The Blood Crown - Chapter 283

She Zhun was unconscious for two full days before slowly waking up.

Yan Sikong had also been keeping watch over She Zhun for two days, which made Feng Ye extremely unhappy. He forced Yan Sikong to sleep for a while.

She Zhun had a strong physique and was treated with the best medicines and methods by a skilled imperial physician, so he was no longer in serious danger, but still needed some time to recover.

Seeing that She Zhun was getting better, Yan Sikong finally felt a little relieved after two days of worry.

She Zhun gave Yan Sikong a wry smile and said, “I thought this time I was definitely done for, but I didn’t expect my life to be so tough, nobody wants me.”

Yan Sikong smiled lightly and said, “That’s right, even the King of Hell would be afraid to take you, for fear of turning his underworld upside down.”

She Zhun sighed and asked, “Sikong, are you alright?”

The question made Yan Sikong’s heart ache. For a moment, he didn’t know how to respond. He could only say, “I chose this path myself, whether it’s good or bad, I’ll accept it.”

“I hope that in this life, you will have everything you wish for, living a life of comfort and wealth.”

Yan Sikong self-mockingly replied, “Forget it, I don’t have that kind of fate.”

She Zhun shook his head helplessly. “Any news of Yuan Nanyu?”

Yan Sikong’s gaze darkened. “Chen Mu wants Feng Ye to leave the Forbidden City, or he wants to trade me for him.”

“Not surprising.” She Zhun coughed lightly. “If only I could have saved him back then…”

Yan Sikong patted his chest to ease his breathing. “It’s not your fault, I dragged you into this.”

“Don’t say that.”

“Then don’t say such things either.” Yan Sikong poured a cup of water for him and fed it to him. “Chen Mu knows Feng Ye would never give up his kingdom for one person, so his goal is still me. He deliberately wrote a letter to provoke Feng Ye and threatened me, just waiting to see what I would do to save my brother.”

“Do you have any ideas?”

“Even if I do, it’s useless. Feng Ye has people watching us at all times. This time is different from Taiyuan; it’s really impossible to escape.”

She Zhun sighed again.

Yan Sikong found it hard to speak, but still had to ask, “What about Yu’er? What happened to him? How could he…”

She Zhun frowned and didn’t respond.

“She Zhun?” Yan Sikong grew nervous. “What happened to Yu’er?”

She Zhun clicked his tongue. “Sikong, tell me honestly, did you… did you and Chen Mu…”

Yan Sikong was taken aback. “Of course not.”

“He seems to have that intention.”

“But he doesn’t dare.” Yan Sikong said, but immediately realized his lack of confidence. Deep down, he knew that the Chen Mu in front of him wasn’t the real Chen Mu. The cold, sinister, and heartless Prince Chu that others spoke of was the true face of the boy he had watched grow up.

“You say he doesn’t dare? You’re underestimating him.” She Zhun snorted. “In his heart, he thinks of himself as an emperor. How could he tolerate being rejected? But… I thought you and he already had an affair, that’s why he would make Yuan Nanyu impersonate you. If not, with Yuan Nanyu’s skills, how could he succeed?”

Yan Sikong gritted his teeth. “Maybe Yu’er had to submit to save his life…”

She Zhun recalled the scene when he saw Yuan Nanyu and Chen Mu together. “Now that I think about it, something seems off.”

“What’s off?”

She Zhun furrowed his brow and thought for a long time before saying, “Yuan Nanyu injured Chen Mu to save me, but Chen Mu seemed to have been prepared for him, maybe he had already been exposed before that.”

Yan Sikong’s face changed.

Yuan Nanyu was straightforward and not good at disguising or lying, while Chen Mu, who had been neglected and scorned in the palace since childhood, was just as skilled as him in reading people’s expressions. Despite looking alike, they were not the same person, and after spending more time together, their differences would surely show.

In fact, Yan Sikong found it unbelievable that Yuan Nanyu had managed to hold out so long without being exposed. Their original plan had only required Yuan Nanyu to disguise himself for a few days before leaving Pingliang; otherwise, he would never have dared to pull such a switch.

Maybe, as She Zhun said, Chen Mu had known all along that Yuan Nanyu was fake but didn’t expose him…

At this thought, Yan Sikong felt a chill run down his spine.

She Zhun, seeing Yan Sikong’s pale face, comforted him. “At least he’s still alive and hasn’t been injured.”

“You don’t understand Yu’er. He’d rather get hurt than be humiliated,” Yan Sikong said coldly. “I don’t know what kind of coercion Chen Mu used to make him submit, but now he’s alone and vulnerable. How difficult it must be…”

“As long as he’s alive, he’ll have the chance to avenge the humiliation. Don’t blame yourself. We’ll save him,” She Zhun grasped Yan Sikong’s hand. “Whatever you decide to do, I’ll follow.”

Yan Sikong patted his hand and said gently, “She Zhun, you’ve already done too much for me. Now, I just need you to rest and recover.”

She Zhun wanted to say something, but Yan Sikong changed the subject. “What about Ah Li? How is he?”

“Don’t worry, I’ve taken care of him. I also wanted to arrange a marriage for him as you suggested, but he refused.”

“Why?”

“He said…” She Zhun sighed. “He would scare any young lady, so he doesn’t want to get married and would rather stay here to serve you.”

Yan Sikong said, “Once I save Yu’er, if there’s still a chance, I’ll go personally to arrange a marriage for him. I’ll offer more silver. It won’t be hard to find a kind and understanding girl.”

Just then, a servant came to report that Princess Wanyang had arrived.

Yan Sikong was a little surprised. The Jingyuan Wang residence had already been repaired, and they had moved in, so this was probably a place Princess Wanyang didn’t want to step into.

He felt uneasy. After telling She Zhun to rest well, he hurriedly went to greet the princess.

Princess Wanyang arrived with Yan Jinyu. The little princess was never shy, but when she saw Yan Sikong, she shrank back a little, though her curiosity couldn’t be hidden.

Yan Sikong bowed. “Your Highness, what brings you here today?”

Princess Wanyang got straight to the point. “I’ve come to see She Zhun.”

“Oh, She Zhun is resting.”

“Lead the way,” Princess Wanyang lifted her chin, her face cold and indifferent towards Yan Sikong.

“Your Highness, please.” Yan Sikong led her to the inner courtyard.

“How is his condition?” Princess Wanyang asked. “I heard that he entered Prince Chu’s camp and almost didn’t make it back.”

Yan Sikong sighed. “Yes, fortunately, his subordinates brought him to the Forbidden City in time. If it had been any later, the consequences would have been unthinkable.”

Princess Wanyang pressed her lips together, her worry showing in her eyes. “After you left the capital, She Zhun was the one looking after me and the children. You owe him a great debt of gratitude.”

Yan Sikong showed a guilty expression. “That’s true.”

Gently opening the door, Yan Sikong said, “She Zhun, Princess Wanyang and Duor have come to see you.”

Hearing this, She Zhun tried to get up from the bed. “I humbly greet Your Highness…”

Princess Wanyang led the little princess inside and quickly said, “No need to get up!”

Seeing She Zhun’s weak condition, Princess Wanyang’s delicate brow furrowed. “How did you get so badly injured?”

She Zhun forced a smile. “It’s nothing, I’ll be fine in a few days.” His gaze fell on Yan Jinyu, and he mustered his strength to tease her. “Little Princess, do you remember me?”

Yan Jinyu shook her head.

“When you left the capital, she couldn’t even speak, how could she remember you?” Princess Wanyang sat by the bed and sighed. “I brought many nourishing medicines. You must rest well and recover quickly.”

“Thank you for Your Highness’s concern.” She Zhun stared at Princess Wanyang without blinking. “Your Highness personally came to see me, I’m flattered.”

Princess Wanyang lowered her head, speaking softly, “You’ve helped me a lot in the past too.”

Just then, the door opened again, and Feng Ye entered with large strides, as fast as the wind. When he saw Princess Wanyang and Yan Sikong standing by the bed, he finally relaxed but still maintained his imposing presence. “Xier has arrived. What are you doing here?”

Princess Wanyang’s fear of Feng Ye was obvious. She stood up and gave a slight bow. “Cousin, I’ve come to visit She Zhun.”

Feng Ye nodded and walked to She Zhun’s bedside. “You’re awake? Has the doctor seen you yet?”

“He’s seen me. I’m fine now,” She Zhun said confidently. “Thank you, Wolf King, for saving me.”

Feng Ye’s expression was cold. “Six years ago, you saved me from the imperial prison and helped me leave the capital. I’ve remembered that. I repay those who have helped me.”

She Zhun replied, “It was Lord Yan who saved the Wolf King. I was just paid to help clear the way, I don’t dare take credit.” His disdain and displeasure towards Feng Ye were clear, though his face remained indifferent.

Feng Ye could hear the sarcasm in She Zhun’s words and felt irritated. Glancing at Yan Sikong, who remained unmoved, his frustration grew. He said, “She Zhun, take care of your injuries. Yan Sikong, come with me.”

Not wanting to make things awkward in front of She Zhun and Princess Wanyang, Yan Sikong followed Feng Ye.

In the study, Feng Ye questioned him sharply. “Xier really came to see She Zhun? Since when did she have a personal relationship with him?”

Yan Sikong remained calm. “Jinyu was bought from the countryside by She Zhun and given to the princess. After I left the capital, he helped look after the residence.”

“Did Xier say anything to you?”

“No.”

Feng Ye seemed to relax a little. “Let’s talk business. The spies I sent to the Chu army have reported back. There’s indeed something between Que Wang and Chen Mu. Que Wang has stayed in Chen Mu’s camp several times, and Chen Mu has also stayed in Que Wang’s tent. There have been rumors in the army. I heard that during their time in Pingliang, Chen Mu almost strangled his own concubine for Que Wang.”

Yan Sikong frowned. “Qi Manbi? Why?”

“Yes, that concubine who looks like you. As for why, I haven’t found out, but in any case…” Feng Ye narrowed his eyes. “He’s not doing this for Que Wang, but for—” he paused, his eyes sharp, “—you.”

Yan Sikong’s voice grew solemn. “What happened between them, only they know. Right now, the most important thing is to rescue Que Wang.”

“Right, I’ll do as I promised. I won’t doubt you again.” Feng Ye stared directly at Yan Sikong. “You’d better not disappoint me.”

Yan Sikong ignored him. “What exactly is your plan to rescue Que Wang?”

“I have a plan.”