CHAPTER 486: CHAPTER 418: YU WENQIAN’S... GOOD MATCH?

"How is it possible?!"

Shang Ruyi blurted out almost instinctively.

With a face full of disbelief, she felt that what she heard was either a dream or a joke—but Yu Wenqian standing in front of her was undeniably real, and the faint smile on his face also carried a distinct chill.

This, is it real?

But, how could it possibly be real?

Left Brave General Yu Dingxing—although Yu Wenye had said that he wasn’t familiar with the Yuwen Family, and had no prior dealings with Yu Wenqian, this move of seizing Daxing City without a single soldier expended clearly indicated a clandestine relationship between them, and naturally, they formed an alliance afterward. It’s almost certain that Yu Dingxing belonged to Yu Wenqian.

But why did he nominate Yu Wenye at the court then?

Could it be that he and Yu Wenqian were at odds?

If it’s really a disagreement, is it their relationship that has fractured, or is it simply a divergence in their schemes?

If this disagreement is due to their falling out, it might be easier to handle; if it’s due to differing schemes, then the situation becomes more complex—what are they each plotting? In the future, will there ever be a moment of shared endeavor between them again?

In an instant, a flood of questions surged up like a tide, momentarily leaving Shang Ruyi at a loss. She took a few deep breaths instinctively, but still felt a stuffy sensation in her chest, unsure of what to do. She looked up at Yu Wenye and softly asked, "Do you understand?"

Although it was just a few simple words, Yu Wenye clearly understood what she meant.

This disagreement of theirs was certainly not merely about agreeing or stopping him from going on the expedition; there must be a deeper meaning behind it.

Or rather, a purpose.

If this point is not understood, his expedition will always be shrouded in a veil, making it even harder to trust.

Yu Wenye was silent for a moment, his eyes heavy with thought. Although he had unresolved confusion, he spoke deeply, "I only understand one thing."

"What?"

"Regardless of others’ schemes, I have only one path before me—to go on the expedition."

"..."

"This battle in Fufeng, I must go, and I must win."

His gaze was determined and powerful. Although he was merely dressed in casual attire, sitting carelessly, he exuded a sharpness, as if he were already on the battlefield, his will unshakeable by anyone at that moment.

The next moment, when he looked at Shang Ruyi, there was a glint in his eyes.

He said, "But you—"

Shang Ruyi furrowed her brow, almost realizing what he was about to say, but before the words could leave his lips, someone outside softly reported: "Second Young Master, Young Madam, the meal is set in the dining hall."

Both of them immediately came back to their senses.

In the past, whether in Taiyuan or Luoyang, the family rarely gathered together for meals. When Yu Wenquan was transporting provisions to the Liaoxi front line, Shang Ruyi would even dine in her room, but in these two days back in Daxing City, the family gathered more often than before.

It was evidently because Yu Wenqian had returned.

Yu Wenye slowly stood up, brushed off his clothes, and said, "Let’s go, let’s eat first, and talk after."

Shang Ruyi nodded and followed him.

When they reached the dining hall, the food was already laid out. Yu Wenquan was sitting at the main seat, and upon seeing them enter, his eyes grew even heavier; while Yu Wenqian, sitting to his left, remained calm and composed, even smiling at Yu Wenye.

Yu Wenye paid respects to his father and elder brother, then took a seat with Shang Ruyi.

Just as he sat down, Yu Wenquan spoke gravely, "Ye’er, are you really going to go on the expedition to Fufeng?"

As expected—

Even though the Emperor had already issued an edict, Yu Wenquan was still uneasy. This meal was probably his attempt to dissuade Yu Wenye.

Shang Ruyi’s breath tightened as she looked at the person beside her. She saw Yu Wenye calmly say, "Father, this is the edict from His Majesty today, as a courtier, I naturally should—"

Before he could finish, Yu Wenquan impatiently waved his hand and said, "You should know, if I wish, I can have His Majesty retract the edict. After all, there are more generals beside you who can go on the expedition."

Yu Wenye replied, "But, I should be the best choice."

"..."

"I believe, Father understands this point."

Hearing his words, a deeper shadow crossed Yu Wenquan’s brows.

He didn’t speak, while Yu Wenqian casually interjected, with a touch of amusement, gently saying, "But Feng Chen, you should also understand, Father says this out of concern for you. After all, Xue Xian is no ordinary general, this will be a very tough battle; and you’ve been constantly on the move for months, without a moment’s rest."

Yu Wenye nodded, "I understand what Elder Brother means, these past months, I’ve just considered it a long raid."

"..."

"Marching and commanding troops, it’s inevitable."

Hearing this, Yu Wenqian’s calm, grey-blue eyes flickered slightly, "Even that General of Cavalry couldn’t withstand such long and exhausting raids, his star fell at a young age. You should cherish yourself more."

As soon as he said this, the entire dining hall fell silent.

Shang Ruyi’s heart stirred slightly.

Although her father, Shang Ruohong, had also served as the Left Merit Guard Cavalry General, it was clear that the General of Cavalry Yu Wenqian mentioned was not him, but one of the two legendary heroes of the empire who had once fought against the Xiongnu and left behind a formidable reputation.

To ride through the Xiongnu, to seal one’s name among the heavenly wolves, is the legend of a god of war for a generation.

However, such a heavenly general passed away at a young age, leaving countless sighs and even more mysteries.

Yu Wenqian brought him up at this moment—

Just as Shang Ruyi was pondering, Yu Wenye sighed lightly and said, "Elder brother has a point, but we can’t abandon long-distance raids just because of the toll it takes on the body, as that gives the enemy an opportunity. Similarly, going to battle means there will be casualties, and avoiding engagement out of fear of death or injury not only gives the enemy an opportunity but is akin to welcoming thieves in."

"..."

"Moreover, I’ve heard some rumors that the real cause of death for that General of Cavalry was actually a plague—"

"...!"

Yu Wenqian looked up at him, a glint flashing in his eyes.

But before they could say more, Yu Wenquan, sitting at the main seat with brows tightly knitted, said in a deep voice, "What’s all this talk about death?"

Hearing this, Yu Wenye immediately said, "I misspoke, father."

Yu Wenquan looked at him heavily for another moment before saying, "Ye’er, I don’t wish to discuss others’ matters, but for yours, I must say more. If you really plan to go on an expedition to Fufeng, you must prepare well."

Yu Wenye promptly replied, "Rest assured, father. I’ve already dispatched troops and provisions, ready to set out at the latest by tomorrow."

Yu Wenquan said, "What I’m referring to isn’t just the soldiers and supplies."

"Hmm?"

Yu Wenye paused, as if realizing something, but before he could speak, Shang Ruyi, who had been sitting silently, looked up and said softly, "Please rest assured, Father, I will accompany my second brother on this expedition."

Hearing this, Yu Wenye immediately furrowed his brows, looking down at her.

Yet Shang Ruyi’s expression remained calm, as if her promise and what she was about to face were just routine matters.

Yu Wenye said, "You—"

But before he could continue, Yu Wenquan already nodded slightly, his serious expression softened a bit as he said, "Ruyi, although our dynasty has no precedent for women in military camps, rules are made by people; here, I set the rules. Moreover, if women wish to achieve great things, it needn’t only be with embroidery needles or in the kitchen. You are the daughter of my friend, the once-unmatched General of Cavalry, Shang Ruohong. I trust you are not a typical frail woman living under others’ protection."

"..."

"Xue Xian, I entrust him to you, and he to you!"

"...!"

His words stirred a surge of passion within Shang Ruyi’s heart.

Although she was merely accompanying the troops and would be by Yu Wenye’s side, a woman entering the military camp to showcase her talents was something many in the past wouldn’t dare to imagine.

But why not?

She could choose her own husband, so why couldn’t she choose which enemies to face?

Thinking this, when Shang Ruyi looked up at Yu Wenquan again, her eyes shone brighter.

As expected...

The common people only rely on the strong, but for him to place responsibility in a woman’s hands not only proves his confidence in his own judgment but also showcases his unparalleled courage.

Thus, Father’s words were correct; Yu Wenquan is a hero of the time. If dark clouds cover the sun, the hand that parts the clouds must be his!

Shang Ruyi said solemnly, "Yes!"

As she gazed at Yu Wenquan with bright eyes, Yu Wenye’s eyes dimmed slightly.

Yu Wenquan’s face revealed a faint smile, seemingly more relaxed, as he said, "In that case, we can be at ease."

The term "we" in his statement made people pause.

Shang Ruyi’s eyes flickered as she instinctively looked across, but she saw that Yu Wenqian, who had been silent, was still sitting there quietly watching them, though his eyes seemed to briefly flicker with a trace of inexplicable melancholy at that moment.

But in the next moment, it was replaced by a faint smile.

Yu Wenqian watched them with what seemed like an envious expression and, after a silent pause, smiled and said, "Second brother and sister-in-law truly share a deep bond."

Hearing this, Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but exhale softly.

She instinctively lowered her head.

On the other hand, Yu Wenye, his expression unchanged, smiled and said, "I believe, elder brother’s good match should be near as well."

"...!?"

Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi widened her eyes, somewhat surprised as she looked at him.

Yu Wenqian’s... good match?