The Blood Crown - Chapter 271

Feng Ye lightly curled the corner of his lips, staring deeply at Yan Sikong with dark, deep-set eyes. “My uncle and Na Danhan Khan are marching from Datong, Wang Shen from Taiyuan, and Yong Wang from Dingyong. The 240,000-strong army is divided into three routes heading straight for the capital. Although I lead only 30,000 troops, there are still 50,000 in Qingyang, with an additional 30,000 reserve troops.” He sneered. “Chen Mu thinks he can trap me here and capture Taiyuan, but Taiyuan is already a deadly trap he’s dug for himself, waiting for him to fall in.”

Yan Sikong stared at Feng Ye, still unable to recover from the shock.

Feng Ye spoke smugly, “Chen Mu thinks it is me who is trapped, but little does he know, he’s the one who’s wrapping himself in his own web.”

“…You plan to abandon Taiyuan.” Yan Sikong gasped. “How many soldiers are left in Taiyuan?”

“Twenty thousand.”

“You’re using those twenty thousand as bait.” Yan Sikong fixed his gaze on Feng Ye, trying to read any sign of emotion in his eyes.

There was none, nothing at all.

Feng Ye said calmly, “Exactly. When Chen Mu captures Taiyuan, and his troops are exhausted and weary, he will be surrounded by my forces in Taiyuan. Even if he learns about the capital and decides to abandon Taiyuan to rescue it, it will be too late.”

Yan Sikong stared blankly at Feng Ye. He was not unaware of how ruthless and decisive the Wolf King was, how fierce and unforgiving in battle. It was just that he had once seen the innocent and pure Feng Ye as a child, and could never fully rid himself of that image. Perhaps he had… too good a memory.

Feng Ye spoke coldly, “Why are you looking at me like that? Do you pity me? When you set fire to kill 40,000 people in Yunnan, did you feel any pity then?”

Yan Sikong’s heart trembled, and he lowered his head. “Chen Mu would never have thought that you would abandon the Taiyuan you fought so hard for.” They had lost so many soldiers and expended so much effort to capture Taiyuan. It was the second most important stronghold for the Feng family army, after Datong. For Feng Ye to so casually say he’d abandon it was both incredible courage and audacity.

Only Feng Ye would dare take such a risk. He had always been someone who pursued victory through unconventional means, seeking success through danger.

“I know you think it’s too risky. If it were avoidable, I wouldn’t have given up Taiyuan,” Feng Ye said harshly. “Chen Mu has allied with the court and the vassal kings to attack me. Once all the lords realize my weakness, they’ll pounce on me, tearing me to pieces. Speeding up the capture of the capital is the only way out. Once I become the target of all, there will be no turning back.”

“Though risky, you’re right.” Yan Sikong sighed heavily. Everything now depended on this one battle.

“Are you worried about him?” Feng Ye coldly eyed Yan Sikong.

Yan Sikong didn’t respond.

“You’re too arrogant, thinking that without you, I can’t win.” Feng Ye mocked. “If you had agreed to my terms earlier, I would have kept my promise and spared Chen Mu’s life. But now, it’s too late.”

Yan Sikong stared into Feng Ye’s eyes, where there was only an abyss.

Feng Ye leaned in, grabbing Yan Sikong’s chin and whispering, “I’ll kill him, right in front of you. You’ll always remember what happens to those who covet what’s mine.”

Yan Sikong pushed Feng Ye’s hand away. “It’s too early to talk about victory or defeat.”

“Do you wish for him to win?” Feng Ye’s eyes flashed with malice. “Do you want me to fail, to die at Chen Mu’s hands?”

Yan Sikong pressed his lips together.

Feng Ye barked, “Speak!”

“…It has nothing to do with me.” Yan Sikong’s face was expressionless. “Whether you win or lose, live or die, it doesn’t concern me. Just save Que Wang, and let there be no further ties between us.”

“Whether we have ties or not is up to me.” Feng Ye shook his head. “Do you really think you can repeatedly betray me and walk away unscathed? You’ll never escape this lifetime.”

“Feng Ye, you don’t need to force me. I have nothing left now, nothing to worry about. If I die, so be it.” Yan Sikong sneered. “What more can you do if I die?”

“You dare!” Feng Ye glared at him, a flicker of panic flashing in his eyes. “Don’t even think about it.”

Yan Sikong was unmoved. “I’ve told you, I’m not afraid of death. What can you do to me? Save Que Wang, and enough with the useless talk.”

Feng Ye suppressed his fury and said in a low voice, “Que Wang is likely no longer in Pingliang. Chen Mu wouldn’t leave such an important hostage there while heading to Taiyuan.”

“Yes, he might have taken Que Wang to Taiyuan.” Yan Sikong thought for a moment. “Once he leaves the city, it will be easier for him to escape. As long as he hasn’t been exposed, he will definitely find a way to flee.”

“We currently have no idea of his situation. If we act rashly, we might alert him, and it could endanger him,” Feng Ye said. “I’ve already sent scouts to gather intelligence.”

Yan Sikong hesitated. “Then how much longer must we wait? If Chen Mu discovers his identity, he will surely be furious. Even if he doesn’t kill him, he will torture him in every way.”

“Even if that happens, exchanging you for him won’t help. You can forget about that plan,” Feng Ye said coldly. “The only thing you can do now is give me the forces of Fengxiang, so I can break out of this ambush and reach the capital to join with my uncle. Once we capture the capital, Chen Mu will do anything to ensure his survival.”

Yan Sikong looked at Feng Ye sideways. “Then send me back to Fengxiang, and I’ll command the troops there.”

Feng Ye lightly patted Yan Sikong’s face. “What tricks are you trying to play now?”

“Are you afraid?”

“This question should be asked by me.” Feng Ye leaned closer to Yan Sikong, his gaze fixed on his lips, pale and cracked, devoid of the once vibrant redness. Yet, he couldn’t control himself and pressed his lips against his. He wouldn’t admit that it was the person he spent restless nights thinking about during the two months apart, but he knew that right now, he wanted to do this. He was the Wolf King, the ruler here, and he could do as he pleased.

Yan Sikong reached out to push him away, but Feng Ye grabbed his wrist and forcefully kissed him, so deep and intense, as if trying to consume him completely. His teeth ached, but he didn’t let go.

The familiar scent rushed into Yan Sikong’s body through their lips, numbing his consciousness like poison. He instinctively struggled, but Feng Ye held him firmly, causing him to wince in pain as his wounds were aggravated.

Feng Ye released him and licked his lips, staring at his eyes with a low voice, “Did Chen Mu ever kiss you?”

Yan Sikong gave him a disdainful look, “You’re acting so stupid.”

Feng Ye kept holding Yan Sikong’s wrist. “He must have thought about it, every time he pressed his concubine down, he must have thought of you. Every time he saw you, he thought about how to kiss you, hold you, and how to fuck you.” His voice was gentle, but his words sent chills down Yan Sikong’s spine. “I won’t allow anyone to think about you like that. Whoever it is, I’ll make them disappear from this world.”

“Not everyone is as foolish as you, blinded by lust.” Yan Sikong sneered.

“Blinded by lust, huh?” Feng Ye coldly laughed, uncaring. “I told you before, you’re like a water spirit, and it was you who turned me into this. There’s no more talk of feelings between us, but I still want you. Call it revenge, call it torment, it’s what you deserve.”

Yan Sikong felt his heart tremble. He withdrew his hand. “I’m tired.”

“Then rest. Heal your wounds.” Feng Ye carefully helped Yan Sikong lie down on the bed. “Once you’re healed, you’ll have the strength to oppose me.”

Yan Sikong closed his eyes. In the face of Feng Ye’s aggression, he didn’t feel anxious, sad, or regretful. Perhaps, he had become numb. After accepting the fate of his turbulent life, no matter how deep the mud he fell into, he had learned to accept it.

—

After two days of rest in Feng Ye’s camp, Yan Sikong’s fever subsided, and his wounds greatly improved. Today was the last day of the three-day appointment with Xu Wang, and he had to return the military command to Fengxiang.

After careful thought over the past two days, Yan Sikong knew that he had no choice but to compromise with Feng Ye. Otherwise, even with two thousand soldiers and Fengxiang, it would be of no use. But these two thousand soldiers were now his, and he didn’t intend to give up command. Therefore, Feng Ye also made a concession, agreeing not to take the command and not to interfere with his control over these two thousand men.

Three days after Feng Ye withdrew his troops from Fengxiang, he returned with them as if nothing had happened. But his return this time held far more significance than it had three days ago.

Xu Wang knew he had been tricked and used by Yan Sikong, but it was too late. In order to preserve his life, he had to surrender.

At this time, Chen Mu should have arrived in Taiyuan, and the changes in Fengxiang should also have been known. The three routes of the Feng family army heading to the capital should be approaching the city.

The Chen Sheng Dynasty, which had ruled for two hundred years, was facing an unprecedented threat. Whether China would descend into chaos with warring factions contending for power would be determined in a single night. This battle would shake the world.

Centuries later, when history was written, how would this battle be chronicled? And what would be said about those who stirred the winds and clouds? Yan Sikong suddenly felt how insignificant he was. He always tried to change the fate of the world with his own strength, but in reality, he couldn’t even control his own fate. In this vast river of destiny, he was like a leaf, drifting with the current.

With the army from Fengxiang gathered, Feng Ye was preparing to set out for the capital as soon as possible. But during his busy schedule, he would always find time to visit Yan Sikong’s room.

After Yan Sikong finished applying his medicine, Feng Ye said, “We leave tomorrow to march.”

Yan Sikong looked at Feng Ye, waiting for him to continue.

“For this campaign, I will offer a person as a sacrifice for the military banner.”

Yan Sikong paused, suddenly thinking of someone he had almost forgotten.

“Yuan Shaoxu’s crimes are unforgivable. Military law must be followed.” Feng Ye was observing Yan Sikong’s expression.

“No,” Yan Sikong replied, “If you want to kill him, wait until Que Wang comes back.”

“I don’t need anyone’s permission to kill someone.” Feng Ye squinted his eyes. “Are you asking me to spare him?”

“No, but I promised Que Wang I would spare his life.” Yan Sikong frowned. “Why not leave him to Que Wang for judgment?”

“You’re begging for his life,” Feng Ye sneered. “That’s not the right way to ask. Besides, there’s military law. I won’t show favoritism for anyone. If I don’t kill him, how can I quell the anger of the others?”

“I didn’t say you couldn’t kill him, just wait until Que Wang returns.” He didn’t want to create conflict with Yuan Shaoxu.

“You…” Feng Ye was about to say something when a loud commotion suddenly erupted outside.

Then, hurried footsteps and shouting could be heard at the door: “Wolf King, Wolf King, I have urgent news to report—”

The voice was clumsy and excited. Feng Ye’s heart tightened. “Come in.”

Both of them thought it was urgent military news, so they were startled when the messenger burst in, beaming with joy.

“Congratulations, Wolf King, congratulations!” The messenger kneeled on the ground, kowtowing.

“Speak quickly!” Feng Ye urged.

“Princess Yunlong is pregnant!”

Both of them’s expressions changed.

Yan Sikong grabbed the hem of his robe tightly, his whole body frozen, as if time had stopped. Perhaps even his heartbeat paused for a moment.

The last sentence echoed in his mind repeatedly.

Princess Yunlong is pregnant. Feng Ye… is going to have a child.