The Blood Crown - Chapter 65

Changshi Liang Guang, burdened with a heavy responsibility, set off the next day. He brought only one attendant and two guards, steering a small boat downstream directly to Kuizhou.

Liang Guang, a two-time successful candidate in the imperial examinations and former Hanlin scholar, was a hometown friend of Zhao Fuyi. Currently gaining experience in various regions, he was a potential future grand academician. Known for his meticulous thinking and prudent actions, he was an excellent choice for the diplomatic mission, and the soldiers hoped he would bring back good news.

Day after day passed, and news of Liang Guang’s mission quickly returned, shocking the entire army.

Bao Yunyong killed Liang Guang’s servants and guards, imprisoning Liang Guang himself.

In conflicts between armies, it was a long-standing tradition not to harm envoys. Generally, enemy emissaries were treated well, as killing them could jeopardize negotiations and tarnish the reputation of military leaders. Of course, there were exceptions, usually stemming from either impulsive actions by commanders or well-thought-out strategies for greater goals.

Zhao Fuyi was furious and scolded Bao Yunyong as a crude and lowly peasant. However, after calming down, he not only felt anger but also suspicion – did Bao Yunyong see through their plans?

Indeed, from the moment Liang Guang entered Kuizhou, regardless of whether Bao Yunyong was willing to be pacified, there would be growing animosity between him and Prince Liang. As an imperial prince, Prince Liang despised Bao Yunyong, a rebellious commoner, let alone one who led a rebellion. Bao Yunyong and his followers harbored deep-seated hatred for the royal family, and their alliance was based solely on a common enemy. This alliance was fragile, and Zhao Fuyi saw it as a vulnerable point to exploit.

Unexpectedly, Bao Yunyong proved to be more cunning than they had imagined. By killing one and imprisoning the other, he not only reassured Prince Liang but also eliminated the chance of Liang Guang swaying the old Kuizhou forces.

Bao Yunyong, with eight generations of poor peasant ancestors and illiterate himself, managed to set up such a vast array in a short time, showcasing some remarkable abilities.

The news of Liang Guang’s capture dealt a significant blow to the Zhao army, leaving Zhao Fuyi humiliated. A poor start like this could shake the morale unless they quickly turned the tide.

Zhao Fuyi clenched his fists on the table. “What do you, my generals, think we should do in response to this?”

One general angrily suggested, “Disregarding our army like this, we should give them a damn beating.”

“Bao Yunyong has been smooth-sailing, defeating the Shu army and capturing Kuizhou. The momentum is growing stronger. I believe, at this point, we should avoid confronting it head-on.”

“If Lord Liang personally goes to pacify, isn’t he already avoiding a direct confrontation? Who would have thought this rebel scum doesn’t know what’s good for him, daring to imprison Lord Liang? If we continue to endure like this, it will make our army appear weak, and more people might defect to Bao Yunyong.”

“Anyway, it’s not suitable for a battle now; we shouldn’t act impulsively…”

The generals divided into two factions, debating fiercely.

Fengye sat silently on the side, while Yansikong kept his head down, continuing to write without uttering a word.

Zhao Fuyi banged the table, bringing silence to the room. He looked at Fengye, “Fengye, what are your thoughts?”

Fengye stood up, clasping his fists. “I believe Bao Yunyong, by not killing Lord Liang, is testing us.”

Zhao Fuyi nodded. “Correct. Bao Yunyong is unsure whether we genuinely want to pacify him again. If we march out now, we might jeopardize everything.”

“Exactly. I also think so,” Zhao Fuyi’s confidant, Sun Feng, said. “We should send another envoy, offering a hefty sum to appease Bao Yunyong.”

This time, Fengye furrowed his brows.

The room erupted into discussions again. Someone quickly countered, “Are we going to make the same mistake for the third time?”

Sun Feng sneered, “A well-fed dog will forget to guard the house.”

Chapter 66:

Fengye said, “General Sun’s plan is indeed a strategy, but it greatly undermines the dignity of our army.”

“The Crown Prince also mentioned that the rebel is testing us. If that’s the case, we should turn the tables…”

Arguments erupted once again from various sides.

Inside the central military tent, after the sun had set, a dozen or so generals couldn’t reach a unanimous decision. Zhao Fuyi dismissed them, deciding to ponder over it himself overnight.

In the tent, Yan Sikong and Fengye had their dinner, discussing the day’s military situation.

Fengye remarked, “Bao Yunyong might not be as reckless as we thought. This move of his is quite clever, and now we find ourselves in a difficult situation.”

“Indeed, he probably has someone knowledgeable advising him. This move, advancing to retreat, not only stabilized Prince Liang but also put us in a dilemma. It’s not a good start.”

Fengye picked up a piece of meat and chuckled, “You, who usually discuss military strategy with me, seem to be silent today. What happened?”

“As a mere clerk, where do I have the right to speak?” Yan Sikong knew it wasn’t the time for him to take the lead. He had evolved from the passionate youth willing to argue with the commander based on reason; now he understood it wasn’t the time for him to shine. He said, “Fengye, what do you think General Zhao will choose?”

Fengye shook his head, “Hard to say, but he cannot afford to send another envoy with gifts; otherwise, our Great Sheng’s military might would be a laughingstock.”

Yan Sikong smiled, “As long as we eventually win this battle, what does it matter? I believe His Majesty will understand General Zhao’s intentions.”

“No, this move will certainly damage morale.”

Yan Sikong poured a cup of wine and handed it to Fengye, casually remarking, “You value face more than anything else.”

Fengye took the cup, drained it, and replied, “What I value is not just face but the morale of the army.”

Yan Sikong knew it would be challenging to convince Fengye at the moment. They had differing views on leading troops, making it difficult to determine right or wrong. He changed the topic, “In my view, the most important thing right now is to free Lord Liang.”

“Oh?” Fengye asked, “Explain.”

“Lord Liang, in the hands of Bao Yunyong, may currently be safe, but he poses a significant threat to our army. If he is released, Bao Yunyong can use him as a bargaining chip, being ruthless if we advance or illogical if we retreat. This will surely make General Zhao more hesitant. How can we fight this battle under such circumstances?”

“Indeed, he’s a troublemaker in this state.”

Yan Sikong poured another cup of wine, handed it to Fengye, and said casually, “Hurry up and finish your meal; I can see you’ve lost some weight in the past few days.”

Fengye grabbed Yan Sikong’s hand, rubbed his cheek against it, and said, “It’s not a big deal. When I feel like eating, I can devour a whole cow.”

Yan Sikong couldn’t help but smile.

Fengye also smiled but suddenly stopped. He opened Yan Sikong’s palm and carefully examined it. Faint scars were visible around the fingertips and palm. After ten years, they had mostly smoothed out, but a careful touch could still discern them.

Yan Sikong whispered, “Do you still remember these scars?” His heart tightened, and a slight pain mixed with his breath because he remembered someone – his Yuer.

“How could I forget? That day, I accidentally knocked over the charcoal basin, and you used your hand to grab it.” Fengye chuckled, “You also had moments of foolishness.”

Yan Sikong’s lips trembled slightly, forcing a smile. Yes, Yuer was always being foolish, from childhood to the last moment they were separated, always being foolish. If not for his foolishness, how could he have the life he has today?

“Kong’er, what’s wrong with you?” Fengye touched Yan Sikong’s face and was shocked by the sadness in his eyes. He blamed himself and said, “Maybe I shouldn’t have brought up your childhood memories again.”

Yan Sikong smiled faintly, “No harm, there were many good things in childhood, like… you.”

Fengye pulled Yan Sikong into his arms, saying, “Same here. Meeting you is truly the best thing in my life.”

Yan Sikong rested his head on Fengye’s shoulder, but behind him, he raised his hand and silently stared at the burn scar on his palm.

He didn’t set up a memorial tablet for Yuernan because he didn’t witness Yuernan’s death. There was still a faint hope lingering in his heart. In this vast world, would that person, who was like a brother despite lacking blood ties, leave some traces behind?

Although Fengye vehemently opposed sending another envoy for surrender, he agreed to another suggestion from Yan Sikong. The next day, he went to see Zhao Fuyi and proposed finding a way to rescue Lord Liang.

Zhao Fuyi chose a currently most prudent strategy—stay put. Privately, he had spies infiltrate Kui Prefecture and establish connections with the old members of the Kui Prefecture forces. He believed that Bao Yunyong, holding Lord Liang, was both a valuable chess piece and a hot potato. It all depended on how he would use it.

On the third day of Lord Liang’s captivity, Zhao Fuyi called Yan Sikong and another scribe, Xu Yan, to the tent. He asked them to draft a letter, urging Bao Yunyong to safely return Lord Liang.

Although this letter seemed redundant, it held significant meaning. Firstly, it showcased the dignity of our army, salvaging some face. Secondly, it denounced Bao Yunyong. The world would be able to judge who was reasonable and who was reckless. Lastly, it was a test and an olive branch. If Bao Yunyong returned Lord Liang at this point, there was still room for negotiation. If he refused, they would have to devise another strategy.

Xu Yan was about to take on the task when Yan Sikong had already reached into his sleeve, respectfully holding a thin letter between his hands, “General, this letter has already been prepared.” (End of this chapter)