The Blood Crown - Chapter 119

Yan Sikong returned home and took out several precious treasures, handing them to Ali to pawn at several pawn shops and convert the silver into silver notes.

Although nothing had happened yet, he was accustomed to being prepared. He also hoped that it was all just his overthinking. Perhaps Feng Jianping’s return to the capital, merely handing over some military authority and persuading the court to reduce military preparations, could calm the situation. However, having studied history extensively, he knew that no matter how dynasties changed and times shifted, human nature remained unchanged. He hoped Feng Jianping wouldn’t take this risk, because the cost of taking such a risk could be fatal.

As Yan Zilian said, the next day, Emperor Zhaowu issued an edict stating that due to the inadequacy of the Empress Dowager’s mourning ceremony, which insulted filial piety, it had angered the heavens. Therefore, not only would a new tomb be selected, but also all princes within a thousand miles of the capital were commanded to return to mourn immediately and depart at once.

This imperial edict stirred up a thousand waves with one stone. Emperor Zhaowu was known for his indecisiveness, never before acting so decisively, which inevitably raised suspicions about his true motives.

But now that the edict had been issued, as a subject, one had to obey. Over a dozen heralds left the capital on swift horses, heading to the locations of the various princes.

Yan Sikong didn’t know what Feng Ye had decided. They dared not meet during the day, only able to wait until late at night. If they hesitated any longer, the imperial edict might arrive before Feng Ye’s confidential letter, leaving them uncertain about Feng Jianping’s decision. 

But after waiting anxiously all night, Feng Ye did not come to find him.

Rumors spread throughout the capital, with most people believing that Feng Jianping probably wouldn’t return. If he truly didn’t return, it would inevitably lead to a major conflict. How could this not unsettle people? Yan Sikong was even more anxious, but utterly helpless.

Two more days passed before Feng Ye finally appeared before Yan Sikong.

Every day, Yan Sikong drank a pot of strong tea, fearing he might fall asleep. He urgently wanted to see Feng Ye and know what decision he had made. 

Feng Ye had clearly been restless these past few days, with dark circles under his eyes.

Yan Sikong nervously watched him. Normally articulate and sharp, now he could only wait silently.

Feng Ye spoke, his voice low, “Yesterday, I tried to return to the Jingshan Camp, but was stopped by the city gate commander.”

Yan Sikong’s heart tightened. “For what reason?”

“No reason,” Feng Ye narrowed his eyes. “I wanted to discuss with General Zhao, but the Emperor has forbidden me to leave the capital.”

“What about the letter…”

“I’ve already had someone secretly send it out, but I don’t know if it will reach before the imperial edict,” Feng Ye sighed. “You were right. If my father returns, it’s likely to end badly. But… but ‘rebellion’ is no joke.” Even though there was no one around, he instinctively lowered his voice when mentioning those two words.

“Of course it’s no joke. It’s a heinous crime that could lead to the extermination of nine generations,” Yan Sikong said seriously. “Speaking of which, I dare not even mention it lightly.”

“I know,” Feng Ye closed his eyes, tiredly rubbing his forehead. When he let go, and opened his eyes again, they had become unusually sharp. “I pondered all night. I left a hidden message in the letter, urging my father not to return to court. If he decides to start something, I have my own way to escape from the capital.”

Yan Sikong felt his heart pounding wildly. He stared directly at Feng Ye. “I’ll say it again, we live and die together.”

“I’ve instructed Xue Bo to prepare. Once we receive the news, we’ll leave the capital immediately.” Feng Ye held Yan Sikong’s hand. “When the time comes, you stay in the capital and be cautious.”

“Don’t worry, with our inside and outside cooperation, nothing can stop us.” Yan Sikong trembled all over, but his eyes were incredibly resolute.

Feng Ye embraced Yan Sikong. “Are you afraid?”

Yan Sikong smiled bitterly. “Don’t you feel afraid?”

“I haven’t felt afraid for a long time, but when it comes to making decisions, I am truly scared.” Feng Ye also smiled. 

Yan Sikong raised his head and held Feng Ye’s face, scrutinizing it for a while before gently kissing his lips. The two kissed passionately yet gently, as if the touch of lips and teeth could draw warmth from each other and warm each other up. 

“In this world of thousands of people, only the one in front of you is the most valuable.”

“Kong’er, don’t be afraid. If my Feng family obtains the world, I will fulfill all your wishes for you.” Feng Ye stroked Yan Sikong’s cheek. “The two of us will join hands, as we said when we were young, and open up an era of peace and prosperity.”

Yan Sikong nodded vigorously, his eyes burning like a blazing fire. He said, “Do you really have a way to safely leave the capital?”

“From the day I returned to the capital, I started preparing for my retreat. Now, every link has been arranged with death squads. Once I receive the signal, everything will be ready for me immediately. I dare not say it’s foolproof, but it shouldn’t be a problem.” Feng Ye frowned. “However, Han and Drunken Red are still in Jingshan. I can’t abandon Han.”

“Since you can’t leave the city now, can Xue Bo be sent to pick up Han to a safe place?”

“The entire mansion is now being watched, and I came out of the secret passage. It’s not safe for Xue Bo to go out.”

“Is there anyone else who can do this?”

“Han only recognizes me and Xue Bo,” Feng Ye said. “Now we can only wait and see. Anyway, they are safe in Jingshan. As long as I can escape smoothly, I will definitely go back to pick them up.”

Yan Sikong felt somewhat relieved. “After you leave the capital, we can communicate through She Zhun.”

Feng Ye shrugged reluctantly but did not object.

“Datong is more than 600 li from the capital. If we march quickly, we can reach it within ten days. However, there are 30,000 guards in the capital. In ten days, it is enough to gather at least 60,000 troops. To be safe, General Zhao Fuyi must cooperate.”

“He used to be my dad’s old subordinate, but I’m afraid…” Feng Ye shook his head. “Kong’er, it’s still early to talk about this now.”

“Early?” Yan Sikong asked.

Feng Ye said seriously, “Have you forgotten the most important thing?”

“What?”

“What if my dad returns to the capital?”

Yan Sikong was stunned. “With His Highness’s intelligence and courage, he won’t fall into a trap voluntarily.”

“You don’t understand my dad,” Feng Ye said gravely. “I don’t know how he will choose either.”

Yan Sikong felt even more uneasy.