The Blood Crown - Chapter 341

Chapter 341

In the season when spring is gently fading, the weather in Datong Prefecture is very pleasant. During the day, the windows are left open, allowing the spring breeze to flow through the house, sweeping away all the stagnant air. However, the bitter medicinal smell, which has lingered for a long time, cannot be easily dissipated.

Feng Ye frowned as he finished a large bowl of medicine, his tongue tight from the bitterness. Just as he was about to complain, Yan Sikong quickly placed a piece of sweet pastry into his mouth.

Feng Ye held the pastry in his mouth and pouted, “My injuries have healed. Why do I still have to drink so much medicine every day?”

“You’ve damaged your vital energy and injured your foundation. It won’t be recovered in a short time.” Yan Sikong replied, “The medicine is as instructed by Nan Yu. Just follow what he says.”

“I think he’s doing it on purpose,” Feng Ye muttered. “Where is he?”

“He’s busy,” Yan Sikong stood up, “I’ll go…”

“Don’t go.” Feng Ye grabbed Yan Sikong’s hand and looked at him eagerly, “Stay with me.”

“I just need to get a few things. I’ve already gone through the routine documents submitted by all the prefectures from the other day. I still need to discuss some matters with you.”

“No rush, we can talk later.” Feng Ye held Yan Sikong’s wrist and softly said, “Stay with me for a while.”

Yan Sikong helplessly sat back down. Since that day, Feng Ye had become more attached to him than ever, sending people to look for him whenever they were apart, as though afraid he might change his mind.

Feng Ye pulled Yan Sikong into his arms and whispered, “Kong’er, are you really here?”

“I’m here.” Yan Sikong smiled softly, “How many times do you need to ask?”

“I don’t know…” Feng Ye sighed, “I always feel like I’m dreaming, afraid someone will wake me up.”

“Actually, I often feel like I’m dreaming too,” Yan Sikong smiled lightly, “But now, being with you, I feel wide awake because most of my dreams are nightmares. I’ve never had such a good dream.”

Feng Ye tightened his embrace, “From now on, whether awake or dreaming, I want you to always be this happy, this content…” He paused and cautiously asked, “Kong’er, are you happy now?”

Yan Sikong looked up, gazing into Feng Ye’s eyes. “I’ve tried so hard to hold myself back, afraid of falling into the same trap, afraid of being burdened by love. But no matter how I struggle, I just… can’t let you go.” He gently caressed Feng Ye’s face. “I don’t want to deceive myself anymore. Just like you, I think of the time when we were in love every single day.”

Feng Ye kissed Yan Sikong’s forehead, “Even if we can’t go back to the past, we can still walk together toward the future. We’ll create new memories. Whatever you want, I will do everything in my power to give it to you. I’ll make you happier than before.”

Yan Sikong looked into Feng Ye’s determined and affectionate eyes, his heart fluttering, and softly kissed his lips, “It’s a promise.”

Feng Ye deepened the kiss, earnest and sincere. He savored every breath of Yan Sikong, feeling as if everything about the person in his arms made his heart race—just like when they first met.

After the kiss, Yan Sikong smiled and said, “Your taste is both bitter and sweet.”

“A bowl of medicine, a piece of sweet pastry—these are all things you made me take,” Feng Ye kissed his lips again, lingering, as though no amount of kissing was enough.

Yan Sikong nodded, “Only with both bitterness and sweetness can life be complete.”

“You’re right,” Feng Ye whispered, “I’ll do whatever you say.”

The two of them nestled against each other, listening to each other’s heartbeat, feeling each other’s warmth, and found that the most reassuring place in the world was right here, in this moment.

After going through so much and experiencing countless hardships, they had lost themselves along the way. The innocence, ambition, and vows of their youth had long since faded, consumed by the passage of time and the torment of fate. Reflecting on the past is an inherent instinct of humans, but even if one exhausts all their efforts, who can truly return to the youthful days of passion and rekindle the faith and affection they once had? It’s not easy.

There is no perfect thing in this world, and no perfect person. With all the scars, they must still walk side by side and continue forward. Perhaps that is what is most precious.

—

Thanks to Yuan Nanyu’s brilliant medical skills and Feng Ye’s cooperation, the arrow wound healed quickly. Feng Ye had regained his ability to take care of himself and was moving freely. Most people would have been worn out after such an ordeal, but he grew stronger each day.

With the assistance of Yan Sikong and Yuan Nanyu, Feng Ye finally completed the appointments and dismissals of officials in the four prefectures. He replaced all key officials with his trusted subordinates and strong generals, and he was planning to personally inspect the four prefectures.

Yuan Nanyu was promoted to Right Commander of the Five Armies and General of the Cavalry, holding the Purple Seal and Golden Sash, commanding the military forces of Datong and Xuanhua, with his rank just below Wang Shen, the Left Commander, who only commanded the forces in Qianzhou.

Yan Sikong was appointed as the Governor of the Bureau of Administration, able to intervene in all matters concerning the four prefectures and even issue administrative orders on behalf of Feng Ye.

Although the North Border only had four prefectures, its official structure was almost identical to that of the imperial court, resembling a country within a country. This move would certainly upset Chen Mu, but it would benefit their recruitment of talented officials and keep the imperial court in check. The stronger the North Border became, the less Chen Mu would dare to act rashly.

At the same time, through several rounds of negotiation, the relationship between Datong and Chahar was restored to stability. Feng Ze, the hostage sent to Nadahan by the Princess of the Northern King, would become an important figure bridging Datong and the Mongol tribes in the future. Although Feng Ye was reluctant, it was beyond his control.

The Northern King would eventually replace the emperor of the capital and become the “emperor” of the northern border’s people.

—

Yan Sikong devised a route for Feng Ye to inspect the four prefectures, which would be his first inspection of his “territory.” He would verify local officials and understand the customs and livelihoods, and the journey would likely take about a year.

When Yan Sikong arrived at Feng Ye’s residence, he found him practicing martial arts in the courtyard. A set of Shaolin Seven Star Fist was executed with great power, sharp like a blade.

Hearing the footsteps, Feng Ye stopped and took the cloth towel from the maid. Wiping his sweat, he smiled at Yan Sikong.

“Did Nan Yu allow you to practice martial arts?” Yan Sikong frowned. “Your injuries have healed, but your body still needs to be nurtured.”

“I’m nurturing it right now,” Feng Ye said. “This set of fists strengthens the body. If I don’t move a bit, I’ll suffocate from boredom.”

Yan Sikong scolded, “Your movements are too fierce; this isn’t for strengthening the body.”

Feng Ye smiled, “I’m strong enough now, which shows that this fist technique works.”

“The real remedy is that bitter medicine,” Yan Sikong shook the scroll in his hand. “This is the route for inspecting the four prefectures. Let’s discuss it.”

Feng Ye let Yan Sikong into the house and dismissed all the servants.

Yan Sikong unrolled the scroll on the desk and studied it carefully. “Look, Datong is right in the center. I was thinking, since the weather is warm, we can start by inspecting Xuanhua and Liaodong to the north, then return before winter. After the new year, we can head to Qianzhou. How does that sound?”

Feng Ye stood aside and nodded, “That works.”

“The counties I selected each have their own unique characteristics,” Yan Sikong pointed to the map. “For example, this Qianghua County, which produces a lot of cotton and has simple taxes. This Mairong County, where there are many mountains and forests, but also many bandits, making life hard for the people. And then there’s…”

“Leave it to you,” Feng Ye smiled at Yan Sikong. “Now you’re the Grand Marshal of the North, wherever you send me, I’ll go.”

Yan Sikong raised an eyebrow, “What if I ordered you to go to Liaodong now and reclaim the seven northern states of Liaobei?”

“I’ll obey,” Feng Ye replied without hesitation.

Yan Sikong smiled and sighed lightly, “It’s a pity the time hasn’t come yet.”

“I know,” Feng Ye extended his hand and gently stroked Yan Sikong’s cheek. “I’m not yet stable. After years of war, the troops are weary, and the people are suffering. You’re concerned about the seven northern states, and I feel the same.”

Yan Sikong’s expression darkened, “The seven northern states of Liaobei have been my lifelong obsession.”

The tragedy of his life began when Han Zhaoxing lost Qingzhou, and Emperor Zhaowu abandoned the seven northern states of Liaobei. From that moment on, Liaodong lost its natural defenses, and the Jin army marched straight in, ravaging the people of Liaodong for nearly thirty years. If it weren’t for the small city of Guangning, which had been entrusted with an emergency task and twice halted Zhuo Letai’s army, the Central Plains might have already fallen under the rule of the barbarian tribes.

He would spend his whole life trying to reclaim the seven northern states from the Jin people, and Zhuo Letai’s defeat gave them hope for victory.

“It’s the pain in the heart of every man from Dazheng,” Feng Ye said, looking at Yan Sikong with firm determination. “Kong’er, if I can reclaim Hetao, I can also reclaim the seven northern states of Liaobei. In three years, we will use three years to rest and nourish the people. When the troops are ready and supplies sufficient, we will cross the Huang River with the Feng family army and wipe out the Jin forces, driving them forever out of our Dazheng’s territory.”

Yan Sikong nodded vigorously, his hand brushing over the map of Liaobei. Though he was no longer young, his ambition had not aged. At any time, it could light the way forward.

Feng Ye embraced Yan Sikong from behind, placing his large hand over Yan Sikong’s, slowly weaving his long fingers between his and then gripping tightly. “The great ambitions we set in childhood, I’ve always carried them in my heart.”

“I know, and I’ve never dared to forget,” Yan Sikong sighed. “Back then, we always thought that when we grew up, we would accomplish great things. But now, looking back, I realize that life is not up to us. Even with all our efforts, we might not achieve even the slightest part of it.”

Feng Ye lowered his head and gently kissed Yan Sikong’s white neck. “As long as we still have breath, it’s not time to give up.”

Yan Sikong narrowed his eyes, “Right, it’s not time to give up yet.”

Feng Ye tightened his hold around Yan Sikong’s waist, his other hand wandering over his chest. His soft lips trailed from his neck up to his cheek, then to his earlobe and finally sought his lips.

When Yan Sikong felt a sudden reaction from Feng Ye’s body pressing against him, he immediately stiffened.

Since Feng Ye’s injury healed, his desire had been gradually awakening.

The two hadn’t been intimate for a long time, and Feng Ye’s desires were never hidden. Yan Sikong did not reject him, only concerned about his injury and not allowing him to act recklessly.

But with Feng Ye’s physical recovery, his boldness and urgency grew.

Yan Sikong snapped out of his thoughts and grabbed Feng Ye’s hand, which was trying to slip under his clothes, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed, “Can’t you see what time it is?”

“It’s the perfect springtime,” Feng Ye’s breath quickened.

“It’s broad daylight!” Yan Sikong struggled but couldn’t break free. “Feng Ye, your…”

“My injuries are long healed.” Feng Ye lightly bit Yan Sikong’s neck. “How long do you want me to wait?”

“I… I came to discuss matters with you.” Yan Sikong recalled their past, Feng Ye’s unrestrained nature still vivid in his mind. For a moment, he felt utterly at a loss.

“Once we’re done discussing, I’ll do whatever you say.” Feng Ye tightly held Yan Sikong, feeling his growing desire even through the fabric, his moist lips brushing against his ear, whispering, “Kong’er, I want you.”