Chapter 64: The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole Behind

Upon receiving the king’s orders, Su Hu hurriedly departed the palace, his expression anxious and tense. King Zhou immediately summoned Huang Feihu.

Huang Feihu, surprised by this sudden summons, was unaware of the reason. Yet he had some inkling of the events that had transpired earlier in the royal court that afternoon. Fei Zhong, You Hun, Chong Houhu, Bo An, and others had already been thrown into the dungeon—infamous traitors, every one of them. The news brought great satisfaction to all, especially for the military men like Huang Feihu and his brothers-in-arms in the barracks, who could hardly contain their delight. Were it not for the strict discipline of the camp, they might have raised a raucous toast to celebrate.

As he made his way to the palace, Huang Feihu’s mind was a tumult of thoughts, and so in this unsettled state, he arrived at court.

“Your humble servant Huang Feihu pays his respects to the King. May my Lord live for ten thousand years.”

“Enough—let’s forgo all the palace formalities,” the king replied. “Quick, bring Huang Feihu a change of clothes.”

At the king’s command, two palace attendants rushed forward, carrying a gray robe, and without a word, began to help Huang Feihu change his attire.

Such a strange turn of events left Huang Feihu startled out of his wits. “M-my Lord, what is the meaning of this? Have I committed some offense?”

Was it not an affront to strip him of his armor in this manner, and in such a public place as the palace hall? He was, after all, a general, and the son of the renowned border commander, Huang Gun. A warrior would rather die standing than bow in humiliation.

King Zhou, appreciating Huang Feihu’s stubborn dignity, explained, “Huang Feihu, this is urgent. Listen: you must change out of your military garb and follow me out of the city. Looking as you do, you’ll draw too much attention.”

“Oh… so the king himself is leaving the city? I had thought…” Huang Feihu’s embarrassment was plain, but without hesitation, he donned the civilian robe.

The master had once said: “Huang Feihu is a loyal and capable general—he can be trusted with great responsibility.” Yet he also warned: “You, Di Xin, are debauched and lustful. You will covet Huang Feihu’s wife for her beauty, lure her into the palace, and attempt to violate her. She will choose death over dishonor, and Huang Feihu will thus be driven to rebellion.”

The king was deeply shaken when he heard this prediction. Could it be true? Was his future self so shameless and depraved, so cruel and wanton?

After all, Huang Feihu’s own sister was already one of the queen consorts in the Western Palace. Why would he cast his eyes upon Huang Feihu’s wife?

Watching Huang Feihu quietly change into plain clothing, King Zhou’s mood was odd, his face shifting through a range of expressions.

“My Lord, I am ready,” said Huang Feihu, noticing the king’s distracted state. “Shall we depart the palace now?”

“Yes, at once,” the king replied.

King Zhou took only Huang Feihu with him, and the two disguised themselves as master and servant as they slipped out of the palace.

Half an hour later, they were beyond the city gates.

King Zhou’s mysterious behavior left Huang Feihu full of questions, but he dared not ask. The king finally spoke: “I see the confusion in your heart. Be patient—you will soon understand all.”

How strange, Huang Feihu mused. Why does the king seem so different from before?

Just then, a carriage sped through the city gates and raced down the road. King Zhou instructed, “Huang Feihu, stop that carriage—quickly!”

Without hesitation, Huang Feihu spurred his horse forward and intercepted the vehicle. “Apologies, but my master commands you to stop at once.” He circled around and brought the carriage to a halt.

Looking up, he was startled to recognize the driver. “General Su? How can it be you?”

It seemed everyone knew each other. Su Hu was even more surprised to encounter the king here.

“Haha! The master truly foretold everything. If not for his guidance, I would still be foolishly waiting for you to return to the palace, General Su,” King Zhou said as he rode up.

Su Hu felt his heart sink. Their plan had been discovered—there would be no quiet resolution now.

“How dare you, Su Hu! You defied my command and tried to smuggle someone out of the city. If not for the master’s warning, would you have made a fool of your king?” King Zhou’s anger was palpable.

Su Hu, terrified, descended from the carriage and knelt. “My Lord, please pardon my failure. I had no choice—my daughter cannot enter the palace.”

“‘No choice,’ you say?” King Zhou sneered. He turned to Huang Feihu. “General Huang, what is the punishment for a general who openly defies the king’s orders?”

Huang Feihu looked awkwardly at Su Hu. They were both soldiers, well acquainted, and though not on the same side, had fought together in battle.

“General Huang! I asked you a question—why do you hesitate? Answer me!” the king demanded.

Startled, Huang Feihu replied, “According to the law, defying the king’s command is punished by thirty strokes and imprisonment in the Heavenly Prison, pending further judgment.”

“Very good. Then, General Huang, I hereby assign you the task of taking Su Hu into custody.”

“My Lord…” Su Hu tried to protest, but how could he struggle against the king’s will?

Huang Feihu was equally distressed.

King Zhou’s anger flared again. “Huang Feihu, why do you hesitate? Arrest Su Hu at once!”

Just then, a gentle voice called out, “My lord, please do not blame my father. He may have disobeyed your command, but I, too, bear responsibility.” The curtain of the carriage was lifted by a slender, delicate hand.

At that moment, King Zhou felt as if the sun itself had risen before his eyes, dazzling and brilliant.

How could one describe such a woman? Peerless elegance? National beauty? Enough to topple a kingdom?

All of them, perhaps.

King Zhou’s mind rang out in a blank daze.

Could this be Su Daji, already possessed by the fox spirit?

Truly, she was breathtaking beyond compare.