Novel The Great Game - The Young Master (Ch.308) [finished]

Discussion in 'Community Fictions' started by rdawv, Apr 20, 2016.

  1. rdawv

    rdawv The Ancient of Lore

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    “A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man.”
    --Don Corleone, “The Godfather”


    Chapter 106 – The Li Clan

    The rest of the journey to the capital Gusu City was uneventful. The former bandit Tian Zhu proved to be an able and useful, often moving ahead to scout the road to ensure smooth sailing for the caravan. At night when he returned to the caravan’s camp, he would bring back some small game that he had hunted.


    “Is this really necessary?” Huang Ming had asked about his scouting.


    Tian Zhu smiled mirthlessly. “Ever since the reverse at Wei, the common people are restless and discontented. This is made worse by corrupt officials who are raising taxes in the name of rebuilding our armies, but only a blind person would fail to see that they are taking the chance to line their own pockets, causing ordinary folk to rise up in protest. Brigands prowling the main roads like what I did are not an unusual sight.”


    The veteran guard Zhen Tian agreed with his assessment. “I have heard of such occurrences in the rest of the country. Though I might add that this isn’t a recent thing. Our infrastructure and security have been neglected for many years. The mercenary companies are finding much work guarding the merchant and trading caravans, including those of your relatives, young master.”


    Huang Ming nodded, reminded of the fact that he had gifted those paternal relatives with some useful weapons and gadgets when they had gathered for the double wedding of his brothers. But this time his mother reminded him to seek his maternal relatives in the capital, having sent word of his impending arrival to them in advance. The reason for having multiple wagons in the first place were the numerous gifts and packages that he had to deliver to friends and relatives in Gusu City.


    Gusu City was a large city that was home to a very large population. Its walls rose twice the height and width of those in Tianxin City. Within its walls was an orderly constructed metropolis that was based on a grid-like block system with roads wide enough for multiple carriages and wagons. Despite the ill fortunes of war, all the major gateways into the city were crowded with merchants caravans; a sign of prosperity. The people behaved as if they were insulated from the troubles outside of their city walls, it was bustling and lively.


    The largest block was of course the royal palace, a vast sprawling complex of splendid gardens and ornately gilded residences, decorated with all manner of mythical beasts such as dragons and winged tigers. Even from a distance, Huang Ming could see the magnificent opulence of the main palace building. One could appreciate its beauty, though cynics would say it was a grand example of how wasteful the rulers of the country had been.


    Huang Ming did not know the protocol when it came to being summoned by the king, but he felt the first order of business was to clean up and make himself presentable after the journey. Seeing the majesty of the palace only reinforced his view. Finding a place to stay was not difficult as his relatives on his mother’s side had a prominent presence in the capital, the noble mercantile Li clan.


    Standing outside the Li mansion was an eager lookout. The young servant’s face lit up when he saw the procession of carriages approaching. He quickly ran to report and soon a group of richly dressed individuals came out to greet Huang Ming as he descended from the carriage. Young and old, they represented the main Li family.


    “Cousin!” “Little Ming!” “Nephew!”


    Huang Ming was a little surprised by their greetings. Apparently, being a war hero was enough to erase any ill feelings that the original might have accumulated.


    At the head of the welcoming committee was a middle-aged man with a dignified appearance whose features reminded Huang Ming of his mother. Before Huang Ming could say anything, the man stepped forward to grasp him on both forearms.


    “Hah! I knew there were some good in you! Your parents are too good of a pedigree for you to remain as a debauchee!” the man said with a humorous glint in his eyes.


    “Nice to meet you too, Sir Li,” Huang Ming said wryly.


    “Sir? What nonsense! Call me uncle!” the middle-aged man grumbled good-naturedly.


    Huang Ming obediently bowed his head and greeted, “Uncle Li Hong.”


    Li Hong was Madam Li’s elder brother, and thus really was Huang Ming’s uncle. According to his memories, Li Hong was one of the select few who never gave up lecturing the original Huang Ming when he was younger, constantly urging him to change his ways. Oh, there have been plenty who had done the same, but Li Hong did it out of care and not just admonishment. Of course, all his advice had fallen on the deaf ears of the original. Huang Ming felt a burst of warmth when he saw this genial uncle whose joy was genuine and plain to see.


    Then the atmosphere turned silent and the babble of enthusiastic noise that had celebrated his arrival died down. Huang Ming only needed to half-turn to see the reason for their sudden disquiet, for it was Quan Lu’s turn to descend from the carriage. Even Uncle Li Hong was distracted, his grip on Huang Ming’s forearms slackened.


    A few of his female cousins (and aunts) were instantly smitten by Quan Lu’s appearance. It seemed that even in the capital, it was difficult to find a ‘man’ as beautiful as Qiong Ying’s male disguise. Her startling green eyes, white scholarly robes, a gentleman’s folding fan and the sheathed sword by her side gave her the looks of a poetic swordsman.


    “This is…?” Li Hong asked. Quite a few of the females in attendance leaned in to listen.


    Huang Ming and Madam Li had debated about revealing Qiong Ying’s real identity to their relatives, but ultimately had decided against it. Qiong Ying herself had suggested that since they were in the capital with the additional motive of assisting Huang Lang later on, it would be useful to keep the truth under wraps for the time being.


    Thus, Huang Ming lazily drawled, “This is Quan Lu, my very good friend.”


    Qiong Ying resisted the temptation to pinch his waist, the emphasis on the word ‘friend’ was somehow aggravating to her ears. Instead she affected a faint smile and cupped her hands to greet Huang Ming’s maternal relatives in the martial fashion.


    Huang Ming noted that a few of his younger, female relatives giggled as they softly repeated the name to themselves shyly. Then they gasped as their eyes were once again diverted elsewhere; this time their gaze landed on Sunli. They had paid little attention to the athletic woman when she had easily vaulted down from her horse, thinking her slim profile was just another of the escort guardsmen. But once she took off her helmet and revealed her face, they finally realized the warrior wielding a long spear was actually a heroic, handsome woman.


    For some reason, Huang Ming felt proud that Sunli elicited such admiration from his relatives.


    “And this is Zhao Sunli of Wuxin City,” he announced.


    “The daughter of General Zhao Tong?” Li Hong asked. “The one from the campaign in Wei? The one they call the War Goddess?”


    Huang Ming smirked. “Yes, she is the War Goddess,” he repeated blandly, ignoring the flush of red on the tanned woman’s cheeks and the fury in her glaring eyes.


    “A true heroine in our home! I say, your circle of friends have improved greatly!” Li Hong exclaimed with joy. Indeed, the hubbub around them exploded once more.


    “I have heard of you!” “I admire you!” “Please tell us your war stories!” were among the various squeals of the excited relatives.


    Sunli inadvertently took one step back from the pressure, overwhelmed by the reception. Behind her, the escort guards that had respectfully (and fearfully) obeyed her orders during the journey and had known of her bloody battlefield accomplishments snickered at her discomfort. The Amazon gave them a furious stare and immediately they straightened up to hide their glee.


    Of course, seeing how a woman had so easily cowed these men into submission only increased the admiration from Huang Ming’s relatives. Huang Ming could already imagine some of his younger cousins going ‘Onee-sama’ towards Sunli.


    Li Hong coughed to discreetly admonish them, and then gestured towards the Li residence.


    “Come in, come in! We have lots to catch up!”

    A good welcome,
    For the handsome.
     
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  2. Mufarasu

    Mufarasu Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the chapter.
    Looking forward to some court drama where they all get owned by his words.
     
  3. Zone Q11

    Zone Q11 『The Gas Mask』『Monochrome Plebeian』

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    I am back after a month!
    ...is it really "lo" or should it have been "look"?
    I haven't read 8 chapters within a month and yet I somehow remember them after reading the chapters.
    @rdawv, this question is either not answered for (possibly) various reasons or simply forgotten.
     
  4. rdawv

    rdawv The Ancient of Lore

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    NUF notification ghost strikes again, didn't see the question. Yes, this time my father is doing the angio (plasty or bypass to be determined on the day itself), it's scheduled for April 24th.

    "Lo" is an archaic term, often used as "lo and behold". It's a shortened form of "look", and only used these days in 'old' text.
     
  5. Zone Q11

    Zone Q11 『The Gas Mask』『Monochrome Plebeian』

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    - I hope he will be healthy again!
    - I see, thanks! I learn something new everyday~
     
  6. idgetsxx

    idgetsxx The Real Life Snorlax

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    my notifications :(

    @rdawv that's good to hear. I hope all goes well!
     
  7. rdawv

    rdawv The Ancient of Lore

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    “The identity of the official whose alleged responsibility for this hypothetical oversight has been the subject of recent discussion is not shrouded in quite such impenetrable obscurity as certain previous disclosures may have led you to assume; but not to put too fine a point on it, the individual in question is, it may surprise you to learn, one whom your present interlocutor is in the habit of defining by means of the perpendicular pronoun.”
    --Sir Humphrey Appleby, ‘Yes Minister’


    Chapter 107 – They meet

    It was only midday but a grand luncheon was immediately held. Soon the main hall of the residence was filled with members of the Li clan. Huang Ming could see that the Li clan was prosperous indeed; all of them were dressed richly.


    Yet despite their showy clothes, the Li clan was jovial and boisterous as any common, closely-knit family. They were neither solemn nor restrained, it was plain to see that they were honest merchants who loved to talk shop and mingle around.


    Uncle Li Hong had Huang Ming, ‘Quan Lu’ and Sunli seated in the first table as guests of honor. Their lunch was constantly interrupted by newly arrivals to toast them and in Huang Ming’s case, to give him a hearty clap on the back.


    Throughout the meal, Huang Ming could see that both Sunli and Qiong Ying had garnered their share of admirers. In fact, there were times that he felt that their popularity had overshone his. Huang Ming was still a familiar figure among his relatives despite the original’s murky reputation.


    But in Sunli and ‘Quan Lu’ were two new and unknown to them. Quan Lu was seen as a mysterious young man whose aura exudes confidence and likeability. Of course, the extremely attractive features of Qiong Ying’s male disguise was quite compelling to say the least. So much so that Qiong Ying was having a hard trying to maintain her smile as she began to accumulate a following of hot and bothered women... young and old.


    Sunli did not fare better. Her short hair and tanned, athletic body oozed exotic appeal. The glare in her eyes did not deter her admirers. The young and impressionable women of the Li clan gazed upon her fervently like some sort of role model, having already known of her battlefield exploits from story-tellers and rumours that were circulating throughout the kingdom.


    The buzz created by their presence went beyond the Li residence. The Li clan was quite large, and of course this meant a large network of acquaintances. Daughters-in-laws and son-in-laws would inform their spouse who in turn would spread to their own extended family. What was supposed to be a private luncheon became a grand feast as friends and relatives who ‘so happened to be passing by’ came to visit. Oh? You have guests? Oh my, is that the famous ‘rising strategist’ Huang Ming and his amazing friends? Let us say hello!


    Being part of a merchant clan, Uncle Li Hong could hardly turn these people away. They were among the rich and famous of the capital, and while Li Hong was kindly disposed towards his nephew; it didn’t mean that he was beyond using Huang Ming like some glorified neon advertising sign for the various businesses of the Li clan.


    “Uncle, if this goes on then I’m going to have to charge endorsement fees,” Huang Ming muttered discontentedly.


    Li Hong smirked, but eventually the doors of the Li clan were closed to the disappointment of the busybodies. The banquet then proceeded and ended normally a few hours later, much to the relief of Huang Ming, Qiong Ying and Sunli. Then they were shown to their rooms to rest, but Huang Ming was pulled aside for a private chat.


    “Your elder brother is missing,” were not the words Huang Ming wanted to hear out of Li Hong’s mouth, which was why his immediate response was to stare at his uncle incredulously.


    “What?” he asked numbly.


    “I said Ah Lang is missing,” Li Hong repeated agitatedly.


    It took all of Huang Ming’s self control not to explode. Instead he closed his eyes and took several deep breaths to compose himself.


    “What happened?” he asked quietly a few moments later.


    The older man wrung his hands in guilt, all signs of merriment that were previously on his face completely erased. “I don’t know,” Li Hong said in distress. “He had been staying here for the past few weeks, checking up on your family’s various holdings in the capital. He and that fellow Muge Jian often gallivant into the late hours and I thought nothing of it. But they did not return for the past two days, and nobody knows where they had went.”


    Huang Ming clapped a hand over his own mouth as a sickening feeling welled within him.


    Li Hong saw his worry tried to comfort him, saying, “I have told others that they had went away for a trip. Maybe they really did, you know how Ah Lang is.”


    Huang Ming managed to smile wanly, knowing that his uncle had no idea about Huang Lang’s covert investigation. “Maybe. Maybe you’re right,” he said unconvincingly.


    Before he could properly digest the information and form a coherent train of thought, a servant ran breathlessly to announce the arrival of a visitor.


    Li Hong frowned. “I told you that we’re not receiving any more visitors!” he rebuked.


    The servant bowed profusely. “But sir, it’s… it’s the Prime Minister!”


    Li Hong gave Huang Ming a look of dismay before hastening to greet the visitor. Huang Ming followed, taking more deep breaths to calm his nerves as he walked.


    An imposing platoon of guards marched into the residence, escorting a tall and dignified middle-aged man with a long beard and dressed in the red robes of a high ranking government official.


    ‘So this is Tong Xuan,’ Huang Ming thought dispassionately. Marshal Gao Fang was obese despite his martial title, and Tong Xuan seemed to be his polar opposite: tall, stately like an grand old tree and with all the bearings of a statesman. But beneath the veneer of civility, Huang Ming knew that the Prime Minister was just as vicious and voracious as befitting his moniker as the ‘Heavenly Hound’. There were some who would hate being called a dog, but the Prime Minister looked to be someone who took it all in stride.


    “The Prime Minister honours my clan with his visit,” Li Hong said with a bow. Huang Ming had no choice but to follow suit, despite his distaste.


    “Haha, dispense with the ceremony,” Tong Xuan said with a oratory voice. It was obvious that he was someone who could use his voice to project his force of will in court. “I have heard that our newest hero the strategist Huang Ming have arrived at your home, and I could not bear waiting to see him,” he continued as he stroked his long beard.


    Huang Ming smiled with false friendliness, his brother’s disappearance still on his mind.


    “I am still young and inexperienced,” he said.


    “Nonsense,” Tong Xuan refuted with a smile. “Your glorious deeds have thundered in the royal court, even the King is looking forward to see you. He very much wants to hear about your tricks and traps that had confounded the Wei devils.”


    “I am grateful,” Huang Ming replied. “But after all, I’m from a defeated army, part of a ill-fated campaign. I do not deserve such praise. Indeed, I must bear some responsibility for failing to achieve the king’s goals.”


    Tong Xuan’s smile did not disappear at the mentions of ‘responsibility’ and the ‘ill-fated campaign’, stinging reminders that he himself had some part in orchestrating it. Indeed, his smile only grew broader.


    “So humble despite your talents! I see that you are one who would go very far,” he said genially as he stroked his beard.


    But Huang Ming saw how Tong Xuan’s eyes had narrowed.


    “I still have much to learn, especially from someone as esteemed as the Prime Minister. You are after all, much more experienced,” Huang Ming said and smiled back fearlessly at him.


    Even though the two were speaking amicably and praising each other, Li Hong went white.


    It was truly a case of hiding daggers behind smiles!


    Words blurred,
    Truths obscured.
     
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  8. Mufarasu

    Mufarasu Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the chapter.
    I have this response as a shortcut on my phone.
     
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  9. Zone Q11

    Zone Q11 『The Gas Mask』『Monochrome Plebeian』

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    Thanks for the chapter!
    ...I don't get the quote at all.
     
  10. rdawv

    rdawv The Ancient of Lore

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    Sir Humphrey: The identity of the official whose alleged responsibility for this hypothetical oversight has been the subject of recent discussion is not shrouded in quite such impenetrable obscurity as certain previous disclosures may have led you to assume; but not to put too fine a point on it, the individual in question is, it may surprise you to learn, one whom your present interlocutor is in the habit of defining by means of the perpendicular pronoun.

    Hacker: I beg your pardon?

    Sir Humphrey: It was... I.
     
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  11. Zone Q11

    Zone Q11 『The Gas Mask』『Monochrome Plebeian』

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    Thank you!
     
  12. rdawv

    rdawv The Ancient of Lore

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    Please forgive the errors if you find any. I have been distracted lately, my father's angio later in the month is weighing heavily on my mind.

    ---

    “A cold wind was blowing from the north, and it made the trees rustle like living things.”
    --George R.R. Martin, ‘A Game of Thrones’


    Chapter 108 – Ill wind

    Even a blind person could tell that there was some enmity simmering between Wu’s Prime Minister Tong Xuan and the kingdom’s newest hero, Huang Ming. Obviously Uncle Li Hong was frightened by this, he had no idea that things would develop into such extent right at his very home. Therefore he hastily grasped Huang Ming by the back of the head and forcibly pushed him to bow.


    “My dear nephew, what rudeness!” Li Hong exclaimed as he gestured profusely towards the Prime Minister. “Hurry and apologize to the Prime Minister! I’m sure he won’t take it to heart!”


    The comical antics of Uncle Li Hong caused Prime Minister Tong Xuan laughed uproariously.


    “’Tis just but the fires of youth, and exactly what I wanted to see,” he said affably, brushing aside the earlier tension, as if it was all just a test. “I have heard many tales of you, and it pleases me that they are just tales,” he commented dryly, hinting at Huang Ming’s previously poor reputation.


    Huang Ming chuckled, inwardly annoyed at the original’s lasting reach. “Still, I was too rude. I beg the Prime Minister’s pardon,” he said with a bow and put on a sufficiently chastened look on his face.


    Li Hong saw that the situation had been diffused, and quickly urged for everyone to be seated. After a round of tea, the Prime Minister set down his tea cup and his mien became serious.


    “It is good to see a young man with some spine, I have been disappointed by those who were just all talk,” he stated.


    Huang Ming quashed a glib remark about Lord Fang La, the Prime Minister’s nephew who was the principal actor in the plot to seize military authority from his father. In the end, Lord Fang La revealed his cowardly nature and had disgraced himself. By extension, it reflected badly on Tong Xuan himself.


    Tong Xuan took a deep breath and exhaled heavily. “The country is in disorder ever since Gao Fang’s misadventure in Wei. At least he has the decency to hide and not show his face in court,” he said, eyeing the young man meaningfully.


    Huang Ming disguised his cynicism by sipping his tea, knowing full well that the marshal was already dead and buried. Tong Xuan probably suspected the truth and perhaps had even guessed Huang Ming’s involvement, but there was no reason to tip his hand.


    “I have come here today for another reason,” Tong Xuan said bluntly.


    “Does the Prime Minister have something to ask of me?” Huang Ming asked politely.


    “It was not mere flattery when I say that the royal court is looking forward to see you. We have been distressed by the ill fortunes of war and only your exploits had provided any comfort to the king.”


    “The court had given high honours to my father, it is enough,” Huang Ming replied neutrally.


    Tong Xuan did not bat an eye at the mention of General Huang Zheng. “In my opinion, we did not do enough!” he said with a straight face. “Your father is a true patriot and we are fortunate that he remains an indomitable wall against Wei. But there are troubles brewing elsewhere, and regrettably your father cannot be everywhere at once.”


    He sighed in lament, as if carrying a heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders and grieving at his own lack of abilities. A person who had not heard of Tong Xuan before would have thought that the Prime Minister was a sincere man whose heart ached for the nation.


    But Huang Ming was not fooled despite the Prime Minister’s excellent acting. Huang Ming nodded, but his heart was icy. It was almost a throwaway remark, an off-handed praise for his father. But the last phrase all but meant that his father the Great General Huang Zheng was not in the consideration for becoming the new Marshal of Wu. He was too important as a front-line leader against Wei, and thus he cannot be wasted to be in the capital. After all, the former Marshal Gao tried to play battlefield commander and failed miserably, thus it stood to reason that the future Marshal of the Armies would be confined to strictly administrative roles.


    “What are these troubles that you speak of, Prime Minister?” Uncle Li Hong interjected.


    “We have suffered heavily from the campaign in Wei, and now in the eyes of the world we appear weak. Though Wei too had suffered, we are now beset by the barbarians,” Tong Xuan said gravely.


    Uncle Li Hong’s face turned pale. “Are we under attack?”


    Tong Xuan shook his head. “No, but it is obvious that the Jins are ready to pounce.”


    Huang Ming frowned. It was exactly the scenario that Qiong Ying had told him. Though he had tried to salvage the situation at Wei, it would seem that the drama would proceed as scripted by the Princess of Jin. Pushing aside his doubts about Tong Xuan, Huang Ming leaned forward.


    “What is the situation in the north?” he asked.


    Tong Xuan stroked his long beard, secretly delighted to have piqued the young man’s interest. “There are rumours that Jin are amassing a large army, ready to march next spring. Tomorrow, General Yin will arrive from the north to report directly to the king about the situation.”


    Li Hong sucked a deep breath. “The White Star! Then things must be truly serious!” he exclaimed, invoking General Yin’s moniker.


    Huang Ming had heard of this General Yin the White Star. He was the lead commander of the north, the first line of defence against the Jins who had descended from a long line of famous patriots. There were many similarities between the Huangs and the Yins, though there was no opportunity for their families to be acquainted due to their separate areas of jurisdiction.


    “That is not all,” Tong Xuan continued. “He is also escorting a diplomatic mission from Jin to the capital.”


    “The Jins are sending diplomats at this time?” Huang Ming asked, startled at the speedy action of the Jins.


    “So they claim, but we all know that they are just glorified spies and fast talkers looking to shame us for what had happened in Wei,” Tong Xuan said with a sneer. “Still, protocol demands that we receive them. Though it is slim, perhaps there is a chance for peace.”


    Tong Xuan’s eyes looked far off into the distance. “We cannot afford another war so soon,” he said softly, and once more conjured up the image of a statesman worried for his country’s future.


    One could almost forget that he was partly at fault for starting a war with Wei in the first place.


    Huang Ming had no patience to let the older man indulge in his play-acting. “Perhaps the Prime Minister came to tell me to postpone my visit to the royal court in light of these developments?” he asked. After all, Tong Xuan had heavily buttered him up earlier, perhaps to soften the blow of disappointment.


    But Tong Xuan shook his head once more.


    “No, we want you to attend tomorrow. The king wishes to have your presence and input when we receive General Yin and the Jin diplomats.”


    Then he added, almost mischievously, “I heard the lead diplomat is a woman.”

    Wu had erred,
    Jin came to slur.
     
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  13. Zone Q11

    Zone Q11 『The Gas Mask』『Monochrome Plebeian』

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    Thanks for the chapter! I hope your father gets well soon! If you have to, then take your time!
     
  14. rdawv

    rdawv The Ancient of Lore

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    My father's procedure is for next week, but my own heart is pounding.

    ---

    “Trust me, I know what I'm doing.”
    --Sledge Hammer


    Chapter 109 – To the royal banquet

    Huang Ming smiled for the Prime Minister’s benefit. Since the Prime Minister had gone out of the way to mention it, it was obvious that the Prime Minister was baiting him.


    “A woman? That’s interesting,” Huang Ming said, raising an eyebrow.


    Tong Xuan hid a grin, seeing how the young man was stirred. Perhaps there was some truth about the lascivious stories surrounding the young man after all. He was sceptical at first, since the source of the stories came from his nephew Fang La’s hanger-on, the so-called Handsome Scholar Nangong Xie.


    “Indeed. From General Yin’s brief letter, she is a great beauty as well.”


    Huang Ming smiled grew broader and said, “Well, it doesn’t matter. We mustn’t allow our country to be shamed. Since the king wishes for my presence, I will of course attend and do what I can to alleviate his worries.”


    “Good!” Tong Xuan praised, inwardly sneering at Huang Ming’s pretentiousness. “Our country is indeed fortunate to have someone as loyal as you!”


    Then the Prime Minister passed to him an invitation card for the royal banquet. The meeting was concluded soon thereafter and the Prime Minister departed in good humour. Tong Xuan was pleased to have seemingly discovered the strings to tug the kingdom’s newest hero. In his mind, the young man was yet another pawn that could be played using lust or patriotic sentiment…


    Once they have seen the back of his carriage, Uncle Li Hong breathed a sigh of relief. He gave his nephew a withering look.


    “What are you, twelve? How can you blatantly pick a fight with the Prime Minister in my home?” he demanded.


    “Sorry,” Huang Ming said contritely. “I shouldn’t have done it.”


    “Damn right you shouldn’t. If you’re going to incite someone with a lot of guards like Tong Xuan, at least do it somewhere else. What if a fight breaks out? Then I’ll get stuck cleaning up the bodies,” Uncle Li Hong grumbled.


    Huang Ming laughed. His uncle was only pretending to be a spineless, stereotypical merchant in the presence of the Prime Minister to the extent of personally serving tea to him; it was all a façade.


    The uncle and nephew then returned to the residence, whereupon they held counsel with Sunli and ‘Quan Lu’. The two women had been waiting anxiously ever since they caught wind of Tong Xuan’s surprise visit. They had strained their ears to eavesdrop on the meeting and had heard much of its contents.


    “What are you to do?” Qiong Ying asked.


    “Oh, the usual. Visit the palace, see the king,” Huang Ming said breezily with a shrug.


    “Be serious!” Qiong Ying exclaimed while rolling her eyes with exasperation. She recalled Madam Li’s remark about Huang Ming needing a guiding hand, and now she knew why.


    “Relax,” Huang Ming said. “It’s not as if I can turn down the king’s invitation. Don’t worry, I’ll play it safe.”


    “Your words hardly inspire confidence,” Qiong Ying muttered. “I don’t suppose I can come with you…”


    “Now who’s being reckless? I can’t simply bring someone uninvited to see the king,” Huang Ming smirked. Seeing how Qiong Ying was pouting sullenly, he hastened to add flatteringly, “Not even someone as peerless as you. You might attract unwanted attention.”


    “Well, you’re right,” Qiong Ying nodded, pleased at the implied praise.


    Uncle Li Hong had been following their conversation with some bewilderment. There was something between Huang Ming and the ‘man’ known as Quan Lu… had his nephew expanded his ‘tastes’? He swore to write back to his sister; how exactly did Madam Li raise this son of hers? How did he swing from being a person who behaved beastly towards girls to someone who would flirt with a man?


    “Perhaps I can go with him as a guard. I’m a military officer after all,” Sunli suddenly said, interjecting into the conversation.


    Li Hong brightened. Zhao Sunli the War Goddess! Now that’s someone suitable to pair up with his nephew. Even though she had a fearsome reputation on the battlefield, at least she was still a woman. This strapping, tall woman might just be the firm guiding hand his nephew needed to prevent him from potential excesses…


    Huang Ming was of course unaware of the gears turning in his uncle’s mind, and thus was startled when he enthusiastically supported Sunli’s suggestion.


    “That’s right, she can,” Li Hong said loudly. “The king would want to see her as well!”


    Huang Ming stared at him. “Really? You’re suggesting for her to crash into the royal banquet uninvited?”


    “Of course,” his uncle said, a matter-of-factly. “You have no idea just how famous she is, do you?”


    Qiong Ying narrowed her eyes at Huang Ming and added, “I say, you’re awfully set on going alone to the royal banquet tomorrow. Are you sure you’re not intrigued by the female Jin ambassador mentioned by the Prime Minister?” she asked suspiciously.


    “No,” Huang Ming replied firmly and told the two women about Huang Lang’s disappearance. “I need someone to investigate this matter for me,” he said.


    Qiong Ying’s ‘handsome’ face frowned in serious thought. “I can do this. I have some contacts here in the capital,” she announced. In away, she relished the chance to delve back into her cloak and dagger ways once more.


    “I’ll have some trusted people to assist you, Sir Quan Lu,” Uncle Li Hong said, and Qiong Ying nodded gratefully.


    “Don’t do anything reckless,” Huang Ming reminded her.


    “Relax, I’ll play it safe,” she said, throwing back his earlier words at him.


    The next day, Huang Ming and Sunli arrived at the royal palace. The scholarly young man was in simple robes without any ostentations, while his companion was a taller woman with short hair and dressed like a military officer. There was already a line of guests waiting for entry, and the duo patiently stood in queue. Their presence attracted whispered gossip, all wondered who the ordinarily dressed young man was.


    “Maybe the son of a minor noble, or a merchant family,” some guessed. Others turned their noses up, sniffling about poor rabble trying to get ahead of themselves.


    Huang Ming and Sunli ignored them.


    “Halt!” the guards at the palace gates called out when they saw the mismatched pair.


    “State your business!” the guards demanded.


    “I’m invited,” Huang Ming replied mildly and showed them the invitation card given by the Prime Minister.


    Still suspicious, the guards glanced at the card. Then they looked back up in astonishment, before rubbing their eyes to read the card once more.


    “It’s Sir Huang Ming! And Zhao Sunli the War Goddess!” the guards gasped.


    The remark drew the attention of the surrounding rubberneckers. Those who had disparaged them earlier turned ashen when they realized that they had insulted the most famous names of the day. Didn’t the Prime Minister personally invite the strategist who saved the day at Tigertrap Pass? Wasn’t the War Goddess the heroine that had slew so many of the Wei devils?


    Upon hearing the hubbub, a palace eunuch rushed over. It was the same, young and fresh-faced eunuch that had delivered the royal summons to the Huangs.


    “Sir Huang! Lady Zhao! Why are you queueing up here? Please, come in, come in!” the eunuch exclaimed.


    “It’s my first time here, I do not know the protocols,” Huang Ming replied with a smile.


    “It’s our oversight, our fault!” the eunuch apologized and personally escorted Huang Ming and Sunli into the royal banquet directly, leaving the other guests gawking at their backs.


    The players enter the ring,
    Who knows what troubles it will bring.
     
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  15. idgetsxx

    idgetsxx The Real Life Snorlax

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    Thanks for the chapter! Hope everything goes well for your father!
     
  16. Mufarasu

    Mufarasu Well-Known Member

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    Here's hoping he lays a verbal smack down on some people.
     
  17. crimsonwolf8439

    crimsonwolf8439 My generation has come and gone...

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    Good luck with ye father............
     
  18. rdawv

    rdawv The Ancient of Lore

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    “And to show I bear no ill will, I, too, shall bestow a gift on the child.”
    --Maleficent (2014)


    Chapter 110 – The royal banquet (1)

    “I thought this would be a smaller function,” Huang Ming commented as he and Sunli followed the eunuch.


    The young eunuch was taken aback. “Did you not know? Today is the princess’s birthday celebration as well.”


    “I was not informed about that,” Huang Ming said dryly. Luckily he had brought along the music box with him, it was safely tucked in his robe’s voluminous sleeve.


    The eunuch knew better than to say more, everyone had heard that the Prime Minister had personally went to deliver the invitation card. As they say, the mouth can destroy one’s body.


    As the eunuch led Huang Ming and Sunli to the banquet hall, Huang Ming could see that the interior of the palace was just as magnificent as its exterior. The royal guards that stood attentively were dressed in ostentatious armour that reminded Huang Ming more of cosplay than actual usefulness. The gaudy armour worn by Marshal Gao Fang was perhaps inspired by this: large shoulder pauldrons and fishscale armour that shimmered with gold. Even their spears and swords had golden motifs. In comparison, Sunli’s black armour was far more functional and practical.


    Sunli was dismissive about the guards, but she was still shocked by the amount of wealth on display. Huang Ming smiled cynically as he contrasted the extravagance of the royal family to the mud and blood that the Wu soldiers were suffering in Wei.


    The eunuch pushed open the grand doors and gestured for them to follow him into the hall.


    The cavernous hall was dominated by the colour of royal yellow. The pillars had exquisite carvings of coiling dragons and soaring phoenixes, their eyes were encrusted jewels. The floor was of the highest quality wood and marble, waxed to shiny perfection to reflect the glittering jewels that adorned the ceiling like stars. The sparkles from the incalculable riches here gave the entire hall an ethereal, dream-like feel, the palace maids in attendance looked like fairies.


    Atop a raised stage was the king’s throne: a piece of furniture made of fragrant wood and decorated with gold and jade. A smaller version flanked it. The king himself was an older man, his face pale with sunken cheeks and darkening circles under his eyes; signs of a life of excess. Even the grand silk robes and headdress with dripping beads and pearls could not hide the aura of weaknesses from him.


    Huang Ming’s cynicism only grew when he saw the scene. In Chinese history, the founder of a kingdom would usually be described as humble, his advisers wise and his generals heroic. But in this kingdom of Wu, the king was a spendthrift, his chief advisor was the scheming Prime Minister Tong Xuan and the leader of his armies was the ravenous Marshal Gao Fang.


    Gao Fang was gone, but there was still Tong Xuan. The king seemed ill, and the problem was further compounded when Huang Ming noticed the figure on the smaller throne beside the king. Usually it was the seat reserved for the crown prince, but instead it was a young woman, Princess Wu Liying. Unlike her father’s weak countenance, the princess was far more regal in her demeanour. The serious expression on her beautiful face showed dignity that was lacking in her father.


    ‘So this is the little lady whose letter written in blood caused such distress,’ Huang Ming grumbled, recalling the grave expressions on the faces of the family when the truth behind the fake bandit attacks on Tianxin City were revealed to him.


    The banquet was about to start, the seats were already half filled with high ranking officials of the country on one side and foreign dignitaries on the other side.


    ‘I see Tong Xuan didn’t even tell me the correct time to attend,’ Huang Ming thought. The Prime Minister was seated closest to the royalty, his own table was the biggest after them.


    The eunuch then loudly announced their names: “Sir Huang Ming and Lady Zhao Sunli!”


    The atmosphere turned still as all eyes turned to stare.


    Sunli was still in awe of her surroundings, but Huang Ming discreetly nudged her.


    “Keep calm and carry on,” he murmured. Then he took the lead and stepped forward to pay his respects to the royal hosts. The Amazon quickly recovered and followed, even as her taller height and shortened hair drew more attention than Huang Ming’s ordinary self. He was easy on the eyes, but Sunli was an extraordinary woman. Besides, he was dressed quite ordinarily like a simple scholar. The duo stood out like sore thumbs.


    They stopped before the royal thrones and bowed deeply to the king and princess.


    “Haha, rise! Rise!” the king said enthusiastically as life ignited in his eyes. One could tell that he was previously bored by the whole affair until the appearance of the duo. Maybe Sunli’s inclusion was pleasant surprise, for the king had only summoned for Huang Ming previously. The king was quite happy by what he saw: a young man with pleasing features and a heroic woman who was more than an equal to any man.


    “We have long wished to see our country’s newest heroes, and truly you do not disappoint,” the king sighed in admiration.


    “As do we,” Princess Wu Liying said slowly, her eyes still unsmiling as she stared at Huang Ming. It was just one cold, regal look; but it was obvious to him that the princess was not as convinced of his hero status as her father was. There was something about her that rubbed Huang Ming the wrong way. Perhaps it was the letter she had sent to her father, a poisoned chalice if ever there was one. Even if the letter had not reached his father, the way it was written directly implicated the Huang family, and Huang Ming being part of the said family was less than impressed by the princess’s literary effort that could have wiped them out had it fallen to the wrong hands. Speaking of which, he wondered if his father still kept the secret letter within the linings of his belt? He made a mental note and bowed deferentially to the princess.


    “Happy birthday, Princess,” he said blandly, and decided against presenting the music box after all.


    The princess merely nodded in acknowledgement.


    “And this young woman is Zhao Sunli! Indeed, we have heard of your name as well,” the king said with approval. “You are truly a credit to your father.”


    Sunli flushed, she was more happy about the mention of her father than of herself.


    “I am eager to serve the country!” she said and saluted in military fashion.


    Compared to the chilly reception that Huang Ming received, Princess Wu was far more satisfied with Sunli’s heroic bearing.


    “We have long heard stories of your prowess. You must demonstrate your skills to us soon!” she said. Then with a slight frown, she sighed. “The world needs more role models for women to look up to. We regret the delay in seeing you in person.”


    “Our apologies for our tardiness, we were beset by a rabid dog,” Huang Ming said apologetically, causing the Prime Minister Tong Xuan’s face to twitch. He was after all nicknamed the Heavenly Hound, and those in attendance who knew the political undertones turned pale at Huang Ming’s bluntness.


    “Oh?” the princess asked disbelievingly. “There is such a malicious creature in our capital?”


    “Unfortunately it escaped before we could kill it, we beseech the king to issue a warning later so that the people would be prepared,” Huang Ming said with a straight face.


    The king nodded in agreement and then bode them to take their seats of honour beside the Prime Minister as other visitors were announced and filed in to pay their obeisance.


    “I was only testing you, a harmless prank,” the Prime Minister muttered, half in jest and half in anger; as if he was merely slightly upset about the jib.


    Huang Ming smirked and pretended to bow apologetically. “And I was just teasing you,” he said, causing the Prime Minister to guffaw. Those nearby were surprised by the laughter, was not the Prime Minister enraged by Huang Ming’s insult? Now they look like dear friends!


    But of course, the older man was still pretending to be an affable uncle-type figure, and Huang Ming knew better than to fall for the Tong Xuan’s performance. After all, this stately looking old man with a genial attitude was responsible for Huang Lang’s current disappearance.


    “You did not tell me it’s the princess’s birthday,” Huang Ming said with a disarming smile. “Any more surprises you have yet to reveal?”


    The Prime Minister returned his smile. “A few more,” he admitted. “Besides, you’re not late at all, the Jins have yet to arrive.”


    Just as he had said that, the hall was silenced once more as the next visitor was announced.


    “General Yin, escorting the esteemed Jin embassy!”


    And once more all eyes turned towards the entrance. They saw General Yin who stood stiffly at the entrance, pausing to stand aside and give way to another party. The general was a man with broad shoulders, with salt-and-pepper hair and a face that was bathed by the rains and dried by the winds. But his dignified military bearing paled in comparison to the guests that he was escorting, it was almost as if he had melded anonymously into the background as two other persons walked past him.


    At once, everyone felt a sense of deja vu, for it was again a man and woman duo just like Huang Ming and Sunli.


    Leading the way was a young man who walked with his head slightly tilted haughtily. His long hair was pulled back and tied in a top knot, the tail dangling loosely behind his shoulders. He was dressed in the finest of silk and fur, and he walked with a swagger. Compared with Huang Ming’s subdued clothing, it was heaven and earth. It was also heaven and earth when the man was compared to his companion, she was far more memorable.


    With him was also a military woman, but unlike Sunli’s athletic and slim profile, this woman was huge. She was taller, and wider than Sunli, a hulking woman made of slabs of muscle on muscle. Sunli looked well at ease when wielding her spear, but this woman looked like someone who could swing a giant axe and make it sing. She was dressed in thick furs that exposed her powerful arms. With her shock of red hair and eyes that glared challengingly at everyone, she looked every bit the stereotypical barbarian woman.


    She was as far away from ‘jade-skinned beauty’ that Huang Ming had encountered previously.


    “Beautiful, isn’t she?” the Prime Minister whispered with a chuckle.


    “I see that the Prime Minister has a sense of humour,” Huang Ming replied flatly.


    The forgotten General Yin then appeared to bow before the king, smiling wryly as he did so.


    “May I present the ambassador from Jin, Lord Aidi,” the weathered general said, gesturing towards the young man. Lord Aidi bowed with one arm over his waist, and one could see a sardonic smile on his handsome face when he rose back up.


    “Ah,” Tong Xuan breathed out in shock. “I thought the woman was the ambassador,” he said, abashed at his mistake.


    Huang Ming did not believe him for a second. Surely General Yin would have mentioned it in his advance report to the court. And even Huang Ming had some vague knowledge of Lord Aidi, he was one of the famous personages that were mentioned in that meeting with Lord Fang La in Qiong Ying’s Lichun so long ago…


    “Happy felicitations to the princess,” Lord Aidi said, his voice dripping with honey. “We bear a gift to celebrate this occasion, and pray that the princess would find it amusing.”


    He snapped his fingers, and the muscular woman behind him stepped forward to present a small packaged box. It was comically small in her bear-like hands.


    All eyes were glued towards it, necks craned and stretched to see what the Jins had brought for the Princess of Wu…


    What’s inside?
    A small surprise.
     
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2017
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  19. Zone Q11

    Zone Q11 『The Gas Mask』『Monochrome Plebeian』

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    Thanks for the chapter!
     
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  20. Zone Q11

    Zone Q11 『The Gas Mask』『Monochrome Plebeian』

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    Um... @rdawv, shouldn't this be "surprises" instead of "surprised"?
     
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