Chapter 143 Public Opinion is a Fearful Thing
This battle lasted for a full four hours.
What Shang Ruyi didn't know was that this was the strongest and longest-lasting siege launched by the Turks during the three days that Yanmen County had been holding its gates closed. She also didn't see that at the city gate, countless soldiers' corpses were dragged off the city wall and piled up into a small hill, while blood flowed down the city wall, almost staining the entire city tower crimson.
In the streets and alleys, the bodies of ordinary people, who had been shot by arrows and were powerless to even kill a chicken, were piled up like mountains.
Screams and wails continued incessantly.
Lei Yu had just ordered his men to carry the wounded down when he looked up and saw Mu Xian, covered in blood and gore, walking down from the city wall. The two sides had been through thick and thin together, and seeing each other now, they were filled with emotion.
In this situation, any language would be superfluous.
After a long silence, Lei Yu finally spoke, "Why hasn't your young master arrived yet?"
Mu Xian looked troubled: "This—"
A hint of anger flashed across Lei Yu's face, but it vanished in an instant, leaving only a sense of powerlessness and helplessness. He said, "His wife is also trapped here. Doesn't he care about her either?"
"..."
Mu Xian looked at her in surprise.
He had always followed Yuwen Ye and knew in his heart that Miss Lei had feelings for his young master, but he never expected that Lei Yu would suddenly act out of character and get angry at Yuwen Ye at this time.
After saying that, Lei Yu sighed and turned to leave.
Watching her retreating figure, Mu Xian's expression also became serious.
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Meanwhile, Shang Ruyi didn't even last until the end of the siege. Her wounds suddenly started hurting, and coupled with the fact that she hadn't eaten or drunk anything for two days, she fell into a deep sleep again amidst the deafening roar.
When I opened my eyes again, it was already dark.
Upon seeing her wake up, Tushe'er both cried and laughed, and hurriedly helped her get dressed and wash up.
Shang Ruyi leaned weakly against the headboard and asked her, "How is it outside?"
Tushe'er looked troubled, but still said, "We held on."
"That's good."
"only--"
"Just what?"
"I heard that the defending soldiers suffered heavy casualties this time. It seems that the number of defenders is less than half of what it was before."
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi felt a wave of weakness wash over her, and cold sweat once again dampened her temples.
Tushe'er said, "Miss, don't worry about what's going on outside. Take care of yourself first. I'll go get you something to eat, how about some porridge?"
Before Shang Ruyi could agree, she suddenly heard footsteps outside. Then, several young and beautiful palace maids entered, carrying various food boxes, and respectfully said, "Young Madam."
"You are—"
“We have come here especially to prepare a meal for the young mistress.”
After saying that, they placed a low table in front of Shang Ruyi and then arranged the bowls and plates from the food box on it one by one. They were filled with all kinds of exquisite and delicious snacks and dishes, as well as a bowl of thinly cooked chicken porridge. Instantly, the room, which seemed a bit cold, was filled with the aroma of food.
Shang Ruyi was somewhat surprised, but immediately understood what was going on.
Tushe'er stared in disbelief at everything, stammering, "Who...who sent you to deliver this?"
One of the palace maids smiled and said, "We are people who serve the Emperor."
"..."
After speaking, he bowed to Shang Ruyi and then withdrew.
This deepened the worry on Tushe'er's face. She turned to look at Shang Ruyi, who had gradually fallen silent. She hesitated several times before finally saying nothing. She simply went over and ladled out a bowl of porridge, handing it to Shang Ruyi.
Shang Ruyi looked at her: "What do you want to say?"
"..."
Tushe'er glanced at her, then looked down at the sumptuous dishes on the table, muttering under her breath, "I heard from Miss Lei that the city's food supply is running low..."
Shang Ruyi also felt that these dishes were indeed a bit excessive at this time, but since it was the emperor's decree, no one dared to disobey.
She said, "Then, sit down and have some with me."
Tushe'er shook her head: "This servant can't eat."
"..."
Looking at her dejected expression, Shang Ruyi said, "Do you think I'm morally flawed?"
Upon hearing this, Tushe'er hurriedly waved her hand: "No, I grew up with you since I was a child. I know you best. You would never have such dirty thoughts or actions."
Shang Ruyi looked at her.
Tushe'er paused for a moment before saying, "However, gossip is a fearsome thing..."
"..."
"Moreover, I remember that Miss has never entered the palace to meet His Majesty. Why is His Majesty so concerned about Miss this time, taking care of everything for her? It seems that he cares about you even more than your son-in-law."
The mere mention of Yuwen Ye caused Shang Ruyi a sharp pain in her heart.
She wanted to explain something, but couldn't utter a single word. She felt herself caught in a whirlpool, her emotions and identity seemingly being torn apart and entangled by something unseen, completely in a mess.
After a long silence, she lowered her head and said sadly, "Let's eat first, and then we'll talk."
The meal was eaten in a dull and unpleasant manner.
Shang Ruyi felt that her strength had returned to a lot, and after sleeping for so long during the day, the pain in her shoulder and back was not so bad. She was even able to get out of bed and walk around with Tushe'er's help.
I slowly stepped out of the house and finally saw where she was.
It was a small courtyard, but it was clearly deep within the official residence. Looking around, one could hardly see the surrounding mountains and trees, only layers of roof tiles and a dark, curtain-like night sky above.
The courtyard was also very empty, with only two trees planted in the east and west corners; the rest of the place was completely empty.
It is a suitable place for people to stay quietly and recuperate.
Shang Ruyi felt that she was gradually regaining her freedom of movement, so she said to Tusheer, "You can go now, I'll stay by myself for a while."
Tushe'er looked at her and said, "Miss, if you need anything, just call me. No one else is allowed in this courtyard."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi paused for a moment, then smiled faintly and said, "I understand, you can go now."
Tushe'er then left with a heavy heart.
It became even quieter here after she left.
It was a very deep place. Apart from the earth-shattering sounds of the battle during the day, almost only the wind could enter the courtyard at this time. Shang Ruyi did not go out. Firstly, she knew that her body could not support her, and secondly, she could find the answer she was looking for in this place.
So she stood in the middle of the courtyard, listening to the wind, and waited patiently.
Finally, amidst the sound of the wind, came the sound of very light footsteps.
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