The Blood Crown - Chapter 67

Zhao Fuyi smiled approvingly, “Good, Lord Yan…”

“I think it’s inappropriate,” Feng Ye stood up, “Bao Yunyong is a fierce and unpredictable man, his actions are hard to predict. He has already killed three of Lord Liang’s attendants, do we want to send another envoy to their death?” As he spoke, his tone rose, his voice became stern, and he glared fiercely at Yan Sikong.

However, Yan Sikong did not look at him, but said, “If Bao Yunyong can safely send Lord Liang back, it means he doesn’t want simple killings. He wants to buy time. Let’s follow his wishes. Since I dare to go, I am confident in completing the mission and returning alive.”

Liang Guang took a deep breath, frowned, and asked, “What do you plan to do? Bao Yunyong is stubborn and ruthless. No matter what I say, he ignores it.”

“We’ll give him what he wants, offer gold, silver, and treasures. I will act humble, pretend to seek peace, and act according to the situation, implementing our plan.”

Feng Ye exclaimed loudly, “In that case, the Sheng army will lose face. Besides, what assurance do you have of coming back alive? What if Bao Yunyong sees through you and chops you down with one stroke?”

Zhao Fuyi and Liang Guang both looked at Feng Ye with some confusion. His reaction seemed overly intense.

Finally, Yan Sikong turned his face slightly, looked deeply at Feng Ye, and shook his head slightly, gesturing with his eyes for him to calm down.

But Feng Ye’s eyes widened, his nostrils flared, clearly furious.

After some thought, Zhao Fuyi looked at Liang Guang and said, “I think it’s worth a try, Lord Liang, what do you think?”

Liang Guang stroked his beard and nodded finally, “It’s rare for our Great Sheng to have such a young and passionate talent like Lord Yan. If this plan succeeds, it will change the entire war situation. Lord Yan, I entrust this to you.”

Yan Sikong knelt on one knee, clasping his fists, “I will do my best and not fail in my duty.”

Feng Ye gritted his teeth, knowing there was no room for maneuver, and knelt down too, “I am willing to accompany Lord Yan and ensure his safety.”

“This cannot be,” Zhao Fuyi immediately refused, “I will send several skilled soldiers with you.”

“Why not?” Feng Ye’s gaze was sharp, “Do I have any incompetence? Please make it clear, General.”

“You have your arrangements in the camp, I can’t let you go to Kuizhou City, it’s too risky.”

“Is there anything more important than protecting Lord Yan at the moment?” Feng Ye glanced at Yan Sikong and said firmly, “Lord Yan is my close friend. I cannot watch him in danger and do nothing.”

Yan Sikong remained silent, knowing Feng Ye’s temperament, what he wanted to do was something ordinary people couldn’t stop.

“Isn’t going to the enemy camp dangerous? Lord Yan risks his life for the sake of winning this rebellion, why do you?” Zhao Fuyi raised his voice, “Even if you go, what can you do? If there’s real danger, can you face it alone against many?”

Feng Ye’s cheeks bulged, his eyes cold, “On the first day I entered the Jing Shan camp, the general warned me not to behave arrogantly because of my status as a prince. Now the general is treating me differently because of my identity.”

“You…” Zhao Fuyi was so angry his eyebrows jumped.

Feng Ye clasped his fists forcefully, “I ask the general to grant my request.”

Zhao Fuyi sighed deeply, his face darkening, “Feng Ye, you have many strengths, but your stubbornness will be your downfall sooner or later.”

“Thank you for the advice, General.”

“I allow you to accompany Lord Yan, but you must not reveal your identity.”

“I understand.”

“I think Bao Yunyong won’t be as reckless as with Lord Liang, but you two still need to be cautious and protect yourselves.”

“Yes.”

After leaving the central military tent, Feng Ye grabbed Yan Sikong’s arm and roughly pulled him into his own tent.

“Feng Ye!” Yan Sikong exclaimed, “What are you doing! Why do you have to come with me and risk…”

“What are you doing?” Feng Ye forcefully shook off Yan Sikong’s hand, his face stiff, his pitch-black pupils emitting a chilling anger, “Who allowed you to act on your own? Who allowed you to go to the enemy camp?”

Yan Sikong took a deep breath and said softly, “Whose permission do I need?”

“Mine!” Feng Ye roared, grabbing Yan Sikong’s collar, glaring down at him, “Yan Sikong, who do you think you are to believe that what Liang Guang can’t do, you can do? Are you so eager to achieve merit, to venture into the lion’s den? You’re so young, what’s the hurry?”

“I’m not just after merit. As a subject of the Great Sheng, how can I enjoy the court’s salary without contributing to the country? Whenever there is a need, I cannot shirk my duty.”

“So you’ve planned it all along? You let me tell General Zhao about your plan, you’ve already intended to go to the enemy camp, yet you didn’t even discuss it with me.”

“I…” This was the first time Feng Ye had ever been angry at him. He felt his heart trembling, not out of fear, but because of the overwhelming sharpness and hostility in his eyes. He unconsciously wanted to avoid it. “It was a spur-of-the-moment decision.”

“Lies!” Feng Ye clenched his teeth, his fist tightening and loosening, unsure of what to do with the person in front of him. “You want to risk your life, but you only let me know at the last minute. Yan Sikong, what do you take me for?”

Yan Sikong pursed his lips, reached out and grabbed Feng Ye’s wrist, speaking slowly, “Feng Ye, can we talk calmly?”

“I just want to know what you take me for.” Feng Ye stared at Yan Sikong, his gaze unwavering. “How dare you make such a decision without a word to me? Huh?”

Yan Sikong sighed, “Feng Ye, I also have aspirations to contribute to the country. You can not stop me…”

“Yes, I can.” Feng Ye pinched Yan Sikong’s chin, his voice cold. “For ordinary matters, I can let you do as you please, but if you put yourself in danger, I won’t allow it. I’d rather you not be an official, but be safe.”

“What… what do you mean?”

“It means, if there’s a next time, don’t be an official anymore.” Feng Ye forced Yan Sikong to lift his face, and as their eyes met, intense emotions clashed in the air.

Yan Sikong was surprised. In Feng Ye’s wolf-like, dangerous eyes, there was no room for argument. He knew Feng Ye was serious. He took a deep breath and gritted his teeth, “Then let me ask, what do you take me for? I’ve studied hard for twenty years. If I don’t become an official, do I have to go to your mansion and be your… concubine?”

A hint of fierceness flashed across Feng Ye’s face, “Sometimes, I really wish you were mine alone.”

“Feng Ye!” Yan Sikong exclaimed angrily.

Feng Ye pulled Yan Sikong into his embrace, his voice muffled, “I’ve never thought of you that way, I just want to protect you. But if you put yourself in danger again, I won’t spare you.”

Yan Sikong sighed deeply, gradually calming down. He reached out and hugged Feng Ye’s broad back, whispering softly, “I know you care about me.”

“Since you know, don’t ever act without consulting me again,” Feng Ye said in a soft but firm tone as he continued to stroke Yan Sikong’s back.

Yan Sikong smiled sarcastically, “Sure.” Was there really a safe career path in this world? Even if there was, he couldn’t walk it.

Yan Sikong only brought one bodyguard on this trip, Feng Ye. Of course, there was also a boatload of gold, silver, and jewels heading to Kuizhou City.

Yan Sikong dared to go to the enemy camp because he expected Bao Yunyong not to kill him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to go to his death.

Bao Yunyong had already killed Liang Guang’s attendants, achieving his goal. Most likely, he would treat them well this time, even if it was because of the gifts they brought.

In the cabin, Feng Ye wore the light armor of an ordinary soldier, but he couldn’t hide his extraordinary appearance. Especially now, his face was stern, devoid of smiles, making him appear even more imposing.

Yan Sikong poured a cup of tea for Feng Ye. “Moisten your throat.”

Feng Ye pushed the tea away. “You should moisten your throat. You’ll need to be eloquent when you meet Bao Yunyong later.”

Yan Sikong smiled. “Still angry? Sometimes you really act like a child.”

Feng Ye snorted, “That makes me even angrier.”

Yan Sikong grasped Feng Ye’s hand. “Feng Ye, I originally planned to go alone. I never wanted to put you in danger.”

“How could I let you go alone!”

“I know.” Yan Sikong smiled. “With you here, I feel much more at ease.”

Only then did Feng Ye relax slightly. He reached out and caressed Yan Sikong’s cheek. “Whatever happens, I will always protect you.”

Yan Sikong rubbed his cheek against Feng Ye’s palm and whispered softly, “I know.”

They gazed into the distance, where a sturdy city stood ahead, the gateway to the Two Lakes waterway – Kuizhou. On the city walls, red and white banners fluttered, with the character “Bao” displayed prominently. It was audacious and rebellious to have his surname’s flag planted in the territory and in the cities of the Great Sheng.

Yan Sikong narrowed his eyes, staring at the glaring banner. He faintly felt it was an ominous sign. After all, for more than two hundred years of the Great Sheng’s reign, this was the first time an outsider’s flag had been raised on its soil and cities. (End of this chapter)