The Blood Crown - Chapter 183

Under Feng Ye’s instructions, Yan Sikong wrote a letter to Shen Hexuan. The letter mentioned that he had initially been placed under house arrest by Feng Ye in the rebel camp. However, after repeated persuasion, Feng Ye had finally considered defecting. Yet, he still had many concerns, so he decided to withdraw his troops thirty miles as a gesture of sincerity. He would then personally submit a memorial to the Emperor, outlining the terms of Feng Ye’s acceptance of amnesty. Yan Sikong asked Shen Hexuan to reassure the officials and generals of Qianzhou and to hold their positions for the time being.

The next morning, Feng Ye directed his troops to orderly gather their supplies, break camp, and retreat. The advance guard led the way, followed by the supplies, and Feng Ye took a strong rear guard position. Even though it was a planned retreat with almost no risk of pursuit, Feng Ye was meticulous and orderly, demonstrating the strict discipline of the Feng family army.

Thirty miles may not seem far, but it was a day’s march for a large army. The purpose of the retreat was to let Emperor Zhaowu perceive Feng Ye’s intentions and believe that Yan Sikong’s persuasion had worked. Feng Ye’s terms for amnesty would likely be exorbitant, which would give Yan Sikong the opportunity to maneuver between the court and the rebels and to rightfully engage with the Qianzhou officials and the Datong army.

When setting out, Feng Ye wanted to put both Yan Sikong and the wolf, Feng Hun, in the carriage. Yan Sikong asked, “Why hide Feng Hun?”

“It might scare the soldiers and alarm the horses,” Feng Ye replied.

“Let them be afraid. The Feng family’s warhorses should get used to wolves.” Yan Sikong said. “Since you carry the title ‘Wolf King,’ you need to instill fear and show that the title is not just for show. Feng Hun is the best proof.”

Feng Ye glanced at Feng Hun. “Very well.”

“Also, have someone make a set of light armor for Feng Hun,” Yan Sikong added.

Feng Ye narrowed his eyes. “Are you ordering me?”

Yan Sikong maintained a calm demeanor. “I wouldn’t dare.”

“Get in the carriage,” Feng Ye said gruffly.

Yan Sikong climbed into the carriage.

Feng Ye mounted his horse, Zui Hong, and said, “Feng Hun, follow me.”

Feng Hun shook its thick fur and followed. Zui Hong turned its head and neighed aggressively, while Feng Hun also turned its head, baring its fangs as if ready to fight.

Feng Ye lowered his voice. “No fighting!” He lightly spurred his horse and called out loudly, “Let’s move out!”

The army had already set out, but the large banner representing the “Wolf King” Feng Ye followed closely behind. It was the largest, highest, and most imposing flag in the army, with the roaring wolf’s mouth seemingly swallowing the heavens and the earth, making the Sheng army tremble with fear.

Yan Sikong pulled back the curtain of the carriage, looking at the blood-red banner fluttering in the wind. He was filled with mixed emotions.

Before dusk, the army arrived at the new camp. The soldiers promptly and efficiently set up new tents.

Feng Ye’s central tent had been prepared in advance. Yan Sikong rested there temporarily, waiting. Feng Hun remained with him. He stared at the map of Hetao for a long time, his thoughts swirling. He did not notice the footsteps approaching from behind.

However, Feng Hun had sensed the visitor early but did not show any signs of wariness.

Yan Sikong turned around and was surprised to see Yuan Nanyu.

Yuan Nanyu instinctively looked around. “Feng Ye doesn’t let me see you casually. I have something for you and will leave immediately.” He held a small cloth bag.

Seeing Yuan Nanyu, Yan Sikong couldn’t help but recall the confrontation with Yuan Shaoxu, feeling a mix of emotions. Nonetheless, he still wanted to see him, after all, he was his most indebted and beloved younger brother. “What is it?”

Yuan Nanyu walked over and patted Feng Hun’s head, smiling as if teasing a puppy. “Feng Hun was quite impressive leading the army today.”

Yan Sikong was taken aback. He didn’t expect Yuan Nanyu to be so familiar with Feng Hun. Feng Ye only allowed those closest to him to be close to Feng Hun…

He felt a twinge of discomfort but quickly dismissed it.

Yuan Nanyu handed the small cloth bag to Yan Sikong. “Hide it and don’t let Feng Ye see it.”

“What is this…?”

“Can’t you tell?”

Yan Sikong weighed the bag in his hand, feeling its round and full contents, which seemed familiar but he couldn’t quite place. He opened it and was stunned.

It was a bag of hazelnuts.

“These are hazelnuts from Liaodong. When my elder brother went to transport military rations, he bought some in Licheng. They’re quite expensive,” Yuan Nanyu explained.

Yan Sikong looked at Yuan Nanyu, his nose suddenly feeling a bit sour. “You… remember that I like hazelnuts?”

Yuan Nanyu was surprised. “I just thought, since it’s something from our hometown and you like them, it’s even better.”

“I do like them. When we were young, we would go up the mountain to gather them every autumn and compete to see who collected more.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t remember…” Yuan Nanyu’s voice was filled with a deep sense of loss. “Liaodong is far from our hometown. I don’t know if I’ll ever set foot there again in this lifetime. This small thing is just a bit of nostalgia.”

Yan Sikong forced a smile. “You haven’t changed much since we were young.”

“Really?” Yuan Nanyu wanted to ask something, but then remembered their childhood was not the best of memories. It was better left unsaid.

Yan Sikong tucked the hazelnuts into his bosom. “Yu… Que Wang, thank you.”

“No need for thanks. In this world, I have no relatives. Now, heaven has given me two brothers. Sikong, whatever happened in the past, I only hope that in the future we work together as brothers, assist the Wolf King, clear the Yuan family’s name, and serve the people. It’s worth it to live this life.”

Yan Sikong sighed inwardly. “Alright.”

“Then I’ll leave now.” Yuan Nanyu turned to go.

“Wait…” Yan Sikong called out, but immediately regretted it. He couldn’t stop himself from wanting to ask something but felt instinctively that he shouldn’t.

“What is it?”

Yan Sikong clenched his fists secretly. “Does Feng Ye… treat you well?”

Yuan Nanyu didn’t think much of it. “He regards me as a sworn brother, and I have vowed to follow him for life.”

“…That’s good to hear.” Yan Sikong lowered his gaze to hide the emotions in his eyes.

By nightfall, no one had come to take Yan Sikong to his own tent, but Feng Ye had returned.

Yan Sikong silently watched him, unsure of what Feng Ye intended to do next. As a young man in the prime of life, Feng Ye likely had a surplus of energy when not in battle and could tire him out throughout the night. Yan Sikong was truly apprehensive.

Feng Ye walked to the wooden stand, spread his arms, and ordered, “Come and help me remove my armor.”

Yan Sikong approached, first removing his sword, then systematically taking off his helmet, shoulder guards, breastplate, and abdominal armor, and finally crouching to remove the greaves. Feng Ye’s armor was custom-made, weighing seventy-two pounds, and with the weapons, the total weight exceeded a hundred pounds. The average soldier’s load was only half of that.

Yan Sikong hung the armor on the stand.

Feng Ye moved his limbs a bit and then hugged Yan Sikong from behind.

Yan Sikong stiffened, not daring to move.

Feng Ye whispered in his ear, “I’m tired today too. I won’t bother you.”

“I want to return to my own tent.”

“Of course, you should go back. Although I’m a rebel and a commoner, I have strict discipline. There are no women in the army, and as the commander, I must set an example. It’s inappropriate for me to keep you in the central tent for my own amusement.”

Yan Sikong was immediately enraged. He gritted his teeth and said coldly, “Are you comparing me to a camp prostitute?”

Feng Ye sneered, “To me now, you’re just a male concubine. In my camp, don’t think of yourself as an inspector or a prince consort.”

Yan Sikong’s anger turned to a bitter smile. “Can your satisfaction really come from humiliating me in every possible way? Feng Ye, you’re only humiliating yourself.”

Feng Ye chuckled softly. “It’s fine. I’m no longer the young master who was arrogant and proud. I’ve become much thicker-skinned, thanks to the humiliation you gave me back then.”

Yan Sikong clenched his fists. “If that’s the case, then let go of me.”

“Stay and attend to me for dinner,” Feng Ye said, lowering his head to bury his nose in Yan Sikong’s neck and discreetly sniffing, then biting the pale, slender neck.

Yan Sikong flinched from the pain. Feng Ye let out a series of low laughs, holding his slim waist even tighter, treating him like a plaything. This casual attitude deeply distressed Yan Sikong.

Feng Ye’s personal attendant soon brought in the dinner. Feng Ye ordered, “Take Feng Hun to eat.”

After Feng Hun was led away by the attendant, only the two of them were left in the tent. Yan Sikong felt the air becoming thick and oppressive. He picked up his chopsticks but found the food tasteless.

Feng Ye placed some meat into Yan Sikong’s bowl. “Eat more. I don’t like you being too thin.”

Yan Sikong ate a few bites silently, appearing somewhat reluctant.

“Do you want me to feed you?” Feng Ye ordered. “Eat.”

Yan Sikong had no choice but to lift the bowl and eat heartily. His mind was already full, and being near Feng Ye every moment was torture. The goals he had once held with determination now occasionally made him consider retreating, simply because he couldn’t imagine continuing to endure this mutual torment with Feng Ye.

After dinner, Feng Ye put down his chopsticks and watched Yan Sikong finish his meal before saying, “Once we get a reply from Qianzhou, you can return to Qianzhou.”

Yan Sikong’s eyes lit up.

But Feng Ye’s expression changed abruptly. “What, are you eager to leave me?”

Yan Sikong frowned. “Am I supposed to stay here indefinitely?”

Feng Ye clenched his fists. “You’re to return to Qianzhou only to persuade them and help me take Hetao. If you dare to play tricks… don’t forget you still have brothers in my army.”

Yan Sikong’s eyes widened in shock. “You’re threatening me with them?”

“Make use of what’s at hand. Learned that from you,” Feng Ye said dismissively.

“I’ve said before, our goals are the same. As you said, I’m not helping you but doing it for myself,” Yan Sikong said coldly. “If I were to escape, I wouldn’t have come to humiliate myself in the first place.”

“Humiliate yourself…” Feng Ye sneered, “Well said. So you know you owe me.”

“I’ve already repaid my debt to you,” Yan Sikong stared fearlessly into Feng Ye’s eyes. “In my heart, we’re even.”

“Even?” Feng Ye’s face showed a sinister expression. “Don’t even think about it. You will repay me when I say so.”

Yan Sikong didn’t want to waste any more words and stood up to leave.

Feng Ye grabbed his wrist. “Yan Sikong.”

Yan Sikong’s heart trembled. He wanted to curse Feng Ye and not be called Yan Sikong, but he found it difficult to speak.

Feng Ye’s grip on Yan Sikong’s wrist was painfully tight, but he seemed unaware. He gritted his teeth and asked, “Have you thought about me all these years?”

Yan Sikong took a deep breath, his heart throbbing with sharp pain. His lips trembled. After a long while, he whispered, “No.”

Not a single day did he not think of him.

Feng Ye’s face showed a hidden anguish but quickly masked it. He released Yan Sikong’s hand. “I knew it… Get out.”

Yan Sikong quickly left the central tent.

Feng Ye looked at the leftover food on the table, silent for a moment before suddenly kicking over the low table and letting out a beast-like growl from his throat.