The Blood Crown - Chapter 328

Chapter 328

Hearing this, Chen Mu sneered, “Feng Ye, your appetite is too big.”

“I guard the border against the hordes, while you sit in the heart of the empire enjoying its prosperity. Who has the bigger appetite?” Feng Ye said coldly. “You probably haven’t realized yet, but what I want isn’t just to be the governor and prince. I want the four prefectures to belong to the Feng family completely and forever.”

This time, both Chen Mu and Shen Hexuan’s expressions darkened. When Feng Ye initially proposed to control the four prefectures, it was still open to discussion, but now he was asking for a fief, a domain granted to a vassal lord!

Before the Qin Dynasty, China was organized under a feudal system. While the various vassal states were autonomous, they acknowledged a supreme ruler—the King of Zhou. Although this ruler was called an “emperor,” his power was limited to military, political, legal, and tax matters within the capital region. When the Western Zhou royal family was strong, the vassal states paid tribute and visited the king, but as the Zhou royal family weakened, the vassal states gradually broke free from control and often switched allegiances, leading to continuous warfare.

After the Qin conquered the six states and unified the empire, the vassal states disappeared, and the land under heaven was all considered royal territory. The military, political, legal, and tax powers of the prefectures were managed by officials appointed by the imperial court. Those with imperial or meritorious status could be given fiefs, but they only had a “title,” not an “estate,” which meant they could pass down wealth and honor but not hold land, citizens, or military forces.

Now, Feng Ye’s demand was for a reformation of this national system, a system that had remained unchanged for centuries since the Qin Dynasty!

Shen Hexuan exclaimed, “Preposterous!”

A change in the national system would have unimaginable consequences. Not only would the Feng family grow stronger under the wealth of these four prefectures, but it could also encourage other vassal kings or regional officials to follow suit, causing endless harm.

This wasn’t just about wanting a fief; this was about dividing the empire with the Chen family!

Chen Mu’s tightly pursed lips quivered slightly as a vicious glint flashed in his eyes. Feng Ye’s wolf-like eyes were just as sharp and cold as he glared back. The two men stared at each other, tension in the air.

Yan Sikong said slowly, “Qianzhou is mostly poor and remote, Datong is a wilderness that is frequently invaded by Mongols, and Liaodong is a large area of frozen land that has always been barren. There are also many barbaric tribes like the Jurchens and Khitans watching like vultures. Among these four prefectures, only Xuanhua is relatively prosperous, but compared to the fertile plains of the Central Plains or the rice-rich south, it’s still incomparable.” He glanced at Chen Mu, “What is heavy and what is light, even a three-year-old can distinguish.”

Chen Mu spoke coldly, “If you gain control of the four northern prefectures, the Central Plains will never know peace.”

The four prefectures Feng Ye wanted were not wealthy, but they formed a line stretching from northwest to northeast and were an important barrier against the northern nomadic tribes. They were right above the Central Plains and could be reached from Xuanhua to the capital in just a few days by horse. If Feng Ye controlled them, it would be like a knife to Chen Mu’s neck, ensuring that he could never secure the throne.

A threat like this could not be ignored!

“Endless fighting between us is the only way the Central Plains will never know peace,” Feng Ye mocked with a smile. “If you don’t want to give me the North, I don’t want the Central Plains for myself either. Go take it, if you can.”

“Feng Ye!” Chen Mu’s face twisted with fury. “Don’t forget, killing you is as easy as flipping my hand.”

“If you kill me, my uncle will resist to the end. The capital still has over 100,000 troops from the Feng family, and the Forbidden City is as solid as a fortress, the strongest in the world. Your Chen family’s heirs are all in my hands,” Feng Ye said with a cruel smile. “You can’t attack, and even if you lay siege, the capital’s supplies can last for three years. After three years, the landscape may change, and so will everything else.”

Chen Mu and Shen Hexuan exchanged glances, their expressions complicated.

Feng Ye’s words were true; taking the capital by force was nearly impossible. If the conflict continued, it would only drain both sides, leaving them vulnerable to others. The only way Chen Mu could secure the throne was if Feng Ye withdrew the Feng family army from the capital.

But if he gave up the North to Feng Ye, it would be a lasting disaster for the empire.

Yan Sikong advised, “The Wolf King has made a concession, and the King of Chu should understand that this war is endless and has made the people suffer greatly. It should end.”

Shen Hexuan narrowed his eyes and spoke reproachfully, “Yan Sikong, do you know that changing the system could bring disaster for generations?”

“I know, but I also know that if this war continues, there may be no ‘generations’ left,” Yan Sikong said with a light smile. “Everything has its cause and effect. We have reached this point, and if the two kings can cease fighting and allow the people to recover, that would be the best outcome.”

Chen Mu gritted his teeth. “Fine, I agree.”

“Your Highness!” Shen Hexuan called out.

Chen Mu stared at Feng Ye, “Since you want the four prefectures as a fief, how much will the tribute be?”

“Eleven percent of the former taxes.”

“Your Highness, you cannot agree!” Shen Hexuan was so agitated he nearly jumped out of the carriage. “If you let them grow strong, one day they will—”

“I will never enter the Central Plains in this lifetime,” Feng Ye said, his voice full of dominance and resolve. “As long as you keep your promise.”

Shen Hexuan stared at Feng Ye, hesitant, wanting to speak but ultimately silent.

The pros and cons were clear before them, but how to weigh them was a daunting dilemma.

Chen Mu chose to secure the throne first and then conquer the North, but even he didn’t know if there would ever be a chance to truly rule.

Taking a deep breath, Chen Mu’s face was pale, but his eyes were colder than ever. “Fine, I also approve, but a fief isn’t just about tribute; there must be someone to pay tribute in person.”

The implication was clear: Chen Mu wanted a hostage.

Feng Ye’s first thought was Yan Sikong, and indeed, Chen Mu’s gaze also shifted toward Yan Sikong. Feng Ye bared his fangs and said, “Don’t even think about it!”

Chen Mu sneered, “What, it’s a fief but you dare not send someone to the capital to pay tribute? Feng Ye, do you have ulterior motives and plan to seize the Chen family’s throne when the time is right?”

“If that were the case, I wouldn’t be giving it to you now.”

“Then send someone you truly care about to pay tribute in person every autumn after the harvest,” Chen Mu ordered harshly.

“Not in your lifetime,” Feng Ye said through gritted teeth. “Don’t ever think of touching a hair on him.”

Chen Mu grinned, showing his white, cold teeth in a cruel and vicious smile. “You can’t bear Yan Sikong, so I want him.” He raised his whip and pointed at Yuan Nanyun.

Yuan Nanyun stiffened, then his eyes widened with rage, unconsciously grabbing the sword at his waist.

This time, Yan Sikong shouted, “Don’t even think about it!”

Feng Ye immediately replied, “Impossible, I will send—”

“Who? Feng Changyue? That old, dying man can barely withstand the hardships of travel. Or your son? That might still take a decade or more.” Chen Mu sneered, “Who are you going to send?”

“I will send General Wang Shen to pay tribute. He has followed the Feng family for thirty years, and he is the chief commander of my army, respected and revered.”

“Not enough weight,” Chen Mu mocked. “I’ve said it before, I want someone you truly care about. I’ve given you the North and the tribute. If you refuse, I’ll besiege Guangning until the supplies are exhausted, and then we’ll talk. But at that point…” His eyes glinted with murder. “You’ll only be fighting to save your own life.”

Yan Sikong felt his anger boiling in his chest.

Chen Mu was right—if they waited until Guangning had no choice but to surrender, allowing Chen Mu to enter the city, Feng Ye and his life might be spared. But Liang Huiyong, She Zhun, Que Linghu, and countless Feng family soldiers could all perish under Chen Mu’s vengeful rage.

Given Chen Mu’s cruelty, there was no telling what he wouldn’t do.

But what Chen Mu wanted was something he could never give—it was his…

“Fine.” A deep voice suddenly cut through the tension.

Yuan Nanyun, who had remained silent until now, spoke these words that seemed casual but were as heavy as mountains.

Yan Sikong’s eyes widened. “Yun’er, you…”

“I’ll go,” Yuan Nanyun said, looking unafraid into Chen Mu’s eyes. He spoke clearly, word by word, “Every autumn after the harvest, I will bring the tribute and go to the capital to pay my respects.”

“Que Wang!” Feng Ye said sharply. “I command you to be silent.”

Yuan Nanyun’s expression was calm. “The Wolf King need not worry. General Feng is old and unfit for long travels, and Second Brother cannot go either. So I will go.” He did not look at Feng Ye as he spoke but stared coldly at Chen Mu, scoffing, “Chen Mu, do you think I fear you and dare not go? I only regret that my arrow back then couldn’t take you down under the trampling hooves.”

Chen Mu laughed heartily. “I know you’re not afraid of me, but whether you fear me or not, whether you hate me or not, you’ll still have to kneel, bow, and submit to me. How wonderful. Otherwise, why does everyone want to be emperor?”

Yuan Nanyun tightened the reins until his palms were red, but he did not notice.

Yan Sikong growled, “Yuan Nanyun, I do not permit you to go, and the Wolf King did not approve either. How dare you act on your own?”

Yuan Nanyun dismounted and knelt before Feng Ye’s horse, cupping his fists. “The soldiers have suffered too much; I cannot let there be unnecessary sacrifices for me alone. This war must end, and it must end now. I beg the Wolf King to grant me this.”

Feng Ye’s face was dark, and he remained silent.

Yuan Nanyun turned to Yan Sikong. “Second Brother, the rules of a fief cannot be disregarded. You know in your heart that I am the most suitable to go. Since childhood, you taught me, ‘There is no distinction between kin and stranger, no difference between nobility and commoner; all are judged by the law.’ This is a significant matter, and you cannot protect me from it.”

Yan Sikong was both angry and anxious, but when he saw Yuan Nanyun’s resolute and fearless eyes, he gradually calmed down. He could not always see Yuan Nanyun as a child. Life was unpredictable; who could live safely without sacrifice? Perhaps, this was Yuan Nanyun’s fate.

He closed his eyes, powerless.

Feng Ye spoke in a low voice. “Que Wang, have you thought this through?”

“I would go through fire and water for the Wolf King; I’ve never hesitated,” Yuan Nanyun glanced at Chen Mu, saying with disdain, “Let alone such an easy task.”

Chen Mu smiled with his lips, but there was no joy in his eyes. He looked at Yuan Nanyun like a beast eyeing its prey.

Feng Ye sighed. “Fine, Que Wang, I’ll leave this matter to you.”

Yuan Nanyun bowed deeply, fists clenched. “Yes.”