The Blood Crown - Chapter 211

At the end of the year, Yan Sikong received a valuable gift from Yunnan—a rare landscape painting by the renowned artist Wu Daozi. Yan Sikong had often expressed his admiration for the master painter during the lessons he gave to Chen Mu in the past. It was unexpected that Chen Mu still remembered this. The value of the painting was immeasurable, and Yan Sikong was so enamored with it that he couldn’t put it down, taking it out to admire whenever he had free time.

After two days, Feng Ye grew displeased and mocked, “Chen Mu certainly knows your tastes well; he really knows how to please you.”

Hearing this, Yan Sikong quietly put the painting away and deflected the comment, saying, “Any learned person would love calligraphy and painting. He didn’t need to know me well to give the right gift.”

“The court is eyeing Yunnan with great interest, yet he still finds the time to send you paintings. I doubt he’ll have a peaceful New Year.”

“Any new developments?”

“Since winter began, Yunnan has been hit by continuous rain and snow, making the roads muddy and difficult to traverse. As a result, the grain routes are surely obstructed. If I were the commander, I would take this opportunity to besiege the city, cutting off Zhongqing’s food supply.”

“Zhongqing has ample grain reserves, enough to last a year.”

“But if the siege isn’t laid now, once the weather improves, it will be easier for cities to communicate, transport grain, and send reinforcements. Besieging then would be much less advantageous.”

“Before I left, I instructed Chen Mu to divide his troops. He shouldn’t leave all his forces in Zhongqing. He’s already set up arrangements in the surrounding cities, creating a mutual support system.”

“But the court’s troops vastly outnumber Chen Mu’s.”

Yan Sikong sighed, “This battle can only be fought defensively. I hope he can hold out.”

“There’s another matter.”

“Hmm?”

Feng Ye raised an eyebrow, “What, Chen Mu didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?” Yan Sikong asked, puzzled.

“Spies report that he has secretly proposed to the daughter of King Wu.”

Yan Sikong was indifferent, “That marriage proposal was my idea. However, whether King Wu will actually marry his daughter to him is still uncertain, especially with the rumors of the court’s plans to suppress the rebellion spreading widely. King Wu will be watching carefully.”

“If he truly allies with King Wu, at least Shu will fall under his control, and Guizhou might follow soon after. If he grows too powerful, how will we maintain control?”

“Shu and Guizhou have been ravaged by natural disasters in recent years. Those capable of rebellion followed you at the outset. Most of those left are the old, weak, sick, and disabled. The troops these two regions can provide him won’t be many. There’s no need to worry.”

Feng Ye snorted coldly, “To hear you tell it, everything is under control. Then how did you let our prisoner escape so easily?”

Yan Sikong knew who Feng Ye was referring to and felt a deep sense of failure regarding the matter.

“I’ve already sent assassins to pursue Shen Hexuan,” Feng Ye said, glancing at Yan Sikong. “Once he’s found, he is to be killed without mercy.”

Yan Sikong stared blankly at Feng Ye.

“What, do you still care about your old schoolmate? He led a few thousand remnants and managed to hold off my tens of thousands of troops. Someone like him is a serious threat if left alive!” Feng Ye narrowed his eyes. “Since when have you become so soft-hearted?”

Yan Sikong sighed, “I did admire his talent too much to kill him… But fine, let’s do as you say.” Feng Ye was right—if Shen Hexuan couldn’t be used by them, killing him was the only way to eliminate the threat.

“You admired his talent, but he didn’t appreciate your kindness.” Feng Ye said with displeasure, “Moreover, you handed him over to Chen Mu, who turned around and let him go. That was the stupidest thing you’ve ever done.”

Yan Sikong smiled bitterly, “You’re right; I really did do something stupid.”

Seeing Yan Sikong’s expression turn downcast, Feng Ye pinched his chin, “Enough. Once he’s eliminated, it’ll be fine.”

Yan Sikong gave a low “hmm.”

“You like paintings and calligraphy. I’ll have people search for more to send to you.”

“No need. I revere the works of great masters but don’t necessarily need to own them. There’s no need to trouble the people for it.”

“It’s fine. It’s all I can give you, anyway,” Feng Ye said, looking steadily at Yan Sikong.

Yan Sikong discerned the deeper meaning behind Feng Ye’s words. Feng Ye had made him his chief strategist but would never grant him real military power, only lavishing him with wealth and honors. Though they seemed inseparable, Feng Ye was always wary of him. However, what Yan Sikong desired was not mere calligraphy or treasures. One day, when Chen Mu ascended to the throne, Yan Sikong would need Feng Ye to control the civil officials. At that time, Feng Ye would have no choice but to trust him and give him what he wanted. He was in no hurry.

Feng Ye grabbed Yan Sikong’s hand, pulling him close, gently caressing his face. “When the grass grows tall enough to feed the warhorses, that will be the time for me to march on the Central Plains. This journey will be fraught with danger. Do you think I’ll be able to take the capital as you’ve predicted?”

“You will.” Yan Sikong lifted his head and looked at Feng Ye with certainty.

Feng Ye nodded in satisfaction.

“And you, will you help Chen Mu ascend the throne, as I’ve said, and work with me to stabilize the empire?”

Feng Ye replied, “I will.”

Yan Sikong buried his face in Feng Ye’s chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, his mind racing with thoughts. After the New Year, they would truly raise their troops for battle. Whether they would win or lose, live or die, no one could predict. He had spent twenty years to reach this point.

There would be no turning back.

As expected, the court dispatched an army of 120,000 to Yunnan, determined to suppress King Chu’s rebellion. By the time they received the news, it was already after the New Year.

Datong was busy with war preparations every day, even on New Year’s Eve.

The troops had yet to move, but provisions were already being sent ahead. As soon as the snow melted, Yuan Shaoxu led the supply convoy on its way. Feng Ye had ordered Feng Changyue to stay behind in Datong with 40,000 troops to defend their stronghold, while he would lead the remaining 160,000 troops in two directions: one army to capture Qingyang, the other to take Taiyuan. As long as they captured one of these two cities, they would open the gateway to the Central Plains.

In truth, Datong was not far from the capital. If they marched quickly, they could reach it in ten days. They had even discussed launching a surprise attack on the capital, catching it off guard. However, after careful consideration, they realized this plan was not feasible. Unless they could heroically and swiftly break through the Forbidden City, they would be vulnerable to an attack from behind by the Central Plains army. Moreover, reinforcements were coming from Jiangnan and Huguang. If the capital could not be taken quickly, they would find themselves trapped, surrounded on all sides, and doomed to defeat.

Thus, to take the capital, they had to first secure the Central Plains and open the supply routes for a prolonged battle.

Feng Ye gave Yuan Nanyu the command token, ordering him to lead 60,000 troops to capture Qingyang, while he would lead 100,000 troops to take Taiyuan. After careful consideration, Yan Sikong decided to follow Feng Ye, as Taiyuan was the key to the battle and much harder to capture than Qingyang.

On the day spring returned to the land, 200,000 troops swore an oath in Datong. The soldiers’ armor was as dense as clouds, and their spears stood tall like a forest.

Yan Sikong looked at the endless sea of soldiers, then at the Wolf King beside him in his heavy red armor. Feng Ye was reciting an impassioned proclamation, justifying their campaign. His youthful and handsome face was full of ambition and the wild arrogance of one who sought to conquer the world.

Feng Ye had finally achieved his dream of leading an army and possessing the power to contend for the Central Plains!

Feng Ye downed a bowl of strong wine, then smashed the bowl to the ground, the long spear in his hand striking the earth with a dull thud.

The 200,000 troops roared in unison, “Wolf King! Wolf King! Wolf King!”

The sound shook the heavens and the earth!

Feng Ye raised his hand, and the army instantly fell silent.

“I am commanded by my ancestors, entrusted by the people, sworn to save the nation and cleanse the court, to restore the Da Sheng dynasty. With this, I will strike down my enemies; what foe cannot be vanquished? With this, I will achieve success; what glory cannot be attained?!”

“Wolf King! Wolf King! Wolf King!”

As Feng Ye listened to the earth-shaking cries, his face was filled with heroic spirit. He clenched his fist again, and the army fell silent once more.

“A man may die, but he must die for a worthy cause. You will all gain rank and title, your names will be remembered in history, and it will all be due to the swords in your hands!” Feng Ye mounted his horse and shouted, “Forward—”

The drums of war thundered. This day would be forever etched in Datong’s history.

Feng Ye looked down at Feng Hun, standing proudly in light armor at his feet, then looked up at Yan Sikong beside him, his eyes blazing with fierce determination.

Yan Sikong nodded at him, his gaze unwavering.

They were setting off, to vie for the world.

 (End of this chapter)