The Blood Crown - Chapter 186

When Yan Sikong returned to Qianzhou, Xu Yong warmly welcomed him, praising him for his efforts and the hardships he had endured. He commended Yan Sikong for his success in persuading Feng Ye to accept the imperial decree, but he made no mention of the rumors regarding Yan Sikong and Feng Ye. After all, rumors were just that—rumors, not to be taken lightly. Besides, even if they were true, few people would dare to confront Yan Sikong about them like Shen Hexuan did.

During the banquet, they discussed the conditions Feng Ye had set for accepting the amnesty. Yan Sikong repeatedly shook his head, saying that Feng Ye’s demands were excessive and that it would be difficult to reach an agreement. He advised Wu Mang to strengthen the city’s defenses and remain vigilant.

Feng Ye’s conditions indeed angered many. They had initially thought that his voluntary withdrawal indicated a willingness to negotiate, but now it was clear they could not let their guard down.

Yan Sikong sighed, “Whether we will have peace or war is uncertain. Although the court wishes for amnesty, if Feng Ye remains obstinate, we will not fear him. We must be prepared to fight. However, given Qianzhou’s current military strength and city defenses, I’m afraid…”

Xu Yong voiced his concern, “Qianzhou’s seven counties, combined with the ten thousand troops transferred from Datong Prefecture, amount to a total force of only thirty thousand men. Nearly half of them are scattered across other cities. Although Qianzhou has natural barriers and we hold the advantage in defense, if Feng Ye captures Mao Ren, our supply line will be cut off. Even if Feng Ye fails to take the city, Qianzhou’s provisions will only last a year.”

Wu Mang added, “Feng Ye can’t afford to sustain a siege for a year. If we hold the city, we can wear him down.”

Yu Shenglang spoke in a low voice, “That is, if we can hold the city…”

Wu Mang snorted, “General Yu, coming from Datong, have you perhaps heard too many tales of the Feng family army and scared yourself?”

Yu Shenglang frowned, “I’ve indeed heard many stories about the Feng family army. Their bravery and invincibility are well-known across the land. Is it wrong for me to be cautious? It’s better to be wary than to underestimate the enemy.”

“This isn’t caution; it’s fear.”

“Please, both of you, don’t argue,” Xu Yong interjected to smooth things over. “You both make valid points, but let’s hear what the Imperial Censor has to say.”

Everyone turned their attention to Yan Sikong.

Yan Sikong’s face was full of worry. “To be honest, I once fought alongside Feng Ye in Jingzhou. At first, I didn’t believe the rumors about him donning armor at eleven and leading troops at fourteen, but the battle in Jingzhou was truly astonishing. This young man is not only valiant but also a fierce and unpredictable strategist. He has studied the art of war extensively but does not adhere to conventions. He’s willing to take extreme risks. I observed his camp for many days; his discipline is strict, and the morale is high. After his setback in Mao Ren, he’s determined to win the next battle. Given the current situation, if a fight breaks out, I believe Mao Ren cannot be held.”

The officials and generals fell silent.

Feng Xiang said, “Master Yan, regardless of whether the amnesty succeeds, you can at least delay him until winter. The extreme cold in the northwest might force him to retreat early.”

Yan Sikong gravely replied, “I’ve already written to the emperor about this. On one hand, if His Majesty can restore the Feng family’s honor or allow Feng Ye to deal with Xie Zhongren, this matter may have a chance of being resolved. On the other hand, as you suggested, we can delay Feng Ye’s battle plans. However, Feng Ye is surely aware that winter is approaching, and I fear he may act rashly out of desperation.”

“In that case, Mao Ren is in grave danger,” Xu Yong’s face turned pale. “Do you have any strategies to secure Mao Ren? If Mao Ren falls, Qianzhou’s food supplies will be cut off.”

Yan Sikong pondered for a moment before looking at Yu Shenglang. “I believe that to resolve Qianzhou’s crisis, we must transfer troops from Datong.”

Everyone turned to Yu Shenglang.

Yu Shenglang was taken aback but soon smiled bitterly. “Since the defeat of the Oirats, many Mongol tribes that were previously united or suppressed have declared independence and frequently harass the border. Although they are not a major threat, they wage guerrilla warfare, and with our limited troops, we can’t catch them. The people living on the border are suffering greatly. Datong is no longer what it used to be. Even transferring ten thousand troops was a challenge.”

“I’ve also petitioned the emperor to increase the number of troops in Datong, but since Datong and Qianzhou are adjacent, if Qianzhou falls, Datong’s supply line will also be threatened. It’s a matter of mutual survival.”

Yu Shenglang sighed, “I understand that, but General Xue… he has his difficulties.”

Xue Ronggui, the current commander of Datong, had been in charge for three years without significant achievements. His inability to completely eliminate the Mongol invaders wasn’t due to incompetence but rather a lack of resources. Over the past three years, the court had attempted to negotiate peace with the Mongols, but the collapse of the Oirats, the largest Mongol tribe, led to internal divisions among the Mongol factions. As a result, peace talks with one group often led to new attacks from another, creating an endless cycle of violence.

Had Feng Jianping still been around, he would have pursued his strategy from years ago: pressing the advantage to crush the scattered Mongol tribes, establishing a stronger defensive line in Datong, and supporting a new, pro-Sheng Mongol leader to unify the tribes, reopen trade markets, and foster peace between the Han and Mongols. That would have been a complete solution.

Unfortunately, Feng Jianping had taken his grand ambitions and the last hope for peace on the northwestern border with him to the grave, dying unjustly in the imperial prison.

Yan Sikong knew that to mobilize the Datong army, peace needed to be restored on the Datong border. Otherwise, if they were drawn into the struggle for the central plains while the barbarians took advantage of the chaos to invade, it would be a total disaster. He said, “I intend to visit General Xue.”

“But…”

“It’s only a two or three-day journey to Datong by fast horse. Only by presenting the situation in Datong directly to the emperor will he take it seriously. I’ll request that His Majesty send another envoy to Mongolia. Since the Oirats split, the Chahar tribe has become the most powerful. If we support the Chahar tribe in unifying the other tribes and reopen the horse market to them, we can at least put an end to the harassment by these scattered soldiers.”

Xu Yong remarked, “But a few years ago, there was a lot of debate among the court ministers about whether to reopen the horse market, and it ended without any resolution.”

“That was during the time of the eunuchs’ dominance, but things are different now. I’ll write letters to General Zhao and the Minister of Justice, urging them to jointly petition the emperor.” Yan Sikong narrowed his eyes. “The court’s reluctance to reopen the horse market stems from fear of nurturing a future threat, but now it’s clear to all of us that while Chahar is not yet a significant threat, the two sharp blades of Zholtai and Feng Ye are already poised at our throats.”

“Master Yan speaks the truth,” Wu Mang agreed, slapping his thigh. “We’ve long discussed that reopening the horse market would revitalize the Hetao region. If our Da Sheng becomes stronger, even if Chahar gradually grows, they won’t dare to invade easily. On the other hand, endless raids on the border are impossible to eradicate, and leaving the fertile lands of Hetao uncultivated is no long-term solution.”

Yu Shenglang also agreed, saying, “General Xue has the same intention, but several times when he submitted a petition, the court did not approve it. If Lord Yan can make this happen, it would truly be a blessing for the military and civilians in the Northwest.”

“In that case, I’ll trouble you, General Yu, to accompany me to Datong and introduce me to General Xue.”

“Very well, there’s no time to lose; we’ll depart tomorrow!”

Yan Sikong calmly smiled, his eyes gleaming with sharpness.

Before setting off, Yan Sikong made sure to take care of all the officials and officers in Qianzhou. Qianzhou, being a poor and remote region, couldn’t compare to the wealthier areas, where there was much more to be gained. Yan Sikong’s gesture made these people even more convinced of his capabilities.

On the way to Datong, Yan Sikong privately and generously bribed Yu Shenglang. Yu Shenglang, a native of Datong, had always been nostalgic for the Feng Family Army. However, now that the Feng Family Army had been labeled as rebels, he didn’t dare to express these thoughts openly.

Having accepted Yan Sikong’s silver, Yu Shenglang naturally held nothing back. He revealed to Yan Sikong the positions, both public and hidden, of all the officials and officers in Datong. Yan Sikong immediately had a clear understanding. As long as he could secure Xue Ronggui, and then adequately reward the soldiers under him, the Datong army could anytime revert to being the Feng Family Army. After all, the court frequently delayed paying salaries. Which of the old Datong soldiers wouldn’t miss the glory and might of Datong under Feng Jianping?

As for Xue Ronggui, he was originally recommended by Xie Zhongren. Now that the eunuch faction had fallen, if Xue knew what was best for him, he could be drawn in; if not, he would be eliminated—swiftly and cleanly.

Yan Sikong, escorted by the 800 men he had brought from the capital, arrived in Datong together with Yu Shenglang.

The situation in Datong was exactly as Yu Shenglang had described. The city still occupied the strong defensive lines established by their predecessors but lacked the capability to eliminate the Mongol guerrilla forces. The soldiers’ morale had plummeted. Today’s Datong could never withstand the Oirat of yesteryears. They were barely holding on because the Chahar forces were still weak.

Xue Ronggui personally came to greet Yan Sikong and prepared a banquet for him. However, compared to the enthusiasm and flattery of people like Xu Yong, Xue appeared much more reserved and cold. After all, although he wasn’t part of the eunuch faction, he had indeed been recommended by Xie Zhongren, and he feared Yan Sikong might find some pretext to impeach him.

Yan Sikong was modest and gentle, never mentioning his famous memorial of death. During the banquet, he merely inquired about the situation in Datong, even though he had already learned most of it from Yu Shenglang.

The next morning, Yan Sikong and Yu Shenglang personally visited Xue Ronggui’s residence to discuss the matter of opening the horse market. They also brought a chest of valuable gifts.

Although Xue Ronggui was the general of Datong, the military strength of Datong had been significantly weakened. Like the officials in Qianzhou, he couldn’t gain many benefits, so he was quite shocked by Yan Sikong’s generosity. However, he knew it was improper to accept gifts without reason and, not knowing what Yan Sikong wanted, didn’t dare to accept them.

Yan Sikong smiled and reassured him, saying that this modest gift was merely a gesture of goodwill for when the horse market opened in the future, hoping Xue wouldn’t forget about him. Everyone knew that once the horse market opened, the Hetao region would revive within a few years. At that time, this barren land would turn into a mountain of gold and silver, and who wouldn’t want a share of that?

Only then did Xue Ronggui accept the gift, becoming much more friendly with Yan Sikong.

During his days in Datong, Yan Sikong continued to smooth things over with the officials and officers of Datong while probing Xue Ronggui, trying to find the right moment to reveal his true intentions. However, being cautious and careful, he couldn’t casually bring up something as serious as rebellion. Without full confidence, he patiently maneuvered.

During this period, he did a few things that seemed quite perplexing to outsiders.

“It’s the autumn harvest season now. I’ve heard that the apricots in Datong are sweet, especially those from Dawan County, which are the most tender and juicy. The mutton noodles here are also particularly delicious. Since Brother Yu is from Datong, could you take me to Cunjian Mutton House to try them?”

Yu Shenglang was surprised and said, “Has Brother Yan been to Datong before? How do you know so much?”

Yan Sikong smiled forlornly. “A friend once told me about it, and I’ve remembered it ever since…”

For seventeen years.

Sometimes, he even blamed himself for having such a good memory. The words he exchanged with Feng Ye in their youth, he could recall eight or nine-tenths of them. They say that extreme wisdom brings pain, and perhaps it was because others could heal their wounds through forgetting, but he couldn’t even manage to forget.

“That Cunjian House is a well-known old establishment in Datong, located right in the city. I’ll take Brother Yan there today. As for the apricots from Dawan, they’ve just been harvested. I’ll have someone bring them over by fast horse so Brother Yan can enjoy the best flavors of Datong.”

Yan Sikong smiled and said, “Thank you, Brother Yu.”

Yu Shenglang took Yan Sikong along with Feng Xiang, Yan Sikong’s personal bodyguard. The three of them left the inn in plain clothes, walking south of the city, without horses or carriages.

It was dusk at the time, and from afar, they could see a two-story building at the end of the street. Both floors and the area in front were packed with people. A yellowed flag fluttered atop the building, with the four large characters “Cunjian Mutton” written on it. Even from half a mile away, the aroma wafted through the air.

Upon arriving at the mutton house, Yu Shenglang tossed a few silver coins to the waiter. “Find us a good spot.”

“Oh, General Yu, you’ve come back! Please, gentlemen, this way.”

The waiter ushered them into the establishment, finding them a seat by the window on the second floor, and promptly served them tea. Soon after, three bowls of mutton noodles were brought to the table.

The bowls were larger than a person’s face, with wide, soft white noodles lying in the soup, which was dotted with golden oil droplets. On top, fresh green scallions and several pieces of paper-thin, yet half-bowl-sized slices of mutton were laid out, making one’s mouth water.

In addition to the noodles, the waiter also brought them large pieces of braised mutton, stewed lamb offal, and a jin of strong liquor.

Yu Shenglang filled their cups and laughed, “Come, let’s try our mutton noodles and have a taste of our strong liquor. It’s got a real kick.”

Yan Sikong stared at the bowl of noodles for a long while before picking up his chopsticks and eating large mouthfuls.

Both Yu Shenglang and Feng Xiang were stunned. Feng Xiang whispered, “Is Lord Yan that hungry?”

Yan Sikong swallowed several mouthfuls before stopping, grabbing the cup in front of him, and downing the liquor in one go.

It was his first time drinking the fiery and spicy liquor of the Northwest, which he wasn’t used to at all. It burned his throat, and tears immediately welled up in his eyes.

Yu Shenglang laughed heartily, “How is it? I told you, this liquor packs a punch.”

Yan Sikong wiped his tears and laughed along, “Good liquor, good noodles.”

Feng Ye had once eaten the best buns in Guangning, and now he had eaten the best mutton noodles in Datong. But they would never have the chance to visit that snowless southern land together, to eat the fat fish, admire the city full of osmanthus blossoms, and watch the waves crash several zhang high.

Completing half of the promise—what does it count for?

Nothing, perhaps.

An “Imperial Censor” refers to an official in ancient Chinese government who was part of the *Censorate* (御史台 or 都察院). This institution was responsible for monitoring the conduct of government officials and ensuring that they adhered to laws and moral standards. The Imperial Censors were empowered to investigate corruption, report abuses, and even directly criticize the emperor if necessary. They held significant authority and were expected to act with integrity, often being seen as the moral guardians of the empire.