Chapter 1461 What a Fool!

The next day, just after breakfast, Guan Chiying and his brothers, along with a team sent by Xiao Yuansui, left the camp and, after crossing the Yellow River, took a detour towards Luoyang.

Although the journey would certainly be perilous, the thought of returning to Luoyang and at least being able to protect their families brought a hint of relief to everyone’s faces, except for one irritable young man who looked impatient.

Not only was he impatient, but there were also a few bruises on his face, and his eyes were filled with anger.

Early in the morning, he got into a heated argument because the hot water left for them by the cook was reused by someone else and had already cooled, and this time Guan Chiying didn’t mediate or comfort as usual but even lightly pulled Brother Xu back when he tried to intervene, causing the argument to escalate, eventually leading to a fight.

Soon, the commotion caught the attention of Xiao Yuansui.

With a displeased expression, he brought Hua Ziyang and others over, planning to punish those responsible for the conflict. Suddenly, he turned his head and saw Shang Ruyi stretching her neck to look this way with a thoughtful expression, but when she noticed Xiao Yuansui saw her, she immediately turned back into the tent.

Xiao Yuansui’s eyes flickered subtly.

Then, he punished the soldiers who fought, having them each whipped twenty times, and after questioning Brother Xu and others, he returned to the Central Army Tent and had someone relay a message shortly after. He sent someone with Guan Chiying and his group to return to Luoyang, departing immediately, and, most importantly, they were to remind Liang Shide that although Luoyang City currently faced a grain shortage, they must persevere through this period. Once Hulao Pass is breached, he could immediately send troops to Luoyang to defeat Yu Wencheng, who was besieging the city.

So, Guan Chiying and others set out immediately after breakfast.

Now, riding on horseback with the wind howling past, Shang Ruyi’s calm yet solemn voice seemed to echo in his ears—

"Xiao Yuansui is naturally skeptical, and I’ve already inquired about your origins twice yesterday, making him wary; therefore, the best way to get him to send you away is to have your people have a minor conflict with his people. Once he suspects I’m plotting around your group, he would have to resolve this, and the most thorough way to do so is to send you away."

He initially thought this plan was too subtle and might not succeed, but with no other options, he had no choice but to give it a try.

Unexpectedly, it worked.

He couldn’t help but sigh softly, admiring Princess Qin even more—daring enough to make such a plan, showing her bold and meticulous nature, understanding of human nature, and full of strategy. Just as he was a bit lost in thought, Brother Xu riding alongside whipped his horse twice to catch up to him, and said softly, "Brother Guan."

Guan Chiying immediately snapped back to reality, looking at Brother Xu with increased caution, "What is it?"

The success of Shang Ruyi’s strategy, allowing them to embark on the journey back to Luoyang, hinged on having someone clash with Xiao Yuansui’s men. Not only did he change his usual good-natured demeanor, but he also held onto Brother Xu, who usually managed everyone, until the young man had rolled to the ground fighting the others, allowing Xiao Yuansui to be informed. This detail might go unnoticed by others, but Brother Xu, who was being held back, certainly noticed. After he let go, Brother Xu gave him a curious look, but didn’t speak further.

Until this moment.

Seeing Guan Chiying’s cautious look, Brother Xu seemed a bit puzzled, but without revealing it, he asked quietly, "On our trip back, can we really protect our families?"

Guan Chiying forced a smile, "Brother Xu, why are you suddenly worried about this?"

Brother Xu sighed, "After all, we lost the battle, General Chen was killed, and we failed to retrieve the grain. What if we’re held accountable—"

Guan Chiying glanced forward, seeing that the group ahead was Xiao Yuansui’s team, he lowered his voice and said, "We failed to carry out our duties, and there’s nothing we can do about that. But the presence of General Xiao’s men as our guarantors—our fate, let’s leave it to destiny."

Hearing him say this, Brother Xu sighed again, while Guan Chiying cautiously glanced at him.

On the rest of the journey, the two fell silent.

Riding almost non-stop for an entire day until dawn the next day, they finally sighted the imposing Luoyang City in the first rays of sunlight that dispelled the night’s darkness.

However, their pace immediately slowed down.

This time they detoured to the north, aiming to enter Luoyang through the North City Gate, because Yu Wencheng had his camp stationed in the south, by Luoshui, with the main forces attacking from the south—of course, this was before, a few days ago when General Chen Cai led them to break out of the city, it was precisely this point they took advantage of, not knowing if Yu Wencheng, who suffered from this setback, would change his tactics to completely surround Luoyang City.

If that were the case, they might have to fight another battle to enter Luoyang.

But after slowing down, carefully listening to the surrounding sounds, they found that within a few miles there seemed to be no military camps or troops lying in ambush.

Could it be that Yu Wencheng still hadn’t learned from his previous mistake and hadn’t besieged Luoyang City?

If that’s true, then it’s truly heaven’s help!

Thinking this, everyone was concerned it might just be a trap to lure them in, so Guan Chiying and Brother Xu led their people to tighten their reins, letting the horses gently tread on the already withered, soft grass like a thick quilt, cautiously advancing step by step. The emerging morning light gradually outlined the surrounding mountains and vegetation, and if troops were hidden within, they could now be somewhat detected.

But still, there was no sign; beneath their feet, a wide highway led straight to Luoyang City!

Everyone was overjoyed, especially Brother Xu, who, in a voice filled with excitement, said, "It seems this place hasn’t been occupied by Yu Wencheng’s troops. Let’s hurry back!"

The others echoed in agreement, "This is great!"

Someone sighed with relief, releasing the grip on the sweat-soaked hilt, whispering, "I thought for sure we’d have to fight another battle, but who knew it would be a false alarm."

"Haha, not only a false alarm, I think Yu Wencheng’s head is empty!"

"Exactly, just a straw bag!"

Hearing everyone’s teasing, Guan Chiying, though also relieved at heart, couldn’t help but show a trace of worry in his eyes—could Yu Wencheng really be so foolish?

He had suffered once before, allowing General Chen Cai to lead the group out to fetch grain at Huilu Storehouse. Amazingly, he hadn’t learned from it and still hadn’t completely cut off Luoyang’s supply route. If left to attack Luoyang, he probably couldn’t breach the stronghold even if he tried until everyone grew old and died!

At this thought, he let out a deep sigh.

Suddenly, Brother Xu turned to him, "Brother Guan, what’s wrong?"