Chapter 1426: Great Merit

Just as the commotion and chaos in Xiao Yuansui’s military camp finally began to subside, a sliver of dawn appeared in the eastern sky. Within the Hulao Pass, Shen Tu Tai, who had virtually not slept all night, was moving his stiff neck from side to side when he encountered Shen Wuzheng.

He was holding a lantern with a dim light, yet Shen Tu Tai could immediately see his bloodshot eyes.

He approached and said, “Mr. Shen, why are you here?”

“I was worried, so I came to see.”

Shen Wuzheng raised his hand to salute him, the swinging lantern also illuminating Shen Tu Tai’s bloodshot eyes. Seeing his weary appearance, Shen Wuzheng asked, “General Shen Tu, this is—”

Shen Tu Tai forced a bitter smile, saying, “That young man was brought here, but he refuses to behave, causing a stir the whole night.”

“Oh?”

“I was afraid my men wouldn’t be able to restrain him; if he ran away, it would all be in vain, so I came to keep an eye on him. By the way, why are you here so early?”

Shen Wuzheng sighed, “I was also worried he might cause trouble, couldn’t sleep soundly all night, so I came over to check.”

With that, the two exchanged a look, both letting out a bitter smile.

In Hulao Pass, there was a specific prison for captives and prisoners, but Shi Yutao was different from ordinary captives. Shen Tu Tai and the others were worried he might escape or commit suicide, resulting in all efforts coming to nothing. Therefore, they arranged for him to be placed in a room by the training ground, with guards watching over him constantly, Shen Tu Tai personally keeping an eye on him all night.

No accidents occurred that night, which gave Shen Wuzheng peace of mind momentarily; he did not go inside but turned around to walk back together with Shen Tu Tai, his mind heavy as he stared at the flickering lantern in his hand. Shen Tu Tai, observing his solemn expression, said, “Mr. Shen, don’t worry. This young man is, after all, Shi Yuxin’s brother. We captured him; Shi Yuxin can’t ignore it. Besides, she joined Xiao Yuansui with thousands of troops. Someone like her has influence in the army; if Xiao Yuansui truly disregards Shi Yutao’s fate, he’ll face internal discord before dealing with us.”

“…”

Shen Wuzheng silently walked forward.

Shen Tu Tai’s words were already clear to him; otherwise, he wouldn’t have orchestrated Shi Yutao’s capture first without explanation. However—

He sighed deeply, saying, “I’m still worried about Ru Yi, the Princess.”

“…”

“She is now trapped in enemy camp; I don’t know if she’s in danger. Xiao Yuansui and Shi Yuxin, will they harm her?”

“…”

“If something does happen to her—”

At this point, his throat was so dry he could hardly continue, and his brows furrowed tightly.

Seeing Shen Wuzheng, usually steady and composed even in the face of difficulty, showing an almost helpless expression, Shen Tu Tai also sighed lightly. He had no siblings but could understand the deep bond of kinship through Shen Wuzheng’s demeanor, not to mention Princess Qin is unlike ordinary generals. If she suffered any harm in enemy territory, rescuing her would still deeply affect Prince Qin.

This time, they must come up with a good plan.

Shen Wuzheng asked again, “What’s happening across?”

Shen Tu Tai said, “Last night, I already dispatched some people to cross the Yellow River and stealthily scout the situation over there, but they haven’t returned yet. Dawn is approaching; they should be back soon.”

Shen Wuzheng nodded, “Good.”

However, the first to return was Yu Wenye.

As the first ray of sunlight illuminated the gates of Hulao Pass, he led the troop he previously took away back, intact, and even with a few more people. These individuals, clad in Heavy Armor, were covered with blood stains that hadn’t been washed off, seemingly due to the urgency of reaching here. The soldiers guarding the city gates couldn’t help but repeatedly look at these people.

Before long, Shen Tu Tai and Shen Wuzheng rushed to Yu Wenye’s residence upon receiving the news.

As soon as they reached the entrance, they saw Gao Feng and Jiang Kesong stepping out, their faces marred by dried blood, weathered by wind and sand. Without speaking, just observing their disheveled appearance, it was evident what had happened, causing Shen Wuzheng’s breath to become heavy.

Gao Feng immediately raised his hand and saluted, “My lord, I—deserve to die.”

Shen Wuzheng, with reddened eyes, remained silent for a long time before hoarsely saying, “Wait until the Princess is rescued, then we’ll decide if you’re to blame.”

Gao Feng hung his head, appearing mortified.

Jiang Kesong looked on from the side, unable to resist saying softly, “Mr. Shen, please forgive us. We truly—Shi Yuxin suddenly appeared, and our troops held Hu Yang Valley for several days, suffering heavy losses. We genuinely couldn’t ensure the Princess’s safety. Once she’s rescued, we’ll both face punishment.”

Shen Wuzheng turned his head away, unwilling to look at them.

Shen Tu Tai, on the other hand, amiably waved at them. Jiang and Gao could only silently perform a salute before turning to leave.

At this moment, Yu Wenye’s somewhat hoarse voice came from inside, “You’re here. Come in.”

The two immediately entered.

It was clear Yu Wenye had hardly rested since leading troops from Hulao Pass to rushing back from Hu Yang Valley; his hair was disheveled, eyes bloodshot yet somehow not appearing exhausted or weak. On the contrary, there was a ferocity akin to a beast driven to a desperate situation, even his breathing was heavy. Upon entering the small room, Shen Wuzheng immediately sensed a pervasive, beast-like low growl in every corner.

Yu Wenye sat at the table, still wearing dust-covered clothes, looked up at them, “I know you captured Shi Yutao.”

He then glanced at Shen Wuzheng, “Fu Ming, you did well.”

Shen Wuzheng looked displeased, especially upon seeing Yu Wenye return empty-handed, his eyes seemed to hold lingering resentment, his breath heavy, without speaking, Shen Tu Tai promptly said, “If Mr. Shen didn’t arrive in time to inform me, or send ahead a message, this matter might not have succeeded. The credit is all Mr. Shen’s.”

Yu Wenye nodded, “It’s a great accomplishment.”

Shen Wuzheng appeared provoked by the words “great accomplishment,” his brows furrowing deeper, saying, “Let’s discuss the achievement after rescuing her. Prince Qin, do you have a plan for their abduction of the Princess?”

“…”

Yu Wenye remained silent for a moment, then looked up at him.