The Blood Crown - Chapter 40

Yan Sikong returned home early, his unusual demeanor raising Ally’s suspicions. Ally gestured to inquire about what had happened.

Yan Sikong sat in a chair for a while, composed himself, and then said, “Ally, the courtesan Yeli at the Tinlan Pavilion is not an ordinary woman. She might have some skills. Find someone to investigate her background.” After speaking, he took the tea and refreshments box from the table, which had a hidden compartment underneath. Opening it revealed a row of shiny silver ingots. He took one and tossed it to Ally.

Ally caught the ingot skillfully but didn’t move, continuing to watch Yan Sikong.

Yan Sikong looked at him and asked, “What’s the matter?”

Ally wanted to know if something had happened to Yan Sikong.

Yan Sikong said, “It’s nothing. I had a bit of wine, and my stomach feels a bit cold. Make me a pot of tea.”

Ally nodded and turned to leave.

Yan Sikong relaxed in his chair, gazing blankly at the wall, reflecting on the events of the day. Once he had calmed down, he pondered whether Feng Ye’s actions were a test. But a test of what?

In any case, he couldn’t believe that Feng Ye was genuinely attracted to him based on their childhood friendship and a few recent encounters. Most men, when faced with a beautiful woman, might have their hearts stirred, but what was beyond that was undeniable. Feng Ye, at his age, might indeed have such inclinations, which wouldn’t be surprising. However, this was different from the casual affairs that people like Zhou Mixing and others had, aside from the fact that the objects of their affection were not women.

Yan Sikong felt both offended and concerned because Feng Ye’s actions might jeopardize his own plans. Whether it was acting impulsively due to feelings or succumbing to desires, both were things he had been diligently avoiding. His interaction with Feng Ye had veered completely off his expected course, making him feel like he had lost control.

He steeled himself and reminded himself not to be thrown off balance by these external matters. When stability was needed, he must remain as unyielding as a mountain.

He rose and went to his study, prepared his paper and ink, and began to paint.

In a few days, it would be the Emperor’s birthday, and Yan Sikong had been invited to the celebration due to his promotion as a royal tutor. He would need to prepare a gift for the occasion.

As a minor official, a standard gift would suffice. The Emperor possessed endless riches, and with his modest salary, he couldn’t afford any extravagant treasures. Thus, many common-born officials like him would offer gifts in the form of poems, writings, or artwork.

Yan Sikong labored into the early hours of the morning, so tired that he could hardly keep his eyes open. He returned to his room and rested, but he was awakened by Ally.

He had been painting until the wee hours of the morning and was too fatigued to open his eyes when Ally woke him.

“I had a restless night, skip breakfast,” Yan Sikong muttered softly, turning over to continue sleeping.

However, Ally persistently shook his shoulder and made some noises.

Yan Sikong rolled back and asked, “What’s wrong?” He couldn’t open his heavy eyelids, but the unusual tone in Ally’s gestures demanded his attention.

Yan Sikong asked if Feng’s coachman had come again.

Ally nodded, his expression not very pleased.

“Send him away,” Yan Sikong replied impatiently, covering his face with the blanket, even though he was wide awake.

Ally hesitated for a moment before leaving the room.

Yan Sikong sighed heavily and then reluctantly got out of bed. He haphazardly put on an outer robe and walked out.

When he reached the main entrance, he saw Ally in the midst of a difficult conversation with the coachman, Xiao Liu.

Xiao Liu stood firmly inside the gate, not budging, while Ally seemed to be on the verge of rudely closing the door. However, upon seeing Yan Sikong, Xiao Liu immediately greeted him respectfully and said, “Lord Yan, our young master invites you to his residence for a gathering.”

Yan Sikong’s face darkened as he asked, “Do you know what time it is now? It’s early in the morning, so what are we gathering for?” He felt uncomfortable, thinking about his conversation with Feng Ye in the carriage last night, knowing that this person had heard every word.

Xiao Liu replied, “The young master said he wants to take Mr. Yan horseback riding.”

Yan Sikong, with patience, responded, “I was drunk last night and not feeling well. Let’s do it another day.”

Xiao Liu lowered himself even further, saying, “Our young master said if I couldn’t convince Mr. Yan, he would come personally to invite you.”

Yan Sikong felt a throbbing headache. He took a deep breath and said, “Wait for me.”

Xiao Liu nodded.

Yan Sikong turned back into his room to freshen up.

He had imagined countless obstacles and troubles he might encounter in the officialdom of the capital, but he never thought they would be related to romance. It was truly embarrassing.

And he couldn’t afford to offend Feng Ye. Yan Sikong couldn’t figure out Feng Ye’s boundaries at the moment. This man was wild and untamed, and if he angered him, he might strike back. It was not worth it.

After getting ready, he boarded Xiao Liu’s carriage and headed to the residence of Prince Jingyuan. Their residences were not far from each other, and as they rode in the slow-moving carriage, they could soon see the grand mansion of the Wang family.

Prince Jingyuan had been stationed at the border for years, and most of his family members had moved to Datong. His mother, Princess Pei An, had passed away two years ago, and he hadn’t been granted leave to return to the capital. So, within the Wang residence, apart from Feng Ye, there were only a few unimportant distant relatives and servants. It was no wonder that Feng Ye was called back to the capital as a hostage.

In this vast estate, surrounded by unfamiliar relatives and servants he had never met, Feng Ye must be feeling lonely.

Yan Sikong chuckled to himself, thinking that loneliness wasn’t an excuse for causing trouble.

Once they arrived at the residence, Xuebo was already waiting at the gate, wearing a broad smile as he greeted Yan Sikong. “Good morning, Lord Yan. Please come in.”

Yan Sikong, with no niceties, asked, “Is your master, Feng Soul, well-behaved?”

Xuebo smiled and said, “Feng Soul isn’t at home.” He guided Yan Sikong inside. “In fact, it doesn’t need to be restrained.”

Yan Sikong breathed a sigh of relief. “Where did it go?”

“Our young master took it to Jingshan.” Xuebo smiled. “He’s planning to take you to Jingshan for a stroll.”

Yan Sikong frowned at him. “I’m very busy with official duties. I don’t have time for leisure.”

“Well, I heard that the historical studies have concluded, so Lord Yan should have a few days of rest, right?”

Yan Sikong was about to say something when Feng Ye appeared from inside the house. When he saw Yan Sikong, his eyes lit up without any pretense. “You have dark circles under your eyes. Did you not sleep well?”

Yan Sikong arched his hand, replying coldly, “The rain was heavy, and the wind was strong last night. I had trouble falling asleep.”

Everyone knew that the weather had been clear and sunny lately. There hadn’t been any rain. Yan Sikong’s obvious mockery of Feng Ye’s “troubles” couldn’t be ignored.

Feng Ye didn’t seem to mind and said, “Have you had breakfast?”

“I already did.”

Feng Ye scrutinized him and remarked, “I think you haven’t. You sound weak.” He pulled Yan Sikong inside. “Come on, have a bowl of porridge.”

Yan Sikong was indeed quite hungry and didn’t refuse.

Feng Ye ordered breakfast to be served again and sat down to watch Yan Sikong closely.

Yan Sikong took a couple of bites and asked, “So, Xuebo mentioned you want to take me to Jingshan?”

“Yes, it has beautiful scenery, and there’s a horse pasture for riding. The weather is perfect for an outing today.”

Yan Sikong, without showing much emotion, said, “What if I don’t want to go?”

Feng Ye smiled and said, “That’s not up to you.”

“I’m not a gentleman, just a humble scholar,” Yan Sikong responded coolly. “I’ve said this before; call me by my name, and if you get it wrong again, I might have to punish you.”

Yan Sikong pursed his lips and said, “Relying on power to act recklessly isn’t just ‘ungentlemanly’ anymore.”

Feng Ye squinted his eyes and replied, “If you think that way, then you don’t understand the nature of power.”

Yan Sikong furrowed his brows. Although he was reluctant to admit it, he found himself agreeing with Feng Ye’s words. Power could indeed be wielded recklessly, and the extent of one’s power determined the extent of their recklessness.

Feng Ye looked at Yan Sikong’s worried expression and burst into laughter. “Look at you, acting like a virtuous wife being bullied by a tyrant. I’m not some lecher. If you don’t want to, can I really force you? But, I want you to be by my side.”

Yan Sikong’s chest trembled for a moment. It was as if, for an instant, he had touched something deep within Feng Ye’s heart. Yet, it was merely a fleeting thought, disappearing without a trace, leaving no trace behind.

After finishing their meal, the two of them got into a carriage.

Feng Ye produced an exquisitely carved object, a long tube about the thickness of a forearm, and handed it to Yan Sikong. “Look inside from this end.”

Yan Sikong looked at the strange object with skepticism. He had never seen anything like it. It was heavy in his hand, likely made of copper.

Feng Ye urged him excitedly, “Hurry, take a look.”

Yan Sikong peered inside from the open end and was surprised to see several copper mirrors arranged in a circle, with various gemstones scattered among them. The reflections from the copper mirrors created dazzling and intricate patterns of colorful flowers, which changed with the slightest movement. It was a marvel of craftsmanship.

“What is this?”

“This thing is called a kaleidoscope,” Feng Ye explained. “I received it as a gift from the Empress Dowager when I paid my respects to the Virtuous Consort yesterday. It’s a royal gift.”

The Virtuous Consort was, in fact, Feng Jianping’s sister-in-law and Feng Ye’s aunt. She had a princess with the Emperor.

Yan Sikong admired, “This item is intricately crafted and unique. I wonder which artisan has such extraordinary talent.”

“She didn’t mention that,” Feng Ye said, “I just find it beautiful and fun. I’m giving it to you.”

Yan Sikong quickly declined, “This is a royal gift, and I can’t accept it.”

Feng Ye pushed it back to him, saying, “I said I’m giving it to you. There are countless little trinkets in the mansion, and I can give you anything you like.”

Yan Sikong had no choice but to accept, saying, “If you still want to save me some face, then let this be the only one.”

Feng Ye smiled as he looked at him, and there was an indescribable innocence in his eyes. “I told you, I’ll be good to you.”