Miao Guang turned to look over at the silent Feng Ming: "Today, Miao Guang gets the opportunity to sit here and talk to Duke Ming two sentences is not an easy task. If it weren’t for my brother’s deep respect of our siblings relationship, then I would be a criminal who helped you escaped is enough to put me at death’s door, let alone would we be here today."

Feng Ming asked if Miao Guang is here to make Feng Ming have to repay her or not. Miao Guang told him: “That time, Miao Guang stepped into a trap, it wasn’t because I wanted to help you escape, however the word kindness does not apply to that situation as you are indebted to me. But talking about kindness, you however have owed me a very great deal.”

"Ha?"

Miao Guang glanced at Feng Ming and blame: “It appears that Duke Ming have learned how to an ungrateful person like your king. At Aman River, if it wasn’t for Miao Guang’s help, Duke Ming would already been chopped up into pieces by my brother, this is also considered saving your life, you can’t just wipe it clean like that.”

Feng Ming looked at Miao Guang a bit and then suddenly chuckled: “So Princess wanted to collect your debt...” Feng Ming tells her that she shouldn’t talk in circles and just tell him what is

her request, but she have to remember that the person in debt is him and not Rong Tian, so anything related to Xi Lei and Kingdom Li’s affairs is something he can’t grant.

Miao Guang happily ran towards Feng Ming and placed her hands with his, her eyes glittered as she stare at Feng Ming and said: “I want to have a child with Duke Ming.”

"What?" Feng Ming eyes widened, and shouted out in disbelief.

"What’s bad about that?" Miao Guang said as if it was nothing: "King of Xi Lei’s goal is to conquer the world. If my brother were to pass away, Miao Guang will be the queen of Kingdom Li, the future child of Miao Guang will become the next king. If that child have Duke Ming’s

bloodline, then wouldn’t Xi Lei conquer Kingdom Li without having to waste a single soldier? Xi

Lei King will definitely agree to it too."

"Rong Tian will definitely not agree." Feng Ming looked straight into Miao Guang’s eyes: "If Princess dare to suggest such a request in front of Rong Tian, you’ll definitely meet with troubles. That year, An Xun also had the same thinking and as result had died within the palace of Xi Lei."

Not only did Miao Guang not look upset, she even send affectionate ogling eyes at Feng Ming and giggled shyly: “Duke Ming apparently still worry about Miao Guang, you don’t want me to be kill by Xi Lei King and even warn me beforehand.”

Feng Ming stood straight up: “Princess have played around enough, let me tell Rong Tian to come in and talk about national affairs with Princess.”

Just when Feng Ming reach the door, his sleeves were pulled tightly back, Miao Guang had grabbed hold of it.

"Duke Ming talk to me a bit longer. Ever since my brother is seriously injured, I don’t have anyone to share funny stories with anymore."

Miao Guang later on tells Feng Ming about the Physician in Li Kingdom that taught Ruo Yan how to use poison and such. She tells Feng Ming that the Royal Physician is missing and the last news about him before he went missing was that he was in Fan Jia.

The reason why Miao Guang daringly came to Xi Lei is because Fan Jiao’s Long Tian is aiming for Li Kingdom like a fish on a platter and therefore Li Kingdom have to use their power to focus on Long Tian. If Xi Lei were to attack their back then Li Kingdom cannot at one time take care of both sides and the only path would be to perish.

Feng Ming reminded Miao Guang that the two countries are enemies and she can’t possibly want them to help her to take care of Fan Jia.

Miao Guang suggested to Feng Ming that she only wants Xi Lei to not attack Li Kingdom for three years and even made a pledge that her royal bloodline will perish if she send her army to attack Xi Lei.

Feng Ming did not foolishly fall for Miao Guang’s words and stated that if her brother were to

wake up, her words would be invalid.

"Overall, I only see that this request only benefit Li Kingdom, and would not benefit Xi Lei. What’s the point of resting, even without your request, we would still rest to save energy, unless Li Kingdom attack Fan Jia and still have energy to fight Xi Lei too?"

Miao Guang no longer was interested in the conversation, she stood up and tilted her head: “I don’t care if Duke Ming help or not, my request I already laid it out. We are enemies, Duke Ming could use the opportunity to attack Li Kingdom, but the day Xi Lei send their troops is also the

day that Miao Guang will perish. If news of Xi Lei troops are coming to Li Kingdom, I will

immediately have the whole royal family self immolate. "What?" Feng Ming shouted out for the second time.

CHAPTER 6

Miao Guang sadly responded back: “What else can I do? Other than my brother who else can fight against Long Tian and the army of Xi Lei? If I have to face humiliation and die, I rather self-

immolate to save a bit of dignity. Our Li Kingdom have thousands of brave generals and our deaths would only bring them motivation to fight the last battle, that even if we won over you it would be a great price to pay.”

After finishing, she turned around over to the door, her footsteps gently paced, without turning her head around she murmured softly: “I really can’t believe Duke Ming would be so heartless.” She sighed faintly and pushed the door open.

Feng Ming felt like his spirit had been blown out. He suddenly realized the situation Miao Guang is going through, and even more clearer when he put himself in her shoes, including Rong Tian and his position. War is cruel. In fact, it forces someone to use all sort of methods to reach his goal, and, it makes a kind person turn into a fierce cruel person. Not only cruel to their enemies but also cruel to themselves.

If Xi Lei were like that, to think about self immolation, would also be them.

The future of Xi Lei, will there be an outcome like that?

Heavy footsteps echoed near, Rong Tian already stood in front of Feng Ming and placed his hand against Feng Ming’s tired shoulders: “I already told the guards to bring Miao Guang to rest, Rong Hu will be in charge of safety and supervising. Your facial expression look horrible. Miao Guang is an expert at mental tricks, what did she said to make you feel insecure?”

Feng Ming forced on a happier face, he gave out a signal for everyone to come inside. Rong Tian stood aside, carefully hand over a cup of tea to Feng Ming, and silently stood waiting for

him to start.

"Awhile ago when talking to Miao Guang I have realized a few things. These news might be false, but all of them were revealed by her." Feng Ming inhaled deeply and then continued: "The first news is Long Tian of Fan Jia is a spy that Ruo Yan had sent over and was poisoned by Ruo Yan to control him."

This was something Rong Tian and them already guessed previously therefore no one said anything and only waited for Feng Ming to continue.

"The second news is that Ruo Yan is truly serious injured to the point of being unconscious.

Because he’s unconscious, Long Tian has the guts to carry out his plans."

Lie Er asked: “Is it because of Long Tian that Miao Guang didn’t care of danger to come to Xi Lei?”

"That’s right." Feng Ming nodded his head and continued: "The third thing is Long Tian kidnapped the royal physician, the one able to cure his poison, to come to Fan Jia. As long as his poison is cured, he will immediately attack Li Kingdom, taking advantage of Ruo Yan’s unconscious state and kill him. I believe that the person that makes Long Tian afraid of most is still Ruo Yan."

Rong Tian finally opened his mouth and lowered his voice to ask: “Did Miao Guang asked Xi Lei to not take advantage of the situation while Li Kingdom is dealing with Fan Jia?”

Feng Ming exchanged glances with him, with a look of “apparently you’re also pretty smart”, nodded his head and said: “Miao Guang requested for 3 years time. Also, if we were to send our army, she will immediately have the whole royal family self immolate.”

"What?" Lie Er repeated the same shock voice Feng Ming had when he first heard the news, he shook his head: "Duke Ming should not ever listen to anything of those nonsense. They can’t easily self immolate themselves."

Feng Ming looked over at Rong Tian: “You are the Great King, in front of you is a great opportunity to attack Li Kingdom. You make the decision.”

Rong Tian ruminated for a second and then asked Feng Ming in reverse: “If the Li Kingdom royalties did self immolate because of us, would you be sad?”

"You don’t have to worry about me. Regarding national affairs, you cannot take in personal account of an individual to delay a decision."

Rong Tian looked straight at Feng Ming: “You will still be sad.”

He scanned around the room, his sharp eyes made everyone afraid to face and then let out a long sighed: “Impressive for a little Miao Guang, definitely deserved the title of Ruo Yan’s little sister.... this is definitely a great opportunity to destroy Li Kingdom. Unfortunately it is a land filled with poison, making people not dare to gain it. Chiu Lan, let’s see if you can tell us the

reason.”

Chiu Lan had never been involved with politics and now to have him call on her suddenly made her trembled in fear, trying to hide her crazy beating heart within her chest, she frowned and thought hard: “Because Xi Lei had gone through a war, we can’t mobilize the army.”

Rong Tian smile at her and shook his head: “Although Xi Lei required rest to gain back our energy, it is possible for us to still go out on another battle to capture Li Kingdom and continue to rest. Chiu Yue, you’re next.”

Chiu Yue saw that Chiu Lan was called and knew earlier that her part was next, so she wasn’t

as scared stiff as Chiu Lan, but still worried and quickly answered: “Wait until Fan Jia and Li Kingdom fight until they can’t anymore and it will be a great advantage for Xi Lei will send their army that time.”

Rong Tian still laugh and shook his head: “Not attacking and not able to attack is two different things. That could be the reason to not attack, but it isn’t the reason to not being able to attack.” His gaze is now on Chiu Xing.

When meeting with Rong Tian’s gaze, Chiu Xing was flustered to the point of hanging onto Chiu Yue’s sleeves and twittered: “All the things that could be said were said by Chiu Yue and Chiu

Lan, your servant don’t know what else to do.”

Feng Ming laughed: “Alright, it’s my turn to answer...The reason is not just only one. Number one, Li Kingdom is putting all of its strength to fight against Fan Jia, if Xi Lei made Li Kingdom self immolate then everyone in the world will think that we took advantage of the situation. Not only will that situation make people of Li Kingdom wholehearted resist making Xi Lei loss (of people/energy) massive, also the other countries will see the King of Xi Lei as a vicious ruler. For Xi Lei to be the ruler of all 11 countries, this will be a huge disadvantage.”

"That’s right!" Rong Tian cheered and happily asked: "And the second reason?"

"The second reason is because of me. If truly Miao Guang and the royal nobility self immolate then my heart would be heavy. If you set out for battle then I will also follow along. If my mind is not stable then you will also not be at ease. If the Great King is distracted how can he have the ability to battle?"

Rong Tian looked up above and laughed loudly, appearing heroic like no one can compare, he said: “Needless to be moody. Even without you, I will most definitely not take advantage of situation like that... ” Rong Tian goes on to say that he likes to deal with conquering the world in a more civilized manner even if war required people to use all sorts of tactic. He even wishes for Ruo Yan to wake up so he could battle him again.

Feng Ming heard that and his face brighten up, clapped his hands: “You definitely deserved the title of King of Xi Lei, a ruler of world in my eyes have to be like that.”

Rong Tian blinked his eyes and whispered in Feng Ming’s ears: “If Duke Ming truly admired me

like that, then you just have to enthusiastically collaborate on the same bed.”

Feng Ming can’t believe that Rong Tian had the audacity to request something like that while everyone was discussing serious business, making his face red like fire, he secretly gave him a warning kick. The smile on Rong Tian faded, took a moment before he regained his serious demeanor and continued: “Feng Ming already said two reasons. The third reason, Lie Er you go ahead.”

Lie Er trembled and kneel down, his face paled and stuttered: “Between Xi Lei and Li Kingdom is Yong Yin. The Great King is worried that once the army fighting in battle until their tired and

the soldiers of Xi Lei is lessen, Yong Yin will take advantage to send its infantry to occupy Xi

Lei, causing both the Great King and generals to retreat back. But...But Lie Er will use himself to swear that Yong Yin will absolutely not do anything detrimental to Xi Lei.”

Feng Ming’s gang finally realized.

Rong Tian had started to suspect the loyalty of Yong Yin towards Xi Lei, but everyone knows the relationship between Lie Er and the Prince of Yong Yin.

CHAPTER 7

"What are you to guarantee about Yong Yin’s affairs?" Rong Tian glanced over at Lie Er who is kneeling on the ground, his cold gaze made Feng Ming worried. Feng Ming was about to talk on behalf of Lie Er, but was found out by Rong Tian, he coldly wave his hand: "Feng Ming, follow me."

They end up moving to another room to talk. “It seems like you are still intimidated.” Rong Tian tried to explain: “The whole picture seems to be stabilized, but all the other countries are beginning to take action. The balance between Li Kingdom and Xi Lei is broken and the opportunity of becoming a unified ruler has appeared. Ever since Miao Guang arrived here is already the start of an approaching storm.”

Feng Ming asked: “What does this have to do with Lie Er?”

Rong Tian sat down on a chair and pulled Feng Ming into his arms, nibbling at his ears he whispered: “Duke Ming was in contact with the evil Miao Guang, so let me check if everything is alright...Aiya! That hurts!...” Rong Tian grimaced and rubbed the area that Feng Ming had punched him, then admitted defeat and explained: “The issue with Lie Er is not simple. Being the best potential spy would definitely need to be in the place that is needed the most.”

"You want Lie Er to return to Yong Yin to continue serving?...Then just straightforwardly say so... making me worried."

"You will not understand. The skill of a King is to know how to use their people, moreover to gain the level of excellence, making those who are wrong have to willingly admit defeat."

They kissed deeply and then Feng Ming asked Rong Tian to continue. “If I want to be the ultimate ruler, there’s no other place better than to start at Yong Yin. Yong Yin has three princes, the crown prince is the most intelligent man with broad vision.”

"Their crown prince has a deep connection with Lie Er, so Lie Er would obviously be the best choice to manage him." Feng Ming begins to place himself in the other person’s shoes and deliberate: "But it seems like Lie Er has feelings for that crown prince. If we were to tell Lie Er to hurt him that would be too cruel."

Rong Tian satisfied with embracing Feng Ming, he smiled and said: “Today I will teach you how

to use people.” He glanced over at the window, “We have been in here for quite some time, maybe enough for Lie Er to lose his mind.” He stood up and murmured into Feng Ming’s ear: “Remember well, when we walk out your face have to darken, the more serious the look the better.”

They walked outside and everyone was kneeling on the ground and didn’t dare to look up even though they heard footsteps approaching. Rong Tian sat down and took a sip of tea. He glanced over at all of them and stopped at Lie Er who is sweating profusely: “Lie Er, stand up.”

Lie Er didn’t dare to stand up and start saying that he’s wrong so the Great King should punish

him.

Rong Tian calmly asked: “What did you do wrong?”

"It’s because Lie Er believed that he is arrogant and important and dare to meddle into national affairs. Your servant can’t possibly Yong Yin." Lie Er flopped over onto the ground. He didn’t dare to glance up at Rong Tian who still haven’t said a word, his heart continued to beat faster without stopping. Lie Er was so scared to the point of crying, his voice trembled as he spoke: "Lie Er deserves death, already know that the situation is easy, but I still continue to exchange letters with Crown Prince of Yong Yin. Lie Er...Lie Er has betrayed the Great King. Please grant me punishment."

Feng Ming couldn’t stand seeing all of his people kneeling like that and wanted to tell them that Rong Tian was just scaring them, but he couldn’t since no one dare to look up.

Rong Tian continued to ask in a sweet manner: “Lie Er has a change of heart already?”

"Lie Er deserves death...Lie Er will not see him ever again, will never send letters to him again..." While talking, his tears fell to the ground and scattered into pieces.

Rong Tian helped Lie Er up, he looked into the red eyes of Lie Er who was still biting his lips to stop himself from crying. Rong Tian uses his sleeves to wipe Lie Er’s tears and sighed: “What’s there to cry so ugly? Ever since you followed me until now, this is the first time I see you cry this much. Meeting someone you love and having a change of heart is a common thing. That isn’t something to blame you.” While talking, Rong Tian glanced over at wide eyed Feng Ming,

curved his lips to form a smile of happiness.

Lie Er can’t believe Rong Tian cared about this much, he was emotional that tears continued to flow downward. Lie Er kneel down: “Your Majesty, Lie Er...Lie Er request that Your Majesty forgive my crimes...” He knows that he love Crown Prince of Yong Yin, a person who will be a rival with Rong Tian, is something that is extremely wrong.

Rong Tian smile, lightly shook his head and said: “You don’t need to ask me to forgive you. There will be a time when it will be hard for me to avoid doing a wrongful deed towards you. Lie Er, why do you have to make it difficult for me?”

He then ordered everyone to stand up. Feng Ming silently thinks that he needs to learn Rong

Tian’s method of scaring his people so they can also obediently listen to him.

"Besides Feng Ming, no one had made me be in a difficult position like this." Rong Tian frowned: "Yong Yin is next to Xi Lei. If I want to be the ultimate ruler, Yong Yin has to be the first place to hit. Could it be that in fact one day, I have to personally get rid of the most important person towards you?"

Hearing that, Lie Er’s face was paler. Ever since he was little he had followed Rong Tian and understood the skills and ambition of him. Crown Prince of Yong Yin is not an ordinary person, but would not win against Rong Tian. Lie Er asked softly: “Your Majesty, you can’t spare his

life?”

Rong Tian sighed: “It isn’t that I can’t spare his life, but more of I cannot spare the life of a defeated King. If a King is still alive, his people still have hope of resistance and recovery. In order lessen the amount of casualties, the only way is to take the life of that King.”

Feng Ming tried to comfort Lie Er and reasoned with Rong Tian: “Lie Er is a trusted bodyguard who you gave me. His happiness is also my happiness, no matter what you cannot destroy that.” He coldly looked at Rong Tian and asked: “Tell us, if the Crown Prince of Yong Yin doesn’t become king, after conquering Yong Yin, how will you deal with him?”

"As long as he doesn’t become King, the rest of the royalty will be spare and keep their status, however they will have to be loyal to me."

”Well, isn’t that possible?” Feng Ming looked at Lie Er, softly smiled: “Becoming a King will only lead to death, better to become a rich royalty with everything. Lie Er, you can still choose your lover.”

Lie Er seemed to have a bit of hope and suddenly understood. He kneel down at Rong Tian and loudly said: “Your Majesty please allow Lie Er to go to Yong Yin. Second and Third Prince of Yong Yin have always wanted the title of Crown Prince. As long as Lie Er uses a few methods, I will definitely make them fall from above, causing chaos within Yong Yin.”

Rong Tian kindly remind: “Second and Third Prince are not Crown Prince, they are not enough to cause chaos for Yong Yin.”

"Your Majesty please rest assure. Before that, Lie Er will make Crown Prince of Yong Yin create several mistakes, enough for the King of Yong Yin to lose his affection and will dethrone him. As long as King of Yong Yin ordered for another Crown Prince, the opportunity for second and third prince to create chaos will come."

"Excellent. It’s no wonder that you have followed me from little till now." Rong Tian’s laughter echoed to the outside. Once finished, he held onto Lie Er’s shoulders, intimately said: "If in the future, he dares to have a change a heart, I will in place of you teach him a lesson." Before Lie Er can say anything else, Rong Tian continued: "Because you have exchanged letters with the Yong Yin Crown Prince, you have committed a treason against me, from here on out you are

evicted from this kingdom. In the future you have to wholeheartedly think for yourself, no need

to take action in response to me. Oh, you have to enjoy your days of freedom from now on." "Your Majesty..."

"Remember, you have to prevent him from being involved with politics, travel a bit, enjoy a bit. The further you are away from kingship will be the safest." Rong Tian softly said: "Don’t cry. You have to take care of yourself. Go, go."

In front a bunch of guards, Rong Tian coldly stated: “Today this person dare lie to me about exchanging news to people of Yong Yin, who can guarantee in the future he will also send news to Li Kingdom. I don’t need this type of person (with three feelings two thoughts) beside me.”

He asked: “Where’s Tong Ling?”

General Tong was patrolling in the back area and when he heard movement he thought

something happened therefore rushed toward and answered.

"From today onward, Lie Er will be a commoner, no longer have the rights to enter the palace. Send this order to all officials, no one is allowed to recruit him."

Lie Er moaned: “Your Majesty...” His puffy eyes continued to have tears falling down.

Feng Ming and the rest knew that Lie Er was grateful to Rong Tian, but Tong Ling don’t know what happened, only softly said: “His Majesty has ordered, follow me out.” He waved his hand and signal two other guards to drag the frozen Lie Er outside.

Feng Ming tried hard to catch the last glimpse of Lie Er. Rong Tian tells him not to be sad since Lie Er has to go on his own path and Feng Ming doesn’t want him to always stay here but always longing for Yong Yin Crown Prince.

Feng Ming thought about it and then think that what if Chiu Lan, Chiu Xing, Chiu Yue, and Rong Hu find their own love and would leave him as well? Then the whole Crown Prince’s residence would be lonely without anyone to accompany him.

After heading back inside, Rong Tian tells Feng Ming that if Lie Er’s happiness is Feng Ming’s happiness, then who take care of (Rong Tian’s) happiness? They have to close the doors and

discuss about that.

Feng Ming complained that it’s still not dark yet and called him a sex craving wolf.

Chiu Xing tells everyone that in a little bit, Duke Ming will scream out “Rescue Me” any moment now. And sure enough, Feng Ming scream out “Rescue Me” from inside his room and they just stood there.

Chiu Lan was thinking how Lie Er left, she no longer had to carefully watch out for him eating her dumplings.

Chiu Xing stated that no one will complain that she is fat.

Chiu Yue said that no one will help chase after her handkerchief if it flew.

Chiu Xing comforted her and said that there’s still Rong Hu.

Rong Hu believes that no one actually can leave the Great King and Duke Ming. He believes that the most happiness moment of Lie Er was being beside them.

Chiu Lan, Chiu Xing, Chiu Yue saw that Rong Hu still continued spying on the Great King and Duke Ming. Rong Hu admit that he likes listening to them together because it’s filled with lots of love and happiness that makes a person brighten up.

They all stared at him and started laughing.

Inside the room, Rong Tian got kicked off the bed and rolled on the carpet. Feng Ming was wondering what they were laughing outside. Rong Tian stated that since they have ruined Feng Ming’s enjoyment, they will get taught a lesson. Feng Ming said that it’s Rong Tian’s enjoyment that is ruin.

"If I say that Duke Ming has guessed right, would Duke Ming agree to collaborate with me and go for another round?"

"Is one round enough? I thought that it would be seven or eight times?"

"Tsk Tsk, Duke Ming guessed right again! Definitely earn the title of most intelligence in the world! Even Ruo Yan have to admit defeat..."

"Don’t try to sugarcoat me! I will not be trick...Wah! Rescue Me! Rescue Me!!..."

CHAPTER 8

There was one thing Feng Ming wanted to ask Rong Tian, but he kept rolling around making Feng Ming forget what it was until the next morning.

"Don’t go." Feng Ming held onto the already dressed Rong Tian who was about to leave: "Two

of people that came to borrow food supply, I already met one them. So when will the beautiful person that you have always thought about coming?"

"According to report, he will be coming later today."

"Later today?" Feng Ming asked Rong Tian why does Lu Dan want to meet him.

"He didn’t request to meet you." Rong Tian almost loosen up the grip, but Feng Ming glared and threatened him to answer. Rong Tian said: "Duke Ming shouldn’t forget. Right now, I have changed location to the Crown Prince’s residence to deal with court affairs, Lu Dan will come to meet me. There’s something that I also want to meet him too..."

"What for?"

"Ha, though you’re not as beautiful as him, but you have to learn a few manners from him."

A pillow immediately made direct contact with Rong Tian’s face. Rong Tian placed the pillow back on the bed and quickly leave for his court meeting. Feng Ming was angry and threw the pillow, but it only hit the door.

While sitting in his room, he heard cries of a girl saying: “Please guards, don’t! I won’t do it again!”

Feng Ming wanted to go outside to see, but was stopped by Chiu Lan who told him to get dress

first as he can’t wander about naked.

Chiu Yue came into the room and showed them some jade and jewelry that used to belong to Feng Ming, but he didn’t like it anymore therefore they were stored away and later found to be missing.

Apparently the guards captured the thief and brought her in front of Feng Ming for him to deal with the situation.

Feng Ming asked what her name was and she replied trembling: “Cai Qing.”

Feng Ming asked if she was the one who stole all of those things. She asked for his forgiveness. Since she indirectly admitted to her wrongdoing, Feng Ming needed to punish her, but he never experience this before so he asked Tong Ling what he usually do with this type of issue.

"Since she had stolen Duke Ming’s items, it can’t be compared to other stealing within the palace, the punishment will be worse. It’s just Cai Qing has worked at the Crown Prince’s residence for some time and has never committed any wrongdoing." Tong Ling sighed and continued: "If according to Duke Ming’s words then we’ll follow through with the common punishment. No need for execution, just chop off both hands."

Feng Ming stunned in fear, he quickly turned to ask Chiu Yue: “So what exactly did she stole?” "A jaded bracelet, a gold longevity ring, a gemstone, a..."

”Those are all the things that I no longer need and will rot within the Crown Prince’s

residence....Because of these things and to chop off both hands of her would be outrageous.” He took the jade bracelet Chiu Yue was holding and gave it to Cai Qing, smiled and said: “Take it, this is what I give you. For a girl to love these things is nothing uncommon, but you shouldn’t steal.”

Cai Qing couldn’t believe what she heard.

Chiu Lan pulled Feng Ming’s sleeves and whispered in his ears, telling him that Cai Qing is just little maid who swept the area and if he were to forgive her, there will be chaos within the Crown Prince’s residence.

Chiu Xing agreed and tells Feng Ming that this issue is suspicious and need more investigating.

Rong Hu states that that is easy and he will do the interrogation that within one day she will

reveal everything. Cai Qing was scared that she grabbed hold of Feng Ming’s legs and told him that she was only confused that one moment and agreed to have her hands chop off, just don’t make her go to the interrogation room.

Rong Hu asked her why she would steal Duke Ming’s stuff when Chiu Lan and Chiu Yue’s jewelry aren’t little, beside they are female stuff so why steal male stuff.

Feng Ming asked thought about this and remembered that Rong Tian told him that there are people that tried to hurt him. However, he felt that if someone were to harm him then they should steal the things he is currently using and put spells or whether on them instead of stealing stuff that he had put aside. He asked Tong Ling how they found out that she stole his

stuff.

Tong Ling replied that while they were searching through the maids chamber room, they found her baby was wearing jewelry that did not belong to her/female jewelries so they questioned her about it. It’s also revealed that the jewelries were stolen not recently but from time to time when Feng Ming was kidnapped by Li Kingdom.

Feng Ming suddenly asked Cai Qing about the child and how old she is...which is 19. Chiu Yue tells Feng Ming that being a maid in the palace is a sad life. Sometimes they meet an important someone coming into the palace and get pregnant hoping to be taken away and become a concubine.

Feng Ming then asked to see the child and find out who the father is as he wants to help Cai Qing and force the man to marry her.

Cai Qing refused to tell Feng Ming so he decided not to talk about it. Feng Ming also tells Rong Hu to drop the theft issue as everything should be cleared. Rong Hu agreed.

They brought over the child and Chiu Yue yelled out that it’s so cute!

So they bring the child over and both Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing wanted to hold him. The child’s name is Cai Jiang.

Chiu Lan asked if Cai Qing stole the jewelry for the little child to wear.

Cai Qing nodded her head: “All the elders in the palace said that if a child were to wear something that had been used from an important someone, that child will be safe.”

Chiu Lan asked Cai Qing again if there are other things that she stole because if they find out, Feng Ming won’t be able to save her again.

Cai Qing admitted that she only stole whatever is on the child. But have time stole pieces of meat from the kitchen to feed the child because she was worried about his health.

Feng Ming thought Cai Qing meant the kitchen Chiu Lan prepared his food and told Chiu Lan to

give a bit of dumplings to her. Chiu Yue tells Feng Ming that the kitchen Cai Qing talked about is the kitchen for maids. If anyone can wander through Feng Ming’s kitchen then he would have been poisoned already.

Everyone wanted to hold Cai Jiang. While holding him, Chiu Xing said that he looked like someone they know...The Great King.

Feng Ming was shocked and looked closely at Cai Jiang, but couldn’t see any resemblance. He looked up at Chiu Xing and noticed her smiling: “Chiu Xing...”

Cai Qing can’t believe that the maids dare tease Duke Ming. Feng Ming later suggested Cai

Qing to join them since they are short one person after Lie Er left, plus she can have leftovers for the child and Feng Ming will hand over some of his unwanted jewelry for him.

However, his maids tell Feng Ming that he needs to discuss this with the Great King and Rong Hu as well. Feng Ming states that it’s his idea so the Great King shouldn’t disagree about it.

——-

Chiu Lan then later ordered Cai Qing to help her prepare the meal for Feng Ming and the rest looked after Cai Jiang. After they left, Feng Ming tells his two maids who they think the father of Cai Jiang is. Feng Ming is still curious and wants to find out, but can’t directly ask Cai Qing about it.

Chiu Xing and Chiu Yue tell Feng Ming that if he finds the real father most of the time the father only keep the child and would kill off the mother and it would be best to just keep them here instead. Feng Ming thought that was cruel and state that with him here, he will definitely not allow that to happen.

They all begin to brainstorm who the father could be. Chiu Xing thinks it’s Young Master Tong.

Feng Ming asked if it’s truly that person. Tong Er does bad things and cause people to not like him but to think that he is the father of Cai Jiang is something Feng Ming can’t believe.

Chiu Yue tells Chiu Xing to stop talking nonsense, but Chiu Xing states that there are not many

important that enter the palace and even less for those who are of young age.

Chiu Yue mentioned to Chiu Xing how she would know that the father is a young person and not an old man.

Chiu Xing yelled back telling Chiu Yue that she must like old man and that Cai Qing must be into people like that too.

She later explained that Cai Jiang look like he’s two or three years old so it’s before the Great King’s coronation. During that time, young master Tong usually wanders around the Crown Prince’s residence so it’s quite a coincidence.

Feng Ming asked if there’s any evidence and they tell him how can there be evidence. At that

point Feng Ming wishes that they could be DNA testing to weave out the suspects.

Chiu Lan finished preparing the meal and asked Feng Ming if he wants to eat right now or wait for the Great King. At that moment, Rong Tian appears and said that Feng Ming will eat it with him and with a guest as well.

Behind Rong Tian is Lu Dan and he bows down and greets Feng Ming. Once he stood back up, all of Feng Ming’s gang stood frozen in awe.

CHAPTER 9

The man in front of them was around the same height as Rong Tian. His waist was slim to which girls have to admire, underneath the layers of clothes would make anyone tremble with emotions.

The beautiful features on the face can only use words of absolute perfection to describe. For example, Rong Tian could be considered a beautiful man, but standing next to him has loss a bit of majestic shine. According to appearance, even Feng Ming had to admit that even the hem of Lu Dan’s clothes, Rong Tian wouldn’t even have a chance to touch. In a second, all the inhalation of disbelief filled the entire room. It’s no wonder that Rong Tian said if he were a woman then the title of Most Beautiful Woman wouldn’t be taken by Mei Ji.

However, Lu Dan must be used to all the surprise looks by people already, so even when Feng Ming’s gang were observing and glancing, he only smiled freely. It took Feng Ming awhile before he could regain his mind and stuttered his lost words: “Adviser came from far away, I didn’t have time to welcome you, please sit down.” He turned around and yelled at Chiu Yue to pour the tea. At the moment, Chiu Yue just stopped her surprised stare that she couldn’t hide from Feng Ming, secretly stick out her tongue and slipped away.

"Duke Ming, the afternoon meal is already..."Chiu Lan stood behind Feng Ming, softly reminding him.

Feng Ming invited Lu Dan to eat lunch with him. Lu Dan, the person in front of them is like a perfection of god, making people feel that if one were to breathe hard he would disappear into thin air. Facing a beautiful person like him, even Feng Ming had to be careful, opening his mouth to speak had to be extremely polite.

Lu Dan slightly bowed: “It’s my honor.”

So while they were enjoying the meal, Feng Ming asked Lu Dan how much food supply he needed. Lu Dan replied that he needs 300,000 units. Feng Ming thought the number was okay because over the past two and three years, Xi Lei had gained about 2,000,000 units, but before he could answer, Rong Tian squeezed his hand and looked at him.

Rong Tian tells Lu Dan that he’s going to have to disappoint him since 300,000 units is a large

number and cannot meet his request. Rong Tian continued: “The food reserves for Xi Lei for ourselves is still difficult to meet. Helping out like this is already a bit much.” Glancing over at the wide opened mouth of Feng Ming who was about to cut in, Rong Tian robbed his words: “Since Adviser had came from thousands of miles away, I cannot let you go back empty handed. How about 30,000 units of rice? That amount should be enough for Dong Fan’s palace to pass this winter season.”

Lu Dan was silent for a long time and exhale softly: “But our people...” He didn’t continue, his thin lips tightly closed. His hurt expression in his eyes would make anyone give in.

Rong Tian also took a long sigh: “It’s not that I don’t want to help, but Xi Lei also have their

difficulties. Adviser, please don’t be sad and enjoy your stay here a few days.” After finishing, he lift up his bowl to give a sign for the guest to leave.

Lu Dan was stopped by the stubborn Rong Tian, he knew that he shouldn’t keep pressing the issue so he excuse himself first.

Feng Ming gaze followed after the him as he left, Rong Tian laughed: “How’s that, I did tell you that he’s a beautiful man, right? You keep on staring at him.”

"If I didn’t see him in person I wouldn’t believe that there was such a beautiful man like that in this world." Feng Ming inhaled deeply and asked: "How come you won’t agree to his request?"

"No gain, no reason, why would I lend him 300,000 units of food supply?"

Feng Ming glared at him: “Dong Fan traveled from thousands of miles away to ask for food supply, didn’t they reported you how much they were planning to ask?”

"They did."

"Then what did you say?" "It’s negotiable."

Feng Ming looked up and down at Rong Tian for a moment, shook his head in disapproval: “You are a King, you already promised causing that person to travel from afar and then swallow your

words. Rong Tian, that isn’t a way to be King.”

Rong Tian suddenly laughed: “I already promised to lend food supply for Dong Fan? It’s just a few words of ‘it’s negotiable’, it can’t be seen as breaking a promise.” He stretched his arms out to pull Feng Ming tightly into his embrace, laughing hearty beside his ears: “National affairs is so boring, how about we discuss something more interesting.”

However, Feng Ming was still thinking about Lu Dan: “Lu Dan must not leave Dong Fan palace often, if he has with his beautiful face, the whole world must have been in chaos already. Hey, tell me, do you think Dong Fan King and him...”

"No need to say it. If Dong Fan King were to insistently disregard a beautiful person like that

then he would be more of a dangerous person than Ruo Yan." Rong Tian asked: "Do you understand why I wanted you to meet Lu Dan?"

"Wasn’t it to learn his manners? But I have to tell you, Lu Dan already was born with that. I can’t possibly learn it all. For example, his eyes moving about that even Rong Hu lost his concentration. If you want me to change like that, I believe you should quickly bring that Most Beautiful woman of yours back here. Maybe she will have a better result."

Rong Tian placed Feng Ming onto his lap and bit him on his neck for punishment: “You jealous little devil you, I knew you would be envious of Lu Dan. Let’s talk about national affairs first,

what do you think about Lu Dan?”

"Beautiful to the point that it’s a crime. Seeing a beauty like that, even if one were to break their bones or tear their meat and all of their life given for him is still worth it. No one would want him to be disappointed." Feng Ming feeling resentful, glared up at Rong Tian: "Besides you! Food supply is overabundance, but you don’t want to help him!"

”And what else?”

Feng Ming saw that Rong Tian was not just fooling around so he thought a bit harder: “Lu Dan’s beautiful appearance could be a fatal weapon. From ancient times, beautiful people in the world is not something rare. Those of high status who prefer men are about half. If Lu Dan uses his power to gain Dong Fan an advantage, they will have the ability to become a huge enemy of Xi Lei.”

Rong Tian blew into Feng Ming’s ears: “But that Lu Dan, other than Dong Fan King, he extremely hate all kinds of men that appear in front of him. Not only do people outside don’t see him much, but I heard those who work inside Dong Fan palace also have a hard time meeting him. This is the first time he personally appear and coming to Xi Lei, it’s already an extreme honor for us to meet him.”

Feng Ming curiously asked: “Isn’t he the country’s adviser? Then what happens when he goes to court?”

"He covers his face." Rong Tian observed Feng Ming and continued: "This method is not bad. How about every time you meet the court officials you also cover your face. Only I can see your

face."

"You want me to die of boredom, right?" Feng Ming gave Rong Tian a punch to show his discontent.

Rong Tian of course accepted this sweet punishment. With one hand he held Feng Ming down so he wouldn’t escape, and the other hand he quickly slipped underneath Feng Ming’s clothes: “The title of country adviser is a huge position, Lu Dan isn’t just someone that the Dong Fan King love that could climb up to that position so of course he has to have some talent/skill. From

what I see, the importance of Lu Dan in the palace of Dong Fan is no different than Dong Fan

King, similar to your position here in Xi Lei.”

So Rong Tian tries to untie Feng Ming’s sash, he yells out: “You dare to remove my sash, I will....Tonight it’s my turn to be on top!” Feng Ming continued: “Lu Dan represent Dong Fan King. If you were to be stubborn, and the relation between the two countries build tension, it would be difficult for Xi Lei. I see that no matter what you should agree to their request. It’s regarding national affairs....v...v...” (I believe Rong Tian grabbed his member causing Feng Ming to jerk and cried out.)

Cai Qing was outside when she heard the scream: “Duke Ming, is there something that you need?” Without waiting for Feng Ming to answer, she rushed inside the room. When she looked

up, she saw Feng Ming’s blushing face. Because she just started working for Feng Ming, she wasn’t clear about the daily routine of the two men, so she awkwardly (didn’t know what to do?) but finally understood and quietly chuckled as she walked out.

"Let go!"

Rong Tian saw that Feng Ming was angry and embarrassed so he loosen his grip and bear the many painful bites of Feng Ming: “My mood today was good so I thought we could enjoy like this. Alright, don’t be mad, how about later tonight I’ll repay you.”

Feng Ming’s face reddened in embarrassment, and argued: “You...you think that I only think about that?”

Rong Tian tries to say that because of all the politics, he just want to loosen up a bit and blame that it’s just human necessity. Rong Tian continued: “You said Lu Dan has a beautiful appearance, but when I look at him, I only see 30,000 units of food. And one other thing.”

"What other thing?"

"Duke Ming had taught, heaven’s prophecy cannot reveal." Rong Tian stood up and readjust his clothes. He also called out for Chiu Lan to help him with his crown and then turned around to tell Feng Ming: "I already arrange Lu Dan a small room behind the Crown Prince’s residence. That place has a soothing environment and is close to you. If you want, you can go over there to start a conversation with him, but no matter what you cannot agree to lend food supply. If he mention it with you, you just tell him that you have to talk with me first." Without waiting for Feng Ming to

reply, Rong Tian lowered his head and softly kiss his forehead, gently said: "Later today I also need to meet General Tong, obediently wait and don’t roam around. The physician said that you haven’t fully recovered and your body is still weak. As for that maid, if you like then keep her. But if she already dare to steal your things then she isn’t a coward to retract. Don’t be alone with her when she serve you."

Rong Tian didn’t really leave the Crown Prince’s residence, but was just dealing with political affairs in another part of the vicinity. Feng Ming wanted to go visit Lu Dan, but then realized that since he traveled from afar he decided not to bother.

At the time, Chiu Xing and Chiu Yue showed Feng Ming the gifts that Dong Fan had given them,

including some fabrics that Dong Fan is famous for. They ask Feng Ming if he can reward them some. Feng Ming tells them to divide it among themselves and give some to Chiu Lan and Cai Qing to make some outfits too.

Chiu Xing tells him that the maids have a lot of outfits already and they just want to make an outfit for Cai Jiang. After they left, Feng Ming suddenly remembered and wanted them to bring some of the fabrics to Empress Dowager. Chiu Lan was nearby and said that she will do it since the other two are busy playing with Cai Jiang.

Feng Ming then wandered around the library, looking at book about geography of Xi Lei but got real bored. He start talking to himself and saying how he can’t even finish one book and yet

Rong Tian memorized all of them by heart. He states that since he is Duke Ming, he should be at least be of 50% of Rong Tian or else how can he help him.

Feng Ming end up taking a nap and when he woke up he only saw Cai Qing pouring him tea. When asked where the other maids are, Cai Qing said that Chiu Xing and Chiu Yue are busy

measuring Cai Jiang and Chiu Lan left for the Empress Dowager’s residence.

While answering Feng Ming, Chiu Lan came back and told Feng Ming that the gifts were given to Empress Dowager, but her voice sound as if she was crying.

Feng Ming thought that Empress Dowager didn’t like the gifts, but Chiu Lan said that she loves it and even reward her with some makeup supplies. When asked why she is crying then, she said: “The life of a maid everyone has to face bullying. Chiu Lan does not want to tally to Duke Ming. If Duke Ming wants to know, you can find Rong Hu, he also knows. Duke Ming, take a look.” Chiu Lan rolled up her sleeves, both of her arms were filled with bruises.

Feng Ming stood straight up and yelled: “Call Rong Hu here! Who dares to do this?”

CHAPTER 10

Rong Hu quickly ran in and reported: “Chiu Lan was stopped outside of Empress Dowager’s

residence and luckily that your servant was there to intervene quickly. They are children and relatives of important people, who entered forbidden areas of the palace so I don’t want to make the problem any bigger. Your servant only wanted to verbally lecture them a few words but they don’t know right from wrong, relying on status and use violence.”

On the handsome face of his appeared several purple bruises, out of shock Feng Ming asked: “What? Aren’t you in charge of the guards? They also dare touch you?”

Rong Hu shook his head: “Those young masters only wanted to drag Chiu Lan and didn’t dare touch me. The person that took action was Young Master Tong.”

"So it’s that bastard Tong again?" Feng Ming stood straight up, walked about inside the room

and then curiously asked: "Who is the person that he lean on for support that he dare to belittle others? Could it be Empress Dowager?"

Chiu Lan wanted to reply but didn’t.

Suddenly a voice from outside traveled inside: “Empress Dowager arrived!”

All of them inside the room froze in place, once they saw a shadow of someone behind the thin curtain did Feng Ming awakened. He told Chiu Lan and Rong Hu to go back inside.

Just when he turned around, someone already lifted the curtains, four or five maids of her also

had surrounded the Empress Dowager as they came walking in. "Feng Ming greets Empress Dowager."

Empress Dowager smiled kindly and told Feng Ming to stand up: “I heard about the assassin incident a few days ago. His Majesty had ordered that Duke Ming cannot leave the Crown Prince’s residence. I know that Duke Ming likes to wander around but it’s a pity that now you are carefully monitored so I came to visit you. How is your health? Have you been taking your medicine as prescribed?”

Feng Ming was angry at the moment but because of these tiny questions of concern by Empress Dowager he had to resist and reply: “My health is a lot better. The physician said that I could ride horses, and medication is taken when needed.”

"You need to listen to what the physician recommend and take your medication on time."

Feng Ming slightly bowed: “I understand. I will listen to Empress Dowager’s teaching.” Feng Ming thought to himself: could Empress Dowager only came here to ask about my well being and remind me to take my medication, he took a few secret glances at her.

Chiu Yue brought a cup of tea to Empress Dowager, she took a look at Chiu Yue and turn towards Feng Ming to ask: “The maid that Duke Ming send to me earlier, I believe her name is Chiu Lan, am I right?”

Feng Ming replied: “She is Chiu Lan. I have something to report to Empress Dowager...”

Empress Dowager lightly waved her hand to stop Feng Ming short and softly said to the servants: “All of you can pull back.”

All the maids, including Chiu Yue and them stepped outside. Until the room was only the two of them, Empress Dowager gave a long sigh: “What Duke Ming wanted to say, I already know and because of that I personally came here. That Tong Er is no different than a spoiled child not understanding much, going around and loving to cause trouble. It’s understandable that Duke Ming would be angry. I already lectured him, so in the future he will not dare to cause trouble.”

Feng Ming can’t believe that Empress Dowager could use gentle phrases like that to protect

Tong Er so he quickly intervened: “Empress Dowager, this time he luckily hit Rong Hu or else if it’s Chiu Lan then...”

"Mentioning Rong Hu, I also have something to tell Duke Ming." Empress Dowager suddenly looked serious.

"All the people that serve Duke Ming was personally chosen by the Great King. All of them are talented people that are hard to find, with proper background, not many people in the palace would dare to touch. But, Duke Ming should also lecture them strictly. For example, Rong Hu, believing that he’s favored by Duke Ming that today he dare hit Tong Er. This incident, is Duke

Ming aware of it?"

Feng Ming was screaming inside, but when facing Empress Dowager he cannot reveal his inner thoughts: “I didn’t know....The one thing is Rong Hu had never before took immediate action by himself. For him to hit Tong Er, there must be a logical reason for it.”

Empress Dowager narrowed her eyebrows: “Tong Er cannot be compared to other people, how dare Rong Hu to take action?”

"Why can’t Tong Er not be hit?"

"The Great King has never told Duke Ming about it?"

"About what?"

Empress Dowager carefully paused and started: “Tong Er’s background, is Duke Ming aware about it?”

"Rong Tian did talk about it once," Feng Ming tried to remember: "He is the nephew of General Tong, and is also the only son of General Tong’s older brother, the only Tong family heir. Before, he grew up with Rong Tian and learned martial arts for some years, have the freedom to move around the King’s palace, is a treasure of the palace. But even so, he cannot do whatever he wants, and also tell the other young masters to bully maids."

"That isn’t the point. Does Duke Ming know who the mother of Tong Er is? She is a sister of same father different mother of the late Great King."

Feng Ming was about to open his mouth but closed them, once he followed through the connection his face changed color, in shock he shouted: “Then Tong Er is...he is....” Just like that, his surprised eyes meet Empress Dowager.

Empress Dowager nodded her head: “That’s right. An Xun was childless, the Great King refused to be near women, so the person that will take the role of future Xi Lei King could only be Tong Er, or his son.”

Feng Ming finally understood why Rong Hu no matter what should have not hit Tong Er, someone who could possibly be the future King.

According to Empress Dowager, if Rong Tian don’t have a heir, then Tong Er, being someone

with royal bloodline, could become the future king. Even if he were to die before Rong Tian, then his son could take the role to rule this land.

"Besides Tong Er, is there really no one else that has the royal bloodline of Xi Lei?"

Empress Dowager chuckled: “Tong family is loyal to Xi Lei, Tong Er is a child with the closest royal bloodline, what does Duke Ming want me to do?”

Empress Dowager stood up and told Duke Ming to forgive Tong Er’s actions as she only wish everyone could peacefully live together. She also ordered her maids to leave behind some tea for Duke Ming and the Great King to use.

Duke Ming went back to see Rong Hu and Chiu Lan. By seeing his face they already knew that they were in trouble so Rong Hu gritted his teeth and said: “Young Master Tong was hit by me, Duke Ming just need to say a word and your servant will immediately go meet him to receive punishment.”

Chiu Lan with her puffy eyes also shouted out, “This incident is because of me, Duke Ming wants to punish then punish only me.”

"I can’t believe being Duke Ming there will be something that I can’t do. I also believe that Rong Tian also cannot punish that Tong Er..." Feng Ming looked over at Rong Hu: "Rong Hu.."

"Your servant is here."

"Next time, when you take action be sure to wear a mask." "Duke Ming?"

”You don’t understand?”

Both of Rong Hu’s eyes brighten up: “Your servant understands.”

They started laughing and Chiu Yue came in to see what’s going on. Feng Ming tells her to mix the tea that Empress Dowager had sent for him to test. Feng Ming later wanted to walk around the Crown Prince’s residence, Rong Hu wanted to follow, but Feng Ming told him to stay put.

Feng Ming wandered around the vicinity. At first he wanted to see Rong Tian, but figured he

would probably bring more worries to him so he didn’t. Feng Ming also feel bad that not only does Rong Tian had to take care of national affairs, but also things within the palace and yet Feng Ming still makes things difficult for him so he wonders why Rong Tian’s mood is always pleasant.

As he continues to wanders, he ended up in the back area of the Crown Prince’s residence, where he meets Lu Dan.

CHAPTER 11

Feng Ming asked Lu Dan why he isn't resting in his room. Lu Dan just motioned Feng Ming to sit down next to him on the stone bench. After a long paused, he suddenly chuckled and asked: "If it were Duke Ming in my place, would you even be in the mood of resting?"

Here’s their conversation:

FM: Adviser, do you blame us? Though Xi Lei received a lot of collection, the number of mouths to feed is a lot as well, actually...

LD: Duke Ming, you don’t need to be like this. Lu Dan came to borrow food supply and I don’t dare to force you. (Lu Dan poured himself some wine) Duke Ming please excuse me. This is a special wine Lu Dan brought from Dong Fan. I was planning on enjoying it with Duke Ming, but heard that Xi Lei King ordered that all outsiders are not allow to give Duke Ming any food that have not been tested. (Before Feng Ming could say anything, Lu Dan chucked the bowl of wine down). A powerful country and yet there’s still affection. Duke Ming must be blessed.

FM: Hearing that Adviser mention about the word affection it appears to have a different meaning. (Lu Dan put down his cup and stared at Feng Ming, truthfully answering:)

LD: The easiest word that can bring the most disappointment in the world is affection. When it is uttered, each form each language will move a person.

FM: If Adviser has something to say then please frankly say it.

LD: Even though it is the first time Lu Dan has meet Duke Ming, it is considered “Knowing you at first sight.” Can Duke Ming help Lu Dan this one little thing?

FM: What is it?

LD: Duke Ming, please don’t misunderstand, this isn't something related to politics. (Lu Dan reached in front of Feng Ming, carefully revealing a piece of red silk handkerchief) Lu Dan only request Duke Ming, if in the future you can hand this to whoever is alive to return to Dong Fan. Tell him to hand this over to our King.

FM: What is the meaning of this, Adviser? Even if you can’t borrow food supply, there’s no need to lose your mind over it.

LD: How can Duke Ming understand? It’s a pity that Lu Dan had to come to Xi Lei to truly understand it.

After that, Lu Dan left Duke Ming alone and walked away. Feng Ming returned to his place. He couldn't concentrate on reading so he asked Chiu Yue to go over to Lu Dan’s place and check up on him. Chiu Yue returned and reported:

CY: There was no sign of negative changes to Lu Dan’s expression. He still stood in his room, drinking wine by himself and staring out of the window. Can’t believe that he’s beautiful and yet his drinking tolerance is not bad as well.

FM: Where’s Chiu Lan?

CY: Currently making dinner.

Feng Ming suddenly remembered the wounds on Chiu Lan’s wrist, the incident of her being bullied is something not many people know about. Thinking about that, Feng Ming also couldn't ask Chiu Yue directly about it.

FM: Let me go over there and see her. CY: But the kitchen is messy...

Chiu Yue didn't finish her sentence when Feng Ming already left. When Feng Ming came to where the kitchen was, another person rapidly ran out and almost bumped into Feng Ming. Luckily that person was quick on his feet and stepped aside: “Duke Ming?”

FM: Rong Hu? (Seeing the bottle of medicine in Rong Hu’s hands, Feng Ming suddenly realized) You sure are meticulous, bringing medicine for Chiu Lan. I was about to visit her.

Don’t know why but Rong Hu’s face suddenly reddened, he putted his chin down and explained.

RH: That isn’t it. Chiu Lan was the one that told me to come so she can apply the medicine. (His hands didn't know where to put the bottle in whatever way best).

Feng Ming examined the bruises on Rong Hu’s face, indeed there was a layer of cream that was applied. Looking at his face, Feng Ming finally noticed and chuckled. Feng Ming winked at him, pulling himself closer to him, lowered his tone and inquired:

FM: Then the wound on Chiu Lan, did you help apply it for her?

Rong Hu’s face continued to blush profoundly, shook his head continuously. RH: No, nothing like that!! She said to let her self-apply it.

FM: Silly! Her arms were bruised and bloody all over like that, how can she self-apply? (Feng Ming guessed 8 or 90% that Chiu Lan was hiding inside the kitchen and overhearing their

conversation, so he purposely yelled out) You better go inside and take care of Chiu Lan. Chiu Lan is a very important female servant of mine, if anything happens to her, I’ll make you repay till you die!”

In a second, Chiu Lan appeared in front of the doorway.

CL: Duke Ming is teasing me. Your servant will not make food for you anymore. (Stealing a glance at Rong Hu and then quickly flipped the curtains down and hid inside the kitchen.)

Feng Ming winked at Rong Hu to give him a signal. His big strong figure was burning up, like being boiled alive, being teased by Feng Ming, he inhaled a deep breath, managed to build up all the courage to hold the medicine bottle and rushed through the curtains.

Feng Ming couldn't help but held his stomach from laughing so hard. His mood finally is better so he headed back to his room. Just stepping into the room, Rong Tian was already sitting inside.

RT: What is it that made you in a good mood? (Feng Ming ran towards him and hugged him around the waist, pulling himself into Rong Tian’s arms, looking into his eyes)

FM: It’s usually my bad, always making you have to worry. (Rong Tian was surprised) RT: Why all of sudden you are reflecting?

FM: Today I finally realized that being a King is hard on you.

RT: Where did you hear that from?

FM: Just like that bastard Tong Er. You are the Great King and yet you still have to be concerned about the status of those who might inherit the throne therefore, couldn’t directly teach him. But you don’t have to worry...

RT: Don’t have to worry?

FM: I have told Rong Hu how to teach him a lesson already. I reminded him that next time if he want to teach that guy a lesson he needs to wear a mask so no one can recognize him.

Rong Tian glanced at Feng Ming and then after awhile he couldn't help but laughed aloud.

RT: Indeed you always bring trouble to me. (He shook his head, sighed, pulled Feng Ming closer and rested his head against his shoulder, softly said) Tong Er’s age is not little, so it’s reasonable to lecture him a bit. Did Empress Dowager the one who told you?

Rong Tian’s head continued to rest on Feng Ming’s shoulders. It does seem like he is a bit tired. Feng Ming reached out his hands like he is holding a large doll.

FM: The outcome is very serious... RT: What is?

FM: The two of us staying together will have a very serious outcome... (Rong Tian looked up, his face color darkened)

RT: What nonsense are you saying?! (His voice cracked like a lightning strike echoing within the skies.)

Rong Tian is usually calm and collected, towards Feng Ming he was even more gentle and kind, but at that time his anger made Feng Ming frightened in shock. He loosened his arms that were embracing Rong Tian, and his large eyes stared straight at him.

======

That time, Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing were bringing the food to Duke Ming and complaining how Chiu Lan wouldn't carry it over, reasoning that she must have been teased by Duke Ming.

After they brought the food and left, Rong Tian grabbed chopsticks and was piling the foods Feng Ming likes to eat into his bowl and feed him. He finally tells Feng Ming to come over and Feng Ming stood in front of Rong Tian.

Rong Tian observed Feng Ming for a very long time and then softly sighed. RT: Now you finally realized that the outcome is serious?

Rong Tian gently pulled Feng Ming, his whole weak body fell into his arms. The two of them held each other for a long time without saying a single word.

CHAPTER 12

When Feng Ming woke up, he noticed that Rong Tian was gone. After staring at the red handkerchief Lu Dan gave him, Feng Ming tells his maids to come in to help him change his outfit. He realized that Chiu Lan is not there. When asked where she is, they answered that the Great King praised Chiu Lan’s tofu so she is inside the kitchen working on a new recipe. Rong

Hu also tried to help, but Chiu Lan kicked him outside, however, they probably sneaked away somewhere within the Crown Prince’s residence already.

FM: You two already know about it? “Even a blind person could see through it.”

They both tell Feng Ming stories about things that happened to Chiu Lan and Rong Hu and Feng Ming wished that he could have seen it all.

After finishing dressing up, they asked Feng Ming where he is going and he answered to see Lu Dan. Feng Ming met Lu Dan and saw that he was reading a book, he suggested to Lu Dan that he could wander outside the palace if he wanted to. Lu Dan asked Feng Ming if he could really go outside?

FM: Of course.

LD: This...Duke Ming needs to request the Great King and report back to me.

FM: Why?

LD: Since I can’t go, it’s better to read a book instead. Please excuse Lu Dan for being rude, I don’t feel like talking today.

FM: (stood up) There must be some misunderstanding, let me ask about it clearly.

On the way back, Feng Ming waved to a guard and asked him: “Did the Great King finished his meeting yet?”

The guard replied: “His Majesty has not; it seems that they’ll take some more time.”

FM: Then tell Rong Hu to come here.

RH: Duke Ming ordered for the guard to call me here, is there something that happened?

FM: What is with Lu Dan’s situation? He can’t leave the palace? You are in charge of the guards within the palace, what did the Great King said?

RH: Lu Dan? Besides the Crown Prince’s residence, he does not have permission to leave. The Great King had especially ordered, telling us guards to follow his every move.

FM: What for?

RH: (only chuckled) Duke Ming doesn't know? Ever since Lu Dan had entered this place, the Great King had already ordered the guards to follow him. He is a country’s adviser and has all the ability to strongly change Dong Fan. He is also a special person of that King. In order to lure him here, the Great King had to waste a lot of effort.

Feng Ming knew earlier that when Rong Tian deal with this situation it was quite strange, using sweet words to promise food supply so that Lu Dan had to travel thousands of miles to come here. This secret plot was right under Feng Ming’s nose.

FM: I have to find Rong Tian to clear up this issue.

Rapidly walking halfway, it was the same time Rong Tian was coming back, he smiled and said: “Why are you so thoughtful to come here and welcome me back?” Since there were about 10 other court officials there, Feng Ming just told him that he had something to tell him once they head back.

Dragging Rong Tian into the room and putting on an interrogation demeanor, Feng Ming questioned: “So what are you planning to do with Lu Dan? Why did you lure him here and then use an excuse to imprison him?”

RT: Is this the Duke Ming that on behalf of Lu Dan, you are asking for justice or because you’re simple minded and suspect that I have took a liking to Lu Dan and is currently jealous? (Rong Tian was able to stop a punch from Feng Ming and then chuckled) I was planning on having Lu Dan taste a bit of confinement for a few days, but he has thought of a way to move you, alright then.

Rong Tian told one of the guards to come in and ordered: “Go and request for Lu Dan to come here.”

Before long, Lu Dan appeared. After greeting Rong Tian, he glanced over at Feng Ming.

RT: Please have a seat, Adviser. These past days, I was busy with court affairs so it’s a bit rather late. Today, I ordered for the chief of agriculture to recalculate the food reserves, though the number that Adviser requested is a bit much, but when Xi Lei recheck a bit, we still have the ability to fulfill the amount that Dong Fan need to pass this difficult time.

LD: Thank you very much, Great King. (Lu Dan’s expression brighten up)

RT: However, I like to deal with matter on mutual benefits. That amount of food supply, I cannot give all to Dong Fan for nothing.

LD: As long as we can help everyone in Dong Fan go through this difficult winter, my King will open-handedly gift all the treasures within the palace...everything except for the “Heaven and Earth” jewel.

Rong Tian smirked in a way that would make anyone hairs stand up on end. FM: What is the “Heaven and Earth” jewel?

LD: That is our nation’s treasure; it contains strong magical power from the earth, and was worshiped by many generation of Kings gaining deepest sense of power.

When hearing this, Feng Ming remembered an old story he learned about in history

regarding Lin Xiangru. It was time of chaos among countries; strong countries were bullying the weak and forcing the country to hand over their nation’s treasure.

Did Rong Tian wanted to progress in this direction? Feng Ming’s heart froze, he secretly glanced at Rong Tian, and all the features of seriousness appeared clearly on his handsome face. If there is a day of conquering the world, holding great power within his hands, will he become Qin Shi Huang number two?

RT: Adviser, you don’t need to misunderstand. The “Heaven and Earth” jewel is very mysterious, I just want to borrow it to look at and have no intentions of keeping it.

LD: Heaven and Earth jewel is not a common item, something Lu Dan have no method of acquiring it. If you have no intentions of lending food supply, please allow Lu Dan to excuse himself from the palace, and quickly report it to my King.

RT: Adviser, no need to rush. I already send someone to report to Dong Fan King telling him that Adviser would like to stay here for a few more days.

The atmosphere in the room became increasingly serious with tension.

LD: Lu Dan is just a lowly official, does the Great King believe that taking me hostage will allow you to gain the Heaven and Earth jewel?

RT: About this, you let your King decide, as for Adviser, please rest assure. Two set of eyes glare at each other, setting off fire as they make contact.

RT: Rong Hu, please escort Adviser back to his room, order people to take care of his safety, don’t allow anything to happen.

Rong Hu received the order. Lu Dan slowly stood up, no sign of worry or rush, only politely greet Feng Ming farewell.

LD: Lu Dan will take his leave. Duke Ming, please don’t forget what Lu Dan had entrusted you with. (After that, he turned around and left.)

Seeing that Lu Dan is gone, Rong Tian also freely stood up, and intimately smiled at Feng Ming.

RT: Now you understand why I had to use a lot of effort to lure him here? With Lu Dan in our hands, we won’t be afraid that Dong Fan won’t agree, we will quickly receive news. Ha ha, quickly bring the good wine over here, tell Chiu Lan to bring some good food. Why don’t you and I enjoy ourselves as well?

Feng Ming coldly left Rong Tian. Rong Tian chased after him, but couldn't open the door since Feng Ming locked himself in the room.

CHAPTER 13

Feng Ming sat by himself in the dark room. Chiu Lan and them many times had knocked on the door and yelled out, but never heard a response. Feng Ming rolled himself up in the corner of the bed, unable to say the words he’s feeling inside.

Politics causes him to have cold sweat. To be fair, he isn’t fit to be involved with politics.

But even himself, he couldn’t know that he would be involved with politics so many times. Just because Rong Tian and him love each other, causing the one that inherit the throne of Xi Lei to bring a lot of changes, causing history at this moment to be affected deeply.

And once he had helped Rong Tian conquer the world, what changes will this world have?

As for Lu Dan, that makes him afraid. He suddenly realized that he himself cannot change the things surrounding him. Freedom is for Feng Ming, but it isn’t for Duke Ming.

With all the emotions and thoughts filling his mind, the heavy burden builds to the point of suffocation.

He tilted his head and carefully listened to the movement outside, but everything was silent. Feng Ming only had a thought to take a walk under the moonlight. He pulled himself up and stopped in his tracks when he pushed open the door.

He stood in front of Rong Tian and asked: “Do you want the Heaven and Earth jewel to established reputation or because you want to collect it?

RT: Are you angry?

FM: Bullying the weak is wrong.

RT: If that’s so, then why in front of Lu Dan, you didn’t intervene? If it was the past you, you already stood up and disagree.

FM: Even if you’re wrong, but it doesn’t make me right. In order to conquer the world, you have to use all sort of method, I believe you can do that better than me.

RT: But you don’t like it. (He sighed)

FM: You should conquer the world gloriously. That is the most important thing.

RT: Feng Ming, are you scared?

FM: The more power a person has, the more blood he taints. One word from a King is hundreds thousands of sacrificing lives from the people.

RT: The Heaven and Earth jewel is an object of legend, just like jade, warm within a person’s grasp, inside is filled with hidden powers of the earth, whoever obtained it will be free of any magical spells and curses. If Rong Tian myself conquer the world one day, there will still be something that will not change in my heart, no one can understand, except for Feng Ming, you can never forget.

Feng Ming’s eyes, one and two drops of tears individually flowed down his face. FM: I will never forget.

“Even if you conquer the world, you are still my Rong Tian.”

“Even if soldiers perished, this kingdom vanished; you are still my Rong Tian.” “Just like me, I’ll always be your Feng Ming.”

CHAPTER 14

Basically this chapter Feng Ming and Rong Tian discussed about Lu Dan. Feng Ming tells Rong Tian to free Lu Dan and send him back to Dong Fan, stating that he is willing to stay within the

Crown Prince’s residence for the rest of his life even. Rong Tian didn’t want to lose this thread of connection to gain the Heaven and Earth jewel. However, Feng Ming explained to Rong Tian that Lu Dan isn’t someone who is easily threaten and be in control by others, so before the Heaven and Earth jewel can reached their hands, Lu Dan will surely commit suicide.

Feng Ming continued by saying that Lu Dan is a beautiful person, a country’s adviser, and also a lover of Dong Fan King. In a sense, Lu Dan is just like him. He doesn’t want Rong Tian to imprison Lu Dan just because of an item that is not guarantee to protect him, also could be useless and yet the situation will force Lu Dan to the end and start a war with Dong Fan.

Rong Tian seriously asked Feng Ming if he really want to free Lu Dan after he tried so hard to lure him to Xi Lei in exchange for an object to protect him. Feng Ming states that he understands that Rong Tian treats him the best. Rong Tian made it clear to Feng Ming that not just one little Lu Dan, because of Feng Ming, killing all of kingdom's royalties is nothing.

FM: Do you know why I want to free Lu Dan? If there is a day when I fall into the hands of our enemies, if they want to use me to force you to surrender Xi Lei, I will also choice the same route as Lu Dan...

RT: DON"T SAY IT!!

Feng Ming tells Rong Tian to put himself in their shoes; Rong Tian didn't want to listen and just grabbed Feng Ming tightly. His face changed color and Feng Ming told him that he’ll just stay in the Crown Prince’s residence.

RT: Then...What will Feng Ming repay this pitiful person who had wasted much effort right now? FM: This unromantic sex addict wolf you...

====

Lu Dan received the notice that he is free to return home. Rong Hu reported to Feng Ming that when the people that came with Lu Dan received the notice, they were overjoyed since it’s rarely that the Great King would free anyone once he laid his eyes on them. Lu Dan had no significant expression and told Rong Hu to send his thank you to the Great King.

Feng Ming states that Rong Tian forbids him to meet with Lu Dan since he believed that Lu Dan must have used his beauty to seduce Feng Ming so he’s jealous.

When asked when Lu Dan is planning on bidding his farewells to Rong Tian and him, Rong Hu said that since the Great King couldn't obtain the Heaven and Earth jewel, seeing Lu Dan will only make him fire up in rage so he told Rong Hu to inform Lu Dan that he doesn't need to bid his farewells to him but instead to leave as soon as possible before he changes his mind.

Feng Ming then states that since he still has the red handkerchief, Lu Dan must definitely came to see him to retrieve it. Of course, a jealous voice shouted out.

This chapter is filled will Rong Tian’s jealousy.

Feng Ming is a bit mad that Rong Hu didn’t tell him Rong Tian had arrived, but Rong Hu quickly excused him and disappeared. Inside, Feng Ming was scolding Chiu Lan for teaching Rong Hu all the bad things and how to quickly sneak away.

FM: I am also interested in you, but you are always in the palace so I can always see you if I want to. As for Lu Dan, once he leave it will be hard to meet again. He’s also good looking and kind, I really want to become friends with him.

Rong Tian groaned a bit, not caring whether Feng Ming was teasing him or not, he grabbed Feng Ming’s sleeves.

RT: Today I have to teach you about Kingdom Tong’s tax collection. FM: What? Read more books?

RT: Fine, we won’t read books. (He pulled Feng Ming into towards the direction of the bedroom). We’ll continue the promise Duke Ming made.

FM: Again? Yesterday, I already fulfill the promise, you can’t...

RT: What do you mean fulfilled? In the middle of it, you were screaming to stop. If it weren’t for the pitiful look you gave when begging, then it’ll be a long time before I’ll spare you. (Feng Ming looked disappointed after Rong Tian locked the doors behind him)

FM: Today, you don’t need to deal with court affairs?

RT: I was planning on preparing ways to deal with Dong Fan armies, but someone helped me free that person.

The strong fierce figure continued to lean closer, not leaving any way for the opponent to escape.

FM: My body is not good, my hands and legs have weakened, and I need to see the physician. RT: But you have the mood to wait for Lu Dan to bid farewell.

FM: Hey...you can’t bite...that area...

RT: You also bite my neck (Rong Tian stated like it’s natural)

FM: How is that the same, biting there is different than biting on the neck, that area...is very sensitive...

RT: Then you suggest biting in areas that are not sensitive?

FM: (yelled out) No matter what, you can’t bite. Also, you can’t use the same position as yesterday!

RT: But that position allows me to enter the deepest. (Rong Tian stubbornly refuses to back down) Otherwise, how can I make you cry out and beg?

Finally understood the words “emotionless expression” indeed is appropriate for that person.

Rolling around until the sky turned dark, Rong Tian finally carried Feng Ming outside of the bedroom. Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing already prepared clean clothes and bathtub, Chiu Yue softly said: “Your Majesty, your bath has been prepared.”

CY: Dinner is also completed. Duke Ming look like he’s sleeping, do you want Chiu Lan to prepare another table so Duke Ming can use it when he’s awake?

FM: Who says that I’m sleeping?

CX: So Duke Ming is not sleeping. Do you want to wash up before eating dinner?

His body was weakened to the point that even opening up his eyes was quite difficult.

FM: I don’t want to, I don’t want to eat. (Who the heck invented those crazy positions in bed that made him can’t even have the energy to pick up chopsticks.)

Rong Tian kissed lightly on Feng Ming’s eyelash.

RT: Wait until I finish washing up, I will personally help Duke Ming with his dinner.

FM: I don’t want to eat. (Don’t think that using a dinner meal can buy my affection after having to suffer all afternoon on the bed)

Feng Ming started thinking that when a man gets jealous it sure is frightening, however his sex drive is even scarier to the point of causing people to run away in fright.

RT: Not eating is not good. If you don’t eat, you won’t have energy, if you don’t energy...how can Duke Ming experiment three new positions with me tonight?

FM: What?! You abused me. (He yelled out in resistance, kicked off the thin blanket on him, revealing smooth white skin that is covered in hickeys.)

Chiu Xing and Chiu Yue both blushed and told Feng Ming to enter the bathtub. At that moment, Cai Qing rushed in.

CQ: Is Duke Ming out yet? That Adviser from Dong Fan is so strange, earlier told his people to begin their leave, but midway he came back. He told Rong Hu that he has something and needed Duke Ming’s audience. Chiu Lan please report to Duke Ming one word, see if he...

When she looked up, she saw a figure under the light, which is Rong Tian. She shrieked out in fright and quickly kneel down: “Cai Qing greets His Majesty.” She blushes as she saw Rong Tian holding Feng Ming covered in a blanket without any clothes underneath and quickly lowered her head.

RT: Go tell Rong Hu to tell Lu Dan to disappear. Duke Ming is not available to meet him. FM: I want to meet him.

RT: Isn’t it because his face is more beautiful than mine?

FM: Let me see him.

RT: No, if you want to see than rather look at me instead.

FM: But I want to see him.

RT: ....

Feng Ming tried to use the same weak pitiful look technique that Princess Miao Guang usually use.

FM: You are Xi Lei King, why do you have to be jealous of someone who will later leave faraway?

RT: Then...how will Duke Ming repay my generosity? FM: ....

So after finally agreeing to have a night of excitement with Rong Tian, Feng Ming was finally granted permission to meet Lu Dan after washing up.

CHAPTER 15

Lu Dan is waiting for two hours and yet is still patiently waiting for Feng Ming. He just smiled when hearing the muttering of maids and servants outside of his door.

Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing are peeking at Lu Dan and praising how beautiful Lu Dan is. Behind them, Rong Hu stated that Duke Ming and the Great King is more beautiful. They both tell him that in his eyes no one is not beautiful, even Chiu Lan is beautiful. Chiu Lan shows up and they both teased Rong Hu and Chiu Lan as being husband and wife. Rong Hu blushes and Chiu Lan tries to lecture them.

Lu Dan appeared before them and asked if they are Feng Ming’s servants. They greet Lu Dan and asked him if there is something he needed.

He just wonders where Duke Ming is since he had waited for two hours already.

CL: These past days, Duke Ming’s health isn’t good. The Great King ordered that if he’s sleeping no one is supposed to wake him. How about...Chiu Lan check up on Duke Ming and see if he’s awake yet.

Chiu Lan quickly excuses herself and drags Rong Hu out too.

Rong Hu whispered to Chiu Lan: “That Adviser Lu Dan, although is beautiful, but I feel he’s a bit strange. If he waited and don’t see him, then why not leave and continue his way back home?

Chiu Lan smiled and said: “Do you think that I drag you to go see Duke Ming? Even now, Duke Ming’s feet are still worn out; I’m worried that even one more hour is not enough. Did you forget? Adviser Lu Dan brought some fabrics awhile ago and Duke Ming rewarded us a lot of them. He even told me to make an outfit for you. I feel that since I’m free and bored, I wanted to call you over to take measurement...”

After Lu Dan sees the two of them leaving, he looked over at Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing and smiled. Not in rush to head back inside the room, he observed them: “I heard rumors that Duke Ming is intelligent and handsome, even his maids are hard to find in thousands, since I’m able to meet all of you today, it’s very true. That young bodyguard must be Rong Hu. The two bright young girls, with different speech, and is the happiness of Duke Ming must be Miss Chiu Yue and Miss Chiu Xing.

CX: (surprised) We are just regular maids into the palace, how does Adviser know our names?

LD: All of the stories surrounding Duke Ming, all mention of you. Lie Er, Rong Hu, Chiu Yue, Chiu Xing, and Chiu Lan. There are many royal servants throughout that admired all the things that you went through, I’m just afraid that all of you are unaware of it.

Those few words have caused both Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing to blush all the way to their ears. They didn’t know how to respond. Cai Qing passed by and brought tea, she felt it was strange seeing all three of them standing in front of the door, but didn’t want to ask, just bowed down and greet Lu Dan.

CQ: Chiu Yue, Chiu Lan said that she doesn’t know when Duke Ming will come, so don’t be rude to our guest and remember to pour hot tea.

LD: Sorry to bother Miss, Duke Ming is still not awake, then let Lu Dan continue waiting here. I still don’t know your name...

CY: She is also Duke Ming’s maids, her name is Cai Qing.

LD: Ah, so it’s Miss Cai Qing.

Cai Qing was a bit shy; therefore, bowed down in respect and quickly left.

CHAPTER 16

Feng Ming finally wakes up the next morning and realizes that he forgot about meeting Lu Dan and is angry that no one woke him up. Yesterday night he thought that if he quickly washes up and eat a little bit but he couldn’t believe that his body was aching all over and needed to rest.

“You dare to take back your promise, you already agreed for me to meet Lu Dan!!”

Rong Tian was sitting in the room looking over reports, hearing that you looked up and answered: “After you finished washing up you just rolled over and slept, now you turn around and accuse me.”

“You have to call me up!!”

“You already slept.”

“Even if I slept, you have to wake me up!!”

“You slept so soundly, I didn’t have the heart to wake you up.” The corner of Rong Tian’s lips displayed a slight smirk, his eyes were filled with overwhelming demand, Feng Ming’s heart beat hysterical as if it was hit by lightning, so he decided to not blame anymore.

He called out to Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing to help dress him and ran clumsily over to the library where Lu Dan is waiting. “Adviser waited for me all night? All of you are really, if you know I was sleeping, why didn’t you tell him to rest early?”

CX: We told him that Duke Ming was sleeping, but Adviser said that he didn’t know when you’ll be awake so he was determined to not leave. He wanted to continue waiting in the library, what else can your servants do? Duke Ming doesn’t understand, because he was determined to wait, we maids have to wake all night over there.

FM: Then why didn’t you report it?

CX: Who dares to report? The Great King informed that Duke Ming is tired; no one is allowed to bother you.

FM: That guy!!

Feng Ming finally arrives at the library and Lu Dan appears.

LD: Finally, I’m able to meet Feng Ming.

FM: I’m sorry, it’s my fault, causing Adviser to wait all night. At the end, it’s because of that Rong Tian...Oh, we shouldn’t mention him anymore.

LD: Yesterday, I heard that Feng Ming’s body was unstable, causing Lu Dan to worry all night. Luckily, today you seem to be of great spirit. (Feng Ming wanted to apologize some more, but was stopped by Lu Dan) Please don’t keep in mind the little things Duke Ming, let me talk inside the room a bit.

LD: Lu Dan came back this time because I still have something curious in mind. Even if Lu Dan is at Dong Fan, or leaving Xi Lei many miles, I still heard of Xi Lei King’s reputation of being bright and understanding, therefore, before leaving, I never believed that something like this would happened.

FM: Adviser, please don’t take to heart. The issue about The Heaven and Earth jewel, Rong Tian has his own difficulties, in fact...

LD: Because I have guessed that Xi Lei King has his personal difficulties, Lu Dan therefore rudely came back to the palace to ask for Duke Ming’s audience one more time....Does Xi Lei King have fallen into an evil magical spell, therefore wishes to borrow the jewel to protect himself.

Feng Ming shook his head.

LD: Then could it be...Duke Ming.

FM: Does Adviser see that Feng Ming is useless?

LD: How can Duke Ming see lightly of yourself? You have talent therefore causing people to envy and hate, why would anyone waste their energy on a useless person? Duke Ming is my benefactor; Lu Dan will not sit around and not do anything.

FM: Ah? But the jewel is a nation’s treasure of Dong Fan, isn’t it something that can’t be touch?

LD: Heaven and Earth jewel is a gift from the heavens. If Xi Lei King was someone who bully the weak then Dong Fan will definitely fight to the death to protect it, but if its use to save an important person’s life, then it’s something to consider.

Feng Ming continued to shake his head.

FM: But that is a nation’s treasure of Dong Fan, if Adviser doesn’t have the permission by Dong Fan King then please do not make this promise beforehand.

LD: Just hearing these words, I already know that Duke Ming is someone who is upright and honorable, will definitely not have the intentions of obtaining the jewel. Why would Lu Dan dare to overlook my King and make decisions regarding nation’s treasure, but...if Duke Ming is able to follow Lu Dan to Dong Fan on a trip to meet my King, Lu Dan believes my words can persuade the King into lending the jewel to you.

FM: For me to borrow?

LD: Yes, to borrow. The Heaven and Earth jewel has hidden powers, no matter what kind of person, just as long as he carries the jewel for the entire 300 days, he will no longer be affected by any magical spells in the future. After 300 days, Duke Ming just needs to bring the jewel back to Dong Fan. Let’s say that’s an exchange...Lu Dan don’t dare to wish more, just 300,000 units of food supply is enough.

FM: Food supply is a small request... but to go to Dong Fan that far away...

RT: That’s right, Dong Fan is quite far.

Rong Tian heard about 80 to 90% of the conversation and decided to make a deal to Lu Dan that he will give 600,000 units of food supply and if he comes back to Xi Lei with the jewel, he will again give another 600,000 units. However, Lu Dan tells him that he only need 300,000 and don’t dare to request more as it will seem greedy and misleading his people to believe that the whole purpose is to exchange the jewel. Lu Dan also tells them that the jewel only works if the person should their wholehearted commitment to travel to Dong Fan and seek for it.

Hearing that there is no other way, Rong Tian decided that he too will go with Feng Ming to travel the long distance to retrieve and borrow the jewel.

CHAPTER 17

It took them about half a month to make preparation for the trip. Feng Ming, Rong Tian, Rong Hu, all of the maids including Cai Qing and Cai Jiang, along with shaman Song Teng set out to Dong Fan. Lu Dan is also traveling with them. While heading out of the palace, Feng Ming noticed a lot of soldiers coming with them. Rong Tian tells him that there are 500,000 more that haven’t appeared yet.

Along the trip, Feng Ming had to wear a bloody spell charm that was made by Song Teng using his own blood to write on it. Each charm is only good for one day. They told stories, had parties, the maids also enjoyed horseback riding. Feng Ming wishes that he could travel like this with Rong Tian and enjoy the scenery, but Rong Tian said that if he were to do so the shaman won’t be able to take it.

Here’s the cute horseback riding scene with Rong Hu & Chiu Lan.

Unlike Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing, Chiu Lan wasn’t familiar with horseback riding so she just steadily rode the horse slowly and follow behind the rest. Rong Hu guided his horse next to her and spoke softly: “Don’t be afraid, this horse was personally chosen by me, its temperament is very gentle.”

Chiu Lan slightly glanced at him, his face was blushing red, as she looked ahead, she saw that Feng Ming and the rest were looking her way and suddenly yelled out: “Chiu Yue, what are you whispering to Duke Ming?”

“I haven’t said anything.” Chiu Yue forcefully pulled the reigns and disappeared.

Rong Tian’s mood was carefree and decided to tease: “Rong Hu, if Chiu Lan nod her head once, I will immediately stand up and grant marriage for the two of you. Chiu Lan, do you agree?”

Hearing that so suddenly, Chiu Lan almost fell over, luckily Rong Hu was beside her to help her up and intimately said: “You have to be careful a bit.” Making everyone laugh.

=====

They finally reached the borders of Yong Yin. The guards ahead reported that the road ahead is blocked by Yong Yin troops and the flags they are holding are of the Crown Prince. Rong Tian

indeed agreed that they are of the Crown Prince and the person leading the pack is Crown Prince Yong Yi.

At first all the soldiers believe that Yong Yin must know the power of Xi Lei therefore had came to openly welcomed them. However they were are scared when they find that the Crown Prince just sat there on the horse silently. Rong Tian and Feng Ming along with the rest felt something was wrong. Chiu Yue asked Feng Ming: “Duke Ming, why isn’t Lie Er beside the Crown Prince Yong Yi?”

Feng Ming looked troubled and turned his head towards Rong Tian. Rong Tian just closed his mouth without saying anything, shook his head with Feng Ming, revealing an expression that was not quite clear.

CHAPTER 18

Not much longer, Yong Yi pulled his horse in closer and stood in front of them.

With a distance of three meters, he shouted out. “Is Xi Lei King’s presence in front of me?” After finishing he turned his body and got off of his horse, clapped his hands loudly: “I heard that Xi Lei King wants to come to Dong Fan, and will be venturing into Yong Yin along the way. Yong Yi had waited for you here for a long time.”

Feng Ming thought to himself and believed that the Crown Prince Yong Yi never was given order from the King of Yong Yin to welcome them, but seemed to purposely find them to block their way.

Rong Hu and them also have the same thought and everyone’s gazes poured onto Rong Tian.

Rong Tian suddenly chuckled and got off his horse to reply: “Sorry for making Crown Prince wait for a long time, Rong Tian feels very guilty inside.”

Seeing Rong Tian got off his horse, everyone behind him did the same. Chiu Lan came closer to Feng Ming and whispered: “The eyes of this Crown Prince Yong Yi seem to be puffy, as if he had cried for awhile.”

Feng Ming looked closely; indeed Yong Yi’s face was not pleasant: “Could it be that this morning, he had a fight with Lie Er and cried, therefore, Lie Er is not present?”

Chiu Yue knew that Feng Ming was just saying so to comfort Rong Hu, so they nodded: “That’s right. Duke Ming got a point. With Lie Er’s temperament, everyone would argue with him. It must be that fight today that’s why Lie Er doesn’t want to follow the Crown Prince here.”

Rong Hu knew that everyone was trying to comfort him, showed his appreciation and smiled at Chiu Yue, lowered his voice and said: “Duke Ming, don’t need to worry, let’s ask clearly and we’ll continue to talk.”

No one else said anything more and focused their attention on Rong Tian and Yong Yi.

The pale face of Yong Yi focused his attention on observing Rong Tian with a complicated gaze, after awhile he hesitantly laughed: “Xi Lei King is still as great as before, making everyone feel rejoiced. Yong Yi waited here, only to desire a small amount of free time from Xi Lei King during the passing, share a drink, and remember the glorious moments of Aman River incident like before. Unfortunately, the wine had been prepared at the inn up ahead, hope that Xi Lei King and Duke Ming can join me.”

Rong Tian turned around and exchanged glances with Feng Ming, nodded his head: “Sounds good.”

They came to the inn up ahead, which was in a narrow, lonely place, and there was nothing fancy about it.

Rong Tian and Feng Ming sat on opposite sides, Rong Hu and the maids stood behind in the back, the guards were ordered to stand guard on the outside. Crown Prince sat on the main end, he didn’t even bring along any servants inside.

The air in the room was a bit quiet and cold and Yong Yi was the only pouring drinks and drinking them, causing everyone else to be burning with anticipation, but not knowing what best to do. At that time, Yong Yi looked up at Feng Ming and chuckled: “Please excuse me, Duke Ming, Yong Yi is not someone who usually is addicted to wine, it’s just today...Oh, my mood today is really not good.”

Feng Ming’s heart was about to jump out of his chest, silently feeling that something was not right.

Rong Tian took a drink of wine and swallowed it down, stared persistently at Yong Yi: “You already know?”

Everyone’s minds were tense up.

Yong Yi silently looked at Rong Tian for a bit and then softly asked: “What does Xi Lei King think?” Laughing softly for awhile and then suddenly putted on a serious face, lowered his voice:

“Can’t believe that Xi Lei King would play tricks and used a loyal bodyguard to come up with a sorrowful play like this, ha ha, so pitiful.”

Chiu Lan moved a few inches, held tightly Rong Hu’s hand and suddenly realized that his hand was drenched in cold sweat.

“If Lie Er wasn’t fully devoted to Crown Prince, then this would have become a pitiful play.” Feng Ming sneaked in a few words: “However, in order to repay Lie Er’s affection, Crown Prince only see it as a pitiful play, I don’t see it that way.”

Everyone looked towards Feng Ming’s direction.

“Xi Lei’s army is twice as stronger than Yong Yin, Lie Er is a confidante of the Great King, with a bright future, but he chose to come to Yong Yin despite the danger, doesn’t Crown Prince understand who he is doing it for?”

Yong Yi can’t withstand Feng Ming’s gaze, the resentment in him also disappeared. He turned his focus elsewhere and sighed in regret: “You all can say whatever, but he came to Yong Yin to divide the kingdom, this you definitely cannot deny.”

Rong Tian took the opportunity to ask: “How does Crown Prince know that that was Lie Er’s purpose?”

Didn’t know what Yong Yi was thinking but he was silent was a bit and then replied: “He personally told me.”

“Ha?”

“What?”

This time even Rong Tian was also surprised: “That’s Lie Er for you...” He suddenly laughed out, turned around and looked at Rong Hu: “Your brother is an upright person. Rong Hu, give me the sword on your back.”

Rong Hu quickly removed his sword and brought it up.

Rong Tian received the sword and placed it down on the table, his face color darkened, sharply stared at Yong Yi and coldly spoke: “After Lie Er told you everything, what was your reply to him?”

Yong Yi asked in reverse: “If it was Xi Lei King, how would you reply?”

Without hesitating, Rong Tian quickly replied: “I don’t see anything wrong if Feng Ming personally wanted me to give up on conquering the world, and give up the whole Xi Lei to him.” Feng Ming looked over at Rong Tian in surprise.

Rong Hu couldn’t hold back the words and quickly asked: “What did you do to Lie Er?”

Rong Tian pulled out the sword: “Please excuse me, Crown Prince. I have promised Lie Er that if Crown Prince did not treat Lie Er well, I will definitely make Crown Prince receive the consequences of this sword.”

One pair of hands from behind reached out and gently laid on top of the sword. Rong Tian turned around, it was Feng Ming.

Feng Ming shook his head: “You are wrong, your majesty.” “Why?” Rong Tian said in surprise.

“Even if Lie Er were to face trouble, he will definitely not want the Great King to harm the Crown Prince. Also, if Crown Prince’s bluntness causes pain to Lie Er, then Lie Er’s view of seeing people is quite limited.” Feng Ming turned over to Yong Yi and said: “Am I right?”

Yong Yi didn’t say anything for a long moment and then finally shook his head and sighed: “Duke Ming is quite the impressive.” He poured himself another drink and energetically laughed as he remembered back: “Lie Er told me that if I truly care for him, I should follow him and never return back to the city. I ... I stubbornly refused.”

Everyone had guessed that this was so or else they would have not meet Yong Yi at this place.

“For him to tell me everything truthfully, I have never blamed him for a moment. But my father, he has high expectations for me, how can I hide from my responsibilities, to refused him was because I was in a difficult position. If we were to be together in one place, why would there be a need to yearn for another place?”

Feng Ming suddenly asked: “Can I ask Crown Prince a few questions?” “...” Yong Yi eventually nodded his head: “Duke Ming, please go ahead.”

Feng Ming sat in a place where he could speak directly at Yong Yi: “I would like to ask Crown Prince, is becoming King something that will make you happy?”

“That is my father’s decision and also the people of Yong Yin...”

“Then I would like to ask Crown Prince, within the Kingdom of Yong Yin, are there heirs that because of the throne, there are bitter hatred?”

“That...is something that can’t be avoided.”

“If Crown Prince does not become Crown Prince, would Yong Yin King have other heirs for the throne?”

“Of course.”

“The last question,” Feng Ming smiled: “Do you like Lie Er? If there was a day that Crown Prince can no longer see Lie Er anymore, would you be in suffering?”

Yong Yi chuckled in pain: “Duke Ming, can’t you already guess Yong Yi’s thoughts?”

Feng Ming asked again: “Lie Er wholeheartedly thinks in place of you, haven’t you seen it already?”

Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing were getting impatient and complaining how Feng Ming is asking roundabout questions instead of asking straight to the point.

“I’m going on roundabout like this is because I want to... make sure a few things with Crown Prince.” Feng Ming sat up straight: “One, if Crown Prince already knew everything, but still purposely block our way, are you planning to initiate a war or have other intentions? Two, if Crown Prince and Lie Er know each other’s feelings, what’s with the sad look on your face? Three... where did Lie Er go?”

The last one was what everyone wanted to know and everyone’s attention was on Yong Yi.

“He only left a piece of paper, he said he received Xi Lei’s order therefore he needs to accomplish it. If I already can’t promise him then he has to find another method.”

“Not good.” Rong Tian suddenly narrowed his eyebrows and said: “Could Lie Er want to enter the palace and meet Yong Yin King?”

Yong Yi revealed a faint smile: “No wonder Rong Tian grew up with Lie Er. That year when he entered Yong Yin, using the alias Fu Ju, he received my father’s affection. After faking his death, my father was still in sorrow over his death. This time, if he enters the palace, my father will see him as someone who looks like Fu Ju and keep him nearby.”

“If he enters the King’s harem then it will be a mess.”

Feng Ming didn’t agree and said: “Lie Er isn’t someone who will put himself in danger.”

Yong Yi nodded his head: “Duke Ming is right, he didn’t directly enter the palace, but instead teamed up with my second brother. Everyone will believe that he is someone who looks like Fu

Ju, and take advantage of this to bring my father happiness. Just looking for the right opportunity, my second brother will definitely gift him to my father.”

“Ah!” Feng Ming suddenly realized, “The reason why Crown Prince is going around like this is because you want to ask for our soldiers.”

In the middle of everyone’s surprise look, Yong Yi couldn’t deny and nodded his head: “I only wished Xi Lei King can allow me to borrow 5000 soldiers. I can’t use my soldiers to attack the residence of Second Brother. I only need to rescue Lie Er, I will not yearn for the throne. I already lost him once, I will not lose him again.”

Chiu Yue couldn’t understand and said: “If you wanted to borrow soldiers, Crown Prince should say so frankly, making us worry like this.”

Yong Yi put on a serious look: “Yong Yi did so because I wanted to see if Lie Er’s loyalty and persistent is worth it. I won’t lie to Xi Lei King and Duke Ming, this wood in this whole inn is soaked in oil, if both of you were to ignore Lie Er, treating him as a scapegoat to take advantage of, then it seems that everyone here will not see the rising sun of tomorrow.”

Everyone in the room was silent.

Rong Tian suddenly laughed out: “Lie Er..Lie Er, your views on people isn’t so bad.”

CHAPTER 19

Since the situation involves Lie Er, Rong Hu inevitably stood up to receive the order for that mission.

Rong Tian nodded his head: “Take 5000 bright soldiers, listen to the Crown Prince’s orders. After finishing the mission, immediately come back here to continue our journey.”

“Yong Yi does not dare to take charge of Lie Er’s big brother.” Yong Yi took something out: “This is the map to my second brother’s residence. Also...Yong Yi has a request that’s a bit excessive.”

Rong Hu already figured: “Please don’t worry, Crown Prince. Rong Hu is only bringing the soldiers to enter the place and overcome it, I will not harm anyone.” Given the opportunity that Rong Tian was not paying attention, he came closer and lowered his voice: “But if Crown Prince were to do something unforgivable to my brother, these 5000 soldiers will enter Crown Prince’s

residence without notice or mercy.” Rong Hu’s massive presence, caused Yong Yi’s body to shake, Rong Hu quickly retreated and haughtily returned to his place.

Feng Ming was calculating the number of days it would take to travel to Yong Yin city and then back. Rong Tian reassured him that Rong Hu will travel day and night so he’ll quickly return.

Feng Ming shook his head and said that he was hoping to use this opportunity to sightsee Yong Yin, but then remembered about the shaman.

Yong Yi bid his farewells to Rong Tian and Feng Ming, hoping that they forgive his rudeness and is returning to the city quickly hoping that no misfortune had happened.

Chiu Yue: This Crown Prince talks so lengthy, making us all sweat so much. Chiu Lan: Please Heavens, hope that nothing happen to Lie Er.

Feng Ming: He is so outrageous, after saving him, I will definitely give him a long lecture until he wise up.

Chiu Xing: Can Duke Ming even lecture him?

Feng Ming was red in the face and started ordering Chiu Lan to make some good food. Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing volunteered to massage for him when Rong Tian said that he will. Feng Ming tried to warn Rong Tian to not play tricks, but Rong Tian grabbed his waist and carried him up.

“You! You unethical sex addict manic King...” Feng Ming gave Rong Tian a punch on the shoulders: “My back is in pain! I will definitely, definitely not follow you into the room!!!”

Rong Tian gave him an innocent look: “Who says that I will carry you back to the room?” He ordered the remaining guards outside the doors: “Tonight, we will not rest at the inn, change it to outside of Aman River three meters. Let’s continue onward.”

Chiu Lan remembered that the inn was soaked in oil so it wouldn’t be wise to rest there since someone could use the opportunity to set fire. Rong Tian tells Feng Ming that since he enjoys sightseeing Yong Yin and his back hurt, it would be best to do some horseback riding with him.

Feng Ming felt that he misunderstood Rong Tian so he followed Chiu Yue’s method of using an innocent look and giggle: “No wonder you’re Xi Lei King, always plan everything meticulously and smoothly... However, it’s just your habit of touching people that make others hate you, you need to change that bad habit of yours...”

So they reached Aman River, Feng Ming said to Rong Tian: “I heard that after the Aman River incident, the water were tainted red throughout the place, making all the plants and flowers red in color. The water was red because it was carrying a lot of bloody corpse, therefore it was unusable.”

Rong Tian was silent and pulled Feng Ming into his arms: “Those are all rumors, how can there be wheat/plants with the color red?”

“Even if those were rumors, it’s enough to imagine the damage done that day.” Upon Feng Ming’s face was a faint smile of sadness.

CHAPTER 20

Feng Ming and Rong Tian came to the place that had been set up with tents. Rong Tian tells Feng Ming to rest inside the tent as he still has something else to do. Feng Ming is greeted by his maids and they help massage him to the point that he almost fell asleep, but Cai Qing was there and asked if he wanted tea, which disrupted his sleeping phase.

Chiu Lan finished cooking dinner and told them that she had to waste much effort to learn from others how to cook it. Feng Ming tells the rest to try it as well and remind them to leave a chicken leg for Rong Tian. They all said it was good and very different from what they had before. Feng Ming asked Chiu Lan how did she learn how to cook it. She said she learned it in secret from the old chef of Dong Fan.

“I’ve heard that Dong Fan is number one in cooking, numerous dishes incomparable to others. These two days, your servant had secretly followed him and watched him make the dishes. I memorized all the steps and even stole a bit of ingredients too.”

Chiu Yue tells Chiu Lan that she is too careless, how can she use Dong Fan’s ingredients to let

Duke Ming eat since they might have put something in it.

Chiu Lan replied that she had the ingredients tested and they were fine, but since she worried, she didn’t touch them and just used the important component and mixed a bit of it.

One special ingredient that was included was fresh blood. Feng Ming was surprised, but stated that the chicken does not have that kind of stench smell of blood.

They were just discussing about the dish when one of the guards reported that Adviser Lu Dan came. Lu Dan wore grayish purple robes; his face was more beautiful than usual. He stepped into the tent and gently smiled at Feng Ming: “Lu Dan just heard from Xi Lei King that we are delaying the trip. Since I don’t understand what happened; therefore, I came here to ask.”

The story of Lie Er and Yong Yi is something that doesn’t need to be addressed with Lu Dan, so

Feng Ming was stumbling for words: “The trip doesn’t need to be in hurry, sightseeing is not bad, it’s also the first time that I get to come to Yong Yin’s borders so I want to enjoy it.” He ordered Chiu Lan to prepared a mat for Lu Dan and motioned him to sit down. “Please sit down. Did Adviser just take a bath? Your body smells so nice.”

Feng Ming sniffed in the smell a few times, and suddenly realized that Lu Dan’s face was a bit weird. He suddenly realized that his words were a bit flirtatious. The person opposite of him is a male with a beautiful appearance that can move anyone, so most definitely he must have had a lot of perverted men bothering him. It’s no wonder that he would extremely hate them touching him. Thinking about that, Feng Ming smiled embarrassingly and tried to change the topic: “Did

Adviser have dinner yet?”

Lu Dan shifted himself, placing his hand on his cheek, staring at Feng Ming for a long time, his white set of teeth slightly seen, and chuckled: “All of Duke Ming’s thoughts are written on your face, different from Xi Lei King. Indeed, I just finished taking a bath, the fragrant Duke Ming speak of is probably (Xun Xiang Chuang?)”

He changed his position that even Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing stared in awed. “I hate most is when other people use appearance as a topic, because their faces when saying so make you hate them. But Duke Ming is different, your eyes are very bright, doesn’t make others hate at all, in fact...”

His eyes observed Duke Ming and assessed him from top to bottom, blinking at Duke Ming with bad intentions, and suddenly said: “Lu Dan believes that if Duke Ming was given the chance, I don’t think Duke Ming would be able to finish it through completely.”

The hidden meaning underneath those words that were said, even the innocent Cai Qing could understand it.

Feng Ming’s face was stiff to the point that it turned purple, he widened his eyes at Lu Dan: “Adviser...that is...” He could believe that from beginning to end, a beautiful person like Lu Dan could speak such words that required courage like that.

“Lu Dan already ate, it seems like Duke Ming is also eating dinner.” Without paying attention to

the embarrassed Feng Ming, Lu Dan looked at the half-eaten chicken in Feng Ming’s bowl on the table and exclaimed: “This dish is very similar to the dish in my palace. That’s strange, other than my chef, there is someone else who can cook this? Ha, that is a very healthy nutritious dish, best used for someone with a weak body, you’ve used fresh blood, right?”

Chiu Lan stuck out her tongue, it seems that her secret was discovered, but that’s not a big deal since Duke Ming is there, she nodded her head. “That’s right.”

CHAPTER 21

Lu Dan excused himself and returned to his tent.

Chiu Yue: This Adviser Lu Dan, he’s not only beautiful but... but..”

“But also make other people hard to resist.”

“That’s right!” Chiu Yue looked over at Cai Qing: “Cai Qing, what are you secretly laughing about?”

Cai Qing lowered her head and giggled: “Just a moment now, Adviser showed his masculinity, I was just curious...Him and Dong Fan King, at nighttime...who would be on the b...”

Chiu Lan can’t helped but laughed and glanced over at Feng Ming. Feng Ming had goosebumps all over and warned her: “Chiu Lan, were you just thinking about something unfortunate towards me?”

“Chiu Lan does not dare.” Chiu Lan covered her mouth, “Your servant just want to say, that if the beautiful Adviser that everyone admire can have the opportunity to be on top, then Duke Ming can also tried to top Xi Lei King too, right?”

“Top what?” Just in that same moment, Rong Tian stepped inside the tent.

The maids excuse themselves from the tent after changing out Rong Tian’s outfit.

“Just a moment of not seeing each other, why all of a sudden you’re angry? Um...when you’re angry your face is all red, but prettier than before.” He sighed in satisfaction, leaned himself onto the mattress in the back, and pulled the slim waist in front of him. Feng Ming “aiya” once, losing his balance he fell into Rong Tian’s embrace. Rong Tian began to explain: “I was planning on meeting with a messenger from the palace, to take care of some Xi Lei’s business, however he never came. It’s very strange, messages sent from the palace have never been late. Unless, something had happened in the palace?”

Feng Ming asked if they should returned back and Rong Tian laughed at Feng Ming, stating that the King’s palace isn’t some place that anyone can easily enter, unless they are General Tong, Empress Dowager. Even if someone has the guts to enter, they will be defeated by them.

“I don’t care, let’s send someone to return back and find out what’s wrong. The Great King is traveling outside, late messages are a bad omen.”

“I already send someone, you don’t have to worry. But while I wasn’t here, what tricks were you up to?”

“I was eating, meeting Lu Dan. Also, the chicken Chiu Lan made today is really tasty, I left you a chicken leg...”

“Let’s not talk about chicken leg, let’s talk about Lu Dan, what did you two talk about?” “Nothing.”

“Really nothing?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Then why is your face red all the way to your ears?”

At last, both of their voices switched to whisper. Because of the warm blow beside his ear was ticklish, Feng Ming slightly pulled his neck in, and he yawned once and put his arms around Rong Tian: “Let’s go to sleep.”

“Alright.”

His body suddenly was being carried up towards the soft carpet Chiu Lan had prepared.

“What are you doing?”

“Sleeping.”

“Don’t fool around, I’m really tired.”

“Move around a bit, you’ll sleep soundly that way.”

“....”

The one pressured on the bottom can only looked up at the person above with the words: “Shameless thick face, uncontrollable lecher”

CHAPTER 22

Feng Ming and Rong Tian ended up having sex in the tent while the maids are outside standing guard. Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing went to prepare some hot water for the bath afterwards. Chiu

Lan was the only one standing outside when Cai Qing came to help out after Cai Jiang went to sleep.

Cai Qing later asked Chiu Lan why Duke Ming is young, but his body is weak. Chiu Lan stated that ever since he came back from the Aman River incident, his body wasn’t responding much to medicine and would usually get tired very easily.

After talking for awhile, the moaning and groaning inside tent subsided and Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing also came back. They informed Rong Tian that the bathtub is prepared and if they could enter.

Rong Tian gave them permission to enter so Chiu Yue ordered five to six guards to carry the bathtub into tent and then ordered ten guards to stir the hot water into the tub.

After the guards retreated, Rong Tian carefully held the weak Feng Ming covered in a blanket and placed him gently into the water.

The four maids also entered and helped Rong Tian removed his clothes, massage, and added water and applied fragrance to wash up. As for Feng Ming, they never bother with him because Rong Tian had the sole privilege of caring for him.

Feng Ming was wiggling about having the warm water surround him and was delighted, he slightly opened his eyes, “Is it morning?”

“Not yet.” Rong Tian’s lips moved closer and kissed him. “Um..”

“You’re tired, sleep.”

“Rong Tian...”

“I’m here.”

“Are you washing me?”

“Uh.”

“I also want to help you wash up.”

At that moment, the hands massaging Rong Tian froze in place; the maids looked at each other.

A smile appeared on Rong Tian’s handsome face, his tone of voice was slightly different: “You want to help me?”

“Yes.”

“Really?”

Feng Ming smiled sweetly with him: “Of course.”

Rong Tian had to bit his lips and resist his desires so he tells Feng Ming to sleep for tomorrow he would want to go horseback riding and sightseeing, but Feng Ming demanded to wash Rong Tian since he was always washed by Rong Tian. Chiu Lan handed the towel to Feng Ming and he started scrubbing Rong Tian’s back. Feng Ming asked if his scrubbing hurts, Rong Tian replied that it itches. Feng Ming asked where so he could scrub that place a bit harder, Rong Tian said...his heart itches.

After hearing that, all of the maids decided to excuse themselves. Chiu Yue tells Cai Qing to head back to take care of Cai Jiang since he might cry if he doesn’t see her once he wakes up. She also laments how if there was Lie Er and Rong Hu here then they would tell them when Rong Tian and Feng Ming are done with their baths.

While talking, they heard from inside: “Anyone there?’

All four rushed inside the tent again. Feng Ming’s hair was a bit messy, he was just placed on the large mattress and was covered loosely, surely Rong Tian must have tried to make love once more, his face was bright red, but doesn’t appeared to be tired, instead he was quite awake.

“It’s not raining outside?”

“Reporting to Duke Ming, there’s no rain outside.” “Are there stars?”

“...” Chiu Yue and the others looked at each other. “Are there stars?”

“There are.”

“Are they pretty?”

“Very pretty.”

Feng Ming suddenly wanted to go outside to look at the stars. Rong Tian was surprised that Feng Ming is still not tired and hoped that he would rest and probably do it some later. However, Feng Ming was persistent and they all went outside to look at the stars.

Laying on the grass, Feng Ming states: “Tomorrow will have beautiful sunlight because there is not a single cloud in the sky. If there’s no clouds, there will be no rain.”

“Is that so?” Rong Tian also followed along and lay on the grass. “Every star is a fairy; all the stars that shine brightly in the dark sky are eyes of those fairies following us.”

“Yes. They followed us because they discovered an impressive King that is hard to find.”

“No.” Rong Tian turned and placed his arms to two sides of Feng Ming, looking intimately at him and gently whispered: “Because they discovered the most happiness couple in this world.”

Feng Ming blushed and turned to face away, he murmured: “If that’s so, then let the fairies witness how we love each other.”

Rong Tian was stunned.

Feng Ming looked back at him: “Today...I suddenly want to enjoy the taste of having someone embrace me.” He actively reached out and wrapped his arms around Rong Tian’s neck and forcefully bit him one time. “You can embrace me as many times as you want.”

“Feng Ming...”

Between the cool breezes, on the plateau permeated with fall colors, two images blended into one, filling four directions with sweetness.

CHAPTER 23

The next morning, Chiu Lan, Chiu Yue, and Chiu Xing were tired and yawning, however, Feng Ming was not at all tired and yet still had the energy to want to go horseback riding.

Later on, they heard news that something happened to Shaman Song Teng.

“What happened?”

“Your servant really don’t know what happened, usually every morning, shaman would wake up early to order for food, but we waited today and still no answer. Your servant rudely entered the tent to assess the situation and the shaman wasn’t...wasn’t breathing.”

“Wasn’t breathing? Did someone enter, or was he poisoned? Yesterday, who was the one who served him inside the tent?”

That guard say that Rong Tian’s voice was filled with rage, his whole body trembled and kneeled down in fright: “Yesterday, Shaman appeared normal, no differ than other days. Every day he had to continue his training so he ordered that no one were to enter his tent to bother him, that’s why, that evening, your servant didn’t enter inside to serve him. Please forgive this servant, that night if shaman didn’t give permission, I could not step inside...”

“Is there any markings on his body?”

“Shaman Song Teng was sitting in the same position during training, everything was normal, there were no markings out of the ordinary.... Kind of like...his soul was taken away...”

“That can’t be...” Feng Ming pulled onto Rong Tian’s sleeves, a bit unnerved: “Writing a spell every day with his own blood and using his energy, could it be that he without notice just ...”

“How can that be? Song Teng has been through massive training, not breathing temporarily is probably something new to those who trained for a long time. The ignorant don’t know anything, that’s why they are having an uproar like this.” Rong Tian held onto his hands, tightly to comfort him. His facial expression darkened, and looked at the guard who is sweating profusely: “No need to be startled like that. But...since it’s like this, we also should investigate at once, Dong Ling!”

“Your servant is here!” Chief Bodyguard Dong Ling stood out, his forehead covered in sweat. He is the Chief Bodyguard in charge of the surrounding place there. If Song Teng truly was assassinated, then no matter where he runs to, he cannot escape punishment.

“Captured and hold onto all those who had served Song Teng, as well as those who had charged into his tent. Interrogate all of them for me!”

“Understood!”

“Everything inside Song Teng’s tent, no one is allowed to touch them, bring the pharmaceutical unit and let them investigate to see who might have poisoned him.”

“Understood!”

“Also, go through Duke Ming’s tent and see if there’s anything out of the ordinary.” “Understood!”

After arranging everything, he turned to looked at Feng Ming, softly said to him: “Let’s not ride horses today. If you obediently wash up and take a rest, after you wake up, I will reward you one day of doing whatever you want until you’re bored.”

“Anything I want?” “Yes.”

“Anything is alright?” “Anything.”

Feng Ming yelled out in excitement and agreed: “Alright. But you can’t swallow your words.”

Rong Tian looked at him intimately: “Why would I lie to you? But if I see that you haven’t sleep, this promise will be invalid.”

“A man’s promise! Chiu Lan, Chiu Yue, Chiu Xing, Cai Qing! Let’s quickly head back and quickly prepared the bathtub for me.”

The maids followed behind.

After seeing Feng Ming off, Rong Tian informed: “Dong Ling, follow me to Song Teng’s tent to investigate.”

“Understood.” Dong Ling followed behind Rong Tian, after awhile he finally decided to asked: “Your Majesty, is it true that when someone has trained for a long time they don’t need to breathe? If that’s true, then Shaman Song Teng of ours sure is a very impressive shaman in this world!”

“You believe that nonsense? Song Teng is harmed by someone, I will definitely investigate this carefully.”

“But Duke Ming...”

“Duke Ming reads a bunch of wuxia novels, of course he would believe all these strange things.” “Wuxia novels?”

“Those nonsense, I don’t understand it, do you?”

=====

Inside Feng Ming’s tent, the maid tried to make sure Feng Ming get a good rest, but he couldn’t sleep at all after washing up. He tells his maids that there are still some things inside his mind.

“I am an idiot in Rong Tian’s mind, right? Song Teng is a shaman in charge of protecting me, his death is so bizarre which is to tell me what my situation is of now, this simple fact shouldn’t I understand it as well. Moreover, he dares to fabricate something without a blink of his eye to trick me! Also all of you! You also band together to play tricks with me in front of my eyes! Burning this much incense! Also, Chiu Yue,” Feng Ming raised his voice: “What did you put into my tea? That is so sweet like this?” His gaze turned to Chiu Yue.

“Your servant... your servant...” The words of messing with Feng Ming’s tea took Chiu Yue by surprise. She was so scared she stepped back several steps, her face turned pale.

Chiu Xing supported her, laughed and said: “Duke Ming is awfully insightful today, quickly discovering everything.” They were trying to come up with a good excuse when the curtains to the tent lifted and slight breeze entered inside.

Rong Tian walked towards them, his voice harsh: “The palace sent some news, Empress Dowager is sick.”

END OF VOLUME 5