The Ugly Empress

Xue Junliang slowly and carefully drew one eyebrow, as if nothing had happened and then continued to draw the other side. 

The way Xiu Yao saw it, there was no other Emperor more affectionate and more infatuated than this Emperor Xue. But Teng Yun could only think that this Xue Junliang was indeed a hard to understand, elusive personality.

Xue Junliang had been quite angry and moody. He was temperamental with Teng Yun until a few days ago. That made sense because after all Teng Yun had tried to assassinate him. Though the attempt failed miserably, it was just two days ago and there was no way Xue Junliang had forgotten or forgiven him. So it was quite puzzling as to why he was acting so lovey dovey now.

When Xue Junliang finished drawing the eyebrows, he leaned back to admire his own handiwork; seemingly very satisfied. Then he waved a hand, letting all the servants go while telling them he’d like to spend the night here at Yunfeng Palace.

Xue Junliang daubed a thin layer of powder on the Empress’ face. After Xue Junliang finished, her face didn’t look that much better but at least it wasn’t so bare as before. 

Xue Junliang then picked up a carved wooden comb, stood behind the other person and started to comb her hair gently.

Teng Yun glanced at Xue Junliang’s reflection on the mirror. Xue Junliang’s reflection was a bit blurry, looking a bit surreal as if he was in a dream. Teng Yun took a deep breath, trying to suppress his face from heating up.

Xue Junliang said nothing, Teng Yun also did not speak. Both were quiet, one of them quietly combing the hair, while the other sat quietly getting their combed.

Teng Yun said, “Your Majesty …… I heard that the troops sent to the North were attacked by surprise.” Since he had already exposed his hand and put his life and death on the line, there was no need to debase himself and call himself this servant or Chen-qie anymore in front of Xue Junliang.

Xue Junliang looked up at the mirror and his gaze collided with Teng Yun’s. He smiled and said, “This is the first time Aifei initiated a conversation with this Seat. This Seat is happy. Does this mean our relationship has become more affectionate?”

Teng Yun didn’t respond nor answered as if he didn’t hear Xue Junliang’s question.

Xue Junliang didn’t stop combing, carefully untangling each strand of the long hair. The black glossy hair was long like a waterfall. He recalled that night, when he’d pressed the other person onto the bed; her hair was loose and spread messily on the quilt.

“Do you want to know if Cheng Tian’s sneak attack succeeded, or do you want to ask… about Xue Yu?” 

When Xue Junliang mentioned Xue Yu, Teng Yun remembered that everyone was still speculating about the half-true, half-false relationship between the Empress and Marquis Zhenjiang.  Probably the question about the attack now, in Xue Junliang’s ears sounded as if he was concerned about Xue Yu.

Teng Yun said, “Neither.”

“Oh, neither?”

Xue Junliang also did not pursue the line of questioning further. He was totally uninterested in talking about state affairs. Nothing was more interesting than the other person’s hair right now. 

Teng Yun added, “I… want to ask about Teng Shang.”

This time, Xue Junliang laughed before saying, “Aifei might have not heard. Before, Teng Qianyi had said she thought that Aifei and Teng Shang had a close relationship.”

Hearing this, Teng Yun’s heart jumped.  He took a quick glance at the mirror, but he didn’t expect Xue Junliang’s eyes were watching him in the mirror as well. His glance was fleeting, but Xue Junliang surely could catch the panicked and shocked expression in Teng Yun’s eyes.

Xue Junliang pinched a clutch of hair and brought it to his lips. Smiling, he said, “At that time, I didn’t believe her, I even reprimanded her… Why? Does Aifei want to tell me the truth that you indeed have a close relationship with Teng Shang?” 

“Your Majesty is confused. Feng and Teng Countries are separated by thousands of miles. Teng Shang had never visited Feng Country even once, how could we have a close relationship?”

Xue Junliang took the tips of the hair that was still in hand and brushed them against Teng Yun’s lips, with narrowed eyes and a smile, he said, “Clever mouth.”

Then he added, “Teng Shang had made a great achievement, my vision in sending him wasn’t mistaken. He hadn’t even reached the military barracks, when he had already killed Ma Jing.”

“Ma Jing…” 

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Ma Jing was still quite young but he had already inherited his uncle’s unyielding bravery and talents. As long as he held a sword or a blade, he was invincible. He had never lost to anyone, but now he was already beheaded by Teng Shang.

Teng Shang used to be a military commander. He’d followed the previous Teng King into every battle he’d had. That time was Teng Country’s most glorious era. 

However, since Teng Yun’s father, the current Teng King sat on the throne, Teng Shang’s military powers were cut-off and he himself was prohibited from leaving the capital city. Counting till today, it had been ten years since Teng Shang last held a sword.

People who learned martial arts would never forget those skills easily, but they could become rusty if they didn’t use it for very long. Therefore, now that Teng Shang returned to the battlefield, Teng Yun could only worry over his safety.

Xue Junliang watched the other person lost in thought; the other person didn’t mention Teng Shang any more, but she didn’t look happy either. Xue Junliang couldn’t help thinking that maybe this Empress really had a relationship with Teng Shang, but somehow there were so many points that didn’t connect.

As the Empress herself had said, the Grand Princess, Feng Yun was born deep inside Feng Country’s Inner Palace. A daughter of a royal family wasn’t allowed to appear out in public until it was time for her marriage. Moreover, he knew Teng Shang had never been to Feng Country. 

Yet, the eyes of his Empress weren’t lying.

—————-

Feng Country’s Imperial Examination used to be held once every six years. If a scholar couldn’t enter the examination, he’d have to wait another six years. This practice had been going on for decades leading to many wasted years.

Although Feng Ming was famous for his vicious and merciless temperament, he still had many good points and achievements. As soon as he was crowned as the King, he ordered the Imperial Examination to be held once in three years, winning many people’s support. 

In Feng Country, there was a scholar named Lu Shichen. Three years ago he was elected as a Xiaolian nominee by the local governor from the county where he lived.

Lu Shichen could be said to be a man of great talent and extremely rich in knowledge. But he was too simple and honest. He only knew his books but didn’t know much about the ways of the world and didn’t understand how the Imperial Court worked.

It was said that after the local governor elected him as a Xiaolian nominee, the local governor gave Lu Shichen one liang of silver as fare, ordered him to arrange his own horse and carriage, and told him to go to the Capital city.

But since ancient times, it was a publicly known secret that no superiors would give money to their subordinates as a fare; the money was to be used by the subordinates to please the superiors and higher authorities, and people also knew one liang wasn’t enough. 

Lu Shichen’s family was very poor. He would sell his paintings and calligraphy in exchange for rice and porridge. Having been given money, he saved it to be used in case of emergency, and didn’t even know about using it to bribe people.

Because Lu Shichen had no pretty or delicious things to give, the higher authorities were angered and revoked Lu Shichen’s Xiaolian nomination despite him being a perfect candidate for the Imperial Examination. The Xiaolian was then given to someone else who had more money than Lu Shichen.

Lu Shichen waited until he had enough money and someone to lend him a carriage. A month had already passed by when he finally arrived at the Capital city. Only then he found that there was another Xiaolian that had arrived earlier. He became the laughingstock of the town.

Lu Shichen became the source of ridicule and was told he’d never cross the gate of the Imperial Palace. 

Three years later, Lu Shichen was dismissed from the Xiaolian nomination for the same reason. Grieving the wasted time, Lu Shichen could no longer stay still. He assembled a group of scholars and launched a loud protest.

The local officials arrested a lot of the scholars trying to subdue the protest, but their method aroused public’s anger instead.

It so happened that at the same time, Feng Ming, upset and unable to calm himself after his falling out with Zhao Lu, decided he was ready for an expedition outside the Palace. And while he was out, he wanted to observe the common people’s sentiments.

When Feng Ming arrived at the small county, the scholars were still protesting and creating disturbances. The officials were extremely busy; trying to subdue the scholars’ protests at the same time preparing the food and accommodation for King Feng’s arrival. 

At first, everything went well, until King Feng was driving along the street. A piece of paper was blown by the wind and fell right next to King Feng’s feet.

The writing on the paper was clear for Feng Ming to see. At a glance, somehow it looked very familiar, and from far, he thought the handwriting looked very much like Zhao Lu’s.

Feng Ming knew he was a fool for thinking so. The handwriting was indeed a bit similar, but when he picked up the paper, it was clearly different from Zhao Lu’s. Though his mouth was determined, wanting to let go of Zhao Lu, his heart was still thinking about him and refused to let go.

The piece of paper told about the corruption of the officials in Feng Country and how they often pilfered money off the poor. It also contained condemnations against Feng Ming. 

The officials in charge of welcoming King Feng, immediately knelt down and were trembling in fear and could not lift their heads up. But then King Feng just laughed and said, “Great literary talent.”

And so Lu Shichen’s status started to rapidly rise to the sky. Forget the one or two liang of silver, the entire local authority of the small county lined up to give him a carriage and money to send him to the Capital city.

Lu Shichen arrived at the capital city and took part in the Imperial Examination. Feng Ming once again praised his talents. Since then, everyone knew King Feng’s interest in Marquis Zhulu had faded and his current favorite was a bookworm named Lu Shichen.

This bookworm’s reputation had gone so high that was promoted several ranks in just three months since he entered officialdom, and now he already rose to Feng Country’s Prime Minister’s seat. 

Lu Shichen was a bookworm in every sense of the word. He was also loyal to a fault, affable and even-tempered, and hated bad people like he hated enemies.

The young Prime Minister was so naive that he wasn’t even aware of the maliciousness of the Imperial Court. Many people privately speculated that Lu Shichen had also climbed into Feng Ming’s bed. The rumor was known by everyone, including King Feng’s former favorite, Marquis Zhulu; only Lu Shichen himself didn’t know.

One time, King Feng was watching birds singing in the flower garden. Minister Lu was accompanying him. King Feng off-handedly asked, “Which bird looks prettier, the green one or the red one?”

Lu Shichen said earnestly, “This subject only knows how to conserve the river water, prevent floods and help the flood victims. If His Majesty asks about birds, please forgive this subject for being dull and ignorant, and cannot offer help to His Majesty by giving any opinions.” 

Everyone present was frozen in shock. A subordinate daring to use this kind of tone in front of a tyrannical and vicious king, this person must be asking for death. But then King Feng just laughed, “This Seat is at fault. Shichen’s wise words have enlightened this Seat.”

This cemented people’s belief; Lu Shichen’s status really was unmistakable.

——–

Zhao Lu took in the happenings around him. He was feeling a bit stifled in his heart, but he had no idea why. 

Rui Xue smiled and said, “Master is not in a good mood lately?”

Zhao Lu nodded and said, “Indeed.”

Rui Xue said, “Then you should enter the Palace and see His Majesty.  Rather than suppressing your emotions, is it not better to just go and meet His Majesty?”

Zhao Lu frowned, “What does this have to do with King Feng?” 

“Master, don’t try denying it. Rui Xue has been following you for five years already,” Rui Xue said, “These few days you haven’t eaten well and your sleep is restless. When His Majesty was out on the expedition, Master enquired about his return at least three times a day. Since His Majesty has found Minister Lu, you’ve been frowning all the time.”

Zhao Lu’s heart skipped a beat. He felt there was indeed some truth in Rui Xue’s words, except he didn’t think it was because of his relationship with King Feng.

Or should he say, it was indeed related to his relationship with King Feng. Because he didn’t want a talented and educated person like Lu Shichen to get too close with Feng Ming.

He didn’t want that person to help Feng Ming to become a better king, because Zhao Lu’s purpose in Feng Country was to lead Feng Ming astray, so that Feng Ming becomes the most condemned and incapable ruler of all history. 

Now that he’d almost succeeded and had Feng Ming in his grasp for so many years, making him a lazy and an inconsiderate ruler. So how could he be happy with the appearance of this Lu Shichen?

Lu Shichen had only been appointed as Prime Minister for half a month, but he’d already enforced the conservation of river water, reduced taxes and modified the Imperial Examination rules.

He’d suggested that scholars shouldn’t be elected by the local county governor, instead be allowed to apply and enter the Imperial Examination by themselves. This way they would be protected from the corrupt officials and would not be trapped under layers of bureaucracy.

Feng Ming almost regarded this person as his benefactor and respected Lu Shichen like a mentor. 

The more Zhao Lu thought about it, the more he got annoyed and agitated.  After thinking about Feng Ming, he no longer could sit still. He got up and ordered his horse to be prepared for him to go to the Palace.

When he arrived at the Imperial Palace, he didn’t have to hand over his nameplate and dismount from his horse; didn’t have to unload his weapons either. These were all old rules; because his reputation was known in the entire palace, Zhao Lu was excluded from them. Even though Feng Ming had declared their relationship was over, clearly he hadn’t revoked Zhao Lu’s special rights.

Zhao Lu dismounted from his horse right before the jade steps in front of King Feng’s residence. When he was about to enter the main hall, the chamberlain guarding the door stopped him. The chamberlain paid respect to Zhao Lu, and then said, “Lord Marquis comes at an unfortunate time. His Majesty has ordered that no one is allowed inside the hall during his deliberations with Minister Lu.”

Zhao Lu snorted, “Not even me?” 

All these times, if he wanted to enter Feng Ming’s residence or even if he climbed onto Feng Ming’s bed, no one dared to stop him.

“But…” The chamberlain hesitated. Zhao Lu was, after all, once a high-ranking soldier; he had an imposing air about him. Any other time, the chamberlain would never dare defy him, but he had no choice but to grit his teeth and say, “His… His Majesty said even if Marquis Zhulu came, he should not be let in.”

“Great.. Great…”

Hearing what the servant had said, Zhao Lu understood. Feng Ming had even specifically mentioned his name. Zhao Lu could not decide if he should thank King Feng or feel honored for the mention. 

Without saying anything more, Zhao Lu immediately turned to go.

After some time, Zhao Lu calmed down. He came again for the second time, but was stopped again. People said that third time’s the charm, Zhao Lu decided the third time was the last time he would try. It was at this time that, fortunately, Lu Shichen came out of the main hall.

Although Zhao Lu was a Marquis, his rank was equal to Lu Shichen’s. When the two of them met, they didn’t need to bow and instead just cupped their hands as greetings.

Zhao Lu said coldly, “I wonder what Minister Lu and His Majesty were deliberating together for so long. I came three times and was blocked outside the door every time.” 

Hearing this, Lu Shichen thought Marquis Zhulu had a military matter he needed to report to King Feng. Lu Shichen promptly apologized, “No, no. It wasn’t any big deal. It’s just that these days, His Majesty was suddenly interested in playing Qi and invited this Lu to play a few rounds.”

Zhao Lu’s face darkened in anger, hearing Lu Shichen’s explanation, but Lu Shichen himself was completely unaware; he sincerely apologized several times, fearing he’d delayed Marquis Zhulu’s important task, and then left.

Silently fuming, Zhao Lu entered the main hall. Feng Ming was inside the warm study room reviewing documents. Zhao Lu pushed the room door open. At the sound, Feng Ming raised his head and looked up.

The two men’s gazes collided. Zhao Lu’s anger was slightly mollified by the complicated emotions he could see warring in Feng Ming’s eyes. 

The expression was fleeting as the next second Feng Ming immediately put on a cold and an indifferent expression. Feng Ming said, “Bring a seat for Lord Marquis.”

A servant did as ordered; brought a chair for Marquis Zhulu to sit, then withdrew himself and closed the door silently.

Zhao Lu didn’t take the seat. Still standing, he looked around the study room, and then asked, “Where is the zither behind the curtain?”

“Zither…” Feng Ming seemed to think about it for a moment before remembering about the zither Zhao Lu had mentioned. His eyes returned to the documents he was reading, as if nothing was amiss, he said, “Minister Lu said doing trivial things could distract us from our duty; this Seat agreed with him and ordered someone take the zither and throw it away.” 

“Throw it away?”

Zhao Lu narrowed his eyes. Feng Ming was good at playing musical instruments. On Feng Ming’s birthday after he had ascended the throne, Zhao Lu had personally picked the zither as a gift.

Feng Ming looked up at Zhao Lu and added, “No, it was too much of a pity to throw away such a good zither, so this Seat gave it to Minister Lu.”