The Blood Crown - Chapter 125

“Shi… Shizi!” Yan Sikong caught up with Feng Ye who was about to mount his horse.

Feng Ye paused in his tracks, not turning back. Even from his stiffened shoulders, one could tell he was suppressing his anger.

Feng Jianping lifted the curtain and glanced at the two.

“Your Highness, may I have a word with the Crown Prince?” Feng Jianping nodded in agreement.

Feng Ye hesitated for a moment, then turned around. His pupils were dark, his face expressionless.

Yan Sikong pulled Feng Ye into the shadow and whispered, “Feng Ye, hold steady. We still have time, and we must not act impulsively.”

Feng Ye clenched his fist. “I understand.”

“Really?” Yan Sikong stared unwaveringly into Feng Ye’s eyes. “Being anxious or angry won’t help. You mustn’t let His Highness see anything. Right now, we have more important things to do. Once we get rid of Xie Zhongren…” He lowered his voice. “This realm will be in control of your Feng family. Nothing will be a problem then.”

Feng Ye squeezed Yan Sikong’s hand secretly and said in a low voice, “Rest assured, I know what’s important.” He narrowed his eyes. “Did Minister Yan deliberately say those words just now to me knowing about us?”

“He was testing you. In Teacher’s eyes, our affair is just some harmless romantic affair. But if you show too much concern, he might exploit it.” Yan Sikong thought to himself that Yan Zilin was already using his relationship with the Feng family. This was evident from the Jingcha matter, but he didn’t say it. He didn’t want to exacerbate the conflict between Yan Zilin and Feng Ye.

Feng Ye snorted coldly. “This person’s scheming is too deep. Without Xie Zhongren restraining him, he might be even more overbearing.”

Yan Sikong advised, “Teacher is different from Xie Zhongren after all. Maybe his methods are questionable, but he isn’t plotting for personal gain. You shouldn’t dwell on it. The bigger picture is what matters.”

“Not plotting for personal gain?” Feng Ye scoffed. “You need not defend him. Why have the Jiangnan sea taxes not been collected for so many years? It’s because of whom? Perhaps he hasn’t schemed for himself, but he has gained so much benefit for the scholar-officials. In this respect, he’s just as bad as the eunuch party.”

Yan Sikong sighed. “At least Teacher has never framed loyal officials or exploited the people. If Teacher didn’t seek benefits for the scholar-officials, there would be no one to resist the eunuch party. You understand this, and I understand it too. You’re only dissatisfied with him over the marriage issue, but now is not the time for internal conflicts.”

“I told you, I know what’s important,” Feng Ye said coldly.

Yan Sikong nodded. Seeing no one around, he quickly kissed Feng Ye’s hand. “Go back and find a way to win over General Zhao Fuyi.”

“I understand.”

—

Yan Sikong spent several days studying the annual records of Datong Prefecture in recent years and the official documents exchanged with the capital. He also visited the censor, Zhang Chen, who had just returned from inspecting Datong, to understand the current situation there. Regardless of whether the Emperor was satisfied with the content of the assessment, he had to prepare respectable topics beforehand. Otherwise, if he were really accused, he would be the first one unable to escape.

After preparing more than a dozen topics, he went to find Liu An, the Minister of Personnel. Liu An, as the head of the Ministry of Personnel, naturally had the final say in the matter. Liu An began to pretend to be careless, thinking this one could do, and that one could do, but in the end, he said he wanted to discuss with Elder Yan.

Yan Sikong had long expected it would be like this, so he let him discuss it, and in the end, the topics would definitely not be decided by him. Next, it depends on how Yan Zilin and Feng Jianping act.

At the end of the month, Emperor Zhaowu held a grand banquet. One was to thank the kings who came from afar to mourn, and the other was to see them off. Tomorrow, except for Feng Jianping, the other kings could set off to return to their places.

Of course, no one would seriously believe that he summoned so many kings back to the capital just to hold a grand funeral for the Empress Dowager. Except for Feng Jianping, the other kings were also involved in the matter of reducing the feudal power. After Liao Wangdongting committed suicide, reducing the feudal power became a major event in the country. Half of the national treasury was already unimaginably rich. The other half, which was not completed, must have been hindered by various obstacles.

Emperor Zhaowu summoned the feudal kings back to the capital to demonstrate authority. Today, he could command kings from thousands of miles away, including King Jingyuan, to return to the capital. Tomorrow, he could demand all the kings to attend court, showing no mercy in reducing the feudal powers. Clearly, these were all Xie Zhongren’s ideas.

It must be said that Xie Zhongren had made significant contributions to reducing the feudal powers, but of course, he had offended many feudal kings.

Sure enough, at the grand banquet, Emperor Zhaowu praised the feudal kings for their selflessness and dedication to the country’s cause, setting an example for the entire nation and the imperial family. Yan Sikong watched the feudal kings pretending to be happy despite their suppressed anger, feeling amused.

Seizing the opportunity, Feng Jianping actively proposed that Datong Prefecture should also appropriately reduce military expenditures and temporarily halt military operations to benefit the people.

Emperor Zhaowu didn’t even bother with superficial excuses and immediately ordered the Ministry of War to handle the matter.

Halfway through the banquet, Emperor Zhaowu said happily, “There is another joyous occasion that I wish to share with you.”

All the courtiers smiled expectantly, waiting.

“Before her passing, the Empress Dowager left a decree. Princess Wanyang is of marriageable age. If she were to observe mourning for three years, it would be a waste of her youthful years. Therefore, I decree that she need not adhere to the old customs. In spring next year…” Emperor Zhaowu’s gaze found Yan Sikong in the hall. “Choose an auspicious day and marry her to Minister Yan.”

Yan Sikong humbly rose from his seat and knelt down. “Your Majesty, this humble official thanks you for your graciousness.”

Feng Ye sat beside Feng Jianping, his face turning pale, saying nothing.

Feng Jianping laughed heartily. “Many thanks to Your Majesty and the late Empress Dowager for their benevolence. This is truly a great event.”

The courtiers applauded and congratulated them.

Emperor Zhaowu continued, “Minister Feng, Xia’er is your only niece. For such a joyous occasion, according to my wishes, you should stay in the capital until their wedding.”

Feng Jianping’s gaze darkened for a moment, but he remained composed and bowed. “If Datong poses no issues, I am naturally willing.”

“Ah, with Minister Feng having already defeated the Vara, what issues could arise? It’s settled then.”

Xie Zhongren smiled but said nothing.

Yan Sikong felt a chill down his spine. Every day Feng Jianping stayed in the capital felt precarious, and now he was to remain until spring next year? What exactly was the Emperor planning?

Yue Ji announced the decree, granting Yan Sikong a new residence, servants, and wealth. He thanked each gift but occasionally glanced at Feng Ye, fearing he might act rashly. Fortunately, while Feng Ye looked extremely displeased, he remained silent. However, Yan Sikong knew that if they didn’t bring down Xie Zhongren before his marriage to Wanyang, Feng Ye might take desperate measures…