The Blood Crown - Chapter 252

On the day of the wedding, Yan Sikong could almost hear the noise from outside the walls, even though they were thick and heavy.

The soldiers of the army must have been elated, treating the Wolf King like a god. The Wolf King’s marriage was a grand event, and there would be plenty of food and wine—something the soldiers, who had been under the Wolf King’s strict military discipline for so long, would thoroughly enjoy.

Yan Sikong felt like he was no longer a part of the world outside. Not long ago, they had fought side by side, but now, he doubted anyone would remember him. Even if they did, it would be with contempt.

But he no longer cared what Feng Ye thought, nor did he care about what “others” thought.

He only suddenly felt an intense craving for wine. That cup of wine from the previous night—if not for its strange, painful significance—was really good wine, but he couldn’t drink it freely.

Everything that happened last night lingered in his mind, especially the flash of red from the bridal veil. It was so vivid, so glaring, and he never imagined that there would be a shade of red in the world more painful, more unforgettable than blood.

Tonight, Feng Ye would marry a woman. That would be a solemn, magnificent, joyful ceremony, the subject of everyone’s attention and congratulations. They would be lawfully married, and she would bear the title of Feng Ye’s legitimate wife, spreading her name throughout the world. They would hear endless praises, and their story would be recorded in history, passed down through generations.

He sincerely hoped that Princess Yunlong could bring blessings and children to the Feng family, so that he would no longer feel guilty to King Jingyuan. After all, having no heirs was a great dishonor, and Feng Ye had already condemned him enough; he didn’t want to add another layer of punishment.

It is said that fate is cruel. When he married Wanyang and the whole city rejoiced, Feng Ye was imprisoned, with nothing to his name. Now, their positions had switched, and they shared the same fate. Sometimes, he wondered if they were cursed, or if the heavens gave much and took much in return, so much so that sometimes he hated Feng Ye, sometimes he hated himself, and sometimes he hated only fate.

It was time for the food delivery. The same prison guard who had been reprimanded by him last time was here again, but now he seemed much more subdued.

The guard placed the food outside the iron bars and then suddenly whispered, “Lord Yan truly knows how to keep calm.”

Yan Sikong shivered, quickly turned around, and walked to the bars, his voice trembling, “You… She Zhun?”

The “guard” straightened up, and Yan Sikong could see that he had intentionally hunched his back before, but now, standing straight, he was a bit taller, and his eyes were much clearer. This was definitely not the same person as the day before.

Yan Sikong hurriedly leaned toward the bars and grabbed the man’s arm. “She Zhun?!”

He recognized the voice, and more importantly, the aura. The person before him was indeed She Zhun in disguise.

She Zhun looked at the pale, haggard Yan Sikong with both pity and anger. “Look at yourself. Your schemes have led you here, haven’t they?”

Yan Sikong let out a bitter smile. “She Zhun, it’s been two years. I’ve missed you.”

She Zhun angrily replied, “Really? Have you truly missed me?”

“Really. But you shouldn’t be here. I miss you, but I don’t want to see you. I don’t want you to get caught up in all this.”

“When have I ever stayed away from trouble?”

Yan Sikong sighed. “If you were only hiding in the shadows gathering intelligence, you could come and go as you please. You’re like a cunning rabbit with many burrows, constantly changing your guise. No one could catch you. Why come here?”

“Why? If it wasn’t to save you, why would I put myself in such danger?!”

Yan Sikong felt both guilty and touched. “She Zhun, thank you. We’ve known each other for many years, and you should know that the closer someone is to me, the worse their fate will be. I’m not making excuses; I just don’t want to drag you into this. Do you understand?”

She Zhun coldly responded, “I’ve been in the Jianghu since I was a teenager. When have I ever cared about my life or honor? You say you’re a cursed lone star, but haven’t I always walked alone, isolated? Without you, I would’ve died on the streets long ago. I’ll do whatever I want, you don’t need to say more.”

“She Zhun, this time is different from before. If I run, Feng Ye will certainly trace it back to you.”

“And so what?” She Zhun looked at Yan Sikong firmly. “The moment I heard my people were captured by Feng Ye, I knew something had happened to you. Even before reaching Taiyuan, the news of your treason had already reached my ears. But… did you really collude with Chen Mu?”

Yan Sikong was stunned for a moment and then gave a detached smile. “The world thinks I’m a habitual traitor, always yielding to the wind. But this time, I was framed.”

She Zhun spoke solemnly, “I don’t believe you’d betray Feng Ye. You value him more than revenge, more than your own life. You, who seem cold-hearted, are burdened by your feelings… Nanyu…”

“Don’t call me Nanyu anymore,” Yan Sikong blurted out.

She Zhun was taken aback, then seemed to realize something. “Oh, your brother…”

Yan Sikong had already told She Zhun about his reunion with Yuan Nanyu, but he hadn’t told him that Feng Ye had mistaken their identities. Now, only the scoundrel Yuan Shaoxu called him Nanyu. He didn’t want his only friend to address him like that, it sounded too harsh.

Yan Sikong looked at She Zhun with concern. “What do you plan to do to help me? Even if I leave here, where can I go?”

“Where is better than a prison?” She Zhun touched the mask on his face. “Tonight, Feng Ye is getting married. The city’s defenses will be lax, and it’s an opportunity to escape.”

“I can’t leave alone. If I go, Ah Li will definitely die,” Yan Sikong lowered his gaze. “Under Feng Ye’s command, there is never a time when defenses are lax. Even on his wedding night, the guards would never slack off.”

“I’ll save Ah Li too. No matter what, if we miss today, there will be no better chance.” She Zhun said with disgust, “If you don’t try, do you plan to rot in this prison? You and Feng Ye swore lifelong loyalty when you were young, and these past two years, you’ve fought wars with him, strategized with him, and even stood against the court for him. Such deep feelings can’t even win his trust. He doesn’t care about old ties at all. Why are you still hesitating?”

“She Zhun, it’s not that I don’t want to leave.” Yan Sikong said anxiously, “I’m afraid that if we fail, I won’t be able to protect you and Ah Li!”

“Ah Li is loyal to you. He won’t let you suffer just to survive. I’ve made arrangements. We must try.” She Zhun stared at Yan Sikong fiercely. “Do you want to leave or not? Just say the word.”

Yan Sikong looked at She Zhun, shaken by the determination in his eyes.

Did he want to leave?

He did.

He wanted to leave this place that had wounded him so deeply. The world was vast, surely there was a place for him. Perhaps it would be best if he and Feng Ye never met again, and after many years, when time had dulled their love, hatred, and grievances, he might still remember a little of the good times.

He nodded tremblingly.

“Then it’s settled. Wait for my news.”

“Wait.” Yan Sikong quickly calmed down. “In the south-facing courtyard of the Feng family estate, under the second tree, there is something buried. Tonight, disguise yourself as a guest and infiltrate the estate. You must dig it up, it will help us.”

“What is it?”

“A mask.”

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I’ve been out doing book signings these past few days and I’m exhausted. The updates were written on planes and high-speed trains, so they’ve been fewer. I’ll take a break tomorrow to rest for a day…

I forgot to wish everyone a Happy National Day, love you all!