The Blood Crown - Chapter 88

Back at the inn, Feng Ye had been waiting for him for a long time and asked as soon as he saw him, “How did it go? Did Ge Zhong agree to sign?”

Yan Sikong replied, “He agreed to sign.”

“Really?”

“But he has a request.”

“Is it about his son?”

“Yes, it is. He wants the General himself to promise him.”

Feng Ye pondered, “His son’s matter isn’t that urgent. If we can get him to sign now, it will save a lot of trouble and time with this case once we return to the capital.”

“Exactly. Tomorrow, I will go persuade the General. I believe he also wants to resolve this case sooner rather than later. Otherwise, the Three Judicial Offices will keep investigating, and it will inevitably cause more complications.”

Feng Ye nodded, “You look very tired. Dealing with him must be exhausting.”

Yan Sikong said with a meaningful tone, “Not really. I have always hoped to face him myself.”

“I, on the other hand, am tired.” Feng Ye took a deep breath, “Everything is finally over. We’ve been out for almost half a year, but fortunately, we’ve fulfilled our mission, quelled the rebellion, and captured the insurgents. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have the face to return to the capital.”

“You’ve been at the forefront of the battle and made numerous achievements. You’ll surely return to the capital in glory. Prince Jingyuan will be so proud when he hears about it.”

Feng Ye said proudly, “He won’t dare to treat me like a child anymore.”

Yan Sikong chuckled, “In the eyes of your parents, you’ll always be a child.”

Feng Ye glanced at him sideways and reached out his hand, “What about in your eyes?”

Yan Sikong grabbed his hand, leaned in, and lightly kissed his lips, “You’re a strong and upright man.”

Feng Ye looked at him closely, “Why are your eyes red, like you’ve been crying?”

“It’s just the wind, blowing too hard.”

Yan Sikong reported Ge Zhong’s request truthfully to Zhao Fuyi and Liang Guang. After a brief discussion, they decided to agree to it.

The next morning, the army set off back to the capital.

With this, the rebellion and turmoil during the Zhaowu period came to an end. This battle was considered a potent remedy for the declining fortunes of the Chen dynasty, as it forcefully implemented the long-standing policy of reducing the power of the feudal lords, a task that previous emperors had been unable to accomplish.

However, the stories within this are difficult to condense into a few words in the history books, and they are even more bloody and tragic than what the world knows.

As soon as Ge Zhong and the others arrived in the capital, they were thrown into the prison, and everything related to their case was handed over to the Three Judicial Offices by Zhao Fuyi himself.

However, most of them, including Ge Zhong, had already signed, so the Three Judicial Offices just reorganized the case according to the imperial decree to see if there were any discrepancies, with almost no possibility of overturning the verdict.

And those who had contributed to this victory were waiting for rewards from the court.

Upon returning to the capital, Yan Sikong went to visit Yan Zilian and report on the various aspects of the rebellion suppression campaign.

Yan Zilian, after listening, sighed, “This victory was achieved thanks to General Zhao and Sir Liang, but you and the Crown Prince also made invaluable contributions.”

“The Crown Prince was brave and contributed greatly.”

Yan Zilian looked at Yan Sikong with appreciation, “Sikong, you haven’t disappointed me. This was your first expedition with the army, yet you achieved such great success. It wasn’t in vain that I put so much effort into teaching and guiding you.”

Yan Sikong quickly stood up and bowed deeply, “Thank you, Master. If it weren’t for your teachings and guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Yan Zilian smiled, “Please, sit.”

Yan Sikong sat back down.

Yan Zilian continued, “I’ve been thinking of transferring you to the Ministry of Personnel’s Bureau of Selection…”

Yan Sikong’s eyes widened, and he seemed excited, as if he was about to stand up and bow again.

Yan Zilian chuckled and waved his hand, “Stay seated and listen to me.”

Yan Sikong’s excitement wasn’t all feigned. Among the four major bureaus of the court, the Ministry of Personnel’s Bureau of Selection, the Ministry of War’s Military Selection Bureau, and the Arsenal Bureau were the most coveted, as they respectively handled the promotion and appointment of civil and military officials, wielding considerable power. If he could get a position in one of these bureaus, even if it was just a minor official position, it would be like soaring to the sky.

Yan Sikong’s original goal was to enter one of these four bureaus, even if it took him ten years. Once he had control over personnel appointments, he could then strategize and advance further. He had never expected that Yan Zilian would offer him such a coveted position on a silver platter. How could he not be thrilled?

Of course, Yan Zilian’s decision wasn’t solely because he appreciated Yan Sikong’s abilities and wanted to promote him quickly. In reality, it was to install his own eyes and ears in the Ministry of Personnel, gradually eroding Xie Zhongren’s power.

“You also know that the Ministry of Personnel has been under Xie Zhongren’s control all along. The appointment and punishment of civil officials were almost entirely at his discretion. But after Wang Shengsheng’s demotion, he couldn’t dominate the ministry single-handedly. Now, due to Ge Zhong’s matter, the Emperor is quite displeased, and it allows me to place aristocratic officials in there.”

“But how could Xie Zhongren be willing to let you place others under his nose?”

“That’s exactly why I recommended you. Currently, one of the three principal officials of the Ministry of Personnel’s Bureau of Selection is vacant. It’s reasonable to transfer from the Hanlin Academy. Originally, your qualifications were still young, and you were too young, inevitably attracting criticism. But you have made military achievements in the two lakes and have been the Crown Prince’s study partner. This is an unparalleled opportunity.”

“Thank you, Master.” Yan Sikong bowed, “I will never forget Master’s kindness and trust.”

Yan Zilian said, “Don’t rush to thank me. I’m not entirely certain, and even if I do manage to get you into the Bureau of Selection, it won’t necessarily be a good thing for you. It’s Xie Zhongren’s domain, with many of his followers. Once you go in, you’ll inevitably face ostracism. It’s easy to dodge a spear in the light, but hard to guard against a dagger in the dark. Do you understand?”

“I understand.”

“Of course, I will do my best to protect you, but you also need to be cautious and deliberate. I chose you over Hexuan because you are more agile, more knowledgeable about human affairs, and more adaptable. Among my disciples, besides you, I couldn’t find a more suitable candidate. Sikong, I am counting on you from now on. You should consult with me on everything and think twice before acting.”

Yan Sikong stood up solemnly and knelt down on the ground, “I will never disappoint Master’s kindness.”

Yan Zilian nodded in satisfaction.

The case of Prince Liang had not yet been adjudicated, but the imperial decree for court rewards had already been issued.

Zhao Fuyi, Di Rong, Liang Guang, and others were credited with the greatest achievements, receiving promotions and titles. Feng Ye was appointed as a commander of the guard, with the rank of fourth grade, while Yan Sikong, recommended by Yan Zilian’s faction, entered the Ministry of Personnel’s Bureau of Selection as a principal official of sixth grade. Although a principal official was the lowest-ranking official in the six ministries, they bore most of the workload, thus holding real power. Even as a sixth-grade minor official, everyone sought to curry favor with them.

Yan Sikong had taken a significant step forward, inevitably attracting envy and resentment, especially from Xie Zhongren’s faction, but it was too late to change anything.

When Yan Sikong received the rewards in the grand hall, besides seeing the joyful eyes of Yan Zilian, Feng Ye, and Chen Mei, he also felt a cold, probing gaze, coming from the eunuch who held the seal in the court, Xie Zhongren.

It was the first time Xie Zhongren had looked at Yan Sikong directly, or rather, the first time he had become aware of Yan Sikong’s existence.

Yan Sikong concealed his emotions well, so Xie Zhongren wouldn’t know what turmoil was brewing inside him. It was like an abyss, eager to drag this eunuch into the depths.

He knew that at this moment, in Xie Zhongren’s eyes, he was just a young, inexperienced, slightly talented, insignificant ant. As long as he dared to make the slightest deviation, he could be crushed at any time. But sooner or later, he would stand in front of Xie Zhongren, watching the old thief’s fearful eyes, unable to survive, unable to die.

Yan Sikong glanced at the Nine Five Supreme on the Golden Luang Temple, representing supreme power, emitting a shining golden light, as if silently calling out to him.

Father, can you see me? I will go higher and further, until I trample everyone underfoot!

A new chapter begins~ (End of this chapter)

“Nine Five Supreme” refers to the Chinese title “九五至尊 (jiǔwǔ zhìzūn),” which historically refers to the emperor, specifically during the Ming and Qing dynasties, as they were considered the supreme authority. It represents the highest power in the hierarchy.

As for “Golden Luang Temple” (金銮殿 jīnluándiàn), which is a grand ceremonial hall within the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. It’s where major imperial ceremonies and events were held during the Ming and Qing dynasties.