Feng Yu Jiu Tian - Volume 10 - Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Feng Ming declared his support directly, of course, giving Rong Tian a satisfactory response.

Rong Tian had never refused a tasty meal brought to him. It was rare for Feng Ming to take the initiative so Rong Tian did not hesitate to receive it all. Pulling his lover closer, he stuck his tongue inside while teasing Feng Ming’s lips to satisfy his appetite. While doing so, he heard a sound of exhalation behind him. Knowing that Empress Dowager and Tong Jian Min were gradually recovering from the shock, Rong Tian reluctantly let go of Feng Ming who was in a daze after being kissed by him.

Rong Tian turned around, revealing a very helpless but unrestrained expression toward Empress Dowager, "Please don’t be angry. I understand your difficulty, but this Grace’s Order was not written on impulse by me. This King’s order was prepared before my ascension to the throne. But I have made my decision a long time ago. While governing state affairs in these recent years, I have sent men to various places in Xi Lei and observed the other kingdoms. Regarding this national policy, no one can persuade me otherwise—no matter who they may be.”

It was unclear whether the shock had been too much to bear, but the Empress Dowager remained still as a stone statue, not displaying any reaction to Rong Tian’s words.

Tong Jian Min was disgusted as he said, "Then, is Your Majesty insistent on abandoning the legacy of Late King?"

"You’re mistaken, General Tong." Feng Ming, rubbed the temples of his head as he sat up from the bed. A moment ago when he was kissed by Rong Tian, his head was filled with confusion and a bit of excitement. Rong Tian’s resolution in refusing to revoke the Grace’s Order was really astounding that it even awoke Feng Ming’s ambition. Naturally, he was duty-bound to help Rong Tian refute Tong Jian Min. “The Grace Order is a great policy. It will make Xi Lei into a great country within a short amount of time. All eleven kingdoms and Li Kingdom will not be able to stand on par with the courageous and bold Rong Tian. Those who think the Grace’s Order will destroy Xi Lei are short- sighted.”

Rong Tian’s refusal to rescind the Grace’s Order made Tong Jian Min disheartened. He was assured that this "suicidal policy" was definitely one of Feng Ming’s tricks. His opinion of Feng Ming reached a record low.

Tong Jian Min snorted contemptuously, “Even with my decades of experience as one of Xi Lei’s generals, I am counted among those short-sighted people? As for Duke Ming—who is constantly captured and is need of rescuing by Xi Lei’s army—you have excellent foresight?”

These fiery words of his had stabbed at Feng Ming’s weak point.

Within the eleven kingdoms, the person who is captured and kidnapped the most is Feng Ming.

Feng Ming’s face grew bright red. He began his habit of scratching his head. After a while, he finally remembered that he was shouldering the task of defending Rong Tian’s policy. Once again, he revealed a serious expression, “The one with excellent foresight is not me, it’s Rong Tian.”

"Well, what a sharp tongue you have..."

"Tong Jian Min," Empress Dowager had been silent for awhile and decided to speak up. In a dignified manner, she said, “Let Duke Ming finished his words."

Right now, Tong Jian Min understood Empress Dowager was on his side so he followed her order and quieted himself.

Rong Tian saw Feng Ming courageously speaking out on his behalf, he felt fascinated. Using his hand to prop his chin, he attentively watch how Feng Ming explained himself.

Feng Ming continued, "Rong Tian has excellent foresight from the time he intended to execute these orders."

"Please explain it a bit more, Duke Ming." Empress Dowager requested.

"Not only is Rong Tian seeing this matter from the point of view of Xi Lei, but also from the viewpoint of someone standing in front of all eleven kingdoms, in search of raw talent."

As the words came out, Empress Dowager was thinking of something, she was slightly moved.

"Excellent!" Rong Tian suddenly burst out laughing loudly, his hand hit the bed as he praised, "This one sentence is really right on: The words from the viewpoint of someone standing in front of all eleven kingdoms, in search of raw talent. Haha, Feng Ming, only you can say such wonderful words. I've always wanted to use one sentence to describe the Grace’s Order, but I don’t want to use words that are hard to understand or wordy sentences. It’s rare for you to come up with a wonderful line like that." He looked at Feng Ming lovingly.

Feng Ming was embarrassed by his praise that he smiled brightly, “I just casually said it without thinking much about it.” Withdrawing his smile, he put on a serious face, “Talented people are a nation’s important resources. To govern a nation requires great talent, improving a nation requires talent, battling and commanding an army requires talent, the person with ability...”

“Ahem...” Empress Dowager cough twice and softly said, “Duke Ming just has to say that ‘those with talent are very important to one nation’ is enough.”

“Oh, yes, that’s right.” Feng Ming quickly agreed and continued on with the topic. “Extending the scope of electing officials to civilians and slaves will increase the country chances of discovering more talent...”

“This is the flaw of the Grace’s Order.” Tong Jian Min was very opposed to the policy that he cannot retort from giving his opinion. “All the talent are within the nobility realm, civilians and slaves belong to the inferiority, how can they have talent? This is like finding a general from a group of monkeys, it’s all wishful thinking.”

Before he finished, Rong Tian, who was leaning against the bed, furrowed his brow and immediately stood up. With two steps, he stood in front of Tong Jian Min just like a huge mountain almost suffocating Tong Jian Min.

Rong Tian motioned his hands toward his waist. Clang! He pulled out his sword from his scabbard, gleaming brightly in his hand.

Empress Dowager and Feng Ming thought Rong Tian was moving in for the kill. Both were shock as they suddenly jumped out of their chair and bed to shout out.

“Rong Tian!”

"Your Majesty, you can’t!"

Within the panicked screams, Rong Tian already held the sword outward. During the route of striking forward, the sword switch direction midway, suddenly turned in mid air and fell within Tong Jian Min’s hand.

Rong Tian looked at the stunned Tong Jian Min. His voice loudly shouted out, “Is Zi Yan out there?” "Zi Yan is here!" A sonorous voice responded from outside the tent.

Rong Tian didn’t ask him to come in; instead, asked him from behind the curtains, “Zi Yan, you have self-taught yourself martial arts for ten years. Do you dare to duel Tong Jian Min in a one-on-one battle? He is famed for his martial arts skills among the veteran generals in Xi Lei.“

"Of course I dare," Zi Yan answered without a bit of hesitation.

Rong Tian had guessed earlier that he would agree, his cold pupils glanced over at Tong Jian Min, “If you win against him, I will immediately free you.”

Tong Jian Min did not think that he would have a way of walking freely, he was emotional.

The Tong Family had been loyal to Xi Lei for many generations. They were brave and resolute; many famous generals were from their lineage. It can be said that since Tong Jian Min was born, he was raised to be become a general. He was under the guidance of the elder generals and his father and was also sent to other teachers skilled in swordsmanship. He had considerable confidence in his skills.

Zi Yan is a general who Rong Tian keeps by his side. During critical times, he was brought forth. Tong Jian Min never saw him within the inner palace of Xi Lei, but listening to his voice from across the curtains, he could tell that that person was in his twenties, so his years of mastering his skills cannot be compared to Tong Jian Min.

The advantage of a young swordsman is his age and health. The more they are in battle, the stronger they become. For a veteran general, the longer the battle, the more he’ll suffer. But a sword battle is not a tug-of-war—you cannot win with strength alone. Victory is determined by the skills and experience that a person has accumulated through the years. A person’s skill could determine whether he has the advantage by quickly knocking down his opponent’s sword in hand.

Tong Jian Min accepted the duel between Zi Yan and himself. He told Rong Tian that if in the future, if he were to capture Rong Tian, he will also give him the same opportunity. After saying that, Tong Jian Min went outside to start his duel.

At this time, Feng Ming let out a sigh of relief. He gently leaned back onto the soft bed. Just when he touched the mattress, he immediately screamed out, “Ah...it hurts!”

Rong Tian hurried over to help him, “I already told you to lie down, why did you have to jump up?”

A moment ago, Feng Ming thought that Rong Tian wanted to kill Tong Jian Min. Due to shock, he didn’t remember that his body had gone through an intense “lovemaking” by Rong Tian which prevented him from freely moving around. Grimacing in pain, he had to endure the consequences of “indulgence”.

Hearing Rong Tian’s complaint, Feng Ming stared at him, “If it weren’t because of you, I wouldn’t be laying here.” Since Empress Dowager was still here, he lowered his voice.

Clang !

While listening to the battle outside, Feng Ming couldn’t figure out what was happening and who had the upper hand. Rong Tian asked Feng Ming if he would like to have a bet with him since he truly believed that Zi Yan will win against Tong Jian Min. Feng Ming refuses to bet since he believed that every time he bet against Rong Tian, he ended up becoming the unfortunate one.

While they were talking for a bit, the sound from outside gradually stopped. Rong Tian called the person inside. Zi Yan stepped inside, still breathing heavily after the fierce battle. His sword was placed back within the sheath hanging on his waist. He saw Rong Tian and gave him a respectful bow.

“Did you win?” Feng Ming stuck his head out from behind Rong Tian.

Zi Yan faced him and gently smiled, showing his white teeth, indicating his answer.

Following behind Zi Yan was Tong Jian Min. The sword Rong Tian handed to him was no longer in his hands. His defeated face made him seemed a lot older.

TJM: I’ve lost.

RT: Do you know who you have lost to?

TJM: Yes, a commoner.

RT: He is also the monkey, who can’t be chosen as a general according to your words.

TJM: Even if a monkey has talent, he is still a monkey. No matter how skillful the monkey is, for him to be a commander of an army, it will only arouse ridicule. According to hierarchy, for generations the aristocrats have been loyal to the royal family. They are the main support of a strong country. You can kill me, but to have me change my views, it cannot happen. But I don’t want to die under the hands of lowly people. I ask Empress Dowager to give me a sword so I can commit suicide.

Even at this time, his attitude was still very firm.

Feng Ming was very surprised. He turned towards Zi Yan to ask, “You don’t have anything else to say?”

Zi Yan shook his head.

His unaffected attitude made Feng Ming feel even more strange.

FM: He insulted you, you’re not angry?

Zi Yan lowered his eyes, thought for a moment before replying, “He can’t escape and can’t win against me. Right now, he’s pitiful to the point of resorting to insults. Why would I be angry?”

For a decent-looking and well-mannered man, Zi Yan’s words were harsh, contrary to his appearance. Tong Jian Min immediately stared at him, his face turned bright red in anger.

RT: Hahaha....Tong Jian Min you can go back. Though you are a bit old-fashioned, you have always been a loyal general. However, Tong Er is different. He dares to band together with Ruo Yan and betray Xi Lei. I will not spare him so easily. When you return, please send him this message. Zi Yan, prepare a horse for Tong Jian Min, along with a sword and a bag of food. Bring him twenty miles from here and release him.

Feng Ming was surprised with Rong Tian’s order. Zi Yan brought Tong Jian Min outside of the tent. Empress Dowager was slightly pleased with the outcome and told them that she will leave to rest a bit. She also asked Rong Tian when he is planning on resuming their journey.

Rong Tian respectfully said, “I was planning on leaving tomorrow to quickly join up with Royal Mother in Xi Qin (capital). But right now, I would like to discuss with you about the decision of our departure.”

Empress Dowager slightly smiled, “No need. Every important matter is all decided to by Your Majesty, isn’t that so?” She sighed and continued to leave. Lie Er had quickly opened the curtains and respectfully escorted her out.

Feng Ming saw that Empress Dowager was upset with Rong Tian and asked Rong Tian if he wanted to explain himself to her regarding the Grace’s Order.

Rong Tian shook his head, “Even if she is dissatisfied, I cannot go along with her decision this time. In this world, there are eleven kingdoms and numerous strong minority groups with different customs. If you want to unify the world under one rule, you have to stabilize the hearts of the people, so I can’t reject the Grace’s Order. This is not an easy task, you have to find the person who is capable enough to withstand it and won’t give up till the end.”

Rong Tian also wanted to reward Feng Ming for his supportive words when he was replying to Tong Jian Min. Feng Ming just told him he didn’t want anything, as long as Rong Tian could cherish him more. Feng Ming also proudly stated that he has talent in communication and he was planning on majoring in it in college, but it required English....

Hearing this, Rong Tian requested Feng Ming to appease Empress Dowager for him and for her to accept the Grace’s Order.

FM: I....I....

RT: Empress Dowager seems to like you a lot and you often said that she is very easy to get along with, just like a mother?

FM: But when she gets mad, it’s also scary. RT: Ah, that I also know.

FM: Then why are you still telling me to? RT: Fine, I won’t force you to.

FM: You’ve decided to go by yourself? That’s right, you’re still her son, you can easily talk to her, I’ll lend my support.

RT: I think we should avoid her, the longer the better.

FM: You want to avoid her? And I thought you’re not afraid of anyone. RT: Aren’t all sons afraid of their angry mother?

Feng Ming eventually agreed to help Rong Tian in appeasing his mother. As for Rong Tian, he volunteered to drag Tong Er off his throne and spank him.

The next morning, the group departed. Feng Ming was inside the carriage along with Chiu Lan and the other maids. Fortunately, he wasn’t the only man in the carriage to receive their loving care. Rong Hu was ordered by Rong Tian to rest because of his injury and was allowed to ride in the carriage with Feng Ming instead of riding a horse. The carriage was lively with the group, along with Lie Er riding beside to give his input. Hearing all the laughter and sounds coming from Feng Ming’s carriage, Rong Tian would smile every so often as he rode in the front.

Zi Yan brought a group of people to the front to investigate if there was any ambush up ahead on the road. Yong Yi led his troops behind the rest, which was very convenient since he could move out of sight from the crowd without them noticing. Upon meeting with a great scenery, Yong Yi would take Lie Er aside and disappear for a while before catching up to the group again.

Since yesterday, Empress Dowager’s attitude became very cold. She hardly smiled at anyone, but she was not angry. She got her own troops; Yong Yi was very gracious and had prepared a rather ornate carriage for this high status woman of Xi Lei. She had several bodyguards surrounding her and was traveling in the middle of the brigade. Feng Ming’s carriage was separated from hers by only ten meters.

Since Feng Ming had promised Rong Tian to appease Empress Dowager, he tried asking for an audience when they paused for a rest. However, Empress Dowager made it clear that she had nothing to discuss with him regarding the Grace’s Order. Feng Ming ended up heading back to his carriage where Rong Tian then asked if he would like to go horseback riding with him. Rong Hu was envious of them and asked Rong Tian if he could also ride a horse. Rong Tian was adamant about Rong Hu resting inside the carriage while letting the maids take care of him.

Chiu Lan saw Rong Hu’s pitiful face and scooted next to him to remind him about Lady Yao Ye’s words of taking good care of the wound and not letting it reopen. She also asked him if he really did not want to be inside the carriage with the rest of them. Rong Hu’s ears grew bright red.

RH: Of course I’m willing to be with you.

Zi Yan was leading in the front. When he saw Feng Ming and Rong Tian catching up from behind, he pointed out and reported to them, “Your Majesty, the harbor is in front of us.”

Feng Ming asked excitedly, “Are we going to travel aboard a ship?”

RT: Yes, it’s safe and we can spare the horses. Everyone could also have a good rest to restore their spirits.

FM: (pulling onto Rong Tian’s sleeves) Hurry, hurry! I want to be the first person on the large ship! Rong Tian, you’re so smart, where did you find this ship?

Rong Tian sighed, “Did you forget that you are the world’s most powerful shipping owner?”

Feng Ming was stunned for a moment. He finally remembered that he had inherited his strange father’s shipping business, along with the valuable sea trading map. For Rong Tian to say that he was the world’s most powerful shipping owner was not just bragging.

Hehe, it seems that having a fortune is not so bad.

“No need to sigh, what is mine is yours.” Feng Ming patted Rong Tian’s shoulder to comfort him, “It’s not a big deal, I can give you two of the best warships.”

Rong Tian was dumbfounded. Grabbing Feng Ming’s waist, he said, “Sit tight, I’ll show you your ships.”

As they rode near the harbor, Feng Ming asked Rong Tian about the Grace’s Order.

RT: I already sent several people to go to all the cities and towns to post up the Grace’s Order. You don’t have to worry, even if we don’t spread the news, Tong Er will help us spread it. He’s probably even afraid that not all the aristocrats are aware of this.

Feng Ming was still worried about Empress Dowager being upset over the whole ordeal, in which Rong Tian reassured him that she will eventually come to understand with time, so they didn’t need to worry.

While leaning against Rong Tian and staring out at the shoreline, Feng Ming saw someone and shouted out, “Look! There’s a dead body floating!”

Rong Tian looked in the direction Feng Ming was pointing and there was indeed a person floating in the river, facing the sky.

Rong Tian shouted once. Zi Yan along with several other men removed their clothes and jumped into the river to drag that person out. Within a short moment, he came to report to Rong Tian.

ZY: Your Majesty, that person isn’t dead. He’s still alive after coughing up two mouthfuls of river water. The person floating in the river smelled of alcohol, he must not have drunk a small portion. It seems that he’s a drunkard who slipped and fell into the river.

RT: After saving him, tell him to leave. Tell him that next time if he’s drunk, be sure to avoid the shore a bit.

Zi Yan went off after receiving the order.

RT: (looking down at Feng Ming) You have saved a drunkard.

FM: Drunkards are people too. Saving a life is more impressive than building a seven story pagoda, it’s a good thing.

RT: I didn’t say it was a bad thing. What is a pagoda?

Feng Ming didn’t even know what a pagoda was, but when he watched TV series, he often heard that phrase and just used it without thinking too much.

Feng Ming just briefly answered, “Overall, it’s something that is admired. Anyhow, since this is a good thing, that’s what matters.”

Rong Tian understood that Feng Ming knew very little so he didn’t bother to ask further. As they started to move a bit, the sound of horse hoofs rang out. Zi Yan caught up from behind them. He had a strange expression on his face.

ZY: Your Majesty, that person who we just saved— we wanted him to go, but instead he....

RT: What about him?

ZY: He jumped into the river again.

FM: What? Didn’t he drink too much and fell into the river? So he wanted to kill himself? Why does he want to kill himself?

RT: It seems that your pagoda can’t be built. This person doesn’t even have the courage to live. Why are you wasting your time on him? Let us go on our way.

Feng Ming elbowed Rong Tian and turned back to stare at him. “Someone is committing suicide and moreover, it’s someone I just saved.”

ZY: Duke Ming does not need to worry. When he jumped into the river, we pulled him out. However, he still wants to jump into the river and is currently arguing loudly over there.

"Go, go and see."

The person that was rescued still wanted to commit suicide but was stopped by Zi Yan’s subordinates. Because of that, he was wailing endlessly, “Hu...Hu...Hu... repay me, repay me! Hu...repay me...”

The subordinates of Zi Yan were all brave and talented soldiers who had never shed tears, even in bloodshed. They had never met a man who cried like that, so they were all surprised.

“Repay what?”

“Hu...hu...I want to commit suicide, just one time is enough...Hu...hu...hu...all of you, one time after the other keep stopping me...Right now, I really want to jump again, hu..hu...repay me...”

“Saving you is considered a wrong thing?”

"I am so unfortunate, it’s better to die. Why do you people pull me back? Let me die in peace, hu...hu...”

Feng Ming wanted to dismount to come closer but Rong Tian’s arms were like iron, which he could not escape from. He turned his head and saw Rong Tian’s disapproving look so he had to sit right there to talk.

FM: Hey, hey, let’s talk it out slowly. Everything can be negotiable, you don’t need to commit suicide. The man continued to cry, “I’m so unfortunate.”

FM: Why are you unfortunate?

“I...”

Rong Tian coldly looked down from above. “First report your name, place of birth, and background.”

Feng Ming frowned and whispered to Rong Tian, “That person is so sad that he wants to commit suicide. You shouldn’t be rude like that.”

The man was very cooperative. While choking back his tears, he replied and said, “My name is Lie Zhong Liu. I’m from Yong Yin, a painter. I sometimes help people write letters and such.”

FM: Then why do you want to commit suicide?

LZL: It’s because no one wants to hire me to draw, hu...hu...someone who cannot work is better dead...hu...hu...Ever since I was young, my father always told me...hu...you have to strive in life...you can’t just do nothing...hu...hu... My father...I’ve let him down...hu...hu...

As he talked, he cried. It was hard to listen clearly. After finishing, everyone had a headache.

Rong Tian coldly shouted, “Stop! A strong, upright man crying like that is unacceptable. If there’s no work, then put in the effort to look for one. Dying like that would only bring shame to your father.”

Rong Tian’s words seemed to have stopped Lie Zhong Liu from crying as he used his sleeve to wipe his tears.

LZL: Do you think that it is easy to find work? There are people who did give me work but I quit. Only a talented person who understands me will come looking for me. If they are fools, then they don’t have the qualification to hire me. Ah, but it’s a pity that talented people are rarer each day. It seems that they are nowhere to be found.

A moment ago, he was crying his heart out with a runny nose and now he has became so arrogant that everyone felt it was astonishing.

Since the group had stopped for awhile, the brigade had caught up. The carriage with Chiu Lan also came, sitting in one place to observe the development. Chiu Yue heard Lie Zhong Liu’s conversation. She laughed and jumped down from the carriage.

CY: I also don’t believe that you are that impressive. You so-called artist, draw me a painting and let me see if you’re not just bragging.

Lie Zhong Liu looked up at Chiu Yue, his eyes lit up and he revealed a flattering smile.

LZL: If you want to have a painting, that can be arranged. I can help paint for you, little Miss Beautiful. I’ve never asked for any payment.

As he spoke those words, everyone was looking at him in contempt.

Chiu Xing and Chiu Lan also stepped out of the carriage and stood behind Chiu Yue. Chiu Xing stuck out her tongue and whispered, “So this person is not only a drunkard, he is also a pervert.”

Since Lie Er happened to be standing next to her, he also unhesitatingly added, “He is a pervert without good taste...Ah! Chiu Xing, you’re stepping on my feet!”

Chiu Lan asked, “You paint for beautiful women and never received compensation for it?”

Lie Zhong Liu’s eyes switched over to Chiu Lan and his eyes lit up as well, just like a hungry person seeing delicious food.

LZL: Compensation is always welcome, but it’s not money. As long as you let me touch your delicate hands and kiss you, then it’s enough. I have talent and looks, so if I kiss and touch you, it won’t be a problem, will it?

His last words “will it?' were more flirtatious than when he spoke to Chiu Xing. Chiu Xing rolled her eyes and ferociously stared at him.

At this moment, even the most sympathetic person of the bunch, Feng Ming, felt powerless against this Lie Zhong Liu. He turned his head to face Rong Tian.

FM: It seems like rotten apples do grow on trees. Let’s not worry about him, we are wasting our time. It’s best to hurry and board the ship.

Rong Tian still looked wistfully at Lie Zhong Liu. Hearing Feng Ming, he nodded, but did not immediately turn his horse around. Instead, he led the horse in front of Lie Zhong Liu, looked down at him condescendingly and in a split moment, raised his foot and kicked him.

Lie Zhong Liu did not expect that Rong Tian would not say anything and kick him. Unguarded, he was kicked and fell into the river again.

Feng Ming was shocked for a moment and anxiously said, “Rong Tian, what are you doing?” RT: Didn't you say he was a rotten apple?

FM: I told you to not worry about him; I didn’t tell you to kick him into the river!

Rong Tian was staring fiercely at the struggling Lie Zhong Liu treading in the river. His face was relaxed but a trace of smile appeared, “This person came here because of us.”

FM: How do you know?

RT: Because he can swim.

Rong Tian withdrew his gaze from Lie Zhong Liu and turned his horse around. RT: Zi Yan, pull him out of there and bring him on board with us.

The yellow dust by the riverside flew up into the sky.