Chapter 146 Mountains of Corpses and Seas of Blood
Shang Ruyi stood in the middle of the empty courtyard, watching Chu Yang's figure disappear through the doorway. Even the faint, cool fragrance that lingered on her nose was swept away by the night wind, and she was still unable to come back to her senses for a long time.
What did he mean by that?
Shang Ruyi felt her head buzzing with a jumble of chaotic thoughts, even more so than when the Turkic soldiers attacked the city during the day. It wasn't until Tushe'er walked in from outside, came to her side, and asked her how she was doing that she finally came to her senses.
"You, what brings you here?"
Tusheer said softly, "This servant is worried about Miss."
Shang Ruyi immediately understood and laughed, "Are you really worried that something might happen between me and the emperor?"
Tushe'er hurriedly shook her head: "Of course I believe in Miss's character. It's just that—public opinion is a fearsome thing. His Majesty the Emperor's actions make me a little uneasy."
"..."
Shang Ruyi smiled and then reached out her hand to her: "I'm a little cold, help me back to my room."
Tushe'er immediately helped her back to her room and sat her down. Feeling that her fingertips were icy cold, she quickly poured her some hot tea and then asked, "So, Miss, do you really know His Majesty?"
Shang Ruyi took a sip of tea and said, "Not only do I recognize it, but you do too."
"I?"
Tushe'er was even more astonished: "How could that be? I've never—"
"Back then, when he stopped our carriage, didn't you almost curse at him?"
"ah!?"
Tushe'er's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as he exclaimed in horror, "Ah? That, that—that's His Majesty the Emperor?!"
Shang Ruyi nodded.
Tushe'er immediately broke out in a cold sweat and said, "No wonder, no wonder the imperial physicians hurt you when they removed the arrow from you, and His Majesty scolded them for being incompetent. I recognized the voice so well. It turns out, it was that person."
Shang Ruyi laughed and said, "It seems your eyesight isn't very good either."
"Who could have imagined this!"
Tushe'er muttered softly, "I heard that His Majesty is already over thirty years old, and his daughter, Princess Crescent Moon, is only two or three years younger than you, Miss. Who would have thought that he would be so young? He looks almost the same age as the son-in-law."
Shang Ruyi couldn't help but give a bitter smile—yes, Chu Yang's face was too deceptive; otherwise, she wouldn't have only guessed his identity a few days ago.
Tushe'er said worriedly, "Miss..."
"What's wrong?"
"The Emperor carried you back to the government office in front of everyone. What will happen if your son-in-law finds out about this?"
"..."
"What if he... what if he misunderstands you, Miss?"
It would have been better if she hadn't mentioned it, because the moment Yuwen Ye was brought up, Shang Ruyi felt a chill in her heart.
Yes, Yuwen Ye.
Just a few days ago, she was eagerly hoping that Yuwen Ye could arrive in Yanmen County as soon as possible, at least to give her some comfort when she felt hopeless. But she never expected that the Turks would attack, and she was already seriously injured. Yuwen Ye was nowhere to be seen.
What's even more ridiculous is that he was accompanying Princess New Moon from behind, while he himself was entangled with Princess New Moon's father.
Is there anything more absurd than this in the world?!
Shang Ruyi gave a bitter smile, her smile full of exhaustion: "Alright, I'll say it again, even if we really have to hold this against each other, we should at least wait until we can survive this ordeal."
"That--"
"You can go now, I need to rest."
Helpless, Tushe'er could only help her to bed and then leave the room.
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However, this night did not offer them enough peace to rest.
Just when all was quiet and almost everyone was asleep, the Turks launched another massive siege.
Shang Ruyi was awakened by a loud rumbling noise outside. By the time she realized what was happening, the roof beams were about to collapse. Tushe'er rushed into her room to protect her. Although the courtyard outside was deserted, they could still hear the footsteps of many people amidst the noise, as if they were standing guard outside.
The battle raged until dawn.
As the noise outside gradually subsided and the tension eased, Shang Ruyi realized that they had once again successfully defended Yanmen County.
This time, however, the success of defending the city was much more difficult than before.
It was also much more tragic.
Tushe'er went out for a while and when he returned, he told Shang Ruyi that the wounded soldiers were scattered all over the city. There were not enough military and official doctors, so they could only listen to the soldiers' cries of pain, but no one could treat them. Many civilians had also gone to the north gate to help.
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi immediately dressed and took Tu She'er outside.
As soon as he reached the gate of the courtyard, he was stopped by two fully armed Imperial Guards.
"Young Madam, where are you going?"
Shang Ruyi was startled, but seeing how polite they were, she also said politely, "I heard that there are many wounded soldiers in the city who have no one to treat them, and I would like to go and help."
The two men exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise in their eyes.
One of them said, "But it's dangerous outside—"
Shang Ruyi said, "Isn't the battle over? There shouldn't be any danger for the time being. Besides—"
Her eyes flickered as she looked at them: "His Majesty probably only sent you to protect me, not to imprison me, right?"
Those two were speechless.
Indeed, the emperor dispatched this contingent of imperial guards to protect the courtyard where the young mistress of the Yuwen family was temporarily residing, and to prevent anyone from entering and disturbing her, but he did not say that she was not allowed to go out.
After considering it for a moment, the two said, "Then, we will send someone to follow the young mistress."
Shang Ruyi said, "Thank you."
So she left the mansion with Tusheer and several guards.
Once outside, she realized what a living hell it had become—the bloody scenes that had been hidden behind high walls and houses were now fully exposed to Shang Ruyi.
Countless people came and went on the streets.
But these people weren't just strolling around or wandering; they were dragging one corpse after another as they retreated from the city gate. In the distance, the bodies of the fallen soldiers were piled up like mountains, and countless wails and cries echoed through the sky.
But what we see more of is the suffering of the living.
The wounded soldiers retreating from the front lines had filled the streets and alleys. Some had even collapsed on the roadside, unattended. The bloodstains on the road were getting heavier and heavier, and the smell of blood was almost unbearable. Official doctors and military doctors, along with some city residents who came to help, were busy everywhere, but they still couldn't keep up with everyone.
Shang Ruyi hurriedly said to Tushe'er, "Let's go help."
"good!"
Tushe'er didn't mince words and immediately went up to get some medicine. While helping the wounded soldiers treat and bandage their wounds, he headed towards the north gate. The further he went, the more serious the wounds became, and the stronger the smell of blood became.
Finally, they arrived at the city gate.
As soon as she got close, Shang Ruyi was stunned by what she saw.
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