The Blood Crown - Chapter 117

After a cool rain, the capital welcomed early autumn.

People often praise the spring of the capital for its scenery filled with locust trees and peach blossoms, which complement the bustling city under heaven. However, Yan Sikong preferred autumn. With a sweep of autumn wind, everything appeared desolate, always reminding him of the vastness of heaven and earth and the cycle of life, making him deeply respectful and reflective of his own insignificance.

However, if he could foresee, he would know that he wouldn’t like this year’s autumn.

On a chilly morning with the cries of cicadas, a major event occurred in the empire—the Empress Dowager passed away.

The Empress Dowager was elderly and had been ill for a long time, so this news was not unexpected. But for officials supporting the Crown Prince, it was a significant blow because she was the only one who could prevent Emperor Zhaowu from deposing the Crown Prince.

When Yan Sikong heard the news, he remained calm. He had glimpsed the Empress Dowager hurriedly during the New Year’s Eve banquet and knew her time was short. It was surprising she had lived this long. Although he understood what the Empress Dowager’s passing meant for Chen Mei, the struggle for succession was inevitable.

He wasn’t just unsurprised; he even secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Although this was very unfavorable for them, there was one good thing: Princess Wanyang would mourn for the Empress Dowager for three years, so their marriage would be postponed.

Although he knew becoming a son-in-law would be more advantageous for him, and despite not having a say in his marriage, he always resisted marrying Wanyang—because of Feng Ye.

As the situation changed rapidly, perhaps three years later, he would have avenged his father. On that day, if Feng Ye asked him to stay with him, maybe… maybe he would agree.

In any case, at least he didn’t have to worry about it for now.

Emperor Zhaowu was very filial, and he issued an edict for the whole nation to mourn, with all officials observing a one-month period of fasting, during which all festivities were banned in the city.

The atmosphere in the capital suddenly became bleak, and the usual street performers and storytellers disappeared.

Feng Ye, however, was pleased and said triumphantly, “As I expected, the royal family cannot marry within three years. Don’t even think about becoming a son-in-law.”

Yan Sikong smiled faintly. “If I can avenge my father, whether I become a son-in-law or not is not important.”

“That eunuch is already in his sixties. Maybe he won’t live for another three years.”

“Perhaps not,” Yan Sikong squinted slightly. “I heard he is very strong. Besides, I won’t let him die peacefully. I want him to pay for my father’s life while he’s still alive.”

Feng Ye embraced his waist, tracing the clear lines of his face with his gaze. “If these three years allow you to achieve your goal, would you be willing to give up fame and official position for me?”

Yan Sikong fell silent for a moment, then turned to look at Feng Ye. “If I give up fame and official position for you, would you be willing to never marry for the rest of your life?”

Feng Ye was stunned and speechless for a moment.

Yan Sikong touched Feng Ye’s face. “I know you can’t answer me now. You are the only son of King Jingyuan, and the Feng family’s future depends on you alone. I can’t answer you now either. My fame and you may not necessarily conflict, but if I had to choose between the two, I choose you.”

Feng Ye looked at Yan Sikong, still not speaking.

Yan Sikong paused and continued, “You are still too young. Think about this question later.”

Just when Yan Sikong thought Feng Ye would remain silent forever, he spoke, “I used to think I wouldn’t mind if you married someone else, as long as that person wasn’t Xie Er. But gradually, I realized I don’t want to see you with anyone, neither man nor woman.”

Yan Sikong looked at him quietly.

“But…” Feng Ye’s eyes darkened, “with your background, how can I not let you continue the Yan family?”

He smiled bitterly, “You’re right. I don’t know how to answer. I often think, if you were a woman, I would definitely let you marry into my Feng family in glory, bear children for me, and let me cherish and dote on you for a lifetime.”

Yan Sikong smiled faintly. “What does marriage matter? It’s our mutual understanding that is most precious.”

Feng Ye held him tightly. “Yes, it’s just the two of us in our hearts.”

“Now that the Empress Dowager has passed away, the struggle for succession will become more intense. Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to overthrow the eunuch faction.” Yan Sikong stared at Feng Ye’s eyes intently. “As long as I have avenged my father, I will not marry Princess Wanyang.”

Feng Ye’s eyes sparkled. “Really?”

“Really. I want to clear my father’s name. After that, whatever you ask of me, I will agree. We will surely find a better solution.”

Feng Ye smiled and kissed his lips gently, tenderly sucking.

So be it. Although heaven had taken away everything from him before, it had given him Feng Ye.

—

During the national mourning period, Yan Sikong was very leisurely. Since the end of the imperial assessment, he had freed himself from busy official duties. The day of the Empress Dowager’s funeral was the busiest day for him in months.

However, his busyness consisted only of walking all day and kneeling all day. The Ministry of Rites was the one frantically busy, having spent hundreds of thousands of silver preparing for the Empress Dowager’s funeral. The Minister of Revenue remonstrated, advising Emperor Zhaowu to save expenses, but was publicly scolded on the spot for his filial piety. After the reduction of fiefs, the national treasury was quite abundant, but Emperor Zhaowu’s lavish spending habits persisted.

Many officials believed that the funeral was indeed too extravagant, but they did not dare to argue further. This was mainly because after the imperial assessment, both the eunuch faction and the gentry were exhausted and needed time to recuperate, and it would be a long time before any issues arose again.

However, the death of the Empress Dowager swept in like a sudden gust of wind, stirring up waves on what was once a calm surface. Everyone could sense that before long, storms would arise.

On this day, Yan Sikong went to the Eastern Palace to teach Chen Mei. Chen Mei, along with other princes, had been guarding the Empress Dowager’s spirit for seven days since her passing, and it was their first meeting since then, with Chen Mei dressed in mourning attire.

“Your Highness looks much thinner,” Yan Sikong greeted with a bow. “Please accept my condolences.”

Chen Mei sighed. “Please, sit down, Teacher.” He waved his hand to dismiss the eunuchs and palace maids.

Yan Sikong sat down and carefully studied Chen Mei’s face. Perhaps due to the days spent mourning, consuming only light vegetarian meals and burdened with heavy thoughts, his cheeks had sunken slightly, but inexplicably, he seemed more mature. Compared to the naive and youthful appearance he had when Yan Sikong first met him, he had changed significantly. Yan Sikong said, “The Empress Dowager has been laid to rest. Your Highness should take care of yourself and recuperate during these days.”

Chen Mei’s eyes were lifeless. “My mother is gone, and now even my grandmother.”

“Many people are willing to serve Your Highness wholeheartedly, facing any challenges. Your Highness must not lose heart and must take care of your health,” Yan Sikong said seriously. “The road ahead will become more difficult, and enemies will increase.”

A hint of resentment flashed in Chen Mei’s eyes. Even though it was fleeting, Yan Sikong caught it. He gritted his teeth. “Since my mother’s death, I fear nothing. No matter how many obstacles lie ahead, I will defeat them all and avenge my mother.”

“Your Highness is the chosen one, the true Dragon Emperor. What you want to accomplish, you will surely achieve.”

Chen Mei’s gaze hardened, and he nodded firmly.

“I came here not only to teach but also to remind Your Highness. Now that the Empress Dowager has passed away, Your Highness must be more cautious in the palace. And…” Yan Sikong glanced around. “There may be spies from the eunuch faction here in the Eastern Palace. Your Highness should trust no one. Carry a dagger for self-defense and test all food and drink for poison. Without the Empress Dowager, they will have no restraints.”

“I understand,” Chen Mei narrowed his eyes. “I study and practice martial arts every day. I have improved greatly. I sleep with a dagger under my pillow. If they can sneak an outsider into the harem and stage a mock assassination of the Second Prince, they might try to assassinate me. How could I let them?”

“Your Highness understands well. In the harem, there are still two people you can rely on: General Zhu and the Lady Virtuous Consort. If there are urgent matters in the harem, you can seek their help.”

Chen Mei hesitated. “General Zhu has already been demoted due to the assassination case, and I… have little contact with Lady Virtuous Consort.”

“Your Highness, General Zhu may have been demoted, but he still commands the Forbidden Guard. Taking advantage of the Empress Dowager’s passing and His Majesty’s nostalgia, I will petition His Majesty to reinstate General Zhu. The Zhu family is the Empress Dowager’s maternal family, and the influence of the relatives cannot be underestimated. General Zhu is also the best candidate for Chief Commander of the Imperial Guards. It won’t be long before he returns,” Yan Sikong continued, “As for Lady Virtuous Consort, she is the younger sister of King Jingyuan. With Your Highness’s alliance with King Jingyuan, Lady Virtuous Consort is one of us. During festive occasions, Your Highness should not forget to present gifts to her.”

“I understand.”

“Next year, Your Highness will come of age. I will carefully select noble daughters from the major families with my teacher to choose a princess consort for Your Highness. We will proceed steadily, unafraid of any storms.”

Chen Mei nodded, hesitated for a moment, and asked awkwardly, “Do you know which family’s daughter would be suitable?”

Yan Sikong chuckled teasingly, “It seems Your Highness is eager to marry a princess consort.”

“I am not in a hurry,” Chen Mei retorted, “I just… don’t know what marrying a wife entails. I grew up in the palace, and apart from consorts and palace maids, I haven’t seen many women. Even my imperial sisters, I have little interaction with them.”

“Your Highness, don’t worry about this. Whoever marries Your Highness will be an honor to their family and will surely do their utmost to assist Your Highness.”

Chen Mei pursed his lips and glanced at Yan Sikong, whispering softly, “Would she be as beautiful as Teacher?”

Yan Sikong chuckled, “Comparing a refined young lady from a noble family to a humble scholar like me.”

“No,” Chen Mei shook his head, “I think Teacher is the most handsome person I have ever seen.”

Yan Sikong blinked. “It seems the attendants in the Eastern Palace are not diligent enough. They deserve to be punished.”

Chen Mei asked in surprise, “Why do you say that?”

“They didn’t even clean Your Highness’s bronze mirror properly.”

Chen Mei paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. “Talking with Teacher is the most enjoyable thing. I look forward to your lectures every day in the palace.”

“Being able to serve Your Highness is also the greatest joy for me.”

Chen Mei looked at Yan Sikong, his eyes slightly shining.