The Blood Crown - Chapter 116

Several days later, during the morning court session, someone openly questioned Feng Ye why Feng Jianping had not yet returned to the capital for his official assessment.

This person was neither a eunuch nor an official aligned with Yan Zilian’s faction. He was a fierce and ambitious historian of the Censorate who often criticized anyone he laid his hands on.

Emperor Zhaowu’s expression changed on the spot, but he first pretended to blame the Ministry of Personnel, asking if they had neglected their duty by not promptly notifying Feng Jianping.

Liu An naturally denied it and shifted the blame to Feng Ye.

Feng Ye calmly elaborated on the situation in Datong, arguing that the crisis there was still severe. His words were firm and difficult to refute.

Emperor Zhaowu then asked Feng Chuang, who was temporarily acting as the Minister of War, whether Datong was truly as Feng Ye described.

Feng Chuang had just taken over the position and had never inspected Datong. He could not provide substantial information and could only skirt around the issue.

The historian persisted, accusing Feng Ye of exaggerating and suggesting that Feng Jianping’s delay in returning to the capital for assessment indicated disloyalty.

Their argument grew more heated, verging on drawing swords.

At this moment, Yan Zilian slowly stepped forward and presented Feng Jianping’s memorial, stating that it had just been received and had not yet been presented to the Emperor.

The memorial earnestly explained the ongoing crisis in Datong and requested the Emperor to temporarily postpone Feng Jianping’s return to the capital for assessment, suggesting instead to report through memorials. The reasons given were almost identical to Feng Ye’s.

The tone of the memorial was sincere and persuasive, making it difficult for anyone to easily judge its validity. Emperor Zhaowu asked Yan Zilian for his opinion on the matter.

Yan Zilian proposed sending an inspector from the Censorate to Datong to verify Feng Jianping’s claims. However, this suggestion was opposed by the eunuchs.

After hesitating, Emperor Zhaowu finally agreed.

Naturally, Yan Zilian would be the one to choose the inspector, and his assessment of the situation in Datong would be final.

Late at night, the two met face-to-face. Feng Ye was frustrated from the morning court session and pressured by Yan Zilian, his expression dark and gloomy.

Yan Sikong could only advise, “Sending an inspector to Datong will take at least a couple of months round trip. During this time, Your Highness need not worry about the assessment in the capital.”

“But what about after that? Won’t Yan Zilian use this against us even more?” Feng Ye clenched his fists, squinting at Yan Sikong.

“Delaying for a couple of months is the only way out of this situation.” Yan Sikong sighed softly. “Feng Ye, although I also disapprove of what the teacher did, one thing he said is true: Your Highness cannot stay out of this.”

“Are you suggesting that my father should get involved in factional struggles?” Feng Ye’s eyebrows furrowed tightly. “My father doesn’t want to be used by anyone.”

“Everyone is eyeing Your Highness’s military power. Even if Your Highness is cautious, rumors will still spread.”

Feng Ye tightened his grip on his fist, squinting at Yan Sikong. “You also hope that my father will stand with the gentry faction, so it would help you take revenge.”

Yan Sikong was taken aback, his expression changing. “What do you mean by that?”

“You’re a top scholar in both the imperial examinations. Do you still need me to explain?” Feng Ye said coldly. “Your teacher consults you on everything. Why are you suddenly so unaware of this?”

Yan Sikong stood up, his voice chilly. “Feng Ye, I never wanted your Feng family to get involved in factional struggles. Yes, I once thought if the Feng family could assist me, it would be a great boost, but I never wanted you to be in danger. Do you think I’m so treacherous that I would plot against even you?”

“Have you never plotted against me?” Feng Ye stood up as well, staring at him confrontationally. “In the case of Ge Zhong, you definitely used me.”

Yan Sikong opened his mouth, feeling like his throat was being squeezed, making it difficult to speak. His face burned, and it took great effort for him to say softly, “But I never intended to harm you.”

Feng Ye looked at Yan Sikong, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

Yan Sikong took a deep breath, feeling cold all over. He slowly sat back down in his chair. “Feng Ye, if you no longer trust me to this extent, why did you come to me? What is this between us… what does it mean?”

Feng Ye silently looked at him.

Yan Sikong smiled bitterly. “You cling to me not because you like me, but out of resentment. Resentment that I used you, deceived you, and damaged your reputation… Why bother? Aren’t you tired?”

“You shut up!” Feng Ye said angrily. “When did you get to accuse me? Are you pretending to be pitiful to deceive someone?”

Yan Sikong looked at Feng Ye in disbelief, his nose tingling and his heart throbbing painfully. He lightly bit his trembling lower lip, his eyes filled with despair. “I… I dare not.”

Feng Ye was on the verge of losing his temper, but seeing Yan Sikong’s desolate appearance, he couldn’t bring himself to voice the accusations that were on the tip of his tongue.

Yan Sikong lowered his eyelids, his voice hoarse. “It’s just mutual torment. Why bother?”

Feng Ye tightened his fists. Yes, why bother? If he could gracefully let go of this person, why torment each other? It would only make him look down on himself.

But this person…

Feng Ye slowly moved forward, approaching Yan Sikong, and gently lifted his chin.

Yan Sikong’s eyes were red-rimmed, filled with unmistakable hurt. It made Feng Ye’s heart ache. After hesitating for a moment, he spoke. “I shouldn’t have doubted you so easily.”

Yan Sikong was taken aback, tears welling up in his eyes. He looked even more pitiful. Feng Ye took a deep breath, feeling as though he had fallen under this person’s spell.

“I was attacked by everyone in court today… I shouldn’t have vented my anger on you.” Feng Ye softly caressed his cheek.

Yan Sikong paused for a moment before saying, “But you argued based on reason, not letting down His Highness’s expectations.”

“My father is far away in Datong. I naturally have to take responsibility for court matters.”

Yan Sikong nodded.

Feng Ye pulled Yan Sikong into his embrace, sighing. “Sikong, you once said that in this world, only I can rely on you. Now that I am in the capital, it seems that it’s only you I can rely on.”

Yan Sikong returned the embrace, leaning against Feng Ye’s broad chest. He listened to the strong and steady heartbeat, slowly closing his eyes. Despite all the ups and downs, Feng Ye’s embrace remained the most reassuring place in the world for him.

—

The inspector selected by Yan Zilian set off shortly thereafter. The capital and Datong were over 600 li apart, taking over ten days on foot but only a few days on horseback. According to the imperial decree, the inspector had to travel as quickly as possible.

Some time later, a letter from Feng Jianping reached Feng Ye’s hands. In the letter, after much deliberation, he had decided to assist the Crown Prince. If he didn’t, Yan Zilian wouldn’t easily let him off, considering the critical situation with the succession of the two princes and the turmoil in the court due to the struggle for the heir apparent. Delaying any longer wasn’t feasible; sooner or later, a decision had to be made.

This outcome was anticipated by both Feng Ye and Yan Sikong. It wasn’t just Yan Zilian pressuring Feng Jianping; the situation itself was also pushing matters forward. If they allied with Yan Zilian from now on, the downfall of the eunuch faction was imminent.

With the decision made, the next step was to find an appropriate time to pledge loyalty to the Crown Prince. With the Crown Prince’s birthday approaching, this opportunity presented itself naturally.

After discussing with Yan Sikong, Feng Ye selected a significant gift to present to the Crown Prince, intending to publicly declare the Feng family’s stance.

Yan Sikong felt a mix of joy and worry. He was glad that the Feng family would assist, solidifying the Crown Prince’s position as the heir apparent. Yet, he worried that once the Feng family made their move, Feng Ye in the capital would be caught in the crossfire, no longer able to live leisurely as before.

Once Feng Ye’s gift reached the Crown Prince, news spread throughout the capital. Courtiers who had been wavering between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince found it even harder to decide.

Yan Zilian was very satisfied. On a chosen day, he had a long discussion with Yan Sikong and Feng Ye, discussing everything from national affairs to personal integrity and the hearts of the soldiers and people, reaffirming his determination to eliminate the eunuch faction. Although Yan Sikong and Feng Ye were somewhat displeased with his methods, they couldn’t help but admire his patriotic ambitions.

Not long after, Yan Zilian summoned back the inspector.

The results were obvious. Yan Zilian took the initiative to plead for Feng Jianping, delaying his return to the capital for assessment.

This move sparked opposition in the court, not only from the eunuch faction but also displeased Emperor Zhaowu. However, there was nothing he could do but agree to let Feng Jianping continue to stay in Datong.

Half a year later, the assessments of officials in the capital and local areas were almost complete. Those who deserved promotion were promoted, and those who needed to be removed were removed. Both the eunuch faction and the gentry suffered losses in this imperial assessment, especially with over eighty officials demoted or dismissed due to factional struggles, marking a significant change in power dynamics. Notably, the expulsion of Wen Youchi was the biggest victory for the gentry faction.

Thus, the grand and covert imperial assessment finally came to an end.