Chapter 1102 Great Merit
Just as the commotion and chaos in Xiao Yuansui's military camp were finally subsiding, the eastern sky began to lighten. Meanwhile, inside Hulao Pass, Shen Tu Tai, who had barely slept all night, came out of the training ground, shaking his stiff neck, and ran into Shen Wuzheng.
He was carrying a lantern, the light was dim, but Shen Tu Tai immediately noticed his bloodshot eyes.
So he stepped forward and said, "Lord Shen, what brings you here?"
"I was worried, so I came to check."
Shen Wuzheng raised his hand in a salute, the lantern in his hand swaying and illuminating Shen Tu Tai's bloodshot eyes. Looking at his weary appearance, Shen Wuzheng asked, "General Shen Tu, what's wrong—"
Shen Tu Tai gave a wry smile and said, "That kid was captured and wouldn't behave; he caused trouble all night."
"oh?"
"I'm worried that the people below won't be able to control him, and if he escapes, all our efforts will be in vain, so I came to keep an eye on him. By the way, why did you come so early?"
Shen Wuzheng sighed and said, "I was worried that this person would cause trouble, so I didn't sleep well all night and came to check on him."
After saying that, the two looked at each other and gave a bitter smile.
There is a special prison for prisoners and captives inside Hulao Pass, but Shi Yutao is different from ordinary captives. Shen Tu Tai and his men were afraid that he would run away or commit suicide, and in the end, all their efforts would be in vain. So they specially placed him in a room near the training ground, where someone would guard him at all times. Shen Tu Tai even personally watched over him all night.
Nothing unexpected happened that night, which put Shen Wuzheng at ease. He didn't go back in, but turned around and walked back with him. As they walked, Shen Wuzheng stared intently at the lantern in his hand, which was swaying slightly and flickering. Shen Tu Tai saw his solemn expression and said, "Lord Shen, don't worry. This kid is, after all, Shi Yuxin's brother. If we bring him back, Shi Yuxin won't just ignore him. Besides, she brought tens of thousands of troops to join Xiao Yuansui's army. Such a person has influence in the army. If Xiao Yuansui really doesn't care about Shi Yutao's life or death, I'm afraid he will have to face his own internal strife first, not us."
"..."
Shen Wuzheng walked forward in silence.
Shen Tu Tai already understood what he meant; otherwise, he wouldn't have devised a plan to have them capture Shi Yutao before even explaining it clearly. But—
He sighed and said, "I'm still worried about Ruyi, Your Highness."
"..."
"She is now trapped in enemy territory, and we don't know if she is in danger. Will Xiao Yuansui and Shi Yuxin harm her?"
"..."
"If she was really hurt..."
At this point, his throat became so hoarse that he could barely continue speaking, and a knot formed between his brows.
Seeing Shen Wuzheng, who was usually so composed and calm in the face of any difficulty, reveal an almost helpless expression, Shen Tu Tai also sighed. He had no brothers or sisters, but he could feel from Shen Wuzheng's behavior how deep the attachment to family was. Moreover, Princess Qin was not like an ordinary general. If she was really injured in the enemy camp, even if she was rescued, it would be a huge blow to His Highness the Prince of Qin.
This time, they have to come up with a good solution.
Shen Wuzheng then asked, "How are things on the other side?"
Shen Tu Tai said, "Last night I sent a few men across the Yellow River to secretly check on their situation on the other side, but they haven't returned yet. It's almost dawn, so they should be back soon."
Shen Wuzheng nodded and said, "Okay."
However, it was Yuwen Ye who returned first.
The first rays of sunlight had just illuminated the gates of Hulao Pass when he led the same group of men he had taken with him back, now even more than before. These men were clad in heavy armor, and perhaps because they had rushed here, they hadn't had time to wash off the bloodstains on their bodies. The soldiers guarding the city gate couldn't help but stare at them repeatedly.
Before long, Shen Tu Tai and Shen Wu Zheng, having received the news, arrived at Yuwen Ye's residence.
As soon as the two reached the door, they saw Gao Feng and Jiang Kesheng emerge with faces covered in dried bloodstains from the wind and sand. Upon seeing each other, they didn't need to say anything; just by looking at their disheveled appearance, they knew what had happened, and Shen Wuzheng's breathing became heavy.
Gao Feng immediately raised his hand in a salute: "Young master, I deserve to die."
With red eyes, Shen Wuzheng remained silent for a long time before saying in a hoarse voice, "We'll talk about whether you deserve to die after we rescue the princess."
Gao Feng lowered his head, seemingly ashamed beyond measure.
Jiang Kesheng, watching from the side, couldn't help but whisper, "Lord Shen, please forgive us. We were indeed in a difficult situation at the time—Shi Yuxin suddenly attacked, and our men had been holding out in Huyang Valley for several days, suffering too many losses. We simply couldn't protect the Princess. Once the Princess is rescued, we will both accept our punishment."
Shen Wuzheng turned his head away, no longer wanting to look at them.
Shen Tu Tai, on the contrary, waved his hand at the two of them in a good-natured manner. Jiang Gao and the other man could only bow silently and turn to leave.
At that moment, Yuwen Ye's somewhat hoarse voice came from inside the room: "You've arrived. Come in."
The two of them went inside immediately.
It was clear that Yuwen Ye had barely rested since leading his troops away from Hulao Pass and returning from Huyang Valley. His hair was disheveled and his eyes were bloodshot, but this weary appearance did not make him look tired and weak. Instead, it gave him a fierce feeling, like a wild beast driven to the brink of despair. Even his breathing was very heavy. As soon as he entered the not-so-large room, Shen Wuzheng immediately felt a panting sound, like the low growl of a wild beast, permeating every corner.
Yuwen Ye sat at the table, his clothes still covered in dust, and looked up at them: "I know, you've captured Shi Yutao."
After saying that, he glanced at Shen Wuzheng again: "Fuming, you did a great job."
Shen Wuzheng's expression was not good, especially when he first saw Yuwen Ye return empty-handed. There seemed to be some resentment in his eyes that had not yet faded. He remained silent with a heavy breath. Shen Tu Tai immediately said, "If it weren't for Lord Shen's timely arrival to inform this humble general and having someone spread the news over there in advance, this matter might not have been successful. It is all thanks to Lord Shen."
Yuwen Ye nodded: "That's a great achievement."
Shen Wuzheng seemed to be provoked by the words "great achievement," his brows furrowing even more deeply. He said, "We can talk about merit after we rescue her. Your Highness, I ask you, do you have any plans for dealing with their abduction of the Princess?"
"..."
Yuwen Ye remained silent for a moment, then looked up at him.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com