The Blood Crown - Chapter 69

As expected, Yang Weiqi kept them waiting for a full three days.

 

During these three days, they wisely refrained from going out. Besides the food delivery, they had little contact with anyone else, but they took the opportunity to have some sweet moments together.

 

However, they were not entirely idle. Every day, Yan Sikong would bury a few silver coins in the leftover food. After a day or two, the eyes of the guards who delivered the food began to flicker when they looked at them.

 

On the third day, Yan Sikong found a small note in his meal. Unfolding it, he read the four words written on it: “What are your orders?”

 

Yan Sikong glanced at Feng Ye with a smile. “The fish took the bait.”

 

With salaries from the court being insufficient, even for high-ranking officials, sustaining a family and maintaining a respectable lifestyle was difficult. Therefore, corruption and bribery had become common practices in the court, despite efforts to avoid them. When Yan Sikong became a royal reader, he also received some congratulatory gifts.

 

In such an environment, expecting the lowest-ranking guards and officials to be loyal and incorruptible was impossible. Therefore, these people were easily bribed, and a small favor was often enough.

 

Feng Ye took the note. “I’m afraid we’re falling into a trap.”

 

“It’s worth the risk. If it’s indeed a trap, we can turn the tables and pin it on Prince Liang.” Yan Sikong picked up a pen and wrote a note. After the ink dried, he carefully rolled it up and put it in his sleeve.

 

At noon, when the guard came to deliver the food, Yan Sikong signaled to him and buried the note and the silver coins in the leftover food again.

 

After sunset, Yang Weiqi suddenly appeared at the inn.

 

Yan Sikong, being a royal reader, the pinnacle of scholars, a future great scholar, and a senior official of the court, greeted Yang Weiqi, a rebel army strategist, with great respect. “Ah, Mr. Yang, I’ve been waiting for you for several days.”

 

Yang Weiqi was pleased with Yan Sikong’s attitude and even put on airs as he took a seat. 

“Lord Yan, have you been comfortable these days? If there’s any inconvenience, please let me know.”

 

“This inn has roofs and walls. It’s much more comfortable than camping in the wild. There’s really no inconvenience.” The two exchanged smiles.

 

Yang Weiqi said, “Lord Yan, General Zhao must have high hopes for your visit.”

 

“That’s right. Despite some misunderstandings between General Liang and us during his envoy’s visit, General Zhao still hopes to negotiate with General Bao.” Yan Sikong said with emphasis, “War involves casualties. Pursuing peace is a form of martial art, haha.”

 

“Lord Yan’s words make sense. However, regarding our lord’s surrender, we’ve reconsidered it many times…” Yang Weiqi observed Yan Sikong’s expression. “We have so many mouths to feed below us, and we’re forced to do this.”

 

“I understand.”

 

“The emperor’s grace is boundless, and he’s willing to give us another chance. My lord and I are deeply grateful. If the emperor grants us land for settling down, who would think of rebellion?”

 

Yan Sikong cursed the traitor for being shameless, wanting titles and land. It was like asking for the moon. But outwardly, he smiled and said, “I don’t see any problem with that. The emperor is currently more concerned about Prince Liang’s rebellion. As long as General Bao and Mr. Yang are willing to serve the emperor and fight against Prince Liang, they will surely be generously rewarded for their achievements.”

 

Yang Weiqi tactfully diverted the topic. “Prince Liang guards Jingzhou and controls the waterway fortresses. He already has thirty thousand elite soldiers under his command. It’s easy to defend but hard to attack.”

 

“Exactly, that’s why we need Mr. Yang’s assistance even more.” Yan Sikong whispered, “Mr. Yang is talented and far from ordinary. Do you really want to bury yourself in such a place as Kuizhou?”

 

Yang Weiqi narrowed his eyes. “I was born a commoner. Now, I can pave a way out for my suffering countrymen. I’ve already fulfilled my purpose in this life. How dare I speak of burying myself?”

 

“Mr. Yang, you’re mistaken.” Yan Sikong said sincerely, “All scholars in the world have the ambition to serve the country and the people. However…”

 

“Lord Yan is too kind to me. Every scholar has the aspiration to serve the country and the people, but…” Yang Weiqi coughed lightly. “I am inexperienced and have failed the imperial exams several times. I’m afraid I don’t have the ability to pursue lofty ideals.”

 

“Mr. Yang, you’re mistaken again.” Yan Sikong said earnestly, “The problem lies in the imperial examination system, which idolizes Confucianism and rigid literary forms, restricting many truly knowledgeable and insightful talents. When I was striving for the exams, I delved deeply into these forms. If I hadn’t been young and awake all the time, I might have become one of those pedantic scholars. Your talent is no less than ours. If you belittle yourself out of modesty, I cannot agree.”

 

Yang Weiqi’s eyes flickered with a hint of joy, but he tried hard to conceal it. Yan Sikong’s words clearly struck a chord with him.

 

As the saying goes, flattery may work where force fails. Yan Sikong, sent away from home at the age of nine, wandering at thirteen, born into a wealthy family, grown up in a small official’s house, had seen countless people in his twenty-some years. He had lived more than a lifetime richer than ordinary people. He could easily manipulate people; it was too easy for him to understand what someone wanted to hear. 

 

Yang Weiqi coughed lightly. “Lord Yan, you are exaggerating.”

 

Yan Sikong sighed, “Mr. Yang is truly a genius. If Zhuge Liang were alive, he would probably be no different. Lately, there have been whispers in the capital, saying that General Bao must have a mastermind behind him. Sure enough, sure enough!”

 

Yang Weiqi blinked. “The capital is discussing this matter?”

 

“Such important matters naturally spark discussions, but not in front of the emperor.” Yan Sikong shook his head with a sigh. “With Mr. Yang here, we can only look at Kuizhou and sigh.”

Yang Weiqi was flattered by the praise, but he remained alert and said, “We should focus on our own duties.”

 

Suddenly, Yan Sikong changed the subject. “Now, Mr. Yang, are you planning to continue besieging Kuizhou, or are you planning to join Prince Liang in rebellion?”

 

Yang Weiqi pursed his lips, his eyebrows furrowing.

 

Yan Sikong smiled faintly. “Mr. Yang should understand that Kuizhou is not a place for long-term stability, and Prince Liang is not a trustworthy person. With your wisdom, don’t let yourself become a pawn.”

 

Yang Weiqi coldly replied, “It seems General Zhao is in a more difficult situation than us now.”

“That may be true for now, but the court is continuously mobilizing troops and provisions to the Two Lakes. Kuizhou is a lone city. How long can it resist? I won’t hide it from you, if I return without achievements this time, Generals Zhao and Di will merge their forces to besiege the city.”

 

Yang Weiqi stared at Yan Sikong incredulously. “You dare to say such things to me? Aren’t you afraid of not making it back?”

 

Yan Sikong smiled. “I’m just a small clerk following the army. What benefit is there in killing me? I sincerely admire and cherish your talent, so I leaked military information. If you don’t appreciate it, I won’t say anymore.”

 

Yang Weiqi said in a low voice, “Go on.”

 

“Alright, when the siege happens, do you think Prince Liang will come to our aid as he claims?”

Yang Weiqi remained silent.

 

“Prince Liang has only thirty thousand troops. His advantage lies in controlling Jingzhou, a strategic fortress for military operations. Once he leaves Jingzhou, his advantage is gone, and our army may defeat him with one blow. If you were Prince Liang, would you come to the rescue?”

 

Still, Yang Weiqi remained silent.

 

Yan Sikong lowered his voice, enticingly, “If you were Prince Liang, would you use Kuizhou as bait to delay our army, then gather more troops downstream and march straight to Jinling? As long as Jinling is captured, you would control the riches and resources, and what importance would a small Kuizhou hold in your eyes?”

 

Yang Weiqi suddenly stood up, hands behind his back, staring straight at Yan Sikong.

 

Yan Sikong also stood up, bowed to Yang Weiqi, then pointed to a large wooden box by the bed. “That treasure is not for General Bao, it’s for you.”

 

Yang Weiqi raised an eyebrow. “You’re quite bold.”

 

“I have the courage to give, but do you have the courage to accept?” Yan Sikong looked deeply into Yang Weiqi’s eyes. “You’re different from General Bao. You are a talent that the court can use. Don’t waste your bright future.”

 

Yang Weiqi looked at Yan Sikong for a long time before turning and leaving.

 

Feng Ye was standing at the door, dutifully pretending to be a guard. When Yang Weiqi left, he entered the room and closed the door.

 

Yan Sikong poured himself a glass of water and gulped it down.

 

Feng Ye looked at Yan Sikong with a complicated expression.

 

Yan Sikong sighed, “This man is difficult to deal with.”

 

“Really? I’ve seen you leading him all along. He’s smart, but he’s not as smart as you.” Feng Ye remarked.

 

Yan Sikong shook his head. “Human hearts are unpredictable. We must not underestimate anyone, especially an enemy.”

 

Feng Ye stared at Yan Sikong, as if wanting to say something but hesitating.

 

“What’s wrong?” Yan Sikong chuckled. “Our dear Prince Jingyuan is guarding the door for us. Yang Weiqi must be scratching his head.”

 

Feng Ye didn’t laugh, just sighed softly. “Sikong, sometimes you’re so smart that I…”

 

“What do you think?” Yan Sikong raised an eyebrow.

 

Feng Ye paused for a moment, then shook his head and smiled. “You’ve grown up, and I can’t figure you out anymore.”

 

“Could you figure me out when I was a child?”

 

Feng Ye took Yan Sikong’s hand, kissed his forehead, and chuckled softly. “No, I only started to ‘figure you out’ when I grew up, explored every part of you inside and out, and found the taste extremely enjoyable.”

 

Yan Sikong laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”

 

Feng Ye then hugged Yan Sikong’s waist and kissed his forehead and eyes tenderly. “If it weren’t for the urgent military situation, I would want to stay here for a few more days, be with you, always feeling like time isn’t enough.”

 

Yan Sikong gently stroked Feng Ye’s temple. “If we were together all the time, it wouldn’t be as enjoyable. I think things are fine as they are now.”

 

Feng Ye pressed his lips against Yan Sikong’s, gently kissing him and murmuring, “But I want to be together all the time…”

 

Yan Sikong embraced him, responding affectionately while teasing, “You’re right. If your father sees you like this, he’ll definitely reward you with a military command.”

 

“I’ve said it before, it’s worth facing the blade for you.” Feng Ye spun around, lifted Yan Sikong, and laid him down on the bed…

 

The next day, Yang Weiqi sent someone to take away a box of gold and silver, but he did not show up himself.

 

Yan Sikong knew the mission was about to be completed. If the former Kuizhou soldiers could receive his message smoothly, they could return. By then, they would combine forces to besiege the city, and Yang Weiqi would surely persuade Bao Yunyong to surrender.

The waiting time was extremely torturous. Current affairs were unpredictable, and variables were everywhere.

 

When the two discussed Prince Liang’s movements again, Feng Ye said, “If we truly besiege the city, even if Prince Liang has a hundred reasons to abandon Kuizhou, there is still a possibility that he will come to rescue. After all, there are fifty to sixty thousand troops available here.”

 

Yan Sikong nodded. “That’s true. Although I advised Yang Weiqi that way, there is still at least a thirty percent chance that Prince Liang will come to the rescue. We must not let Prince Liang come to Kuizhou.”

 

“For safety’s sake, after we return, I will ask General Zhao for permission to set up an ambush with a cavalry force on the road from

 

Feng Ye’s eyes flashed with wild determination: “A real man should dominate the battlefield, charge into the fray, and kill enemies with great gusto.”

 

Yan Sikong’s face darkened slightly: “Feng Ye, you always forbid me from risking myself, but do you know how uneasy it makes me when you rush into danger?”

 

Feng Ye became a little uneasy: “Kong’er… I, I just spoke recklessly. Since childhood, my father has drilled into me how a general should act. I am a leader, I won’t easily put myself in jeopardy.”

 

Yan Sikong glanced at him sideways: “Really?”

 

“Really,” Feng Ye said earnestly, “how could I bear to see you worried?”

 

“Feng Ye, you’re reckless and impulsive. Promise me, from now on, you’ll think twice before acting.”

 

Feng Ye smiled helplessly: “Look at you, you haven’t even married me yet, and you’re already scolding me like my father.”

 

Yan Sikong chuckled: “Stop talking nonsense, I’m serious.”

 

“Don’t worry, I understand.”

 

Yan Sikong gazed at Feng Ye’s young and handsome face, fully feeling the sentiment of Feng Jianping watching over his only remaining son, wishing he could impart a lifetime of wisdom to keep him away from danger.

 

The sun was about to set, and both of them were waiting for the guards to bring tonight’s dinner. If everything went smoothly, there should be news from the former members of Kuizhou.

 

But things often don’t go “smoothly.” They didn’t receive dinner as expected. The door of the inn was forcefully kicked open, and a group of guards rushed in, taking the two of them down without hesitation.

 

The two exchanged a glance, both remaining calm. Feng Ye even mouthed to Yan Sikong, “Don’t be afraid.” Yan Sikong smiled knowingly. If anyone else had treated him with such protectiveness, he would have felt insulted, but from Feng Ye, he only felt warmth.

 

Yan Sikong said calmly, “We are envoys of Dashing. Regardless of the situation, we should at least be treated with dignity.”

 

The leader pondered for a moment and temporarily released them.

 

Yan Sikong and Feng Ye put on their headgrears and armor respectively. Yan Sikong glanced at the leader and said, “You are from the former members of Kuizhou, aren’t you?”

 

The man was stunned, looking at Yan Sikong without a word.

 

Yan Sikong smiled faintly, adjusted his clothes, and smoothed his sleeves. “Please.”

 

The two followed the guards out of the inn.

 

As expected, their secret dealings with the former members of Kuizhou were discovered. They were brought before Bao Yunyong and Yang Weiqi.

 

Bao Yunyong was furious, while Yang Weiqi’s eyes were filled with coldness, feeling that Yan Sikong had played them. On the surface, he tried to win them over, but behind their backs, he schemed to turn the former members of Kuizhou against them.

 

Even with their eyes closed, the two could feel the overwhelming hostility.

 

Bao Yunyong slammed the table fiercely: “Yan Sikong, you treacherous man! Coming here to win us over is a lie, but trying to turn the former members of Kuizhou against us is true! I should have killed you the moment you entered the city!”

 

Yan Sikong bowed calmly: “I have absolutely no intention of turning anyone against you. I wonder why General Bao would say such a thing?”

 

“Do you dare to quibble?” Bao Yunyong shouted, “Bring him in!”

 

Soon, a disheveled man was brought in, and Yan Sikong glanced at him. It was the guard who had brought them their meals.

 

Bao Yunyong tossed a note to Yan Sikong: “Isn’t this your handwriting?!”

 

“It is indeed written by someone else,” Yan Sikong said without even looking at the note.

 

Bao Yunyong was so angry that his mouth twisted: “And you still try to argue?!”

 

Yan Sikong bowed: “General, have you read what I wrote on it?”

 

Bao Yunyong’s face darkened, veins bulging on his forehead.

 

Yan Sikong made a seemingly enlightened expression: “Someone must have already informed you, General.”

 

Bao Yunyong couldn’t read, and Yan Sikong’s question seemed innocent, yet it made Bao Yunyong speechless and unable to vent his anger. But Yan Sikong’s attention was not on this; with a glance, he caught a glimpse of disdain in Yang Weiqi’s eyes.

 

“I did have contact with the former members of Kuizhou. I ask the General to listen to my explanation.” Yan Sikong said calmly.

 

*Tomorrow is Saturday rest, Sunday will be updated as usual, and Monday will enter v, (end of this chapter)