The Blood Crown - Chapter 166

When Yan Sikong returned home, it was already night. After attending court and returning home, he usually stayed in his study, except for meals and changing clothes, and tonight was no exception.

As he approached his study, he felt the door slightly rebound, a subtle signal indicating that She Zhun was there. She Zhun was already inside.

Just as he was about  to enter, a voice came from behind him, “Yan Sikong.”

The only person who would dare call him by name at home was Wanyang.

Yan Sikong closed the door again and turned around, respectfully saying, “Madam.”

Wanyang’s face was serious. Looking around to ensure no one was nearby, she whispered, “I need to ask you something.”

“It’s late, Madam. You should rest early. If there’s something…”

Wanyang ignored him and strode over to push open the study door. “Come in…”

Yan Sikong grabbed her wrist, his expression cold.

Wanyang was taken aback by his sudden seriousness. In the three years since their marriage, Yan Sikong had always been respectful to her, never showing such a stern demeanor. The grip on her wrist was so strong that it filled her with a hint of fear.

Yan Sikong quickly released her wrist and raised his voice slightly. “What makes Madam so urgent? I have official duties; can it wait until tomorrow?”

“No.” Wanyang, having collected her thoughts, pushed open the study door. “I need to ask you now. It won’t take long.”

Yan Sikong had no choice but to follow her into the study and close the door. After surveying the room, he saw no sign of She Zhun, but he knew where She Zhun was hiding.

Wanyang glanced around to make sure the doors and windows were closed, swallowed nervously, and hesitated before asking, “I heard news that… is my cousin… plotting rebellion?” Her voice was soft and cautious.

Yan Sikong knew she was asking about this matter. Since receiving the confirmed news that Feng Ye was alive, he too had been distressed, unable to find peace day or night. He took a deep breath. “Yes.”

Wanyang’s face drained of color. Her whole body seemed to be emptied of strength, and she swayed slightly. She bit her lip, her delicate features contorting in pain. “I share half of the Feng family’s blood. Why… How should my mother and I deal with this?” Her last question was not directed at Yan Sikong but at the cruel fate itself.

Yan Sikong spoke in a steady voice, “As the virtuous consort of the imperial family, Your Highness is part of the royal family. You are also the beloved daughter of the Emperor. No one will make things difficult for Your Highness and the Empress.”

Tears glistened in Wanyang’s eyes. “Am I supposed to watch as my father and cousin kill each other?”

“It was destined long ago,” Yan Sikong said softly. “Your Highness should not dwell on it.”

“How can I not think about it?” Wanyang trembled. “Yan Sikong, they say you are skilled in military strategy. Tell me, who will win and who will lose?”

“I dare not make such predictions.”

Wanyang stepped forward, grabbing Yan Sikong’s clothes, and looked up at him, urgently whispering, “It’s just the two of us here. Tell me.”

Yan Sikong shook his head. “Your Highness, you understand in your heart. We are mere mortals, unable to predict the future. Moreover, the battlefield is ever-changing, and victory and defeat are hard to foresee.”

Wanyang stared intensely into Yan Sikong’s eyes. “Why do you say that?”

Yan Sikong was taken aback, suddenly realizing he had misspoken.

Wanyang’s tone became severe. “You are usually so smooth-talking and careful with your words. As a minister of Sheng, my husband, under normal circumstances, you should say our army will surely win, and the rebels will certainly lose… You must know something. What exactly do you know?”

Yan Sikong, though self-deprecating, knew he might have been foolish regarding Feng Ye, but he had not expected Wanyang to be so perceptive. In these three years, he had perhaps underestimated this capricious little princess. He composed himself and said, “I misspoke.”

“Yan Sikong, I know you’ve been hiding many things from me. You and Ah Li always do things behind my back. Whenever I ask, you play dumb. Don’t really think I’m a fool!” Wanyang said through gritted teeth. “I have a feeling you’re plotting something secretly, and… you scare me.”

Yan Sikong spoke softly, “Your Highness, you worry too much. Political affairs are full of twists and turns. I don’t want to bring such troubling matters home. We are husband and wife; if you worry less, I will be more at ease.” He paused and his tone became firmer. “There’s no need for you to worry about other matters.”

Wanyang could sense the indifference and coldness hidden behind his gentle demeanor. She said with sarcasm, “Husband and wife? What kind of husband and wife are we?”

“I may not be worthy, but I will do my utmost in my role as husband and minister to protect Your Highness.”

Wanyang’s gaze flickered with unspoken thoughts. After a moment of tension, she suddenly released her grip, turned away, and said quietly, “I will still inquire about my cousin’s news. You must report truthfully.”

“Understood.”

Wanyang took a deep breath and left without looking back.

Yan Sikong went to close the door and said, “Come out.”

The cabinet door opened from within, and She Zhun emerged, looking as carefree as ever. He teased, “The little princess is indeed as beautiful as rumored. How could you bear to let her be lonely, tsk tsk.”

Yan Sikong replied sternly, “Enough with the trivial talk. What’s the news?”

“What kind of news do you want?” She Zhun asked, pointing north with one hand and south with the other.

“The situation in Liaodong.”

“Really?”

“Speak quickly.”

“The situation in Liaodong is as you know. Mishan is under siege, and the spies of Zhuo Letai have burned the supplies. After five days and nights, Han Zhaoxing and his three sons, along with eight thousand soldiers, surrendered to the Jurchens. Currently, General Liang Huiyong is defending Guangning, and Zhuo Letai is holding his troops back.”

“General Liang Huiyong…”

Upon hearing that name, Yan Sikong’s heart quivered slightly. The young and inexperienced general of years past had now become a commanding general capable of standing alone. If it weren’t for Liang Huiyong’s crucial assistance, he would have been captured by Han Zhaoxing long ago.

“I heard that General Liang is both wise and brave, but he hasn’t commanded many troops. Has Zhao Fuyi set out yet?”

Yan Sikong shook his head. “Reorganizing the army will take three to five days. After receiving the imperial decree, he has already entered the palace to meet the Emperor and request troops to be moved from Datong.”

“Now, Datong is no longer the Datong with the Feng family’s army. Fortunately, the Wala have not yet recovered; otherwise…”

After Feng Jianping’s death, Datong had undergone severe reductions, and its military strength was greatly diminished. Although they took the opportunity to recover the Hetao region, the area was frequently raided by roaming barbarians and never at peace, which had greatly exhausted Datong’s forces.

“However, the only troops that can be mobilized now are those in Datong. Other places are either too distant or have their own problems.”

She Zhun scoffed. “Indeed. Your little wolf king has taken city after city, striking terror into the defenders of Huguang. The Jiangnan region cannot spare any troops.”

“He won’t advance further,” Yan Sikong said.

“Oh? How do you know?”

“Though he appears unstoppable and invincible, his success is merely due to his speed. He took advantage of the momentum and caught the Sheng army off guard. Now the Sheng army has recovered and is mobilizing their forces. They have several times his number, with fortified cities and dangerous waters to defend. The Feng army is weak in both troops and supplies, and they are not skilled in water battles. Continuing the fight would lead to certain defeat.”

“So, what will he do?”

Yan Sikong narrowed his eyes. “From what I know of him, he will withdraw immediately and shift towards the northwest.”

She Zhun was puzzled. “Why?”

“What he wants is to gather troops and silver from Huguang and gain fame for his invincible record, thereby intimidating the court. Then, he will turn his focus to Hetao.”

“Hetao? That’s a border region between the Han and the barbarians, poor and chaotic.”

“That’s precisely what he wants. First, various bandits will join his rebellion. Second, he can lure the Datong troops who once followed the Feng family, or even capture Datong. Third, Hetao has horses—the best horses in the world.”

She Zhun was stunned. “…Is that true?”

Yan Sikong narrowed his eyes. “In commanding troops and waging war, he is a born general. Like a wolf, he can smell blood and see his enemies’ weaknesses.”

“Then, if you were to fight him?” She Zhun asked curiously.

Yan Sikong was taken aback and said, “I would win.”

“Why?”

“I understand him better than he understands me. This is ‘knowing the enemy.’ I understand myself better than he understands himself. This is ‘knowing oneself.’”

She Zhun fell silent.

Yan Sikong shook his head. “Enough about him. There are more important matters at hand. Have you prepared the things I asked for?”

“We’ve spent so much time; everything is ready at any moment,” She Zhun said coldly. “These crimes are enough to make Xie Zhongren die a thousand deaths.”

“But if that foolish ruler shows even a hint of reluctance or hesitation, this eunuch might manage to turn things around. So this time, we must risk everything and ensure his death.”

“Have you thought it through? Yan Zilian was defeated, Feng Jianping was defeated. If you also fail this time, there will be no more chances.”

“This is the last opportunity. If this eunuch escapes even after committing such grave crimes, then I will only be left watching him grow old, unable to shake him. I have been planning for this day for seventeen years,” Yan Sikong said grimly. “For this day, I have schemed for seventeen years.”

“I am only worried that this cunning eunuch will not just wait to die and will surely have other plans.”

Yan Sikong nodded. “So, I have not yet stirred the grass to startle the snake. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.”

Tomorrow, he planned to step on the already tainted Xie Zhongren once more, pushing the eunuch step by step to the edge of the cliff, until delivering the final blow!

Feng Ye, wait for me… (End of Chapter)