Feng Yu Jiu Tian - Volume 12 - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

“Duke Ming, watch out!” Rong Hu’s shout travelled through his ears, Luo Yun simultaneously jumped and rolled over towards Feng Ming.

Feng Ming staggered after being pushed aside by Luo Yun and Rong Hu. Even though he was slightly disoriented, he still heard a strange crash along with a loud sound as if a heavy object fell from above. The sound of weapons withdrawing from their sheaths were heard.

The three palace maids screamed out. Feng Ming motioned them to come over to where he was hiding. The guards outside already removed their swords and surrounded the area. Five or six of them pointed their swords at Tai Can and his mother, who was running the place at that time.

Nothing seemed to happen except for a dead body falling down in the middle of the inn, destroying the roof above.

Chiu Lan asked if that person was an assassin.

RH: If he is an assassin, then he must be very stupid.

Rong Hu took a look outside and around the inn; he concluded that this small inn is part of a three story building, which this person must have fallen from and coincidentally landed where they were sitting. Luckily, the rooftop is quite old and has an opening; therefore, they could detect any falling objects.

Luo Yun checked the body again and added that this person must have been thrown during some sort of dispute and died upon impact.

RH: I don't know who did this but they dare to commit a crime within soldier's territory.

Since it wasn't an assassin, the surrounding guards placed their swords back into the sheaths.

Feng Ming stepped out and wrinkled his eyebrows, "Judging by his clothes, he seems to be a Fen Cheng soldier." Placing his gaze towards Tai Can.

Tai Can felt that he had been experiencing bad luck lately. Because of his brother­in­law, he tried to come up with a meticulous plan, but yet this Mu Sa person came along and now there’s a dead person falling from the sky. Not only that, but he was almost killed by Feng Ming's guards, the shock scared him so much that he was still trembling.

LY: It's not uncommon for someone to die. Why is Young Lord worried?

RH: This person is dead. Either way, this place is not safe. Duke Ming is of high status, we mustn't stay long. Why don't we head back to the ship and continue with the conversation.

Luo Deng agreed.

Since the majority agreed, Feng Ming decided to follow along and leave Fen Cheng city, climbing onto the horse carriage, bringing along Tai Can and his mother.

When they headed outside the city, Chiu Yue noticed that the Wandering flower she placed on her head, suddenly withered.

A trip to Fen Cheng that started out in high spirits quickly ended in sadness and fear.

Once inside the ship, Feng Ming remembered about Tai Can and his mother so he ordered someone to bring Tai Can so he can continue talking about his brother­in­law's problem.

Tai Can didn't imagined that Feng Ming would listen to him after what had happened today so he was very grateful.

TC: My brother­in­law is a wine brewer. Within Fen Cheng, everyone know about him. He saved up a bit of money to open a wine inn and the profit was not bad...to make it clear... the three story building Rong Hu talked about was my brother­in­law's business a month ago.

Feng Ming finally understood as he felt it was strange earlier how Tai Can is an official, so why would he married off his sister to a wine brewer on a small inn. It seems that his brother­in­law also owns a building.

FM: Then that building as of now... TC: If I continue the I angrier get...

Feng Ming tells Tai Can to stand up and orders Chiu Yue to bring over the tea. Tai Can was surprised at how kind Feng Ming was towards him, he even helped him up from his kneeling position.

TC: My brother­in­law owns an inn and my little sister is pregnant. Their living each day is very good. However, three months ago, a disaster came, the higher ups suddenly ordered my brother­ in­law to transport his wine to the capital. But once the Youzi wine leaves Fen Cheng, it becomes sour once arriving in the capital. That's why my brother in law's inn was closed, his business shut down, even my sister and mother­in­law were forced outside their homes. My sister only has a little amount of money on her so she got her mother a small wine inn to pass the days.

Feng Ming was upset upon hearing this, but he remembered what Lie Zhong Liu told him about staying calm and not get easily upset over certain matters.

FM: If he is imprisoned in Fen Cheng's jail, you are an official, you can go plead for his innocence and ask for a retrial.

Tai Can said that he plead to everyone he knew and even to General Le Ting, the one in charge of the case.

Feng Ming asked him about General Le Ting.

TC: He is under the command of the King, as a General in charged of this area, he holds the power of execution. Whether my brother­in­law lives or dies is within his hands. I have visited his residence several times, and gave a lump sum of treasures my ancestors had accumulated to gift him, therefore he was able to reconsider.

FM: He agreed to release your brother in law?

TC: It would be great if that's the case. My brother­in­law did commit a crime of deception towards the court and deserves death, but the Great General reconsidered to allow another trip on the Youzi wine to be sent to the capital again. If the same thing happens (the wine becomes sour), then he will be executed. My brother­in­law is the main support in the family, if he gets killed then it would be the same as killing his entire family.

Tai Can continued saying that as long as the time of execution is stretched out, he still has a chance to find a powerful person to help save his brother­in­law.

Feng Ming felt a bit prideful after knowing that he is considered a powerful person and people are requesting his help. He also believed that the strange wine might have something to do with chemistry but since he isn't a chemist and doesn't have the necessary items to test, he can't really help in this area.

Tai Can continued to beg Feng Ming to him save his brother­in­law, saying that if Duke Ming doesn't help then his brother­in­law is a goner. Feng Ming told him not to be rash and that he didn't say he wouldn't help. Tai Can was overjoyed and rushed inside the ship to inform the elderly woman.

Looking towards the other, Feng Ming asked them what they should do.

Luo Yun was as cold and indifferent as ever, if he doesn't want to talk, he won't open his mouth, however, it was rare for him to speak first, but yet he gave Feng Ming another splash of cold water, by saying, "Their life and death is their business, why is Young Master adding another

bothersome matter for yourself? Also, that Tai Can is clearly a man filled with tricks, he’s definitely no simpleton."

Feng Ming was used to Luo Yun's attitude for a few days already, so he patiently said, "This person life that has been captured, how can we just sit idly and not save him? If we encounter an injust matter, we need to lend a helping hand. If we don't have a feeling of chivalry, wouldn't it be a shame for you, someone who have excelled in martial arts?"

Luo Yun learned martial arts when he was little, other than Luo Ning who taught him, other skilled experts also helped guide him along the way. Everyone taught him that he needed to kill people swiftly and accurately, in cold blood without mercy or hesitation. No one had ever told him anything about 'encountering an unjust matter, one needs to lend a helping hand.'

Luo Yun couldn't believe that someone like Feng Ming could spurt out sharp words to lecture him. After a long silence, he coldly shouted out, "Chivalry is not within the guidelines of the Xiao family."

FM: Each day that I am the sole master, it will be part of the Xiao family guidelines.

Luo Yun closely observed him, his eyes were the same, the eyes of a heartless killer. Feng Ming calmly faced him, but inside, a small drum was ringing out chaotically. He thought all the men in the Xiao family must be influenced by his strange dad, causing Luo Yun to be heartless as well. Feng Ming wondered if tonight, while he is sleeping and unalert, would Luo Yun take a stab at his heart? Thinking about this, he definitely must tell Rong Hu to protect him at all costs and Chiu Lan will just have to spend the night by herself. Since Chiu Lan has to be alone by herself at night, she probably won't blame Feng Ming. At most, she'll just pinch Rong Hu's ear while they are alone together.

Thinking about Rong Hu getting his ear pinched, Feng Ming couldn't help but giggle to himself.

Everyone around him thought that Feng Ming would be scared after coming in contact with Luo Yun's eyes, but were surprised seeing how he was able to smile.

Even Rong Hu was thinking that the Duke Ming right now, compared to before, is more mature than when he was a young lad travelling for the first time to Fan Jia.

If he knew what Feng Ming was thinking, Rong Hu would probably faint.

RH: Duke Ming is right. If we can save someone from jail, then we shouldn't hesitate not to. Overall, it will be considered a good deed. However, what Luo Yun said about Tai Can being tricky, I also feel the same way. If he truly loves his sister, then it's natural to help her, why display a worn out wine inn for show? I feel that that worn out wine inn was there to make Duke Ming sympathize with him.

Luo Deng nodded his head in agreement, "It is something Tai Can setup. I have encountered him many times, he isn't a bad person, but he likes to play around with people's emotions. First, he'll bring you on a tour to enjoy the Wandering flowers, then have a taste of the Youzi wine, then use the elderly woman to gain your feelings and beg you to help him until you agree."

Feng Ming finally realized Tai Can's true intentions and agreed that his plan did work. He even complimented that if Tai Can was a General, he'll be very good with using 'Emotional schemes.'

Feng Ming then asked if they haven't stopped at Fen Cheng then Tai Can must have wasted his effort in preparing everything for them.

Luo Deng told him not to worry since Fen Cheng is a large port that the Xiao family usually stops by to transport cargo. Also, even if they didn't stop by, Tai Can would just waste his effort in setting up a worn out wine inn.

Feng Ming smiled a bit before telling them that they need to find a way to help Tai Can's brother­ in­law.

That's when Ran Qing, one of Xiao's men came in and reported to them: "Yong Yin's General Le Ting heard that Young Lord was stopping by the area he oversees, so he came to make his greetings."

Feng Ming wondered why General Le Ting would personally come to greet him. He thought that maybe Le Ting didn't want him to interfere with Yong Yin affairs and purposely came to warn him.

Luo Deng tells Feng Ming that General Le Ting is an important figure, holding the Yong Yin army in his hands and because of this, Feng Ming needs to welcome him and show him respect.

Feng Ming agreed and decided he first needs to build a good relationship with Le Ting before directly talking about Tai Can's brother­in­law.

Le Ting appeared on the ship, he seemed to be around thirty five, thirty six years old. Described as tall and strong, he was wearing a green robe, without any body armor, just a sword hanging on his waist. Just one glance and one would know that he was someone who has been out on the battlefields. He brought five to six bodyguards onto the ship, standing in front of Feng Ming, his laughter sounded like a bell.

Pausing for a bit, he observed Feng Ming from top to bottom, his eyes brightened as he gave praises, "A young heroic man indeed. Not anything like a normal person. I've heard many rumors about what Xi Lei Duke Ming looked like and now I finally get to meet you. Definitely a compelling heroic aura, leaving a deep impression on everyone."

FM: A compelling heroic aura? Aiya, I was planning on using these terms to describe your greatness, I can't believe that General has already said them before me.

Feng Ming then led Le Ting into a grand luxurious room on the ship and ordered the maids to bring over some tea. Le Ting complimented on how huge the ship was and that even the King's palace wouldn't be this luxurious.

LT: Duke Ming shouldn't blame me for coming without inviting. It is because your reputation is very huge, and since your trip is heavily advertised, everyone knows about it, making me very curious, therefore, I had to meet this well known figure. Knowing that Duke Ming was stopping by Fen Cheng's port, I immediately called for horses to come here just in time, so I don't lose this opportunity.

So they eventually chatted for a bit about random things and the weather. Le Ting seemed like a very forthright person, very honest and direct, very compatible with Feng Ming's personality.

Feng Ming didn't want to go into the topic about Tai Can's brother­in­law so he decided to ask Le Ting about Mu Sa, whom he met briefly.

Le Ting thought about the many people in Bei Qi who could give Feng Ming a deep impression. He told Feng Ming he doesn't know anyone by the name of Mu Sa, but after much pondering, Le Ting laughed and said, "Haha, this young master hasn't changed one bit. Always coming up with tricks, that's why when I heard about his description and speech, he felt familiar."

FM: So the General knows who Young Master Mu is?

LT: What do you mean Young Master Mu? Duke Ming was lied to. This person's name is Du Feng. He is a noble from the royal family of Bei Qi. This person is talented beyond people, he loves to travel around, because he is carefree, handsome and has a high status, he is humble and educated, therefore, he knows a lot of powerful people in various nations. He just has one strange hobby, which is to challenge other people.

Feng Ming was surprised learning about Mu Sa’s possible identity as Du Feng, well­known as “The Reluctant King.”

When Feng Ming was in Xi Lei Palace and Rong Tian was his teacher, he once heard about Du Feng. He was described as: “If we talked about who has vast networking, is a smooth talker, has a noble individuality and a calm demeanor among the people, within the royal palace, from Xi Lei King to other King, no one can surpass Bei Qi’s Young Master Du Feng, also known as “The Reluctant King.”

Feng Ming wanted to know why Du Feng was called the Reluctant King, but Rong Tian never bothered to answer him so instead, Feng Ming went and asked Lie Er.

Lie Er told Feng Ming that the reason for the name wasn’t because Du Feng didn’t want to become King, it was one of his rumored romantic stories that happened.

LE: This Young Master Du’s name is very well known. He is just a small branch from the royal family of Bei Qi, with no right to inherit the throne, but his family is of high status and is rich. He is handsome, suave and likes to travel here and there. He sympathizes with the women everywhere he goes, so he will seduce many ladies’ hearts, it’s strange to say, with so many women who loves him, not one of them has hated him. I heard there was one time when he went over to Zhao Bei and stayed at the palace for two to three days, he stole Zhao Bei Princess’s heart and from that point on she would think about him for days and nights. At that time, Tong King’s son had just turned fifteen and the King wanted to find a wife for him. He fancied Zhao Bei Princess, so he wrote several letters, hoping that the Princess would marry his son. Duke Ming, think about it, although Du Feng was handsome and clever, he cannot inherit the throne, while that other prince could become the King of Tong. If we compare the two, the majority of the women would choose the prince. However, Zhao Bei Princess refused no matter what, and was putting her life on the line screaming and shouting, she also wrote a poem to be sent back to the Prince of Tong. The poem read: Requesting the wind to linger at the self­injured branch who is thinking of a unrequited love, crying all her tears and yet still longs for that someone, please forgive me for refusing your kindness, for I still wish for the Reluctant King, my beloved Du. (this poem incorporate Du Feng’s name in it: Feng, meaning wind and Du, his surname.)

Lie Er also mentioned that that poem was spread throughout the world, the more it spread, the more well known it became to the point that everyone began calling him, The Reluctant King.

That time, Feng Ming really wanted to know what kind of person Du Feng was, who could make Zhao Bei Princess not want to become Queen and realizing how he missed the opportunity to know Du Feng, Feng Ming felt at loss.

He asked Le Ting why such a person like Du Feng was wandering around Fen Cheng, is he looking for beautiful women or something?

Le Ting told Feng Ming that many people misunderstand Du Feng to be a lecherous person, but in fact he is a very upstanding person, loyal and a courageous person that is hard to find.

FM: Is General a friend of Young Master Du?

LT: How do I have such a fortune to? However, I heard many stories about him in the past, all of these stories were retold by trustworthy people so they aren't made up.

FM: Hurry and tell me, what I love most is listening to past stories.

Le Ting tells Feng Ming he is not good with words and believes his storytelling won't be vivid. Feng Ming still encouraged him to retell one story at least.