The Blood Crown - Chapter 141

As night fell, the hunting grounds were dotted with over a hundred tents, each illuminated with lanterns. The Crown Prince’s tent was close to the Emperor’s, but the Emperor’s tent was the largest and positioned in the center. The firelight from within the Emperor’s tent shone the brightest, forming a scene of stars encircling the moon, which contrasted beautifully with the starry night sky.

Inside the Crown Prince’s tent, Chen Mu and Yan Sikong, who had already finished their dinner, were admiring Chen Mu’s bow.

“This bow is carved from the finest zitan wood, and the bowstring is made from tiger tendons soaked in tung oil for eighty-one days. It’s said to be strong enough to pull a cart,” Chen Mu said as he stroked the bow, his face full of admiration.

Yan Sikong praised, “This is indeed a fine bow. Do you know which master crafted it?”

“It was made by the Wang family of Huainan, whose ancestors were renowned throughout the land for making bows and arrows.”

“The same Wang family that is said to have crafted the legendary Dragon Tongue Bow?”

Chen Mu smiled, “Exactly. The bow that Lü Bu used to shoot his halberd at the gate was made by the Wang family’s ancestors.”

Yan Sikong sighed, “Lü Bu had exceptional martial skills, and his Dragon Tongue Bow, Fangtian Halberd, and Red Hare horse were all legendary weapons. It’s a pity about him.”

“It’s a pity he was just a three-family slave,” Chen Mu joked.

Yan Sikong chuckled, “Your Highness, who do you think is to blame for Lü Bu’s fate?”

“For someone as disloyal and untrustworthy as him, of course, it was his own doing.”

“I don’t see it that way.”

“Oh?” Chen Mu grinned, “Are you going to lecture me again, sir?”

“I think Lü Bu was like this bow. The bow is excellent, but if it’s not in the hands of someone who can wield it, it will backfire. Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo were not the right people to wield the bow.”

“But Lü Bu’s character was flawed; such a person is difficult to entrust with great responsibility.”

“That depends on how you use him. The court selects and appoints people based on loyalty, filial piety, and integrity, but how many people can truly embody all these virtues? I believe, Your Highness, that in the future, you should not seek perfection in people, but rather seek those who are capable. If someone has great talents to save the world and help the people, why worry if they lack minor virtues like humility or integrity?”

Chen Mu pondered, “What you’re saying seems to contradict the teachings of the sages. If a person lacks minor virtues, how can they have the great virtue to benefit the world? If someone is not filial to their parents, how can they be loyal to the court?”

“Reading is about taking the essence and discarding the dross. I’ve read thousands of books and studied the thoughts of various pre-Qin scholars and gradually came to understand that there’s no principle in this world that applies universally. Everything depends on the person and the situation.”

“But since the times of the First Emperor of Qin and Emperor Wu of Han, Confucius and Mencius have been upheld as the sole orthodoxy. The teachings of the various other schools…” Chen Mu hesitated and lowered his voice, “I’ve heard are considered heretical.”

“The First Emperor of Qin and Emperor Wu of Han used the teachings of Confucius and Mencius to govern officials and the people. If too many ideas were allowed, the empire would be unstable,” Yan Sikong smiled. “But Your Highness will one day be the one governing the empire, so how can you be restricted by a single school of thought?”

Chen Mu was silent for a long moment before saying, “You’ve taught me Confucius and Mencius for years; why are you telling me this now?”

“Because Your Highness was too young before. Now you have grown up.” Yan Sikong’s eyes shone, “You’ve studied Confucius and Mencius to understand your officials and the people, so that you can better control them. What I will teach you next is the true art of emperorship.”

Chen Mu took a deep breath and handed the bow to Yan Sikong, “You will make me someone who can wield the bow.”

Yan Sikong patted Chen Mu’s hand, which held the bow, “There are many good bows in the world, some long, some short, some light, some heavy. Each has its own advantages. I will teach you how to use every bow to its fullest potential.”

Their gazes met, and they saw the flames of ambition burning brightly in each other’s eyes.

Chen Mu placed the bow back on its stand and led Yan Sikong to the bed. “Sir, please sit.”

The two of them sat at a low table.

Chen Mu personally poured Yan Sikong a cup of wine. He raised his cup and said earnestly, “Meeting you, sir, has been the greatest fortune of my life. In the future, it will surely be the fortune of the people as well.”

Yan Sikong also raised his cup, “I am unworthy of such praise. Assisting Your Highness is the mission I was born with.”

They clinked cups and drank the wine in one swift motion.

Yan Sikong watched as Chen Mu turned his head, his small face scrunched up from the burning sensation of the strong wine, but unwilling to let him see. Yan Sikong couldn’t help but smile.

Chen Mu put down the cup, trying to appear calm. “Sir, why not tell me something now? Anything interesting, really. I love hearing you teach.”

“Your Highness’s love of learning brings me great joy.”

The two of them started chatting. Unlike the East Palace, they didn’t need to be too formal here. They talked and laughed, showing no signs of fatigue even as it got late into the night.

It was Yan Sikong who finally reminded Chen Mu, “Your Highness has to go hunting early tomorrow. It’s not wise to stay up too late. You should rest early.”

“True.” Chen Mu scooted backward, retreating to the inner side of the bed, and extended his hand toward Yan Sikong. “Come, sleep beside me, sir.”

“This…”

“Didn’t you promise to talk with me into the night?”

“Have we not already finished talking?”

“I’m still not satisfied.” Chen Mu laughed, “I’m not tired at all right now, but if we lie down and talk for a while, I might fall asleep. Come on, sir.”

Yan Sikong, helpless, had no choice but to lie down beside Chen Mu, fully clothed.

Chen Mu called for the servants to extinguish the lamps and moved closer to Yan Sikong. His voice was filled with obvious joy, “This is the first time I’ve shared a bed with someone since I’ve grown up.”

Yan Sikong teased, “Your Highness is already an adult. Who knows, the Emperor might grant you a marriage soon. If you’re eager, you could choose a handsome one from the East Palace…”

“Sir!” Chen Mu blushed with annoyance, “What nonsense are you spouting? I’m not thinking about women.”

Yan Sikong chuckled, “Don’t be upset, Your Highness. It’s only natural if you were thinking about it. Why not take a concubine first?”

“Those palace maids are all so foolish. I don’t want any of them.” Chen Mu sneaked a glance at Yan Sikong in the dark, “If any of them were even half as smart as you… no, even if they were just as smart as one of your toes, I might be interested.”

Yan Sikong laughed softly, “I think that a woman who is too clever would only give you headaches. In my opinion, it’s not that they’re not smart enough, it’s that they’re not beautiful enough.”

Chen Mu snorted lightly and then fell silent for a moment. After a while, he turned over to face Yan Sikong, “You’re right. They aren’t as good-looking as even one of your toes. I’ve said it before, you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.” His eyes sparkled in the darkness.

Yan Sikong turned his head slightly and met Chen Mu’s glowing eyes. His heart trembled. He felt that the gaze was somewhat familiar, but he didn’t dare to think too deeply about it. He laughed awkwardly, “I’m not a woman. Whether I’m good-looking or not doesn’t matter.”

“Of course it does.” Chen Mu continued to gaze at Yan Sikong, his voice trembling slightly as if with hidden anticipation, “You are the perfect person in my heart.”

“I am far from perfect, and in fact, I’m full of flaws.” Yan Sikong said softly, “Your Highness should not judge people by their appearance.”

“I’m not judging you by your appearance. I understand you, just as you understand me.” Chen Mu grabbed Yan Sikong’s hand. “People say that it was your ancestors’ virtue that allowed you to become a prince consort, but I think it’s my sister who is truly lucky to marry you.”

“Shh, Your Highness mustn’t say that again.”

Chen Mu held Yan Sikong’s hand tightly and gently rested his cheek on Yan Sikong’s shoulder, closing his eyes contentedly, “I’m telling the truth.”

Yan Sikong felt the warmth of Chen Mu’s body so close to his, and the strength of his hand, which had already taken on the power of an adult. His heart was a mix of complex emotions.