The Blood Crown - Chapter 259

The end of the year was approaching, but across the entire Central Plains, there was likely no city in the mood to welcome the New Year. The conflict between the Wolf King and Prince Chu might break out at any moment, and then, no one would be able to stay uninvolved.

The envoy Chen Mu sent to Taiyuan had returned. Feng Ye still declared that he would wait for Chen Mu in Taiyuan, but Chen Mu did not dare to go. He demanded Qingyang from Feng Ye. Without obtaining Qingyang and entering the Central Plains hastily, Chen Mu would face attacks from both sides. Feng Ye had already stationed his masked Grand General in Qingyang, making it impossible to give it up to Chen Mu.

The two had yet to completely fall out, merely sending envoys back and forth to exchange words. The various factions were also holding their positions, watching the situation unfold.

But Chen Mu could no longer hold back; he wanted to swiftly capture Qingyang.

Chen Mu summoned Yan Sikong and Shen Hexuan to discuss the matter. Yan Sikong was very relieved that Yuan Shaoxu had at least not sold the identity of “Que Wang” to Chen Mu. If they knew about his relationship with Yuan Nanyu, he would have no reason to stay here.

From Chen Mu, Yan Sikong learned that Feng Ye had already secretly reinforced Qingyang. But even if Qingyang could hold out, there were still Pingliang and Fengxiang, both key routes to the Central Plains. Although their locations were not as ideal as Qingyang, they could still serve as supply lines for provisions and munitions.

Chen Mu had an army of 100,000. If Qingyang was too difficult to capture, he could retreat and take Pingliang or Fengxiang instead. Unless Feng Ye could learn of Chen Mu’s movements in advance, it would be impossible for him to guard all three cities at once.

“I’ve invited both of you here today to discuss this matter,” Chen Mu said. “Feng Ye will never give me Qingyang, and we can’t just sit here idly forever. Before spring, if we can capture one of Qingyang, Pingliang, or Fengxiang, the grain supplies from the southeast can be secured. Otherwise, we won’t be able to attack Taiyuan.”

Yan Sikong and Shen Hexuan exchanged a glance, each sitting up straighter, but neither spoke.

The atmosphere in the room became somewhat tense.

Chen Mu’s gaze shifted between the two before finally settling on Yan Sikong. “Sir…”

“Perhaps we should hear from Lord Shen first,” Yan Sikong interrupted.

Shen Hexuan closed his eyes, looking relaxed. “Lord Yan has been by the Wolf King’s side for a long time and is well-acquainted with the situation in the three cities. We should hear from him first.”

Yan Sikong didn’t hold back. “Among the three cities of Qingyang, Pingliang, and Fengxiang, Qingyang is the most heavily defended. The other two cities each have less than 20,000 troops. Even if Feng Ye wants to reinforce them, he won’t be able to. I believe His Highness already knows this.”

Chen Mu nodded.

“There’s no need for any complicated strategies. Qingyang has Que Wang guarding it, and with the additional troops sent by Feng Ye, it’s not a city that can be taken quickly. The only option is to surprise attack Pingliang or Fengxiang. The distance from Huaian to these two cities is about the same, so we only need to choose one,” Yan Sikong glanced at Shen Hexuan and then at Chen Mu. “I think there’s no need for me to elaborate.”

“Lord Yan’s words are already ‘elaboration,'” Shen Hexuan said. “Everyone knows it’s about choosing between Pingliang and Fengxiang. But which one should we choose? Actually, it doesn’t matter which. The important point is that the distance from Qingyang to both cities is about the same, and it’s much closer than Huaian. No matter which city we attack, Qingyang will certainly come to its aid.” He opened his eyes, giving Yan Sikong a sideways glance. “How to hold off that masked general is the key to this battle.”

Yan Sikong smiled faintly. “I shouldn’t boast. Better let Lord Shen speak.”

Just as Chen Mu was about to say something, Shen Hexuan asked, “Who is this Que Wang? Why does he always cover his face? What’s his temperament like, and how does he command troops?”

“This person’s background is very mysterious. He seems to have been a man of the martial world. He followed Feng Ye after he escaped from prison years ago. It’s said that he always wears a mask because of disfiguring injuries. No one has seen his true face except for Feng Ye,” Yan Sikong said with a frown. “I have some minor dealings with him. He’s frank and upright, and his military tactics are very much Feng Ye’s own, with significant achievements in battle and high prestige.”

“You’ve known him for so long, and you’ve never gotten anything out of him?” Shen Hexuan was clearly skeptical.

“I’ve tried, but he seems to suffer from amnesia, not remembering who he is. But that was just something he said after drinking. I don’t know if it’s true or false.” Yan Sikong looked coldly at Shen Hexuan. “All I know is that this person is no ordinary figure. To take any of the cities, he must be defeated.”

Chen Mu stroked his chin. “We can only split our forces: one unit to attack the city and another to set up an ambush to hold off Que Wang.”

“We need to feint east and strike west so that he doesn’t know which city we’re really targeting.” Shen Hexuan cupped his hands. “Your Highness, from Huaian to either Pingliang or Fengxiang, the route is eastward. Only after passing the Jiuhuai Mountains do we need to divide our forces. I suggest that Your Highness personally choose a target city and not reveal it to anyone until just before the march, to prevent any leaks.”

Chen Mu nodded. “That makes sense. If even the soldiers don’t know which city we’re attacking, then no matter how many spies Feng Ye sends, he won’t be able to learn our plans.”

Yan Sikong squinted slightly. On the surface, this plan was to prevent spies, but in reality, wasn’t it meant to guard against him? As he expected, both Shen Hexuan and Chen Mu were wary of him. Shen Hexuan was forthright, but Chen Mu had to put on an act of complete trust. Perhaps Chen Mu did have some feelings for him, but mostly, it was just a performance.

This way, it was impossible for him to notify Yuan Nanyu in advance.

Yan Sikong said, “Lord Shen is right. A surprise attack should indeed be unexpected.”

“Sir, what are the military supplies, provisions, troops, and generals like in these three cities?”

Yan Sikong wasn’t sure how much Chen Mu already knew about the three cities, worried that Chen Mu might be testing him, so he spoke truthfully.

Chen Mu pondered for a moment. “I have a plan in mind. We have been preparing for war all this time. Although it’s cold and not the best season for sieges, if we wait until spring, I fear Feng Ye…” He pursed his lips. “I fear Feng Ye will advance on the capital, and by then, it will be too late to stop him.”

“I’m afraid Feng Ye truly has that intention,” Yan Sikong said with a bitter smile. “Unfortunately, he keeps everything hidden from me, so I can’t be sure what he’s thinking.”

“I plan to dispatch the troops soon. What do you two think?”

Yan Sikong and Shen Hexuan exchanged another glance, each harboring their own thoughts, but both nodded in agreement.

—

On his way back to his room, Yan Sikong encountered a familiar face — Qi Manbi.

“Madam.” Yan Sikong cupped his hands in greeting.

Qi Manbi bowed slightly. “Greetings to Master Yan.”

“Madam is too courteous. It has been a year since we last met, and you still look radiant as ever.”

“Is that so?” Qi Manbi lightly touched her cheek with her delicate hand and sighed. “This makeup-deep beauty can only deceive outsiders.”

“Does Madam have something on her mind?”

Qi Manbi made a gesture of invitation, and the two moved a little distance away from the servants, walking side by side. Qi Manbi gave a bitter smile. “Ever since His Highness married his legitimate wife, my days have become increasingly difficult.”

“Prince Chu is busy with military affairs, burdened with many responsibilities. It’s not that he intentionally neglects you.” Yan Sikong could tell Qi Manbi was complaining about the princess, but he couldn’t agree with her openly.

Qi Manbi shook her head, her sorrowful expression truly pitiful. “The prince treats me well, but the princess, being of noble birth, looks down on someone like me who comes from a background in theater. She often speaks to me with harsh words, and I really can’t bear it…”

“You entered the household earlier than the princess, Madam. You were originally meant to support each other in managing the household, allowing Prince Chu to focus on matters outside. Perhaps the princess is still young and immature, but she will eventually come to understand you.”

Qi Manbi slowed her steps, looking up at Yan Sikong, her gaze clear as autumn water. “Actually, I know why the princess doesn’t like me and despises my lowly background. It’s just an excuse. When it comes down to it, it’s all because of…” She touched her cheek again. “This face.”

Yan Sikong felt a trace of impatience. This Qi Manbi had tried to win him over several times. Did she think that because they looked somewhat alike, Chen Mu should enjoy the blessing of two similar beauties to please him? Now that she was suppressed by the princess, unable to bear children, with no support from her family, she was turning her attention to him. What a foolish woman, thinking herself so clever.

“It’s true that His Highness favors me, but I also know my place.” Qi Manbi smiled softly. “In the prince’s heart, there is neither me nor the princess, only you, Sir. In fact, I should thank you. If it weren’t for you, His Highness wouldn’t treat me with such special favor.”

“Please, Madam, be cautious with your words.” Yan Sikong remained respectful but his tone was icy.

A flicker of fear crossed Qi Manbi’s face, but she was undeterred. “Sir, have you ever thought that we bear some resemblance, both serving Prince Chu? What a stroke of fate that is. When I was young, I had an elder brother, but we were separated during a time of chaos. I often wonder, if… if you were my brother, how wonderful that would be.”

Yan Sikong said, “Madam honors me too much. How dare I presume to claim such a connection.”

Qi Manbi felt a bit stifled, but having always used her charms to navigate the world of men, she couldn’t resist using them here either. She cleared her throat softly and took a few steps closer to Yan Sikong. “His Highness will one day become the emperor. We both need to serve him well. To be honest, when I first saw you, I felt a strong sense of familiarity, as if I were meeting a family member. In the future, both inside and outside the household, even… even in the imperial harem, I wish we could look out for each other.”

“I am deeply honored,” Yan Sikong bowed again. “In fact, I feel the same way about Madam.”

Qi Manbi covered her mouth with a smile. “His Highness is young and handsome, and I am very fond of him. Do you feel the same way?”

Yan Sikong narrowed his eyes. “I serve His Highness with all my heart. As for other matters…”

“His Highness is sincerely devoted to you. If you look at me, don’t you understand?” Qi Manbi whispered. “The prince and the princess treat each other with distant courtesy, but with me, he is truly affectionate. If I could give birth to a child soon and have your support, I wouldn’t have to suffer all this.”

Yan Sikong smiled faintly. “Madam is right. You should focus on serving His Highness well.”

“Why don’t you…” Qi Manbi hesitated, as if she wanted to say more.

Yan Sikong pretended not to notice what Qi Manbi was hinting at. Suppressing the irritation in his heart, he cupped his hands and said, “I have important matters to discuss with His Highness. I must take my leave for now.”

“Oh, then go ahead, Sir.”

Yan Sikong bowed and walked away.

Watching Yan Sikong’s retreating figure, Qi Manbi slowly revealed a seductive smile.