Xiao Man had considered this possibility, but Xiao Zhen was a great general of Yusheng; it was impossible for him to disappear suddenly. She had to be prepared for all eventualities.
"Is there still no news from Yunqi?"
"No, since that day, Yunqi has stopped calling for battle and has been very quiet." Zhan Tianque also found it strange. Murong Shengrui was not the type to swallow his pride. How could he remain silent for so long after being struck by Xiao Man's blade without calling for battle?
"Strange. Wen Moyu has already infiltrated Yangguan, and Murong Shengrui still hasn't made a move." A hint of confusion flickered in Xiao Man's eyes. The blade she wielded wouldn't kill Murong Shengrui, and the poison was the Blood Fiend Poison exclusive to the Red Feather Iron Cavalry. Yunqi had an antidote. It seemed she needed to switch to a different poison for the Red Feather Iron Cavalry.
"I think that kid must be plotting something bad." Zhan Tianque now found Murong Shengrui thoroughly displeasing. Back then, Murong Shengrui was a soft, considerate, and lovable little glutinous rice ball. Who knew that after growing up, he would become so wicked and so merciless in his actions!
"I have a vague sense of unease too." Because Yunqi had been quiet for so long, Xiao Man dared not leave easily. She feared that Xiao Luo and Dugu Mingyu might be in danger. "By the way, where did Wen Moyu go after leaving Yangguan?"
"She headed straight for Jiangzhou."
Xiao Man's expression changed. "To Jiangzhou? What is she doing in Jiangzhou?"
"According to Qin Xue, she's probably going after Wen Mohan."
"Mohan?" Xiao Man was perplexed. These siblings had fallen out because of her. At this point, if Wen Moyu went to Jiangzhou, was she trying to kill Wen Mohan? Sudan Novel Network
"Tell our people to keep a close watch, and don't let her harm Mohan."
"Don't worry, our people are watching closely. Besides, Wen Mohan isn't a pushover." Zhan Tianque glanced at Xiao Man. Only you would mistake a big wolf for a little sheep. Whether it's Nangong Yu or Wen Mohan, neither of them is easy to deal with.
Qin Xue rushed in from outside. "Young Master, something has happened."
Xiao Man's eyelids twitched. Was Murong Shengrui finally making a move?
"Is there any movement from Yunqi?"
"No, it's Wulana who has had an accident."
Xiao Man looked confused. "Wulana is in Wuyue Kingdom, what could possibly happen?"
"Bei Rong has suddenly attacked Wuyue Kingdom. Wulana happened to be patrolling the trade routes at the border and was captured by the Bei Rong people. They also looted all the food from Crescent Moon City and killed many civilians."
"When did this happen?"
"Three days ago."
Xiao Man frowned tightly. She had stayed in Cloud City for half a month, and Murong Shengrui hadn't made a move, but Bei Rong had attacked first. But why would Bei Rong attack Wuyue Kingdom at this time? Wuyue Kingdom didn't produce grain and focused on trade. What benefit could Bei Rong gain from attacking Wuyue Kingdom?
"It seems Bei Rong has also set its sights on the trade routes of the Four Kingdoms, wanting a bite of this fat meat."
"Young Master, this matter cannot be tolerated. If we allow Bei Rong's actions to continue, the other three kingdoms, seeing Bei Rong taste the sweetness, will likely join forces and partition Wuyue Kingdom."
"Naturally, it cannot be tolerated." A murderous glint flashed in Xiao Man's eyes. "Since Bei Rong is the first to provoke us, we'll make an example of them! Kill the chicken to scare the monkeys!" Xiao Man stood up. "Prepare yourselves. We depart for Wuyue Kingdom immediately. Bei Rong has always been barbaric. Wulana, in their hands, though not in mortal danger, will suffer greatly. We must rescue her as soon as possible."
"Yes, Master."
Xiao Luo had gone to Cangzhou to see Chu Qingge. Xiao Man left Yangguan in a hurry with her people without being able to say goodbye, taking the route to Crescent Moon City.
Dugu Mingyu stood on the city wall, watching the departing figure. Years later, he could still only watch her back. In the past, when she went to battle, he could only send her off from the city wall. Now, he could still only watch her leave.
"General Dugu."
"General Zhao." Dugu Mingyu quickly saluted.
General Zhao glanced into the distance. "General Dugu, you look so dejected. Is there someone you miss among those who left?"
Dugu Mingyu nodded slowly. "I always thought that once I grew up, I could stand by her side. But when I grew up, I can still only watch her back."
General Zhao smiled. "Life is like that. You think that once you grow up, you can live as you please. But when you grow up, you realize that even when you are grown, you cannot live as you please."
"Yes, there are too many无奈 in life."
"Yangguan was able to be preserved this time, all thanks to General Dugu. I thank you here."
"General Zhao, you misunderstand." Dugu Mingyu quickly supported him. "I am also a defender of Yangguan. Protecting Yangguan is my duty. Moreover, it is your father and son who truly protected Yangguan. I merely got lucky."
General Zhao smiled knowingly. "I originally thought that if anything happened to Yangguan, the young general would surely send someone to help me. I thought of many people, but I never expected it to be you."
Dugu Mingyu understood. Because he was once a general of Yunqi and had clashed with Yusheng multiple times. To be honest, even he was surprised why Xiao Luo would trust him so much.
"I am also very surprised."
"The young general has always had a good eye for people. If he trusts you, it means you are trustworthy." General Zhao patted Dugu Mingyu's shoulder. "Shall we go for a drink?"
"No, Yunqi has been quiet for days. I worry they might launch a surprise attack. The young general is not here. If you and I get drunk and something unexpected happens, we won't be able to react in time." Dugu Mingyu refused. "Besides, my sister never allows drinking in the army, and even she herself would never drink on the battlefield."
General Zhao listened and said softly, "Empress Dowager Dugu was exceptionally talented. I had the honor of witnessing her prowess back then. She, alone with her sword, charged into the midst of thousands of soldiers and defeated the arrogant young Prince Qin. I was so astonished then, I never expected a mere woman to be so formidable."
"General Zhao, never underestimate women," Dugu Mingyu said with a smile. "Because when women get fierce, they can make men suffer greatly."
General Zhao's expression changed. "Yes, one must not offend women. My wife still isn't talking to me and is demanding a divorce."
Dugu Mingyu chuckled. "Mrs. Zhao still won't come back?"
"Don't mention it. I sent Zhao Ge to fetch her, but she, in turn, detained Zhao Ge and said she was going to disown me!" General Zhao was annoyed, but his wife was the one he married, and he was in the wrong. No matter how much his wife threw a tantrum, he had to endure it.
"I believe if General Zhao sincerely apologizes to Mrs. Zhao, she will forgive you." Dugu Mingyu asked gently, "As for me, even if I want to say sorry to my family, there is no one left to hear it."