The Blood Crown - Chapter 127

Chapter 127

The next day, Yan Sikong went to the Eastern Palace to teach the Crown Prince, and he encountered Zhu Lanting instructing the Crown Prince in archery.

Chen Mu saw him, still with a smile on his face, but not as cheerful as before. After experiencing his mother’s unjust suicide, he had matured overnight. He nodded towards Yan Sikong, who bowed to Zhu Lanting: “General Yan, no need for such formality.”

Yan Sikong also gestured to Zhu Lanting: “General Zhu, I have not had the chance to thank you personally for delivering the message to the Empress Dowager.”

He was referring to Zhu Lanting’s role in saving the Crown Prince and Consort Hui by communicating with the Empress Dowager. They understood each other’s unspoken words, and Zhu Lanting replied: “Master Yan, no need for such politeness. It was something I should have done.”

Yan Sikong smiled: “The Crown Prince’s martial arts are improving day by day, and General Zhu’s contributions are invaluable.”

“As Master Yan imparts wisdom, I focus on military training. It’s my duty as a subject, nothing to boast about.” Zhu Lanting replied modestly.

Yan Sikong had been trying to build a closer relationship with Zhu Lanting but hadn’t succeeded. Their roles were vastly different, making it difficult to find common ground. Also, Zhu Lanting was serious by nature; forcing familiarity might backfire, so Yan Sikong would have to wait for the right opportunity.

Chen Bi gestured with the bow in his hand: “Master Yan, I’ve been practicing archery recently. I heard that Father Emperor is planning a winter hunt.”

“I’ve heard about it. Your Highness’s prowess will surely shine at the winter hunt.”

“Winter hunting is much more challenging than spring hunting. The prey that’s easy to hunt in spring is hard to find in winter.” Chen Bi straightened his back, stretched his slender arms, drew the longbow, and shot an arrow that hit the bullseye steadily.

Yan Sikong applauded enthusiastically: “Your Highness, you truly impress me!”

“If I can hunt a fierce beast, the people will surely be impressed with me too.” Chen Bi smiled.

Yan Sikong knew Chen Bi wanted to prove himself, whether before Emperor Zhao Wu or the courtiers, because his credentials were still weak.

Chen Bi courteously dismissed Zhu Lanting: “General Zhu, you may leave now.”

Zhu Lanting bowed and left. The two of them entered the study, and as usual, Chen Bi dismissed all attendants.

Yan Sikong asked, “Has Your Highness been extra cautious with your diet and daily routines lately?”

“Don’t worry, I check for poison before every meal and keep a dagger hidden under my pillow.” Chen Bi sneered, “I practice martial arts diligently every day. It won’t be easy for anyone to assassinate me.”

“In that case, I can rest assured.”

Chen Bi whispered, “I heard Father Emperor plans to drastically reduce the military forces at Datong. Is it true?”

Yan Sikong’s expression immediately turned serious. “It’s true. We are all worried about this matter.”

“I thought Prince Jingyuan’s return to the capital would reassure Father Emperor. Otherwise, why would he return?” Chen Bi sighed.

“Prince Jingyuan is loyal and trustworthy, but His Majesty… has his own considerations.”

Chen Bi glanced at Yan Sikong sideways. “Master, you don’t really think that way, do you?”

Yan Sikong smiled bitterly and whispered, “I think Minister Xie Zhongren is behind this.”

“He’s fanning the flames, but Father Emperor must have had the spark already.” Chen Bi said coldly, “Father Emperor saw Prince Jingyuan supporting me. He probably couldn’t tolerate it.”

“There must be that reason too, but Your Highness shouldn’t show it in front of others.” Yan Sikong reminded.

“Don’t worry.” Chen Bi grabbed Yan Sikong’s hand. “Master, you’re the only person I trust now. I only speak the truth to you.”

“I’m honored.” Yan Sikong hesitated for a moment. “In that case, I want to ask Your Highness one question, and I hope you will answer truthfully.”

“Please ask.”

“About Consort Hui’s matter…”

Chen Bi’s face changed slightly.

Yan Sikong couldn’t help but glance around, although there was no one else, he instinctively lowered his voice: “Does Your Highness feel any dissatisfaction towards His Majesty?”

A hint of coldness flashed in Chen Bi’s eyes. He gripped Yan Sikong’s hand tighter, surprising Yan Sikong with his strength. Chen Bi quickly regained his composure. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he spoke: “He is both my father and my emperor. I dare not and should not feel any dissatisfaction. But…” He stared straight at Yan Sikong, his eyes filled with resentment, “But over the past dozen years, my mother and I have suffered humiliation because of him. Now my mother is dead because of him. I cannot forgive him.”

After saying this, Chen Bi’s eyes showed a trace of fear. After all, every word he said could be considered treason.

Yan Sikong held Chen Bi’s hand in return, comforting him: “Your Highness’s feelings are only natural. I understand.”

“Why did Master ask this?” Chen Bi looked at Yan Sikong with some unease.

Yan Sikong smiled faintly: “I thought that speaking out might ease Your Highness’s mind.” If the matter of reducing military forces couldn’t be smoothly resolved, General Feng Jianping probably wouldn’t sit idly by. In case, just in case, things changed, what he wanted to test was whether Chen Bi had the ruthless determination to do anything to become emperor.

Now he knew that Chen Bi harbored hatred towards Emperor Zhaowu, but was constrained by moral principles and filial piety from expressing it openly. This was a good thing.

—

A few days later, Yan Sikong was quietly contemplating in his room when he heard a slight noise outside the window. He was very familiar with this sound—it was Feng Ye. However, today’s disturbance seemed unusually significant…

He had just stood up when Feng Ye pushed the door open and stumbled in, accompanied by the scent of alcohol.

“Feng Ye.” Yan Sikong hurried over. “You’ve been drinking? What’s wrong?”

Feng Ye dragged his heavy steps into the room and sat heavily on a chair, his face gloomy and silent.

“Why did you come looking for me after drinking so much?” Yan Sikong worriedly said, “You shouldn’t be seen by anyone on the way here.”

“The wind was strong today, there weren’t many people on the road.” Feng Ye finally spoke, contrary to his flushed face and hollow eyes, his voice was clear and sober, no different from usual.

“What’s troubling you?” Yan Sikong poured him a glass of water.

“I had a big argument with my father.” Feng Ye took the water glass and splashed it on his face, wiping it off with his hand aggressively, his expression full of aggression.

Yan Sikong took a cloth and wiped away the water stains on his body, asking gently, “Why?”

“Why? Why do you think?” Feng Ye’s voice was filled with gritted teeth.

Yan Sikong fell silent. Feng Ye’s argument with his father was probably because Feng Ye questioned whether Feng Jianping should return to the court, endangering the Feng family now. Feng Jianping must be extremely angry, believing Feng Ye to be reckless and disloyal.

Yan Sikong gently wiped his smooth skin. “Your Highness is a man of loyalty and righteousness. We cannot measure things merely by gains and losses.”

“Is this a simple matter of gains and losses?” Feng Ye gritted his teeth. “If the Datong military expenditure is greatly reduced, countless loyal soldiers who have followed us through life and death will be ruthlessly abandoned. Moreover, the foundation of the Feng family will be shaken. It’s a matter of life and death. If my father insists on not returning, we will be at the mercy of others.”

Yan Sikong held Feng Ye’s face, whispering softly, “Feng Ye, don’t dwell on what has already happened. Right now, we need to work together to get through this crisis. If the court agrees to only reduce the military forces by eighty thousand, we can turn over this page, and everyone will be happy.”

“But what if… they don’t?” Feng Ye said anxiously. “If they really reduce by eighty thousand, my father will accept it, but I fear Xie Zhongren will take the opportunity to harm our Feng family.”

Yan Sikong said, “That is indeed our greatest concern, but I believe Your Highness will not sit idly by.”

“He now thinks I am impulsive and refuses to discuss anything with me. I have no idea what he plans to do.” Feng Ye shook his head.

“I think His Highness is just hesitant. You are his heir, the person he trusts most in this world. If he makes up his mind, he will surely discuss it with you.” Yan Sikong said.

Feng Ye squinted his eyes, pondering. “Do you have any guesses?”

“I have been thinking about this matter every day.” Yan Sikong held Feng Ye’s hand, gently rubbing the calluses on his palm that were reassuring. “As I said, if we agree to give up eighty thousand troops to preserve ourselves, that’s acceptable. But if not… we must prepare countermeasures in advance.”

“What countermeasures?” Feng Ye stared at Yan Sikong, his gaze intense.

Yan Sikong licked his lips. “Feng Ye, you know me. I am bold and sometimes crazy. Do you really want to hear?”

“I know what kind of person you are. Tell me.” Feng Ye said coldly. “Maybe we think alike.”

Yan Sikong lightly touched Feng Ye’s face. “There is one way to permanently solve all our troubles without staining the Feng family with the eternal infamy of rebellion.”

“Tell me.”

Yan Sikong’s bright eyes sparkled with sharpness. “Force the abdication, support the Crown Prince to ascend the throne.”

Feng Ye took a sharp breath, his voice hoarse. “You’re thinking what I’m thinking.”

Yan Sikong also took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly. “If His Highness agrees, this can be done.”

“My father…” Feng Ye frowned. “I don’t know. I don’t even dare to mention it to him now.”

“After thirty years away from the court, he lacks vigilance against such conspiracies and struggles. He has always believed in his own achievements and thinks His Majesty will not be ruthless. Therefore, he definitely won’t agree now.” Yan Sikong’s eyes darkened. “But once the reduction in Datong military expenditure exceeds his tolerance, then it’s uncertain.”