The Blood Crown - Chapter 41

Jingshan was not far from the Imperial City, and a fast horse could reach it in about an hour. When they arrived by carriage, it was already close to noon.

Yan Sikong stepped out of the carriage and looked around. “Is it possible to see the Jingshan garrison from here?”

“We can see it once we get up the mountain,” Feng Ye stretched his muscles. “There’s a meadow at the foot of the mountain for horseback riding, and Zui Hong is down there. Up on the mountain is a summer resort, only for imperial relatives and nobility. It’s just you and me these days, and the fruits are in season. We can enjoy a feast.”

Yan Sikong looked up and saw a building perched halfway up the mountain, partially hidden by trees and vegetation.

“Let’s go, they should have prepared lunch.”

However, Yan Sikong hesitated. “Is Lord Bloodmoon also at the estate?”

Feng Ye paused, then burst into laughter. “Are you really that afraid of it?”

Yan Sikong thought to himself that the giant wolf could swallow a person alive, and anyone would be afraid. He cleared his throat. “Except for those around you, people don’t usually encounter wolves.”

Feng Ye reassured him, “Don’t worry, I’ve sent it to the back of the mountain. It can’t stand being cooped up in the mansion all day. It’s my little brother, it won’t bite you. Don’t be afraid. I’ll let you get acquainted over these two days.”

“No need, really.”

“Hahaha.” Feng Ye pulled Yan Sikong along. “Let’s go.”

The two of them hiked up the mountain. The location of the estate was not very high, but there were stairs along the way, and Yan Sikong was soon panting for breath, while Feng Ye barely broke a sweat.

At the entrance of the estate, several servants and a steward-like figure were waiting. They all bowed when they saw Feng Ye. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

Yan Sikong looked up and saw a crimson plaque above the door, inscribed with four gilded characters: “Lingwu Mountain Villa.”

The characters were strong and forceful, exuding an air of determination, not something an ordinary person could write.

Yan Sikong smiled. “Is this the work of Master Dao Gong?”

The steward replied with a smile, “You have a keen eye, Lord Yan. Indeed, this is Master Dao Gong’s genuine calligraphy. He visited here years ago as a guest of Prince Chu, leaving behind this authentic work.”

Dao Gong was an imperial censor during the reign of Emperor Shengning, known for his outstanding talent. However, due to his strong-willed and uncompromising nature, he often spoke frankly in court, which did not endear him to Emperor Shengning. As a result, he was exiled to Guizhou, a desolate and disaster-prone region. In the same year, Emperor Shengning lost the critical Hetao region, and the fortunes of the Sheng dynasty began to wane. Dao Gong’s outspoken criticisms were related to the situation in Hetao.

Now that the man had passed away, his integrity and talent were not forgotten.

Yan Sikong sighed inwardly. Emperor Shengning lost Hetao to the Wala state, and Emperor Zhaowu abandoned Liao North to the Jin state, causing the Sheng dynasty to decline both internally and externally. The father and son pair had “contributed” significantly to this state of affairs.

Feng Ye chimed in, “My father also mentioned this person to me, saying he was a rare good official.”

Yan Sikong sighed softly.

The steward led them inside. The estate was built against the mountain, with lush greenery, beautiful plants, flowing water, and exquisite pavilions. It was like a fairyland hidden halfway up the mountain.

The estate was already prepared with a sumptuous feast, and musicians were playing melodious tunes on the side.

“Eat more. Once you’re full, we can go hiking, horseback riding, or fishing,” Feng Ye said. “I know you’ve been tired from working on the history book. Take a good rest these days.”

Yan Sikong’s heart warmed. It had been a long time since someone had cared for him like this. He couldn’t help but smile and say, “Thank you.”

“Oh, you finally smiled,” Feng Ye teased. “No more looking at me as if I might eat you.”

Yan Sikong raised an eyebrow. “Feng Ye, I’ve never been afraid of you.”

“Is that so?” Suddenly, Feng Ye closed the distance between them and leaned in, admiring the serene beauty in Yan Sikong’s calm eyes. He smiled and said, “Good. My person should have a little courage.”

Yan Sikong picked up a piece of tender bamboo shoot and replied, “Let’s eat.” If it was just Feng Ye occasionally teasing him, he could handle it. He had a somewhat uncertain feeling that what Feng Ye needed from him wasn’t how to be with him, but rather the importance of being together.

Just like that arrogant and domineering little boy from years ago, he also seemed to yearn for a playmate.

Yan Sikong hoped he was right.

After lunch, Yan Sikong asked Feng Ye to take him to see the Jingshan garrison.

“Why do you want to see the garrison?”

“As a court official, is it inappropriate to take a look at the garrison’s camp? I won’t go inside, just observe from the mountain.”

“You can’t see it from here. You’ll have to go to the mountaintop. How about I take you there tomorrow morning?”

“Sounds good.”

“Let’s go horseback riding,” Feng Ye suggested with a smile. “You want to ride Zui Hong, right?”

Yan Sikong admitted honestly, “Yes.”

“Let’s go!”

On their way down the mountain, Yan Sikong tried to inquire about the Jingshan garrison, but Feng Ye seemed reluctant to share much. Instead, he asked about the birthday gift Yan Sikong had prepared for the emperor.

“It’s just a simple piece of my own work,” Yan Sikong replied. “And you?”

“My father handled it,” Feng Ye said dismissively. “I couldn’t be bothered to put in the effort. Celebrating a birthday involves mustering troops, and what’s the point? Spending the money meant for the birthday feast on armor for the soldiers and grain would be more meaningful.”

Yan Sikong agreed, “You’re right.” Emperor Zhaowu was extravagant, indulging in luxury and pleasure. Without some clear-headed individuals propping him up, the empire might have changed hands long ago.

“You must have put a lot of effort into revising the history book. Is the re-editing related to glossing over the defeats in Hetao and Liao North?” Feng Ye inquired.

Yan Sikong couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. “The new version of the history book hasn’t been made public, and yet you’ve already guessed it. Hetao and Liao North were the two most shameful military campaigns for these two emperors. Emperor Zhaowu is currently on the throne, and he naturally can’t tolerate accusations of his and his father’s failures. That’s why he’s demanding a major revision of Sheng history, which is, in fact, a whitewashing of the past to save face for the royal family.”

It was clear that even though Emperor Zhaowu was foolish, he had a strong sense of pride. He believed that this new history book presented an opportunity to restore his reputation. Yan Sikong didn’t expect this chance to come so quickly, but even if it did, he would not hesitate to eliminate any supporters of Xie Zhongren.

“Who wouldn’t guess?” Feng Ye squinted his eyes, a hint of coldness in his gaze. “If my father had been born twenty years earlier, Hetao would never have been lost.”

Yan Sikong gazed into the distance, his voice low. “That’s right, but in this world, there’s only one Prince Jingyuan.”

“When the new history book comes out, I’m determined to see what they’ve made of the Hetao and Liao North campaigns.”

“Many people are waiting to see,” Yan Sikong smiled. “If the book has errors, we won’t be able to face the emperor, and if it’s too perfect, we won’t be able to face future generations.”

Feng Ye fell silent for a moment and said, “You’ve been through a lot as well.”

Yan Sikong shook his head and smiled.

As they continued talking, they had already reached the foot of the mountain. Indeed, there was a grassy field here, and there was a stable at the foot of the mountain. The horses from the carriage were grazing in this area.

Feng Ye instructed, “Go and bring out Zui Hong.”

The servant obeyed and soon led out the magnificent stallion.

Yan Sikong approached the horse, lovingly caressing its shiny coat. “Even on the pasture, don’t let it eat only fresh grass. At least half of its diet should be hay, or it will gain weight too easily and lose its muscle.”

The servant assured him, “Lord Yan, don’t worry. Our young master brought in a horse-raising expert from the palace.”

“Mount up. I’ll take you for a ride.”

Yan Sikong’s eyes lit up, and he stepped on the stirrups to mount the horse. Feng Ye followed suit, effortlessly wrapping his arms around Yan Sikong’s waist.

Yan Sikong’s body immediately tensed.

Feng Ye held him tightly, pressing him against his chest. At the same time, he spoke provocatively into Yan Sikong’s ear, “Are you scared now?”

Yan Sikong frowned. “Do you find this amusing?”

Feng Ye chuckled and released his embrace. “Never mind. You didn’t provoke me today, so I won’t provoke you either.”

“When did I ever provoke you?”

“You drank flower wine with a courtesan while being doted on by them. Do you really need me to tell you when you provoked me?” Feng Ye tugged at the reins, and Zui Hong began to run lightly. “I have a bad temper, but I don’t want to scare you. I haven’t even lost my temper with you yet.”

Yan Sikong mocked, “Well, I should thank His Highness for that.”

Suddenly, something wet, warm, and soft pressed against Yan Sikong’s earlobe, followed by a slight tingling sensation.

“You…” Yan Sikong leaned away from it, nearly falling off the horse.

Feng Ye quickly caught him and licked his sharp, white canine tooth before giving a wicked smile. “Call my name. If you get it wrong, I’ll punish you. I do as I say.”

Yan Sikong felt suffocated. Feng Ye was right; power was a formidable thing. He couldn’t even confront Feng Ye with harsh words, and he doubted there were many people in the world who could.

Feng Ye rested his chin on Yan Sikong’s shoulder and said, “Do you remember the promise we made as kids? I don’t believe you’ve forgotten it.”

Yan Sikong’s eyes welled up with tears, and he couldn’t help but recall that moment. “I remember.” If time could freeze at that moment, how wonderful it would be.

Back then, Feng Ye was half a head shorter, and he had to huddle in Yan Sikong’s embrace to maintain his balance. Back when he was a spirited and ambitious young man, he had grand aspirations to reach the skies.

Back then, it seemed that in this moment, he was piecing together fragments of his past and could recall a thing or two.

“At that time, I wasn’t actually convinced; I even needed you to lead me,” Feng Ye laughed. “I thought, one day, I’d like to lead you like this.” He suddenly squeezed the horse’s flanks with force and shouted, “Giddy-up!”

Zui Hong’s hooves kicked up dust as it galloped forward.

Yan Sikong’s body involuntarily leaned back into Feng Ye’s embrace. The broad and solid chest behind him exuded warmth and vitality. Despite everything else, this embrace indeed provided a sense of security. In his memories, only two individuals had offered such a comforting chest – one was Feng Ye, and the other had become a lifelong source of pain.

Zui Hong ran faster and faster, turning into a streak of lightning-red thunderbolts, racing across the grass and through the heavens.

The wind whooshed past Yan Sikong’s ears, stinging his cheeks. He had never ridden a horse this fast. The horse galloped so swiftly that it continually left the scenery behind him. Even with two riders, if it were just him on the horse, how much faster could Zui Hong go?

Feng Ye laughed heartily, “How is it? Can you handle this?”

Yan Sikong shouted, “Of course, no problem!”

Feng Ye wielded his whip, urging the horse on, “Drive!”

Zui Hong’s hooves pounded madly, charging joyfully.

Yan Sikong gripped the horse’s sides tightly, holding the reins, and his features contorted by the wind. Yet, his eyes burned with increasing excitement.

Suddenly, a dark figure emerged from the right side. Yan Sikong turned to look, and it was none other than Feng Hun, who had descended from the mountain without notice!

Feng Ye called out, “Hun’er, keep up!”

The silver-grey one-eyed giant wolf, like a predator chasing its prey, followed closely, never letting go.

One horse, one wolf, one in front, and one behind, they galloped wildly across the grassland as if charging into battle.

A surge of bravery welled up in Yan Sikong’s chest. He couldn’t help but recall the past.

Back then, Feng Ye was half a head shorter and had to huddle in his embrace to maintain balance. Back when he was a spirited and ambitious young man, full of great aspirations.

The Yan Sikong of that time seemed to be pieced together in this moment, barely recalling fragments of the past.

Feng Ye held Yan Sikong’s waist tightly with one hand, his voice carried away by the wind, dreamy and ethereal, “The promise we made, I don’t believe you’ve forgotten it.”

Yan Sikong’s eyes welled up with tears, and he couldn’t help but want to cry.