Chapter 1380 - 1056: Running Off Again—Chaotically!

Just as Nie Chong rode his horse with Shantong’er into Hulao Pass, a rider also arrived at the Qin King’s Camp.

Mu Xian personally went to greet the person, then led him into the Qin King’s tent, only to find Yu Wenye already asleep at the table, with the strategic map of Hulao Pass spread out, and an oil lamp nearly burned out beside him.

Seeing this scene, Mu Xian instinctively took a step back.

He intended to withdraw and let Yu Wenye sleep for a while before reporting back, but before he could leave the tent, he heard Yu Wenye’s clear and calm voice behind him: "What is it?"

Mu Xian immediately turned back: "Your Highness, you’re awake?"

Yu Wenye slowly sat up straight, his eyes slightly red under the flickering light, but his expression was calm and composed as he said, "Didn’t sleep, just resting a bit. What do you have?"

Mu Xian then returned and saluted, saying: "The envoy sent to Xiazhou has returned."

"Oh?"

The trace of weariness in Yu Wenye’s eyes immediately vanished, and he promptly said, "Bring him in!"

Mu Xian turned to shout outside, and a small soldier promptly walked into the tent, saluting Yu Wenye, who immediately said, "No need for formalities; have you found the whereabouts of Princess Qin?"

The soldier shook his head: "No."

Yu Wenye’s brow immediately furrowed, his eyes full of loss and worry. Seeing him like this, Mu Xian couldn’t help but sigh.

The soldier then said: "However, we heard that after the Western Turkic Khan came south, he didn’t go to Xiazhou, but rather turned towards Sui State."

"Sui State?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Wenye and Mu Xian exchanged a glance, both revealing a surprised expression. Mu Xian said: "What’s he going to Sui State for?"

The soldier said: "We initially thought he had moves against Sui State or was feigning one thing while doing another. But upon investigation, there was no movement from Sui State, and Ashina Zhuxie quickly returned, knowing that losing Xiazhou meant he wouldn’t dispatch more troops, and instead took his people back to the Western Turks."

Mu Xian took a deep breath and said: "It seems there’s someone or something in Sui State that drew him there. So, is this the reason the crisis in Xiazhou was resolved?"

"..."

"Who or what could it be?"

As he spoke, he seemed to have felt something himself, and Yu Wenye’s expression grew even more solemn.

He asked: "When he went back, did he bring anyone else?"

The soldier replied: "We followed him discreetly and found he only had his Kedun and some trusted subordinate generals, but no one else."

"..."

"Also, we heard that Wang Shaoqiu died in Sui State."

"What!?"

This time, even Yu Wenye showed a surprised expression, widening his eyes at the soldier: "You didn’t hear wrong? Wang Shaoqiu died?"

The soldier seriously nodded: "No, Wang Shaoqiu is indeed dead. He died at Skytop Mountain in Sui State."

"..."

"We met his accompanying men on the road, but didn’t engage, just heard that they’re unsure how to report back to Liang Shide in Luoyang."

"..."

"I knew things were complicated and immediately returned to report to Your Highness."

Yu Wenye took a deep breath.

Something must have happened at Skytop Mountain in Sui State.

Wang Shaoqiu went to meet Ashina Zhuxie, and now it seems Liang Shide sent him to liaise with the Western Turkic Khan, seeking his assistance to resolve the current Luoyang dilemma. But someone or something drew both of them to Skytop Mountain near Sui State, leading to Wang Shaoqiu’s death there.

Meanwhile, the crisis in Xiazhou was resolved, Ashina Zhuxie knew the tide had turned, and retreated to the Turks.

So, regarding Sui State—

Mu Xian spoke up, his voice hoarse from excitement and tension: "My lord, could it be the Princess?"

Yu Wenye didn’t speak.

After a moment’s silence, he said to the soldier: "You’ve worked hard, go and claim your reward."

The soldier saluted and withdrew. Once he left, Mu Xian immediately stepped up to Yu Wenye, lowering his voice: "Your Highness, is it the Princess? Did the Princess lead Ashina Zhuxie and Wang Shaoqiu to Sui State, kill Wang Shaoqiu, and resolve the crisis in Xiazhou?"

Though he asked, the excessive excitement and joy on his face showed he was certain of this.

And a hint of something like satisfaction flashed in Yu Wenye’s eyes.

But in the next moment, his expression turned gloomy, sternly saying: "Again—running—around!"

Upon hearing these three gritted words, Mu Xian’s heart sank, understanding Yu Wenye’s expression, he didn’t dare speak and held his tongue tight, while Yu Wenye lowered his head, looking at the map that had been pressed under him for half a day, slightly warmed. After tracing a line with his finger, he said in a deep voice: "Send someone to Tongguan immediately!"

Mu Xian was dumbfounded: "Go to Tongguan for what—"

Before finishing his sentence, he understood seeing Yu Wenye’s ashen face.

The crisis in Xiazhou had been resolved, and the event of Wang Shaoqiu’s death in Skytop Mountain occurred at least ten days ago. If Shang Ruyi truly did it, then according to the pace, she should have left Sui State and now have arrived at Tongguan.

If she truly returned to Chang An.

With just this thought, Mu Xian’s heart was immediately filled with an ominous premonition, yet he promptly said: "I’ll send someone right away."

Then he turned and went out.

Just as he left the tent, he heard a "crash" behind him, unclear what Yu Wenye had kicked over, but the tent instantly became pitch black. The loud noise caused both Mu Xian and a few guards outside to shudder, and everyone exchanged a glance without daring to speak, silently going about their own business.

Inside the tent, Yu Wenye stood with a grim face, surveying the mess in the darkness, silently.

After some time, the darkness was gradually dispelled by the morning light filtering through the tent.

Dawn was breaking soon.

The entire military camp gradually began to stir, but likely aware of what had happened the previous night, even with activity, no one dared to approach the Central Army Tent. Everyone seemed to be avoiding provoking the anger of Prince Qin.

And Yu Wenye allowed himself to remain immersed in the anger he couldn’t dissipate in that moment.

Until, footsteps sounded outside once more.

"My lord..."

Mu Xian’s voice echoed from outside the tent.

Yu Wenye couldn’t help but furrow his brow into a knot, surprised to find it was Mu Xian, who knew him best, interrupting him at this time. Ready to angrily demand him to leave, he instead heard Mu Xian soberly say: "There’s trouble."