The Blood Crown - Chapter 152

When Yan Sikong sought an audience with Xie Zhongren, he brought a gift with him: a tiger king’s leg bone, over thirty years old. The bone was thick and naturally dark in color. Infused into wine, it was said to strengthen bones and prolong life, valued at a fortune.

Yan Sikong knew Xie Zhongren’s likes and dislikes well. Although Xie Zhongren was immensely wealthy and indifferent to gold and silver, he was very cautious about his own life and had a keen interest in rare medicinal herbs. The tiger bone wine also had an even more potent effect—it was said to enhance vitality and strength. Despite being a eunuch, Xie Zhongren, like many in his position, sought to maintain a semblance of manhood.

Initially, Xie Zhongren’s reception of Yan Sikong was cold, likely due to resentment over the Liuhui and Liu An incidents. However, upon receiving the gift, his demeanor softened somewhat. “There’s no need for such courtesy, Manager Yan,” he said.

“Lord Xie, ever since the incident with Lord Liu, I have not been able to sleep well at night,” Yan Sikong said, suppressing his intense hatred and forcing himself to speak. “I am deeply troubled and unable to let go.”

Xie Zhongren raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What do you have to feel guilty about?”

“I… I did not anticipate that my teacher would confront His Majesty so openly for the Yan family.”

Xie Zhongren snorted coldly. “Old Yan acted so recklessly for a rebel that it truly pained His Majesty.”

The term “rebel” made Yan Sikong’s eyes widen with rage. He had to lower his head to hide his momentary grimace and said with a trembling voice, “Lord Xie… you speak the truth.”

Xie Zhongren glanced sideways at Yan Sikong. “There’s no need for you to feel guilty. If anything, it is we who disappointed you. Thankfully, later on…” He smiled with a sinister and malevolent grin, “Feng Ye ended up imprisoned. At least you got a bit of relief.”

“… I am angered by the Yan family’s treachery and rebellion. My own grievances are nothing compared to His Majesty’s disappointment and heartache.”

“Indeed.” Xie Zhongren sighed dramatically. “His Majesty’s trust and favor for Feng Jianping were unmatched. He was given 300,000 troops, land, and titles, enjoying eternal glory. Yet, instead of being grateful, he repaid kindness with enmity, attempting to rebel. Such a traitor deserves the most severe punishment!”

Yan Sikong trembled with anger, his nails digging into his flesh to steady himself. He feared that if he lost control, he might tear Xie Zhongren apart on the spot. The most painful part was that he still had to feign politeness and respect.

Xie Zhongren looked very pleased and asked Yan Sikong with a smile, “I’ve heard that Elder Yan is in poor health?”

“Teacher… is now bedridden.”

“Ha ha.” Xie Zhongren pointed to the tiger bone. “Why not send this treasure to Elder Yan?”

“This item, though rare, is not a miracle cure,” Yan Sikong hesitated. “It can only prolong life but cannot… cannot…”

Xie Zhongren’s eyes flashed with sharpness. He narrowed his eyes. “Are you saying it cannot save a dying person?”

Yan Sikong lowered his head, appearing troubled.

Xie Zhongren didn’t even bother to conceal his disdain. “Everyone dies eventually. Elder Yan is of advanced age, just following the natural order.”

Suddenly, Yan Sikong fell to his knees, feeling something inside him shatter as he did. He slammed his forehead heavily on the ground, his eyes almost popping out with tears. The overwhelming humiliation and hatred almost drowned him. In a hoarse voice, he pleaded, “I beg you, Lord Xie… help me.”

Xie Zhongren raised an eyebrow. “Heh, what can I do for you?” He looked down at Yan Sikong as if he were a beggar.

“His Majesty has not yet set a wedding date for me and the princess. I am deeply anxious, fearing that His Majesty might shift his anger towards me due to Teacher’s actions and retract the marriage.”

Xie Zhongren covered his mouth with his sleeve and chuckled mockingly. “Manager Yan is truly clever, thinking things through.”

Yan Sikong stared at the floor, turning all his humiliation into a resolve for revenge. He forced himself to speak the insincere words, “I admire the princess deeply. To be able to marry her is a once-in-a-lifetime honor for me. Since the day of the engagement, I have longed day and night to be with her. But now…” He trembled, “I beseech you to help me.”

Xie Zhongren laughed quietly and said, “Yan Sikong, you really are self-aware.”

“What do you mean, Lord Xie?”

Xie Zhongren stood up and walked in front of Yan Sikong, half-squatting and saying coldly from above, “Elder Yan is gravely ill, on the brink of death, and you come to beg me? Aren’t you afraid of being drowned in spit?”

Yan Sikong’s voice showed panic. “I… I am truly at my wit’s end. I had advised Teacher multiple times not to get too close to the Yan family, but he ignored me. Now that things have come to this, I am truly… wronged.”

Xie Zhongren extended his hand and lightly patted Yan Sikong’s head. “I have always admired you. Unlike those rigid and ignorant scholars who are so stubborn they cling to their principles, you understand the real wisdom of not standing under a dangerous wall. You didn’t disappoint me.”

Yan Sikong slowly raised his head. Their gazes met in the air, each trying to discern the other’s intentions. It was a silent and covert battle, a fleeting exchange that revealed hidden agendas with every glance.

Xie Zhongren sneered, “I won’t hide it from you. Actually, His Majesty has already discussed this matter with me.”

“His Majesty…”

Xie Zhongren waved his hand to silence him. “His Majesty has a high regard for you. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have agreed to the marriage with the princess. But things are different now. Yan Zilian is no longer a top advisor, and you are not only his student but also the crown prince’s tutor. His Majesty is troubled.”

Yan Sikong looked at him steadily, waiting for the rest.

“Desiring to marry the princess is understandable,” Xie Zhongren said with a sinister smile. “But His Majesty does not wish to marry his beloved princess to an ‘outsider.’”

“I am utterly loyal to His Majesty. I hope Lord Xie can see this.”

“Don’t worry. I will certainly convey your loyalty to His Majesty,” Xie Zhongren narrowed his eyes. “His Majesty doesn’t want the princess to have a broken engagement and be criticized.”

Yan Sikong’s face showed relief.

“Manager Yan is so understanding. I will make sure…” Xie Zhongren suddenly remembered, “Oh yes, you are no longer just a manager, but a candidate for the prince consort now.”

“No matter what position I hold, I am willing to serve you, Lord Xie.”

Xie Zhongren laughed heartily. “You are about to become the prince consort. Can I not afford to care about that?”

“You flatter me, Lord Xie.”

Xie Zhongren grabbed Yan Sikong’s arm and helped him up from the ground. “Prince Consort Yan, I will remind His Majesty to select an auspicious date for your wedding with the princess.”

“Thank you, Lord Xie…”

“Ah.” Xie Zhongren waved his hand dismissively. “But let me remind you, Prince Consort Yan, that loyalty is not just about words. Once you marry the princess, you are part of the royal family. You should be loyal and filial. I don’t need to remind you of that.”

“I am willing to go through fire and water for His Majesty.”

Xie Zhongren nodded in satisfaction.

Yan Sikong’s fists clenched tightly in his sleeves. Inside, a voice kept telling him that one day, he would make this irreconcilable enemy suffer piece by piece.

(End of Chapter)