The Blood Crown - Chapter 225

More than a month had passed since the Battle of Taiyuan, and both sides had refrained from making any significant moves, focusing instead on training their soldiers and tending to the people.

For Shen Hexuan, their greatest advantage and reliance was Taiyuan City. Everyone knew that the Feng Family Army’s elite cavalry, the Feng Wolf Cavalry, was renowned for its bravery and skill in battle, with each soldier capable of fighting ten enemies. They were the only Central Plains cavalry that could rival the fearsome Mongol cavalry. In warfare, it was natural to avoid facing such a formidable force head-on. No one wanted to engage the Feng Wolf Cavalry directly, so as long as the Feng Family Army didn’t expose any weaknesses, it was impossible for Taiyuan to send troops out of the city. Holding the city was their greatest victory.

As for the Feng Family Army, their greatest hope was to lure the Taiyuan troops out of the city for a battle. Unfortunately, after Luo Ruoxin’s failed raid and with Shen Hexuan stationed in Taiyuan, it was as difficult as climbing the sky to get the Taiyuan army to leave the city.

Yan Sikong had been pondering this issue for many days without coming up with a good plan. Additionally, he hadn’t been sleeping well recently, which made it even harder for him to think clearly.

In the summer, it was difficult for wounds to heal. Feng Ye’s wounds were healing, but they itched constantly, and he would unconsciously scratch them in his sleep. Yan Sikong had to hold his hand all night, waking up at the slightest movement to stop Feng Ye from scratching his wounds in his sleep. As a result, he couldn’t sleep soundly.

Feng Ye, unaware of the reason, saw Yan Sikong growing more and more haggard and thought it was due to the pressures of work. Despite not fully recovering from his injuries, Feng Ye had already started managing military affairs.

In fact, the post-defeat matters had already been dealt with, and the city was currently calm, with nothing particularly demanding of his attention. However, the morale was low, and the soldiers no longer had the ambition they had when they first set out.

Seeing that Taiyuan had remained quiet for a month, Feng Ye stopped pretending to be gravely ill. Once he was able to get out of bed, he went out daily to inspect the various camps, reassuring the soldiers.

Just when neither of them could come up with a good strategy to deal with the enemy and morale was visibly declining, Yuan Nanyu brought them some good news. He had led his troops in a swift strike, successfully capturing both Pingliang and Fengxiang.

Upon hearing this news, Feng Ye was overjoyed and praised Yuan Nanyu repeatedly.

Yan Sikong also felt a sense of relief, as if the oppressive cloud of defeat hanging over Yan State had finally lifted a little. “General Que is truly capable. These two victories are of great significance.” Thinking of the mischievous boy who had now grown into such a fierce general, he felt deeply moved. If Yuan Mao knew about this in the afterlife, he would surely be gratified.

Feng Ye laughed heartily. “Indeed, he’s my good brother, my…” The words he was about to say suddenly paused. He glanced at Yan Sikong and then swallowed them back. He sighed and said, “Back then… he took me away from the capital, evading the pursuit of the imperial soldiers all along the way. Although my uncle had brought two thousand Feng Family soldiers with me, he was the one who stood by my side from the very beginning. He’s never let me down over the years.”

Yan Sikong felt a sudden pang of bitterness in his heart. He brushed away the unpleasant feeling and said, “Now that we’ve taken control of most of the provinces around Taiyuan, we can cut off their supply routes at any time.”

“But Taiyuan must be well-stocked with food. If they can last for a year or two, we won’t be able to maintain the siege for that long.”

“The army’s grain supplies should last for another six months. This year’s harvest wasn’t good, and we won’t be able to gather much in the autumn. I estimate we can last until the New Year, but after that, it will be difficult.”

“So we have about six months,” Feng Ye said gravely. “If we don’t take Taiyuan within six months, the army will have to retreat to Datong.”

Yan Sikong silently tapped the table. “There must be a way.”

At this moment, a guard came to report, “Wolf King, that…” He glanced at Feng Ye, hesitating to continue.

Feng Ye frowned. “What’s making you stammer?”

“…Madam Saren has arrived.”

“Who?” Feng Ye asked, confused.

Yan Sikong froze, lowering his head to take a sip of tea to hide his reaction. However, the hand holding the cup trembled slightly.

“Madam Saren,” the guard repeated.

Feng Ye suddenly remembered—it was the daughter of that Nadan, his… concubine. He had almost forgotten about her.

Feng Ye’s face darkened with anger. “Who sent her here?” But the question was unnecessary. Who else but Feng Changyue would dare send his concubine to Yan State without consulting him? Who else but Feng Changyue would be so eager for him to produce heirs?

The guard knelt on the ground, not daring to speak.

Yan Sikong put down his teacup and said softly, “Now that she’s here, we can’t send her back. You did promise General Feng back then.”

Feng Ye’s face was sullen. “Bring her in.”

Soon, the guard led in a woman dressed in Mongolian attire. She had thick eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, a prominent nose, and full lips. Her features were deep and strikingly beautiful. Her long, shiny black hair was braided in a complex style, and her tall, curvaceous figure exuded a wild, bold beauty. Compared to women of the Central Plains, she had a strong exotic allure.

Yan Sikong couldn’t help but admire her inwardly. She was indeed a stunning and spirited beauty.

This was Saren, the daughter of Khan Nadan from the Chahar tribe. She looked around curiously, her gaze bold and unrestrained, finally landing on Feng Ye. She raised an eyebrow and said, “You’re the Wolf King.”

Feng Ye looked at her expressionlessly.

Saren paced around the room and then looked at Yan Sikong. “You’re Lord Yan.”

Yan Sikong stood up and cupped his hands. “Greetings, Madam Saren.”

Saren shrugged and looked back at Feng Ye. “Why isn’t the Wolf King speaking? Does he think I’m too beautiful?”

Yan Sikong whispered, “Madam, the Wolf King is your husband, and you shouldn’t be so disrespectful.”

Saren snorted. “He’s my husband, my man. How I speak to my man is none of your business.”

Yan Sikong bowed. “Yes, Madam.”

Feng Ye stood up. “Since you’ve become my concubine, you must follow Han customs and change out of these clothes and headpieces.”

Saren smiled. “Haven’t you had enough of Central Plains women all your life? I don’t want to change.”

Feng Ye narrowed his eyes.

Yan Sikong said, “Wolf King, Madam Saren has just arrived and isn’t accustomed to the local customs. It’s better to let her keep her homeland attire for now. Moreover, her dress and appearance are quite striking and will also show the soldiers the goodwill between the Chahar tribe and Datong.”

Feng Ye responded indifferently, “Fine, do as you wish.”

Saren boldly appraised Feng Ye without the shyness or reserve typical of Central Plains women. She smiled and said, “Thank you, Wolf King.”

Feng Ye instructed, “Have the Madam settled in the city.”

“Why should I go to the city when the Wolf King is at the camp outside?” Saren asked.

“The military has its rules. Women are not allowed in the camp.”

“I’m not an ordinary woman, and this camp isn’t just any camp.” Saren raised an eyebrow with a smile. “Even the soldiers can go to the city for pleasure. Wolf King, are you so young and energetic that you must remain abstinent?” She glanced at Yan Sikong and feigned realization. “Oh, I forgot. Since the Wolf King has Lord Yan with him in the camp, he doesn’t need any women.”

Yan Sikong remained expressionless, standing aside.

Feng Ye narrowed his eyes. “Stay properly in Yan State. Don’t make me say it a third time.”

Saren sneered. “Alright, then… oh, I’ll take my leave now.” She flashed a smile at Yan Sikong before gracefully exiting.

After Saren and the guards left, the tent fell into silence.

Yan Sikong hesitated for a moment before saying, “Although she is beautiful, her demeanor is too audacious and brash. Someone should teach her the customs of the Han people… and how to serve her husband.”

Feng Ye’s face darkened. “No need. Let her stay in Yan State. If she causes any trouble, I’ll send her back to Datong.”

Yan Sikong remained silent.

Feng Ye looked at him. “Did she insult you just now? Are you angry?”

Yan Sikong smiled. “I don’t take offense from women.”

“Hmm, don’t mind her.” Feng Ye said, “Let’s continue discussing important matters.”

Yan Sikong gazed at Feng Ye, hesitating to speak.

Feng Ye frowned. “What else do you want to say?”

Yan Sikong was troubled. He wanted to ask Feng Ye when he planned to secure an heir for the Feng family. As the only son of the Feng family, Feng Ye couldn’t allow the family line to end. Sooner or later, he needed to marry a woman and have a child to carry on his bloodline.

Yan Sikong didn’t want to think too much about his own thoughts, as his own opinions didn’t matter. What mattered was that Feng Ye needed an heir, and the Feng Family Army needed a successor.

Yan Sikong took a deep breath. “Aren’t you planning to be with Madam… General Feng must be eagerly awaiting this.”

Feng Ye responded coldly, “Oh, do you really want me to be with her?”

“…No.”

“Then what is it?”

Yan Sikong spoke softly, “Feng Ye, I hope your family prospers.”

Feng Ye was silent for a long while. “If you were a woman, it would be better.”

Yan Sikong gave a wry smile.

Feng Ye gazed deeply at Yan Sikong. “I’ll be honest with you. My father’s vengeance has not been avenged, and I have no intention of having a child now. If I win, then I can pass on this bloodline. If I lose, it will be a crime that exterminates my entire clan. What’s the point of talking about descendants then?”

“…The Wolf King has thought this through.”

Feng Ye sighed deeply, sat back in his chair, and lightly covered his wound, breathing heavily.

Yan Sikong quickly moved over, nervously asking, “Is your wound hurting again? Should I call a doctor?”

“I’m angry because of my uncle,” Feng Ye said, glancing at him sideways. “And because of that woman, and you.”

“I…”

“I don’t want to hear about this matter again, no matter your intention.” Feng Ye spoke with a tone that brooked no argument. “Whether you feel guilty because of Xi’er or are trying to test me.”

““Okay.”