Feng Yu Jiu Tian - Volume 14 - Chapter 1.4

FENG YU JIU TIAN VOLUME 14 CHAPTER 1.4

Feng Ming is having Chiu Lan look over his work regarding memorizing the names of the ministers in Tong Kingdom. Chiu Lan is impressed that Feng Ming is able to remember all the strange names along with their titles.

FM: Are there really no mistakes?

Feng Ming’s handsome face expressed a sense of delight, letting out a sigh of relief, he said, “I’m finally able to remember all of them. I was afraid of being embarrassed when I reach Tong Kingdom. Those names of the ministers are a total mess, it’s completely different than Xi Lei. Once we reach there, if I display that I don’t know anything, it would be shameful. It’s good that the two nights I studied has paid off.” Feng Ming accepted the towel handed by Chiu Xing and wiped his face.

At present, it can’t be regarded as beginning of spring.

The more they travelled southeast, the weather became hotter, even Feng Ming changed into a simple unlined light silk material sewed together in a comfortable style, loosely tied at the waist by a brightly colored belt. Even his hair was tied by a simple piece of cloth. This look was similar to what was worn back in Dong Fan palace.

The cool breeze blew over the unusually quiet river.

If no one were to disturb, the scenery would had been so harmonious and beautiful.

“Young Lord, your subordinate seeks your audience.”

The one disturbing them was Luo Ning. This person’s patience was quite impressive. After the fleet stopped for six days, this was the second time he waited on the main ship, hoping to grant audience from Feng Ming.

“So it’s you again.” Knowing that the person who came was Luo Ning, Feng Ming withdrew his smile. He ordered Chiu Yue and the others to remove the dishes and utensils to greet the guest.

Feng Ming couldn’t forget that this stubborn “subordinate” named Luo Ning had came to bother him with a terrible request, “accompany Luo Yun with practice,” no, it was, “Luo Yun will accompany you during practice.”

Because of that, everyday for more than two hours, Feng Ming had to suffer from bruises to his face along with kicks and punches, half of it thanks to that small request by Luo Ning.

“Is there something you need?” Feng Ming asked.

“I wanted to ask Young Lord when we are planning to set sail?”

Of course it was this question.

Rong Hu stood behind Luo Ning and gave a signal towards Feng Ming. Everyone shook their heads as they became more and more insync. Feng Ming knew his intention, he only smiled and gently replied to Luo Ning, “Please rest assured, Luo Ning. I will go to Tong Kingdom, but there are a few things I still haven’t taken care of, once I’ve received news from my mother and Zi Yan, I will immediately order for departure.”

“Lady Yao Ye’s whereabouts is unclear and Zi Yan has yet to send any news for the past few days. If we keep waiting like this, we don’t know how much longer we’ll need to delay.” Luo Ning looked straight at Feng Ming, without changes in his tone of voice, he continued, “Young Lord’s trip has startled many nations, I don’t know how many people are monitoring our fleet movements. Right now, Tong’s borders is about 150 miles away, we can arrive there within one day. If we stop without going further, it will cause others to suspect that Young Lord does not dare to enter Tong Kingdom. It will be a huge damage to the Xiao Family’s reputation.

Again with the Xiao Family’s reputation.

“You are right.” Feng Ming smiled. He knew that Luo Ning would appear and use the Xiao Family’s name to force him to set sail. However, after many discussions with Rong Hu and the maids, they felt that Feng Ming’s image as the Young Lord was deteriorating each day and that he needs to create a more brilliant and stronger image.

The fight between Rong Tian’s group and Xiao Family’s group should be fought till the end. Being caught in the middle of it, Feng Ming needs to be stronger or else he will be sandwiched into one of the world’s most handsome patties.

To display a tough exterior, the first thing is to not feel fearful when standing in front of the Xiao Family’s bodyguard leader, Luo Ning and stubbornly oppose him. Of course, this means to not make Luo Ning angry, but in simple terms is to not let Luo Ning intimidate him.

“If Young Lord said that I’m right, then please order the anchor to be removed.”

Feng Ming continued smiling. Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing had reminded him beforehand that “the time Duke Ming confronts Luo Ning, you need to smile because Duke Ming looks the most beautiful when smiling. Even the most heartless person in the world will not be upset when seeing it.”

“Is Young Lord afraid to answer my question?” Luo Ning couldn’t hold in his impatience. His entire life he was a proud member of the Xiao Family, believing that all royalties and elite were within the palm of his hands. His blood boiled with pleasure and his heart completely ruthless, learning about 90% of Xiao Zong’s arrogance. He can’t believe that because of a callow Young Lord, he would waste his time and patience on him.

“I’m not removing the anchor.”

“Young Lord just said…”

“I said that you are right, but only from your perspective it’s best to remove the anchor.” The almost perfect lips of Feng Ming were slightly forming another beautiful smile, “But from my perspective, I will not remove the anchor.”

Luo Ning’s face went cold, lowering his voice he said, “Please explain yourself, Young Lord.”

“I don’t need to explain.” Feng Ming blurted out a shocking answer.

“Young Lord!” Hearing Luo Ning’s loud growl, Feng Ming ordered himself to stay calm and continued smiling.

“Luo Zongguan*, please don’t be upset, let’s talk it out slowly.” Feng Ming raised his hands and opened his palms to display no ill feeling.

(* NOTE: is a formal title for those who oversee/manages the house or certain activities, etc… similar to supervisor or manager. This is just how Feng Ming respectively addresses Luo Ning.)

Luo Ning stared at him, not saying anything.

“I am the Xiao Family’s Young Lord, am I not?” Feng Ming kept smiling, setting a question for Luo Ning. His cheeks were extremely tired. Only God knows how much longer he needs to maintain that perfect gracious smile, which was not an easy task.

“Yes.”

“The Xiao Family’s fleet belongs to me, right?”

“Yes.”

“I have the right to order the ships to stop, right?”

“Yes.” Luo Ning is not someone who can be provoked, after answering one word, he followed by, “But if Young Lord do this, the Xiao Family will be ridiculed by the world and everyone in the Xiao Family will be ashamed because of Young Lord.”

“Everyone?”

“That’s right, everyone in the Xiao Family.”

In a good mood, Feng Ming asked, “How about Luo Yun?”

Luo Ning was surprised, his face became gloomy as he coldly scoffed, “Of course Luo Yun would feel the same.”

“That’s good.” Feng Ming seemed to have been waiting for this answer of his, he clapped his hands, the sound rang out. In a moment of cheerful smile, he turned around and said, “Luo Yun.”

Luo Yun had been standing on the inside of the door, he had no intention of intervening; only when Feng Ming called out to him did he stepped forward and indifferently said, “Luo Yun is present.”

“Luo Yun,” Luo Ning didn’t wait for Feng Ming to speak, relying on his seniority within the Xiao Family and his special relationship with Luo Yun, he ordered Luo Yun, “Go ahead and tell the Young Lord how you feel about the whole fleet anchoring for six days. Don’t worry, just speak the truth, the Xiao Family does not speak against our morals and beliefs.”

Because of Feng Ming, the Xiao Family had picked the top ten bodyguards, with Luo Yun as the leader and representative among the younger generation of elite. His position can easily suppress Feng Ming’s in the eyes of the Xiaos.

You have to realize that as the Young Lord, Feng Ming has no evidence to prove his identity, it’s no different than emerging out of thin air. At this point, Feng Ming’s lack of qualifications and mediocre martial arts are not enough to earn respect throughout the Xiao Family. What Feng Ming had was just the words of acceptance by Xiao Zong.

One can only guess that when Feng Ming’s wishes and decisions are constantly in conflict with the Xiaos and can not win any of their support, then that shining title as the Young Lord will one day be obliterated.

“Your subordinate feels that Young Lord has every right to decide everything for the Xiao.”

“What did you say?” Luo Ning couldn’t believe his ears as he stared at Luo Yun, anger and confusion rising high, his pupils constricted. How could Luo Yun speak on behalf of that kid?

Feng Ming had expected Luo Yun’s answer. Seeing Luo Ning’s expression at this moment, he almost couldn’t hold back his laughter.

After Luo Ning’s burning rage cooled off, his mind slightly cleared. The matter regarding the Young Lord can be temporarily put aside, however the matter with Luo Yun needs to be dealt with first.

“Young Lord, we will discuss the matter of departure later.” Feng Ming had no time to reply as Luo Ning coldly faced towards Luo Yun and said, “You come with me.” He then turned and walked out onto the deck.

The ship had rooms in the lower section to store items, there were also rooms for some of the bodyguards to rest with four to five people in one bedroom. Luo Ning went below and randomly picked a discreet room. Luo Yun wryly followed behind.

The wooden door shut. Luo Ning turned around, sending his sharp piercing eyes onto Luo Yun’s young face.

“A great opportunity like this and yet you speak on behalf of him.” After walking a few steps, Luo Ning’s anger had been suppressed, replaced by a cold killer front, “You have seen all of his incompetence and impulsiveness. Such a person like that and yet he can be the Xiao Family’s Young Lord, I just feel pity that the Xiao Family’s hundred years reputation will be destroyed in his hands.” With each snarl, these words in his mind seemed to have been suppressed for some time now.

“Whether or not we like it, he is already the Xiao Family’s Young Lord. What good is there constantly belittling him in front of everyone else?” Luo Yun asked coldly.

“The Old Master is still alive!” Luo Ning’s eyes sparked a glimpse of light. “As long as the Old Master changes his mind, he can always retrieve the business back in his hands and hand it to someone more deserving.” He paused, seeing how Luo Yun is already as tall as him, his eyes became a little warmer.

He whispered, “When all of the Xiao Family despises him, the Old Master will understand that he does not deserve to have everything of the Xiaos. By that time, Luo Yun, the Old Master will think of you.”

“Oh?” Luo Yun scoffed, “He will think of me?”

He lowered his eyes, slowly stroking the sword that had accompanied him for many years. From the time he understood things, he began practicing martial arts. He was still very little, the sword was very long and heavy that holding it was a very difficult task. However, his mother always told him that he was born to hold a sword.

Little Yun, continue practicing, then one day, you will become your father’s pride and joy…

His mother always encouraged him, as long as there’s an opportunity, she would always watch him practice and see his improvement. His mother would stand to one side, watch him in excitement, thrilled that he slowly held the sword tightly and became one of the strongest swordsman among the younger generation of the Xiaos.

Remembering the sad longing eyes of his mother, Luo Yun’s eyes also became lonely, “The Old Master will never think of me, this is just my mother’s wishful thinking.”

“Luo Yun, your mother, she…”

“Rong Hu suddenly came to me a few days ago.” Luo Yun interrupted and then slowly continued, “He asked me why the Xiao Family continues to send spies to Tong Kingdom to inquiry information, but every time they bring back news of Prince Tong, Qing Li and nothing is mentioned about the Royal Uncle Qing Zhang.”

“What qualifications does Rong Hu has to question you? Why didn’t you tell him to ask the spies that were sent back?”

Luo Yun sneered, “Because I also held suspicion.”

“Luo Yun?”

“I deliberately pulled that spy back and carefully interrogated him. The news he brought back were just a few words, nothing more. Even a fool can tell that he was ordered to do so. However, who is the person who could give orders to these spies?”

Luo Ning heard the lack of respect in Luo Yun’s voice, he tightened his eyebrows, “Who exactly are you suspecting?”

A stubborn look displayed on Luo Yun’s face, he did not directly answer the question Luo Ning gave out, instead he continued, “Tong Kingdom Qing Zhang and Qing Li are in battle for the throne, the Great and Powerful Royal Uncle. This news is very important for the Young Lord to understand the current situation in Tong Kingdom. The matter regards the Young Lord’s safety, who would dare to conceal this news? The order for the spies to not reveal the truth, who could do this?”

Luo Ning laughed in rage, “Young Lord, Young Lord, we went through such great lengths for you and yet you continued saying Young Lord this and that. Have you really made that incompetent kid into some sort of being to be worshipped?”

“My mother is the only one who has the ability to do so, am I right?” Even though Luo Yun asked, his tone was already certain. The face that never held much expression had a hint of frustration, he whispered, “My mother is usually in charge of gathering information from different nations for many years. All of those spies will certainly listen to her words. Uncle, please tell me the truth, my mother is currently in Tong Kingdom, am I right?”

If Feng Ming was here at this moment, he would definitely be surprised. In front of Feng Ming and his group, Luo Yun and Luo Ning had always called each other father and son, so why at this time, Luo Yun called Luo Ning as uncle?

Luo Ning was surprised by the sudden title, he let out a sigh from within. Ever since Luo Yun was young, he spoke little words and concentrated on his martial arts. He would ignore things around him, however, because of that Young Lord, Luo Yun questioned him today. Though extremely rude with words, but his facial demeanor at this moment was very much like his stubborn younger sister.

“Your mother arrived in Tong Kingdom some time ago.” After saying that, Luo Ning sighed loudly and explained, “Luo Yun, your mother did all of this because of you. God has been unfair to you. That Feng Ming cannot even compare to a single finger of yours, so why should he deserve everything?”

“Because he is the son of Lady Yao Ye and that my mother is not Lady Yao Ye, but a woman Xiao Zong will never love - Luo Qian Qian.”

Luo Qian Qian.

Luo Yun’s voice was gentle and very warm when speaking of that name. Chiu Yue would have never imagined that Luo Yun would have such a sentimental tone.

That was his biological mother’s name. She was also a lonely, ill-fated and stubborn mother.

“For my mother to head to Tong Kingdom and order the spies to conceal the important news means that she made plans to deal with the Young Lord. That is also the reason why I do not wish the Young Lord to enter Tong Kingdom too early.”

LN: Are you planning on helping him?

LY: With me beside the Young Lord, I will not let her succeed.

Luo Yun looked up to meet with Luo Ning. Seeing his calm gaze filled with indefinable feelings, Luo Ning knew that this child has made his decision.

After a moment of silence, Luo Ning sighed as he sternly asked him once more, “Do you really want to go against your biological mother because of this incompetent half brother of yours?”

“You’re wrong.” Luo Yun said, “I’m doing this for my mother.”

Regardless of whether that young man on the deck, who constantly enjoy his days with the female attendants, is incompetent or not, or whether the Xiao Family’s business will go underwater under his hands, that person cannot be killed.

That person is Lady Yao Ye’s child. Even if he is incompetent, he is still Lady Yao Ye’s child. And Lady Yao Ye is the person who Xiao Zong loves the most. If Feng Ming were to die in the hands of his mother, then Xiao Zong, the person his mother holds a long unrequited love for, will have no mercy in taking her life.

Even though Luo Yun is not completely clear about the jealousy among women, but he is well aware that a man can do all sort of crazy cruel things for the woman he love….

While Luo Yun and Luo Ning were debating over the incompetent person who could not compare to Luo Yun’s finger, Feng Ming and the others were worried about Luo Yun.

“Duke Ming, please rest assured, I don’t think that dark faced Luo Ning would do anything to him.”

“That’s right. Then again, they are also father and son. At most, they would probably curse at each other, absolutely…they will never stab a few holes.”

“Stab a few holes?” Chiu Xing shuddered. “Chiu Yue, does your voice tremble when you’re comforting others? It’s better if you don’t say anything, each time you do, you cause our hairs to stand up.”

CL: If Duke Ming is worried, you can always send someone to go and see. I feel that what Chiu Yue said is reasonable, they are father and son, at most he would probably scold Luo Yun. Rong Hu, what do you say?

Ever since Luo Yun was taken away by Luo Ning, everyone was no longer in a happy mood. They simply got back to the main room and found a place to sit. Rong Hu, who was sitting to the left of Feng Ming, had a serious downcast face.

Seeing his face, Chiu Yue felt a bit scared, she asked, “Rong Hu, even you think that something would happen to him?”

Thinking about it, the Xiao Family league of assassins is notorious for disowning their own kind. This time, Luo Yun had publicly defied his higher up and spoke on behalf of Duke Ming, which will not bring him any good. It’s heard that assassins deal with their traitors, if harshly it’s death sentence, if lightly it’s cutting their arm and leg veins. Just thinking about it made his face pale.

“Chiu Yue, you don’t have to be too scared. I didn’t say anything not because I was worried about Luo Yun, instead it’s because I keep thinking about it and still can’t figure it out.” Rong Hu got his arm relentlessly pinched by Chiu Lan did he noticed Chiu Yue’s pale face. He tried to explain and then remembered why he was in deep thought, “When Luo Yun gave his answer to Duke Ming, it was too easy. Luo Yun has always disliked Duke Ming so why would he suddenly decide to help us? You have to know that one word from him, not only did it make his father lose face, but among all the Xiao Family men during this period of time no one can force Duke Ming to depart.”

Everyone nodded simultaneously with a puzzled expression.

Luo Yun is not a person who is highly favorable, he has a foul temper, cold exterior, if he doesn’t sneer then he’ll laugh disdainfully. So why would he suddenly decide to side with justice and obediently obey the “Young Lord’s” order?

A long while later, Feng Ming broke the silence, he tentatively asked with a slight hint of excitement, “Could it be that he was moved by my perseverance and approachable spirit?”

After listening to this question, Rong Hu and Chiu Yue gave him a funny look, refusing to respond.

Only relatively considerate Chiu Lan replied in a hesitant way, “Ah…that could be it…being with Duke Ming for some days now, maybe…”

While thinking of how to reply, the sound of approaching footsteps were heard.

Everyone looked eagerly towards the door, as for Chiu Yue who was anxiously worrying, she quickly jumped up from her chair and headed towards the curtains.

When the curtains lifted and the appearance of the oncoming man’s face was seen, her relaxed expression was immediately covered in disappointment.

“So it’s you. What do you want?”

The person that came was Ran Qing, who was selected by the Xiao Family as one of the guards for Feng Ming.

“Miss Chiu Yue, please report to Young Lord that there is someone near the ship, claiming to return from Tong Kingdom and was sent by Zi Yan with a letter to hand to the Young Lord.”

“Zi Yan finally brought news!” Rong Hu stood up and went to the door, “Where is the letter?”

Ran Qing gave the letter to Rong Hu, “The letter was checked for poison, the messenger is now guarded on the deck of the main ship and can be sent over here for questioning at any time.”

Rong Hu took the letter and carefully examined for any poison once more before handing it to Feng Ming.

“Zi Yan has sent the letter? He really does a swift job.” Feng Ming and the others were worried about Zi Yan’s safety since Tong Kingdom is brewing a large storm and being alone in that nation right now is very dangerous.

Receiving a message back made them a bit relieved.

Chiu Xing urged him, “Duke Ming, hurry and read what Zi Yan wrote.”

Everyone focused their attention on the letter in Feng Ming’s hands.

Feng Ming quickly opened the letter, reading it softly and then relaying the message back to the others, “Zi Yan said he arrived in Tong Kingdom and found the spy Mian Ya planted there. The situation within Tong Kingdom is just like Mian Ya said, no major changes. Qing Zhang and Qing Li are still arguing over whether or not the Great King Qing Ding is alive or not. The ministers are also divided into two groups, respectively, the ones in support of Qing Zhang are..Wow, such a long list? The officials in Tong Kingdom are so many….”

Zi Yan wrote three full pages on thin silk. The beginning was just information he gathered about the inner palace, along with the situation at Tong’s border regarding the small city Fang Di. Nothing out of the ordinary.

When reading the third page, Feng Ming was surprised he gave an “Ah.”

The others who heard him were startled, Rong Hu asked, “What’s wrong? Did Zi Yan mentioned that something was not good?”

“I’m not sure whether it’s good or bad.” Feng Ming still holding the silk paper muttered, “Zi Yan said he will investigate the sea, wanting to help me with opening a water route for transporting the luminescent sand and make some preparation for it. He also happened to encounter one of the Xiao Family’s caravans at sea.”

CX: That’s good!

FM: He’s going to show them the Xiao Family seal that I gave him in order to borrow several large ships and an experienced crew. He’s planning on starting near the Dan Lin strait and making their mark.

“Ah? That’s a very good thing.”

“But…” Feng Ming widened his black eyes, he stared at Rong Hu and reported with a wry smile, “He said he’s going to the Dan Lin Strait, isn’t that…Uh, the Dan Lin Strait where pirates constantly linger around, even my old geezer, Xiao Zong, suffered a major loss there, isn’t that right?”

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What do you guys think of Luo Yun now?