Chapter 289: Chapter 268: God Buddha, Can’t Control Me
Just as he was beginning to feel the soft sweetness of those petal-like lips, a voice from afar suddenly called out—the voice of Mu Xian—
"Young Master! Second Young Master!"
Yu Wenye furrowed his brow, not yet reacting, when those once docile little hands suddenly pushed hard against his chest. Instantly, Shang Ruyi had withdrawn from his embrace, standing aside with her face flushed.
Like a fragrant breeze, passing without a trace.
He was momentarily dazed, while Shang Ruyi pretended nothing had happened, holding the railing and looking at the scenery below. Soon, Mu Xian ran up from the path, hastily saying, "Second Young Master, you are here. There is news from the Eastern Capital—Young Madam is also here? You, you both—"
As he spoke, he sensed the atmosphere was off. Although the Young Madam wasn’t looking at them, the tips of her ears exposed under her hair were red, and his family’s Second Young Master, hands behind his back, appeared particularly gloomy despite the bright sunset, with a murderous look, as if he wanted to chew him to pieces.
Mu Xian suddenly felt this scene somewhat familiar.
However, before he could react, Shang Ruyi softly said, "Since you have matters to discuss, I’ll return first."
After speaking, without even turning to face him, she turned and walked away.
The master and servant stood on that platform, watching as she quickly entered the temple along the path. Mu Xian was momentarily in a daze. After a while, he heard Yu Wenye’s deep voice saying, "What is it, speak."
"Ah? Oh."
He hurriedly handed over the letter in his hand.
Softly saying, "News from the Eastern Capital, the Ministry of War has already decided. They want you to lead troops to suppress the rebellion at Wanggang Village."
"Oh?"
Yu Wenye raised an eyebrow slightly, reaching for the letter but not opening it.
Actually, the matter could be explained in one sentence; there was no need to read the letter. This decision was something he had been prepared for, just didn’t expect the court, after hesitating so long and pondering so much, would settle on this decision.
Clearly, there are fewer capable people available now; otherwise, they wouldn’t have father and son in the same expedition force.
Even Mu Xian laughed, "This appointment by the court is indeed reluctant."
Yu Wenye said, "It seems the situation in Hebei is worse than we know."
Mu Xian said, "I have also sent people to inquire. Originally, His Majesty the Emperor had decided to decree an expedition to Liaodong two days ago, but it was forcefully delayed by matters in Hebei. I heard this time the plan was for a dual attack, one route through Hebei, and one by water. Yet now, the laborers building warships in Bohai County have already started to rebel, reportedly burning several ships. In Hebei, Liang Shide’s uprising is even larger, especially the rebellion of the Lei Family father and daughter, which is putting great pressure on the court, so—"
Yu Wenye’s eyes glinted, "So, the expedition to Liaodong is likely to be shelved."
Mu Xian gently nodded.
By this time, the sun was nearly setting, leaving only a last trace of light in the distant mountain folds. Yet this remaining light was exceptionally bright, even carrying a sense of struggling, dying brilliance.
Mu Xian softly said, "This matter, the impact on Your Majesty will likely be substantial."
"..."
Yu Wenye was silent for a long time before slowly saying, "The blow to him may not only be this matter."
Mu Xian widened his eyes, looking at him.
But Yu Wenye showed no other expression; his look remained stern, though there seemed to be a mix of complex emotions within that sternness. After a while, he said, "No matter what, the expedition to Liaodong is his lifelong wish. Previous numerous campaigns have ended in failure, and this time, despite full preparation, even setting out couldn’t be achieved, just a retreat instead. This fear—"
Mu Xian also seemed slightly anxious, saying, "I wonder what our His Majesty the Emperor will do next."
Yu Wenye said, "The more arrogant a person is, the more easily they despair in the face of failure. If the Emperor is truly forced to abandon the Liaodong campaign, his conviction will start collapsing here. His next potential course of action—"
Mu Xian widened his eyes, looking at him, "What might happen next?"
Yu Wenye squinted his eyes slightly, not answering him but asking, "Did the letter mention when the Ministry of War plans to appoint?"
Mu Xian hurriedly said, "They are very urgent, possibly by tomorrow."
"Tomorrow..."
Yu Wenye frowned slightly, his eyes reflecting the nearly setting sun, shining with a seemingly fiery flame. After a while, he murmured, "So, there’s only tonight..."