The Blood Crown - Chapter 80

In the middle of the night, Yan Sikong was suddenly shaken awake by someone. 

Half-conscious, he muttered, “Feng Ye,” before turning over, intending to go back to sleep.

But the person shook him more roughly and scolded him in a low voice, “Nan Yu, wake up!”

At the mention of this name, Yan Sikong was instantly jolted awake. He struggled to open his eyes a slit and saw a familiar handsome face through his blurry vision. Yes, only someone who called him by that name…

She Zun’s face was cold as ice as he pulled Yan Sikong up from the bed, mocking, “Even when you’re asleep, you don’t forget to call out for your little lord. Such deep affection.”

Yan Sikong was fully awake now. He rubbed his face forcefully and said hoarsely, “Did anyone notice you?”

“Not many can notice me,” She Zun replied, displeased.

“…Stop calling me by that name,” Yan Sikong said.

“Nan Yu,” was a pseudonym he had used before. He only revealed his true name to She Zun when he was preparing to take the imperial examination.

“Lord Yan,” She Zun threw a heavy parcel into his arms, “You might need this.”

Yan Sikong opened the parcel to find dozens of manuscripts, official documents, and letters from Ge Zhong and Chen Huan. He looked at these items and fell into thought.

She Zun, sitting on a chair with his legs crossed, said, “I stayed in Jingzhou for three whole months for you. How do you plan to thank me?”

“I will certainly show my gratitude,” Yan Sikong replied calmly.

She Zun’s eyes flashed with anger. “Are you getting too close to that little lord? Someone as cold-hearted as you, could it be that you’ve fallen for him?”

Yan Sikong rubbed his sleepy eyes and said casually, “In all these years, when have I ever made a mistake? What are you worried about? I have my own plans.”

“I hope so,” She Zun snorted coldly. “Don’t ruin our big plan because of his condition.”

“His condition? Is he really sick?” Yan Sikong asked.

“He is sick, but it looks like he won’t die.”

“It would be convenient if he died,” Yan Sikong said, secretly clenching the manuscripts in his hand. His eyes were cold and sinister. “I want him to repay my father for everything he suffered.”

She Zun’s face twisted with a fierce expression. He took a deep breath. “Then what should we do?”

“This time, we’ll only target Ge Zhong, but we’ll imply in the letters that Xie Zhongren may have known about Chen Huan’s rebellion in advance. When Xie Zhongren tries to protect himself, he will definitely throw Ge Zhong under the bus. And the Emperor will also be suspicious and dissatisfied with Xie Zhongren.”

She Zun fell silent.

Yan Sikong looked at She Zun with cold, determined eyes. “She Zun, I will never let Xie Zhongren off the hook. But the time is not right yet. We cannot startle the snake in the grass.”

She Zun nodded. “I’ll follow your lead.” 

“After I leave tomorrow, put the things on the table into Ge Zhong and Chen Huan’s mansions.”

“Ge Zhong’s mansion won’t be a problem. Prince Liang’s mansion is surrounded, and not even a fly can get in. But this one will have to rely on you.”

“Okay.”

She Zun got up and opened the window. After a moment of thought, he reminded, “Be careful in all things.”

“You too.”

She Zun disappeared without a sound.

Yan Sikong placed the candlestick on the table and spread out the manuscripts one by one. He carefully imitated the handwriting of others, as he had studied for many years. Now, it came easily to him. He was eager to see the despair and pain on Ge Zhong’s face.

Yan Sikong worked until dawn. Exhausted, he dozed off at the desk, only to be awakened by a knock on the door.

He hastily sat up, looking at the mess on the table, and began to tidy up as he asked, “Who is it?”

“Lord Yan, are you awake?” came the voice of Feng Ye from outside the door.

“I am not properly dressed. Please wait a moment, sir,” Yan Sikong replied.

Feng Ye’s laughter could be heard outside the door.

Yan Sikong hurriedly stuffed the manuscripts under the bed, leaving only those needed for She Zun under the candlestick.

Feng Ye grew impatient. “Still not ready?”

Only then did Yan Sikong go to open the door.

Feng Ye glanced at Yan Sikong inexplicably and walked into the room, “What are you busy with?”

“Just woke up.” Yan Sikong yawned.

Looking around, Feng Ye frowned slightly, “Has anyone else been here?” Martial artists have extremely keen senses, and he felt something unusual in the room, but couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

Yan Sikong’s heart skipped a beat, yawning again as he wiped his face with a towel, saying, “No, no one.”

“Didn’t sleep well last night?”

“I slept fine, but these days have been exhausting. Even a night’s sleep isn’t enough to feel rested. I’m still very tired.” Yan Sikong turned to put on his outer robe.

Feng Ye walked to the bedside, suddenly bent down and felt the bedding with his hand. It was cold, and his expression darkened.

Yan Sikong finished dressing neatly before turning around. “Have you had breakfast? Are we going to visit Lord Ge now?”

“…I was waiting for you. Let’s go downstairs for breakfast.” Feng Ye looked at Yan Sikong intently.

“Let’s go.” Yan Sikong also looked at him, waiting for him to leave the room first, as he couldn’t leave without ensuring Feng Ye’s safety.

The two looked at each other for a moment, each with their own thoughts, before heading downstairs one after the other.

After breakfast, they went to the Governor’s Mansion with Liang Guang.

As they were led into the mansion by the gatekeeper, Yan Sikong felt the pressure of soon meeting Ge Zhong increasing with each breath. His fists clenched under his sleeves, his temples throbbed, and he needed immense self-control with every step he took.

“Lord Yan, are you alright?” Feng Ye saw Yan Sikong’s pale face and grew increasingly suspicious. From early morning until now, Yan Sikong’s actions had been very unusual.

Yan Sikong shook his head. “I’m just feeling a bit unwell, nothing serious.”

Eleven years ago, Feng Ye was only eight years old and naturally wouldn’t know that Ge Zhong was the censor who presided over the case of Yuan Mao. Yan Sikong was glad that Feng Ye was unaware, otherwise, he would have found it difficult to proceed.

Suddenly, a man with white sideburns walked out of the room. Thin and with a hooked nose, he seemed frail, with sunken eye sockets and a pale complexion, resembling a skeleton.

Yan Sikong felt like he had been punched in the chest. His body froze, a pang of pain in his chest, and his mind momentarily blank.

Ge Zhong!

Eleven years had passed, but his face was still deeply imprinted in Yan Sikong’s mind. He could recognize him at a glance!

Ge Zhong bowed from afar, “Your Highness, Lord Liang, forgive me for not welcoming you from afar.”

“Oh, Lord Ge.” Liang Guang hurriedly said, “You’ve just recovered from a serious illness, there’s no need for such formality.”

Feng Ye also bowed, “Lord Ge.”

Yan Sikong stared at Ge Zhong, his body as cold as ice, trembling uncontrollably.

This despicable old man, he wished he could devour him alive and skin him now!

“Lord Yan?” Feng Ye widened his eyes, looking at Yan Sikong, who was standing still, lost in thought. He couldn’t help but push him, “If you’re feeling unwell, you should go back and rest.”

Yan Sikong snapped out of his daze as if waking from a deep sleep. He straightened his robes and bowed deeply to Ge Zhong, his voice low and solemn, “Your Excellency, the Governor, I pay my respects.”

“Who is this?” Ge Zhong looked at Yan Sikong.

Liang Guang said, “This is Lord Yan Sikong, a double-degree scholar. He is currently serving as a tutor for the Crown Prince and has accompanied the army as a scribe to visit Kuizhou, where he has made several contributions.”

“Oh, Lord Yan is indeed a talented young man. It’s an honor to meet you.” Ge Zhong looked Yan Sikong up and down, feeling that this person seemed somewhat familiar, but he couldn’t recall where he had seen him.

Yan Sikong said, “I dare not. I am feeling unwell and a bit dizzy. I hope Your Excellency, the Governor, will forgive me.”

“It’s alright. I’ve just recovered from a serious illness myself, and I’m very weak.” Ge Zhong smiled, “Your Highness, gentlemen, please take a seat.”

Feng Ye and Yan Sikong followed behind. Feng Ye lowered his voice, “Let’s go back and have the physician prepare some medicine for you. You look like you’re about to pass out. I shouldn’t have brought you here.”

Yan Sikong waved his hand, “I’m just tired. I’ll have a good rest tonight, and I’ll be fine.”

After sitting down, Ge Zhong asked about the situation on the front lines, and Liang Guang responded truthfully.

When Chen Huan was mentioned, Ge Zhong sighed frequently.

Seizing the opportunity, Yan Sikong said, “I heard that Your Excellency, the Governor, had a close relationship with Prince Liang?”

Ge Zhong solemnly replied, “I had a personal friendship with Prince Liang when I was serving in the two lakes, but for him to commit such treason and rebellion, I cannot condone it.”

Yan Sikong praised, “Your Excellency, the Governor, understands righteousness deeply and is willing to risk his life to uphold justice. This loyalty and righteousness are exemplary to us all.”

Ge Zhong clasped his hands, “One’s loyalty should be as clear as the sun and moon. Those who serve should be prepared to give their all for the emperor’s great benevolence.”

Everyone complimented him.

Liang Guang mentioned the chaos in Jingzhou City and discussed with Ge Zhong how to rectify the military and civilians, as well as how to gather food and supplies to be transported to Dongting Lake.

Yan Sikong silently observed Ge Zhong, like a hunter eyeing its prey.

Rest tomorrow, mwah mwah~ (End of this chapter)