Feng Ye returned to Beijing this time, nominally to report on his father's behalf.

It is unheard of that a son can replace a successor to a post. Everyone knows that when they say "suing the post", they actually just come back to be a proton.

Over the past twenty years, after three governors of Datong had died or resigned, and with the growing power of the Oirat, Feng Jianping made an exception and became the first military commander in the history of Dasheng to become the governor. This meant that he not only controlled the entire political power of Datong Prefecture, but also had the power over more than 200,000 soldiers in his hands.

Datong Prefecture is only three or four days' ride away from the capital by fast horse. It is an important defense base in the northwest of the Central Plains. Once the defense line of Datong collapses, the Oirat will take over and Dasheng will lose half of its territory. Therefore, Emperor Zhaowu was extremely dependent on Feng Jianping, but also extremely jealous of him. He gave him military power and recalled his only son to the capital.

Perhaps only a tyrant like Chen Zhao would dare to entrust the political and military power of the sixteen states and seventy-seven counties of Datong Prefecture to one person, allowing him to command his own troops and intimidate the monarch with his military might. If the wise and mighty Emperor Taizu knew that his descendants were so absurd, he would probably be so angry that he would come back to life from the underground.

However, precisely because the person who did this was Chen Zhao, people in the world were not surprised. After all, it was he who gave up the natural barriers of the seven states in northern Liaoning and opened the door to eastern Liaoning.

Of course, this is good news for Yan Sikong, and Feng Ye’s return to Beijing is even better news for him.

At this time, he was in the Hanlin Academy, listening to Yan Zilian's teachings with Shen Hexuan.

"You two are intelligent and wise, and you are the pillars of our Dasheng. Among the new Jinshi, I am most optimistic about you. The imperial lecture the other day did not disappoint me."

Yan Sikong said: "Thank you for this opportunity, teacher. I am so honored."

Shen Hexuan also bowed and said, "Fortunately I have not disgraced the teacher's reputation."

"At the imperial lecture, Hexuan's lecture was excellent, but a little boring, and His Majesty didn't like it. As for Sikong, although he was very interesting and pleased His Majesty, he was not serious in his lectures. In my opinion, both of them were not good enough. At the next imperial lecture, you should learn from each other and make up for your own shortcomings by learning from each other's strengths."

They both said in unison, "Yes."

"Okay, it's getting late, you guys should go back."

"Teacher, you are not going home tonight?" Shen Hexuan asked, "But there are still documents that have not been approved? The students are willing to stay and help the teacher."

"No need. I have to visit a friend later. You guys can go back now."

The two men bowed their bodies and slowly retreated.

When they reached the courtyard, Yan Sikong said, "Brother Shen, Liang Sui and the others have made an appointment to drink at Parkson Tower today. I heard that it was arranged by Mr. Zhou Mixing. Why don't we go together?"

Shen Hexuan said politely: "Thank you, Brother Xian. I have some unfinished business, so I won't go."

Yan Sikong smiled and said, "Then I'll go ahead."

The two of them bowed and said goodbye.

——

Zhou Mixing was the eldest son of the prefect of Shuntian Prefecture. He failed to pass the imperial examination, but he loved poetry and wine, and he also loved to make friends with celebrities. He often hosted banquets for people from all over the world. Liang Sui was a son of an aristocratic family in the suburbs of the capital. He had known Zhou Mixing since childhood. At the same time, he and Yan Sikong were both admitted to the imperial court at the same time. The two of them were good friends. Through Liang Sui, he got to know many celebrities.

Yan Sikong arrived at the restaurant, and Liang Sui was waiting for guests downstairs. When he saw him, he walked over with a smile and said, "Sikong, did 'Sanyuanlang' reject you again?"

This group of newly minted scholars privately nicknamed Shen Hexuan "Sanyuanlang". Although they did not mean any harm, they were somewhat uncomfortable with the fact that he was so self-righteous and never played with them.

Yan Sikong threw up his hands helplessly: "Need I say more?"

"Mr. Zhou has always wanted to meet this genius who won three first prizes in a row, but I think it's better for him not to come." Liang Sui curled his lips, "So as not to offend anyone."

Yan Sikong smiled and said, "Yes, let's go in."

Yan Sikong admired Shen Hexuan, but seeing him being single-minded, busy with official duties all day long, and having a stubborn and unsympathetic personality, he could only sigh in his heart. Although he was a man who could learn, such a person was not suitable to be an official, and he was afraid that he would suffer a disaster sooner or later.

During the banquet, everyone couldn't help but ask Yan Sikong about what happened at the imperial banquet that day. They had already heard the rumor, "I heard that San Yuanlang criticized the emperor in person for sitting in an improper posture. Is it true?"

Yan Sikong smiled bitterly and said, "Yes, it is said that 'a ruler should be respectful'?"

"Hahaha, he is really a strange man."

"This person has a lot of talent, but his brain is as rigid as a block of wood."

"Don't tell me, I think it's because he is stubborn and focused on Confucius and Mencius that he was able to get top three honors. Otherwise..." A Jinshi complimented, "Brother Yan's talent is not inferior to his."

"That's right, Brother Yan's poems and paintings are so beautiful that we are amazed."

"I don't deserve it, absolutely not." Yan Sikong said with a smile, "I only read some unofficial history and miscellaneous articles, which are not worthy of being in the upper class."

Everyone started to flatter each other and toast each other, and the atmosphere was very heated.

Someone started talking again, and they talked about Prince Jingyuan's return to the capital.

Zhou Mixing smiled and said, "Before I left, my father told me that the prince's carriage had already arrived at the post station and would be heading to the capital early tomorrow morning."

"I still can't believe that His Majesty actually gave the military power to Prince Jingyuan. This is simply..."

"Who said it wasn't?"

Everyone had a lot to say, but they dared not to say it normally. Under the influence of alcohol, they dared to say a few words: "That's why we have to bring the young master back to the capital. Prince Jingyuan only has this one son. If we catch him, we will catch Prince Jingyuan. Your Majesty is not defenseless."

Liang Sui sighed, "I'm worried. This young master is not an easy person to deal with. Haven't you heard of the rumors about him?"

Most of the guests at Zhou Mixing's banquet today were newly-appointed Jinshi who had just entered the court and had not been exposed to any confidential information, so naturally they did not know much. Everyone immediately became curious about Liang Sui's words and asked him to continue.

Yan Sikong took a sip of wine, smiled faintly and said nothing.

Liang Sui said: "The young prince's nickname is 'Little Wolf King'. He was born and raised in the military camp."

"Wow, he must be a fierce general."

"Of course not." Zhou Mixing also said mysteriously, "I heard that he was born with supernatural powers, with a strong back and strong waist, arms hanging down to his knees, eyes like copper bells, a voice like a loud bell, and thick hair like a beast..."

Yan Sikong couldn't help but spit out all the wine.

"Brother Yan, what's wrong?"

Yan Sikong coughed hard: "Wine... this wine is strong enough..."

"Hahaha, this is a punishment for Brother Yan drinking alone. Come on, let's drink together."

After drinking, they urged Zhou Mixing to continue.

"In short, this 'Little Wolf King' is named because of his wolf-like appearance."

"Oh." Everyone nodded.

Liang Sui said: "I think this name is not just referring to his appearance."

"Brother Xian is right. This young prince is truly a son of a general. He is a natural warrior. He started to fight at the age of eleven. When he was fourteen, his brother was ambushed. He led a team of a hundred elite cavalrymen to charge into the enemy camp, killed the Oirat general on horseback, and retrieved his brother's body. He became famous in one battle!" Zhou Mixing gestured excitedly, "After that, he followed King Jingyuan to charge into the battlefield. He was extremely brave. The people of Datong gave the young prince another nickname - 'God of War with Long Hair'."

A trace of sadness appeared in Yan Sikong's eyes, and he took another sip of wine in silence.

Everyone praised: "He is truly a hero from a young age."

Liang Sui said: "So I say, recalling such a person to Beijing as a hostage is really disturbing."

"Brother Liang's concerns are reasonable."

"He's going to the capital tomorrow? I want to see what this young master looks like."

"Haha, if a child sees her like that, she'll probably pee her pants in fear."

Zhou Mixing's eyes lit up and he clapped his hands vigorously: "Hey, I have a suggestion."

"Brother Zhou, please speak."

"This Baisheng Building is the most prosperous place in the city. The young master has to pass through this street to enter the city. Let's drink all night and not leave until we are drunk. Tomorrow morning, we will be here to see the face of the little wolf king. What do you think?"

Liang Sui pretended to be unhappy and said, "No, no, it's a long night. If Brother Zhou doesn't invite the girl from Zui Xiang Lou across the street to sing, I will go home now."

"Hahahahaha, you kid."

Zhou Mixing always lived a luxurious life, and following him meant wine and fun.

In a short while, seven or eight beautiful girls came in leisurely, singing and dancing, making the house even more decadent and luxurious.

Liang Sui was drunk, and he hugged Yan Sikong's shoulders and teased, "Sikong, I usually ask you to go to Zui Xiang Lou, but you never go. Today I have the chance to treat you. Although, haha, it's just a gift to Buddha."

Yan Sikong patted Liang Sui on the chest and said half-jokingly and half-seriously: "Brother Liang, you and I have both entered the officialdom, so we still need to be more cautious in private."

Liang Sui was a child of an aristocratic family, and even if someone spread the news that he frequented places of revelation, it wouldn't be a big deal. But he couldn't do that, as he didn't want anyone to catch him.

"Hey, you, have you been working with that Sanyuanlang every day, and have you also been infected by him? Talented men and romantic men, talented men and romantic men, both are indispensable, hahahahahaha——" Liang Suizei laughed, "However, you are not moved by beautiful women, could it be..."

The people around laughed and said, "Could it be that Brother Yan has a unique taste and doesn't love his daughter..."

Yan Sikong laughed and said, "Don't make fun of me. I am just a scholar from the countryside and have never seen the world."

"Hahaha, no, I don't think so. I think it's Brother Yan who is as handsome as Pan An. How can such a plain-looking girl be in his eyes?"

"That makes sense. Sikong is so pretty. Do you think he is the one who prostitutes others, or is it others who prostitute him? He's the one who suffers the loss, hahahahaha!"

Everyone in the room burst into laughter.

Yan Sikong had a very good alcohol tolerance, but he just pretended to be drunk, his eyes were still clear and clear. Seeing this group of usually righteous young men and famous scholars now showing their ugly side, his heart was as calm as an ancient well.

He really didn't like women, and of course, he didn't like men either. Sex was meaningless to him. What he wanted required him to fight for his life, so how could he lose himself in low-level desires?

In the middle of the night, some people were too drunk to get up from their beds, while others carried a girl to the next room. There was no light in the room, so Yan Sikong sat on the couch, letting the cool spring breeze blow away the drunkenness. He looked out the window at the bustling night scene of the capital and fell into deep thought.

Ten years have passed. Ten years have passed.

He changed his surname back to his original name and fabricated his background. As his biological father requested, he took the imperial examination at the age of 19, and made rapid progress all the way. He passed the examination and became the youngest among the newly-appointed Jinshi. He then spent a year making friends with the powerful and exploring the complicated relationships in the officialdom. He was appreciated by the chief minister of the inner cabinet and became familiar to the emperor and officials at the imperial lectures.

For a newly-minted Jinshi, this was already a smooth sailing.

But it was still too slow. Although he didn't dare to enter the top three in order not to show his talent, it really took a lot of effort for him to squeeze through so many talented people and get the appreciation of the experienced Yan Zilian with his ordinary ranking. The next step was that he had to become the emperor or the prince's attendant, otherwise it would probably take him 10 to 20 years to get close to the center of power. He couldn't wait that long, and he would never let those people die of old age.

Yan Sikong drank the wine in the glass, glanced at the dim street, and thought of the focus of their discussion today - "Feng Ye".

He had sent people to investigate Fengye, so he was already familiar with those rumors.

But what has that person become? It's not like what they said, with thick hair like a beast. Yan Sikong smiled slightly, lying on the couch, and fell into deep sleep.

Feng Ye, it’s been ten years since we last saw each other. It’s been ten years since we last saw him, the past of “Yuan Sikong”.

——

Yan Sikong was woken up by someone.

He opened his eyes and saw Liang Sui's swollen face appear in his sight: "Sikong, get up, the young master has come to the capital."

Yan Sikong instinctively turned over and sat up, but immediately slowed down his movements, leaning limply against the window frame, rubbing his forehead with his hand as if he had a headache, worried that Liang Sui would see that he knew Kung Fu.

"Hey, I have a headache too. After seeing the young master, I will have someone take you home."

Yan Sikong shook his head and smiled bitterly: "Thank you, Brother Liang."

Most of the people who attended the banquet yesterday were awake and gathered at the window, watching from afar as Prince Jingyuan's team entered the city.

In the capital city, riding a horse is prohibited unless with special permission or for carrying out missions. But they clearly saw the leader of the team, a man sitting steadily on a big horse, but he was wearing a straw raincoat and hat, so his face could not be seen clearly.

"Good fellow, the emperor actually allowed him to ride a horse into the capital."

As the team got closer, Yan Sikong felt his heart beat a few times. He stared at the person on the horse, wanting to see through the straw raincoat and hat to see what kind of person was inside.

The man was wearing armor, was tall and strong, and sat on the horse with his back straight.

"Why, he must have covered his face with hair like a beast."

"That makes sense. Looking at his figure, he doesn't look like a teenager of 17 or 18 at all."

"I say, could it be that the fact that King Jingyuan had this child was related to him taking a wolf as his teacher?"

"I'm afraid it is..."

When the team passed the Parkson Building, the leader suddenly pulled the reins lightly and stopped. When he stopped, his followers also stopped immediately. It was obvious that they were disciplined and well-trained.

The people watching on the street and those on the upper floors were all stunned.

The general on the horse suddenly raised his head and looked in their direction.

Everyone was shocked, and Yan Sikong was even more frightened.

Under the straw raincoat and hat, with the face covered by black silk, one could only see a pair of sharp eyes like those of a wolf. Just one glance was as if they were going to pounce on you and tear you into pieces alive.

The people upstairs didn't dare to breathe, and Yan Sikong instinctively retracted his head that was sticking out of the window.

He quickly lowered his head, clamped his long legs around the horse's belly again, and walked away.

Yan Sikong came back to his senses from the shock and couldn't help but recall the scene when he first met Feng Ye ten years ago.

The eight-year-old boy was lying on the horse's back, drooling in his sleep, looking so adorable, as if nothing in the world was as important as a beautiful dream at that moment.

In ten years, he has changed, Feng Ye has changed too, everything is different now.