The Blood Crown - Chapter 121

News of Prince Jingyuan’s imminent return to the capital quickly spread throughout the city. He had been stationed on the frontier for nearly three decades, leaving the capital in his youth. This was the first time he was returning—formerly because he couldn’t, later because he didn’t want to. The mere six hundred miles seemed daunting at every step.

Emperor Zhaowu ordered the Ministry of Rites to host a grand ceremony to welcome the various vassal kings, especially Prince Jingyuan, as he passed through the city on his way back. Any tea houses or taverns along his route with good views had long been reserved at great expense.

It was rumored that Prince Jingyuan had only brought two thousand guards with him, as he was near the capital and couldn’t bring too many troops. Even with just these two thousand men, his entourage was much grander compared to other vassal kings.

The capital had never before received so many vassal kings at once. The relay stations were naturally insufficient, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requisitioned many inns. Merchants from the surrounding areas of the capital began to converge, hoping to make a fortune during the festivities.

Due to the national mourning period, large-scale celebrations were not allowed on Mid-Autumn Festival night. The annual popular lantern festival had been canceled, so while the city couldn’t see the colorful lanterns that normally lit up the night, many people still roamed the streets wearing masks.

Feng Ye and Yan Sikong were among them.

To avoid suspicion and facilitate their activities, the two no longer had any overt connection in public. They only met in the dead of night, avoiding prying eyes. Feng Ye couldn’t even stay overnight at Yan’s mansion and had to leave before dawn.

The opportunity to walk freely on the streets wearing masks was one they never missed.

The two walked hand in hand among the crowd, aimlessly strolling. Feng Ye asked, “Do you still remember the first Mid-Autumn Festival we spent together?”

“With such a good memory, how could I forget?” Yan Sikong chuckled lightly.

“Do you also remember the wish we wrote on the river lantern?” Feng Ye suddenly felt a pang of melancholy. “Has it come true?”

Yan Sikong paused and said, “I don’t know yet.” He wanted to ask Feng Ye the same question but remembered Feng Ye’s wish and couldn’t bring himself to ask.

Time passed, too much time had passed, who knew?

Feng Ye seemed to recall something and changed the subject casually, “When will you finally tell me what wish you made?”

Yan Sikong chuckled, “When it comes true.”

Feng Ye squeezed his hand tightly, looking at the bustling crowd. “This year, there’s no lantern festival, such a pity, but there are still quite a few people.”

“In a few days, your father will return to the capital. With so many people suddenly coming into the city, many merchants have come from the outskirts of the capital to do business, so there are a lot of people around this time.”

“My father…” Feng Ye hesitated for a moment, “I haven’t seen him for several years. He’s already over fifty. I wonder if his back injury has improved.”

“The Prince is valiant and can still lead troops in battle. You don’t need to worry.”

Feng Ye smiled, “Yes, he has defeated the Wala and left their helmets and armor behind, haha.”

Yan Sikong hesitated for a moment and asked his inner question, “Feng Ye, does His Highness… know about me?”

The two happened to walk under a big tree where there was a bench for people to rest and cool off. The crowd gathered around to watch the performance. Under the dim light, no one could see them clearly as they sat on the bench.

Feng Ye took off his mask. Since it was dark around them and no one could see, he blinked at Yan Sikong, “You’re so clever, guess.”

Yan Sikong also took off his mask and smiled, “I can’t guess that.”

“Guess.”

Yan Sikong smiled and said, “I guess… you’ve never mentioned it to His Highness.”

Feng Ye raised an eyebrow, “Oh, why is that?”

“If you tell His Highness, he will probably advise you to stay away from me. It’s better not to worry him about this.”

Under the dim moonlight, Feng Ye gazed at Yan Sikong’s face. His fair skin gleamed like polished jade under the moon’s glow, and his deep eyes sparkled like stars. He gently stroked Yan Sikong’s cheek and softly said, “Yes, he will, but I can’t.”

Yan Sikong showed a gentle smile, gripping Feng Ye’s hand and rubbing his cheek against the broad palm. “Then when he returns to the capital, what will you do?”

“What do you think?” 

“I haven’t decided yet.”

“Listen to you,” Yan Sikong said. “Perhaps it’s not a good idea for His Highness to know. It’s been over a decade, and people change.”

“No, my father remembers,” Feng Ye said seriously. “He greatly admires General Yuan. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have sent people to search for you in the northwest.”

Yan Sikong felt moved. “If my father were under His Highness’s command, he could definitely demonstrate his talents, make achievements, and certainly… not be wronged.”

Yan Sikong’s eyes wandered, lost in thought. “If that were true, it would be so good. We would have grown up together since childhood, and I would never let you be harmed. You wouldn’t have…” He wanted to say something else, but swallowed the words back.

Yan Sikong had already guessed what he meant and smiled wryly.

“However, I still want to find the right time to tell my father,” Feng Ye said with a smile. “After all, you would be his daughter-in-law.”

Yan Sikong laughed, “Nonsense.”

“I’m not kidding. In the past, there were men who married into families.”

“That was just a male favorite, not a legitimate wife.”

“You’re different. If I marry you, you will definitely be my wife.” Feng Ye’s gaze was firm, not joking at all.

Yan Sikong was momentarily stunned. There was a brief moment when he almost believed Feng Ye’s words, but he quickly shook his head in disbelief. “You… you’re…”

Suddenly, the crowd around them dispersed. Feng Ye quickly picked up his mask and covered their faces, whispering in Yan Sikong’s ear, “Let’s go to the inn. It’s been a long time since we woke up together.”

Yan Sikong tightly held his hand.

They found an inn, and there was only one room available that night, at an exorbitant price due to the vassal kings returning to the capital, causing prices to soar throughout the city, especially at inns.

Once inside the room, Feng Ye pressed Yan Sikong against the wall, passionately kissing him. They tore at each other’s clothes, discarding the hindering fabric until it littered the floor. Feng Ye embraced Yan Sikong, then spun him onto the bed, their hot lips exploring each other’s warm skin.

They indulged in each other’s breaths, every touch sending shivers down their spines, their desires overwhelming.

In the midst of their union, their heavy breaths and passionate murmurs echoed in their ears, their longing pushing them closer to the clouds. Their minds were as fiery as their bodies, the closeness promising a deeper, more enduring bond, oblivious to the coming storms.

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