Feng Yu Jiu Tian - Volume 14 - Chapter 4.3

FENG YU JIU TIAN VOLUME 14 CHAPTER 4.3

A bit of summarizing to speed things along. Feng Ming’s first encounter with Royal Uncle Qing Zhang and Zhuang Pu.

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Tong Kingdom.

Just as Feng Ming arrived at the port of Fang Di, he was confronted with an unexpected grand ceremony.

“Welcome, Young Lord Xiao!” Feng Ming was greeted by a large group of people who were responsible for greeting guests and at the same time, singing and music were heard.

A large red carpet rolled down from the Xiao Family’s ship halfway onto the dock of Fang Di. Tong Kingdom’s soldiers stood in rows, holding their spears in a composed manner.

The large banners marked with Royal Uncle Qing Zhang’s crest, also representing Tong Kingdom’s behalf, were held on both sides. Thirteen pale blue flags both on the left and right, making a total of twenty six troops.

In Tong Kingdom, these were the specifications for greeting a nation’s most noble guest.

However, even for the highest dignitaries, it was rare for a Royal Uncle of a high status to personally greet the guests.

Rong Hu softly whispered to Feng Ming that the person in front wearing a dark blue robe was Tong Kingdom’s Royal Uncle Qing Zhang, while the person standing next to him was Zhuang Pu, the Imperial General. He was also known as Tong Kingdom’s number one master swordsman and it was rumored that Qing Zhang thinks highly of him.

Feng Ming silently kept his words in mind. He understood that the position as an Imperial General in Tong Kingdom was a significant official post, with many further rankings below it. The bodyguards who were responsible for protecting the Royal Family within the palace were normally under the command of the Imperial General.

Therefore, for both the Royal Uncle and the Imperial General of Tong Kingdom to welcome Feng Ming at the small port…

Feng Ming felt nervous and asked Rong Hu in a low voice, “Do you think they knew that Qing Ding’s head is on our ship and are planning on inviting us down below to kill us off?”

Luo Yun’s voice full of disdain, intervened, “If Young Lord is afraid, you don’t need to disembark, just quickly remove the anchor and head back. With this little amount of troops they have, if they plan a siege on our fleet, there is a little chance of winning.”

Although his words were filled with disdain, they were in fact for Feng Ming’s sake.

Since knowing that his mother was somehow involved in Tong Kingdom’s matter, Luo Yun was very reluctant to have Feng Ming encounter her here.

“How can I not get off?” Seeing the grand welcome from the people below, even though Feng Ming was scared, he tried to use his words to hide those feelings. He chuckled, “It’s alright if I’m humiliated, but I cannot let Rong Tian be humiliated. Get ready to disembark.”

The subordinates onboard shouted for everyone to prepare for the Young Lord’s disembarkment. Feng Ming was adorned in precious jewelry and ornaments from top to bottom and made his way down the ship in the most dignified manner possible.

Walking towards Qing Zhang, about ten feet away, Feng Ming stopped and carefully looked at Qing Zhang. Feng Ming greeted him and said, “For Tong Kingdom’s Royal Uncle to personally welcome me, not only it is unexpected, but I feel very embarrassed.”

Feng Ming exposed a candid smile only he could have and asked, “One of my Zongguans of the Xiaos informed me that Tong Kingdom’s Royal Uncle had personally come. He was overjoyed and said that if the Royal Uncle is here then I can have a peace of mind during my stay here in Tong Kingdom. I wonder if what he said is true?”

With a direct question like that, those who came to greet Feng Ming couldn’t be more surprised of the question.

Before Qing Zhang could reply, the Imperial General Zhuang Pu, standing next to him, revealed a smile and asked in response, “Does the Young Lord of the Xiao believe that he will encounter misfortune here in Tong Kingdom? Could it be that the Young Lord has done something “modest” that even before he disembarks, he is worried about his own safety?” These words were like cotton attached with needles, alluding that Feng Ming was involved in the conspiracy of murdering Tong Kingdom’s Great King Qing Ding. It was an extremely lethal question.

If Feng Ming did not respond, Zhuang Pu just had to lift a finger and the group of troops behind could immediately rush forth and slice him into a bloody mess.

What was even more worrisome was that, although they had prepared such a grand entrance for him, there was no guarantee that there were no other troops hiding inside the forest or within the vicinity of the town.

He must not show any sign of weakness!

Luckily, it were moments where the situation appeared the most critical that Feng Ming was forced to show his true colors. Staring at Zhuang Pu without an ounce of fear, Feng Ming suddenly raised his right hand and made a gesture, ordering those standing behind him not to follow.

Taking a deep breath, Feng Ming proudly walked forward alone in front of Zhuang Pu, within an arm’s distance. Facing Zhuang Pu, Feng Ming politely asked him, “Does the Imperial General believe that I have a guilty conscience?”

His stance was indescribably unrestrained and casual.

In such a close range, one could see the outline of his handsome, gentle, clear, spotless eyes.

Using Rong Tian’s charming demeanor that the other had constantly taught him along with his own unique calm and frank composure, Feng Ming had found an excellent weapon of psychological warfare and perhaps was very suitable for “melee battle.”

The people present were all well aware of the rumor of Duke Ming murdering Tong Kingdom’s Great King. At the moment, for Feng Ming to be standing at a close distance where the famous swordsman, Zhuang Pu could easily stab him with a sword, surprised even Zhuang Pu.

After the shock, Zhuang Pu, filled with admiration, said with a serious face, “Duke Ming is very courageous, Zhuang Pu was very rude just now, I request for Duke Ming’s forgiveness.”

 
“Ha ha! It’s all a joke, General Zhuang mustn’t take it seriously.” Royal Uncle Qing Zhang had been standing beside and was watching Feng Ming carefully. At this moment, he finally let out a laughter, somewhat pretentious, to avert their attention.

He is the only younger brother of Tong Kingdom’s Great King Qing Ding, also the Royal Uncle of the Great King’s son Qing Li. In fact, he is about thirty-something, but because of an excessive consumption of wine and women and not knowing how to restrain himself, his face was pale and he had a potbelly, he was chubby in appearance, all in all giving the look of a dissolute person.

After several laughters and seeing everyone’s eyes turned towards him, he said to Feng Ming, “I’m extremely honored to have Duke Ming visit our kingdom. As the representative of Tong Kingdom, I, the Royal Uncle, welcome Duke Ming. I’ve prepared a bit of wine within the city so will Duke Ming join me? Come, Duke Ming, please ride with me in the carriage as we enjoy the view of Tong Kingdom’s Fang Di.”

Not waiting for Feng Ming to answer, he reached out his hand and grabbed Feng Ming’s arm.

The welcoming troops parted in the middle, opening a path leading to an ornate horse drawn carriage with the Tong Kingdom’s royal markings. This was definitely a private carriage of Qing Zhang.

Zhuang Pu unhurriedly asked, “The men within Royal Uncle’s convoy are highly skilled swordsmen in Tong Kingdom. They will definitely ensure absolute safety for Duke Ming before arriving at the banquet, unless…Duke Ming has a hidden hardship and does not want to sit in the same carriage as Royal Uncle?”

Rong Hu, along with the other bodyguards’ faces slightly changed. They immediately gave a wink to signal each other, seeking an emergency plan.

What they worried about was if there were assassins hidden inside the carriage, wouldn’t it be hard to guarantee Duke Ming’s little life?

What he hated at this time was the fact that he was just a bodyguard and could not speak out against it, that would have been totally unacceptable and a great insult to the Tong Kingdom Royal Uncle, and would just increase suspicion towards Duke Ming.

Furthermore, the information they received stated that Tong Kingdom Prince Qing Li wants to kill Duke Ming to avenge his father. Royal Uncle Qing Zhang is Qing Li’s opponent so he should be taking sides with Duke Ming. Because of this, they could not ruin the friendly relationship between Duke Ming and Qing Zhang!

Feng Ming was also secretly crying out. He never would have guessed Qing Zhang would be so straightforward and immediately be on friendly terms with him like a brother. Right now, his arm was being held tightly and if he were to refuse riding in the same carriage, wouldn’t he be revealing his fox tail*? (*NOTE: exposing lies)

Ah, that’s not right. How is he a fox? He clearly didn’t kill Qing Ding.

At most, he personally placed himself as a scapegoat in place of a pig’s crime.

“Duke Ming, please.”

“Ah…please, please do, Royal Uncle.” Feng Ming smiled, but glanced back at the unsightly faces of his bodyguards. He then pretended to gladly join hands with Qing Zhang as they walked off.

“Duke Ming!” When Feng Ming hesitantly walked in front of the private horse carriage of Qing Zhang, Rong Hu came from behind in a timely manner, ignoring Qing Zhang’s surprised and slightly angry face, he smiled at Feng Ming and said, “Did Duke Ming forget about Lady Yao Ye’s instruction? Sitting in carriages, you are required to change into breathable shoes.”

How could Feng Ming not know that he was making stuff up, so of course, he played along, suddenly making a face and slapping his forehead, “That’s right, I almost forgot my mother’s rules. Luckily you have reminded me.” Turning to Qing Zhang, he apologized, “Royal Uncle, please wait a bit. It’s a strict family rule, I can’t go against it.”

Even though Qing Zhang hadn’t met Lady Yao Ye before, he had heard rumors that she was eccentric. He revealed an understanding look.

“Allow your subordinate to change your shoes.” Rong Hu knelt down, pulled out a pair of new shoes from his inside chest pocket, not sure if those shoes were made for him by Chiu Lan, but he pretended to help Feng Ming remove the fine boots off his feet.

Because of this time delay, Luo Yun reached them, holding a seat cushion in hand from who knows where, he said, “I’ve brought Young Lord’s special cushion, do you want me to place it inside the carriage?”

Feng Ming knew the time and the situation, he turned to Qing Zhang and politely asked for his opinion.

For a pampered noble to use their own special things during travel was very common. For example, Tong Kingdom Princess Consort Chang Liu from Zhao Bei would bring her own footrest otherwise she would refuse to step foot outside. Feng Ming was both Duke Ming and the Xiao Family’s Young Lord so for him to bring along his beloved items was highly likely. Qing Zhang could not refuse.

After gaining permission, Luo Yun immediately brought the special seat cushion inside Qing Zhang’s carriage, after awhile, he climbed down to report back, “Young Lord, the cushion has been set.”

Feng Ming gave an “Ah.” He understood clearly that when Luo Yun entered Qing Zhang’s carriage, he made sure to check for hidden weapons and assassins hiding onboard.

At this time, Rong Hu’s “exchanging shoes” procrastination operation came to an end. He stood up and said, “The shoes are changed, Duke Ming can board the carriage.”

At that same time, Chiu Lan along with Chiu Yue and Chiu Xing were holding a small side dish, placed on top of each was a hot tea and plates of dried fruits.

“Duke Ming instructed us to prepare specialized tea from Yong Yin and dried fruits for Royal Uncle so that the two of you could enjoy the roadside scenery while we servants will service alongside.”

These maids were fast thinkers, allowing Feng Ming a sigh of relief.

Within a short moment, they had been able to delay time, search the carriage, and bring three maids to protect Feng Ming inside the carriage.

Not waiting for Feng Ming to ask for his opinion the second time, Tong Kingdom Royal Uncle had carefully examined the pretty faces of the maids and laughed, “Good! Good! Although there’s tea prepared inside the carriage, I’m afraid it won’t be good without these beauties to serve it. Come, Duke Ming.” He held onto Feng Ming’s hands as they both headed inside the carriage.

Rong Hu and the bodyguards, along with Qing Zhang’s escort, stood together in one place, front and back of the horse carriage.

Chiu Lan brought all of the items inside the carriage. Luckily, Qing Zhang’s carriage was large enough to hold all five people without feeling crowded.

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So what are your impression of these new characters so far?

I’m hoping to complete more chapters this week before the Memorial weekend, but with Fanime coming up, I’ll try to put up at least one more chapter this week. Thank you for following! =)

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