The Blood Crown - Chapter 325

Chapter 325

 

Chen Mu raised his head and looked at the three figures on the city wall: Yan Sikong, Feng Ye, and Yuan Nanyu. His expression was grim, and cold light flashed in his eyes.

 

They stared at each other from afar, the killing intent mingling with the icy wind of Liaodong, stinging their cheeks.

 

Chen Mu said something to the general beside him. The general took a deep breath and shouted at the top of his lungs, “Rebel Feng Ye, open the gates and kneel to welcome Prince Chu!”

 

His voice was thunderous and grating to the ears.

 

Xu Feng retorted loudly, “A disgraced crown prince who betrayed Wang’er(Feng Ye) and his father—get off your horse and bow to the Wolf King!”

 

The horse under Chen Mu’s saddle pranced nervously, sensing its master’s anger. Chen Mu said something else to his general, then turned his horse around to leave. But after taking a few steps, he turned back to glance at the city wall. No one could tell what he was looking at.

 

Feng Ye’s face darkened, and he remained silent.

 

From the moment he decided to stay, he knew what awaited him. If Chen Mu attacked the city, Guangning would surely fall. Now, it all depended on how he negotiated with Chen Mu. The worst outcome would not be him and Yan Sikong dying together but leaving Yan Sikong to face death alone.

 

After Chen Mu left, a lone rider emerged from the Chu army. Yan Sikong recognized him as Shen Hexuan’s student—Fu Zhanqing.

 

Fu Zhanqing rode to the gates of Guangning. Facing dozens of arrows aimed at him from the city walls, he showed no fear. He dismounted and cupped his hands in salute. “This junior, Fu Zhanqing, greets the Wolf King, Minister Yan, and General Liang. I come under Prince Chu’s orders seeking an audience.”

 

Feng Ye glanced at Yan Sikong. Yan Sikong said, “This man is Shen Hexuan’s student. Let him in.”

 

Liang Huiyong instructed the guards to open the city gates.

 

Fu Zhanqing became the first member of the Chu army to step into Guangning.

 

The Chu army camped outside the city. With a single command, they could breach Guangning’s crumbling walls. For Guangning’s citizens, driving off the Jin forces meant victory, but for Feng Ye’s army, the war was far from over.

 

Inside the government hall, Fu Zhanqing met several figures of great renown. He seemed a bit uneasy but maintained a calm and clear gaze, meeting Feng Ye’s eyes directly. For someone so young, he dared to enter enemy territory alone. The fact that both Chen Mu and Shen Hexuan entrusted him with this task spoke to his exceptional qualities.

 

As Yan Sikong watched the young man politely bow, he saw a glimpse of his younger self: intelligent, bold, observant, and eloquent. Yet Fu Zhanqing’s eyes held a purity and integrity that his own had long lost.

 

After completing his salutes, Fu Zhanqing’s gaze rested on Yan Sikong. His bright eyes sparkled. “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon, sir.”

 

“Where is your teacher?”

 

“He is in the camp. His legs are unsteady, so he sent me in his place.”

 

Feng Ye sneered, “Unsteady legs, or afraid I’d kill him?”

 

Fu Zhanqing replied respectfully, “Two armies at war do not harm messengers. My teacher trusts the Wolf King’s honor and does not fear for his safety.”

 

Feng Ye narrowed his eyes, his gaze dripping with danger.

 

Fu Zhanqing lowered his head. Few could remain fearless in the face of Feng Ye’s overwhelming aura.

 

Yan Sikong said, “Zhanqing, we have known each other for some time, and I admire you. Whatever your purpose and words today, I promise no harm will come to you.”

 

Fu Zhanqing bowed in gratitude. “Thank you, Minister Yan.”

 

“Speak.”

 

After a brief pause, Fu Zhanqing said, “Prince Chu has led an army of 120,000 to the capital, where they are locked in a standoff with General Feng at the Forbidden City. Another 70,000 troops are now stationed outside Guangning. Prince Chu is willing to allocate silver and troops to retake Northern Liaodong and eradicate the Jin forces, provided…”

 

“Provided he becomes emperor?” Yuan Nanyu interrupted coldly.

 

Fu Zhanqing remained silent.

 

Yan Sikong’s voice turned icy. “Liaodong’s frozen lands, barren and frigid, have long been a desolate place. But it is the northern gateway to our empire. No matter who sits on the golden throne, they must defend Liaodong. In this battle, the soldiers of Guangning and Feng’s army risked their lives to protect this city. Prince Chu stood by as the Jin ravaged our troops and only appeared to reap the rewards. How can the people of Liaodong trust such a ruler?”

 

His words weren’t meant for Fu Zhanqing, who was merely a messenger. They were directed at Liang Huiyong. Despite Liang’s dissatisfaction with Chen Mu, his duty as General of Liaodong was to protect Guangning and Liaodong. At least for now, Liang could not undermine their efforts.

 

Liang Huiyong bowed his head, his expression stiff and silent.

 

Fu Zhanqing responded calmly, “Prince Chu, upon hearing of Liaodong’s plight, assembled his forces and rushed to aid you. He did not sit idle.”

 

“Ridiculous,” Feng Ye said coldly.

 

Fu Zhanqing bowed again. “Prince Chu does not wish to wage war with the Wolf King at Guangning. If the Wolf King withdraws his troops from the capital, you may return to Datong safely with your army.”

 

Feng Ye tilted his chin slightly, his patience wearing thin. “If Minister Yan hadn’t let you in, you’d have been dead from a rain of arrows. You’re unworthy of standing before me. Go back and tell Chen Mu to meet me in person.”

 

“But Prince Chu…”

 

“Silence.”

 

Fu Zhanqing’s face paled, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

 

Yan Sikong found the young man somewhat pitiful, but Feng Ye was not wrong.

 

To negotiate with Feng Ye, the envoy’s rank must be higher—at least Shen Hexuan himself. Sending a student, no matter how eloquent, would only provoke Feng Ye’s impatience. Perhaps Chen Mu meant it as an insult.

 

Yan Sikong said, “It’s late, Zhanqing. Stay in Guangning tonight and leave tomorrow morning.”

 

Fu Zhanqing glanced at Yan Sikong, his gaze evasive, his expression clearly unwilling.

 

“Someone, see to Master Fu’s accommodations.”

 

After Fu Zhanqing left, Yan Sikong said, “I’ll meet with him privately to probe his intentions. If Shen Hexuan sent him, there must be another purpose.”

 

Feng Ye nodded and looked at Liang Huiyong. With a mix of sincerity and threat, he said, “General Liang, I understand your difficulties. But this concerns the survival of Feng’s army. I hope you’ll stand united with us against the enemy.”

 

Liang Huiyong quickly replied, “Rest assured, Wolf King. We Liaodong men are not ungrateful.”

 

Feng Ye nodded but subtly signaled Yuan Nanyu to keep an eye on Liang.

 

—

 

As night fell, Yan Sikong ordered a fine banquet prepared and invited Fu Zhanqing for a private meeting.

 

Fu Zhanqing came as invited, and judging by his expression, it was clear he was not surprised.

 

“Minister Yan,” Fu Zhanqing bowed deeply, “This junior is deeply grateful for your life-saving kindness.”

 

“No need to be so polite. The Wolf King was merely intimidating you; he wouldn’t actually kill you.” Yan Sikong chuckled lightly. “You aren’t worth killing yet.”

 

Fu Zhanqing replied sheepishly, “I made a fool of myself in front of you today. Back in the day, when you were around my age, you single-handedly entered the enemy camp during the rebellion of King Liang, using nothing but your eloquence to reclaim a city.”

 

Yan Sikong laughed, “A hero does not boast of past glories. That was so long ago, I’ve already forgotten.”

 

“It was just a few years ago when you negotiated with the Chahar, securing an alliance for the court and stabilizing the rear for the Wolf King’s forces. That was a feat that shook the nation.”

 

“Your teacher dislikes those who rely on smooth talk.” Yan Sikong teased. “He didn’t think highly of me back then. How did he end up taking you as his student?”

 

Fu Zhanqing smiled faintly, hesitated for a moment, and then said shyly, “Actually, my teacher once mentioned…”

 

“Mentioned what?”

 

“He… he said I resemble you a little.”

 

Yan Sikong raised an eyebrow.

 

Fu Zhanqing grew a bit nervous and hurriedly added, “You are a phoenix among men, a rare talent of the ages. How could an ordinary person like me compare? Saying it out loud indeed makes me sound arrogant.”

 

Yan Sikong laughed heartily. “I see.”

 

“You see what?”

 

“I see why Shen Hexuan took you as his student,” Yan Sikong said, smiling as he looked at Fu Zhanqing. “If you don’t understand, go back and think about it carefully. Reflect deeply. Don’t disappoint your teacher’s expectations.”

 

Fu Zhanqing’s eyes darted around. “Thank you for the advice, Minister. I will think about it carefully.”

 

“I know there are things you dare not say to the Wolf King and things he has no patience to hear. These words, you can only say to me—or perhaps, were meant specifically for me.” Yan Sikong poured Fu Zhanqing a drink himself. “Go ahead.”

 

Fu Zhanqing raised his cup, saluted Yan Sikong, and the two drank together.

 

After setting down the cup, Fu Zhanqing sighed, “Prince Chu originally planned to send my teacher, but my teacher suggested I come first to test the waters. He did have many messages for me to relay to you.”

 

Yan Sikong listened quietly.

 

“The two letters you sent my teacher—he received both. The second one…” Fu Zhanqing gave a wry smile. “It enraged him greatly. For most matters, Prince Chu heavily relies on my teacher. However, Prince Chu is deeply fixated on the throne. When it came to secretly colluding with Zhuo Letai, my teacher almost had a falling out with him. He vehemently opposed sacrificing Liaodong for the sake of the throne but failed to stop him. Later, seeing that the situation was irreparable, my teacher chose to go along with it, advising Prince Chu to split his forces—one to aid Liaodong and another to encircle the Wolf King.”

 

Yan Sikong sneered coldly; it was just as he had suspected.

 

“Minister,” Fu Zhanqing said worriedly, “Prince Chu will not give up on the capital. Currently, the Wolf King’s deployment in the capital is greater than that of the Chu army, with the advantage of defensive walls and ample supplies. If the Wolf King does not retreat, Prince Chu may not be able to break through. But if Prince Chu does not withdraw, the Wolf King will remain constrained. Such a stalemate will only result in mutual destruction, and it is the innocent soldiers and civilians who will suffer most.”

 

“Do you think I don’t understand this reasoning?” Yan Sikong looked at Fu Zhanqing. “But do you think the Wolf King would hand over the hard-won capital?”

 

Fu Zhanqing sighed. “Indeed. But when I return to camp, Prince Chu will likely order an assault on Guangning.”

 

Yan Sikong silently downed a cup of wine.

 

“Minister,” Fu Zhanqing probed, “if—just if—the Wolf King must relinquish the capital, under what terms might he agree?”

 

Yan Sikong gazed at Fu Zhanqing with a faint smile. “What do you think?”

 

Fu Zhanqing blinked. “I dare not presume.”

 

Yan Sikong drank another cup of wine, his mind swirling with thoughts. Fu Zhanqing’s question was precisely the one he had been racking his brain over.

 

“Minister, please drink less,” Fu Zhanqing said gently.

 

“I have never been drunk.”

 

“Indeed,” Fu Zhanqing smiled faintly and murmured, “but Minister, perhaps you only intoxicate others.”

 

“What?” Yan Sikong didn’t catch his words.

 

Fu Zhanqing looked directly at Yan Sikong. “Minister, you work tirelessly for the Wolf King, exhausting yourself for Guangning. But have you ever thought about yourself?”

 

“A worthless life—what is there to think about?” Yan Sikong scoffed. “When I burned the Chu army’s supplies, I had no intention of returning alive. Yet heaven refused to take me, leaving me to continue struggling in this mortal world.”

 

Fu Zhanqing frowned. “How could you think that way? In my eyes, Minister, you are a transcendent figure, destined for greatness or peace.”

 

Yan Sikong chuckled. “You overestimate me. Who knows what rumors you’ve heard? Those storytellers, eager for tea money, would fabricate anything.”

 

“I don’t listen to others. I believe what I see,” Fu Zhanqing said. “And the Minister described by my teacher is different from what the world says.”

 

“Ah, true. Among the common folk, what good would they say of me?” Yan Sikong laughed. “They all call me… hmm… ‘Fence-Sitter Yan,’ isn’t that right?”

 

Fu Zhanqing lowered his eyes. “The world misunderstands you. If I ever become a minister, I will clear your name!”

 

“No need.” Yan Sikong gently shook his head. “I’ve committed many irreparable mistakes—betrayed and used many people. Being scorned by the world is not unjust. I care not for posthumous fame, only for unfinished tasks in life.”

 

Fu Zhanqing’s eyes brimmed with sorrow.

 

“Zhanqing, this may be the last time we meet in this life. You do share some similarities with me. I hope you won’t repeat my mistakes. Whether you serve the court or the people, always prioritize the welfare of the nation and its people. Strive to restore our kingdom’s peace and prosperity.”

 

Fu Zhanqing’s eyes reddened. He stood and bowed deeply. “This junior will engrave your words in my heart and never forget them.”

 

Yan Sikong stood as well, clasped his hands in salute, and left without looking back.