Chapter 45: You’re Late, Second Brother
Although General Zhao and the other soldiers still believed that Rong Shuyan had let his feelings for his wife cloud his judgment, his explanation was so reasonable that none of them could find a way to argue against it.
Because of that, they quickly carried out his orders. The soldiers immediately moved half of the supplies to the eastern warehouse, while several scouting teams headed into the eastern forest to search for any hidden routes the Southern Wolf Tribe might be using.
As everyone busied themselves with their tasks, someone suddenly frowned. "Where is Prince Jin1?"
The Second Prince, Rong Yunzhou, had left his manor at almost the same time as Rong Shuyan. Yet even though Rong Shuyan had arrived at the military camp more than three hours earlier, Rong Yunzhou was still nowhere to be seen.
"Did something happen to His Highness on the way?" one of the soldiers asked.
Lin Xueyi, who was sipping a warm bowl of soup in front of the Command Tent, began wondering the same thing.
[Where could he be?] She tilted her head, but then a memory from the novel suddenly flashed through her mind. [Don’t tell me... he stopped by a brothel first?]
In the original story, Rong Yunzhou had a disgusting habit before coming to the military camp. He always visited a brothel first. The longer he expected to stay at the border, the more women he hired before leaving.
If Rong Shuyan hadn’t come to the southern border as well, the soldiers probably wouldn’t have noticed that Rong Yunzhou was running so late. But now that they had someone to compare him to, it became obvious just how delayed he was.
His delay didn’t have much impact on the overall story in this case. Even so, the soldiers would probably begin to see Rong Yunzhou as someone they couldn’t fully rely on, especially now that Rong Shuyan had already taken charge of the camp.
"Report!" A scout came running toward the Command Tent, breathing hard.
As Rong Shuyan wheeled himself out of the tent, the scout immediately dropped to one knee. "Your Highness!"
Rong Shuyan looked at him calmly. "What is it?"
"We found footprints in the eastern forest!"
The officers quickly gathered around him.
"The tracks are fresh," the scout reported. "Judging by their size, several hundred men have passed through that area more than once."
General Zhao’s eyes widened in disbelief. "There really is another route?"
The scout nodded firmly. "Yes, General. If we hadn’t searched the forest today, we never would have found it."
Rong Shuyan briefly glanced at Lin Xueyi before turning his attention back to the scout. "How many men can move through that trail at once?"
"About twenty to thirty at a time, Your Highness," the scout replied. "The path is narrow, but it’s wide enough for several hundred men to pass through if they travel in groups."
Rong Shuyan nodded. "Have two hundred soldiers hide along the trail. If the Southern Wolf Tribe appears, do not rush into battle. Report their movements first, then strike only when the opportunity is right."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
He then looked at General Zhao. "Send another three hundred soldiers to reinforce the western defense line. Increase the number of patrols and keep a close watch on the forest’s edge."
"At once, Your Highness."
Rong Shuyan’s gaze returned to the map. "As for Blackstone Pass, leave one hundred soldiers there."
Several officers looked at him in confusion.
"But, Your Highness," one of them asked, "didn’t we just confirm that the Southern Wolf Tribe isn’t using Blackstone Pass?"
"We confirmed that they have another route," Rong Shuyan replied calmly. "We did not confirm that they have abandoned this one."
"If they realize we’ve discovered the hidden trail, they may change their plan," Rong Shuyan continued. "A hundred soldiers won’t weaken our defenses, but they’ll give us enough warning if the enemy decides to use Blackstone Pass after all."
General Zhao slowly nodded. "I understand, Your Highness."
The other officers also cupped their fists. "We’ll carry out your orders immediately."
As the officers hurried out of the Command Tent, Lin Xueyi looked at Rong Shuyan with admiration.
[He’s so handsome when he’s focused on his work.] She covered half of her face with both hands. [I saw his official artwork before, the one where he’s wearing his military uniform. Even though I left such a bad review on this novel, I have to admit... his face card never disappoints.]
There were quite a few words Rong Shuyan didn’t understand, especially since he was certain he had never put any kind of card on his face.
Even so, hearing Lin Xueyi praise him over and over again made his mind go blank for a moment.
"His Highness, the Second Prince, has arrived!"
Those words brought Rong Shuyan back to his senses almost instantly. The good mood that had filled his heart just moments ago disappeared, replaced by a sour feeling.
Rong Yunzhou arrived in a grand display with his entourage following close behind. He rode a mighty black stallion that was said to be able to travel hundreds of li without growing tired. Dressed in polished armor, he looked every bit like a heroic general as he rode into the military camp.
The soldiers outside the camp immediately stepped aside to make way for him. "His Highness, Prince Jin!"
Rong Yunzhou pulled on the reins and looked around the camp. When his eyes landed on Rong Shuyan, who was already surrounded by several officers, a faint look of surprise flashed across his face.
"You’re already here?" he asked as he dismounted.
Rong Shuyan simply looked at him. "You’re late."
Rong Yunzhou paused for a brief moment before letting out a small laugh. "I ran into a few unexpected delays on the road," he replied casually. "I didn’t expect Sixth Brother to arrive so quickly."
Several officers quietly exchanged glances.
Only a few moments ago, Rong Shuyan had already organized the camp, moved the food supplies, and even discovered a hidden route through the eastern forest.
Compared to him, Rong Yunzhou’s explanation sounded rather weak.
Lin Xueyi quietly glanced at Rong Yunzhou. [Unexpected delays? More like an unexpected visit to the brothel.]
She clicked her tongue inwardly. [If only these soldiers knew what kind of ’important business’ kept their great Second Prince so busy.]
"Prince Jin" is Rong Yunzhou’s title