The Blood Crown - Chapter 164

After General Di’s death in Tian Ning, Han Zhaoxing retreated to Xiaju. It was hard to say whether General Di’s death was deliberate on Han Zhaoxing’s part, but rumors in the capital suggested that Han Zhaoxing did not come to General Di’s aid when he was surrounded. Furthermore, as the highest commander in Liaodong, Han Zhaoxing would have been the one to order General Di’s deployment to Tian Ning.

With General Di’s death, the thirty thousand troops from Yuzhou were now under Han’s command.

In recent years, Han Zhaoxing seemed to be emulating Feng Jianping. Feng Jianping held the position of governor as a military general, overseeing the military and political affairs of Datong. He managed to drive out two previous governors and was appointed governor by Emperor Zhao Wu. Feng Jianping had Feng family troops, so Han Zhaoxing reorganized the elite cavalry of Liaodong and named it the Han family army.

Some speculated privately whether he intended to follow the same path as Feng Jianping.

Yan Sikong dismissed this idea. Feng Jianping was wrongfully accused and died because of his exceptional achievements overshadowing the ruler. Han Zhaoxing, on the other hand, was not worthy of such comparison. Seventeen years had passed, and he remained as foolish and vile as ever. Feng Jianping earned his position and maintained his own army because he was capable. In contrast, Han Zhaoxing was a useless coward who would have been dead many times over if not for Xie Zhongren’s protection.

In the court, some officials still had their blood and spirit intact and petitioned Emperor Zhao Wu to replace Han. The pain of the seven northern states was still vivid in their minds.

However, the eunuch faction stubbornly defended Han Zhaoxing, citing his resistance against Jueluotai’s hundred thousand troops at Guangning, and claiming that changing commanders in the middle of a battle was a military taboo. Emperor Zhao Wu, indecisive by nature, often avoided trouble and remained passive when in doubt.

The court was in chaos again.

Yan Sikong observed this and promptly sent a precious Thai medicine to Emperor Zhao Wu to help him show his prowess on the dragon throne.

A few days later, Zhao Fuyi personally visited, demanding that Yan Sikong persuade Emperor Zhao Wu to replace Han. Zhao Fuyi’s tone was quite blunt, and over the years, their relationship had deteriorated. Zhao Fuyi’s former admiration for Yan Sikong had turned into misunderstanding and, ultimately, disgust.

Yan Sikong engaged in a diplomatic dance with him.

Zhao Fuyi was no fool, but as a military man, his temper flared, and he kicked over the table, angrily pointing at Yan Sikong. “Yan Sikong, I must have been blind to misjudge you. You have talent but lack virtue, shifting with the wind. The fate of our Great Sheng empire is at risk because of you treacherous scoundrels!”

Yan Sikong, unruffled, replied, “General Zhao, Han Zongdu was once a renowned general who defended Guangning against the Jin army’s hundred thousand troops. Why do you belittle him so? Back then, Guangning was held firm, and Jueluotai could not advance. Now, in addition to Guangning, there are Xiaju, Mizhou, and Huangshui in the way. Even if Han Zongdu is better at defense than attack, he could still have stalled Jueluotai.”

“Impossible!” Zhao Fuyi retorted sharply. “Han Zhaoxing has never won against the Jin army. Hearing Jueluotai’s name must terrify him!”

Yan Sikong feigned confusion. “What does the general mean? The victory at Guangning is a historical triumph.”

“The victory at Guangning was not Han Zhaoxing’s achievement!” Zhao Fuyi exclaimed angrily.

Yan Sikong knew the moment had come and pressed further. “What does the general mean by this?”

Zhao Fuyi’s face contorted. Having overturned the table, he seemed ready to reveal everything. “I was ordered to aid Guangning, where General Yuan Mao was defending the city with unwavering resolve, vowing to fight to the death alongside the city’s inhabitants. He led the entire city’s military and civilians to repel the Jin invaders and protect Liaodong, preserving the northern frontier of our Great Sheng. He was the rightful hero of the Guangning battle but was framed and killed by Han Zhaoxing!”

Yan Sikong’s blood boiled, and he trembled with rage.

Zhao Fuyi, his face red with fury, shouted, “Han Zhaoxing is a useless scoundrel, a despicable eunuch! Liaodong will perish under his rule! Great Sheng will be destroyed by him!”

Yan Sikong stood up abruptly and shouted, “Then why did you not speak up at the time?!”

Zhao Fuyi was stunned, unable to understand the rage and ferocity in Yan Sikong’s eyes.

“Back then, you knew Yuan Mao was wronged and knew that Xie Zhongren, Ge Zhong, and Han Zhaoxing conspired against loyal officials. Yuan Mao was sentenced to death within three days of his imprisonment, dying before the thousands of Guangning citizens who cried out for justice.” Yan Sikong stepped closer to Zhao Fuyi, his eyes burning with intensity. “Why didn’t you speak out?”

Zhao Fuyi’s scalp tingled, and he staggered backward, trembling. “You… who are you? How do you…”

“How do I know these things?” Yan Sikong turned and opened a cabinet below the bookshelf, carefully retrieving an item from a hidden compartment and placing it on the table.

Zhao Fuyi looked closely at the item—it was Yuan Mao’s memorial tablet!

Zhao Fuyi stared at the tablet and then at Yan Sikong, his face turning pale.

Yan Sikong said through gritted teeth, “I am Yuan Mao’s adopted son.”

Zhao Fuyi, the esteemed general and commander of the capital’s garrison, fell to his knees before Yuan Mao’s memorial tablet with a thud, tears streaming down his face. “General Yuan, my brother Yuan, it is my fault for being too cowardly to clear your name. For seventeen years, I… I have been suffering…”

Yan Sikong looked up to the sky, his eyes wide open, unwilling to let tears fall.

After all these years, finally, someone who knew the truth was willing to speak up. Otherwise, in the dead of night, he would have doubted if his entire past was merely an illusion.

—

Zhao Fuyi, with tear-streaked hands, trembled as he touched Yuan Mao’s memorial tablet. He quickly withdrew as if burned, covering his eyes and shaking with sobs.

Yan Sikong approached and knelt before Zhao Fuyi.

Zhao Fuyi stared at him in a daze.

“General,” Yan Sikong choked, “At that time, you were just a minor officer and could not save my father. It is understandable to protect oneself, and I hold no blame. But today, you revealing the truth is deeply appreciated.” He began to bow to Zhao Fuyi.

Zhao Fuyi hurriedly stopped him. “Sikong, for these years, the injustice of General Yuan has weighed heavily on my heart. Watching the eunuch faction grow stronger each day, I…” He confessed with shame, “I am also a coward!”

“General, there is no need to blame yourself. Under the tyranny of the eunuch faction, self-preservation is already difficult. My teacher died with resentment, and the Feng family father and son were wronged. They were my hopes for revenge, but I can no longer rely on them. Therefore, I…” Yan Sikong whispered, “I can only endure humiliation and survive. I vow not to rest until the eunuch faction is destroyed!”

“You…” Zhao Fuyi patted Yan Sikong’s shoulder firmly. “Your ability to endure and adapt shows you are destined for greatness.”

“General, I know that to eradicate the eunuch faction, it fundamentally depends on His Majesty. For the past three years, I have been devising plans, waiting for this moment. Once Han Zhaoxing is defeated, Xie Zhongren’s death will not be far off!”

Zhao Fuyi was surprised. “You already have a plan?”

Yan Sikong helped him up. “General, let me explain in detail.”

He revealed his plan to Zhao Fuyi, including the proposal for Zhao Fuyi to be appointed as the commander in Liaodong and to jointly recommend Zhu Lanting as the commander of the garrison army. Of course, Yan Sikong and Zhu Lanting’s schemes went beyond this, including supporting Chen Li’s succession, but he chose not to share that part with Zhao Fuyi at this moment.

After listening to Yan Sikong’s plan, Zhao Fuyi was visibly shocked. It was a scheme both ruthless and meticulous, requiring years of patient preparation and waiting for innocent blood to be shed to reach today’s opportunity—the chance to overthrow Xie Zhongren.

Zhao Fuyi clenched his fists. As a decisive commander on the battlefield, he regained his composure. “Indeed, I have considered going to Liaodong. In the whole of Great Sheng, there are few capable talents, and I have fought against Jueluotai. I am willing to take on the task of defending the northern border. However, I am reluctant to recommend myself, fearing it might arouse suspicion from His Majesty.”

“General’s concern is valid. His Majesty will not easily agree to a change in command. If you were to offer yourself, it would surely raise His Majesty’s and Xie Zhongren’s suspicion. When Han Zhaoxing is defeated, only you will be able to undertake this great responsibility.”

Zhao Fuyi nodded. “If I go to Liaodong, Zhu Lanting is indeed an excellent candidate for the garrison commander. He also wishes to deal with the eunuch faction quickly.”

“With General in charge of Liaodong’s military and Commander Zhu in charge of the garrison troops, we will cut off Xie Zhongren’s lifeline. Even if His Majesty holds some old sentiments, he will have no choice.”

Zhao Fuyi squinted. “When those eunuch dogs face their final doom, I will certainly open a feast of fine wine and drink to their downfall for three days and nights!”

Yan Sikong stood tall and once again knelt solemnly before Zhao Fuyi.

“Sikong, please get up quickly.”

Zhao Fuyi reached out to help, but Yan Sikong refused to rise. He said mournfully, “There is one more thing I wish to ask. Please, General, ensure that my father’s name is cleared.”

Yan Sikong’s face, as white as jade, was filled with sorrow. “This is all I have ever sought in my life.”

Zhao Fuyi helped Yan Sikong to his feet and solemnly vowed, “I swear on my life and honor to clear General Yuan’s name!”

“Thank you, General!”

In late spring and early summer, two pieces of news struck the Great Sheng Dynasty with severe blows.

The first was the uprising of a rebel army in Shu region. In a short period, they gathered a large number of bandits and refugees suffering from drought. These peasants quickly transformed into disciplined and brave soldiers. They attacked cities and towns with unstoppable force, sweeping from Shu to Hunan. The recently revived Hunan, still reeling from the Liang Wang rebellion, was utterly powerless against this rebel force.

The leader of this rebel army was none other than Feng Ye, the Little Wolf King who had escaped from prison and had been missing for three years!

The second was Han Zhaoxing’s anticipated defeat. Jueluotai’s morale was high as he captured Xiaju and Mizhou, driving Han Zhaoxing to Huangshui. Han Zhaoxing’s so-called Han family army and the troops from Yuzhou were demoralized and collapsed under his leadership. The battle of Mizhou resulted in the loss of twenty thousand men.

Yan Sikong had anticipated Han Zhaoxing’s defeat, but he did not expect the depth of Han Zhaoxing’s disgrace—he actually surrendered to Jueluotai!

Hearing this news, Yan Sikong’s emotions were mixed. Han Zhaoxing had thoroughly dragged Xie Zhongren into hell, which should have been a cause for celebration. However, the thought of such a despicable, cowardly creature being responsible for his father’s, brother’s, and countless Liaodong soldiers’ deaths made Yan Sikong wish to exact endless revenge upon him. No amount of suffering could atone for this traitor’s grave sins.

Facing internal and external crises, the Chen Sheng Dynasty, which had stood for two hundred years, was suddenly in turmoil.

(End of Chapter)