The Blood Crown - Chapter 193

Knowing that Yan Sikong would not be returning for a while, given that the journey to Yunnan was through rugged, perilous mountains, and the nature of their plans was fraught with danger, it was uncertain whether they would meet again after this separation. Though Feng Ye verbally agreed to let him go, he struggled deeply in his heart. Apart from Yuan Nanyu and his attendant Wu Liuqi, Feng Ye had carefully selected ten skilled and loyal soldiers from his own army. At a time when personnel were crucial, Feng Ye sent out his own generals and elite troops, showing his anxiety.

During these days, Feng Ye dined and slept with Yan Sikong every day. The guesthouse was heavily guarded; apart from Wu Liuqi, no one else could see Yan Sikong. Yet, there are no walls that can completely hide things from the world. Rumors about his collusion with the Wolf King were likely already flying around the capital. Since his appearance, their rumored close relationship had become a topic of idle gossip in teahouses and taverns. With Mao Ren and Qianzhou being successively conquered by Feng Ye, suspicions were inevitable.

Yan Sikong was aware of this, but it was impossible to make Feng Ye avoid suspicion. Feng Ye was naturally arrogant and unruly, indifferent to what others knew, and even eager for the world to know. Now that the Hetao region was under his control, he had even fewer reservations.

Perhaps due to the limited time they had together, Feng Ye’s attitude towards Yan Sikong softened considerably. They refrained from mentioning their past grievances and enjoyed the most peaceful period since their reunion.

Regardless of how busy he was with military affairs, Feng Ye made sure to have at least one meal with Yan Sikong each day and spent the nights together, whether in intimacy or merely holding each other.

Countless mornings, Yan Sikong awoke in Feng Ye’s embrace. It was as if he had returned to many years ago, with the winter cold unable to penetrate their warmth. After a night of passion, today he slept until dawn. When he opened his eyes, he saw Feng Ye’s familiar sleeping face close by.

The dark, flowing hair, the slanting eyebrows like distant mountains, the high, sharp nose, and the red, thin lips were just as he remembered. But he knew that when those eyes opened, he would no longer see tenderness or deep affection. So he lay still, breathing quietly, tracing every inch of that face with his eyes, afraid to wake Feng Ye and thus end this fleeting dream.

After an unknown amount of time, Feng Ye’s eyelashes fluttered, signaling he was about to wake. Yan Sikong also awoke from his daze and quickly closed his eyes.

Without sight, his other senses became more acute. He heard the soft rustle of Feng Ye moving and felt a focused gaze on his face, as well as the faint scent of soap from Feng Ye.

Feng Ye was watching him, just as he had been watching Feng Ye…

Yan Sikong’s heart raced uncontrollably, his body felt like it was about to catch fire. He was frustrated with himself—what was he doing? What was he thinking?

After a long while, Feng Ye spoke softly, “You’re awake.”

Yan Sikong felt a sense of relief and opened his eyes to meet Feng Ye’s slightly teasing gaze. Those eyes were narrow and deep, perhaps the most beautiful and piercing he had ever seen.

Feng Ye opened his arms and pulled Yan Sikong close, enveloping him in his embrace.

Both were naked, their heated chests pressing together intensely.

Yan Sikong’s mouth felt dry as he pushed against Feng Ye’s broad chest, trying to create a little distance. He said softly, “Let’s get up and dress.”

“Why the hurry?” Feng Ye’s large hand caressed Yan Sikong’s smooth back. The long and strong back, with its flexible lines like the rolling plains of the northwest, and the thin muscles covering it like fertile grasslands, made Feng Ye’s fingers feel like racing horses, tirelessly leaping and sensing every bit of warmth and tremor from the land, almost intoxicating.

Yan Sikong, trapped in Feng Ye’s embrace, dared not move. With their bodies pressed against each other, Feng Ye’s casual dominance paid no heed to the time of day.

Feng Ye’s lips lightly touched Yan Sikong’s cheek, his deep voice whispering in his ear, “Why pretend to be asleep?”

“…”

“I haven’t asked you before. If one day we support Prince Chu to ascend to the throne, and you become influential and powerful, what else would you want?”

Yan Sikong was taken aback.

Feng Ye gazed intently into Yan Sikong’s eyes. “Tell me, what would make you satisfied?” 

“I’m not doing all this to satisfy myself.”

“What is it for then? For the country and the people?” Feng Ye sneered. “Why pretend in front of me? You once said you lived for revenge, that you could sacrifice everything for it. Now that you’ve taken your revenge, you want power. Yan Sikong, I want to hear the truth. How much do you want, and what will satisfy you?”

Yan Sikong lowered his gaze. He was reluctant to discuss his ideals with Feng Ye because Feng Ye would not understand or acknowledge the person he was before being consumed by hatred. But if he did not answer, Feng Ye would relentlessly pursue the topic. He had no choice but to say calmly, “I want to implement my own policies and restore a peaceful and prosperous era. I want to appoint the capable and authorize based on merit, so that governance does not falter with the death of officials. I want to create a society where thieves are punished and doors can be left open at night. Rectifying and achieving peace were my initial ideals.”

Feng Ye gently brushed aside Yan Sikong’s hair falling across his face and looked at his handsome, fair features. “To achieve this, you would have to be the emperor.” As he spoke, Feng Ye’s hand slid down Yan Sikong’s spine and reached toward a more sensitive area.

Yan Sikong was startled, not only by Feng Ye’s wandering hand but also by his recent words. He took a deep breath and said, “What the world lacks is not virtuous ministers but a wise ruler. I have never had any thoughts about the throne.” He tried to grasp Feng Ye’s wrist but couldn’t stop him.

Feng Ye buried his face in Yan Sikong’s neck, lightly biting the protruding collarbone with obvious displeasure. “So, Prince Chu is the wise ruler you have in mind?”

“…Yes.” Yan Sikong’s breathing grew heavier involuntarily, and Feng Ye’s touch seemed to ignite a fiery passion. “I… I spent four years as the Crown Prince’s tutor and know him well. He is intelligent and diligent, having suffered in the palace from a young age. He can understand the suffering of common people. Moreover, he is the eldest son and the rightful heir. He will surely become… Ah…” Yan Sikong cried out and squirmed in Feng Ye’s arms.

“Become what?” Feng Ye provocatively teased Yan Sikong’s body.

“Become… a sage and enlightened ruler…” Yan Sikong’s face flushed, his still weak body growing limp once more. “Feng Ye, please don’t…”

“Don’t say ‘don’t’ to me.” Feng Ye kissed Yan Sikong’s neck and continued, “Didn’t you choose him because he is easy to manipulate?”

“There is… that consideration, mmm… After all, he is young and not yet beyond our… control…”

Feng Ye lifted Yan Sikong’s leg and entered him with a dominant force. “Whether he is young or old, he must be under my control.” His tone was extremely arrogant.

“Feng Ye, it’s daytime… Ah…”

“So what?” Feng Ye thrust forcefully, “One day when I move to the capital, I want the mountains and rivers, the thunder and rain, day and night, to all be mine… and so will you.”

In the midst of their chaotic passion, Yan Sikong’s barely focused mind was alert to Feng Ye’s words, but soon, he could think of nothing else.

On a night with a bright moon and sparse stars, Yan Sikong and Yuan Nanyu set out with their soldiers.

As the group of thirteen riders quietly left the city, Yan Sikong’s thoughts were not on the dangerous road ahead but on Feng Ye’s powerful, warm embrace before his departure. He took one last look at Qianzhou, but on the city wall, he saw a tall figure. He stared, trying to see clearly, but couldn’t make out who it was.

Was it Feng Ye? Had Feng Ye come to see him off?

He had always wanted to distance himself from Feng Ye, but as soon as he stepped out of the city gate, he wanted to know when they would meet again. But he didn’t know if he really wanted to see him again.

If life could be restarted, he would avoid reuniting with Feng Ye. That way, no one could cause him both resentment and heartache.

“He came to see us off.” Yuan Nanyu’s voice reached Yan Sikong’s ears through the cold wind.

Yan Sikong immediately turned his head. “I can’t see him.”

Yuan Nanyu paused for a moment. “It’s him.”

Yan Sikong did not respond further. As he moved farther away from Feng Ye, his expression grew colder and more resolute.

Ahead lay greater dangers and heavier responsibilities. He had once thought that Feng Ye was the only person he could rely on in this world, and they would face life and death together. But now Feng Ye had severed their emotional bond with his own hands. Yan Sikong had to cast aside his personal feelings to forge his own path, building a solid wall of iron and steel around himself.