Liu Bei (161 A.D. – 223 A.D): Liu Bei’s grandfather was an overthrown emperor and his father died when he was just a child. Liu Bei was a man of humble beginnings, as a child he helped his mother by weaving baskets for their livelihood. At the age of fifteen he went to pursue his studies. After a chain of events he eventually became involved in the military and was appointed as a governor. He went on to lead battles against Cao Cao and later in his life he reclaimed his rightful throne. Liu Bei loved the people and treasured people who demonstrated talent. As an individual he was kind and fair, humane and righteous. Because of these traits, he was well-received and deeply respected.
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Ruo Yan’s ascension onto the throne at nineteen had sent shockwaves, and now he intended to cause a big stir.
Fortunately, his plan to advance into Xi Rei’s borders was foiled by Rong Tian. Ruo Yan’s elite henchmen were killed forcing the ruler to retreat with his tail between his legs.
Another twist was thrown into the mess as his younger sister, Miao Guang was captured.
Finally, Feng Ming could relax with Rong Tian by his side, letting his lover drown his ears with sweet nothings.
Ruo Yan’s short lived plan to black mail Xi Rei in exchange for Feng Ming was in complete shambles. His only sister was now an important p.a.w.n in the tug of war between Li and Xi Rei.
Rong Tian had immediately sent messengers to forward a list of demands. First and foremost, he wanted an explanation for Miao Guang’s daring attempt to kidnap Feng Ming and secondly, the country of Li must send large quant.i.ties of foodstuff and pedigree horses for compensation.
“Exchanging Miao Guang for food and horses?” Feng Ming looked at his lover.
“Correct. A large quant.i.ty of food stock and their best horses seemed befitting.” Rong Tian answered with a smirk.
The younger man frowned.
“In the least Miao Guang is a princess, isn’t it a waste?”
“We won’t be giving her freedom as an exchange. Anyhow, keeping Miao Guang in Xi Rei will be beneficial to us in the long run. It will be easy to twist his arm for future demands.” A sly look crossed the King’s face.
“Oh! You plan on extorting her worth?” Feng Ming suddenly realized, “It’s highly unlikely Ruo Yan will be softened with your blackmailing, he is rotten to the core and probably won’t even lift a finger for Miao Guang.”
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After a few days, the country of Li’s envoy rushed to Xi Rei’s capital.
Ruo Yan refused to comply with Rong Tian’s demands. Instead he sent a gift – a piece of light colored green jade.
In the Prince’s chambers, Feng Ming curiously studied the gift.
“Is this some sort of cryptic message?” Feng Ming shook his head giving up on working out the answer, “If Ruo Yan sent this does it mean it is so valuable that it is worth the life of his sister?”
Rong Tian sat down and calmly fixated his eyes on the jade pendant for a short time before breaking his silence, “Li Er, come in here.”
Li Er had been eavesdropping outside and upon hearing his name he quietly entered.
His master pointed to the offending gift, “This is Ruo Yan’s reply, what do you think?”
Li Er motioned closer to catch sight of the pendant, once his eyes registered the green jade he felt like someone knocked the wind out of his lungs. The blood drained from his face leaving him deathly pale.
He abruptly dropped to his knee pleaded at his master’s feet, “King…”
Feng Ming was startled, his eyes glued on their servant.
There was cold look in Rong Tian’s eyes, in a heavy tone he asked, “Is this worth an exchange? Miao Guang is Ruo Tian’s right arm, setting her free is the same as allowing a dangerous tiger back into the mountains.”
“Your Highness, please…” catching the hint of rejection in Rong Tian’s words, Li Er shook uncontrollably. He turned towards Feng Ming, hoping he was more lenient.
“King Ming, I beg you please save my brother.” He pleaded with eyes gla.s.sed over with tears.
It took a moment to register, “What? Your brother is Rong Tian?”
“This jade pendant belongs to my brother, we each have one.” Li Er fumbled to draw out his own trinket. Pulling it out, it was an exact replica as the sample sent by Ruo Yan.
“Under no circ.u.mstance would my brother ever leave this behind, if Ruo Yan sent this piece of jade it means Rong Hu has been captured. I’m begging King Ming for a grand favor, please save my brother.”
Knowing how soft hearted Feng Ming was, Li Er depended heavily on this and rested his request on his second master. Seeking a.s.sistance from Feng Ming was more useful than approaching Rong Tian.
Feng Ming quickly extended his hand to prop Li Er up, he nodded rea.s.suringly, “Don’t worry, Rong Tian will save Rong Hu. The both of you are important to him, right? Rong Tian?” He glanced around at Rong Tian.
Rong Tian was unmoved by this tragic turn of events, he turned his face towards the window and peered out into the distance. He gently explained, “Miao Guang is a princess and an exchange for Rong Hu is not equally weighted.”
“King Ming, Ruo Yan is a savage beast, if my brother is in his hands, I’m afraid…” Li Er’s eyes were breaming with tears.
Li Er’s frantic plea aroused Feng Ming’s sense of righteousness. Never would he have imagined Rong Tian would change into a stone hearted b.a.s.t.a.r.d after being appointed King.
Where was his loyalty?
Feng Ming glared furiously at Rong Tian before snorting. He reached and gave Li Er’s shoulder a few comforting pats.
“Li Er, I have something I need to say to Rong Tian in private. Go out first, and don’t worry. We will be saving your brother.” He instructed.
Li Er was clear Feng Ming would be demonstrating his power, under the heavens there was a sole being capable of overpowering the likes of Rong Tian. The young man wiped away his tears and left compliantly.
Feng Ming personally shut the door gently behind his servant.
Pausing for a bit Feng Ming’s brain flickered through the list of ancient monarchs whom carried themselves with benevolence and righteousness in their interpersonal relations.
The main challenge was his lecture’s delivery, considering how Rong Tian had a cunning nature.
He moved to face Rong Tian, “I never thought you’d be reluctant to use Miao Guang to trade Rong Hu. Every man has a conscience and you as the King…nnnhh…”
Feng Ming was determined to drill a hole in Rong Tian and inspire him to become a fair ruler as righteous as the legendary Liu Bei*. Before he could continue mentoring the King, Rong Tian had already gathered him in his arms and occupied his lips.
“Nnh...I haven’t finished…mmm…” Feng Ming managed to breakaway slightly, fending off Rong Tian with a pair of raised fists. They didn’t provide a challenge to Rong Tian’s polished skills, in a flash, Rong Tian had pinned Feng Ming’s arms behind his body.
“What could you want to say? The bottom line is that you want Miao Guang’s release for Rong Hu’s return.” Chuckling at his lover, Rong Tian’s gloomy expression was nowhere to be seen.
“That’s it!” exclaimed Feng Ming.
“I’ll ask you something simple, whose status is more important, Miao Guang or Rong Hu?”
“Let me tell you, human lives are of equal value. They are just as precious as each other!” Feng Ming’s large eyes glared defiantly, he stood his ground with his chest puffed.
Saving people is a basic princ.i.p.al of a good ruler. Feng Ming was deeply invested in cultivating Rong Tian to become a man of integrity if he was to rule all the lands under the heavens one day.
He refused to allow Rong Tian to disregard the lives of his subordinates like a cold hearted Cao Cao.
Rong Tian loosened his grip and took a step back to study his lover through narrowed eyes.
The King clicked his tongue, “Not bad, King Ming has an influential power. Let me ask, did I ever say I refused to exchange Miao Guang for Rong Hu?”
“This…your att.i.tude just…” Feng Ming was thrown off.
“Rong Hu has served by my side for countless years, being my confidant. I hold him and his brother in my heart like if they were my very own younger brothers. Sacrificing Rong Hu for a childish girl?” he snorted, “If it was Rou Yan instead I might have considered it.”
Feng Ming’s eyes lit up, his cheeks revealing slight dimples, “So you’ve decided to accept Rou Yan’s proposal for the hostage exchange?”
The King grunted and nodded which was followed by words completely out of line, “But I want to eat a satisfying meal tonight.”
Feng Ming scratched his head, “Are you really hungry? You can probably order Chiu Lan to prepare some dishes to eat?”
“Don’t play coy. You know what I want to eat.” Rong Tian seduced him with his handsome smirk.
“I also want to eat you.” Feng Ming chirped in a small voice.
Rong Tian released a laugh, grabbing Feng Ming by the waist.
“Let’s determine who will be eating who tonight.” He teased.
“Hold on, we are digressing from the issue!” Feng Ming slapped Rong Tian’s big hand and looked at him sternly before preaching, “As a King, how can you change the direction of the conversation when we are discussing important affairs of the state. Firstly, your decision to exchange Rong Hu with Miao Guang is commendable. Secondly....”
He looked at Rong Tian accusingly, “Why did you act so strangely, going as far as to mislead me. As a King are you planning to make a habit of teasing the great King Ming for your kicks? Can you go a day without making me worry? I’m warning you, my body is weak and there may be lingering traces of poison, so don’t go upsetting me or you might agitate me enough to fall sick again.”
Rong Tian did not show the slightest hint of shame. Instead he lunged forwards and clamped his hands around Feng Ming’s slender waist, drawing the younger man into his arms. After helping himself to countless kisses all over his lover, he finally replied.
“In my capacity as King, I must possess great strategies to deal with state affairs and a deep understanding of the will of the people who serve me. After this incident, Rong Hu and Li Er will treat you with renewed respect and serve you with upmost loyalty. They will act undaunted by dangers to protect you and ensure your safety. The great King Ming will have the best personal guards in the realms and the great Rong Tian can have a little peace of mind.” His laugh softly, his tongue traced along the side of Feng Ming’s earlobe.
Feng Ming was feeling fl.u.s.tered and touched by the King’s words, he looked at his lover forgivingly. Now that their “state affairs” discussion was over, Feng Ming decided to let the King off lightly this time.
“I want to devour you tonight,” Rong Tian whispered as he nibbled on Feng Ming’s ear.
Feng Ming’s face washed over with a hue of red, he firmly rejected by shaking his head to correct him. “No, I’m the one who will be dining tonight. It should be the same arrangement as last time.”
“Last time happened only due to your condition. You were unfit to be on the bottom. Now that you’ve been cured, it’s my turn. I have exercised self-control and waited countless days for you to recuperate. It is time I reaped my reward.”
Feng Ming frowned, “Don’t be corny, you are a King! Shouldn’t you be giving out awards instead of asking people to bestow them on you?”
“Well, then I’m going to bestow upon you the reward of me getting to take a bite out of you.”
“Quit it!” Rong Tian moved onto his prey, and attacked him with light kisses over sensitive spots, making the younger man giggle uncontrollably.
