Chapter 1328 - 1004: Fallen Leaves Return to Their Roots

Wo Xue looked up ahead and said, "After walking a little further, we’ll reach Sui State."

"Sui State?"

Upon hearing these words, Shang Ruyi hadn’t spoken yet, but Lu Xiao seemed a bit surprised. Shang Ruyi turned to glance at her and said, "If I remember correctly, it’s not far from Yanmen County."

Back then, she followed Chu Yang’s imperial carriage on an inspection tour to the Northern Border, not expecting to be ambushed by the Western Turks. Later, all the entourage retreated to Yanmen County; the journey both times passed through Sui State, which is now under their feet. No wonder it looks familiar.

Yet also unfamiliar.

Just a few years have passed, dynasties have changed, the world is in chaos, and the people are suffering. The land, already desolate, has now become even more barren and uninhabited, full of bleakness.

At this moment, the leader of the accompanying Imperial Guard, Tao Yu, rode forward and softly said, "Princess, once we pass Yanmen, we’ll be even closer to Xiazhou."

Shang Ruyi wiped her sweat and asked, "From Xiazhou to here, how many days will it take by fast horseback?"

Tao Yu paused at her words, realizing Shang Ruyi should be asking about the distance from here to Xiazhou, but for some reason, she phrased it the opposite. However, the meaning was the same, so he replied, "If we travel lightly without encumbrance, no more than three days."

Shang Ruyi nodded, glanced northwest again, not seeing Xiazhou naturally, not even Sui State nearby. She just smiled and said, "Let’s rest here, I’m a bit hungry."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately dismounted and rested on the spot.

Wo Xue swiftly laid out a rug under the shade and set up a simple canopy for Shang Ruyi and Lu Xiao to sit inside, drink tea and rest, while others followed her to build a fire and cook.

While sipping tea, Shang Ruyi fanned herself, feeling slightly cooler, then looked up at Lu Xiao, intending to say something. But she found Lu Xiao sitting beside her, staring blankly at the broad, flat road ahead, which seemed desolate despite occasional passersby, with a lost expression.

It seemed she had been silent ever since she knew they were nearing Sui State.

Shang Ruyi asked, "What are you thinking?"

"..."

Lu Xiao silently turned her head to look at her before saying, "The last time I saw Xiao Lang was in Sui State."

Shang Ruyi widened her eyes slightly, "Back then—"

"Hmm,"

Lu Xiao nodded gently, "Back then Zuo Heng was defeated, taking Xiao Lang and us along to flee north. Later we were pursued by Emperor Yang’s troops; I was separated from Xiao Lang in Sui State."

Shang Ruyi sighed.

It’s almost a buried memory. Back then, Zuo Heng seized the chance to rebel when Chu Yang led troops east to conquer Gouli Country. With great momentum, he attracted numerous heroes, even many nobles joined him. Among them, Xiao Yuansui had the loudest reputation.

Moreover, upon joining Zuo Heng’s camp, he offered him three strategies.

The best strategy was for Zuo Heng to occupy Zhuojun, barring Chu Yang, who was campaigning with the imperial forces, from the Central Pass. Over time, without supplies, Chu Yang’s forces would disband themselves. If Zuo Heng could seize Chu Yang then, and from there command the world, peace could be achieved;

The middle strategy was for Zuo Heng to lead troops to attack the then Western Capital Daxing, and upon Chu Yang’s return with his army, with the danger of Tongguan, at least he could occupy Central Pass and establish himself as king;

The worst strategy was to occupy the wealthy Eastern Capital Luoyang. However, once Chu Yang withdrew troops from Liaodong, he would certainly send heavy forces to attack Luoyang. The outcome would be uncertain.

Unfortunately, Zuo Heng valued Luoyang’s richness and prosperity, seeking a quick victory, thus choosing the "worst strategy" from Xiao Yuansui to attack Luoyang. But its fortifications were solid and accessible, Zuo Heng’s troops couldn’t seize Luoyang promptly, while reinforcements poured in from all directions. Overwhelmed, upon hearing Zuo Heng’s rebellion, Chu Yang swiftly withdrew the main force from Liaodong, vowing to annihilate him.

Thus, Zuo Heng was forced to retreat from Luoyang, fighting while retreating, eventually fleeing north, seeking Turkic aid beyond Yanmen.

It seemed along this path he met his end, dying in a bloody battle; Xiao Yuansui and Lu Xiao parted at Sui State, ultimately drifting apart endlessly.

Shang Ruyi sighed and said, "Actually, back then, their uprising had great momentum and many respondents. It shouldn’t have failed so quickly."

"..."

"Moreover, Zuo Heng wasn’t short of money and provisions."

Hearing her words, Lu Xiao’s expression slightly froze.

It was the second time during this journey that Shang Ruyi mentioned Zuo Heng’s money. The last time, she was deliberately cryptic, and Shang Ruyi shouldn’t have brought it up again considering her character. Yet, why mention it now?

Lu Xiao looked at Shang Ruyi with a half-smile, saying, "The Princess seems particularly concerned with Zuo Heng’s wealth."

Shang Ruyi smiled lightly, "I’m not concerned about Zuo Heng’s wealth."

"Oh?"

"I’m just concerned about wealth itself."

"..."

"Moreover, his wealth isn’t small, able to recruit troops and sustain several battles. It’s only by the wealth of an enemy country."

"..."

"Such a large sum of money, I wonder if he used it all."

Lu Xiao glanced at her, her eyes flickering, then said, "Probably not."

"Oh? Why?"

"Zuo Heng’s troops were ultimately depleted in battle, not scattered."

"Oh..."

Shang Ruyi nodded slightly, it seemed Lu Xiao learned a thing or two about military matters during her years with Xiao Yuansui. Zuo Heng fought until his troops were used up instead of scattered, proving he still had money and provisions to maintain them.

Unfortunately, he died.

Shang Ruyi murmured, "Then where is his money?"

Upon hearing Shang Ruyi’s words, Lu Xiao’s eyebrows furrowed.

If she hadn’t known the nature of the Princess Qin earlier, merely hearing this conversation, she almost couldn’t suppress her disdain and contempt. This Princess Qin had never been one to be dazzled by money and forsake righteousness, yet now when speaking of past events following Xiao Yuansui, why was she only focused on Zuo Heng’s riches?

Is she really that poor, or that greedy?

While Lu Xiao was puzzled looking at her, Shang Ruyi suddenly raised her head towards Lu Xiao, smiling and saying, "I heard that Duke Xiao Shan’s old home seems to be near Sui State. Previously, Zuo Heng headed north from Luoyang and detoured here. He must have had his reasons."

"..."

"People always care about returning to one’s roots."

Lu Xiao didn’t respond to this but stared at Shang Ruyi with an odd expression for a long time, finally saying, "Is the Princess hypothesizing that the real burial place of Left General is— "