The Blood Crown - Chapter 182

Wu Liuqi came to inform Yan Sikong that Feng Ye had summoned him to meet General Yuan. As he spoke, he dared not raise his head, his legs shaking uncontrollably, and his dark, shiny eyes occasionally glancing at Feng Ye’s wolf, who was lying by Yan Sikong’s feet.

Feng Ye’s wolf also stared at him with its one eye.

Yan Sikong stood up, his chest surging with emotions. He was finally about to meet Yuan Shaoxu.

The wolf used its paw to hook onto Yan Sikong’s leg. Yan Sikong patted its head and said, “Hun’er, I’ll be back soon. Stay here and don’t go anywhere.”

Upon hearing this, the wolf withdrew its paw.

Yan Sikong followed Wu Liuqi out of the tent, giving instructions as he walked, “Don’t let anyone enter my tent without permission, understood?”

Wu Liuqi awkwardly responded, “Rest assured, Lord. Who would dare enter without the Wolf King’s orders?”

Having been in the rebel camp for a few days, Yan Sikong was seeing the inside of the camp for the first time. He took the opportunity to observe but found it difficult to assess the situation from just a few steps.

Wu Liuqi brought him to the front of Yuan Shaoxu’s tent and said, “My lord, please.”

Yan Sikong took a deep breath, his gaze calm and cold. He straightened his back and walked in confidently.

As soon as he entered the tent, Yan Sikong saw Feng Ye seated in the main position, with the Yuan brothers standing on either side. When a familiar yet unfamiliar face appeared before him, he was momentarily stunned.

Yuan Shaoxu…

The last time they met, Yuan Shaoxu was a handsome young man of seventeen or eighteen. After seventeen years, he was now nearly the same age as Yuan Mao back then. Among the Yuan family’s descendants, Yuan Shaoxu and Yuan Mao looked the most alike. Now, the lines on his face showed the marks of time, and his armor added a touch of heroism.

If Yan Sikong didn’t know Yuan Shaoxu’s true nature, his dignified appearance and impressive demeanor could easily deceive anyone at first glance.

Looking at that face, Yan Sikong couldn’t help but remember Yuan Mao, and his heart ached.

Yuan Shaoxu stepped forward and exclaimed excitedly, “Nanyu!”

Before Yan Sikong could react, Yuan Shaoxu had already grabbed his shoulders. “Nanyu, I didn’t expect us to meet again!”

Yan Sikong stared blankly at Yuan Shaoxu, feeling a surge of disgust. How could Yuan Shaoxu have the audacity to use a face so similar to Yuan Mao’s for such despicable acts? Even someone as scheming as him felt ashamed.

Yuan Shaoxu said with heartfelt pain, “You disappeared without a word back then, and we’ve heard nothing for seventeen years. We all thought you were… gone. Who would have thought you’re still alive? Mother and elder sister will be so happy when they find out.”

Yan Sikong looked at Yuan Shaoxu without blinking and said calmly, “Elder Brother, I’m Sikong, not Nanyu. Can you not even recognize your own brother?”

Yuan Shaoxu feigned surprise and glanced at Yuan Nanyu. “Nanyu, what do you mean by this?”

“What do you mean, Elder Brother?”

“Nanyu…” Yuan Shaoxu said with a heartbroken tone, “You’re still pretending to be Sikong? Back then, our Yuan family was shattered, and the three of us were separated. Now that we’ve finally reunited, Sikong said he wouldn’t blame you. Why must you be this way?”

“I also want to ask Elder Brother why you must act this way,” Yan Sikong said, removing Yuan Shaoxu’s hand from his shoulder. He looked at Yuan Nanyu and then at Feng Ye. “Now that Yu’er has amnesia, and the Wolf King doesn’t know the truth, everything depends on your word alone. Sikong or Nanyu is just a name. What I’m called doesn’t matter, but I can’t be wronged.”

“You…” Yuan Shaoxu shook his head in disappointment. “We are brothers. Why would I wrong you? Back then, you were to be exiled for offending the court. You begged Sikong to take the blame for you, and since outsiders couldn’t tell you apart, I… I selfishly didn’t stop it because you’re my brother…” He said with regret, “I’ve felt uneasy for years. Only when I see Sikong and know that you’re all alive can I finally sleep peacefully.”

Que Wang lowered his head, his hands clenched behind his back, while Feng Ye looked at Yan Sikong coldly, his chin slightly raised.

Yan Sikong sneered, “Elder Brother, I really didn’t realize you could act so well. I understand why you lie, but this lie is too easy to expose. Elder Sister and Mother know the truth. Although many old acquaintances from Guangning are gone, the events of the past cannot be completely erased. Who was known as a child prodigy? Who was a martial arts enthusiast from a young age? The Liang General Liang Huiyong, who is now fighting the Jin people in Guangning, was the one who took me away from the execution ground. He knows who the person who offended the court really is.” He looked at Feng Ye. “Wolf King, are you willing to send a letter to General Liang to clarify this matter?”

Feng Ye said, “Sure.”

Yuan Shaoxu’s gaze flickered. He said solemnly, “Nanyu, after seventeen years, why have you become… They all say you’re cunning and deceitful, full of lies. I, as your brother, am unwilling to believe it. But you… Why are you so intent on abandoning your ancestors? If Father could see us now, with us brothers doubting each other, how heartbroken he would be!”

Yuan Shaoxu’s expression was solemn, his righteous words and stern face strongly resembling Yuan Mao from back then. Yan Sikong’s heart trembled, and he took a step back. Yuan Shaoxu’s face overlapped with Yuan Mao’s in a moment of confusion, and he seemed to see Yuan Mao reproaching them for their discord, which filled him with an indescribable guilt.

Yuan Shaoxu saw this tactic was working and stepped closer, speaking softly, “Have you forgotten how Father taught us? Is this how you repay Father’s kindness?”

Yan Nanyu, who had been silent, approached and said softly, “Lord Yan, since you don’t care about the name, why not let bygones be bygones and not bring it up again? I’ve said I don’t hold a grudge against you. If you want to be Sikong, then you are Sikong. I am Que Wang and only remember myself as Que Wang. Elder Brother is always Elder Brother. What’s most important is that we are reunited. As brothers, we should work together to restore our family’s honor and avenge the Yuan family. Only then will Father’s spirit rest in peace.”

Yan Sikong stared at the Yuan brothers, feeling a lump of suppressed emotions in his chest that made it hard to breathe. His lips trembled, and his fists clenched tightly, making a creaking sound.

Yuan Shaoxu was more astute than he had imagined. He knew where Yan Sikong’s weakness lay. The unrepayable kindness of the Yuan family was something he could never let go of. Now, with the Yuan brothers hinting at his ingratitude towards Yuan Mao, it felt like a punch to the chest, striking hard and accurately.

But… to let it go?

Without Feng Ye, perhaps he could have let it go. He could have ignored his own identity. However, Feng Ye’s attitude towards him was a different story. His heart ached, and he glanced at the expressionless Feng Ye, his mouth curling into a mocking smile.

Feng Ye, you don’t care, do you…

Why does he still stubbornly seek to clear his name? Even if he proves that he is indeed Yan Sikong, will it erase the barriers between him and Feng Ye? He has deceived and manipulated Feng Ye, and married Feng Ye’s cousin. Feng Ye also holds resentment. Can all those harsh accusations and merciless humiliations be forgotten as if they never happened?

Why bother with this fruitless effort? Perhaps as Yuan Nanyu said, letting it go, uniting as brothers, would be for the best.

He felt a deep despair, but a mocking smile escaped his lips. He laughed quietly, “Very well. I, Yan Sikong, have lived for thirty years, fighting against the most treacherous officials in this world, yet I cannot prove my identity. Fine…” He took a deep breath, his smile forlorn, “Let’s just let it go.”

With that, he no longer looked at anyone in the tent and turned to leave.

He knew well that whether it was a letter to Yuan Weiling or Liang Huiyong, it would either never be sent or never be received. Yuan Shaoxu, who had been in the military since the age of sixteen and now served as a vice general among the rebels, would have the ability to manage such matters.

He was exhausted, thoroughly exhausted.

Returning to his own tent, Feng Ye’s wolf was still lying in place. When it heard the noise, it opened its eyes and looked at him.

Yan Sikong walked to the wolf’s side and collapsed onto it, feeling weak and powerless.

He really wanted to tear off Yuan Shaoxu’s face and prevent him from using a face so similar to Yuan Mao’s to say things that stirred his anger.

But after all, Yuan Shaoxu was Yuan Mao’s son. For Yuan Mao’s sake, what else could he do?

The wolf seemed to sense Yan Sikong’s emotions and nudged him with its head.

Yan Sikong turned around, stroking the wolf’s face, and said softly, “Hun’er, can you remember a person’s scent for a lifetime?”

The wolf’s greenish-white eyes stared unwaveringly at Yan Sikong.

“Even with just one eye, you still recognize me,” Yan Sikong said with a bitter smile. “He doesn’t even measure up to you.”

The usually arrogant and aloof wolf suddenly extended its tongue and licked Yan Sikong’s face.

Yan Sikong was taken aback. “This is the first time you’ve licked me.” In the past, even a bump from the wolf felt like a great favor.

The wolf made a soft sound.

Yan Sikong lay on the wolf, showing a gentle smile. “Well, at least you recognize me. Whether I am Yan Sikong or not, whether I am good or bad, loyal or treacherous, it doesn’t make much difference to you.” His heart ached, and he murmured, “Perhaps, you are the one who understands me the most in this world.”

When Feng Ye entered the tent, he saw Yan Sikong lying on the wolf’s back in a lonely posture. His heart tightened, and his expression shifted slightly, but he quickly concealed it.

Yan Sikong did not turn around. The only person who could enter his tent freely without causing a reaction from the wolf was Feng Ye.

Feng Ye approached, crouched down, and commanded, “Turn around.”

Yan Sikong paused for a moment before slowly turning around, looking at Feng Ye with indifference.

“Do you have anything to say?”

“No words,” Yan Sikong’s expression was icy. “You see me as whoever you want, I am who I am. What matters now is that I am the inspector of Qianzhou, the current prince consort. If you want the Datong army, you need to rely on me.”

Feng Ye sneered, “Yes, that’s more like you. In your eyes, everything, including family and kin, is just a pawn. Now, if you want to compete on the chessboard, you need to use my troops.”

“Correct. I have the king, you have the pawns.” Yan Sikong gazed deeply into Feng Ye’s eyes. “Prince Chu is the legitimate heir, the future emperor. I will help you take the Hetao, induce the Datong army to surrender, and help you hunt in the Central Plains. In return, you will support Prince Chu to the throne, and we will share the world.”

Feng Ye’s lips curled slightly. “It’s a deal.”

A chill ran through Yan Sikong’s heart. He could not trust Feng Ye’s promise. He no longer dared to boast about understanding Feng Ye, as both were now wary of each other. Once closely bonded, they now seemed to be separated by a deep chasm, even when so close.

Feng Ye moved closer. “Do you know why I had Hun’er guard you?”

Yan Sikong squinted. “It doesn’t talk.”

“Exactly, only Hun’er cannot be deceived by your sweet words,” Feng Ye sneered. “Otherwise, with your cunning, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Feng family army had a new surname by the time I woke up.”

Yan Sikong retorted, “The famed Wolf King is afraid of a mere scholar. Can you really command an army like this?”

“Afraid of you?” Feng Ye gently stroked Yan Sikong’s hair. “I have been through purgatory, seen ghosts, felt my father’s warmth fading in my arms. There is nothing in this world that can make me, Feng Ye, afraid.”

Yan Sikong shuddered.

Feng Ye lowered his head and kissed Yan Sikong’s lips. “Since the day I was wrongfully imprisoned, every suffering and hardship I’ve endured, I intend to make you pay it all back, one by one.”

Yan Sikong tried to escape, but Feng Ye grabbed him, pulling him into his embrace and kissing his soft lips forcefully.

Their lips and teeth intertwined intimately, but they stared at each other fiercely, as if trying to bore a hole through each other’s faces.

Yan Sikong suddenly kicked the wolf hard. The wolf, disgruntled, jumped up, and the two of them rolled aside.

Only then did Yan Sikong manage to free himself. He got up, warily watching Feng Ye.

Feng Ye looked at Yan Sikong with a mocking gaze, as if looking at prey. “Between us, who is really afraid of whom?”

“Feng Ye, you underestimate me.” Yan Sikong sneered. “You’ve been through purgatory; I’ve walked through the underworld. You’ve seen ghosts; I’ve encountered demons. To reach today, I, Yan Sikong, don’t know how many times I’ve faced death. There is nothing in this world that I fear.”

“Very well.” Feng Ye raised an eyebrow. “And such a fearless person like you, yet you must obey me. Truly, heaven helps the Feng family.”

Yan Sikong pursed his lips and remained silent.

Feng Ye extended his hand. “Come here.”

Yan Sikong’s face darkened.

“Come here.” Feng Ye’s commanding presence was overwhelming. “Do you think you can win this game with just a lone king?”

“Without the king, your army lacks legitimacy.”

“Last chance. Come here.” Feng Ye narrowed his sharp wolf eyes, which gleamed with dangerous and authoritative light.

Yan Sikong exhaled softly and walked over slowly.

Feng Ye grabbed him and pressed him down, looking down from above. “Your usefulness also includes—pleasing me. As you wish, don’t waste this fine appearance.”

Yan Sikong gave a cold smile, his eyes devoid of warmth as he looked at Feng Ye. (End of Chapter)