The Ugly Empress

The next day, Xue Houyang looked quite bright and refreshed. Seeing this, Xue Junliang said, “Looks like Houyang’s mood is very good today. Did those three beautiful girls serve you well?”

Xue Houyang’s initial happiness instantly diffused at Xue Junliang’s mention of the three beautiful girls. He said, “Your Majesty, please don’t joke around. Currently, I’m not in the mood for jokes.” 

Xue Junliang smiled, “Seeing that you’re this happy, wasn’t it all because of me? Giving those three girls to you actually became the bridge that finally connected you and Teng Shang.”

Xue Houyang was half grinning happily and half embarrassed. Xue Junliang saw this and sighed, “Houyang, please remember that your mind is still not as deep and complicated as Teng Shang’s. I know that whatever I say would be of no use, but I only hope Teng Shang will treat you sincerely.”

Hearing this, Xue Houyang took a deep breath in relief. He opened his mouth to say thanks, but Xue Junliang was faster, “But still, Marquis Wannian cannot be without an heir.”

“Your Majesty…” 

Xue Junliang raised a hand to stop him, “No objection. It’s also for your own good. If not for the fact that I care about your feelings, today there would have been already many wives piled up in your residence.”

Xue Junliang then paused, thinking he should change the topic. He knew he could not push Xue Houyang too hard, and too fast. He then said, “Teng Xin is still in prison. When you have time, go to the prison and see him. Teng Shang would not be able to persuade him to surrender to us. You should try, promise him with a Marquis title if necessary. But if he still refuses…”

Xue Junliang didn’t finish the sentence, but Xue Houyang was clear about what he meant.

Xue Houyang: “If it’s about persuading people to surrender, Chen-di thinks it would be better if Your Majesty asks Her Majesty the Empress. Her Majesty is very wise; surely she would know what to do.”

Xue Junliang smiled, “Do you think I haven’t asked her? I have, but I was rejected.”

“Huh… Your Majesty was rejected…” Xue Houyang had no idea how Emperor Xue could still be smiling so amiably when he has been rejected by someone. Very strange, indeed.

Xue Houyang added, “But… But Chen-di doesn’t know what to say to Teng Xin. If it’s regarding war and military affairs, Chen-di is more capable…”

Xue Junliang could not think of anyone else to send to persuade Teng Xin. At this time, Shen Yi came forward to recommend himself, promising that Teng Xin would definitely surrender to Emperor Xue. 

Shen Yi hadn’t even gone away for two shichen when he came back with the result. Teng Xin was willing to surrender, and even bringing his soldiers to surrender to Emperor Xue. He didn’t even need to be given the title Marquis, but Teng Xin’s only request was that Emperor Xue would not execute his subordinates, and would treat his soldiers kindly.

Xue Junliang asked how Shen Yi had persuaded him.

Shen Yi smiled, “This is very simple. Teng Xin is a soldier at heart. If he could not be a soldier, he was better off dead. For a desperate soldier, it’s best to give him hope. Your Majesty is a lot better than King Teng. Teng Xin had thought about it and he considered it was better to follow Your Majesty than to follow King Teng. If Your Majesty could give him a slightly big responsibility to show that Your Majesty was willing to trust him, this lowly subject guarantees that Teng Xin will become a loyal subordinate and a great asset for Xue Country.”

Xue Junliang then sent Xue Houyang to the prison to let Teng Xin out. Then he promoted Teng Xin as a General and gave him the responsibility of leading the soldiers to guard the Imperial Palace. The soldiers under Teng Xin would not be detained, instead they were allowed to continue to follow Teng Xin. Teng Xin and his soldiers were all stationed at the army camp just outside the capital city’s wall as a supplementary troop. 

Teng Xin was aware that Emperor Xue would try to recruit him, but he didn’t think he would see an Emperor who would go this far to recruit someone. He thought about it again, and he could not believe how he could even compare Xue Junliang and King Teng– they were really too different.

Truth was, Xue Junliang had his own agenda in promoting Teng Xin as a General guarding the Imperial Palace. The title general was good, stationed at the forefront was good too. But in reality, Teng Xin had no real status and power. Also, in the army camp at the Capital City’s suburb, Teng Xin and his soldiers would be isolated among strangers.

Sometime soon, King Teng would personally visit Xue Country to pay respect to Emperor Xue. As a general guarding the Imperial Palace, Teng Xin would be standing right in front of Xue Country’s Palace. It was what Xue Junliang wanted King Teng to see.

King Teng was reluctant to go, but this time, he had no other choice. After taking a half month of preparation, King Teng finally left for Xue Country. King Teng didn’t dare to bring too many soldiers. He was afraid that Emperor Xue would detain his soldiers in the Capital City. But as a result, all along the journey, he was constantly trembling in fear, thinking Emperor Xue would secretly send troops to ambush and kill him. 

Halfway through the journey, King Teng was indeed ambushed. But these people weren’t Emperor Xue’s people. They were his old acquaintances.

The man in front of him was dressed in simple and plain clothes. He had only one guard following behind him. The man smiled and said, “Long time no see, King Teng.”

King Teng was indignant at the man’s rude manners. King Teng’s attendant shouted, “Insolent! How dare you talk like that to King Teng?”

The man continued to smile and still did not bother to kneel to pay respect. He said, “King Teng? I think as soon as you enter Xue Country’s Capital City, your title would be changed. Let me think. You might be a Marquis Teng. After all, you’re already defeated. If you’re defeated, it’s the norm you should go pay respect to your new King. You think you’re still a King? How disgraceful.” 

King Teng shook in anger. But the man was still smiling, “Now you’re just a Marquis from the southern land, I don’t need to pay respect to you… I’ve been talking so long, yet haven’t even introduced myself. My surname is Xue, given name, Yu. I’m Xue Country’s Marquis Zhenjiang.”

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Xue Yu said casually, “Me coming here is not to give you any trouble. I just want to give you a fair warning, so you won’t be too surprised when you’re stripped off your throne and your military power.”

Xue Yu arrogantly patted King Teng’s shoulder. Then he turned to go, calling, “Lang Jing.” 

The person who followed Xue Yu didn’t utter a single word the whole time. When he was called, the man also turned to leave, following Xue Yu.

Xue Yu raised a hand as he walked, “When we meet again in the future, I hope King Teng will not be so hostile. Let us support each other.”

Although King Teng was an incapable King, he was still the King of Teng for many years and still had a King’s arrogance and haughty temper. Seeing how rude Xue Yu acted towards him, King Teng wanted to chase Xue Yu to teach him a lesson but was stopped by his attendants. This was King Teng’s first time ever entering Xue Country’s Capital City, it would not be wise to act recklessly here. Moreover, Xue Yu daring to be so arrogant must be because he was very sure of his own power and ability.

A few days later, King Teng and his entourage entered the Capital City. He was only greeted by minor local officials; the meaning behind it didn’t escape King Teng. He stayed the night at one of the guest residences near the Imperial Palace, and the next morning he was permitted to have an audience with Emperor Xue at the morning court assembly. 

At the top of the court hall, Xue Junliang had invited the Empress to sit behind the beaded curtain, intending everyone from Teng Country to see his Empress and see how high she was regarded because of her contributions in military affairs.

But of course, Xue Junliang didn’t know the Empress’ identity. Having to be at the Court hall, although, from behind the beaded curtain, Teng Yun couldn’t see King Teng’s face very clearly, Teng Yun was very uncomfortable.

When King Teng came in, he immediately saw two general-ranked men guarding the court hall; one of the men was Teng Xin. King Teng couldn’t help glancing up and glaring at Teng Xin.

Teng Xin lifted his chin slightly as if he was unafraid of King Teng. The two might be father and son, but since King Teng abandoned him, it wasn’t a hardship for Teng Xin to ignore their relationship. 

Just as Xue Yu had said, Emperor Xue only said a few words before quickly sealing King Teng as a Marquis. He would still be stationed in Teng Country’s territory, but his title would be changed into Marquis Tengnan, and Teng Country became a land under Xue Country’s banner.

Xue Junliang announced it like he was giving rewards to King Teng, but in fact, he was stripping him off his Kingly throne and power. Xue Junliang smiled and said, “So, if Marquis Tengnan has no objections, you can kowtow and pay respect.”

Of course, King Teng could not object. He could only lower himself to the ground, his knees bent stiffly as if someone had kicked his legs and said, “Thank you, for Your Majesty’s grace.”

Xue Junliang nodded and leaned back a bit on his seat. He said, “From now on, you don’t have to wear this kind of attire. Take it off.” 

Because he was now merely a Marquis, King Teng could no longer wear a King’s attire. King Teng was aware of this, but it didn’t make his feeling any less bitter.

Teng Yun watched as Xue Junliang easily and effortlessly defeated King Teng. Teng Yun’s heart was filled with complicated feelings. He’d never thought that one day his own father would kneel in front of him, much less kneel in this kind of situation.

Xue Junliang noted the Empress looking slightly dispirited and thought maybe the Empress was not feeling well. He said a few more words then dismissed the morning court assembly.

Teng Yun’s heart was in turmoil, his face also looked pale. Seeing this, Xue Junliang suggested calling the Imperial physician to examine the Empress. 

Xue Junliang: “Since you’re not feeling well, you don’t have to stay and attend the banquet. It’s better if you take some rest.”

Then he added, “If you have something bothering you, don’t keep it in your heart. You can talk to me and I will listen.”

Teng Yun’s heart jumped a bit by Xue Junliang’s words. Was it possible Xue Junliang had seen and known something? But Teng Yun doubted it, Shen Yi was able to notice because he had once lived in Teng Country, and had traveled to many places, therefore was more perceptive and knowledgeable. Xue Junliang might be an Emperor who sat above the whole world, but he would have never heard of small news about Teng Yun’s injured right hand, or about Feng Country’s Grand Princess’ offenses to King Feng.

However, Teng Yun was still feeling uneasy, “There is nothing to worry about. Chen-qie is fine.” 

Since the weather had gotten warmer, the banquet was set at the flower garden. Marquis Tengnan and the other court officials had all arrived. A guard was standing behind Marquis Tengnan. This guard was tall and sturdy, and his manner was straight and impressive. He was carefully holding a sword in his two hands.

As soon as Xue Junliang arrived, Marquis Tengnan came forward and said, “This.. this lowly subject heard that Emperor Xue was very skilled in martial arts. This subject had deliberately looked for a sword to gift to Emperor Xue. This sword could cut a block of iron smoothly as if cutting a block of mud; it’s very famous and truly one of a kind. This subject hopes Emperor Xue will accept it.”

King Teng signaled the guard behind him to come forward with the sword.

Xue Junliang took the sword and unsheathed it. Under the scorching midday sun, the sword seemed like it was emitting cold and imposing aura. With only one glance, it was clear the sword was indeed a very good one. Xue Junliang smiled and said, “Marquis Tengnan is too generous.” 

Then Xue Junliang noted the guard’s unusual pose and asked his name.

The guard’s name was Teng Ying. Although his surname was Teng, he wasn’t a member of the royal family and was born a slave. Because his conduct was very respectful, the previous Teng King picked him and tasked him to take care of the swords. Teng Ying was very obedient and skilled in speech, but actually he didn’t have any talent.

After listening to the guard’s introduction, Xue Junliang soon lost interest. Many people were good at flattering their superiors, but not many people could hide their wisdom and intelligence. Xue Junliang could see that Teng Ying was only good on the outside.

Marquis Tengnan turned to the Empress and signaled to Teng Ying to present her a gift. The gift was merely some treasured pearls from the southern seas. These things might be enough to please a woman, but Teng Yun didn’t like them. 

Marquis Tengnan saw the Empress’ disinterest towards the gift and his heart dropped to his stomach. He had long heard about the Empress’s ability to win Emperor Xue’s favor, if someone could please the Empress, they could easily please Emperor Xue too. But Marquis Tengnan thought his strategy didn’t work well.

Soon, the banquet began and the performances also started. After drinking a few rounds of wine, Teng Xin watched as Marquis Tengnan tried to fawn over Emperor Xue and the other court officials and Teng Xin became very angry. He took his sword and charged towards Marquis Tengnan.

The Marquis was used to living comfortably and surrounded by guards; he didn’t even have the awareness to notice Teng Xin coming forward. Teng Ying, who stood behind Marquis Tengnan, blocked Teng Xin’s sword with a chair.

With a loud crack, the chair broke in two. The Minister of Culture and Civil Affairs, who stood the closest to the scene, immediately held Teng Xin back and persuaded him not to act recklessly. They were all now subordinates under one court, it was better to put down grievances and resentments. Also, the banquet was still on, they didn’t want to anger Emperor Xue. 

On the top seat, Xue Junliang sat with his chin resting on his palm, looking lazy and disinterested as if he was too high to pay attention to petty fights.

Teng Yun was the one cold-sweating. Teng Xin was his eldest brother, and Marquis Tengnan was his father. Teng Yun didn’t want to see his family fight. Eldest brother Teng Xin was a loyal and honest person. He had steadily and responsibly done all his duties as a Crown Prince. But Marquis Tengnan had to spoil Lady Wang to an extent that he disregarded his own country.

Xue Junliang picked up his wine cup and called Marquis Tengnan for a toast. Marquis Tengnan was surprised and quickly came forward to return the toast. After drinking the wine, Xue Junliang laughed, “This Seat has heard that Marquis Tengnan has a very beautiful wife named Lady Wang…”

Hearing Xue Junliang’s comment, Marquis Tengnan knew Emperor Xue was about to win people’s good opinion by putting himself as the bad guy. Marquis Tengnan had no other choice than to affirm Emperor Xue’s question. 

Xue Junliang said, “This Seat also heard that Lady Wang is more beautiful than the moon and the sun combined, is that true?”

Being asked like this, Marquis Tengnan could only shake his head, “She is only of average beauty, could not be compared with the moon and the sun. This lowly subject thinks she is far less beautiful than Her Majesty the Empress.”

Xue Junliang seemed very satisfied when he heard this answer. He continued, “Could not be compared to the moon and the sun, then she should be as beautiful as the stars. If not, how come you pamper her so much?”

Xue Junliang’s tone turned harsher and colder, “This Seat thinks you’re making a mistake.” 

Marquis Tengnan’s legs trembled so much he helplessly fell to the ground and knelt, “This subject knows his mistake, this subject is guilty…”

Xue Junliang was very pleased with Marquis Tengnan’s pleas. He smiled and said, “Since you know and admit your own mistake, you’re allowed to redeem your mistake. This Seat is a benevolent king, this Seat will allow you to send Lady Wang to Marquis Wannian’s residence.”

“Your Majesty?” Xue Houyang’s name was suddenly mentioned, and he was very confused. Why did this have to fall upon his head?

Marquis Tengnan hesitated, “This subject doesn’t understand… Why send her to Marquis Wannian’s residence, and not to Your Majesty?” 

Xue Junliang smiled winningly, “You don’t understand what you’re saying. The three beautiful young ladies that you presented before, this Seat bestowed them to Marquis Wannian. And then this Seat sees you have one woman more beautiful than those three but didn’t want to give her away. It meant you looked down on Marquis Wannian. You were wrong and you had just admitted you were wrong. Now, if you send this Lady Wang to Marquis Wannian’s residence, you can redeem your mistake. This Seat is sure Marquis Wannian is a very generous person, he would not blame you anymore for your past mistake.”

Xue Junliang said it as if he was the one being embarrassed by Marquis Tengnan for not giving away Lady Wang. But all of the court officials present knew the meaning behind it. Emperor Xue didn’t attach any single importance to Marquis Tengnan.

Teng Xin watched how Emperor Xue played Marquis Tengnan and his anger quickly dissipated. He stood straighter and didn’t try to create any more reckless act.

Marquis Tengnan didn’t stay very long in the capital city. He purposefully left Teng Ying to be a guard in the Imperial Palace, and then took his entourage back to the south. Marquis Tengnan said Teng Ying was to be a guard, but in reality he wanted to plant a spy in the Imperial Palace to report to him about Emperor Xue’s movements; in case he needed to prepare himself. 

Marquis Tengnan came and went, but he never once mentioned about entering the Palace to see his daughter. Teng Qianyi had been looking forward to meeting him, and had drawn many scenarios of their reunion. But unfortunately, Teng Qianyi’s hope was one-sided. Perhaps Marquis Tengnan had simply forgotten he had a daughter as soon as she married away.

It didn’t take long before Marquis Tengnan sent Lady Wang to Marquis Wannian’s residence. Xue Houyang’s relationship with Teng Shang had only recently grown closer, and at this time, Emperor Xue had to trick him into receiving this Lady Wang. Xue Houyang vowed he’d be better off dead than letting Lady Wang into his residence; no matter how hard and how loud Lady Wang cried and wailed.

In the end, he brought the topic to Emperor Xue.

Xue Junliang open-handedly took Lady Wang into the Palace, but he didn’t take her as a wife, instead he sent her to Zhuxiu Palace to attend to the young ladies participating in the Triennial Selection. 

After the Lady Wang incident, Xue Junliang received a letter. The letter stated that, during and after the war, a disease broke out in Teng territory. The number of the people infected had recently increased sharply. In order to prevent the disease spreading, Marquis Tengnan drove all of the people living in the affected areas out of the city wall and ordered the guards not to open the gate.

A large number of people had no home and tried to take refuge in Xue Country’s territory. Marquis Tengnan stated he had no money for a disaster relief plan so he sent this letter requesting Emperor Xue to allocate some funds.

The letter came too late.

Because the refugees didn’t have home and food, many of them had died under the city wall. Their corpses piled up as high as a mountain and emitted foul odor. Desperate and hungry, the refugees were forced to eat the corpses; crying as they did so. 

No one among the soldiers guarding the city wall was brave enough to see this scene.

Xue Junliang was furious. In front of the court officials, he tore the letter to pieces and let out a cold laugh, “Marquis Tengnan, this damn bastard!”

The officials all looked down at their feet, didn’t dare saying anything for fear of igniting Emperor Xue’s anger even more and then ended up being used as a punching bag.

After a moment, a few of them carefully suggested transporting food to Teng territory. At this time, it was necessary to give the refugees food. Otherwise, more refugees would move to Xue Country’s territory and the disease would spread even wider. By then, the disaster would be even harder to solve. 

Shen Yi spoke up, “Your Majesty, we’re not even sure if it isn’t Marquis Tengnan’s trick. He deliberately locked the refugees out in order to make you think he was powerless and had no money, then Your Majesty would return him his military power. If we send food to Teng territory, it would be like releasing a fish back into the water. Marquis Tengnan would be free of responsibilities and consequences.”

Shen Yi’s words made sense, but people also thought those words were too cold-blooded; they could not ignore the refugees. Previously, because Teng didn’t belong to Xue Junliang, Xue Country could just sit idly and do nothing. But now, Teng had become a part of their territory, the refugees were now people of Xue; they must help them.

Xue Junliang said, “You dare to speak, you must have some ideas.”

Shen Yi said, “That is true. Your Majesty can send soldiers along with the food, added with a large number of physicians to help treat the patients. Since Marquis Tengnan basically invited us into Teng territory, why not use this opportunity to send troops there?” 

Xue Houyang came forward, “If we send troops in times like these, won’t it provoke people to criticize us? They could say that Your Majesty sending troops is like a thief in a troubled time. People could think badly of us for a long time, and it would be hard for us to win their hearts.”

Shen Yi smiled, “Winning people’s hearts. Marquis Tengnan had to pay allegiance to Xue Country mainly because he could not win people’s hearts. Your Majesty, besides sending troops and physicians, you can also provide medicines.”

Xue Junliang only now spoke up, “Oh… what medicine?”

“The medicine is His Majesty, yourself. Imagine being a Teng refugee; Marquis Tengnan forced the refugees out of the city wall, but at this time Emperor Xue comes personally to help. This way, people can easily draw conclusions about which one is the better leader.” 

“But…” Xue Houyang said, “Although the High Mentor’s suggestion is very good, His Majesty’s safety and health is the most important. If His Majesty falls ill…”

“Marquis Wannian worries too much,” Shen Yi said, “His Majesty only needs to make an appearance at the site, he doesn’t need to go to the places where the disease is rampant. There are so many refugees; His Majesty doesn’t have to meet every single one of them.”

Xue Junliang didn’t utter a word for a long time. Finally, he nodded and said, “This Seat will consider this a bit longer.”

After the court assembly was dismissed and the officials all retired, Xue Junliang was too preoccupied by this matter and unconsciously went in the direction of Yunfeng Palace. 

Teng Yun had heard about the refugees and knew Xue Junliang would come and ask his opinions, so he especially waited for Xue Junliang.

At Yunfeng Palace, Xue Junliang didn’t immediately talk. He was silent for a long time until Teng Yun had to prompt, “Your Majesty, do you know about Teng Zhengxuan?”

Xue Junliang was a bit confused as to why the Empress suddenly asked this question. He said, “Of course, I do. He was the late King of Teng.”

Teng Yun said, “Teng Zhengxuan reigned for thirty years and during that time, Teng Country was prosperous and peaceful. Marquis Tengnan reigned for only fifteen years, yet he bring the country to an almost-collapse.”