The Blood Crown - Chapter 93

When Yan Sikong returned to his residence from the palace, he deliberately had the coachman take a detour past the Prince of Jingyuan’s mansion—he had bought a carriage since his promotion.

He lifted the curtain and quietly observed the grand golden-red carved gate. In the past, he came and went freely here, but now, although the mansion remained as calm as ever, the turbulence lay within people’s hearts.

As the carriage moved on and turned a corner, the mansion disappeared from view. Yan Sikong let the curtain fall, his gaze wandering around the narrow, dim carriage interior. He felt a suffocating sense of loneliness.

Was this the end for him and Feng Ye?

He knew he had disappointed Feng Ye. The youth in Feng Ye’s memory was Yuan Sikong, a young man of noble character with lofty ambitions to drive out the invaders and save the people. But now, he had become Yan Sikong, full of schemes and hatred, willing to deceive and use even his closest companion.

He and Feng Ye had always been a fleeting romance, shrouded in mist and water, without a clear beginning or end. Perhaps Feng Ye had been dazzled by a false light in him, or it was just the innocence of first love, the most sincere moment of one’s life. In any case, Feng Ye had grown up and seen his true nature. Ending it here was probably the best conclusion.

This way, it wouldn’t disturb his mind any further and would avoid future troubles.

It was for the best.

But now that Feng Ye knew his true intentions, would he turn his love into hate and obstruct him?

Then he thought, Feng Ye wasn’t the type to use underhanded tricks. He was always proud, straightforward, unrestrained, and fearless. Such a high-spirited youth, who loved him without reservation, would never come again.

Yan Sikong closed his eyes, softly murmuring that name, but only emptiness responded.

It had been more than a month since Yan Sikong last saw Feng Ye after leaving Jingshan. The weather grew colder, and winter had arrived.

Yan Sikong found himself frustrated in the Ministry of Personnel. Most people there were loyal to Xie Zhongren and were highly wary of him. They were polite on the surface but wouldn’t let him handle many tasks. Since taking office, he had been sidelined. The more this happened, the more he had to remain idle, to lull Xie Zhongren into complacency. If they detected his ambitions, he might soon face disaster.

So, like when he first joined the Hanlin Academy, being too weak meant he had to hide his talents and bide his time.

One day, with nothing to do, he returned to Wenyuan Pavilion to visit his former colleagues and teachers. Although he had left the Hanlin Academy, he kept abreast of all the major and minor events in the court through close contacts with Yan Zilian, Liang Sui, and others.

He had always been well-connected in the Hanlin Academy, and now that he was in the Ministry of Personnel, the scholars were even keener to befriend him. They gathered in small groups to chat and debate, except for one person who ignored Yan Sikong and focused on his work.

That person was Shen Hexuan.

After chatting for a while, Yan Sikong excused himself and walked over to Shen Hexuan’s desk.

Shen Hexuan, hearing the movement, looked up. Seeing Yan Sikong, he stood up calmly and bowed slightly. “Minister Yan.”

“No need for formalities,” Yan Sikong returned the bow. “It’s been a while. How have you been?”

“Everything is fine.”

“I heard you had a son recently. I was away with the army and couldn’t come to celebrate. Don’t forget to invite me to his first birthday celebration.”

Shen Hexuan smiled slightly. “He’s just a baby; celebrations mean nothing to him. It’s just a formality among adults. No need to bother.”

Yan Sikong thought he had gotten used to Shen Hexuan’s indifference and strictness over the years, but perhaps it had been too long since their last interaction, and he still felt awkward.

He knew what Shen Hexuan thought of him: jealousy over his promotion, given Shen Hexuan’s extraordinary talent and his own skill at flattery, and disdain for those who ingratiated themselves with him. Thus, Shen Hexuan deliberately kept his distance.

To Yan Sikong, Shen Hexuan was an interesting person: upright, noble, loyal, diligent, holding himself to the highest moral standards and others to none. Despite his difficult personality, no one could deny he was a model loyal official, an example for all. Because so few could achieve his standards, he seemed out of place.

A dynasty needed such officials. Yan Sikong even envisioned Shen Hexuan as the future prime minister under Chen Mu, as it was natural for a teacher to enter the cabinet. Having someone like Shen Hexuan in power would balance out ambitious people like himself.

Looking at Shen Hexuan’s stern face, Yan Sikong felt both admiration and a wish for his disappearance, smiling bitterly inside.

For now, he, Chen Mu, and even Yan Zilian needed Shen Hexuan. He was an excellent tutor and a capable assistant.

Therefore, Yan Sikong paid no mind to Shen Hexuan’s coldness and smiled. “I’ve been away from the capital for six months, neglecting the Crown Prince’s education. It’s all thanks to your diligence. Could I talk with you about this?”

Shen Hexuan never neglected his duties. “Of course.”

The two sat facing each other. Yan Sikong started with some trivial matters, such as the Empress Dowager asking Zhu Lanting to guide the Crown Prince in martial arts and how the Crown Prince was excelling in both literary and martial pursuits, which was gratifying. After this, he changed the topic to mention that Noble Consort Wen had been frequently visiting the Eastern Palace lately, implying potential misconduct.

Shen Hexuan fell silent after hearing this.

Yan Sikong knew that Shen Hexuan had always been reluctant to get involved in political factions. As the Crown Prince’s tutor, Shen Hexuan focused solely on teaching and enlightening the prince, without intending to embroil himself in the struggle for succession. Yan Sikong’s sudden remarks were clearly meant to test his attitude.

Yan Sikong continued, “Brother Shen, the Empress Dowager is unwell, so she sent Commander Zhu to assist His Highness, fearing that the Crown Prince’s position might be threatened in the future. The Second Prince’s maternal family holds significant power. Surely, Brother Shen does not believe that His Highness has firmly secured his position as heir, do you?”

Shen Hexuan frowned. “The succession should be decided by His Majesty. We shouldn’t even be discussing it.”

“That is incorrect. ‘If there is a legitimate heir, establish the legitimate one; if not, establish the eldest,’ is an ancient principle. Firstly, His Highness is intelligent and eager to learn, broad-minded and kind-hearted, destined to be a wise and virtuous ruler, heralding the revival of our Da Sheng Dynasty. Secondly, Brother Shen, as the Crown Prince’s tutor, has high hopes for him. For the sake of the country, the people, and even yourself, Brother Shen should do everything in his power to support His Highness’s ascent to the throne.”

Shen Hexuan responded coldly, “Lord Yan, are you not exaggerating? Your suspicion about Noble Consort Wen is merely speculation. His Highness is already the Crown Prince; his ascension to the throne is only a matter of time.”

Yan Sikong smiled. “Brother Shen, you’re exceptionally intelligent. I can’t believe you don’t see the current situation clearly. Indeed, as you said, my suspicion might be baseless. But if, unfortunately, my words come true in the future…” Yan Sikong became serious, “I hope Brother Shen will join me in giving our all for His Highness.”

Shen Hexuan remained silent, but Yan Sikong knew his words had taken effect. If Shen Hexuan had intended to refuse, he would have said so directly, without evasion.

Ever since Yan Sikong had encountered Noble Consort Wen in the Eastern Palace, he had foreseen a storm brewing against Chen Mu. When that time came, they would definitely need someone like Shen Hexuan, whose profound knowledge and analytical skills could help Chen Mu navigate the crisis.

AN – A bit of writer’s block today, so this chapter is shorter~ (End of Chapter)