Chapter 124 They can only rely on each other.
The Turks were a nomadic people living on the vast grasslands of the north. Their people were fierce and brave, and they often crossed the Great Wall to harass the border, plunder wealth, and even threatened the capital, Daxing, on several occasions. They were always a sword hanging over the head of the Daye Dynasty.
However, this situation took a turn for the better more than 20 years ago.
At that time, Shang Ruohong, who was then serving as the Left General of the Cavalry, was sent as an envoy to the Turks. It happened to be the time of a change of power within the Turks. Ashina Shali, the fierce and tyrannical Left King of the Turks, was preparing to ascend the throne. This man had always coveted the rich resources of the Daye Dynasty. If he ascended the throne, he would surely wage war in the south, causing even greater chaos.
Shang Ruohong seized the opportunity to contact Princess Qiancheng, who was married to the Turks, to create chaos within the Turkic territory. At the same time, he supported Princess Qiancheng's eldest son, Ashina Tong, to ascend the throne. From then on, the Turks split into two parts, east and west, and their strength was greatly weakened. In addition, with each side restraining the other, the Daye Dynasty also enjoyed a long period of relative peace.
However, this is only relative.
Even after being divided, the Western Turks still posed a significant threat to the Daye Dynasty, especially after Ashina Shali quelled the internal rebellion and turned his attention back to the south, with frequent battles breaking out on the border.
Therefore, many people believe that the emperor's trip to the northern frontier was not a simple one.
I'm afraid—
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Things turned out exactly as Yuwen Ye had predicted.
Two days later, the imperial court issued an edict that His Majesty the Emperor would tour the northern frontier. In addition to civil and military officials of the fourth rank and above, the emperor also personally selected the families of several military generals who had already gone to Liaoxi to prepare for battle to accompany him.
Among them, the first couple in line were the son and daughter-in-law of the Duke of Sheng.
After Shang Ruyi and Yuwen Ye escorted Yuwen Cheng to the academy to pay respects to his teacher, they had just returned home when they received an imperial decree ordering them to depart early the next morning. Fortunately, she had listened to Yuwen Ye and started packing her luggage two days in advance, so she was not flustered.
But the family was still very worried.
At this moment, Aunt Hui said with concern, "Should we write a letter to the Duke and his wife?"
Yuwen Ye sat in the main hall discussing this matter with his family. After a moment's thought, he immediately said, "Father is supervising the transport of grain at the front and cannot be distracted; now it is almost winter in Liaoxi, and Mother is weak and afraid of the cold, and cannot be disturbed. Do not tell them about these things."
Aunt Hui said, "Then this trip to the Northern Frontier—"
Yuwen Ye said, "Since Ruyi and I are to accompany you, we naturally cannot slack off. Aunt Hui, please take care of things at home."
Aunt Hui smiled and said, "This is my duty."
As she spoke, she looked up at Shang Ruyi and said with a smile, "Does the young mistress have anything else to say?"
Shang Ruyi was sitting next to Yuwen Ye. Upon hearing this, she quickly shook her head and said, "It's nothing. Aunt Hui is more familiar with household affairs than I am. Please take care of everything, Aunt Hui."
Aunt Hui smiled and nodded.
Yuwen Ye then turned to Yuwen Cheng, who was already restless, and said, "We're not home, so you need to study hard. You saw the academy we took you to today. The students there are all from ordinary families. No one will be playing cockfighting or dog racing with you. If you act like you did in Taiyuan, don't blame me for punishing you severely when we get back!"
Yuwen Cheng said impatiently, "Second brother, I know."
Aunt Hui also smiled and said, "Don't worry, Second Young Master, Third Young Master is already very sensible."
So Yuwen Ye stood up and said to Shang Ruyi, "Let's go, get some rest, we have to leave first thing tomorrow morning."
"Um."
That night, everyone spent their time in unease and anxiety.
The next morning, everyone got up early and prepared to set off after breakfast. Shang Ruyi walked to the door and saw that there was only a carriage, a few of Mu Xian's men, and a few horses parked outside the gate.
Although this trip was to the northern frontier, because it was to accompany the emperor, each person in the entourage had to reduce the number of people around them. Yuwen Ye only brought Mu Xian and a few of his men, while Shang Ruyi only brought Tu She'er, and even Wo Xue was left at home.
Standing at the gate, Shang Ruyi instructed Wo Xue to listen to Aunt Hui and not to cause trouble, and Wo Xue listened to her instructions.
Tusheer then loaded the packed luggage into the carriage.
Yuwen Ye originally wanted to give Yuwen Cheng a few more instructions, but when he turned around, the child had already run off somewhere. He could only sigh and say to Aunt Hui, "I'll leave the household matters to Aunt Hui."
Aunt Hui smiled and said, "Second Young Master, please rest assured."
After explaining a few things, the two walked to the carriage.
Someone had already brought a small stool and placed it in front of the carriage. As soon as Shang Ruyi stepped on it, a hand reached out to support her. When she turned around, she saw Yuwen Ye standing in her outstretched hand, his warm hand holding her fingertips.
That warmth, on that somewhat chilly morning, immediately dispelled most of the coldness from one's body.
Seemingly sensing Shang Ruyi's gaze, he also looked up at her.
Their eyes met, but neither looked away immediately. Instead, they stared into each other's eyes for a moment before Yuwen Ye said softly, "Be careful."
Shang Ruyi nodded gently: "Mm."
Regardless of whether their relationship was a transaction or what disagreements had occurred, at this moment, it seemed that they could only rely on each other.
Soon, with his help, Shang Ruyi got into the car and sat down in the carriage.
Just as Yuwen Ye was about to board the carriage, suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves came from ahead, shattering the silence of the long street.
For some reason, Shang Ruyi subconsciously felt that the sound of the horse's hooves was somewhat jarring.
She lifted the curtain and peeked out, only to see a familiar-looking eunuch riding up on horseback. He stopped right in front of their carriage, dismounted, and walked up to Yuwen Ye, bowing respectfully: "Second Young Master."
It was the same little eunuch that Princess Xinyue had sent to invite Yuwen Ye to the palace that day.
Upon seeing him, Shang Ruyi's heart sank.
Yuwen Ye asked, "What is it?"
The young eunuch said softly, "His Highness has something to discuss and would like to ask the Second Young Master to come over for a few words."
"I must accompany His Majesty on his journey and cannot be late."
"Don't worry, young master. His Highness will accompany you on this inspection tour of the northern frontier."
"oh……"
Hearing these words, Yuwen Ye looked up again and met Shang Ruyi's somewhat dark eyes. He thought for a moment and said, "You go to the city gate first to meet the Emperor. I will be there soon."
"..."
Shang Ruyi immediately smiled and said, "Okay."
So the group left the Yuwen residence and headed towards the north gate.
As the carriage swayed and rocked forward, Shang Ruyi couldn't help but lift the curtain and look back. She saw Yuwen Ye mount his horse and quickly head down another road.
She smiled faintly and lowered the curtain.
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