The Blood Crown - Side Story 2: Waning Moon (Part 2)

Side Story 2: Waning Moon (Part 2)

 

The journey from Datong to the capital was not particularly long, but the convoy carrying the tribute could not move quickly. Exposed to wind, sun, and rain along the way, it was indeed arduous. Yuan Nanyu had not slept on a soft, fragrant bed for a long time, and he slept for more than half a day.

 

When he woke up, he found the courtyard of the guesthouse where he stayed piled high with large wooden chests. The luxurious materials of the chests were unmistakably of imperial origin, clearly rewards from Chen Mu.

 

A eunuch was sitting in the pavilion drinking tea, attended by several younger eunuchs.

 

Seeing Yuan Nanyu, the senior eunuch rose and walked over. This was none other than Eunuch Sun Mo, who had been standing beside Chen Mu during the morning court session. Sun Mo had once served Consort Hui.

 

After Chen Mu returned to the capital, Sun Mo rose from an ordinary eunuch in the Imperial Kitchen to the chief eunuch by the emperor’s side. He likely never imagined that dutifully serving an unpopular concubine and her neglected prince would one day lead to his meteoric rise.

 

Sun Mo looked at Yuan Nanyu with a smiling face. “His Majesty truly favors you, General. He specifically ordered this old servant not to disturb your rest. I have been waiting for you to wake up.”

 

“Eunuch Sun,” Yuan Nanyu cupped his hands, his indifference unhidden.

 

Sun Mo cleared his throat. “Yuan Nanyu, receive the imperial decree.”

 

Yuan Nanyu knelt with a cold expression.

 

Sun Mo proclaimed Chen Mu’s rewards aloud. As Yuan Nanyu listened to the astonishing list of gifts, he thought to himself, Truly, a petty man in power.

 

After accepting the decree, Yuan Nanyu said, “I trouble you, Eunuch Sun. I am still weary, so I won’t keep you for a meal.”

 

Sun Mo wasn’t offended, maintaining his smile. “You might want to try the restorative tea His Majesty sent. It’s a tribute from the southern provinces with remarkable effects.”

 

“No need. My skin is thick, and two days of rest will suffice. No need to waste good things.” Yuan Nanyu stared directly at Sun Mo, his gaze plainly spelling out, Leave.

 

“General,” Sun Mo said, unfazed, “His Majesty will host a banquet tomorrow evening to welcome you. You should rest well and refresh yourself. Look at you—tsk, tsk—such a handsome face, yet not even a hint of a smile.”

 

Yuan Nanyu shot Sun Mo a sidelong glance.

 

Sun Mo continued, unconcerned. “Once you’re well-rested and energized, you must take the opportunity at the banquet to show your gratitude for His Majesty’s…”

 

“Eunuch Sun,” Yuan Nanyu interrupted, his gaze icy and commanding, “I have followed Prince Zhenbei in battle for years. Smiles and pleasantries don’t lead soldiers. Over time, I’ve forgotten how to smile.”

 

Sun Mo chuckled awkwardly. “What a pity.”

 

“Someone, come,” Yuan Nanyu called for his attendants. “Bring Eunuch Sun and the younger eunuchs some ‘specialties’ from Datong.”

 

Hearing the word “specialties,” Sun Mo’s eyes lit up again.

 

Yuan Nanyu cupped his hands. “Eunuch Sun, farewell.”

 

After Sun Mo left, Yuan Nanyu exhaled deeply.

 

If he followed his temper, he would have thrown Sun Mo out earlier. Pleasing Chen Mu? Absolute nonsense.

 

Yet he recalled Yan Sikong’s advice before departure: Make friends where you can, and if not, avoid making enemies. Now, whatever Yuan Nanyu did, he would think about how Yan Sikong would handle it. While this approach occasionally caused him unnecessary frustration, it might save him from greater trouble in the future.

 

—

 

Before the banquet, Chen Mu sent over several sets of luxurious robes to the Jianjia Residence. Yuan Nanyu casually chose one.

 

As a maid helped him dress, the steward flattered from the side, “General Yuan is truly one of the most handsome and imposing men alive. Your looks resemble Lord Yan’s, but Lord Yan carries a scholarly air, whereas you are more masculine and commanding.”

 

The maid adjusting Yuan Nanyu’s jade belt stole a glance at him, her cheeks turning crimson.

 

Yuan Nanyu ignored the steward, gazing indifferently at his reflection in the mirror. Yan Sikong often said that good looks were no boon for a man, and he was right. This face had never brought Yuan Nanyu any benefit—only trouble.

 

For example, tonight’s banquet was unlikely to end smoothly.

 

—

 

Upon entering the palace, Yuan Nanyu was led straight to Qianqing Palace.

 

Banquets held in the palace had strict rules about location. Festivals, celebrations, receptions for foreign envoys, and the like were all held in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Only family banquets were hosted in Qianqing Palace.

 

First lodging Yuan Nanyu at the Jianjia Residence, then hosting the banquet in Qianqing Palace—these arrangements were enough to fuel endless gossip, much to Yuan Nanyu’s frustration.

 

When Yuan Nanyu arrived at Qianqing Palace, he discovered that this banquet was for him alone. Though the palace wasn’t as grand as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the solitary table in the vast hall made the atmosphere feel both empty and unsettling. Standing outside the hall, he noticed the eunuchs, maids, and guards all staring at him intently, making him reluctant to step inside.

 

The eunuch guiding him said respectfully, “General Yuan, please enter.”

 

“Chen—” Yuan Nanyu caught himself. “Ahem, where is His Majesty?”

 

The eunuch covered his mouth with his sleeve, smiling. “General Yuan may not be familiar with palace etiquette. Where His Majesty is and when he arrives is not for us to inquire about. Please wait inside.”

 

Yuan Nanyu narrowed his eyes and strode inside, about to sit at the table.

 

The eunuch rushed over. “General, General,” he gestured, indicating that Yuan Nanyu could not sit yet.

 

Yuan Nanyu rolled his eyes impatiently and stood before the table.

 

Before meeting Feng Ye, Yuan Nanyu hadn’t understood master-servant formalities. Afterward, their relationship was more like that of brothers or friends, free of such constraints. Therefore, he was unfamiliar with palace etiquette, and now that Chen Mu was his monarch, he had even less interest in learning.

 

After waiting a long while, Chen Mu finally arrived, surrounded by attendants. He was dressed in casual attire, which, compared to the expansive sleeves and long robes of imperial regalia, highlighted his tall, elegant figure. This young and striking emperor would undoubtedly inspire generations of poets and writers.

 

Yuan Nanyu knelt on one knee. “This humble subject greets Your Majesty.”

 

Chen Mu gracefully took his seat. “Rise.”

 

Yuan Nanyu stood, his expression blank as he looked at Chen Mu.

 

Chen Mu waved lightly. “Sit, my dear subject.”

 

Yuan Nanyu cupped his hands. “May I ask why this welcoming banquet is for me alone?”

 

“I said I would personally host this banquet for you. Is there something improper about that?” Chen Mu said with a smile. “Or does General Yuan think that even my personal attendance is insufficient and that I should have invited the three grand ministers and nine senior officials to join us?”

 

Anger flickered in Yuan Nanyu’s eyes. “This subject wouldn’t dare. I am overwhelmed by Your Majesty’s favor.”

 

“Then sit,” Chen Mu said.

 

Yuan Nanyu turned and sat down. A palace maid immediately poured wine for him, while eunuchs filed in cautiously, carrying dishes one by one and placing them on Yuan Nanyu’s table.

 

Looking at the table filled with fine wine and delicacies, Yuan Nanyu remained tense.

 

Chen Mu looked down at Yuan Nanyu from above, taking in every expression on his face. He swirled his wine cup. “Beloved subject, you’ve traveled all the way from Datong to the capital. Surely, you must have encountered many interesting sights along the way. Why not share them?”

 

Yuan Nanyu responded stiffly, “Rushing along every day, there was nothing noteworthy.”

 

“And this being your second time entering the capital, do you find anything different from before?”

 

“Other than the emperor changing, nothing else has changed.”

 

Sun Mo immediately raised his sharp voice, “How bold—”

 

Chen Mu raised his hand to stop him and looked at Yuan Nanyu with a low laugh. “Well said. But even this one difference makes a world of difference.”

 

Yuan Nanyu looked at Chen Mu with some defiance. “What does Your Majesty wish to hear? Why not say it directly?”

 

Chen Mu squinted slightly. “There’s much I wish to hear from you.” As he spoke, he lightly licked his lips.

 

The blatant gaze filled with desire made Yuan Nanyu tremble. Memories of those eyes suddenly brought forth vivid, debauched images in his mind. He immediately felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, his face burning as though on fire.

 

Chen Mu burst into laughter. “Come now, have this cup.”

 

Yuan Nanyu picked up the cup of wine before him, hesitating slightly as he glanced at Chen Mu.

 

Chen Mu smirked. “What’s this? Are you uneasy about the wine?”

 

Yuan Nanyu knew he was being overly cautious, but with past incidents as warnings, hesitation was inevitable.

 

Chen Mu taunted, “Killing or punishing you would be as simple as turning my hand. Do you truly fear just a cup of wine?”

 

Yuan Nanyu coldly replied, “Your servant dares not.” With that, he drained the wine in one gulp.

 

Chen Mu nodded in satisfaction, raising his own cup toward Yuan Nanyu before casually finishing it as well.

 

Chen Mu repeatedly found excuses to make Yuan Nanyu drink several more cups of wine. With his mediocre tolerance, Yuan Nanyu soon resorted to forcing the alcohol out through internal energy, afraid of truly becoming drunk.

 

At this point, Chen Mu began asking about the situation in Datong.

 

His questions were sharp and hard to avoid, with the slightest misstep risking a trap. Thankfully, before leaving, Yan Sikong had gone over potential inquiries from Chen Mu and how to respond. Yuan Nanyu strained to stay clear-headed as he navigated through the conversation.

 

Seeing that he couldn’t extract anything substantial, Chen Mu finally gave up.

 

Yuan Nanyu had barely started to feel relieved when he noticed Chen Mu standing with his wine cup, descending the steps one step at a time toward him.

 

Yuan Nanyu instantly stood up, his whole body tense as he watched Chen Mu warily.

 

Chen Mu smiled. “Why so tense? Sit down.” With that, he dropped himself onto the cushion and even patted the spot beside him.

 

Yuan Nanyu’s face darkened, and he muttered in a low voice, “Your servant dares not.”

 

“When I say sit down, you sit down.”

 

“Rulers and subjects have their distinctions. Your servant dares not sit as an equal to Your Majesty.”

 

Chen Mu’s deep, narrow eyes locked onto Yuan Nanyu. In an undeniable tone, he commanded, “I said, sit down.”

 

Yuan Nanyu clenched his teeth, glaring at Chen Mu. After a moment of stalemate, he finally sat down beside him.

 

Leaning against the low table, Chen Mu propped his chin with one hand and swirled his wine cup with the other, his gaze languid and unabashedly suggestive as it lingered on Yuan Nanyu.

 

In a voice only the two of them could hear, Yuan Nanyu growled through clenched teeth, “What are you trying to do?”

 

Chen Mu chuckled. “Do you regret not killing me with that arrow back then?”

 

Yuan Nanyu stared coldly at him.

 

“You missed a great opportunity.” Chen Mu tilted his chin, his slightly drunken demeanor unable to conceal the arrogance on his face. “Now I’m the emperor. I can do whatever I want.”

 

Yuan Nanyu squinted. “Are you not afraid I’ll kill you now?”

 

“You didn’t dare back then, and you won’t dare now,” Chen Mu said, raising his eyebrows. “Because you don’t want to die, nor do you want to implicate Feng Ye and Yan Sikong.”

 

“Times are different now. Perhaps your death would be more beneficial to them.”

 

“If that’s the case, what are you waiting for?” Chen Mu said with a smile. “You’re bluffing, aren’t you? What is it? Are you afraid I’ll…” He suddenly leaned in close to Yuan Nanyu, speaking suggestively, “…take you as my favorite?”

 

Yuan Nanyu’s fists clenched so tightly they cracked. He retorted sarcastically, “With so many beauties in your harem, surely Your Majesty wouldn’t stoop so low.”

 

Chen Mu laughed lowly, his gaze roaming freely over Yuan Nanyu. “None of them compare to you, General.”

 

Yuan Nanyu, infuriated, swung a punch at Chen Mu’s chest, but Chen Mu sidestepped and caught his wrist in a firm grip.

 

Although their exchange was concealed beneath the table, the commotion was enough to draw the suspicion of the guards. “Your Majesty—”

 

“It’s fine. Stand down,” Chen Mu ordered, dismissing them. He tightened his grip on Yuan Nanyu’s wrist, exerting force that left Yuan Nanyu trembling in pain and breaking out in a cold sweat.

 

Chen Mu smirked. “Do you know why I didn’t kill Zhu Lanting?”

Yuan Nanyu pressed his lips together and remained silent.

“First, he treated me well in the past, and I do hold onto old affections. Second, he is the top martial artist in the palace and the best instructor. With him here, my skills will eventually surpass yours,” Chen Mu said as he flung Yuan Nanyu’s arm aside, sneering. “Yuan Nanyu, I am the ruler, and you are the subject. Whatever I command, how dare you utter a single ‘no’?”

Yuan Nanyu replied coldly, “And if I refuse? Will you kill me?”

“Killing you would be too dull,” Chen Mu said, his gaze icy, chilling to the bone. “What I want is submission—yours, the world’s, all living beings’—because I am the emperor!”

There was no fear in Yuan Nanyu’s eyes. “And if I refuse?”

Chen Mu enunciated each word clearly: “Then I will make you submit.”