Chapter 54 – Leaving For Mei County

Editor: kllua

With Emperor Qian Xing personally arriving at the city gates to send him off, Feng Huan led his five thousand black cavalry troops to leave the capital with great fanfare. Since it had been more than ten years since the unrest in YunZhou, the area has long been managed by someone that was sent from the imperial court. However, having been a vassal state for so many years and haunted by the lingering forces of King ZhenNan, it had remained chaotic. Moreover, the neighbouring Li country was ready to stir up trouble recently and occasionally there would be trouble at the borders.

The reason why Emperor QianXing sent Feng Huan was to instill some fear as the black cavalry troops’ fierce reputation has long been spread to all countries. The troops were not only well equipped, but also brave and good at fighting. Even at the individual level, each soldier was a skilled person so it was even more daunting when combined. All those years of fighting bandits were not for nothing.

Before, some in the court felt that such an approach was inappropriate. After all, the situation in YunZhou was unstable. What if Feng Huan arrived and became king himself? Despite being 20 years old, Feng Huan was unmarried with no wife, children or grandchildren that could be held in the capital. Without such measures, some were afraid that it would be like releasing the tiger back to the mountain¹ “放虎归山” (literally “releasing the tiger back to the mountain”) refers to someone allowing something to happen which might have bad consequences in the future..

Towards that, Emperor Qian Xing was furious and retorted, “When Feng Huan stayed in the capital, you all said it was a threat. When I put him in the frontier, you all said it was akin to releasing the tiger back to the mountain. You all fear that he will be disloyal if I bestow him power, and say that I am narrow-minded and distrustful if I am not. This is forcing me to take his life. Are you going to make me execute my own kin because of unnecessary suspicion?”

After that, no one dared to speak further. After all, even if they sent others to safeguard the area, who would dare to guarantee that those people would not become disloyal? If something went wrong, their whole family would not be able to pay for it.

As Emperor Qian Xing was physically present, there would definitely be a lot of rituals and a sea of people. Zhuang Zhong, who was not part of the troops, was not keen to join the fuss. At most, he was just a free rider so he agreed to meet with Feng Huan outside the capital instead.

Feng Huan was unwilling but he did not say much.

Zhuang Zhong’s horse carriage arrived at the place where Fang Yingying lived. Already ready, she ran out as soon as she heard sounds of it approaching.

Zhuang Zhong’s eyes brightened as Fang YingYing proudly showed off her men’s clothes. Although the style was simple and the cloth was just cheap fine cloth, it made Fang YingYing look even more dashing.

“What do you think? Does it have some semblance of the bearings of those chivalrous men mentioned in books?”

“Sister, it is not that I am deliberately going against you but it is just that you do not look like a man even if you wear men’s clothes.”

Fang YingYing laughed. “It is not as if I am deliberately pretending to be a man. It is just that women’s clothes are too troublesome while men’s clothes are more convenient. How is it?  It’s not bad, right? It took me several days to make it.”

Since they became sworn siblings, Zhuang Zhong had been talking to Fang YingYing more casually. “But your clothes are too lightly-coloured. It will be dusty on the road, won’t it get dirty easily?”

“But it only looks good like this! How boring is it to wear grey? Besides, the black cavalry troops are all black and by only wearing light colours will there be a distinction.”

Even though it was a men’s outfit, Fang YingYing has redesigned it, making it elegant and unrestrictive of her graceful figure. When a woman paid more attention to her appearance, it could be seen as having new hopes for life.

After that, they both set off and Zhuang Zhong switched his carriage with Fang YingYing. Although Fang YingYing was well prepared, she and her servants had no experience travelling, so the carriage they prepared was not as practical and comfortable. Since Zhuang Zhong had predicted this, he told the Lu family to prepare according to a woman’s needs and preferences instead.

Marquis WenYuan’s household also made preparations for him but they were far less dedicated than the Lu family.

When they reached the road outside the capital, dust was kicked everywhere as a horse galloped towards them.

“Why are you so slow?!” Feng Huan jumped off his horse and said in displeasure.

Zhuang Zhong lifted the curtain and was surprised to see him. “Why are you alone? Where are the black cavalry troops?”

“They are all ahead. You all were late so I thought that something might have gone wrong, so I came and had a look.” Feng Huan gave a glance into Zhuang Zhong’s carriage before noticing another carriage behind it. It was only here that his tense face eased a lot.

“We could have been faster but on the way, we smelled the scent of roast duck and it smelled really good. It was said that although this roast duck was sold in an inconspicuous alley, it tasted the most unadulterated and many people lined up to buy it every day. Since I was curious and thought that you must not have eaten while bustling about in the morning, I went down to buy it. As they roast it on the spot and there are many people, me and my sister also ended up grabbing a bite before setting off. Here, I wrapped the duck with a thick layer of oil paper and it is still warm now. Would you like to try it?” Saying that, Zhuang Zhong took out a big bag from the carriage and handed it to Feng Huan.

Feng Huan took it over and the corners of his mouth unconsciously lifted. “You bought it specifically for me?”

“Do you like it?”

“I like everything you give me.” Saying that, Feng Huan jumped into the carriage and peeled off the oil paper. Grabbing the duck leg, he forcefully tore it off and chewed on it.

Zhuang Zhong could not help laughing. “Are you that hungry?”

Feng Huan handed Zhuang Zhong the duck leg he took a bite from. “It tastes really good. Try it.”

Zhuang Zhong looked at the duck leg with a missing chunk before looking at the majority of the duck left on the oil paper. He did not understand what it meant.

Feng Huan became unhappy. “Why? Do you dislike my saliva?”

Feeling helpless, Zhuang Zhong could only accept the duck leg and took a bite at the missing chunk area. “How can I?”

Seeing that, Feng Huan was satisfied.

Zhuang Zhong shook his head secretly. Why was such a big man acting so childish?

With five thousand black cavalry soldiers walking down the road at the same time with high spirits, all the bandits who had heard the news of their travel had disappeared, causing their journey to be smooth with no disruption. In this world, it was not easy to go far. Besides the inconvenience with the modes of transportation, it was also easy to meet bandits on remote paths. Previously, there were officials who were appointed in far places but died along the way due to this. Although ordinary bandits were said to not provoke the officials in fear of causing trouble, there would still be some who did not care.

Compared to Zhuang Zhong’s trip to the capital, this trip was much more comfortable. The large group of people actually walked leisurely like an outing, which was completely different from the fast marching that Zhuang Zhong envisioned.

“Is it alright to go this slow?”

Should they be travelling faster? It looked ridiculous to lead a group of soldiers around slowly, like taking a stroll.

Feng Huan, who had a plan in mind, replied, “Don’t worry. If we are in a hurry, some people might think that I am scheming something.”

Hearing that, Zhuang Zhong did not ask further. “If we are not holding you back then it is fine.”

“Your Highness, little brother, it is time to have dinner!” Fang YingYing shouted loudly. After staying with these army ruffians for a few days, Fang YingYing had lost all her reserves as a noblewoman and her casualness had won the favour of everyone. Unwilling to be cooped up in her carriage, she even rode on a horse. 

Although the black cavalry troops were mostly men, there were many women in Feng Huan’s guards and they protected Fang YingYing. Not only that, the black cavalry were also taught to observe etiquette and strict military discipline despite being trained to be ruthless. Therefore, Fang YingYing was just like a fish in water and did not place much emphasis on gender boundaries.

In addition, Zhuang Zhong was satisfied with Lu Lian and Old Madam Li, specifically the latter who was a master cook. Despite stopping at a post house every night, it was inevitable that they would have their meals in the wilderness during the day. With Old Madam Li, meals had become much easier.

After all, although Feng Huan brought a cook, he was still not as good as her.

Since everyone was in the wild, no one was paying much attention to being proper. Feng Huan who was born into nobility also never put on airs. So, while the food was delicious, the utensils used were not as intricate. Everyone was using a big bowl or to be exact, a crock and they sat on the ground and ate.

As the things prepared by the Lu family were practical, there were no other options. Meanwhile, Fang YingYing brought along fine utensils, but it was too troublesome. After using it once, she switched to the crock and ate from there. She even happily remarked that this way of eating gave it a unique taste which made Zhuang Zhong feel that he had led astray a delicate and cultured young lady.

“Is it wild mushroom soup today? It smells good. Old Madam’s cooking skills are really getting better and better!” Zhuang Zhong praised while picking up his utensils and ladled himself some soup.

Although Old Madam Li was an experienced cook, she did not have enough experience with cooking in the wild. So, although the taste was great the first few times she cooked, she still felt that she lacked something. Now, she had gotten way better.

Old Madam Li smiled and said, “It is good that you like it, young master. I have been feeling a great sense of achievement these few days. In the past, even though everyone praised me when I cooked a whole big table of dishes, they only ate small mouthfuls and there will be a lot left. Looking at it, I always felt uncomfortable because if it is delicious, how can there be so much leftovers? However, it is different now. Everyone polishes everything off cleanly, and even our young lady’s appetite is three times larger than before!”

Fang YingYing laughed, “Old Madam, are you saying that I have become a rice jar now?”

“Being able to eat is a blessing. Only when you eat more can you be healthy.”

The beauty standards here were similar to modern times where being thin was considered beautiful. This resulted in many extremely slender women and Fang YingYing was no different despite possessing greater charms than ordinary ladies. Previously, she had tried to improve her body constitution with various prescriptions. However, her body remained weak even though she did not appear as sickly pale as other women. It was her outspoken personality and her love for riding horses that made her slightly better than others, which was shown from her previous plight.

Lu Lian agreed, “I used to think that you look better being thin and pale. However, I feel that your current state is the best.”

As Fang YingYing did not constantly stay in her carriage and often sat in the front to see the scenery, she had also become tanner.

“All of your words do not count. Little brother, do you think I look good now or before?”

Zhuang Zhong smiled. “Being healthy is the greatest beauty.” 

“I knew you would say that.” Fang Yingying was elated. “We are going to cross the woods tomorrow and I want to go hunting.”

Zhuang Zhong glanced at Feng Huan who nodded. “As long as you do not enter the deep mountains, there will not be large beasts so you can go and play. I always said that I want to teach you, and now, there is a chance to try it tomorrow.”

“No need…” Zhuang Zhong felt a little fearful.

Feng Huan ignored him. “Since you still cannot ride a horse, we can ride together tomorrow.”

“I know how to do it and can do it myself…”

Feng Huan raised his hand and interrupted with a righteous tone, “You want to run before learning to walk. Is this what you call knowing how to ride a horse? You will make me lose face if you tell others that.”

Zhuang Zhong choked. Previously, Feng Huan was the one who said he wanted to teach him but he ended up having no time, causing Zhuang Zhong to lose face now. Even Fang YingYing could ride a horse alone, but he, a man, has to be taught in Feng Huan’s arms. For two big men to ride a horse together-–what’s with this situation?!

Besides, how difficult could it be as long as the horse was obedient?! He used to go to the park and had spent 20 yuan to ride one before.

However, every time Zhuang Zhong wanted to ride the horse himself, the horse would tremble like a madman and almost throw him off. This was the same for several horses. In the end, Feng Huan labelled him as a bad learner and taught him while keeping their bodies in close proximity. To such an arrangement, he could not disagree which made him very embarrassed.

If Zhuang Zhong said that he did not wish to learn, Feng Huan would retort that a real man would not give up. Faced with this, what else could Zhuang Zhong even say?

Now, even the little girl, Lu Lian, could ride a horse and trot around slowly whereas he could not! How dull he was! It was a big fat joke and others had also started to look at him weirdly. Although Feng Huan tried to silently hide it, it could not erase his embarrassment.

Feng Huan patted him on the shoulder and comforted, “Don’t worry, I will teach you before you reach Mei county.”

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  “放虎归山” (literally “releasing the tiger back to the mountain”) refers to someone allowing something to happen which might have bad consequences in the future. ↩︎