Chapter 1432: Another Plan

Just as Xiao Yuansui and the others were exhausting their efforts over this battle report, a similar report was sent to Hulao Pass.

After reading the report, Yu Wenye’s expression immediately darkened.

Shen Tu Tai and Shen Wuzheng, sitting on either side of him, exchanged a glance and then both showed expressions of seriousness tinged with anger, especially Shen Wuzheng. Although he detested Yu Wencheng and knew that they were already in a life-or-death mindset with each other, they shared a common goal in this military campaign. Thus, when Yu Wencheng led his troops away from Cijian, aiming to seize the greatest achievement by attacking Luoyang alone, Shen Wuzheng still warned him that the key to victory was Liang Shide’s grain path. Therefore, he advised that they should first capture the Huilu Storehouse.

In fact, even before Yu Wenye dispatched his troops, his and Shen Tu Tai’s strategy proposed to Yu Wencheng was to first send forces to capture the Huilu Storehouse. After taking this location, they could then feign an attack on Luoyang, forcing the stationed troops at other passes to return for reinforcement. At that time, they could cut off Luoyang City’s grain supply and simultaneously besiege reinforcements, depleting the surrounding stationed troops’ strength. Once Luoyang City faced a food shortage, attacking then would yield twice the result with half the effort.

No matter what strategy was used, the Huilu Storehouse was worth focusing on.

However, Yu Wencheng didn’t heed their advice previously, which led to his defeat and retreat to Cijian, necessitating Yu Wenye’s reinforcement; and now, with Yu Wenye having helped defeat the surrounding stationed troops at the passes and intercepted Xiao Yuansui’s 100,000 reinforcements at Hulao Pass, Yu Wencheng had no worries attacking Luoyang, yet still failed to cut off Luoyang’s grain supply.

This is simply—

“Ridiculous!”

Shen Tu Tai, already hot-tempered, had suppressed it a lot since serving under Yu Wenye, but this time, he couldn’t hold back and cursed through gritted teeth.

Silently beside him, Shen Wuzheng felt that he was being too mild with his words.

Yu Wenye, with his fists pressed firmly on the report, slowly released his grip after a long while, and said: “He said his men were held back by Liang Shide’s forces dispatched from the city, so now he asks us to send troops to block that team going to fetch grain.”

Shen Tu Tai’s brow furrowed deeply: “He wants us to go?”

“…”

“If we go, then what will happen to Hulao Pass?”

“…”

“Xiao Yuansui’s been watching us all this time. As soon as Hulao Pass’s troops are mobilized, he’ll find out immediately. If he reaches Luoyang, then there’s no need to even fight that battle!”

Shen Wuzheng remained silent for a moment and then said, “Without our troop movements, he probably already knows.”

Shen Tu Tai looked at him in astonishment.

Yu Wenye also looked at him, understanding immediately, and said: “You mean, when Liang Shide dispatched troops to fetch grain from Huilu Storehouse, he would also send troops here to inform Xiao Yuansui.”

“Exactly,”

Shen Wuzheng said, “If I’m not mistaken, Xiao Yuansui is currently discussing how to deal with this matter.”

“How will they respond?”

“If they simply want to support Luoyang, they will obstruct us when we deploy, preventing us from interfering with Liang Shide’s grain-fetching operations. Once the grain returns to Luoyang City, Liang Shide can hold out, and possibly even counterattack. King Qi’s limited abilities—will likely squander all the advantageous positions we’ve achieved.”

Yu Wenye exhaled heavily, saying nothing.

Shen Wuzheng continued: “But, Xiao Yuansui may have another plan.”

Yu Wenye’s eyes turned deeply dark: “You mean he wants to wait for us to dispatch troops to Huilu Storehouse, and as soon as there’s any movement with the troops here at Hulao Pass, he will seize the opportunity to attack, and if he can rescue Shi Yutao, he will no longer have to be held back by us.”

Shen Wuzheng nodded: “Exactly.”

When he spoke of this, his expression was even grimmer than when he first received the report, his gaze intently fixed on Yu Wenye: “If we lose Shi Yutao, then Ruyi’s safety will be completely unprotected!”

Upon hearing this, Shen Tu Tai glanced at him.

At this moment, a soft voice said: “But we can’t just not rescue them.”

Hearing this voice, both Yu Wenye and Shen Wuzheng looked up, while Shen Tu Tai reprimanded the one who spoke behind him: “It’s not your place to speak!”

The one who spoke was none other than Xue Lin, who came with Shen Tu Tai and the other deputy generals to receive orders. In such discussions, he indeed had no place to speak, as it’s mainly for King Qin, the Marching Commander, and Assistant Shen to devise a strategy, which they would then execute. However, Xue Lin grew increasingly uneasy as he listened. Shen Wuzheng’s considerations were entirely focused on the safety of Princess Qin—indeed, Princess Qin’s hold over Hu Yang Valley prevented the fire of war from reaching Chang An, a great achievement, yet their current priority was to capture Luoyang. Sacrificing the entire war effort for one person was unacceptable.

Unable to hold back, he spoke up, which immediately drew Shen Tu Tai’s reprimand.

Xue Lin hesitated and then bowed his head.

Yu Wenye, observing his tightly furrowed brows and his lips pressed into a pale line yet seemingly full of unspoken words, remained silent for a moment and then said, “I brought you here to discuss important matters. Xue Lin, if you have thoughts, speak up.”

Upon hearing this, Xue Lin immediately lifted his head but hesitated upon meeting Shen Wuzheng’s slightly darkened eyes. After considering, he said, “I believe that Luoyang is the objective of our campaign this time. Regardless of the current situation at Hulao Pass, it’s all aimed at ultimately capturing Luoyang.”

“…”

“If Liang Shide truly extends his lifespan this time, capturing Luoyang City will likely become very difficult.”

With these words, the entire assembly hall fell into silence.

Yu Wenye did not speak, only staring thoughtfully at the young general.

Very quickly, darkness fell.

As the first torch was lit for illumination on the city wall of Hulao Pass, bonfires were also lit throughout Xiao Yuansui’s military camp, with soldiers holding torches high, lighting up the entire camp as if it were daytime.

Due to such brightness, Shang Ruyi had Wo Xue extinguish one of the oil lamps in the tent.

Since that day, Xiao Yuansui hadn’t come to see her again, apparently cooling his attitude towards her—he had his pride and wouldn’t shamelessly approach when he knew she had no interest in him. Nonetheless, he didn’t treat them harshly regarding food and clothing, even providing adequate lamp oil and candles, so just at dusk, Wo Xue lit the lamps in the tent.

At this moment, even with one lamp extinguished, the light in the tent wasn’t dim. Instead, they could see the silhouettes of people moving outside like a shadow play coming and going.

Watching those busy silhouettes, the eyes of Shang Ruyi, exposed outside her veil, became grave.

She said: “Wo Xue, is what you said true?”