Chapter 1309 - 985: The Third Letter

The news soon reached Qianqiu Palace.

After Han Yuhui’s death, Shang Ruyi feigned illness for two more days before opening the doors of Qianqiu Palace. Upon "recovering," she immediately received the war report from Yu Wenye. Naturally, she was overjoyed and promptly sent a message to Jinyu Garden. Chu Ruoyan quickly came over upon hearing the news, and the two of them laughed heartily together.

She held Shang Ruyi’s hand and softly said, "If that’s the case, does it mean that King Qin will soon be able to capture Luoyang?"

Seeing the gleam in Chu Ruoyan’s eyes, Shang Ruyi understood that not only did she, like herself, hope for Yu Wenye’s early triumphant return, but there was also a hidden thought concerning Luoyang. It was the place where she had grown up, holding deep emotions. She must really want to return, even if she couldn’t actually go back. As long as Yu Wenye could capture Luoyang, it would be like a missing piece of her life returning to her.

But, how could it be that easy?

Shang Ruyi considered for a moment before saying, "I’m afraid it will still take some time."

Chu Ruoyan blinked and said, "Hasn’t His Highness already taken several key passes? I remember hearing my father say that for Luoyang, the most important thing is the strategic passes to the north and south. Once those are taken, hasn’t Luoyang City already been exposed?"

Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "That’s because Chang An, originally Daxing City, is still in the hands of the court."

"So what?"

"As long as Chang An stands, there will be no enemies attacking Luoyang from the west. Therefore, for Eastern Capital Luoyang, the biggest threat can only come from the north and south."

"Oh..."

Chu Ruoyan suddenly understood and said, "No wonder His Highness was able to fight so smoothly this time."

Shang Ruyi nodded and said, "His Highness managed to capture these passes so smoothly because they underestimated our forces, combined with arrogance and disorganization. However, after these defeats, Liang Shide cannot be left unprepared."

"..."

"The real tough battle is yet to come!"

Hearing her words, Chu Ruoyan immediately became a bit tense: "Then will he be in danger?"

Shang Ruyi laughed and said, "In warfare, how could there be no danger?"

"Then—"

"Rest assured, he is meant for tough battles."

"..."

"Moreover, if it weren’t so challenging, the Emperor wouldn’t have allowed him to lead the troops."

In the past, upon hearing this sentence, Chu Ruoyan would only think it was because of Yu Wenye’s abilities that he was allowed to lead the army. However, after recent events, her mind became more cautious and meticulous. She immediately sensed the implied danger and said softly, "By the way, sister, about Han Yuhui—"

Shang Ruyi slightly raised her eyebrows.

Chu Ruoyan swallowed half of her words and then said softly, "How is Father handling it now?"

Upon mentioning this, Shang Ruyi’s expression slightly dimmed.

Even after that incident, during the days she was confined to Chengqian Hall, Yu Wenquan still sent Eunuch Yu to check on her. However, after Han Yuhui’s death, Yu Wenquan would at most send someone to inquire about Little Yuan Qian’s condition and ceased to show concern for her well-being, even though she was now "recovered" without any expression of concern.

This was obviously Yu Wenquan’s attitude, and Shang Ruyi knew she had offended him.

But facing Chu Ruoyan, she tried to appear relaxed, smiling, and said, "It’s nothing. A few days ago, someone still came to see Yuan Qian. It’s just he got busy and couldn’t tend to this side."

"... Oh."

Chu Ruoyan blinked her bright eyes at her for a while, only nodded without saying a word.

The two laughed and talked for a while; it was lunchtime. Shang Ruyi invited her to stay so they could dine together. Cheering over the news of Yu Wenye’s victory, they ate quite a bit. After being well fed and happy, Chu Ruoyan took her leave.

When she returned to Jinyu Garden, just about to walk through the door, she heard Panqing beside her say, "Madam, look."

She stopped and looked back, seeing Eunuch Yu heading toward Qianqiu Palace with two little eunuchs carrying several trays. It seemed to be a reward.

King Qin deserved rewards for consecutive victories, but as he was still at war and the battle was not yet over, rewards could not be bestowed on him. Although he couldn’t be rewarded, it was appropriate for the Princess Qin and young princely heir residing in the palace to receive something.

Panqing laughed and said, "Madam was worried that after Han Yuhui’s death, the Princess Qin would be neglected. Now there’s no need to worry."

"..."

Chu Ruoyan merely watched Eunuch Yu’s back for a moment, kept silent for a while, and whispered, "Let’s go back."

They returned to Jinyu Garden, and soon Eunuch Yu arrived at Qianqiu Palace. Shang Ruyi was preparing for a nap when she heard of his arrival and got up to greet him, watched as Eunuch Yu walked in with a smile to pay his respects. Shang Ruyi raised her hand and said with a smile, "Eunuch, no need for formalities."

Eunuch Yu smiled and said, "I have come to deliver congratulations to the Princess. Prince Qin’s great victory is truly worthy of celebration."

With a wave of his hand, the two little eunuchs brought the trays forward.

Shang Ruyi quickly knelt to express her gratitude for the Emperor’s kindness, instructing Tushere and others to collect the items, also offering some reward money to the two little eunuchs who brought the items. They expressed gratitude and happily left to wait outside. Eunuch Yu, of course, did not accept any money, only saying, "By the way, how is the young Master? The Emperor has been busy with state affairs these days and hasn’t been able to visit the young Master. Is he better now?"

Shang Ruyi immediately replied, "Please inform Father Emperor that Yuan Qian is already much better."

"That’s good."

"If Father Emperor has no time, I will take Yuan Qian to visit the Emperor."

Eunuch Yu glanced at her, forcing a smile. "The Emperor is indeed very busy these days."

Shang Ruyi could sense the implication behind his words and said, "Yes, the Emperor suspended court sessions recently. He must have many piled-up affairs to handle. Even if I visit with Yuan Qian, it would only disturb him, wouldn’t it?"

Eunuch Yu smiled and said, "Princess is joking. There’s no disturbance when it comes to close family. Moreover, although the Emperor suspended court sessions for a few days, most affairs are managed by the officials of the Ministry of Personnel."

"Then what has Father Emperor been busy with these days?"

"Sigh,"

Eunuch Yu sighed deeply and said, "Princess might not know, but the third letter from Princess Qiancheng has arrived."

"Oh?"

Hearing this news, Shang Ruyi’s expression immediately became serious.

She was aware of the two previous letters from Princess Qiancheng, requesting the Dasheng Dynasty to send troops to aid Xiazhou. Although there was ongoing debate in the court, she could sense that Yu Wenquan was inclined to send troops, but uncertain about the situation on the eastern front and the fact that the capital’s garrison could not be further reduced, a decision couldn’t be made.

Now that the good news from the eastern front has arrived, just as a sigh of relief was drawn, the third letter from Princess Qiancheng arrives.

But, what choice will Yu Wenquan ultimately make?