Chapter 1465 - 1140: Life and Death, Victory and Defeat

Upon hearing her voice, Xiao Yuansui silently returned to the desk and sat down, nodding to Hua Ziyang, who immediately turned and left. Before long, it grew quiet outside, and Shang Ruyi lifted the curtain, bringing a chill as she entered the Central Army Tent.

Although her face was covered, Xiao Yuansui could tell at a glance that she looked unwell.

The eyes showing above the veil were bloodshot, clearly indicating she hadn’t slept well for days, and were filled with intense worry and a hint of barely detectable fear. Interestingly, she herself didn’t know how many battles she had engaged in, having been captured by him at Xingluo Granary before and then by Shi Yuxin at Hu Yang Valley, yet exhibiting none of this fear. But this time, though she was technically uninvolved, her eyes betrayed such emotions.

The uncertainty in Xiao Yuansui’s heart was immediately dispersed by an inexplicable, unwilling anger.

He asked, "What is it?"

Shang Ruyi took a deep breath, the veil on her face gently drawn against her skin as she spoke, "You’re going to march the troops."

Xiao Yuansui replied, "You saw."

"Is the whole army being deployed?"

"That’s right."

"Are you planning a decisive battle at Hulao Pass?"

"What else would I do?"

Seeing Shang Ruyi’s gaze darken further, Xiao Yuansui inexplicably felt a tinge of pleasure, and he intentionally said, "If you’re thinking of dissuading me now, it’s best you save your breath."

Shang Ruyi raised her eyes to look at him. "Can I go with you?"

"What?"

Xiao Yuansui’s brows immediately furrowed, and Shang Ruyi took another deep breath, her veil clearly outlining her nose and lips, the trembling of which was evident as she began to speak, her voice carrying a slight quiver: "This battle is between you and my husband; I want to witness it, irrespective of the outcome, I must see it with my own eyes."

"Irrespective of the outcome," Xiao Yuansui repeated the words, mockingly saying, "You mean his outcome, right."

Shang Ruyi silently watched him, saying nothing.

Of course, it’s Yu Wenye’s outcome she cares about; having experienced life and death, she only concerns herself with that one man.

With a scathing tone, Xiao Yuansui sneered, "You think that if he wins, you can go back to him?"

Shang Ruyi remained silent.

Xiao Yuansui asked, "What if he loses?"

Shang Ruyi still said nothing, but the fear in her eyes seemed even more pronounced. The thought of Yu Wenye potentially losing felt like a cold wind, colder than any before, sweeping away all warmth from her body in an instant, leaving her standing there, seemingly frozen.

Xiao Yuansui stepped forward and walked toward her, saying, "I can bring you along, but—"

At this point, he had reached Shang Ruyi, and as she looked up, her wrist was firmly grasped by Xiao Yuansui, who deftly took the dagger bound to her arm before she could react.

"You—"

Shang Ruyi hesitated to speak, only watching him closely.

Xiao Yuansui skillfully played with the sharp dagger between his fingers, then coldly remarked to her, "You won’t be needing this."

Shang Ruyi bit her lower lip: "Do you think I intend to kill you?"

"No matter whom you wish to kill or what you intend to do, you’re not in charge." With a flick of his finger, Xiao Yuansui tossed the dagger aside, stating firmly, "The outcome of this battle is up to me."

"..."

"Your life or death also depends on me."

Shang Ruyi’s expression darkened, knowing retrieval was hopeless. After a moment of silence, she grasped her wrist with her other hand, saying resolutely, "Not necessarily."

Xiao Yuansui gave a faint smile, as if the despair and unease from that night dissipated in an instant. The desire to control everything once again surged to the forefront of his mind, and he calmly said, "Then let’s wait and see."

Soon, the army gathered. Xiao Yuansui, leading the generals and accompanied by Shang Ruyi, exited the camp gate. The vast army seemed to blanket the ground ahead, banners fluttering, horns blaring, and the sound of warhorses neighing resounded to the heavens. The overwhelming force seemed to blot out the sky and cover the earth, instilling fear in the hearts of onlookers.

Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but shiver in the cold wind.

Though she often followed Yu Wenye to lead troops in battle and had experienced many encounters, upon reflecting, they had never fought such a ’prosperous’ battle. The last time she saw so many troops was in Fufeng, where Xue Xian built a capital mound out of the corpses of over eighty thousand fallen soldiers.

Yet the living army of over a hundred thousand seemed like a terrifying giant, capable of flattening any mountain or river.

But Yu Wenye...

Shang Ruyi knew that this time, Yu Wenye only had thirty thousand troops. Earlier, they had attacked and occupied Da Gu, Huanyuan, and other passes. Moreover, Yu Wencheng was attacking Luoyang City from another side. If she guessed correctly, Yu Wenye should have sent his own people there, not necessarily to assist but to ensure he didn’t cause more trouble. In this way—how many troops could still be inside Hulao Pass?

Ten thousand?

Or just a few thousand?

Could they withstand this army of over ten thousand?

In her heart, there was a trust in Yu Wenye more steadfast than any pass or city, but at this moment, Shang Ruyi still couldn’t help but worry.

And just as she was lost in thought gazing at the vast army, the sound of hooves approached her, and looking up, she saw Hua Ziyang personally bringing a horse to her, saying, "Princess Qin, please mount."

Shang Ruyi immediately snapped back to focus, glanced at him, accepted the reins, and nimbly mounted the horse.

Hua Ziyang couldn’t help but internally admire her but maintained a calm expression, looking up and speaking in a threatening tone, "There are many people on the battlefield, and swords do not have eyes. I urge Princess Qin to be restrained."

Shang Ruyi glanced at the bow on his back and said softly, "No need for your reminder."

"That’s good then."

After speaking, Hua Ziyang turned to his warhorse, but before leaving, he heard Shang Ruyi ask, "Miss Lu Xiao?"

Hearing this name, Hua Ziyang looked at her, then turned his head to glance at the camp. After the departure of over ten thousand troops, only the empty fences and camp gate remained, along with a few scattered bonfires illuminating the few remaining tents. Though most of the troops had left, Xiao Yuansui still left dozens of people to guard the campsite, naturally, including Lu Xiao.

Hua Ziyang stepped into the stirrup and mounted his horse, then said, "The Great General has already extended special favor in bringing you."

The implication being that Lu Xiao was not within his consideration.

Shang Ruyi cast a glance at those tents but said nothing further. At that moment, the horn for departure sounded from the front, and at the break of dawn, as the first sunlight pierced through the clouds, Xiao Yuansui’s army advanced toward Hulao Pass!