Chapter 1189 I am not worthy, not worthy!
Half a month later, Shen Tu Tai and Shen Wu Zheng led their army to Luoyang.
After the Battle of Hulao Pass, Yuwen Ye's power shook the land, and many rebel armies and militias from the surrounding areas came to join him. By the time they arrived in Luoyang, his army had exceeded 150,000. Fortunately, Huiluo Granary and Xingluo Granary were already under their control, so there was no need to worry about food supplies. However, the movement of such a large army still startled many people along the way. In order not to frighten the people in the city, Yuwen Ye ordered the more than 100,000 troops to set up camp 20 miles away from the city. Only Shen Tu Tai, Shen Wuzheng and others led a group of trusted men into the city.
When they arrived at the Duke's mansion, they saw Shang Ruyi coming out to greet them.
Upon seeing her, Shen Wuzheng and Shen Tu Tai, along with the crowd behind them, all stepped forward to bow and pay their respects. Shang Ruyi told them to stand up, then looked at Shen Wuzheng with delight: "Was the journey smooth?"
Shen Wuzheng looked at her, his eyes filled with tenderness: "Your Highness, rest assured, everything is going smoothly."
Shang Ruyi nodded in relief, greeted Shen Tu Tai, and then let them follow her into the mansion, while the rest of the people were led away by the mansion's steward.
On the day they entered the city, Yuwen Ye ordered people to clean the place. After more than half a month, the dilapidated Duke's mansion was finally cleaned up and looked brand new. Under Shang Ruyi's supervision, a lot of furniture and utensils were added. After all this, the place finally looked more human-like. Although, it was impossible for anyone to move into this former residence at will.
As we walked in, we saw many servants bustling about.
Shang Ruyi said, "His Highness plans to hold a banquet here tonight so that the heroes of this battle can enjoy a good night. Tomorrow, we will set off back to Chang'an."
Shen Tu Tai immediately said, "Then what about outside the city—"
Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "Don't worry, I've already sent some wine and meat over."
Shen Tu Tai hurriedly cupped his hands in thanks, and Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "We're all family, so don't be so formal. I've had hot water and clothes prepared, so go and wash up and get some rest."
To accommodate the tens of thousands of newly surrendered soldiers, Shen Tu Tai had been living in the military camp with them for the past two weeks, eating and sleeping with them. He had hardly taken a bath. He was fine with being with a bunch of smelly men, but he felt uncomfortable around a dignified and beautiful woman like Princess Qin. As soon as he heard her speak, he immediately went with her. Shen Wuzheng, on the other hand, stayed behind.
The brother and sister walked inside while talking.
Shen Wuzheng said, "I heard from the messenger that this time, taking Luoyang was almost effortless, is that right?"
Shang Ruyi knew he must have been worried about her, so she hurriedly said, "Yes, the King of Qin arranged for Pei Xingyuan in advance, and with the help of Jiang Yan and Liang Youying, Liang Shide was controlled. Taking Luoyang was relatively easy."
Shen Wuzheng's tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly.
He then asked, "You're not injured?"
Shang Ruyi smiled, her eyes crinkling: "I came to the door to greet you today so that you could see that I wasn't hurt at all. Not only was I unharmed, but I also made a big splash this time."
Seeing her like this, Shen Wuzheng finally felt relieved and smiled, "I've heard about this on my way into the city. Princess Qin's reputation in Luoyang is incredibly high now. I heard that some girls take you as their role model, even more effective than a Bodhisattva."
Shang Ruyi shook her head upon hearing this: "That would shorten my lifespan."
Shen Wuzheng immediately said, "Don't talk nonsense."
Shang Ruyi smiled at him.
As they spoke, the two of them entered her room. It was cleaned by Wo Xue herself, and not only was it spotless, but she had also placed an incense burner in the room. As soon as they entered, they smelled a faint fragrance of osmanthus, which was very intoxicating. On the table, in addition to the incense burner, there were two cups of tea and a plate of osmanthus sugar cake.
The two sat down facing each other. Shen Wuzheng took a sip of tea before asking, "What's going on between Jiang Yan and Liang Youying?"
Shang Ruyi said, "This matter is a long story."
So, the two drank tea and ate snacks, and Shang Ruyi recounted in detail everything that had happened since he followed Yuwen Cheng on the expedition. Like Yuwen Ye, when he heard about the assassination attempt on the emperor at Tangquan Palace, Pei Xingyuan's capture and subsequent prison break, he remained calm despite his furrowed brow. However, when he heard Shang Ruyi mention Sun Xianyue's affair and Han Yuhui's poisoning of Yuan Gan, Shen Wuzheng's expression turned grim.
He gripped the teacup tightly, his fingers turning snow-white.
Seeing his suppressed anger, Shang Ruyi deliberately smiled and said, "Brother, you know me. I'm the kind of person who never suffers a loss."
Shen Wuzheng looked up at her.
Shang Ruyi sighed again, then said, "I knew I would offend the Crown Prince and anger the Emperor, but I still forced Han Yuhui to her death. It's truly—"
Shen Wuzheng interrupted her: "She deserved to die."
After saying this, his expression finally relaxed a bit. Shang Ruyi nodded in agreement, then said, "Actually, after the incident at Longmen Ferry, we all understood that the Crown Prince would definitely retaliate against the Prince of Qin, either by seizing power or by harming someone. At that time, we all thought he would target my brother, but you are cautious and quick-witted, and with Shen Tu Taiyi by your side, even if the Prince of Qi wanted to attack you, he wouldn't find an opportunity; it's just that none of us expected—"
Shen Wuzheng let out a deep breath: "He's using a diversionary tactic. The real target has always been Xingyuan."
As he spoke, his expression relaxed a little, and a faint smile appeared at the corners of his eyes and brows. He said, "I really didn't expect them to have this trick up their sleeve. Speaking of which, Xingyuan has never been one to keep secrets. It's quite unexpected that he could accomplish something so big."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a strange, sarcastic voice came from outside the door—
"Ha, Brother Fuming, you are a man of both literary and military talent, a capable minister in times of peace. I am not worthy, not worthy!"
Upon hearing the voice, both people in the room showed joy on their faces. Then, Shen Wuzheng shook his head helplessly and turned around. Sure enough, he saw the familiar figure leaning against the door. Although he was tall and handsome, his crooked posture made Shen Wuzheng frown.
He said, "Can't you at least have some manners?"
"snort,"
Pei Xingyuan deliberately swaggered in, his sleeves swaying, looking every bit the playboy. But upon entering, he first bowed to Shang Ruyi. Shang Ruyi smiled and invited him to sit down, then asked Wo Xue to brew another cup of tea. Pei Xingyuan waved his hand, saying it wasn't necessary, and deliberately snatched Shen Wuzheng's teacup, holding it tightly in his hands: "I've been insulted, can't I even have a sip of someone's tea?"
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