The Blood Crown - Chapter 114

When Shen Hexuan left the capital, the evaluation of the high-ranking officials began.

Most of the second-rank or higher officials in the provinces were governors, and unless they had pressing duties that required them to stay, they were required to return to the capital. At this time, the Ministry of Personnel faced a difficult issue, namely Prince Jingyuan, Feng Jianping.

Feng Jianping was the first military general in the history of the Sheng Kingdom to become a governor, which meant he held both military and administrative power, making him extremely powerful. Currently, there was no warfare in Datong, so all governors were returning to the capital to report on their duties. Feng Jianping should have been the first to return.

But there was no movement from Datong Prefecture.

This matter was both subtle and dangerous. If the Ministry of Personnel sent a letter urging him to return and Feng Jianping refused, it would imply he was defying the court with military power and harboring treacherous intentions. If they didn’t send a letter, it would be against the rules of the capital evaluation. However, the Ministry of Personnel was reluctant to take this risk.

Yan Sikong had already noticed this issue. Even the Minister of Personnel, Liu An, had seen him several times, looking as if he had something to say but ultimately remaining silent. Yan Sikong guessed Liu An wanted to use him to probe Feng Ye’s intentions but refrained due to the awkward rumors between them.

Yan Sikong knew this matter was crucial and planned to discuss it with Feng Ye. Feng Ye, having likely heard some rumors, came to find Yan Sikong late that night.

Feng Ye got straight to the point, “Has the Ministry of Personnel said anything about how they will handle my father’s evaluation?”

Yan Sikong shook his head, “Minister Liu is in a dilemma. I guess he will soon seek advice from our teacher.”

“What do you think Yan Ge will do?” Feng Ye asked.

Yan Sikong thought for a moment, “As the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, he should act impartially and have the emperor issue a decree ordering His Highness to return to the capital.”

“But?” Feng Ye raised an eyebrow.

Yan Sikong paced back and forth, looking somewhat grave, “To be honest, I don’t know.”

“You mean Yan Zilian might urge my father to return to the capital?”

“For the capital evaluation, all governors in the provinces are required to return to the capital to report on their duties. Currently, only Prince Jingyuan has not moved, causing criticism in the court. At this time, how can our teacher shield him?” Yan Sikong sighed, “But His Highness cannot return.”

Feng Ye nodded, “My father cannot return. If he does, the emperor will surely find ways to reduce his military power. I need to see Yan Zilian.”

“Feng Ye.” Yan Sikong grabbed him and said seriously, “Feng Ye, he is the Grand Secretary. Do you understand what that means?”

Feng Ye stared at Yan Sikong.

“As the Grand Secretary, how can he tolerate an external minister holding heavy military power? The only reason he hasn’t interfered with His Highness for many years is to counterbalance the eunuch faction. He and Xie Zhongren both avoid offending His Highness because they fear His Highness siding with either faction could overthrow the entire court.”

Feng Ye squinted, “So what will he do this time?”

“I told you, I don’t know. I think our teacher doesn’t want His Highness to return now. The capital evaluation has already shaken the court. If His Highness returns, it might cause even greater turmoil, which would be unmanageable. But our teacher absolutely cannot do nothing, or how could he maintain his authority?” Yan Sikong patted Feng Ye’s shoulder comfortingly, “I will discuss this matter with our teacher privately. Does His Highness have a prepared memorial stating that the situation in Datong is complex and he cannot leave his post? The sooner it reaches the capital, the better.”

“It’s already on the way.”

“That’s good.” Yan Sikong paused, then tentatively asked, “Feng Ye, His Highness’s achievements now overshadow the emperor, and he holds significant military power. This is not a sustainable situation. Has he considered… relinquishing some power?”

Feng Ye’s expression was serious, “Datong is the most crucial defense line of our kingdom, protecting the Central Plains from the fiercest barbarians. Although the Oirats are severely weakened, there are still dozens of tribes in Mongolia eyeing the Central Plains. With the decline of the Oirats, these tribes will lose control and gradually become independent forces, eventually regrouping. Datong’s military strength cannot be reduced. Say what you will about my father’s power and control, if he had treasonous intentions, he wouldn’t have waited until now.”

Yan Sikong sighed inwardly, “…I will discuss it with our teacher first.” Although he respected Prince Jingyuan’s achievements, he didn’t approve of many of his actions. Last time, Yan Zilian mentioned Guo Ziyi’s example of ‘achievements surpassing the ruler but not being suspected,’ which had already warned him. The emperor was very wary of Prince Jingyuan, and this situation might eventually be detrimental to the Feng family.

But Feng Ye was arrogant and self-assured, and his analysis of the Datong situation was indeed reasonable. Persuading Prince Jingyuan to voluntarily relinquish power would be extremely difficult.

The capital evaluation had now presented them with a significant challenge.

Feng Ye spread his arms and hugged him. “I know what you’re thinking.”

“Oh, really?”

“Han Xin, Meng Tian, Lu Xun, Yue Fei. You’re thinking of those famous generals who met tragic ends because their accomplishments overshadowed the ruler, aren’t you?”

Yan Sikong remained silent.

Feng Ye smiled. “My father won’t become one of them. Do you know why?”

“Why?”

“The current emperor is weak and lacks strategy. He indulges in wine and women, neglecting state affairs. He is terrified of the Oirats and relies on my family to guard the border.” Feng Ye’s tone was casual and disdainful. “Moreover, I’m here in the capital as a hostage. As long as my father doesn’t return to the court, the emperor can do nothing against my family.”

Yan Sikong let out a breath. “There’s some truth to that.”

“So there’s no need to worry.” Feng Ye lifted Yan Sikong’s chin and brushed his lips. “My father has been loyal and brave all his life, with no treacherous intentions. His only wish is to protect the people of China from barbarian invasions. This ambition is as clear as the sun and the moon, and even heaven will support him.”

Yan Sikong forced a smile. “Very well.”

“So…” Feng Ye stroked Yan Sikong’s lower lip with his fingertip, his tone domineering, “I will find a way to give Wanyang to someone else, but you can only be mine.”

Yan Sikong looked into Feng Ye’s eyes, which were blazing with passion, and felt a deep sense of worry.