The Blood Crown - Chapter 332

Chapter 332

 

Feng Ye’s chest heaved violently, his face ashen, and a storm brewed in his eyes.

 

Yan Sikong said softly, “Your wound is near your heart; Sect Master Que specifically warned against anger.”

 

“How can I not be angry?” Feng Ye raised his head to look at Yan Sikong, his gaze fierce. “That father and daughter dared to do such a thing behind my back. Their audacity knows no bounds!”

 

“Given the situation, you need to remain calm.”

 

“I want to divorce that madwoman. She is unworthy of being a wife or a mother. Back when she was in Taiyuan, she constantly urged Yong Wang to persuade me to proclaim myself emperor. She even tried to buy off my trusted officials and generals. I warned them back then, but after coming to Datong, they dared to create such chaos behind my back!” Feng Ye clenched his fists until his knuckles cracked. “Not killing her is already a mercy for the sake of our marriage…”

 

“Feng Ye.” Yan Sikong gripped Feng Ye’s shoulder firmly, channeling pain to divert his attention. Looking into Feng Ye’s eyes, he said solemnly, “You are in the heat of anger now; there’s no need to rush a decision. Back then, you allied with Yong Wang through marriage. Without his financial resources, you wouldn’t have been able to recruit so many troops so quickly. Now that they’ve made mistakes, it doesn’t mean everything should be denied. Why not go and see the young heir? It might ease your mood; you haven’t seen him yet, have you?”

 

Feng Ye shook his head. “Later. I want to go to the ancestral hall first and confess my sins to my parents.”

 

“Very well.”

 

Feng Ye paused, then suddenly embraced Yan Sikong’s waist, burying his head deeply in his chest with reliance.

 

Yan Sikong was momentarily stunned. From above, he could only see Feng Ye’s long, thick eyelashes trembling with unease. The arms wrapped around his waist were firm and strong, yet he could clearly feel the vulnerability of this man who had shaken the world—a burden unimaginable to anyone else.

 

“Kong’er, I’m so tired,” Feng Ye murmured, his voice filled with exhaustion and despair.

 

Yan Sikong felt a pang in his heart. He gently patted Feng Ye’s back and comforted him, “To stand above millions, one must bear the weight of millions. Otherwise, one cannot be called a ‘king.’”

 

Feng Ye closed his eyes. At this moment, the chest he leaned on was the only place in the world where he felt secure and warm.

 

The only place.

 

—

 

Feng Ye knelt in the Feng family ancestral hall all night, and Yan Sikong also stayed awake, repeatedly thinking about how to rescue Feng Ze.

 

But no matter how he thought about it, if he were Nata Khan, whether he believed the child was his daughter’s or not, he would never return the child.

 

Since Wala was destroyed by Feng Jianping, the once-mighty Mongol Empire had disintegrated into ashes. The tribes were fragmented and in constant conflict. The Chahar tribe was not the strongest among them, merely the closest to Datong. With Feng Ye’s command, the Chahar could be annihilated. At such a time, holding the child of the Prince of the Northern Territories, whose value was worth more than gold, was an asset no fool would surrender, not even for the entire Hetao.

 

Upon careful consideration, Princess Yunlong’s calculation was not without reason. If Feng Ye fully supported it, the Chahar could potentially unify Mongolia, just as Wala had in the past. Feng Ye would never do something so foolish, as the more fragmented the Mongolian tribes were, the easier it was for them to manage. However, if the one unifying Mongolia was his own son, it would be a different story altogether.

 

When Feng Ye calmed down, he would see the pros and cons clearly. But whether as the Wolf King or as a man, he could not tolerate his wife scheming behind his back and committing such a treacherous act.

 

Even if Feng Ye wanted to rescue his son, how could he do so? With a hostage in hand, there was no way to fight. The son of the Wolf King was more valuable than mountains of gold. If Nata Khan refused to trade, there would be no solution.

 

Yan Sikong recalled seeing Princess Yunlong during the day. The love for one’s offspring is an instinct, and people tend to revert to instinct when facing adversity. Yet a woman who could send her year-old son away to achieve her goals was not a “madwoman” but someone frighteningly clear-headed.

 

—

 

After kneeling in the ancestral hall all night, Feng Ye’s condition worsened, and he had to rest in bed.

 

When Yan Sikong came to visit, Feng Ye had just eaten. On the low stool beside the bed sat an untouched bowl of thick black medicine, looking so bitter it made one’s tongue tingle just to see it.

 

Yan Sikong sat on the edge of the bed. “Drink the medicine.”

 

“It’s too bitter.” Feng Ye turned his face away. “That demon-like Sect Master Que must have deliberately prescribed such bitter medicine. It’s worse than any medicine I’ve had before.”

 

“He saved your life. The fact that you’re still alive proves this medicine is necessary.”

 

“I can tell he doesn’t like me.” Feng Ye snorted. “He even wanted to take Hun’er’s soul for medicine. If he hadn’t saved me, I would…”

 

“Enough,” Yan Sikong interrupted, picking up the bowl. “Come, drink the medicine.”

 

Feng Ye glanced at the spoon held out to him and obediently opened his mouth.

 

“Find a good day and a scenic place to let Hun’er rest in peace,” Yan Sikong said, thinking of those gray wolf eyes, sharp yet loyal, and sighed inwardly.

 

“I’ve already made arrangements. It will return to where it came from, its birthplace.” A trace of tenderness appeared in Feng Ye’s eyes. “I hope it reincarnates and returns to me in the next life.”

 

“It will. It definitely will.”

 

After feeding him the medicine, Yan Sikong asked, “Have you seen the young heir?”

 

Feng Ye lowered his gaze. “Not yet… I’m afraid that seeing him will remind me of Ze’er. As their father, constantly away at war, I failed to protect them. Seeing him only brings guilt.”

 

“When Prince Jingyuan failed to watch over you, you were even taken away by wolves,” Yan Sikong said with a slight smile. “But you still grew up just fine. They’ll know their father is a warrior, and they’ll be proud of you, just as you are.”

 

Feng Ye smiled faintly. “That’s true. They are the children of the Feng family; they must grow like wolves.”

 

“And about the little heir…” Yan Sikong set the bowl aside. “Do you have any plans?”

 

Feng Ye remained silent.

 

Yan Sikong knew that whatever he had considered, Feng Ye had considered as well. But as a father, he could not coldly calculate like a general planning his troops.

 

Not wanting to push the issue, Yan Sikong said, “I’d like to meet Princess Yunlong.”

 

Feng Ye’s gaze turned cold. “What for?”

 

“There’s much about this matter we don’t yet know. We need to ask her to make informed decisions,” Yan Sikong replied. “Let me see her.”

 

“And if she’s rude to you?”

 

“There are countless people in the world who want to carve me into pieces. Do you think I’d fear one rude woman?”

 

Feng Ye hesitated. “Fine.”

 

“Go see the young heir, or have him brought here.”

 

“Why are you so insistent on me seeing Yue’er?”

 

“I want you to remember that you still have Yue’er,” Yan Sikong said, looking him straight in the eyes. “It will help you accept certain facts that may be unchangeable.”

 

Feng Ye was stunned.

 

Yan Sikong rose and left.

 

He went straight to where Princess Yunlong was being confined. Outside, several guards stood watch. He said, “By order of the Wolf King, stand down.”

 

“Yes.” The guards stepped aside.

 

Yan Sikong knocked gently on the door. “Yan Sikong requests an audience with the Princess.”

 

Inside, Yunlong’s voice replied, “Come in.”

 

Yan Sikong pushed the door open and entered.

 

Yunlong sat in the main seat, pale and spiritless, but still adorned in luxurious robes, her hair neatly styled, and her jewelry impeccable.

 

Yan Sikong bowed respectfully. “Greetings to the Princess.”

 

Yunlong stared at Yan Sikong expressionlessly for a long moment before saying, “At ease.” But she did not invite him to sit.

 

Straightening his slightly sore back, Yan Sikong stood before Yunlong, his expression calm and composed.

 

“There are many rumors about you,” Yunlong said, her tone light and mocking as she stroked her jade thumb ring, her gaze appraising him. “They say you surpass Pan An in beauty and rival Zijian in talent, bewitching the two most powerful men in the world. I wondered what sort of enchanting looks you must have. But as it turns out, you’re just… a man.”

 

Yan Sikong smiled faintly. “If these words can ease the Princess’s troubles and bring a smile to your face, I gladly accept. However, this is not the attitude of someone seeking help.”

 

Yunlong glared at Yan Sikong. “What did you say?”

 

“I said, this is not the attitude of someone seeking help.”

 

“Who said I need your help?” Yunlong’s expression turned cold.

 

“In that case, I shall take my leave,” Yan Sikong said respectfully, bowing before turning to leave.

 

“Stop!” Yunlong commanded sharply.

 

Yan Sikong stepped back and smiled at Yunlong.

 

Yunlong also smiled coldly. “No wonder you’re so sharp-tongued, Yan Sikong. What are you here for?”

 

“The princess is clever and should know,” Yan Sikong replied.

 

Yunlong took a deep breath, paused for a moment, then said, “The prince cannot divorce me.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because he still needs my father’s wealth.”

 

“The Wolf King is soon to be made the Lord of the Four Prefectures in the north. With the taxes from these four regions, he no longer needs Prince Yong.”

 

“If he divorces me, I’ll kill myself,” Yunlong said coldly. “Let the whole world know he forced his first wife to death. When my son grows up, he’ll know too.”

 

“That’s a reason. What else?” Yan Sikong stared directly at Yunlong.

 

Yunlong met Yan Sikong’s gaze without flinching, showing no trace of the usual timidity of a woman. “Also… what I’ve done has greatly helped the Feng family. He’ll eventually realize I was right.”

 

“Did you make any agreements with Sarin? What agreements?” Yan Sikong asked. “Please tell me everything from the beginning to the end in detail, so I can help you.”

 

“From the beginning to the end?” Yunlong scoffed. “Where does the beginning start?”

 

Yan Sikong looked at her quietly.

 

“To outsiders, it seems like I heartlessly sent my son away. They would think I’ve gone mad or that my heart is as venomous as a serpent, but who understands my suffering?” Yunlong clenched the handkerchief tightly, speaking softly. “I’m the eldest sister. My brother, Prince Yong’s heir, is a good-for-nothing who only knows how to eat, drink, gamble, and waste his life. He’s as stupid as a pig in my eyes.” A look of disgust flashed across her face.

 

Yan Sikong hadn’t expected Yunlong to say such things.

 

“But this man, despite being such a fool, will inherit everything from my father—the hereditary title, the family fortune—all just because he’s a man.” Yunlong said coldly, “Simply because he’s a man.”

 

Yan Sikong narrowed his eyes.

 

“And me? When I look at my mother, I know what I’ll become. Even though I’m a hundred times smarter than my brother, I’ll have to marry a man I’ve never met, watch him take concubines and visit brothels, suffer the hardships of childbirth, and spend my life trapped in a small estate, always at the mercy of my husband and mother-in-law.” Yunlong looked sideways at Yan Sikong. “Can you imagine such a life?”

 

Yan Sikong replied calmly, “No, I can’t.”

 

“Of course you can’t. You’re not a woman,” Yunlong scoffed. “The prince is much better than my father. Though he’s never truly cared for me, he treats me with respect, gives me fine clothes and food, and I live in comfort. But how different is that from being a princess? I married him not to be just another simple princess.”

 

“The princess wants to be empress.”

 

Yunlong’s lips curled slightly. “Every man wants to be emperor. Why can’t I want to be empress? I never understood why every woman has to live like my mother, but then I figured it out. If I must live like that, I might as well aim higher. Even though my mother lived a life full of frustration, there were still many servants who bowed to her. Think of the empress, who has the entire world at her feet. If I become empress, even my father and my stupid, arrogant brother will have to bow to me three times and kneel nine times.”

 

Yan Sikong nodded slightly. “The princess is truly an extraordinary woman.”

 

“Heh,” Yunlong’s eyes were cold. “So, when I married the prince, I thought I would get what I wanted. In the end, I’m left with nothing.”

 

“Being the Princess of the North is already comparable to being the empress.”

 

“Not enough!” Yunlong glared at Yan Sikong, gritting her teeth. “He has a preference for men, he favors them, and has already become the laughingstock of the world. Yet, I still chose to marry him, just so he could take me to the palace, make me empress of the world! But for you, he’s willing to give up the kingdom he’s already obtained!”

 

Yan Sikong said seriously, “The princess doesn’t understand the current situation in Datong. The importance of Liaodong to Da Sheng is no less than Datong. If the gate is broken, the country will fall. He is not only doing this for me. I never wanted the Wolf King to become emperor. If he takes the capital, the Chen family and the princes, being descendants of the Chen family, will never give up. In the end, the country will fall into chaos, benefiting foreign tribes while the people suffer. Think about the war between the Eight Kings of the Western Jin, the bloodshed during the Five Hu and Sixteen Kingdoms. Do you want to become the empress of a fallen nation?”

 

Yunlong pursed her lips.

 

“The Wolf King knows this too. He is governing in the capital without legitimacy. Both the court and the people are unhappy. With Chen Li watching him closely, and foreign barbarians waiting for a chance to strike, as long as he stays in the capital, the wars will never end. He is not just doing this for me, or for Liaodong, but for the people of the world.”

 

Yunlong looked deeply at Yan Sikong. “Even so, I don’t believe he doesn’t want to become emperor. What man doesn’t want to be emperor? He named the twins ‘Yue’ and ‘Ze,’ aiming for the land!”

 

Yan Sikong’s gaze grew sharp. “Yes, everyone wants to be emperor, but there is only one emperor.”

 

“That’s why I’m helping him,” Yunlong said arrogantly, staring at Yan Sikong without giving an inch. “I’ll keep Yue’er in Datong. When he grows up, he’ll be the Prince of the North. I’ll send Ze’er to Chahar. The prince will have no choice but to support Chahar in uniting Mongolia. When he grows up, he’ll be the King of Mongolia. My husband cannot give me the position I desire, but my son will!”

 

Yan Sikong frowned at Yunlong without speaking.

 

“Do you think I’m a madwoman?” Yunlong sneered. “The Chen family and the Feng family will inevitably clash. If not in this generation, then in the next. Even if I can’t see it, my name will be remembered in history, just like those men who command the winds and rains.”

 

“The princess is not mad, just more insane than others,” Yan Sikong said in a deep voice. “You’re right, sending the young prince to Chahar is a risky move, but it may also be a brilliant one.”

 

Yunlong laughed coldly. “Sarin has been suffering in Datong. The people there have always been oppressed by the Mongols and hate them. How can they treat her kindly? I’ve only shown her the courtesy due to a mistress. She’s grateful to me and likes Yue’er and Ze’er. That’s why I came up with this plan. Do you think I want to send my son to a lowly barbarian woman? But as the Wolf King’s heir, they are born with a mission. That’s their fate!”

 

Yan Sikong shook his head. “If the princess were a man, you would have great achievements.” He couldn’t help but think of his older sister, Yuan Weiling. When she was young, she studied and practiced martial arts with them. She was as smart and ambitious as any man, and often resented being a woman. But throughout history, there have been many women with the heart of a rooster crowing at dawn. But someone as ruthless as Yunlong, he had only seen her in this life.

 

“Maybe,” Yunlong forced a smile. “You probably think I’m cruel, but am I really more ruthless than a man? Take Prince Chu for example. I heard he’s infatuated with you and took a concubine who looks like you. After you burned the grain, in a fit of anger, he had that concubine killed, even though she was pregnant with his child. I sent Ze’er away, at least I hope for his good.”

 

“That did happen, but Prince Chu didn’t kill that concubine because of me.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Prince Chu told me long ago that because his mother was of lowly birth, he suffered a lot when he was young. He never wanted a second son born from a concubine. He didn’t want to repeat his own tragedy.” Yan Sikong stared at Yunlong, his eyes dark and cold. “But the princess is right. Men are more ruthless. Even a noble orchid must be weeded out if it obstructs their path. Men don’t pity women who get in their way.”

 

Yunlong shuddered, her scalp tingling as a sense of fear rushed through her limbs.

 

Yan Sikong softened his tone again. “Divorcing the prince, for him, will only vent his frustration, but it’s of no benefit. I will persuade the Wolf King. But I also advise the princess to stop acting on her own without the prince’s consent. Don’t play these tricks. Be content being the

 

Yan Sikong softened his tone again: “For the Wolf King, divorcing you may release some pent-up resentment, but it’s ultimately more harmful than helpful. I will try to persuade him. But I also advise the princess not to make decisions behind his back or act with too much calculation. Be at ease as the Princess of the Northern Duke, enjoy a life of wealth and honor. If you anger the Wolf King again, no one will be able to save you.”

 

Yunlong slowly lowered her eyelids, tired, and said, “What about my father? Can Wang’er(Feng Ye) spare him?”

 

“Prince Yong is the Wolf King’s father-in-law, so he will maintain his dignity,” Yan Sikong replied. “If the princess has no further instructions, I shall take my leave.”

 

Yunlong did not respond, only gazed blankly at the ground.

 

Yan Sikong bowed slightly and turned to leave.

 

“Lord Yan.” Just as Yan Sikong was about to step over the threshold, Yunlong’s faint voice called out to him.

 

Yan Sikong did not turn around, only slightly tilted his head.

 

Yunlong choked up and asked, “When Ze’er grows up, will he hate me?”

 

“…He will not remember you.”

 

Yan Sikong pushed the door open and left, leaving behind the suppressed sobs.

 

This woman has her own sorrow, but who in the world doesn’t have theirs? To gain something, one must give something in return. No one is exempt.