Chapter 496 The Solution

"...?"

Shang Ruyi was taken aback and turned to look at him, only to see Yuwen Ye give her a cold glance before turning his head away again.

It's like he's angry again.

For a moment, Shang Ruyi was also a little slow to react. Then she heard a soft laugh. When she looked up again, she saw Yuwen Qian smiling gently and saying, "As expected, Feng Chen is the most clear-headed."

"..."

"That's right. Emperor Wen probably couldn't find a way to resolve it back then, because he passed away just two days after the comet appeared."

"..."

“If we had found it back then, Father would have had an easier time dealing with His Majesty today. Father, don’t you think so?”

After he finished speaking, everyone looked at Yuwen Yuan.

When those past events were mentioned, Yuwen Yuan's expression deepened even more than before, but he remained clear-headed and did not get lost in the memories. He simply sighed and said, "That's right. After hearing the report from the Grand Astrologer today, His Majesty, being young, was also terrified. He kept his father here to seek a solution."

"..."

"However, I have spent my whole life dealing with soldiers and generals, and I have never heard of celestial phenomena. As for how to resolve them, I know even less."

"..."

"I also had people check some of the documents left from that year, but there was no record of it. It seems that Emperor Wen couldn't find a solution. His Majesty was flustered and kept me by his side. It wasn't until later, when he heard that Ye'er had led a victorious army into the city, that His Majesty was somewhat relieved and finally let me go home."

Yuwen Ye gave a soft snort.

However, he spoke very softly, almost only Shang Ruyi, who was sitting next to him, could hear him. She subconsciously looked up at him, but saw that Yuwen Ye still did not look at him, but only said to Yuwen Yuan: "Even so, I'm afraid we still have to give His Majesty an explanation for this matter."

"..."

"Did Father find no records at all when he looked through the old documents today?"

Yuwen Yuan shook his head.

He thought for a moment and then said, "However, when Emperor Wen passed away, there were several ministers who took turns guarding Your Majesty's side. Perhaps they overheard some fragments of information. Your Majesty plans to summon these old ministers to the palace tomorrow to inquire about the details."

Yuwen Ye asked, "Who are they?"

Yuwen Yuan said, "There is Ji Hong, the Grand Councilor, and Pei Xu, the Grand Master of the Left—that's perfect, he just returned to Daxing City a couple of days ago. And there is also the Master of Ceremonies."

"...!"

Shang Ruyi's heart skipped a beat, and Yuwen Yuan looked up at her and said, "Ruyi, this is your uncle."

"Is your uncle here too?"

"Hmm. I just don't know if he knows about what happened back then."

"..."

Shang Ruyi was somewhat surprised—over the years she had grown up by her uncle's side and would occasionally hear him express his views on the government, especially when he saw the emperor's aggressive and extravagant policies. He would reminisce about the reign of Emperor Wen, saying that the government was efficient and the people were united. But she had never heard him mention anything about the events before Emperor Wen's death.

But considering that the emperor's passing was a matter of great importance and involved some palace secrets, it is not surprising that he did not speak recklessly.

It's just unknown whether he actually knows about that so-called solution.

At this moment, Yuwen Yuan sighed softly and said, "Let's see what the results are when His Majesty inquires about them tomorrow."

With that, he raised his hand and waved it gently, thus ending the topic.

However, the crowd's emotions were clearly not over yet. After all, this matter was extraordinary. Putting aside the somewhat ethereal "solution," the Grand Astrologer's words, "When a comet appears, disaster will follow," were enough to unsettle them.

If Liang Shide of Dongdu and Wang Shaoji of Jiangdu are not to be feared for the time being, then what other calamity could possibly warrant the appearance of a comet in the world?

The last time a comet appeared, Emperor Wen passed away just two days later. Could this latest appearance of a comet mean—

Everyone fell into deep thought for a moment.

However, this was ultimately a welcoming banquet for Yuwen Ye and Shang Ruyi, and he couldn't remain gloomy over the matter. So, Yuwen Yuan broke the somber atmosphere, drank a few cups with them, and then discussed the battle of Fufeng. Although he was an enemy of Xue Xian, he still greatly admired Xue Xian's military abilities, and naturally, he was even more satisfied with this fine couple who had managed to defeat Xue Xian.

As he spoke, he suddenly remembered something and asked Yuwen Ye, "The troops you brought back—"

Yuwen Ye said, "The imperial forces have been handed over."

"How many of Xue Xian's surrendered soldiers are now in the imperial army?"

"About 30,000."

"and you--"

"This time I brought back a total of 150,000 troops from Wanggangzhai and Fufeng. Currently, Shen Tu Tai is in charge of command and training."

Upon hearing Shen Tu Tai's name, Yuwen Yuan understood his son's intentions.

He let out a deep breath before saying, "There's no problem with you taking over this group of men. However, your actions this time were a bit too much, and you delayed returning to court for a full half month. Do you know how many officials in the court are watching? Even Ji Hong is preparing to impeach you."

"My son understands,"

Yuwen Ye put down his wine cup and said calmly, "It's just that this group of people is composed of special people. If we hand them over to the court, the court will not feel at ease, and neither will my son."

"..."

"Therefore, it would be best if I personally took command and Shen Tu Tai taught us. In the future, we will not lose a single battle."

In fact, Yuwen Yuan originally leaned towards this point as well, but this time Yuwen Ye's actions were too big, which did cause dissatisfaction among some veteran officials in Daxing City. Even as the Grand Chancellor, he was under considerable pressure during that period, but fortunately he managed to suppress it in the end.

Faced with his son's youthful impetuosity, which was also a genuine achievement, he really couldn't say much.

He could only sigh and say, "You."

Yuwen Ye then asked, "However, does Ji Hong intend to impeach me?"

Yuwen Yuan frowned and remained silent. Yuwen Qian, standing beside him, nodded and said, "Elder Ji was indeed preparing to submit a memorial, but the Ministry of War's report was also submitted at the same time. Your achievements are undeniable, and the officials in the court were overjoyed, and His Majesty was also delighted. Therefore, his words have been temporarily suppressed. Besides—"

He paused for a moment, then smiled faintly.

Yuwen Ye looked at him: "What?"

Yuwen Qian shook his head.

Shang Ruyi was somewhat puzzled and was looking at him when Yuwen Yuan said irritably, "This time, it was only because the Empress Dowager and the Eldest Princess personally intervened that this old man was finally subdued. Otherwise, who knows what trouble he would have caused."

"...!"

Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi's breathing became slightly shallow.

The Empress Dowager and the Eldest Princess?

That's right. No matter what, these two people will definitely stand behind Yuwen Ye, especially the eldest princess.

For some reason, Shang Ruyi thought of the time she saw Chu Ruoyan again outside the Buddhist hall of Dayan Temple. There seemed to be some change in the innocent and carefree Princess Xinyue, who seemed to know nothing of sorrow. Although she couldn't put her finger on it or even see it, she clearly felt it.

But some things cannot be changed.

For example, her feelings for Yuwen Ye...

Just thinking about it made her feel like a stone was pressing on her chest. Even the exquisite dishes tasted bland. Shang Ruyi remained silent, keeping her head down. Yuwen Ye glanced at her, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately held back and let out a deep sigh.

Yuwen Yuan didn't notice anything unusual and continued, "Ye'er, let's just let this matter go this time. But if something like this happens again, you must explain it to your father first."

Yuwen Ye replied calmly, "Yes."

After that, the atmosphere became slightly somber, but even so, the meal was over by almost midnight, and it was completely dark. Yuwen Yuan, unusually, drank a few more cups than usual, and when the meal was over, he instructed Aunt Hui behind him, "Have someone bring two bowls of hangover soup to the study. Qian'er, you come here too."

"yes."

Yuwen Ye said, "Father, aren't you going to rest?"

Yuwen Yuan waved his hand and said, "We need to discuss today's matter again."

"……oh."

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Ye's eyes flickered slightly. He looked at Yuwen Qian beside him, only to see that Yuwen Qian was also looking at him and Shang Ruyi. He said, "Father, should we let Feng Chen and his wife come along too—"

"No need,"

Yuwen Yuan waved his hand again and said, "They just returned, and Feng Chen's health hasn't fully recovered yet. They should rest well first. We can discuss matters of state in a couple of days. You should both go and rest."

Yuwen Ye replied, "Yes."

After saying that, he didn't say anything more and turned to leave with Shang Ruyi.

Yuwen Qian watched silently as the two figures disappeared into the night. After a moment of silence, he heard Yuwen Yuan calling his name, so he silently turned around and followed them.

The night, like the intoxication of wine, grows ever deeper with time.

Actually, the two of them had drunk quite a bit, but whether it was because the wine was just average tonight or because they were too preoccupied with their own worries, the alcohol's effects were overpowered. By the time they returned to their room, the little bit of alcohol they had been drinking had been mostly dissipated by the cool night breeze along the way.

But as soon as the two returned to their room, took off their coats, and washed their hands, they heard a knock on the door. When they opened it, Tushe'er still brought them two bowls of hangover soup.

Yuwen Ye didn't say anything, picked up a bowl and started drinking. Shang Ruyi also took a bowl, but after taking a sip, she frowned.

Why is it so sour?

Upon hearing this, Tushe'er immediately shrank back guiltily and said softly, "Please forgive me, Miss. I was too heavy-handed today and put in too much vinegar."

Shang Ruyi looked down and saw that the sour soup in the bowl was indeed dark and contained a lot of vinegar. Just one sip made her cheeks ache and her eyes almost closed.

She said irritably, "Do you think vinegar in the house is free?"

"hey-hey."

Tushe'er stuck out his tongue and laughed guiltily.

At this moment, Shang Ruyi suddenly thought of something, turned her head and saw Yuwen Ye on the other side, who had finished a bowl of soup without changing his expression.