Chapter 1371 - 1047: Come With Me Down

"Your Highness, are you really not worried at all?"

Right after asking this question, Mu Xian saw Yu Wenye’s face as dark as the bottom of a pot. His gaze was as sharp as a blade, seeming as if it could cut a piece of flesh off a person.

Mu Xian shivered, not daring to wait for a response, and quickly retreated.

Once out of the tent, he felt a weight lift from his chest, exhaling a long breath of relief. Turning back to look at the brightly lit tent casting a shadow of gloom, Mu Xian shook his head in trepidation and walked away.

The night passed in what seemed like calmness, but carried a hint of impending storm fear.

The next morning, Yu Wenye gave the order to march to Hulao Pass!

Upon hearing the news, the crowd was invigorated. Having won several battles in succession, they easily captured Xiaopingjin Pass, waiting days for the capture of Mengjin Pass to proceed eastward. Now Shen Tu Tai has finally seized the western Mengjin Pass, leaving no more worries.

In less than half a day, the troops packed up the camp, ready to set out.

As everyone mounted their horses, prepared to proceed along the Yellow River, Mu Xian, who had barely slept all night but dozed briefly just before dawn, wasn’t mounting his horse. Leading to Yu Wenye, he lifted his gaze to see that Prince Qin likewise had dark circles and bloodshot eyes.

It seemed like he hadn’t slept the whole night.

How hadn’t he slept as well?

Mu Xian thought to himself, but wasn’t overly worried. After all, Yu Wenye was always full of energy, not needing sleep or food even during days of battles. One sleepless night wasn’t a concern, but he seemed different now, disturbingly gloomy, making even nearby horses neigh and back away alarmed.

Mu Xian approached, saying: "Your Highness."

Yu Wenye glared with furrowed brow: "What is it?"

Though intimidated last night, fleeing without receiving answers, now it was time to depart. The battlefield outcome greatly depends on the mood of the leaders, besides Mu Xian prided himself knowing Princess Qin’s importance to Prince Qin.

Resolutely, Mu Xian asked softly: "I pondered all night, though we don’t deploy troops, we should—still send people to Xiazhou to investigate, see how Xiazhou’s—"

"Alright."

"Ah?"

Mu Xian was stunned, looking up at Yu Wenye but seeing his face turned coldly aside: "It’s your idea to send them, if anything goes wrong, you’re to be questioned."

"..."

Mu Xian’s throat choked momentarily, finally exhaling and chuckling: "Yes."

Only sending people for news, what could go wrong?

The master clearly worried, agreeing before Mu Xian finished, then putting the responsibility on him as if he pleaded for it.

At least, he consented.

Mu Xian sighed in relief, turning to order a soldier squad to Xiazhou, especially concerning Princess Qin’s whereabouts. Seriously saying, "Clarify Princess Qin’s situation—if resolved, has the Princess returned to Chang An; if the Xiazhou crisis is ongoing, ensure clear Princess Qin’s status, protecting her if necessary."

"Yes!"

The group received orders, heading the opposite direction.

Watching them disappear into the distance, Mu Xian turned to see the troops ready with Yu Wenye on horseback viewing them depart. Then swinging his arm, the army began advancing east along the Yellow River.

Hulao Pass was merely a hundred miles from their camp.

Pre-departure, Yu Wenye sent scouts. Liang Shide had long deployed heavy troops at Hulao Pass, the sole northern barrier of Luoyang, commanded by his general—Shan Shiyu.

This expert strategist, renowned for martial prowess under Liang Shide, established great feats. With the loss of successive Luoyang Eight Passes, Liang Shide tasked Shan Shiyu as his formidable general, amassing 100,000 troops alongside Hulao’s initial 50,000, totaling 150,000 waiting ahead.

They might bypass Hulao, directly assault Luoyang, but Liang Shide’s arrangement was a knife threatening their rear. A southward attack on Luoyang could be jeopardized by Shan Shiyu’s Hulao forces ambushing them.

Thus, Hulao Pass must be seized!

While still distant, an instinctive sense arose—before them lay a lurking great tiger silently awaiting.

As they neared Hulao Pass, this feeling intensified.

By dusk, having traveled nearly 100 miles, they halted at an ancient Yellow River ferry site, flat and suitable for encampment. Yu Wenye ordered immediate settlement but didn’t dismount, instead riding with Mu Xian and two personal soldiers further ahead, soon reaching a nearby hill.

At sunset, the fire-like sun shone behind them, feeling immersed in brilliant fireworks.

From on high, Yu Wenye overlooked the raging Yellow River rumbling like thunder, and vaguely saw the towering pass walls ahead positioned at the sunset’s fiery heart, confronting the turbulent Yellow River, climbing Beimang Mountain, resembling a giant blocking their vision and steps.

That was Hulao Pass.

Yu Wenye’s eyes gleamed red.

Riding beside him, Mu Xian too focused on the sight, softly suggesting after a while: "Your Highness, the camp should be ready, please return to res—"

Yu Wenye held up a hand to silence him.

Then said: "Follow me down."

"Down?"

Mu Xian froze: "Down, where?"

Yu Wenye stated: "To see Hulao Pass."

"What!?"

Mu Xian gasped but before he could protest, a gust sounded as Yu Wenye galloped down the hill, charging toward Hulao Pass!