Although there was a strong sense of unease in his mind, just as he had done every time before, Yu Dingxing, after deeply suspecting, would still act according to plan. So, he went to the King’s Tent to seek orders from the Emperor.

At this moment, someone reported—

The people from Luoyang had already arrived on the opposite shore.

Upon hearing this news, Yu Dingxing, despite having anticipated it, couldn’t help but be startled, thinking that this time Yu Mingyue had indeed predicted correctly; his shock was no different from the expressions of the other ministers gathered in the King’s Tent, only they were more surprised, with only Crown Prince Yu Wenqian standing aside, quietly observing him, and that deep gaze made Yu Dingxing somewhat inexplicably uneasy.

But he still held back and said: "Your Majesty, the people from Luoyang are—"

At this time, Yu Wenquan was already unabashedly expressing his joy, and he laughed heartily, telling everyone about Jiang Chong’en leading a group to surrender and took out half of a map, saying: "This is half of the Luoyang City Defense Map he sent in advance, the remaining half..."

He didn’t finish his sentence, but everyone knew.

The remaining half of the map was Jiang Chong’en’s greeting gift and his capital.

In the past, he was the Imperial Uncle in the Da Ye Dynasty. After surrendering to Liang Shide, although it was unknown what position he was granted, it seems the result of dedicating the entire Eastern Capital should not be too low. Now, switching allegiance to the Dasheng Dynasty, Yu Wenquan had to show sincerity.

Thinking about this, Yu Wenquan heavily clapped his hands on the table and abruptly stood up: "Prepare the carriage!"

Everyone was startled, and Yu Dingxing’s heart almost skipped a beat. He hurried forward and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, you are—"

Yu Wenquan said: "I will cross the river personally!"

|

Everything proceeded according to Yu Mingyue’s plan.

Upon hearing the Emperor wanted to personally cross the Yellow River to receive Jiang Chong’en and Fan Cheng’en, all the ministers came to advise against it, as it was akin to a descent of imperial dignity, which was inappropriate to extend to two surrendered generals—especially since most ministers were aware of Jiang Chong’en’s nature, yet Yu Wenquan did not heed a single word and insisted on going.

As Duke Wushan, responsible for guarding the Emperor’s outing, he, too, like before when the Emperor announced his tour to Longmen Crossing in Chang An, didn’t utter another word.

Thus, the Imperial Carriage left the camp, grandly heading towards Longmen Crossing.

Soon, the increasingly dense moisture in the air indicated they were getting closer to the Yellow River, and due to the increasingly rugged road beneath, they initially traveled in a carriage, then switched to a sedan chair due to the difficult mountain path. Finally, hearing the roaring waves ahead, Yu Wenquan simply stepped down from the sedan chair and personally walked towards the ferry.

Underfoot was the Yellow River.

Longmen Crossing, situated at the throat of the Yellow River, flanked by towering mountains on one side and flat fertile fields on the other, the river was wide. Though not having massive waves, one could feel the energy contained within, like a giant dragon dormant amidst surrounding mountains, even lazily shifting its massive body, causing the earth to continually tremble.

Looking at the wide yet barren river, Yu Wenquan frowned slightly: "Where’s the boat?"

As soon as he spoke, Yu Wenqian immediately stepped forward and said: "Father, since the wind started last night, the waves here have been large. They moved the boat upstream to a place where the current is slower to anchor. I have just ordered them to sail the boat back immediately. Please wait a moment, Father."

"Oh,"

Yu Wenquan wasn’t angry, just smiled and said lightly: "It seems I am too impatient."

Having said that, he gestured with his hand and said: "Well, it’s nice to look at the scenery too."

Though stopping here momentarily, the Emperor’s carriage couldn’t just stand on the riverbank exposed to the scorching sun. Someone had long set up a tall canopy on the riverbank and arranged the tablecloth and vessels for His Majesty to rest and dine, yet Yu Wenquan clearly had no intention of sitting down. Instead, he walked step by step towards the riverside, finally ascending a large rock on the shore, looking at the rush of muddy waves in front and the lush green trees on the other side.

Along the way, the familiar yet unfamiliar scenery made Yu Wenquan recall his youthful years of conquest, those bloody battles, the victories one after another. Looking back, though the years have long passed, it seems so close, evoking endless emotions. Standing by the Yellow River at this moment, with the yellow waves rolling beneath, flowing on endlessly, there was a feeling of heroic passion, rushing through the ages without ceasing. Yu Wenquan stood facing the wind, the wind blowing towards him, carrying the scent of earth and moisture, this almost wild aura stirring one’s heart inexplicably.

Yu Wenquan suddenly said: "If only Ru Yi were here."

He spoke softly, and because of the roaring waves, even the people around didn’t hear this gentle murmur, except for Yu Wenqian, who was standing silently behind him, his shoulders gently sinking.

Yu Wenquan continued murmuring: "She has quick wit, with this scene, she could surely create a masterpiece."

At this moment, a voice softly chanted: "Water surge, mountain overlap, where is the youthful Zhou Lang? Not noticing the ashes flying and vanishing. This is not the Yangtze River water, but twenty years of unstoppable hero’s blood!"

"...!"

Yu Wenquan’s heart skipped a beat, immediately turning his head.

Behind him were guards busy preparing for the Emperor to cross the river, running back and forth on the riverbank, their figures bustling about, creating a commotion, while surrounding him were only Crown Prince Yu Wenqian and Duke Wushan, Duke Shenwu, and several close ministers, their faces showing a hint of surprise.

Finally, everyone’s eyes followed the Emperor and fell on a slender and graceful figure.

It is Jixian Zhengzi, Yu Mingyue.

After she seemed to have recited this line forgetfully, she looked up and met Yu Wenquan’s gaze, immediately lowering her head in some panic.

Yu Wenquan thought for a moment, turned around and slowly walked up to her, saying, "What did you just recite?"

"Your humble servant spoke nonsense that taints your sacred ears; I beg your pardon, Your Majesty."

Yu Dingxing next to them also looked somewhat alarmed. Just now, because he had been watching the surroundings, he didn’t hear clearly what his daughter said, but seeing the Emperor suddenly walk up to Yu Mingyue startled him. Especially remembering how she had displeased the Emperor with her ramblings at the celebration feast after the Battle of Taiyuan, and just a moment ago in the tent spoke words that could implicate her entire clan, seeing this scene again, his face immediately changed.

Yu Dingxing, a bit flustered, said, "Your Majesty, I have failed in teaching my daughter properly, please, Your Majes—"

He didn’t finish his sentence as Yu Wenquan waved him off, stopping him from continuing, and kept his intense gaze on Yu Mingyue, saying, "What you recited just now didn’t sound like a poem."

Yu Mingyue kept her head down, her long, thick black eyelashes like small fans, completely hiding the flickering light in her eyes at the moment, and when she spoke, her voice was somewhat steady: "It was not a poem."

"Then what was it?"

"It was—a whim of nonsense from your humble servant."

"Nonsense?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Wenquan’s gaze flickered too, and after a moment of silence, he suddenly chuckled lightly, saying, "Indeed, since ancient times, how many beautiful phrases have resulted from such ’whims of nonsense’."

Having said that, he turned his head again, looking at the surging yellow waves in front of him, the turbid waters seemingly truly infused with the blood spilled by countless heroes over the centuries fighting for this land, then he softly recited, "Waves surge and mountains rise, where is Zhou Lang? This endless heroic blood for twenty years..."

Finishing this line, he suddenly laughed again, saying, "Yu Qing."

Yu Dingxing hurriedly stepped forward: "I am here, Your Majesty."

Yu Wenquan said, "You just said you have failed in teaching your daughter properly."

"Yes, I—"

"If that is so, how did she win the title of Guanghan Guest? How did she hold the position of Jixian Zhengzi and compose the beautiful line ’Nine heavens open palace doors, myriad nations bow to the crown with robes of glass’? From where comes such boldness?"

Yu Dingxing’s heart was pounding, afraid that any wrong word might displease the Emperor, but he did not expect Yu Wenquan to say that; he was stunned for a moment and turned to glance at Yu Mingyue, a complex expression on his face as he offered a conciliatory smile: "Your humble servant..."

"No need to speak further,"

Yu Wenquan gently waved his hand, as if both lamenting and complaining, muttering to himself, "Why is it that daughters of others are better each time..."

His words were spoken lightly and softly.

But standing the closest to him, Crown Prince Yu Wenqian heard it all clearly.

Immediately, a complicated expression appeared on his face. He glanced back at Yu Mingyue, though he said nothing, his broad shoulders were tense as if they were a bow drawn to the limit, even trembling slightly.

No one around dared to breathe, especially Yu Dingxing, and what unsettled him was not just Yu Mingyue’s sudden nonsense but another matter—

As soon as they arrived at the ferry, he began scanning around; Yu Mingyue had previously said she had arranged everything. Once the Emperor arrived at the ferry ready to cross the river, her people would report any ’unusual’ situations on the opposite shore; but up until now, the eunuchs had already run upstream to guide the boats anchored ahead to their location, the large vessel gradually approaching them, yet her people still hadn’t appeared, increasing his unease.

Wasn’t everything supposed to be arranged properly?

In reality, not only was he drenched in cold sweat, but Yu Mingyue’s breathing was becoming erratic too.

According to her plan, when Yu Wenquan reached Longmen Crossing, her people should have already been crossing from upstream on the opposite bank, as only by doing so could the Emperor be convinced that it was Left Brave General concerned for the Emperor’s safety who specifically sent people ahead to check the situation on the opposite side.

Now, the ferry they were supposed to take had already arrived in front of them.

Where were her people? Why hadn’t they appeared yet!?

Not only they, but also Yu Wenquan, who, while gazing at this turbulent scenery and feeling emotionally stirred, suddenly recalled something, turning back, he said, "Qian’er."

Yu Wenqian immediately stepped forward: "What is Father Emperor’s command?"

Yu Wenquan asked, "Has King Qin not arrived yet?"