Chapter 232: Chapter 223: This person is never hers
In the evening, Xiao Yuansui left with his men.
Shang Ruyi stood at the highest point of Warehouse City, at the entrance of the assembly hall that had become somewhat desolate, watching those people slowly exit Warehouse City, their figures gradually disappearing into the swirling snow along the winding mountain road.
The cold wind was fierce, carrying a thick scent of blood circulating within Warehouse City. That intense cold seemed ready to freeze the blood of everyone here. Although she hadn’t been injured at all so far, for some reason, her entire body felt weak, as if she might collapse into the almost palpable atmosphere of blood at any moment.
Just as she was about to lose her balance and quickly reached out to steady herself against the door frame, she heard the hurried footsteps and shouts of those around her. Before long, a group of people approached.
It was Yu Wenye leading people to clear the city.
Although the main group had left, there were inevitably some remnants hiding in the shadows. Yu Wenye rooted them all out, ordered an immediate clean-up of all the checkpoints, had the bodies carried away, and instructed others to quickly recount the granaries and seal off all exits.
Finally, he returned to the hall with Mu Xian and several vice generals, saying as he walked, "Let someone prepare the horses at the foot of the mountain, we’re returning to the city immediately."
Mu Xian replied, "Yes."
He turned to leave, and the vice generals each received their orders, leading their men to re-secure the granaries.
Once everything was arranged, Yu Wenye arrived at the gate.
Previously, he was only wearing a thin layer of clothing, clearly for ease of movement. Now that the crisis in the city was temporarily resolved, he donned a thick coat; although it was a fur coat, it was very plain, without a hint of decoration, the color a deep blue almost black. Yet, on him, it exuded an unexpected elegance amidst its simplicity.
Shang Ruyi found herself unable to look away.
But when she looked up and met Yu Wenye’s gaze, she immediately looked away.
As soon as he saw her, Yu Wenye’s face darkened, his cold gaze slicing across her face like a knife.
Shang Ruyi involuntarily shivered.
She suddenly remembered how, earlier, Yu Wenye looked as if he could have torn her apart with rage, a memory that still caused her trepidation; furthermore, he had previously said—"We’ll settle this later." She wondered if now was his "later".
But, Shang Ruyi decided to act first, as the saying goes, one doesn’t hit a smiling face!
So, she stepped forward and softly said, "Are you leaving?"
He seemed surprised that she would speak first, but Yu Wenye merely squinted at her, then realized she was making the first move to retreat, showing weakness, so he didn’t get angry again, just coldly said, "What, reluctant to leave?"
"No, I just think—you must be exhausted from running around these days, shouldn’t you take a break?"
"..."
"Your back is still injured. Does it hurt?"
"..."
Even knowing she said these concerned words deliberately, in such a gentle tone, Yu Wenye’s heart softened a bit despite himself.
His expression also relaxed.
He looked at her deeply for a while, a complex expression in his eyes before finally sighing, "It’s fine now."
"Then—"
"But we can’t stay any longer."
"Why?"
"I lost three battles before, though it was a strategic move, it’s a beheadable offense if truly pursued. If we don’t report the results back to the Eastern Capital soon, I’m afraid—"
At this point, Shang Ruyi suddenly understood.
Indeed, Chu Yang had already harbored murderous intent towards Yu Wenye and had even expressed it in front of her. Although she had risked advising to win Yu Wenye a chance, this time the news of Yu Wenye’s "defection" had already surfaced. Kou Junliang must have reported this crime back to the Eastern Capital. If they delay a moment longer in returning, the Yuwen Family will face a great calamity!
They indeed needed to hurry back!
Yu Wenye frowned again and said, "Why did you come here?"
At this, Shang Ruyi quickly said, "I got news that someone wanted to harm you. I was worried you weren’t prepared, so I came."
Yu Wenye raised an eyebrow.
Shang Ruyi hurriedly told him about the secret message she received and the contents of the letter. Yu Wenye listened with furrowed brow, pondered for a moment, and asked, "Do you know who sent it?"