Chapter 300: Chapter 277: Never Wrong the People Who Do the Work
Thousands of peaks lie beneath white snow, thousands of ridges stand ever lofty.
The scenery of Huangtu Ridge has scarcely changed since the last battle at Xingluo Granary, as if frozen in a painting.
The only thing that has changed is the eyes watching this painting.
Yu Wenye stands with his hands behind his back by the Luokou Ferry, his cold and deep-set eyes taking in everything before him. Indeed, he seems like a figure within the painting himself, from the great victory last time leading the return to court, to now leading the troops out again, his expression remains indifferent and his stature upright.
Even the unease within the army seems identical to last time.
This time, however, the source of unease is no longer the supervisor.
Because last time, not only was the military supervisor Kou Junliang executed within the army, but he also died a heinous death. As a result, powerful eunuchs were unwilling to join this expedition, and the court could only send a little eunuch named Wang Gong as the military supervisor. His position is low, and he’s timid without strong views, so even if the army marches five to six days only covering two days’ worth of travel, Wang Gong does not urge them.
Conversely, several Vice Generals in the army could no longer sit still.
This time, the Ministry of Revenue did not directly allocate provisions, but issued documents to Xingluo Granary requiring them to prepare rations for these twenty thousand troops, so that Yu Wenye could take the provisions as he passed by, and continue towards Wanggang Village.
However, Yu Wenye reached Luokou Ferry but did not continue his journey, instead stopping to rest in place, which puzzled everyone. Coupled with having already delayed several days of travel, the Vice Generals could not sit still any longer, and they approached Wang Gong, speaking in a flurry: "Mr. Supervisor, you might need to address this."
"Yes, the court instructed us to clear out Wanggang Village, not to go sightseeing."
"Even Yu Wenye should not ignore the laws of the court despite being a Great General."
Wang Gong was urged by them and couldn’t avoid it, so he awkwardly stepped forward, just in time to see Yu Wenye crouch down and splash a handful of icy water on his face from the river.
Under the contrast of cold water droplets, his eyes appeared even colder and deeper.
Somehow, Wang Gong felt a chill in his heart.
But he still had to muster up the courage to approach Yu Wenye, bowing with a smile, "Great General."
Yu Wenye slowly turned to him and said, "Mr. Supervisor, what urgent matters do you have?"
Wang Gong smiled, "This—seems like we are near Xingluo Granary."
"Indeed."
"Why doesn’t the Great General proceed directly into the city instead of staying here? You should know, we have already delayed several days’ worth of travel."
"Please pardon me, Mr. Wang. I’m only staying here because of some nostalgia."
"Nostalgia?"
Wang Gong was startled, not knowing what Yu Wenye was reminiscing about, while Yu Wenye had already raised his hand, pointing to a broad riverbank on the opposite side of the river, saying: "Mr. Supervisor might not know, it was right there that I split Kou Junliang in half with a single blow."
"...!"
Wang Gong’s expression changed instantly.
Talking about that bloody scene, Yu Wenye showed no sign of emotion, only sighed again and said, "In hindsight, I somewhat regret it."
Wang Gong forced a smile, but his voice trembled when he spoke: "Re, regret what?"
Yu Wenye said, "Actually, I could have spared his life."
"..."
"After all, his crimes should not have ended with a single stroke. He should have been taken back to court for a public trial, to show everyone the consequences of harboring conflicting intentions against this General in the military."
"..."
"It’s just, at the moment, caught in the excitement of killing, I forgot..."
Wang Gong’s face turned pale, his legs trembled, not knowing how to respond, when Yu Wenye turned to him again, saying: "Is the supervisor intending to urge me to enter the city swiftly?"
Wang Gong quickly waved his hands and smiled: "No, no, how dare I urge the General?"
At this moment, standing before him seemed no longer a mere person, nor a General of the court, but rather a bloodthirsty Demon God, potentially prone to killing at any moment. Wang Gong broke out in cold sweat, trembling as he was about to turn back, while Yu Wenye kindly said: "Actually, Mr. Wang needn’t urge, just wait until—"
He didn’t finish his sentence and paused.
And Wang Gong was puzzled—
Wait? What was he waiting for?
Just then, a sudden and chaotic sound of hoofbeats came from behind them, drawing everyone’s attention. A team of horsemen swiftly galloped from behind, led by none other than Yu Wenye’s personal attendant, Mu Xian.
The team he led were Yu Wenye’s personal soldiers, initially accompanying them out of the city, merging with the court’s forces to march together, but days ago, they were found to have disappeared.
As they were not part of the court’s establishment, the Supervisor and Vice Generals had no grounds to question, but unexpectedly, they reappeared at this moment.
The soldiers of the army promptly made way for them, and Mu Xian quickly reached Yu Wenye’s side. Upon dismounting, he immediately addressed Yu Wenye, "Great General."
Yu Wenye said, "Is everything ready?"
Mu Xian extended his hand and pointed behind him: "Wine, meat, and winter attire have all been prepared."
Yu Wenye nodded: "Very well."
Wang Gong turned around and realized that there were several horse-drawn carriages following behind them, loaded with wine, meat, and winter clothes. Even their horses were carrying a lot of such goods. Surprised, he said, "Great General, this is—"
Yu Wenye smiled faintly: "Mr. Wang, don’t laugh. These defenders of the Xingluo Warehouse are the men who followed me in the last battle for the Xingluo Warehouse. They fought bravely and suffered greatly, and since the granary was captured, they have been stationed here without reward. So this time, I decided to reward them privately. Of course, these things were bought with my own money and have nothing to do with the court."
"Ah, this—"
Wang Gong smiled and said: "I see, the Great General truly empathizes with the soldiers. Indeed, you are a pillar of the court."
"I dare not accept such praise."
Yu Wenye nodded humbly, then said: "Now, we can enter the city."
He immediately ordered his troops to march towards the Xingluo Warehouse City. The soldiers in the warehouse city had already received the news that the Assistant General was arriving and promptly sent people to greet him. When they saw that he had brought wine, meat, and winter clothes for the troops, they were immensely grateful. Except for those guarding various checkpoints, almost all the soldiers came out to welcome him.
Among them, the Assistant General Yan Buuai saw Yu Wenye, his eyes slightly reddening, and said softly: "I never expected the Great General to still remember us."
Yu Wenye smiled: "This warehouse city was won with your lives. I took credit and cannot forget you."
Yan Buuai said: "But we heard—the Great General received no merit for this battle."
Yu Wenye raised an eyebrow slightly: "How did you know?"
Yan Buuai said: "The Great General said that this warehouse city was won with our lives, so we naturally paid attention to the outcome of this battle. But we never expected that just because of killing an ignorant eunuch who pushed our brothers to their deaths, the Great General’s painstaking efforts would result in no merit!"
"..."
"We have always been indignant for the Great General!"
His words, though soft, weighed heavily.
Yu Wenye listened, his face showing no hint of joy or anger, not even a ripple. After a moment of silence, he said lightly: "Let’s not discuss this; distribute the goods first. I came in a hurry this time, and the supplies are not complete. Distribute them to those who are essential, and do not wrong those who have contributed."
This last sentence was like a giant stone that heavily weighed on the hearts of Yan Buuai and some of the surrounding soldiers.
Everyone looked at him without speaking, silently retreating.
However, within the entire warehouse city, there seemed to be a subtle undercurrent of emotion boiling up.
Amidst this boiling emotion, Yu Wenye remained calm. As he walked further inside, he asked in a deep voice: "How is the situation in the Eastern Capital City?"
Mu Xian followed beside him, speaking softly: "His Majesty the Emperor has ordered a tour south to Jiangdu in seven days."
A cold gleam flashed in Yu Wenye’s eyes.
In seven days...
He thought for a moment and asked: "Is there any other news?"
Mu Xian hesitated for a moment before saying softly: "There is also—"
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Meanwhile, facing Wo Xue’s shimmering eyes, Shang Ruyi was silent for a long time before slowly saying: "I also want to stay in the Eastern Capital to wait for his return, but His Majesty may not give me such an opportunity."
"...Oh."
Wo Xue responded softly, lowering her head.
Tushere said: "Miss, there are only a few days left before we set off. Should we start preparing?"
Shang Ruyi sighed and said: "But there are two things on my mind that I still can’t set at ease."
Wo Xue immediately asked: "Young Madam, what are the two things?"
Shang Ruyi said: "One is the manor in the north of the city. It was entrusted to me by my father before he left for Taiyuan, and I haven’t even glanced at it in so long. If Liang Shide really sends troops this time, I’m afraid they will pass by there. I think I should find some time to make arrangements."
Tushere said: "That is true."
Wo Xue asked: "Young Madam, what is the other matter that you can’t set at ease?"
Shang Ruyi’s expression was more somber than before. After a long silence, she sighed lightly and said: "It’s about my uncle and aunt..."
Upon mentioning this, even Tushere’s expression grew heavy.
Although Shang Ruyi had already received the Emperor’s promise of amnesty, allowing Shen Shiyan and his wife to return to the Eastern Capital, they knew nothing about the situation there after the messenger arrived.
If she were to follow the Emperor to Jiangdu this time, communication with both sides would be interrupted again, making future meetings even more difficult.
At that moment, a rapid rush of footsteps came from outside. Looking up, it was Chang Wan holding a letter as she entered. She smiled and said to Shang Ruyi: "Young Madam, a letter just arrived, and it seems to be from Young Master Shen."
Young Master Shen?
Upon hearing these three words, Shang Ruyi’s eyes instantly brightened—it was Shen Wuzheng!