The Blood Crown - Chapter 138

Chapter 138

Since the last time Yan Sikong punished the steward Zhao Feng with a beating, he had become much more disciplined. Whenever he saw Yan Sikong, he would be meek and obedient, reporting everything beforehand.

Today, Zhao Feng was leading the entire household in welcoming the New Year, coinciding with the most important Spring Festival of “Three Festivals and Two Longevities”. People were constantly coming and going with gifts, and servants were bustling around inside and outside the mansion. Just preparing for the New Year’s goods alone saw several groups coming in and out throughout the day.

Yan Sikong looked around the mansion decorated with lanterns and streamers, every corner filled with festive red decorations and the atmosphere of celebration. However, he couldn’t feel any joy because his mind was entangled with countless complex thoughts.

He called for Zhao Feng and asked if he had sent New Year’s goods to Shen Hexuan’s wife.

Zhao Feng nodded and bowed respectfully, “They have been sent early, Young Master, rest assured.”

“Go and invite them, mother and son, to come here for the New Year. If she insists on refusing, let it be.”

“Yes, this old servant will go immediately,” Zhao Feng respectfully retreated.

Yan Sikong knew this man must be going against his wishes in secret, likely resenting him deeply. Apart from Ali, there was no one trustworthy in this mansion.

During the New Year’s days, there would be endless social engagements. Just thinking about it made him feel exhausted, but he still looked forward to the arrival of New Year’s Eve. He had agreed with Feng Yexiao last time that when it was quiet at night, he would go to the old Yan Mansion to meet, even if it was just to share a cup of New Year’s wine.

—

In the blink of an eye, it was New Year’s Eve. Like every year before, court officials and imperial relatives rose early to accompany the Emperor in offering sacrifices to Heaven and ancestors. In the evening, they would celebrate the Lunar New Year together in the Taihe Hall.

As the year drew to a close, everyone in the court tacitly avoided causing trouble on this day. Even different factions hypocritically congratulated each other. Offending someone on this day was bad luck, and touching on sensitive matters could lead to serious consequences.

At the banquet, Yan Sikong noticed that Feng Jianping looked noticeably thinner, like he had been suffering along with everyone else these days.

He also saw Feng Yexiao, and they stole glances at each other several times but never dared to meet each other’s eyes. Longing was an emotion hard to conceal, and they were afraid of being noticed by others.

The banquet was filled with praise and toasts, much like in previous years, but Yan Sikong’s mind was elsewhere. He just wanted it to end early so he could spend some time alone with Feng Yexiao.

Halfway through the banquet, as courtiers drank more freely, Yan Sikong stood up and went to toast Yan Zilian and others. After a round of toasts, he saw an opportunity near Chen Mu and walked over.

“Sir,” Chen Mu’s face was flushed from drinking, and after tonight, he would be fifteen years old, officially an adult. In just a few years, he had shed the greenness and innocence of childhood and grown increasingly handsome and dignified. Coupled with his early maturity and composure, Yan Sikong gradually saw the surging regal aura in him.

Yan Sikong rarely made predictions, always trusting in solid evidence. But he had a premonition that Chen Mu would surely inherit the throne and rule the world.

“Your Highness,” Yan Sikong respectfully said, “I offer a toast to Your Highness, please accept it.” He raised his glass and drank.

Chen Mu stood tall and straight, close to Yan Sikong in private but very dignified and restrained in public. He just smiled faintly and raised his glass slightly, “Thank you, sir, for your efforts this year.”

“It is my great fortune to be able to teach Your Highness,” Yan Sikong replied sincerely.

They exchanged pleasantries, and the surrounding courtiers took the opportunity to flatter them. After a few drinks, Chen Mu took Yan Sikong aside to talk, and the courtiers tactfully dispersed.

Chen Mu glanced in the direction of Feng Yexiao and frowned, “I heard that Feng Yexiao humiliated you. Is that true?”

Yan Sikong smiled, “It’s an exaggeration, Your Highness. Don’t believe everything the eunuchs say; to them, a wild cat could be a tiger.”

Chen Mu was skeptical, “I won’t allow anyone to bully you, sir. If you have any difficulties, you must tell me.”

Yan Sikong was touched and said sincerely, “Your Highness’s concern is enough for me, even if I am bullied, I would willingly accept it.”

Chen Mu smiled, but lowered his voice, “When I become the Emperor, no one in the world will dare to bully you.”

Yan Sikong sighed inwardly but maintained a confident expression on his face.

Chen Mu thought for a moment and continued, “I’ve noticed that Feng Yexiao is up to something. It’s not the first time he’s been at odds with you, is it?”

Yan Sikong wanted to avoid this topic, but Chen Mu persisted, “I won’t be fooled, sir. If there’s anything between you and Feng Yexiao…”

Yan Sikong felt uneasy.

“…what is it?” Chen Mu glanced at Yan Sikong, probing cautiously, “Is there something romantic between you and Feng Yexiao?”

Yan Sikong chuckled, “Your Highness, do you believe that?”

Chen Mu seemed relieved and laughed, “That would be absurd.”

“It’s too absurd. Those eunuchs, castrated and confined to the deep palace for years, gossip more than women. Your Highness, remember to keep your distance from these eunuchs,” Yan Sikong hinted meaningfully towards Xie Zhongren.

Chen Mu replied, “Don’t worry, I’ve always been cautious around them.”

On the other side of the great hall, Feng Yexiao watched the two of them with a pensive expression.

—

When Yan Sikong returned home, it was late at night. Despite his excellent tolerance for alcohol, he felt a bit tipsy at this hour. However, he was still very clear-headed, and the fatigue of the entire day without rest couldn’t suppress his desire to see Feng Yexiao immediately.

He had a servant fetch water for him, took a bath, and then drank a couple of cups of tea to sober up. By the time of the Yin hour (around 3-5 am), the mansion was quiet. Yan Sikong changed into night clothes, sneaked out of the backyard of the mansion, and headed towards the old residence.

On New Year’s Eve, there were no pedestrians on the streets. Even the night patrols of the Imperial Guards were avoided by him. Quietly, he slipped past the wall of the old residence. As his feet lightly touched the ground, he couldn’t help but find it amusing that sneaking into his own home felt like burglary.

Before he could steady himself, he felt an unusual shift in the air behind him. Just as he was about to turn around, a strong hand grabbed his wrist. He was swiftly twisted back, his waist pressed against a broad and warm chest.

A teasing voice sounded in his ear, “Where did this little thief come from, daring to trespass into the mansion of a court official?”

The voice was low and magnetic, sending a ripple through Yan Sikong’s heart.

Yan Sikong chuckled, “Are you going to hand me over to the authorities?”

“I can’t bear to do that,” Feng Yexiao lightly nibbled on Yan Sikong’s earlobe, his large hand moving over Yan Sikong’s waist and abdomen through the clothes. “I’ll interrogate you myself.”

“You’re abusing your power,” Yan Sikong’s breath became somewhat hurried.

“Yes…” Feng Yexiao turned Yan Sikong’s head and kissed him forcefully on the lips. It was a passionate kiss that could melt the winter cold, both of them fervently and roughly licking each other’s lips, tangling their tongues as if pouring all their desire into this kiss.

When they parted, panting heavily, the burning desire in their eyes was the only scenery left for them.

Feng Yexiao caressed Yan Sikong’s cold cheeks and whispered softly, “It’s too cold outside. Let’s go inside.”

Yan Sikong had moved here less than a month ago, leaving behind furnishings and bedding in this simple room where he and Feng Yexiao had countless late-night meetings. Even the most luxurious mansion couldn’t compare to this place in his heart.

A charcoal fire was already burning inside the room, warming up the space. There was wine warming on the stove.

Yan Sikong took off his padded coat, “Have you been here long?”

“Just arrived,” Feng Yexiao picked up the wine jug and poured them both a drink, “Have you been drinking a lot?”

“Fair amount,” Yan Sikong raised his glass, “But that wine can’t compare to yours.”

Feng Yexiao raised an eyebrow, “Oh, what’s special about my wine?”

“Whether it’s good or not doesn’t depend on the wine, but on the person,” Yan Sikong gazed affectionately at Feng Yexiao and softly said, “I’ve missed you a bit.”

Feng Yexiao was deeply moved as well. He pulled Yan Sikong into his arms, “I’ve missed you too. We’re in the same city, yet it’s so difficult to meet.”

Yan Sikong nestled comfortably in Feng Yexiao’s arms, clinking their glasses together, “We won’t be like this forever. Maybe soon…”

“Shh.” Feng Yexiao kissed Yan Sikong’s cheek, “Tonight, I don’t want to talk about ‘serious matters’. I just want to spend the New Year with you.”

Yan Sikong finished his drink, casually tossed the cup aside, and turned to embrace Feng Yexiao’s neck, pushing him down onto the couch while passionately kissing his lips. They kissed and tore at each other’s clothes, the intense longing in their hearts like a beast trying to break free from its cage, needing all their willpower to suppress. The bittersweet anticipation of that intense desire was something only those who had not experienced it could never understand.

“Sikong, I’ve missed you so much,” Feng Yexiao left a string of kisses on Yan Sikong’s warm and fair skin, murmuring love words without reservation.

Yan Sikong’s fingers threaded through Feng Yexiao’s thick, black hair, his long legs entwined around the lean and powerful waist. He desperately pressed against Feng Yexiao, as if wishing to meld into one, as if only this way could they truly feel each other, temporarily forgetting the boundless darkness around them.

They merged passionately, in the supreme, utmost pleasure, feeling each other and themselves more intensely. The spiritual and physical union made them experience an indescribable sense of security and satisfaction, as if embracing each other, there were no shortcomings and nothing they couldn’t do.

The term “Three Festivals and Two Longevities” (三节两寿) refers to significant celebrations in traditional Chinese culture. Here’s what they typically represent:

### Three Festivals (三节)

1. **Spring Festival (春节)**: Also known as Chinese New Year, it is the most important traditional festival in China, marking the beginning of the lunar new year.
2. **Dragon Boat Festival (端午节)**: Celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, it commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan. People eat rice dumplings (zongzi) and race dragon boats.
3. **Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节)**: Held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, it is a time for family reunions and moon gazing, often accompanied by eating mooncakes.

### Two Longevities (两寿)

1. **The Emperor’s Birthday (皇帝寿辰)**: In ancient China, the emperor’s birthday was a major celebration, with grand ceremonies and festivities.
2. **The Empress Dowager’s Birthday (太后寿辰)**: Similarly, the birthday of the empress dowager, the emperor’s mother, was also celebrated with significant importance.

These festivals and celebrations were significant in ancient Chinese culture, marking important times of the year and honoring key figures in society.