CHAPTER 475: CHAPTER 410: THE MOST TERRIFYING "POSSIBILITY

As soon as the words were spoken, a gust of wind suddenly blew from somewhere.

The wind was gentle, not even enough to lift a corner of the thin clothes on their bodies, only stirring a slight ripple on the pond beside them; but the moonlight was ethereal, becoming shimmering due to the ripple, reflected in Yu Wenqian’s eyes, as if his gaze flickered along with it.

But on his face, there remained the same calm appearance.

Shang Ruyi still stared at him intently, holding her breath, her two hands hanging at her sides unconsciously clenched, palms full of cold sweat, as if expecting some dangerous outcome.

Yu Wenqian suddenly let out a light laugh, then said, "Sister-in-law, have you met Xue Xian?"

"...?"

Shang Ruyi was taken aback, instinctively shook her head.

Yu Wenqian smiled faintly again, then said, "Actually, I haven’t met him either, but Father once worked with him. His evaluation was — invincible and brave."

These four words made Shang Ruyi feel a sinking in her heart.

Just now, she was tense all over, even holding her breath, because Yu Wenqian’s last words made her think of some incredible, even frightening "possibilities," so she nervously waited for that yes or no result, and even more for something like a declaration of fate.

But unexpectedly, Yu Wenqian lightly skipped over the question, Shang Ruyi was about to breathe a sigh of relief, but before she finished, Yu Wenqian threw another heavy outcome onto her heart.

This tension and release almost made her heart unable to bear it, causing a faint pain.

After a moment of silence, she whispered, "Invincible and brave...?"

"Indeed,"

Yu Wenqian said, "Feng Chen’s ability — I actually don’t need to say more, I believe you are more aware than many people. But Father’s evaluation of him also only has the words ’brave and capable in battle.’

"..."

"Xue Xian was able to occupy the territory of Longxi in such a short time, and even reach Fufeng. His ability, even those who don’t understand military affairs should comprehend; furthermore, sister-in-law, you are born into a military family, and have followed Feng Chen through so many campaigns, you should be more aware than others."

"..."

"But Feng Chen —"

Saying this, Yu Wenqian looked down at the distracted Shang Ruyi, slowly said, "He should have continuously been in battles since being appointed Assistant General, and injured all along, without time for recovery, right?"

"..."

Shang Ruyi’s breathing suddenly became heavy.

If it was only about Xue Xian, maybe she wouldn’t have any reaction, but Yu Wenqian’s words hit the softest spot in her heart.

Actually, before Yu Wenye was appointed Assistant General, at Yanmen County, where he repelled the Turkic army with a single arrow, he was already injured; then returned to Luoyang, upon hearing the news of Madam Guan’s death, heartbroken and suffering, he was appointed Great General, led troops to Xingluo Granary, several days without rest, fell off a cliff with a dry branch piercing his shoulder; after returning with victory, falsely accused and sent to the Ministry of Justice for trial, although he didn’t mention his days there after being rescued, Shang Ruyi knew that Wang Shaoji and Zhai Ying certainly wouldn’t let him off easily; and afterwards, he only had a short rest period before again setting out for Wanggang Village, withdrawing halfway, but to save Empress Jiang he was hit by several arrows from Hua Ziyang, without healing the wounds, went south to Jiangdu Palace, cutting a bloody path from the Imperial Guard to rescue her...

Thinking of his experiences in these days, Shang Ruyi only felt a chill in her heart.

However strong he may be, he is merely a body of flesh and blood.

He couldn’t possibly be unaware of fatigue, nor pain...

Seeing Shang Ruyi’s suddenly pale face, Yu Wenqian calmly said, "Sister-in-law should understand, sometimes war is not just fought with soldiers and horses, nor just with battle tactics, but also with the commanding general."

"..."

"Though Feng Chen is young, if he continues this way, he will eventually be exhausted."

"..."

Shang Ruyi looked at him, finding herself unable to speak for a moment.

Yu Wenqian’s gaze, expression, even the tone in each word he uttered, were heavy and sincere, indistinguishable from when he mentioned his feelings for Yu Wenye previously.

Is he really concerned about Yu Wenye?

Are they really that affectionate and respectful, such brotherly care...?

But this battle...

While Shang Ruyi’s thoughts were in disorder, footsteps approached from ahead, as if someone was walking towards them. Yu Wenqian glanced upward, then smiled and said, "I hope sister-in-law can ponder over my words."

Saying this, he turned to leave.

As he took two steps, Shang Ruyi’s voice suddenly came from behind —

"Elder brother."

Yu Wenqian’s steps halted.

Shang Ruyi stood in place, her gaze flickering, yet her expression was solemn as she watched the tall and handsome back. After shedding the monk’s robe, he regained the elegance of a noble son, but in the night seemed to hide countless secrets. Shang Ruyi took a deep breath and softly said, "What elder brother just said, that facing Xue Xian will be an unprecedented fierce battle, is it really just for those two reasons?"

"..."

The broad shoulders seemed to tremble slightly.

But Yu Wenqian didn’t turn around, only replied calmly, "What else then?"

"..."

"Could it be that sister-in-law believes there is another reason?"

"..."

Shang Ruyi’s throat tightened, unable to utter a word.

It was also because this possible "reason" was too terrifying, so terrifying that just thinking about it made her heart ache.

Only then did she realize that although Yu Wenqian had an easygoing demeanor and treated people kindly, he was someone with a gentle yet unyielding nature. If he didn’t want to speak, no one could extract a word from him that he didn’t wish to say.

At this moment, Yu Wenqian slowly turned his face, the moonlight outlining his handsome features, with his clearly defined profile appearing even more mysterious in the night.

He said, "Speaking of which, I’ve only just returned to the Yuwen Family."

"..."

"For many things, I might not know as much as sister-in-law does."

Having said that, he offered a faint smile, turned back, and walked away.

Shang Ruyi stood still, watching his graceful exit, his last words echoing in her mind, and suddenly an inexplicable chill rose from her faintly aching heart.

With that chill, Shang Ruyi slowly walked to the dining hall.

The entire Yuwen Mansion was brightly lit tonight, especially here where silver candles shone, illuminating everything inside and outside as if it were daylight. As soon as Shang Ruyi walked in, she saw that Yu Wenqian had already taken his seat, sitting on Yu Wenquan’s left—where Yu Wenye used to sit, and Yu Wenye had also arrived, sitting quietly to the side.

After bathing, he had changed into a dark blue robe, his jade-colored belt cinched tightly, and his long hair tied back, making him appear clean and neat, completely different from the leisurely and relaxed Yu Wenqian dressed in blue.

The two of them sitting on either side of Yu Wenquan made for a vivid contrast.

Upon seeing Shang Ruyi enter the dining hall, he immediately stood up and walked over: "Why did you come so late?"

Shang Ruyi forced a smile: "I, uh, got lost just now."

Yu Wenye glanced at her, said nothing, and led her to sit down. Yu Wenquan was talking to Yu Wenqian, and upon seeing Shang Ruyi, he also smiled and said: "This mansion is much bigger than the one in Luoyang, Ruyi, you’ve just arrived and might not be familiar yet. Let Ye’er take you around these days to get to know the place better. By the way, you seemed to have spent your childhood here in Daxing City, didn’t you?"

Shang Ruyi quickly nodded in agreement: "Yes, Father."

Yu Wenquan said: "Let Ye’er take you to see the city too; it’s changed quite a bit from back then."

Although he was smiling and speaking kindly, his words made Shang Ruyi’s heart sink slightly.

He intended for Yu Wenye to help her get familiar with this mansion, and moreover, the entire Daxing City—which meant, in the coming days, he didn’t plan for Yu Wenye to go on an expedition immediately?

While Shang Ruyi was pondering in her heart, Yu Wenye had already said: "Yes."

Shang Ruyi immediately turned to look at him.

Yu Wenquan’s smile deepened a bit as he said: "Speaking of which, Qian’er hasn’t been back to Daxing City for years either."

As he spoke, he looked back at his eldest son, whose face was imposing and inherently authoritative due to his high position, yet now bore an expression of gratification and affection, smiling as he said, "You have finally come home."

Yu Wenqian immediately stood up and bowed to him, saying, "Father, I am unfilial, having roamed outside all these years and unable to fulfill my duties as a son, truly—"

"Enough!"

Yu Wenquan waved a large hand, interrupting him, pulling him back to sit, and said joyfully, "Your return is the greatest filial piety!"

Saying this, he laughed again: "I am truly delighted today, bring out the wine, I want to drink heartily all night!"

At this moment, Aunt Hui came forward carrying a jar of wine.

Upon seeing her, Yu Wenye remained composed, but Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but feel her heart skip a beat.

Such a task as serving wine always belonged to the servants and maids; why was she personally serving the wine at this moment?

Yu Wenquan also frowned slightly and said, "Why are you—" He didn’t finish the sentence, pausing as soon as he saw the jar of wine in Aunt Hui’s hands.

"This wine..."

Aunt Hui gently placed the jar on the table, respectfully saying, "Does Duke still remember this wine?"

"..."

Yu Wenquan didn’t speak immediately, he examined it carefully again, then softly said: "It’s Nine Brewed Spring."

Aunt Hui immediately smiled: "The Duke indeed remembers. When the First Madam entered the mansion, she brought ten jars of Nine Brewed Spring. You were so bold that you drank nine jars on your wedding night, leaving only this one."

"..."

"Now, with the return of the eldest son, this jar of wine fits the joy of tonight."

After she spoke, the entire dining hall suddenly fell silent.

Everyone looked towards Yu Wenquan.

Just now, Yu Wenquan was cheerful and talkative, but now he suddenly fell silent, his dark face revealing a peculiar gravity.

After a long time, he muttered: "The joy of tonight..."