Chapter 1394 - 1070: Heroine

Xiao Yuansui said, "They say that when Liang Shide left Shan Shiyu to guard Hulao Pass, the original food supplies given were not much. By the time he was captured, only less than five days’ worth of supplies remained."

Hua Ziyang was somewhat surprised, "So little?"

Xiao Yuansui sneered, seeing through Liang Shide’s manipulation and defensiveness towards Shan Shiyu, and continued, "Although Yu Wenye hasn’t completely taken control of the forces over there, he’s dealt with quite a few. Additionally, with the troops brought by him and his brother..."

Hua Ziyang immediately said, "Their food supplies won’t be enough."

He paused, as if thinking of something, and said, "No wonder they ran to the North Shore to graze horses."

At this point, the two exchanged a glance, with a sharp glint in their eyes, Hua Ziyang instinctively lowered his voice, "Brother, should we take this opportunity to send troops?"

Xiao Yuansui thought for a moment, then said, "We’re here, might as well make the most of it."

As he spoke, he reached out, unfolded the map on the table, and gazed at Hulao Pass, which he had stared at countless times, as if he might bore a hole into it, and said with gravity, "Send orders for the generals to come to the tent and receive commands!"

"Yes!"

At dawn of the next day, before the sun rose, someone came to report to Yu Wenye’s tent—Xiao Yuansui’s troops had mobilized and were ready to cross the Sishui River!

Upon hearing this news, having almost stayed up all night and only managed to lie down for a brief rest before dawn, Yu Wenye immediately widened his eyes. At the same time, Shen Tu Tai, along with several other deputy generals, entered his main tent, exclaiming, "Your Highness!"

Yu Wenye asked, "Have they really come?"

Shen Tu Tai nodded, his breath a bit heavy, "I didn’t expect them to come so quickly."

Yu Wenye frowned, and after a moment of silence, immediately stood up, "Send orders to prepare for battle!"

Thus, as the sun rose and the awakening Hulao Pass came alive, the soldiers on the city tower were all on high alert, staring at the black serpentine line slowly snaking from where the sun had just risen, crossing the Sishui River, the flying flags clear in the increasingly bright sunlight, with a "Shi" character vividly visible.

At this time, Yu Wenye ascended the city tower.

He did not wear full armor, but came in his regular attire. Seeing the flags below, and the array arranged in front of the pass, a faint smile appeared in his eyes.

He said, "Shi?"

"Shi Yutao,"

came Shen Tu Tai’s voice from behind, as he slowly approached Yu Wenye, gazing at the formations ahead, and slowly said, "Previously, Liang Shide swept through Hebei, with only one place he couldn’t take down, which was Wa State."

Yu Wenye said, "Wa State, Shi Yunyu?"

Shen Tu Tai said, "Yes, his two major generals are his son and daughter, both outstanding in martial arts and military tactics, even Liang Shide found them troublesome."

Yu Wenye said, "I only know his son is Shi Yutao, skilled with the hand axe—"

As they spoke, their gazes were like eagles soaring in the sky, and although they were far away, they clearly saw the most prominent figure in the enemy formation—a young general in white helmet holding an Xuanhua Hand Axe, with a three-foot-long handle and a massive axe head nearly the size of two human heads, which gave an intense sense of oppression without being wielded.

Shen Tu Tai murmured, "Your Highness, don’t underestimate women."

Yu Wenye turned to him, Shen Tu Tai said, "Wa State produces fierce and brave women. Even my fifth sister is originally from Wa State."

At the mention of Liang Youying, Yu Wenye’s expression slightly tensed.

After a moment of silence, he said, "Who is Shi Yunyu’s daughter?"

Shen Tu Tai said, "This woman is named Shi Yuxin. I haven’t seen her, but I heard she’s remarkable. Liang Shide marshaled the forces of Hebei but couldn’t conquer Wa State, and several of his generals were injured by her."

"Oh..."

Yu Wenye raised his eyebrow slightly, "Seems like quite the formidable person."

Shen Tu Tai said, "Indeed."

Yu Wenye was silent for a moment, then suddenly turned to look at him. Shen Tu Tai felt strange under his sudden gaze, instinctively avoiding it momentarily. Yu Wenye looked at his rare fidgety demeanor, half-smiling, "It’s rare to hear you praise someone as ’remarkable,’ especially on the battlefield, and it’s a woman."

Shen Tu Tai forced a smile, "If the previous war achievements are true, then she is indeed remarkable. I would never underestimate her just because she’s a woman."

Yu Wenye nodded, "That’s true."

Shen Tu Tai, fearing he might say more, quickly added, "Later, Liang Shide headed south and seized Luoyang, then entrenched himself there, loosening his grip on Hebei, causing turmoil again. Shi Yunyu took the opportunity to recapture large territories, along with other rising forces. However—"

Yu Wenye said, "However, now they are with Xiao Yuansui, which means Xiao Yuansui has defeated them."

Shen Tu Tai nodded lightly.

Considering this, both of them felt even heavier. In a few months, Xiao Yuansui swept through Hebei, took down the unyielding Wa State, and recruited Shi Yutao under his command. His military prowess and strategic planning were apparent.

Yu Wenye slowly said, "Wa State producing extraordinary women indeed fits the notion of manipulating Wa. But—" He stepped forward, looking at the steadily forming troops ahead, and furrowed his brows, "Why can’t I see the female hero you mentioned?"

Shen Tu Tai furrowed his brows, saying nothing.

Actually, as soon as Shi Yuxin was mentioned, his eyes were searching for the exceptional female hero rumored to stand alone in Hebei, but after a thorough search, he couldn’t find any female general among the ranks.

Could it be, Shi Yuxin wasn’t involved in this operation?

He thought for a moment and said, "This time they cross the river with only a few hundred troops, probably just to test our strength, so Shi Yuxin isn’t here?"

Yu Wenye glanced at him, saying nothing, but the shadows in his eyes accumulated over days seemed thicker.

Soon, the troops in front were well-arranged, and the sound of wind carried a cacophony of noise. Several soldiers ran up and addressed Yu Wenye, "Your Highness, they are calling for battle."

Yu Wenye lowered his head for a moment, then gently waved his hand.

Immediately, the gate of Hulao Pass slowly opened, and with a gust of wind rushing out from the wide-open gate, a group of troops also slowly emerged from Hulao Pass, ready to face off against Shi Yutao’s forces.