The Blood Crown - Chapter 169

After bidding farewell to Zhao Fuyi, Yan Sikong hurried to the Lingwu Mountain Villa. Instead of going up the mountain, he headed straight to the stables at the foot of the mountain.

The stable staff, who had all benefited from his favor, treated him with utmost respect.

Yan Sikong tossed a bag of silver to them as usual and walked to the deepest part of the stable. The stable was large and clean, built with high-quality timber, and its new vermilion paint still looked bright in the darkness.

As he entered the stable, a tall, fiery-red steed was drinking water with its back turned to him.

“Zui Hong,” Yan Sikong called softly.

That was the legendary steed Feng Ye had won from Emperor Zhao Wu during the spring hunt—Zui Hong.

When Feng Ye was stationed at the Jing Mountain camp, he kept Zui Hong at Lingwu Mountain Villa to avoid affecting the warhorses. When he escaped, it was impossible for him to ride such a conspicuous steed, so for the past three years, Yan Sikong had been taking care of it.

Yan Sikong had also searched the mountain for Feng Hun but could not find any trace of the giant wolf, which had likely left with Feng Ye. Thus, Zui Hong had become the only thing left from Feng Ye for him.

Zui Hong’s ears twitched, indicating it had heard the sound but did not react.

Yan Sikong walked over and stroked its powerful back. The long, undulating muscles were like lofty mountain ranges, filled with awe-inspiring strength.

Zui Hong snorted impatiently and stomped its front hooves irritably.

Yan Sikong traced his fingers along its rough and thick mane. “Are you upset?”

Apart from Feng Ye and himself, Zui Hong did not allow anyone else to ride it. He had been too busy recently and had not visited it for over a month. It hadn’t had a good run in a long time and was likely frustrated.

Such a little temper. 

The wolf Feng Ye raised was like him, and the horse Feng Ye raised was also like him. Yan Sikong couldn’t help but find it amusing, but as he recalled the days when he named Zui Hong, his smile slowly faded.

At that time, Feng Ye was young and vigorous, with grand ambitions and a vision of vast landscapes, as if there was endless time to pursue his ideals, as if he could pluck the stars and the moon and cut through thorns without limits.

Seven years had passed, and everything had changed.

Who doesn’t wish to remain young all their life?

Yan Sikong gently rested his forehead against Zui Hong’s body, closing his eyes. The powerful heartbeat resonated through his skin, causing a slight tremor. It was so vivid.

He untied the reins, mounted the horse, and rode Zui Hong out of the stable, galloping freely across the vast grasslands.

He couldn’t forget the first time he rode Zui Hong. The speed had made his face turn pale, but as long as he pressed his back against the warm, broad chest, he immediately felt at ease.

Now, the howling wind cut through his body like knives, and he had nothing behind him.

He always gained and then lost brutally, ending up with nothing.

Returning home, Yan Sikong felt somewhat unsteady. Zui Hong was not an ordinary horse to ride; every time he took it out, it felt like he was losing half his life.

It was late at night, and though exhausted, he still had important matters to attend to. He walked to the courtyard he had not entered for three years and knocked on the door he had never touched.

Wanyang’s vague voice came from inside: “Who is it?”

“It’s me.”

There was silence inside. After a moment, the candlelight flickered on, and Wanyang opened the door. She was wrapped in an outer garment, her long hair falling loosely over her shoulders. Without makeup, she looked naturally beautiful and radiant. Her eyes were shining with obvious nervousness: “What do you want?”

Yan Sikong cupped his hands and bowed: “I have a request to make of Your Highness.”

Wanyang hesitated for a moment: “Come in.”

Once inside, Yan Sikong closed the door. Wanyang stepped back a few paces, gripping the edge of the table with both hands and glaring at Yan Sikong with suspicion: “What do you want?”

“Rest assured, Your Highness, I do not dare to be disrespectful.” Yan Sikong spoke directly, “Do you want to save Feng Ye?”

Wanyang was taken aback: “What… what did you say?”

“If Your Highness wants to save Feng Ye, then help me with a favor.”

“Be specific.”

“Although the Emperor is concerned about Feng Ye, he is even more troubled by Zhuo Letai. Therefore, most of the military force is now focused on Liaodong, while General Liu Anping has assembled a large army to quell the rebellion in Huguang.”

Wanyang listened quietly, waiting for him to continue.

“Although General Liu Anping’s forces are not as strong as those in Liaodong, he has strong fortifications, treacherous waters, and ample supplies. Previously, Feng Ye’s victories were due to his opponents’ lack of naval combat experience. He has no proper warships to compete with General Liu’s navy. Therefore, I suspect he will move to Heshuo,” Yan Sikong shared his speculation with Wanyang.

Wanyang thought for a moment: “What you say makes sense, but if that’s the case, Father will be even more wary of him. How do you plan to… save him?”

“I intend to ask the Emperor for permission to personally lead troops to quell the rebellion.”

Wanyang’s eyes widened: “You? Are you crazy? My cousin, who has been leading troops since he was fourteen and is renowned as a born general, and you, a scholar—what can you do?”

“A good strategist wins without fighting. I’m not going to fight him; I plan to persuade him to surrender.”

Wanyang furrowed her brows: “Persuade him to surrender? You and my cousin are at odds. How can you persuade him?”

“I used to be on good terms with him. No one knows him better than I do. I have his beloved steed, and… you.”

“… Me? What do you want from me?”

“I want Your Highness to…” Yan Sikong paused, “pretend to be pregnant.”

Wanyang’s face changed dramatically, and she pointed at Yan Sikong, her voice trembling: “You…”

“Firstly, His Majesty will trust me more. Secondly, Feng Ye, considering this, will at least not kill me on sight. Thirdly, Your Highness won’t have to face His Majesty and the Virtuous Concubine’s criticisms any longer.”

Wanyang gritted her teeth: “You have such audacity. You dare to fake royal blood? If this is exposed, you won’t be able to escape the consequences!”

“This child will bear the Yan surname, not Chen. It won’t involve any property from the Chen family. Besides, as long as His Majesty cooperates, it can be perfectly concealed.” Yan Sikong’s true concern was that if the eunuch faction’s schemes were exposed, his own culpability would be undeniable. Even if Emperor Zhao Wu wanted to let him off, it would be hard to convince others. However, if Wanyang were to “be pregnant,” it would add an extra layer of security. But he couldn’t tell Wanyang this now, or she might sabotage his plans.

“Perfectly concealed? Where will you get a child from?”

“That’s something Your Highness need not worry about. When the time comes, I will arrange for a baby to be brought to you. If you like, keep it by your side. If not, the Yan family won’t be at a loss.”

Wanyang lowered her head, biting her lip, clearly struggling internally.

“Your Highness, this may be the only chance to save Feng Ye.”

“Even though you explain well, you are too cunning. I don’t know what you’re really up to. I still feel…” Wanyang narrowed her eyes, “that you are hiding something from me. You’ve been coming and going at odd hours. What exactly are you busy with?”

Yan Sikong forced a smile: “I start attending court before dawn and deal with official duties late into the night. It would be strange if I didn’t work long hours.”

“If you… really manage to see my cousin, how confident are you about persuading him to surrender?”

“Only thirty percent.”

“Only thirty percent?”

Yan Sikong sighed: “Feng Ye is a man of great resolve. He harbors deep-seated grudges and will not easily give up. However, since Xie Zhongren is already in prison, as long as everything is pinned on the eunuch faction and Feng Ye’s revenge is satisfied, there might still be hope.”

Wanyang sneered: “I see through it now. As soon as Xie Zhongren is imprisoned, you’re ready to change your tune. Yan Sikong, you really are a…” Insulting words lingered on her lips, but she hesitated to utter them.

Yan Sikong said with neither humility nor arrogance: “Your Highness is right. In that case, I will work harder to quell the Wolf King’s rebellion. Once the eunuch faction falls, I won’t end up as a sacrificial pawn.”

Wanyang angrily retorted: “Do as you wish! But if this plan fails, I won’t plead for you.”

Yan Sikong bowed deeply: “Thank you, Your Highness.”

On the third day after Xie Zhongren was imprisoned, Zhao Fuyi, together with senior officials like Meng Duo, presented a petition at the morning court, accusing Xie Zhongren of multiple crimes. They claimed that the current situation in Liaodong was entirely due to Xie Zhongren and Han Zhaoxing, and also brought up that Han Zhaoxing’s predecessor was forced out of office by the two and that they had framed Yuan Mao of Guangning for stealing military achievements. However, these two matters were too old to be verified and were insignificant compared to the many accusations against them.

The impeachment came fiercely and aggressively, but the eunuch faction had been prepared. With Xie Zhongren already in prison, the eunuch faction was now fighting desperately for survival. Meng Duo and others clung to their accusations.

The news of Princess Wanyang being three months pregnant was like a pebble thrown into a stormy sea, barely causing any ripples. But this crucial move had already been quietly set in motion by Yan Sikong.

As the two factions fought bitterly, Zhao Fuyi officially set off to take up his post as the Governor of Liaodong to defend the turbulent Sheng Dynasty from the northern barbarians. Soon after, news came that Feng Ye, as Yan Sikong had predicted, gave up the prosperous Jiangnan and, after his impressive record of seven victories, directed his forces towards the northwest.

Meanwhile, the exhausted Zhao Wu Emperor became increasingly dependent on Yan Sikong. Concerning Xie Zhongren’s case, he consulted Yan Sikong multiple times. Yan Sikong first had Xie Zhongren write a letter in prison, advising Han Zhaoxing to act as an informant for Zhao Fuyi to earn merits and atone for his crimes.

The letter had little chance of being effective. Emperor Zhao Wu, moved by Xie Zhongren’s long service and old age, wished to give him a chance to live.

Yan Sikong knew what the outcome would be once the letter reached Zhao Fuyi and understood that Emperor Zhao Wu, facing the anger of his officials daily, would soon give in. Each time he discussed matters with the Emperor, he subtly pressed closer to his goal, waiting for the Emperor to grow weary and for his sympathy towards Xie Zhongren to be completely eroded.

One day, Emperor Zhao Wu said: “I’m tired. The court is so chaotic, yet it’s still my court? If this continues, I won’t even need the barbarians to plot against my dynasty…”

Yan Sikong knew the time had come. He knelt on the ground and sincerely said: “I am willing to relieve Your Majesty’s burdens.”

“How will you relieve them?” Emperor Zhao Wu asked wearily.

Yan Sikong did not speak. In the place where Emperor Zhao Wu could not see, his face was covered with a sinister expression.

Scheming and taking any measures were all for this day.