The Ugly Empress by Yun Guo Shi Fei / 丑娘娘 by 云

Ch50 - Instant Success

Xue Junliang apparently heard Teng Yun’s unamused snort. He said, “I know you have your own ideas and plan in mind, but let the others hear your opinion so they can also be convinced as well.”

Teng Yun cupped both his hands together and said, “Zhang Hong is Cheng Tian’s own nephew. Only because Cheng Tian lost to the Emperor, Zhang Hong had the opportunity to kill his uncle who was already defeated and appoint himself as a king. This alone proves he is disloyal, unrighteous and heartless. Moreover, Cheng Tian had always treated Zhang Hong as if he was his own son, yet Zhang Hong killed Cheng Tian as if he’s just chopping vegetables. This shows Zhang Hong’s disregard towards filial piety. If His Majesty accepted the marriage alliance from Zhang Hong, it will taint His Majesty’s reputation in commoners’ eyes.”

Xue Houyang, who was standing at the front, couldn’t help but glance back to see. He also thought the same way as Teng Ying; Zhang Hong was obviously unfaithful and un-filial, he hoped Emperor Xue would not associate with someone like that. Xue Houyang never thought that someone would be brave enough to present their opinions so frankly in front of the Emperor, whereas he himself would be hesitating.

Whispers broke out among the court officials after they heard Teng Yun’s statement. One half of the court marveled at Teng Ying’s eloquence; they had originally thought Teng Ying would persuade Emperor Xue to accept the marriage proposal. The other half marveled at Teng Ying’s temperament when speaking so directly. 

Instead of getting angry, Xue Junliang gave a light laugh and said, “Oh …… then wouldn’t this Seat still have to thank you, otherwise this Seat would have become a foolish ruler scorned by the world?”

Teng Yun received the sentence without being condescending, “This lowly servant doesn’t dare.”

Xue Junliang’s attempt at mocking was blocked with one short sentence. He gave a brief glance at the person standing below. Had this former sword-keeper been deliberately playing foolish to save himself from trouble? Xue Junliang really could not figure him out.

“Then, in your opinion, how should this Seat reply to Zhang Hong?”

Teng Yun did not open his mouth immediately, paused for a moment, then said, “This lowly servant indeed has a solution, but… This servant has an unsolicited request.”

Xue Junliang laughed out loud, “Then say it. Teng Ying suddenly acting so polite and humble, this Seat is a bit uncomfortable.”

Teng Yun’s face burned red. He knew his tone was a bit impulsive, but he couldn’t keep his calm. This King who had killed him, had arrested and thrown his father into prison, had forced his beloved uncle to marry a man; why was Teng Yun still standing here, Teng Yun himself wanted to know.

Teng Yun sorted out his thoughts and spoke, “This servant implores Your Majesty, let the Marquis of Tengnan out of prison.” 

After he finished this sentence, the hall was immediately so quiet that even the sound of breathing could not be heard.

Jiang Yu reprimanded, “Audacious!”

Shen Yi also could not help but look sideways at Teng Ying, and thought to himself in his heart that either this man was extremely intelligent or he was crazy.

Teng Yun said, “Then Your Majesty.. What do you think?” 

Xue Junliang wordlessly stood. Slowly he walked down the jade steps, one step at a time, towards Teng Yun.

Teng Yun felt a strange buzzing in his head, black spots danced in his vision, his eyes became bloodshot and his limbs went numb until the tips of his fingers felt ice-cold. Somehow he felt he had seen this scene before, buried in the deepest place in his heart.