Chapter 663 Accountability

Upon hearing this, Lei Yu immediately frowned.

Everyone on the grasslands knew, and she knew even better, that Ashina Shali was fierce, cruel, and vindictive. If he treated his own subjects this way, how much more so his enemies?

Moreover, she was the wife of Yuwen Ye, who had once blinded him with an arrow in Yanmen County.

Even though she managed to protect Shang Ruyi last night, Shang Ruyi was in the Western Turkic Khaganate, constantly on the edge of a knife. Every time Ashina Shali saw her, he would become angry, and every time he became angry, Shang Ruyi's life would be in danger. Therefore, last night she repeatedly reminded Shang Ruyi that even if she had freedom of movement, she should not leave her tent easily, and she should avoid meeting Ashina Shali.

Unexpectedly, Ashina Shali wanted the two of them to go to today's bonfire party together.

Lei Yu vaguely sensed that the intentions behind this were probably not good.

Thinking of this, she said, "My friend has traveled a long way to Turkic territory and fell ill last night. She's only just recovered. Let's not let her go to the bonfire party tonight."

Ashina Zhuxie said, "That's what I told my father, Khan."

"That--"

But Father Khan insisted.

"..."

"I think you should let her go."

Ashina Zhuxie looked over Lei Yu's head at Shang Ruyi, who was blocked behind her with a solemn expression, and then looked at Lei Yu's furrowed brows, saying, "If Father Khan lets her go, it may only make things difficult for her; but if she doesn't go, Father Khan won't just make things difficult for her."

"...!"

Shang Ruyi's breathing quickened.

In fact, when she heard Prince Zhu Xie say that Khan Shali wanted the two of them to go to the bonfire party together, she knew in her heart that this was something she couldn't avoid tonight. After all, as Yuwen Ye's wife, no matter what her relationship with Yuwen Ye was like, Ashina Shali would never let her come to the Western Turkic Khaganate in peace and quiet.

But unexpectedly, Ashina Zhuxie was just a rough and tumble man from the grasslands, yet he was so meticulous.

This person is extraordinary...

Thinking this, she looked up again and met Lei Yu's worried gaze as he turned back to look at her. She clearly understood Ashina Zhuxie's meaning and was worried about Shang Ruyi's safety, but she didn't have much room to refuse. Shang Ruyi didn't want to put her in a difficult position, so she just smiled faintly and said, "What's meant to be will be. It's perfect timing, I haven't attended a bonfire party on the grassland for many years, so I might as well go and take a look."

Upon hearing this, Ashina Zhuxie was slightly taken aback: "You—have been to the grasslands?"

Lei Yu's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly shook his head gently at Shang Ruyi. Only then did Shang Ruyi come to her senses—the people of the Western Turks only knew that Yuwen Ye had a wife, and only knew that she was Yuwen Ye's wife, but they did not know that Yuwen Ye's wife was her, Shang Ruyi.

That is, Shang Ruohong's daughter.

Back then, Shang Ruohong and Princess Qiancheng joined forces to split the Eastern and Western Turks, greatly weakening their strength and hindering Ashina Shali's plan to move south. In comparison, Yuwen Ye's grudge from the arrow in Yanmen County seems to be less than his grudge against the Western Turks.

If they were to find out that she was Shang Ruohong's daughter, given Ashina Shali's vengeful nature, the bonfire party tonight would probably be cooking something other than that sheep.

So she replied evasively, "I... I've only heard about it before."

"oh?"

Ashina Zhuye raised an eyebrow slightly, glanced at her again, his eyes flickered but he said nothing more. After a moment of silence, he said, "No matter what, it is Father Khan's order, and you must obey it. Go quickly."

After saying that, he glanced at Lei Yu, whose face had turned slightly pale, and then turned and left.

As soon as he left, Lei Yu turned around immediately, his forehead covered in cold sweat, and whispered to Shang Ruyi, "I almost forgot about this. Your identity must be kept a secret. The Western Turks only know you are the young mistress of the Yuwen family and the Princess Consort of Qin; they don't know your background. You must be careful not to give anything away, otherwise—"

Shang Ruyi nodded: "I understand."

"Then, come back with me first, and I'll find you a Turkic outfit to change into, so you won't stand out too much."

"good."

Since it wasn't an official mission, there was no need to worry about proper attire or decorum. Besides, her clothes were indeed rather thin compared to the harsh conditions of the grasslands, so Shang Ruyi didn't make things difficult for herself. She followed Lei Yu to change into a long fur coat, which was wrapped tightly from her neck to her ankles, with only a hemp rope tied around her waist. She also put on a pair of leather boots. Except for her hairstyle, which was still the style of a Central Plains woman that Lei Yu had helped her with, Shang Ruyi already looked like a Turk.

Then, the two of them left the tent and walked towards the riverbank of the Cangtou River.

By this time, the sun was about to set, and the golden net that had been spread across the grassland was gradually being taken down. However, the light did not dim, because the Turks around them were holding torches. Although they did not light the pile of firewood, which was almost the size of a tent, in the middle of the riverbank, they still lit several small bonfires around the pile, and the firelight once again illuminated the vast grassland.

As it grew darker, more and more people gathered around.

Because of her status, Shang Ruyi sat at the front of the crowd with Lei Yu. Behind her was a sea of ​​people, all wearing thick fur coats, laughing and talking loudly. The damp, cold air was filled with laughter and the smell of sweat. Although Shang Ruyi was not used to it, she was not uncomfortable. She just sat quietly on the fur coat and occasionally whispered a few words to Lei Yu.

A moment later, a biting cold wind blew in.

Shang Ruyi shivered. Turning her head, she saw Ashina Shali's tall and imposing figure. He led the Western Turkic princes and nobles who had accompanied him in the royal tent yesterday as they slowly walked over. Supporting his arm was still the alluring and charming Lady Jiayuan, while Ashina Zhuxie followed silently behind him with his head down.

As he approached, the Turks around him immediately stood up and bowed to the Khan.

Today, Ashina Shali looked much better than he did yesterday in the royal tent. He slowly walked to the main seat and sat down. Lady Jiayuan was still kneeling behind him, while Ashina Zhuxie sat on the other side of the felt mat. As soon as they sat down, servants brought them freshly roasted, sizzling mutton and a large jar of wine.

Ashina Shali waved his hand: "Light the fire!"

At a command, those standing around the woodpile threw all their torches onto the tall pile of firewood.

With a loud "boom," flames erupted.

Shang Ruyi felt a sudden burst of light before her eyes, followed by a wave of heat hitting her face. Even more exciting was the roar of voices that rose behind them. As soon as the bonfire was lit, the Turks around them cheered and jumped for joy. Some danced, some sang, and laughter filled the air around the bonfire. The nobles and royalty sitting around the bonfire also picked up their wine cups, and for a time, the atmosphere was lively and bustling.

Shang Ruyi and Lei Yu weren't in the mood to sing and dance with them. They just sat quietly in their seats, feeling the warmth of the flames coming in gusts of wind, which made them break out in a light sweat.

But soon, a hint of coldness crept into the warmth.

It was Ashina Shali's gaze.

After settling down, he drank his wine while looking around. After surveying his subjects, the cold, sharp light emanating from his remaining eye fell on Shang Ruyi. His fierce gaze swept across her face like a knife, as if he wanted to cut off a piece of flesh.

Just then, a pair of soft hands presented him with a wine glass.

Ashina Shali turned around and saw Lady Jiayuan. Upon seeing her, the malice and ruthlessness in Shali Khan's eyes faded. He took the palm-sized wine cup, tilted his head back and took a big gulp. Lady Jiayuan then whispered a few sweet words in his ear, which made him overjoyed and burst into laughter.

The Khan's smile further ignited the crowd's enthusiasm, and the singing and dancing became even more enthusiastic.

In this cheerful atmosphere, Lei Yu whispered in Shang Ruyi's ear, "Let's have a few more drinks. Once they're drunk, they won't recognize each other anymore, and then we'll go back."

Shang Ruyi nodded hurriedly.

But just then, from the far side of the Cangtou River, came a sudden, chaotic sound of horses' hooves.

Although the people here were singing and dancing, they were very alert. Immediately, a group of people rushed to the riverbank to carefully identify the newcomers. Ashina Shali also stopped drinking heavily and frowned as he looked at the approaching firelight in the pitch-black night on the opposite bank of the river.

A moment later, a soldier rushed to Ashina Shali, knelt down, and said, "Khan!"

Ashina Shali asked, "What is it?"

The soldier said, "It's General Pasha. He's returned from Taiyuan with his men!"

"What!?"

Upon hearing this, Ashina Shali's gaze sharpened again, and those who were still laughing and dancing around him stopped. In an instant, the entire riverbank fell silent.

Upon hearing the word "Taiyuan," Shang Ruyi immediately perked up.

Although she didn't know who General Pasha was, since he had returned from Taiyuan, he was obviously the garrison sent by Ashina Shali to Taiyuan to collude with Wang Shao and his brothers.

Now that Taiyuan has fallen, these people are naturally defeated generals. I never expected them to come back.

When the Turks around heard these words, they all showed different expressions. When Shang Ruyi looked up, in addition to seeing Ashina Shali suddenly looking angry again, she also saw Lady Jiayuan behind him. Her expression seemed to change as the firelight flickered.

Then there was the man who had been sitting to their left, silent since the start of the campfire party, not drinking much, but occasionally glancing at Lei Yu and Ashina Zhuxie in his direction. His expression immediately darkened, but he didn't show any extra emotion, only slightly narrowing his eyes.

Just then, a "smack" was heard!

Ashina Shali slammed his wine cup on the table, denting the iron cup and splashing wine everywhere. Ashina Shali's face contorted with rage as he roared, "They dare to come back!"

Upon seeing him like this, all the surrounding nobles and dignitaries fell silent, exchanging glances and not daring to breathe.

Ashina Shali said, "Tie him up!"

"yes!"

The soldier accepted the order and immediately ran down.

The entire bonfire party was now so quiet that only the sound of the wind and the occasional neighing of warhorses could be heard in the distance. After a while, a burly man with his hands bound tied came stumbling over and knelt down in front of Ashina Shali with a thud.

"Khan!"

This man was the garrison commander of Taiyuan, the Turkic general Pasha.

Shang Ruyi examined him carefully but didn't recognize him. Moreover, the man was facing half-side to her, so she could only make out his appearance with difficulty. He was burly, with a full beard, and his leather armor had several cuts and was stained with blood. It was clear that he had escaped from a bloody battle in Taiyuan and returned here.

Upon seeing him, Ashina Shali smiled instead of getting angry and said, "Pasha, you're still alive..."

Upon hearing this, General Pasha trembled and immediately collapsed to the ground, kowtowing to Ashina Shali, repeatedly saying, "This humble servant shall die!"

"You deserve to die!"

Ashina Shali gritted his teeth, his face contorted like a bloodthirsty wolf, and said viciously, "Taiyuan was entrusted to you, but you lost it? If you don't deserve to die, then who does!"

Having said that, he said no more, and with a wave of his hand, he said, "Cut him down!"

At his command, several warriors carrying large swords immediately stepped forward and surrounded General Pasha, ready to attack.

"Khan, Khan, wait a minute!"

Because General Pasha's hands were tied behind his back, he fell to the ground as soon as he kowtowed. He could only struggle and was unable to speak. It was Lady Jiayuan behind Ashina Shali who spoke softly, saying, "Khan, General Pasha lost Taiyuan and suffered heavy losses. He deserves to die. However, the Khan must also find out why he was able to guard Taiyuan so well, but it was lost."

After saying that, her captivating eyes glanced lightly to her side.

"Don't wrong an innocent person."

As her gaze fell upon him, Ashina Zhuxie narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression turning cold and dangerous.

Hearing her words was like receiving a revelation. General Pasha, whose face had been buried in the ground, suddenly raised his head from the grass. His forehead was covered in mud and rainwater, and he looked disheveled. But he struggled to say, "This humble general deserves to die, but if the Khan's reinforcements to Taiyuan arrive on time, Taiyuan cannot be lost!"

Upon hearing this, Ashina Shali's eyes widened instantly.

The next moment, he turned his head and glared angrily at his eldest son.

He regretted lashing out yesterday, and in a fit of anger and remorse, he sent Ashina Zhuxie away. But today, when he heard that the reason for the loss of Taiyuan was that his reinforcements had not arrived on time, anger surged up like a flame once again, burning away his reason and the little regret and tenderness he had left.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Zhu Xie, what do you have to say!"