Chapter 1367 - 1043: Heroes at a Loss

Upon hearing Yu Wenye’s words, the soldiers whose palms were originally sweaty from tension and who were gripping the hilts of their swords, suddenly breathed a sigh of relief, releasing their weapons. The other soldiers all knelt and voiced in unison, "Thank you, Prince Qin!"

"The Prince is wise!"

"We swear to follow Prince Qin!"

Seeing their ecstatic expressions and then looking at Yu Wenye’s stern face, Zhao Deyan stood there dumbfounded, unable to utter a word.

Two soldiers had already approached him: "Come along."

Though young, he had many accomplishments and was considered a veteran, so everyone gave him face and did not drag him away. Zhao Deyan lowered his head, silently following along, while the other officers who had just followed him in provoking were all pale, not daring to breathe heavily.

Yu Wenye said, "Today, I’ll only punish Zhao Deyan, disregarding past matters. But from today on, anyone who dares to disrupt military morale will be executed without pardon!"

Everyone responded in unison: "Understood!"

After speaking, everyone dispersed, and Yu Wenye returned to his tent with Mu Xian.

Although he had just resolutely dealt with a matter that could affect military morale and influence the bigger picture, Yu Wenye remained calm as if nothing had happened, sitting back at the desk, sipping tea, and said, "By the way, why hasn’t there been any news from Mengjin Pass?"

Mu Xian, initially a bit distracted, immediately said, "I have also sent people to inquire over there, but, it should be soon."

Yu Wenye said, "It’s been three days already."

The three days he was referring to were when Shen Tu Tai received his order and began to lead troops to attack Mengjin Pass.

Although in the previous battle, Mengjin Pass lost five thousand troops, and after that, some soldiers fled while others ran away. In the end, less than half remained to defend themselves. It seemed to pose no threat, but Yu Wenye still couldn’t be at ease since Mengjin Pass was just west of Xiaopingjin Pass, forming a strategic pincer position, blocking the crucial point of the Yellow River, serving as the northern gate to Luoyang. If they attacked eastwards to Hu Lao Pass while Mengjin Pass took the opportunity to send troops to attack from behind, they could find themselves besieged.

They must seize this place thoroughly before deploying troops.

So, Yu Wenye had Shen Tu Tai lead the remaining troops from Cijian to attack Mengjin Pass. Once taken, he would have no worries for the westward advance.

Three days had passed by now, and the outcome should have been evident.

Mu Xian said, "According to my calculations, if all goes well, General Shen Tu should send news by tomorrow morning at the latest. Please wait a little longer, Your Highness."

Yu Wenye could only nod.

Mu Xian added, "These dishes have already cooled. Shall I have them reheated and brought back?"

Yu Wenye glanced at the bowl of dishes sent to him, which had indeed cooled, but perhaps because he had just been angry, he felt slightly hungry and said, "No need."

With that, he began eating.

Seeing this, Mu Xian let out a long breath, a slight smile rising on his face. Yu Wenye ate a bite, looked up at him upon hearing his voice and asked, "What’s wrong?"

Mu Xian hesitated for a moment before smiling, "I thought, Your Highness would—"

He stopped mid-sentence, realizing it was inappropriate, but Yu Wenye seemed to understand and said, "Are you thinking that I would hold a grudge against those who killed Lei Yi just like Zhao Deyan?"

Mu Xian said, "I wouldn’t dare."

"..."

"But I do know that Your Highness feels troubled."

Right after saying this, he regretted it because Yu Wenye, who had just eaten a few bites, felt a suffocating sensation in his chest. He put down his bowl and said heavily, "Of course, I feel troubled."

"..."

"But what I just said is also true."

"..."

"On the battlefield, there’s no room for too much sentiment. Some things, even if heart-wrenching, must be done."

"..."

"Someone solved my problem, and if I still hold a grudge, that would make me a petty hypocrite. I can’t do that."

Mu Xian said, "I understand."

"..."

"It’s just that General Lei was indeed too stubborn. He could have surrendered. Given our past relations and family ties, Your Highness wouldn’t trouble him. So why force things to such an extent?"

Yu Wenye paused and said, "Maybe he was worried about Lei Yu."

Mu Xian was surprised: "Miss Lei?"

Yu Wenye said, "Lei Yu was arranged by Liang Shide to marry the Young Prince of the Western Turks, previously Ashina Zhuxie killed his father to seize power—" Speaking this far, his throat tightened, and after a slight cough to clear it, he continued, "and also killed that Young Prince Yiasu. If I’m not mistaken, Lei Yu must have been—"

"Ah?"

Before, although everyone knew what had happened in the Western Turks, few focused on the fate of a young woman amidst all the bloodshed and power struggles, showing concern for her joys and sorrows, her fate. It was only now that Mu Xian realized this point, and he sighed with regret.

Yu Wenye’s eyes darkened, pausing for a moment before he continued, "So, Lei Yi must have been worried for her safety."

"..."

"If he surrendered, how difficult it would be for Lei Yu."

"..."

By this point, Mu Xian was speechless.

Though he had only been Yu Wenye’s long-term follower before, he had met Lei Yu many times and greatly admired her straightforward personality and exceptional martial skills. He hadn’t imagined such an outstanding woman would face such circumstances.

Life is indeed too difficult...

Upon hearing Mu Xian murmuring these words, Yu Wenye’s expression also grew somber.

He surely understood the dilemma Lei Yi faced, yet from his standpoint, he could not stop advancing or refuse to personally confront him, as this result was a conclusion he had anticipated long ago.

Yu Wenye said, "Life is full of regrets and dilemmas, so we must cherish the luck and completion we have in hand."

Saying this, he suddenly, with a hero’s sigh, thought of Shang Ruyi. How lucky they were to find each other amidst seemingly missed fates and to hold on through misunderstandings, obstacles, and adversity, finally staying together.

Looking back on everything that had happened, he could hardly believe his incredible fortune.

Listening to him, Mu Xian nodded repeatedly.

Just then, the sound of hooves suddenly arose outside, and someone reported from outside the tent, "Reporting to His Highness Prince Qin, word from Mengjin Pass!"