The Blood Crown - Chapter 92

Yan Sikong, under the guidance of the eunuch, walked toward the Eastern Palace. Since his return to the capital, he had only hurriedly paid his respects to the Crown Prince in the main hall, and the two had not met in private.

Suddenly, a sharp voice from the eunuch ahead rang out: “Consort Wen is arriving, all officials step aside—”

Yan Sikong glimpsed a figure in dark green from afar, graceful as a willow in the wind, surrounded by a large group of eunuchs and female attendants. He took two steps back and knelt at the side of the corridor, prostrating his face to the ground.

By law, officials were not allowed to enter the inner palace, but he was an exception as he lectured the Crown Prince. Still, encountering the Emperor’s concubines required averted eyes.

Footsteps approached, growing louder and more chaotic. Yan Sikong watched a parade of colorful hems and shoes float past his eyes—such pomp and circumstance for one person’s arrival.

This Consort Wen was the favored concubine of Emperor Zhaowu, daughter of Minister of War Wen Youchi. Not only was she beautiful, but also highly talented. She had borne Emperor Zhaowu a prince and a princess. The second prince was only two years younger than Chen Mu.

Back then, Emperor Zhaowu had struggled for nearly ten years with the ministers to establish the second prince as the Crown Prince. Ultimately, he had to designate the eldest prince, Chen Mu, who had a weak foundation and unstable position. In contrast, the second prince had the backing of Consort Wen and Wen Youchi. Although Xie Zhongren did not openly participate in the succession disputes, the power of the eunuchs extended the Emperor’s power, balancing the chancellors. Hence, as long as Chen Mu had not ascended to the throne, their ambitions remained.

After Consort Wen passed, Yan Sikong stood up and asked the eunuch beside him, “Why would Consort Wen come from the direction of the Eastern Palace?”

The eunuch whispered, “She might have gone to chat with Consort Hui.”

Yan Sikong’s expression darkened.

Upon entering the Eastern Palace, he saw from afar that Chen Mu was practicing swordsmanship.

In just half a year, the youth had grown considerably, beginning to resemble a young adult. His long sword danced gracefully with his agile movements, silver flashes blooming like flowers in the air. His swordplay alternated between fierce and gentle, each move exquisitely precise and formidable, compelling admiration.

Yan Sikong was surprised by Chen Mu’s rapid progress. Looking to the side, he saw that Chen Mu was being instructed by Zhu Lanting, the commander of the Imperial Guards, reputed as the best martial artist in the palace. This man, around thirty years old, stood tall with a high nose and broad forehead, exuding exceptional prowess.

Chen Mu spotted Yan Sikong, his eyes lighting up. He executed a beautiful spin, landed, sheathed his sword in one fluid motion, and then rushed over, calling “Teacher” as if he had long been awaiting him.

Yan Sikong was about to bow, but Chen Mu quickly supported him, “Teacher, no need for formalities.” Chen Mu stared at Yan Sikong without blinking, “Teacher, you look so weary. Have you been overworking yourself?”

Yan Sikong smiled slightly, “I have been busy familiarizing myself with the numerous duties at the Ministry of Personnel, hence the delay in paying respects to Your Highness. Please forgive me.” In reality, he had ridden for two hours yesterday to return to the city and had not slept all night. Even now, standing before the Crown Prince, he couldn’t shake off the image of Feng Ye’s shocked, angry, and disappointed face.

“Teacher, there’s no need for such politeness with me.”

Zhu Lanting also approached, and they exchanged courtesies.

“Greetings, Commander Zhu.”

“Minister Yan is too kind.” Zhu Lanting then bowed to Chen Mu, “Your Highness, it is time for your lesson. I will take my leave.”

“Take care, Commander Zhu. Please come back another time to teach me.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Chen Mu led Yan Sikong inside, “Teacher, during your expedition, I kept up with the battle reports, eagerly awaiting your victorious return. As expected, you accomplished many feats.”

Yan Sikong recited the usual modest words, disclaiming credit, and then asked, “Your Highness, your swordsmanship has greatly improved. Commander Zhu must be an excellent teacher.”

“Yes.” Chen Mu nodded. Although more precocious than his peers, he couldn’t help but feel proud, “My archery is even better. I’ll show you next time.”

“Why is Commander Zhu instructing you?”

Zhu Lanting, as commander of the Imperial Guards, was the personal guard of the Emperor, similar to Zhao Fuyi’s Jingshan Army, but Zhao Fuyi managed the city’s defenses, while the Imperial Guards primarily protected the palace, answering only to the Emperor.

Such a close-guard commander would usually be appointed by the Emperor’s trusted confidants. Zhu Lanting was no exception; he was the grandnephew of the Empress Dowager, whose family wielded significant power among the nobility.

It was not easy for an ordinary person to invite such a figure, unless…

“It was my Imperial Grandmother,” said Chen Mu.

As expected, it was the Empress Dowager. She had wisely protected the Crown Prince during the succession struggles, ensuring that Emperor Zhaowu hesitated, thus allowing Chen Mu to eventually become the Crown Prince.

“How is the Empress Dowager’s health recently?”

Chen Mu lowered his voice sorrowfully, “Not well. I visit her daily, but sometimes she doesn’t recognize me.”

Yan Sikong sighed. The Empress Dowager was Chen Mu’s greatest protector. If she were to fall, the situation would become even more perilous.

The two of them entered the study, where Chen Mu showed Yan Sikong the documents on the table. “I completed all the assignments you gave me, Teacher. These days, Mr. Shen has been teaching me, and I haven’t slacked off for a single day.”

“Your Highness’s diligence and eagerness to learn are the fortune of the country and the blessing of the people.”

Chen Mu smiled. “You still praise me, but Mr. Shen,” he pointed to his head, “always wants to pry open my brain and pour knowledge into it. He is never satisfied.”

“Mr. Shen is a great scholar and an extraordinary talent in the world. He knows Your Highness is exceptionally intelligent and naturally has high expectations. Therefore, he is strict for your own good.”

“I understand.” Chen Mu gently caressed the scrolls. “I know who treats me well.”

Yan Sikong nodded in relief and asked, “I just ran into Consort Wen on the way. The eunuch said she came to chat with Consort Hui?”

Chen Mu frowned. “Yes, it’s not the first time. Recently, she has frequently shown goodwill to my mother.”

“Have you reminded Consort Hui to be cautious?”

Chen Mu’s face showed worry. “Of course, but my mother… she is uneducated, simple, and timid. Consort Wen is skilled in manipulating people and seems friendly and respectful to my mother. My mother has completely forgotten how she used to oppress us.”

Yan Sikong shook his head, filled with concern. “If something unusual is happening, there must be a reason. Consort Wen certainly has ulterior motives. Whether she is trying to ingratiate herself or has other schemes, she must not succeed. You must seriously discuss this with Consort Hui and be vigilant, keeping your distance.”

“Don’t worry, Teacher.”

Yan Sikong tightly grasped Chen Mu’s hand and looked deeply into the young Crown Prince’s eyes. “Your Highness, you are the future ruler of the realm. But as long as the future is not yet here, countless villains will try to obstruct you. For now, I won’t delve into the strategies of kingship with you, but you must remember one thing.”

“Please tell me, Teacher.”

“Be wary of everyone, doubt everyone, and trust only yourself.”

Chen Mu hesitated, pursing his red lips, and solemnly replied, “Understood.”

Only then did Yan Sikong nod in satisfaction. He straightened his posture, picked up a book, and prepared to start the lesson.

“Teacher,” Chen Mu said, stopping him from opening the book. “We don’t need to rush into lessons today. Tell me in detail about the campaign to suppress the rebellion. Tell me how you persuaded the rebel army in Kuizhou with your eloquence, and how you and the heir of the Prince of Jingyuan crossed Nanyue Mountain and Qingxu Valley to launch a surprise attack on Yueyang within ten days!” His eyes sparkled with excitement. “I heard that Feng Ye had the strength of a demigod, able to wield a one-stone spear and draw a two-stone bow. Is that true?”

Yan Sikong’s body stiffened. Kuizhou, Nanyue Mountain, Qingxu Valley, Yueyang—these were all places where he and Feng Ye had risked their lives and fought together, forging a deep bond. Especially in Qingxu Valley, where they fought side by side, it was a near-death experience. But now…

“Teacher, Teacher?” Chen Mu waved his hand in front of Yan Sikong’s face, bringing him out of his reverie.

Yan Sikong snapped out of it. “Uh, Your Highness…”

“What’s wrong, Teacher?” Chen Mu asked with concern. “You don’t look well. Are you sick?” He placed his palm on Yan Sikong’s forehead.

“I’m… I just remembered the brutality of the rebellion. It was my first time on the battlefield,” Yan Sikong lowered his head to hide his feelings.

“I understand,” Chen Mu said gravely. “Ruins and broken walls, rivers of blood, a general’s success built on the bones of thousands—what a scene it must be.”

“I hope Your Highness will never have to see such things. May our great Sheng dynasty enjoy peace and prosperity.”

Chen Mu interrupted him, speaking bluntly, “I don’t like it when you talk to me with such platitudes. You and I both know it’s impossible.”

Yan Sikong was momentarily stunned, overwhelmed by the sudden surge of imperial authority from the young prince. This boy had indeed grown up; his youthful face could no longer hide his kingly demeanor. Yan Sikong couldn’t help but bow. “You are right, Your Highness. I will no longer treat you like a child.”

Chen Mu smiled again. “That’s the best. Teacher, tell me about the campaign. I’m eager to hear it.”

Yan Sikong smiled helplessly and closed the book. “Alright. Half a year ago, I went to war with the Jingshan army in the Two Lakes region…”

AN – Hoping the young prince would grow up quickly, just giggling (End of this chapter).