CHAPTER 124: CHAPTER 124: ONLY ABLE TO RELY ON EACH OTHER

The Turks, the nomadic tribe living on the vast northern grasslands, are known for their fierce prowess and bravery in battle. They often travel southward, crossing the Great Wall to harass the border, loot valuables, and have even several times directly threatened the capital, Daxing. They have always been a sharp sword hanging over the Da Ye Dynasty.

However, about twenty years ago, there was a turning point in this situation.

At that time, Shang Ruohong, who was serving as the Left Merit Guard Cavalry General, went on a diplomatic mission to the Turks. It coincided with a power succession within the Turks, with the fierce and tyrannical Tujue Left Royal King Ashina Shali preparing to ascend the throne. This person had always coveted the Da Ye Dynasty’s rich resources, and if he took the throne, he was bound to wage war on the South, causing even greater military chaos.

Shang Ruohong seized the opportunity and colluded with Princess Qiancheng, who had married into the Turks for diplomatic relations, to create chaos within the Turks. At the same time, he supported Princess Qiancheng’s eldest son, Ashina Tong, to ascend the throne. From then on, the Turks split into Eastern and Western factions, significantly weakening their strength. Moreover, because of mutual checks and balances, the Da Ye Dynasty achieved a long period of relative peace.

But that is only relative.

Even split, the Western Turks still posed an undeniable threat to the Da Ye Dynasty, especially after Ashina Shali quelled the internal rebellion and turned his attention back to the South, often igniting battles along the border.

Therefore, the Emperor’s northern tour this time, in many people’s eyes, was not a simple journey.

Afraid that—

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Things were exactly as Yu Wenye had speculated.

Two days later, the court issued a decree that His Majesty the Emperor would tour the Northern Border, and besides civil and military officials of the fourth rank and above, several families of generals who were already in Liaoxi preparing for battle were also invited to accompany.

Among them, at the top of the list, were the son and daughter-in-law of Duke Sheng.

Shang Ruyi had just returned home after sending Yu Wencheng to the academy together with Yu Wenye and had barely caught her breath when she received the decree ordering them to depart early the next morning. Fortunately, she had listened to Yu Wenye and started packing their belongings two days in advance, so she wasn’t flustered.

However, the people at home were very worried.

Aunt Hui said anxiously at this time, "Should we write a letter to inform the Duke and the Madam?"

Yu Wenye, who was discussing the matter with his family in the main hall, immediately said, "Father is overseeing the transportation of grain at the front lines and cannot afford to be distracted; Liaoxi is almost entering winter, and mother is frail and afraid of the cold, cannot be disturbed, so don’t tell them about these things."

Aunt Hui said, "Then this trip to the Northern Border—"

Yu Wenye said, "Since Ru Yi and I are ordered to accompany, we naturally cannot slack off. Aunt Hui, please keep an eye on the household matters."

Aunt Hui smiled and said, "This is my responsibility."

Saying this, she looked up at Shang Ruyi with a smile and said, "Young Madam, is there anything else you would like to instruct?"

Shang Ruyi, sitting next to Yu Wenye, quickly shook her head and said, "Nothing really, Aunt Hui is more familiar with the household affairs than I am, I’ll have to trouble you to take care of everything."

Aunt Hui also nodded with a smile.

Yu Wenye then turned to Yu Wencheng, who had already been restless, and said, "We’ll be away from home, so you must focus on your studies. Today, you saw the academy where all the students are ordinary family children. No one is there to join you in games and pranks. If you behave as you did in Taiyuan, don’t blame me for punishing you when I return!"

Yu Wencheng impatiently replied, "Second Brother, I understand."

Aunt Hui laughed on the side, "Don’t worry, Second Young Master, the Third Young Master has been sensible for some time now."

So, Yu Wenye got up and said to Shang Ruyi, "Let’s go, get some rest early; we leave first thing in the morning."

"Mm."

That night, everyone spent their time in their respective anxieties and unease.

Early the next morning, everyone got up early. After breakfast, they started preparing to depart. Shang Ruyi walked to the door and saw only one carriage parked outside, along with several people from Mu Xian’s subordinates and a few horses.

Although this journey was to the Northern Border, as they were accompanying the imperial entourage, each person traveling had to keep their entourage minimal. Yu Wenye only brought Mu Xian and a few of his people, and Shang Ruyi brought only Tushere, leaving Wo Xue at home.

Standing at the doorway, Shang Ruyi gave instructions to Wo Xue again, asking her to listen more to Aunt Hui and not to cause trouble. Wo Xue promised to obey everything.

Tushere carried the packed luggage into the carriage.

Yu Wenye originally wanted to remind Yu Wencheng again, but when he turned around, the child was nowhere to be seen. He could only sigh and say to Aunt Hui, "Please take care of the household matters."

Aunt Hui smiled and said, "Second Young Master, rest assured."

After giving out some instructions, the two walked over to the carriage.

Someone had already brought a small stool and placed it in front of the carriage. As Shang Ruyi stepped onto it, a hand reached out to support her. When she turned around, she saw it was Yu Wenye. He was standing with his hand extending to her, his warm hand holding her fingertip.

The warmth immediately dispelled most of the chill of the slightly cool morning.

Sensing Shang Ruyi’s gaze, Yu Wenye also lifted his head to look at her.

Their gazes met, but neither immediately looked away; instead, they lingered on each other’s eyes. After a moment, Yu Wenye softly said, "Be careful."

Shang Ruyi gently nodded, "Mm."

No matter whether there had been deals between them or any conflict, at this moment, it seemed they could only rely on each other.

Soon, supported by him, Shang Ruyi got into the carriage and sat inside.

Just as Yu Wenye was about to get on the carriage, suddenly, the sound of hoofbeats came from the front, breaking the stillness of the long street.

For some reason, Shang Ruyi instinctively found the sound of the hoofbeats somewhat jarring.

She lifted the curtain and peeked out, immediately recognizing a familiar little eunuch riding towards them. The eunuch barely stopped in front of their carriage, dismounted, and bowed in front of Yu Wenye, "Second Young Master."

He was the little eunuch sent by Princess Xinyue to call Yu Wenye into the palace the other day.

Seeing him, Shang Ruyi’s heart sank immediately.

Yu Wenye asked, "What’s the matter?"

The little eunuch whispered, "His Highness has something to say to the Second Young Master."

"I need to accompany His Majesty, I can’t delay."

"Don’t worry, Young Master. His Highness will be accompanying the northern tour as well this time."

"Oh..."

Upon hearing this, Yu Wenye looked up again and met Shang Ruyi’s somewhat dark eyes. After thinking for a moment, he said, "You guys go ahead and join the entourage at the city gate; I’ll be there shortly."

"..."

Shang Ruyi immediately smiled and said, "Alright."

Then, the group left Yuwen Mansion and headed towards the North City Gate.

As the carriage jostled forward, Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but lift the curtain and look back. She saw Yu Wenye mounted on his horse, quickly taking another path.

She faintly smiled and let down the curtain.