Chapter 1417: I Want to See Xiao Lang!

Chapter 1417: Chapter 1093: I Want to See Xiao Lang!

At noon, Shi Yuxin’s army crossed the Yellow River and arrived at Xiao Yuansui’s camp.

Shang Ruyi walked in with her all the way, looking at the orderly barracks and the strict military troops in front of her, and couldn’t help but feel even more heavy-hearted. This wasn’t the first time she had entered the enemy’s camp, specifically Xiao Yuansui’s camp; it was the same way when she had been in Xingluo Warehouse City before. But this time, she understood better the significance she held for Yu Wenye, and felt even more unwilling to face what might come.

She subconsciously wanted to look back, though she knew it was impossible to see Hulao Pass from this place—just now before crossing the Yellow River, Shi Yuxin had pointed to the distant mountains on the other side, telling her that Hulao Pass was beyond them.

When she turned around, she met a pair of charming, extraordinarily bright eyes full of anticipation.

It was Lu Xiao.

Similarly captured by Shi Yuxin, Lu Xiao was perhaps in the best and most eager spirits throughout the journey. At this moment, finally entering Xiao Yuansui’s camp, Shang Ruyi could clearly hear Lu Xiao’s rapid breathing, as if even her heartbeat had turned joyous. Were it not for Shi Yuxin and her men blocking the way, she might have already darted forward to see her beloved.

For some reason, Shang Ruyi sighed deeply.

Immediately, Wo Xue beside her softly said, “Princess, it’s all right.”

Compared to the relatively free-moving Shang Ruyi and Lu Xiao, Wo Xue suffered a lot throughout the journey. Recognizing her skills and knowing that the girl wouldn’t easily submit, Shi Yuxin never allowed her to be untied. Before crossing the Yellow River, they even tied her with a rope to the horse Lu Xiao was riding, stumbling all the way to Hulao Pass. Yet, upon hearing Shang Ruyi’s sigh, she immediately perked up to comfort her, having not a hint of complaint or fear about her own plight.

Shang Ruyi said softly, “I’m fine, don’t worry.”

Wo Xue nodded.

Yet, being in the enemy’s camp, she obviously couldn’t really be unconcerned. Her bright eyes alertly scanned the surroundings, as if searching for an opportunity—as long as there was a chance, she was determined to take Shang Ruyi and leave.

But clearly, now was not the time.

As they walked through the parade ground of the central camp, each holding their own thoughts, they finally approached the largest tent ahead when a somewhat familiar voice rang out from the front—

“General Shi, thank you for your efforts.”

Shang Ruyi looked up and saw a young man clad in vigorous attire, with elegant looks, standing in front of the tent, saluting Shi Yuxin while scrutinizing them. His hawk-like eyes seemed to linger on her for a moment but quickly looked back to Shi Yuxin at the forefront of the team: “The Great General has been waiting for a long time.”

Shang Ruyi immediately recognized, that was Hua Ziyang.

Shi Yuxin had remained silent all the way, yet Shang Ruyi could clearly feel that the closer they got to the tent, the more serious her demeanor became. At this point, she opened her mouth to ask, “Where is my brother?”

At those words, the expression on Hua Ziyang’s youthful face instantly froze.

In the air, there suddenly seemed to rise a current of awkwardness and tension.

After a moment of silence, Hua Ziyang said, “The Great General instructed to invite General Shi into the tent for a chat; the others should go rest first, and the prisoners should be taken away as well.”

Shi Yuxin thought for a moment and said, “Alright.”

So she waved her hand towards the people behind her, and her personal soldiers immediately turned to leave. Hua Ziyang also gestured to summon a team of men and horses to take the prisoners away.

Lu Xiao suddenly stepped forward: “I want to see Xiao Lang!”

Hearing this, Shi Yuxin also turned to look at her, while Lu Xiao had already hurried forward. Although she didn’t know Hua Ziyang, she could roughly guess his identity from him being able to give orders on behalf of Xiao Yuansui, eagerly saying, “I am—”

“Miss Lu Xiao,”

Hua Ziyang gave her a glance, his expression somewhat complex, but still said solemnly, “The Great General said, all prisoners under General Shi are to be taken away first.”

“But I—”

“You, too.”

“…”

“He’ll come to see you later.”

As if a bucket of cold water was poured over a blazing fire, the brightness in Lu Xiao’s eyes was extinguished in an instant, and her whole person seemed to dim. She stood there dazed, as if frozen, unmoving, until someone came over to pull her, causing her to sway, almost toppling over.

Shang Ruyi reached out to support her arm, glanced at Hua Ziyang again, and then softly said, “Let’s go down first.”

Having said that, she proceeded to lead her down, along with Wo Xue.

But just as she was about to turn away, Hua Ziyang stepped forward again, saying, “Princess Qin, please wait.”

Shang Ruyi frowned slightly and turned her head. Facing her, Hua Ziyang’s expression became even stiffer; evidently, they both recalled their previous confrontation. For Hua Ziyang, Shang Ruyi and Yu Wenye were the culprits behind the division of Wanggang Village—he wouldn’t trouble a woman but couldn’t offer her any friendly expressions either.

As for Shang Ruyi, facing this person again brought a very uncomfortable feeling.

Especially that night outside Xingluo Warehouse, where despite the pitch darkness and a river between them, Hua Ziyang could repeatedly fire arrows, pushing her to the brink. Although many years had passed, once seeing him again, those humiliating memories of being treated like prey instantly became clear, binding Shang Ruyi like a net.

She said heavily, “What business do you have?”

Hua Ziyang said, “Your Highness Princess, our Great General also wishes to see you.”

“…”

At these words, the surroundings immediately fell silent.

Lu Xiao looked at Shang Ruyi and then at Hua Ziyang, her dim eyes seemed to flicker with something, but not entirely understanding. She trembled slightly, while Wo Xue stepped forward, vigilantly staring at Hua Ziyang. Even with her hands bound, her stance was defensive, as if she would fight anyone who dared to move against Shang Ruyi.

Shang Ruyi thought for a moment and raised a hand to hold her arm.

Wo Xue looked at her: “Princess!”

Shang Ruyi said calmly, “I was captured here precisely because of this identity. Don’t worry, they won’t harm me before making good use of me.”

Having said this, Shang Ruyi intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Lu Xiao, who seemed relieved, yet even more confused in her eyes.

Hua Ziyang waved his hand again, and his subordinates took Lu Xiao, Wo Xue, and the others away, while he turned around and raised his hand toward the tent behind him: “Please, both of you.”

Shang Ruyi took a deep breath and followed Shi Yuxin into the large tent.