Feng Yu Jiu Tian - Volume 13 - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

After sending his guests off, Feng Ming felt tired and began yawning.

CL: Duke Ming, you drank quite a lot tonight, please have a rest.

FM: Isn’t it because of you? I also want to rest, but didn’t Xiao Liu say he’ll come?

RH: Let me wait for Xiao Liu. Even if he did come, he’ll just have a friendly chat with everyone. Unfortunately, his status as an envoy does not allow him to easily make his presence known. If Duke Ming wishes to see him once more, then I will wake Duke Ming after he arrives. Will that be alright?

Feng Ming nodded in reply like a young chick pecking food. The maids all helped put Feng Ming into bed. It was Luo Yun’s turn to stand guard so he stood next to the bed with his arms wrapped around his sword. Feng Ming quickly fell into a sound slumber, dreaming about Rong Tian and how the two of them were embracing, staring at each other while laughing. While dreaming, Feng Ming suddenly heard a faint tune. As he concentrated harder into listening, he realized that that melody was the same one he heard at the banquet that night. The sound woke both Feng Ming and Luo Yun. Feng Ming quickly sat up and got dressed.

Chiu Yue rushed in and shouted out, “Duke Ming, hurry and look, that flute player is currently on the river. I finally spotted him!” After finishing, she pulled Feng Ming outside, ignoring whether or not Luo Yun approves.

A group of people ran out onto the deck, looking outward towards the river, sure enough, not far from the ship was a small boat floating on top of the river. There was no boatman, only a slender dashing figure with his back to the crowd, playing the flute while standing.

The sky was beginning to light up into a misty gray around them, the fog enveloping the river below created a mysterious aura around the person, but it still gave a hint of familiar intimacy.

After finishing up the tune, that flute player slowly turned his head, his eyes filled with joy and curiosity looked upward and rested on Feng Ming’s ship.

“I know that I shouldn’t disturb your beautiful dream, but the scenery of the morning sunrise is so beautiful. If Duke Ming were to miss it, wouldn’t it be a shame?”

His thin lips curled up forming a bright, warm smile.

Feng Ming saw clearly who that person was, he was overjoyed that he laughed and shouted out, “No wonder women of the world are all mesmerized by Young Master Du Feng. Your romantic aura is incomparable. Ah, the sunrise is beautiful. Unfortunately, I am not an ordinary young lady who is easily seduced by you.”

Feng Ming put on a serious face, assuming that it was indeed a very serious expression, “I still remember the first time we met. When you lied to me, giving me a fake name, something like...Mu Sa. Ha ha, if you don’t come up here and chat with me as an apology, then I won’t forgive you.”

Du Feng couldn’t guess that Feng Ming would have that kind of reaction. Slightly surprised, he revealed a more carefree smile as he chuckled and sighed, “Since you've said that then I have no other options except to climb aboard.” Inserting the flute to his waist belt, he rowed the boat near the ship and proudly boarded it.

Once on the ship, before he could reach Feng Ming, Du Feng was surrounded by five or six of Xiao’s bodyguards.

Feng Ming knew how fierce they could be so he quickly shouted out, “I want him to board the ship! He is Du Feng of Bei Qi! Hey, hey, he’s the “Reluctant King,” haven’t you all heard of him?”

A cold voice traveled into his ears, “Who cares who he is, even if the R eal King is here we still need to search him, not to mention one who is a fake?”

Without turning around, everyone knew the one talking was Luo Yun, standing beside them.

Among the Xiao Bodyguards, only Luo Yun’s voice holds much importance. They searched Du Feng thoroughly from top to bottom and then reported, “Only a flute, no weapons found.”

Feng Ming silently thought, as long as Luo Yun is here, making new friends will be difficult, yet he didn’t want to scold him. He could only turn to Du Feng and apologize for the inconvenience, “Young Master Du Feng, please don’t be angry, this is just...uh..haha..necessary formalities...”

“It’s just little things, no need to mention. Duke Ming is of noble status so it’s better to be more careful.” Du Feng’s face was as usual, still smiling with a gentle warm tone, he then added, “I have many friends around the world, though this is the first time I’ve been surrounded and searched by many.”

Feng Ming was extremely embarrassed, he had to change the subject, pretending to be surprised, he asked, “Is it true that during that day when you accompanied Yan Ting Prince at the Palace of Li Kingdom, Ruo Yan didn’t have you searched?”

Du Feng knew Feng Ming wanted to change the topic. Not wanting Feng Ming to be embarrassed anymore, he gently smiled and explained, “Why would Ruo Yan want to search me? He was expecting me to carry along weapons into the palace just so he had an excuse to kill. However, weapons are evil objects, and it’s not my nature to carry them along. All of my friends know this.”

Feng Ming let out an “oh” sound, as if he had realized something. He glanced over at Luo Yun for a bit, silently thinking, ‘L earn something, not just carrying a weapon all day and killing people is a good thing. Without conflict we can still earn the hearts of the people. Without weapons, one can still succeed in battles, which is a real talent. No wonder the princess of Zhao Bei is infatuated over him, even not wishing to become queen.’ Full of admiration, Feng Ming submissively said, “Please come inside, have some tea while we chat.”

Du Feng agreed and everyone immediately entered the main cabin.

Chiu Yue was left behind for she was standing to one side and muttering to herself. When Chiu Lan asked her, Chiu Yue replied that the Heaven had granted her wish of seeing “The Reluctant King” again. Chiu Lan was curious as to when she had that wish and told her it would be more useful to wish for a good husband or to stay forever beautiful. Chiu Yue said she wished for those as well.

When asked how many wishes Chiu Yue prayed for, Chiu Yue replied that she couldn’t remember, maybe..one hundred. After hearing that, Chiu Lan placed both hands together and muttered to the Heavens to forgive Chiu Yue, not to punish her for she had a moment of weakness...

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Once everyone settled down inside the room, Chiu Xing personally served the tea. Du Feng received the hot cup of tea offered by her with both hands. He smiled and thanked her, while looking at her with his painted eyes, her face suddenly flushed red to the tip of her ears. Once the cup left her hands, she quickly ran off. Even Feng Ming was amused.

FM: I’ve heard of your reputation.

DF: Is it “The Reluctant King?”

Feng Ming nodded his head, “Not bad, “The Reluctant King” is an interesting name.”

“Is it really an interesting name?” Du Feng sighed loudly, “Does Duke Ming know what the end result to this story is?”

Feng Ming never thought of this, he was slightly surprised and asked, “What is the ending?”

Recalling the memories was something Du Feng wasn’t happy about, after a moment of silence, he finally answered, “The Princess’s name was Chang Liu, a passionate beautiful woman. After writing a letter of rejection to the Tong Kingdom Prince’s request for hand in marriage, her father, Zhao Bei King was upset and confined her. Her mother tried persuading her to accept the marriage, but Chang Liu would not agree.”

CL: Could it be that Zhao Bei Princess is still locked up by her father?

Du Feng shook his head. Seeing him shake his head, the two maids, Chiu Lan and Chiu Yue were relieved, “So she was released?”

Du Feng revealed an hesitant smile and continued, “Marriage between royalties has always been the method of maintaining monarchy. How can Zhao Bei King refuse Tong King’s request for a political marriage with good intentions? He imprisoned Chang Liu, but could not find any method for her to agree to the marriage. Therefore, Zhao Bei King decided to have his second Princess, Jin Liu sent over to Tong Kingdom.”

It seems the story did not end there....

“However, Princess Jin Liu and her older sister were alike, they both had someone they liked...”

Seeing how Chiu Lan and Chiu Yue’s eyes had rested on him, Du Feng explained, “The person Jin Liu loved was someone else, it wasn’t me. I heard it was a young guard of humble status within Zhao Bei.”

The two maids let out a light “oh” as their suspicion was lifted.

Not just them, even Feng Ming was very doubtful.

“Jin Liu knew that her father wanted to send her to Tong Kingdom, but would rather die than obey. Zhao Bei King understood his daughter well so he ordered a minister to lure the young guard onto a boat, tied his hands and feet and threw him into the river to drown.”

Before he finished, three gasping sounds interrupted him, all harboring a sense of shock. The two sounds came from Chiu Yue and Chiu Lan who were standing behind Feng Ming, the third one came from behind the curtains. It was in fact Chiu Xing who didn’t wander far and was hiding behind the curtains, eavesdropping on the conversation.

Feng Ming was also shocked inside, but seeing his maids’ reaction to this tragedy, he decided it would be best for them to not hear more or else they’ll start crying, “Please bring something to eat over here.”

Chiu Yue was extremely concerned about Zhao Bei Princess who suffered and in a trembling voice she asked, “So what happened next?”

Hearing Feng Ming order the maids to grab food, Du Feng knew what Feng Ming had in mind, he didn’t reply, only stared at Feng Ming.

This person was very observant and had the ability to understand people at one glance. Feng Ming secretly praised him, but since Chiu Yue opened up to ask, even if he were to ask them to leave, they would be bickering among themselves. Letting out a sigh, he glanced over at Du Feng, “Please continue, I would also like to know what happened to that Princess.”

====

After a moment, Chiu Xing came out from behind the curtains and sat next to Chiu Yue, silently listening along.

Du Feng continued, “ The King of Zhao Bei thought that after killing the person his daughter loved, she would no longer have any hope and would peacefully become Tong Kingdom’s Crown Princess. But he was wrong. Princess Jin Liu learned about the matter and that night...she committed suicide.”

The audience had already guessed what had happened, but hearing Du Feng say it aloud, their hearts trembled uneasily inside.

“After his daughter’s death, Zhao Bei King was not only depressed, he was very heartbroken. The news of Zhao Bei King agreeing to the marriage proposal from Tong Kingdom had been sent out, but after the Second Princess’s death, who will take her place? Without no other choice, he decided to send his third daughter Princess Su Liu to Tong Kingdom.”

“Ah?” "Ah?" "Ah?"

Once Du Feng mentioned a Third Princess, everyone was in shock. For the situation to come this far was beyond everyone’s guesses. The tragedy was pitiful enough, does the story need to make another person suffer as well?

Feng Ming finally understood why mentioning “The Reluctant King,” made Du Feng show such a sad expression.

Chiu Yue bit her lips and said, “Is Zhao Bei King the real father of these three princesses? Even though women are not worthy, they shouldn’t be forced to suffer like this!”

“So did that little Princess go to Tong Kingdom?” The question Chiu Lan asked was more practical to the matter.

“No.” Du Feng chuckled bittersweetly, “Zhao Bei King only have three princesses, the second one had died, there was the eldest who refused the marriage and the youngest who was not even 13. The Third Princess was young and timid. Hearing that she will be sent far away, she cried night and day. Her cries were heard throughout the palace of Zhao Bei and eventually spread to the ears of Princess Chang Liu who was imprisoned.”

“Ah?” Chiu Yue softly sighed, feeling suspicious, she didn’t want to believe, “Then...Princess Chang Liu...”

“She accepted the marriage and is now the Crown Princess of Tong Kingdom.”

After saying that line, the whole room went silent. No one knew what to say.

“Clear breeze gently passing by the self­injured branch, crying all her tears and yet still longs for that someone, refusing your kindness as a consort, for I still wish for the Reluctant King, my beloved Du.” (Note: Breeze = Feng, Branch = Liu, Du = surname)

Du Feng slowly crooned, “The Reluctant King, does he really need to be the Reluctant King?” He sighed looking up at Feng Ming, “Does Duke Ming now understand the meaning behind the words The Reluctant King, and what they mean to me?”

Feng Ming felt greatly ashamed, he placed his hands together to apologize, “You’re right, I’m wrong, I hope you don’t take offense.”

Du Feng released a faint laughter before falling silent.

Chiu Yue asked, “But why didn’t you...rescue the Princess and took her out of there? ...You and the Princess...how could you be willing to just...”

“How did you know that I didn’t go to Zhao Bei?” Chiu Yue’s eyes lit up, “You did? Then...?”

DF: Since I’ve been to Zhao Bei, I have several friends there. After receiving the news, I’ve used all sorts of method to enter Zhao Bei Palace and find Chang Liu. I was planning on bringing her faraway.

CL: Were you discovered by Zhao Bei King?

DF: If I was, then I would have already been dead...

“Then...?”

DF: I saw Chang Liu and I wanted to rescue her, but she asked me a question.

“What’s the question?”

DF: She asked me, you can rescue me, but can you also rescue my little sister along with all the other noble ladies in Zhao Bei who can be sent to Tong Kingdom?”

This memory have been relived in his mind a thousand times, once it was spoken out loud, the helplessness and grief of Princess Chang Liu were portrayed vividly. Feng Ming was listening from one side and after hearing those words, his chest felt as if it was pressed with a heavy stone.

They looked at Du Feng wanting to comfort him with a few words, but not even a single word was spoken. Anything said was useless. After a moment of silence, Chiu Xing suddenly gasped, she stood up and softly said, “The tea is cold, let me change it for another.” She took Du Feng and Feng Ming’s cups and ran off as if escaping the tense atmosphere.

“So, Princess Chang Liu still ends up...accepting marriage to Tong Kingdom?” Chiu Lan whispered.

She didn’t expect Du Feng to answer. The answer to this question was something they all knew. Feng Ming and Rong Tian were most afraid of separating, so after hearing the story, he couldn’t help but compare Du Feng and himself, if Rong Tian and him were to be separated like that, then it would be best to die.

His heart was in pain. Recovering from his emotions, Feng Ming suddenly remembered that he is now a Leader. If he cries, then others would criticize him. Quickly blinking hard and placing the thin layer of wet fog back inside, he tried to express some comforting words, “Things of the past after all has already passed. There’s no use in being depressed. Also, our ship is planning on heading to Tong Kingdom, why don’t we...”

Before he could finished, Feng Ming noticed that Du Feng was gently smiling at him, he gave an apologetic expression, paused, and then continued, “Does Master Du want to come along with us to Tong Kingdom? We might even get to see Princess Chang Liu.”

Of course, the premise is that hopefully, the Prince of Tong Kingdom would not take revenge, order his army to slice them into eight to ten pieces.

Du Feng’s lips curved upward, displaying a helpless smile, he sighed and then admitted to Feng Ming, “Meeting Duke Ming seems like we’re already close friends. I wasn’t planning on hiding anything. Originally meeting you at Fan Cheng and then departing, I was planning on heading to Fan Jia to see the current situation. I also know many friends there. Does Duke Ming know why I decided to turn back halfway and deliberately chase after Duke Ming’s ship?”

Feng Ming was surprised for a moment. He thought that Du Feng and him had a destined encounter. It seems that Du Feng intentionally chased after him and maybe last night’s flute playing was also intentional.

But why?

Even though he had been with Rong Tian for quite for some, Feng Ming still could not contain his emotions or receive the same poker face expression like Rong Tian. Encountering a situation in which he didn’t quite understand, Feng Ming exposed a cute puzzled face, humbly asking, “Then, what is the reason?”

Luo Yun sternly examined Feng Ming, if this “Young Master Xiao” dares to make a silly stupid action such as scratching his head in front of “outsiders” like Du Feng, then he will definitely use the hilt of his sword to knock Feng Ming’s skull.

Chiu Yue was the most sensitive, at this time she noticed that Luo Yun was shooting sharp and dangerous glances at Feng Ming. She couldn’t help but gave some warning glances at Luo Yun.

Y ou stinky bastard, you need to display some respect!

Du Feng did not seem to notice the undercurrents that were happening between the others. His eyes were still on Feng Ming, he frankly answered, “Because I’ve received a long letter written by Princess Chang Liu.”

"What?"

“Princess Chang Liu!”

“A personal letter?”

“...!”

CY: Did the princess want you to come pick her up from Tong Kingdom?

CL: Can Young Master Du tell us what Princess Chang Liu wrote in the letter? Actually...this is Princess Chang Liu and your own affairs, we shouldn’t have asked.”

FM: For Princess Chang Liu’s letter, to force you to abandon your plans for Fan Jia and travel back here to chase after me must mean that there’s a relationship between the contents of the letter and me?

DF: There is a huge relationship. FM: Oh?

DF: Chang Liu said she left her homeland, she is alone in a foreign land and usually encounters many depressing situations. She couldn’t sleep, has lost weight and fallen sick.

CL: Sick? Then what should be done?

DF: From the time I’ve received her letter, I have decided that no matter what she wanted me to do, I will immediately throw away everything, regardless of the consequences to achieve her wish.

CY: Princess Chang Liu told you to pick her up immediately from Tong Kingdom, right?

DF: If this was the case, then it would be much easier. I’ll just be chased by Tong Kingdom, though, I am not afraid of anything. But Chang Liu...she...Chang Liu requested three things from me. The first one, she’s sick, having sleepless nights, haggard to the point of falling ill. She said she doesn’t want to die, at least not now because if she died, her husband might again request Zhao Bei King for a propose marriage to marry her third sister. She doesn’t wish for her sister to suffer the same fate as her, therefore, Chang Liu wants me to search for a medicine to cure her illness.

FM: Mental worries are treated by mental medication. What Princess Chang Liu suffers is anxiety and I believe you are the cure to her worries.

DF: The source of Chang Liu’s illness is because she cannot sleep. What she needs is not me, but the treatment to calm her nerves. That is the reason why I came to see Duke Ming.

FM: Oh please, there is no such medication that can calm the nerves. I see you’re in denial, hurry...ah? What did you say?

This time, Feng Ming heard Du Feng’s last few words, his mouth opened wide, the finger he was just pointing at Du Feng was now pointing at his nose, “Me? I have a medicine that she needs? What kind of miracle pill?”

DF: Only Duke Ming has this object. It is called the “An Shen Stone” just as famous as the Heaven and Earth ring.

FM: An Shen Stone?

Feng Ming repeated the strange name twice, with little impression, he turned to look at Rong Hu, “Ah, have you heard of this thing?”

“Yes.”

“You have? Is it a treasure within the Xiao Family?” “Yes.” Rong Hu gave a simple one word answer. “Bring it here, fast.”

Compared to Feng Ming’s excitement, Rong Hu did not move an inch, “Duke Ming.” “What is it?”

“ The An Shen Stone is the most famous treasure in the world.”

“Why is that?”

Rong Hu examined Du Feng and replied to Feng Ming, “It’s very expensive.”

Once he said it, he suddenly suffered a very massive kick. Turning around, the person who kicked him was Chiu Lan. After kicking Rong Hu, she softly scolded him, “There’s someone who is losing her life and you are thinking about how expensive the treasure is?”

DF: Even though Du Feng is not wealthy, my estate is not lacking in expensive items. When I received the letter, I have sent an order to my subordinate to sell off all my assets. As long as Duke Ming state the price, I am willing to become bankrupt. It’s just selling off land and assets take time to exchange to gold and transporting it would take a month’s time. If Duke Ming trusts Du Feng, can I bring An Shen Stone to Tong Kingdom first? After half a month, Du Feng will personally exchange it for gold and silver.

FM: You don’t need to do all that, there’s no need to sell off your land. The purpose of An Shen Stone is to calm the nerves. Having it in my treasure safe would be a shame. A treasure needs to be at a place where its purpose is played out, can it be regarded as a treasure.

Feng Ming turned to Rong Hu and said, “Alright, where exactly is the An Shen Stone?”

Rong Hu understood Feng Ming’s meaning, but thinking about how Feng Ming handles his treasure and wealth worries Rong Hu.

While Rong Hu was silently worrying, he received another kick. Without asking, it must be Chiu Lan. Rong Hu looked up and saw Chiu Lan was pleading to him, frowning, he said, “ The An Shen Stone is a one of a kind treasure in the world, for Duke Ming to easily hand it over to someone like this is not worth it.”

CY: It’s Duke Ming’s stuff, he can give it to whoever he wants.”

“The Xiao family is ostentatiously wealthy, open­minded, generous throughout the world. If Young Lord Xiao wishes to give a few things as gifts, not to mention one, even hundreds, thousands, what is there to considered? If the Young Lord Xiao wishes to give it to that person, then it’s not up to Rong Hu to have a say in it.” That sharp cold tone was Luo Yun.

He wasn’t one of Rong Tian’s men so he wouldn’t worry about how Rong Tian would manage his military forces in the future. According to him, if Young Lord Xiao still needs to have his subordinate agreement to give things to people then that would be a complete shame.

Chiu Yue did not expect that Luo Yun would speak for them, feeling surprised, she stared at Luo Yun for a bit.

Seeing how embarrassed Feng Ming was, Du Feng felt uneasy, thinking for a moment, he looked up and said, “Well, Duke Ming doesn’t need to give me the An Shen Stone, just let me borrow it. After Chang Liu recovers, I will ask her to return the An Shen Stone immediately to Duke Ming. I will also send gold and silver in exchange, just see it as a “borrowing” incentive for the An Shen Stone. Would that be alright?”

His eyes fell onto Rong Hu. He understood that the only obstacle left in having the An Shen Stone was only Rong Hu.

Hearing this, even Rong Hu had no interest as it seems that everyone is taking Du Feng’s side, especially his beloved wife, Chiu Lan. If he didn’t nod his head today, then Chiu Lan would probably resent him for the next few months. Feng Ming would also lose face if he were to refuse. Looking down, he silently thought, the Xiao Family has thousands of treasures, losing one would not be a huge thing, so why should he let Duke Ming be embarrassed in front of an outsider? Silent for a moment, he replied, “Although I’m responsible for the Xiao Family’s property, but the real owner is still Duke Ming. Whatever Duke Ming says, we’ll follow it.”

FM: Do as I say? Then quickly do as I say. (turning to Du Feng) You don’t need to worry, hurry and tell your subordinates to halt their property selling.

DF: Du Feng cannot just gain without merit, not to mention that An Shen Stone is...

FM: Let’s not talk about An Shen Stone. Just tell me, do you consider me, Feng Ming, as a friend?

Du Feng was surprised, he nodded and smiled, “If I didn’t consider Duke Ming as a friend, I wouldn’t have boarded the ship.”

FM: That’s great! Couples have an item to symbolize their love. Since we are friends, we’ll have an item to symbolize our friendship. An Shen Stone is the item!

After the moment of excitement, Feng Ming suddenly remembered a very important issue, he quickly pulled Rong Hu aside and asked, “Not good, I forgot to ask the location of An Shen Stone. It’s not in a faraway location like in Yan Ting is it? Please tell me it’s currently on the ship.”

Rong Hu smiled, he didn’t expect Feng Ming to be nervous about this, “Reporting to Duke Ming, An Shen Stone is currently in the treasure cabin of this ship.”

“Really?”

Rong Hu explained, “Has Duke Ming forgotten? Young Lord Xiao has to make several trips through different nations, Luo Deng had prepared everything. All of the precious treasures inside the warehouse were all transported onto the ship so that you can readily use them. An Shen Stone is among them. I have checked the booklet yesterday.”

FM: Hurry and bring it here.

Rong Hu quickly grabbed the item and brought it to Feng Ming’s hands.

FM: There’s nothing special, it’s almost similar to an ordinary stone, just a little bit darker.

CL: When you are not sleeping well, you will know whether it’s useful or not. It’s really a treasure, hold it in your hand and you can feel yourself at ease. I wonder what is the reason for it? Maybe it was taken from a mountain where the Gods live.

FM: But it appears ordinary. (Placing it in Du Feng’s hands) Now this is our friendship item. That’s right, since I gave you something, do you have something for me?

Du Feng stared at his clever and lively expression, looking at him for a moment, he reached into his waist belt and pulled out his jaded flute, “I don’t have anything special on hand, just this flute that has been with me for ten years. It should be enough to qualify as a keepsake.”

Feng Ming, who experienced the beautiful melody by Du Feng now had the opportunity to examine his flute.

This flute was very different from the ordinary green jade color, it was darker, but unlike the ordinary reflective jasper, there was little transparency, strangely enough, it could make anyone feel amazed.

Feng Ming was planning on reaching out to accept it, but someone else was quicker than him and grabbed the flute away. He was stunned, looked up and saw that it was Luo Yun.

As usual, Luo Yun took the flute that played that fairy­like tune and examined it closely. Not only did he flip it around, he even sniffed it and as if not satisfied, he actually extended his tongue and licked the body of the flute.

Chiu Yue scolded him, “How filthy!” Just when she was about to continue, Rong Hu pulled onto her forearm. “He is testing to see if it’s poisoned.” Rong Hu whispered.

Sure enough after checking the flute from top to bottom, he handed the jade flute to Feng Ming, “It’s good.”

Feng Ming accepted the jade flute, happily held it in his hand without putting it down. He faintly felt the convex carving of the flute, which was a lot different than how he imagined when holding it. Not knowing what the jade is made of, it must be very rare, feeling excited for a bit, he felt something was wrong and turned to Du Feng, “This flute is very precious, and for you to carry it along for many years, how can I take it? No, it’s best if you give me something else.”

After finishing, he reluctantly handed the jaded flute back.

DF: Then is An Shen Stone not considered precious as well? It’s because the flute is carried beside me that it is considered precious, so why not? (Refusing to accept the jade flute Feng Ming wanted to hand back).

Hearing that it made sense, Feng Ming took back the flute. He really liked the item so much, Feng Ming quickly placed it in his waist belt, putting on a handsome gesture and anxiously asked Du Feng, “What do you think? Does it look alright?”

Du Feng smiled, “It’s like you have worn it for several years. If one did not know, they might mistake you to be a flute master.”

The two of them looked at each other for awhile and then invariably laughed together. Exchanging a keepsake item is considered a major completion. They then sat down and continued to talk.

Chiu Xing slipped out again for their third round of hot tea. Chiu Yue, Chiu Lan, Rong Hu, and Luo Yun sat together with them in the main cabin.

 
“You just said that Princess Chang Liu has three conditions...” Feng Ming mentioned about the situation earlier and looked at Du Feng. Sure enough, Du Feng’s refreshed face suddenly became slightly downcast.

“An Shen Stone is only one of them, which is the most important. As for the other two...” Just when he was about to continue, he felt a bit embarrassed, unlike the wealthy young master he is, he lightly said, “The second thing she mentioned was, she wants a pot of Wen Lan.”

“Wen Lan?”

Feng Ming had never heard of such name and just like before, turned to face Rong Hu, who shook his head, replying he also had not heard of such name.

“Wen Lan is an extremely rare orchid, which I heard is not easy to plant. I’m afraid that not many people have seen it in the world.” Du Feng appeared as if thinking about the past, he smiled reluctantly and whispered, “It’s my fault. Why did I mention about this type of flower to her? I’ve told her that she had a sort of aroma similar to Wen Lan. If one were to smell it once, he will not find any other fragrant compare to it. Ever since I met her, all the women in this world were neither beautiful nor as fragrant as she was.”

Chiu Xing felt a bit sad.

DF: Actually, I have never seen Wen Lan and of course, have never smell it as well. The time I saw Chang Liu was when the royalties of Zhao Bei were having a ceremonial prayer to the water god for good weather. I was invited by a noble friend in Zhao Bei, from the Aman shore, when I lifted my head, she stood in front of me, quietly staring at the river. I couldn’t help but said those open lies, “Your Highness, do you know you have a special aroma, just like the Wen Lan flowers.”

FM: That...Wen Lan, what does it look like exactly?

Du Feng shook his head, “From the moment I lied, I also wanted to look for a Wen Lan flower to give to Chang Liu, to make up for lying to her. But I traveled across the world and only heard someone say that there is such an orchid like that, but no one have really saw it. Ah, every lie will eventually have a retribution. Chang Liu said within the letter, she is alone in Tong Kingdom and wants a pot of Wen Lan as companion. Even now, how can I bear to tell her that I’ve never seen Wen Lan and don’t know where to find the orchid flowers of her dream?”

This was a really big problem.

Not only did he have a headache, even Feng Ming and the rest had a headache.

Princess Chang Liu was already quite pitiful and for her to receive another blow would be worse. Who would have the heart to tell her that her first encounter with Du Feng was a lie? Even though Du Feng did not intend to hurt her, he saw a beauty and couldn’t help himself with the flattery.

“What about the rest of you? Do you know where it is?”

All of his maids haven’t even heard of it so how would they even know where it was located. Rong Hu thought for a long time, he hesitated a bit before making a suggestion, “If we put up a reward, maybe someone will say something.”

“That’s right! If someone does have it, we can buy it!” Feng Ming immediately agreed.

Du Feng chucked, “This method I have tried before and all the flowers were fake. Those so­called Wen Lan were all forged with other orchids, or they are from some rare part of the mountain. Because of money, people are willing to do anything.”

“Oh?” Chiu Lan did not understand, “How can you tell if they were fake? If you haven’t seen Wen Lan before, how can you be certain?”

FM: That’s right! If this type of flower is rare, then it’s easy. We’ll just need to find a rare specie of flower with a unique scent and give it to Princess Chang Liu, she hasn’t seen it before either.

Even though this was a little deceptive, but it’s better than to tell her the truth, right? CL: That’s right! Duke Ming is so clever!

When Chiu Lan asked the question, she already had a hidden meaning, but because she didn’t want to directly say anything. Compared to her, Duke Ming was relatively more straightforward.

DF: Although she haven’t seen it before, it is documented in books.

Du Feng gave a smile and gazed at Chiu Lan. His eyes, no matter who he focused on were filled with intimacy. Eyes like stars, made everyone’s heart beat heavily, even Chiu Lan, who was a wife, had to scream out in danger, the Reluctant King’s charm is incredibly alluring. Chiu Lan quietly stroked her racing heart and listened closely to Du Feng’s reply.

DF: It’s recorded that when Wen Lan blooms, its flowers are black. Although it’s black, it is extremely beautiful and has a light aroma, just like a beauty’s charm.

Feng Ming and Chiu Yue looked at each other.

Wow, that kind of orchid? Black flowers, yet gorgeous, with a light aroma, even the fact of imagining it is hard and describing it as a beauty’s charm. What kind of book did Du Feng read? It wasn’t wrongly documented, was it? They couldn’t help but carefully examine Du Feng suspiciously.

Rong Hu interjected, “About the Wen Lan’s record, I have seen it in a book which did said that. What Young Master Du said is correct. Such records is in “Za Wu Records” and “Xing Shu Shou Collection.”

Feng Ming shrugged his shoulders.

These two books were very well known and while studying in the palace of Xi Lei, Rong Tian had forced him to read them, which he only read a few pages and yawned. If he had finished reading those books, he would have some knowledge of the Wen Lan flowers and is now regretting that he didn’t.

Since it’s most likely that Princess Chang Liu read those two books, the solution of using fake flowers was no longer valid.

“Ahem.”

Silence.

“Ahem...”

“Luo Yun!” Chiu Yue could not take it anymore, she stared at Luo Yun, who was standing stiffly to one side, “Can you be quiet for awhile?!”

In fact, Luo Yun had been quiet, but during this depressing silence, his occasional cough was more noticeable. Luo Yun had a lack of response towards Chiu Yue, he just coldly glanced at her and then looked towards Feng Ming, “Young Lord.”

“Ah?” Feng Ming absent­mindedly uttered. “I know.”

“Ah?” After a long pause, Feng Ming finally reacted. He jumped up and looked at Luo Yun, “What? You know?”

Regarding the news of Wen Lan, if someone were to talk about it, it was not surprising. However, for Luo Yun and orchids!... These two things...really had nothing in common. In fact, everyone was feeling shocked.

“You know where the Wen Lan is?”

“Luo Yun, how do you know about Wen Lan?” “Where is that Wen Lan?”

"......"

Before Du Feng and Feng Ming could say anything, the group of girls had surrounded Luo Yun.

“Hey! You little rascal, hurry and speak! We are asking you.”

Chiu Yue wanted so badly to kick Luo Yun like how Chiu Lan did with Rong Hu, but seeing his cold eyes and sword around his waist which probably drenched in lots of blood, she didn’t want to casually kick him and cause her pretty feet to be chopped in half.

“Luo Yun, I beg you, tell us. Young Master Du is very pitiful.” Chiu Lan wanted to use her soft voice to beg Luo Yun, but it had no effect on him.

Feng Ming sighed, walking over, he asked, “Luo Yun, do you really know where Wen Lan is? Please tell me, I’ll even bow down to thank you.”

Feng Ming knew Luo Yun always despise him and if he kneeled down in front of him, he will be more despised and taunted by him. However, because of his friend, Du Feng and the pitiful Princess Chang Liu, what can some taunted words do? Since Luo Yun is part of the Xiao Family, this will only be consider an internal dispute.

Surprisingly, Luo Yun did not say anything terrible.