The Blood Crown - Chapter 30

Emperor Zhaowu inquired, “Is your father doing well?”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My father had a recurrence of an old ailment, but with the recent warm days, he’s much better now.”

“What kind of old ailment is it? Is it severe?”

“These are injuries accumulated over the years, and they pose no major threat.”

Emperor Zhaowu responded with a nod and a slight cough, “Wang Jingyuan has guarded the border for three decades, giving his all, and he’s the most meritorious servant of our Great Sheng. I hope he takes good care of his health.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I will convey your well wishes to my father.”

Emperor Zhaowu then asked, “I heard that you’ve been feeling unwell due to the recent journey’s hardships. Are you feeling better now? The matter of your guest being turned away by General Fengye naturally didn’t escape the emperor’s notice.”

Fengye’s expression remained unchanged as he replied, “Your Highness, I’m much better now.”

“Is it ‘much better’ or ‘completely better’?” Emperor Zhaowu leaned in slightly, squinting to discern Fengye’s expression.

After a brief pause, Fengye responded, “…completely better.”

“Good, if you’re completely better, it’s good. I’ve heard that you went to war with your father at the age of eleven, excelling in martial arts and extraordinary bravery. I’ve also heard… um… I’ve heard you can wield a one-shi spear and draw a two-shi bow. Is that true?”

Fengye clasped his hands and said, “I dare not deceive you, Your Majesty, it is true.”

A murmur of disbelief spread through the crowd. Most grown men couldn’t even handle a one-shi weight, and this young lord dared to make such a bold claim, astonishing everyone.

“It’s impossible,” a deep, rough voice rang out, and a burly man with a full beard stepped forward, bowing, “Your Majesty, I apologize for my rudeness, but I simply don’t believe it.”

“Hahaha,” Emperor Zhaowu pointed to the man, “Fengye, this is General Changshi, the strongest man in the capital. His bow is normally impossible for anyone else to draw. Do you dare to give it a try?”

Fengye gave Changshi a sidelong glance, exuding a subtle arrogance, “I have no reason to refuse.”

Changshi snorted and exclaimed, “Bring me my bow.”

Liang excitedly tugged at Yansikong’s sleeve, “Sikong, do you think the young lord can handle it? He’s… he’s only about half as wide as General Chang, right?”

Yansikong replied, “Even if he can’t handle it, it’s just a minor loss of face. What’s the big deal?”

“Heh, do you think he’s the kind of person who can afford to lose face?”

Yan Sikong gazed at Feng Ye. Ten years had passed, but this person was only more arrogant than when he was young, lacking the cuteness he once had. He wished Feng Ye could “lose some face” to teach him a lesson for his arrogance.

Chang Shi’s bow was larger than a typical bow, with a jet-black bow body, as thick as a python. Even if not used as a bow, it could serve as a sturdy staff. It looked like it could cause serious injuries when used.

Chang Shi called over two soldiers, “You two, try this bow. Don’t let anyone say I’m deceiving everyone.”

The two soldiers looked at each other and reluctantly attempted to pull the bowstring. However, as they held the string with all their might, their bodies leaned back, faces turning red, and the bowstring only slightly moved, as if an invisible force was pulling it in, making it impossible to open.

One of the soldiers said, “General Chang, we can’t pull it open.”

“Step aside,” Chang Shi ordered.

Feng Ye’s mouth twitched slightly, a mocking expression on his face.

Chang Shi took the bow, gave a low shout, his body bending slightly as he forcefully opened the bowstring. His biceps bulged as if about to burst through his clothing. He straightened up and aimed at a distant target, releasing an arrow.

Just from the sound of the arrow leaving the bowstring, the crowd could imagine its power. It struck the target’s pole, snapping the entire target in half.

Cheers erupted from the onlookers. “Impressive!”

“Amazing!” people exclaimed, applauding.

Yan Sikong joined in the applause but couldn’t help muttering, “Foolish.”

Chang Shi took a deep breath, a triumphant expression on his face, and turned to Emperor Zhaowu, seeking praise. “Your Majesty, this humble servant has shown his ineptitude.”

Emperor Zhaowu smiled, “General Chang, you truly are a formidable general. Bring a reward of one hundred taels of silver.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

All eyes on the field turned to Feng Ye.

Chang Shi was known for his immense strength, and no one else had managed to use this bow. Feng Ye, despite his lithe and youthful appearance, didn’t seem like someone who could open this two-stone heavy crossbow.

Feng Ye strolled over, accompanied by his aged attendant, who helped him put on a handguard. He took the bow, weighed it in his hand, and smiled.

Yan Sikong couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous, like most of the people there; he didn’t believe Feng Ye could actually open the bow.

Suddenly, Feng Ye raised the bow high, thrusting it into the ground with a small wooden handle protruding from the bow’s extra length, stuck in the soil. The bow stood upright.

The crowd looked at him in confusion.

Feng Ye lifted one long leg and placed it on the bow, his hands gripping the string, his body arched backward. He gave a low shout and forcefully opened the two-stone heavy crossbow!

“Is this…is this considered a foul?” Liang Sui muttered quietly.

Yan Sikong had a subtle smile on his face, one he didn’t even notice himself, and said, “If it’s been opened, how can it be considered a foul?”

The bowstring was taut, and the arrow shot out like lightning!

In an instant, everyone’s heads turned in unison, looking at the target.

The arrow had pierced right through the heart!

The scene fell into a hushed silence.

Feng Ye put down the bow, clapped his hands, and said, “Even a mountain villager can lift a heavy stone, but nobody goes into battle with a stone. If an arrow doesn’t kill the enemy, what use is a heavy bow?”

Chang Shi’s face turned crimson.

Yan Sikong furrowed his brow slightly.

After a brief silence, applause erupted.

Emperor Zhaowu also regained his composure and seemed a bit flustered as he glanced down at the platform.

Yan Sikong followed his gaze and saw Minister Xie Zhongren making a reassuring gesture to the Emperor. He grew more vigilant; it seemed that Yan Zilian was right. Today, they seemed determined to humble Feng Ye, and it might not end here.

A young eunuch rushed onto the stage and whispered a few words in Emperor Zhaowu’s ear. The Emperor smiled and composed himself, saying, “Minister, you are truly a young hero. Impressive! The Feng family army has a bright future.”

Feng Ye respectfully replied, “I dare not accept such praise.”

“Since you’ve truly opened this bow, we must reward you generously,” Emperor Zhaowu exclaimed, clapping his hands. “Bring forth the horse that General Di has presented.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Feiye, recently, I acquired a horse, a remarkable one. It’s a wild stallion from the Tianshan Grasslands, known as the ‘Horse King.’ General Di led a hundred elite riders to capture it after a three-day pursuit. They say this horse can cover a thousand miles in a day without tiring, and it’s worth its weight in gold. A good horse should be paired with a great general. This horse has a fiery temperament, and no one has tamed it so far. If you can tame it today, it will be yours!”

Feng Ye’s eyes lit up with excitement.

Before long, a clear and melodious whinny accompanied by the sound of galloping hooves could be heard in the distance.

The crowd craned their necks to see a magnificent horse approaching, standing tall and proud. Its coat was as red as cinnabar, blazing like a flame, and its fur shimmered with a glossy sheen, covering well-defined muscles. At a glance, it resembled more of a beast than a horse, requiring the strength of three men to hold it.

People marveled, “What a magnificent horse! Clearly a top-quality steed.”

Yan Sikong, in particular, looked enchanted as, over the past decade, his ability to raise horses had saved him from starvation. His love for fine horses equaled that of any military general. This horse was undoubtedly the finest he had ever seen.

The horse was tethered to a hitching post.

Feng Ye, with a look of pleasant surprise, circled the horse, which flared its large nostrils, restlessly pawing the ground, ready to kick anyone in front of it at any moment.

Feng Ye asked, “Your Majesty, does this horse have a name?”

“As it has no owner, it also has no name.”

Feng Ye flashed a determined smile, “Then I must give it a good name.”

Yan Sikong, relying on over a decade of experience in horsekeeping, was certain that this horse couldn’t be tamed by just anyone. It was not a domesticated horse but a wild one, much like a lion on the grasslands, a fiercely wild beast. This horse had never seen a saddle, and if Feng Ye were thrown off, it would be a minor embarrassment at best, and he might even lose his life.

Yan Sikong glanced at Emperor Zhaowu and Xie Zhongren. His eyes turned grim. Did they want Feng Ye’s life?

Suddenly, he stood up.

Liang Sui grabbed his arm, “Sikong, what are you doing? This is getting interesting!”

Yan Sikong waved him off, “I just can’t hold it in anymore, I’ll be right back.”

“You, you! Hurry up.”

Yan Sikong slipped away from his seat. Luckily, their seating was quite far from the main platform, and Feng Ye didn’t notice him. He made his way through the sitting and standing crowd, heading towards someone.

“Old man,” Yan Sikong lightly tapped the person on the back.

The person jumped in surprise and turned around. He was Feng Ye’s attendant, unsure of Yan Sikong’s identity, and said, “What can I do for you, sir?”

Yan Sikong politely asked, “May we have a private conversation?”

After a moment’s thought, the attendant stepped out of the crowd, saying, “Please, sir.”

“What should I call you?”

“I am a commoner surnamed Xue.”

Yan Sikong quickly said, “Mr. Xue, please convey this to His Royal Highness. First, don’t approach too aggressively. Provoke the horse first, wear it down, and second, don’t mount from behind. Seize the opportunity when it lifts a hoof and slip under its armpit to grasp its neck…”

Mr. Xue stared at the handsome young man before him, lost for words.

“Third, and most importantly, you must remember this. His Royal Highness should remove his shoes, use his toes to locate the horse’s last rib, and kick hard below the ribcage at the human-like solar plexus point. The horse will feel intense pain. As long as His Royal Highness can endure on the horse, it will yield.”

Mr. Xue was dumbfounded, “Ah… this…”

Yan Sikong’s gaze was intense, “Have you remembered?”

Under the intimidation of Yan Sikong’s presence, Mr. Xue nodded repeatedly.

“Go quickly.”

“May I ask, sir, who are you…”

“Hurry!”

“Yes, yes.” Mr. Xue rushed towards Feng Ye, who was preparing to mount the horse.

Yan Sikong slipped into the crowd, quietly observing. Whether or not Feng Ye could subdue the horse depended on how long he could stay on its back without being thrown off.

Mr. Xue tiptoed to Feng Ye and whispered into his ear. Feng Ye furrowed his brow in suspicion, glancing towards the spot where Mr. Xue had been standing earlier, but he didn’t see anyone. He nodded with uncertainty.

The onlookers began to murmur and eagerly awaited Feng Ye to mount the horse.

However, Feng Ye hesitated to mount the horse and continued to circle it. The horse, infuriated by the provocation, couldn’t lash out as its neck was tied down, but it was growing increasingly agitated.

This standoff lasted for the time it took for an incense stick to burn. People began to taunt, “Your Highness, the sun will set if you don’t mount soon!”

“Is Your Highness afraid?”

“Your Highness, please, mount the horse.”

Feng Ye furrowed his brow.

In his mind, Yan Sikong silently prayed, “Just a little longer… just a little longer…”

Feng Ye, however, crouched down and took off his shoes.

Yan Sikong sighed. His impulsive nature was getting the best of him.

The action was perplexing, and before anyone could grasp what Feng Ye was planning, he had already sprung into the air, darting toward the horse.

The horse let out a loud neigh and its powerful hooves lifted off the ground, kicking towards Feng Ye.

Those large hooves could undoubtedly send a person to the afterlife with a single kick.

Feng Ye, however, moved like a hawk swooping over water, skimming over the grassland, elegantly dodging the horse’s hooves. He planted his feet and leaped, using his arms to clutch the horse’s neck. In the blink of an eye, he was on the horse’s back.

The whole audience was in awe.

Yan Sikong couldn’t help but smile, remembering how Feng Ye used to require two sets of steps to mount a horse as a child. The agile young general he saw now was like a different person.

Once mounted, the real challenge began. The horse went berserk, bouncing around in an attempt to throw Feng Ye off its back.

Feng Ye clung tightly to its mane, gripping the horse’s belly with his strong thighs, and struggled to find the horse’s ribcage with his toes.

The horse’s constant thrashing made it difficult for Feng Ye to maintain his position. Several times, he almost gave up, but he clenched his teeth and persevered in counting the ribs.

One rib, another, and finally, the last one!

Feng Ye’s eyes lit up, and he kicked the horse’s side forcefully below the ribcage.

The horse shuddered violently, emitting a painful neigh from its throat. However, before Feng Ye could be happy about the reaction, the horse became even more frantic, leaping wildly. Feng Ye’s teeth clattered, and he accidentally bit his tongue, filling his mouth with a taste of blood.

Feng Ye knew that if he were thrown off like this, he might not survive, or he would be severely injured. He had to tame this fierce beast!

The horse continued its violent struggle, while Feng Ye clung tenaciously, kicking that acupoint with all his might.

Yan Sikong clenched his fists, his mouth dry, and his eyes were bloodshot.

The onlookers watched with bated breath. They witnessed Feng Ye drenched in sweat, blood dripping from his mouth, his face contorted, and his eyes gleaming with a strange greenish light. It was as if they were seeing a wolf pouncing on a horse.

This silent battle lasted for the time it took for an incense stick to burn. The horse’s struggle gradually lessened as it clearly grew tired.

Feng Ye didn’t dare let his guard down and continued to stay firmly on the horse’s back.

Finally, little by little, the horse stopped struggling. It planted its hooves on the ground, hung its head low, and surrendered.

Feng Ye heaved a deep sigh, his body devoid of strength. His limbs went limp, and he slumped on the horse’s back, barely able to move.

This time, there were no cheers, no applause. It was as if they had witnessed a brutal fight between wild animals, and the words “Feng Ye” were now etched into everyone’s minds.

Yan Sikong exhaled, slowly withdrew from the crowd.

Emperor Zhaowu, somewhat reluctantly, had no choice but to bestow the horse upon Feng Ye. He probably had no intention of further “testing” Feng Ye’s abilities. He announced the beginning of the spring hunt and ordered his princes to set out for the hunt.

Although Feng Ye was exhausted to the point of near death, he had just acquired a valuable horse, and his enthusiasm was running high. He spat out the blood in his mouth, mounted the saddle, and rode off for the hunt.

Yan Sikong watched Feng Ye’s rapidly disappearing figure, wearing a faint smile, and then turned to leave.