The Blood Crown - Chapter 60

Before the end of the first month, the court appointed Yang Yue, the Left Assistant of the Ministry of Rites, as an envoy to go to the Shu region to pacify the rebel forces.

Yansikong had some knowledge of Yang Yue from their interactions in the imperial lectures. He knew that Yang Yue was a timid and risk-averse person, more interested in amassing wealth. Pacifying rebels was a challenging task, and any misstep could be fatal. It required extraordinary wisdom to navigate the animosity between the court and the rebels. If one wasn’t careful, they could end up making enemies on both sides. Yansikong was well aware of the difficulties ahead.

Facing the court’s offer of pacification, most rebel leaders initially accepted it, but they would then make extravagant demands, taking advantage of the situation to ask for exorbitant rewards. Even if the court met their greedy requests, it would have been better spent on disaster relief. Additionally, with so many mouths to feed, the silver given to the rebels would quickly run out, and they would likely rebel again. This cycle of pacification and suppression was a common occurrence.

On the day before Yang Yue’s departure, those who had personal connections with him visited his home to send him off. He wore a mournful expression, indicating that this might be their last meeting. It was clear that he was still thinking clearly.

Yansikong watched Yang Yue with detachment, knowing that this was indeed their final meeting. From the moment he received this mission, the outcome had been decided.

As Yansikong expected, the rebel leader Bao Yunyong shamelessly demanded that the Emperor appoint him as a king on the spot, granting him hereditary title, income, land, and asking for two hundred thousand taels of silver to compensate his troops.

When Yang Yue’s report reached the capital, Emperor Zhaowu was furious and berated Yang Yue for being a coward. He saw the negotiation terms and found them disgraceful, considering them a humiliation to the dignity of the royal court. He wanted to punish Yang Yue for such a negotiation.

Yang Yue had good connections, and many people spoke on his behalf. Moreover, the situation with the rebels was urgent. If they dealt with Yang Yue now, it would delay the process. In the end, Emperor Zhaowu decided that Yang Yue would carry out his mission and ordered the release of eighty thousand taels of silver from the imperial treasury. It was a clear indication that this silver was meant for pacification. Yang Yue didn’t disappoint and successfully persuaded nearly three thousand rebels to submit to the court.

Emperor Zhaowu was pleased, but Yan Zilian did not hold back and openly advised him, saying that it was only a temporary measure. The rebels would undoubtedly rise again. They needed to order the troops stationed in Luoyang to suppress the rebellion.

This matter sparked a prolonged debate in the court. Yan Zilian’s faction believed that rebel forces, especially in the early stages, tended to be extravagant. With three thousand soldiers and their families, that meant at least ten thousand mouths to feed. The eighty thousand taels of silver would be depleted in a matter of months. If the rebels tasted the sweetness of pacification and then rebelled, it would be a problem.

On the other hand, Xie Zhongren’s faction argued that this was just Yan Zilian’s speculation. In a couple of months, with the arrival of spring and the recovery of farmlands, the people would return to their fields and possibly not rebel again. Maintaining an army of twenty thousand soldiers required significant resources, including transportation, equipment, and provisions. They argued that it wasn’t wise to send troops until there was a clearer sign of rebellion.

Both sides presented compelling arguments, making it difficult for either to gain the upper hand. Emperor Zhaowu was torn and couldn’t make a decision.

Yansikong had a plan in mind. He was certain that the rebels would rise again. The snow disaster had killed all the crops, and many oxen had perished. Even if the people returned to farming, it would take several months to yield a harvest. How could they survive without food during that time?

If, by any chance, the rebels truly didn’t rise again in two months, he would instruct an assassin to kill Yang Yue and frame the rebels for the act.

In the end, Emperor Zhaowu didn’t order the troops stationed in Luoyang to suppress the rebellion. In truth, whether this was Xie Zhongren’s idea or not, the balance of power between the emperor and the eunuchs was clear. Eunuchs were initially created to strengthen the emperor’s authority and counterbalance the power of court officials. However, when eunuch power grew excessively, the emperor would have to show restraint. Regardless of whether this was Xie Zhongren’s idea or not, it was ultimately Emperor Zhaowu’s decision.

Yan Zilian fell ill from anger and frustration. He was nearing the end of his life, and this illness had severely drained his vitality.

Yansikong visited Yan’s residence daily, personally attending to him as devotedly as any filial son. Other students also came to visit, but they lacked Yansikong’s thick skin and couldn’t maintain a vigil by the sickbed.

During his illness, Yan Zilian was both physically unwell and emotionally distressed. He considered the court to be blocking his path and unraveling the state affairs. His lofty ambitions seemed unattainable, and he was disheartened, contemplating retirement to his hometown.

Yansikong patiently consoled him, explaining the greater good. He knew that Yan Zilian was feeling melancholic due to illness, and his complaints were just a way to vent. Achieving a peaceful retirement was not feasible for someone like Yan Zilian. He had been in a decades-long struggle with Xie Zhongren, and as soon as he stepped down, Xie Zhongren would seize the opportunity for retribution. The fates of these two men were intertwined in a life-and-death struggle.

Yan Zilian was partially sick and partially dissatisfied, avoiding court for a month. Although major and minor matters in the court had piled up, Yan Zilian hadn’t been idle. Ever since Wang Shengsheng’s demotion, he had taken full control of the imperial cabinet.

Without the head of the cabinet, the court was in disarray, and many affairs were brought before the emperor. Emperor Zhaowu was lazy and had shirked his duties for decades. Unless faced with a major crisis, he was disinclined to work hard. Handling all these affairs was challenging, and two consecutive imperial edicts were issued to send imperial physicians and medicine to Yan Zilian, demonstrating concern.

The personal visit of the emperor was a supreme honor. When considering all the previous heads of the cabinet, Yan Zilian was the only one who had received such an honor. It was undoubtedly the most glorious moment of his life. Xie Zhongren, who accompanied the emperor, also showed great concern.

Having gained face, Yan Zilian returned to court, but Emperor Zhaowu still hesitated regarding the suppression of the rebel forces. Clearly, parting with eighty thousand taels of silver from his private treasury pained him deeply.

Yanzi Lian recovered from his illness, and only then did Yansikong have the leisure to visit Fengye.

In order to see him, Fengye returned to the city from the Jing Shan camp whenever he had the opportunity. He had missed Yansikong twice, and this time when they met, there were many complaints, all of which turned into intense passion on the bed.

Although they had not seen each other for a little over a month, it felt like they had been apart for years. Their hearts and eyes were filled with undeniable affection. Yansikong knew he shouldn’t feel this way, warned himself several times, but still couldn’t help but fall.

After a wave of passion, the two of them embraced tenderly and chatted about matters in the court.

“I heard that the Lord Yan pretended to be sick, and the Emperor personally went to visit him,” Fengye said, using his slender fingers to trace Yansikong’s smooth back, the thin layer of sweat making his skin shine.

Yansikong, like a lazy cat, nestled in Fengye’s arms and whispered, “It wasn’t pretending. He was actually sick. But the Lord’s health is quite robust. He recovered in half a month.”

Fengye chuckled softly, “The Lord Yan has some tricks. Unfortunately, the Emperor still refuses to send troops to quell the rebellion. It’s a real headache.”

“Do you also believe the rebels will definitely rise?”

“Definitely. Once they’ve taken this step, who would want to turn back? There’s no going back.” Fengye said, his voice heavy. “If I were to lead troops, I wouldn’t need twenty thousand, two thousand would be enough to crush the rebellion. They are just an unruly mob, and they would scatter at the first contact.”

Yansikong smiled, “I believe you, but His Majesty won’t let you lead troops.”

A trace of disappointment appeared in Fengye’s eyes.

Yansikong comforted him, “Fengye, you’re only nineteen. You shouldn’t feel discouraged. You have both strategic and martial skills, and in the future, I’m sure Great Sheng will have a place for you. Trust me.”

Fengye smiled bitterly, “I do think that way, but I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait.”

“Waiting is also a form of practice.”

Fengye kissed him, “Kong’er, you understand me.”

“By the way, any movement from the Wala tribes?”

“With the arrival of spring, my father says that when the ice melts and the grass is abundant, the cattle and sheep can be well-fed, the Wala tribes will start their campaign.”

“Has His Majesty made a decision?”

Fengye shook his head, “This matter is too confidential. My father won’t mention it in a letter. But I guess…”

“You guess?”

Fengye sighed, then wrapped his arms around Yansikong, “My father has been campaigning for years, with constant new injuries and old illnesses. He’s getting older, and his health is not as good as before. His lifelong ambition is to eliminate the Wala tribes and bring peace to the border. He’s most afraid of dying before his ambition is fulfilled. He’s been waiting for this moment for thirty years, and from what I know of him, he will definitely go to war.”

Yansikong furrowed his brow and spoke earnestly, “If that’s the case, I hope you’ll persuade His Highness not to go to war recklessly. For a leader, having a desperate mindset before going to battle is a taboo in military strategy.”

Fengye nodded, “I understand, and my father understands it too. He’s been cautious in all his military campaigns throughout his life and has few defeats. I believe in him.”

Yansikong nodded, feeling somewhat relieved. When it came to leading troops and warfare, in their era, who would dare to show off in front of Jianping Ping? If he could truly annihilate the Wala tribes, Feng Jianping would surely be remembered for generations.

Fengye’s eyes lit up, “I believe my father can wipe out the Wala tribes. He has devoted his life to this goal, and it won’t be in vain.”

“The Wala tribes will be eliminated!”

Fengye traced Yansikong’s cheek with his fingertip, his eyes filled with a smile, “Kong’er, do you know? I have a bad temper and can’t get along with most people, but when I’m with you, I feel at ease and happy. You understand everything I say, and I love to hear everything you say. In my life, I only confide in two people, one is you, and the other is my big brother…” He trailed off, his expression dimming.

Yansikong gently touched his temple, “You can also consider me as your older brother.” He had a natural insight, able to see people’s desires, and was skilled at winning people’s hearts. This was often his way of dealing with others. In the face of Fengye’s innocence and sincerity, he couldn’t help but feel ashamed.

Fengye pinched his waist, “Nonsense, who wants to consider you as an older brother? I consider you as my wife.”

Yansikong chuckled, “You’re exaggerating. Am I better than you?”

Fengye flipped him over and pinned him down, a mischievous smile on his face, “I won’t say it; I’ll show you.”

“Fengye! You… mmm…”

It was a long night.