The Blood Crown - Chapter 187

The letter that Yan Sikong urgently sent to the capital soon received a response. As they anticipated, Emperor Zhaowu was furious at the conditions Feng Ye had set. After discussing with his ministers, he also took Yan Sikong’s suggestions in the memorial into account. The emperor agreed to restore the Feng family’s reputation but did not specify how it would be done. He also agreed to hand over Xie Zhongren to Feng Ye for punishment but did not indicate when, allowing Yan Sikong to continue negotiating with Feng Ye.

Regarding the support for Chahar and the opening of the horse market, with Meng Duo and Zhu Lanting seconding the motion, and Zhao Fuyi’s backing, it went as smoothly as Yan Sikong expected.

The court decided to send the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites to the Chahar tribe to negotiate peace. They also planned to merge Datong and Qianzhou into one province, governed by a governor-general, to introduce agriculture and animal husbandry into the Ordos region, reviving this once fertile land.

Previously, Qianzhou only had a prefect but no governor-general, and although Datong should have had one, after Feng Jianping’s death, the court, intending to suppress the old forces of Datong, did not appoint a governor-general, separating military and political powers to completely weaken the Feng family army. Now, Wang Anke, the prefect of Datong, was the most logical choice for governor-general of Datong and Qianzhou.

Wang Anke was a very sensible person. Knowing who was currently rising in power at court, he immediately consulted with Yan Sikong after taking office on how to open the horse market and restore the prosperity of the Ordos region.

Yan Sikong surveyed the situation in Datong and Qianzhou, and most of it was already under his control. However, to ensure that Feng Ye could take these two places with minimal sacrifice, it was not enough.

Relying on words alone was not enough. To make the imperial army defect to the rebels, there were two possibilities: defeat and surrender, or a justified cause.

To turn Datong and Qianzhou, both conditions were necessary.

A justified cause means having a reason, a moral high ground. Whether it’s acting on behalf of Heaven, rectifying the chaos, or purging the court, every war needs a reason. The reason for the Wolf King rebel army was to purge the court and save the nation from disaster, protecting the people.

However, with the downfall of the eunuch faction and the court already purged, this reason was starting to feel strained. The best reason now was the key card in Yan Sikong’s hand—a more legitimate heir to the throne than the current Crown Prince, the eldest imperial son, Prince Chu, Chen Mu.

With Chen Mu, they could accuse Chen Chun of harboring ambitions for the throne, providing a reason for their cause. Most importantly, Chen Mu could rally the local princes to join their righteous cause. Without Chen Mu, if Feng Ye grew strong enough to threaten the Chen family’s rule, Emperor Zhaowu could call on the princes to fight against them, and they would all rise against Feng Ye.

Chen Mu was the key to whether they could enter the capital.

This was also why Yan Sikong, despite having nothing, dared to negotiate terms with Feng Ye.

After careful consideration, he believed that the time was not yet ripe. He could not hastily reveal his intentions to Xue Ronggui or Yu Shenglang, as it might alert the enemy. He should wait until they had no choice but to choose between death and rebellion before breaking through their mental defenses.

Just as the peace talks with Chahar were making progress, news arrived from the frontlines. Feng Ye angrily accused the court of stalling for time, showing no sincerity in offering amnesty, and threatened to attack Maoren before winter.

The officials in Qianzhou were so frightened that they immediately sent the message to Yan Sikong. Yan Sikong calculated the timing and decided it was time to meet with Feng Ye again. This time, they needed to make a decisive move and take Qianzhou, or else, once winter set in with its severe cold and difficult supply lines, the Feng family army would likely not hold out.

Thus, Yan Sikong, along with his 800 guards, returned to Qianzhou. He reassured Xu Yong and the others, but he remained stern, making it clear that he was also uncertain.

Xu Yong asked anxiously, “Can Master Yan persuade General Xue to send troops to support Qianzhou?”

Yan Sikong sighed, “This matter is not actually within General Xue’s control.”

Yu Shenglang explained, “Prefect Xu, it’s not that General Xue is unwilling to help, but that he is waiting for the outcome of the court’s negotiations with Chahar. If the negotiations fail and he has already deployed troops, Chahar could take advantage of the situation. How could he bear such responsibility?”

“When will there be an outcome?”

“Negotiating with those crude and greedy barbarians is always full of twists and turns,” Yan Sikong said calmly. “But this will certainly be settled. Chahar is weak, and if our court supports them, they can unite Mongolia and gain great benefits from the trade markets. But as to when it will be settled, no one can say for sure, and being anxious won’t help.”

Wu Mang said, “But Feng Ye won’t wait for us to secure the borders and bring troops from Datong to confront him. He has been sending scouts frequently these days and seems to be on the move, probably already angry.”

“I need to go to the Wolf King’s camp again and stabilize him,” Yan Sikong sighed deeply. “If we can delay until the court and Chahar reach an agreement, we can immediately mobilize troops from Datong, and it will certainly be very cold by then. In such a case, Feng Ye would not dare to act rashly and would most likely retreat.”

“But Feng Ye has already seen through our intentions. In his letter, he clearly accused us of stalling.”

“I have the emperor’s decree agreeing to restore the Feng family’s honor and allowing Feng Ye to deal with Xie Zhongren. Perhaps we can discuss this.”

“Master Yan…” Xu Yong hesitated, “I fear there might be danger in this journey.”

Yan Sikong smiled bitterly, “The last time I went, I was already imprisoned by him. When one embarks on a mission to the enemy camp, one must be prepared not to return. What is there to worry about now?” He spoke earnestly, “If I fail in this mission and cannot stall Feng Ye, I leave it to you all to defend the city.”

Yan Sikong’s solemn words filled everyone with deep concern, but there was no other choice at this point.

The next day, Yan Sikong set off, embarking on his second mission to the rebel camp. This time, Feng Ye did not imprison him but treated him with the respect due to an envoy, gathering the military leaders to share a feast with Yan Sikong.

During the feast, the two of them put on a show. Yan Sikong eloquently persuaded Feng Ye to accept the amnesty. When he presented the emperor’s decree, Feng Ye even led his soldiers to kneel and receive the imperial order, making it seem as though he had been convinced.

After the feast, Yan Sikong, appearing half-drunk, was helped back to his tent by Wu Liuqi. Along the way, in his drunken state, he loudly declared that Feng Ye had performed the ritual of a subject to his emperor, still considering himself a loyal subject of the Sheng Dynasty. The soldiers who encountered them heard it all clearly.

Once back in the tent, Wu Liuqi helped him change clothes and wash his face before laying him down on the bed, then quietly left.

As soon as Wu Liuqi was gone, Yan Sikong’s drunkenness disappeared. He had an extraordinary tolerance for alcohol and never truly got drunk. He knew that Feng Ye would definitely come to see him.

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Feng Ye quietly lifted the tent flap and stepped inside.

Yan Sikong, dressed in pure white inner garments, had his long black hair cascading down his back. He sat cross-legged on the bed, his face flushed, but his expression was calm.

“You were waiting for me.” Feng Ye’s tone was assertive, not a question.

“Of course,” Yan Sikong replied coolly. “Everything is going according to our plan.”

“Is that so? But you’ve been gone for more than a month. That’s a long time.” Feng Ye sat beside him, his gaze roaming over Yan Sikong’s face.

“I haven’t had a single idle day. Are you doubting me?”

“Winter is almost here. If you harbor any ill intentions and delay me until winter, wouldn’t all my efforts be in vain?” Feng Ye toyed with a strand of Yan Sikong’s hair between his slender fingers. “I have to keep an eye on everything you do and say. I can’t help but be suspicious.”

“In that case, you still dare to plot with me? Isn’t that like trying to negotiate with a tiger?”

Feng Ye sneered, “If I couldn’t control you, how would I dare to scheme with you?”

“Then you must be underestimating me.” Yan Sikong glanced at Feng Ye from the corner of his eye. “All my enemies have fallen at my feet one by one. I would advise you not to have any treacherous thoughts.”

A sharp gleam flashed in Feng Ye’s eyes. Yan Sikong’s arrogant expression stirred something deep within him. The thought of conquering this person, with all his renowned intelligence and cunning, brought a thrill far greater than conquering a city.

Yan Sikong saw the flicker of desire in Feng Ye’s eyes and mocked, “The Wolf King is indeed full of youthful vigor. Now that you have me to vent your frustrations on, I suppose you’ve been spending a lot of time in the pleasure houses while I was away?”

Feng Ye narrowed his eyes dangerously. “Do you think I spent those three years indulging in debauchery? I barely escaped the capital with Que Wang, constantly on the run for nearly a year to avoid pursuers before finally reuniting with my uncle. At that time, those who swore to follow us were merely a few hundred Feng family soldiers. To remain hidden, we stayed in remote mountains, often starving, just waiting for the right moment to rise again.”

Yan Sikong fell silent.

Feng Ye grasped Yan Sikong’s chin, his voice fierce, “That dog emperor slaughtered my entire family—over two hundred people. I watched my father die in my arms, yet I had no choice but to flee for my life. And you? You were basking in glory, singing in harmony with a princess of noble blood while I was barely surviving. For more than three years, I haven’t had a single peaceful night’s sleep, all to reach this day where I can negotiate with that dog emperor and force you to walk right into my trap!”

Yan Sikong’s breath quickened. He clenched his fists, recalling how the once proud young heir had fallen from the heights into the depths overnight, his family destroyed, wandering and destitute. He had worried and grieved for Feng Ye every day since then. But now, with both of them in this position, who was there to blame? At the very least, back then, he was willing to risk his life and ten years of planning to break Feng Ye out of prison. He believed he had done right by Feng Ye.

He softly said, “Do you think I had it easy? I… never mind, you wouldn’t understand.”

“You’re right, I’ll never understand, and I don’t want to. I’ll never forget how you used me for your revenge.” Feng Ye flipped Yan Sikong onto the bed, his expression slightly twisted with anger. “I don’t need any pleasure houses or courtesans. I only need you. I want you to share in my hatred and the suffering I’ve endured. After all, you are the one most responsible for my pain.”

Yan Sikong closed his eyes, unwilling to see the hatred in Feng Ye’s eyes. He knew those eyes so well, remembering the light they held when filled with love. He did not want to engrave the current look in his mind. (End of Chapter)

Chahar (察哈尔) refers to a historical region and administrative division in northern China, primarily associated with the Mongol people. It has several meanings depending on the context:

1. **Historical Region**: Chahar was a region inhabited by the Chahar Mongols, one of the major tribes of the Mongol Empire. They were closely related to the Khalkha and other Mongol tribes. The region is now part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Hebei Province.

2. **Chahar Province**: During the Republic of China period, Chahar was also a province, established in 1912. It was later dissolved in 1952, and its territory was incorporated into Inner Mongolia and other neighboring provinces.

3. **Military Division**: In a military context, the Chahar were a distinct Mongol military unit, often involved in the military affairs of the Qing Dynasty.

Chahar is historically significant in the context of Mongolian and Chinese history, particularly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.