The Blood Crown

Chahar slaughtered cattle and sheep, sang and danced to welcome guests from afar.

The scene seemed to be very enthusiastic, but only the authorities could see that there were dangers everywhere, especially for Yan Sikong, it was a grand banquet.

Not long after Yan Sikong and Feng Ye sat down, they heard the guard shout: "Dasheng envoy has arrived—"

This time the envoys, excluding the guards, consisted of 13 people, headed by Ren Zhuo, the Prime Minister of Honglu Temple, and two censors, as well as some documents and personal guards. Ren Zhuo brought the censor to the banquet this time There are two clerks and two guards.

Yan Sikong and Ren Zhuo are acquainted. They had official contacts in the court in the past, but they didn't have much friendship. Ren Zhuo's political achievements were not outstanding, and he was not born in the Imperial Academy. , and also proficient in Mongolian and Jurchen, he is the best choice for envoys.

Seeing Ren Zhuo coming in, Yan Sikong looked at them calmly.

Ren Zhuo walked into the tent, looked around first, found Yan Sikong, smiled contemptuously, and then saluted Na Dahan.

After giving the gift, Ren Zhuo turned around and looked at Yan Sikong with disdain on his face: "Hey, Prince Consort Yan, Lord Yan, long time no see, don't come here to be safe."

Yan Sikong stood up, bowed and said: "Ren Shaocheng, it's been a long time since we left the capital. It seems that you and I are all well, so I can rest assured."

Ren Zhuo bowed his hands to the sky: "I am receiving the grace of heaven, which is like a heavy burden. I am trembling and worrying every day. I am afraid that I will offend Your Majesty and the people. I really dare not say good things. It is better than Yan's son-in-law. Quan Dabian, so he will be wise and protect himself, so it is naturally safe."

Yan Sikong smiled: "Your Excellency Shao Cheng is so right, I am so ashamed."

"Ashamed?" Ren Zhuo sneered, "A person who deceived his master and destroyed his ancestors, collaborating with the enemy and treason, would also be ashamed?"

Yan Sikong said without hesitation: "I obeyed Xie Zhongren back then. I really endured humiliation and endured humiliation. It was an expedient measure to completely destroy the eunuch party. The world doesn't understand me, and I have no complaints or regrets. Now I want to help Chu Wang took back the crown prince that belonged to him, and it was for the sake of the common people in the world. At most, I sentenced His Majesty, but I did not treason."

"It's so shameless!" Ren Zhuo shouted, "If you betray His Majesty, you are treason."

Yan Sikong curled his lips into a smile: "The people are the most important, followed by the country, and the king is the least important. The next thing is to serve the country and the people. I know that a country cannot be without a king, but it cannot be without people."

"you really……"

"That's enough, stop arguing." Na Dahan shouted displeased, "Everyone, take your seats first."

Yan Sikong calmly sat back in his seat, facing Ren Zhuo far away, his eyes met, and there was a murderous chill in his eyes.

Nada Khan raised his wine bottle: "No matter why you come to Chahar, you are a guest from afar. Don't let people think that Chahar doesn't know how to treat guests. I will offer you a glass first."

Everyone drank the glass of wine together with Nada Khan.

After drinking, Nada Khan began to talk about Chahar's friendship with the Central Plains for generations. Although every word of this was nonsense, it still received enthusiastic responses. It seems that Nada Khan had been in contact with the Han people for a long time. Others may not have improved, but they have learned a lot of politeness and hypocrisy.

Ren Zhuo echoed and flattered at the same time, showing that the imperial court and Chahar had an alliance and were very close, while Yan Sikong smiled and said nothing.

A group of Mongolian women with white arms, slender waists and long legs filed into the tent, adding dance and music to the banquet.

It was already extremely cold in winter, even if there was a huge brazier in the tent, wearing such thin fabric, even a man in his prime would not be able to stand it, but they didn't realize it, and they always had a sassy smile on their faces. It is not as enchanting and feminine as the women in the Central Plains, but as bold and powerful as a galloping horse on the grassland. A group of Han people clapped their hands and praised.

Yan Sikong and Feng Ye glanced at each other, their hearts were full of dark tides, they didn't have time to enjoy the exotic singing and dancing, because the success or failure of life and death depended on this seat.

Feng Ye held Yan Sikong's hand under the table and secretly exerted force.

Yan Sikong's hand hurt a little from being held, but this kind of pain gave him the strength to stabilize, as if even if the world fell, as long as there was Fengye by his side, he would be fearless and invincible.

At the banquet, the cups were exchanged, the dancing and music were peaceful, Nadahan laughed and drank with them, and even ordered the dancing girls to serve them wine and feed them food, as if as long as the wine was strong enough and the women were wild enough, no one would be happy. Remember the cold murderous intent hidden under the banquet.

The dinner lasted for a full two hours, and the twilight had completely covered the earth, and many people were blushing from drinking.

Nadahan suddenly waved the dancer away, and turned the gold and jade wine bottle in his big rough hand: "This thing was given to me by Emperor Dasheng. I heard that one can buy me a hundred horses, but is it true?"

Ren Zhuo said with a smile: "The things your majesty gave to Da Khan are naturally selected treasures, so they are worthy of Da Khan's honorable status."

Nada Khan nodded: "Only you Han people can make such exquisite things, thank you Emperor Dasheng."

"Even though Your Majesty lives far away in the capital, you can definitely feel Da Khan's sincerity. When I return to the court in the future, I will definitely convey Da Khan's admiration for me, Dasheng, to the heavens."

Nada Khan laughed.

Yan Sikong cupped his hands and said: "The Great Khan speaks Chinese well, and the princes and courtiers of the Great Khan speak Chinese well, which shows that the Great Khan recognizes the culture of the Central Plains. Chahar borders Datong Prefecture. I see many things here. , are all closely related to Datong.”

Na Dahan said, "That's right, our food and clothing habits are most influenced by the Northwest."

"From this point of view, Chahar and Datong should become good neighbors."

Nada Khan smiled, but said nothing.

Ren Zhuo sneered and said, "My son-in-law, I advise you not to waste your efforts in vain."

Yan Sikong raised his eyebrows and looked at Ren Zhuo.

Ren Zhuo took out a scroll from his sleeve: "Do you know what this is?"

Feng Ye narrowed his eyes.

Yan Sikong was calm and complacent: "I don't have fire eyes and fine gold, how can I read through paper, I ask Master Shaocheng to explain clearly."

"This." Ren Zhuo glanced at Na Dahan and said proudly, "It's the tribute document signed by Dasheng and Dahan."

Yan Sikong felt his scalp tingling. Although he had expected it, he didn't expect that they had already signed the paperwork, and Ren Zhuo would just provoke him so nakedly.

Feng Ye said in a deep voice, "When did you sign it?"

Ren Zhuo looked at Yan Sikong coldly: "Before you arrive."

Feng Ye clenched his fists, his whole body overflowing with hostility.

Nada Khan played tricks on them, signed a tribute agreement with the imperial court before they came, and tricked them to come to Chahar, obviously in order to tie Yan Sikong and give it to the imperial court as a favor!

Yan Sikong took a deep breath, and his palms were suddenly covered with sweat.He thought that Nada Khan was still hesitating, but he didn't expect the court to respond so quickly, and even signed the tribute document. Their mission this time was completely self-inflicted.

Yan Sikong stood up, looked at Nada Khan calmly, and said neither humble nor overbearing: "Since the Great Khan has signed the tribute document with the imperial court, he still invited me to wait for peace talks, is it to send me to the imperial court to claim credit?"

Na Dahan laughed loudly and said, "To tell you the truth, if you were the first person to go on an envoy, maybe the result would be different now."

Yan Sikong said expressionlessly: "Then what is this banquet for?"

"Of course it is to entertain guests." Na Dahan smiled sinisterly, "I beheaded your envoys, and the Han people called me a barbarian who didn't know the rules, so this time I will entertain you with the courtesy of an envoy." He leaned forward and said with an evil smile, "How about it, am I entertaining well?"

Ren Zhuo and the others burst into laughter, and the Mongolian generals in the room also laughed wildly. Yan Sikong and Feng Ye sat alone among them, like two lambs in a wolf's den, who might be torn apart at any time into pieces.

However, Yan Sikong couldn't be a lamb, and Feng Ye was a real wolf through and through.

Feng Ye stood up and walked to Yan Sikong's side, and the surrounding Chahar guards pulled out their sabers in unison, with a "swipe" sound, which was startling.

Yan Sikong's eyes met Feng Ye's, only determination and tenacity remained in his eyes, Yan Sikong cupped his hands and said: "In this case, we are still the guests of Da Khan before the banquet is over, right?"

Nadahan smiled lowly: "Yes, yes, when do you want to hold this banquet? How about tomorrow morning?"

Yan Sikong didn't answer, he looked at Ren Zhuo: "Master Shaocheng, since you are also a guest, and I am also a guest, there is no priority, I will speak freely."

Ren Zhuo raised his eyebrows: "Yan Sikong, you really don't want to die until the Yellow River, what other tricks can you come up with?"

"Could you please take a look at this tribute document?"

"Are you scared and confused? How can you show the secret documents of the imperial court to you, a traitor and thief." Ren Zhuo shook the documents in his hand, "Besides, the Great Khan is here, so there are still fakes."

"The content of the document is naturally true, but this document is not valid." Yan Sikong said seriously.

"What did you say?" Ren Zhuoteng stood up and mocked, "You said the document is invalid? What are you?"

"I, Yan, are insignificant, but I have been a minister for ten years, and I know that the ancestral system must not be desecrated, and the law must be respected. Does Master Shaocheng agree?"

Ren Zhuo stared and remained silent for a moment, no matter how infamous Yan Sikong was, his talent and learning were obvious to all, this was a trick, how could he dare to answer easily.

Yan Sikong curled his lips into a smile: "China is a country of etiquette. There are laws and regulations. Any documents with foreign countries must be in duplicate, one in Chinese and one in foreign language, to show respect for foreign countries." Pointing to the document in Ren Zhuo's hand, "Why is there only one copy of this document?"

"You..." Ren Zhuo was speechless for a moment.

There is indeed such an agreement in the etiquette of diplomatic relations with foreign countries, but because of the prosperity of the Central Plains, the surrounding states and barbarians all learn Chinese. Over time, documents are only written in Chinese, and foreign documents are very redundant. This etiquette has long existed in name only.

Yan Sikong was aggressive: "Lord Ren, as the prime minister of Honglu Temple, you are in charge of diplomatic relations with foreign countries, but you even ignore such basic rules. Are you dereliction of duty, or are you deliberately disrespecting the Khan?"

"You spitting blood!" Ren Zhuo was so angry that he wanted to jump his feet, "This is just a momentary negligence, it's harmless, I'll just make it up again."

"You make up a copy, quickly submit it back to Beijing, His Majesty will seal it, and then return to Chahar, and it will be gone in a month." Yan Sikong laughed, "Master Ren actually committed such a stupid crime." It’s a mistake that really makes people laugh out loud.”

Ren Zhuo pointed at Yan Sikong tremblingly, and suddenly turned to where to answer Khan: "Khan, I don't mean any disrespect, it was a momentary negligence, this is not a big deal, don't be fooled by the sharp mouth of Yan thief .”

Nadahan was a little dazed when he heard that, seeing Ren Zhuocheng's fearful expression, he secretly thought that the Han people are really hypocritical, he waved his hand: "This is just a momentary negligence, just make up for it."

Ren Zhuo heaved a sigh of relief, and said sharply: "Swallow Thief, you sweated the golden words, can you hear clearly?"

Yan Sikong clasped his hands and said, "Great Khan, since Chahar has formed an alliance with Dasheng, they should respect each other. Even if the envoys sent by Dasheng don't take Chahar seriously, does the Khan expect the court to fulfill its promise in the future?" ?”

"Stop talking nonsense!"

Yan Sikong took a step closer to Nada Khan, and said loudly: "Since Da Khan attaches so much importance to the covenant with Dasheng, I don't want to be the villain who sows discord, but I just advise Da Khan that Chahar's dignity must not be ignored. The Great Khan should at least punish Ren Zhuo, after all, he is the one who made such a mistake."

Ren Zhuo's chest heaved violently, and his fat face was covered with sweat. He gritted his teeth: "Well, you shameless swallow thief, who turned black and white in front of Da Khan. If you are taken back to Beijing in the future, you will be cut into pieces." punishment!"

Nadahan's beard trembled, and he narrowed his eyes and looked at the two of them: "Then tell me, how should I punish him?"

Yan Sikong squinted at Ren Zhuo, and every word he uttered from his thin lips was filled with cold air: "Should, kill."

Just as Nadahan was about to open his mouth, Feng Ye suddenly floated towards the guard closest to him like a ghost, snatched the knife from his hand, and quickly attacked Ren Zhuo.

In the blink of an eye, a human head flew into the air.

The accident came unexpectedly, and everyone was stunned. Ren Zhuo, who was separated from his family, didn't know what happened until his death. He opened his eyes and mouth wide, ready to refute Yan Sikong, but he didn't know that he had already There was no chance to speak a word.

Wu Lu was the first to come back to his senses, and shouted: "Bold!" Generals and envoys were not allowed to wear swords during the banquet, so he rolled up his sleeves and rushed towards Fengye.

The censor and documents brought by Ren Zhuo screamed in horror, and a group of guards rushed up.

Ren Zhuo's head fell, and Feng Ye picked it up in his hands. His body fell forward, and Yan Sikong quickly snatched the tribute document from his hand.

Feng Ye guarded Yan Sikong behind him, chopped down a guard with a single knife, and made a move with the oncoming Wu Lu.

Wu Lu is brave and good at fighting, and he is not afraid of death. He is Nedakhan's forward general, but he is not the opponent of Feng Ye. Yan Sikong has never seen anyone in his life who can beat Feng Ye.

Just after three moves, Feng Ye kicked Wu Lu on the mouth, and half of Wu Lu's teeth were knocked out with his toe, and Wu Lu's gray beard was immediately covered with blood.

Wu Lu fell to the ground, other generals and more than a dozen bodyguards rushed up together, and there were more armored soldiers pouring in from outside the tent, the tent was immediately crowded with people, facing countless sharp knives, Feng Ye took one man With the power to seal the sword in front of his body, Yan Sikong was firmly protected behind him.

"Stop—" Yan Sikong roared sharply.

Nada Khan stared round his eyes: "Stop, stop."

I saw Yan Sikong held up the tribute document above the brazier, and stared at Nedakhan viciously.

Everyone stopped, a needle could be heard in the tent for a moment, and no one dared to breathe.

Na Dahan pointed at Yan Sikong and Fengye tremblingly, almost vomiting blood with anger: "You, you are crazy, you are all crazy, I will boil you, boil you!"

Yan Sikong sneered: "Khan, you boiled us, and Chahar is not far from extermination."

"You fart!" Na Dahan roared.

Feng Ye dropped the knife in his hand with a bang, held Ren Zhuo's bleeding head flat with the other hand, and walked towards Na Dahan step by step.He is tall and majestic, imposing, with the head in his hand, the blood stains all over his body, and the mysterious mask, making him look like a Rakshasa who is dying in hell. Every step he takes in the world is dripping with blood.

All the soldiers faced each other with their swords, but they followed him back step by step in fear, and they backed up to Nada Khan.

"My servant, I punished those who disrespected Da Khan on my behalf. This is the head of Dasheng's envoy, please accept it with a smile." Feng Ye threw the head directly at Neda Khan's feet with a wave of his hand.

Neda Khan, who was used to the bloody battlefield, also trembled violently, and said in a trembling voice: "How dare you kill the court envoys..."

"Khan's words are wrong." Feng Ye said coldly, "You clearly killed the envoy."

"Nonsense, you clearly killed him!"

Feng Ye smirked: "The envoy died on the territory of the Great Khan, you didn't kill it, you killed it too."

Yan Sikong sneered and said: "Khan, this camp is full of your people. You say that we killed people, and if you spread the word, will anyone believe it? Besides, it's not the first time you've beheaded people, sir. Envoy Sheng died at your hands, how are you going to explain to the court?"

Na Dahan stared at Yan Sikong, his eyes were almost bleeding: "You...you..."

Yan Sikong let go suddenly, and the tribute document just fell into the brazier and was instantly engulfed by the fire.

Na Khan stretched out his hand in the air in vain, but he couldn't return it.

Yan Sikong said in a loud voice: "Khan, the matter of paying tribute has been wiped out with this fire and Ren Zhuo's death. If the Khan kidnaps me now to apologize to the court, the court believes that the Khan is still two people." Said, the Wolf King is raising his troops, and the army can reach it in three days. The Great Khan is a smart man, why not form an alliance with Datong, I have made it very clear to the Great Khan that day, what the court can give to the Great Khan, the Wolf King can also give it. The Wolf King is willing to share the Hetao and the Northwest with the Great Khan!"

Na Dahan slumped on the animal skin chair.