The Blood Crown - Chapter 74

Yan Sikong’s plan was largely in line with Zhao Fuyi’s intentions, but as someone with much more experience leading troops, Zhao Fuyi raised many concerns.

“To reach Yueyang from Kuizhou, we must pass through Jingzhou. Prince Liang controls the waterway fortress of Jingzhou, so we cannot go by water. If we take the land route and bypass Jingzhou…” Zhao Fuyi frowned deeply in front of the map, “Won’t we have to cross Nanyue Mountain?”

“Correct, but crossing the mountains is the only way to bypass Jingzhou and reach Yueyang,” replied Yan Sikong.

Liáng Guǎng interjected, “That’s not advisable. If we have to cross Nanyue Mountain, our soldiers will have to abandon their supplies and travel light, carrying only a few days’ worth of provisions. Nanyue Mountain is treacherous and steep, with rugged peaks and deep valleys. If Prince Liang sets up an ambush in the mountains, our army will be walking into a trap.”

“The Chief Secretary speaks wisely,” added Sun Feng, “Throughout history, we’ve only heard of attacking enemies by taking them by surprise, not of aiding their defense by taking the same route. Moreover, crossing the mountains is extremely dangerous. Not to mention the journey of over four hundred miles, how long will it take to cross Nanyue Mountain? Even if our army does reach Yueyang, what if Prince Liang doesn’t march out? Won’t all our efforts be in vain?”

“If Prince Liang doesn’t want to trap Jingzhou, he has to move south, and to move south, he must take Yueyang,” Feng Ye said, turning to Zhao Fuyi. “General, you can report to His Majesty and request reinforcements from Nanchang Prefecture to join our forces at Yueyang. When Prince Liang hears the news, he will surely act in haste, either attacking Yueyang before the Nanchang troops arrive or even before our army reaches there. In that case, our main army can attack the city from behind, cutting off his retreat. Prince Liang’s army will be trapped at Yueyang, surrounded by enemies, and will surely be defeated.”

“But crossing Nanyue Mountain and luring Prince Liang, isn’t that a one-way trip, and is the Crown Prince suggesting that we use our troops as bait?” Liang Guang asked with a frown.

“What’s wrong with that?” Yan Sikong replied calmly. “Only by deploying a strong force can Prince Liang believe in our determination to reach Yueyang and force him to march out early and abandon the city to fight us.”

“Then who will lead this decoy army?”

“I’m willing to go.”

“I’m also willing to go.”

Feng Ye and Yan Sikong answered in unison.

Both of them were taken aback, looking at each other with complex expressions, yet seeing the same determination and fearlessness in each other’s eyes. Feng Ye hesitated for a moment, suppressing the anger that had just risen in his eyes.

Liang Guang and Sun Feng looked at each other, while the other generals remained silent.

Zhao Fuyi stared at the map in silence.

Feng Ye spoke up again, “General, our food and supplies are dwindling. Time waits for no one. If we don’t take a chance now, we’ll really have to retreat.”

Liang Guang sighed heavily. “Our army has already recaptured Kuizhou and pacified the rebellion. It’s not a failure to return empty-handed. If our food and supplies are inadequate, it’s not our army’s fault. The Crown Prince’s eagerness for success may lead our army to a dead end.”

Feng Ye said proudly, “If we don’t stop Prince Liang and watch him gain momentum, once he takes Yueyang, the disaster will be endless. If I retreat now, how can I face His Majesty and the cities of Jiangnan?”

Before Liang Guang could say anything more, Zhao Fuyi waved his hand to stop him. His face was solemn as he said, “My decision is made. Who is willing to accompany the Crown Prince and split the troops to march south?”

After a moment of silence, Wang Moxiu stepped forward and said, “I am willing to go!”

“Good. Feng Ye is appointed as the Guerrilla General, and Wang Moxiu as the deputy general, leading five thousand troops to cross Nanyue Mountain and rush to Yueyang.”

“Yes!”

Zhao Fuyi looked at Yan Sikong. “Yan Sikong, you will be appointed as a staff officer to accompany them and act according to the situation.”

“Yes!”

“Liang Guang,” Zhao Fuyi turned to Liang Guang, “please draft two documents. One to be sent to the capital, requesting His Majesty to deploy troops from Nanchang to support our army, and another to be sent to Nanchang, urging the Governor-General to prepare and distribute supplies. These messages must be leaked to Prince Liang through our spies.”

Liang Guang bowed. “I will do as commanded.”

Zhao Fuyi turned to Feng Ye. “Feng Ye, the day Prince Liang’s army marches out is the day I attack the city. If we take Jingzhou, I will immediately go to support you. But if we fail to take Jingzhou… I will rely on you to annihilate Prince Liang’s army.”

With only five thousand troops under his command, it would be extremely difficult for Feng Ye to defeat Prince Liang’s army. The most important mission of these five thousand soldiers was to lure Prince Liang out of Jingzhou and divide his forces, but even if Prince Liang divided his forces, he would still have the advantage. However, they had no choice but to fight to the death.

“Feng Ye, Feng Ye.” Yan Sikong hurriedly took a few steps forward and caught up with Feng Ye, grabbing his arm. “Feng Ye!”

Feng Ye shook off his arm, pointing at him fiercely, but couldn’t say anything.

Yan Sikong dragged Feng Ye to the corner of the wall and whispered, “Now is not the time for us to be angry.”

“Angry?” Feng Ye gritted his teeth. “The words of warning I gave you last time, you’ve completely forgotten as soon as you turned around. Do you think I’m just angry with you?”

“Feng Ye.” Yan Sikong grasped Feng Ye’s arm, looking deeply into his eyes, and said seriously, “I know you’re worried about my safety, and I’m worried about yours too. Should I stop you from taking risks?”

“We’re not the same.”

“Where are we different?” Yan Sikong said sharply. “Just because I’m a civil official and you’re a military general? We both serve in the same court, are both men, and both have the ambition to serve our country and rescue the people. Why is it that you can go to the battlefield while I cannot?”

“You… You’re being unreasonable.”

“You clearly look down on me.”

“I have never looked down on you! You’re just a civil official with mediocre martial skills. You strategize from behind the scenes, so why should you take risks with me? Isn’t it wrong for me to want to protect you?” Feng Ye’s face was full of anger.

“I want to protect you too!” Yan Sikong shouted loudly.

Feng Ye was taken aback.

Yan Sikong’s clear eyes flickered as he stared, unblinkingly, at Feng Ye. “That’s why I want to go with you. Crossing Nanyue Mountain is extremely dangerous. Although you are a rare talent, you are young and reckless. I know you’re eager to achieve something, so I knew you would volunteer. I can’t help but worry about you. Since it was my plan, I’m determined to ensure your safe return.”

Feng Ye lowered his eyelids, his thick eyelashes hiding his pupils, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.

Yan Sikong looked at him silently.

Suddenly, Feng Ye pulled him into his arms.

“F-Feng Ye.” Yan Sikong looked around nervously, struggling in his embrace. “Be careful not to let anyone see us.”

“Let them see,” Feng Ye said, his arms like iron clamps, firmly imprisoning the person in his arms. He muttered, “Kong’er, the more time I spend with you, the more I like you. What should I do?”

Yan Sikong’s heart softened, feeling a mixture of emotions, unable to distinguish whether it was sour or sweet, joy or worry.

Feng Ye’s infatuation with him was a good thing, perhaps only a young man of eighteen or nineteen would dare to pour out his feelings so recklessly and unreservedly. But he, on the other hand, had to hold back in every aspect. Facing Feng Ye, he often felt guilty for the unequal give-and-take, but he also knew, calmly and soberly, that he could not let himself fall into it, and could only give so much.

Before setting out, Zhao Fuyi had made all the arrangements and discussed the siege plan with Di Rong.

Both Zhao Fuyi and Di Rong were renowned generals of the time. In the current dire situation of the Great Sheng Empire, they were the best lineup that Emperor Zhaowu could deploy. It was because of this that Yan Sikong and Feng Ye dared to take the risk, believing that as long as they lured Prince Liang’s army out of Jingzhou, the two of them could capture the city. At worst, if they met Prince Liang’s army in battle, they could weaken his forces, which was much more likely to succeed than a direct assault on the city.

On the eve of the expedition, they found two local hunters from Nanyue to serve as guides. At the same time, Feng Ye and Yan Sikong had almost worn out the map. Feng Ye had a unique ability to memorize and analyze terrain, and he could draw a map in his mind after observing it once. Similarly, after looking at the map a few times, the terrain and topography of the area would be firmly imprinted in his mind. When it came time to use it, the difference would be no more than a hundred meters.

So when Yan Sikong said that Feng Ye was a rare talent, it was not just flattery. He had observed Feng Ye for a long time and knew what extraordinary talent he possessed, as well as his exceptional background and upbringing. He knew that once Feng Ye passed through this impulsive and reckless youth, he would soar to great heights.

At this point, even before setting out, Feng Ye almost knew Nanyue like the back of his hand. With his experience in military strategy and actual combat, he ultimately selected two marching routes, one as a backup for the other.

Even so, there were still insurmountable dangers in the mountains. The danger of marching was one thing, but what they were most worried about was falling into an ambush. But now they had no choice but to take a bold gamble.

The day before the expedition, Yan Sikong sought an audience with Zhao Fuyi and went straight to the point. “General, I’m here to remind you that if we capture the city in the future, don’t be too quick to celebrate. We must first go and rescue the officials and generals from the Two Lakes who are imprisoned by Prince Liang.”

“Naturally, but I wonder if Prince Liang still keeps them.”

“Since Prince Liang rebelled, only Governor Ge and others have been reported to be imprisoned, but there have been no reports of Prince Liang executing them. Therefore, I believe they should still be alive.”

At the mention of Ge Zhong’s name, Zhao Fuyi’s eyes flashed with a strange light. He said, “I hope so.”

Yan Sikong casually said, “Actually, I have some doubts about this.”

“Oh?”

“Why would Prince Liang keep them when he holds all the military power?”

Zhao Fuyi furrowed his brow. “It is indeed suspicious. Perhaps he wants to leave himself a way out in case of defeat.”

“General’s words make sense. I heard that Governor Ge Zhong of the Two Lakes was highly promoted by Prime Minister Xie.”

Zhao Fuyi’s eyes widened. “Lord Yan, what do you mean by that?”

Yan Sikong hurriedly stood up. “Oh, it’s just a misunderstanding. I don’t mean anything by it.”

Zhao Fuyi’s brow furrowed even more tightly. “This matter is not urgent. Let’s talk about it after we take down Jingzhou.”

“Yes…”