Chapter 1194 - 872: Little Sun
She murmured, "Could it be that he’s not only targeting my brother but also my uncle—?"
Yu Wenye shook his head and said, "Probably not."
"Why?"
"Your uncle is different from your brother, the Minister is also different from the secretary, and furthermore, your uncle has the merit of supporting the throne. Even if he wants to attack me and seek revenge on you, he wouldn’t directly target such a significant courtier."
"But—"
"Besides, both your uncle and your brother are on my side, and they’re family. If something were to happen to both of them now, do you think Your Majesty would completely miss the reason behind it? And what would all the officials think!"
"Indeed, that’s true."
Hearing Yu Wenye’s words, Shang Ruyi’s heart eased slightly.
Previously at the Longmen Crossing, the death of two Dukes had deeply wounded Yu Wenquan. His attitude in major matters and changes in minor matters in recent days have undeniably been influenced by this. If another old friend such as Shen Shiyan faced trouble, he’d likely be more than just saddened.
Moreover, no Emperor can tolerate a Crown Prince who wields the blade of murder before ascending the throne.
Thinking about this, she sighed in relief and said, "Then I can feel more at ease."
"Don’t be completely at ease,"
Yu Wenye said deeply as he walked forward, "From now on, we both need to be vigilant. Today’s event seems like our victory, but since the Imperial Brother has made a move, he won’t logically accept any defeat. I always feel that there might be more to his plans."
Looking at his cold eyes, Shang Ruyi’s breathing gradually grew tense. "Hmm."
Time quickly passed, arriving at the day of the Imperial Carriage’s departure.
The weather was not very good that day, with a biting cold wind that felt like blades. Even in heavy fur clothes, the cold was palpable. Yet when she saw Shen Shiyan among those departing, Shang Ruyi’s heart still warmed, and she immediately found a chance to walk forward: "Uncle."
"Princess."
In such a public setting, Shen Shiyan courteously bowed to her, and Shang Ruyi promptly helped him up. She glanced at Gao Feng, who was behind him, and asked softly, "Uncle, why don’t you bring more people?"
Shen Shiyan smiled lightly, "Why bring so many people?"
"But—"
"Don’t worry,"
Before Shang Ruyi could say more, Shen Shiyan gently patted her hand, hinting, "Your uncle won’t get into trouble."
Seeing the warm yet wise light in his smiling eyes, Shang Ruyi felt assured. Indeed, after facing so many hardships, how could Shen Shiyan not understand the implications of King Qin being the Regent and the Crown Prince accompanying the tour this time? Shen Wu could indeed face myriad difficulties, but suggesting the Crown Prince would dare harm him would truly be unwise.
Shang Ruyi pondered for a moment before saying, "Uncle, please be cautious on this journey."
Shen Shiyan chuckled, "Rest assured."
Just as he finished speaking, a tall figure suddenly appeared beside him, bowing and saluting, "Mr. Shen."
The person’s swift movements startled Shang Ruyi for a moment. Upon closer inspection, it was none other than Pei Xingyuan, who was accompanying Chief Historian Pei Xu to the Hot Spring Palace to "enjoy fortune." Shen Shiyan smiled and greeted him, and after Pei Xingyuan exchanged pleasantries with the elders, he quickly turned to Shang Ruyi with a cheerful smile, "Don’t worry, Princess, I’m here."
Seeing him, even amid shadowed concerns, a smile involuntarily appeared on her face.
Pei Xingyuan seemed to possess a unique charm, brightening warmth like a small sun, even amidst a frigid winter.
Shang Ruyi smiled, "Lord Pei, are you going too?"
Pei Xingyuan replied, "Originally, such a blessing wouldn’t extend to officials as insignificant as me, but Your Majesty’s great grace allows relatives to accompany, so naturally, I’ve taken this opportunity."
Shang Ruyi said, "Be cautious in all matters."
Pei Xingyuan nodded to her, "Rest assured, Princess."
Though he appeared carefree, he was actually meticulous, and since the fierce battle at Longmen Crossing, Shen Wu had repeatedly warned them that the Crown Prince would surely target King Qin and his forces. Losing power and causing harm were inevitable, so his attempt to accompany the tour to Hot Spring Palace might stem from similar considerations to Yu Wenye.
As they conversed, the departure hour arrived, and everyone boarded the carriages, while Shang Ruyi retreated to the palace gates. Standing beside Yu Wenye, she watched Yu Wenquan gradually step onto the Imperial Carriage.
Immediately following the Emperor’s carriage was the Crown Prince’s carriage. Yu Wenqian assisted the Crown Princess Consort onto the carriage, yet he did not immediately board. Instead, he paused and suddenly turned to glance back.
That glance sent a shiver through the two standing in the cold wind.
Shang Ruyi shuddered abruptly.
With only that single glance, Yu Wenqian turned back to board the carriage. Soon, everything was set, and the procession slowly advanced in the cold wind, soon disappearing from their sight.
Yet, Shang Ruyi’s unease grew stronger inside.
Her fingers were icy cold, unsure if it was from the wind or the chill of that unsettling glance, but before the cold could seize her for too long, a warm hand reached over and grasped her cold hand, transferring reassuring warmth through their touch.
Shang Ruyi raised her eyes to meet Yu Wenye’s, and he said, "Don’t worry. We’ll confront the troops and face obstacles head-on."
This seemed to be his consistent attitude.
However, this was the best approach to uncharted matters, so Shang Ruyi nodded, then turned with him to walk back to the Imperial Palace. After a couple of steps, she asked, "By the way, has any news come from the east? How far have King Qi’s troops advanced?"
As Yu Wenye walked forward, he replied, "He hasn’t sent me any news, but the army reports that they’re not far from Luoyang now."
Walking another step, he said, "Counting the days, they should be close to Cijian."
"Cijian?"
Having lived in Luoyang for a long time, Shang Ruyi naturally had some knowledge of the surrounding geography, but she had only heard of Cijian. It’s said to be a military town located dozens of miles west of Luoyang, by the side of Jian River, established during Chu Yang’s reign. It’s not large, with limited troops, reputedly intended to prevent attacks on Luoyang via Jian River. But due to the Western Capital’s presence, it’s never played a significant role.
If Yu Wenye mentioned it, it must be significant.
Shang Ruyi asked, "Is it important?"
Yu Wenye’s lips slightly curved upwards, "To Yan Jie, it is important."
"What do you mean?"