The Blood Crown - Chapter 53

Autumn rain brought the cold with it. After a heavy downpour, the weather abruptly turned chilly. In the late-night streets, the biting wind howled, carrying with it flying dust that made it impossible to keep one’s eyes open. The cold pierced through clothing, and the few pedestrians on the road were scarce. Even the patrolling imperial guards tightened their collars and hurried along, their expressions hurried.

A figure, wrapped in a cloak, strode against the wind, moving steadily without slowing down. Clad in black clothes and with dark hair, they seemed like a lone shadow in the dark night.

Approaching a pawnshop that had long closed for the night, the person glanced around to ensure no one was present. They lightly knocked the door twice, paused, then knocked twice again, followed by another pair of knocks.

Soon, the door opened, and the person entered.

“Please go to the inner room, my lord,” the door opener greeted.

Entering the room, a man lazily reclined in a luxurious chair, casually tossing grapes into his mouth. The room was dimly lit, making his face hard to discern.

“Oh,” the man’s eyes lit up, his tone mocking, “Lord Yan has graced our humble abode in person. This commoner is honored.”

Yan Sikong found a chair and sat down. “She Zhen, I’ve come today to discuss official matters with you.”

“When have you ever come to me for anything that wasn’t official?” the man named She Zhen chuckled. “Back then, you even said that unless it’s necessary, we shouldn’t meet.”

“I’ve entered the government service now, and there could be eyes on us at any time. Naturally, I have to be cautious.”

She Zhen shrugged. “Today, you didn’t send your ugly servant over. It seems like it’s not just official business but something significant.”

“Exactly,” Yan Sikong’s expression turned serious. “It can’t be explained through letters. I need you to personally handle something for me, don’t delegate it to subordinates. I don’t trust them.”

“Oh?” She Zhen raised an eyebrow, stretching his long legs and sitting up. In the flickering candlelight, you could vaguely see a handsome yet playfully insincere face. “I’m listening. Tell me more.”

“Do you remember the courtesan from the Tinglan Pavilion that I asked you to investigate last time?”

“You mean Yeli?” She Zhen touched his chin. “Of course, I remember. That young lady is truly beautiful.”

“I’ve sent her anonymous gifts already, and now I need you to get close to her, no matter what method you use or how much money you spend, become a regular customer of hers.”

“Oh, there’s such a good thing,” She Zhen laughed. “Under what identity?”

“A martial artist from the Jianghu, a retainer of Prince Chu.”

“The purpose?”

“Casually hint to her…,” Yan Sikong’s eyes gleamed with intensity. “That Prince Liang has been amassing troops, forging weapons, and accumulating wealth over the years, recruiting talents widely.”

She Zhen narrowed his eyes. “Is this true, or are you making it up? Does Prince Liang intend to rebel?”

“Some true, some false. Four years ago, when I went to Jingzhou Prefecture, I discovered that Prince Liang’s guards far exceeded the number allotted for a Prince.”

She Zhen instinctively lowered his voice. “That doesn’t necessarily mean he intends to rebel. Yan Sikong, what are you up to?”

Yan Sikong smiled faintly. “Do you know who the current Governor-General of the Two Lakes is?”

“…Ge Zhong.”

“Ge Zhong, as a high-ranking official, wields great military and political power over the twenty-one provinces of the Two Lakes. Prince Liang is the Emperor’s eldest son, and because he’s not a legitimate heir, the Dragon Throne is reserved for an eight-year-old child. Neither of them has a chance to ascend. Can’t you see, one has the means, and the other may have the intent?”

She Zhen took a deep breath. “Yan Sikong, you have quite the audacity.”

“Whether they want to rebel or not, I’ll help them ‘rebel.’ Ge Zhong colludes with the eunuchs, abuses power, and amassed wealth, while Prince Liang turns a blind eye to law and order, pillaging the people. Unless we remove these two, the people of the Two Lakes will never find peace,” Yan Sikong said coldly. “And, Ge Zhong is also connected to Xie Zhongren.”

She Zhen fell silent for a moment. “You know my price. With enough silver, I’ll do whatever you ask.”

Yan Sikong took out a money pouch from his robe and placed it on the table. It made a heavy thud, indicating its weight.

She Zhen grinned. “More silver and the opportunity to spend time with a courtesan. Yan, next time you have such a tempting job, feel free to come find me.”

Yan Sikong stood up. “I’ll take my leave.”

“Seems you’ve been getting quite close to Prince Jingyuan’s heir recently,” She Zhen teased.

Yan Sikong turned his head. “How did you know?”

“In this capital, there’s hardly anything I don’t know,” She Zhen chuckled.

“I give you silver, not to keep an eye on me.”

“My eyes and ears are everywhere, it’s not like I deliberately keep an eye on you,” She Zhen said with a grin. “Why, as soon as that Little Wolf Prince is mentioned, you get all flustered. Still cherishing old feelings from your youth?”

“…Inform me if you have any information.” Yan Sikong turned and left.

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Feng Ye returned to the camp on Jing Mountain. Perhaps due to the busy military affairs, the two hadn’t seen each other for over a month.

Yan Sikong’s life went on as usual. He frequently visited the Imperial Library and the Eastern Palace, with occasional social gatherings. He was excellent at winning people’s hearts, and in his two years in the capital, he had made many friends. With his exceptional talents and looks, combined with his position as the Crown Prince’s tutor, he had gained a lot of fame among the city’s young nobility. Many people wanted to introduce him to potential marriage partners, but he always deflected, saying that his parents were abroad, and his marriage would be decided by his mentor. He advised them to approach Yan Zilian, and after that, there was usually no further discussion.

One day in the Eastern Palace, even Chen Bi couldn’t help but become curious. “Mister, why haven’t you married yet?”

“Why is Your Highness suddenly concerned about this?” Although he had no intention of marrying, he was also curious why Yan Zilian hadn’t arranged a marriage for him.

“Mister, you are incredibly talented and handsome. I’m afraid all the women in the world would want to marry you. But not only have you not married, you don’t even have a concubine.” Chen Bi squinted his eyes suggestively. “Could it be… Sir, you prefer men?”

In the current era, Great Sheng was not as conservative as the previous dynasty when it came to the acceptance of male lovers. It was not uncommon for noble and wealthy families to have male companions.

Yan Sikong chuckled and said, “As a humble scholar, I have immersed myself in the teachings of sages, carry the essence of Buddhism and Confucianism in my heart, and hold grand aspirations to assist Your Highness and the Emperor in ushering in an era of peace and prosperity. My goal is to establish great achievements that benefit all the people. Whether I marry or take concubines is of little importance.”

Chen Bi couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re only twenty-three years old, yet you speak like an old man. Don’t mock my youth. You talk so nobly, but it won’t hinder you from building your career even if you marry and have children.”

Yan Sikong sighed, “Your Highness is right. I’m also curious. My mentor has never arranged a marriage for me, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“I’ll speak with Minister Yan.”

“No, Your Highness.” Yan Sikong pleaded, “My mentor must have a purpose for this. Please don’t trouble yourself.”

“Very well.” Chen Bi’s eyes flickered, and he suddenly approached Yan Sikong. His youthful and handsome face held a mischievous smile. “So, Mister, are you interested in men?”

Yan Sikong involuntarily leaned back, his upper body tilting away. “Your Highness, please don’t tease me.”

Chen Bi burst into laughter.

The next day, when Yan Sikong went to the Imperial Archives, he saw Yan Zilian. Somehow, he suddenly recalled Chen Bi’s words.

Why hadn’t Yan Zilian arranged a marriage for him? Could it be that he wanted to select a candidate from their own scholarly faction to further strengthen their relationship? Marriage arrangements held great importance in factional struggles, and perhaps for this reason, Yan Zilian had not yet found a suitable match for him.

Furthermore, since the case of the newly compiled history, Yan Zilian had been acting intermittently, sometimes as usual, and at other times, somewhat distant. Yan Sikong wondered if he was testing or evaluating him.

Yan Sikong decided to ask and clarify. He disliked being in the dark about such matters, especially when it came to marriage arrangements where he had little say.

When Yan Zilian noticed his entrance, he merely glanced at him before continuing to read the documents in his hand.

Yan Sikong bowed politely. “Student pays respects to Teacher.”

“Please have a seat,” Yan Zilian said, and then lowered his head to continue reviewing the scrolls, paying him no further attention.

Yan Sikong remained patient and sat quietly, waiting.

After what felt like a full hour, Yan Zilian finally finished reading and looked up.

Yan Sikong respectfully cupped his hands. “May I inquire about something, Teacher?”

“What do you need?” Yan Zilian asked, his tone measured.

“Teacher… there’s something I find quite puzzling, and I’d like to seek your guidance,” Yan Sikong began.

A sharp glint flashed in Yan Zilian’s eyes. “Is it about the newly compiled history?”

“Um, no.”

“Then what is it?”

Yan Sikong adopted a somewhat shy expression. “Lately, there have been increasing marriage proposals for me. Both my parents have passed away, and matters of marriage should be decided by you, Teacher…”

Yan Zilian chuckled coldly. “In a hurry to get married?”

“No, if I were in a rush to get married, I would have done so at the age of sixteen or seventeen. I’m just curious why you’ve been turning away all the matchmakers.”

“To be frank, you won’t be able to get married for the next two years.”

Yan Sikong raised an eyebrow in surprise. “I don’t understand.” Upon hearing this, Yan Sikong felt a sudden wave of relief. If he were to truly get married, he didn’t know how to deal with Feng Ye’s reaction. However, getting married and having children was a common human experience, and eventually, Feng Ye would also start a family. If he didn’t have to worry about it for the next two years, that would be even better.

“If you want to know why, you’ll need to answer a question truthfully for me.” Yan Zilian’s keen eyes were fixed on Yan Sikong.

Yan Sikong involuntarily sat up straight, suddenly realizing that Yan Zilian’s recent fluctuating behavior might have been a test waiting for him to come forward. Of course, it wasn’t about marriage; it was about something else entirely.

“Please ask, Teacher.”

Suddenly, Yan Zilian pulled out a book from the stack of scrolls and tossed it to Yan Sikong.

Yan Sikong looked at it and saw that it was the original manuscript of Volume Nine of the newly compiled history. “This…”

“A few days ago, Shen Hexuan came to see me,” Yan Zilian said. “He mentioned that the mistake in the text seemed rather suspicious to him and raised doubts in his mind.”

Yan Sikong had expected someone with Shen Hexuan’s stubborn character, who couldn’t tolerate even a grain of sand in his eyes, to investigate any doubts he had. However, he hadn’t expected Shen Hexuan to go directly to Yan Zilian. Although he felt a bit anxious, he appeared calm. “Actually, Brother Shen mentioned it to me before as well. I also found that the error was somewhat unusual, but I can’t pinpoint exactly what’s wrong with it.”

Yan Zilian narrowed his eyes. “You also find it suspicious?”

Yan Sikong nodded. “Teacher, have you discovered something?”

“I scolded Hexuan and told him to stop being paranoid,” Yan Zilian said in a solemn tone. “However, I can’t help but think that his suspicion may be correct.”

“What… what does he suspect?” Yan Sikong asked cautiously.

Yan Zilian paused for a moment. “He suspects that the character ‘昭’ (Zhao) was added later.”

Yan Sikong was shocked. “This…” He quickly opened the original manuscript and carefully examined the reversed characters. “This…”

Yan Zilian observed Yan Sikong’s reaction closely but remained silent for the moment.

Yan Sikong suddenly looked up, his face growing serious. “Teacher, are you suspecting me?”

This question hit too directly and forcefully. Yan Zilian was momentarily taken aback, and he responded, “If this character was indeed added later, everyone in the Wen Yuan Ge has a suspicion. Naturally, among those implicated, your group has the highest suspicion.”

Yan Sikong stood up and respectfully knelt down. “I failed to detect the errors and omissions. I am deeply ashamed. It’s thanks to your efforts and those of the esteemed individuals that the punishment from His Majesty was relatively mild. As a humble scholar who has studied diligently for decades, I would never joke with my own future, life, or the dignity of the royal family. Teacher… truly, I have been deeply frightened by this.”

Yan Zilian’s expression softened, and his tone became gentler. “Sikong, please rise. I only want to secretly investigate this matter, and I do not genuinely suspect you. Furthermore, whether this character was added later is unknown to anyone. Even Liu Zhaolin himself may not remember what he wrote.”

Yan Sikong wiped the sweat from his forehead and stood up, but he still appeared somewhat apprehensive.

Yan Zilian resumed a stern expression. “I have never seen eye to eye with that Wang Shengsheng, and his demotion should have been a cause for celebration. However, I will not tolerate anyone scheming under my nose without my knowledge. I’ve navigated the political waters for over forty years, and ‘not knowing’ is what I detest the most. Once you’re unaware, it’s easy for everything to slip out of control. If it turns into a major disaster, it could have far-reaching consequences that are difficult to predict. Do you understand?”

“I understand.”

Yan Zilian nodded. “As for your marriage…” He stroked his beard. “Sikong, you are a talented strategist, the most highly regarded junior in my eyes. Given time, you will undoubtedly rise to become a prime minister. However, you come from a humble background, and your foundation is weak. I am getting older, and there will come a day when I am no longer here. You younger generations, including you, will face a difficult path in your careers. Therefore, you need a powerful family connection.”

Yan Sikong stared at Yan Zilian in astonishment.

Yan Zilian smiled and continued, “That’s why I have declined all the marriage proposals for you until a princess of the right age is available.”