In the past two days, I had been sharing a tent with Lei Yu. Now that Prince Yiasu has returned, naturally the couple would want to stay together, so arrangements were immediately made for Shang Ruyi to stay in another tent nearby. Lei Yu, concerned about people’s hostility toward her, made sure the tent was placed not far away.

Even so, she kept Shang Ruyi in her tent. Firstly, it allowed them to have more time to chat; secondly, when Yiasu returned, it would be good for him to get acquainted with Shang Ruyi. After all, one was her close friend, and the other her husband, and she hoped they would leave a good impression on each other. Especially since Shang Ruyi couldn’t stay on the grassland forever, she always hoped Yiasu could find a way to send Shang Ruyi back to the Central Plains.

While the two were whispering, Yiasu returned.

When the little sun-like Young Prince lifted the tent flap and walked in, his brows were furrowed, and his face was full of worries, as if he had encountered some great trouble. Shang Ruyi looked up, inexplicably feeling that it seemed like a pair of ears had drooped down on his head.

However, as soon as Yiasu saw Lei Yu upon entering the tent, his face immediately lit up with a smile.

"Ah Yue!"

Shang Ruyi hurriedly stood up from the low table and greeted him. Prince Yiasu smiled warmly as he approached, nodding to her, saying, "Are you two still catching up? Am I interrupting? If so, I can go out for a walk."

Despite saying this, his eyes lingered solely on his wife, reluctant to leave her side for even a moment, speaking in a rather aggrieved tone. Lei Yu retorted, "What’s there to see outside?"

"Then, shall I stay?"

Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "I think I should go."

With that, she prepared to leave.

Although she said this, in reality, her heart was filled with reluctance. She wasn’t intentionally trying to disturb the couple’s reunion; she had been worried about what Ashina Shali was convening with the two princes and several ministers at the King’s Tent. Could it be a plan to use the military against the south?

Now seeing Yiasu return, she was eager to find out the truth.

Indeed, Lei Yu said, "Don’t rush to leave just yet."

Understanding her meaning, Shang Ruyi swallowed her pride and returned to Lei Yu’s side. Lei Yu whispered, "I still need to explain your situation to him."

Then she turned to Yiasu and asked, "Why did you come back looking worried? Is there trouble brewing at the King’s Tent?"

"Uh—"

Yiasu’s expression turned even more troubled as Lei Yu’s words struck a nerve.

Lei Yu urged, "Speak up."

After some hesitation, Yiasu sighed and said, "Alright, I’ll tell you both. You’ll find out soon enough anyway."

He looked at Lei Yu and said, "Father Khan plans to deploy troops southward."

"..."

Lei Yu and Shang Ruyi exchanged a glance.

The ominous premonition became a reality, causing Shang Ruyi’s heart to sink, rendering her speechless. Lei Yu, with a furrowed brow, asked, "The Khan still wants to attack Taiyuan?"

Yiasu shook his head.

"...!"

In that moment, both women held their breath.

Shang Ruyi was nearly on the verge of asking but restrained herself. Nonetheless, waves of unease washed over her heart, pounding her chest like the tide, making her heartbeat feel heavy. Lei Yu’s expression grew more solemn, and she asked gravely, "If not Taiyuan, then what is the Khan planning to attack?"

Yiasu replied, "Daxing. In other words—"

He turned to look at Shang Ruyi, whose face suddenly turned ashen, as if all the blood had drained from it. In a trembling voice, she murmured, "Chang An."

"..."

"Shali Khan intends to attack Chang An?"

Yiasu nodded. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

The most unsettling nightmare, or rather, the event most wished to be avoided, was about to become a reality, unfolding right before their eyes.

Ashina Shali was indeed unwilling to concede easily. Being pushed back from Taiyuan only fueled his rage further. This time, he was not entangled with locales like Taiyuan but aimed straight for the capital of the nascent Dasheng Dynasty!

If the fires of war were indeed brought directly to Chang An, how devastating would it be for the Dasheng Dynasty and its people?

Moreover, her uncle and aunt...

Her beloved family members were all there!

Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi’s heart burned with anxiety, her hands clenched into fists at her sides, her nails digging deep into her palms. Meanwhile, although Lei Yu was also shocked by this news, she had somewhat prepared for it. Unlike Shang Ruyi, she was concerned about the bigger picture rather than any specific individual, causing her to feel less distressed.