The Blood Crown

Yan Sikong came to the cell alone and met Yuan Shaoxu who was imprisoned here.

Yuan Shaoxu curled up in a corner, covered in blood and unkempt.Seeing the person coming, he was startled, and subconsciously turned his face away. He was guilty and wanted to hide his embarrassment, but he soon realized that this was futile. He turned around, but his eyes wandered to the ground, and he didn't look up. .

Yan Sikong looked at Yuan Shaoxu condescendingly, feeling disgusted and angry at the same time, the disgust was towards Yuan Shaoxu, and the anger was towards the face that looked like Yuan Mao.Yuan Mao in his mind is an upright and upright hero who will neither show meanness or cunning, nor will he lower his eyebrows because he is in prison.What he hates the most is that Yuan Shaoxu puts on this face and does something that makes him shameless, tarnishing the memory Yuan Mao left him.

After a long silence, Yuan Shaoxu whispered: "Are you very proud?"

"You caused the soldiers to die miserably, and Yu'er was captured. What am I proud of?"

Yuan Shaoxu pursed his lips guiltily: "Are you going to help Feng Ye or Chen Kui? If you act like this, who would believe you?"

"It's better for me to follow the wind to make the rudder, than if you pretend to be smart and involve the soldiers of the three armies. A person like you still wants to be a general. You are not worthy at all."

Yuan Shaoxu turned around excitedly, and said bitterly: "Victory or defeat is a common matter in military affairs. When did I neglect the task given to me by the wolf king? It was you...it was you who slandered me in front of the wolf king and let me Do not reuse!"

"So you colluded with the enemy to frame me. If the wolf king knew that you were collaborating with the enemy, you would not be enough to die even if you had a hundred lives."

"I didn't cooperate with the enemy." Yuan Shaoxu shouted, "I didn't reveal the military situation, and I didn't accept bribes from them."

"Really." Yan Sikong sneered, "Yuan Shaoxu, will I believe you when you tell me this? Maybe this time you falsely passed on the military order and led the troops into an ambush, which is also a trick of you and Chen Kui."

"No!" Yuan Shaoxu growled, "Yan Sikong, you are less bloody and spitting, I never betrayed the wolf king."

Yan Sikong said coldly: "You have betrayed the wolf king by alienating us."

"You are by the wolf king's side, you can only bewitch him with evil words, and you can only deliberately suppress me. Yu'er is my own brother, but you keep alienating me because of you. You, you shouldn't show up again!" Yuan Shaoxu looked at Looking at Yan Sikong, his eyes were full of jealousy.

Yan Sikong moved closer to Yuan Shaoxu: "If it were someone else, I would have already made him unable to live or die, but you are the eldest son of my father, so I really want to save your life, let you spend the rest of your life in peace." , why do you keep pushing your limits again and again?"

Yan Sikong's lonely and deep eyes like the night sky made Yuan Shaoxu tremble, "Why, do you want to kill me?"

Yan Sikong stared at Yuan Shaoxu without saying a word.

Yuan Shaoxu began to panic: "Sikong, you don't really want to kill me, do you, I, I am your elder brother anyway."

"Now you remember that you are my big brother?"

"There is indeed some misunderstanding between you and me, but you are not standing here properly..."

"That's my fate, but if you have a chance to kill me, you won't hesitate." Yan Sikong smiled coldly.

"I, I won't kill you. After all, I care about the brotherhood." Yuan Shaoxu's eyes were a little flustered, "Sikong, for father's sake, let me go."

"Let you go?" Yan Sikong said coldly, "I don't need to kill you, but I will feel at ease only if you stay in prison."

"I can't stay here." Yuan Shaoxu rushed over and grabbed the iron railing, "Let me go, Sikong, Brother Fang, let's go! I promise I won't fight against you again, I swear!"

"You are not my opponent at all, what are you talking about against me?" Yan Sikong slowly backed away, and said coldly, "Yuan Shaoxu, saving your life is the last time I am kind to you. You are in prison. Shut up for me, if you bite me indiscriminately, I will send you to be filial to your father as soon as possible."

After saying that, Yan Sikong turned and left.

"Sikong, Yan Sikong!" Yuan Shaoxu roared, "Let me go, come back to me, let me go—"

Yan Sikong had a cold smile on his lips, leaving Yuan Shaoxu's voice far behind.

Yan Sikong thought of Yuanmao's kindness, and it was indeed difficult for Yuan Shaoxu to kill him. However, imprisoning him may be more relieved than killing him.

-

Only two days after Yuan Nanyu was captured, Feng Ye sent an envoy to discuss peace with Chen Yu.This time, the conditions proposed by Feng Ye seem to be quite sincere. Not only is he willing to sell Fengxiang, Qingyang, and Taiyuan, but he is also willing to help Chen Kui return to Beijing to ascend the throne. Enter Beijing.

Datong and Qianzhou are already in Fengye's hands at this time, plus Xuanhua, if they can get Fengye's support and the peace of the Central Plains in exchange, it will be a very cost-effective deal—if Fengye can really say do it.

The envoy flatteringly expressed Feng Ye's admiration and loyalty to Chen Kui, saying that Feng Ye was waiting for the Ming Lord in Taiyuan, and that Chen Kui attacked Pingliang and captured Que Wang, which chilled and saddened him, and begged Chen Kui not to listen. Yan Sikong's slander, at the same time, in order to show sincerity to Chen Kui, Feng Ye is willing to offer Feng Xiang both hands, but Chen Kui wants to put Que Wang back.

Chen Kui finished receiving the envoys calmly, and arranged them to rest.

As soon as the envoy left, Chen Kui sneered and said, "Feng Ye really wants to exchange Feng Xiang for Que Wang. The wolf king who is famous all over the world can only make a compromise in front of me now."

Yan Sikong also recalled the way the envoy looked at him, the way he dared not speak out, it was really interesting.

Shen Hexuan said bluntly: "Your Highness is too young, if you get a little profit, you will get carried away, and it is not good to underestimate the enemy."

Shen Hexuan's words were not as nice as Yan Sikong's, and Chen Kui's face darkened, but he couldn't refute.

Yan Sikong also continued: "Soldiers never tire of cheating, Your Highness should not trust Feng Ye lightly, but at this time Feng Ye has indeed shown weakness, which is a good sign."

"What do you think, Mister? From my point of view, if he wants to redeem Que Wang, he should exchange Qingyang for it. After all, Fengxiang is taking advantage of him."

"Swapping people with the city may be a trap. Even if he is really sent to Qingyang, would His Highness dare to enter the city? If the city is full of ambushes, he will fall into the trap." Shen Hexuan said, "I see, according to Chen, if he is really like himself As the saying goes, if you want to support His Highness, then immediately retreat back to Datong, and once he withdraws from the Central Plains, we will immediately release Que Wang, this move can also reveal the reality of Fengye."

"it is good."

Yan Sikong shook his head: "Hasn't Your Highness tired of probing back and forth like this? We've fought in Pingliang, so it's time to go all out and take Taiyuan. Only when he is really cornered can he really retreat."

"But now with my strength..." Chen Kui frowned.

"When will the court send troops?"

"The imperial court is persuading the princes of all parties to work hard for the king." Shen Hexuan frowned, "It's just that the cutting of the feudal clan a few years ago hurt the kings, and now no one is willing to be the first to respond."

"Your Highness married King Ning's daughter. King Ning and King Han are brothers from the same mother, so they should be the easiest to persuade." Yan Sikong looked at Chen Yu, "Can Your Highness send someone there?"

"Naturally." Chen Kui sighed, annoyed, "This King Han has a bad temper and has an extremely weird temperament. I heard that he has been addicted to evil sects for the past few years, and ordinary people can't listen to them."

Yan Sikong stroked his chin and made a hesitant look. After a long while, he said: "This king of Han is so difficult to give, we must find someone who is astute and courteous. I have been thinking about it...except myself, I can't think of a better one." A good messenger has been chosen."

"Sir, would you like to go?" Chen Kui's eyes lit up, and he immediately vetoed, "No, then King Han's temperament is unpredictable, sir, I'm afraid it's in danger..."

Yan Sikong said with a smile: "Your Highness thinks that I have a bad reputation, and is afraid that he will be harmful to me?"

Chen Kui frowned: "I can't let Mr. take risks."

"The princes from all walks of life are watching from the sidelines. No one wants to dive into this muddy water first. If no one responds, we can only watch Fengye continue to grow. Now that Pingliang City is broken, Que Wang has been captured, and Fengye has lost one after another. The morale of the army is in turmoil, and it is the best time to defeat him, so don't miss it."

Chen Kui sighed secretly and remained silent.

Shen Hexuan squinted at Yan Sikong, he couldn't help but have doubts in his eyes, but he couldn't understand Yan Sikong's reality for a while.

What Yan Sikong imagined was of course a trick to steal Yuan Nanyu away as him. As long as he leaves the city, with Yuan Nanyu's ability, he can easily get away. As for him, even if he is discovered by Chen Kui, Probably won't kill him.

In short, he can't care about himself now. The longer Yuan Nanyu stays, the more likely their identities will be discovered. It took Yuan Nanyu's life.

Yan Sikong persuaded Chen Yu a few more words, he knew that Chen Yu was not only worried about his safety, but also worried that he would go back to find Fengye, so after a lot of talking, he finally agreed to send troops to escort him with Qujiao. Chen Kuang finally agreed to his envoy to the King of Han.

Shen Hexuan remained silent at the side, but his gaze became more and more serious.

"Please allow your Highness to return the matter."

"Sir, please speak."

"I want to interrogate Que Wang." Yan Sikong glanced at Shen Hexuan, "Master Shen probably didn't find anything."

Shen Hexuan said coldly: "I'm planning to be courteous first and then fight. Seeing him like that, I'm afraid he's going to drink as a fine."

"Why don't you let me try, after all, I have had friendship with him."

Chen Kui nodded: "Alright. The prison is heavily guarded, sir, take my token."

-

After nightfall, Yan Sikong went to see Yuan Nanyu with good food and wine. Yuan Nanyu and Yuan Shaoxu were imprisoned in a dungeon, but they were far away from each other.

Pingliang had just changed hands, and loyal Feng Ye and Que Wang soldiers were indispensable in the city. In order to prevent being robbed, the originally somewhat crude dungeon was surrounded inside and out by soldiers sent by Chen Kui. Can't go in or out.

But Yan Sikong, who was holding Chen Kui's token, was naturally unimpeded.

Entering the dungeon, Yan Sikong saw that although Yuan Nanyu's clothes were dirty and his hair was disheveled, but he was not tortured, he calmed down a bit, and he ordered the jailer: "Open the cell door, and you all retreat."

"This..." Several jailers looked at each other.

Yan Sikong raised his token: "I'm here at the order of the King of Chu, you just need to retreat outside, can he still fly out?"

"...Yes." The jailer reluctantly opened the cell door, and they both retreated.

After everyone left, Yan Sikong hurried into the prison, "Yu'er, are you okay?"

Yuan Nanyu said with a wry smile: "I haven't been tortured physically, but my heart is tortured by guilt, and I can't have peace day and night."

"A man should not be bound by one victory or defeat." Yan Sikong took out the food and drink from the basket, "Come on, let us brothers have a good drink."

Yuan Nanyu asked hesitantly: "Brother...how is it?"

Yan Sikong's face darkened: "You still think about him, it's all because of him that you and the soldiers are in this situation today."

"I know, but..." Yuan Nanyu sighed, "I can never be cold-hearted."

"He's still alive." Yan Sikong said coldly, "I spare his life, it's the best of humanity."

Yuan Nanyu nodded: "The army has military regulations. He made a big mistake. If he is dealt with by the wolf king, beheading is not an exaggeration. It is lenient to keep him alive."

"It's for you and dad's sake, otherwise I will never forgive him lightly."

Yuan Nanyu stared at Yan Sikong and said softly: "Now, I believe you."

"Trust me what?"

"I believe you are really Yan Sikong."

Yan Sikong was startled: "Could it be that you..."

"No." Yuan Nanyu shook his head, "I didn't think about it, but I can see that there is really no brotherhood between you, big brother to you, and you to big brother. And you collaborating with the enemy, now I think about it , It’s full of doubts, I’ve tried to sidestep big brother, and looking at his reaction, I’m afraid there’s a ghost in my heart, if the wolf king didn’t send me to guard Qingyang, I would definitely find out the iron stick and confront him.”

Yan Sikong poured two glasses of wine, and said in a low voice: "I have already said that the eldest brother has been lying from beginning to end, whether it is our identities or collaborating with the enemy, if he and I are real brothers, he will Is that for me?"

Yuan Nanyu sighed sadly: "In this way, he and I are brothers of our first-milk compatriots."

Yan Sikong smiled wryly: "That's right."

Yuan Nanyu raised his wine glass: "I apologize to you for this glass of brother. I don't defend him, and I don't ask you to forgive him, but you spared his life. I am grateful."

"I did this not only for you, but also to repay the kindness of father and mother." Yan Sikong raised his glass and touched him, "Yu'er, remember, the bond between you and me is even stronger than brothers, When you took the blame for me and exiled me, I am willing to spend the rest of my life repaying your love, and I will definitely rescue you."

Yuan Nanyu said excitedly: "Thank you..." He hesitated for a moment, and called, "Second brother."

This "Second Brother" yelled so abruptly that Yan Sikong's eyes turned red, and his hand holding the wine glass was trembling.

"Second Brother"!His Yu'er finally called him "Second Brother" again, and this "Second Brother" spanned a full 20 years!Just for this moment, no matter how ruthless and vicious God is to him, he can let go of it, after all, the brothers can be reunited.

"Second brother." Yuan Nanyu grabbed Yan Sikong's hand, "If I can escape, I will definitely explain the truth to Fengye. In fact, it doesn't matter whether Sikong was you or me back then. The person facing you is you, and it has nothing to do with the name."

Yan Sikong shook his head: "You don't have to mention him to me again, never ever, what Second Brother did for you has nothing to do with him."

Yuan Nanyu hesitated to speak.

Yan Sikong slammed his cup heavily: "Come on, do it!"

The two drank with pride, and drained the wine in the glass.

While adding wine and vegetables to Yuan Nanyu, Yan Sikong told how to send him away.

"I pretend to be you?" Yuan Nanyu was surprised.

"Yes." Yan Sikong said firmly, "Only if you and I switch identities, can you escape."