Feng Yu Jiu Tian - Volume 13 - Chapter 6

Chapter 6

“I wouldn’t dare to.” Luo Yun looked up at Feng Ming, helped him up, refusing his ceremonious bow, and then replied, “I really do know where to get the Wen Lan flower and for me to tell Young Lord is not difficult. I only need Young Lord to give me an answer to this question.”

Answering questions again? Feng Ming’s face faintly twitched. He was quite pitiful, it seems that answering questions is his fate. Lie Zhong Liu already left and now another person plans on continuing the same tradition.

“Go ahead...” He replied in a weak tone of voice. Hopefully, it’s nothing related to death, world crisis, or political affairs.

“The spies came back from Tong Kingdom and reported that the Prince of Tong is still voicing his desire to kill Young Lord in order to take revenge for his royal father. Not only that, he has mobilized a group of army, awaiting for you at the borders. As of now, what is Young Lord’s decision regarding this matter? Are you planning on giving the command to head straight for Tong Kingdom, confronting the Prince of Tong in battle, or are you planning on avoiding Tong Kingdom and escaping with your tail behind your back?”

“Uh...” Feng Ming dropped his jaw, looking around at his maids and guards. Luo Yun sure knows what questions not to ask ­­ asking one that is terribly difficult. How cruel...

“Luo Yun! How dare you?!” Before Feng Ming could react, Rong Hu suddenly stood up and strode in front of Luo Yun to confront him, “Wherever Duke Ming wants to go, it’s not up to Luo Yun to have a say in it.” This sentence was awfully similar to the one that Luo Yun said a short while ago.

Feng Ming frowned. Sure enough, even though Rong Tian’s men are here, there is also the Xiao family’s men present in the conflict struggle.

Du Feng was very surprised at the sudden dispute, but he was careful not to intervene, just quietly stood up and observed the situation.

Luo Yun raised a hint of mockery as he sneered, “I wouldn’t dare to overlook Young Lord’s travel. However, that day, Young Lord did promised to make his decision after the situation was investigated clearly. As of now, the spies have returned, the situation within Tong Kingdom is as previously expected. Therefore, it’s very reasonable to inquire about Young Lord’s decision.”

“You are clearly forcing him!”

“How ridiculous. Who would dare force the Young Lord?” Luo Yun sneered, “If he's afraid, he could just not go there, huh.”

“What are you ­huhing about?” Chiu Yue was boiling mad. She stared at Luo Yun, her large eyes emitting a hint of fire, “He is your Young Lord, you dare to treat him with disrespect?”

Luo Yun glanced over at Feng Ming again, “A person who is a coward does not qualify to be the Young Lord of the Xiao family.”

“What did you say? You cocky brat! Shut your trap!” This time even Chiu Xing was blowing up.

The dispute between the two sides became more intense. Seeing Luo Yun’s fierce stare at Feng Ming, Chiu Lan bravely stood forward in front of Feng Ming as if to protect him.

They were all protecting him. Feng Ming felt a sting in his heart. He didn’t know whether the pain was from Chiu Lan’s action or Luo Yun’s words, calling him a coward.

“You coward!” Luo Yun gently splur out those two words. “You shut up!”

“Luo Yun!” Rong Hu roared out, “Don’t you know the ordinance of the Xiao family? Slandering the Young Lord is execution!”

“So what if I’m executed? Can he become a person more like the Xiao family?”

Luo Yun’s contemptuous tone felt like a whip, making Feng Ming shudder. Even from behind Rong Hu’s back, he could still see Luo Yun’s scornful expression. This kind of expression was from deep inside, coming above the surface filled with anger and disdain.

Feng Ming can’t entirely blame Luo Yun. Perhaps a Young Lord like him made the Xiao family extremely disappointed. After all, the massive wealth and power that had been accumulated over many generations, all of them were within the palm of his hands.

“You’re talking nonsense, you can’t criticize Duke Ming! Duke Ming isn’t like that.”

“He is the best, the most powerful, the most intelligent?” Luo Yun unhurriedly asked in response, “Do you dare to say that he is a man of indomitable spirit?”

“You....you...” It’s unexpected that Luo Yun has the talent of speaking eloquently, in a way that even Chiu Yue’s charming voice was stuttering. She could only tremble a few “you,” before her eyes reddened.

Feng Ming was extremely sad.

He noticed that Chiu Yue’s shoulder were slightly trembling. Standing to one side and seeing his loyal servants and guards wholeheartedly protect him, standing up for him to refute Luo Yun’s scolding, is considered an indescribable sadness for him.

Is he qualified to be Duke Ming?

How can he let his delicate maids, like Chiu Lan, face this kind of grievance for the useless Duke Ming like him?

They shouldn’t...

Rong Hu’s downcast eyes, his deterrence was to the fullest, “You clearly know that going to Tong Kingdom is dangerous...”

“I’ll go.”

The room was starting to fill up with hostile gunpowder scent when a gentle soft voice suddenly intervened. The presence of the soft sound made everyone pause for a bit before realizing who had just spoke.

“Duke Ming?”

“Ah? Duke Ming, you....”

“No, you can’t!”

“I’m going.” Everyone’s attention was originally on Rong Hu and Luo Yun, but after hearing Feng Ming’s words, they all turned towards him.

“I’ve decided to go to Tong Kingdom.” Feng Ming took a deep breath and whispered those words.

His decision was so sudden that even Luo Yun thought it was strange. He was silent for awhile before commenting, “You have to think carefully before deciding. All of the men in the Xiao family never take back their words after they have been spoken.”

“I have made my decision, I will not go back on my words.” In fact, he had no choice but to go.

Even if Lie Zhong Liu supported him, allowed him to realize his dream, it was in hope that Feng Ming could face the various obstacles. If he can’t avoid them, then he should welcome them head on. Rong Tian, if it was him, he would not worry about this kind of thing. He would always stand up tall, with his majestic allure and calmly face all crisis his way. I hope that I didn’t let you down.

“Isn’t it just a trip to Tong Kingdom? No need to look at me like that.”

Feng Ming glanced back at the maids with looks of concern on their faces, he gave a hesitant smile towards them.

“Duke...Duke Ming...”

“I heard the scenery of Tong Kingdom’s sea is very beautiful.”

He can’t hide anymore. Chiu Lan and them have complimented him in every way, all sincerely believing that he is a perfect Duke Ming. He hoped that he can become a perfect Duke Ming in their eyes. Therefore, he should at least make an effort this one time.

“I have made my decision. Please return your swords back in. Luo Yun, head back to your place, no need to argue anymore.” Feng Ming accepted Luo Yun’s suspicious glance. He raised his head and in front of his maids, Feng Ming must show a bit of pride of Xi Lei Duke Ming and the Xiao Family Young Lord.

FM: Going to Tong Kingdom is dangerous, but is it even more dangerous than Li Kingdom? I have been to Bo Jian, Fan Jia, Dong Fan, Li Kingdom, so why should I be afraid to go to Tong Kingdom? I’m going. Rong Hu.

RH: No, you can’t!

FM: Remove the anchor, we are going to Tong Kingdom.

The other people present didn’t know how to react. They were all unusually quiet. After a long time, Feng Ming noticed something was wrong, “Rong Hu, why aren’t you giving out the order to remove the anchor?”

“Duke Ming,” Rong Hu lowered his voice, “We have promised Xiao Liu that we’ll wait here for him.”

Ah, he almost forgot about this. Feng Ming was bored for a moment, then he looked up at Luo Yun and made eye contact, “So are you going to tell us where we can find the Wen Lan flower?”

In front of Luo Yun, Feng Ming tried to display a calm demeanor, hoping to make Luo Yun’s subordinates a bit surprised. Feng Ming’s mood was a lot better as his tone of voice was more relaxed than previously.

Luo Yun finally gave the Young Lord some respect, he gave him a simple answer, “The Xiao Family does not have it.”

Feng Ming frowned, but also used the same tone of voice and coldly asked, “If the Xiao Family does not have it, then who does?”

“Young Lord’s mother.” “Ha?”

Even though Feng Ming knew he needed to display a confident demeanor to regain his dignity as Duke Ming and the Xiao’s Young Lord, he still revealed a stunned or silly expression that contradicted to his image. After listening to Luo Yun’s answer, Feng Ming was immediately struck back to his original form.

His mother always seem to have a lot of “surprises” for him.

“Lady Yao Ye planted many of these flowers.” Luo Yun glanced at him and asked, “Doesn’t Young Lord know that Mistress has a green thumb in planting these strange flowers?”

F e n g M i n g w a s s p e e c h l e s s . W h o i n b l o o d y h e l l w o u l d k n o w t h i s ? H i s d e a r o l d m o t h e r , d u r i n g the short period of time they met, tried to poison him and Rong Tian. What kind of world is this?

There was not enough time to lament when Du Feng’s voice traveled to his ears, “Thank you Duke Ming, we finally know the whereabouts of the Wen Lan flowers.”

After witnessing the dispute earlier, Du Feng still kept a calm demeanor. Even if he was curious, surprised, or pondering, his expression did not display any of it.

It seems as if nothing had happened.

Well that’s good, otherwise Feng Ming wouldn't know how to explain the embarrassing situation that happened. He was extremely grateful to Du Feng and said, “I will immediately write to my mother and ask her to send someone to deliver the Wen Lan flower here.”

Even though he didn’t know where Lady Yao Ye was, Master Xiao must definitely know. Even if he doesn’t know where Master Xiao is, Luo Deng must definitely know. Thus, the problem is solved if he gives the letter to Luo Deng.

Feng Ming didn’t make any eye contact with Luo Yun, he turned towards Du Feng and chuckled lightly, “I apologize for letting Brother Du witness a minor argument between the group. Ah, I hope Brother Du can stay here for a few more days. Once the Wen Lan flower arrived, Brother Du can bring it along with the An Shen stone and together we can go meet Princess Chang Liu. What is Brother Du’s thoughts about this?”

Since they are friends now, it would be too formal to keep calling him Young Master Du. Feng Ming automatically changed the Young Master to Brother Du instead. Feng Ming did not expect his Brother Du to refuse his offer.

He slightly sighed, “I still haven’t told you Chang Liu’s third request.”

“Oh?” Feng Ming patted his head lightly, “I forgot that there was a third request. I hope it is not difficult to achieve.” God forbid, what does she want this time? Hopefully it’s not as difficult to achieve as the Wen Lan flower where money cannot buy...

“The third request, to say it’s hard is not hard, to say it’s easy is also not easy.” Du Feng observed closely, just one look at Feng Ming’s face, he already knew what he was thinking inside. With a worried face, he told Feng Ming, “She didn’t ask for any other items.”

Everyone gave a sigh of relief.

Du Feng continued, “She request that I not see her.”

Everyone’s shoulders collapsed once more. What? A request only?

Ah, what a tough love, the door of love in which not many can pass through clearly. Among the three requests, it seems as if this request is the one most hurtful for Du Feng. Besides Luo Yun, everyone who heard this looked at Du Feng with sympathy.

Du Feng was sad, but he wasn't hurt, he gave a weak smile and muttered as if to himself, “I really don’t know if I'd rather express my gratitude to her request or to express my disdain for it. To meet or not to meet, is the same as choosing death instead. But since she had made her requests, how can I let her down?”

“Let me bring the Wen Lan flower to her.” Feng Ming said.

Since the trip to Tong Kingdom is already settled, helping Du Feng by giving the Wen Lan flower to Chang Liu is a matter of convenience. It’s also an excuse to meet the helpless romantic Princess, and make a bit of contribution.

Hopefully, her husband, who is also the Crown Prince of Tong Kingdom, would not kill him after the meeting.

This was what Du Feng intended, he immediately clasped his hands together, “Thank you.” Officially standing in front of Feng Ming and giving his ceremonious bow. Since this matter involved Chang Liu, he had to show his utmost gratitude.

Feng Ming helped him up and said, “Then about that An Shen stone...”

DF: Whether or not the Wen Lan flower will arrive early or late is not a problem. However, the An Shen stone is needed for Chang Liu’s illness. I will immediately send someone to ride night and day to deliver it to Chang Liu in Tong Kingdom Palace. I have several friends in Tong Kingdom who can enter the palace and see Chang Liu.

When mentioning about socializing, having many friends, no one can compare with the reputed Reluctant King.

Du Feng’s proposal was very thoughtful because even if Feng Ming reached Tong Kingdom, he may not be able to give the An Shen stone to Princess Chang Liu. This matter is best handled by someone of Tong Kingdom.

Feng Ming nodded his head, “Alright, since that’s decided, I will also write to my mother, hoping that the Wen Lan flower will arrive here before we reach the borders of Tong Kingdom.”

Du Feng suddenly said, “I’ll be taking my leave.”

“What? So fast?” Feng Ming couldn't imagine that he would take his leave so soon. Feeling disappointed, he advised, “Stay for a few days, since your plan for Fan Jia is already delayed.”

The maids also expressed their thoughts.

“Young Master, please don’t mind staying, Duke Ming really enjoyed chatting with you.” “That’s right. At least wait for the ship to reach Tong Kingdom’s border and then leave.”

“Could it be that the Young Master has to go somewhere in a hurry? For me, it’s best if the Young Master decides to stay on the ship, that way you can quickly know whether the An Shen stone and the Wen Lan flower reached Princess Chang Liu’s hands.”

“That’s right! Our Duke Ming will personally hand the Wen Lan flower to the Princess. Every word and movement of hers after receiving the gift will be relayed back to Young Master. As long as Young Master decides to stay here....”

Despite all the advisement, Du Feng still kept the same demeanor. A faint smile, crestfallen eyes, he looked around and once everyone calmed down, with a bittersweet smile he asked, “Should I really arrive and then leave her? Being nearby like that, can I really restrain myself from not rescuing her from the palace of Tong Kingdom? Every step closer to Tong Kingdom, all those painful thoughts I’ve abandoned, the thoughts of eloping with Chang Liu regardless of the consequences will appear. I, Du Feng, am afraid I won’t be able to control myself. I’m very afraid.”

This was the reason that caused everyone to be powerless. Du Feng’s sadness was the answer, even Chiu Yue who was the idealistic of the bunch had no choice but to remain silent. The consequences of that matter was not something to joke about. If Du Feng really cannot control himself and forcibly eloped with Chang Liu, even if the pair of lovers are together, they could still be hacked into thousands of pieces. Then there might even be a war between Tong Kingdom and Zhao Bei. A war! No one would dare start a war ­­ of course Rong Tian and Ruo Yan are exceptions.

“That’s why, I will be getting off now.” After finishing, Du Feng gave a long sigh. Facing Feng Ming, he said, “Since we are friends, I will come find you in the future.”

“Hopefully, we will see each other soon,” Feng Ming muttered. Ever since Du Feng appeared, whether he was depressed or in pain, he still kept the same indifferent calmness, unlike Feng Ming who would express himself freely, being teased and criticized. At this time, Feng Ming perked up a smile, “Are you really leaving now? Alright, I’ll see you off.”

Feng Ming along with the others, walked Du Feng out onto the deck. Once out on the deck, the sky made it clear to Feng Ming that time flies really quick.

The Reluctant King is indeed deserving of the reputation. Feng Ming smiled hesitantly at Du Feng, “Although we’ve met for a short moment, it seems as if we were friends for many years.”

Du Feng was not as beautiful as Lu Dan, he was not domineering as Rong Tian, but he had another kind of gentle indifferent demeanor. If he applied the same saying his teacher once taught him, it would be “There was only five words that you can describe this Reluctant King: modest, righteous, just, bevelovent, and tranquility.”

If there is one word to describe him, then the feeling of comfortable comes to mind. The small boat Du Feng came on was still there, floating next to the large ship.

“When will we see each other again?” Feng Ming looked at his subordinates who were untwisting the ropes to the small boat and pulling it in, knowing that the time of farewell is nearing, he couldn’t help but ask Du Feng.

Du Feng raised his eyebrows, then laughed, “Fortunately, Xi Lei King is not here. If he were to see Duke Ming’s expression, he might be jealous. It’s Du Feng’s fault. Ah, am I really what the world have said about me, forever a heartless romantic? Chang Liu is suffering in Tong Kingdom, but after meeting a priceless friend, my mood is a lot better.”

Feng Ming quickly corrected him, “Meeting a priceless friend is definitely a happy thing, you don’t need to continue blaming yourself. Look, even though I appear hopeless without Rong Tian beside me, I’m very happy to meet you.”

However, his life is more fortunate than Du Feng, Rong Tian and Chang Liu are different, since Rong Tian will soon reunite with Feng Ming.

Not knowing what was on Du Feng’s mind, he remained silent.

The rope to the small boat was untied, some of the Xiao men brought the boat over so that Du Feng can embark and leave as he pleases. But this time, no one wanted to tell him those words.

Du Feng was silent for awhile before looking over at Feng Ming and with gentle eyes, he said, “Does Duke Ming know how to play the flute?”

“Ah. This?” Feng Ming blushed red, “That’s right.” Therefore, the flute you gave is quite a waste to leave it with me...

“I’ll tell Duke Ming a secret, alright?” Du Feng suddenly lowered his voice.

His voice was clear and gentle on the ears, once it was lowered, not only was it not terrible to listen, but yet his voice was more mesmerizing. Feng Ming had never been resistant to secrets, not to mention secrets from Du Feng. His curiosity raised as he excitedly whispered, “What’s the secret?”

Even though the two of them lowered their voices, the few people around Feng Ming could also hear it. Chiu Yue and the others’ ears pricked up.

“I actually don’t know how to play the flute.”

Feng Ming swept his eyes towards Du Feng, “I don’t believe you.”

“I never lie to my friends.” Du Feng seriously replied, “The enchanting sound the flute brings to others is because this jade flute is very special. The sound would be beautiful no matter what simple tune is blown, it can touch the hearts of anyone.”

“Really?” Feng Ming was skeptical. After Du Feng said that, he was very excited. Initially, Feng Ming intended to just carry it for show and not play it. If the jade flute can be blown and still make nice sound, then he might as well try.

While thinking, he took the jaded flute from his waist, placed it to his mouth and postured his fingers as how he remembered Du Feng had in his memory, “Is it like this?”

He took a breath, not knowing how cute his behavior was. Chiu Yue and Chiu Lan were laughing, even Du Feng curved his lips into a smile.

“Elevate your hand a little.” Du Feng helped him adjust his posture and corrected him, “You don’t need to use much strength, you need to put your soul into playing the flute. Use the air from your abdominal region and concentrate while slowly blowing. When Duke Ming drinks tea, don’t you also blow the hot tea? Blowing the flute is the same as blowing tea, with a bit more rhythm.”

Not sure if Feng Ming is talented or that he is better than the teacher. With a slight guidance from Du Feng, Feng Ming was able to blow a bit, sending a clear flute sound, just like what Du Feng had said, the sound was unusually beautiful. Though he cannot compare to Du Feng’s playing despite standing under the same sky, but according to Feng Ming, his first time playing the flute exceeded his expectations.

Needless to say, Chiu Lan immediately applauded, “It’s beautiful! Duke Ming is amazing!” Even Rong Hu gave a praise, “It’s really easy on the ears.”

Feng Ming was enraptured by the compliments. However, he did know his limits, blowing a couple of sounds, he giggled and thanked Du Feng, “I know you were modest when you said about casually blowing the flute can emit the same sound as yours. From what I see, I have to practice many years before I can play an enchanting melody like yours.”

After the farce, the gloomy atmosphere wavered down a lot. Du Feng silently listened to Feng Ming playing around with the flute before saying, “I have to go.”

Feng Ming knew that in order for him to not be sad, Du Feng stayed behind for a little awhile. His heart was more saddened by the separation, yet he felt it was strange that this person was not Rong Tian, so why is he feeling the same pain when he separated from Rong Tian?

Blinking his eyes a few times, he nodded and said, “I know you have to go.” He motioned his subordinates to prepare the boat.

They watched as Du Feng stepped onto the small boat. Waiting for the boat to drift away made everyone feel uneasy inside. Rong Hu suddenly cried out, waving towards another small boat heading their way, “Let them through! Don’t block them, it is the person we have been waiting for!”

Everyone was startled by him as they looked out towards that direction, another boat slightly larger than Du Feng’s, was unknowingly stopped by Feng Ming’s guards.

Rong Hu was telling the crew on the ship to make way while also reporting to Feng Ming, “Duke Ming, it is Xiao Liu.”

Feng Ming nodded his head, looking afar, there was a person on the boat arguing with the Xiao’s men, his stature was similar to what Xiao Liu looked like yesterday.

Luo Yun knew that person was one of them, so he motioned for his subordinates to let them through.

“Oh.” Feng Ming suddenly remembered that he still haven’t completely see his guest off. He immediately looked down and sure enough Du Feng was still on the boat, seemingly turned around to look towards Xiao Liu’s direction. Noticing that Feng Ming was looking at him, he leisurely chuckled, “Duke Ming appears to be popular with many friends, one person hasn’t left and yet another one came. That’s great, that way, Duke Ming won’t be lonely.”

Not waiting for Feng Ming to answer, he bid his farewells to everyone, picked up the slender bamboo paddle and dabbled the water. Not sure how hard he rowed, but the small boat suddenly thrusted away from the ship, into the opposite direction of where Xiao Liu came from.

Feng Ming’s eyes followed after, though regrettable, but this carefree wanderer soon drifted farther away beyond his line of sight.

The time Du Feng’s image faded away was the precise moment when Xiao Liu set foot onto the ship. Feng Ming melancholy watched, as he turned around, a tall, slender figure appeared in front of his eyes.

A rarely seen excited Rong Hu introduced the young man, “Duke Ming, this is Xiao Liu.” ====

Xiao Liu wore a gray outfit, the bottom of the garment reached his ankle, it was very fitting for his stature. A belt was neatly wrapped around his waist and he also wore a pale gray cloak on the outside. Although the color was not eye­catching, but once worn on him, it becomes very compatible, exuding a slight hint of caution and tranquility.

Seeing how Feng Ming was studying him, Xiao Liu grinned and apologized, “Xiao Liu deserves death for making Duke Ming wait.” He slowly bowed.

Although Chiu Lan has been serving in the palace, she was not clear of Rong Tian’s hidden henchmen. This was the first time she and the rest have met Xiao Liu up close, therefore, they were careful in their behavior towards this Crown Prince’s envoy who had made great accomplishment for the “Terrifying Supernatural Magic Trick Act”.

Feng Ming had a very good impression of him, after waiting for his ceremonious bow, Feng Ming excitedly grabbed his hand. After examining him up and down, he said, “Hey, why does he look very familiar?”

However, in his memory, this should be the first official meeting with Xiao Liu ­­ besides the magic performance yesterday, which they were too far away to be able to see clearly.

Rong Hu asked, “He looks a bit like His Majesty, right?”

Once he said that, everyone looked towards Xiao Liu again. Chiu Xing was the first person to call out, “He really looks a bit like His Majesty.”

Feng Ming laughed, “No wonder there’s a feeling of familiarity.”

While laughing, Feng Ming led them into the main cabin. Everyone sat down, as for Xiao Liu, he was placed in the same seat Du Feng had previously sat in.

“Ah....the matter yesterday...Thank you for helping us. If it wasn’t for you, then it would have gone bad.” Since it was their first meeting, Feng Ming and Xiao Liu were not as close as Rong Hu and Lie Er. Feng Ming had thought for half a day before he figured it would be best to show his appreciation, yet he couldn’t help but ask, “But how did you suddenly appear at the execution ground?”

Xiao Liu laughed heartily but was still very reserved. After listening to Feng Ming’s question, he relayed to them his encounter with Rong Tian.

When Feng Ming heard him mention Rong Tian, he was overly excited and frequently interrupted to ask, “How is he? Has he lost weight? Ah, when I was in Yong Yin, it would have been better if I made arrangements to meet him. Did he mention anything about when he’ll come to see me?”

Being interrupted by him, Xiao Liu did not mind and replied, “His Majesty said that he needs to go to Dong Fan first and then he’ll come looking for Duke Ming.”

Feng Ming whined loudly as if he was punched. At that time, he became listless, not in the mood for anything. Chiu Lan and the others came to his side to comfort him, “His Majesty will quickly come here. Dong Fan is not much further from here. Before Duke Ming heads to Tong Kingdom, His Majesty will surely come soon”, and so on.

As for Chiu Yue, while she was comforting Duke Ming, she was also observing the surroundings. That brat Luo Yun would usually take the opportunity to sneer or laugh mockingly at Feng Ming. Since Feng Ming is acting like a child right now, why is he suddenly quiet?

Xiao Liu continued with his story, mentioning how he traveled night and day in order to find a way to save Chao An, and while on the road, he mistakenly captured Le Ting. Rong Hu laughed at the mere mention of it and clapped his knees.

RH: Didn’t I asked why would you tie up Le Ting and hid him in your horse carriage? So that’s how it is, haha, that’s the story!

Chiu Yue pulled onto Chiu Lan’s sleeves and made a face at her.

Rong Hu and Xiao Liu must be fairly close, if not, then why would Rong Hu change into a completely different person around Xiao Liu, he appeared more lively.

Feng Ming is not usually depressed for more than three minutes, so after he pouted for a bit, his mood became better once Xiao Liu mentioned about the past events. Feng Ming clapped his hands and exclaimed, “I can’t believe my first magic trick was thrilling and yet dangerous, fortunately, you didn’t end up killing Le Ting or else we’ll be saving one Chao An, but yet harming another Le Ting. If that’s the case, it would be very bad.”

Chiu Lan nodded her head in agreement.

After finishing recalling the past events, Xiao Liu felt thirsty so he drank a full cup of tea. He stayed silent for a while before speaking again, “There’s an issue I’ve been thinking about but I can’t figure it out, therefore, I wanted to ask Duke Ming.”

His attitude when speaking appeared very solemn, making Feng Ming’s heart involuntarily beat irregularly. An issue? Another issue....can’t be...Feng Ming timidly asked, “What’s the issue?”

XL: I can guess the majority of what happened yesterday, like when the prisoner was placed inside the wooden box, before it was hanged and lit up by fire, he was pulled out. However...

Xiao Liu furrowed his eyebrows and continued, “If the prisoner was switched out, then why when it was lit on fire, there was frightening noises coming from inside the wooden box, as if someone was struggling? Duke Ming couldn’t perhaps have exchanged Chao An with another prisoner?”

FM: Of course not, why would I be so cruel?

Feng Ming straightened himself to answer, but he immediately felt puzzled as he muttered, “Ah, you’re right. Why was there a noise coming from the inside? Clearly there wasn’t anyone inside?

The more he thought about it, the more something didn’t feel right. Feeling alarmed, Feng Ming turned to face Rong Hu.

Rong Hu’s face was just as pale as him, he replied, “The one responsible for exchanging the prisoner was General Le Ting. I remember during the meeting, we only talked about digging a large hole under the execution ground to hide the prisoner, building the wooden box at the scene, using the time of nailing the wooden box to grab the prisoner from below the box to hide him away, there was no mentioning of using another prisoner as substitute. However...”

Le Ting is a general who is familiar with death on the battlefield, so killing someone doesn’t mean much to him. Using a prisoner inside the jail and to use him as a substitute can make the magic trick more realistic, perhaps that is something that Le Ting is capable of.

Everyone looked at each other, they all wanted to know the truth behind it. The atmosphere suddenly became stagnate.

Feng Ming was petrified. If this was the case, even if the substitute was a prisoner who needed to be executed, this didn’t made him any less relieved. It would have been better to be beheaded than to be burned alive. It would be too cruel!

“I know.” An ice cold voice interrupted.

Chiu Yue felt uneasy, knowing that the situation was terrible, she fiercely jumped up, stared wide­eyed at the speaker and shouted at him, “You know, you know, you know, what is it that you know? I’ll tell you this, this time we will not agree to any more of your requests. Don’t think that you can use this matter to force Duke Ming!” After finishing, she even gave a loud, fierce snort. The earlier matter where Luo Yun forced Feng Ming to travel to Tong Kingdom was still not settled.

All of the young maidens had the same common enemy as they all stared at Luo Yun. Feng Ming asked, “You know who was inside?”

“It was a rat.”

“What?”

“After they rescued Chao An out, they conveniently slipped a large rat only uniquely found in Fan Cheng, inside the wooden box.” Luo Yun’s face was like a dead person, as if he didn’t know he was telling them a funny story. Strangely, a handsome lad like him, if he were to smile more often, he would be very popular with the ladies.

“That’s wrong.” Chiu Lan thought about it carefully, being skeptical she said, “Even if it was a large rat, it can’t make such a loud noise like that.”

Luo Yun used a cold faint voice to reply, “The rat’s tail was tied with a string and the string was then tied to two thin wooden blocks. Once the box was lit on fire, the rat would run up and down, causing the wooden blocks to knock against the box, all sorts of loud and soft noises can be heard.”

Everyone carefully pondered and imagined the proposed solution, after thinking, they were able to accept it as a fact.

Feng Ming was the first to be relieved, laughing, he said, “Good! A good big rat! Very thorough! No wonder the magic trick this time was a huge success!”

Chiu Yue observed Luo Yun and said, “Since we didn’t know, how did you know about it?” “That’s right, how did you figure it out?” Chiu Lan probed Luo Yun for an answer.

Chiu Yue gave a laugh and crossed her arms, “Don’t joke around, how can he figure it out? I’ll use one finger to bet with you that he doesn’t have the brains to come up with that idea. He probably heard of this news from the Xiao family men.”

After finishing, a fierce sharp sound and shimmering light shone forth. Luo Yun’s sword was unsheathed and pointed straight at Chiu Yue’s face.

Everyone was shocked, Chiu Yue was scared stiff, even the smirk on her face froze in place, holding her breath, she stammered, “You...what do you want?” She was so scared that she couldn’t even dare to cry.

LY: I’m betting with you and allowing you to use the sword to cut off one of your fingers.

With that one line, it’s confirmed that Luo Yun was the one who proposed the idea to Le Ting.

However, at this time, there was no point in him answering the question, the sword filled with gleaming light was placed just under the white neck of Chiu Yue.

The tip almost touching her tender skin and with a little more force, it can easily stab into it. Chiu Xing was so scared her lips went pale, she also stammered and barely smiled as she said, “Luo Yun, Chiu Yue...she was just joking around. She...she was just kidding!”

Luo Yun was the same as always and replied dryly: “I’m not joking.”

Rong Hu and Xiao Liu’s face changed color, both silently stood up, hands to the hilts of their swords, awaiting for Feng Ming’s order.

Feng Ming was feeling uneasy. Taking action was not an option, harming anyone was also not good. He was certainly distressed for Chiu Yue, but Luo Yun was a part of the Xiao

Family, and someone who had influence among the Xiao men. Could it be that before reaching Tong Kingdom, the two factions will begin fighting? Then what is the point of having him agree to travel to Tong Kingdom to die? Wasn’t it because they couldn’t agree, wasn’t that the reason he nodded his head to go?

This is terrible...what to do now? Just a while ago, everyone was sitting around and chatting, so why are they suddenly unsheathing swords?

What the hell? Who brought up the rat thing?

“Chiu Yue, you..you...hurry and apologize, tell him...tell him you were just joking around.” Chiu Xing couldn’t persuade Luo Yun so she tried to advise Chiu Yue.

Feng Ming tried to placate the situation, “That’s right. Luo Yun, don’t be upset, Chiu Yue inadvertently offended you, let’s put the sword down and slowly talk things out, I will make Chiu Yue apologize to you, is that alright?”

A short moment later, Chiu Yue became a bit calmer. She was originally trembling with fear, but after hearing Chiu Xing and Feng Ming, she decided to bit her lower lip and for no apparent reason, lifted her neck as if not scared and stared straight at Luo Yun as she stubbornly said, “I..I...I won’t! You can just kill me, I don’t believe you will do it.”

Feng Ming didn’t know what to do. Chiu Yue, all of the people of the Xiao family are crazy, this you know as well, why is there a need to give a horrible answer at this time?

Seeing his eyes immediately flash, Chiu Yue screamed out, closing her eyes and cried out, “I know! I know you hate me! You have thought of wanting to kill me!” Her tears flowed down her face.

Chiu Lan and Chiu Xing also screamed out in unison. The three female screams were almost simultaneously along with a “clang” sound, Chiu Yue did not feel any pain to her neck. Could it be that Luo Yun’s sword was extremely fast, that pain was not even felt?

Chiu Yue was half scared and half skeptical, so she slowly opened her eyes, discovering that both Chiu Xing and Chiu Lan still had their eyes closed and were about to faint. Feng Ming innocently stood up, Xiao Liu and Rong Hu had a relaxed expression.

Luo Yun’s sword was placed back in the sheath. Compared to regular days, his expression was a bit more gentle, maybe even pleasant. He looked at Chiu Yue, who lost half of her spirit, his thin lips slightly lifted into a faint smile and before long, he said, “You are the ugliest crying woman I’ve ever seen.”

When he finished, no one knows why, his naturally cold face changed a bit, turning away as if reluctant to let others see the color within his eyes as this moment.