The Blood Crown - Chapter 29
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The news of the Crown Prince of Jingyuan’s return to the capital created quite a stir among the nobles and officials in the capital. Many people sought to establish connections, and, of course, they were curious about the notorious young Wolf King’s appearance. Over the past few days, they took turns visiting, but regardless of who came, they were all turned away with the excuse that “the Crown Prince is fatigued from the journey, and his health is not well.”
This response left the scholars and officials in the capital somewhat displeased, and the rumors about him became even more fantastical.
Yan Sikong found it amusing. Most people probably thought that Prince Fengye’s arrogance was because he was the Crown Prince of Jingyuan. In reality, he had been this way since he was a child. However, this situation did remind him that he needed to find a suitable opportunity to acknowledge Fengye officially. The Crown Prince of Jingyuan held a high position, and there were many who wanted to climb the ranks through his favor. He couldn’t afford to act rashly.
What he didn’t expect was that he would soon have a chance to meet Fengye.
Emperor Zhaowu was going to hold a spring hunt at the Mountain and Sea Hunting Grounds. At the same time, it would serve as a welcome for Fengye. Most of the officials and nobles in the capital would be in attendance, and regardless of his personal feelings, Fengye couldn’t refuse the Emperor’s invitation.
The Mountain and Sea Hunting Grounds were the imperial hunting grounds, with abundant water and lush grass, teeming with birds and beasts. When the first Emperor of the Chen family dynasty discovered this land, he was immediately captivated by its “vast landscape extending far and wide, with the nine borders embracing the imperial capital.” For over two centuries, the descendants of the Chen Sheng Dynasty held their coming-of-age ceremonies here.
Naturally, Yan Sikong had not received an invitation, but after a slight plea to Yan Zilian, he was allowed to attend. He knew he probably wouldn’t have a chance to get close to Fengye, but he was curious to see his true face.
On the day of the spring hunt, Yan Zilian’s coachman picked up Yan Sikong, and the two of them traveled together to the Mountain and Sea Hunting Grounds.
On the way, Yan Zilian stroked his beard and smiled. “You don’t care for these kinds of lively events, do you? But you seem to enjoy them.”
Yan Sikong had already figured out Yan Zilian’s subtle intentions regarding both of them. He pretended not to understand the underlying message and said happily, “I’ve never seen a royal hunt, let alone an imperial one. It must be a grand spectacle!”
Yan Zilian was an experienced courtier who had served for three generations. He had a sharp eye for people, and although he appreciated Shen Hexuan’s talents and demeanor, he didn’t like his rigid and unchanging nature. In contrast, Yan Sikong seemed more clever and adaptable, albeit somewhat sly.
Yan Sikong knew that his ambitions would eventually come to light, and to avoid arousing Yan Zilian’s concerns, he needed to make himself appear youthful and full of curiosity. This way, Yan Zilian would feel he could easily control him.
As the chief minister of the cabinet, Yan Zilian had held power for forty years and had been under pressure from the eunuch faction led by Xie Zhongren for a long time. He had been walking on thin ice for years, and now, with the Crown Prince preparing to come out for his lectures, the decision on selecting a tutor for the Emperor or Crown Prince—especially the Crown Prince—was a matter of utmost importance that he could control. It even determined the future political situation of the Chen Sheng Dynasty. He had to select someone he could trust and control.
Yan Sikong had been trying to align with Yan Zilian’s ideals, which was why he had caught Yan Zilian’s eye as an imperial tutor in just a year. Yan Zilian might have a seasoned eye, but during his forty years in the court, he had interacted mainly with the emperor’s relatives and nobles. Over the past decade, Yan Sikong had met countless people from all walks of life, and before the right moment arrived, he would “act” as the person who fit the identity of an imperial tutor.
As expected, Yan Zilian playfully pretended to be serious. “You asked me to take you to the spring hunt. Do you think this is for fun? You are now an official of the Great Chen Dynasty; you mustn’t forget your dignity.”
Yan Sikong replied, bowing, “Your guidance is greatly appreciated, Teacher. I’ve been somewhat reckless.”
Yan Zilian nodded. “Today’s spring hunt is not about hunting. It’s a welcoming event for the Crown Prince, especially for the Emperor. I have something to discuss with the Crown Prince about selecting a tutor for the Emperor or Crown Prince.”
Yan Sikong asked, “What do you mean, Teacher?”
“Indeed, the Crown Prince of Jingyuan is young and arrogant. He relies on his father’s control of the military and doesn’t take anyone seriously. He has turned away all those who came to visit him, and now that he’s summoned back to the capital, he remains arrogant. We should find an opportunity to humble him.”
“You’re right, Teacher,” Yan Sikong replied. “I wonder how the Emperor plans to humble him?”
Yan Zilian shook his head and said, “I don’t know, but today promises to be an interesting show.”
When they arrived at the Mountain and Sea Hunting Grounds, several tents had been set up on the vast grassland. The most significant and grandest one was at the center, adorned with the royal flag waving in the wind.
The spring hunt was about to begin, and the Emperor, along with his concubines and princes, sat at the top. Yan Sikong temporarily left Yan Zilian and joined Zhou Mixing, Liang Sui, and others, taking a seat among them.
Once seated, Yan Sikong couldn’t help himself from looking around the main platform, searching for a particular person.
“What are you looking at, Sikong?” Liang Sui asked.
Yan Sikong cleared his throat and tried to sound calm. “I’ve always wanted to see Grand Eunuch Xie’s appearance.”
“Oh, there he is,” Liang Sui whispered in Yan Sikong’s ear, “that old undying.”
Following Liang Sui’s gaze, Yan Sikong spotted an elderly eunuch dressed in a robe of silver silk brocade. His temples had turned white, and his eyelids drooped, but his sharp gaze couldn’t be concealed. He sat still at a table, lost in thought, his mind no doubt concocting some malicious schemes.
Yan Sikong felt a deep-seated hatred he could barely contain, and his hands gripped his robe tightly under the table. He lowered his head to hide his emotions.
Xie Zhongren was right before his eyes, and he yearned to taste the blood of this eunuch!
“Sikong, what’s wrong?” Liang Sui asked.
Yan Sikong paused and raised his head, now back to his usual self, as he smiled and said, “Nothing.”
A commotion from the crowd rose around them, and Zhou Mixing called out, “Hey, the young Crown Prince has arrived!”
Everyone turned to look behind them and saw a rider approaching. The grass beneath the horse’s hooves swayed like waves, and a pure white steed resembled a graceful egret skimming low over the water, light and agile as if it might spread its wings and soar into the clear sky at any moment, radiating a captivating beauty.
But the person on horseback left everyone speechless.
What a handsome and extraordinary young man he was! Every feature of his face seemed perfectly crafted, and his deep, piercing eyes were as captivating as a wolf’s, leaving a lasting impression. Despite his towering stature, his lips were a vivid crimson, contrasting with the darkness of his thick, flowing hair that swayed in the wind alongside his steed’s mane. His gallant figure was like a deity descending to the mortal realm, and one couldn’t bear to look away.
He soon reined in his horse, dismounted gracefully, and dropped to one knee. With a strong and unwavering gesture, he clasped his hands together and loudly proclaimed, “I am Fēng Yě, humbly before Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager. Long live our Emperor, long live, long live!”
The resounding voice of the spirited youth echoed across the entire hunting ground, captivating the hearts of those who heard it.
Emperor Zhao Wu seemed to be momentarily stunned by Fēng Yě’s presence. After a pause, he said, “Ah, Minister Fēng, please rise.”
Fēng Yě stood up.
Dressed in a pitch-black riding attire, he wore only a chestplate and arm guards, accentuating his slender yet muscular physique, making him stand out in the crowd.
Yan Sikong stared at the person who was now just a dozen or so yards away. He was overwhelmed by the emotions he couldn’t describe at this moment.
It had been a long time since he’d felt any joy. However, meeting an old acquaintance within the cold confines of the imperial city gave him a small sense of comfort. He even considered that perhaps they should simply pretend that they had never known each other and would remain strangers. In the deepest recesses of his heart, there might still be an “Yuan Sikong” who was unwilling to exploit Fēng Yě.
Empress Xu chuckled, saying, “General Fēng’s son is indeed splendid, and I’ve never seen such a handsome young man.”
Emperor Zhao Wu stroked his beard and smiled, “Indeed, my Empress. General Fēng’s son is not yet betrothed, so we must keep an eye on that.”
“Your Majesty, rest assured.”
Fēng Yě courteously bowed and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Empress.”
Yan Sikong closed his eyes. Over these years, he had been plotting and planning, and once he decided to take a step, he remained resolute. But now, he found himself hesitating.
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mephestophelesmuse
Love at second sight…..again lol