Chapter 1369 - 1045: Ultimately, It’s the World’s Injustice

After a long sigh, Yu Wenye said deeply, "Your unrest, how can I be at peace?"

"...?"

Zhao Deyan was stunned, eyes wide open looking at him, yet Yu Wenye’s face showed no hint of softening, rather he continued to look at him coldly, "But no matter how difficult it is to settle, we cannot ruin national and military affairs."

"..."

"You know why I must strike you."

Zhao Deyan was silent for a moment, then said, "Those words I said, befriending the enemy, disturbing the military’s morale."

Yu Wenye nodded, "At least you’re not confused."

"..."

"I understand General Lei has shown you kindness, and you feel grateful, which is your valor, but on the battlefield, you are no longer just yourself, you are a soldier. Your words not only disturbed the morale but also divided people’s hearts."

"..."

"If I forgive you today, how would the soldiers at Xiaopingjin Pass think? Wouldn’t they feel that I am biased towards you and blame them?"

"..."

"If that’s true, can they remain at ease under my leadership?"

"..."

"If they truly have dissent and cause mutiny in the army, affecting future battles, do you have enough lives to bear the consequences?"

Hearing these words, Zhao Deyan opened his eyes wide, as if he finally understood.

Yu Wenye stood up and walked to him, saying deeply, "You find it hard to be at peace, but have you ever considered whether the unrest is caused by General Lei alone, by the soldiers who killed him at Xiaopingjin Pass, or by someone else?"

"..."

"Ultimately, it’s because the world is not at peace."

"..."

"We set out to fight to unify the world, to prevail over the four seas, so there would be fewer such unsettled matters."

"...!"

"I’ve shared these thoughts with you today, if you still remain unsettled, then I have no more to say."

At this moment, Zhao Deyan finally bowed his head slowly, "I—acknowledge my mistake!"

Standing beside him, Mu Xian nodded lightly.

Yu Wenye looked at him indifferently, showing no unnecessary expressions, only said, "Stand up."

Zhao Deyan, eyes red, struggled to stand up, but due to the severe pain in both legs, after struggling for a while, he still couldn’t rise, it was Mu Xian who came forward to support him and finally helped him stand upright. Only then did Yu Wenye say, "You need not fight in the upcoming battles."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Deyan became a bit anxious, "Your Highness, I—"

"I’m not punishing you,"

Yu Wenye said calmly, "What needed punishment has already been carried out, I never punish twice for the same offense. But in your current condition, it’s impossible for you to participate in the upcoming battles. Moreover, since you are unsettled, I have a task that is just right for you."

Originally supporting himself, Zhao Deyan lost his strength upon hearing he couldn’t fight, asked weakly, "What does Your Highness want me to do?"

Yu Wenye said, "I already had General Lei’s body put in a coffin, but his relatives are not here. Since you are grateful for his kindness to you, you shall escort the coffin and return home for burial."

Zhao Deyan widened his eyes and looked at him sharply, "Your Highness..."

Yu Wenye said, "What, unwilling?"

"No, no,"

Zhao Deyan, ignoring the tearing pain, fell to his knees with a thud and kowtowed repeatedly to Yu Wenye, "Thank you, Your Highness, thank you, Your Highness!"

Then he lay on the ground, sobbing.

This man, who endured such punishment without tears and did not cry despite Yu Wenye’s reprimands, cried painfully when Yu Wenye allowed him to escort Lei Yi’s coffin home, showing sentiment and righteousness. Mu Xian sighed in his heart and went forward to assist him, said, "Brother Zhao, don’t just cry. Your injuries need to be properly treated, don’t leave any lasting ailments or you will truly be unable to fight in the future."

Zhao Deyan cried red-faced, only nodding hard while choking back tears.

Yu Wenye said, "You may depart."

Zhao Deyan paid his respects again, then limped away, appearing more fragile yet stronger than before.

Only when his figure had disappeared into the distance did Yu Wenye let out a deep breath.

Mu Xian glanced back at him, "Your Highness should let go of this matter too."

Yu Wenye said, "Do I seem unable to let go?"

Mu Xian shook his head, yet still said, "Even one like Zhao Deyan... a hero’s weakness lies within ’emotion’, whether it be gratitude or friendship, ultimately it’s not a bad thing."

Yu Wenye furrowed his brow.

He had just felt like a hero fallen short, unexpectedly recalling Shang Ruyi in the camp and their past, now Mu Xian spoke of a hero’s weakness, it felt like a blow to his face. He was somewhat displeased and said, "What hero’s weakness, what emotions."

Seeing his sudden anger, Mu Xian stepped back quickly, "I spoke out of turn."

Yu Wenye wanted to scold him more, but felt lacking in confidence, could only glare at him, and turned his attention to the soldier standing by, realizing he hadn’t finished speaking. He waved at him, "You go and claim your reward too."

After saying this, he buried his head in the map on the desk.

Since Mengjin Pass has been taken, if Shen Tu Tai had two days to stabilize the area, once the rear is secure, he can advance east—towards Hulao Pass!

As his gaze moved from the map where they had circled and captured several passes, slowly towards the Hulao Pass marked in red, he realized those in the tent hadn’t moved. Looking up, he saw the messenger still standing as if wanting to say something.

He frowned slightly, "What’s the matter?"

Mu Xian found it strange too, this person should have gone to claim his reward immediately after reporting, why linger?

The soldier stepped forward and said softly, "Your Highness, the envoy from Your Majesty not only brought the imperial edict and verbal command to Cijian, but also news, though I don’t know if I should share it."

Yu Wenye said, "What news?"

The soldier said softly, "According to the envoy, some days ago, the Western Turks launched an attack on Xiazhou, Princess Qiancheng repeatedly sent word to Chang An requesting assistance from Your Majesty."

"Xiazhou?"

Upon hearing this name, Yu Wenye’s mind immediately flashed another map, he instantly understood Ashina Zhuxie’s intent to move troops and the crux of this battle’s success or failure, he quickly asked, "Then, did Your Majesty dispatch aid? Who is leading the troops?"

To him, Yu Wenquan was well-versed in military strategy and would certainly dispatch troops.

However, the matter of who leads the troops is another issue.

Currently, both King Qin and King Qi are here at Eastern Capital, could it be the Crown Prince?

But, the current situation is different from before, Yu Wenquan surely won’t allow the Crown Prince Yu Wenqian to lead troops, especially against the Western Turks, it’s too dangerous.

While Yu Wenye contemplated silently, the soldier said softly, "I heard it’s Princess Qin."