Chapter 1181 - 859: They’ve Set Their Sights on You!
Shang Ruyi’s mind suddenly buzzed, as if something exploded in her head, and then it became clear.
She understood instantly.
This is Yu Wenqian’s plan, the seizure of power and harm to others.
Shen Wuzheng is not only her most respected and closest brother, but also the most reliable advisor beside Yu Wenye. If he is removed, it would not only cause her pain but also strip Yu Wenye of an arm!
No wonder they had suspected before that with Shen Wuzheng’s knowledge and character, he should be involved in governance as a civil servant, but even after the battle of Taiyuan was over, Yu Wenquan had not removed him from his position as secretary. At the time, they only thought Yu Wenquan promoted Pei Xingyuan to balance things, rewarding one while holding the other down, preventing Yu Wenye’s side from gaining too much momentum.
Now it seems that the Crown Prince also played a role in the middle.
Previously, Shen Wuzheng almost fell into their trap at Changchun Palace. Fortunately, Yu Wenye sent him ahead to meet the troops coming from Tongguan, thus avoiding the disaster. But even then, it caused a rift between her and Yu Wenye, almost resulting in a catastrophe.
But this time—
Shang Ruyi clenched her teeth hard: "They’re going to target you!?"
Seeing her eyes turning red, Shen Wuzheng, instead, remained remarkably calm. Even when Yu Wenye had just said those words, aside from a slight movement of his eyelashes, his breathing remained steady.
It seemed, from the start, he had anticipated this.
After a long silence, Shen Wuzheng calmly said, "It’s not that easy."
Shang Ruyi hurriedly looked at him, her gaze full of concern and worry, while Shen Wuzheng remained calm. This time, he even smiled softly at her, a smile indescribably calm and gentle, with a touch of solace: "It appears so. King Qin and Princess Qin are untouchable, so they can only target people like us."
He admitted it, yet spoke of it so lightly.
Only then did Shang Ruyi remember that earlier, when she mentioned that Yu Wenqian would surely retaliate against them by seizing power and causing harm, but should not start with Shang Shou, Shen Wuzheng’s expression had been somewhat strange. It seemed he had indeed anticipated it, which is why he was so composed.
Shang Ruyi said, "Brother—"
Shen Wuzheng replied with a smile, "You don’t need to worry about me."
"..."
"In the worst-case scenario, our relationship is already in the open. If they move, I naturally have to defend."
"..."
"You don’t think I can’t defend against them, do you?"
Shang Ruyi furrowed her brow slightly and said nothing.
If it was just a matter of intelligence and wisdom, ten Yu Wenchengs plus ten Shang Shou couldn’t compare to Shen Wuzheng. If they were only confronting each other in Chang An City, with Yu Wenye present, she would not be worried about Shen Wuzheng’s safety.
But leading troops on a campaign is another matter entirely.
Yu Wenye had dared to kill Military Supervisor Kou Junliang back when Chu Yang was so suspicious of him and more so of the Yuwen Family, yet he emerged unscathed in the end. Ultimately, power is power, and force is force; when a person is in the most brutal circumstances, all wisdom and ability are less direct and effective than a single decisive strike.
As Shang Ruyi remained engrossed in her dilemma, Yu Wenye, beside her, lightly coughed and said, "Have you forgotten Shen Tu Tai?"
"..."
Shang Ruyi was stunned and turned to look at him, only to see Yu Wenye with a calm expression, seemingly a bit displeased, though not too obvious, still quite calm and composed. He spoke slowly, "Father promoted Shen Tu Tai to Vice Commander of Henan Road, precisely to suppress the third prince, to prevent him from acting recklessly. This war, whether easy or hard to fight, must not be fought chaotically."
At this, he turned to look at Shen Wuzheng: "This time when you go to battle, make sure to coordinate well with him."
Shen Wuzheng nodded: "I understand. Shen Tu Tai may seem rough but is actually meticulous; he’s a reliable person. With him there, I’m more assured."
"..."
"But the Luoyang campaign—"
Yu Wenye waved his hand casually and said, "Fight as much as it allows."
As he spoke, he chuckled, contempt evident in his expression, saying, "Let’s not mention Luoyang, with the third prince’s ability, if he manages to pass Hulao Pass, it would indeed make me regard him differently."
Shen Wuzheng’s eyes flickered.
He had also heard that Yu Wenquan had taken Jiang Chong’en back to Chang An and handed him to the Ministry of Justice, where certain truths were uncovered before he was discreetly executed. Among the revelations was information about the defense issues of Luoyang City and Liang Shide’s troop deployments on their eastward journey.
Luoyang City is situated on flat terrain, crisscrossed by several tributaries of the Yellow River, making it easily accessible and a hub for commerce; apart from water, there are mountains too. Mount Song stands to the south of Luoyang City, and Mang Mountain to the north, forming a natural barrier, benefitting greatly from the terrain. This was one reason Chu Yang abandoned the Central Pass to develop the Eastern Capital initially.
However, where there are mountains, there are strategic passes, and a large army requires provisions. Due to the need to transport supplies, their eastward advance requires using the Yellow River waterway, and to come from north of the Yellow River into Luoyang, they must bypass Mang Mountain.
And to take this route, they must pass through the strategic passes set by Liang Shide on the way.
Among them is Hulao Pass.
It was reportedly extracted from Jiang Chong’en that this location has strategic importance, but specifics on its defense, such as troop strength and who currently commands it, are still unknown. But from a geographical standpoint, Hulao Pass is indeed a critical point for attacking Luoyang.
Even Yu Wenye said if Yu Wencheng can pass Hulao Pass, it would make him regard him differently, highlighting its strategic significance.
Liang Shide must have stationed heavy troops to guard it!
And as for Yu Wencheng’s abilities, let’s not delve into the rest; the fact that he once lost the Dragon Raising Land speaks volumes.
With that being said, Shang Ruyi’s anxious mood eased slightly. Yu Wenye then told Shen Wuzheng: "The Holy Decree has already been sent to the Ministry of War, and it will soon reach you. The army departs in three days, so you’d better head back early to prepare."
Shen Wuzheng nodded, smiled at Shang Ruyi, a smile of infinite gentleness giving her endless comfort, then rose and walked towards the exit. Yu Wenye restrained the attempt of Shang Ruyi to stand, saying, "I will see him off. You don’t need to move."
With that, he left with Shen Wuzheng.
As they reached the door of Qianqiu Palace, a cold wind suddenly swept in, possibly carrying some fine rain, striking their faces with a chill to the bone. Shen Wuzheng stopped, turned to Yu Wenye, and quietly said, "Although I am leaving, Your Highness and the Princess should still be careful. The Crown Prince’s mind is intricate, his methods unpredictable, and he may not only target me."
Yu Wenye’s eyes flickered upon hearing this.
Shen Wuzheng clasped his hands in a salute, turned, and left.