Chapter 1391 - 1067: Just in Time

A day later, when Yu Wencheng and Shang Shoufei led their army eastward from Cijian, they had just reached the West Mountain Valley entrance when they saw from afar that many trees at the foot of the mountain had been cut down, leaving a large open space. On this vast open ground, a shadow appeared, resembling a large dark cloud cast by the sky above.

As they approached, they realized it was a massive infantry troop, with fluttering banners and horses neighing.

Everyone was startled, especially their sensitive horses, which sensed the violent killing aura in the wind and emitted anxious neighs and shook their heads.

"Calm down!"

Leading the way, Yu Wencheng was rather calm and composed. He raised his hand to soothe the panic before shaking the reins and riding forward a few steps, immediately recognizing the army ahead by the distinct red and white flags used by his second elder brother, King Qin Yuwenye.

Upon seeing that flag clearly, his expression instantly darkened.

At the same time, two cavalry emerged from the troops, followed by several soldiers. They quickly reached him, and these two were familiar faces—Mu Xian and Cheng Qiao, under the command of Yuwenye.

Riding their horses, they greeted Yu Wencheng with a bow: "Greetings, Prince Qi."

Yu Wencheng replied unhappily: "What are you doing here?"

Mu Xian said: "We were ordered by Prince Qin to attack Luoyang. Knowing you, Prince Qi, would come to assist, we are overjoyed and are here to meet you."

Upon hearing this, Yu Wencheng’s face fell. After all, he was Prince Qi of the Dasheng Dynasty, the Emperor’s appointed General of Henan, and attacking Luoyang was originally his task. Now, Mu Xian insinuated he was here to "assist," clearly sidelining him to seize the battle honors.

He quickly retorted with a sneer: "I am a proper Marching Commander; whom should I assist?"

Mu Xian smiled: "Your Highness, aren’t you here to assist Prince Qin? A few days ago, if not for you containing the troops in Cijian for Prince Qin, how could he have swept across the Eastern Capital and captured all the Eight Passes?"

Yu Wencheng’s expression turned grim.

A few days ago, after his defeat, he was forced to retreat to Cijian while Yuwenye took advantage of Liang Shide’s troop deployment against Cijian, fighting on multiple fronts and capturing several of the Luoyang Eight Passes. It was not intentional assistance but done out of necessity; disregarding the assistance sentiment would only leave him with the shame of defeat.

Upon hearing these words, the generals behind Yu Wencheng appeared disgruntled.

In the battlefield, the bravery of soldiers and the fruits of victory matter most. Yu Wencheng’s impulsive haste led to a swift defeat, leaving his only "achievement" as the "assistance" noted by Mu Xian, rendering him unable to voice strong words despite knowing the rivals were vying for merit.

Mu Xian continued: "While waiting here for Your Highness, we have cut down many trees to prepare siege ladders for the assault. We hope for your cooperation when the time comes."

Yu Wencheng’s face grew darker.

At this moment, another rider approached him slowly—it was Captain Shang Shoufei. Observing the two men, he laughed: "With two of you assisting, Prince Qi’s siege will surely yield twice the results. However, I have a small question to ask you both."

Facing him, Mu Xian and Cheng Qiao’s expressions turned peculiar.

They knew he was Princess Qin’s elder brother. Despite his career path aligning with the Crown Prince route, previously serving as Eastern Palace Guards and causing troubles for King Qin, his face bore a mask-like smile, making them somewhat unhappy and causing them to frown.

Mu Xian asked: "What is it?"

Shang Shoufei smiled: "Days ago, I heard my little sister—oh, Princess Qin, went to Xiazhou. Is that true?"

Mu Xian replied: "Indeed, it is."

"Now that Xiazhou’s crisis is resolved, how is Princess Qin?"

"..."

"Did you not send someone to find her?"

Upon hearing this, Mu Xian’s face darkened.

Since learning that Shang Ruyi hadn’t returned to Chang An, he’s been concerned. Evidently, King Qin was worried too, yet with the imminent battle, they couldn’t devote full attention to Princess Qin, thus no more men were sent to find her.

Nonetheless, this matter was a heavy stone in their hearts.

Now, facing Shang Shoufei’s inquiry, especially in the capacity of Princess Qin’s brother, they were tongue-tied.

Yu Wencheng, hearing Shang Shoufei’s words, immediately came to his senses and sneered: "How are you two doing your duties? How is my second brother conducting his duties? With his own princess wandering outside, he sends you to attack Luoyang. Doesn’t he realize the surrounding areas are under Liang Shide’s control? If my second sister-in-law gets caught—"

Mu Xian and Cheng Qiao exchanged glances.

The words posed a grave threat—not to Shang Ruyi’s safety but determining their future guilt through her jeopardy. Nonetheless, Mu Xian respectfully said: "Prince Qi’s words have merit; however, we are merely following orders to attack Luoyang. Other matters are arranged by King Qin."

Yu Wencheng said: "He better be."

"..."

"Otherwise, if he can’t even protect his wife, how can he establish himself in the military?"

"..."

"Moreover, how will he explain to the citizens of the Dasheng Dynasty?"

With that, he let out a sneer, shook his reins, and rode forward while Shang Shoufei and others followed. Mu Xian and Cheng Qiao’s faces grew more solemn. At this point, they had no choice but to follow with deep concerns.

The next day, the assault on Luoyang commenced.

While they set up siege ladders and led troops towards the towering and sturdy Luoyang City, a hundred miles away from Hu Lao Pass, listening to the roaring of the Yellow River, Yu Wenye heard hurried footsteps approaching. Turning, he saw a scout sent days ago on a reconnaissance mission. The man stepped forward and bowed: "Your Highness!"

Yu Wenye asked: "How goes it?"

The scout reported: "We discovered Xiao Yuansui leading 120,000 troops, moving south from Leshou, directly approaching Hu Lao Pass!"

Yu Wenye’s eyes immediately sharpened, stepping forward: "Where are they now?"

The scout replied: "They are near Liyang."

"Liyang..."

Upon hearing this, Yu Wenye slowly lifted his gaze, and in the eyes greeting the setting sun, a chilling light emerged: "Their timing is impeccable."