The Blood Crown - Chapter 243

After returning to his bedroom, Yan Sikong was exhausted both physically and mentally. He collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep sleep.

 

When he woke up, the evening light had already settled. Sitting on the bed, he gazed at the dim moon outside the window, lost in thought for a long time, unsure whether he was still in a dream.

 

He felt like going out for a walk to clear his mind. Walking up to the coat rack, the first thing that caught his eye was the luxurious bear fur cloak, a gift from Feng Ye. In order to hunt such a large bear, Feng Ye, who at the time commanded an army of a hundred thousand, personally waited in the cold mountains for three days.

 

He ran his hand over the soft and thick fur. When draped in such a cloak, even the harshest winter in Liaodong would not be feared. Every time he wore it, he felt not only the warmth the cloak provided but also Feng Ye’s care for him.

 

If Feng Ye had always been cruel to him, he would have given up long ago. But it was this contradictory mixture of deep affection, resentment, suspicion, coldness, warmth, and good and bad moments that left him confused and helpless. Combined with past feelings and guilt, he could neither hate Feng Ye nor let go of the past.

 

He could clearly see Feng Ye’s struggles and pain, but Feng Ye’s thirst for revenge and his ambition for power had already grown to an extent that was beyond his view. For a long time, he had been blind, unwilling and afraid to see or confirm it, and now, it had led to this irreversible situation.

 

He often longed for that young man, the one who was rebellious but pure, the one who had never been disillusioned or despairing.

 

He wished Feng Ye could always remain that way, he liked that version of Feng Ye. He would rather shield Feng Ye from all the storms than let him experience the same dark torment he had gone through, turning into the person he was now.

 

Had it all gone wrong when he helped Feng Ye tame the wild horse at the spring hunt? He had said that they didn’t need to recognize each other, but deep down, he had secretly hoped that Feng Ye would come to find him. It was he who had involved Feng Ye in his hatred, deceiving and using him.

 

But even without him, the decline of the Feng family, like its rise, was inevitable. He only hated himself for being useless, defeated by the eunuchs’ faction. He couldn’t protect anyone—Yuan Mao, Yuan Nanyu, Feng Ye, he couldn’t protect any of them!

 

Yan Sikong forcefully waved his hand and knocked the coat rack over.

 

He stood there, breathing heavily, his chest feeling as though it were submerged in water, each breath taking all his strength.

 

He staggered to the door and stepped outside. The cold wind outside was biting, scraping against his skin like knives, but he felt more awake than cold. He needed this kind of cold to clear his mind.

 

No matter how much pain or resentment he had inside, it was all futile. Once the pain and resentment had run their course, there were still unfinished matters, still desires in his heart, and he had to… survive.

 

He looked up at the cold night sky, his feet grinding the ground, unsure of where to go, just walking. He wished the noble, lofty moon in the sky could show him the way at this moment of his greatest confusion.

 

Before he realized it, as he stepped out of the courtyard, two figures appeared from the darkness, blocking his path. They respectfully said, “Lord Yan, it’s so late, where are you going?”

 

Yan Sikong suddenly snapped out of his daze, staring blankly at the two. He recognized them as elite soldiers under Feng Ye’s command. “Why are you here?” he asked, already knowing the answer in his heart.

 

“We were sent by the Wolf King to protect Lord Yan,” one of them replied. “It’s cold out at night, and you’re dressed so thinly. You should be careful not to catch a cold. Please, return to your room and rest.”

 

Yan Sikong looked coldly at them. “Are you protecting me, watching me, or placing me under house arrest?”

 

The two exchanged glances and responded respectfully, “Lord, you exaggerate. The Wolf King ordered us to accompany and protect you. Wherever you wish to go, we will protect you. However, it is quite late now. If you have a place to go, it would be better to wait until morning.”

 

“Watching me…” Yan Sikong murmured.

 

“Please return to your room and rest, don’t catch a cold.”

 

Yan Sikong said calmly, “What if I insist on going out?”

 

“Then we will accompany you, but please, at least wear something warm.”

 

Yan Sikong sneered and turned back toward the room.

 

Did Feng Ye think he would run away?

 

Where could he escape to? To find Chen Mu? Even though he was unwilling for Feng Ye to fight for the throne, he could never help Chen Mu to overthrow Feng Ye.

 

In Feng Ye’s heart, would he really be cold-hearted enough to do that?

 

Between them, it seemed that all that remained was obsession and entanglement.

 

—

 

Yan Sikong sat through the night until dawn. He hastily ate the meal brought by Ali, then put down his chopsticks and had Ali help him change.

 

When Ali picked up the coat hanger and gently patted the dust off the bear cloak, Yan Sikong said, “Don’t wear that one.”

 

Ali looked at him in confusion.

 

“I said, don’t wear that one,” Yan Sikong emphasized.

 

Ali didn’t understand but put the cloak away and fetched a different cloak for Yan Sikong. After he finished dressing, he left with Ali.

 

The people Feng Ye had sent to “protect” him had been replaced, most likely by those on day duty, and they silently followed behind him.

 

Ali tugged at Yan Sikong’s sleeve, signaling him to look at the tail following them. Yan Sikong shook his head. “Don’t mind them.”

 

Yuan Nanyu lived not far away. It was early morning when Yan Sikong arrived, and even the gatekeeper was yawning, with most of the servants still asleep.

 

The gatekeeper respectfully greeted him, “Oh, Lord Yan, you’re here so early. Our General is still resting.”

 

“Take me to see him. I have urgent business.”

 

“Yes.” Those around Yuan Nanyu knew of the good relationship between the two and didn’t ask questions, directly leading Yan Sikong to Yuan Nanyu’s bedroom.

 

Yan Sikong knocked on the door. “General Que, it’s me, Yan Sikong.”

 

A voice immediately responded from inside, “Sikong? Come in.”

 

Yan Sikong gestured for Ali to wait outside and walked in.

 

Yuan Nanyu, with his back to him, was sitting on the bed, clearly just having woken up. He yawned. “No one else, right?”

 

“It’s just me.”

 

Yuan Nanyu finally turned his face toward him. His hair was in disarray, just covering the dark mark on his forehead, and for a moment, Yan Sikong felt as though he was seeing himself across a distance.

 

Noticing the change in Yan Sikong’s expression, Yuan Nanyu couldn’t help but touch the mark on his forehead. “Does my hair cover it?”

 

“It does.”

 

Yuan Nanyu smiled. “It seems I should follow the example of the wandering heroes and let my hair grow wild.”

 

“Weren’t you a wandering hero before?” Yan Sikong sat beside Yuan Nanyu. “Now, though, you’re a renowned general.”

 

Yuan Nanyu’s smile faded gradually, his expression becoming more serious. “You came so early, it must be urgent. Is it something bad?”

 

Yan Sikong spoke in a deep voice. “I don’t know if it’s bad to you.”

 

“What’s going on?”

 

Yan Sikong stared intently at Yuan Nanyu. “You once roamed the martial world, why would you willingly serve Feng Ye and give up the freedom you once had?”

 

Yuan Nanyu was stunned for a moment before replying, “I was in the martial world, but I also cared about the country. When I came to the capital, I was determined to rescue King Jingyuan. The rise and fall of a country is the responsibility of all men. If one possesses great skills but watches as loyal ministers and generals are harmed by traitors, then what kind of hero would he be? Later, I saved Feng Ye, and I knew he would inherit King Jingyuan’s legacy, so I decided to follow him to eliminate the traitors and save the country and people.”

 

“…Do you know how he plans to eliminate the traitors and save the country?”

 

Yuan Nanyu was once again taken aback. “Why do you ask that? Isn’t everything we’re doing now for that purpose?”

 

Yan Sikong whispered, “Yuer… I know you don’t like me calling you that, but when I do, I feel comforted, so I still call you that… I had a dispute with Feng Ye yesterday.”

 

“Why?” Yuan Nanyu asked, a little anxious.

 

Yan Sikong looked deeply into Yuan Nanyu’s eyes, speaking clearly. “Because he wants to be emperor.”

 

Yuan Nanyu blinked and fell silent for a moment.

 

Yan Sikong watched his every reaction, his body shuddering as he gave a bitter smile. “So you knew?”

 

So he was the only one kept in the dark?

 

Someone so sharp and perceptive as him, it should have been easy to see through a person, yet he was deceived, unable to see the closest person! No, actually, he had suspected it for a long time, but he didn’t want to believe it, he had been deceiving himself.

 

Yuan Nanyu sighed softly. “Sikong, Feng Ye never told me, but I had an inkling. Throughout history, which man doesn’t want to be emperor? Feng Ye led us through countless battles, suffering untold hardships. Now he holds powerful armies and can rival the imperial court. The Chen family destroyed his entire family, and if he doesn’t harbor ambitions to usurp the throne, it would be unlike him.”

 

“So, you’re willing to help him become emperor.” Yan Sikong murmured.

 

“Why not?” Yuan Nanyu retorted. “In terms of talent, ability, and courage, Feng Ye is a true dragon among men. The emperor is corrupt and incompetent, the officials are mere figureheads, and the princes are too powerful to be controlled. The Chen dynasty is nearing its end.”

 

Yan Sikong spoke in a low voice. “Do you know about the chaos of the Eight Kings of Western Jin?”

 

Yuan Nanyu furrowed his brows and fell silent.

 

“Different warlords fought for power, causing the people to suffer, the land to fall apart, and numerous foreign invaders seized the opportunity. They were brutal, merciless, and ravaged my people.” Yan Sikong’s tone remained calm, but his words carried a dark undercurrent. “Along the Yishui River, there were mountains of female corpses, called ‘two-legged lambs’ by them.”

 

Yuan Nanyu tightened his grip on the blanket. “We will never let the barbarians step into the Central Plains.”

 

“Do you think you’ll have control if the world falls into chaos?” Yan Sikong grabbed Yuan Nanyu’s arm. “Why do I insist on supporting Chen Mu to the throne? Because only someone with the Chen surname can stabilize the various warlords. But if Feng Ye becomes emperor, they will rise up in rebellion. Who knows how things will unfold then?”

 

Yuan Nanyu squinted, speaking softly. “As long as it’s not Chen Mu, it’s fine, right?”

 

“What?”

 

“Feng Ye is not as impulsive and short-sighted as you think. He won’t seize the throne until the situation is stable. I wouldn’t make such a foolish move either. But…” Yuan Nanyu looked deeply at Yan Sikong. “He will never let Chen Mu ascend the throne. You understand that, don’t you?”

 

“Even if it’s not Chen Mu, it should be another prince.”

 

“If you truly think like that, then fine.” Yuan Nanyu subtly pushed Yan Sikong’s hand away. He pressed his lips together. “For a long time, it was you who insisted on supporting Chen Mu. If I were Feng Ye, I would just find a young child. Wouldn’t it be easier to control?”

 

Yan Sikong stared blankly at Yuan Nanyu, a surge of blood rising to his chest. It felt as if something was choking him. “Yuer… are you… doubting me too?”

 

Yuan Nanyu gritted his teeth. “I’m not doubting you. I’m just reminding you. We’re brothers, and Feng Ye has had many years of connection with you. Even if Chen Mu is your student, Feng Ye no longer needs him, and he might even collaborate with the imperial court to deal with Feng Ye. You should give up on him!”

 

“Do you think it’s that simple?” Yan Sikong raised his voice. “Feng Ye is plotting rebellion under the guise of supporting the Prince of Chu. If they fall out, it will lead to the warlords rising up against Feng Ye.”

 

“This is bound to happen sooner or later. Now, we dominate the Central Plains, and it’s only a few days’ journey to the capital.” Yuan Nanyu said seriously. “Sikong, I think the best course of action now is to quickly take the capital and have the young heir crowned emperor.”

 

“Naive!” Yan Sikong looked at Yuan Nanyu in disbelief. “Why, after winning a few battles, are you so fearless? You’re facing the royal family that has ruled this land for over two hundred years. They are the legitimate rulers of the world. Even with Chen Mu’s help, we might not be able to take the capital. Now that Chen Mu is about to betray us, survival itself is difficult enough, and yet you still have such unrealistic ideas?”

 

Yuan Nanyu’s expression shifted slightly. “We’ve walked all the way from Shu, each step was perilous. If we don’t try, how can we know what the outcome will be?”

 

“If we do it, we must do it more cautiously.” Yan Sikong shook his head. “Feng Ye has always been like a gambler. He was more reckless when he was young, but as he grew older, he became more restrained. However, each gamble he takes now is bigger than the last. If he loses, I fear he won’t be able to bear it. You weren’t like this before. How did you become like this?”

 

“What should I be like then!” Yuan Nanyu’s face turned angry. “I swore to follow Feng Ye, so I fully trust and am loyal to him. If he decides to become emperor, I will follow him without hesitation.”

 

Yan Sikong looked at Yuan Nanyu with pain in his eyes, a feeling too difficult to put into words.

 

Yuan Nanyu took a deep breath. “Sikong, I don’t want to argue with you. We are brothers. Why can’t we work together?”

 

“I want to work together with you.” Yan Sikong said softly. “But I’m afraid. I’m afraid of becoming a sinner for all eternity.”

 

Yuan Nanyu gently touched Yan Sikong’s face. “You and Feng Ye, with your knowledge and martial prowess, are both unparalleled talents. I believe we can all achieve our goals, truly.”

 

Yan Sikong shook his head lightly.

 

Yuan Nanyu sighed again. “Sikong, let me wash my face, and then we’ll talk properly. I don’t want to hurt our brotherhood.”

 

Yan Sikong remained silent.

 

Yuan Nanyu jumped out of bed and walked to the outer room, where the sound of water could be heard.

 

Yan Sikong stood up, looking around the room. His eyes fell on the cabinet in front of the bed. The door was slightly ajar, and he could see many identical masks stacked inside.

 

In an impulse, Yan Sikong quickly grabbed one of the masks and tucked it into his sleeve.

 

“Que Wang, I’ll be going now.”

 

Yuan Nanyu turned around. “Wait, don’t go yet. At least have a meal with me. Let’s talk some more. Maybe you misunderstand Feng Ye.”

 

Yan Sikong shook his head. “The Wolf King told me to think things through. I came to you because I couldn’t think it through, but now, it seems, I still have to figure it out myself.”

 

“Sikong…”