The Blood Crown - Chapter 62

The current situation is turbulent, not only causing anxiety among the courtiers, but also leading the Imperial Guards to crazily search for the piao client who clashed with Zhou Mixing. Several innocent people have been wrongly imprisoned, and even the common folk can’t find peace.

 

Yan Sikong is not worried about She Zhun being captured. This person is skilled in disguises, with formidable martial arts and a complex underground network. However, to ensure safety, he temporarily severed contact. His goals are mostly achieved, and as events escalate, his control diminishes.

 

Unexpectedly, without Bao Yunyong’s uprising, the rebellion led by Prince Liang wouldn’t have erupted so swiftly. In a matter of months, it has become uncontrollable. It’s either Yan Sikong’s fortune or Ge Zhong’s fate.

 

On this day, Yan Sikong is in his study reading past official documents. Understanding the affairs of the court is essential for every Hanlin scholar, especially those not yet in official positions. Advising the emperor, and being advised by court officials, requires knowledge of past events, decrees, and palace etiquette. Hanlins should be able to respond fluently.

 

As Yan Sikong reads attentively, the door creaks, and his first instinct is Feng Ye.

 

Feng Ye usually enters covertly. Mingling too closely with civil and military officials may arouse suspicion, especially since Yan Sikong is the Crown Prince’s reader, and Feng Ye’s identity is even more peculiar. It benefits them both to maintain secrecy.

 

Yan Sikong looks up, a smile unconsciously appearing on his face, but upon seeing the visitor, the smile fades.

 

She Zhun teases, “Not your little Wolf King; quite disappointing.”

 

Yan Sikong stands, cautious, lowering his voice, “Why are you here?”

 

“I have important matters to discuss with you, couldn’t wait for you to seek me out.” She Zhun shrugs, “Besides, you probably wouldn’t dare to approach me now.”

 

“Have you been discovered?”

 

“Not yet, but I’ve decided to leave the city and lay low. Tonight, to be precise.” She Zhun surveys the surroundings, “With your wealth, staying in this rundown place – are you content?”

 

“I have no interest in luxury; contentment is irrelevant.” Yan Sikong checks the doors and windows, ensuring they are sealed, then asks, “She Zhun, what’s going on?”

 

She Zhun bluntly sits on a chair, legs resting on Yan Sikong’s desk, “After your visit, I sent people to Jingzhou to watch Prince Liang. His guards indeed exceed the stipulated number, but he’s insignificant, meddling only in local disputes. I don’t believe he harbors rebellious intentions.”

 

“So what?” Yan Sikong sneers, “Does he have them now?”

 

She Zhun squints, “Whether he rebels or not, it’s a dead end for him. But he’s making moves now.”

 

“Very well,” Yan Sikong said, “You mentioned he’s insignificant now, but back then, he excelled in both civil and martial arts. In every aspect, he was more suitable to be the emperor than Chen Zhao. If that waste Chen Zhao became a prince, he probably wouldn’t even engage in local disputes; he’d just indulge in pleasures day and night.”

 

“Do you truly wish for Prince Liang to seize the throne?”

 

Yan Sikong fell silent for a moment, then said casually, “That’s the Chen family’s internal matter.”

 

“I’m asking whether you hope for Prince Liang to usurp the throne? What’s the matter? Do you have the courage to do it but not to admit it?”

 

Yan Sikong looked at She Zhun, his gaze intense. “Do you want to hear the truth?”

 

“In this world, you can only speak the truth to me, right?”

 

Expressionless, Yan Sikong said, “Chen Zhao is weak and incompetent, and Prince Liang is cruel and greedy. Neither is worthy of being emperor. I not only seek revenge but also aim to assist the Crown Prince in ascending the throne as soon as possible.”

 

“The little Crown Prince seems to have captured your heart.”

 

“This child will surely accomplish great things.”

 

“What about Feng Ye?” She Zhun asked indifferently.

 

Yan Sikong frowned, “What does Feng Ye have to do with this?” He disliked She Zhun’s mocking tone whenever Feng Ye was mentioned.

 

“I thought…” She Zhun casually played with Yan Sikong’s brush, “With your deep childhood friendship, you might help Jingyuan Prince seize the throne. Once the little Crown Prince becomes emperor, you would be elevated above everyone else, wouldn’t you?”

 

“Nonsense!” Yan Sikong retorted coldly. “The sufferings of changing dynasties are borne by the common people. Even if I seek revenge, I cannot disregard the lives of the people. Moreover, whether it’s Feng Jianping or Feng Ye, they are both talented individuals, fit for more than just being emperors.”

 

“Oh, I misunderstood you then.” She Zhun’s eyes gleamed like a venomous snake, staring sharply at Yan Sikong. “What’s the matter? Are you testing me?”

 

She Zhun smiled slightly, “Sikong, your thoughts run deep. I couldn’t figure them out. I just hope you take care of yourself and don’t become a notorious figure throughout history.”

 

Yan Sikong raised the corner of his mouth and spoke in a deep voice, “You came to find me to tell me that Prince Liang is planning a rebellion? The entire world knows that now.”

 

“Not only that, I want to tell you that the entire Gep family is under the control of Xie Zhongren. They can only be loyal to the court and won’t conspire with Prince Liang. The military orders for the Two Lakes region are in his hands, and Prince Liang is planning a mutiny to seize them.”

 

“When did you receive this information?”

 

“Today, the news reached me from the Two Lakes region, at least three days ago.”

 

“Prince Liang might have already taken action by now,” Yan Sikong pondered. “Is there any connection between Prince Liang and Bao Yunyong?”

 

“I haven’t found that out yet. I planned to personally go to Jingzhou this time. What do you think?”

 

“Once the forces gathered in Luoyang, combined with the rebellion army from Huguang, if Prince Liang or Bao Yunyong faces them alone, survival will be difficult. They are likely to join forces. In reality, if Prince Liang can seize the military orders and control Jingzhou, Bao Yunyong will willingly submit; otherwise, he’ll be caught between Prince Liang and the rebellion army, leading to his demise.” Yan Sikong said solemnly, “Once you’re in Jingzhou, inform me immediately upon receiving any updates.”

 

“I understand.” She Zhun tapped the table and then changed the topic abruptly, “Do you remember when we smuggled salt along the coast in our youth?”

 

“Why bring that up suddenly?”

 

“At that time, we were both young, and the boss assigned the riskiest smuggling tasks to us, thinking we knew nothing and would obediently follow orders.” She Zhun chuckled, “I infiltrated for some extra silver. I didn’t expect someone to have even greater ambitions, wanting to take everything from him.”

 

Yan Sikong remained expressionless, “He enjoyed the protection of the eunuch faction, committed wrongdoing for years. This ill-gotten wealth would be better off in my hands; I’d spend it more wisely.”

 

“When I saw you sending him to the execution ground while you walked away unscathed, emptying his treasury,” She Zhun gazed deeply at Yan Sikong, “I knew… If there’s anyone in this world who can help me seek revenge, it’s only you.”

 

Yan Sikong recalled the past, feeling a bit nostalgic. Just as he was about to speak, She Zhun playfully said, “Of course, my share of the silver shouldn’t be overlooked. Traveling to Jingzhou is a long journey, and everything needs arrangements…”

 

“Don’t worry, you won’t get less than you deserve.”

 

She Zhun’s gaze suddenly changed, and he stood up, making a “shush” gesture. With mouth movements, he said, “Someone’s coming.”

 

“Is it Ah Lei?”

 

She Zhun shook his head.

 

It could only be Feng Ye. Yan Sikong suddenly felt a bit nervous; his heart skipped a beat twice.

 

She Zhun looked at Yan Sikong, questioning him with his eyes.

 

A person with profound martial arts skills has an extremely keen sense. He could feel Feng Ye’s presence, and Feng Ye must have sensed his as well.

 

Yan Sikong quickly composed himself, having She Zhun sit as he engaged in conversation.

 

Soon, a knocking sound echoed, and Yan Sikong said, “Come in.”

 

Feng Ye pushed the door open and walked in, his gaze searching for something, then unsurprisingly landing on She Zhun.

 

“Feng Ye, did you just return from the main camp today?”

 

Feng Ye nodded, his expression turning unfriendly. He naturally harbored some innate hostility toward She Zhun.

 

She Zhun stood up, cupping his hands, “So, he is the Crown Prince of Jingyuan. Nice to meet you.”

 

Yan Sikong said, “Oh, he’s a friend of mine from the past, a martial artist from the rivers and lakes. Before I entered the capital, he once helped me. Recently, he was passing through the capital while visiting relatives and took the opportunity to see me.”

 

Feng Ye nodded but still frowned, seemingly not entirely satisfied with this explanation. However, it was flawless.

 

“Sikong, since you have a guest, I won’t disturb any longer. I’ll stay in the capital for a few more days. You owe me a drink, make sure to make it up someday.”

 

“Hahaha, Li Xiong, rest assured. I’ll definitely thank you properly on a chosen day.” Yan Sikong walked to the door and called out, “Ah Lei, accompany Li Xiong back to the inn.”

 

Ah Lei quickly ran out from the room, and upon seeing She Zhun, he hesitated for a moment but soon regained composure.

 

This subtle reaction did not escape Feng Ye’s sharp eyes.

 

After She Zhun left, Feng Ye questioned, “This person seems to have decent martial arts skills. How come I didn’t know you still had connections with this ‘martial artist from the rivers and lakes’?”

 

Yan Sikong smiled bitterly, “After leaving Guangning, I roamed around, interacting with people from all walks of life. Li Xiong is a righteous person. We haven’t seen each other in many years, and I almost didn’t recognize him.”

 

Feng Ye remained skeptical, “Since he helped you, we’ll host a feast tomorrow, and we can invite him to join us.”

 

“No need. Li Xiong is carefree and dislikes mingling with court officials. By the way, you returned a bit late; I’ve already had dinner.”

 

Feng Ye’s expression softened, “I rushed back urgently; there’s an important matter to discuss with you.”

 

“Oh? What’s the matter?”

 

“The Emperor might send us to Kuizhou to suppress the rebellion.”

 

Yan Sikong was startled, “Could it be because of Prince Liang…”

 

Feng Ye nodded solemnly, “Prince Liang rebelled, imprisoned the governor of the Two Lakes, Ge Zhong, and Bao Yunyong is likely to join him. With our military forces insufficient, we have to mobilize another eight thousand troops from the Jing Shan Camp.”

 

“But the garrison in the outskirts of the capital is only thirty thousand. Taking away ten thousand, won’t the capital be left vulnerable?”

 

“The Wala tribe is attacking the Jin Kingdom. The capital is temporarily safe. Right now, the danger in Jingzhou is more urgent.”

 

“But isn’t General Zhao leading the troops?”

 

Feng Ye nodded, his clear eyes gleaming.

 

Yan Sikong exclaimed, “Does General Zhao want to take you along?”

 

Feng Ye nodded again, showing some emotional fluctuations, “It’s a crucial time, and the Emperor agreed.”

 

Currently, Zhao Fuyi served as the Deputy Commander of the Shuntian Prefecture and concurrently the overall commander of the Imperial Guard. Although his rank was one level lower than that of the Commander of Shuntian Prefecture, in reality, he was the highest commander responsible for the safety of the capital. The Emperor had even allocated eight thousand of his personal guards to deal with Prince Liang, indicating his deep fear.

 

In his heart, Yan Sikong didn’t want Feng Ye to go. While he orchestrated the rebellion of Prince Liang, Bao Yunyong’s uprising was beyond his expectations. Dealing with Prince Liang alone wouldn’t be difficult, but in the current situation, they would surely join forces, posing a great challenge to Da Sheng. Looking at the bigger picture, he hoped the rebellion would succeed. However, even if Prince Liang did seize the throne, he had more profound and far-reaching plans. He just didn’t want Feng Ye to get involved too soon.

 

However, Feng Ye was full of enthusiasm, “We discussed this before. The court will find a use for me eventually. The opportunity has come, and I won’t be trapped in the capital, being a useless heir.”

 

Yan Sikong sighed, “This journey will undoubtedly be dangerous.”

 

“What’s there to fear? I’ll surely assist General Zhao in suppressing the rebellion.” Feng Ye grabbed Yan Sikong’s hand, “Sikong, come with me.”

 

Yan Sikong was surprised, “What?”

 

“The Chief Secretary under Liang Guang is currently in need of a scribe. Usually, a Hanlin scholar is required for such a crucial task. With Liang Guang having a close relationship with my father, as long as Elder Yan agrees, you can accompany the army on the expedition.” Feng Ye smiled, “Join me on the campaign.”

 

Yan Sikong was momentarily bewildered. He hadn’t expected to have the opportunity to take part in a military campaign so soon—even if it meant being a military scribe.

 

“Kong’er, I’ve always believed that you and I can achieve great things. Practicing military strategies with words alone is futile. Come and witness the real battlefield with me!” (End of this chapter)