Feng Yu Jiu Tian - Volume 7 - Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

Jun Qing’s deep steady voice , every word and sentence was clearly heard inside the meeting hall.

JQ: Does Duke Ming think that Jun Qing is a person who ignores his military prowess, the Jun Family century old reputation, to resort to despicable means?

After saying that, Jun Qing looked over at Chang Yen and gave him a signal.

CY: (stood up and said) Ever since Duke Ming was admitted to the palace, every movement of Duke Ming was closely monitored. He was heavily monitored ever since Master Sun Zi had deciphered the direction of the ambush to the time we’ve sent troops to suppress the ambush. Every movement, every person he came in contact with, every word Duke Ming said, we have carefully analyzed. Although Duke Ming’s actions at times can be quite strange, but I can guarantee that Duke Ming does not have the time to transfer message to the ambush soldiers.

Feng Ming’s nerves slightly loosened, he clenched his teeth, just a bit more and these people almost gave him a heart attack. However, if every movement was closely monitored by them then when he changed his clothes to take a bath, would they even... Next time when he take a bath, he must wear some clothes so he won’t be at a loss.

Xie Guang added: “Also, we have concluded that the traces that were left by the ambush were from Bei Qi troops. If the spy is Duke Ming, then those who ambush us should have been Xi Lei’s men.”

One other general said: “Then that means there is still a spy among us?”

“That’s right. Also, we have to capture him before Dong Fan decides to make another attack.”

JQ: Everyone, please rest assure. There is no spy without any flaws. This matter, we will clearly investigate tonight. Right now, this meeting is temporary on hold, no matter what no one is allowed to leave this Military meeting hall.

Jun Qing invited Duke Ming to follow him outside for a chatting.

Jun Qing asked Feng Ming what he is intending on doing and Feng Ming didn’t quite understand his question.

JQ: The Advisor’s illness has reached the point that it cannot be ignored. This matter, both

you and I clearly know the answer. After the chaos caused by the Priestesses came the mentioning of Duke Ming participating in military affairs, the Advisor falling ill, and an appearance of an ambush outside the cit. The rapids continued to flood beneath our feet, the crisis is at hand...Duke Ming should give me an answer.

Feng Ming innocently scratched his head.

FM: I thought that Jun Ling Si planned on bringing me out here to discuss about the spy situation, and was trying hard to find an explanation for you. Who would have thought that Jun Ling Si asked me such a strange question like this, how do you want me to answer you?

JQ: Doesn’t Duke Ming think that you’re very fortunate? I almost believed that Duke Ming is someone who is loved by the Gods. To be honest with Duke Ming, if it wasn’t for Dong Fan’s situation to be at a delicate juncture, Duke Ming would never be standing here talking to me right now. It’s not that Jun Qing want to boast, but within Dong Fan, there isn’t anyone that I cannot kill. Advisor must have known this and elected you without worry, to confront me.

FM: If Jun Ling Si is in the mood of talking with me, then I will also be honest. Advisor is very ill, but this doesn’t seem to be much of a secret. Advisor wishes for me to replace his position, this Jun Ling Si probably could guess. This matter we don’t have to be unclear anymore. Of course, I don’t plan on fighting with Jun Ling Si over that position. The thing I don’t understand is that everything Advisor had done is for the Great King. Jun Ling Si is also someone who is loyal to the Great King, everyone has the same goal so there shouldn’t be any kind of contradiction. Why must Jun Ling Si go against Advisor’s wishes at this critical time?

If you want to deal with Advisor then that’s that, but to also deal with me then that’s really unfair.

JQ: Duke Ming is really a mild-manner person. In fact, Jun Qing understands Advisor’s effort. The loyalty of Advisor towards the Great King can touched anyone. That’s why, when I heard of Advisor’s illness, the first feeling I got was not happiness, but of sadness.

He turned around to see the shocked face of Feng Ming and decided to explain.

JQ: Duke Ming does not need to be surprised. The person that I highly respect is usually my rival.

FM: Then between Jun Ling Si and Advisor...

JQ: It seems Duke Ming still does not understand the main conflict between us. The main contradiction between the military division and Advisor is that the Advisor is only loyal to the Great King, but the military division is loyal to the entire royal family of Dong Fan. If I say it like this, Duke Ming should have a clear understanding now.

So basically, Lu Dan wishes for Dong Fan King to have sole power (monarchy) over national affairs, over Dong Fan; however, Jun Qing wants a democracy type of government so the power will not solely lie in one person’s hands since he figured that Dong Fan King is not a very wise king and doesn’t want him to make many wrong decisions.

FM: In the past, there was the Head Priestess who could suppress the Advisor’s power; therefore, Jun Ling Si was silent. But after the priestess’s power has been abolished, in order to stop Advisor from having sole control over national affairs, Jun Ling Si was forced to step forward.

JQ: Advisor is ill, if he doesn’t have much ambition, the military division would not take action because after his death, Dong Fan will no longer have one person to determine the life and death of the kingdom. However, we never expected that Advisor would push Duke Ming forward.

FM: Jun Ling Si doesn’t need to tell me all of this. Actually, I have never thought of being a part of the power struggle. I think it’s best for everyone to just shake hands and become friends. However, the thing that I find strange is if Jun Ling Si is against (Advisor’s decision) then you can prevent me from participating in the military meeting or even kill me.

JQ: Killing one person is nothing hard. But there are two reasons why I didn’t choose this barbaric practice in the first place. One, the Advisor had chosen an appropriate time to let Duke Ming participate in the national affairs of Dong Fan, at this time I’m trying very hard to prevent chaos to Dong Fan. Two...I have always admired the wisdom of Advisor. For him to choose a person to replace him, then that person will be able to bring unexpected benefits to Dong Fan than before. A rare talent like that, Jun Qing does not want to destroy. Of course, if that person were to become an obstacle to the stability of Dong Fan then I will not hesitate to deal with him.

Feng Ming started smiling and nodding in agreement until he heard the last sentence.

FM: I love most is stability. I will not be an obstacle to stability. (However, I only love to stabilize Xi Lei).

JQ: Is this Duke Ming’s answer? Duke Ming will promise that there won’t be a future implementation of monarchy and will allow Dong Fan to become a place of shared balance power? If that’s the case, then let us clap hands and make the oath. From today onward, Jun Qing will see Duke Ming as an ally, will assist Duke Ming to become Dong Fan’s

Colonial Secretary. However, Duke Ming will ensure that Dong Fan will not become a kingdom where the Great King receives absolute power.

From the corner of Feng Ming’s eyes, he noticed that there were several tall, strong guards who were placing their hands on their swords. He found out that he had unwittingly walked into an uninhabited corner.

Jun Qing had lured him here; maybe if the discussion did not go as planned, he probably would take action here. Thinking about that, how could Feng Ming dare to think of something otherwise then to raise his hand and take the oath?

FM: Does Jun Ling Si think that Feng Ming is someone who agrees to a monarchy ruling?

However, I want to add a requirement, Jun Ling Si have to swear that you will be loyal to the Great King. The King and his men may have different opinions, but the king is still the king. If not, then how can I face the Advisor?

JQ: Does Duke Ming think that Jun Qing is not a loyal official? For centuries, the Jun family never had a traitor!

FM: Good!

They both made the oath.

Thinking about it now, Rong Tian faking his death scheme is not bad. If they didn’t believe that Rong Tian is dead, then they wouldn’t lower their guard, and this good outcome would never occur.

Because of Rong Tian’s death, Lu Dan also gave Feng Ming an opportunity, and because of Lu Dan’s trust in Feng Ming, Jun Qing also gave Feng Ming an opportunity.

Somewhere inside Feng Ming’s mind, he thought...could this be the Gods’ will?

They decided to head back inside the meeting hall, heading back, Jun Qing asked Feng Ming if Master Sun is looking for another disciple. Feng Ming can’t believe that Empress Dowager’s words also travelled to Jun Qing’s ears. Jun Qing recommended his daughter,

Jun Ting and hoped that Feng Ming can add in good words for her. Feng Ming happily agreed, knowing inside that none of those really matters once Dong Fan is conquered by Rong Tian.

They returned inside the meeting hall and one of the Generals said: “News have travelled stating that 7 of our best armies have returned back within the vicinity of the city, and are temporarily concentrated in one area, awaiting orders.”

After finished hearing that, Jun Qing returned to his seat and glanced across the room.

JQ: The spies have already been captured.

All the other Generals expressed a sense of surprise. JQ: Bring them here.

The curtains lifted and Chang Yen led four tall guards inside. Two of them dragged a young man in, which have yet to know whether he was still alive or not. They charged inside the hall and placed the man in the middle of the room and excuse themselves.

Suddenly, all eyes were focused on the man lying there.

This person wore Dong Fan’s military uniform, but suffered severe punishment. His clothes were almost torn from being whipped, his back was bloody with horrible scars that one couldn’t bear to see, his limbs were twisted unnaturally and apparently been broken.

Chang Yen faced Jun Qing and reported.

CY: He has confessed that they are 5 other spies from Bei Qi, but they don’t hold a high position. Those five people have been arrested and awaiting for Jun Ling Si’s orders on how to deal with them. I have also carefully interrogated him and searched his residence; there should be no other senior Generals who colluded with him.

Feng Ming now understood why a moment ago, Jun Qing ordered for all the other Generals to not leave the meeting hall. It was to find out which person colluded with which and with all of them gathered together, it would be easier.

But who is this traitor, why does his stature look a bit familiar? The spy was facing the ground and so Feng Ming could only see his back.

Xie Guang angrily shouted out: “How hateful, allowing this kind of person to enter the military meeting hall. This traitor, compensate the lives of my soldiers!” After shouting, he fiercely walked toward that person and kicked the spy in the waist, turning him over.

The bloodstained face was now within viewing distance, Feng Ming took a closer look and was suddenly surprised, that person was Lin Yin.

Looking back, Feng Ming finally realized why he hated Feng Ming so much and persuaded Jun Ting to have a bad impression of him, just because Feng Ming and his master exposed Bei Qi’s ambush location.

Looking around, he noticed that Jun Ting wasn’t here today and wasn’t standing behind Jun Ling Si as always.

“How is Jun Ling Si intending on disposing this person?”

One General said: “This person betrayed us, causing our Dong Fan’s army to lose troops,

we can’t easily let this matter go.”

“Not only that, the days before we fought with Bei Qi, we don’t know how many other people he had betrayed.”

Can’t believe that just one mere ambush incident, Jun Qing immediately caught the traitor that hidden himself. Seems like this old guy is not as simple as he seems. Thinking about this, Feng Ming couldn’t help to be on full alert and trembled a bit.

Xie Guang: “I think we should lynch him.”

Jun Qing’s eyes rested on Lin Yin, who was still barely breathing.

JQ: It’s a shame that this person is a talented young man, but unfortunately cannot be of used to Dong Fan. Well, Duke Ming’s face seemed to change, have something came to mind?

FM: Ah, I was just wondering how Jun Ling Si had concluded that this person is a spy?

JQ: The truth is actually very simple. The spy not only had to be someone with a high position in the army of Dong Fan, but he also has to be familiar with the inner palace and current situation of Dong Fan, ...choosing the perfect moment to take extreme and effective means on attacking the capital, Ping Xi.

Feng Ming finally understood that Lin Yin was in charge of gathering news and secrets within the inner palace of Dong Fan; therefore, he would be the most likely suspect.

Chang Yen added: “Once we have a suspect, we would quickly take control of the situation and find conclusive evidence as proof such as letters, etc, which is not quite difficult. We have discovered messages between him and Bei Qi at his residence.”

Other generals continued to discuss on how to dispose of Lin Yin.

“I believe we should continue interrogating him. He had infiltrated within Dong Fan for many years, he must have a lot of secrets that he haven’t said.”

“General Jun Yao, do you not believe in Chang Yen’s interrogation style? If they are within General Chang Yen’s hands, I guarantee that no one will be able to hide any secrets.”

Can’t believe that Chang Yen’s methods are very sinister like that, you definitely cannot judge a person by his appearance.

“If there is no other value for him, then we should just dispose of him as we did the other spy. We’ll take good care of him, bandage his wounds, let him eat and drink to the fullest, and then skin him alive, let him die slowly.”

Feng Ming heard that and a cold chill ran down his spine.

While in discussion, suddenly the curtains lifted opened and everyone was silent.

Jun Ting had her right hand onto her sword; her sharp eyes gazed at each of the Generals and finally landed softly on the ground next to Lin Yin who was covered in blood.

Jun Qing lowered his voice: “I ordered you to give support to the armies that are retreating back to the capital, why did you come back halfway?”

Jun Ting didn’t answer, but slowly made her way in front of Lin Yin. Not caring for the many glances surrounding her, she kneeled down, reached out her hands to hold Lin Yin’s hand, which bones can be seen from his open skin. She looked down to see the face covered in blood, hard to make out the features.

JT: Is there anything you want to say to me?

JQ: (angry) Jun Ting, go outside for me!

Jun Ting acted as if she didn’t hear, her eyes focused on Lin Yin

JT: I’ve came back, you don’t need to suffer anymore.

JQ: Someone, take 13th Captain away!

Several strong soldiers stepped forward, but Jun Ting suddenly lifted her head and gave them a cold stare causing them to step back.

Jun Ting looked down and quietly gazed at Lin Yin.

Lin Yin smiled and whispered a few words. Probably he was beaten up that his teeth were gone and only blood gushed out from his mouth, how could anyone hear anything?

Jun Ting nodded her head.

JQ: Jun Ting, do you want to put shame to the Jun family’s reputation?

Jun Qing couldn’t hold it in any longer and stood up. He knew that no one dared to put their hands on his daughter and so he walked down the steps towards Jun Ting’s direction.

JQ: If you don’t listen to my words...

With just three steps from Jun Ting, a sound of a sword withdrawing from its scabbard was heard.

Jun Ting stared down at Lin Yin with love and affection; she stood up, drew her sword and stabbed downward. The sound of the sharp blade stabbing into the skin and meat, echoed throughout the hall, fresh blood scattered through the air.

In a blink of an eye, almost everyone was shocked at the scattered of blood to the point they couldn’t move.

Jun Ting pierced her sword into the heart of Lin Yin, quietly looking at Lin Yin’s face and then withdrawing her sword. Using the cuff of her sleeve, she wiped off the blood and placed her sword back into the scabbard. At this moment, she turned around and faced her father.

JT: Lin Yin is my subordinate; it is not something outrageous for me to personally dispose of him.

Even Jun Qing had lost his composure he always had, he didn’t say anything.

JT: If father does not have any other thing to say, your daughter will continue her order of supporting the army.

Under the glances of everyone, Jun Ting excused herself as usual, turned herself towards the entrance, lifted the curtains and turned her head back to look. Her gaze landed on Feng Ming, causing Feng Ming’s blood to freeze in place.

After Jun Ting left, Chang Yen seem to have just recovered from the shock and tried to change the subject regarding the spy.

CY: At the moment, the ambush is still outside the city wall, according to our estimates, the number is not small. I believe that when our elite armies make their emergent journey back here, with their military aid, we will immediately wipe out the ambush troops outside, while they have yet to deploy the first attack.

“I agree.”

“But where is exactly is the ambush now? How do we attack?”

So they continued to discuss about their plans for a counterattack. Lin Yin’s corpse was already removed from the military hall, the bloodstains on the floor was wiped down, leaving a pool of red blot and unpleasant smell of blood in the air.

Feng Ming decided to ask permission to leave as he doesn’t feel well, especially everything that happened. Chang Yen excused him from the meeting and Feng Ming returned back to his quarters. He retold everything to Empress Dowager.

Feng Ming was sad about what happened to Jun Ting and Lin Yin and when thinking about Lin Yin, he started wondering about Rong Tian. He wanted to ask Empress Dowager about Rong Tian, but figured that they are always being monitored, he decided not to. Because of this heavy burden and deep worry, Feng Ming wanted to excuse himself. As he tried to go outside the room to perhaps eat something, his chest hurts and he fainted.