The Blood Crown - Chapter 196

Seeing Yan Sikong’s rare display of awkwardness, so different from his usual calm and composed demeanor, Chen Mu couldn’t help but want to look at him more. However, he couldn’t help but feel nervous himself. He leaned in slightly and whispered, “Sir, I…” 

Yan Sikong suddenly stood up and cupped his hands. “Your Highness, Chen Chun has married the youngest daughter of the Duke of Ning. Your Highness’s primary wife should also be chosen from a powerful family to greatly benefit you.”

Chen Mu frowned. “Who do you think I should marry?”

“For such an important matter, I need to think it over carefully before responding to Your Highness.”

“It doesn’t matter who I marry,” Chen Mu’s tone turned somewhat cold. “Since the Emperor won’t arrange a marriage for me, I’ll leave it to you.”

“I will certainly live up to Your Highness’s trust and select a virtuous and talented woman for you. After all…” Yan Sikong looked up at Chen Mu with a slight smile, “she will need to be the mother of the nation in the future.”

Chen Mu quietly observed Yan Sikong, seeming thoughtful, and simply responded with a faint “Mm.”

“As for Miss Qi, she is beautiful and intelligent and has won Your Highness’s favor. Perhaps you should let her bear you children now. If your lineage prospers, it will help ensure the stability of the realm.”

Chen Mu rested his chin on his hand, staring intently at Yan Sikong. “You make a good point.”

Yan Sikong was about to continue, but Chen Mu interrupted him. “When you used to teach me, you would sometimes intersperse the lessons with interesting historical anecdotes. Unlike Master Shen, who was always so rigid, your stories were engaging and captivating.”

“You flatter me, Your Highness,” Yan Sikong wasn’t sure of Chen Mu’s intention in bringing this up.

“Do you remember when you told me about Emperor Chen Wen wanting to make Han Zikao his male empress, only to be opposed by the ministers and have to abandon the idea?”

Yan Sikong’s expression slightly changed.

Chen Mu pretended to be puzzled. “Can there really be such deep feelings between men?”

“…I only know that emperors should not have such deep feelings.”

Chen Mu narrowed his eyes and stood up, walking towards Yan Sikong.

Yan Sikong instinctively took a few steps back, sighing inwardly. His appearance seemed to bring him more trouble than benefit. What use was it?

Chen Mu grabbed Yan Sikong’s arm, adjusting him to face him directly. “Many people think Emperor Chen Wen was absurd, and even when you told me about him, it seemed to be with a hint of ridicule. But I understand him.” His chest heaved with emotion. “For you, I would dare to commit the greatest wrong in the world…”

“Absurd!” Yan Sikong interrupted sharply.

Chen Mu’s face changed, raising his voice. “I’ve been moved by you for a long time. If Feng Ye can do it, why can’t I?”

Yan Sikong growled, “Your Highness, you and Consort Hui suffered neglect and hardship in the palace. Consort Hui died unjustly in prison, and you were deposed as the crown prince. After enduring such deep-seated hatred and humiliation, you should be focusing on avenging these wrongs and reclaiming your honor, not indulging in these pointless fantasies. It truly disappoints me!”

Yan Sikong spoke sternly and with righteous indignation. As his teacher, he had earned Chen Mu’s deep trust when he was young, and Chen Mu had almost always followed his words. To be reprimanded in this manner, with even Consort Hui being mentioned, left Chen Mu feeling both embarrassed and furious, yet he could only keep a stern face and look at Yan Sikong with a mix of anger and frustration.

Yan Sikong took a deep breath, stepped forward, and looked Chen Mu directly in the eyes. “You are still young and easily influenced by those around you. If you find it so novel, you may take a male concubine into your household to serve you, but don’t let this trivial pleasure ruin our grand plan.”

His words were both comforting and warning, making it clear that Chen Mu was not Feng Ye and that Yan Sikong, in his current position, could not afford to offend him. Whether Chen Mu’s intentions were a passing whim or a long-held affection, Yan Sikong did not care.

Chen Mu bit his lip, his eyes clouded with a gray mist. He spoke softly, “I’m not seeking novelty. I truly have feelings for you. I liked you back in the palace; I just didn’t dare to say it then.”

“Now is not the time to say it either,” Yan Sikong said coldly. “Your Highness, how can you still be preoccupied with romantic feelings?”

Chen Mu clenched his fists, his face alternately pale and flushed. He was deeply ashamed of Yan Sikong’s sternness and felt utterly humiliated.

Yan Sikong sighed, his expression weary. He cupped his hands and said, “Consider this a drunken outburst. Once sober, just forget it. Your Highness, rest early. I take my leave.” With that, he turned and left.

As Yan Sikong’s hand was about to pull open the door, a gust of cold wind rushed into the room through the crack, making him shiver and becoming a bit clearer-headed. At that moment, a strong hand forcefully pushed the door shut. In the next instant, Yan Sikong’s waist was tightly embraced by a powerful arm, pulling him forcefully into an embrace from behind.

Yan Sikong froze.

The silent action, the strong arms, and the broad chest made him realize for the first time just how much Chen Mu had grown up.

After a moment of stunned silence, Yan Sikong turned around, trying to push Chen Mu away, but Chen Mu trapped him between his body and the door, looking down into his eyes. He said in a deep voice, “Sir, even if I shouldn’t think of this now, or can’t think of it, I won’t allow you to dismiss my feelings as a whim or the drunken ramblings of the moment.”

Yan Sikong’s face was cold. “Your Highness has grown up. There are things I cannot say clearly. Do you still not understand?”

“I understand.” Chen Mu slightly lowered his head, his face almost touching Yan Sikong’s. “Rest assured, I have never given up on my desire for the throne. It is rightfully mine. I also understand that I am not worthy to speak of these things with you now, but if I become Emperor, everything of yours will be mine, correct?”

Yan Sikong’s face remained taut.

“Correct?” Chen Mu stared intensely into Yan Sikong’s eyes, his gaze deep and sharp, carrying a chilling force.

“…Correct.”

Chen Mu gave a faint smile. “Then will you still be willing to help me rule the world?”

“That is my duty.”

“Good.” Chen Mu’s hand gently brushed Yan Sikong’s jade-like cheek. “I will listen to you. If you want me to work with Feng Ye, I will work with Feng Ye, even if I am so envious of him that I want to kill him…” The murderous intent on his face fleetingly disappeared. “But if you want to stay by my side, I won’t let you go to anyone else.”

Yan Sikong pushed Chen Mu away and adjusted his clothes. “I will remain by your side to assist when you need me.”

Chen Mu narrowed his eyes. “You say you and Feng Ye are just playing a part, so you won’t be swayed by emotions, right?”

“Right.”

“Then I am relieved.” Chen Mu took Yan Sikong’s hand and said softly, “One day, when I ascend to the golden throne, I want you to share the world with me. I want your name to be celebrated alongside mine for future generations.”

“I do not dare to share power with Your Highness. I only hope to assist a wise ruler and restore the peace and prosperity of our great(Da) Sheng.” After saying this, Yan Sikong unhesitatingly pushed the door open and walked out.

He strode into the cold winter night, feeling alone and insignificant against the vastness of the world. His face was dark, his chest seething with intense frustration and anger.

He had originally thought Chen Mu would be an easily controllable piece. Now, it seemed that even Chen Mu’s feelings for him were a major problem. He had never wanted to be caught in useless romantic entanglements that would only hinder his plans. Having already learned his lesson with Feng Ye, he would never let Chen Mu sabotage his grand plans!

Unfortunately, there was no better candidate than Chen Mu now…

He felt a lump of anger in his chest and couldn’t help but kick the handrail away.

AN – This chapter was revised many times and is a bit short. I’ll try to make it longer tomorrow! (End of Chapter)