After being forced to surrender the northern Imperial City to Mo Xiu Yao, the Xi Ling Emperor relocated the capital to present-day An City. Fortunately, the Murong family’s centuries of development meant that while An City couldn’t match the Imperial City’s grandeur, it still ranked among Xi Ling’s most prosperous cities. After two years of extensive reconstruction by the Xi Ling Emperor, it barely lived up to its status as an Imperial Capital.
It was no wonder that powers across the realm looked upon Mo Xiu Yao with disdain. Setting aside the Northern Rong, whose royal court lived in tents save for their king’s modest stone castle, both major powers – Xi Ling and Da Chu – had lost their Imperial Cities. Da Chu was confined to Nanjing, while Xi Ling retreated to An City. Meanwhile, the Prince of Ding, who controlled two massive Imperial Cities, showed no interest in ascending the throne, naturally inspiring others’ envy and resentment.
In the Zhengnan Prince’s mansion in An City, Lei Teng Feng sat in the main seat, gazing absently at the empty hall below. Once, he had desperately wanted this position, having taken pride in the Zhengnan Prince’s mansion since childhood. In his heart, the title of Zhengnan Prince far surpassed the hypocritical Imperial throne. After all, his father was far more powerful than the emperor who merely indulged in palace pleasures. Thus, his greatest dream had been to earn his father’s approval and become master of the Zhengnan Prince’s mansion. Yet now that he truly sat in this position, he felt only desolation and cold.
“Young Master, what should we do next?” Below, among three military generals and several civil officials, one asked anxiously.
Their concerns couldn’t compare to Lei Teng Feng’s worries. Having rushed back to Xi Ling at full speed, news from Fei Hong Pass hadn’t arrived yet. But Lei Teng Feng knew in his heart that his father… was gone.
Without the Zhengnan Prince, Lei Teng Feng trembled inwardly at the thought of the mansion’s future, feeling a chill throughout his body.
After a long moment, Lei Teng Feng opened his eyes and calmly regarded those present. He raised his hand, revealing a golden token bearing a four-clawed golden dragon coiled around heavy characters reading “Zheng Nan.”
Except for the three generals, everyone was shocked. This was the Zhengnan Prince mansion’s most important token, representing the Prince’s identity and authority. “Seeing the token is like seeing the Prince himself. We pay our respects to Your Highness!”
Upon seeing this token, the more experienced officials’ expressions changed, sensing something was amiss. The heir’s sudden return from the frontlines was already unusual, and now he possessed the token of authority that the Prince would never give to anyone else – how could this not cause unease?
“Everyone, please rise,” Lei Teng Feng said solemnly. “By my father’s command, from now on all matters of the Zhengnan Prince’s mansion will be under my control.” The officials exchanged glances, hesitating. They would naturally follow the Zhengnan Prince, as any clear-eyed person could see he was far more capable than the ineffective Xi Ling Emperor. But following the heir was different – not because Lei Teng Feng was inadequate, but because he was too young and his reputation paled in comparison to Lei Zhen Ting’s.
“We shall follow only Your Highness’s commands!” the three generals proclaimed in unison.
Only then did Lei Teng Feng understand his father’s intention in specifically choosing these three generals to return with him. There were certainly more capable and distinguished commanders in the army. But those veteran generals who had served beside his father for years, with their illustrious military accomplishments, would be beyond his control. Those with powerful backing might harbor ulterior motives. These three, however, were all promoted by his father from common soldiers, had served under Lei Teng Feng, and maintained good personal relationships with him. Naturally, there was little worry about their loyalty in the short term.
“Minister Wu, what say you?” Lei Teng Feng nodded, turning his gaze to those still hesitating to declare their stance. Minister Wu looked at Lei Teng Feng and respectfully asked, “May I inquire… what are the Young Master’s plans?”
Lei Teng Feng’s expression darkened as he stared at those present, suddenly allowing a faint smile to curl his lips. “I… intend to try that chair in the Yong’an Hall. What do you think?”
Minister Wu’s expression changed slightly as he smiled nervously, “Young Master, isn’t this… perhaps too hasty?”
Just as Lei Teng Feng was about to speak, a guard outside announced: “Young Master, the Emperor requests an audience.”
Lei Teng Feng snorted softly, “I understand. You may go.”
As Lei Teng Feng stood and descended from his seat, those below hurriedly advised: “Young Master, the Emperor suddenly summoning you at this time likely has ill intentions. Please be cautious.” Lei Teng Feng smiled faintly, “My sudden return to the capital would be stranger if he didn’t summon me. Besides, some matters… are better handled sooner than later.”
Walking casually to Minister Wu’s front, Lei Teng Feng smiled, “Minister Wu, wouldn’t you agree?”
Minister Wu’s face immediately turned pale, cold sweat secretly trickling down his temples. “Young… Young Master…” Lei Teng Feng snorted softly, and a cold flash of light passed. The others only heard the sound of a sword returning to its sheath as Lei Teng Feng walked toward the hall’s exit. Looking down, they saw Minister Wu lying on the ground, eyes wide, a thin line of blood slowly blooming across his neck.
“We swear absolute loyalty to the Young Master!”
Lei Teng Feng turned back, saying coolly, “My lords need not be nervous. You are all father’s confidants and trusted advisors. As for Minister Wu… father had already mentioned that he… was not his father’s man. Everything is here for you to see.” Lei Teng Feng placed a memorial on the table and left without waiting for their reactions.
Lei Teng Feng strode quickly through the palace, though it was more accurate to call it a complex of connected mansions converted into an imperial residence. After all, a proper palace couldn’t be built in such a short time.
“Zhengnan Prince’s heir, Lei Teng Feng, Rui Jun Wang, requests an audience with Your Majesty,” Lei Zhen Ting announced clearly at the entrance of an ornate palace hall.
The sound of silk and bamboo music from within quickly ceased. Soon, an attendant emerged, carefully saying: “Rui Jun Wang, His Majesty will see you.” Lei Teng Feng nodded and moved to enter, but was blocked by the eunuch. Smiling nervously, the eunuch gestured to the guards and military officers following behind, saying, “Your Highness, this… might not be appropriate?”
Lei Teng Feng raised an eyebrow, “I’ve brought three generals back to the capital to report their duties. What’s inappropriate about that?”
“This…” The eunuch’s face showed his dilemma. He naturally knew that military officers returning to report must see the Emperor, but His Majesty had ordered that only Lei Teng Feng could enter.
Lei Teng Feng said sternly, “You need not worry. If His Majesty takes offense, I’ll bear full responsibility.” Seeing Lei Teng Feng’s forceful attitude, the eunuch dared not continue blocking them, as the Zhengnan Prince’s people were known for their assertiveness in the palace. Not just servants like them, even the Emperor had long grown accustomed to it.
Entering the great hall, Lei Teng Feng was immediately struck by the dizzying mixture of alcohol and perfume. Though outsiders might not yet know the situation, seeing this scene when his father died in battle caused a flash of coldness in Lei Teng Feng’s eyes.
“Your subject Lei Teng Feng pays respects to Your Majesty,” Lei Teng Feng bowed.
The three generals following him also bowed, “Your servants Feng Li, Zhang Yi, and Shang Guan Qing pay respects to Your Majesty.”
The Xi Ling Emperor, eyes clouded with drink, looked down at them with a genial smile, “Ah, Teng Feng, come, sit!” Lei Teng Feng rose and took the foremost position on the right, saying, “Teng Feng thanks Imperial Uncle.”
The Xi Ling Emperor had grown thinner since their time in the Xi Ling Imperial City two years ago, his body worn by years of indulgence, his smiling eyes clouded and dull. Yet as these eyes looked at Lei Teng Feng now, they seemed filled with meaning. “Teng Feng, weren’t you with your father attacking Mo’s army? Why have you returned?”
Lei Teng Feng replied, “Reporting to Imperial Uncle, Father received news that Southern Chu has betrayed their alliance with our nation and switched allegiance to the Prince of Ding’s side. The Prince of Ding’s Murong Shen and the Southern Marquis personally led three hundred thousand Southern Chu troops across the Yunlan River to invade our Xi Ling. Father specially ordered me to return and handle this matter.”
“Oh?” The Xi Ling Emperor looked at Lei Teng Feng with some surprise. “Is that so?”
“What Teng Feng says is true. If Imperial Uncle doubts, you may send people to investigate. The fighting has likely already begun at the Yunlan River.” The Xi Ling Emperor nodded, “If that’s the case, what are your plans?” Lei Teng Feng looked up at the Xi Ling Emperor, “Teng Feng plans to send Shang Guan Qing and Feng Li to lead five hundred thousand troops to meet Murong Shen and the Southern Marquis in battle.”
“Five hundred thousand?” The Xi Ling Emperor looked at Lei Teng Feng and asked, “Where do we still have so many troops?” Lei Zhen Ting’s campaign against Mo’s army had already taken most of Xi Ling’s elite forces, not to mention the large number of troops already stationed at the Yunlan River. Taking so many more troops from Xi Ling, it was no wonder the Emperor was concerned.
Lei Teng Feng lowered his eyes and spoke calmly, “Otherwise, what does Imperial Uncle suggest we do?”
The Xi Ling Emperor was speechless. Having been suppressed by Lei Zhen Ting his entire life, he had never handled military or civil affairs. Even a genius would eventually exhaust their talents and wisdom at this rate, let alone someone who was never a genius, to begin with. His ability to engage in subtle power struggles with Lei Teng Feng for so many years relied entirely on his legitimate status as Emperor and the natural aptitude for intrigue that came with being born into the royal family. But such tactics were useless in matters of warfare. The Xi Ling Emperor had spent his whole life thinking about how to reclaim his imperial authority, yet never considered how to be a good emperor once he had that power.
Lei Teng Feng concealed his disdain and said coldly, “Murong Shen and the Southern Marquis are both battle-hardened veterans. With Father gone now… if we don’t deploy a large army to intercept them, I fear Mo’s forces will be at our gates… before we know it.”
The Xi Ling Emperor frowned and sighed. Habitually reaching for the wine cup on the table, he waved impatiently at Lei Teng Feng, “Fine, go ahead. Do as you’ve said.” Just as Lei Teng Feng began to relax, suddenly a eunuch hurried in from outside and whispered something in the Xi Ling Emperor’s ear. The Emperor’s expression changed, and his gaze toward Lei Teng Feng became filled with probing scrutiny.
Waving the eunuch away, the Xi Ling Emperor frowned in thought before asking, “Teng Feng, come to think of it, you haven’t told me how our forces fare against the Prince of Ding’s army?”
Lei Teng Feng replied calmly, “Your Majesty is right, I was just about to report on this matter.”
The Xi Ling Emperor nodded with satisfaction, “Good, I’ve been worried. You must not… deceive me.” To deceive the emperor… was a capital offense.
A flash of coldness crossed Lei Teng Feng’s brow as he said gravely, “I wouldn’t dare. Reporting to Your Majesty, I fear our forces… cannot withstand Mo’s army… defeat is certain!”
“What?!” The Xi Ling Emperor exclaimed in shock. Though incompetent, he bore no grudge against his empire. Initially, when the servant reported Lei Zhen Ting’s defeat, he felt a touch of schadenfreude. But now, hearing Lei Teng Feng’s heavy pronouncement of certain defeat, he couldn’t help but feel alarmed. He didn’t want to experience Mo’s army at the capital’s gates again. Moreover… last time they had moved from the north to An City, but if Mo Xiu Yao came knocking again, where else could they go?
For the first time in his life, the Xi Ling Emperor realized that Xi Ling without Lei Zhen Ting might not be a good thing.
“Teng Feng… your father…”
Lei Teng Feng didn’t conceal anything, saying solemnly, “Indeed, if I’m not mistaken, Father has… died for the country.” Hearing this, the Xi Ling Emperor was stunned. Though he had lived his entire life trembling under Lei Zhen Ting’s pressure, constantly plotting his death, when he heard the news of Lei Zhen Ting’s death, his first reaction wasn’t joy but helplessness.
“Now… what should we do?” asked the Xi Ling Emperor.
Lei Teng Feng lowered his gaze and said calmly, “These three generals are the talents Father left for Xi Ling. I plan to send two of them to lead troops against Murong Shen and the Southern Marquis. If Mo Xiu Yao personally leads an army to attack Xi Ling, I am willing to share Xi Ling’s fate.”
There was no other choice now. The Xi Ling Emperor didn’t waste words, nodding, “Very well. I hereby appoint you as the new Prince of Zhengnan, to replace your father in guarding Da Ling. Additionally, I appoint Generals Feng, Zhang, and Shang Guan as the Protector General, Pacification General, and Security General.” With one sentence, the Xi Ling Emperor elevated three deputy commanders to Xi Ling’s highest military rank.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Lei Teng Feng bowed.
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace.”
After Lei Teng Feng left the hall, the resplendent palace returned to silence. A eunuch emerged from behind, carefully glancing at the Xi Ling Emperor who sat meditating on the dragon throne, and whispered, “Your Majesty, why didn’t you… not…” They had made preparations to capture Lei Teng Feng as soon as he arrived. Without Lei Zhen Ting, though Lei Teng Feng was formidable, he was still young. But given a few years to grow his power, the situation might become uncontrollable.
Yet they never received the Emperor’s signal, and the hidden assassins could only watch as Lei Teng Feng walked away.
The Xi Ling Emperor waved his hand, “Lei Zhen Ting is already dead… if we kill Lei Teng Feng too… what will become of Da Ling?” Over these years, his remaining children had either died or married away, leaving him truly alone in this vast palace except for his fawning consorts. Now even his lifelong enemy was dead, but Da Ling remained… he had to leave something for Da Ling.
“Enough, go. Convey my decree to appoint Lei Teng Feng as Prince of Zhengnan. The former Prince of Zhengnan, Lei Zhen Ting, died for his country and shall be granted the posthumous title ‘Loyal and Heroic.’ Additionally, I… am unwell, so let the Prince of Zhengnan serve as regent.”
The attendant was stunned, clearly not understanding why the Emperor had changed his mind so quickly. But he had to obey the Xi Ling Emperor’s command, “This servant accepts the decree and takes his leave.” It seemed Xi Ling would continue… under the Zhengnan Prince’s authority.
Though Lei Teng Feng left the palace having gained command of Xi Ling’s entire army as desired, his face remained dark as water. Just now… he had truly harbored killing intent toward the Xi Ling Emperor. He knew the Emperor had positioned assassins in the hall, but he hadn’t expected the usually incompetent Emperor to suddenly make such a decision at that moment. That moment of hesitation had dispelled his killing intent. Lei Teng Feng couldn’t help but smile bitterly – compared to his father, he was still far from measuring up.
“Lei Teng Feng…”
“Who goes there?” Suddenly, a deep voice whispered in his ear, and Lei Teng Feng’s expression changed as he looked sharply toward its source. Just steps away stood a middle-aged man in blue cloth garments, regarding him with an indifferent expression.
“Ling Tie Han!” Lei Teng Feng said through gritted teeth. The voice he’d heard had seemed far away, yet Ling Tie Han had appeared silently before him. In the short time since they’d last met, Ling Tie Han’s martial arts had reached an even higher level.
Ling Tie Han nodded and tossed something toward Lei Teng Feng. Lei Teng Feng’s first instinct was to dodge, but mid-movement he seemed to realize something and caught the object. It was an ordinary white porcelain urn wrapped in cloth, and as soon as he touched it, Lei Teng Feng knew what it contained and guessed why Ling Tie Han had thrown it to him.
“This… this is…” Lei Teng Feng gripped the object tightly, staring at Ling Tie Han.
Ling Tie Han said indifferently, “These are Lei Zhen Ting’s ashes.”
“You cremated my father!” Lei Teng Feng felt rage surging to his head as he glared at the man before him. Ling Tie Han gave him an unconcerned glance and sneered, “You should be grateful Mo Xiu Yao even allowed me to cremate Lei Zhen Ting and bring him back.”
Lei Teng Feng fell silent. He certainly knew how many people treated the bodies of slain enemy commanders, especially one of such unusual status. But at least… the last dignity of the Prince of Zhengnan was preserved.
“The Zhengnan Prince’s mansion will remember this,” Lei Teng Feng said earnestly.
A mocking smile curved Ling Tie Han’s lips as he turned away without another glance, his sleeves sweeping behind him as he left.
On the street outside the Zhengnan Prince’s mansion, Lei Teng Feng held the urn of ashes, lost in thought. “Father… your child will not disappoint your expectations…”