The Blood Crown - Chapter 118

During the month of fasting and mourning, the atmosphere should have been calm and peaceful. No one would dare to provoke the emperor during a period of national mourning, and everyone kept to themselves.

However, on the last day of the fasting period, a major incident occurred.

That night, a violent storm broke out with thunder and lightning. Each bolt seemed like a sharp sword slashing through the sky, illuminating the entire night sky. The thunder was so loud it felt like the arrival of gods and ghosts, shaking the heavens and earth, causing everyone indoors to tremble in fear.

The rain poured as if the heavens had sprung a leak, lasting for most of the night. Yan Sikong and Ali didn’t sleep all night because water was accumulating in the low-lying areas of their home and threatening to flood in.

The next day, dragging their weary bodies, they went to the yamen (government office) and heard unsettling news.

The thunder and lightning from the previous night had struck and split a century-old tree on the northern outskirts of the city. The tree fell directly onto the newly buried tomb of the Empress Dowager.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhaowu immediately suspended court, summoning the Minister of Rites and the Grand Minister of State to hold them accountable.

Since ancient times, thunder has been seen as a divine warning, often associated with punishing evil and unrighteousness. Now, right after the Empress Dowager’s funeral, a tree struck by lightning falling onto her tomb was seen as an extremely ominous sign.

Discussions in the court were filled with worries and concerns. Many sensational rumors reached Yan Sikong’s ears, but he remained silent. He understood the dangers of speaking rashly, especially at such a sensitive time.

Although Yan Sikong didn’t believe in the rituals performed by Taoist priests or that a fallen tree could affect the fate of the nation, he knew the severity of the situation. It would certainly implicate many people, especially those associated with the Ministry of Rites and the Grand Ministry of State, which were largely under the influence of the eunuch faction.

Later that day, the Taoist priests who had selected the burial site for the Empress Dowager were arrested. Yan Zilian urgently entered the palace to intercede on behalf of the Minister of Rites and the Grand Minister of State, fearing what punishments they might face.

The next day at the morning court, memorial papers flew like snowflakes, half accusing and half explaining the will of heaven, all to stabilize the people’s hearts.

In the face of divine wrath, the elderly Grand Minister of State pleaded to retire and return to his hometown. The Minister of Rites was demoted to a provincial governorship, likely ending his hopes of returning to the capital. Furthermore, Emperor Zhaowu ordered an investigation into all those involved in organizing the Empress Dowager’s funeral, demanding severe punishments.

In just a month, over a dozen officials were demoted or dismissed, and the Taoist priests were executed.

If this had been the end with just demotions and executions, it might have been considered a “good ending.” Despite losing the Minister of Rites and the Grand Minister of State in quick succession, Yan Zilian still had the ability to promote his own people. At most, it would result in a stalemate with Xie Zhongren for a while.

However, when Yan Zilian requested a secret meeting, Yan Sikong had an ominous premonition.

Meeting Yan Zilian at a teahouse, both Yan Sikong and Feng Ye sensed something serious from his grave expression.

“Teacher, this is for Xu Shangshu…”

“No.” Yan Zilian’s tone was urgent, not allowing Yan Sikong to finish his sentence. “He’s gone and that’s it, no harm done.”

Yan Sikong and Feng Ye exchanged glances because Yan Zilian’s demeanor was unusually serious.

Yan Zilian took a deep breath. “Today, Xie Zhongren somehow found a so-called master who claims to understand celestial signs. He says that the thunderstrike is an ominous sign due to the improper rituals of the Empress Dowager’s funeral, inviting heavenly wrath that may harm the fate of the nation.”

“This is sheer nonsense,” Yan Sikong said coldly. “This laboring master is deceiving and flattering, he should be dragged out and beheaded!”

Feng Ye frowned. “Does His Majesty… believe this?”

Yan Zilian responded gravely, “It’s hard to say.”

Both men waited for Yan Zilian to continue because they knew the real topic was yet to come.

“Whether His Majesty believes it or not, he has already decided to elevate the Empress Dowager’s funeral to a state funeral,” Yan Zilian said, looking at them with a heavy tone. “Tomorrow, he will issue an edict: first, to relocate the tomb, and second, to summon all the princes within a thousand miles back to the capital immediately for condolences.”

The two men widened their eyes in shock, feeling a chill run down their spines, their faces instantly turning pale.

Yan Zilian closed his eyes, seeming to age significantly in that moment. “This is probably a scheme set by His Majesty and Xie Zhongren, using this matter to bring Prince Jingyuan back to the capital.”

Feng Ye clenched his fists, feeling somewhat powerless as he argued, “My father is a king of a different surname.”

“A king of a different surname is still a king,” Yan Zilian said heavily. “I didn’t expect to evade the imperial inspection only to be faced with condolences. If General Feng refuses to return to the capital again, it will be the third time. I’m afraid…”

Yan Sikong felt a momentary blankness in his mind, his heart in turmoil.

Yes, if he refuses to return to the capital this time, it will be the third time. The first was the grand feast of celebration, where Emperor Zhaowu secretly issued a decree; the second was the major imperial inspection, according to the law, General Feng should have returned to the capital to report, and now, even if Emperor Zhaowu is weak and incompetent, he cannot tolerate a minister who clearly harbors rebellious intentions and even has the power to rebel. With a knife at his neck, who can live peacefully?

Moreover, even if Emperor Zhaowu can endure it, the courtiers cannot. People throughout the world will condemn and criticize. Refusing to return to the court with heavy troops is clearly intending to rebel!

General Feng clasped his hands. “Elder, what should we do now?”

Yan Zilian shook his head. “The edict will be issued tomorrow, and His Majesty’s mind is set. There’s no turning back.”

“If my father returns to the capital, I don’t know what will happen…”

“There’s no need to panic now,” Yan Zilian said. “As long as General Feng returns and shows loyalty to His Majesty, His Majesty won’t make things too difficult. After all, the Grand Alliance still relies on General Feng. It’s just that the military power of the Grand Alliance is bound to be reduced.”

Yan Sikong narrowed his eyes. “Teacher, if Prince Jingyuan returns to the capital, is it really just about reducing military power? I’m worried…”

Yan Zilian raised his hand to stop him from continuing. “His Majesty is not a ruthless person, nor is he unable to distinguish right from wrong. Besides, General Feng is a meritorious general. His Majesty’s move is to reduce the military power of the Grand Alliance and reclaim some military authority.”

General Feng gritted his teeth. “Maintaining a heavy army of 300,000 in the Grand Alliance is not just for show. Without them, how can we defend the border for over twenty years? To reduce military power would be to destroy the Great Wall itself!”

Yan Zilian shook his head and smiled bitterly. “His Majesty won’t consider these things. He only knows that the Mongolians are greatly weakened and the Great Alliance is not as tense as before. Why would he continue to maintain such a large army?”

General Feng’s face grew darker.

Here is the translated text with space between the paragraphs:

—

Yan Sikong clasped his hands together and earnestly pleaded, “Teacher, could you please go and persuade His Majesty again? The Prince of Zhaofan’s entry into the capital will surely stir up the military.”

Yan Zilian shook his head, “The Emperor’s mind is made up. Anything I say will be of no use. His Majesty’s actions are targeted directly at Prince Jingyuan.” He glanced at Feng Ye and sighed, “Young Master, let General Feng return to the capital. For the present situation, we can only hand over some military authority to reassure His Majesty. Does General Feng really intend to defy the imperial decree?”

Feng Ye pursed his lips, remaining silent, but the veins on his forehead were visibly throbbing with turmoil.

Yan Zilian stood up, his tone serious and heartfelt, “As the Chief Minister of the Cabinet, my sole wish is for the peace and prosperity of the nation. General Feng is the foremost hero of Da Cheng, and the Feng family will also assist the new lord in the future. If General Feng returns to the capital, I swear by my life that I will protect him. I will also advocate for him to reduce military preparations.”

Yan Sikong watched silently from the side as Yan Zilian and Feng Ye faced off in silence. Both men were filled with turbulent emotions. Yan Sikong understood and sympathized with Yan Zilian’s position, but deep down, a clear voice told him that General Feng must not return.

With nothing more to say, Yan Zilian took his leave.

As soon as Yan Zilian departed, Yan Sikong trembled and said in a shaky voice, “If His Highness returns to the capital, I fear the consequences will be dire.”

Feng Ye lowered his eyes to the ground and asked softly, “What do you mean?”

“You understand in your heart. Since His Highness suffered a major defeat against the Wala tribes, the Emperor has no longer tolerated him. Once the rabbit dies, the hunting dogs will be cooked; once the birds are gone, the bow will be stored. This will become an everlasting tale.”

Feng Ye’s gaze turned cold, “But Yan Zilian pledged solemnly.”

“Even though His Majesty’s mind is made up, Teacher will still try to persuade His Highness to return to court. He cannot stand by and watch a border general possibly rebel. But once His Highness returns, if something were to happen, Teacher might not be able to save him either.”

Feng Ye lifted his head and spoke in a deep voice, “I also do not wish for my father to return. I fear for the consequences. But I cannot openly defy the imperial decree. Do you have any good ideas?”

Yan Sikong paced back and forth, the cold autumn rain adding to his urgency, causing sweat to bead on his forehead. “There’s no other way. His Highness either returns or he doesn’t. Those are the only two options.”

“If he returns…”

“If he returns,” Yan Sikong stopped in his tracks, fixing his gaze firmly on Feng Ye, his expression strangely intense. “There’s a chance he may not leave again.”

Feng Ye’s breathing became heavy, “If he doesn’t return, wouldn’t it be considered rebellion?”

Yan Sikong walked a few steps closer to Feng Ye, slowly crouching down, gripping his knees with both hands, his eyes gleaming with a chilling intensity, speaking volumes without uttering a word.

Feng Ye stared blankly at Yan Sikong for a long while, understanding his meaning. Suddenly, he trembled and said in a trembling voice, “You’re insane.”

Yan Sikong grabbed Feng Ye’s hand tightly, holding on firmly, and said sharply, “Am I insane? Do you have no faith at all? A high-ranking hero, renowned throughout the land, commanding three hundred thousand troops, only six hundred miles from the capital. A border general who has twice refused to return to court. If you were the Emperor, could you tolerate this?”

Feng Ye’s eyes widened, his face drained of color.

Yan Sikong too trembled uncontrollably. Until this moment, he had done many things that would be enough to warrant his death a hundred times over. For more than ten years, these were the only things on his mind. But never, never had he dared to think of those two words—rebellion.

It wasn’t that he lacked courage. It was self-awareness. Killing a few treacherous officials was incomparable to overthrowing a dynasty. However, at this moment, when he suddenly realized that the Feng family might be at their wits’ end, those two words appeared in his mind. He instinctively feared, especially because of the strength of the Feng family, those two words might become reality and tremble violently.

The two stared at each other without blinking, neither willing to concede, as if a moment’s hesitation would shatter their courage forever.

In the end, Feng Ye looked away, his jawline stiff, his Adam’s apple rolling hard. Although he had said things like “My Feng family can change the world,” more than once, he had never thought of actually doing it.

The word “rebellion” weighed heavily on him.

Yan Sikong also calmed down slightly. He said hoarsely, “Feng Ye, I’m not making baseless accusations. Everything depends on Prince Jingyuan’s decision. But if the Feng family decides… to rebel, I will stand by you to the death.”

Feng Ye stood up, pulling Yan Sikong up as well, but dared not look into his eyes. “I… I’m a little confused.”

Yan Sikong held onto Feng Ye’s arms tightly, giving him the strength to support himself.

Feng Ye took a deep breath, calming down a lot, “Even if I agree, my father won’t.”

“Maybe not.” Who wouldn’t want to have the world under their feet?

Feng Ye finally faced Yan Sikong squarely, “Let me think about it. Once I’ve made up my mind, I’ll write a letter to my father.”

“It must be done quickly.” Yan Sikong emphasized.

Feng Ye nodded heavily.