The Blood Crown - Chapter 63

After a night of contemplation, Yan Sikong decided to seek Yan Zilian’s help and accompany Zhao Fuyi in the military campaign. At this moment, he was in the capital, and apart from accompanying the young crown prince in his studies, he wouldn’t make any other practical contributions.

Having entered officialdom for only two years, the court highly valued seniority. Even with talent, one needed to climb the ranks based on seniority. Unless there were significant achievements, rapid promotion was unlikely. Typically, a Hanlin scholar aspiring to become a Grand Secretary would start by handling basic document work in the Hanlin Academy, then be dispatched to a local region, and finally return to the capital to serve in the Six Ministries and Three Departments. After undergoing this series of experiences, if their career went smoothly, it would still take ten to twenty years.

Yan Sikong naturally couldn’t wait that long. He wanted to settle the matter with Xie Zhongren personally, ensuring that the eunuch wouldn’t have a peaceful end in his twilight years. Therefore, he would seize any possible opportunity to climb up, whether it meant flattering Yan Zilian, building a relationship with the Crown Prince, or even marrying a princess in the future—all for getting closer to the center of power. He was too young to stay idly in the court with no utility, so joining the military campaign offered a chance to make a name for himself. Moreover, with military experience, Yan Zilian would be better positioned to promote him.

With this mindset, Yan Sikong visited the Yan residence, deeply discussing the matter with Yan Zilian. This time, he didn’t conceal his ambition for power and achievements because he knew it was time for Yan Zilian to see these aspects of him.

Yan Zilian readily agreed, “I’m pleased to see you considering this. The current court is dominated by the eunuch faction, and discipline and regulations are ignored. Staying here, your passionate blood would be stifled. Temporarily leaving the capital is a good idea. Working as a military clerk can be arduous, but if you return triumphant, I and the Crown Prince will speak on your behalf in front of the Emperor. By then, I can arrange for your transfer to the Six Ministries, offering you a broader stage for your grand plans.”

“Thank you, Master!” Yan Sikong bowed deeply.

“However, this journey is extremely perilous. Aren’t you afraid?”

“If I go and don’t return, it’s fate. Moreover, sacrificing oneself for the country is the duty of a loyal subject. I’m not afraid.”

“Good!” Yan Zilian looked deeply at Yan Sikong. “Sikong, I have served as an official for more than forty years, taught numerous students, and you are the most satisfying one. I have high expectations for you. Live well.”

Yan Sikong took three steps back and knelt down, performing a deep kowtow to express his gratitude.

Yan Zilian, a man cunning and suspicious, not without stains of forming cliques, abusing power, and accumulating wealth, remained a good official serving the country and the people. He was a qualified prime minister and a mentor dedicated to promoting Yan Sikong. Yan Sikong was grateful for Yan Zilian’s guidance.

Before departing, Yan Sikong went to the East Palace to bid farewell to the Crown Prince.

Upon hearing that Yan Sikong intended to join the military campaign, the Crown Prince was dissatisfied and exclaimed, “Aren’t you supposed to teach me? What will I do when you’re gone?”

“Your Highness still has other teachers.”

“They’re not as good as you, Teacher.” Prince Zhi frowned deeply. “I love listening to your lectures the most.”

Yan Sikong spoke gently, “If the suppression of the rebellion goes smoothly, perhaps I can return in a few months.”

“What if… what if something happens to you? You’re just a scholar, without any self-defense skills.”

“Your Highness, there’s no need to worry. With the brave generals of Da Cheng leading the way, they will surely protect me.”

“You…” Prince Zhi turned his face away, refusing to speak.

“Your Highness…”

Ignoring Yan Sikong, Prince Zhi continued to remain silent. Yan Sikong called out twice more before finally sighing, “I do not wish to leave Your Highness. I would gladly serve Your Highness for a lifetime, but I cannot disobey the imperial order. If I can contribute my efforts for the stability of the country and the safety of the people, I will accept it willingly.”

Prince Zhi slowly turned his face back. “Are you truly willing to assist me for a lifetime?”

Yan Sikong nodded without hesitation.

“If one day I become emperor, I will appoint you as my chief minister.”

Yan Sikong took a few steps back and knelt on the ground. “I dare not accept such an honor. I only hope to dedicate myself wholeheartedly and serve Your Highness loyally.”

“I’m serious,” Prince Zhi said. “Teacher understands me. Teacher knows the hardships I’ve endured, understands my struggles, and knows my aspirations. Teacher is the person who understands me the most in the world. Every word of advice from Teacher has greatly benefited me. With you by my side, I can surely revive the glory of the Da Cheng dynasty and restore the might of our nation!”

“I have full confidence in that.”

Prince Zhi helped Yan Sikong up and looked deeply into his eyes. “Teacher and I must not sever our correspondence.”

“Of course, even when I’m far away, I will continue to encourage Your Highness to study diligently.”

Prince Zhi tightened his grip on Yan Sikong’s arm, earnestly and reluctantly saying, “Teacher, you must come back alive. I’ll be waiting for you.”

——

Whenever there’s a rebellion, there should be a well-known leader, and Prince Liang’s cause lacked any originality – “Clear the Court of Evil.” Using the pretext that the emperor was misled by corrupt ministers, he started this rebellion somewhat reluctantly. It’s likely even he didn’t anticipate that such a monumental event would begin so confusedly. To add to the crisis, he was soon presented with a gift from heaven – Bao Yunyong’s rebel army.

With the situation so dire, the ten thousand troops dispatched from the Jingshan Garrison were about to march into action.

Yan Sikong removed his court attire, donned military attire, settled his affairs, and instructed Ali before heading to the camp alone.

The Chief Clerk was responsible for recording military situations and details, usually serving as the chief of staff for the commander. However, the Chief Clerk couldn’t personally document every daily occurrence in the camp or record every discussion between the commander and various generals. These minute details were recorded by scribes, and Yan Sikong was one of the two scribes.

Though the position of scribe might seem relatively low, any military commander had to treat them with respect. The scholar’s pen could be mightier than a warrior’s spear, especially when the words penned influenced promotions, rewards, and punishments for the soldiers.

With ten thousand troops setting off in an orderly manner, the marching column stretched for several miles, treading on the melting thin layer of snow and emerging green grass of early spring as they headed towards the Two Lakes.

After half a day of marching, General Feng Ye rode from the front of the formation towards the back, finding Yan Sikong and riding alongside him.

Seeing General Feng’s valiant appearance, Yan Sikong felt as if he witnessed the release of a wild beast back into the mountains.

The rebellion was in a precarious situation. The ten thousand troops dispatched from Jingshan Garrison were about to embark on their campaign.

Yan Sikong removed his court attire, donned military garb, settled his affairs, and instructed Ali before heading to the camp alone.

The Chief Clerk was responsible for recording military situations and details, usually serving as the chief of staff for the commander. However, the Chief Clerk couldn’t personally document every daily occurrence in the camp or record every discussion between the commander and various generals. These minute details were recorded by scribes, and Yan Sikong was one of the two scribes.

Though the position of scribe might seem relatively low, any military commander had to treat them with respect. The scholar’s pen could be mightier than a warrior’s spear, especially when the words penned influenced promotions, rewards, and punishments for the soldiers.

With ten thousand troops setting off in an orderly manner, the marching column stretched for several miles, treading on the melting thin layer of snow and emerging green grass of early spring as they headed towards the Two Lakes.

After half a day of marching, General Feng Ye rode from the front of the formation towards the back, finding Yan Sikong and riding alongside him.

Seeing General Feng’s valiant appearance, Yan Sikong felt as if he witnessed the release of a wild beast back into the mountains.

“How many miles do we march each day?”

“Usually thirty miles, but General Zhao requests fifty, aiming to meet up with the Luoyang army as soon as possible.”

Yan Sikong nodded. “So be it.”

General Feng appraised Yan Sikong and chuckled. “This is my first time seeing you in riding attire. You look quite handsome.”

Yan Sikong glanced at himself. “I never thought I’d have the chance to wear this clothing again.”

Suddenly, General Feng leaned over, and with a suggestive tone, said, “Let me take it off for you.”

Yan Sikong gave him a sidelong glance. “You’re incorrigible.”

Feng Ye chuckled, but then turned serious. “Kong’er, are you afraid?”

Yan Sikong smiled, “Anyone claiming not to fear death is surely exaggerating.”

“If you’re scared, come into my arms. I won’t mock you.” Feng Ye’s gaze was resolute. “I brought you on this expedition because I don’t want to be separated from you. I also hope you can advance through this opportunity. So, I’ll protect you with everything I have. Rest assured.”

Yan Sikong couldn’t help but reveal a gentle smile. “I know.” Suddenly, he remembered something. “About my martial arts skills, don’t let it slip.”

“Why?”

“I only have basic knowledge and dare not show off in the army. Just keep it a secret for me.”

“Alright.” Feng Ye hesitated. “I feel like you have many secrets.”

Yan Sikong calmly replied, “Who doesn’t have secrets?”

Feng Ye stared at Yan Sikong for a while, seeming to have something to say but ultimately remained silent.

During the evening camp setup, Yan Sikong paced around the camp, observing how they set up their tents. Though well-versed in military strategy from his extensive reading, and having participated in a rebel army in his teens, it was a band of unruly mountain bandits. He quickly left. This legitimate army camp was the first he had experienced, and Feng Ye was right — sooner or later, he would witness it firsthand.

He not only wanted to witness the military camp but also see how the various strategies he had read about in military texts unfolded before his eyes.

Standing in front of the central military tent, watching the soldiers bustling around, a sense of pride swelled within him. Whether it was the court or the battlefield, Yan Sikong was determined to become the one steering the ship.

Let this rebellion be the first step toward the centralized power he aimed to achieve — a penetrating arrow shooting through the clouds.

AN – The year is coming to an end. Recently, I’ve been busy exploring outside and couldn’t update regularly. So, I’ll take a short break during the Chinese New Year, maybe around five or six days. I hope both you and I, who have been busy throughout the year, will achieve something in the coming year. Kisses! (End of this chapter)