Chapter 14 (1/2)

The past week I've been busy with back the school stuff. And next week will be my mock exams. So translating's slowed down. I'll make it up, promise.

Also, stay tuned for my

Jade Gate Pa.s.s was a western frontier post on the Silk Road.

Wall Flip is a novel that is easy to read, difficult to translate. My translation's not the most accurate, but I try my best to convey the flavor and meaning.

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After eating her fill, Xia Yuqing put up her feet and had her ”fun”. Feng Tingye wasn't so lucky.

”So our Majesty's finally finished with his business. Do you still remember your hardworking subjects who've been toiling for the sake of the country?” Feng Tingye was confronted by three well-dressed young men when he left the Hall of Captured Fragrance. He arched an eyebrow at the malicious-looking leader of the lot. ”Didn't you all go back?”

Shao Zitang gave Feng Tingye a scalding look. ”Go back? Did you forget what date it was while you were playing with that girl? Prince Rui will return in two days. I found some very interesting things while I was out in disguise.” He smiled icily.

Feng Tingye's eyes flashed, ”Let's go to the Imperial Study.”

Shao Zitang didn't keep them in suspense. He began as soon as the four entered the Imperial Study, ”I was pa.s.sing through Jade Gate Pa.s.s in the guise of a merchant with a caravan. I heard many rumors along the way, including those about Prince Rui's return to the capital.”

Leng Ruofeng's eyebrows pinched. ”Rumors?” He spat out coldly.

”Many think that Prince Rui is returning to offer an alliance with the State of Xue.”

”Heeh, an alliance with them?” Yan Ran's eyes smiled mockingly. ”Prince Rui is a subject of the State of Ye. Yet after defeating the State of Xue, he doesn't press on for greater rewards, but turns around to make an alliance. His intentions are clear.”

Feng Tingye's sly eyes narrowed evilly. He sneered coldly. ”Even a caravan can tell that he is selling out his country. Does he think we are still an ignorant child? Tell He Wenzhong to increase the security during Prince Rui's return to the capital. If need be, call more troops to the capital. We'd like to see what kind of tricks he'll pull. Father has died, but I am still alive. Does he truly believe I am still that baby that he can bully?”

The three were startled by Feng Tingye's rare display of anger. Then eagerness sparked on their faces.

”That cur's always been arrogant just because he's had some military success. We'll send him packing if he's coming to rock the boat. We've been waiting a long time to teach him a lesson.” Yan Ran's enchanting smile belied his disquieting words.

These men had been selected by the previous emperor among the children of the government officials and military leaders at court to accompany Feng Tingye, as the future b.u.t.tresses of the nation. Their only purpose was to clear the path to the throne for this man. Any obstacles in his way, no matter who they were, were opponents they must eliminate.

They were his most devoted subjects and aides. They were also Feng Tingye's most trusted friends.

”Yeah yeah, we're done now. So are you going to reward me for my time? I spent days in the middle of nowhere gathering proof of Prince Rui's collaboration with the enemy, investigating his movements. I thought I'd get some recognition for my efforts when I returned to court, but looks like I was expecting too much from one of those b.a.s.t.a.r.ds that put hoes over bros. It's been a whole day, but I haven't even had so much as a sip of tea, not to mention a bite of food for my starving stomach.”