CHAPTER 514: CHAPTER 436: YU WENYE, WEAKENED

Yu Wenye stood in the center of the room, raising his arms, while another pair of fair hands had already picked up the heavy armor and carefully fitted it onto him.

By this time, the sunlight was already blazing.

Even though it only shone through the window mullions, there was a fiery heat to it. Despite Yu Wenye’s efforts to steady his breath, Shang Ruyi, fastening his belt in front of him, could still feel his scorching breath, along with an inexplicable unease.

After fastening the belt, she slowly raised her head to look at his pale, almost bloodless face.

A whole night of low fever would sap anyone’s vitality.

He had already given his all and was very exhausted from yesterday’s battle; does he really have to fight with Xue Xian again today?

Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi’s breath became more disordered than his. After pondering for a long time, she finally asked softly, "Are you really going?"

Yu Wenye looked down at her.

He replied faintly, "Bringing you to Fufeng was not for you to ask such questions before I set out."

Hearing this, Shang Ruyi’s eyes instantly darkened.

She lowered her head, "I know."

Yu Wenye, already clad in the Bright Armor, exuded a fierce aura despite his pale complexion and uneven breath. Looking down at her for a moment, he finally softened his voice and said quietly, "In the face of duty, unnecessary worries must be set aside. Wait for my return, then it’s not too late to show weakness."

After saying this, he lifted his head and pushed the door open to leave.

Shang Ruyi bit her lip and turned to follow him out.

Mu Xian and Dai Junliang, among others, were already waiting at the door of the official office. Seeing Yu Wenye emerge, Mu Xian immediately led forward the pitch-black steed that had fought bloodily alongside him yesterday, and Yu Wenye received the reins and mounted the horse.

But before he could leave, a sudden and urgent clatter of hooves broke the morning stillness ahead.

Looking up, it was a soldier guarding the city.

The soldier, with a face full of panic, galloped straight to the office’s entrance before stopping, tumbling off the horse and kneeling before Yu Wenye, "G-Great General..."

Yu Wenye furrowed his brows, "What is it?"

The man, in distress, said, "Lord Song, after leaving the city, was besieged by Xue Xian’s army. He’s now trying to escape back to the city, but Xue Xian’s forces are closely following, currently in a standoff outside the city, and they’re about to reach their limit."

Hearing this, all those around felt a sinking sensation in their hearts.

Shang Ruyi looked at Yu Wenye with even more concern—though her earlier words had shown hesitation, in truth, she knew better than anyone else here that Yu Wenye must go out to save Song Yu.

Xue Xian crossed the river today with the intent to attack Fufeng City. If he were allowed to breach the city, yesterday’s victory would immediately become meaningless.

And as for Song Yu...

Even though he had underestimated the enemy, he was, after all, a court official and commanded the court’s troops. He could not be left to die unattended; otherwise, not only the city’s people but even the soldiers would doubt the general’s authority. At such a time, unrest in the military and the public would indeed put Fufeng at real risk.

Sure enough, Yu Wenye’s face darkened, yet he said nothing, merely waving his hand.

The soldier immediately withdrew.

Yu Wenye tightened his grip on the reins, the August sun casting its rays on him, further exacerbating the heat of his feverish body, but still, he gritted his teeth and said sternly, "Follow me!"

"Yes!"

Everyone responded, hastily mounting their horses.

Watching their figures, Shang Ruyi suddenly called out, "Mu Xian!"

Mu Xian, who had already mounted and was about to follow Yu Wenye to the city gate, stopped instantly at her call, "Young Madam, what are your instructions?"

Shang Ruyi leaned close to his ear and whispered something.

Mu Xian was stunned and looked at her in surprise.

Shang Ruyi said, "This is not a military order, just a request from me. You can ignore it, but—"

"I understand,"

Before she could finish, Mu Xian took over the conversation in a serious tone. He turned his head to glance at Yu Wenye, who was already galloping away and whose imposing figure, despite the growing distance, still faintly emitted an unsettling vulnerability. He said gravely, "This isn’t the first time the Great General has led a sickly expedition, but this time feels particularly strange."

"..."

"Young Madam, rest assured, I will go now!"

After saying this, he immediately mounted, and with a whip, galloped ahead.

Shang Ruyi did not delay, mounting a horse to follow them.

Soon, they arrived at the city gate.