Feng Yu Jiu Tian - Volume 7 - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Feng Yu Jiu Tian Volume 7

(A Prestigious King’s Mighty Strength)

 
The scene of the battlefield suddenly appeared to dramatically changed, not only did Rong Tian dare to easily send a secret coded message within the vicinity of Dong Fan, the most impressive is having Empress Dowager who had hidden within the inner palace comfortably transformed and disguised herself as the Great Master “Sun Zi” with vast knowledge. Although Feng Ming believed that he had trained himself very well mentally ever since arriving to this ancient period, he couldn’t keep his heart from thumping heavily.

Acting out an emotional touching scene between a teacher and a disciple that is so realistic, he could earn an Oscar award.

LD: The Art of War that Master Sun had presented is very astounding. Here, please have a taste of Dong Fan’s excellent tea, and then we will continue listening to your military strategies.

ED: Good. Good. Advisor seems very interested in military strategies, comparing to my disciple who is not willing to improve, you’re a much faster learner.

All of those so called military strategies of hers were taught by Rong Tian who learned it by Feng Ming. After understanding it, because of the urgent change of events, he had to teach it to her. Because Feng Ming was being held hostage, he was force against his will to reveal a bit of the military strategies, so comparing to Empress Dowager who was taught meticulously by Rong Tian, would seem to have more knowledge.

But that knowledge also has its limits, Lu Dan is not an easy opponent to trick if he continues to ask “Sun Zi” about related military strategies again, and Empress Dowager wouldn’t be able to counter.

LD: I heard Duke Ming said, Master Sun has two different sets of military strategies, one is the “Art of War”, where Duke Ming had used the chained boat fire strategy at Aman River. The other one is “The Exclusive Art of War” which is even more amazing than the first.

Feng Ming was drinking tea and if he wasn’t looking down at that moment, he could have spit his tea onto his “master.”

Empress Dowager was also surprised. She only learned the Art of War from Rong Tian and wasn’t quite familiar with it yet, so where did this other Exclusive Art of War came from? She turned around to glance over at Feng Ming.

Feng Ming was quick witted and immediately stood in front of Empress Dowager, he kneel down and said.

FM: Your disciple is bad; I didn’t listen to your words and carelessly told Advisor about the other military strategy book that you written.

The inner palace is usually the place where people trick and we lie, talking about acting, Empress Dowager’s acting ability compared to Feng Ming was never any lowered. She immediately shook her head.

ED: Feng Ming, when you went down the mountains, didn’t you listen carefully to what I have told you?

FM: You have said: “The Exclusive Art of War” compare to the “Art of War” is extremely more powerful. Looking at the level of military strategy from the present kingdoms, using “Art of War” is already enough. At this point, it’s not necessary to use “The Exclusive Art of War”; you have to wait in the future when the all the kingdoms’ military strategies have improve immensely in order to let others know about it.

ED: And you still dare to reveal it? (She pound hard onto the arm of the chair, Lu Dan laughed)

LD: Please Master Sun, don’t blame Duke Ming. It’s because Lu Dan was not good. We were discussing about military strategies and during the point of interest, Duke Ming was careless about it...

While talking for a bit, a servant of Lu Dan lifted the curtains and walked in, “Reporting to Advisor...”

LD: Who told you to come in? Didn’t I tell everyone to leave so that no one can bother my conversation with Master Sun and Duke Ming?

“Advisor, please forgive, the military division has urgent matter, Jun Qing wanted to intervene.”

The voice of Jun Qing traveled inside, his footsteps approached nearer. Not long, the curtains were lifted and Jun Qing’s image appeared along with his other tall and strong generals standing behind him.

Lu Dan’s face was a bit pale, but it completely changed when he stood up with a smile of his face.

LD: Jun Ling Si personally came to this place, Lu Dan is very honored. Jun Ling Si had

came at the right time, Master Sun who is well-versed in the Art of War is here discussing about military strategies, Jun Ling Si is also familiar with military strategies, would you like to join the discussion? Someone, bring the tea.

JQ: No need. Jun Qing’s reason for coming here is very simple, I would like to request Master Sun to decipher this strange message we have retrieved on a body of a spy from Bei Qi.

“A message?”

JQ: According to Duke Ming, he stated that those who can read it are very few, and Master

Sun is one of those few people.

Jun Qing turned towards Empress Dowager and glanced at her, seeing that she was a female, he felt very surprised.

JQ: Don’t know if Master Sun is happy to help and come over to the military meeting hall for a bit?

LD: According to Jun Ling Si, what message is it?

Jun Qing glanced over at Lu Dan; his face was serious without much expression.

JQ: Please forgive me Advisor, this is confidential matter related to the military division, only those with high position in the military forces can participate.

The beautiful face of Lu Dan suddenly reddened; his eyes were filled with evil anger but immediately disappeared. Even though he is filled with intelligence, holding power within Dong Fan’s inner palace, overthrowing the priestesses, but towards military matter, he cannot place his hands in it. The military division in Dong Fan is extremely loyal to the King with great respect towards one’s background and connection, Lu Dan was born from a common family, and never stepped foot on the battlefield, so it’s natural that he won’t receive approval from the generals within the military forces.

Also, even if Lu Dan had Dong Fan King’s trust and love, he still cannot easily stand in their way. This is the main reason why Lu Dan decided to take advantage of Feng Ming and “The Art of War.” Feng Ming and that book can help Lu Dan receive power within the military division, something that he yearns for.

Jun Qing patiently waited for Empress Dowager’s answer. Feng Ming’s palms were filled with sweat. He had carelessly stated that the message, “Sun Zi” could understand it and never would have thought a hundred times that “Sun Zi” would actually appear.

Well, isn’t it great, now they have caught him red-handed.

If Empress Dowager took a look at the message and couldn’t explain it, then that means

Feng Ming was lying, and Jun Qing might use this excuse to behead him. If she can explain it, then what kind of “news the gods would send to the mortals”?

“I am near you, wait for me.”

Thinking about the message Rong Tian sent, he felt happy and in a slight moment, he almost formed a smile on his face. Feng Ming quickly clenched his teeth and lowered his head, what the heck was he doing? Thinking about that at that moment was a bit unnecessary.

“Master Sun, please.” One of Jun Qing’s men lifted the curtains.

Empress Dowager was not clear about the whole story, but seeing Feng Ming’s face, how can she easily leave with someone else. She lightly pushed the tea cup and didn’t say a single word.

JQ: (walked forward a few steps) Master Sun, the time is urgent, please come.

Lu Dan was angry at Jun Qing’s rudeness, seeing the way “Master Sun” ignored Jun Qing, it could be said that she kind of help him, so he smiled coldly and said.

LD: Jun Ling Si, Master Sun is a special guest that I have invited; she is not one of your subordinate. Whether Master Sun wants to go to the military meeting hall or not, it would be best for her to decide.

Jun Qing paused a bit, but he wasn’t angry. He looked over at Feng Ming.

JQ: Duke Ming also knows how urgent this matter is, request Duke Ming to persuade your Master to come this once, in order to avoid disappointing the trust of the Great King towards Duke Ming.

Just like that, Feng Ming couldn’t just cross his arms and stand there. He softly spoke to Empress Dowager.

FM: Master, Jun Ling Si received a message/letter from a Bei Qi spy, the message on it had a similar writing to what master had talked about how the Gods communicate with the mortals. I was bold enough to tell Jun Ling Si that master could read this type of writing. Jun Ling Si wishes very much to decipher the meaning within it and wishes you to take this trip, don’t know what your decision is?

ED: So that’s it. You’ve continued to get involved.

FM: Yes, yes. Your disciple has been rash.

ED: This matter... (She looked over at Lu Dan) What does Advisor think?

Lu Dan saw that “Master Sun” asked for his opinion, giving him some respect, so his mood lighten up a bit. However, he was understanding, of course he wouldn’t say the words: “Master, you should not go.”

LD: Lu Dan will respect any decision that Master Sun make.

Empress Dowager pretended to think it over for a bit and then replied to Jun Qing.

ED: I won’t lie to Jun Ling Si. I have decided long ago that I won’t meddle into court affairs anymore, however, my disciple Feng Ming revealed everything, and made Jun Ling Si personally come here to ask. In order to repay Advisor’s hospitality, I felt it’s only right to do something for Dong Fan. Alright, I will help Jun Ling Si with this matter, but...I’m old and

can’t easily move around freely and would rather if Jun Ling Si asks right here related to your military division. Please forgive me for not being able to take the trip.

In the beginning, Jun Qing had no intention of discussing the matter in front of Lu Dan, but since “Master Sun” didn’t want to follow him to the meeting hall, he didn’t want to delay the urgent matter so he pulled out the letter and hand it to “Master Sun.”

Empress Dowager took the letter and opened it up.

ED: Ha? The writing in this letter is really what the Gods have used, where did you find it?

JQ: We got it from a spy that we’ve caught. Master, we would like to request if you can decipher the hidden message?

Feng Ming was like an ant crawling on a hot wok.

Empress Dowager, you must definitely come up with a good lie to trick Lu Dan and Jun Qing, even if it’s not easy.

Empress Dowager was not a bit hesitant, holding the letter and looking from left to right, her mouth mumbled some words, closed her eyes and lost in thoughts. After everyone around was waiting with tired necks for her translation, she wrinkled her brows and looked over at

Jun Qing.

ED: I also don’t know what the hidden message is.

FM: What?

JQ: What? (shocked and disappointed with a bit of suspicion) Empress Dowager placed the letter on the table and slowly said.

ED: It’s because this letter is not complete. The writing of the Gods compared with regular writing is complicated a thousand times. If the letter is not complete, how can I translate the hidden message inside? It’s just like a military map with only one piece of it, so how can we know where the beginning is?

Feng Ming’s two eyes widened, he wanted so badly to just kiss Empress Dowager, using this excuse was very ingenious!

The older they are the wiser they are.

JQ: What Master said is that this letter has another part to it? ED: Absolutely correct.

JQ: How is this possible?

ED: How can it not be possible? (looked towards Lu Dan) Right now, 11 kingdoms are at war, every kingdom wants to use all sort of method to protect their confidential information. The method of separating the message into different pieces to different people, Advisor must have heard of it before?

LD: That’s right. Everyone different will hold a piece, and then handed altogether to receiver, and the receiver will place them together to form one piece. By doing so, they won’t have to worry if one of the people is caught and the secret is reveal.

This type of sending message, Jun Qing has also heard of.

Unfortunately, Bei Qi is their dangerous neighboring kingdom of Dong Fan and have been making continuous movements, causing generals of Jun Qing to be anxious, and now they discovered a spy, afraid that a spy had infiltrated their troops and this mysterious letter made all of them anxious to know everything.

Jun Qing already had his suspicion about Feng Ming, but he couldn’t guess why Feng Ming would want to lie to him. If “Master Sun” were to state the hidden message, then he could figure out whether it was true or not. He just can’t believe she would pull out an excuse that the message was not complete.

FM: Jun Ling Si, I believe that if we want to find out the hidden message behind this letter, we will need to capture another spy.

JQ: I’ve already made the order to strictly follow anyone new/strange that had recently appeared in the troops. Since it’s like that, I have other important matter to take care of, I’ll excuse myself first.

He brought all of his subordinates outside of the room and a bit later went back and spoke with Feng Ming.

JQ: Jun Ting stated that within the next ten days, Duke Ming planned on not coming to see the soldiers practice and need to stay inside the inner palace to write military training methods?

FM: That’s right.

JQ: That cannot be done. Duke Ming had already forgotten one thing, the troops from both our parties will battle once every month. Using ten days to write training methods, then when will you get the time to actually train them? Duke Ming needs to use three days time to write the training manual. I already gave Jun Ting the order that during these three days, she will assist Duke Ming inside the inner palace. She is still young with less experience, please look after her Duke Ming.

Not allowing Feng Ming to refuse, bowed to Lu Dan, and walked out with everyone.

Feng Ming silently whimpered, it seems like Jun Qing really want to use his daughter to stick to him like glue.

Empress Dowager was a bit tired and looked over at Lu Dan.

ED: My bones and body is old, unable to withstand suffering. On the road coming here, I’ve been tossed about, even now I still feel as if I’m still sitting in the palanquin.

LD: It’s Lu Dan’s miscalculation. Master had come from afar, so you will need to rest peacefully for once. It’s just in time, I also have a few matter to take care of. For the evening banquet tonight, I would like to invite Master to have fun as well, how about it?

ED: (shook her head) I’m from the mountains, I don’t like to be around crowds like that...

LD: It’s only natural. If Master does not like it, then you don’t need to come. Then Lu Dan will wait until Master is well rested and will come by to request for your guidance.

FM: Master come and sleep over at my place, allow your disciple to take good care of you. Empress Dowager looked over at Lu Dan, Lu Dan nodded his head.

LD: I’ll bother Duke Ming then, I’ll send a few more attendants over to serve you.

Lu Dan personally escorted them to main entrance, calling his close servants to escort the two of them to where Feng Ming is currently staying at.

Feng Ming tried to hold back his excitement when returning to his place, told the servants to excuse them and closed the door. Still afraid that others might hear them, Feng Ming lowered his voice and whispered to Empress Dowager.

FM: How’s it going?

ED: What is Duke Ming trying to ask?

FM: Your Highness...(he stomped his foot) Of course it’s about him. Empress Dowager saw Feng Ming’s action and couldn’t help but laugh. ED: Come closer.

Feng Ming obediently lended his ear.

ED: He’s sick.

FM: Sick? (let out a frighten sound. Looking at all four directions and then lowered his voice) Why...why is he sick? Sick from what? Then why did he say that he is near me? And want me to wait for him?

ED: He’s lovesick and it’s very serious.

Feng Ming wanted to ask some more, but Empress Dowager suddenly said: “Don’t say anymore.”

ED: The Great King knows that after Duke Ming sees me, you will ask a lot of questions. All these questions, to explain all of them are very complicated, so let’s wait until The Great King explains it all to Duke Ming later. At the moment, Duke Ming just need to patiently wait for the Great King’s news, he has come up with a great plan to capture Dong Fan. Duke Ming just needs to wait.

FM: Then what truly happened to Xi Lei? It’s stated here that Tong Er had stolen the throne, what happened?

ED: It’ll be explained later.

FM: What kind of great plan did he come up with? ED: Don’t ask.

FM: I am in a dangerous situation, how can I be at peace without asking?

ED: If he doesn’t want you to know, then he has his own reasons. Does Duke Ming not believe the Great King?

FM: ...How can I not?

ED: As long as you believe the Great King then it’s fine. This place has a lot of people following close by, if they noticed us whispering, they will raise suspicion. From this point forward, just think of me as your master, don’t ask any questions.

That’s right, believe in him. Just need to believe in him.

The army of Dong Fan cannot stop the sword in your hands, I will believe you.

That night, Feng Ming had a dream of Rong Tian coming back from court meetings and heading to the Crown Prince’s quarter.

FM: Rong Tian, I want to go horseback riding! I want to eat dumplings! I want you to hug me! I’m tired, let me rest in your arms!... This time I’m on top!

RT: No!

Suddenly, Rong Tian’s face changed into Ruo Yan.

FM: No! It can’t be!

Lu Dan appeared behind him and laughed.

LD: Of course it can’t be, Duke Ming belongs to my Great King.

Feng Ming stared at the person in front of his eyes and it was no longer Ruo Yan, but now changed to Dong Fan King.

FM: I don’t want this! I don’t want this! Rong Tian hurry! Come! “Duke Ming? Wake up Duke Ming?”

Having someone shake his shoulder, Feng Ming suddenly opened his eyes, his forehead filled with sweat.

A female attendant patted her chest: “I’ve finally able to wake Duke Ming, Duke Ming was having a nightmare and screaming out loud.”

FM: Luckily, it was just a dream. Have I waken you up? I’m sorry. I’m alright now, you can go back to sleep.

“Sleep? Your servant is here to help Duke Ming change clothes. Duke Ming should wake up.”

FM: This early? It’ cold, I have to sleep some more, please don’t bother me.

“But...13th Lieutenant has come, she is currently waiting for you in the main hall. She states that she needs to assist Duke Ming in writing something.”

FM: Tell her I’m sick and need to sleep until the afternoon. “This ...”

FM: Go, go.

This is the territory of Duke Ming, and if it wasn’t his, it was still Lu Dan’s territory, how can 13th Captain dare to bother his beautiful sleep?

To leave his bed during the winter morning is something Feng Ming hates the most, so his servant left the room. This time he wanted a beautiful dream and didn’t want Ruo Yan, Dong Fan King or Lu Dan to ruin it.

However, his blanket was suddenly pulled away, causing Feng Ming’s whole body to shiver and yelled out in a weird way that he jump straight up from his bed.

FM: Who? (Feng Ming was mad)

The person that rudely busted in was standing at the head of the bed and throwing his blanket down on the cold ground.

FM: What do you want? (Feng Ming wore light clothing, his two hands were covering his chest and shaking.)

JT: Request Duke Ming to immediately leave the bed. My father wants me to use these three days to follow Duke Ming and discuss about methods of training troops, not to watch Duke Ming sleep.

FM: Not allowing someone to sleep is serious abuse, I will go to the Great King’s place and report to him that you’re torturing me!

JT: Oh really...Duke Ming just recently shouted out the enemy ruler Rong Tian in your dream, does this also need to be reported to the Great King?

FM: You!

JT: This responsibility I received from my father, not just investigating Duke Ming’s ability, but also the loyalty of Duke Ming towards Dong Fan. If there are any traces of the past Duke Ming in the present you...

FM: Alright, alright. I’ll leave my bed.

Feng Ming knew that arguing would be useless.

Jun Ting turned around and lifted the curtains: “One incense time, Jun Ting will wait in the study hall of this quarter.”