The Xu family's actions naturally did not escape Xue Shen's notice. In other words, this whole "tantrum" and fuss about returning to the capital was a deliberate arrangement by him to lure the snake out of its hole.
After suspecting that Xu Qiao might take a desperate gamble, Xue Shen had no intention of sending Shen Youying away. Even with all his confidence, the Northwest was still not entirely under his control, and the Xu family was capable of anything, even when cornered. No matter where he sent Shen Youying, he felt more at ease keeping her under his watchful eye.
He deliberately staged this scene to split his forces into two groups, divert the Xu family's attention, and take the opportunity to send Shen Youying to the military camp outside the city where the army was stationed.
At this time, Xu Erlang had already been lured away by the person disguised as Shen Youying. At the same time, news came from the border of Xizhou that the remnants of the Northern Rong army had rebelled again.
The timing of the rebellion by the remnants of the Northern Rong army was so coincidental that Xue Shen had no choice but to think it over.
Xue Shen spread out a map and carefully studied the terrain of the border area of Xizhou. Cai Wenxuan waited at the side with his back bent, and said cautiously, "This area is the border between Xizhou and Tubo. It has always been a no-man's-land. It would not be surprising if the remnants of the Northern Rong fled here and caused trouble."
If Xue Shen hadn't suddenly summoned him, he would never have connected the remnants of the Northern Rong army's rebellion with the Xu family.
Xue Shen snorted coldly: "It is indeed possible that the remnants of the Northern Rong army have fled here, but the news of my arrival in Xizhou to wipe out the remnants of the Northern Rong army has already spread far and wide. It is quite intriguing that these remnants of the Northern Rong army are not hiding here, but instead running into the line of fire."
Xue Shen never hesitated to think of people in the worst possible light, especially when it came to a military general like Xu Qiao, who had been on the battlefield and had the blood of countless enemies on his hands.
His finger traced the map, sliding along the valley before finally stopping. He said, "If I were Xu Qiao, this would be the most suitable place to set up an ambush."
It was a winding mountain path with steep cliffs and dense forests on both sides. If the enemy were lured here, they would likely face certain death.
Cai Wenxuan looked closely and finally recognized the place, saying, "This is Killer Valley. There are often caravans from Xizhou that travel with Tibet. Some caravans that secretly sell contraband will take a shortcut through here. However, Killer Valley has a complicated terrain and is shrouded in thick fog all year round. Even these caravans that travel through it year-round often get lost in it. It is said that the valley is full of the corpses of travelers and animals, which is why it got its name."
Xue Shen asked, "Approximately how many troops can the Xu family mobilize now?"
Cai Wenxuan calculated and said, "Xizhou has a garrison of 100,000 troops all year round, but in recent years the Xu family has been embezzling military funds and receiving salaries without working. Most of the soldiers are old, weak, sick and disabled, and there are only 40,000 to 50,000 real able-bodied men. More than half of them have been transferred to the mines."
Xue Shen nodded: "In that case, there is even less to fear."
He looked at Cai Wenxuan and said, "Today I will lead troops to wipe out the remnants of the Northern Rong. You should know what to do."
Cai Wenxuan trembled upon hearing this. Thinking of the possible retaliation from the Xu family, he gritted his teeth, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, and bowed even lower, saying, "This humble official knows."
Xue Shen was satisfied and waved for him to leave.
After Cai Wenxuan left, Xue Shen summoned his spies: "Send someone to keep an eye on Cai Wenxuan. If he has any rebellious intentions, kill him without mercy."
The spy accepted the order and reported, "Our men have lured Xu Erlang into the trap. Shall we close the net now?"
Xu Erlang was ordered to intercept Shen Youying's carriage, but little did he know that the mantis stalked the cicada unaware of the oriole behind. There was no Shen Youying in the carriage, but rather a "grand gift" specially prepared by Xue Shen for the Xu family.
"No rush, let him chase for a while longer. If we lose contact now, Xu Qiao will probably realize what's going on."
*
After arranging everything, Xue Shen led his men and rode towards the military camp outside the city—he was going to muster his troops to wipe out the remaining Northern Rong soldiers.
Shen Youying had secretly arrived at the military camp the night before and was heavily guarded by Xue Shen.
The environment in the military camp was naturally not as good as in the city, but Xue Shen still ordered people to clean and tidy the main tent as much as possible, and added a lot of furnishings and utensils so that Shen Youying could live more comfortably.
Only Xue Shen's confidants and a few deputy generals knew that Shen Youying was in the military camp. She knew that this was a critical moment and that she must not let the news leak out and let the Xu family find out. Therefore, after arriving at the military camp, she stayed in her tent and rarely went out.
However, after Xue Shen finished inspecting the troops, he was still worried about her and made a special trip to the main tent.
Shen Youying was reading in her tent. Since she didn't need to go out, she was only wearing a loose, casual pink dress. Her long hair was not tied up, but was casually tied at the ends and hung down her back.
When Xue Shen entered, he saw her relaxing on a low couch covered with tiger skin, her lower abdomen protruding, and her snow-white bare feet, without stockings, standing out even more clearly against the yellow and black tiger skin.
Xue Shen's eyes flickered slightly. He strode closer and took her feet, which were on the tiger skin, in his palm: "Are you getting used to it? There's no need for a residence in the camp. Zhao Zhao, you'll have to make do for a few more days. It will be fine once Xizhou is pacified."
Shen Youying curled her toes uncomfortably, trying to pull her feet out, but he held them firmly, so she had to give up. She glared at him and said softly, "Now that I'm more pregnant, I'm too lazy to move, so I'm not feeling uncomfortable at all."
Seeing his full armor, he asked, "Are you about to go to war?"
Xue Shen nodded: "Xu Qiao is an old fox, and it won't be easy to fool him. For this expedition, I have dispatched 30,000 men to wipe out the remnants of the Northern Rong army, leaving only 20,000 men in the camp. When the Xu family makes their move, there will inevitably be some fighting and turmoil, and the commotion will be quite significant. Don't be afraid."
Although Shen Youying had never been to the battlefield, she had grown up listening to stories of her father and brothers. She nodded and said, "I know."
She placed the peace charms she had prepared over the past two days in his tent and whispered, "My child and I will wait for you to come back here."
Xue Shen's expression softened, and he leaned down to kiss her lips: "Wait for me to come back."
*
After leaving the main tent, Xue Shen mustered his troops for battle.
Meanwhile, Xu Qiao was listening to Xu Dalang's report: "The King of Qin has led 30,000 elite troops on the expedition, and there are still 20,000 men in the camp."
Xu Qiao narrowed his eyes slightly and asked again, "Has Erlang sent back any news yet?"
Xu Dalang said, "A message came back half a day ago, saying that although the King of Qin seemed to care nothing about this mistress, the guards he sent were actually the elite of the elite. Erlang underestimated the enemy at first and was discovered by the guards. That guard was cunning and escaped with his men. Erlang is leading his men to chase after him."
Xu Qiao said, "The King of Qin isn't as stupid as he seems. Send another group of men to reinforce Erlang and bring him back as soon as possible. The more the King of Qin values this mistress, the more we need to keep her in our hands."
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