The Blood Crown - Chapter 124

The assessment of Feng Jianping was eventually placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel. According to his past governance, the Ministry was to formulate questions for him to self-assess his political achievements. After recording his responses, these would be submitted for review by the Cabinet and the Emperor.

This task of formulating questions posed a dilemma for the Ministry of Personnel. The difficulty did not lie in the content of the questions themselves, but rather in what the examiners hoped to achieve. This determined whether the questions should include sharp, tricky, and incisive queries aimed primarily at accountability, where any response could be scrutinized for flaws by a discerning eye.

Caught between the eunuchs and the gentry, Minister of Personnel Liu An found himself in a predicament. Eventually, he devised a somewhat unethical but self-preserving solution that avoided offending either side.

When Yan Sikong heard Liu An’s instructions, he was genuinely stunned. After a moment’s thought, everything became clear to him. While inwardly cursing Liu An, he politely declined, “I am dull and inadequate to undertake such an important task of formulating questions for Prince Jingyuan.”

Liu An replied, “Sikong, there’s no need to be so modest. Your erudition is well known. In this grand plan of the capital examination, your meticulousness and thoroughness are unmatched. This talent is universally admired. Elder Yan has cultivated you diligently, and I too wish to share in this. After much consideration, General Feng’s assessment is most suitable for you. I intend to promote you, hoping that you will familiarize yourself with the internal and external affairs of the Ministry of Personnel as soon as possible and take on significant responsibilities.”

“Liu Minister’s appreciation of me is truly overwhelming and deeply appreciated. However… I know very little about the situation in Datong Prefecture. This assessment is of great importance, and I feel deeply inadequate. If there are any mistakes, I am insignificant and fear implicating Minister Liu.”

Internally, Yan Sikong cursed these old foxes one by one. Liu An’s move was like killing three birds with one stone. Being Yan Zilian’s man, with complex relationships with Feng Jianping and Feng Ye, if he tampered with the questions, neither the Emperor nor Xie Zhongren would spare him. If the questions were too challenging, it would offend both the gentry and the Feng family. Regardless of who formulated the questions, no one would be pleased. However, if Liu An took charge, he could consult with Yan Zilian and Feng Jianping beforehand, minimizing potential issues. Even if he faced repercussions, mediation from Yan Zilian and the Feng family would suffice to protect Liu An. None of the other members of the Ministry of Personnel could achieve such goals. Liu An’s move was devious and cunning.

“You needn’t worry. We have a chronology of events in Datong Prefecture. You can also consult with Inspector Zhang. He has just returned from inspecting Datong and is undoubtedly well-informed about General Feng’s achievements and the situation in Datong.” Liu An smiled slyly at Yan Sikong.

Knowing he had no choice, Yan Sikong reluctantly accepted the task.

—

“Did Liu An really assign you to formulate the questions?” Yan Zilian asked coldly. “He’s clever, trying to pass off all the trouble to you.”

Yan Sikong smiled bitterly, “I politely declined twice, but he insisted. I had no choice.” He then glanced at Feng Jianping.

“It’s not necessarily a bad thing,” Feng Jianping said. “If Sikong formulates the questions, we can discuss them in advance.”

“The content of the questions isn’t the main issue now,” Yan Zilian shook his head. “The real challenge is that we can’t gauge His Majesty’s intentions. If General Feng’s assessment is flawless, it might not pass His Majesty’s scrutiny. If there are slight flaws, it would give His Majesty a reason to reduce military preparations, which would benefit everyone. But how do we strike that balance?”

“The content of the questions may not be important, but Father’s self-assessment is crucial,” Feng Ye said. “Those censors excel at cherry-picking and nitpicking. If they act under Xie Zhongren’s direction, who knows how much trouble they’ll cause.”

Yan Zilian sighed, “Indeed.”

After a moment of contemplation, Feng Jianping asked, “Sikong, what are your thoughts?”

Yan Sikong pondered, “Liu An assigned the difficult task to me to avoid trouble for himself. From this perspective, it seems that Xie Zhongren and he haven’t reconciled yet. If Xie Zhongren had approached him, he wouldn’t have chosen me to formulate the questions. Nonetheless, it’s better for me to do it than someone from Xie Zhongren’s camp.”

“But if the questions you formulate fail to satisfy His Majesty, you will bear most of the responsibility,” Feng Ye narrowed his eyes. “To please His Majesty, you might end up making things difficult for my father. Liu An is truly cunning.”

Yan Zilian added, “What Liu An wants is for us to slightly discredit General Feng, allowing him to pass the capital examination. Even if His Majesty blames us, we will vigorously defend the content of the questions. This way, Liu An avoids His Majesty’s reproach and doesn’t offend us. He has thought this through.”

“He has already offended me,” Feng Ye said coldly.

Feng Jianping gestured reassuringly to him, “My son, be prudent.”

Feng Ye rolled his eyes and glanced discreetly at Yan Sikong, apparently embarrassed to be scolded by his father in front of Yan Sikong.

Yan Sikong winked at him secretly.

Feng Jianping turned to Yan Zilian and said, “Elder, the decision rests with you.”

“I’ve been thinking these days. Instead of speculating on His Majesty’s intentions, I might as well go directly to the palace and discuss the military preparations in Datong. If I can mediate and make His Majesty believe that the General is willing to voluntarily reduce part of the military preparations, and His Majesty is satisfied, then the capital inspection will just be a formality.”

Feng Jianping stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Before Wen Youchi left, did he discuss the military preparations in Datong with Elder Yan?”

“No, but after Inspector Zhang returned from his inspection of Datong, Minister Wen met with him a few times to understand the situation in Datong. He has been preparing for this,” Feng Ye replied.

“Now that Wen Youchi has returned home for mourning, this matter falls into Feng Chuang’s hands. However, I don’t know if he has consulted with Xie Zhongren about this. Military preparations can be reduced, but by how much…” Feng Jianping shook his head. “We don’t have a definite figure in mind.”

Yan Sikong understood Feng Jianping’s meaning. If Wen Youchi hadn’t reconciled with Xie Zhongren, then Feng Chuang would determine how much to reduce. Since Feng Chuang was aligned with Yan Zilian, there was no need to worry. However, if Xie Zhongren already knew about Wen Youchi’s plans to reduce military preparations, and the amount proposed by them differed significantly from Wen Youchi’s investigation, Xie Zhongren would surely object.

“I’ll talk to Inspector Zhang again. Perhaps I can deduce Wen Youchi’s plans,” Yan Zilian said, looking at Feng Jianping. “If we can get a rough estimate, it might be better than me going to the palace. The General actively requesting a reduction in military preparations could be more advantageous.”

Feng Jianping nodded in agreement. “That makes sense.”

“Sikong,” Yan Zilian continued, “since you’ve accepted the task, prepare the questions well. Show me several drafts, and we’ll decide which one to use based on the situation.”

“I understand,” Yan Sikong replied.

“Oh, there’s also good news,” Yan Zilian said, his gaze drifting past Yan Sikong and looking at Feng Ye before returning to Yan Sikong.

“What good news?” Yan Sikong asked.

“A few days ago, His Majesty mentioned to me that before the Empress Dowager passed away, she requested that Princess Wanyang need not observe mourning for three years. The Princess is already of marriageable age, and waiting three more years would be too long,” Yan Zilian smiled. “His Majesty intends to arrange the wedding for you next year.”

Yan Sikong froze, and Feng Ye was struck as if by lightning, his face changing suddenly.

“That’s great,” Feng Jianping said, looking at Yan Sikong and noticing his unusual expression. Then he turned to his son. “Why are you so against this match? Even though Sikong comes from a humble background, his future prospects are boundless. Sikong,” he stared at Yan Sikong, “do you not wish to marry Wanyang?”

Yan Sikong hurriedly knelt down. “Your Highness, Teacher, I dare not. It would be an honor for me to marry Princess Wanyang.”

Yan Zilian knew what was going on but didn’t expose it. Instead, he smiled at Feng Ye. “Why are you so opposed, Prince? Although Sikong is of humble birth, his future is promising. Heroes are not concerned with origins.”

Feng Ye stood up abruptly, his fists clenched tightly.

“Feng Ye, shut up! How dare you speak nonsense in front of Elder Yan? Who told you that Sikong doesn’t want to marry Xia? Xia is the imperial daughter, admired by all the young gentlemen of the realm. Sikong,” he glared at Yan Sikong, “don’t you want to marry Xia?”

Yan Sikong’s lips trembled. He wanted to tell Feng Ye not to say anything more, but he feared that if Feng Ye spoke, the emotions he had been suppressing would explode even further.

Feng Ye bit his teeth and said, “Sikong doesn’t want to marry her.”

Yan Zilian narrowed his eyes slightly, stroking his beard slowly without saying a word.

Feng Jianping already had an angry look on his face, “Shut up, what nonsense are you spouting in front of the Grand Secretary? Who told you that Sikong doesn’t want to marry Xier? Xier is a royal princess, admired by all the noble sons and scholars of the world. Sikong,” he glared at Yan Sikong, “do you not want to marry Xier?”

Yan Sikong hurriedly knelt down, “Your Highness, teacher, I wouldn’t dare. It is my utmost fortune to be able to marry the princess.”

Yan Zilian knew what was going on but chose not to expose it. Instead, he smiled kindly at Feng Ye, “Why are you so opposed to this marriage, Shizi? Although Sikong is of humble origin, he has limitless potential. Heroes are not defined by their origins.”

Feng Ye stood up abruptly, his fists clenching with a cracking sound.

Feng Jianping whispered, “Get out.”

Feng Ye turned and left, slamming the door heavily behind him, making Yan Sikong’s heart skip a beat.

Feng Jianping felt embarrassed and awkwardly said to Yan Zilian, “This child grew up beyond the border and is untamed. Please forgive him, Grand Secretary.”

Yan Zilian smiled, “The Shizi is straightforward; it’s fine.” He looked at Yan Sikong, “Sikong, the Emperor will probably set a date for your wedding before the end of the year. After the General’s assessment in the capital, the wedding date will be finalized, and next year you can get promoted.”

“…Thank you, teacher. Thank you, Your Highness.”

Yan Sikong’s mind was in turmoil, thinking about Feng Ye. He had initially thought they had at least three years, but unexpectedly, the Empress Dowager had left a decree for him and Wanyang to marry soon. Now… what should he do?

Feng Jianping glanced at Yan Sikong and then through the window at Feng Ye’s figure standing outside. His eyebrows furrowed slightly, and there was a trace of probing in his gaze.

“Shizi” (世子) is a Chinese term that refers to the heir apparent or the eldest son of a noble family, particularly in ancient Chinese aristocracy. The Shizi is typically the one who will inherit the title, estate, and responsibilities of his father. Feng Ye is referred to as “Shizi,” indicating his status as the heir apparent.