Chapter 6
"Ah ......" Le Ting hesitated for a moment. After looking at Feng Ming’s eager expression, he couldn’t bear to refuse, so he nodded and said: “Alright, I’ll tell you, if it’s boring, please don’t blame me, Duke Ming.”
“Of course I won’t blame you.”
Le Ting cleared his throat, he thought for a moment then slowly said, “I heard that year, the Yan Ting 2nd Prince, Zheng Nan, brought a few followers on his hunting trip in the forest. He shot a big deer, and while roasting it, he suddenly heard someone praising: smells good, smells good, can I eat with you? Zheng Nan saw that although the person wore a plain outfit, his appearance was still handsome and possessed a “high class quality”, which made anyone like him at first glance, so he invited that man to enjoy the venison meat.”
Feng Ming laughed, “Just hearing about handsome looks and high class quality, it means that that person is Young Master Du Feng?”
Le Ting sighed, “I knew I shouldn’t tell a story, since there’s no suspense at all.”
Feng Ming was scared that he wouldn’t speak anymore so he quickly apologized and said, “It’s my bad for interrupting, go ahead and continue, General.”
“That person was in fact Young Master Du Feng. He accepted Zheng Nan, 2nd Prince’s invitation and sat by the fire. Zheng Nan handed him a venison, which he didn’t hold back and ate it. After eating, he gave Prince Zheng Nan a thank you and left.”
Feng Ming wanted to restrain himself from interrupting, but still couldn’t help and whispered, “What fake name did he give Prince Zheng Nan?”
Le Ting smiled and replied, “He didn’t speak much to Prince Zheng Nan, nor did he leave his name. He just ate and then left.”
Feng Ming thought that his encounter with Du Feng was slightly better since he at least gave a name, Mu Sa, which showed a bit of respect. However, he was unsure as to which Du Feng gave face to, his Xi Lei identity or his Young Master Xiao’s identity.
“Three years later, Yan Ting and Li Kingdom had a dispute. Because Li Kingdom was stronger, and couldn’t be offended, Yan Ting King sent Prince Zheng Nan to Li Kingdom as an envoy and to apologize to the King of Li. Young Master Du was currently at Zhao Bei at that time and hearing about that, he immediately killed 12 horses, riding day and night without rest and finally arrived in Yan Ting before Prince Zheng Nan departed.”
Chiu Yue who was standing behind Feng Ming, listened to the story with her ears perked, thinking about that scary Li King Ruo Yan. She felt a chill and showed a trace of fear, she then whispered, “He went there to prevent Prince Zheng Nan from leaving.”
Le Ting shook his head and lowered his voice, “After meeting Prince Zheng Nan, he just said one sentence, ‘I’ll be coming with you.’ As for how he knew about the news, his mean of transportation or how anxious he was along the way, he didn’t mention a single a word.”
Although his storytelling skill was poor and he doesn’t use facial expressions, but with this short, straight forward story, Le Ting had already placed his own unique charm into it. After everyone heard him say, “I’ll be coming with you,” they felt their blood pressure rising.
“What happened afterwards?” Chiu Yue pulled tightly on her small handkerchief in hand, asking eagerly.
LT: When the envoy arrived in the capital of Li Kingdom, Li King deliberately wanted to make it difficult. He called Prince Zheng Nan into the palace to entertain his ministers.
He asked Prince Zheng Nan, “Yan Ting wants to reconcile with Li Kingdom?” Prince Zheng Nan said that, that was his intention. Li Kingdom’s Ruo Yan then asked him if he was really sincere; Prince Zheng Nan said he was. After Li King’s Ruo Yan heard that, he ordered someone to bring out three similar cups of wine and then turned to Prince Zheng Nan to say, “There’s one cup of poisoned wine, if you are really sincere, then choose a cup and drink it.”
Suddenly, a soft gasp was heard coming from Chiu Xing who carelessly whimpered after feeling nervous.
Chiu Lan’s trembling voice asked, “So did Prince Zheng Nan immediately drink one?”
LT: Prince Zheng Nan hadn’t spoke yet when Young Master Du went forward and randomly picked a cup on the table without any hesitation, he then swiftly drank all of it.
Feng Ming exclaimed, “He sure is really courageous, but fortunately, when he chose among the three cups, he chose the one without the poison.”
“Young Master Du doesn’t gamble.” Saying up to here, Le Ting’s eyes revealed a longing gaze of admiration. He continued, “After drinking the first cup, he placed it down and picked up the second one.”
“What?” All the people listening to the story shouted in unison, exposing a disbelief expression. Is this Du Feng an idiot?
“Young Master Du drank all three cups of wine, even Li King was very surprised and asked him, “How is he willing to drink all three cups of wine?”
“Young Master Du just replied to him casually, I just guessed that these three cups of wine don’t have any poison. This place is the palace of Li Kingdom, if Li King wants to kill us, why would he waste his poisoned wine for? He just has to give out a signal and it’ll be done. I did this to prove to the world that Li King isn’t the type of person who would viciously kill an envoy who is requesting for reconciliation.”
“After Li King heard that, he lifted his head and laughed loudly, he then asked; “What if your guess was wrong?”’
“Young Master Du said, “if I were to die for a friend, then that’s the greatest cause for a man.” After saying that, he turned around, grabbed Prince Zheng Nan and laughed for a long while as they left the palace. The guards and ministers were all stunned that no one dared to stop them.”
Le Ting finished his story, he sat quietly that even a needle dropping down could be heard.
Everyone felt shocked about Du Feng’s story. After a long moment, Feng Ming finally let out a long sigh and whispered, “Prince Zheng Nan is fortunate to have a friend like that.” Remembering about his missedopportunity of getting to know Du Feng, Feng Ming regretted it badly.
LT: I have admired Young Master Du for many years now. Where did Duke Ming had a chance to encounter him?
FM: It was in Fen Cheng.
“So Duke Ming went to Fen Cheng today.” Le Ting saw his expression and guessed that he must had missed Du Feng so he was upset. Deliberately changing the subject, he smiled and said, “If you went to Fen Cheng, then you must experience the taste of the Youzi wine there. The taste is way better compared to other wines. All the precious wine within the palace can’t come close to the Youzi wine.”
When the Youzi wine was mentioned, Feng Ming was suddenly startled, oh, how could he almost forget the most important thing?
There was an innocent future father waiting to be rescued.
Feng Ming was feeling troubled about mentioning Tai Can’s brotherinlaw, so after hearing Le Ting mentioning about the wine, he decided to follow through with the topic, “I heard that when the Youzi wine leaves Fen Cheng city, it will immediately become sour, therefore, it can’t be transported outside, is that right? If the capital of Yong Yin is faraway like this, even if one were to ship it out, it would be in vain.”
Feng Ming then became quiet and carefully observed Le Ting’s response.
“Ah.” Le Ting placed the hot cup of tea down, his smile disappeared as he said, “Duke Ming must have seen the broken down inn Tai Can had arranged and heard his cry for help?”
He was so direct, it was beyond Feng Ming’s expectation. Feng Ming asked, “How did you know, General?”
Le Ting shook his head and smiled, “This Tai Can, he had used this “broken down inn” trick many times now. When I was patrolling the area in Fen Cheng, he also used this trick, so how could I not know? I saw that elderly woman cry and so I couldn’t bear it, therefore, I ordered for the execution of her child to be rescheduled and gave them one more chance to ship the wine to the capital. Ah, but whether the wine is shipped or not, the result will still be the same. Overall, it’s just lengthening the time of death.”
Hearing him say that, Feng Ming felt even more strange, “If General also think that his brotherinlaw is innocent, then why don’t you release him?”
“If I could release him, then I would have already done it.” Le Ting let out a sigh, he looked around and said, “Speaking of wine, I suddenly have the urge to drink. Can I have the blessing of drinking a precious wine from the Holy Master Xiao’s wine collection?”
“Of course.” Feng Ming commanded, “Bring the wine here.” Turning to Le Ting, he said, “Although our wine can’t compare to the Youzi wine, it’s still considered as one of the finest wines.”
Luo Deng sent someone to bring over the finest wine and invited Le Ting to drink and enjoy the scenery of the full moon outside. As for the other guests, they can enjoy the music and dance entertainment.
Feng Ming secretly praised Luo Deng for his quick thinking, nodded his head and said, “Good, what does General think about that?”
Le Ting had no objection, “That’s great.”
Leaving behind a group of subordinates, he followed Feng Ming and the others up on the deck.
After the maids prepared the wine and food, they silently left. Only Rong Hu and the other bodyguards stood on the deck with a bit of distance, forming a wall of protection.
Le Ting sat down, after drinking a cup of warm wine, he felt more relaxed, “Right now, there’s only the two of us so it’s much more convenient to speak. I, Le Ting, is a man who enjoys battling and hates most when there’s an interruption, so let’s get straight to the point. Does Duke Ming know that Tai Can is taking advantage of you?”
“Taken advantage by Tai Can?” Feng Ming was shocked, he asked, “Then is the story of his brotherinlaw made up?”
“Although Tai Can is a cunning person, his mother passed away earlier on and he loves his little sister dearly. After his brotherinlaw encountered an unfortunate matter, Tai Can came up with many different methods to save him, so this situation isn’t made up.” After talking in circles, Le Ting asked, “But does Duke Ming ever wondered about why he needed to ask so many people for help? But no one reached out to help save his brotherinlaw’s life?”
Feng Ming haven’t thought about this issue, so he asked, “That’s right, how come no one is willing to save his life?” He couldn’t help but scratch his head.
Without prior preparation, Feng Ming displayed a silly foolish expression.
It was the first time Le Ting met Feng Ming, encountering the famous Duke Ming for a short time and seeing how the person in front of him who was known for his hidden wisdom become naive like this, an amazingly fast change in personality gave him quite a surprise. He couldn’t help but smile, then spoke in a serious tone of voice, “There’s something Duke Ming may not be aware of, even though Tai Can’s brotherinlaw’s matter is a small one, but if anyone with high status were to intervene, then it would be a big matter within Yong Yin.”
Feng Ming became even more surprised, “A big matter within Yong Yin?” His hand hadn’t stopped scratching his head, “General isn’t trying to scare me, are you? First, explain to me clearly, my stomach is quite small. (note: his stomach is quite small meaning “he’s not as brave as he looks.)” His behavior was very cute.
“It seems that Duke Ming isn’t aware of the current situation in Yong Yin.” Le Ting explained, “Yong Yin King has three Princes, his most favorite was the former Crown Prince Yong Yi, but not long ago, when Prince Yong Yi was demoted, his position was taken over by the second prince, Yong Quan.”
Listening to his tone of voice, Feng Ming felt Le Ting was going to start talking about the entire situation within Yong Yin so Feng Ming quickly put on his studious face and nodded his head, displaying that he understood everything.
In fact, he had heard about these things earlier.
Yong Yi lost his Crown Prince position because Rong Tian got involved, requesting some help from Lie Er. As of right now, Lie Er and Yong Yi are stuck together like glue, it can be considered that after he went through a painful decision of choosing the ‘bear paw,’ he got his sweet delicacy.
If Le Ting knew how Yong Yi lost his Crown Prince title, then would he immediately draw his sword towards this little life of his, to take revenge for Yong Yin Kingdom?
FM: I have heard of Prince Yong Quan, who seems like a good candidate. Since he’s the Crown Prince now, he must be actively involved in national affairs than ever before.
Le Ting sighed, “What he had destroyed is already destroyed, he also ruined those words of positive involvement.”
“How is that?”
LT: All the problems started once Yong Quan became the Crown Prince. After His Majesty officially announced the change and made Yong Quan the Crown Prince, the whole place has changed from the past customs. He started bribing for power, with intention of controlling the highest military and political power.
FM: Sooner or later, Yong Yin will belong to him, so what’s the need of doing all this?
LT: Isn’t Rong Tong also recognized as the heir to the throne? So why did he suddenly revolted and stole Xi Lei King’s throne?
This one question of Le Ting made Feng Ming speechless.
The power of being King has always made people lose their mind.
“Right now, as big as the capital and as small as Fen Cheng is, everyone has been dragged into the dispute of the royal family. With the fight among the royalties above, the ministers and officials below either support Crown Prince Yong Quan or the Third Prince, so of course, they would be fighting among each other to the bitter end. Duke Ming is not a person of Yong Yin, so you wouldn’t know the consequences of getting involved within Yong Yin territory. With only me overseeing this area, there have been many soldiers fighting each other to death, so what’s there to do? (Note: Ah, now we know why there was a dead body being thrown from the 3rd story building...) The soldiers who are stationed here, the former ones are of Third Prince Yong Cheng, and the new ones are sent by Crown Prince Yong Quan. Both sides seem to have several lifetimes of hatred, so they would glare at each other when meeting. I don’t want to take any sides, and wish to be neutral when judging, but what’s the result? Something still happened today.”
Feng Ming remembered about what happened at Fen Cheng today, where he encountered that “body falling from the sky.” Needless to say, the victim was involved in the struggle.
With such a brawl, even resulting in a dead body, the soldiers stationed here doesn’t seem to be afraid of Le Ting’s presence.
But when he thought about it, all these soldiers have their own factions. If Le Ting were to take one side, he will offend the other side; overall, he’s just a General managing an area, not to mention Yong Quan, but even the Third Prince can’t be offended. Under this kind of situation, remaining neutral and indifferent, may be the best option.
After pondering for a long while, still feeling puzzled, Feng Ming asked, “What does Tai Can’s brotherinlaw have to do with that? Could it be that Tai Can’s brotherinlaw is one of Yong Quan’s people or perhaps Yong Cheng’s people?”
“His brotherinlaw is just a normal person, the one that they want to deal with is Tai Can, so they decided to take care of his brotherinlaw first. The Tai family has always been loyal to the Third Prince, so the one who proposed for the delivery of the wine to the capital was one of Yong Quan’s people. Therefore, if Duke Ming were to intervene in this matter, then it’s the same as involving yourself among the two Princes’ battle.”
Feng Ming finally realized the huge matter.
No wonder Tai Can was anxious. But even if he knew Tai Can was hiding this from him, Feng Ming couldn’t blame him. Even if Tai Can was daring, Tai Can wouldn’t dare to tell him about the political affairs happening within the Yong Yin royalty, so he could only cry injustice without mentioning about the source of the intricacy.
“Since the two brother’s fighting is so obvious, aren’t they afraid of it being known?”
Le Ting sneered, “What if they know? Which royal family doesn’t have an internal conflict? His Majesty is already of old age, so the majority of national affairs are given to the Princes. Back then, when Yong Yi was the Crown Prince, the two Princes were a little afraid. Now that Yong Yi no longer interferes with the political affairs, those two Princes are dissatisfied with each other, so their fights are fiercer than before. In fact, this time when I came here, I received news that Tai Can came looking for Duke Ming to hear his plea. I was afraid that Duke Ming didn’t understand the whole matter and would hastily intervene, bringing yourself into trouble.”
Feng Ming recalled the man that was killed in front of him today. Because of internal affairs of Yong Yin, even a small city like Fen Cheng was dragged into it. He doesn’t know how much more innocent people will have to die.
Lie Zhong Liu was right, once there is a power struggle among the royalties, innocent people’s blood will flow like rivers.
Feng Ming finally understood why no one wanted to help Tai Can’s brotherinlaw. It was because if they did help, then they would be offending the Crown Prince Yong Quan. Feng Ming then asked Le Ting which person he sided with.
LT: Can I not choose? I was elected by His Majesty to come here. That year, the person who recommended me was Prince Yong Yi. Yong Yi sent a letter that recently arrived, notifying me that if I were to meet Duke Ming, he wanted me to take care of you.
Feng Ming suddenly understood. One can consider that Le Ting is one of Yong Yi’s men, no wonder he doesn’t want to involve himself within the conflict, but came enthusiastically here to explain to Feng Ming about the current situation.
Thus, Feng Ming felt more fond of Le Ting.
Feng Ming frowned and said, “Thank you General for coming here to remind me about the current situation among the Yong Yin royalty. I really don’t want to get involved. However, I already promised to help Tai Can, not to mention about taking responsibility in this, but a person’s life is precious, I cannot just think about the matter being troublesome that I just sit back and watch. General, your greatness, how can you be afraid of the difficulties in front of you in expense of abandoning the weak? This innocent person, I have to save him.”
Le Ting heard that he didn’t want any involvement and felt it was only natural and the best thing to do. He was about to nod his head when Feng Ming suddenly spurt out the words, “have to save him,” which concluded that he had no thoughts of reconsidering, just like words that can’t be taken back.
This time, Le Ting was stunned, raising his head to look at Feng Ming.
The calm young man in front of him was holding a small cup of wine. Underneath the moonlight, his skin was smooth as jade, gentle and delicate, but yet he could speak such noble words. Le Ting was completely surprised, he silently thought, this Duke Ming seems weak, but yet there’s such a fortitude, chivalrous side to him.
Because of Yong Yi’s letter, he was only planning on reminding Feng Ming and thus would complete his responsibility. At this moment, he can’t help but admire Feng Ming, and immediately gave Feng Ming a large toast. After drinking all of it, he said, “Duke Ming is not someone from Yong Yin, but yet still cherishes the life of a minor person of Yong Yin. How can I not have a little bit of courage? Alright, since these days I have enough “bird poop”, tonight when I get back, I will immediately order for Tai Can’s brotherinlaw’s release, so their whole family will be reunited. If Prince Yong Quan send his indictment in the future, then I will take the blame.”
“Absolutely not!” Feng Ming quickly waved his hand and said, “If General releases him, it just means that you are abandoning your neutrality, standing towards Third Prince’s side. If Yong Quan knows of this, he will hold a grudge against you. Right now, he is the Crown Prince, who knows what kind of charges he will frame you with? Saving one person and yet harming another is not the best method, how about...how about....” For more than half a day, Feng Ming still couldn’t find the best method, feeling embarrassed he smiled, “Give me some time to think...” He then started scratching his head.
His plan would have been very simple, which was to convince Le Ting, proving Tai Can’s brotherinlaw’s innocence and begging Le Ting to spare him.
Up until now, he realized, the matters within the world is often times more complicated than expected.
Right now, Le Ting agreed to release the prisoner, but this warmhearted General who wished to remain neutral, how can Feng Ming heartlessly push him into a dangerous partisan struggle?
Even if it’s necessary to save a life, he cannot make Le Ting offend the two Princes, Feng Ming tried to think about a solution, but couldn’t think of anything to solve this difficult problem.
He couldn’t help but to think of Rong Tian.
That person is such a crafty guy, if he was here, perhaps his lips would curve upward, and then formulate a plan that would benefit both sides.
Bastard! Bastard! Right now, he should concentrate on thinking of a way to save someone, so why is he suddenly thinking about Rong Tian? Feng Ming secretly cursed himself for almost getting distracted and he asked Le Ting, “The edict to execute Tai Can’s brotherinlaw, what does the entire issue state?”
LT: The edict was sent by the officials in the capital, according to Yong Yin’s law, if the order is not carried out, then they have the right to execute the person in charge of handling it. Because of Tai Can’s plea, I have already stretched out the time and requested for another shipment of the wine to the capital once more, which is already pressing the issue. Overall, they know my approach to such matter, and never suspected me as a person of the Third Prince, so this can be counted as giving me respect, and approved my request for another shipment of the Youzi wine. However, despite all the respect, they are only willing to give one chance, the second time won’t be considered. This wine brewer, Chao An, once he’s dead, as a local management general, I have to file a report about his charges and evidence to the capital. And in the future, if my report is approved, then the matter may even be implicated to the prisoner’s relatives like Tai Can. If Tai Can is sentenced and imprisoned, his position as Fen Cheng’s inspector of the lucrative pier will fall into the hands of Crown Prince Yong Quan’s subordinates.
Chao An is Tai Can’s brotherinlaw.
Feng Ming widened his eyes and said, “So in the end, all this is because of the Fen Cheng’s inspector position?”
Le Ting asked, “If not, then what else does Duke Ming think they want? A three story, broken down inn? The post as an inspector of the pier is inherited by the family. Tai Can usually does things carefully so they were unable to find fault. However, someone decided to propose such a sinister idea like this.”
Feng Ming’s eyes widened even more. Oh God!
Is anyone going to teach him how to save someone from this chaotic political struggle here?! =========
Rong Tian was wearing rain clothes with a hat, covering his tall stature. Together with Zi Yan, they immersed from the curtain of rain and stepped into Piao Xiang (Fragrant) House.
Within the place, there weren’t that many guests, filling only three or four seatings, which occupied the best spot near the window, and were leisurely enjoying the spring rain outside. Both of them did not glance at the hall one bit, but instead walked up to the second floor, pushed open a door to a room at the end of the corridor and went inside.
Coincidentally, while Feng Ming was drinking wine, enjoying the garden scenery in Fen Cheng, and encountering a dead body crashing through the roof, it was the same time Rong Tian reunited with his men and arrived at the port of Wei Zhen, in Zhao Bei, along the border of Yong Yin.
This small port of Wei Zhen, can’t be compared to the large harbor of Fen Cheng. However, traveling along the waterway of Yong Yin and entering Zhao Bei was the most convenient route at the moment for Rong Tian.
Within the small hall, incense was burning, on the table were four prepared side dishes and a jar of hot wine, just in time!
Zi Yan looked around for a bit and whispered a praise, “The same Xiao Liu Er, always preparing everything properly.” He followed Rong Tian in a haste to arrive here, even though the days were tiring, he was still lively as ever, without the slightest sign of fatigue.
After the person came into the room, closing the door tightly, and looking out of the windows, making sure that no one had followed him, he quickly closed the windows. Facing Rong Tian who was sitting to one side, he gave a respectful salute, “Your Majesty, you’ve finally arrived here safe and sound, I was worried that you might encounter trouble along the way.” Raising his eyes, he glanced at Rong Tian with eyes full of excitement.
Zi Yan and Xiao Liu were acquaintances. They were both promoted by Rong Tian and were placed under strict secret training. To prevent unexpected situations, two years ago, Rong Tian trusted Xiao Liu and sent him to Yong Yin as a spy. Today, they meet again and Zi Yan couldn’t keep calm as he was overjoyed, “What do you mean, we finally arrived here safe and sound? Making it sound like we had to go through much difficulty to arrive here. With His Majesty’s skill, it shouldn’t be a problem traveling between nations.”
Rong Tian looked as if relaxed, but in fact, he was really anxious as he wished to arrive in Dong Fan quickly. He patted Xiao Liu on the shoulder and ordered him to sit down, with a calm voice, he said, “Our elite troops in Zhao Bei have disguised themselves as laborers or sailors, separated into small groups, and will sneak into Yong Yin, using the waterway to pass through Li Kingdom to reach Dong Fan. I will be resting here for one night, tomorrow morning, we will immediately leave this place. Are you still currently working within Yong Quan’s residence? What is the current situation in Yong Yin, right now?”
Two years without meeting, Xiao Liu appeared more thinner than when he was beside Rong Tian that year. Maybe he was taller, therefore, he looked more thinner, but his eyes were unusually seraphic, expressing a sense of confidence and tenacity.
Hearing Rong Tian’s question, he clearly replied, “Yong Yin is currently in a mess, everywhere is chaotic. For a troop to cross Yong Yin is extremely easy, while the two princes are in a power struggle. People fighting among people, the more they fight the more terrifying it is, so who would pay attention to a fleet of sailors and a caravan of laborers?” Pausing for a bit, he revealed an uncertain look, feeling worried he said, “However, once Your Majesty pass through Yong Yin, why don’t you head towards Bo Jian or Bei Qi, but instead decided to head towards Tong Kingdom? That place is enemy territory, if Ruo Yan were to discover...”
Rong Tian didn’t care much as he brushed his hand lightly and laughed, “Ruo Yan is currently dealing with Fan Jia and his large troops are assembled there. His military power within Yong Yin and Tong Kingdom are virtually none. Even if his troops are there, I am not one bit afraid, not to mention that his troops are not there. Bo Jian and Bei Qi are safe territories, but the detour is too far and would waste much time, I ...” He was going to say that he was worried that he won’t be able to return in time to protect Feng Ming who was traveling. He was so concerned that he formed an image of Feng Ming saying, ‘Great wisdom, Great courage,’ that he decided not to say anymore and just added, “I want to head directly to Tong Kingdom to save time, um, Feng Ming’s preparing for his travels, he should be in Yong Yin territory, if there’s any trouble, you have to protect him.”
Xiao Liu nodded his head and sternly said, “Your subordinate understands.”
“The battle between Yong Quan and Yong Cheng, the two princes, what is the current situation?”
Xiao Liu carefully answered, he worked inside the residence of Yong Quan, therefore, received the most news. He explained how ever since Yong Quan was named Crown Prince, he tried to seize power and Yong Cheng cooperated with those ministers whose interest were damaged to form a resistance. He cited many different vivid examples. Rong Tian was sipping wine while listening quietly.
Everything was according to his calculations.
That day when he designated Lie Er to persuade Yong Yi to abandon the Crown Prince title, he already guessed the outcome of today.
Right now, the situation has developed smoothly, he can’t let Yong Quan and Yong Cheng’s power be balanced, for they should continue to fight each other.
Feng Ming said something like: two cranes fighting, the fisherman will benefit.
After listening to Xiao Liu, it seems that Yong Cheng has been completely beaten and his trusted officials are being captured by Yong Quan. Once all of his men are completely captured, Yong Cheng will also be completely ruined.
If Yong Cheng is finished, then Yong Quan will seize full power, and Yong Yin can’t easily gain control as before.
Thinking about this, Rong Tian’s lips slightly curved, he casually said, “If that’s the case then the fight is unfair. We can’t just idly sit aside and not lend a helping hand for the weak. Xiao Liu Er, bring your ear over here.”
Whispering beside Xiao Liu’s ear, he gave two instructions.
After Xiao Liu listened to his words, his eyes suddenly lit up, he laughed, “Your Majesty, please rest assured. Your subordinate understands what needs to be done. Recently, Yong Quan involved himself with Fen Cheng, that harbor over there, it seems like he wants to seize the harbor inspector post. We can start taking action there.”
“Good.”
“Without further ado, your subordinate must now rush over to Fen Cheng harbor. I’ll take my leave, Your Majesty, please take care.” Xiao Liu Er bowed down at Rong Tian, then turned over to Zi Yan, “Zi Yan, take care.” Even though his words were gentle, his eyes were filled with brotherly love.
======
Fen Cheng Port.
Along the Aman River, the most impressive display was the large ship.
Feng Ming tried to put that small head of his to work, using all of his brain cells to figure out the best righteous action to do to help the weak.
Alas, he still didn’t have the talent to solve political matters. While on the battlefield, he can handle facing a bloody war, but with internal political affairs among the royalties, where subtle and underhanded means are done without a trace of blood, this kind of reality made him shiver.
He can’t let Tai Can’s brotherinlaw die wrongfully... He can’t let Le Ting be implicated...
He also can’t involve himself...otherwise this trip across each nations will become a seven nation alliance to kill Duke Ming...
What a difficult problem! If Rong Tian was here, it would be great.
Feng Ming frowned, he poured a few cups of wine and consecutively drank them all at once. Silently looking at the moonlight reflected on the tabletop, the light bounced into his eyes, in a slight momentary glance, everything looked blurry that he couldn’t see clearly.
“I can’t see clearly...” Feng Ming mumbled foolishly, he didn’t know what came to his mind, but he suddenly shuddered, his dark eyes instantly brightened, his hands slapped fiercely upon his thighs as he cried out, “I finally figured it out!”
“What did Duke Ming figure out?” Le Ting quickly asked.
Feng Ming didn’t answer right away, he called Rong Hu over and asked, “Where is Tai Can right now?”
“He’s inside the lower cabin, together with the old lady.” “Call Tai Can over here.”
Rong Hu left immediately.
Within a short moment, Tai Can was brought over. When he saw Le Ting, his face went pale since he figured what he tried to conceal was exposed to Feng Ming, he timidly bowed down and said, “What orders does Duke Ming have?”
Feng Ming glanced at him and laughed, “You there, stop pretending, the whole situation about the Princes; I’m currently aware of it. You sure are daring, even wanted to drag me into this utter chaos.”
Tai Can immediately kneeled down, trembling, “Duke Ming, please forgive my indulgence, I had no other choice and nowhere to turn for help.”
“Why not ask for your Third Prince for help?”
TC: Since Yong Quan is currently the Crown Prince, Prince Yong Cheng is forced into a situation where he can’t lift his head. All of us who are suspected to ally with Prince Yong Cheng are being persecuted. How can Prince Yong Cheng be able to assist us? I’m only a small official, who received a bit of benefit from him. I’ve never harmed anyone and have never done anything evil before. God, why would I even want to offend Prince Yong Quan? I just want to...request for Duke Ming’s help!”
“Tai Can, the reason why I’m asking you,” Feng Ming thought for a long while before asking, “You asked me to save your brotherinlaw not because of your sister, but also because of yourself, to satisfy your ambition? Were you planning on involving me in this from the beginning? If I were to rescue your brotherinlaw, it would mean that I indirectly sided with Yong Cheng and it will increase the strength for him?”
If it was Feng Ming of three years ago, he might not utter these words.
But after going through many different situations, he found that using other people’s lives in exchange for their own ambition was common. Since Rong Tian is no longer here, even if he’s unwilling, he must be careful in speculating about everyone’s ulterior motives.
He must train himself to be strong so that he can protect those around him and complete this journey peacefully.
TC: What is Duke Ming thinking of? I am a small official who pledged his loyalty to Prince Yong Cheng because I wanted someone of support, to live out my days peacefully, so how is there any other motives? My brotherinlaw is currently in danger so how can I even think of taking advantage of the situation for my own gain? What kind of person would I be?
His voice trembled, filled with a hidden anger because of Feng Ming’s misunderstanding of him.
After listening to him, Feng Ming nodded his head, “That’s good. I have thought of a plan that can satisfy both sides, where everyone can be safe.”
Tai Can was overjoyed, he asked excitedly, “What great idea did Duke Ming think of?”
“I want General Le Ting to comply with the edict from above,and handle the execution of your brotherinlaw today.”
Once the words were said, both Tai Can and Le Ting were shocked. Tai Can was stiff for a long time, his chubby face let out a hesitant smile, “This..this is the good idea? Duke Ming isn’t joking around with me, are you?”
“I’m very serious, who says that I’m joking around?” Feng Ming put on a stern face and continued, “When we do this, it will protect General Le Ting from entering the black book of Prince Yong Quan. General Le Ting will follow according to the order received from above, though killing someone is not his intention, Third Prince Yong Cheng will surely understand, so he won’t blame him.”
Le Ting frowned, “But would this still be saving an innocent person or killing someone?”
Duke Ming just told him that he must save this innocent person and yet he has quickly forgotten about it?
“I only said to handle the execution, not to execute the person.”
Le Ting vaguely guessed, “What Duke Ming mean is to pretend to comply with the order of execution, but secretly release Chao An?” He immediately shook his head and narrowed his eyebrows, “This idea is much easier said than done, the execution process has always been carried out in public. Two years ago, there was a prisoner who bribed the guards, using another person to undergo the punishment, and he was discovered. Therefore, before the prisoner is sent outside onto the execution ground, he will be identified once more. This matter is related to the Fen Cheng’s pier post, I’m afraid that the whole process will be closely monitored by Prince Yong Quan’s men, so it won’t be easy to trick them.”
Tai Can desperately nodded, looking nervous, he advised, “The execution ground is not an ordinary place, medical officials will examine the dead body. If there is a substitution or a fake death, all these tricks cannot be concealed from those veteran examiners.”
Feng Ming was very confident, in high spirits he said, “Having a substitution or faking death are all old tricks, which can’t be used to deceive them. This time, we will give those veteran medical examiners a new trick up our sleeves.”
“A new trick?”
Feng Ming swept his eyes between the two men, licked his lips and gave them a smirk.
He was like a little kid ready to perform a big prank, he raised his chest and asked in a low voice, “Have you all played with magic before?”
END of VOLUME 12
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