The Blood Crown - Chapter 322

Chapter 322

 

Zhuo Letai’s retreat caused an uproar in Guangning!

 

This scene was strikingly similar to what had happened 21 years ago, further strengthening the determination and confidence of Guangning’s army and civilians to defend the city.

 

However, Guangning back then was too weak. Today, Guangning not only had the strength to defend but also had the power to counterattack.

 

As soon as Zhuo Letai retreated, Feng Ye immediately called a meeting, deciding to launch a night raid on Zhuo Letai’s camp that very evening.

 

Attacking the camp at this time would undoubtedly catch the Jurchens off guard. Although the Jin forces had suffered heavy losses, their numbers still doubled that of Guangning’s, and the city walls were still damaged and in urgent need of repair. Zhuo Letai would never expect them to dare take the offensive, especially when the Jin soldiers, after their defeat, were low on morale and easier to exploit.

 

Regardless of the scale of damage inflicted, this raid would further demoralize the enemy while boosting their own spirits.

 

Everyone agreed. Yuan Nanyu was tasked with leading 3,000 Feng Wolf Cavalry for the night raid.

 

After Yuan Nanyu left with the command token, numerous other tasks awaited—attending to the wounded, repairing the walls, assessing battle damage, clearing the battlefield, replenishing supplies, and providing rewards and condolences. These post-battle responsibilities were entrusted to Liang Huiyong, as Feng Ye’s body could no longer endure.

 

Yan Sikong noticed Feng Ye’s exhaustion and ordered servants to take him back to his quarters to rest.

 

Feng Ye gestured for Yan Sikong to come closer.

 

Yan Sikong approached. His bloodstained armor clung to his body, and his face, covered in grime, was almost unrecognizable. Only his eyes, deep and bright like stars in the night sky, shone through.

 

Feng Ye extended a hand to gently wipe the blood from Yan Sikong’s face, speaking softly, “Are you hurt?”

 

Yan Sikong shook his head.

 

“Go wash up and get some rest,” Feng Ye said firmly. “This battle isn’t over yet.”

 

“Indeed, far from over.” Yan Sikong’s eyes revealed his worry. Though they had narrowly claimed victory, how long could their damaged walls hold when Zhuo Letai’s army returned?

 

The next assault might be the city’s fall. If reinforcements did not arrive in time, Guangning would truly face its doom.

 

“Sikong, I know what you’re worried about,” Feng Ye said. “If reinforcements can’t arrive in time, I’ll negotiate with Zhuo Letai myself to buy time.”

 

“It’s too early to say such things. Unless absolutely necessary, you cannot take that risk.” Yan Sikong looked at Feng Ye. “The most important thing for you now is to recover. You’ve seen it—so long as you’re here, the soldiers’ morale remains strong.”

 

Feng Ye lowered his head in silence.

 

“Escort the Wolf King to his quarters to rest.”

 

As the servants lifted Feng Ye’s chair and carried him toward the door, Yan Sikong called out to him again.

 

Feng Ye turned back. Yan Sikong stared at him and said calmly, “If—just if—Guangning cannot be defended, you must escape. With you alive, Zhuo Letai wouldn’t dare approach the capital.”

 

Feng Ye did not respond directly but instead said with conviction, “I will not leave you behind.”

 

Yan Sikong pressed his lips together and turned away.

 

The servants carried Feng Ye away. Yan Sikong took a few steps forward before slumping into a chair. The armor on his body felt heavier than ever, reeking of smoke and blood. It was suffocating.

 

When would this endless killing come to an end?

 

—

 

Yuan Nanyu set out at midnight and returned at dawn. As expected, the Jin soldiers were demoralized. Their camp was in disarray, littered with wounded soldiers. Yuan Nanyu’s troops rampaged through the camp, causing chaos before retreating as soon as the Jin forces began to organize a counterattack.

 

Yan Sikong instructed Liang Huiyong to spread the word discreetly that Guangning’s supplies were ample, enough to last a year. The previous reports of shortages were false, a ruse to mislead the enemy.

 

This information was deliberately leaked to the Jin spy within the city, who passed it on to Han Zhaoxing’s son. With Zhuo Letai having suffered heavy losses at Guangning, his fury needed an outlet. Han Zhaoxing became the perfect target for blame and punishment.

 

A few days later, news spread across Liaodong that delighted the people: Han Zhaoxing and his son had been boiled alive by Zhuo Letai.

 

The man who had devastated Liaodong was finally dead—a fitting end for someone who deserved eternal condemnation in history.

 

With Han Zhaoxing gone, the remaining spies were of no further use. Liang Huiyong publicly executed one in front of the city’s residents. Unfortunately, the traitor who had leaked their military plans at Taoxian Dao remained unaccounted for and had likely fled the city long ago.

 

After Han Zhaoxing’s death, Yan Sikong and Yuan Nanyu finally gathered the courage to visit the execution platform where Yuan Mao had been beheaded years ago. They offered strong wine to honor Yuan Mao’s spirit.

 

From Ge Zhong to Xie Zhongren and now Han Zhaoxing, Yan Sikong had risked life and limb to eliminate the culprits behind Yuan Mao’s death. After 20 years, he could finally let go of the past.

 

Although Han Zhaoxing’s death brought satisfaction, the dark clouds over their heads had not dispersed. Zhuo Letai would soon return, and Guangning’s walls wouldn’t withstand another attack.

 

The only good news was that Feng Ye’s condition was improving. Though he couldn’t yet stand, he was well enough to participate in discussions.

 

As they deliberated their next defensive strategy, an unexpected guest arrived in Guangning.

 

Hearing the servant’s report, Yan Sikong and Yuan Nanyu hurried to greet the visitor. A tall man in plain hunter’s clothes removed his fur hat, revealing a roguishly handsome face. It was none other than the long-absent She Zhun.

 

“She Zhun!” Yan Sikong stepped forward and embraced him tightly.

 

She Zhun patted Yan Sikong’s back forcefully and said emotionally, “It’s a blessing that we’re both still alive.”

 

Yan Sikong smiled bitterly. “A rare blessing indeed.” He gave She Zhun a once-over. “Why have you been out of contact for months?”

 

“I was recovering from an old ailment.” She Zhun sighed. “And you? Your injuries?”

 

“I’m fine now,” Yan Sikong said seriously. “She Zhun, you shouldn’t have come to Guangning.”

 

“What’s the point of saying that? I didn’t come here just for you. If Guangning falls, the barbarians will ravage the Central Plains. The fate of the nation is everyone’s responsibility.”

 

Yan Sikong looked at She Zhun, deeply moved.

 

Yuan Nanyu stepped forward and clasped his hands in salute. “Brother She, your patriotism and courage command our respect.”

 

She Zhun, feeling slightly uneasy in Yuan Nanyu’s presence, returned the gesture. “Nanyu, long time no see.”

 

Yuan Nanyu smiled. “Long time no see. It’s freezing outside. Let’s go inside.”

 

Once inside, She Zhun asked, “How is the Wolf King? I need to see him immediately.”

 

“Why?” Yan Sikong suddenly felt uneasy.

 

“I have urgent news to share.”

 

“He’s inside.”

 

When She Zhun and Feng Ye met, both tensed up. They had always disliked each other, and their last meeting had ended in a heated argument.

 

But there was no time for personal grievances now. Once seated, She Zhun surveyed the group and said gravely, “I bring critical information regarding Liaodong’s survival. I didn’t trust anyone else to deliver it, so I came myself.”

 

“Speak,” Feng Ye said.

 

“First, Datong Prefecture cannot send reinforcements.”

 

Feng Ye narrowed his eyes. “How do you know that?”

 

This question contained layers of meaning: “How do you know we sought help from the Prince of Yong?” and “How do you know reinforcements won’t come?”

 

“I guessed. The capital wouldn’t dare send troops, so your only option was Datong. But Datong is in trouble. You’ll hear the news in the next few days.”

 

Everyone’s faces darkened, especially Feng Ye, who gripped the armrest tightly. “What trouble?”

 

“Since Prince Yong took charge of Datong Prefecture, there have been many conflicts with the Chakhar tribe over interests in the Ordos region. Nada Khan is deeply dissatisfied with Prince Yong and even killed some of his subordinates. Now that you are trapped in Liaodong and Chen Mu has launched a campaign against you, Shen Hexuan has sent someone to provoke Nada Khan. Those barbarians are untrustworthy. Once he believes you are doomed and Chen Mu offers him more, he might betray you.” She Zhun narrowed his eyes. “Don’t forget, it was you who secured the alliance with the Chakhar from the court in the first place.”

 

Feng Ye’s face turned pale, his lips pressed tightly together. Yan Sikong also looked visibly unsettled.

 

When Feng Ye led the Feng family army to contest the capital, his most trusted uncle, Feng Changyue, followed him to the imperial city. Datong Prefecture had to be managed by someone of equal standing and firmly aligned with him—Prince Yong was the only choice.

 

Prince Yong was famous for his shrewd business acumen, immensely wealthy, and well-equipped with troops. However, he had one major flaw: his excessive greed. Additionally, born into nobility, he despised associating with barbarians. Since taking charge of Datong, he repeatedly marginalized the Chakhar, attempting to monopolize the lucrative Ordos region.

 

Feng Ye and Feng Changyue were aware of this and had written letters warning Prince Yong. Yet, firstly, they were far away in the capital; secondly, Prince Yong was Feng Ye’s father-in-law and more valuable than the Chakhar, making him difficult to restrain. Over the past year, they had been preoccupied with stabilizing the court and defending Liaodong, leaving them with no energy to handle the northwest. They assumed that despite his greed, Prince Yong and his family would understand the bigger picture, unaware that relations with Nada Khan had deteriorated to this extent.

 

Feng Ye said gravely, “Go on.”

 

“Prince Yong now realizes the severity of the Chakhar issue, but it’s too late. To safeguard Datong and Ordos, he dares not dispatch troops.” She Zhun spoke with weight. “If the Chakhar truly ally with Chen Mu, you will be surrounded on all sides.”

 

Feng Ye clenched the armrest of his chair, his temples throbbing with anger. “Even if it means exterminating the Chakhar, I will not let them ally with Chen Mu. Datong is my foundation, and Ordos is the source of my military funding.”

 

“Prince Yong knows this as well, which is why you cannot count on reinforcements from Datong Prefecture.”

 

Yan Sikong exhaled deeply. “What other news do you have?”

 

“This next one is good news,” She Zhun said. “Before coming to Liaodong, I personally visited the Wulin Alliance in Luoyang and asked Alliance Leader Qu to issue a Wulin decree, rallying heroes across the nation to defend against this national crisis and come to Guangning’s aid. Over ten martial arts sects and many independent fighters have responded and are heading toward Guangning.”

 

Yuan Nanyu exclaimed excitedly, “That’s fantastic! There are many skilled individuals in the martial world; each one is worth ten soldiers.”

 

She Zhun nodded. “Although their numbers are not large, every drop helps fill the river, and they will surely contribute.”

 

Yan Sikong cupped his fists toward She Zhun. “She Zhun, thank you.” He owed She Zhun a debt of gratitude he could never repay.

 

“No need to thank me,” She Zhun replied, gazing at Yan Sikong with emotion. “After everything we’ve been through, why speak of gratitude between us?”

 

Watching the camaraderie between the two, Feng Ye felt a pang of discomfort. In a low voice, he said, “The Wulin Alliance’s righteous actions will not be forgotten. If Guangning is defended, I will be sure to reward them generously.”

 

She Zhun turned to Feng Ye. “I have one final piece of news. I could have kept it from you, but in light of your risking your life for Liaodong, I’ll tell you. How you handle it is up to you.”

 

Feng Ye narrowed his eyes. “Speak.”

 

She Zhun looked around at everyone, then dropped a bombshell: “Chen Mu’s army is on its way to Liaodong.”

 

—

 

—

 

Happy New Year to everyone—may you enjoy wealth, health, and love in abundance!