The Blood Crown - Chapter 195

As soon as Chen Mu left, Yuan Nanyu entered, looking somewhat grave. “This young prince doesn’t seem straightforward. He’s likely not easily manageable.”

“He has indeed changed from how he was before,” Yan Sikong frowned. “He has grown up…”

“Have we perhaps underestimated the situation? Did you mention Feng Ye just now?”

“Yes, I mentioned him. Chen Mu said he doesn’t trust Feng Ye,” Yan Sikong’s eyes darted back and forth. “Back in the capital, he thought I was at odds with Feng Ye and had a bias against him. Now…”

Yuan Nanyu interrupted, “What’s his reaction now that he thinks you and Feng Ye are in collusion?”

Yan Sikong glanced at Yuan Nanyu. “I’m not sure. He might even doubt me.” He paused, then continued, “He is very intelligent and aware of his situation. Without Feng Ye’s troops, he wouldn’t even be able to reach the city gates. But he also knows that even if he becomes emperor, he won’t have full control, so he wants to test my stance.”

“How do you plan to handle this?”

“I naturally need to make him believe that I am loyal to him,” Yan Sikong pondered. “For now, he is still manageable. Don’t worry, I can persuade him.”

“I have a feeling that he…” Yuan Nanyu hesitated.

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing,” Yuan Nanyu thought to himself that perhaps he was just being overly cautious.

“Yu’e… Que Wang, you’ve worked hard to take care of me on this journey. You must be tired. Go and rest for a while.” The journey had been arduous, and Yuan Nanyu had taken care of him throughout. Without him, they might not have safely arrived in Yunnan. Though Yuan Nanyu didn’t remember the past, his gentle nature had never changed, which always warmed Yan Sikong’s heart.

Yuan Nanyu smiled. “This is the task assigned by the Wolf King. Besides, we are brothers. It’s only right.”

Yan Sikong also smiled. “You know, after all the experiences I’ve had these years, meeting you again is the best thing.”

Yuan Nanyu was taken aback and somewhat embarrassed, scratching his head. “If you’re sincere, then I’m very happy too.”

“I am sincere,” Yan Sikong said, gazing at him. “Just like you said, we are brothers.”

Yuan Nanyu showed a beautiful smile.

Yan Sikong couldn’t fight off his weariness. He rested for a while and woke up at dusk. The servants of the prince’s residence led him to meet Chen Mu.

Yan Sikong had expected that Chen Mu’s reward would involve some of his trusted subordinates hosting a welcoming feast, but to his surprise, there was only Chen Mu at the banquet.

Yan Sikong cupped his hands. “Your Highness.”

Chen Mu’s expression was calm. “There’s no need for formalities. Please, sit down.”

Yan Sikong sat down and looked at the food with a smile. “There are many dishes here that I haven’t seen before.”

“I had the cook prepare some local specialties for you to try,” Chen Mu said.

“Thank you, Your Highness. I am indeed quite hungry.”

“Then please eat,” Chen Mu actively poured wine and served dishes for Yan Sikong. Yan Sikong could only accept graciously.

Throughout the meal, Chen Mu made no mention of Feng Ye or the purpose of Yan Sikong’s visit. Instead, he seemed genuinely concerned about Yan Sikong’s hardships during the journey. Yan Sikong answered honestly and took the opportunity to express his unwavering loyalty and longing to reunite with Chen Mu.

Chen Mu occasionally looked at Yan Sikong with a very deep gaze, accompanied by a subtle smile that made Yan Sikong unable to decipher its meaning.

After a few rounds of drinks, Chen Mu, slightly tipsy, held Yan Sikong’s hand and spoke of the injustices and frustrations he had experienced over the years, as well as his longing and anticipation for Yan Sikong. Yan Sikong also shared his own struggles, and both of them became emotional, choking up at times, which was genuinely moving.

At that moment, a sudden commotion came from outside the door. An urgent voice of a servant was heard: “Mrs. Qi, the prince does not allow outsiders in.”

“I’m not an outsider,” came an arrogant female voice in response.

The door creaked open, and a graceful figure stepped into the room. The woman was dressed in a crimson peony cloud-embroidered white cotton coat and a deep red skirt. A snowy fox fur was wrapped around her slender, pale neck. Despite the thick clothing, her graceful figure was apparent. She lowered her head, bowed slightly, and said softly, “This humble servant pays her respects to the prince and to the… esteemed guest.”

Her voice was soft and melodious, capable of melting one’s bones.

The servant behind her looked nervously at Chen Mu.

Chen Mu waved his hand, signaling him to leave. He looked at the woman and said somewhat unhappily, “Manbi, didn’t I tell you not to disturb me?”

Qi Manbi coquettishly replied, “I have never seen Your Highness host a guest like this, holding a banquet in your own bedroom. This must be a distinguished guest. Since Your Highness has no official wife, I, as the head concubine, must come to entertain the guest.”

Yan Sikong quickly stood up, cupping his hands and said, “Greetings, Madam.” He wasn’t aware that Chen Mu had taken a concubine, but this was not unusual.

Chen Mu frowned and said, “Manbi, you may rise.”

Qi Manbi then straightened up and raised her head. When her eyes met Yan Sikong’s, both of them froze.

Yan Sikong thought to himself, this woman is indeed very beautiful, but her appearance… does it resemble mine?

Qi Manbi came to her senses and asked, “How should I address the distinguished guest?”

Yan Sikong glanced at Chen Mu. His identity on this trip to Yunnan was confidential. He had only just removed his disguise upon arriving at Chen Mu’s residence, and he wasn’t sure how much Chen Mu trusted this woman.

After hesitating for a moment, Chen Mu said, “He is Yan Sikong.”

Qi Manbi was startled. “So… you are Master Yan! His Highness often speaks of you, praising you as a rare talent in a hundred years.” The look in her eyes was a bit strange. It seemed that besides Chen Mu, there were more people who mentioned this name, but probably not with good intentions.

“I don’t deserve such praise,” Yan Sikong respectfully replied.

“Sir, please sit,” Chen Mu said. “Manbi, offer a toast to the gentleman.”

“Yes.”

“Your Highness, this…”

“Just sit,” Chen Mu said as he pulled him down to sit.

Qi Manbi poured a cup of wine and gracefully offered it to Yan Sikong. “I’ve long heard of your great name, sir. I offer you this cup of wine.”

Yan Sikong had no choice but to accept the cup.

After the toast, Qi Manbi tactfully withdrew. Only after she had left did Chen Mu say, “I’ve spoiled her, she’s become quite unruly. Please forgive me for this, sir.”

“I’m fearful of such kindness, Your Highness. For your concubine to offer me wine is truly…”

“In my heart, you are both a mentor and a father figure. It’s only right that she offers you a toast.”

“I’m overwhelmed…” Yan Sikong always maintained a humble and respectful demeanor before Chen Mu. That phrase, “both a mentor and a father figure,” seemed to carry a deeper meaning, but he hoped he was overthinking it.

Chen Mu refilled Yan Sikong’s cup and chuckled lightly, “Sir, have you noticed that Manbi’s appearance resembles yours?”

Yan Sikong’s heart trembled slightly. So, it wasn’t just the alcohol. Sometimes, people have a vague perception of their own appearance, so he couldn’t be sure if his feeling that he resembled Manbi was an illusion. But now he was certain, it was no illusion.

What did Chen Mu mean by this?

Yan Sikong composed himself and laughed heartily, “Your Highness jests. The concubine is youthful and stunningly beautiful, how could she be compared to a weathered man like me?”

“Your appearance is widely praised. With age, you’ve only become more attractive,” Chen Mu said, deeply looking into Yan Sikong’s eyes with a smile. “Sir… do you truly not see the resemblance?”

Yan Sikong feigned confusion, “Really?” He touched his face and then looked down at his reflection in the wine. “I truly can’t see it. If it is so, then it must be Your Highness praising me, and it makes me happy.”

“The first time I saw Manbi, I thought she resembled you, which made me very fond of her, so I took her as a concubine,” Chen Mu said with a smile, shaking his head. “She does know how to serve, though she’s a bit too calculating.”

Yan Sikong flattered, “The concubine is a rare beauty with a fine mind. Your Highness has an excellent eye for people, especially for women.”

Chen Mu raised an eyebrow and looked at Yan Sikong, “Do you really think I have a good eye for women?”

Yan Sikong immediately sensed that something was off in Chen Mu’s expression and didn’t dare to respond. The fact that Chen Mu had taken a woman who resembled him as a concubine was already bizarre enough, and now he just wanted to steer the conversation away from this topic.

Seeing him remain silent, Chen Mu leaned forward, moving closer to Yan Sikong. “Sir, do you know that the only reason I took her in was because of that face that slightly resembles yours?”

Sweat began to bead on Yan Sikong’s forehead as he hesitated, “Your Highness, being far from home with no relatives or close friends, it makes sense that you would seek comfort and peace of mind in such a way. Hearing this, my heart aches for you.”

Chen Mu chuckled softly, “Mm, well said, well understood. Sir, you always see through to people’s hearts. When I look at her, I can think of you. Sometimes I can even fool myself into believing that you are by my side, urging me to study, teaching me the ways of kingship. That’s why I dote on her so much—because she reminds me of you.”

Yan Sikong felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles. Never in his wildest dreams would he have thought that Chen Mu would present him with such a dilemma. Although Chen Mu had not explicitly stated it, Yan Sikong was intelligent enough to know that Chen Mu was likely…

Anger surged within Yan Sikong as he silently cursed. What a mess! What an absolute mess! (End of the chapter)